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
   Register now for the “Wilson 10-33 Benefit Ride and Picnic,” sponsored by the Hillsborough Emergency Services to benefit police officer David Wilson, a 6-year veteran of the department who has been receiving treatment for leukemia. The ride, set for April 5, will include an escorted motorcycle run and picnic at Hillsborough Fire Co. No. 2 on Route 206. Registration fees are $20 per motorcycle rider for the ride and picnic, or for admittance to the picnic only; $10 per passenger. Children under 10 admitted free. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Wilson’s 10-33 Foundation Inc.
   Registration is underway for this summer’s “Crocodile Dock” Kids Camp/Vacation Bible School, sponsored by Crossroads Community Church. The camp will be held Aug. 3-7 at Christian Community Chapel, 211 Route 206. The camp is for children 4 years-old to those entering the sixth grade. Contact Crossroads Community Church at 908-431-4373 or www.crossroadsnj.org to register or for more information.
   Sunnymead Elementary School is planning a 50th anniversary celebration for September 2009. The anniversary celebration will include an open house for all former and present Sunnymead Elementary students, families and staff. The planning committee is currently looking for any Sunnymead memorabilia or photographs to display at this very special event. Please contact Sunnymead Elementary School by e-mail at [email protected] for additional information.
   Information on Hillsborough Township’s Summer Enrichment Camps is available online at www.hillsborough.k12.nj.us (click on “Services”). The camp will offer new courses for students who will be in the Transitional Program through the eighth-grade in September. The camp will run two weeks: July 6-10, and July 13-17.
   Registration for the Somerset Valley YMCA’s Backyard Pool Program is underway. Three sessions are available and are reserved on a first come – first served basis. Each two-week session consists of eight, 30-minute lessons held in private pools from Monday through Thursday over a two-week period. For dates and fees, call the YMCA at 908-369-0490.
   Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. no. 3 Auxiliary is sponsoring its annual Pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 28 at the firehouse, 324 Woods Road, Hillsborough. The menu will include pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, ham, bagels, yogurt, fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, and juices. Seating will be at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (doors will open 15 minutes prior to each seating). All tickets are $9 per person (children under 2 years old are free) and must be reserved in advance. For more information and to reserve tickets call 908-431-9110.
   Register now for the Somerville Family YMCA’s third Hackers Open, the golf outing for non-golfers. This outing will be held at Neshanic Valley 9 Hole Academy Golf Course on May 15. For more information, contact Dan Levitt at 908-722-4567 or go to www.ymcasomersetvalley.org.
   Volunteer Fire Company no. 2 is hosting Hillsborough Vendors Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4. Free admission. The fair will be held inside the firehouse of on Rt. 206 near Charlie Browns and across the street from Commerce Bank. Some of the vendors include At Home America, Katz Kustom Threads, Silver With An Attitude, Tastefully Simple, Hillsborough Racquetball Club, Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, Chocolates, Antiques, At Home America, Home & Garden, Crafts, Woodwork, LoTheMar Opals, bags, beautiful jewelry, Kay Jay Cards & sports, Sweets & Faux, Deva Jewelry, Home & Garden, Glorious Jewelry, Animal Pictures and Clothes and much more.
   For information or reservations, e-mail [email protected] or Chris [email protected]Crossroads Community Church is starting a new chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), with meetings set for at 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. May 8 and June 12 at Christian Community Chapel. Child care will be provided. Contact Crossroads Community Church at 908-431-4373 for more information.
   Learning Express Toy Stores in Branchburg and Hillsborough are collecting food and items for cats and dogs for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter through March. Items needed include non-clumping cat litter, moist and dry cat food, toys, paper towels, and dry dog food. The Hillsborough store is located at the Hillsborough Promenade — more information can be found at
www.hillsborough.learningexpress-toys.com, or at shelter Web site, www.fosras.com.
Thursday, March 26
   The Neshanic Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. March 26 at the Station House on Olive Street, Neshanic Station. The monthly study, “What’s New in Horticulture?,” will be presented by Frieda Miller. The guest speaker, Barbara Melera from the D. Landreth Seed Company will present the program. The company is celebrating its 225th year in business and it is the oldest seed company, and the fourth oldest business in the United States. A light luncheon will follow. All prospective garden club members are welcome. For further information, please call President Jean Stives at 908-359-6480.
Friday, March 27
   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. Those attending the workshop will write an icon on an 8-by-10 gesso covered board. The subject will be the Holy Napkin, an icon that is used throughout the Great Fast (Lent). Using a pre-prepared prototype, participants will learn techniques for faces, garments, gilding and background. The theology of iconography and aspects of Saint Nicholas’ life will be presented. The class will be Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday, noon until finishing. There is the opportunity for Saturday Vigil at 4 p.m. or Sunday Liturgy at 8:30 or 11 a.m. 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].
   Women’s Health and Counseling Center in Somerville and Tbones, a Tuscan steakhouse at the Bridgewater Marriott at 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater, are offering a special dinner on Friday to support programs and services offered by Women’s Health and Counseling Center. The evening’s $50 prix fixe dinner menu includes a choice of appetizer, a main course (with organic field greens or lobster bisque; grilled naturally raised NY strip steak, organic salmon, Griggstown chicken or eggplant rollantini) and dessert. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Women’s Health and Counseling Center in Somerville. Reservations are recommended. Contact Tbones at 908-482-0007 to make a reservation — mention the dinner event for Women’s Health.
Saturday, March 28
   The Manville/Hillsborough Elks Club, at 1500 Brooks Blvd., Hillsborough, will host Hypnotist Denny More in a fundraising benefit for Jake Whitenight. The show is scheduled for 8 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Saturday (doors open at 6 p.m.). Mr. More has appeared at The Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Caroline’s Comedy Club on Broadway, and on “The Jerry Springer Show.” This show is intended for an audience 18 years and older. Tickets are $20 — but only 200 seats available. For advance ticket purchase, call Kevin at 908-295-1895; Paul at 908-334-7968; Bonnie 908-500-8690; or Lynn 908-334-8229.
   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.
   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.
   The Somerset County Democratic Committee will hold its annual nominating convention from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2290 on Washington Avenue in Manville. The convention is open to the public, however, voting is limited to elected committee members. For more information on the convention, contact Michael Goldberg at 908-295-8992 or [email protected]. For more information on the Somerset County Democratic Committee visit www.somersetcountydemocrats.com.
Sunday, March 29
   The Somerset Valley Orchestra will present its free annual spring concert at 3 p.m. at the Bridgewater Raritan Middle School auditorium. This concert, entitled “Road Trip” will include a series of popular and classical themes, including movie themes from Western movies, themes from “The Sorceror’s Apprentice,” “The Best of the Beatles,” and several select chamber music groups. Funding for “Road Trip” is provided in part by the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/ Department of State through a grant administered by the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. For more information, call Don Kalbach at 732-356-2966 or check out the orchestra’s Web site at www.svorchestra.com.
Wednesday, April 1
   Registration for 4-H TOPS Camp, a week-long day camp program sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County, is underway. The camp is scheduled for June 29 to July 2, and is open to youth who have completed grades 1 through 6 by June 2009. Camp will be held at the Ted Blum 4-H Center on Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Registration fee is $200 until March 31; $250 beginning April 1. Full and partial scholarships are available to those who qualify. Contact the Somerset County Rutgers Cooperative Extension at 908-526-6644 or visit the Web site at 4HisTOPS.org to obtain information and an application.
   The Hillsborough Board of Adjustment will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building.
   The Hillsborough Recreation Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building.
Thursday, April 2
   The Hillsborough Planning Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building.
Looking ahead
   The Millstone Valley Knights of Columbus will host a Fish Buffet Dinner from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 3 at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 34 Yorktown Road. Menu includes fried cod, baker and tortilla encrusted tilapia, clam strips, popcorn shrimp, fish sticks, mixed vegetables, cole slaw, salad, french fries, onion rings, macaroni and cheese, ice tea, lemonade, coffee, hot tea, beer, wine and assorted desserts. Price is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors (65 and older); $6 for children between 5-12 years of age; under 5 eat free. Proceeds will benefit various charities and church activities supported by the Knights. Further information or directions can be obtained by contacting Kent Madere at 908-281-7470.
   A presentation on “The Miller Method” for developing the capacities of children on the Autism spectrum will be presented at Crossroads School, 45 Cardinal Dr., Westfield, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 3. For more information, call 908-233-9317, ext. 61.
   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]
   St. Ann School, 29 Second Ave., Raritan, will hold a Trick Tray auction April 4. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the first tickets pulled at 6:30 p.m. In addition to regular prizes, specials, super specials, 50/50 raffle, there will be two grand prizes: a Disney Trip valued at $2,000, and a Mac Book Laptop with Microsoft Office and Student, and Canon Pixma MP480 printer, valued at $1,500. Pre-sale entrance tickets are $10. For tickets or more information, call Kelly Albright at 732-356-8313.
   The Economic and Business Development Commission will meet at 7 p.m. in the municipal building.
   The Hillsborough Architectural Design Standard Subcommittee will meet at 6 p.m. April 6 in the municipal building.
   Hillsborough Rotary Club will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. April 11 at the Pheasants Landing restaurant on Amwell Road. The event is open to children 8 years old and younger, and will feature refreshments, the Woods Road Fire Company fire truck, prizes and the Easter bunny.
   Crossroads Community Church will hold an Easter Egg Hunt 9:30-10:15 a.m. April 12 at Hillsborough High School. Easter morning worship service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Contact the church office at 908-431-4373 for more information.
   The Jointure of Somerset County is offering two financial education workshops 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 sessions will be 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.
   The Hillsborough Library Advisory Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. April 16 in the library’s main conference room. The meeting is open to the public.
   Woodfern Family Night of Fitness and Fun, a free family night for Woodfern families, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 17. The event is sponsored by the Woodfern Home and School Association, along with donations from Stop & Shop , Shop Rite and Wegmans, and will feature various fitness stations (i.e., mini-Yoga class, scooter races, jump rope, balance beam, hula hoops, etc.) for students to try, along with a nutrition station, with helpful nutritional handouts geared for kids and adults, and a Healthy Life Choices station. For younger siblings, there will be a mini-obstacle course and fun coloring pages.
   For more information, contact Hillarie Scannelli at 908-369-0173 or [email protected]
   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.
   Neshanic Reformed Church and Christian Nurturing Center will be holding a flea market/vendor fair and carnival on May 15 and 16. Spaces are available for vendors to rent at $20 for the first space for both days, $10 thereafter. Mark the date to either rent space or come shop. For more information, call 908-369-5215.
   Flea market vendors wanted for flea markets sponsored by Hillsborough Fire Co. no. 2 Ladies Auxiliary on May 16th and May 30. We are across from Commerce bank and near Charlie Browns. The flea markets are held outside behind the firehouse and the entrance is from Hamilton Road (turn at Burger King and Charlie Browns). Parking will be on the grass behind the firehouse and in the parking lot above Hillsborough Radiology, but not in Hillsborough Radiology’s parking area. The tentative schedule for flea markets is June 13th and 27, July 11, Aug. 29 and Sept. 12 and 26. Flea market outside spaces are available for $15 each. Vendors can just show up that morning and pay then. For information and reservations, call 908-722-0620 or 908-725-4908, or visit the fire company Web site at www.HillsboroughFireCo2.com. Go to About, Membership and then Ladies Auxiliary for Ladies Auxiliary information.
   The South Branch Reformed Church Preschool will be holding their annual Tricky Tray (Basket Auction) fundraiser on at 7 p.m. May 1 at the South Branch Reformed Church, 870 River Road. Admission is $15 and prize tickets may be purchased on the evening of the event. Call 908-369-7885 for more information or ticket reservations.