Datebook

• Need a Friend, a social group for singles ages 40-65, will hold a "meet and eat" Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Golden Bell Diner, Route 9, Freehold Township. Details: (732) 625-0605 or (609) 371-2113.

• Single Friends, for ages 45-65, will meet for friendly discussion Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 7:45 p.m. at the Steakloft, Days Inn, Route 9, Freehold Township. Details: (732) 536-3524.

• Holiday Shopping Night, with 15 vendors, Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m. at St. Veronica School gym, 4219 Route 9 north, Howell. Free admission.

• A gift auction — sports teams, celebrities, memorabilia, products, gift certificates, more — sponsored by Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. at Greystone Manor, 260 South St., Freehold Township. The $25 admission includes buffet dinner and auction. Details and ticket: Kathy Bien, (732) 446-6447.

• Gamblers Anonymous, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 8-9:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 211 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. No fees.

• Garden State Horror Writers will meet Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manal-apan. At noon, author Jonathan Maberry will talk about "The New Mythology of Horror." Guests and new members are welcome. Details: (973) 625-9512.

• Molly Pitcher Stitchers Quilt Guild will meet Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at Old Tennent Church, Tennent Road, Manalapan. New members are welcome. Details: Daria, (732) 446-1144.

• Transitions, a self-help group for those recently divorced, going through a divorce, or considering a divorce, Nov. 11, 18 and 25 from 7:30-8:45 p.m. at Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive, Manalapan. No fees. Details: David, (732) 888-4440.

• Blood drives will be conducted by Central Jersey Blood Center: Nov. 11, 6:30-9 p.m. at Morganville First Aid Squad, 277 Tennent Road, Marlboro; Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to noon at Home Depot, 1990 Route 9, Howell; Nov. 12, 1-4 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 4900 Route 9, Howell; and Nov. 13, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CentraState Medical Center’s Greenhouse Cafe, Route 537, Freehold Township. Details: (732) 842-5750.

• Marlboro K-8 Board of Education workshop meeting, Nov. 11, 8 p.m. at 1980 Township Drive, Marlboro. Meeting is open to the public. Details: (732) 972-2000.

• Free foot screenings for people with diabetes will be offered at CentraState Medical Center, Route 537, Freehold Township, Nov. 12, 2-7 p.m. Preregistration is required; call (732) 294-2574.

• "Anti-Semitism on Campus" will be presented by Rabbi Esther Reed, Nov. 13 at noon at Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women, Central Jersey Section. Free and open to the public; refreshments. Details: (732) 972-7726.