• The American Red Cross will host the following blood drives: May 26, 2-7 p.m., Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold Township; June 10, 2-7 p.m., Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold Township; June 11, 2-7 p.m., Olive Branch Masonic Lodge No. 16, 2 Dutch Lane Road, Freehold Borough. All blood types are needed. In most cases, individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine the individual received is important in determining donation eligibility. Appointments may be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• 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
• In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month in May, the Jewish Home for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Freehold Township will host a virtual “Stroke Awareness” presentation on May 24 from 7-8 p.m. Kerry Stroud, stroke coordinator/nurse practitioner of neurology at CentraState Medical Center, will lead the Zoom meeting, which is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara at [email protected]. The following Zoom link can be used to join the meeting: Zoom.us/j/97458847546 with ID 974 5884 7546. For audio only, the dial-in number for the New York area is 646-558-8656.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County will present Jewish Themed Chair Yoga with Sheri Glick (a Zoom program) on May 20 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Admission is $5. For reservations, call 732-252-6990, [email protected] or visit www.jhmomc.org
• New Jersey Blood Services is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled in the near future: May 20, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; May 28, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• New Jersey Blood Services is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled in the near future: June 1, Temple Shaari Emeth, 400 Craig Road, Manalapan, 3:30-8 p.m.; June 10, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; and June 11, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m. To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• In lieu of its annual rummage sale, the Morganville United Methodist Church, 215 Conover Road, Marlboro, will run a thrift shop every Saturday in May from 9 a.m. to noon.
New and nearly new clothing, shoes, toys, home decor, kitchen items, jewelry, china, crystal, linens, craft items and holiday decor will be available. Attendees must wear a face mask. Details: Manda, 732-598-4658.
• The 2021 Discussion Series will present “Managing the COVID Stressors!” as a ZOOM webinar at 6:30 p.m. May 25. The presenters will be Jeanne Koller, assistant professor, School of Social Work, Monmouth University, and Dr. Gail Reilly, a board-certified family physician. Topics include the impact of COVID 19 on people’s lives; potential challenges/potential opportunities; and various approaches to improve wellness. The series is sponsored by Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors, LLC. Call 732-866-6660 for Zoom webinar registration information. The series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community.
• No Stigma Network Inc. is observing National Mental Health Awareness Month by promoting a virtual walk to raise funds to support NSN’s efforts for its survivors. NSN is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to eliminate bias and stigma related to mental health. The young adult members, or survivors as they are addressed, battle mental health challenges. NSN provides free support meetings and social, educational and cultural opportunities to empower its survivors to live a healthy, happy, productive, independent and stable life. Visit nostigmanetwork.org for sign up information. Details: David Jacobs, 732-259-1445.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present the Casual Birder on May 25 at 9 a.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft (meet in the Marlu Lake parking area). Join a park system naturalist for a 90-minute bird walk. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present a Splendid Spring Stroll on May 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft (meet in the Old Orchard parking lot). Join a park system naturalist on a peaceful trail walk. Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Open Shoot Archery on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft. All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and is not designed for beginners. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present a 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration on May 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See how a carpenter uses 19th century woodworking and carving tools during this demonstration. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Drop-In Zip-Line event on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Big Brook Park, Route 520, Marlboro. All equipment is provided. Participants must wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes and a face covering. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. Limited number of equipment; first-come basis. Registration ends at 1 p.m. The cost is $15 per person; cash or check only. Fee includes two rides down the zip-line. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Historic Battery Lewis tours on May 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 30 from 1-3 p.m. at Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands (Rocky Point section). Tour the restored Historic Battery Lewis and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. Face mask required. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present “Famous Jews You Never Heard Of,” a talk by Rabbi Michael Klein, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell, on May 23 at 2 p.m. Admission is free (donations are welcome). To make a reservation and receive the Zoom link, call 732-252-6990, email [email protected] or visit www.jhmomc.org
• CentraState Medical Center is launching a new online grief support group led by licensed clinical social workers certified in grief counseling to assist individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group is open for adult members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The private groups will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to share their emotions and struggles. The group will meet via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m. beginning May 6. To register, call 732-303-5170 or email [email protected] or [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. Donations of funds and food are gratefully accepted to support the operation of the center. Volunteers are always welcome.
• New Jersey Blood Services, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. Blood drive volunteers assist donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation. All training is provided. For additional information, call or text Sharon Zetts at 732-850-8906, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, visit https://www.nybc.org/support-us/volunteer-nybc/volunteer-application/
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.