• Area residents interested in forming a Bridge playing group may contact Christy Kramer by text or phone at 732-492-7322, or email at kramchri@yahoo.com. The group would be open to all ages, males and females. The goal would be to meet once a week on a regular schedule. A possible location for the group to meet is in Millstone Township.
• Allentown Garden Club member Daru Sharp will share her expertise in journaling about home gardens and plants using electronic devices during a meeting on Jan. 11. Daru is a skilled gardener with knowledge of daylillies. Her gardening design skill informs her journaling. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Allentown Methodist Church, Church Street. All are welcome to attend. Details: www.AllentownGardenClub.org
• The Allentown Public Library has announced a date to view a display of the Allentown Clarkesburg Railroad display of classic toy trains. The Clarke family of Upper Freehold Township is hosting the open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at a location that is a five-minute drive from downtown Allentown. More than 700 feet of track includes six lines with bridges, tunnels and two mountains. Up to eight trains can run simultaneously. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the library, with a sign-up for a selected viewing time. To purchase tickets, stop by the library, 16 S. Main St. Details: 609-259-7565.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. xx 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to news@njexaminer.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
