• The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey invites members of the public to its dinner meeting on Feb. 8 at Pagillo’s (formerly Mama Mia’s), 345 Route 9, Manalapan. The restaurant is BYOB. The cost is $35 per person for members and $45 for non-members. To reserve seating, call Rob DeSalvatore, 732-984-8482, or Lou Orrichio, 732-221-1790.
• The Monmouth Ski Club will host a meeting at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Wild Rover, 153 Shrewsbury Ave., Red Bank. New members are welcome. The Monmouth Ski Club is an all-season club whose members enjoy kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, golfing and indoor fun of quilting, reading groups and theme parties. Other meeting dates are March 7 and April 4. Details: www.monmouthskiclub.com or 732-938- 4272.
• iPlay America, Freehold Township, will host Sonny the Bunny for a “Colossal Carrot Adventure!” from 10 a.m. to noon March 24. This event is free, but registration is required. Participants will collect Easter eggs filled with treats and prizes. There will be a VIB! (Very Important Bunny!) breakfast with Sonny the Bunny, $14.95 for children ages 2-12, and $24.95 for adults. Details: https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/colossal-carrot-adventure/
• Companion Animal Rescue and Education (CARE) will hold a puppy adoption event at Petco, 4345 Route 9 North, Freehold Township, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 3. Details: www.carenj.com
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is holding an open guest night from 7:15-10 p.m. Feb. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-446-9782.
• Children ages 9-11 may take part in Monmouth County’s Grow Team program and learn gardening basics through hands-on activities on the way toward becoming a certified Junior Master Gardener. The deadline to register Jan. 31. The program will be held on Saturdays in April, May and June in Freehold Township. There is a $30 registration fee and $25 registration fee for additional siblings. Contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service of Monmouth County at 732-431-7260.
• The Gloria Saker Women’s Heart Program at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, will host its second annual “Paint to Your Heart’s Content” event, an evening of relaxation and creativity for women and their friends, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Participants can paint and personalize their own tote bag, and learn how small changes can make a big impact for a heart-healthy lifestyle. The cost is $35 per person. To register, call 732-308-0570 or visit livelifewellnj.com/events
• The Fresh Air Fund is seeking area residents who would like to host a child this summer through the fund’s Friendly Towns Program. The children participate in activities with their host family during their stay. The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Children are boys and girls, ages 7 to 18. Details: Karen Medlin, 732-740-0449, or visit www.freshair.org
• The Mayor’s Traffic Ad Hoc Committee in Allentown is soliciting feedback and comments from residents regarding any vehicular issues they may have experienced (cars or trucks hitting a home or a parked car, cars or trucks breaking street pipes, speed concerns, pedestrian safety and decreasing home values). A meeting will be held at the Allentown First Aid Squad, Waker Avenue, at 7 p.m. Feb. 1. Residents may bring photos, videos, insurance claims and police reports that document their traffic concerns.
• 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.
• 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 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
• 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. XXXXX 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.
