• Citizens for Informed Land Use, in conjunction with Holmdel’s Green Team, will host a Zoom talk about New Jersey’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act on Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Nandini Checko, project director at the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, will explain components of the nation’s strictest single-use plastics law which will take effect in May 2022. The event is free and open to the public. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IewZO85jRMGU-qTWTf0hHQ to register. The talk will also be live-streamed and recorded on CILU’s YouTube channel (search CILU Holmdel). Details: Email [email protected]
• Congregation B’nai Israel, Rumson, will host a community blood drive on Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help replenish the supply for local hospitals due to the deficit caused by COVID-19. Appointments are highly recommended. For an appointment, visit nybc.org/njdrive and use sponsor code 71045, or call 800-933-2566. Walk-ins will be accepted only if spacing allows.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Stargazing and Nighttime Walk from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 6 at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen Township. Explore the night sky and the natural world during this evening walk. Discover some of the wildlife that call the park home during the winter, and find out what animals might do to survive the coldest season of the year. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Winter Nature Walk in the Woods from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen Township. Join the park system on a winter nature walk through the woods. Wear boots and suitable clothing for walking outside. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host The Casual Birder on Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck, meet in the soccer field parking area. Join a park system naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk. The event will take place in light rain or snow, so dress for the weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Wondrous Winter Walk on Feb. 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Big Brook Park, Marlboro, meet in the parking lot. Join a park system naturalist and explore a park in wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Sturdy footwear is recommended; trails may have inclines or tree roots to step over. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Cutting, Splitting and Hewing on Feb. 13 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See the farm staff prepare firewood and learn about the tools they use. Open to adults. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Winter Beach Walk on Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. Take a guided walk with a park system naturalist along the beach while collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Dress in warm clothing and bring something to carry shells. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The American Red Cross is sponsoring the following blood drives in the area: Lincroft, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brookdale Community College Robert J. Collins Arena, 765 Newman Springs Road; and Tinton Falls, Feb. 10, 2-7 p.m., Jersey Coast Chapter, 1540 West Park Ave., Ocean Township. Make an appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Join N.J. Health Care Networking Group for a Feb. 10 Zoom meeting from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The networking group is a free organization for anyone in the health care industry, including those who provide ancillary products and services. Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson is hosting the Feb. 10 meeting. To register, email [email protected] to receive the Zoom code to join the meeting. For more information, visit www.njhcnet.com. Meetings take place once a month.
• “Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a Zoom Talk by Dr. Jay Levin, will be presented by the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township. at 2 p.m. Feb. 21. Admission is $7 for museum members and $10 for non-members. For reservations, ca;; 732-252-6990. A Zoom link will be provided by email upon registration.
• 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.