• The Monmouth County Park System will host a free demonstration of Miss Melissa’s Aardvarks music class from 10-10:45 a.m. March 29 at the Clayton Park Activity Center, 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold. Parents and their children age 6 months to 5 years are invited to join instructor Bri Lobue and sample this interactive class. Pre-registration is not required for the free session. The park system will offer a 10-week class of Miss Melissa’s Aardvarks at the Clayton Park Activity Center from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Thursdays, April 5 through June 7. An additional session is offered from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The cost of each session is $160 per parent/child pair, plus a $40 materials fee. The cost of a second child is $110; $70 for an additional sibling. Pre-registration required. To register, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000, ext. 1.
• The Ladies of St. Joseph Church, 91 Stillhouse Road, Millstone Township, will host “What’s for Lunch,” a culinary demonstration with Chef Jason Metz, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. April 22. There will be lunch (crisp greens and biscuits with a trio of braised meats to celebrate la primavera) and beverages, BYOB and a gift basket raffle. Adults only. Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. To make a reservation, call Rosalie, 732-490-5302.
• No Stigma Network (NSN) offers free peer support meetings and social events for community members living with mental health challenges. Meetings take place in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus at the CentraState Health Complex, Freehold Township. NSN Young Adults (18-30) support group will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 in in the Health and Wellness Center. NSN Adults Over-30 support group will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center. NSN Parents support group will meet from 7-9 p.m. March 16 in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center. Details: Visit nostigmanetwork.com, email nostigmanetwork@gmail.com or call Shrabanee, 732-533-7632, or Linda, 732-939-2092.
• The Allentown Public Library Association will host a Trivia Night fundraiser at 7 p.m. April 14 at the Allentown First Aid Squad, 70 Route 526, Allentown. The cost is $15 per person. Teams may enter or individuals may enter and be placed on a team. Sign-up is available at the library. All proceeds will benefit the library. Details: 609-259-7565.
• An annual Easter egg hunt hosted by the MOMS Club of Millstone Township will be held at 11 a.m. March 31 (rain or shine) at Wagner Farm Park, 4 Baird Road, Millstone Township. Hunt for eggs, prizes, children’s crafts, refreshments and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event is open to the public. Details: momsclubofmillstone.com
• Allentown FFA Parents, Alumni and Friends (PAF) will host the 11th annual gift auction and spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. March 24 at the Hope Fire Company, 82 Route 526, Upper Freehold Township. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Allentown FFA PAF supports the Allentown High School FFA chapter throughout the year. Admission is $15. Seating is limited to the first 175 individuals (no seats will be saved). Details: 609-259‐7292, ext. 1440 or ext. 1443.
• The Manalapan Veterans Affairs Committee will host its third annual Lionel Train Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at the Manalapan Community Center, 114 Route 33 West, Manalapan. Residents of all towns and all ages are welcome to attend. Donations will be accepted to assist veterans in the community. Details: http://www.manalapanveterans.com/
• The Allentown Lions Club will host an Easter Eggstravaganza Hunt on March 24 at 9 a.m. in Dr. Farmer’s Park on Lakeview Drive. There will be special prizes for gold and silver eggs. Age groups are: 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12. Meet the Easter Bunny. This is a free event and pre-registration is not required.
• The Allentown Lions Club will host the 12th annual Run With the Eagles 5K Run, 5K Walk, 5K Two-Person Relay and 1-mile Fun Run on April 7 at the Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539, Upper Freehold. Proceeds benefit local and regional community organizations. There will be team and individual awards, refreshments and T-shirts available. Register online at Eagles5K.com. Walk-up registration at 8 a.m.; fun run at 9 a.m.; 5K events at 10 a.m.
• Allentown will host a rabies clinic from 9-11 a.m. March 24 at the municipal annex on Church Street. There is no cost to have a pet vaccinated and residents of all towns may bring their pet for a rabies vaccination. Allentown residents may register or renew their pet’s license at the same time. Cash or check payable to the Borough of Allentown will be accepted for license renewal.
• 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.
• 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/
• 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
• 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. March 27 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.
