• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus is preparing holiday music for upcoming performances. Prospective members are welcome to attend a rehearsal at the Millstone Township Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Millstone Township, on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Details: 732-446-9782.
• The Allentown Village Initiative will host a Paint the Town fundraiser from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9 at Green Lace Lion. All are invited for an evening of painting, Allentown history and refreshments. Proceeds will benefit a project to replace the welcome signs in the borough. Admission is $50 for one person and $75 for two people. Register at www.greenlacelion.com/calendar (click Events Calendar and click Dec. 9) or by phone at 609-529-4524. Reservations required by Dec. 1.
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, will host a Christmas coffeehouse on Dec. 16 starting at 5 p.m. There will be musical performers, hot chocolate/cider, Christmas cookies, a soup/chili cookoff and singing of Christmas carols. All are welcome to attend the event. Details: www.debowsumc.org
• A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held on Dec. 12 at Shadowbrook, 1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury, at 11 a.m. Members are asked to bring a nonperishable donation for the food bank and an unwrapped book, toy or gift card for Bridges At The Shore. New members are welcome. For luncheon reservations, call Sue at 732-995-7754 before Dec. 1.
• 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.
• 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 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), has opened for the season. 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
• 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 news@njexaminer.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
