• The 2021 Discussion Series will present “Managing the COVID Stressors!” as a ZOOM webinar at 6:30 p.m. May 25. The presenters will be Jeanne Koller, assistant professor, School of Social Work, Monmouth University, and Dr. Gail Reilly, a board-certified family physician. Topics include the impact of COVID 19 on people’s lives; potential challenges/potential opportunities; and various approaches to improve wellness. The series is sponsored by Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors, LLC. Call 732-866-6660 for Zoom webinar registration information. The series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community.
• No Stigma Network Inc. is observing National Mental Health Awareness Month by promoting a virtual walk to raise funds to support NSN’s efforts for its survivors. NSN is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to eliminate bias and stigma related to mental health. The young adult members, or survivors as they are addressed, battle mental health challenges. NSN provides free support meetings and social, educational and cultural opportunities to empower its survivors to live a healthy, happy, productive, independent and stable life. Visit nostigmanetwork.org for sign up information. Details: David Jacobs, 732-259-1445.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Plant a Sunflower on May 8 from 12-2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Help the farm staff plant this year’s sunflower field. Participants are invited to return in the fall and harvest their own sunflower. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present an Embroidery Demonstration on May 8 from 1-3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. View the lost art of applying decorative designs with a needle and thread during this demonstration. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Vintage Baseball on May 8 from 1-3 p.m. at Holmdel Park, Holmdel. See one of America’s favorite pastimes played using rules from the 19th century. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will host Walnford Day on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold Township. This annual celebration includes demonstrations, activities and more. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Drop-In Zip-Line event on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Big Brook Park, Route 520, Marlboro. All equipment is provided. Participants must wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes and a face covering. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. Limited number of equipment; first-come basis. Registration ends at 1 p.m. The cost is $15 per person; cash or check only. Fee includes two rides down the zip-line. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Historic Battery Lewis tours on May 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 30 from 1-3 p.m. at Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands (Rocky Point section). Tour the restored Historic Battery Lewis and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. Face mask required. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present “Famous Jews You Never Heard Of,” a talk by Rabbi Michael Klein, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell, on May 23 at 2 p.m. Admission is free (donations are welcome). To make a reservation and receive the Zoom link, call 732-252-6990, email jhmomc@optonline.net or visit www.jhmomc.org
• The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) invites area residents to join a special effort to patronize local businesses. Register at www.allentownvinj.org to receive a weekly email highlighting Allentown’s shops and restaurants. The email will showcase unique products, services and specials offered by entrepreneurs throughout Allentown and Upper Freehold Township. There is no charge to participate. To register and for more information, visit www.allentownvinj.org
• CentraState Medical Center is launching a new online grief support group led by licensed clinical social workers certified in grief counseling to assist individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group is open for adult members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The private groups will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to share their emotions and struggles. The group will meet via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m. beginning May 6. To register, call 732-303-5170 or email Ametzger@Centrastate.com or Ssouza@Centrastate.com
• The Art Society of Monmouth County will host the Ruth Crown Memorial Art Exhibit sponsored by the Crown family in memory of their mother, water colorist Ruth Crown, a founding member of the Monmouth Arts Gallery, the endowment from which funded the formation of the Art Society of Monmouth County. The exhibit will display a wide range of members’ artwork at https://www.artsocietyofmonmouthcounty.org/
• 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. Donations of funds and food are gratefully accepted to support the operation of the center. Volunteers are always welcome.
• 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
Items for the Datebook may be sent to news@njexaminer.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
