Datebook

CHRIS KELLY staff Youngsters gather around Rick Waterhouse as he plays original music during his presentation of "In Search of the Reading Bug" at the Jackson library on July 14.

• Tai Chi classes will be offered by the Howell Parks and Recreation Department from July 17 through Aug. 19 at Echo Lake Pavilion, Howell. Intermediate classes will be held from 6-7 p.m. and advanced classes will take place from 7-8 p.m. Details and registration: 732-938- 4500, ext. 2501.

• Kim Brown, sister of Marc Brown, the author of the Arthur series of books and the inspiration for D.W., Arthur's sister, will visit the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, at 1 p.m. July 17. For children in first grade and up. Details: 732-928-4400.

• A blood drive will be conducted from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 18 at the Adelphia firehouse, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell. Details: 732-577-1781.

• Central Jersey Blood Center will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 at Harley Davidson of Ocean County, 300 Route 70, Lakewood. All donors will receive a T-shirt and be entered in a weekly drawing for a $500 gas card. Donors must be at least 17 years old and must weigh at least 120 pounds. Bring ID. Details: 732-842-5750.

• An old fashioned barbecue will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. July 19 at the Adelphia firehouse, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell. Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for children under age 10, free under age 5. Details: 732-577-1781.

• All-you-can-eat breakfast, July 19, 8-11 a.m., at the New Egypt United Methodist Church, 38 N. Main St., New Egypt. Pancakes, eggs made to order, French toast, home fries, sausage, bacon, and more. Adults: $6; children 5 and under, $3. Details: 609-758-2147.

• A yard sale conducted by the Howell Historical Society will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 19 at McKenzie Museum, 427 Farmingdale-Lakewood Road, Howell. Rain date: July 26. Details: 732-431-4117.

• A scrapbooking crop/fundraiser will be held from 2-9 p.m. July 19 at the Jackson Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, 113 North New Prospect Road, Jackson. Proceeds benefit the fire company. The cost of $30 per person includes dinner and giveaways. Details: 732-370-2180.

• A blood drive hosted by the Lakewood BlueClaws and the American Red Cross will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 at FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. For appointments contact www.pleasegiveblood.org call 800 GIVELIFE. The first 120 donors will receive a Jimmy Rollins MVP bobblehead and all donors will receive a chance to win tickets, a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and BlueClaws team autographed baseballs.

• A "God's Big Backyard" celebration will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. July 20-24 at the Church of the Master, 110 Salem Hill Road, Howell. A barbecue and show will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 25. Details: 732- 364-3456 or 111salem@optonline.net.

• An 1836 town meeting will be presented from 2-2:30 p.m. July 20 at the Historic Village at Allaire State Park, Route 524 (4265 Atlantic Ave.), Wall Township. Fee: $5 per car. Details: 732-919-3500.

• Kids at Heart, music and motion class for children ages 1-5 with a caregiver, will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. July 21 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. Details: 732-928-4000.

• A knitting and crocheting service group welcomes all levels to join the group on July 21 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. Items crafted are donated

to hospitals. Details: 732-928-4000.

• Puppy Power - Seeing Eye dogs in training with the 4-H Club will be at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, at 7 p.m. July 23. Children ages 4 and up are welcome. Details: 732-928-4000.

• Central Jersey Blood Center will host a blood drive from 5-9 p.m. July 24 at St. Monica's Church, 679 West Veterans Highway, Jackson. All donors will receive a T-shirt and be entered in a weekly drawing for a $500 gas card. Donors must be at least 17 years old and must weigh at least 120 pounds. Bring ID. Details: 732-842- 5750 or cjbcblood.org.

• Self-defense techniques for older adults will be taught from 12:15-1:15 p.m. July 24 at the Center for Healthy Living, 198 Prospect St, Lakewood. Cost: $3 per session. Details and registration: 888-724- 7123.

• Gaming night will be held at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, at 7 p.m. July 24. Nintendo Wii and PlayStation will be played. Bring extra controllers and games. For youths in grade six and up. Details: 732-928-4000.