• The Adelphia Fire Company of Howell will hold a Valentine’s Day rose fundraiser sale from noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 13 and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at the firehouse, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell.
• Free income tax help will be available at the Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, on Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 1-5 p.m. The AARP Free Tax Aide Program will electronically complete and file a federal and New Jersey tax return, free of charge, by IRS certified volunteers. The program is available to all taxpayers, but special emphasis is provided to those age 60 and over with low to moderate income. An appointment is necessary. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, will host an adult drop-in craft, Valentine’s Day cards, at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 14. Participants will create a hand-made Valentine’s Day card. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, will host Nifty Nature NikNak at 2 p.m. Feb. 17. Participants will have a chance to see and touch animal artifacts like deer antlers, turtle shells, animal furs, skulls and more. A naturalist will present each object and encourage group discussion. The program is for children age 3 and up. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, will host Evolution Paranormal Research at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Participants will see the equipment that is used by ghost researchers and learn how those researchers investigate spiritual activity. The program is for people age 13 and over. Details: 609-758-7888.
• Individuals who are looking for a new job are invited to the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, on Feb. 2 from 2-4 p.m. for a hands-on tour of the New Jersey Career Connections website. Topics include personal budgeting, filing for unemployment, drafting cover letters and resumes, and more. Bring a resume to work on. Registration is required and may be made by calling 732-928-4400.
• The Sons of the American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, invites the community to its all you can eat breakfast on the first Sunday of each month from 7-11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Children under 4 are free. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pork roll, potatoes, french toast, pancakes and more. There is also a station to order omelets.
• Judie Jensen, proprietor of Expressions and Reflections, will present her 14th annual recital showcasing the musical talent of her students in piano, guitar and voice, including the Expressions and Reflections Band. Expressions and Reflections facilitates all facets of music, including performance and teaching. Students range in age from preschool to senior citizens. The recital will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at The Grand 1600 Event Center, 1600 Route 70 East, Lakewood. The public is welcome to attend. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Details:732-534-4594 or ertcb@msn.com
• The Ashley Lauren Foundation will host its sixth annual Butterfly Ball on Feb. 25 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. The theme will be “Dancing For Our Stars.” The goal of the Ashley Lauren Foundation is to ease the journey when pediatric cancer is diagnosed by providing direct financial assistance, material assistance, emotional support and more. Details: www.ashleylaurenfoundation.org or 732-414-1625.
• New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.
• The Plumsted Library, Evergreen Road, will host an artists’ workshop (adults) at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Participants may work on knitting, crocheting, quilting projects, or other forms of art. Chat and share ideas. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Plumsted Library, Evergreen Road, will host a Teen Anime Club (grades 7-12) from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Individuals who like anime, manga or Japanese culture are invited to join the Anime Club. Details: 609-758-7888.
• 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.
• The Howell K-8 School District kindergarten registration process for children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2017, is underway 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
• 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 St AloysiusGonzagaGroup@gmail.com.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to gmntnews@gmnews.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
