Tri-Town News Datebook, Feb. 21

Submitted Content
• The Shrewsbury Chorale will hold a giant indoor garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17 at the First United Methodist Church, 103 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst. There will be hndreds of items, plus baked goods. Details: 732-747- 1362.
• Designer Handbag Bingo will be held at 7 p.m. March 23 at the Southard firehouse, 4611 Route 9, Howell. The event will benefit CONTACT of  Ocean and Monmouth Counties’ 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sandwiches, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 at the door (cash only). No one under 18 admitted. Tickets can be purchased online at Designer Handbag Bingo – March 23, 2018. Details: 732-240-6104 or email contactofoceanco@aol.com
• An indoor flea market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 10 at St. Stephens Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1344 White Oak Bottom Road, Toms River. In addition to vendors, there will be a Ukrainian kitchen with hot homemade ethnic foods and homemade cakes. Handicapped accessible, free parking, free admission. Vendors may call 732-323-0168 for information (leave a message).
• “Newspapers: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” will be the topic of the 2 p.m. March 11 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. Shamele Jordon will take her audience into the world of newspapers beyond obituaries to show what researchers can try when traditional records fall short. The public is invited to attend. Details: 732-747-0090.
• Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey will host its third annual Pink Power Party fundraiser at iPlay America, Freehold Township, on March 8. This “girls night out” will feature champagne and cocktails, shopping and vendors, and live entertainment. The event will benefit the organization’s mission to end breast cancer. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and may be purchased at tickets.iplayamerica.com
• Basket and Bag Bingo will be presented by the Cookstown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary on April 14 at the New Egypt Elks Lodge, 105 Lakewood Road (Route 528), New Egypt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bingo starts promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person. Call Karen Ivins at 609-668-2030 for tickets and more information.
• The New Egypt Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary of Plumsted will hold its annual chicken salad and bake sale on March 25. Residents of all communities are invited to place an order. Pre-orders for chicken salad must be placed by March 15. A pints costs $6.50 and a quart costs $13. Details: Debbie, 738-2241, or Sheila, 609-306-8831.
• The Jackson Library will partner with AARP to provide free tax assistance programs. The programs will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Attendees must bring previous year(s) returns, photo ID, Social Security or ITIN card and all relevant tax documents related to the tax years to be prepared. Assistance available to all ages. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928- 4400, ext. 3808.
• The Jackson Library will host “Mindfulness Meditation: On Healing” at 11 a.m. Feb. 23. Learn the gentle art of healing through guided meditation with visualization. This practice is open to novice and skilled attendees. Comfortable clothes are required. Registration is required for this free event. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• 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 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 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.