• The Howell K-8 School District kindergarten registration process for children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2017, will begin on Jan. 3, 2017, online. Parents may complete the online pre-registration from any computer/device with Internet access. Parents will then be asked to select an appointment time for an in-person verification session. Further details for the registration process can be found at https://www.howell.k12.nj.us/k-reg
• A program about the Art of Meditation: For Beginners (adults) will be presented at 10 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Jackson library. Learn about different techniques of meditation. Various meditation exercises will be practiced. Wear comfortable clothes, socks required. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• Rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs will be provided on the following dates: Jan. 14, 9-11 a.m., North Hanover Township, 41 Schoolhouse Road, Jacobstown, 609-758-2522; Jan. 14, 2-4 p.m., Upper Freehold Township garage, 314 Route 539, Upper Freehold Township, 609-758-7738; Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, New Hanover Township, public works, Hockamick Road, Cookstown, 609-758-7149. Residents of all towns may bring an animal to any rabies clinic.
• The Ladies Auxiliary of New Egypt American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, will host Longaberger Basket Bingo on Jan. 14. All prizes will be Longaberger products. Doors open at 11 a.m. and games begin at 1 p.m. The cost is $25 and includes game boards. Food will be available. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. To reserve tickets, call Roberta Francis, 609-209-6666.
• The 11th annual Jackson Hanukkah menorah lighting will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 29 at town hall. All are invited to attend the event, which is presented by Bat Shalom Hadassah and the township. Kosher holiday refreshments at 4:30 p.m., followed by greetings and Hanukkah songs. Menorah lighting at 5 p.m. with members of Hadassah and the Yiddish Heritage Club, and community representatives lighting the menorah.
• A knitting group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Sabbath House, 8 Front St., New Egypt. Members are knitting and crocheting scarves for the Seaman’s Church Institute in Newark. Patterns, yarn and help is available.
• St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, offers support groups to help people better understand their feelings and to meet others who are dealing with the same life issues. A bereavement support group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and a divorced and separated support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Both meetings are held in the parish office. A freewill donation of $5 is requested. Details: Email StAloysiusGonzagaGroup@gmail.com.
• A Red Cross blood drive will be held at the Jackson Library from 2-7 p.m. Dec. 28. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds and is in generally good health can donate blood. The entire process takes about an hour and all blood types are needed. Donors should bring a photo ID. Visit www.redcross.org to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Walk-ins are also welcome.
• A hands-on tour of the New Jersey Career Connections website will be presented at the Jackson Library from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 10. Topics include personal budgeting, filing for unemployment, drafting cover letters and resumes, completing online applications, interviewing, and more. Participants may bring their resume to work on. Registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to gmntnews@gmnews.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
