• The Moms Online Group is a peer-run group for mothers seeking mutual support, coping strategies, self-care tips and wellness resources. Meets weekly via Zoom at 8 p.m. on Wednesday or by call-in. Virtual participants use zoom./us/join and meeting ID 932 2282 2193. Phone-in participants call 929-205-6099. Offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County. Details: Email [email protected]
• “Creativity Unleashed” is a weekly online group; participants explore art as an outlet for expression and a means to enhance positive mood and emotions. No art skills required. Meets at 2 p.m. on Sunday online or by call-in. Use this link zoom./us/join and meeting ID 933 5544 9291. Call-in option is 929-205-6099. Offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County. Details: Email [email protected]
• “Dealing with Depression” is a weekly support group for individuals who have dealt with depression and individuals living with depression; peers provide support, strategies and understanding. Meets at 7 p.m. on Monday via Zoom at zoom./us/join with meeting ID 989 0902 6160 or by call-in at 929-205-6099. Offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County. Details: Email [email protected]
• Liberty Oak Chorus invites women of all ages to its “Sing in the New Year” guest series, Jan. 14, 21 and 28 at 7:15 p.m. via Zoom. Meet the faces and voices of the Sweet Adelines International Greater New York/New Jersey Region’s first place champion chorus. Guests will learn about the art of singing in the a cappella/barbershop style. Reserve a space today by contacting Carol Meaney at [email protected]. Details: www.LibertyOakChorus.org
• The Monmouth County Park System will present the “Casual Birder” at 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, meet at the Visitor Center. Join a park system naturalist for a morning bird walk. The walk will take place even with light rain or snow, so dress for the weather. Open to all ages, under 18 with adult. Free. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or 732-842-4000.
• The Ocean County Library invites community members to sit in on a live virtual interview with former NFL running back Keith Elias at 6 p.m. Jan. 26. Registrants planning to use more than one device should provide an email address for each device. Attendees may send questions to [email protected] until Jan. 20 or ask them during the event. Elias played college football at Princeton University and professional football with the NFL’s New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, and the XFL’s New York-New Jersey Hitmen. Registration is required for this free program. Sign up at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events
• With the continued spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey, the administrators of the Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, have decided to temporarily close the museum. The Nilson and Main galleries will be closed to visitors beginning Jan. 4. The Wonder Wing and the Becker Children’s Wing will remain temporarily closed. The museum is open by appointment only now through Jan. 4 with its 42nd annual Juried Exhibit and the Members Miniatures Exhibit. Details: Email [email protected]
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct blood drives that are open to the public. The following blood drives are scheduled at the Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell: Dec. 31, 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Jan. 5, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 6, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Jan. 7, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 12, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 13, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Jan. 14, 1:30-8:30 p.m. To donate blood, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey is seeking volunteers to provide support to hospice patients and their families throughout Monmouth County. Volunteers visit with patients in their home, which can also be nursing facilities and/or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. Visits can also be virtual and are during the day or early evening. Details: Deborah Adams, 732-405-3035, or email [email protected]
• The Monmouth County Library is offering a weekly virtual bereavement meeting for all
those who have lost a loved one and are navigating the maze of emotions and trying to make decisions in a new way. The virtual meetings provide an opportunity for people to share experiences, feelings and ideas. Sessions are conducted on Webex and registration is possible on Eventkeeper in order to receive information on how to access the meetings, held Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. Details: Email [email protected]
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. The organization welcome stitchers of all levels. Evening stitchers will meet via Zoom on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Day stitchers will meet via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or visit website:www.mcega.org
• Families and individuals seeking help in autism-related matters may access a database through the Ocean County Library website. The OCL Autism Resources Center offers links to groups that help those on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. There are links to services available through New Jersey state government agencies, and local, statewide and national autism-related organizations devoted to education, employment training, housing assistance, therapy, medical practices, multiple services, information and referral, safety, and legal issues. Details: www.theoceancountylibrary.org/autism.
• Residents struggling with substance use issues may call 1-844-ReachNJ to speak with counselors ready to offer assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ReachNJ is a free, confidential hotline that provides individuals with concerns about their own or a family member’s substance use immediate help and treatment referrals. The help line is always answered by a live specialist.
• The Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County has expanded community outreach with new wellness initiatives, group meetings and discussion groups related to mental health and recovery. The agency is providing support with a special focus on the pandemic. Interested participants can connect to a virtual group meeting using a cell phone or computer; video is optional, not required. Groups offered weekdays and weekends at various times. There is no cost to participate. Days and times of the virtual meetings can be found on Facebook, Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County; Instagram OceanMhanj; or by calling 732-244-0940.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.