• Brandeis University Harmony Chapter of Four Seasons Metedeconk Lakes, Jackson, will sponsor a Holiday Vendor Faire and Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Radisson Hotel, Freehold Township. Vendors are needed, tables/space is $50. Brunch is $35 per person. All proceeds will be designated to the Brandeis National Committee’s “Sustaining the Mind Fund” to support faculty research into neurodegenerative diseases. Details: Marie Santoro, 732-276-5393, or Vickie Vitale, 732-299-9745.
• A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Radisson, Freehold Township. A Meet and Greet for local candidates running for office will take place at 10:30 a.m., before the general meeting. The guest speaker will be an elder law attorney. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the food bank. For luncheon reservations, contact Sue at 732 995-7754 or email [email protected] before Oct. 4. New members are always welcome.
• New Jersey Council on the Humanities is collecting New Jersey residents’ reflections on water for a state-wide water archive. Residents may share their stories at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Howell Library, 318 Old Tavern Road. New Jersey is shaped by the Atlantic Ocean, rivers and bays. Participants in the one-hour program “What is Your Water Story?” are invited to share and/or listen to meaningful memories and experiences of water in the Garden State. Registration is requested for this program by calling 732-938-2300.
• The Lakewood Historical Society and the Lakewood Heritage Commission are inviting the public to “An Afternoon with Boxing Icon Joe Louis” presented by boxing historian Eamo Clyne from Dublin, Ireland, at the Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. During World War II, Joe Louis lived and trained in Lakewood. He competed from 1934-51 and was the world heavyweight champion from 1937-49. Tickets are $5 and include light refreshments. For tickets, contact Sheila Hager at 848-240-5184 or [email protected]
• The Jackson Library will host programs for adults in September. “Celebrate Hispanic Cuisine in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month,” 11 a.m. Sept. 16. Join Jennifer Klein, registered dietician with Perlmutter Family ShopRites, for a taste of Hispanic cuisine.
“National Sewing Month: Learn to Sew a Decorative Banana Pillow,” 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Register for only one session due to limited seating. Participants should bring a bag of batting/pillow stuffing, all other supplies will be provided. “Alborada Spanish Tapas,” 2 p.m. Sept. 28. The Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre will perform “Dance of Spain” showcasing flamenco, classical and regional dances. Registration is required for these free programs. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host “Seasonal Doll Craft” at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 23 and Sept. 26. Create a doll from the pages of a book. All materials will be provided, including decorative items to enable a doll to be ready for the holiday season. Participants must attend both sessions. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host several business-related programs presented in partnership with SCORE of Ocean County. “Communication Skills for Improved Relationships in Your Business,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Learn the fundamentals of public speaking, where to use these skills and how to impress new clients with ease. “Website Design Tips for Your Business,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23. Internet marketing specialist Maureen Rushalski reviews design techniques and tips to improve a website. “How to Launch a Successful Small Business,” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, presented by Glenn Harris. Registration is required for these free programs. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Howell Heritage and Historical Society will present 200 years of Howell’s history through photographs and stories at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Ardena Baptist Church Hall, 593 Adelphia Road, Howell. All are welcome to attend. The program is free; light refreshments will be served.
• Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center will host a free New Moms Network meeting from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 17 and from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 24 at Meridian Health Village at Jackson, lower level conference center, 27 South Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson. Open to all moms and their infants; includes group discussions about all topics pertaining to life with an infant. First-time attendees should call Linda at 732-776-4281 prior to attending.
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 537 and Route 571, Jackson, will host an early fall flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28. There will be a food concession. Table space for vendors is $10 and set-up begins at 7 a.m. Contact Sue, 732-928-0352 or [email protected] to reserve table space (tables not provided). There is no rain date. Details: www.debowsumc.org
• St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus, Jackson, will host its 13th annual charity rubber duck race on Sept. 28 at Pine Park Field No. 1, Lakewood (off County Line Road). Admission is free. There will be live music, food and drinks, games for children, including a bouncy house, face painting, pumpkin painting and a rubber duck race. Prizes to be awarded for at least the first 25 finishing ducks. Winners need not be present. The annual event is a fundraiser that supports the Knights’ efforts on behalf of local and other charities. For tickets or information, contact Tony, 908-507-2312, or email [email protected]
• A free mental health crisis workshop, Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Howell municipal building, 4567 Route 9, Howell, second floor. No registration is required and the workshop is open to the public. Hosted by the Howell Municipal Alliance for “September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.” Details: 732-938-4500, ext. 4012.
• A Spiritual Evening with Gail Lionetti will be presented at Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold, from 7-9:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Tickets are $50 plus $2 service charge, must be purchased in advance. To reserve a seat, call 732-462-9093.
• A monarch butterfly tagging demonstration will be held at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, Sept. 21 at noon, and Sept. 25 at noon. Sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System. This is a free activity. See how scientists attach small tags to monarch butterflies’ wings and learn about their migration to Mexico. Details: 732-751-9453.
• A Harvest Home Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel. This event is sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System. Enjoy wagon rides, games and live entertainment during this old-fashioned fair that is reminiscent of the 1890s. There will be ongoing craft demonstrations and a home and garden competition. Admission and parking are free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• Jersey Shore Rose Society show will be held from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown. See entries for the society’s annual rose show. Consulting rosarians will be available to answer questions. This is a free event.
• WWE Superstars The New Day, a wrestling stable consisting of Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods, will visit the Event Center at iPlay America, Freehold Township, on Sept. 29. They will provide fans with a Pancake Lovers VIP Experience, meet and greet, and photo opportunity. Doors open at 8 a.m. VIP package and photo opportunity tickets are available for purchase at https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/the-new-day/
• New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton, is presenting “Many Inspired Steps” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Currently on view through Nov. 10, the exhibition uses a variety of objects and images to examine the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the pioneers of space travel and other state connections to the landing and the space program. Admission is free; donations requested. Details: 609-292-5420 or visit statemuseumnj.gov
• “New Jersey Baseball: From the Cradle to the Major Leagues” is on exhibit at the Morven Museum and Garden, Princeton, until Oct. 27. The exhibition tells the story of New Jersey’s role in the history of early organized baseball through artifacts, text, images and other visuals. There are interactives that offer educational opportunities, as well as demonstrations with hands-on experiences. Details: morven.org
• The Friends of the Howell Municipal Alliance meets on the first Monday of each quarter at 7 p.m. at the Echo Lake Pavilion, Howell. Attendees may share their ideas and perspective in an informal environment to enrich the community’s commitment to substance abuse prevention. No membership is necessary. Details: 732-938-4500, ext. 4012.
• The Jackson group of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Ocean County, will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. each Wednesday at the Brighter Days Community Wellness Center, 268 Bennett’s Mills Road, Jackson. DBSA is dedicated to helping those who suffer from depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Supportive family members or friends of people who suffer from mental health difficulties are also welcome to attend. No registration, dues or fees are necessary. Details: Maureen, 732-536-5826, or [email protected]
• Ocean County veterans meet monthly to discuss relevant subjects and to plan recreation opportunities. Topics include the transition to civilian life, the VA system, substance use, PTSD/other mental health issues and more. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Journey to Wellness Center, 25 S. Shore Drive, Toms River. Details: 732-244-0940 or email [email protected]
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.