• New Jersey United Christian Academy, 73 Holmes Mill Road, Cream Ridge, will host a craft and vendor show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18. There will be crafters, vendors, food and more. All are welcome to attend. Free face painting and children’s tattoos.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the American Legion, 62 W. Main St. Freehold. Chapter members, DAV members-at-large who are seeking a chapter and veterans with disabilities who are seeking assistance and advice are welcome to attend the meeting. Dinner of pizza and subs is provided.
• A holiday boutique will be held at the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, Tennent Road, Manalapan, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11. Crafts, jewelry, food and more. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-446-6299 or email ot.church@verizon.net
• The Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2018 is seeking contestants age 60 and over. Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City will host the pageant on June 6. There are four judging categories: Evening Gown; Philosophy of Life; Talent; and Judges Interview. The winner will participate in the Ms. Senior America Pageant 2018. Individuals interested in becoming a contestant may contact Terry Meade at 609-443-3039, 908-216-8534 or via email at tbm5201@aol.com
• The Elks National Foundation is offering scholarships to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Males and females compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The application is completed online and must be submitted by Nov. 27. Applications and details available at elks.org/scholars
• Residents interested in careers in the culinary arts, event planning, travel, tourism and other hospitality fields are invited to free information sessions hosted by Brookdale Community College. A culinary and pastry arts information session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Culinary Education Center, 101 Drury Lane, Asbury Park. To RVSP, call Elizabeth Lehmann at 732-774-3782. A hospitality management information session will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 in Larrison Hall, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. To RVSP, call Linda Morris at 732-224-2258.
• No Stigma Network is a nonprofit organization offering programs for individuals living with mental health challenges. No Stigma Network will host a bowling party fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Howell Lanes, Howell. A $20 ticket per person ($15 for those 12 and younger) purchased in advance buys two bowling games, shoe rental, two slices of pizza, soft drink and dessert. Tickets will be $25 per person on the day of the event. Other fun activities will also be available. Details: Shrabanee, 732-533-7632, or Linda, 732-939-2092, or email nostigmanetwork@gmail.com
• Residents of all communities are welcome to attend a monthly all you can eat breakfast sponsored by Sons of American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, and held on the first Sunday of every month from 7-11 a.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children (under 3 free). Breakfast features eggs, omelette station, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, pork roll, potatoes, coffee, tea, juice.
• Jake Ruddiman, an associate professor of early American history at Wake Forest University and the author of “Becoming Men of Some Consequence: Youth and Military Service in the Revolutionary War,” will present a lecture at the Allentown Public Library, 16 S. Main St., on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 609-259-7565.
• Monmouth County college-bound art students are invited to apply for the 2018 Elaine Smith Memorial Art Scholarship. To apply, search online for Elaine Smith Memorial Art Scholarship and download the application. The application deadline is Jan. 31. Details: Merrill Tilker, Around the Corner Art Center, 732-308-4666.
• Keris Tree Farm and Christmas Shop, 848 Route 524, Allentown (Upper Freehold Township), will open on Nov. 18. Author and TV host Bob Richter will present “A Very Vintage Christmas” from 2-4 p.m. On Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., members of the Pineland Riders Pony Club will show their ponies and offer pony rides. On Dec. 3, the Allentown High School Woodwind Quintet under the direction of Joe Brausam will perform at 1 p.m. On Dec. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Monmouth County Livestock 4-H Club will show their farm animals. On Dec. 9 at noon, the Allentown High School Choir under direction of Megan Wolff will perform holiday selections. Details: www.kerischristmastreefarm
• Monmouth County Master Gardener Cheryl Grant will attend the Nov. 9 meeting of the Allentown Garden Club with a presentation about “Nocturnal Gardens.” Grant will share her expertise about plants that are at their best in low light, plants that bloom only at night and plants that emit a fragrance at night to attract pollinators. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Allentown Methodist Church, Church Street. All are invited to attend. Details: www.AllentownGardenClub.net
• Sportika Sports, 150 Woodward Road, Manalapan, and strategic partner Peter Grandich and Company, in association with Shore Sports Network, will host a viewing party at 4:25 p.m. Nov. 12 for the New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers football game. Keith Elias, a former running back with the Giants and Colts, will be on hand to greet fans. Admission is free; those who wish to attend are asked to email peter@petergrandich.com
• Genealogist James Beidler will present “Contrasting German Migrations” at the 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. Beidler will discuss the two major waves of German migration to the United States. The program is free and the public is welcome. Details: 732-747-0090.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus singing group is looking for new members. For more information, call 732-446-9782.
• Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, 448 Tennent Road, Manalapan, will host “Journey to Bethlehem,” a free Christmas drive-through, on its grounds from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3. Live scenes will begin with Isaiah telling of Jesus’ birth and ending with the Nativity scene. To sponsor or participate, call 732-446-6299.
• 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to gmntnews@newspapermediagroup.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
