2007-02-08 / Bulletin Board

Community Bulletin Board

Organizations sought for Community Day

The township of East Brunswick Division of Recreation and Community Services will sponsor the 18th annual East Brunswick Community Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 4 at Brunswick Square Mall, Route 18, East Brunswick.

Community-based, nonprofit volunteer groups are invited to participate in the event. Exhibitors will display materials, recruit members, distribute literature and demonstrate their talents.

Reserved exhibit space is free of charge to the first 60 nonprofit groups to register.

The event will feature continuous entertainment, featuring a talent showcase, face-painting and more, from noon to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, to reserve space or to volunteer for the talent showcase, call (732) 390-6797 or log on to www.eastbrunswick.org.

Call to purchase pavers for veterans walkway

The township of East Brunswick is taking orders for granite walkway pavers to be installed at the East Brunswick Veterans Monument in time for dedication at the township's annual Memorial Day observance. Reservation deadline is April 6 to ensure installation by Memorial Day.

Individuals may purchase a 4-by-4-inch black granite paver that will line the Veterans Walk of Honor. Currently, there are 218 pavers along the walkway, and all bear personal inscriptions from private individuals and businesses choosing to be part of the community project.

For a $300 donation, a paver will be inscribed with the contributor's name or that of a loved one or a business, and installed along the walkway. The purchaser does not have to be a veteran or an East Brunswick resident to reserve a paver, nor does the purchase have to be for a veteran. All those who want to be a part of the community's tribute to veterans are welcome to participate. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information and to reserve, call Karen Kecskes at the East Brunswick Division of Recreation, (732) 390-6797.

Kindergarten signups set for Monroe Schools

Monroe Township Public Schools will hold kindergarten registration on March 7 and 8, 14 and 15. Parents should bring their child's original birth certificate or passport, current immunization record and proof of residency (parents' deed or tax bill or lease and current utility bill). A parent's driver's license must also be presented.

Registration for Barclay Brook area residents will be held on March 7 and 8 at Barclay Brook School, 358 Buckelew Ave. Individuals whose last names begin with the letters A-G will register from 9:15-11:30 a.m. on March 7; last names H-M will sign up from 1-2:45 p.m. on the same day. Those whose last names begin with the letters N-R will enroll from 9:15-11:30 a.m. on March 8; letters S-Z, from 1-2:45 p.m. on the same day. For more information, call (732) 521-1000.

Kindergarten registration for Mill Lake area residents will take place on March 14 and 15 at Mill Lake School, 115 Monmouth Road. Individuals whose last names begin with the letters A-G will register from 9:15-11:30 a.m. on March 14; last names H-M, from 1-2:45 p.m. on the same day. Those whose last names begin with the letters N-R will enroll from 9:15-11:30 a.m. on March 15; letters S-Z, from 1-2:45 p.m. on the same day. For more information, call (732) 251-5336.

Gala to mark opening of 'new' E.B. Library

The East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center, will host a grand opening party from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 9 in celebration of what's new at the library. The gala, which will include food, live music, family activities and more, is free of charge and open to all.

Mark Miklos and the Raritan Ramblers will play their signature bluegrass-country tunes while partygoers sample menu items from the Library Café, slated to open by the end of February. A caricaturist and a clown also will be on hand, and children will have the opportunity to make crafts.

The festivities are planned in honor of the library's new features: extended hours until 9 p.m. every night of the week, including Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; the library's first-ever café; and the introduction of a free online service, Youniquely 4U, which alerts library customers to library programs and services that match their interests.

Municipal officials are expected to attend. The party is sponsored by Checkpoint Systems, the maker of Youniquely 4U software.

While the celebration will formally begin at 5 p.m., interested patrons may learn about and sign up for the free electronic services anytime after noon on Feb. 9. Librarians will explain how the service works.

The new services come on the heels of other recent library service improvements, including expanded adult and children's programming, e-mail notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot status and streamlined checkout for books and media items. For more information, call (732) 390-6761.

Young adults invited to events at library

A variety of events for young adults will be offered during February at the Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.

February author of the month is Walter Dean Myers. Teen books by the New Jersey author will be on display in the library's Teen Central throughout the month. Myers' works include contemporary and historical fiction, nonfiction and autobiography.

The library is hosting an Avalanche of Books Winter Reading Club through Feb. 28. Monroe students in grades 6-12 are invited to fill out brief rating forms concerning their recent reads and then enter the forms at Teen Central to win prizes.

A Teen and Preteen Book Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the library. Topic of discussion will be the 2007 One Book New Jersey selection for young adults, "So Yesterday" by Scott Westerfeld. The meeting is open to all area teens in grades 7-12. Telephone and in-person registration is being accepted at the reference desk, where participants may reserve a copy of the book.

All events are open to the public.

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

Nominees sought for SRHS Wall of Fame

South River High School (SRHS) is once again seeking nominations for selection to the South River High School Wall of Fame.

The purpose of the wall is to identify and recognize the superior achievement and performance of former SRHS students within various fields of endeavor. These individuals and the recognition of their achievements will serve as role models for current and future SRHS students. The award is in no way limited to athletic achievement. The Wall of Fame stands in the main corridor of the high school and contains the names of the award recipients on plaques of recognition.

Nominees for the Wall of Fame will be considered based on the following criteria:

* must have attended or graduated from South River High School;

* must exhibit a high level of achievement in his or her field;

* must be a positive role model for South River youth.

A maximum of two individuals will be inducted this year. For more information and a nomination form, write to Ronald C. Grygo, Superintendent of Schools, South River Board of Education, 15 Montgomery St., South River, NJ 08882, or call (732) 613-4000, ext. 6. Deadline for submissions is May 18.

Participants sought for St. Jude Bowl-for-Life

A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Bowl-for-Life is planned for 1 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Mid-State Bowl, Route 18, East Brunswick. The event will help raise funds for children stricken with diseases including cancer, AIDS and sickle cell anemia.

The public is urged to participate in and to attend the event. Volunteer coordinator is Zach Stetson of East Brunswick.

Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. The hospital, founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, is internationally recognized for its work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. For more information on the hospital, log on to www.stjude.org.

Individuals interested participating in the Bowl-for-Life or in making a contribution may call Jennifer Stetson at (732) 651-8859.

Fathers club schedules March 10 Casino Night

The Immaculate Conception Fathers Club will host its third annual Casino Night from 7-10 p.m. on March 10 in the auditorium at Immaculate Conception School, 23 Manalapan Road, Spotswood. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The event will feature a variety of casino games, food, beverages and a DJ. Prizes will include a seven-day vacation to Myrtle Beach, S.C.; flat-panel and plasma televisions; a home-theater system; a stainless-steel barbecue; and more. Tickets cost $40 per person and include $25 in gaming chips. Individuals who register by Feb. 23 will receive an additional $25 in chips. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (732) 626-0494.

Event at Applebee's

to benefit drama club

The East Brunswick High School Drama Club will sponsor a Dining to Donate fundraiser from 4:30 p.m. to closing on Feb. 16 at Applebee's of Milltown, Milltown Road and Ryders Lane.

Diners who eat in or take out must present a Dining-to-Donate flier at the restaurant. Applebee's will then donate 10 percent of supporters' bills to the East Brunswick High School Drama Club/PAPAs (Performing Arts Parents Association). The flier must be presented for the donation to count. For more information or fliers, e-mail Doreen Puliafico at papashowtix@aol.com.

Frost PTA schedules tricky tray at EBHS

The Frost Elementary School PTA will sponsor its annual Tricky Tray fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the cafeteria at East Brunswick High School (EBHS), Cranbury Road. Prizes will include a five-day, all-inclusive Beaches Resorts vacation to Turks and Caicos or Jamaica and a $750 Ashley Furniture gift certificate. Ticket price is $5 in advance, $7 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@com-cast.net.

Talent show to raise funds for senior class

The Spotswood High School 2007 senior class will sponsor a Student-Faculty Talent Show from 7-10 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the high school, Summerhill Road.

The event will feature students and faculty in a variety of performances including dancing, singing, poetry reading and comedy. Tickets, which cost $5 per person, may be purchased in advance during lunch periods at the high school or at the door on the evening of the show. All proceeds will go to the Senior Class Fund for the class trip and prom.

Tickets available for Sweetheart Car Raffle

Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180, 74 W. Railroad Ave., will hold its first Sweetheart Car Raffle from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 10. Organizers hope to make the raffle an annual event. Tickets cost $100 each. Grand prize is a 2007 Hyundai Accent (4-door, automatic transmission, air conditioning, CD player). Three additional prizes (a camcorder, a digital camera and an iPod) will be raffled off. Ticket purchase includes food and beverages. Raffle tickets may be purchased from Bill Orpin at Cornithian Capital, 30 W. Railroad Ave., or from Frank Olexson at (732) 521-8395 or Tom Sparacio at (732) 521-4671. Proceeds from the raffle will be used for Elks' building improvements and repairs.

Valentine's Dance next up at music center

A Valentine's Dance featuring Big Band music by the Imperial Dance Band will be held from 7:30-11 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Imperial Music Center, 48 Appleby Ave., South River. The event will feature dancing, light dining and refreshments. Cost is $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 254-5862.

Registration under way for adult ESL classes

The South River Adult School is registering students for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes set to meet from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at South River Middle School, 3 Montgomery St.

Classes are designed to help adults improve conversational and written English skills. Students may enroll at any time during the school year. Sessions are free of charge. Students should have their Social Security number at registration.

For more information, call Jason Bentley at (732) 613-4014, ext. 6471, or e-mail jbentley@srivernj.org.

Alborada to perform in 'Celtic Connection'

The Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch, will present the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre in a performance of "The Celtic Connection" at 8 p.m. on Feb. 24.

The cross-cultural program will illustrate Celtic influences on Spain and Ireland. Performers will include the entire Alborada company, the Niall O'Leary Irish Dance Troupe, featured artists from Centro Oresano (a New Jersey-based cultural group that performs Celtic-influenced Northern Spanish dances and music) and the Irish band Coolmagort.

Tickets cost $25 per person, $23 for seniors, $12 for children. For more information and to reserve, call the box office at (732) 263-6889 or log on to www.monmouth.edu/arts for discounts for groups and subscription series.

'Hoot, Hoot' owl program coming to park

"Hoot, Hoot: The Owls of Cheesequake" is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Cheesequake Park Interpretive Center, 300 Gordon Road, Old Bridge.

Participants will learn about the owls of New Jersey, dissect an owl pellet and discover the type of prey owls seek out.

The program is open to all ages.

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

Little House seeking tricky tray donations

The Little House Association of South River is accepting donations for its upcoming Tricky Tray planned for 8 p.m. on May 18 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1451, 31 Reid St., South River. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

Little House provides a meeting place for more than 180 Girl Scouts in South River. All donations, small or large, will be appreciated.

Admission to the May 18 event is $6. Tickets will not be sold in advance.

To make a donation or for more information, call Linda at (732) 257-3274.

Patrons invited to enter Library Lovers contest

February is Library Lovers Month at the Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St.

Patrons are invited to visit the library, write down why they love the library and enter a free drawing to win a gift. The event is open to Spotswood Library cardholders only.

All entries will be posted at the library during February. The gift drawing is planned for Feb. 28.

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

Public invited to view officer installation

Jamesburg American Legion Post No. 127 will install its newly elected officers in a ceremony set for 10 a.m. on Feb. 10 in the courtroom of the Jamesburg municipal building, 131 Perrineville Road. The public is invited to attend.

Coffee and cake will be available prior to and after the installation, which will be performed by officers of the county American Legion.

Art @ Lunch events scheduled at museum

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, is offering a series of Art @ Lunch events.

The public is invited to join Zimmerli curators and art historians as they discuss 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 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 continues as follows:

+ Feb. 21 - "Japonisme: Old and New," with senior curator Jeffrey Wechsler.

Art @ Lunch talks take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The program is free with museum admission ($3 for adults, free of charge to Rutgers University students and faculty with identification).

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

Wizards to play students, faculty in fundraiser

East Brunswick High School Class of 2007 Project Graduation will sponsor a fundraising basketball game featuring the Harlem Wizards vs. East Brunswick High School faculty and students and district elementary school gym teachers beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the gym at Churchill Junior High School, 18 Norton Road, East Brunswick.

Tickets cost $10 per person and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Order forms may be downloaded by logging on to www.ebnet.org. For more information, call Carolyn Gregory at (732) 238-1965.

Public invited to

Feb. 27 wine tasting

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce (MCRCC) Women in Business Committee and Business After Hours Committee will present a wine tasting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick. Assorted hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and an assortment of Italian pastries will be served to complement the wine. The event is open to the public. Cost is $45 for prepaid members, $60 for nonmembers and walk-ins. Call (732) 821-1700.

Peace-Treaty Poker, Silent Auction planned

East Brunswick Hadassah will present a Peace-Treaty Poker and Silent Auction at 8 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane.

Peace-Treaty Poker is a fast-paced game in which each hand is played against a different pair of players. The silent auction will feature numerous prizes. Refreshments will be served.

Admission is $18 per person. Proceeds will benefit one of the fund-raising focuses of Hadassah.

For more information, call Sharon Sacks at (732) 390-5595 or Michelle Finkelstein at (732) 254-5638.

Tickets available for fashion show fundraiser

The East Brunswick Woman's Club will hold its Classic in Fashion spring fashion show fundraiser beginning at 7 p.m. on March 20 at the Crown Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn), New Jersey Turnpike Exit 8A, Jamesburg. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature the fashion show, a luncheon, music, and a basket raffle. Donation is $45.

For more information and to reserve, call Rosemary at (732) 257-1746.

Lions to sponsor Pancake Breakfast

The South River Lions Club will host its annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 25 at the South River American Legion Hall, Whitehead Avenue. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children age 12 and under. Proceeds will benefit the visually impaired. Tickets are available at the door or from Lions Club members. For more information, call Frank at (732) 254-0055.

Advocates sought for neglected children

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Middlesex County, an organization that trains volunteers to advocate in Family Court on behalf of abused and neglected children in foster care, will hold an information session for potential volunteers at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the United Way office, 32 Ford Ave., Milltown. Registration is required. For more information and directions, call (732) 246-4449 or e-mail info@casamiddlesex.org.

Program to deal with African-American health

A presentation titled "Health Issues Affecting African Americans" is planned for 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Jamesburg Public Library, Gatzmer Avenue. The program will be offered in honor of Black History Month.

Representatives of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey will provide free screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Printed information also will be available. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call the library at (732) 521-0440.

Hebrew speakers club plans Feb. 18 meeting

The next meeting of the Chug Ivrit club for intermediate and advanced Hebrew speakers will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 18 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.

Senior Chai to feature luncheon, karaoke duo

The next meeting of Senior Chai, a program of Jewish Family and Vocational Service (JFVS) of Southern Middlesex County, will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Jewish Congregation of Concordia, Monroe.

The event will feature a kosher lunch and a karaoke duo performance.

Donation is $5, in advance. The public is welcome. Transportation is available.

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

Dinner to raise funds for youth mission trip

The St. Paul's Church Senior Youth Group will host a Spaghetti Dinner from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the church education building, corner of South Main Street and Lakewood Avenue, Milltown.

Cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children under age 12. Proceeds will benefit the youth group's upcoming mission trip to Bluefield, W.Va.

For more information, call the church office at (732) 828-0020.

'Godspell' auditions on tap in Old Bridge

Auditions for the upcoming GB Productions presentation of "Godspell" will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 13 at St. Thomas the Apostle School auditorium, Route 18 south, Old Bridge.

Youngsters ages 8 and up are sought for the children's chorus. Lead roles are open to adults only. Participants should bring sheet music and be prepared to sing. An accompanist will be provided.

For more information, call (732) 251-8323.

Quilters will gather for Feb. 12 meeting

The Molly Pitcher Stitchers Quilt Guild will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 at Neff Chapel, Old Tennent Church, Tennent Road, Tennent section of Manalapan. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Members will sew quilts to be donated to charitable organizations. All quilters are welcome. For more information, call Gail Small at (732) 679-9627, evenings.

Book and Bake Sale coming to South River Library

The Friends of the South River Library will host a Book and Bake Sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the library, 55 Appleby Ave. The event will feature used books, magazines, assorted music and VHS tapes. Shoppers will have the opportunity to fill a box for $5. Homemade baked goods will be available for purchase. While parents shop, youngsters are invited to view a free public movie, "Open Season," set to begin at 11 a.m. Call the library at (732) 254-2488.

Two-day rummage sale on tap at E.B. church

Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host a Church Indoor Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 9 and 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 10 in the white house next to the church, 568 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. Parking will be available in the church parking lot. Call (732) 254-7361.

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