Community Bulletin Board

The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Department of Parks and Recreation will continue its free summer concerts with the following events:

• The Bob Birch Trio — Aug. 14, 3-4:30 p.m., Johnson Park, River Road, Piscataway;

• Circus Time With Mark Heter and His Band — Aug. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., Warren Park, Florida Grove Road, Woodbridge;

• The Big Band Express — Aug. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Spring Lake Park, Maple Avenue, South Plainfield;

• The Perry Brothers: An Evening of Irish Music — Aug. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, O’Leary Boulevard, South Amboy;

• The Dave Wilson Jazz Band — Aug. 17, 2-3:30 p.m., at the gazebo next to the lake in Thompson Park, Forsgate Drive, Monroe;

• Magic Touch Doo-Wop: Music of the ’50s and ’60s — Aug. 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Alvin P. Williams Park, Sewaren Peninsula, Cliff Road, Sewaren section of Woodbridge.

• The Rich Radice Sax Quartet — Aug. 21, 3-4:30 p.m., Johnson Park;

• The Eclectic Sounds of Mike Kuscak and His Guitar — Aug. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., Warren Park;

• The Beacon Hill Jazz Band — Aug. 21, 6:30-8 p.m., Spring Lake Park;

• The Tim Gillis Country Music Band — Aug. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Raritan Bay Waterfront Park;

• Circus Time With Mark Heter and His Band — Aug. 24, 2-3:30 p.m., at the gazebo next to the lake in Thompson Park.

For more information, call (732) 745-3936.

Vendors sought for 10th annual Old Bridge Day

Vendors are sought for the 10th anniversary celebration of Old Bridge Day set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the municipal complex, Route 516 and Cottrell Road.

The event will feature live entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. on the main stage. Mushmouth, who will provide a rock ’n’ roll revue, will open and close the day’s festivities. The works of more than 50 artisans will be available in the craft vendor area. Old Bridge Seniors will offer handmade crafts in the Senior Center. Pizza, steak, sausage, curly fires, hot dogs, hamburgers and more may be purchased at the food court. The township will distribute free popcorn and cotton candy to youngsters.

The Old Bridge Police Department will host a “Kid I.D.” program and a free bicycle raffle. The Municipal Alliance Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse will offer giveaways, literature and tips on “staying clean.”

Designated parking will be at Old Bridge High School west campus and OBHS east campus. Parking will not be available at the municipal complex. A shuttle bus will be available from the east campus only.

For more information and to reserve a vendor space, call (732) 607-7940, or e-mail events@oldbridge.com. Deadline for vendor applications is Sept. 27.

Church anniversary panel to host South River picnic

The Centennial Anniversary Committee of Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River, will sponsor a South River Community Picnic from noon to 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Seven Acres Park, corner of Kamm and Whitehead avenues. The event will feature food and beverages, games, music and more.

Admission is free of charge. All family members are welcome.

Be a critic at library’s ‘Summertime Dream’

Adult patrons of the Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St., still have time to fulfill their dreams and act as media critics in a “Summertime Dream Time” challenge program involving all types of library media. The program, which began at the end of June, will end on Aug. 13.

Cardholders ages 14 and up may test their skills as critics and have the opportunity to win a weekly prize and one of five grand prizes. Participants must read a book, browse a magazine, watch a video, listen to a music CD or a book on tape, and then rate the material on a scale of one-five stars. Items rated must come from the library’s collection. All media formats are eligible.

For each item rated, “critics” must complete an entry form for the library’s weekly raffle drawing. One entry per week will be chosen through Aug. 13. Grand-prize winners will be announced on Aug. 18 during a music event at the library. Weekly prizes and grand prizes are funded through the Friends of the Spotswood Public Library. For details, call (732) 251-1515.

Impact of truck traffic to be topic at meeting

The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership will hold an open meeting for interested area residents and current members at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the Milltown Senior Center, 60 Violet Terrace.

Damien Newton, New Jersey coordinator of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, will offer “The Trucks Are Coming!!,” a presentation on the expected impact of future truck traffic on the roads in Middlesex County.

Refreshments will be served. There will be an opportunity for questions and open discussion.

For more information on the upcoming meeting, call the Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership at (732) 249-5297.

The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship of the Lawrence Brook Watershed in East Brunswick, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, Milltown and New Brunswick.

Special Strides seeks donations for fund-raiser

Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Center for children with special needs, Monroe, will hold its annual fund-raiser at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Congress Hill Farm, 118 Federal Road, Monroe.

The community-based event is usually attended by more than 300 supporters. Special Strides is looking for individuals and businesses who are interested in donating items to be raffled off at the fund-raiser. Many of the donated items that have been raffled off in previous years were bundled in theme baskets that were packaged by one of the nonprofit organization’s volunteers.

“Our thought was that as people entertain during the summer months, they can suggest that their guests bring ‘theme’ items (kitchenware, sporting goods, health and beauty products, etc.) in lieu of a cake or dessert,” said Laurie Landy, founding partner of Special Strides. “Our volunteers would then assemble the baskets for the event.”

The money raised at the annual fund-raiser subsidizes every child who participates in the Special Strides program, which aids youngsters who have a wide range of disabilities from cerebral palsy to spinal-cord injuries to autism, experience improvement in their flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Special Strides provides specialized therapy using horses as a strategy to achieve neuro-developmental goals. Occupational, physical and speech therapists provide the assistance.

For more information, to donate, or to volunteer for the fund-raiser, log on to www.specialstrides.com or call (732) 446-0945.

Top prize is $15,000 in

Milltown church raffle

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Milltown, invites the public to participate in its Powerball Raffle.

Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The grand prize is $15,000, and there will be 20 cash prizes, totaling $25,000. The drawing will be held on Sept. 25.

Tickets, which cost $50 each, may be purchased at the church rectory, 233 N. Main St.

Call (732) 828-0011 for office hours.

B’nai B’rith couples

will meet for dinner

The B’nai B’rith Ketubah Married Couples Unit (for ages 40 and above) will meet for dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Sir John’s, 230 Washington Place, North Brunswick.

Nonmembers are welcome.

For more information and to reserve, call Elaine at (908) 232-0062 by Aug. 19.

Rosary Society

to sponsor Peach Fest

Holy Trinity Rosary Society will sponsor a Peach Festival from 1-7 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Holy Trinity Parish Center, 100 Main St., Helmetta.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under age 10.

Business networking

event set for Aug. 23

Network PLUS, a business-to-business networking group that provides members with leads to help them grow their businesses, will sponsor its next networking event at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Panico’s, 103 Church St., New Brunswick.

Admission is $10 and includes hors d’oeuvres .

All interested individuals are welcome to attend.

Network PLUS has almost 1,000 members meeting at more than 100 different locations throughout New Jersey, offering breakfast, lunch and after-work events. The group’s goal is to grow to more than 10,000 members within the next three years.

Each event is led by an experienced and trained facilitator who is part of the Network PLUS management team.

For more information and to register, call (732) 254-8440, or e-mail robin@thesandersongroup.com.

Milltown Cadette troop

conducting food drive

Girl Scout Cadette Troop No. 1918, Milltown, is sponsoring a food drive to benefit Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, New Brunswick. Elijah’s Promise serves homeless and needy families in the area.

A collection basket is located at Milltown Borough Hall, Washington Avenue. Summer hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday. After Labor Day, hours will change to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The service project will continue through Sept. 26.

The food drive is the troop’s first step toward earning the Silver Award.

For more information, call J. McMullen, troop leader, at (732) 246-0406.

Safe-driving courses

coming to S.R. Library

Two AARP-sponsored driver safety courses are planned at the South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave. The first course will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 22 and 23; the second is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 24.

Classes are open to licensed drivers; there are no age requirements. Cost is $10. Membership in AARP is not required. Interested individuals must register in advance.

Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate entitling them to a 5-percent discount on the major portion of their automobile insurance premium for three years and a 2-point reduction in their Motor Vehicle Commission record (if applicable).

For more information and to register, call (732) 254-2488.

Spotswood Library to sponsor book sale

The Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St., will host a book sale during regular library hours Aug. 20-Sept. 10.

Hardcover books, paperbacks, children’s books, audiocassettes and videocassettes will be available.

Paperbacks will sell for 50 cents each or three for $1, hardcovers for 75 cents and up, videocassettes for $1.

An “All-You-Can-Carry for $5” sale is set for the last two days of the event, Sept. 9 and 10.

All sales are final. Proceeds will benefit the library and its programs.

For more information, call (732) 251-1515.

Regional chamber plans networking breakfasts

The East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce will sponsor A.M. Business Networking events from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Aug. 11 and Sept. 8 at CareOne, 599 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, and 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Aug. 25 and Sept. 22 at Sunrise Assisted Living, 190 Summerhill Road, East Brunswick. A continental breakfast will be served at all events.

Cost is four meetings for $15 or $5 per meeting for members, four meetings for $30 or $10 per meeting for nonmembers. Reservations are required.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 257-3009.

Arts League has shows in Bedminster and N.Y.

The Visual Arts League (VAL), in collaboration with the Somerset Art Association (SAA), is holding a “Pipe Dreams” exhibit through Aug. 30 at the SAA studio, 2020 Burnt Mills Road in Bedminster. The traveling art exhibit was created by teachers and school children from more than 40 schools from around the world, including schools in East Brunswick and New Brunswick.

Viewing hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is free. Call (908) 234-2345.

VAL, based in East Brunswick, will sponsor “The Train Show” at Avery Fisher Hall’s Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center, New York, from Aug. 11-23. A reception will be held at 3 p.m. Aug. 16. Viewing hours are Monday to Saturday starting at 10 a.m., and Sunday starting at noon.

“The Train Show” was created by students at the Paul Robeson School in New Brunswick. Along with the children’s trains is a 64-foot-wide graffiti train mural created in the New Brunswick Train Station two years ago during the station’s 100th anniversary.

Crafters, vendors, artists sought for fair

Vendors, crafters and artists are needed for the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick Street Fair set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the church, Bayard and Nelson streets.

The event will feature music, clowns, a raffle and food. Rental fee is $25 for space only, $30 for space with table.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 545-1005 or (732) 254-4647.

Guitarist/lecturer to appear at library

The Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St., will continue its series of summer music programs when guitarist and lecturer Richard Roden Jr. shares the legacy of Irish, Scottish, English and Welsh music at noon on Aug. 18.

Folk classics will be delivered in a tenor voice with guitar accompaniment. The program has been developed and funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The public is invited. Reservations are recommended. Refreshments will be served.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 251-1515.

Church invites youth to board ‘VBS Express’

The First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville, 174 Main St., will offer a vacation Bible school program, “All Aboard the VBS Express,” from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 22-26.

Youngsters in prekindergarten-sixth grade are invited to attend. Cost is $10 per child.

For more information and to register, call (732) 651-5952.

Dinner will benefit Jimmy Moran Family Fund

The Red Knights New Jersey Chapter XI International Firefighters Motorcycle Club will sponsor a Jimmy Moran Family Fund benefit dinner from 7-11 p.m. on Aug. 28 at Palm Plaza, Matawan.

Jimmy Moran, age 36, a riding member of South Amboy Mechanicsville Hose Company No. 1, has been a volunteer firefighter since he was 16 years old. Recently diagnosed with lung cancer, Moran is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. He is employed by Waste Management, Matawan, but has been unable to work due to his illness.

Donation for the dinner is $60 per person. Proceeds will go to the Jimmy Moran Family Fund.

For more information and to reserve, call Kevin B. Williams at (732) 283-1521, e-mail RKNJXI@yahoo.com; Edward Sena at (732) 738-6897, e-mail biged1430@aol.com; Jackie Julian at (732) 727-5511 or (732) 727-1274; or Suzanne Anan at (973) 392-5788 or (732) 280-3406.

It is requested that payment be mailed no later than Aug. 13. Checks should be made payable to Jimmy Moran Family Fund and sent to Edward Sena, 14 Lillian St., Fords, NJ 08863.

Belarusian Festival

coming to South River

St. Euphrosynia Belarusian Greek Orthodox Church, South River, will hold its annual Belarusian Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Belarusian-American Center, 284 Whitehead Ave., South River.

The event will feature ethnic food and music, tricky trays, prizes, baked goods and more.

For more information, call Tanya at (732) 721-5601.

Reformed Church Home

sets Sept. 19 golf event

The Reformed Church Home, Old Bridge, will hold its 14th annual Golf Outing on Sept. 19 at Colts Neck Golf Club.

Entry fee will include breakfast, green fees, cart, buffet lunch, gifts, prizes and a silent auction. Advance registration is required by Sept. 10.

Sponsorships and contributions are welcome.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the assisted living facility’s special projects fund to benefit residents.

For more information, exact cost and to reserve, call Kathy Alfieri at (732) 607-9230.

Jul’s Studios to feature

Aug. 14 ethnic art show

Jul’s Studios, a multicultural hair salon located at 777 Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville, will sponsor an ethnic art show featuring local African artists and their work beginning at 4 p.m. on Aug. 14. The show will be the third event sponsored by Jul’s Studios this year. In February, the salon held a lingerie party to help promote a local entrepreneur. In May, Jul’s hosted an interior design show. The salon’s founder, owner and head stylist is Juliette Mills-Lutterodt. For more information on the show, call (732) 390-0800.

Donors urgently needed

for Aug. 19 blood drive

The Central Jersey Blood Center will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Provident Bank, 213 Summerhill Road, East Brunswick.

There is a critical shortage of blood. Donors must bring signature/photo identification. To register, call Christina Ragolia at (732) 651-6655. For more information on the Blood Center, call (732) 842-5750.

Safe Sitter program coming to 4-H Building

St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, will offer a Safe Sitter program from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 17 in 4-H Club Building, Middlesex County Fairgrounds, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Girls and boys ages 11-13 are invited to participate.

The course will teach adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. Participants will learn what to do for a choking child or if a child stops breathing; how to call for emergency help; how to feed and diaper a small child; and how to entertain children and keep them safe.

Fee is $50 and covers materials and program costs. Space is limited to 18 students. Registration is now going on.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 745-8579.

‘Dreamgirls’ next up for Plays-in-the-Park

Middlesex County’s summer theater, Plays-in-the-Park, will continue its 43rd season of musicals with a production of “Dreamgirls” set for 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 20 at the Stephen J. Capestro Theater in Roosevelt Park, Edison. There will be no performances on Sundays.

The box office will open at 5:30 p.m. on performance days. Patrons must bring a low-back lawn chair, which they may place in the outdoor seating area immediately after purchasing a ticket. Chaise lounges and chairs taller than 40 inches will not be allowed.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors age 62 and above. Children age 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.

The theater, which is handicapped accessible, is located off Route 1 south, just south of the Menlo Park shopping mall, Edison.

For more information, call (732) 548-2884, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays-Fridays.

Funding has been made possible in part by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, and by the financial support of the Friends of Plays-in-the-Park.

Oldies Dance planned at American Legion post

Spotswood American Legion Post No. 253 will sponsor its monthly Oldies Dance from 8-11 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the post home, Devoe Avenue, next to the lake.

Participants will dance to the music of the ’50s and ’60s. An oldies dance is held every third Friday of the month at the post home. A DJ provides the music.

Admission is $7 per person and includes soda, cake, coffee, tea, door prizes and trivia games. Singles are welcome.

For more information, call Tony at (732) 251-0970.

Little Apple to stage ‘Honk!’ in Spotswood

Little Apple Productions of Milltown will present “Honk!,” a musical comedy based on “The Ugly Duckling,” at 8 p.m. on Aug. 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Spotswood High School, Summerhill Road.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. For advance tickets, call Desiree at (732) 317-8095.

“Honk!” is funded in part by a grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission.

Alzheimer’s support group slates meeting

The Alzheimer’s Disease Support Network of Middlesex County will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the Piscataway Senior Center, Hoes Lane.

For more information, call Mildred Potenza at (732) 235-8400.

Raritan Bay auxiliary to sponsor Socks Sale

The Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge Auxiliary will hold a fund-raising Socks Sale from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 19 in Auxiliary Hall C, lower level of the Medical Arts Building, adjacent to the hospital’s Old Bridge division, off Ferry Road, between routes 9 and 18.

For more information, call (732) 324-5006.