• The 2021 Discussion Series will begin with “A Shift in Perspective: Seeing the Light in Your Struggles,” presented by Lisa Luckett. This will be a Zoom presentation at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19. The series is sponsored by: Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors, LLC. The Series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community. Call 732- 866-6660 for Zoom webinar registration information.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present “Gellman American Dream,” a documentary and talk by Gary Gellman about creating family archives. This will be a Zoom presentation on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for museum members and $7 for non-members. The documentary features Gellman’s family, who were Jewish immigrant farmers during the first half of the 20th century. In addition, Gellman will discuss how families can create their own family history documentary. To make a reservation, call 732-252-6990.
• Dr. Kirsten Fermaglich will discuss her book about Jewish name changing in 20th century America, “A Rosenberg by Any Other Name,” in an online program at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 on the Zoom platform. The program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required on the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University website, BildnerCenter.Rutgers.edu
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular action meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School, 155 Millhurst Road, Manalapan. The meeting is open to the public. Masks must be worn; social distancing guidelines followed.
• 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 Wondrous Winter Walks, Jan. 27, 10-11:30 a.m., at Thompson Park, Lincroft; meet in the Old Orchard parking lot. Join a park system naturalist and explore a park in the winter. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. Free. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or 732-842-4000.
• 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]
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. The organization welcomes 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
• 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]
• 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.
• CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, offers a Movement Disorder Program that provides specialized treatment to patients with Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, tics, tremors, ataxia, dystonia and other similar syndromes. The program is held in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus. To request a consultation to help manage Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders, call 732-637-6316 or email [email protected]
• Samaritan Center, a joint ministry of St. Thomas More and Old Tennent Presbyterian churches, operates a food pantry to provide supplementary food for those in need in Manalapan, Marlboro, Englishtown and Millstone Township. For information, call 732-446-1142 and make an appointment. Volunteers will gladly carry food to a client’s vehicle. Donations of funds and food are gratefully accepted to support the operation of the center. Volunteers are always welcome.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.