Community Bulletin Board

Pianist John Bianculli and vocalist Doris Spears will be the featured performers at the Monroe Township Library’s annual jazz concert set for 7-9 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the library, 4 Municipal Plaza. The event will be held in conjunction with the Monroe Township Arts Commission Juried Art Show in the library meeting room.

Tickets for the concert are available at the library. Cost is $6 for Friends of the Monroe Township Library members, $8 for nonmembers. Ccall (732) 521-5000.

Woman’s club plans Nov. 15 fashion show

The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will sponsor a Fashion Show on Nov. 15 at the Pines Manor, Route 27, Edison. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is set for 7 p.m.

Donation is $45.

Fashions will be by Coldwater Creek.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 247-1277 or (732) 257-2837.

Donors sought for Nov. 11 blood drive

The Barclay Brook/Brookside PTA, Monroe, will sponsor its third annual Make a Difference Day Blood Drive from 2-8 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the gym at Barclay Brook School, 358 Buckelew Ave., Monroe.

This year’s event is designed to create an awareness of the critical need for blood donations from New Jersey residents. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Childcare and homemade treats will be provided.

Blood donors must be 17 years of age or older, weight at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and provide identification.

Individuals may donate if their high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol is controlled by medication or if they have a tattoo or piercing. Those who have recently traveled outside the United States or have anemia or low iron may be able to donate. To check on requirements for donation, call (800) 652-5663, ext. 132, in advance.

Individuals are not eligible to donate if they are pregnant, have a cold, are not feeling well or are taking antibiotics.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Janice Corbisiero at (732) 656-1120 or e-mail janirae18@aol.com.

Monroe Library to offer Food-for-Fines amnesty

The Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, will sponsor a Food-for-Fines amnesty program during the months of November and December.

All patrons holding overdue materials may return them fine-free, provided the patrons donate one nonperishable food necessity for each overdue item. There is no limit to the number of items to be returned or to the fines to be waived, but donations and overdue materials will be exchanged on an item-for-item basis.

The food items collected will be donated to the Monroe Township Food Pantry and to Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS).

The library has sponsored the Food-for-Fines program for seven years. During that time 1,037 library items that would have been lost to the township have been put back into circulation and more than 120 barrels of food donations have been amassed.

For more information, call (732) 521-5000.

Theater group to stage Simon’s ‘Dinner Party’

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company will present its production of Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party” at 8 p.m. on Nov. 11, 12 and 19, and at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 20 in the company’s theater space at The Garden of Friends, 3018 Bordentown Road, Parlin section of Sayreville. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances, 2:30 p.m. for matinees.

Advance tickets cost $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students. An additional $2 will be charged for tickets purchased at the door. Prices include dessert and beverage served prior to the performance.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 553-1153 or log on to www.smstc.org.

EBHS to host Nov. 6 marching band tourney

The East Brunswick High School (EBHS) Marching Band will hold its sixth annual Marching Band Competition beginning at 4 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the high school’s Jay Doyle Field, Cranbury Road. Rain date and time will be Nov. 7 at 6 p.m.

Bands from throughout New Jersey will participate. The event is sanctioned by the Tournament of Bands.

Admission is $7 for individuals ages 13-59, and $5 for youngsters age 12 and under and senior citizens age 60 and above.

For more information, call (732) 613-6900.

Church women’s guild schedules Nov. 5 bazaar

The Women’s Guild of the Rossmoor Community Church, Monroe, will hold its annual bazaar from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Rossmoor Clubhouse.

Merchandise created by the group’s knitters, crafters and sewing group members will be available for purchase. The event also will feature a tea room; a soup, sandwich and dessert luncheon; and a gourmet shop offering homemade treats.

There will be a silent auction; a Grandma’s Attic Sale with “white-elephant” treasures; a Grandpa’s Shop offering used appliances, tools and miscellaneous items; and sales of used books, tapes, videos, toys and gently-used clothing.

Most of the proceeds will go toward 10 scholarships for Monroe Township High School students. Over the years, the guild has given approximately $350,000 in scholarships to local students. Donations are also made to local charities.

Meeting, trip to vets home on tap for AARP

The next general meeting of AARP East Brunswick Chapter No. 4855 will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center.

A “Day of Appreciation” trip to the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home, Edison, is planned for Nov. 4. Members will meet at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers, especially drivers, are always needed.

New members are welcome. For more information, call (732) 238-5678.

Altar Rosary Society schedules craft bazaar

The St. Bartholomew Altar Rosary Society will sponsor a craft bazaar from 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the church hall, Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. The event will feature handcrafted items, a bake sale, and a 50/50. Call Lucy at (732) 846-4771.

Church plans bazaar,

ham dinner, quilt raffle

Spotswood Reformed Church, 429 Main St. (across from the Spotswood Post Office), will hold its annual Bazaar, Ham Dinner and Autumn Harvest Quilt Raffle from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 12.

The events will feature toys, homemade crafts, Christmas decorations, baked goods, second-hand treasures, surprise packages in the Parcel Post Room and a luncheonette. Soups, sandwiches, beverages and desserts will be available.

The ham dinner will be served from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 only. Takeouts will be available after 5:30 p.m. Admission is $10.50 for adults, $9.50 for senior citizens, $6 for children under age 12; youngsters under age 5 will be admitted free of charge.

The quilt raffle will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 12.

For more information, call the church at (732) 251-9277.

Photographic panel to meet Nov. 10, 17

The Raritan Photographic Society will hold its monthly meetings at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the East Brunswick Library, Jean Walling Civic Center, and at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road.

The club meets twice a month to offer lectures on photographic techniques, skills and technology (both film and digital); independently judged competitions at various skill levels; and field trips to local photo-opportunity locations.

For more information, log on to www.raritanphoto.com, call Bruce Tucker at (732) 390-4698, or e-mail btucker718@comcast.com.

Turnpike will be topic at library ‘virtual tour’

Professor Angus Gillespie of Rutgers University will present a “virtual tour” of the New Jersey Turnpike, the nation’s most traveled road, at noon on Nov. 11 at the Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Spotswood Public Library.

Gillespie, co-author of “Looking for America on the New Jersey Turnpike,” will offer insight into the construction of the highway and share some frightening and humorous anecdotes.

Admission is free of charge, but reservations are recommended. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.

The program is offered through the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information or to reserve, call the library at (732) 251-1515.

Society Hill blood drive to benefit area hospitals

The Blood Center of New Jersey will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 in the Society Hill Clubhouse, 400 Thames Drive, Old Bridge.

All donors will receive a free cholesterol test. 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 of age; 17-year-olds need parental permission. Participants must present a driver’s license or other photo identification and know their Social Security number. Individuals may donate blood every 56 days.

Blood donations will aid area hospitals.

For information on donor qualifications or the donation process, call the Blood Center of New Jersey at (800) NJ-BLOOD.

For directions to the clubhouse, call (732) 679-5827.

‘Feathered Friends’ program coming to park

A program titled “Feeding Our Feathered Friends” will begin at 1 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Cheesequake State Park Interpretive Center, 300 Gordon Road, Old Bridge.

All aspects of wild bird feeding will be discussed. Topics will include feeder types, food selection, feeder placement and protection. Each participant will have the opportunity to construct a simple bird feeder during the event.

The program is open to all ages.

For more information, call (732) 566-3208.

Presbyterian church to offer Holiday Mart

The Presbyterian Church 100 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, will sponsor a Holiday Mart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 12.

The event will feature handmade crafts, baked goods, hand-knitted items, “attic treasures” and more.

Lunch will be served. Free on-site parking will be available. Proceeds will benefit church missions.

For more information, call (732) 545-2111.

Craft fair on agenda at E.B. Senior Center

The annual East Brunswick Senior Center Craft Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Senior Center, Jean Walling Civic Center Drive.

The event will feature holiday gifts and decorations, handmade quilted articles, baby items, knitted and crocheted afghans and ponchos, artwork and homemade baked goods. For more information, call (732) 390-6896.

Mother’s club schedules meeting, seeks members

The next meeting of the Monroe Township Mother’s Club will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road.

New members are welcome to attend, support their community and make friends.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Marguerite at (732) 251-3566, ot e-mail mtmcnj@aol.com.

Sisterhood will sponsor Nov. 13 Used Book Sale

The Sisterhood of Congregation Anshe Emeth, 88 Main St., South River, will hold a Used Book Sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 13.

Buyers will select from a large collection of hardcovers and softcovers, all priced to sell. Offerings will include fiction, nonfiction, biographies, histories, textbooks, children’s books, cookbooks and more.

The sisterhood’s annual rummage sale is planned for 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the temple. For more information, call (732) 257-4190.

‘Gingerbread and Tea’ coming to E.B. Museum

The East Brunswick Museum, 16 Maple St., in the Historic Village of Old Bridge, East Brunswick, will present a program titled “Gingerbread and Tea” from 2-4 p.m. on Nov. 13. The public is invited to attend.

The afternoon will feature a lecture/demonstration/workshop by Susan Luczu, museum board member and local food historian. The program will include the history of ginger, a holiday gingerbread-house display and ginger-flavored refreshments. Due to the fact that Nov. 13 is National Indian Pudding Day, information on and samples of the historic dessert also will be offered.

Suggested donation is $10 per person, $5 for children under age 12. Donations will cover the cost of the workshop, refreshments and handouts. Tin cookie cutters (with recipes included) will be available for purchase.

The museum is offering a new holiday exhibit including historic toys, dollhouses and children’s books. Several theme Christmas trees and a presentation of Hanukkah items complete the holiday show. A display of works by Henrietta Christian Wright, a 19th-century author who lived in the Historic Village of Old Bridge, is featured in its own display case.

The program is sponsored by the board of trustees of the East Brunswick Museum.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 257-1508.

The East Brunswick Museum, which is open from 1:30-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, is sponsored in part by a grant from the East Brunswick Division of Parks and Recreation. Funding in part has been provided by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission/Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Bidding Auction on tap

at Spotswood church

Trinity United Methodist Church, 70 Manalapan Road, Spotswood, will host a Bidding Auction beginning at 4 p.m. on Nov. 12.

Merchandise to be auctioned off via verbal bidding will include theme gift baskets, holiday items, jewelry, gift certificates, dolls, toys, crafts and collectibles.

Refreshments will be available at the snack bar.

All proceeds will benefit the church.

For more information, call (732) 251-0815.

South River Seniors

to meet on Nov. 3, 17

South River Seniors will hold meetings at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 and 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Philo Masonic Hall, 120 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River.

Members are asked to bring all food-drive donations to the Nov. 3 meeting. Hostesses will serve turkey sandwiches and desserts at the Nov. 17 event.

Individuals age 55 and above are invited to attend. New members, singles and/or couples, are always welcome.

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

Little House to offer Family Portrait Day

The Little House Association of South River will hold a Family Portrait Day beginning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 20 at the Little House, West George Street.

A professional photographer will take photos on a choice of backgrounds, including two Christmas or one formal background. Appointments will be scheduled for each half hour.

Cost for the professional sitting is $29.95 and includes one 8-by-10-inch photo, two 5-by-7 photos, eight wallet sizes and all sitting fees. Packages will be ready for pick up within two-three days.

All proceeds will go directly to the Little House Association, which provides a safe place for South River Girl Scouts to meet.

Call Diane at (732) 651-2202 to book an appointment.

Art auction to benefit S.R. Library expansion

The South River Public Library board of trustees, in conjunction with Ria Mar Restaurant, South River, will host a Benefit Art Auction beginning at 8 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Ria Mar, 25 Whitehead Ave. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for advance viewing. Local artists Joe Csatari and Don Bloom have each donated two artworks for the event.

There will be approximately 160 other pieces of art, memorabilia and glass presented by Marlin Art of New York. The artwork, which will be offered at discounted prices, will be presented, explained and auctioned in a professional manner. Proceeds will benefit the South River Public Library Expansion Project. Tickets cost $10 each and may be purchased at the following South River locations: South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave.; Borough Clerk’s Office, 48 Washington St.; Ria Mar Restaurant; RiverMill Art Gallery, 34 Main St.; and Roselli and Roselli, 11 Stephen St.

For more information, call Barbara Jensen at (732) 238-1520.

Project Graduation plans Children’s Bingo

Spotswood High School Project Graduation 2006 will sponsor a Children’s Bingo Night from 6:30-9 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Appleby School, Vliet Street, Spotswood. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Admission is $5 and includes 10 playing cards. Individuals who bring 12 cupcakes to the event will receive one free playing card.

Participants should bring crayons or markers.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Widows and Widowers to host autumn social

The Widows and Widowers (WOWs) Chapter of Middlesex County West will hold a social from 7-10:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Belarussian-American Center, Whitehead Avenue, South River. Socials are held on the first Sunday of every month, unless otherwise specified.

The dance will feature an autumn theme. Music will be by Bill Gerry. Light refreshments will be served.

The group’s business meeting is planned for 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Belarussian-American Center. The event is open to all members and to individuals who are interested in joining.

For more information, call (732) 238-5678 or (732) 521-0732.

Barnes and Noble event

will benefit St. Stan’s

Barnes and Noble, Brunswick Square Mall, Route 18, East Brunswick, will sponsor a Book Fair to benefit St. Stanislaus Kostka School, Sayreville, during regular store hours, Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 13-19.

The store will donate a percentage of the sale amount on all purchases made from Nov. 13-19 with a St. Stan’s voucher. Purchases of gift cards, membership cards or cafe consumables are not eligible for the book fair program.

Vouchers are available by calling the school at (732) 254-5819 or the church office at (732) 254-0212.

Jewelry show and sale on tap for Columbiettes

Knights of Columbus Columbiettes Council No. 6336 will hold a Premiere Jewelry Show and Sale at 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, at 83 Lincoln Ave., Monroe.

Council No. 6336 is made up of members from the following parishes: St. James, Jamesburg; Holy Trinity, Helmetta; and Nativity of Our Lord, Monroe.

Coffee, tea and cake will be available. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the council’s yearly fundraising efforts.

For more information, call (732) 904-3151.

St. Paul’s Church sets Nov. 5 Holiday Bazaar

St. Paul’s Reformed Church, 231 First St., Perth Amboy, will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar beginning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 5.

The day will start with a rummage sale at 9 a.m. Food, including funnel cakes, will be available. A continental breakfast will be offered from 9-11 a.m. Lunch is planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A roast beef dinner (reservations required) is on tap for 6:30 p.m.

There will be shops for bakery goods, crafts and holiday items.

To make a dinner reservation, call the church office at (732) 442-9351 and leave a message.

Free computer training offered to E.B. adults

The Churchill Junior High School Computer Club, East Brunswick, is offering free personal computer training for East Brunswick adults.

Participants will receive one-on-one training in Windows, MS Word, MS Excel and the Internet. Classes will be held monthly throughout the school year.

The next class is set for 9-11 a.m. on Nov. 19 in room 303 at Churchill Junior High School, 18 Norton Road.

The program is free of charge, but enrollment is limited.

To register, interested individuals should call the Churchill Computer Club at (732) 613-6800, ext. 4346, and their leave name and telephone number.

Power wheelchairs now available free of charge

The Senior Wheels USA Program has announced the availability of power wheelchairs for seniors and permanently disabled individuals at no cost to the recipient, if the recipient qualifies.

The wheelchairs are for individuals that can no longer walk nor self-propel a manual wheelchair, and meet additional guidelines of the program. No deposit is required.

For more information, call 1-800-246-6010.

Election Day Dinner slated at Holy Trinity

The men of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will hold their annual Roast Beef Election Day Dinner from 6-6:45 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the parish hall, 90 Leonardine Ave., South River. Dinner will be served buffet-style.

Tickets cost $9.50 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-12. All tickets must be reserved and paid for in advance. For more information and to reserve, call Jim McConnell at (732) 613-0132.

Pancake Breakfast planned at legion post

Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Post No. 25, 4 JFK Blvd., Milltown, will host a Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 13.

Donation is $6 for adults, $3 for children under age 10. Free parking will be available across the street from the post home.

For more information and directions, call (732) 828-7125.

E.B. Woman’s Club will meet on Nov. 8

The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will hold a meeting at 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

The meeting will feature a pipe-organ performance by Ed Krogstad.

Guests are welcome. For more information, call Sue at (732) 238-6361.

Liz Callaway to appear in concert in Monroe

The Greenbriar at Whittingham adult community, Monroe, will present Broadway and cabaret singer/actress/dancer Liz Callaway in concert at 8 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Richard P. Marasco Performing Arts Center, Monroe Township High School, Perrineville Road.

Callaway made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.” She earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in “Baby.” Some of the singer’s other Broadway credits include “The Three Musketeers,” “Miss Saigon” (originating the role of Ellen) and “Cats” (as Grizabella). Callaway has headlined at numerous New York City venues including Feinstein’s at the Regency, Rainbow and Stars and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Opening act will be the comedy team of Alto and Mantia.

Tickets cost $15 per person.

For more information and to reserve, call (609) 395-0404, ext. 220 or 221.

Odessa Klezmer Band will perform at library

The Odessa Klezmer Band will present a one-hour concert starting at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.

Free tickets for the event will be available at the library circulation desk beginning at 10 a.m. on Nov. 4.

The band features John Lesniak on clarinet and saxophone, Ed Goldberg on accordion, and Barbara Goldberg on percussion and “darbuqua,” a Middle-Eastern drum. The trio has toured Israel and played in New York City at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall.

Klezmer is a combination of Polish, Russian and Near-Eastern music. It is the sound of the itinerant Yiddish troubadours who performed throughout Europe for 400 years. The wandering musicians traveled, often on foot, playing at weddings and concerts, bringing the latest news from surrounding towns.

For more information, call the library at (732) 521-5000.

Church prepares for flea market, craft sale

Sacred Heart Church will sponsor its Indoor Flea Market and Craft Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 in Sacred Heart Memorial Hall, Washington Avenue, South Amboy.

Refreshments will be available.

For more information, call Susan at (732) 721-0040.