• Knights of Pythias, Grand Lodge Domain of New Jersey, invites men of all ages and from all communities to learn about the organization at a complimentary buffet breakfast and orientation to be held at 10 a.m. May 15 at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 12 Halsey Reed Road, Monroe Township. Guests will learn about the charitable work provided by the Knights and the social activities the group offers. Reservations are required. Details: 609-851-0914 or email al1425@msn.com •
• Individuals age 11 and over may receive free instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on June 4. Residents of all towns are welcome to attend. First Aid & CPR, LLC, will host a free American Heart Association hands-only training event at the Manalapan Community Center, 114 Route 33, Manalapan. Training will be offered every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will be trained to spot a sudden cardiac arrest, call 911 and provide hands-only CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator. Pre-registration is required by calling 732-414-6072 or 888-242-4259. Details: www.FirstAid.org
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will meet on the following dates: May 10, regular action meeting, Pine Brook School, 155 Pease Road, Manalapan; May 24, committee of the whole meeting, 54 Main St., Englishtown. All meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are open to the public.
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America-Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. Stitchers of all levels are welcome to attend a meeting. There are sit and stitch tables and special projects. Evening stitchers will meet on June 6 from 7-9 p.m. at the Colts Neck Library, 1 Winthrop Drive. Day stitchers will meet on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Colts Neck Community Church, 25 Merchants Way. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or www.mcega.org
• Barnes & Noble, Route 9, Freehold, will host two authors for book signings. All are welcome to attend. On May 18 at 6 p.m., the book store will host Marlo Berliner, the author of “The Ghost Chronicles.” On May 19 at 7 p.m., the book store will host William Smith, the author of “7 Days to Live Forever.”
• The Friendship Circle of Central New Jersey’s eighth annual Walk4Friends will be held at 1:30 p.m. May 22 at the Vonage Corporate Center, Holmdel. The walk creates an awareness of autism and supports children who have special needs, and their families. After the walk, participants and their families are invited to enjoy a fair. Details: www.walk4friends.com
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County will present “The Jewish Art of Adar Darnov” on May 22 at 2 p.m. Admission is $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members. Darnov, of Marlboro, will talk about the work process behind the creation of his images. Digital paintings make up the majority of Darnov’s portfolio. Attendees are welcome to ask questions and express opinions during the presentation, especially younger artists eager to enhance their craft. The museum is at 310 Mount’s Corner Drive, Freehold Township, in the historic Levi Solomon barn. To make a reservation, call 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org
• Stomp the Monster, a charitable organization that provides financial and other support to cancer patients, their families and caregivers, will host its sixth annual 5K Run and Festival on June 5 at the Marlboro Recreation Community Center, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro. Whole Foods Market is the event’s presenting sponsor. Registration is now open at http://stompthemonster.org/5k-run-festival-june-5-2016/
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 29 at Dunkin’ Donuts, 285 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. The blood drive is open to the public. All blood types are needed, but especially O-negative. To donate blood, call 1-800-933-2566.
• The American Association of University Women Freehold branch is accepting book donations for its 2016 book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all book donations in good condition are appreciated. Contact Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions. Proceeds from the book sale support scholarships for women who are returning to college and monetary awards for graduating female seniors from the Freehold Regional High School District.
• The Freehold Borough High School Class of 1996 will hold a 20-year reunion at 7 p.m. June 4 at Paul’s Tavern, Belmar. The cost is $65. The event will include an open bar from 7:30-10:30 p.m., a buffet and live music. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Details: http://stellikris.wix.com/classof1996
• Vendors are being sought for an Italian festival to be held from June 29 through July 2, 6-11 p.m., at Freehold Raceway, Freehold. The event is sponsored by the Italian American Association of Monmouth County. There will be rides, games, entertainment, crafters and food at the festival. Details: Cheryl Scuorzo, 732-536-5832.
• The Manalapan Seniors and Chapter 4 will sponsor a bus trip to a Trenton Thunder baseball game on Aug. 4. The bus will leave the Manalapan municipal complex at 5 p.m. and return at about 10:30 p.m. A reserved picnic area will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, baked BBQ chicken, potato salad, garden salad and more from 6-8 p.m. Details: 732-446-8401.
• The Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair will be take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14 (rain or shine) at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Route 33, Manalapan. The event is a historical festival for all ages. Five centuries of New Jersey’s history will be represented by exhibitors from all 21 New Jersey counties, plus Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. Activities include 19th century baseball, plowing demonstrations, Lenape foodways, antique cars and historical figures from New Jersey’s past. There is a $10 parking fee. Details: www.njhistoryfair.org or call 732 462-9616.
• The Monmouth County Audubon Society will present a screening of the nature film “The Messenger” at 8 p.m. May 11 at the Knights of Columbus hall, 200 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven. The public is welcome and admission is free. “The Messenger” is about what birds have to tell people about the state of the Earth and people’s shared future. Seating is limited. Details: http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
• “Genealogy: It’s Not a Tree or a Chart, It’s a Story” will be the topic of the May 15 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society. Author and genealogist Maureen Wlodaczyk will explain how to breathe life into a family tree. The presentation will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 72 Broad Street, Eatontown, and is free of charge. All are welcome to attend.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host Walnford Day on May 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township. This family friendly event features hands-on activities, old-fashioned games, exhibits and wagon rides. Ongoing demonstrations include spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing and milling. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the house and hear live harpsichord music. Admission and parking are free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Veterans Community Alliance of New Jersey will sponsor “Fishing For Heroes” on the Royal Miss Belmar from 4:30-8:30 p.m. May 21. Attendees must be at the marina by 3:30 p.m. The cost is $105 per person and includes fishing rods, bait and food. There will be a Biggest Fish tournament and a 50/50 raffle. Details: 917-747-4312.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County and Jewish Family and Children Services will co-sponsor a trip to the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia on May 24. The cost is $45 per person and includes round-trip bus transportation, docent-led small tours at the museum and a kosher boxed lunch. To make a reservation, call Marion Riback at 732-774-6886, ext. 43.
• The Manalapan Senior Center will sponsor a trip to see the sights of the New York City and New Jersey skylines, including the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. The Spirit of New Jersey cruise will take place on July 7. Attendees will depart from the Manalapan municipal complex at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 3:30 pm. Details: 732-446-8401.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance will meet in the spiritual center of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, from 7:30-9 p.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-536-5826 or 732-320-0029.
• The Monmouth County Historical Association, 70 Court St., Freehold, will exhibit “Of the Best Materials and Good Workmanship: 19th Century New Jersey Chair Making” now through July 9. Details: 732-462-1466.
Items for the Datebook may be sent via email to gmntnews@gmnews.com. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
