Partnership selling green gift baskets for holidays

The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership, Milltown, is offering "green" gift baskets during the holiday season ranging in price from $25-$42 depending on basket size.

The baskets contain four or more nontoxic, child and pet safe items such as all-purpose cleaner, stain remover, glass cleaner, K-Neem insecticide/fungicide, plant nutrition tabs, and other items. Baskets are wrapped in clear plastic with a holiday bow. Orders are available each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.-noon at the Partnership Headquarters, 85 Washington Ave., Milltown. For more information, call (732) 249-5297.

Cans can be dropped off to help burned children

Residents who wish to support the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC) program may drop off aluminum cans at any of three Old Bridge firehouses. The ACBC recycling program is used to purchase items and services that are essential to the recovery of pediatric burn patients at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

The South Old Bridge Fire Department buildings are located at 1599 Englishtown Road (near Van Tines Lane), 958 Englishtown Road and 14 Throckmorton Lane. For directions, contact the South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company Office at (732) 251-8596.

OLV schedules Dec. 9

Children's Tricky Tray

Our Lady of Victories (OLV) Church will host a Children's Tricky Tray on Dec. 9 in the church's Monsignor Dalton Hall, Main Street, Sayreville. Doors will open at 11 a.m. First drawing is set for 12:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $6 each; children age 2 and under will be admitted free of charge. Umbrella strollers only will be permitted. Lunch will be available.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, call the parish office at (732) 257-0077.

Retired employees plan

Dec. 12 holiday party

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1533, Middletown, will hold its annual Christmas party beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 12 at Branches Restaurant, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch.

For more information and to reserve, call Susan at (732) 615-0514.

Chinese acrobat to soar at Hanukkah festival

Torah Links will present a Hanukkah Celebration, featuring well-known Chinese acrobat and juggler Yang Xiao Di, at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 at Churchill Junior High School, 18 Norton Road, East Brunswick.

The festival will include a hot dairy buffet, a jumbo menorah lighting, live music and raffles.

Cost is $8 per person $30 per family. Reservations are required by Dec. 15.

For more information and to reserve, reservations, call (732) 613 1613 or e-mail mdlsx@torahlinks.org.

Homemade dinner

on tap at Sons of Italy

The Order of the Sons of Italy, Sgt. John Basilone Lodge, will serve a homemade dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Imperial Music Center, 48 Appleby Ave., South River.

The meal will include lentil soup, salad, chicken in garlic sauce over penne pasta, cake and coffee/tea.

Cost is $9 per person.

For more information, call (732) 238-0310 on the day of the event.

Bereavement group

forming in Monroe

Jewish Family and Vocational Service (JFVS) of Southern Middlesex County, Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe, is forming a new bereavement group.

Individuals who have experienced the loss of a spouse or significant other are invited to join. A licensed clinical social worker will lead the group.

For information or to register, call JoAnn Cohen at (609) 395-7979. Volunteers sought to deliver senior meals

The East Brunswick Department on Aging is seeking volunteers to help deliver for its Senior Meals program, Mondays-Fridays. Deliveries begin at 11:30 a.m. and are usually completed within 60-90 minutes, depending upon the length of the route.

An individual may volunteer as a regular on a once-a-month or twice-a-month basis or as a substitute for a regular who is temporarily unavailable. Program directors are seeking drivers who are dependable and are familiar with East Brunswick streets and navigator/runners to bring the meals to senior clients.

To volunteer or for more information, call Jim at (732) 390-6809.

basis or as a substitute for a regular who is temporarily unavailable. Program directors are seeking drivers who are dependable and are familiar with East Brunswick streets and navigator/runners to bring the meals to senior clients.

To volunteer or for more information, call Jim at (732) 390-6809.

Tree lighting scheduled for Dec. 10 in Helmetta

The annual Helmetta Tree Lighting is planned for 6 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Borough Hall, Main Street.

Refreshments will follow the ceremony.

For more information, call (732) 521-4946, ext. 100.

Refreshments will follow the ceremony.

For more information, call (732) 521-4946, ext. 100.

Nilson participating in Toys for Tots collection

The Monroe office of Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate, 1600 Perrineville Road, Suite 30, Concordia Shopping Center, is serving as a drop-off location for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation Drive.

New, unwrapped toys may be brought to the office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, through Dec. 14.

For more information, call (609) 395-6600.

Holiday Bazaar to benefit E.B. school

The Lawrence Brook School PTA will hold a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the school, 48 Sullivan Way, East Brunswick.

The event will feature games, crafts, a bake sale, vendors and a holiday store. Youngsters will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Frosty the Snowman.

The event will feature games, crafts, a bake sale, vendors and a holiday store. Youngsters will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Frosty the Snowman.

Public invited to JFVS Hanukkah Party

Jewish Family and Vocational Service (JFVS) of Southern Middlesex County will host its annual Hanukkah Party from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Jewish Congregation of Concordia, Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe.

Cost is $5, in advance. The public is invited. Transportation is available.

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

ping Center, Monroe.

Cost is $5, in advance. The public is invited. Transportation is available.

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

Alzheimer's support group slates meeting

The Alzheimer's Disease Support Network of Middlesex County will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Piscataway Senior Center, Hoes Lane.

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

Magic show to mark nonprofit's jubilee

Art of Living, a nonprofit organization offering programs around the world to strengthen the individual, will celebrate its silver-jubilee year with "Cirque de Magic" featuring Las Vegas magician Simon Winthrop at 4 p.m. on Dec 10 at the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick.

Proceeds will be used for several worldwide service projects for post-traumatic stress relief and rehabilitation.

Tickets cost $20, $35 and $50. To reserve, call (732) 246-7469.

For more information on Art of Living, call (732) 738-4457 or log on to www.artoflivingnj.org.

Candlelit concert to feature 'The Messiah'

The St. Mary's Choral Society and Chamber Orchestra will perform George Frederick Handel's "The Messiah" in a candlelit concert planned for 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 at St. Mary's Church, Augusta Street, South Amboy. The event is part of the Music at St. Mary's concert series.

The oratorio on the life of Jesus Christ was composed for soloists, chorus and orchestra. The Christmas portion of the work will be performed in its entirety, along with excerpts from the second and third parts. Christopher M. Diebert will conduct.

The concert is free of charge; however, free-will donations will be gratefully accepted. The public is invited.

For more information, call (732) 721-0179.

The program has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts, through a grant provided by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission/Board of Chosen Freeholders.

free-will donations will be gratefully accepted. The public is invited.

For more information, call (732) 721-0179.

The program has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts, through a grant provided by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission/Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Concerto competition seeks young musicians

The Livingston Symphony Orchestra, Livingston, is issuing an invitation to talented young musicians in the area to participate in its 32nd annual concerto competition.

The competition will be held Jan. 7 (snow date Jan. 14). The deadline for applications is Dec. 14.

The winner will perform as soloist with the orchestra at a March 31 concert and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Applications and rules may be obtained by contacting chairperson, Carmela Cecere at (973) 635-2345.

Applicants must be legitimate residents of New Jersey, although they may be residing elsewhere temporarily for the purpose of studying at an institution of higher learning.

The orchestra is under the direction of world-renown conductor Istvan Jaray.

Elks invite youngsters to celebrate Christmas

Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180 will hold its annual Children's Christmas Party from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the lodge, 74 W. Railroad Ave.

The event will feature hot dogs, French fries, soda, gifts, games and a visit from Santa.

Santa's Secret Workshop will be open for youngsters to purchase gifts for their parents; prices will range from $1-$5. Goody bags will be distributed.

For more information, call the lodge at (732) 521-2180.

Santa's Secret Workshop will be open for youngsters to purchase gifts for their parents; prices will range from $1-$5. Goody bags will be distributed.

For more information, call the lodge at (732) 521-2180.

Christmas party on tap

for Helmetta children

A Helmetta Children's Christmas Party is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Holy Trinity Church Hall, 100 Main St., Helmetta.

The event will feature lunch, a magic show and a visit from Santa.

Registration is required. For more information and to reserve, call Sandra Bohinski at (732) 521-4946, ext. 100. Mayaguez to be topic at history club discussion

The Spotswood High School History Club will host veterans of the Mayaguez battle, the last official conflict of the Vietnam War, at 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the high school, Summerhill Road.

As the embassy fell in Saigon, the Cambodian communists captured the Mayaguez, a U.S. ship that had strayed too close to their waters. President Gerald Ford ordered a rescue mission, which resulted in a pitched battle on the coast and in the death of several American military personnel.

The father of one of the history club's members was the Mayaguez ship's photographer. He will share a number of never-before-seen photos of the incident.

The public is invited.

Children's theater seeks directors' submissions

Villagers Theatre is accepting submissions from directors for its 2007-08 KidsVill Series to be produced in the Zaidi Black Box Theatre at the Villagers complex, DeMott Lane, Somerset section of Franklin. The KidsVill Series strives to bring entertainment to children of all ages.

Directors are asked to submit scripts, along with their availability for September 2007-July 2008. Plays should be no more than an hour in length and should require more imagination than elaborate sets. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 29. Material should be sent to The Villagers Theatre, Attn: Tina Lee, P.O. Box 6175, Somerset, NJ 08875-6175 or e-mailed to Tina@villagerstheatre.com.

Columbiettes will host Dec. 10 Christmas Tea

St. Bartholomew Columbiettes will host its annual Christmas Tea fundraiser at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 at St. Bartholomew Knights of Columbus Council Home, 460 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

The event will feature harp music, holiday stories, tea, soft drinks and cookies.

Admission is $10 plus a dish of cookies to share. Proceeds will be used to bring Christmas dinner baskets to an abused women's shelter. Participants also may bring nonperishable food contributions for the baskets.

Reservations are required. Space is limited.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 583-3595.

Tradition continues with 'Christmas Carol'

While waiting for its new theater to be completed, the East Brunswick Community Players (formerly Playhouse 22), will present its 12th annual production of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol," Dec. 8-17, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m., in temporary quarters at Circle Playhouse, 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.

The production is adapted and directed by Tony Adase.

Tickets cost $10 each. For more information and to reserve, log on to www.circleplayers.com or call (732) 968-7555.

Randy James Dance

Works to appear in E.B.

The East Brunswick Division of Recreation and the East Brunswick Arts Commission will present Randy James Dance Works in a holiday performance of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road.

The modern-dance adaptation will feature a cast of 11 dancers performing to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The program is suitable for the whole family.

General-admission tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at the door. The performance will last approximately one hour.

For more information, call (732) 390-6797.

Shlock Rock Band

will perform in E.B.

The East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, will present the Shlock Rock Band in concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20.

Shlock Rock is a Jewish rock band that aims to spread Jewish pride, identity and awareness through its music. The band, which was formed in 1986 and has produced 27 albums and three videos, is led by Lenny Solomon. Shlock Rock offers original music written by Solomon and parodies pop songs from the '50s to contemporary times.

Tickets cost $15 in advance, $18 at the door, for adults; $10 in advance, $12 at the door, for youngsters ages 3-12 and seniors. Children under age 3 will be admitted free of charge. A Hanukkah Gift Pack - four tickets, priority seats, dinner - is available for $180.

For more information and tickets, call (732) 257-7070.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 568 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick, will hold its annual Holiday Craft Shop and Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Homemade cookies will be offered at $6 per pound. Handcrafted holiday gifts and decorations will be available. A breakfast bar will open at 8:30 a.m. For directions, call (732) 254-7361. For more information, call (732) 462-4111. Auditions set for high school, college students

The Lakeview Players of Jamesburg will hold open auditions at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 at Lakeview Mansion, 203 Buckelew Ave., Jamesburg, for the group's upcoming performance of Peter Boyer's "Ellis Island, Dream of America," scheduled for February.

Organizers are seeking dedicated high-school and college students to participate in the performance and in other planned events.

The Players is a three-year-old performance group specializing in the annual "Haunted Lakeview" event. It also hosts several mprov nights.

For more information, call (732) 521-2040 and leave a message or e-mail lakeviewplayers@yahoo.com.

'My Sister's Keeper' next up for book group

The East Brunswick Public Library Book Discussion Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 1 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the library, Jean Walling Civic Center.

Topic of discussion will be "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult.

All adults, whether regular, occasional or new members, are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Copies of the book are available at the library information desk.

For more information, call Claudia Link at (732) 390-6772 or log on to www.ebpl.org.

Goddard is drop-off site for coat collection

The Goddard School of South Old Bridge, 1480 Englishtown Road, Old Bridge, is serving as a collection site for the 10th annual Jersey Cares coat drive.

Donations of gently used, clean coats may be dropped off at the school from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 15.

Contributions will be given to New Jersey families in need.

The goal of Jersey Cares is to collect 30,000 coats for residents, including children and senior citizens, who would otherwise face the winter without warm coats.

For more information, call (732) 416-9600 or log on to www.jerseycares.org.

Vets groups to sponsor Pearl Harbor services

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4699 and its Ladies Auxiliary, Sayreville, and American Legion Post No. 211, also Sayreville, will sponsor Pearl Harbor remembrance services at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 at the American Legion post MacArthur Avenue.

Participants will walk to Sayreville Borough Hall, Main Street.

A service and wreath-laying ceremony to honor Pearl Harbor veterans will follow at River Road Waterworks, Sayreville.

The public is invited.

For more information, call Lucy Rossi at (732) 264-3041.

Tickets on sale for

DECA Tricky Tray

Spotswood High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) will sponsor "Make It Your Lucky Day at DECA's Tricky Tray" beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the high school, Summerhill Road.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Snow date is Feb. 2.

Tickets cost $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Tickets are limited.

Participants must be 18 years of age. Alcohol will not be permitted. Free childcare will be available.

To reserve an admission ticket, call (732) 723-2278.

Theater group to host

Breakfast With Santa

Sayreville Main Street Theatre will sponsor a Breakfast With Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 9 at the group's theater, 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin section of Sayreville.

Guests are invited to meet Santa and his helpers, have breakfast and take photos. Cost is $6.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 553-1153.

Interfaith marriage to be topic at meeting

Rabbi Kerry M. Olitsky, executive director of the Jewish Outreach Center, will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of East Brunswick Hadassah, set for 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane. Topic will be "Optimism for the Jewish Future: The Myths and Facts of Interfaith Marriage." The public is invited. Admission is free of charge.

For more information, call (732) 390-1937.

Villagers will stage

children's holiday show

The Villagers Theatre, a nonprofit center for the performing and cultural arts, will present its KidsVill production of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" at noon and 3 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10 and 17 at the theater, 415 DeMott Lane, Somerset section of Franklin.

The show, written by Michelle L. Vacca and based on the Clement Moore poem, is produced and directed by Tina Lee of Somerset. Paul Carver of Somerset is the stage manager and technical director. The KidsVill Series is a program of plays presented for young audiences and their families.

General-admission tickets cost $10 each.

For reservations and directions to the theater, call the box office at (732) 873-2710. For more information, log on to www.villagerstheatre.com.

The program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.

Public invited to share,

hear 'Mill Memories'

The Helmetta Historical Society will present "I Remember It Well: Mill Memories" from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at St. George's Church, 56 Main St., Helmetta.

Participants will listen to and tell stories of life in the snuff-mill town. Workers, managers, clergy, business people, family members and all interested persons are invited to attend. Sharing and refreshments will be followed by a tour of the historic church.

For more information, call Kathryn Fields at (732) 309-1494.

'Guys and Dolls'

to be staged in E.B.

The East Brunswick Jewish Center Adult Theatre Group, under the direction of Bobbi Blumenthal, will present "Guys and Dolls" at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane.

Advance tickets cost $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for individuals up to age 19; add $2 for tickets purchased at the door. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 257-7070. Sounds of Christmas to fill So. River music center

The Imperial Band and the East Brunswick Choral Group will present a Christmas concert from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Imperial Music Center, 48 Appleby Ave., South River.

Lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. For more information, call (732) 238-0310.

Chamber of Commerce

sponsoring food drive

The East Brunswick Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its annual Holiday Food Drive through Dec. 16.

Donations of nonperishable kosher and nonkosher food items are sought.

Businesses throughout the East Brunswick area have been designated as donation drop-off centers. For a list of sites, call (732) 257-3009.

Elks will host Dec. 17

Breakfast With Santa

East Brunswick Elks Lodge No. 2370 will hold a Breakfast With Santa from 9:30-11 a.m. on Dec. 17 at the lodge, Oakmont Avenue.

Tickets cost $6 per person; children age 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.

For more information, call (732) 257-2950.

'Polar Express' to roar

into Helmetta Dec. 8

A Movie and Pizza Night is planned for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Helmetta Borough Hall, Main Street.

"The Polar Express" will be screened.

For more information and to reserve, call Sandra Bohinski at (732) 521-4946, ext. 100.

E.B. SEPTA meeting scheduled for Dec. 18

East Brunswick Special Education PTA (SEPTA) will hold a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the public meeting room area at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center.

Robin Schafer, chief executive officer of Masterful Kids, will present a program titled "Emotional Intelligence Learning." It is maintained that teaching social/emotional skills to children improves classroom relationships and focus and decreases negative behaviors. For more information on the topic, log on to www.masterfulkids.com.

All parents/guardians of classified and nonclassified students are welcome to attend the meeting. For more information, e-mail Edward or Audrey Weiner at eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com, telephone (732) 254-7526.