• Dr. Mike VanClef, program director and co-founder of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, will speak at the Jan. 10 meeting of the Allentown Garden Club. His topic will be “Invasive Species Impact and Identification.” VanClef has a doctorate in ecology from Rutgers and 25 years of experience in the field. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Allentown Methodist Church, Church Street. All are welcome to attend.
• The Italian Americans Cultural Society of New Jersey will host a special new year’s 2019 annual membership drive open to the general public. Individuals who pay the $60 annual membership on or before Jan. 10 will attend the organization’s next dinner meeting at Christie’s Italian Restaurant, 2420 Route 9 South, Howell, on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. for free (a $35 value). This one-time special offer will net the membership fee for 2019 to $25. Interested individuals may contact Mike Arato at 917-709-8008 or Rob DeSalvatore at 732-984-8482. Visit www.italianamericansnj.com for more information and a membership application.
• Millstone Township residents who are interested in history, heritage, research and education are invited to apply for membership on the Millstone Township Historic Preservation Commission. Interested individuals may complete a talent bank application on the township’s website or in the municipal offices.
• Millstone Township will host a free rabies clinic from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Department of Public Works garage, 899 Perrineville Road, Millstone Township. For more information, call 732-446-7414.
• A roving naturalist program will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 12, sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System at the Crosswicks Creek Greenway, meet in the Province Line Road parking lot in Allentown. Join a naturalist for a walk and discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. This is a 90-minute to two-hour program, but participants may join in or drop out at any point. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• “Historic Myths Busted” will be held at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold Township, from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System. Learn to sort fact from fiction, explore common historical misunderstandings and share fun facts and credible accounts about the past. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• A “Wondrous Winter Walk” will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at Clayton Park, Upper Freehold Township, meet in the Emley’s Hill parking lot. Tag along with a Monmouth County Park System naturalist and explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• Millstone Township Recreation invites students in grades eight through 12 to volunteer for its sports programs and special events. Young adults may complete community service hours for school, religious organizations or clubs. To see volunteer opportunities, visit www.millstonerec.org
• The Jewish Home for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Freehold Township, a new skilled rehabilitation and nursing facility serving the Jewish community, is hosting a free monthly support group called The Jewish Caregiver’s Experience. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Caregivers of all ages seeking support, resources and a Jewish perspective on managing their responsibilities are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Call Avrum at 732-202-1000, ext. 4012, or email [email protected] for more information.
• The Allentown Public Library has announced that the Allentown afghans, which were created and sold by the Women’s Association of Allentown, are now available for the first time since 2008. The afghans were designed by Joanne Tourine and show nine historic structures, including the Imlay Mansion, Gov. Newell’s home, the Presbyterian Church, Abel Cafferty’s Mill house and the iconic mill and the Allentown Baptist Church that is now home to the library. The afghans are available in hunter green, cranberry and colonial blue. They are available for purchase at the library, 16 S. Main Street. All proceeds benefit the Allentown Public Library Association in support of the library building.
• 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.