• 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 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 Freehold Art Society will meet at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, on May 25 from 6:45-8:30 p.m. Julie Farel, Marlboro artist and teacher, will present “Having Fun With Colored Pencils and Adult Design Coloring Books.” Participants will learn how to create designs on pre-printed sheets which will be provided. Some colored pencils will be available for those who do not have any. The meeting is free and open to the public. Park behind the building off Alexandria Drive. Check with front desk for room assignment. Details: 732-938-6415.
• The Freehold Borough Arts Council will publish its first community cookbook with recipes from residents and restaurants. Proceeds will support local arts. Interested individuals may submit a favorite family recipe and an anecdote about the recipe. Categories are appetizers, soups, salads, vegetables, entrees and desserts. To receive a submission form, email dglfbac@gmail.com or call Dru-Anne Palaima at 732-598-4539.
• The Knights of Columbus will hold their monthly breakfast buffet on May 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at their Council Hall, 70 E. Main St., Freehold. All are welcome to attend. The price for the “all you can eat” breakfast is $7 per adult, $4 per child under age 12, family of four, $20. Omelet station: Plain Cheese Omelet, $1 extra, Omelet of Choice $2. Special of the Month is “Red, White and Blue Pancakes.” All donations are used for council projects and charities. Details: 732-308-3320.
• The Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will meet at 11 a.m. June 14 at the Spring Lake Manor, Spring Lake. Installation of officers will take place and the annual Philanthropic Award will be presented. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the local food bank. The association is collecting school supplies to include in fall backpacks for needy children. For luncheon reservations, call Sue at 732-995-7754 or email sueshrott@gmail.com before June 3. New members are welcome.
• Daughters of Israel of Congregation Sons of Israel, Manalapan, will present “Women of Style” at 6:30 p.m. June 1. The evening will include a presentation by Miriam Mishan and the film “Advanced Style.” A light dinner will be served. The cost is $10 for Sisterhood members and $15 for other guests.
• “In Between,” a one-man show written and performed by Ibrahim Miari, will be performed at the Freehold Jewish Center, Freehold Borough, at 10 a.m. June 5. A bagel breakfast will be served. The cost is $5 per person. “In Between” is a semi-autobiographical one-man show that portrays the complexities and contradictions inherent in Palestinian-Israeli identity. RSVP to the synagogue office at 732-462-0254.
• On Aug. 11, the Manalapan Senior Center and Chapter 4 will be running a bus trip to the Westchester Broadway Theatre for a performance of “Million Dollar Quartet.” The play recounts the recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the only time. Lunch is included for the cost of $59. Details: 732-446-8401.
• The Essential Tremor Support Group meets from 7-9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month (June 2) at the Jack Aaronson Conference Center at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Details: 732-462-8304, after 10 a.m.
• 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
• 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
• 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/
• 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 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.
