HILLSBOROUGH: Community calendar

   Tell us about you. If your local nonprofit organization plans a special event and you would like to have the information published in the Hillsborough Beacon, drop a note to Hillsborough Beacon Calendar, P.O. Box 350, Princeton, NJ 08542.
   All items should be typed and must be mailed, faxed (609-924-3244) or e-mailed to [email protected] before 4 p.m. Friday. Please include a phone number for publication. Priority is given to Hillsborough organizations. For details, call Managing Editor John Patten at 609-924-3244, ext. 130.
Ongoing
   Kindergarten registration for the Hillsborough Township School District will take place on March 3 for last names beginning A-L and March 4 for last names beginning M-Z. Registration times will vary depending on the school the student will attend. To obtain a registration form, please contact your attendance area school directly or visit the district Web site at www.hillsborough.k12.nj.us under “Recent News.”
   Registration for computer classes for seniors, sponsored by the Hillsborough Education Foundation, is underway. The classes begin March 3, and are free of charge and open to residents 60 years of age or older. Registration forms are available at the Hillsborough Township Board of Education offices at 379 South Branch Road. For additional information, please contact the Hillsborough Education Foundation at 908-500-6903.
   Sun National Bank, at 286 Route 206 South, is hosting a book drive, collecting new and used books through Feb. 27, leading up to the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day March 2.
Thursday, Feb. 19
   The Chabad Jewish Center at 32 New Amwell Road will hold Mommy and Me with a Jewish Twist!, a developmentally-appropriate program for moms, babies and toddlers ages 6 months – 3 years involving multi-sensory activities, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Thursday. Spend some quality time with your little one and explore Judaism together. The program is open to the public and costs $8 per child. To RSVP or for more information, call 908-874-0444, or e-mail [email protected].
   The Hillsborough Toastmasters Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Affinity Federal Credit Union in the Hillsborough Promenade. Meetings are open to the public. For more information on Toastmasters’ program for public speaking, visit the Web site at hillsborough.freetoasthost.com
Saturday, Feb. 21
   Duke Farms will host a next waterfowl and raptor field trip on the Duke Estate grounds with naturalists from the New Jersey Audubon Society from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 21. The cost for the program is $15 per person, or $10 for members of N.J. Audubon Society. Advance registration is required online at www.dukefarms.org or by calling 908-722-3700.
   Immaculata High School Spartan Club will host La Nuit des Vins, A Night of Wines, fundraiser at 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Feb. 21, to benefit the club. Tickets are $35 per ticket ($40 at the door) and tasting notes, souvenir wine glass and door prizes are included. To reserve space, e-mail Tony Petto at [email protected][email protected] (make checks payable to Immaculata Spartan Club). Attendees must be at least 21 years old to attend.
Sunday, Feb. 22
   The Jewish Learning Institute will present “You Be the Judge II,” six new cases that invite participants to pit wits against some of the best minds in Jewish history. The course will be held on Sundays over six consecutive weeks at the Chabad Jewish Center. The cost is $99 per person, or $178.20 for couples and includes all course materials. Childcare is available upon request. To RSVP or for more information, call 908-874-0444, or e-mail Rabbi Shmaya Krinsky at [email protected].
Monday, Feb. 23
   The Hillsborough Board of Education will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Auten Road Intermediate School cafetorium.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
   The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders will meet at 7 p.m. in the freeholders meeting room of the county administration building in Somerville.
   Th eHillsborough Township Committee will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal complex.
   The Hillsborough Applebee’s Restaurant, in the Hillsborough Promenade, will donate 10 percent of dinner receipts to the family of Rich Sensale. Mr. Sensale died suddenly on Dec. 24, and is survived by his wife and two children. Diners must have a copy of a flyer for the donation to be made — contact Marty Nadler at [email protected] or Angela Perkins at [email protected] for copies or more information.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
   The Jewish KidZone, after-school Jewish enrichment club for children ages 7 – 11 will be held at the Chabad Jewish Center, 32 New Amwell Road from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, call 908-874-0444, or e-mail [email protected].
   The Life Skills and Hillsborough/Millstone Municipal Alliance will present a two-session workshop Wednesday and March 4 for parents and guardians on “The Psychology of Achievement” and “Healthy Lifestyle for Your Children,” by Dr. Andrew Sirlin, D.C., director of patient care at Natural Medicine and Rehabilitation in Branchburg. Fees for the sessions are $35 per couple; $20 for single admissions. To registration call Diane Handwerk at 908-369-4313, ext. 125.
Thursday, Feb. 26
   The Hillsborough Parent Advisory Council, a state-mandated special education group, is hosting a parent input session and swap meet at the Hillsborough Middle School Library from 7 p.m – 9 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to give their input on special education issues involving Hillsborough students and families, and trade special education materials and resources at the resource swap — bring in any toys, books, games and special educational materials and resources you may want to swap. For further information, please contact Marty Mayes, HPAC chairman, at [email protected], or HPAC Co-chairwoman Nancy Fiduk at [email protected]. Visit the HPAC Web site at www.hpaconline.com
   The Neshanic Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Station House on Olive Street, Neshanic Station. The monthly study on Conservation Concerns will be presented by Arnold Radi. The program following will be presented by the Flower Show committee in preparation of the District IV Flower Show to be held June 12 and 13 at the North Branch Reformed Church. Various designs and their mechanics will be demonstrated. A light luncheon will follow. All prospective garden club members are welcome. For further information, please call Club President Jean Stives at 908-359-6480.
   The Hillsborough Planning Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the municipal building.
Looking ahead
   The 13th Annual Mardi Gras Parade of Baskets to benefit the children of Amsterdam Elementary School will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 27th. The auction will take place at the school, 301 Amsterdam Dr. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For tickets and more information, contact Heather at [email protected], Laura at [email protected], or Jerry at 908-359-8899. Adults only and no one under 18 will be permitted to enter.
   St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church will present its annual Lenten “Munching and Learning Series,” beginning with “The Lenten Journey,” presented by Bishop William C. Skurla, DD, at noon and 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the church at 1900 Brooks Blvd., Hillsborough. The program will begin with a short Lenten Service celebrated in the church, followed by a Lenten soup meal in the Parish Center with guest speakers.
   Hillsborough High School Project Graduation will hold an eveningwear dress sale at Hillsborough High School from noon – 4 p.m. Feb. 28, featuring more than 200 new and like-new prom gowns, short cocktail dresses, children’s and women’s short and long dressy dresses.
   The Rotary Club of Hillsborough will sponsor a Valentines Dance 6 – 11 p.m. Feb. 28 at Mary Mother of God Church, 157 South Triangle Road. The dance will feature a DJ playing “Oldies” to today’s hits; sandwiches and other refreshments, including beer, wine, coffee and desert. The dance and a raffle will benefit the Somerset Medical Center’s TRIMA blood machine. Tickets are $50 per couple and can be purchased by calling 908-963-6119.
   The Jointure of Somerset County is offering two financial education workshops which will be lead by Hillsborough resident and Certified Financial Planner James Kinney, founder of Financial Pathways LLC. The workshops will offer an introduction to six crucial aspects of financial planning: Risk Management; Cash and Debt Management; Investments; Taxes; Retirement Planning and Estate Conservation; over three, two-hour sessions. The first session will be March 3, 10 and 17 at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, followed by a series at Hillsborough Middle School April 15, 22 and 29. See The Jointure catalog or visit www.jointure.org for more information. For more about Financial Pathways, check the Web site www.financialpathways.net.
   Hillsborough Recreation Department is sponsoring a bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show “Bella Italia” on March 3. The bus will leave at 1:30 p.m. from the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex main entrance, returning at about 10 p.m. The cost of $38 includes transportation and flower show ticket. Visit www.hillsborough-nj.org or call 908-369-4832 for more informaiton. Any additional questions call Diana Reinhardt at 908-369-4362.
   Congregation Kehilat Shalom, 253 Griggstown Road, Belle Mead, will host a Purim Carnival from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. March 8. The event will include games, crafts, prizes, pizza, refreshments, Hammentaschen and more. A fee of $5 per child (maximum of $15 per family) will cover the cost of the event. Call the Temple office at 908-359-0420 or e-mail robin@ksnj .org for more information.
   Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company no. 3, on Woods Road, will be holding an “All-U-Can-Eat Buffet Fish Dinner” 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 6 at the fire house. The buffet will include baked tilapia, fried cod fish, fried clams, fried shrimp, chicken fingers, pierogies, vegetable medley, French fries, rice, homemade coleslaw, salad, dessert, coffee, tea, and cold drinks. Tickets can be purchased at the door, adults $11; senior citizens (62 and up) $9.50; children (5-12 years old) $8.50, children 4 and under free. For additional information, check the Web site at www.hillsboroughfire3.org or call the firehouse at 908-359-3333.
   Hillsborough High School RoboRaiders robotics team will host an All-You-Can-Eat pasta dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 7 at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex. Tickets are $10 (for adults), seniors $7; children (3to10) $5. The meals include all-you-can-eat salad, bread, pasta, meatballs, dessert and beverages. Take-out meals are available.
   The Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. no. 2 Auxiliary will meet at 8 p.m. March 10 on the second floor of the HVFC2 firehouse. The group’s primary purpose is to assist and support the company’s volunteer firemen and their families, and to raise funds for fire company needs. For information or questions, please call Chris at 908-359-0123.
   The Ladies Auxiliary of the Hillsborough Fire Co no. 1 in Flagtown will host an Indoor Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex. Vendors are welcome to reserve a table ($20 each). For reservations, call Gail at 908-369-4811.
   Vendors and crafters are invited to register for the Hillsborough Vendors Fair, sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. no. 2 and scheduled for April 4 and Oct. 10. Indoor spaces with two chairs are available for both events. Proceed from the events are used to support Hillsborough volunteer firefighters. For information and reservations, contact (Crafters) Chris at 908-359-0123 (or 908-369-7839) or e-mail [email protected][email protected]
   The MOMS Club of Hillsborough West meets on the second Thursday of each month — the next meeting is scheduled for March 12. For more information, including membership information, e-mail [email protected] or call Denise at 908-369-4084.
   The Triangle Elementary School HSA will host its Spring Fling Basket Auction March 20 at St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, 1900 Brooks Blvd., Hillsborough. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the drawing starts at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact [email protected], call 908-874-3470, ext. 7, or visit Triangle School’s Web page at www.TriangleHSA.org.
   St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 1900 Brooks Blvd., Hillsborough, will sponsor an iconography workshop for adults March 27, 28, 29. The workshop will be presented by Marylyn Barone, a noted Pittsburgh-area iconographer. The cost of the program is $100, which covers all supplies — a deposit of $25 is required and the class will be limited to 20 people. For further information or an application, call the Rev. Ed Cimbala at 908-725-0615; or Marylyn Barone at 412-491-9927 or [email protected].
   Woods Road Elementary School sixth annual craft and vendor fair will be held March 28. The fair is booking crafters and vendors — anyone interested should email Michele Tallman at [email protected], or call 908-874-3460, ext. 5307.
   Camplain Volunteer Fire Company no. 2 in Manville is sponsoring a fundraising bus trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races at Darlington Raceway. The trip will depart Manville on May 7, returning on May 10th. The trip includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Manville; one night lodging at the Hampton Inn in Fredericksburg, Va.; two nights lodging at the Hampton Inn in Fayetteville, N.C.; transportation to and from the race track and race tickets. To inquire about prices and other information, contact the firehouse at 908-526-0439 and leave a message for Mark or Rob.