Datebook

+ The following weekend programs will take place at Cattus Island County Park, Toms River. The programs are free and do not require preregistration. From 11-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during March and April (except April 8), the public can join a naturalist for an up-close and personal look at live turtles and snakes. From 1:30-2 p.m., also on Saturdays and Sundays during March and April (except April 8), a naturalist and youth volunteers will be on hand to feed and care for a variety of turtles while answering questions.

+ The following weekend programs will take place at Cattus Island County Park, Toms River. The programs are free and do not require pre-registration. Nature walks begin at 2 p.m. March 10-11, Signs of Spring; March 17-18, Return of the Ospreys; March 24-25, Tracking Whitetails; March 31 and April 1n Soggy Swamp Jaunt.

+ A blood drive will be held by the Howell-Jackson Knights of Columbus Council 6201, March 9 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the council home at 401 Bartley Road, Jackson. The replenishment drive is being held on behalf of Courtney Hughes and Colleen Nagy and will benefit local children and area patients. T-shirts for all donors. Call (732) 370-0562 or e-mail BJK1946@aol.com to sign up.

+ Old Wall Historical Society will hold its 16th annual Spring Antique Show, March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wall High School gymnasium, 18th Avenue and New Bedford Road, Wall Township. Donation: $5.

+ Amish traditions will be explored at 2 p.m. March 10 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive. Attendees will hear personal stories from a woman who lived in rural Lancaster County for 13 years, working with a local midwife for five years. Details and registration: (732) 928-4400, ext. 15. This program is free and open to the public.

+ A blood drive to benefit the Central Jersey Blood Center will be held from 4-8 p.m. March 12 at Hope Presby-terian Church, 617 Hope Road, Lake-wood. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. Details: (732) 364-8318.

+ The Lakewood Piners Toastmas-ters Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Lakewood municipal building, 231 Third St. The group's goal is to help improve speaking and leadership techniques. A speech contest will be held March 13 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in room C, second floor conference room. The public is invited to observe the contest. Details: (732) 244-1480.

+ The Harry O'Claire Chapter No. 637 of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) will meet at the Lakewood library, Lexington Avenue, March 15 at 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be from Ocean County College. All eligible federal employees, retirees, their annuitants, spouses and guests are invited to attend. For further information call (732) 892-2510.

+ Butt Pillows: An Unusual Craft Experience," a program designed especially for teens, will be held at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, March 27 at 3:30 p.m. Details and registration: (732) 938-2300.

+ Alzheimer's Association Care-giver Support Group, March 8, 7 p.m., Kimball Medical Center, Route 9, Lake-wood; and Bella Terra Retirement Community, 2 Kathleen Drive, Jackson, March 27, 10 a.m. Details: (800) 883-1180.

+ "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult will be discussed at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, at 7 p.m. March 28. Details and registration: (732) 938-2300.

+ Free tax assistance will be provided by AARP at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon now through April 10. There are no age restrictions. Appointments are not required. Details: (732) 928-4400.

Items for the Tri-Town News Datebook may be faxed to (732) 780-4192.