• Master Gardeners of Monmouth County are offering scholarships of up to $2,000 to two Monmouth County college students or graduating high school seniors who will be studying horticulture, environmental sciences, or engineering, botany or other agriculture related fields at a state college or university this fall. Applicants must be county residents and must have demonstrated an interest in the fields of horticulture and agriculture, as well as landscape or environmental issues, through class work, employment, community service or extracurricular activities. Applications available at www.VisitMonmouth.com. The application, a high school transcript and a letter of recommendation are due by May 1 to the Master Gardeners of Monmouth County, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Details: 732-431-7260.
• The Monmouth County Board of Elections is seeking poll workers. To qualify, an individual must be a registered voter in Monmouth County and attend a poll worker training class. Individuals will be paid $200 for working a primary election or a general election. Call 732-431-7802, ext. 7150 to register for a training class.
• In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw ghetto uprising, the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present the film “Defiance,” followed by a question and answer session with Lola Kline, a niece of the Bielski partisans portrayed in the film, on April 15 at 2 p.m. She will answer questions about her uncle and her family and show personal photographs and memorabilia. Admission is $10 for museum members $12 and for non-members. To make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call 732-252-6990.
• Brookdale Community College will hold its annual spring open house on April 15 at noon in the Collins Arena, 765 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft. High school students, career-changers and residents of all ages are invited to meet with Brookdale staff, ask questions and explore more than 50 degree and career training programs offered through the college. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at noon to participate in all open house activities. To register or learn more, visit www.brookdalecc.edu/openhouse or call 732-224-1857.
• Monmouth County has scheduled paper shredding events so county residents have opportunities to get rid of old documents and confidential files safely. All shredding events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as follows: March 24, Marlboro, 1979 Township Drive, municipal complex; April 21, Freehold Township, 1 Municipal Plaza, municipal building lot. County residents may bring up to 100 pounds to be shredded. All papers will be shredded on location in the mobile truck. Documents should be free of large binder clips; staples and paper clips may be left on documents. Details: 732-683-8686, ext. 6721.
• The Ladies of St. Joseph Church, 91 Stillhouse Road, Millstone Township, will host “What’s for Lunch,” a culinary demonstration with Chef Jason Metz, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. April 22. There will be lunch (crisp greens and biscuits with a trio of braised meats to celebrate la primavera) and beverages, BYOB and a gift basket raffle. Adults only. Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. To make a reservation, call Rosalie, 732-490-5302.
• Boy Scout Troop 180 will hold its annual spaghetti dinner on March 24 in Neff Chapel at Old Tennent Church, Tennent Road, Manalapan. Dinner, dessert and a small gift basket auction are planned. There are two seatings: 4:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Adults, $10; Seniors, $7; Children, $6; Children under 4 are free. All are welcome to attend.
• Reformed Church Home, 1990 Route 18 North, Old Bridge, invites children ages 2 through 10 from Old Bridge and surrounding communities to an Easter egg hunt on March 24 at 10 a.m. The event will be held, weather permitting, on the grounds of the home. Children should bring their own Easter basket to gather eggs and wrapped candy. There will be a DJ and activities. Details: www.reformedchurchhome.com or 732-607-9230.
• A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held April 10 at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch. A members benefit fair is scheduled before the general meeting, beginning at 10 a.m. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the local food bank. For luncheon reservations, contact Sue at 732 995-7754 or email [email protected] before March 30. New members are always welcome.
• Peter Midgley, a veterans services officer, will discuss state and federal veterans healthcare benefits and VA services from 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 27 at the 2018 Discussion Series sponsored by Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors. The discussion will take place at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Adults of all ages are invited. The series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community. RSVP to 732-866-6660.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance will host its fourth annual 5K fun
run/walk at 9:30 a.m. April 28 at the Manalapan Recreation Center. The event will raise awareness and money for the alliance’s efforts to educate the community about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and alcoholism. The registration fee is $20 for participants over 18 or $50 for families of three or more until April 20. Youths under 18 may register for $15. To register, contact the Manalapan Health Department at 732-446- 8345.
• Tryouts for the Freehold-Old Bridge YMCA swim team will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. April 4 at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, East Freehold Road, Freehold Township. Arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Swimmers who cannot make the group tryout or who would prefer a private tryout may email Brian Henningsen to arrange a private tryout. Times: 5-5:45 p.m., 8 and under; 5:45-6:30 p.m., ages 9-10;
6:30-7:30 p.m., ages 11-12; and 7:30-8:30 p.m., age 13 and up. Details: 732-462-0464.
• The Freehold YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold Township, will host its annual pickleball tournament at 7 a.m. April 13. There will be intermediate and advanced brackets for men’s doubles and mixed doubles. The entry fee is $35 per team or $20 per individual. Registration is required by April 8. Proceeds to benefit the Ycares financial assistance program, through which the YMCA subsidizes membership and programs for low-income community members. Details: 732-462-0464.
• The American Association of University Women Freehold Branch is accepting book donations for its 2018 book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all books in good condition are appreciated. Books may be dropped off at the Freehold Savings Bank, 68 W. Main St., Freehold, on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and noon, or contact Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions. Proceeds from the AAUW book sale support scholarships for women returning to college and monetary awards for graduating female seniors from the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District.
• American Legion Molly Pitcher Post 434, Manalapan, is seeking individuals to join the organization’s regular membership, Sons of the American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and Legion Riders. Membership is open to residents of any town. The cost of a new member’s first year of membership will be covered by the post. Details: 732-446-9872 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or Facebook @al434
• Myron Sugarman, author of “The Chronicles of the Last Jewish Gangster: From Meyer to Myron,” will discuss his book at 1 p.m. May 3 at the Marlboro Public Library. The book follows Sugarman’s life from 1959 to the present as he rubs elbows with legendary mob figures such as Meyer Lansky. The book will be available for $25 and Sugarman will sign copies of purchased books. Registration is mandatory and space is limited. To register, call 732-536-9406 beginning April 12.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular action meeting at 54 Main St., Englishtown, at 7:30 p.m. March 27. The meeting is open to the public.
• Designer Handbag Bingo will be held at 7 p.m. March 23 at the Southard firehouse, 4611 Route 9, Howell. The event will benefit CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counties’ 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sandwiches, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 at the door (cash only). No one under 18 admitted. Tickets can be purchased online at Designer Handbag Bingo – March 23, 2018. Details: 732-240-6104 or email [email protected]
• The First Presbyterian Church, 50 Main St., Englishtown, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. March 24. All are welcome to attend. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, juice, coffee/tea and all you can eat pancakes. Adults: $8. Children ages 5-12: $5. Details: 908-385-0203.
• Golden Years Design Benefits will present a free Medicare educational seminar at the Colts Neck Library at 6:30 p.m. March 22. Attendees will learn about the Medicare enrollment process and options. Details: 732-526-7659 or https://yourmedicaremarketplace.net/
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has launched its Project Zero website at projectzeromanalapan.com. Project Zero is the alliance’s initiative to reset the narrative in Englishtown and Manalapan regarding substance abuse. The website contains information about where residents can go for assistance.
• The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold is beginning its 29th year of community service to the area, with the focus on youth (scholarships, spelling bees, essay contests, fishing derbies, holiday gifts, helping out at the local soup kitchen and supporting Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer). New members are invited to join the club. Details: 732-431-3989 or email [email protected]
• The Fresh Air Fund is seeking area residents who would like to host a child this summer through the fund’s Friendly Towns Program. The children participate in activities with their host family during their stay. The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Children are boys and girls, ages 7 to 18. Details: Karen Medlin, 732-740-0449, or visit www.freshair.org
• iPlay America, Freehold Township, will host Sonny the Bunny for a “Colossal Carrot Adventure!” from 10 a.m. to noon March 24. This event is free, but registration is required. Participants will collect Easter eggs filled with treats and prizes. There will be a VIB! (Very Important Bunny!) breakfast with Sonny the Bunny, $14.95 for children ages 2-12, and $24.95 for adults. Details: https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/colossal-carrot-adventure/
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. March 27 at the American Legion, 62 W. Main St. Freehold. Chapter members, DAV members-at-large who are seeking a chapter and veterans with disabilities who are seeking assistance and advice are welcome to attend the meeting. Dinner of pizza and subs is provided.
• The First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 W. Main St., holds a prayer and meditation program from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. The church will be open for quiet contemplation and soft music. There will be a 15-minute prayer service starting at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the free service. Details: 732-462-1105.
• St. Thomas More Parish, 186 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, is offering a women’s bible study program. Registration in ongoing. The program aims to bring women to a closer relationship with Christ. Details: Email Christine Melilli at [email protected] or call 732-778-4933.
• The Deep Cut Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. There is a speaker, refreshments and a discussion of plants on the show table. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.
• The Old Bridge Toastmasters Club meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Sayre Woods Bible Church, 2290 Route 9 South, Old Bridge. The club seeks to help individuals become better speakers and better leaders. There is no cost to attend a meeting and residents of all towns are welcome to attend. Details: 908-906-4926 or http://oldbridge.toastmastersclubs.org/
• A free yoga class is offered every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Morganville United Methodist Church, 215 Conover Road, Marlboro. All are welcome. Bring a mat or a large towel. Details: 732-946-4247 or 732-536-2031.
• New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance will meet in the spiritual center of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, from 7:30-9 p.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-536-5826 or 732-320-0029.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.