Girl Scout organizes a summer reading program

Events to occur in and around Cranbury

By: Lorraine Sedor
   Sarah Gordon has organized a summer reading program for first- through third-graders at the Monroe Public Library. This project is the culmination of her work for her Gold Award project in the Girl Scouts.
   Sarah is rising senior at PHS who has spent many hours developing this program for the library, including recruiting other Cranbury Girl Scouts to help.
   Sarah’s program, "Mysteries are fun for Everyone," runs from 9 a.m. to noon during the weeks of Aug. 13 and 20.
   "We will be having tutors to help the children with reading. I will also be having games, snacks and crafts for the children based on the theme of mystery," Sarah said.

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   The Cranbury Swim Club is in full summer mode, according to Peter Sockler, who is a member of the club’s board and its director of maintenance.
   The swim club has a contract with the Americana Diner as its on-site food vendor, so there’s no reason to head home to cook this summer.
   According to Peter: "A considerable amount of upkeep and maintenance has been done to the facility and it has never looked better! And there are approximately 170 swim and dive team competitors this year!"
   He also mentioned that there are about 10 openings for new members as of last week, so join while you can for $625 per family.
   Contact Peter at [email protected] if you would like more membership information.

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   A group from the First Presbyterian Church is on a missionary trip to Guatemala to deliver medicines and shoes. They will be in the country for nine days as they’re working in a hospital, dental clinic or on a construction site.
   The adults and teens on the trip are Bob Rogers, Virginia Rogers, Jessica Burke, Rosemary Cook, Elliott Wilson, Dale Smith, Joan Smith, Fran Stewart, Daniel Stewart, Loida Wilson, Laurie LaBassie and George Conley, IV.
   Loida Wilson reports: "We are taking 12 large army type duffel bags each weighing 50 lbs. Nine have shoes: that’s 450 lbs of shoes or about 900 shoes! And three have medicines. Everything from tummy medicines to antibiotics. We are also taking some health care products like toothpaste and toothbrushes, etc. All items have been donated by members of the community at large. Stay tuned for more info on July 1 after we get back."

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   Members of the community who are 55 years or older are invited to attend a program entitled "Staying Sharp," sponsored by the AARP and the Dana Brain Alliance on July 12.
   This program focuses on understanding how the brain works and how that knowledge can be used to maximize brain function and brain health particularly in the second half of life. This program will be offered at Meadow Lakes in Hightstown.
   Participants will car pool from the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. Bring a brown-bag lunch to eat in Village Park or Fellowship Hall after the program.
   Beverages and dessert will be provided by Senior Fellowship. Pre-registration is required by July 9. Please call Phyllis at (609) 409-8533.

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   A group of PIGS set sail on a Bermuda cruise May 26 to June 2. The PIGS (or Partially Inebriated Gourmet Society) have been getting together for many years to socialize and prepare gourmet dinners.
   The cruise aboard the Celebrity Ship Azamara Journey was a celebration of their 25th year together, with a cruise to Bermuda from May 26 through June 2.
   The group is made up of five couples: Mark and Nadine Berkowsky, Bob and Mary Kay Miller, Andy and Karen Moutenot, Dale and Joan Smith, and Dick and Claire Schroeder.
   Nadine Berkowsky spoke for the group when she said, "We think it is pretty special that we have lasted so long as a group, remained friends with each other through many life-altering events, and we have all remained in Cranbury."
   The last night of the cruise coincided with Nadine and Mark’s 38th wedding anniversary. Their friends surprised the couple with a special cake and handmade card.
   "A lovely ending to a fun week. It was pretty special to celebrate both occasions with such wonderful, loyal friends," said Nadine.

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   The Cranbury Public Library welcomes another new staff member to provide you with great service.
   David Zebuhr began work this week at the circulation desk. Stop in the library to say ‘hello’ and check out the perfect summer read.

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   Two teenage Cranbury residents were selected recently by the Arts Council of Princeton for inclusion in its 2007 underAGE19 collection of Poetry, Prose and Artwork by students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
   George Stewart’s poem "There Are Robots Among Us" and Eva Ciccodicola’s "A Drawing of Elizabethan Costumes" were among 85 works selected from more than 1,500 submissions.
   A publication party was held earlier this month at Princeton High School’s Performing Arts Center.
   If you’d like to read George’s poem and see Eva’s artwork, check out the publication at the Cranbury Public Library.
Residents may contact Ms. Sedor by phone at (609) 655-3386, by e-mail at [email protected] and by mail at 32 Evans Dr., Cranbury, NJ 08512.