Community Bulletin Board

A variety of upcoming programs will be offered at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 1 Municipal Plaza. For more information and to register for events, call the center at (732) 521-6111, unless otherwise indicated.

The center will host a two-day “55 Alive: Mature Driver Refresher Course” at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 30 and 31. Fee is $10, due upon registration in advance at the center with Eileen.

Henry Rand will explore Vancouver, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska, in a slide-illustrated talk set for 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 30. Registration is requested in advance.

“Surrogate Decision-Making” is the title of an educational seminar planned for 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 31. John W. Callinan, certified elder law attorney, will offer information on preparing for disability and/or incapacity. Topics will include powers-of-attorney, living trusts, living wills, healthcare directives, guardianships and conservatorship proceedings. Advance registration is requested.

A Memory Screening Day is planned for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the center. Dr. Jeffrey Apter of the Princeton Medical Institute will offer a presentation titled “Current and Future Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease.” Topics will include approved medications and new treatment options currently being researched. Interested individuals may then, by appointment only, receive a private and confidential Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), which can be used by a physician as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease. Seniors must register for the lecture in order to be considered for a screening. Limited screening appointments are available. Call for availability.

An Air Force One Afternoon will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 2. A 60-minute National Geographic presentation will explore the legacy of the world’s most powerful plane, also known as “The Flying White House.” The film “Air Force One” starring Harrison Ford will then be shown. Transportation will not be available for the event. Advance registration is requested.

A three-session “Computer Basics” course is set for 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 2, 9 and 16. Course fee is $15. See Eileen at the center for space availability.

The senior center will pay tribute to the American Heart Association’s Wear Red Day Celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 3. The “heart-smart” program, held in conjunction with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, will start with blood-pressure screenings, on a first-come basis, from 9:30-11 a.m. Jacqueline M. Green, clinical nurse specialist in Cardiac Services, will then discuss “How to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease.” A brief box-lunch break will follow. Marigella Kartotos, coordinator of the hospital’s Women’s Health Program, will offer a 12:30 p.m. presentation titled “How to Utilize Guided Imagery to Cope With Stress and Regain a Sense of Control.” Registration includes participation in both seminars as well as lunch. Space is limited. Call to register in advance.

Tax season will begin at the senior center on Feb. 6. Trained, AARP volunteer tax counselors will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays, by appointment only. Transportation will be available on Tuesdays only at specific appointment times. Call Eileen at the center to reserve.

Seniors are invited to debate real court cases with “Judge Jenn” at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 6 and 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Advance registration is advised.

Cell-phone collection to aid soldiers overseas

A Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 28 during a roadside celebration at Liberty Tax Service, 723 Route 18, at Racetrack Road, East Brunswick.

Donations of used cell phones are sought.

The phones will be exchanged for phone cards for military personnel to use when calling their loved ones at home.

For more information, call (732) 390-5576.

Registration slated

for library story times

In-person and telephone registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 31 for a variety of children’s story times at the Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.

“Preschool Story Time,” open to children ages 3-5, will be offered at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays beginning Feb. 14 and 15.

“Terrific Twos,” a five-week program for children ages 24-36 months accompanied by a caregiver, will be available at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 14, 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning Nov. 15, and 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays beginning Feb. 23.

“Wee Folk,” a story time for youngsters ages 18-24 months and a caregiver, is set for 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays beginning Feb. 23 and 1:30 p.m. on Mondays begin Feb. 27.

“Baby Time,” a half-hour of rhymes and play for children ages 6-12 months with a caregiver, will be offered at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. on Mondays beginning Feb. 27.

“Starlight Express,” an alternative to daytime story time for ages 3-5, is planned for 7 p.m. on Mondays beginning Feb. 6.

“Toddlin’ Tots,” a program for youngsters ages 12-18 months and a caregiver, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. on Fridays beginning March 3.

“Afterschool Stories,” a story time for youngsters ages 6-8, will take place at 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 23, March 9 and 23..

“Evening Tales,” a nighttime story time for children ages 6-8, is planned for 7 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Feb. 16.

“Mother Goose Time,” a program for youngsters 18-36 months and their parents, is set for 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. on Fridays.

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

Community invited

to hear mayor’s address

The East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the State of the Township Address by William P. Neary, mayor of East Brunswick, on Jan. 31 at the East Brunswick Chateau, Cranbury Road.

Networking is set for 6 p.m. Dinner will follow. The mayor’s address will begin at 8 p.m.

Community residents, businesses and professionals are welcome.

Cost is $25 for networking and dinner. There will be no charge to attend the mayor’s address only.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 257-3009 or fax a reservation to (732) 257-0949.

Participants sought for

Memorial Day parade

The borough of Jamesburg will hold its 123rd annual Memorial Day Parade on May 29. Members of the borough’s newly formed Patriotic Committee have been meeting on a monthly basis to prepare for the event.

The committee is seeking marching bands, fife and drum corps, drum and bugle corps, fraternal organizations, etc., to participate in the parade. Interested individuals should call Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter at (732) 521-0257 or e-mail Councilman John Longo at JohnMarcia13@aol.com.

The next Patriotic Committee meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Buckelew Mansion, Buckelew Avenue. New members are always welcome.

Participants sought for

Memorial Day parade

The borough of Jamesburg will hold its 123rd annual Memorial Day Parade on May 29. Members of the borough’s newly formed Patriotic Committee have been meeting on a monthly basis to prepare for the event.

The committee is seeking marching bands, fife and drum corps, drum and bugle corps, fraternal organizations, etc., to participate in the parade. Interested individuals should call Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter at (732) 521-0257 or e-mail Councilman John Longo at JohnMarcia13@aol.com.

The next Patriotic Committee meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Buckelew Mansion, Buckelew Avenue. New members are always welcome.

Potential candidates

may pick up petitions

Spotswood will hold a municipal election on May 9. Three Borough Council at-large seats, each for a four-year term, July 2006-June 2010, will be open.

Packets of petitions will be available Feb. 1-March 16, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the municipal clerk’s office in the municipal building, Summerhill Road. Petitions must be returned to the clerk’s office no later than 4 p.m. on March 16.

Individuals interested in running should call Patricia DeStefano, municipal clerk, at (732) 251-0700, ext. 825.

American Legion sets Super Bowl Breakfast

American Legion Post No. 214 will hold a Super Bowl Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the post home, 264 Whitehead Ave., South River.

The menu will include eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, home fries, coffee, tea, juice and cake.

Cost is $8 per person, $3 for children under age 10.

For more information, call (732) 254-9712.

New members sought

for OLV Knights

Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Knights of Columbus Council No. 2061, Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville, is seeking new members.

For more information and membership guidelines, call the council home at (732) 257-2061.

Peretz panel to sponsor

Jan. 27 presentation

The I.L. Peretz Secular Jewish Community will offer a lecture titled “Jewish-American Literature and Larger Ethnic Questions: The Struggle between the Melting Pot and the Salad Bowl” at 8 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Rutgers Labor Education Center, Ryders Lane, New Brunswick.

Guest presenter will be Professor Michael Aaron Rockland of Rutgers University. Rockland is the founder of the American Studies Department at Rutgers University. His books include “The American Jewish Experience in Literature” and a co-authored book, “The Jews of New Jersey: A Pictorial History.”

The public is invited. Admission is free of charge.

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

For more information, call (732) 545-9691 or e-mail info@ilperetz.org.

Sociable Single Seniors

slates meeting, brunch

The next meeting of Sociable Single Seniors will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the USA Diner, East Windsor. The event will feature a buffet brunch.

Cost is $6 per person. Reservations are required.

For more information and to reserve, call Eli at (609) 655-5137 or Jennifer at (609) 395-7979.

Tickets on sale for Beth Ohr Square Dance

Congregation Beth Ohr, 70 Route 516, Old Bridge, will sponsor its annual Square Dance beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the temple.

Cost is $12.50 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres and dessert. Reservations are required. Space is limited.

For more information or to volunteer to help, call David Bamford at (732) 679-6684 or e-mail dabamford@hotmail.com. Checks should be sent to David Bamford, 5 Falcon Court, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.

S.R. Elementary School to stage ‘Wizard of Oz’

The South River Elementary School Drama Club will present its production of “The Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 and 28 in the cafetorium at the school, Johnson Place. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Snow dates will be Feb. 3 and 4.

Tickets cost $3 for children and senior citizens, $5 for adults.

Refreshments will be sold prior to the show and during intermission.

For more information, call (732) 613-4073, ext. 7255.

Congregational Bingo set for Feb. 4 at temple

The Temple B’nai Shalom Men’s Club will sponsor a Congregational Bingo event beginning at 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the temple, Fern and Old Stage roads, East Brunswick.

Admission is $18 per person. Checks should be made payable to Temple B’nai Shalom Men’s Club and mailed to Temple B’nai Shalom, P.O. Box 957, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, Attn.: Aaron Mayer. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 251-4300.

Mountain-bike program next up at Cheesequake

A beginners’ mountain-biking program will begin at 1 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Cheesequake Park Interpretative Center, Gordon Road, Old Bridge.

Topics will include all aspects of the sport including the types of bicycles available and the proper equipment necessary to use and maintain the bikes.

The event is free of charge. Individuals ages 10 and up are invited.

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

Police collecting old and unused cell phones

The Spotswood Police Department is collecting old and unused cell phones to benefit its Community Policing Program and Senior Cell Phone Program.

Phones may be dropped off at police headquarters, 77 Summerhill Road.

For more information, call Sgt. Chris Bierman at (732) 416-1855.

Acoustic folk music will be heard at library

The Old Bridge Public Library, Route 516 and Cottrell Road, will present Folk by Association, featuring Jill Unger and Karen Krajacic, in an acoustic folk music concert set to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 28.

The music of Unger and Krajacic, who have been influenced by confessional singer/songwriters such as Fiona Apple, Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos, features vocal harmonies and guitar-playing.

Admission to the concert is free of charge. Registration is not required. The public is welcome.

For more information, call (732) 721-5600, ext. 5033.

Stress management to be discussed at temple

The Sisterhood of Congregation Anshe Emeth of South River, 88 Main St., will present a Sunday Morning event beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Feb. 12.

A light breakfast will be served. Dr. Kenneth Freedman will then offer a presentation on stress management. Topics will include identifying the differences among physical, emotional and chemical stress; gaining a better understanding of how stress affects one’s health; and opening one’s mind to learning natural and effective ways to combat stress.

Registration is requested by Feb. 3.

For more information and to register, call Lynette Seader at (732) 254-4966 or the temple office at (732) 257-4190, or e-mail AEmeth@comcast.net.

Zimmerli plans musical Art-After-Hours event

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, will hold an Art After Hours musical event titled “VooDUDE Vibrations” from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 2.

The event will feature the sounds of the VooDUDES, a local band that blends New Orleans funk, blues, Southern folk and soul and honky-tonk.

Participants will listen and dance to music, then hunt for romance-themed artwork while taking part in a Gallery Quest program. Free refreshments will be provided.

Regular museum admission fees ($3 per adult) apply. Members and Rutgers University faculty, students and staff will be admitted free of charge.

For more information, call the museum at (732) 932-7237, ext. 610.

OLV Columbiettes to honor past president

Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Knights of Columbus Council No. 2061 Columbiettes will honor most recent Past President Gail Olszewski at a dinner-dance beginning at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Knights of Columbus Victorian Hall, Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville.

The event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, open bar and dancing to music of the ’50s and ’60s with DJ Gary “Motown” Morton. Tickets cost $20 per person.

For more information and to reserve, call Maryann at (732) 721-4563.

Reservation deadline is Feb. 11.

Open house at Our Lady of Lourdes Jan. 30

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, 44 Cleveland Ave., Milltown, will hold an open house Jan. 30, 9-11 a.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.

Parents, teachers, and the school principal will be available to give tours of the preschool, full-day kindergarten, and grades one through eight. There will also be an information session with student performances at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the school at (732) 828-1951.

St. Thomas the Apostle class of ’81 to celebrate

Members of the class of 1981 of St. Thomas the Apostle School, Old Bridge, are planning a 25th reunion. Classmates are sought.

For more information and to provide classmates’ names and addresses, call Annette Mercurio Codispoti at (732) 251 9402 or e-mail acodis@optonline.net, or call Cheryl Merrone Rackett at (732) 605-9725, e-mail RACKS99@aol.com.

Shows alert youth to substance-abuse dangers

The Monroe Township Municipal Alliance Committee, to mark February Is Marijuana-Use Prevention Month, will present Rick Adams in two productions at the Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road. Both shows are designed to alert young people to the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of self-esteem.

“Sound Choices” will be performed at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2. Youngsters in kindergarten-sixth grade are invited.

Using a combination of original songs, circus acts and audience participation, Adams will take a caring look at growing up and believing in oneself. The program is designed to boost self-esteem and empower children to make positive choices in life, focusing on smoking, drinking, drug use, healthy eating and exercise.

Adams also will perform in “A Journey Through Addiction” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2. Young adults in grades six-12 are invited to attend.

Using music, drama and special effects, the autobiographical theater production will explore alcoholism, drug dependency, eating disorders, teen suicide and self-destructive attitudes.

Young people attending the presentation will have the opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate to a favorite store. Reservations are requested by Jan. 30.

For more information and to register, call (732) 723-5000.

Frost PTA schedules tricky tray at EBHS

The Frost Elementary School PTA will sponsor a tricky tray fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 17 in the cafeteria at East Brunswick High School (EBHS), Cranbury Road. Prizes will include a three-night, four-day, inclusive Beaches Resorts family vacation for four, theater tickets, gift certificates for fine dining and sporting events and more prizes from local businesses. Ticket price is $5 at the door and includes light refreshments. Participants must be 18 years of age.

Area companies interested in donating goods or services are asked to call Robin Adkins at (732) 651-6002 or e-mail robin465@comcast.net.

Families invited to view ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’

The Monroe Municipal Alliance Committee will present Craig Babcock and Richard Stillman in “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” a live theatrical production for all ages, at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road. The event is part of the committee’s Family Night Out series of programs. The musical adaptation of the sly, humorous tale by Hans Christian Andersen will stress the importance of friendship, respect, truth, self-esteem, honesty and the value of reading and learning from the experiences of others.

Youngsters and adults are invited. A snack will be provided. Admission is free of charge; however, a donation of a new children’s book for Babyland Family Services would be appreciated. For more information and to register, call (732) 723-5000.

Art @ Lunch events scheduled at museum

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, will offer a series of upcoming Art @ Lunch events.

The public is invited to join Zimmerli curators and art historians as they discuss ever-changing themes and artists from the museum’s permanent collections and special exhibitions. A reception, featuring light refreshments and conversation with the day’s guest speaker, will follow.

The half-hour gallery talks will begin at 12:15 p.m. in the museum’s main lobby. Program participants will receive a 10-percent discount in the museum store on the day of the event.

The Art @ Lunch schedule is as follows:

• Feb. 1 — “Portraiture and Its Evolution in 19th-Century European Sculpture,” with Florence Quideau, Department of Art History, Rutgers University, New Brunswick;

• Feb. 15 — “SotsArt in the Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection of Nonconformist Art From the Soviet Union,” with Yelena Kalinsky, Department of Art History, Rutgers University;

• March 1 — “Pirenesi: Architecture of the Eye and Mind,” with Pamela Margerm, Department of Art History, Rutgers University;

• March 15 — “Abraham Joel Tobias: Sculptural Paintings of the 1930s,” with Jeffrey Wechsler, Zimmerli Art Museum.

The museum store will hold its Midwinter Sale from Feb. 7-19. Books, dolls, selected jewelry and accessories and stationery will be available a savings of 10- to 20-percent and more.

For more information, call (732) 932-7237, ext. 610.

Youth programs, movies planned at S.R. Library

The South River Public Library, 44 Appleby Ave., will offer a variety of upcoming youth programs.

“Hugs and Kisses, Pictures and Sounds,” a holiday program for youngsters ages 3-12, will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 or 3 p.m. on Feb. 10. Participants will create a digital-photo slideshow set to music for a favorite valentine, decorate a gift box and create a special treat. Registration is required by Feb. 2; 10-15 JPG photos and/or drawings on a CD must be dropped off at the library by that date.

The library will scan the original pictures and sketches for participants, if necessary. Class is limited to 15 participants per session.

“Toddler Time,” open to children ages 18 months-3 years and a caregiver, will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 2 and 16.

“Preschool Pals,” for ages 3 1/2-5, is set for 4 p.m. on Feb 2 and 16.

The following movies will be shown in the library’s downstairs program room:

• “Sky High” — Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.;

• “Bambi 2” — Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.;

• “Zathura” — Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.

For more information, call the library at (732) 254-2488.

Corpus Christi plans ‘Souper Bowl’ drive

Corpus Christi Parish, 100 James St., South River, will hold a “Souper Bowl” weekend Feb. 4 and 5.

The children of the parish and members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will collect cans of soup for the needy before each Mass during the weekend. Other nonperishable canned foods and cash donations also will be accepted.

Checks should be made payable to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Donations will be distributed to those in need in the parish and the community.

SARA seeks volunteers, offers cats for adoption

Summit Animal Rescue Association (SARA) Inc., offers cats and kittens for adoption at Petco of Old Bridge, Route 9 and Ernston Road, from noon to 5 p.m. on alternate Saturdays. The next event is set for Jan. 28.

Adoption fee is $75. An application is required.

SARA also is seeking volunteers to aid in the care, feeding and cage maintenance of the cats and kittens waiting for adoption at Petco. Volunteers would be needed for up to two hours, mornings or evenings, throughout the week.

For more information, call Kathleen at (732) 309-4089.