The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership will offer a Winter Nature Walk from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 27 in Bicentennial Park, Riva Avenue and Hardenburg Lane, East Brunswick. The event will be rescheduled to Feb. 28 in the event of heavy rain or snow.
Andy Besold, a local naturalist, will guide the 2- to 3-mile walk through the park. Walkers will look for birds and animals, study the woodlands and pond in the park and explore the banks of Farrington Lake.
Participants will meet in the large parking area located on the right after entering the park from Hardenburg Lane.
Walkers should dress warmly, wear strong shoes or boots and bring binoculars. Restroom facilities will not be available in the park.
Cost (to cover insurance) is $5 for the general public, $3 for panel members, children and students.
For more information, call Alan Godber at (732) 846-4476 or the panel headquarters at (732) 249-5297, or e-mail [email protected].
The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership is a nonprofit organization serving the environmental interests of East Brunswick, Milltown, South Brunswick, North Brunswick and New Brunswick.
Youngsters invited to S.R. Library programs
The South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave., will offer a variety of upcoming youth programs.
The schedule is as follows:
• “Toddler Time,” open to youngsters ages 18 months to 3 years, 11 a.m. on March 2 and 16;
• “Preschool Pals,” for children ages 3 1/2-5, 4 p.m. on March 2 and 16;
• “Bedtime Stories,” for ages 3-6, 7 p.m. on March 20;
• “In the Doghouse,” featuring dog stories, jokes, puppets and games for children ages 3 1/2-6, 4 p.m. on March 9;
• “Spring Is Sprung,” games and crafts for ages 4-7, 4 p.m. on March 21;
• “Ice Is Nice,” open to ages 4-8, 7 p.m. on March 30, will offer participants the opportunity to lift an ice cube with a piece of string and join in ice-painting;
• “Wallace and Gromit,” a film for families, 6:30 p.m. on March 16.
For more information, call the library at (732) 254-2488.
Programs scheduled at Monroe Senior Center
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.
Teresa Grasso, a dietitian at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, will offer the latest information about nutrition, food labels and changes in the food pyramid during a program set for 1:30 p.m. on March 2. Advance registration is requested.
A 12-week “Beginners Bridge” course is being filled by the standby list. Instructor is Janet Wood. For space availability, call the center after Feb. 23. Standby names are no longer being accepted.
“Mood Management” is planned for 11:30 a.m. on March 6. Jan Mohlmann, Rutgers University Psychology Department, New Brunswick, will explore methods by which to avoid negative moods without the use of medication. Mohlmann is engaged in a study about the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on one’s outlook and ability to keep anxiety in check. Advance registration is requested.
Mike Ferreira will present a two-part discussion titled “Songs of Ireland” featuring the three Irish tenors, John McDermott, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan, in the video “The Irish Tenors: The Essential Collection” at 1:30 p.m. on March 6 and 20. Advance registration is requested for each session.
Christine Bazzarre, R.D., and Harriet Black, R.N., both outpatient diabetes educators at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, will offer a discussion on diabetes control and the prevention of diabetes-related problems in a program planned for 1:30 p.m. on March 7. Advance registration is requested.
Seniors are invited to “An African Photo Safari” set for 1:30 p.m. on March 9. Presenter will be Paul Haller. Advance registration is requested.
S.R. schools schedules kindergarten registration
South River public schools will soon begin kindergarten registration.
Registration packets may be obtained from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting March 1 in the main office at South River Primary School, 22 David St. At the time of pickup, appointments may be made for a physical examination with the school physician, if the child does not have a personal physician.
Packets must be completed and returned from 9-11:30 a.m. on the following days: March 14, for last names beginning with the letters A-M; March 21, for last names N-Z. The child need not be present unless an appointment has been scheduled for a physical exam.
To be eligible for enrollment, a child must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, and both the child and parent(s) or guardian(s) must have proof that they are borough residents.
The following items must be presented at registration: original birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics; proof of immunizations, with a doctor’s signature; a physician’s certificate of health (a report of an examination completed between Sept. 1, 2005, and Sept. 1, 2006); and proof of borough residency.
Accepted forms of residency verification include: current tax bill or receipt; mortgage statement; rental agreement or lease; contract to purchase a home; notarized letter from a landlord or property owner; or property deed. A driver’s license or utility bill will not be accepted.
For more information, call (732) 613-4006, ext. 2001 or 2002.
Vacations to be topic at MJMOM meeting
Mid-Jersey Mothers of Multiples Inc. (MJMOM), a nonprofit organization providing support and a social outlet for mothers of twins and higher-order multiples, will hold its next general meeting at 8 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Jackson Street Firehouse, Matawan. Doors will open at 7:40 p.m.
Guest speaker Ted Friedli, owner of Excel Travel, Long Branch, will discuss how to plan the perfect family vacation without spending a fortune.
Mothers or expectant mothers of twins or higher-order multiples are welcome to attend a meeting as a guest.
MJMOM holds general meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with the exception of December, June, July and August. The group’s member base is drawn from northern Monmouth and southern Middlesex counties. The group is a member of the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs Inc. (NOMOTC) and of the state organization, New Jersey Association Twins Mothers Clubs Inc. (NJATMC).
For more information, log on to www.midjerseymoms.org.
Variety-show auditions open to township youth
Auditions for an upcoming variety show sponsored by the East Brunswick Youth Council will be held from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on March 5 in the Daisy Building at Bicentennial Park, Riva Avenue and Hardenburg Lane, East Brunswick. Township residents in grades 9-12 are invited.
Tryouts will be on a first-come basis. All microphones, tapes, cassettes, musical instruments, etc., must be provided by the contestants.
Bands must submit a CD, DVD or VHS tape prior to March 3 to the Division of Recreation, 350 Dunhams Corner Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays-Fridays. Name of band, telephone number, e-mail address and grade of each member should be included. Live auditions for bands will not be held.
The variety show will be presented on March 24 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Pot Roast Dinner on agenda at VFW post
Spotswood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4589 will hold a Pot Roast Dinner from 3-7 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the post home, 33 Daniel Road, Spotswood.
Dinner will include the main course, salad, dessert, coffee, tea and soda.
Donation is $8 for adults, $5 for children age 10 and under.
For more information and to reserve, call (732) 251-9862 after 3:30 p.m.
Jamesburg Elks to host Sunday Breakfasts
Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180 will sponsor All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon every Sunday, March 5-April 9 (Palm Sunday), at the lodge, 74 W. Railroad Ave.
Cost is $6.50 for adults, $3.25 for children ages 6-10; youngsters under age 5 will be admitted free of charge.
For more information, call the lodge at (732) 521-2180.
Model-train expo coming to Jamesburg
The Jersey Central NTRAK Club, curators of the historic Jamesburg train exhibit at Lakeview, the Buckelew Mansion, will hold a model train exposition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 4 and 5 at Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2108, 74 W. Railroad Ave., Jamesburg.
The expo will feature a large portable “N-scale” layout with several trains running at the same time.
Admission is $2 per adult; children under age 18 will be admitted free of charge. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jamesburg Historical Association.
Jersey Central NTRAK is a modular N Scale-model railroading club based on the internationally recognized NTRAK modeling standard. The group, which has 20 members and has been a nonprofit corporation since 2000, holds its meetings at the Lakeview Mansion. New club members are always sought.
For more information, log on to www.geocities.com/jerscentntrak/ or e-mail the club president, Dan Morris, at [email protected].
Lakeview is open for public tours from 2-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, January-November. For more information about the exposition, the CJ NTRAK Club, Lakeview or the Jamesburg Historical Association, call (732) 521-2040 or visit the historical association’s web site at www.JamesburgHistory.com.
Christian rock band
to appear at Mine Street
The Manna Project, a Christian rock band, will perform in concert at 8 p.m. on March 4 at First Reformed Church Mine Street Coffeehouse, 9 Bayard St., New Brunswick.
Tickets cost $8 per person. Pizza, dessert and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, call (732) 545-1005.
La Leche League slates monthly meetings
La Leche League of South River meets at 10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave. The next meeting is scheduled for March 1.
Breast-feeding information and support will be offered.
For more information on the group, call Susan at (732) 238-3811.
Little House seeking tricky tray donations
The Little House Association, South River, is accepting donations of merchandise and gift certificates for its upcoming tricky tray set for 6:15 p.m. on May 19 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1451, 31 Reid St., South River.
Little House provides a meeting place for more than 180 Girl Scouts in South River. All donations, small or large, will be appreciated.
To make a donation or for more information, call Linda at (732) 257-3274.
Blood drive will benefit E.B. first-grade student
Lawrence Brook Elementary School, Sullivan Way, East Brunswick, will hold a blood drive for a first-grader with a bone-marrow disorder from 2-7 p.m. on March 9.
To make an appointment to donate, call (732) 613-6870.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
For more information about eligibility, call the New Brunswick Affiliated Hospitals (NBAH) Blood Center at (732) 235-8040.
Jewish panel to offer ‘World of Folk Songs’
The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, will host Zvi Shacham in “The Wonderful World of Folk Songs” at 8 p.m. on March 2.
After years of being curious about folk songs, collecting them, playing them and learning the history behind them, Shacham will share his knowledge with music enthusiasts. Admission is free of charge; however, reservations are required by Feb. 28. For more information and to reserve, e-mail [email protected] or call (732) 432-7711, ext. 20.
Partners in Excellence event set for March 25
The East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF) will host its annual Partner in Excellence Dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m. on March 25 at the East Brunswick Hilton, Route 18.
The evening’s honorees will be Paul Schoen, who has been an active member of the EBEF’s board of trustees since 1996 and serves as the panel’s treasurer, and Provident Bank and University Radiology Group, both East Brunswick.
Cost is $100 per person. Proceeds will support programs that enhance and enrich the curriculum in East Brunswick public schools.
For reservations, more information or to make a donation, call (732) 254-EBEF (3133).
For more information on the foundation, log on to www.ebef.org.
Jamesburg Elks to sponsor Friday fish-fry dinners
Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180 will hold Fish Fries from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 24-April 14 (Good Friday) at the Elks lodge, 74 W. Railroad Ave.
The menu will feature a variety of items. Dinner will include an entree, bread, salad, dessert, coffee and tea. Other beverages will be available for purchase. Takeout orders will be available by calling ahead.
For more information, call the lodge at (732) 521-2180.
E.B. schools schedules kindergarten signups
East Brunswick public schools will hold kindergarten registration on March 7, 8 and 9 for the 2006-07 school year.
Children who will be 5 years old by Oct. 31 are eligible for admission to kindergarten in September.
Registration will be held at all district elementary schools from 2:15-4 p.m. on March 7 for students whose last names begin with the letters A-I, March 8 for those whose last names start with letters J-Q, and March 9 for last names R-Z. Signups also are set for 5-7 p.m. on March 7 at Bowne-Munro and Central schools; March 8 at Frost, Lawrence Brook and Warnsdorfer schools; and March 9 at Chittick, Irwin and Memorial schools.
Youngsters who will be 6 years old by Oct. 31 are eligible to register for September admission to first grade. Registration will be held in all elementary schools from 9:30-11 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. on March 22.
Parents invited to
problem-solving event
The East Brunswick Public Schools Student Assistance Program will present a problem-solving workshop for parents beginning at 7 p.m. on March 1 in the cafetorium at Churchill Junior High School, Norton Lane.
Topic will be “Self-Esteem and Substance Abuse: Keeping Our Children Healthy.” The workshop will focus on drug and alcohol use and the relationship to self-esteem.
Refreshments will be served. Child care will be available.
Liberty offers free tax
prep for police, teachers
Liberty Tax Service, 723 Route 18, corner of Racetrack Road, East Brunswick, will salute all members of the police force and state troopers by offering them free tax preparation from Feb. 26-March 4.
The company also will salute area teachers, school employees and bus drivers by providing them with free tax preparation from March 5-11.
For more information, visit Liberty’s East Brunswick office or call (732) 390-5576.
Panel to offer humorous
look at motherhood
Moms In Touch International will offer a performance titled “I Didn’t Sign Up for This,” a humorous look at the ups and downs of motherhood, from 9:30 a.m. to noon on March 4 at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 56 Main St., Helmetta. All mothers are invited to the program. Participants will hear how prayer can help them in their role as mothers. Admission is free of charge. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 656-9246 or (732) 521-3987.
Pepper to entertain at
Purim Masquerade Ball
Congregation Anshe Emeth Jewish Community Center and Sisterhood will hold a Purim Masquerade Ball at 8 p.m. on March 4 at the temple, 88 Main St., South River.
The event will feature dinner and entertainment by Catskills comedian Howie Pepper. Costumes are encouraged. Cost is $30 per person. For more information and to reserve, call Lisa at (732) 257-4190.
Jewish panel to offer ‘World of Folk Songs’
The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, will host Zvi Shacham in “The Wonderful World of Folk Songs” at 8 p.m. on March 2.
After years of being curious about folk songs, collecting them, playing them and learning the history behind them, Shacham will share his knowledge with music enthusiasts. Admission is free of charge; however, reservations are required by Feb. 28. For more information and to reserve, e-mail [email protected] or call (732) 432-7711, ext. 20.
Youngsters invited to S.R. Library programs
The South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave., will offer a variety of upcoming youth programs.
The schedule is as follows:
• “Toddler Time,” open to youngsters ages 18 months to 3 years, 11 a.m. on March 2 and 16;
• “Preschool Pals,” for children ages 3 1/2-5, 4 p.m. on March 2 and 16;
• “Bedtime Stories,” for ages 3-6, 7 p.m. on March 20;
• “In the Doghouse,” featuring dog stories, jokes, puppets and games for children ages 3 1/2-6, 4 p.m. on March 9;
• “Spring Is Sprung,” games and crafts for ages 4-7, 4 p.m. on March 21;
• “Ice Is Nice,” open to ages 4-8, 7 p.m. on March 30, will offer participants the opportunity to lift an ice cube with a piece of string and join in ice-painting;
• “Wallace and Gromit,” a film for families, 6:30 p.m. on March 16.
For more information, call the library at (732) 254-2488.
Indian Dance Fest set for Feb. 25 in E.B.
The India Association of the Garden State will present an Indian Dance Festival from 3-5 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the East Brunswick Senior Center, Jean Walling Civic Center.
The event, which will be held in honor of Indian Independence Day, is sponsored by the East Brunswick Division of Recreation and the East Brunswick Arts Commission.
The program will feature performances by youngsters ages 8-18. The tentative schedule includes the singing of “We Are All God’s People,” followed by more than six dance routines performed by children in traditional costume. Admission is free of charge. The public is welcome. For more information, call (732) 390-6797 or log on to www.eastbrunswick.org.
Sports memorabilia, art auction coming to E.B.
The East Brunswick High School Baseball Team Parents Association will hold its annual Sports Memorabilia and Art Auction beginning at 7:30 p.m. on March 10 at the new Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 485 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick (driveway entrance just past the new urology and radiology building). A preview is set for 6:30 p.m. Ross Galleries will offer a diverse selection of sports memorabilia and artwork. Refreshments will be served. A cash bar will be open. Tickets cost $10 for one, $15 for two. The public is invited. For more information, call (732) 390-8987.
Rec sponsors snowman, snow sculpture contest
The Monroe Township Recreation Department is sponsoring its annual Snowman and Snow Sculpture Contest. The competition, open to township residents, will run through March.
There will be two categories: original snowman and most original snow sculpture. Entries may be solo, team or family projects. Awards will be presented at the April meeting of the township Recreation Advisory Board to winners in the following age groups: 3-6 years, 7-12 years, teens and up.
To enter, interested individuals should send a photo of themselves standing next to their project to the Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road, Monroe, NJ 08831-8558. For more information, call the community center at (732) 723-5000.