Datebook

• "Priorities: Making Time for the Important Things in Life" will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 by Monmouth Torah Links, Marlboro. Kenneth Grossman, founder and CFO of Forex Capital Markets, headquartered in New York, will share his insights on the current financial markets as well as his personal story of balancing a successful business with his commitment to Judaism. A light kosher buffet will be served. Free program. Call 732-377-9551 to register.

• A Rockin' Hanukkah concert featuring an interactive children's sing-along with entertainer Yosi will be presented at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 17 by the Young Families Club at Congregation Sons of Israel, Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. Tickets: $15 per family in advance, $20 per family at the door. Details: 732-446-3000.

• Asperger Syndrome Education Network of Western Monmouth County will meet from 7-9 p.m. monthly at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, on the following dates: Dec. 17 (general meeting); Jan. 21 (social skills fair with local camps and social skills groups); Feb. 18 (general meeting). Call 732-446-7610, or e-mail ann0912@aol.com to verify that meetings have not been canceled.

• Movies on a Thursday Afternoon will be shown at the Marlboro library, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro, on Thursdays at 2 p.m. "We're No Angels" will be shown Dec. 18. Details: 732-536-9406.

• Alzheimer's Association caregiver support group will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Brandywine Assisted Living at Governor's Crossing, 49 Lasatta Ave., Englishtown. Details: 800-883-1180.

• The Drama Ministry of Monmouth Worship Center will present an original production of "The Saving of Scrooge," a modern version of a beloved tale, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21. The performances will be held at the church, 176 Route 79, Marlboro. "The Saving of Scrooge" is an original play loosely based on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." It is appropriate for the entire family. No tickets or reservations are required; there is no charge to attend. A nursery is provided free for children 5 and under. Details: 732-332-9600.

• A babysitting clinic for children ages 11-15 will be held at CentraState Medical Center's Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center, 901 W. Main St., Freehold Township, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20, Fee: $35 per child. Bag lunch recommended. Details and registration: 732-308- 1850.

• A Hanukkah party will be held at Temple Shalom, 5 Ayrmont Lane, Aberdeen, at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 21. Sponsored by the Brotherhood of Temple Shalom, the event will feature games and magic with Jeff Blum, "The Magical Songwriter." This event is free and open to the public. Details: 732-566-2621.

• Sunday breakfasts will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Freehold Elks Lodge No. 1454, 73 E. Main St., Freehold, on Dec. 21, Jan. 18 and Feb. 15. Meals are all-you-caneat and cooked to order. Adults $7; children 12 and under, $5. Details: 732-431-8707.

• The Howell Historical Society will hold its annual holiday open house from 1- 4 p.m. Dec. 27 at the McKenzie Museum, 427 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road, Howell. Light refreshments will be served at the free event. Details: 732-779-4199.

• United Families of African Descent will present an afternoon of festivities to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, at 1 p.m. Dec. 27. Free. Details: 732-431-7220.

• Holiday gift wrap will be available at the Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 9, Freehold Township, through Dec. 28 and will be open during mall hours. All proceeds will go to cancer research. The booth will be staffed by volunteers from the Marlboro and Jackson chapters of Hadassah, and will be on the second floor bridge near the elevator.

• Kateri Environmental Center, 160 Conover Road, Marlboro, will host its annual New Year's Eve event from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Attendees will float their troubles and cares down the Tan Vat Brook as they prepare for the coming year. Dress for the outdoors. The fee for this event is $10; or $8 for members of Kateri. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by Dec. 30. This event is for adults. To register call 732-946-9694.

• Registration for tai chi classes for adults is being accepted at the Howell recreation building. The program will be held Jan. 6 through Feb. 5 from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for intermediate students and from 7-8 p.m. for advanced students. Fee: $50 for 10 classes. Details: 732-938-4500, ext. 2501.

• Bowling and pizza, sponsored by the JCC of Western Monmouth, will be offered at Howell Lanes, Howell, from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 2. The cost is $12 per child in advance (by Dec. 23) or $15 at the door. Details: 732.683.9300 or ian@jccw.com.

• The Freehold Area Branch of the American Association of University Women will welcome Frank Ancona, a professor in the Gender Studies Department of Sussex County Community College, at its Jan. 8 meeting. The meeting will be held in the media center of the Barkalow Middle School, Stillwells Corner Road, Freehold Township, at 7:30 p.m. Ancona will discuss the importance of women throughout history and base his talk, "Femina Sapiens: The Greatest Story Never Told," on his book and show examples of art and artifacts from pre-history to contemporary times. Details: 732-928-2478.

• Cooking Healthy With Chef Mike will be offered to children in kindergarten through eighth grade by the Howell Recreation Department on Thursdays from Jan. 8 through Feb. 19 (no class Feb. 12) at Howell Memorial Middle School, 485 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell. Details and times: 732-938-4500, ext. 2501.

• AAPR's 55-Alive Driver Safety Program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 9 and Jan. 16 at the Howell Senior Citizens Center, Old Tavern and Preventorium roads, in the Howell municipal complex. The eight-hour refresher course is for those ages 50 and older. There is no written test and no behind-the-wheel driving. The program is geared toward safety. Upon completion of the course, attendees will receive a discount from their insurance companies and a reduction of two points from their New Jersey driving record. The fee is $14 ($12 for AARP members) and includes all materials needed. Details and registration: 732-938- 4500, ext. 2552. Participants must register and prepay between now and Jan. 7. Priority will be given to Howell residents.