• The Jackson Library is starting “All About Autism,” a new support group for parents and caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 22. Meetings will be held once a month. The group will explore how autism affects their lives via shared information, ideas and support. Details: 732-928- 4400, ext. 4.
• The Jackson Library will host a program for adults, “Warm Winter Soups,” at 2 p.m. Jan. 31. ShopRite’s Jennifer Klein will show how to prepare healthy soup recipes. Free event. Registration is required by calling 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host “Holiday Karaoke with DJ KJ Sound Advise” at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Guests can join the fun and sing holiday songs. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928- 4400.
• The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 2-7 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. All those who come to give blood or platelets from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Make an appointment to give blood by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Jackson Mayor Mike Reina is asking residents who want to serve the community to submit a Citizen Leadership Form by Dec. 15. The form may be found at www.jacksontwpnj.net. The following advisory boards and committees currently exist: Veterans Commission, Rent Leveling Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Private Residential Communities Advisory Board, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board, Jackson Pathfinders, Environmental Commission, Historical Commission and the Shade Tree Commission. Details: 732-928-1200, ext. 1211, or email snovak@jacksontwpnj.net. Indicate area of interest, background and reasons for wanting to serve.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Jackson’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony sponsored by Bat Shalom Hadassah will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Jackson municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway. The community is invited to attend the event. Details: 732-833-0799.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus is seeking new members who love to sing and perform. Interested individuals are invited to attend a rehearsal. The chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Details: 732-446-9782.
• The Jackson Library’s knitting group, Knit-Chat-Chain, is seeking donations of yarn and wool. The members of the group create sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets to donate to charity. Yarn donations may be brought to the Circulation Desk during library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 732-928-4400.
• 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@thetritownnews.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
