By: centraljersey.com
Shabbat Across America: 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Jewish Center; integrated Shabbat dinner and service, Congregation Etz Chaim; adults, $18, children (3-12), $10; Call 732-251-1119 or visit www.etzchaimmtjc.org to register.
Arts & Crafts: Oodles of Noodles: 10 and 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, crafts fun for all ages. Registration is not required. Free tickets available 30 minutes prior to start of program.
Sat., March 5
Meet the Musician: Mozart: 1 p.m., pianist Dennis Kobray becomes the musician for an hour-long dramatic presentation at the Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza. The audience discovers first-hand the music, feelings, life and history of Mozart. This event is offered in collaboration with the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission. Registration is not required.
Mardi Gras celebration: 6 p.m., Jamesburg Presbyterian Church, 175 Gatzmer Ave.; food, feather masks and more; Tickets are $20 a person. For information, call 732-521-1711.
Sun., March 6
Sunday Afternoon Crafts: 1:30 to 4 p.m., Monroe Township Library, all the supplies needed to make a simple craft, while supplies last. Registration is not required.
Mon., March 7
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., stories and a craft for ages 3-5; Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Friends of the Cranbury Library meeting: 7 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Baby Time: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and more for children ages 6 months to 1 year and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Toddlin’ Tots: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, Storytime and more for children ages 12 to 18 months and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
"How to know if you have Osteoporosis:" 1:30 p.m., Dr. Gabriel Smolarz, of the Princeton Medical Group, will the most current information on the nature, causes, prevention and treatment options of osteoporosis; Waterside Villas, 1 Overlook Drive; RSVP by March 4 to 609-409-0018.
Tues., March 8
Terrific Two’s: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and crafts for children ages 24 to 36 months. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Library, a musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime for children ages 3 to 5; registration not required.
Mardi Gras Party: 4:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library, put on purple, green and gold. This party will introduce kids ages 6 to 8 to the New Orleans flavor of Mardi Gras. They will read stories, play games and have a treat. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Stamp Club: 5 p.m., Monroe Township Library; children ages 7-12 are invited to join resident stamp collector Harold Wolff. Registration is not required.
Wed., March 9
Afternoon book discussion: 1:30 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Reading Buddies: 7 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Terrific Twos: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; storytime and crafts for children ages 24 to 36 months. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Beach Blanket Bingo: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library; children ages 5 to 8 are invited; bring a beach towel or blanket. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., March 10
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and crafts for children ages 18 to 24 months and their caregiver; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online.
Drop-in storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monroe Township Library; storytime for children ages 3 to 5; registration not required.
Paws to Read: 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monroe Township Library; a new way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence – reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog; appointments are scheduled at time of registration. Children must be allergy-free and comfortable with animals; for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Open volleyball: 7 to 9 p.m., for adults 18 years and older in March and April, Monroe Community Center, sponsored by Monroe Township Recreation Department. Call 732-723-5000.
Cranbury Library board of trustees meeting: 7:30 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Art Smart II: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library, ages 8 to 12; a program highlighting a different artist and style of art each session. This session will focus on African masks. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Sat., March 12
Gallery artist reception: 2-4 p.m., for artist Christina Sinha; the artist of the month whose work is on display in the Monroe Township Library’s gallery, 4 Municipal Plaza. Registration is not required. Saturday stories: 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; children ages 18 months to 5 years are invited for music, stories, and crafts. Registration is not required.
Sun., March 13
Sunday Afternoon Crafts: 1:30 to 4 p.m., Monroe Township Library, all the supplies needed to make a simple craft, while supplies last. Registration is not required.
Mon., March 14
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., stories and a craft for ages 3-5; Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Baby Time: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and more for children ages 6 months to 1 year and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Toddlin’ Tots: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, Storytime and more for children ages 12 to 18 months and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Arts and crafts: St. Pat’s Fun: 10 and 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; crafts fun for all ages. Registration is not required. Free tickets available 30 minutes prior to program start.
Kids in the Kitchen: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library; celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making shamrock shakes; for children ages 6 and up. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Tues., March 15
Sleep Disorders: An Overview: 11 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; co-sponsored by Princeton HealthCare System Community Education and Outreach; Dr. Ashgan Elshinawy, pulmonary and sleep specialist with the University Medical Center at Princeton will provide information regarding various causes of sleep disorders, how sleep apnea and other sleep disorders affect the heart and tips for a more restful sleep. Register at the welcome desk.
Evening book discussion: 7:30, "Great House" by Nicole Krauss; Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Terrific Two’s: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and crafts for children ages 24 to 36 months. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register. Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Library, a musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime for children ages 3 to 5; registration not required.
Wed., March 16
OperaNJ Lecture: Lucia di Lammermoor: 1 p.m., Monroe Township Library. OperaNJ director will give a lecture about the selected opera preceding the Metropolitan Opera’s live performance telecasts at the Regal Theater in East Windsor. This event is offered in collaboration with the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission. Register at the welcome desk.
Reading Buddies: 7 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Terrific Twos: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; storytime and crafts for children ages 24 to 36 months. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Project Runway: Frock Out: 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; contestants ages 9 to 12 are welcome to sharpen their shears and compete in this Project Runway-style fashion show. Kids will work in teams of two and have one hour to create a one-of-a-kind outfit made with limited supplies. A fashion show will be presented at the end, and the winner will be announced. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., March 17
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Open volleyball: 7 to 9 p.m., for adults 18 years and older in March and April, Monroe Community Center, sponsored by Monroe Township Recreation Department. Call 732-723-5000.
International Film Festival: 2 and 6:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; sponsored by the Friends of the Monroe Township Library; "The Owl and the Sparrow" (2007, Vietnamese), award-winning film about a 10-year-old orphan surviving on the streets of Saigon. All movies are shown with English subtitles. Tickets are $1 and available at circulation.
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and crafts for children ages 18 to 24 months and their caregiver; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online.
Paws to Read: 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monroe Township Library; a new way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence – reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog; appointments are scheduled at time of registration. Children must be allergy-free and comfortable with animals; for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Simple Science: Eat or be Eaten: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library; for children ages 7 and up. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Sat., March 19
Yemen: The Next Afghanistan? 1 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; Dr. Angus Gillespie, professor of American studies at Rutgers University, will present a snapshot of Yemen and its importance to the United States in the global war on terrorism. Free tickets are available at the welcome desk beginning Wednesday, Feb. 16.
Microsoft Excel: 9:15 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; create basic charts and graphs with this spreadsheet program; must be competent with both the keyboard and mouse. Register at reference.
Artists in Residence: 2-5 p.m., Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, featuring Stephen Kennedy creating a portrait; offered in collaboration with the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission. Registration is not required.
Welsh Celebration Concert: 4.30 p.m. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 90 S. Main St, Cranbury; North American Welsh Choir concert with favorite Welsh songs and audience participation; free, but a goodwill offering will be taken. For information, call 609-655-4731 or visit www.stdavidscranbury.com.
Sun., March 20
Sunday Afternoon Crafts: 1:30 to 4 p.m., Monroe Township Library, all the supplies needed to make a simple craft, while supplies last. Registration is not required.
Mon., March 21
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., stories and a craft for ages 3-5; Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Baby Time: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and more for children ages 6 months to 1 year and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Toddlin’ Tots: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, Storytime and more for children ages 12 to 18 months and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Tues., March 22
Facebook for beginners: 9:15 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; connect with friends, family and colleagues with this social networking sight. Learn how to create and edit an account with text and photos; must be competent with both the keyboard and mouse. Register at reference.
International Book Club: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; discussion about "Hotel Du Lac" by Anita Brookner, a novel about the lives of the guests at a stately hotel in Switzerland. Sign up and reserve a copy at the welcome desk.
Friends of the Library meeting: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Library, a musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime for children ages 3 to 5; registration not required.
Legos at the Library: Knights and Castles: 4:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; children ages 5 and older will have an hour and a half to construct a Lego creation on this month’s theme using their imagination. Some Legos will be provided, but children can bring their own supply. Photos of the finished creations will be posted on the library’s website. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Safe boating course: 6:30-10 p.m., Monroe Township High School, $80, offered by Coast Boating School, Toms River; continues March 24 at the same time and place. To register, call 732-521-2111.
Wed., March 23
Reading Buddies: 7 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Terrific Twos: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; storytime and crafts for children ages 24 to 36 months. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., March 24
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and crafts for children ages 18 to 24 months and their caregiver; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online.
Paws to Read: 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monroe Township Library; a new way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence – reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog; appointments are scheduled at time of registration. Children must be allergy-free and comfortable with animals; for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Open volleyball: 7 to 9 p.m., for adults 18 years and older in March and April, Monroe Community Center, sponsored by Monroe Township Recreation Department. Call 732-723-5000.
Art Smart I: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library, ages 5 to 7; a program highlighting a different artist and style of art each session. This session will focus on pop art painter Andy Warhol. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Safe boating course conclusion: 6:30-10 p.m., Monroe Township High School, $80, offered by Coast Boating School, Toms River; began March 22 at the same time and place. To register, call 732-521-2111.
Fri., March 25
Timeline New Jersey: 7 p.m., a history of New Jersey in photos, Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Arts and crafts: Beading Buddies: 10 and 11:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; crafts fun for all ages. Registration is not required. Free tickets available 30 minutes prior to program start.
Sat., March 26
Microsoft Excel: 9:15 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; create basic charts and graphs with this spreadsheet program; must be competent with both the keyboard and mouse. Register at reference.
Mini-Golf: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; sponsored by the Monroe Library Foundation; play miniature golf among the stacks for $5 per player. Proceeds benefit the Monroe Library Foundation.
Great Decisions Discussion Forum: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza. The topic of rebuilding Haiti will be discussed. The January 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti struck a country already suffering from widespread poverty and underdevelopment. Did this natural disaster inadvertently provide an opportunity for reassessment and planning a new Haiti? Sign up and reserve background information at the welcome desk. Spring gala: 7:30-11:30 p.m., Cranbury Arts Council, art, music and dinner at Crowne Plaza, 390 Forsgate Drive, Monroe; cost $100 a person, register by March 11; proceeds benefit council programs, including the Middlesex County Youth Shelter Arts Outreach Program and the Cranbury Art and Technology Camp.
Spring Fling: 10:30 a.m., with Julie Hardaker, Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Mini-golf fundraiser: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; sponsored by the Monroe Library Foundation; play miniature golf among the book stacks. The cost is $5 per player.
Kids for Kids Carnival: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; free event for the entire family sponsored by Kids for Kids.
Sun., March 27
Sunday Afternoon Crafts: 1:30 to 4 p.m., Monroe Township Library, all the supplies needed to make a simple craft, while supplies last. Registration is not required.
Etz Chaim Sociable Singles: 1 to 4 p.m., Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave.; socializing, discussions and refreshments, ages 50 and up; admission $5; all welcome. For information, call 609-655-5137
Mon., March 28
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., stories and a craft for ages 3-5; Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Baby Time: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and more for children ages 6 months to 1 year and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Toddlin’ Tots: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, Storytime and more for children ages 12 to 18 months and their caregiver. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Craft in a Bag: Monroe Township Library hours; all the craft supplies needed to make a project at home.
Tues., March 29
Facebook for Beginners: 9:15 a.m., Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza; connect with friends, family and colleagues with this social networking sight. Learn how to create and edit an account with text and photos; must be competent with both the keyboard and mouse. Register at reference.
Music with Pat McKinley: 11:45 a.m., Monroe Township Library, a musical program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Registration is not required.
Evening Tales: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime for children ages 3 to 5; registration not required.
Book Trek: West Africa: 4:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; children ages 6 to 8 will travel to a distant land through stories, crafts and fun. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Wed., March 30
Reading Buddies: 7 p.m., Cranbury Library, 23 N. Main St.
Adventure Book Club: Books and Cooks: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library; book group and activities for children in third grade and up. This month’s selection is "Chocolate Fever" by Robert Kimmel Smith. Copies of this month’s selection are available at circulation. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., March 31
Wee Folk: 9:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library, storytime and crafts for children ages 18 to 24 months and their caregiver; registration required; call, visit youth services or go online.
Paws to Read: 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monroe Township Library; a new way to improve a child’s reading skills and confidence – reading to a dog. During an eight-week session, children will have a weekly 10-minute appointment with a certified therapy dog; appointments are scheduled at time of registration. Children must be allergy-free and comfortable with animals; for children in first grade and up. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Homework help: 3-5 p.m., grades kindergarten through six, Jamesburg Public Library; call 732-521-3181.
Open volleyball: 7 to 9 p.m., for adults 18 years and older in March and April, Monroe Community Center, sponsored by Monroe Township Recreation Department. Call 732-723-5000.
Art Smart II: 7 p.m., Monroe Township Library; ages 8 to 12; a program highlighting a different artist and style of art each session. This session will focus on pop art painter Andy Warhol. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Preschool storytime: 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Sat., April 2
Artists in Residence: 1-4 p.m., Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, featuring Stephen Kennedy creating a still life; offered in collaboration with the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission. Registration is not required.
Wed., April 6
OperaNJ Lecture: Le Comte Ory: Time to be determined, Monroe Township Library. OperaNJ director will give a lecture about the selected opera preceding the Metropolitan Opera’s live performance telecasts at the Regal Theater in East Windsor. This event is offered in collaboration with the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission. Register at the welcome desk.
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., April 7
Preschool storytime: 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Wed., April 13
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., April 14
Preschool storytime: 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Wed., April 20
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., April 21
Preschool storytime: 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Wed., April 27
Preschool storytime: 10:30 a.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Thurs., April 28
Preschool storytime: 1:30 p.m., Monroe Township Library; stories, music and fun for ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Call, visit youth services or go online to register.
Ongoing events
Book discussion groups: Monroe Township, register book clubs with the Monroe Township Library. Groups will be entered into a drawing to win a fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements; drawing is July 7; registration forms available at the welcome desk April 1-June 30. Benefits of registration include help with book selection from staff and information about book availability for groups.
Monroe Township Baseball Association signups: Spring recreation baseball registration will be held. Register online at www.monroebaseball.com. For information, call 732-605-1134 or e-mail [email protected].
George Ivers Display Case: Monroe Township Library. View a collection of artwork created by the students from Monroe Township High School in March.
Annul snowman and snow sculpture contest: Monroe Township Recreation Department, through March 31. It is open to all Monroe Township residents. Awards will be presented in April at the Recreation Advisory Board meeting to participants in the following divisions: 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years and teens and up, in two categories, original snowman and most original snow sculpture. It can be a solo, team or family project. To enter, send a photo of you standing next to your entry to Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road, Monroe Township, New Jersey. 08831, attention: snow entry.

