• The Monmouth Presbytery and the members of the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold have selected the Rev. Alan Olson as their new pastor and spiritual leader. Olson recently served as the interim pastor of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church, Belle Vernon, Pa. The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold has been part of the fabric of the community for more than 180 years. There are many spiritual, educational and musical opportunities available for people of all ages. For additional information about the church, call 732-462-0234.
• Monmouth Worship Center, Marlboro, will present a Mega Sports Camp “Epic Moments.” From Aug. 6-10, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children in kindergarten through sixth grade can come and learn techniques in soccer, baseball and football while they learn to put their faith into action on and off the sports field. Registration fee is $20 per child and includes snacks and special gifts every day. Camp is held at the Marlboro Recreation Community Center football field. Contact Monmouth Worship Center, 732-332-9600, for a registration form.
• Monmouth Worship Center, 37 Vanderburg, Marlboro, will present its annual Vacation Bible School. With this year’s theme, “Shipwrecked, Rescued by Jesus,” children will discover that Jesus rescues. Vacation Bible School will run from Aug. 20-24, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Registration fee is $20 per child and includes all supplies, snacks and special gifts every day. Call 732-332-9600 to obtain a registration form.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will host its annual Project Zero car show on Aug. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Manalapan High School, 30 Church Lane, Manalapan. A free ice cream sundae will be offered to the first 500 participants and attendees. During the event, the alliance will present a short program and allow the community to come together to remember individuals lost to addiction. There is no cost to participate as a car show participant or spectator. On-site registration will be accepted pending space starting at 5 p.m. Registration forms for car show participants are available at www.projectzeromanalapan.org or www.mtnj.org, or call 732-446-8345.
• Golden Years Design Benefits will hold a Medicare workshop at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Colts Neck Library, 1 Winthrop Drive, Colts Neck. The purpose of the event is to educate seniors about Medicare, how to apply, explain what Medicare covers, secondary coverage options, and the Part D prescription drug program. The event is strictly educational with no solicitation. Details: 732-526-7659.
• Center Players Dessert Theater will hold auditions for John Miranda’s “Italian Funerals and Other Festive Occasions” at Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold, on July 29 at 7 p.m. and July 30 at 7 p.m. Possible callbacks on July 31 at 7 p.m. Performance dates: Oct. 19 through Nov. 11 (Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.). A complete character list is available at www.centerplayers.org. Sides from the play will be provided. Please bring resume and headshot if available. Non-union, no pay.
• An outdoor flea market, craft sale and yard sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, 118 Route 526, Upper Freehold Township. New and used merchandise, crafts, food and fun. Free admission. Family friendly. Leashed dogs welcome. Details: Email info@martysplace.org
• Old Freehold Day will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 18 at Lake Topanemus, Pond Road, Freehold Township. There will be activities for all ages, vendors, entertainment, boating, and more. Residents of all communities are welcome to attend.
• Youngsters in sixth grade and up are invited to a special program featuring Amanda Wheeler from Clean Ocean Action at 7:30 p.m. July 18 at the Freehold Public Library, East Main Street, Freehold Borough. Parking available in the Market Yard lot. Details: 732-462-5135.
• On July 20 at 2:30 p.m., the Freehold Public Library, East Main Street, Freehold Borough, will present “Kindness Rocks,” a family craft program with artist and author Toni Field. Paint “kindness rocks” to share with others and the community. All materials provided; small children must be accompanied by an adult. Details: 732-462-5135.
• The next program in the 2018 Discussion Series at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township, will be “Stress Less, Savor More,” presented by Diane Lang, a therapist, educator and life coach. The program will take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 24. Adults of all ages are invited. The series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community, presented by Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors, LLC. RSVP to 732-866-6660.
• Join the Monmouth County Park System for Enviro-Quest. Meeting each week at a different county park, this nature program is fun, easy and free. Start in the parking lot and follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the park system naturalist is waiting. Once there, join in activities, crafts or games for 30 to 60 minutes of nature fun. The partial schedule is as follows: July 19, 11 a.m. to noon, Big Brook Park, Marlboro, meet near the pond; Aug. 9, 11 a.m. to noon, Thompson Park, Lincroft, meet at the Old Orchard Picnic Shelter; Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to noon, Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Township, meet at the Oak Point Picnic Shelter. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or 732-842-4000.
• The Freehold Elks Veterans Committee, with the help of Elk Brother and Hall of Fame artist Gary Cavico, will host a “BBQ and Blues Jam for the Brave” from 5-9 p.m. July 21 at the Freehold Elks Lodge, 73 E. Main St., Freehold. Proceeds to benefit local veterans. A $15 donation is requested. All are welcome to attend.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular action meeting at 7:30 p.m. July 24 at 54 Main St., Englishtown. The meeting is open to the public.
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct a blood drive from 2:30-8:30 p.m. July 20 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. The blood drive is open to the public. Details: 1-800-933-2566.
• The Freehold Borough K-8 School District Board of Education meetings originally scheduled for Aug. 7 and Aug. 21 at the Park Avenue Complex will all be held in the Borough Council meeting room at Borough Hall, 51 W. Main St., Freehold Borough, at 7 p.m. on those dates. Immediately preceding the Aug. 7 meeting, there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting at 6 p.m. for the purpose of goal-setting for the 2018-19 school year. The meeting locations have been changed due to ongoing construction work at the Freehold Learning Center and at the Park Avenue Complex. The meetings are open to the public and action will be taken. Details: 732-761-2100.
• The 28th annual St. Thomas Rosary Society Giant Flea Market, in memory of Marco Guarino, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the church parking lot, 1 St. Thomas Plaza, off Route 18 south, Old Bridge. Rain date is Aug. 25. All are welcome to attend.
• The 28th annual St. Thomas Rosary Society Giant Flea Market, in memory of Marco Guarino, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the church parking lot, 1 St. Thomas Plaza, off Route 18 south, Old Bridge. Rain date is Aug. 25. Spaces are $15 for one or $25 for two. Table rentals are $5 each. No refunds. No selling of food or drink concessions permitted. All trash must be removed. To RSVP, call Charlotte Guarino at 732-257-0721.
• Discover a variety of fish, crabs and other sea creatures when the Monmouth County Park System hosts Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth, Middletown, from 11 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 25 through Aug. 24. This program invites area residents to join park system naturalists as they seine the water and identify the aquatic creatures caught. This free program is open to all ages, under 18 with adult. Participants should meet on the beach. Closed-toe shoes are required. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Fair will be held at the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, from July 25-27, 5-11 p.m., July 28, 3-11 p.m., and July 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, home and garden competitions, opening night fireworks, and more. Admission is $8 per person; age 12 and under enter free.
• Mill demonstrations at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township, will be offered on July 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 1-4 p.m. See the 19th century gristmill in action. The activity is free.
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America-Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. Stitchers of all levels are welcome to attend a meeting. There will be day stitch-ins at the Colts Neck Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 and, Aug. 16. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or www.mcega.org
• Jewish War Veterans of the USA Post 536, serving Marlboro and Manalapan, holds a breakfast meeting on the third Sunday of every month at the Covered Bridge clubhouse at 10:30 a.m. The post will pay a new member’s first year dues. All veterans who served during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraqi Freedom and Iraq/Afghanistan wars are welcome. Details: Email Leo Rosenzweig at leoflemkt@aol.com or call 917-848-2146.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. July xx 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.
• American Legion Molly Pitcher Post 434, Manalapan, is seeking individuals to join the organization’s regular membership, Sons of the American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and Legion Riders. Membership is open to residents of any town. The cost of a new member’s first year of membership will be covered by the post. Details: 732-446-9872 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or Facebook @al434
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has launched its Project Zero website at projectzeromanalapan.com. Project Zero is the alliance’s initiative to reset the narrative in Englishtown and Manalapan regarding substance abuse. The website contains information about where residents can go for assistance.
• The Deep Cut Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. There is a speaker, refreshments and a discussion of plants on the show table. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.
• 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.
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