Marlana DeMarco Hogan, of Millstone Township, who is the author of “Growing Up in the Dragonfly Zone,” will hold a book signing event from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 21 at Barnes and Noble, 3981 Route 9, Freehold Township. The book tells the story of a little boy and his dog as they play, explore, learn and grow down at their backyard pond in the dragonfly zone. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. All are welcome to attend the book signing. Details: www.barnesandnoble.com
• The Deep Cut Orchid Society will hold its annual orchid show and sale from Feb. 7-10 at Dearborn Market, 2170 Route 35 South, Holmdel. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 7-9 and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 10. There will be free guided tours and educational and orchid-themed workshops for enthusiasts of all levels. Orchid experts will be on hand to answer questions. Admission and parking are free.
• All are welcome to attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 203 Taylors Mills Road, Manalapan. A Christmas Day service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 25. All are welcome to attend that service.
• The First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 W. Main St., Freehold, will hold “Longest Night” at 7 p.m. Dec. 21. There will be a service of lessons and songs, moving attendees from the dark to the light. Details: 732-462-1105.
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 30 at Dunkin Donuts, 285 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. All blood types are needed. To donate blood or for information about how to organize a blood drive, call 1-800-933-2566.
• A holiday variety show, “Holiday Cheer,” will be presented by LT Productions at the Colts Neck library, 1 Winthrop Drive, Colts Neck, at 7 p.m. Dec. 20. The group will feature songs, poetry and comedy in celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah. Details: www.monmouthcountylib.org
• A visit with Santa will be held at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 22-23. Enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas at the farm. Children can visit with Santa, then take a walk to the farmhouse and have a cup of cider. The activity is free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• A “Wondrous Winter Walk” will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 20 at Big Brook Park, Route 520, Marlboro. Meet in Elsa’s Lodge parking lot. Tag along with a Monmouth County Park System naturalist and explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. The program is free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, invites community members to celebrate Christmas during a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-928-4475 or debowsumc.org
• The Chelsea at Manalapan, Route 9, Manalapan, will host Victorian carolers from 2-3 p.m. Dec. 20. Community members are welcome to attend. Holiday refreshments will be served. Details: Laura, 732-972-6200.
• 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, 732-202-1000, ext. 4012.
• Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen, will host a meet and greet on Dec. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to come and learn about the synagogue. Refreshments will be served. Details: Email info@templebethahm.org or call 732-583-1700.
• 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.
• 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@thenewstranscript.com. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
