Datebook

+ Central Jersey Blood Center has scheduled blood drives: Aug. 3, 6-8:30 p.m., Bayshore Community Hospital, 727 North Beers Street, Holmdel; Aug. 17, 6-8:30 p.m., CentraState Medical Center, Greenhouse Cafe, West Main Street, Freehold Township; Aug. 20, 8 a.m. to noon, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 434 East Aldrich Road, Howell. Details: (732) 842-5750.

+ Gamblers Anonymous, Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25, 8-9:30 p.m., at Hope Luth-eran Church, 211 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. No fees.

+ Auction at the First United Methodist Church, 91 W. Main Street, Freehold. Doors open at 6 p.m. Aug. 5; auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance; $6 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (732) 462-1745.

+ Olde Fashioned Barbecue hosted by the Adelphia Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Aug. 5 from 4-7 p.m., at the firehouse, 925 Route 524, Howell. Tickets, $6.50 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. Rain or shine; shelter provided. Details: (732) 577-1781.

+ Freehold Township Police Explorers will hold a car wash, Aug. 6, 3:30-6 p.m. at the Route 33 car wash, Route 33, Freehold Township. Details: (732) 462-7908.

+ Marlboro Jewish Center will host a solidarity service for the state of Israel, Aug. 6, 7 p.m. at the synagogue, 103 School Road West. The community is welcome to attend.

+ CentraState Medical Center thrift shop, 20 Jackson St., Freehold, will host a clearance sale, Aug. 7-17; a bag sale, Aug. 18-19. The thrift shop will be closed Aug. 21 and reopen with fall merchandise Aug. 22. Shop hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sundays. Donations accepted 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: (732) 462-3437.

+ Reverse mortgage seminar, Aug. 8, 9:30 a.m. at the Prestige Diner, 610 Route 33 East, East Windsor, at New Jersey Turnpike Exit 8. Free breakfast.

+ Parents Anonymous, a professionally facilitated, self-help group for any parent or grandparent wishing to improve their parenting skills, will meet Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m. to noon, at Monmouth County Division of Social Services, Kozloski Road, Freehold Town-ship. No fees. Details: (732) 845-2073.

+ "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" by Mark Haddon will be discussed Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Marl-boro library, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro. Light refreshments will be served. Details: (732) 536-9406.

+ "Introduction to the Internet for Beginners" will be held at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Aug. 9 from 2-4 p.m. No charge. Details: (732) 431-7222.

+ Old Tennent Cemetery Association of Plot Owners will hold a special meeting Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan. Topics to be discussed include current happenings, possible bylaws changes, election of cemetery representatives and a financial report. Details: (732) 446-9238.

+ Black Women of Essence, a nonprofit organization for women of color, will meet on Aug. 15 from 7-8:30 p.m., Juniper Plaza, 3499 Route 9 north, Freehold Township, Suite 2A. Details: lwise@bwoe.org.