Datebook

+ A celebration in support of Israel sponsored by Beth Zion Messianic Syn-agogue and the Lakewood Community Outreach will take place Aug. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lakewood Town Square between Third and Fourth streets on Clifton Avenue in Lakewood. People of all faiths are welcome. Clothing distribution will be available for those in need. Details: (732) 928-7700 or www.bethzion.org.

+ Bat Shalom Hadassah of Jackson will hold its monthly general meeting at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at its new location at Bartley Health Care, Bartley Road, off County Line Road, Jackson. Nurse-educator Kathy Wright will speak about osteoporosis. Details: (732) 928-1924.

+ A fish fry hosted by the Jackson VFW Post 4703, 54 Magnolia Drive, will take place Aug. 18 from 5-8 p.m. The price is $8 for a three-piece flounder dinner and $4 for children age 12 and under. Call (732) 928-0077 after noon for takeout and details. Proceeds will help needy veterans and community activities.

+ The Sierra Club, Ocean County Group, will host a fundraising barbecue and picnic Aug. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. in Windward Beach Park, Princeton Avenue, Brick. There will be food and swimming, volleyball and a DJ. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 10. Children under age 5 are free. All are welcome to be a part of the Sierra Club's effort to protect the environment. Details and tickets: (732) 451-9220 or (609) 242-9304.

+ An informal open house will be held at Congregation B'nai Israel, a Conser-vative Jewish synagogue at 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, Prospective members, including interfaith couples, are welcome to meet the rabbi, cantor, officers and board members on Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and find out about programs and groups for children from nursery school through adult. R.S.V.P. (732) 408-1579 or (732) 349-1244.

+ A blood drive will be held Aug. 20 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 434 Aldrich Road, Howell, from 8 a.m. to noon. All donors will receive T-shirts and refreshments. Donors must be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and present signature identification. Appoint-ments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted. Details: (732) 363-0732. E-mail: LuTang@verizon.net.

+ A peach festival will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 8 Main St., Farmingdale, Aug. 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. Details: (732) 938-4100.

+ A gift auction will be held by the Bat Shalom Hadassah of Jackson, Aug. 22 at noon at the New York Style Signature Deli in Brewers Bridge Place, County Line Road, Jackson. The cost of admission is $18 and includes a full lunch. Attendees are asked to bring a wrapped new gift valued at between $10 and $15. The gifts will be raffled off with all proceeds going to "Children at Risk." Details and tickets: (732) 928-2724.

+ Ocean County College, College Drive, Toms River, will host an open house, Aug. 23 from 5-7 p.m. in the first floor lobby of the administration building. Pro-spective students are welcome. Details: (732) 255-0400, ext., 2960.

+ A tricky tray to benefit the Jackson Chapter of the Deborah Hospital Foun-dation will be held Aug. 25 at the VFW post on Magnolia Drive, Jackson. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Donation: $3. No one under 18 will be admitted.

+ The Lakewood Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.

+ Angelo Saverino, actor/writer and former professional sports agent, will be at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. to promote his new book "The Heart of the Order." The book is about his career and life. Details and registration: (732) 928-4400.

+ Congregation Ahavat Achim, 106 Windeler Road, Howell, is having an open house for prospective new members, Aug. 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Details: (732) 367-1677.

+ An indoor flea market will be held at St. Aloysius Church, Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost for tables is $15 each. The Holy Name Society will provide refreshments. Details: (732) 901-6594 or (732) 928-3145.

+ Bingo games are held every Friday at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt section of Plumsted. Doors open at 6 p.m. Pro-gressive jackpots. Details: (609) 758-8131 or www.alpost455nj.org.

+ The Friends' Chess Club will be held at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, at 10 a.m. every Saturday through August. All skills invited for informal chess playing. No charge. Details: (732) 938-2300.

Items for the Tri-Town News Datebook may be faxed to (732) 780-4192. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.