Community Bulletin Board

South River Parks and Recreation will sponsor its annual fishing derby from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 20 at Bissetts Pond in Grekowski Park, Whitehead Avenue. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.

Borough residents through age 13 are eligible to participate. Prizes will be awarded.

Rain date is Aug. 27.

For more information, call (732) 254-4412.

HSA seeks crafters for

craft show/bake sale

Crafters are sought for the St. Thomas the Apostle HSA annual Craft Show and Bake Sale set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 15 in the school auditorium, Route 18 south, Old Bridge.

Rental tables are available at a cost of $17.50 or $35.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 866-0482.

Catholic Women sets Aug. 28 blood drive

The Sacred Heart Council of Catholic Women, in conjunction with New Jersey Blood Services, will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the cafeteria at Sacred Heart School, Cedar Street and Washington Road, South Amboy.

A platelet machine will be available for individuals interested in donating. To schedule an appointment, call (732) 721-7764.

E.B. cultural festival

scheduled for Sept. 25

East Brunswick’s annual Our Community Is Fair cultural festival, a celebration of the township’s ethnic diversity, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the East Brunswick municipal pond, Ryders Lane. Rain date is Oct. 2.

The daylong event will feature continuous cultural entertainment, a free craft project for children, free face painting, an ethnic food court, craft vendors, cultural exhibits and more.

Limited space remains for craft vendors and exhibitors.

Our Community Is Fair is sponsored by the Township of East Brunswick Division of Recreation and the East Brunswick Human Relations Council.

Admission to the festival is free of charge. The public is welcome.

For more information or to reserve a vendor or exhibitor space, call Karen Kecskes at (732) 390-6797, or e-mail recreation@eastbrunswick.org.

Open house at Etz Chaim

slated for Aug. 21

Congregation Etz Chaim Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave., will hold an open house Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event will feature brunch and a chance to meet Rabbi Ben Levy. Attendees will also receive a discount off dues for the first year of membership.

For more information, call (732) 251-1119.

Luncheon, concert set

for Senior Chai meeting

The next meeting of Senior Chai will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Jewish Congregation of Concordia, Monroe.

The event, which will feature a kosher lunch and a concert by the Concordia Chorale, is open to the public. Donation is $8, in advance. Transportation may be provided with advance notice.

For more information, call Jennifer at (609) 395-7979, Tuesdays-Thursdays.

Senior Chai is a program of the Jewish Family Service of Southern Middlesex County.

Story time registration

set at Sp’wood Library

In-person registration will begin on Sept. 12 for fall story times at the Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St. Telephone and in-person registration will be accepted beginning Sept. 13.

“Toddlers,” open to children 18-35 months accompanied by an adult, is set for 10:30-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 1-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

“Time To Read,” open to 3- and 4-year-olds (and 5-year-olds, if they are preschoolers), will be held from 1-1:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Thursdays.

“Story Time” for ages 5-8 in kindergarten-third grade, is set for 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Programs, which are open to Spotswood Library card holders only, will feature stories, music, crafts and more. Sessions will run from Sept 27-Nov. 17.

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

Elks’ pig roast set

for Sept. 10 in S.R.

The South River Elks will hold its annual pig roast and picnic Sept. 10 from noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children younger than age 10; after Sept. 6, the tickets will be $20 and $15, respectively. The event will feature roast pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, and salads. Several veterans will also be present.

For more information, call (732) 254-9820.

Rummage sale on tap at

East Brunswick temple

Temple B’nai Shalom, Fern and Old Stage roads, East Brunswick, will hold its second annual Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 11.

The event will take place rain or shine. A variety of merchandise will be offered at bargain prices.

For more information, call (732) 251-4300.

Alborada to perform in cross-cultural program

The Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission will present the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre in “The Feast of Sarah: A Gypsy Festival” at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Richard P. Marasco Center for the Performing Arts, Monroe Township High School, Perrineville Road.

The new cross-cultural production is a recreation of the oldest religious festival to which the gypsies made their annual pilgrimage.

The performance will feature gypsy violins, a cimbalom player from Hungary, and “saetas” (religious songs from Spain). There will be dances and music from the Balkans and gypsy spiritual dances, including the high-energy “czardas” that the gypsies learned while living in Hungary. Spanish gypsies will use tambourines and “zills” (Arabic finger instruments) to highlight their Arabic background, and Spanish and Hungarian gypsy cultures will be joined in a fusion dance using tambourines.

Admission is $12 for the general public, $10 for patrons. Tickets are available in advance at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 1 Municipal Plaza, and at the box office two hours before the performance.

The production is funded in part by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

For more information, call (732) 255-4071, (732) 521-4400, ext 134, or visit www.MonroeTownshipCulturalArts.com.

Picnic on agenda for South River VFW

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No 1451 will hold a picnic from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the post home, 31 Reid Street South River.

The event will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, beer, a 50/50 and music by the Knuckleheads with Tom Kelly.

Admission is $10. A portion of the proceeds will go to Operation Uplink to support the troops in Iraq.

For ticket information, call (732) 254-9834.

St. Stan’s Oktoberfest scheduled for Sept. 24

St. Stanislaus Kostka HSA will sponsor its annual Oktoberfest from 2-9 p.m. on Sept. 24 on the St. Stan’s School grounds, 225 MacArthur Ave., Sayreville. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place from 1-8 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Highlights will include games, wheels, rides, entertainment, children’s activities, a beer garden and food.

Youngsters will have the opportunity to pay one price and go on rides from 2-6 p.m. or 6-9 p.m.

For more information, call (732) 254-0212.

Golf outing to benefit church outreach events

Trinity United Methodist Church, Spotswood, will host its second annual golf outing on Oct. 7 at Cranbury Golf Club, 49 Southfield Road, off Route 571. Registration will begin at 8 a.m.

Each entry fee will include a continental breakfast, morning open driving range, lunch, a reception dinner, gifts, awards and more.

Golf tickets cost $150 each if purchased by Sept. 7.

Sponsors and contributions also are sought. Proceeds will benefit the church’s outreach programs.

For more information, call (732) 698-0088.

Vendors sought for ‘Monroe Country Fair’

The Monroe Township Mother’s Club and Recreation Department are seeking vendors for the 17 annual “Monroe Township Country Fair,” to be held Sept. 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at Thompson Park, Jamesburg. The fair will also include fireworks at dusk.

For vendor registration or more information, call Marguerite at (732) 251-3566.

For event information, call the community center at (732) 723-5000.

Raritan Buckmasters to celebrate at banquet

Buckmasters American Deer Foundation Raritan River Chapter will hold its annual banquet at 8 p.m. on Sept. 24 at The Cameo, Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge. For more information, call Ken Deal at (732) 636-0041.

‘Guys and Dolls’ to be staged in Monroe

The Mighty Oak Players, Monroe Township’s community theater group, will present the musical “Guys and Dolls” at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 and 26, 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, and 2 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Richard P. Marasco Performing Arts Center at Monroe Township High School, Perrineville Road.

Admission is $12 per person, $10 for senior citizens and students. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road, or at the Monroe Township Senior Citizen Center, 1 Municipal Plaza. Tickets also will be sold at the door two hours before each performance. For details, call (732) 521-3782.

Bingo players invited to Beth Ohr on Tuesdays

Congregation Beth Ohr, 70 Route 516, Old Bridge, offers Bingo at Beth Ohr beginning at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesdays. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The events feature large cash prizes, and smoking and nonsmoking rooms. Refreshments are available. For more information, call (732) 257-1523.

County to conclude summer concert series

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

• 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, River Road, Piscataway;

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

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

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

• 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, Forsgate Drive, Monroe;

• The Primitive Soul Blues Band — Aug. 28, 6-7:30 p.m., Warren Park;

• The Associates — Aug. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., Spring Lake Park.

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

Public invited to open house at extension office

In an effort to introduce county residents to its new location at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick, the Middlesex County office of Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension (RCRE) will host an open house at noon on Aug. 21. Rain date will be Aug. 28.

All three extension departments will be present to elaborate on their programming and to offer family activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the gardens, get tips on composting techniques, learn about proper nutrition, view a 4-H dance demonstration and take part in arts and crafts projects. There will also be a Jersey Fresh Taste Test survey (while supplies last) and free balloons for youngsters.

The local extension office is part of a nationwide network that brings the research of the state land-grant universities to local residents, often at no cost or for a minimal charge. Extension offices throughout New Jersey are cooperatively funded by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Rutgers University-New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Middlesex RCRE program areas include the Agricultural Department, which offers Master Gardener classes, sells soil test kits and diagnoses pest and disease samples, and the 4-H Youth Development Department, which coordinates 4-H Club activities and Project GIFT (a holiday charitable event). The EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Educational Program) Department also resides at the office and continues to present its nutrition classes to low-income families. For more information on the Middlesex RCRE and its programs and services, log on to http://co.middlesex.nj.us/extensionservices and click on Educational Video. For more information, call (732) 398 5262.

Volunteers sought for Red Cross programs

The public is invited to an American Red Cross New Volunteer Orientation set for 5:30-7 p.m. on Aug. 23 at 707 Alexander Road, Princeton.

The event will offer an overview of all Red Cross programs and services. Volunteers will be able to choose their areas of interest for further training. Programs include Disaster Services (aiding victims in time of fire, flood, hurricane); Health and Safety (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, the use of automated external defibrillators); Armed Forces Emergency Services (relay messages to armed forces); Blood Services (blood drives are held throughout Mercer and Middlesex counties); and Elderly Services (delivery of Meals on Wheels).

For more information on the event, call Sharon Hurley at (609) 951-2121.

To learn more about local American Red Cross programs, log on to www.njredcross.org.

Youngsters invited to Triple H auditions

Students in kindergarten-12th grade are invited to audition for “Disney’s Cinderella” and “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians,” two upcoming presentations from Triple H Productions, Sayreville.

Auditions will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 for students in kindergarten-fourth grade, and Sept. 8 for youngsters in grades 5-8, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, MacArthur Avenue, Sayreville.

Participants should use the back entrance.

Auditions for students in grades 9-12 will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the gym at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, MacArthur Avenue, Sayreville.

Show dates will be Nov. 11 and 12.

All performers should come prepared to sing with sheet music.

For more information, log on to www.triplehproductions.com, or call (732) 254-1535.

‘Keeping Kids Fit’ sign-up

begins Aug. 22

Monroe Recreation has announced that registration will begin Aug. 22 for its “Keeping Kids Fit!” programs, which will begin Sept. 12.

“My Buddy” for 2-year-olds will be held Mondays from 10-10:45 a.m.

Tuesday programs are “Active Explorers” for children ages 3-5 from 10-10:45 a.m.; “My Buddy” for 2- and 3-year-olds from 11:15 a.m. to noon; and “Cheer Tots” for children ages 3-4 from 12:15-1 p.m.

Programs for children ages 4-5 are Thursdays 12:15-1 p.m. and Fridays 12:15-1 p.m.

“Lil’ Gymnasts” for children ages 2-3 will be offered Wednesdays from 10:15-11 a.m., 11:15 a.m. to noon, and 12:15-1 p.m.; and for children ages 3-5 Thursdays from 10-10:45 a.m., and Fridays from 11:15 a.m.-noon.

The maximum number of children per class is eight, with the exception of “Cheer Tots” Thursdays and Fridays, which has a maximum of 12 children.

The cost for any program is $45 per child. Program dates are Sept. 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30; and Oct. 3-7, 11-14, 17-21 and 24 (no class Columbus Day). For more information, call Recreation at (732) 723-5000.

Register for chi kung

at center by Aug. 26

The Monroe Township Senior Center, 1 Municipal Plaza, will offer the following programs. Preregistration is required. Call (732) 521-6111.

“Chi Kung: Cultivate Your Energy” will be held on five Thursdays beginning Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. Chi kung is the Chinese healing art. The fee is $15, and payment is due Aug. 26. A three-session course on computer basics will begin Sept. 1 at 9:30 a.m. The fee is $15. “Broadway Love Songs” with Mike Ferreira will be presented Sept. 1 from 1-3 p.m. The lecture “Art of the Masters: Pablo Picasso” will be presented Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. “Body Works for Seniors,” a cardiovascular and weight resistance workout, will be held Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. The fee is $10.,

Free concerts slated at

Thompson, Warren parks

Middlesex County Department of Parks & Recreation will present country music by The Tim Gillis Band Aug. 24 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Thompson Park Gazebo, Forsgate Drive, Jamesburg.

“Circus Time” with Merk Heter and his band will be presented Aug. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Warren Park, Florida Grove Road, Woodbridge.

Both concerts are free. For more information, call Jackie at (732) 745-3936.

Vendors, crafters needed

for S.R. Heritage Day

The South River Municipal Alliance seeks crafters and vendors for its 11th annual South River Heritage Day celebration set for noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 on Montgomery Street in the borough.

The event, which will take place rain or shine, will be held indoors at South River High School, Montgomery Street, in case of rain.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 238-4791 or (732) 651-7852.

Blood drive planned for Aug. 20 at Society Hill

The Blood Center of New Jersey will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Society Hill Clubhouse, 400 Thames Drive, Old Bridge.

A free continental breakfast with coffee, tea and juice will be served in the morning. Comparable refreshments and pizza will be available in the afternoon.

Donors must be at least 18 years old; 17-year-olds need parental permission. Participants must present a driver’s license or photo identification and know their Social Security number. Blood donations will be used for area hospitals.

All donors will receive a free cholesterol test and will be entered into a drawing for a free Thanksgiving turkey.

For directions, call the clubhouse at (732) 679-5827. For information on donor qualifications or the donation process, call the Blood Center of New Jersey at (800) 652-5663.

‘Plug & Play’ concert in South River Aug. 21

The South River Cultural Arts & Heritage Commission will present “Plug & Play — A Concert in the Park” Aug. 21 from 3-7 p.m. at Szabo Gazebo, Dailey’s Pond Park, Prospect and William streets, South River.

The free concert will feature the music of Son of Dad, Barbie Dumps Ken, and Tracy Cuomo. There will also be an open-mic karaoke (bring own music). Refreshments will be available for purchase. Attendees may bring blankets or lawn chairs.

For more information, call the commission at (732) 257-1999, ext. 150 or e-mail CulturalArts@SouthRiverNJ.org.

AARP board to meet, slates trips to shows

AARP Chapter No. 4855, East Brunswick, is sponsoring a trip to “The Magic of Mario Lanza Show” at The Wayne Manor Sept. 9, with payment due by Aug. 25. The cost is $59 for bus transportation, lunch and the show.

The chapter’s board of directors will meet Sept. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center.

A trip to the “Holiday Express Show with King Henry” at Penn’s Peak, Jim Thorpe, Pa., is scheduled for Oct. 25, with payment due Sept. 10. The cost is $58 for bus transportation, the show and lunch.

For more information, call (732) 238-5678.

East Brunswick library slates programs, exhibits

The East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, has scheduled the following programs. Preregistration is required.

Hand puppets created by Chih-Kuo Wang will be on display Sept. 1-30 in the library’s glass cases. Wang is the director of Wang Da Chung Hand Puppet Group, East Brunswick.

Also displayed will be photographic portraits of Eastern Europeans by East Brunswick resident Alex Kryshtapovich.

“Magic Carpet Ride,” songs and stories for children ages 2 and older with an adult, will be presented Sept. 6 and 20 at 1:30 p.m., and Sept. 13 and 27 at 10:30 a.m.

A nursery rhyme program, “Mother Goose Magic,” for children ages 12-24 months and an adult, will be held Sept. 8, 16, 22 and 28 at 10:15 a.m.

A “Baby & Me: Meet and Greet” networking session for parents and children will be held Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.

“Baking ‘n’ Books” for families with children ages 4 and older will be held Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.

“Outrageous Origami” for children entering grades three and higher will be held Sept. 14 from 6-8 p.m.

The teen advisory board will meet Sept. 16 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

A Yu-Gi-Oh tournament will be held Sept. 17 from 1-4 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring cards and mats.

Registration for “Live With 3’s, 4’s and 5’s” story time for East Brunswick children ages 3-5 (by Oct. 19) will be held Sept. 19.

“Tale Time & Crafts” program for children ages 2-5 and an adult will be held Sept. 19 at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Registration opens Sept. 1.

“Merry Movies and More,” for children ages 2 and older with an adult, will be presented Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets for the Nov. 20 presentation of “The Little Dragon,” told by Jay O’Callahan, will go on sale Sept. 27. The program is for children ages 7 and older, and tickets are $3 each or $7 per family.

A paperback book swap for children in grades one and higher will be held Sept. 28, 4-8 p.m.

The library will be closed Sept. 3-5 for Labor Day, and Sunday hours from 1-5 p.m. will be in effect beginning Sept. 11.

For more information to register, call the youth services desk at (732) 390-6789.

Register by Aug. 27 for ‘Ride for the Animals’

The New Jersey Veterinary Foundation, Springfield, will hold its ninth annual “Ride for the Animals” bikeathon Sept. 18, with 25 and 50-mile cycling routes available. Fee is $45 after Aug. 27, and $40 before.

Bike routes extend from Mercer County Park into Mercer, Monmouth and Burlington counties. There will also be five and 10K walking and running routes within the park’s boundaries for individuals interested raising funds. Dogs and owners are welcome at the bikeathon, and cyclists must wear helmets and dogs leashed. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s programs. The event will feature “canine good citizen” testing by Bayshore Companion Dog Club, Red Bank, a “rally-o” course, and agility and obedience demonstrations.

Registration fee includes a T-shirt and picnic barbecue (with vegetarian options). For more information or to register, go to www.njvma.org or call the Foundation at (973) 379-1100.

Sisters in Crime group to meet Aug. 27

Sisters in Crime-Central Jersey, a writers group, will meet at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 27. At noon, Elaine Togneri and Christine Kulikowski will present a tutorial on writing. The group meets monthly at the Jamesburg Senior Center, 139 Stevens Ave.

Togneri will discuss ways to create a master’s of English program tailored to an individual’s needs, budget and time constraints. Kulikowski will present “Writing for Newsletters and Other Article-driven Media.”

For more information, call (732) 521-5646 or visit the Web site at http://members.aol.com/sinccj.