• 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.
• The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey invites members of the public to its dinner meeting on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at La Cashina Ristorante, Marlboro. BYOB. The cost is $35 per person for members and $45 for non-members. Cash is preferred, no credit cards. To reserve seating, call Anthony Grassi at 917-743-3311 or Richard Favara at 732-861-9465.
• Basket and Bag Bingo presented by the Cookstown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary will be held on April 8 at the New Egypt Elks, 105 Lakewood Road (Route 528), New Egypt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person. For tickets, call Karen Ivins at 609-668-2030.
• A session of Coloring for Adults will be held at the Jackson Library at 10 a.m. Feb. 21. Coloring sheets and art supplies provided; light refreshments and relaxing music. Free; advance registration required. Details: 732-928-4400.
• Center Players will hold open auditions for its “Signature Series” presentation of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” from 7-10 p.m. Feb. 12 and 7-10 p.m. Feb. 13 at Center Playhouse, Freehold. Performance dates are April 21 through May 21 (15 performances). Needed are eight males (20’s to 60’s) and five females (20’s to 60’s). Bring a headshot and resume. Non-union, no pay. Details: Zach Berman, 732-216-3374.
• The New Jersey Forest Resource Education Center (FREC) and the Jackson Pathfinders are sponsoring a Valentine-themed full moon walk on Feb. 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the FREC, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson. Choose between a brisk hike on moonlit trails or a slower paced naturalist-guided interpretive tour of the forest’s features. The walk will take an hour, followed by hot chocolate and snacks. Registration is required. Call 732-928-2360 and provide name, phone number and the number of people in the group so you can be contacted in case of inclement weather and cancellation.
• A Zydeco dancing workshop presented by dancers Larry and Ava will be held at the Jackson Library from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 25. Zydeco music draws on traditional Cajun elements as well as jazz, country western, and blues. Although Zydeco is a couples dance, no partner is necessary for the lessons. Adults 18 and over are welcome. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• 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 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. 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.
• 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 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.
