Datebook

+ The Western Monmouth County Newcomers Club will hold its first general meeting of the year Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. All are welcome. Call Marian at (732) 536-1469.

+ A musical hour sponsored by the Cecilian Music Club will be held Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at a residence in Freehold. Students, teachers and community members are invited. Details: Alan, (732) 303-0060.

+ The Art Society of Monmouth County will meet Oct. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, 128 Ocean Ave., Monmouth Beach. A presentation on pastel portraiture will be given by Elaine Smith. All are welcome. Details: (732) 229-4527.

+ Central Jersey Business Professionals will hold a networking event in the Freehold area Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m. Details: Aaron Niederman, (732) 922-6300 (ext. 35).

+ Gamblers Anonymous will meet Oct. 20 and 27, 8-9:30 p.m., at Hope Lutheran Church, 211 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. No fees.

+ Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) will present an effort of autism awareness, "Songs of Inspiration,"with Kayla Caffrey of Brick, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Algonquin Theatre, 173 Main St., Manasquan. Cost is $20. Details: (732) 888-1000 or send an email to info@poac.net.

+ Freehold Regional High School District will sponsor the Empty Bowls project on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Colts Neck High School cafeteria, Route 537 and Five Points Road, Colts Neck. The event is being held to raise awareness in the fight against hunger. For a $10 donation from students and a $20 donation from adults, guests will be served a lunch of soup, bread and dessert.

+ The Garden State Horror Writers will meet Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. Guest speakers at noon. New members welcome. Details: (848) 992-2230 or www.gshw.net.

+ Knights of Columbus Council No. 1672, 70 E. Main St., Freehold, will host a Halloween breakfast buffet Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children under 12. No charge for any child in costume accompanied by an adult. Details: (732) 294-9742 or (732) 294-0114.

+ Small World Jewish Singles, for ages 35-55, has scheduled apple and pumpkin picking for Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. at Battleview Orchards, Wemrock Road, Freehold Township. The group will meet at the JCC of Western Monmouth in the Galleria Shopping Center, 100 Route 9 north, Manalapan. Cost is $5 per person. Call (732) 683-9300.

+ Jewish Education Life-Long Opportunities (JELLO) will meet Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Road West, Marlboro. Details: (732) 780-2300 or visit the Web site at www.mjcnj.com.

+ Marlboro K-8 Board of Education will hold workshop meetings at 8 p.m. on the following dates: Oct. 23, Nov. 7 and 14. A regular meeting will be held Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. All meetings are held at 1980 Township Drive, Marlboro.

+ Parents Anonymous will meet Oct. 24 and 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at Monmouth County Division of Social Services, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. No fees. Details: (732) 845-2073.

+ The Jewish Community Center of Western Monmouth is sponsoring a World Series party for young Jewish singles ages 24-35 Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. at the Ruth Hyman JCC, Deal. Cost is $15, which includes kosher pizza, drinks and dessert. Register by Oct. 23. Call (732) 683-9303 (press 3) or send an e-mail to Bari@JCCWM.com.

+ Central Jersey Blood Center will hold a blood drive Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Raintree clubhouse, Wemrock Road, Freehold Township. Details: Gloria, (732) 303-0506, or Fran (732) 780-8627.

+ The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Central and South Jersey Affiliate is seeking volunteers for the New Jersey Race for the Cure, to be held Oct. 29. Details: (609) 896-1203 or sign up at www.komencsnj.org.

+ The Jewish Community Center of Western Monmouth County is sponsoring a Sunday brunch for Jewish singles (ages 55 and older) Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. at Fred & Murray's kosher delicatessen, Pond Road shopping center, Route 9, Freehold Township. Cost is $18 per person. Register by Oct. 23. Call (732) 683-9303 (press 3) or e-mail Bari@JCCWM.com.

+ A PTO holiday craft and gift show will be held Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marshall W. Errickson School, 2271 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. Vendors needed. Details: Lynette Barbieri, (888) 380-9356.