• Birder and wildlife photographer Kevin Watson will present his program, “Travels in Peru,” at the 8 p.m. Jan. 10 meeting of the Monmouth County Audubon Society at the Knights of Columbus hall, 200 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven. The public is welcome; admission is free. Details: http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct a blood drive at Dunkin Donuts, 14 Wilson Ave., Englishtown, from 1-7 p.m. Dec. 28. The blood drive is open to the public. All blood types are needed, but especially O Negative. Details: 1-800-933-2566 or www.nybloodcenter.org
• The Monmouth County Archives Division’s exhibit, “New Jersey in Focus: Inventors and Innovators in Monmouth County,” is on display on the lower level of the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan. The exhibit highlights renowned and obscure inventions and their inventors. A catalog for the exhibit was created and is available for view and download at http://www.MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives
• The First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 W. Main St., holds a prayer and meditation program from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. The church will be open for quiet contemplation and soft music. There will be a 15-minute prayer service starting at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the free service. Details: 732-462-1105.
• The National Council of Jewish Women, Central Jersey section, will host attorney John J. Ross for a discussion of elder law and estate planning at its general membership meeting at noon Dec. 20 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Ross counsels families through the long-term care planning process and financial issues that accompany disabling illnesses. The meeting is open to the public at no charge. Details: 732-308-3431.
• A New Year’s Eve dinner dance will be held by the Old Bridge Columbian Club at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at 61 Pine Street, Old Bridge. Admission is $57 per person (in advance only). Music of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and more. Party hats and streamers provided. For reservations, call 908-510-5693 or 732-707-3417.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular action meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School, Millhurst Road, Manalapan. The meeting is open to the public.
• Between 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 18, homes throughout Freehold Borough will be nominated for awards and judged by students who will be driven by adults through neighborhoods in town. Certificates of recognition will be awarded for homeowners’ holiday decorating efforts at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Monmouth County Hall of Records Plaza. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Freehold Township band under the direction of Edward Gattsek. Santa is expected to make a guest appearance. The Holiday House Decorating Contest is sponsored by the Freehold Borough Recreation Commission. Refreshments are provided by The Court Jester.
• The Manalapan High School Marching Band will host a Jingle Jangle Pajama Party from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 15 at the high school, 20 Church Lane. Wear pajamas and eat breakfast for dinner, make fun crafts and visit with Santa. Special raffle for a Hatchimal. Adults: $10; children 10 and under, $8. Make checks payable to MHSMPA and mail to P.O. Box 618, Manalapan, NJ 07726. All envelopes must be postmarked by Dec. 8. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door.
• St. Thomas More Parish, 186 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, is offering a women’s bible study this fall. Registration in ongoing. The program aims to bring women to a closer relationship with Christ. Details: Email Christine Melilli at cmelilli12@gmail.com or call 732-778-4933.
• A night of caroling will be held at the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, 448 Tennent Road, Manalapan, from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 15. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-446-6299 or ot.church@verizon.net or www.oldtennent.org
• The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold is beginning its 29th year of community service to the area, with the focus on youth (scholarships, spelling bees, essay contests, fishing derbies, holiday gifts, helping out at the local soup kitchen and supporting Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer). New members are invited to join the club. Details: 732-431-3989 or email cdrprr@aol.com
• 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
• 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.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. xx 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 Deep Cut Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. There is a speaker, refreshments and a discussion of plants on the show table. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.
• Single Active Seniors (SAS) is a discussion and activity group for men and women over 55. SAS meets every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in the Colts Neck Reformed Church, Route 537 West, Colts Neck (in the white building to the right of the church). Social activities are introduced and group participation is encouraged. There are no fees and all are welcome to attend. Details: Email jacq200@aol.com, subject line, SAS.
• The Old Bridge Toastmasters Club meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Sayre Woods Bible Church, 2290 Route 9 South, Old Bridge. The club seeks to help individuals become better speakers and better leaders. There is no cost to attend a meeting and residents of all towns are welcome to attend. Details: 908-906-4926 or http://oldbridge.toastmastersclubs.org/
• A free yoga class is offered every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Morganville United Methodist Church, 215 Conover Road, Marlboro. All are welcome. Bring a mat or a large towel. Details: 732-946-4247 or 732-536-2031.
• 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 Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance will meet in the spiritual center of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, from 7:30-9 p.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-536-5826 or 732-320-0029.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to news@thenewstranscript.com. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
