Community Bulletin Board

The Lakeview Players of the Jamesburg Historical Association will present dramatic readings of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 5 and 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Lakeview, the historic Buckelew Mansion, 203 Buckelew Ave., Jamesburg.

Admission is free of charge. Reservations are not required.

The Lakeview Players is the in-house theater group of the Jamesburg Historical Association. It is made up of high school and college students attending area schools. Its most recent performance, “Haunted Lakeview,” was presented on Oct. 30.

Membership in the theater group is open to any high school or college student (students under 18 must have parental permission to participate).

The group is preparing its 2006 schedule. Among the performances planned are an improv night, another haunted house and a scary-story night for younger children.

Individuals interested in joining the group should call (732) 521-5040. No acting skills are necessary, and those interested working behind the scenes are welcome to join.

Lakeview, which serves as Jamesburg’s museum, is open for public tours on the second and fourth Sundays of each month (except December) from 2-4 p.m.

Admission is free of charge. Free-will donations are accepted. For more information, call (732) 521-2040.

Community invited to Christmas at Lakeview

The Jamesburg Historical Association will hold its annual Christmas at Lakeview Festival from 2-5 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Lakeview, the historic Buckelew Mansion, 203 Buckelew Ave., Jamesburg.

The 23-room historic mansion will be decorated in the Victorian style for the holidays.

The day’s festivities will include tours of the mansion, holiday entertainment provided by local church and civic groups and showings of “Jamesburg of Yesteryear,” a 40-minute program made up of more than 200 photos of Jamesburg from the late 1900s-1970s.

Lakeview was constructed between 1685 and 1870 and served as the Buckelew family home from 1829-1900. Today it is maintained by the Jamesburg Historical Association as the borough museum. The mansion houses many Jamesburg artifacts, from family furniture to business items to the Jamesburg High School Room, which holds all that remains of the former Jamesburg High School. In addition, the Jamesburg Historical Railroad Club maintains the Jamesburg Train Room, which contains scale models of many of the borough’s historic houses and businesses as they appeared in the early 1900s.

Lakeview is open for public tours on the second and fourth Sundays of each month (except December) from 2-4 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Free-will donations are accepted.

For more information, call (732) 521-2040 and leave a message.

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.

JFS to sponsor Dec. 4 Holiday Gift Boutique

The Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Southern Middlesex County will hold its Holiday Gift Boutique from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane.

The event will feature sales of jewelry, handbags, clothing, Judaica, candles, glassware, toys, art, wine and more for holiday gift-giving.

Proceeds will benefit JFS projects.

For more information and directions, call (732) 257-4100.

Israeli musician to appear at temple

The Israeli Club, in cooperation with Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, New Brunswick, will present Israeli musician Miki Gavrielov in an evening of music set for 8 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the temple, 222 Livingston Ave.

For more information, call (732) 545-6484, or log on to www.hevrenj.net.

Mall Santa to pose for photos with pets

“Paw-fect Photos,” a pet photos with Santa event, is set for 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 at Santa’s Winter Wonderland in the center court at Brunswick Square Mall, Route 18, East Brunswick.

Participants should enter through the main or west mall entrance.

Santa will welcome his furry friends for an individual photo opportunity.

Pet owners may bring their well-behaved, leashed furry pals to the Santa set.

For more information, call the mall shopping line at (732) 238-3600 or log on to www.simon.com.

Milltown rec plans tree lighting, trips

The Milltown Department of Recreation will offer a variety of upcoming events.

All trips are open to residents and nonresidents.

Milltown’s annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony is set for 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Borough Hall, Washington Avenue. The event will feature free face-painting and music by the Joyce Kilmer School Band. Santa will arrive on a fire truck.

The rec department is offering tickets to the 2 p.m. Jan. 7 performance of “The Care Bears” at the State Theatre, New Brunswick. Tickets cost $28 each. Participants must provide their own transportation.

A bus trip to see the 1 p.m. performance of “The Lion King” on Broadway is set for Feb. 19. Cost is $95 per ticket and includes bus transportation from Milltown Borough Hall.

There will be a trip to see the 7 p.m. Feb. 17 Harlem Globetrotters game at Madison Square Garden, New York City. Call the rec office for prices.

Magic, juggling and balloon-sculpture workshops are set to begin in January. There will be three sessions from which to choose.

For more information on all events and to reserve, call (732) 828-2100, ext. 141.

Juggling Suns concert to raise funds for troops

Lyons-Schepsco Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1451 will present the Juggling Suns in a benefit concert set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 2 at the post home, 31 Reid St., South River.

The event will raise funds to send holiday gifts to U.S. troops in Iraq. Care packages for soldiers and donations for the local food bank also will be collected.

There will be a cash bar. Individuals under age 21 will not be admitted. Admission is $10, including snacks and first beverage. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 254-9834.

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.

Church club to sponsor trip to ‘The Nutcracker’

The R Club of Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River, will offer a bus trip to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, to see the 1 p.m. Dec. 18 performance of the New York City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

The bus will depart at 11 a.m. from the church parking lot, Whitehead Avenue. Tickets cost $87 per person, including bus transportation. For more information and to reserve, call Carol at (732) 254-4979.

Hebrew speakers club will meet on Dec. 4

The next meeting of the Chug Ivrit club for intermediate and advanced Hebrew speakers will take place at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 4 at a private home in the Highland Park area.

Chug Ivrit is sponsored by the Raritan Valley Chapter of Hadassah. Meetings are free of charge and open to the public. Men and women are invited.

For more information, call Rachel Weintraub at (732) 819-9298 or e-mail rachel@weintraubworld.net.

Fiddleheads, artists to host gallery reception

Fiddleheads Restaurant and the artists whose work is on display at the restaurant, 27 E. Railroad Ave., Jamesburg, invite the public to a Holiday Art Reception to view the gallery show and meet some of the artists from 2:30-4 p.m. on Dec. 11. The artists’ paintings and photographs, 32 in all, will be available for sale.

The reception will be held between the Sunday brunch and dinner periods. Beverages will be available to gallery visitors.

Admission is free of charge.

The winter 2005 exhibit, curated by Family Framers, Jamesburg, features the acrylics and oils on canvas of Teddy Ehmann of Jamesburg, the acrylics on canvas of Judy Stein of Monroe, the white-line wood block prints of Ingrid Davis of East Windsor, the outdoor photography of Jennifer Wiessner of North Plainfield, and the oils on canvas of Susan Winter of Monroe.

A complete listing of the featured works and prices is available on the restaurant’s Web site, www.jamesburg.net/fiddleheads.

Interfaith Network sets

Breakfast With Santa

The Interfaith Network of Care (INC) will host a Breakfast With Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 3 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Parish Hall, South Main Street, Milltown.

Tickets are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon through Nov. 18 (or until tickets are sold out) at the INC office, 62 S. Main St., next to St. Paul’s Parish office. Seating is limited.

Admission is $6 per person and includes a continental breakfast and a visit with Santa. The event also will feature crafts, door prizes and more. Photos with Santa will be available for $6 each.

For more information, call (732) 247-1655.

Solomon Schechter

holding Online Auction

The Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley, East Brunswic, is conducting an Online Auction through 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 at www.ssdsrv.cmarket.com.

Interested individuals are invited to browse the site, which offers more than 150 items on which to bid, and shop for holiday gifts. Categories include golf, sports tickets, shows, restaurants, salons, jewelry, getaways, kids stuff, summer camps, home goods and business. New items will be added weekly.

For more information, e-mail auction@ssdsrv.org or call the school office at (732) 238-7971.

Suburban Artists

to create holiday cards

The Suburban Artists Guild will meet at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center.

Paula Feifer will conduct a hands-on session on holiday cards. Participants will have the opportunity to show off their talents by creating a card to be sent to family or friends.

For more information, call Selena Palmer at (732) 254-3113.

Spotswood tree lighting

scheduled for Dec. 3

The Spotswood Recreation Department will sponsor the 15th annual borough Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Main Street Triangle, across from the Spotswood Library.

Members of Spotswood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4589 and Spotswood American Legion Post No. 253 will raise the flag. Chorus groups from Appleby School, Memorial School, Spotswood High School and the Spotswood Girl Scouts will entertain with songs of the season. The event also will feature hot chocolate and doughnuts and a visit from Santa. For more information, call (732) 416-1834.

Participants sought for

EBEF adult spelling bee

The East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF) will host an adult spelling bee at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the cafetorium at Churchill Junior High School, Norton Road. Businesses, clubs, alumni, PTA members, East Brunswick High School students and staff are invited to participate by being part of a team, sponsoring a team, and/or rooting for a team. Team registration fee is $30. There will be three spellers per team. For more information, e-mail Elaine at EMSTAGG@aol.com or call (732) 613-EBEF (3133).

Kilmer students to stage

‘Guys and Dolls’ junior

The students at Joyce Kilmer School will present a junior version of the musical “Guys and Dolls” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9 and 10 at the school, West Church Street, Milltown. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Reserved seating is $8 per person for adults, $6 for students and senior citizens; general admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door or may be purchased in advance by calling (732) 317-8095 or (732) 246-3833.

Chris Cimino to speak

at Dec. 7 Rotary lunch

Chris Cimino, WNBC-TV meteorologist, will be the guest speaker at the next luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of South River-East Brunswick set for 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the East Brunswick Chateau, Cranbury Road. Anthony Agnone Jr., sports agent for local professional athletes, will speak at the club’s Dec. 14 meeting. For more information, call Joe Xerri at (732) 238-4111.

Central PTA to sponsor

Dec. 2 Holiday Bazaar

The Central School PTA will hold a Holiday Bazaar from 6:30-10 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the all-purpose room at the school, 371 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

A variety of vendors will offer sports memorabilia, jewelry, pocketbooks, accessories and more.

Food will be available. The event also will feature a 50/50 and other raffles.

Tree-lighting festivities

set for Dec. 9 in S.R.

The South River Parks and Recreation Commission will sponsor the borough’s annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Celebration beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 near the Szabo Gazebo in Dailey’s Pond Park, Prospect Street.

Music will be provided by the South River High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Mike Wazeka.

The event will culminate in a visit from Santa.

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

‘Skin of Our Teeth’

auditions scheduled

Circle Players will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “The Skin of Our Teeth” by Thornton Wilder at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 14 at the Circle Players theater, 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.

Callbacks are set for 10 a.m. on Dec. 17. Rehearsals will begin on Jan. 16. Show dates are Fridays-Sundays, Mar. 3-19. Director will be Jon Heron.

Participants should prepare a 2- to 3-minute contemporary comic monologue. Readings from the play will be available if a suitable monologue cannot be found. Individuals who have special skills — juggling, magic, singing, playing an instrument, etc. — are especially encouraged to audition.

There are five leads and an ensemble of seven. The lead roles of Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus and Sabina have been cast. All other roles will be cast from the open audition.

For more information, e-mail wilder_skin@yahoo.com.

Holiday tree lighting

set for Dec. 3 in Monroe

The annual Monroe Community Holiday Tree Lighting, sponsored by the Monroe Township Mothers Club, will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Garvey’s Pub, intersection of Matchaponix and Gravel Hill roads. Blizzard/downpour date will be Dec. 4.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided, and there will be a special visit from Santa.

Participants are asked to bring homemade weatherproof ornaments that celebrate their ethnicity or traditions.

Donations of nonperishable canned foods and dry cereals are requested for the Monroe Girl Scouts community food drive.

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

Anshe Emeth to hold

Hanukkah Boutique

Congregation Anshe Emeth, 88 Main St., South River, will host its annual Hanukkah Boutique from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Dec. 18.

The sale will feature menorahs, dreidels, cookbooks, Judaica items, cards, candles, gift wrap and holiday gifts.

For more information, call Lisa at (732) 257-4190.

‘Broadway Revue Christmas Dinner’ Dec. 8

The Brunswick Women’s Connection will hold its “Broadway Revue Christmas Dinner” Dec. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. at The East Brunswick Chateau, 678 Cranbury Road.

The event will feature inspirational speaker Tami Stepp. It will also feature Christmas music and music from Broadway shows performed by members of Triple H Productions, Sayreville. The public is welcome to attend, and cost is $17 per person.

For reservations, call Christia at (732) 940-2077 or send an e-mail to Brunswickwc@yahoo.com.

Spotswood Library plans

holiday youth programs

The Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St., will offer three holiday programs for youngsters.

“Ceramics for the Holidays,” open to 5- to 10-year-olds, is planned for 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 or 8.

“Holiday Fun,” open to preschoolers ages 3-5, is set for 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Dec. 6 or 1-1:45 p.m. on Dec. 8. The programs will feature stories, music and crafts.

“Fun With Ventriloquism,” open to youngsters age 3 and up, will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. Bob Conrad will bring an inanimate object to life when he creates Tennessee Turtle from a sock. Participants also will meet CoCo the Chimp and Gooney Bird. Audience participation will be encouraged during the Balloon-Blowing Contest of the Century.

Registration is going on. The events are open to Spotswood Library cardholders only.

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