Datebook

• The Freehold Elks Women's Auxiliary will host its annual Psychic Fair at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the lodge, 73 E. Main St., Freehold. Numerous psychics with various specialties such as astrology, numerology, Angel Card readings and more will be on hand for readings. Admission is $10 and readings are $10. Refreshments are included with admission. Details: 732 685- 9493.

• Help a fireman - a spaghetti dinner will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at the American Legion Post 54, 62 West Main St., Freehold to benefit Freehold firefighter Michael Petrula and his family, who had to evacuate their home due to a fire Sept. 22. All proceeds will go to the Petrulas. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 732-462-0164.

• The Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company will host a fire prevention open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Robertsville Firehouse, 94 Route 520, Marlboro. This year's campaign is "Prevent Home Fires." All are invited to attend.

• Monmouth County library's annual Fall Family Fun Day will be celebrated on Oct. 4 at the headquarters library at 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. The daylong event will feature puppetry, storytelling and a concert geared for families with children age 4 and up. Admission is free for all programs, beginning with a "Fun on a String" puppet cabaret show at 11 a.m. Songwriter/ musician Yosi Levin will perform a children's concert from 3-3:45 p.m. No prior registration is needed. Details: 732- 431-7226.

• A Trash and Treasure Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Reformed Church, 67 W. Main St., Freehold. Items will include children's clothes, toys, games, car seats and more. Plus household items, adult clothes, used books and baked goods. Details: 732-462-1717.

• Monmouth County Genealogy Society instructors will present basic skills for researching family trees on Oct. 4 and Nov. 1 at the Eatontown Community Center, 68 Broad St., Eatontown. Handicapped accessible. Fee: $60 for both days (non-members) and $35 per day at the door. Workshops will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided. All are welcome. Details: (609) 655-0699 or jborchardt@comcast.net.

• Rett Roll, a Bike Ride, Walk and Stroll to benefit Rett Syndrome, a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, will be held at Brookdale Community College, Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft, Oct. 5. The bike ride will have three different routes ranging from 7 to 25 miles through Monmouth County. There will also be a 1- mile walk and stroll along the Brookdale intercampus path. Registration fee is $15 plus a minimum of $40 in pledges. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to participants by Norkus Foodtown of Freehold and Dunkin Donuts of Lincroft. Details and registration: www.NJRSA.org or www.signmeup.com/61644.

• A Blessing of the Animals will be held Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 Park Ave at West Main Street, Freehold. Details: (732) 462-5122. Bring pets for a blessing and a treat. All are welcome. Rain or shine. Donations of nonperishable food will be accepted for the Open Door Food Pantry in Freehold.

• Congressional candidates in two local races have been invited to discuss the issues of importance to area residents in a debate co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Temple Shalom's Social Action Committee. Representatives of presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Mc- Cain are expected to be on hand to field questions. The forum will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 5. at the temple, 5 Ayrmont Lane, Aberdeen. The League of Women Voters will moderate the debate, which is open to the public. U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, a Democrat who is running for re-election in the 12th District against Republican Alan R. Bateman, and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) and the Republican challenger Robert E. McLeod are expected to attend. Details: 732-566-2621 or www.templeshalomnj.org.

• The Manalapan Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, 5 Sweetmans Lane, Manalapan, will host its annual open house and blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5. Visitors will learn about fire detectors, fire safety and the county emergency dispatch system and see a demonstration of the Jaws of Life. Children who board fire department apparatus and take photos wearing firefighter gear will receive prizes. The American Red Cross will be on hand to accept blood from those who wish to donate.

• Pink Ribbons of Marlboro Greens, a nonprofit organization to benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure of Central and Southern New Jersey, will hold a "Walk For The Cure" at 1 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Marlboro Greens community to coincide with Komen For The Cure's annual walk at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson on the same day. There will be entertainment, refreshments and raffle prizes. Registration is $5 per person, Every participant will receive a Komen for the Cure T-shirt. Details: 732- 617-1848.

• The 18th annual Life Chain will be held from 3-4 p.m. Oct. 5 in Howell. A silent, prayerful, "Life Chain" will be held alongside Route 9 in front of St. Veronica's Church in Howell. The Life Chain is a national pro-life event and all who share that belief are invited.

• Embroiderers' Guild of America, Monmouth Chapter's evening group, will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Colts Neck Library, 126 Cedar Drive, Colts Neck. Some members will be participating in a "Merchandising Bee" with Stephanie Novatski and Sue Bradley while others will be working on various projects. Anyone interested in stitching is invited to join. Details: (908) 276-8724.

• The Marlboro K-8 Board of Education will meet at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 (workshop) Oct. 14 (workshop), Oct. 21 (staff perfect attendance recognition) in the Marlboro K- 8 School District administration building at 1980 Township Drive, Marlboro. Details: 732-972-2000, ext. 2008.

• Tip a Fireman Night will be held from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 7 at Applebee's, 4721 Route 9 North, Howell. At that time, the firemen of the Southard Fire Department will be delivering food to benefit their organization. Tips will help the firemen in their efforts to keep the community safe. Details: 732-685-3600.

• A fire prevention open house will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Adelphia firehouse, 925 Route 524, Howell. Details: 732-577-1781.

• The First United Methodist Church of Farmingdale, 8 Main St., Farmingdale, will present a money managing workshop, "Saving in Difficult Times," on Oct. 8 from 7- 8:30 p.m. Pastor Rich Henderson will speak. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Details: 732-938-4100.

• Alzheimer's Association caregiver support groups will be held at the following locations: Sunrise of Marlboro, 3A South Main St., Marlboro, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8; Monmouth Crossing, 560 Iron Bridge Road, Freehold Township, 2 p.m. Oct. 9; Brandywine Senior Living, 3 Meridian Circle, Colts Neck, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14; Brandywine Assisted Living at Governor's Crossing, 49 Lasatta Ave., Englishtown, 7 p.m. Oct. 16.

• The Italian American Association is accepting registration for Italian language classes to be held at the Applegate School, Freehold, Friday evenings Oct. 10 through April 3. Lessons will be available for children age 4 and up and adults at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. An Italian conversational group for those fluent in the language will also be available. Positions are still open for Italian teachers. Details and registration: 732-863-0021 or 732-536-5832.

• The Freehold Elks Women's Auxiliary will host a porch sale in conjunction with Freehold Borough's community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the lodge, at 73 E. Main St., Freehold.

• The Goddard School of Marlboro annual Parent Appreciation BBQ will be held at the school, 50 Route 520, Marlboro (next to Commerce Bank) on Oct. 11 from 1-4 p.m. The rain date is Oct. 12 from 1-4 p.m. All are welcome to stop by to enjoy the food, refreshments, music by "Mr. Scott, the Music Man", arts and crafts, clown, moon bounce and a fun time. Details: 732-617-8181.

• Old Tennent Church, Tennent Road, Manalapan, will host its annual Harvest Home Dinner on Oct. 11. Seatings are at 5 and 7 p.m. Takeouts are available. The menu will include a turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, coleslaw and pie. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-10 and free for children under age 3. Details: 732-446-6299.

• Parents Without Partners, Chapter 25, will hold a covered-dish reunion 3-10 p.m. Oct. 11 at a home in Brick Township. All formermembers are invited. Call 732-840-0690 for reservations and directions.

• An open house will be held at the Englishtown firehouse, 3 S. Main St., Englishtown, from 2-6 p.m Oct. 12. All are welcome. Details: 732-446-4818.

• Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN) 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: Oct. 15 (general meeting), Nov. 19 (attorney Paul Prior will discuss legal rights in cases of bullying), Dec. 17 (general meeting), Jan. 21 (social skills fair with local camps and social skills groups), Feb. 18 (general meeting). ASPEN's annual fall conferencewill be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Hilton Woodbridge, Iselin. Call 732- 446-7610, or e-mail ann0912@aol.com to verify that meetings have not been canceled.

• The National Council of Jewish Women, an organization that supports the rights of women, families and children, will hold its monthly meeting at noon Oct. 16 at the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County in the Mount's Corner shopping center, corner of Route 537 and Wemrock Road, Freehold Township. Guest speaker Michael Berman, president of the Jewish Heritage Museum, will discuss plans and goals for the museum. Refreshments will be served. Details: www.ncjw.org.

• The Manalapan Arts Council will present Bad Medicine, a Bon Jovi tribute band, in concert at Manalapan High School from 7:30- 9:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Manalapan High School, Church Lane, Manalapan. Free admission. Details: 732-446-8303.

• A spaghetti dinner will be held at the Adelphia firehouse, 925 Route 524, Howell, from 4-8 p.m. Oct. 18. Admission: $9 for adults, free for children under age 5.

• A Charity Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Special Needs Children's Committee of the Freehold Elks Lodge will be held from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the lodge, 73 E. Main St., Freehold. Admission: $10, includes chili, and soda or draft beer. Those who wish to bring chili must preregister. Details: (732) 249- 7836.

• Howell Township Cultural Arts Committee will present the following free concerts at 3 p.m. on Sundays at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell: Oct. 19, Nicole and Denise will perfor songs from the top 40 of the past 50 years; Nov. 16, Maggie Worsdale will perform "The Great American Songbook." Free refreshments. A Festival of Choirs concert will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the First United Methodist Church of Farmingdale. Free holiday dinner will be served after the concert. Details: 732- 938-4500, ext. 2501.

• Social Jewish Singles will host a Meet and Mingle event at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Park Avenue Seafood Bistro, 618 Park Ave., Freehold. Admission of $10 per person includes a hot appetizer buffet. A cash bar will be available. Men and women age 55 and over are invited. Details: Socjsingles@ aol.com or 732-521-8272. Park Avenue Bistro: 732-761-1300.

• The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold will host a wine tasting dinner on Oct. 22 from 7-10 p.m. at the Metropolitan Café, 8 E. Main St., Freehold. The theme is "South of the Equator" which will feature a four-course dinner accompanied by wines from Australia, New Zealand and South American. Proceeds from the event will be used to support youth activities and scholarships within the community. The fee is $65 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Details: Carole Robinson, 732-431-3989.

• A Jersey Devil Hunt, conducted by Russell Juelg of the Pinelands Alliance, will take children on an imaginary hunt for the legendary clawed creature at 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. Using scary stories and songs, Juelg will explore the folklore behind the Jersey Devil in this 45-minute program that is geared for families with children ages 7 and up. No registration is required. Details: 732-431-7226.