• Citizens for Informed Land Use, in conjunction with Holmdel’s Green Team, will host a Zoom talk about New Jersey’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act on Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Nandini Checko, project director at the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, will explain components of the nation’s strictest single-use plastics law which will take effect in May 2022. The event is free and open to the public. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IewZO85jRMGU-qTWTf0hHQ to register. The talk will also be live-streamed and recorded on CILU’s YouTube channel (search CILU Holmdel). Details: Email cilu.holmdel@gmail.com
• New Jersey Blood Services, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. Blood drive volunteers assist donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation. All training is provided. For additional information, call or text Sharon Zetts at 732-850-8906, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, visit https://www.nybc.org/support-us/volunteer-nybc/volunteer-application/
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Wondrous Winter Walk on Feb. 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Big Brook Park, Marlboro, meet in the parking lot. Join a park system naturalist and explore a park in wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Sturdy footwear is recommended; trails may have inclines or tree roots to step over. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Cutting, Splitting and Hewing on Feb. 13 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See the farm staff prepare firewood and learn about the tools they use. Open to adults. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Winter Beach Walk on Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. Take a guided walk with a park system naturalist along the beach while collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Dress in warm clothing and bring something to carry shells. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold regular action meetings on the following dates at the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School, 155 Millhurst Road, Manalapan: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16. The meetings are open to the public. Social distancing protocols to be followed.
• “Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a Zoom Talk by Dr. Jay Levin, will be presented by the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township. at 2 p.m. Feb. 21. Admission is $7 for museum members and $10 for non-members. For reservations, ca;; 732-252-6990. A Zoom link will be provided by email upon registration.
• Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey is seeking volunteers to provide support to hospice patients and their families throughout Monmouth County. Volunteers visit with patients in their home, which can also be nursing facilities and/or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. Visits can also be virtual and are during the day or early evening. Details: Deborah Adams, 732-405-3035, or email deborah@dovehs.com
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. The organization welcomes stitchers of all levels. Evening stitchers will meet via Zoom on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Day stitchers will meet via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or visit website:www.mcega.org
• The Monmouth County Library is offering a weekly virtual bereavement meeting for all
those who have lost a loved one and are navigating the maze of emotions and trying to make decisions in a new way. The virtual meetings provide an opportunity for people to share experiences, feelings and ideas. Sessions are conducted on Webex and registration is possible on Eventkeeper in order to receive information on how to access the meetings, held Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. Details: Email mcl@monmouthcountylib.org
• Residents struggling with substance use issues may call 1-844-ReachNJ to speak with counselors ready to offer assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ReachNJ is a free, confidential hotline that provides individuals with concerns about their own or a family member’s substance use immediate help and treatment referrals. The help line is always answered by a live specialist.
• CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, offers a Movement Disorder Program that provides specialized treatment to patients with Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, tics, tremors, ataxia, dystonia and other similar syndromes. The program is held in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus. To request a consultation to help manage Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders, call 732-637-6316 or email Parkinsons@centrastate.com
• Samaritan Center, a joint ministry of St. Thomas More and Old Tennent Presbyterian churches, operates a food pantry to provide supplementary food for those in need in Manalapan, Marlboro, Englishtown and Millstone Township. For information, call 732-446-1142 and make an appointment. Volunteers will gladly carry food to a client’s vehicle. Donations of funds and food are gratefully accepted to support the operation of the center. Volunteers are always welcome.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to news@thenewstranscript.com. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
