• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, invites community members to celebrate Advent and Christmas. Sunday worship is at 9:30 a.m. and the Christmas Cantata will be presented during the Dec. 16 service. On Dec. 24, there will be a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-928-4475 or debowsumc.org
• All members of the community are invited to attend a Christmas angel lighting and caroling extravaganza at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. at the Church of Saint Monica, 679 W. Veterans Highway, Jackson. Bring a battery operated candle and join in for Christmas carols, hot cocoa and an evening of holiday spirit.
• The Jackson group of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Ocean County, will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. Dec. 5 and every Wednesday thereafter at the Brighter Days Community Wellness Center, 268 Bennett’s Mills Road, Jackson. DBSA is dedicated to helping those who suffer from depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Supportive family members or friends of people who suffer from mental health difficulties are also welcome to attend. No registration, dues or fees are necessary. Details: Maureen, 732-536-5826, or mfalkowitz27@gmail.com
• The Monmouth County Audubon Society will host a bird walk on Sandy Hook in northern Monmouth County on Dec. 9. Anyone interested in participating in the event can meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot by the old visitor center (1.8 miles north of the park entrance). The event is open to all and participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Dress appropriately for the weather, which can be blustery and unpredictable along the coast; wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars and field guides. Check for weather updates at http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
• The Jewish Home for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Freehold Township, a new skilled rehabilitation and nursing facility serving the Jewish community, is hosting a free monthly support group called The Jewish Caregiver’s Experience. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Caregivers of all ages seeking support, resources and a Jewish perspective on managing their responsibilities are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Details: Avrum at 732-202-1000, ext. 4012.
• The Freehold Borough Arts Council will host its sixth annual Freehold Borough Arts and Crafts Show on Dec. 1 at the Park Avenue Elementary School, 280 Park Ave., Freehold, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
• The Jackson Liberty High School Lion band’s sixth annual vendor and craft fair will be held at the high school, 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2. All are invited to attend the event. Free admission, free parking. More than 100 vendors and crafters. Refreshments. Details: vendorfair4libertylionband@gmail.com
• A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Teachers Association will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at Shadowbrook, 1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury. Members are asked to bring non-perishable donations for the food bank and an unwrapped new book, toy or gift card for Bridges At The Shore. For luncheon reservations, contact Sue at 732 995-7754 or email sueshrott@gmail.com before Nov. 30. New members are always welcome.
• The Jackson Library will screen the “Ultimate Australia” episode of the travel docuseries “Globe Trekker” at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13. This screening is part of the library’s “Armchair Traveling” series of programs. This film is available through the Ocean County Library database Access Video On Demand. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host “Stress Relief Using Essential Oils” at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Lauren Gitlin of Legitoils will show attendees how to mitigate stress using essential oils in a daily routine. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus presents “Jukebox Jingles” with special guests The Trentones at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Millstone Township Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Millstone Township. Call for tickets, 732-474-8529, or online at https://honj.org/node/1659
• Bat Shalom Hadassah will celebrate the 13th annual lighting of the Jackson Hanukkah menorah from 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 5. All community members are welcome to attend the event. There will be kosher holiday refreshments, greetings from local officials and Hanukkah songs. Details: 732-833-0799.
• Ocean County veterans meet monthly to discuss relevant subjects and to plan recreation opportunities. Topics include the transition to civilian life, the VA system, substance use, PTSD/other mental health issues and more. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Journey to Wellness Center, 25 S. Shore Drive, Toms River. Details: 732-244-0940 or email johnny@re-calibrate.us
• 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.
