The East Brunswick Jewish Center will hold its annual winter gala celebration at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 to honor East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen at the center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.
For more details and/or to register, call 732-754-6027 or visit www.ebjc.org.
American Legion Post 253 is offering a bus trip to the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City on March 15.
Cost is $25 per person through Feb. 16, or $35 thereafter. Includes slot cash, light continental breakfast and door prizes.
The bus will leave at 10 a.m. from Post 253, 50 Devoe Ave., Spotswood. Expected return time is 8 p.m.
For reservations, call or text 732-991-9507, or send money via PayPal to [email protected].
The East Brunswick Public School District offers General Education Inclusive Preschool classes, open to all three- and four-year-old children who reside in East Brunswick.
Children must be three years of age by Oct. 31 and not age eligible for kindergarten (5 years of age by Oct. 31) in order to participate in the program in September.
The classes are taught by certified teachers and supported with paraprofessional aides. This program provides an inclusive educational environment for preschool children aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations. This program includes both typically developing and special needs preschool children.
This tuition-based program is five days per week, two-and-one half hours per day and follows the 10 month school calendar. Both morning and afternoon sessions are available.
Tuition is not assessed for families eligible for free and reduced lunch. Information on eligibility for free and reduced lunch and the application is available on the district website at www.ebnet.org/preschool and at each elementary school.
Transportation for this program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Applications are available at www.ebnet.org/preschool and must be received by March 20. Send completed applications to: Assistant Superintendent of Student Activities/Services East Brunswick Public Schools, 760 Route 18, East Brunswick 08816.
A limited number of openings will be available. Requests for specific sessions will be considered based on the number of applicants. However, there are no guarantees for parental requested placements.
A lottery drawing will occur in April if the number of applicants exceeds the openings.
For more information, call 732-613-6750.
Brunswick Women’s Connection will hold a “Beauty Queen to Life Coach” Dinner Party fro 7-8:45 p.m. on Feb. 19 at B2 BISTRO, 230 Washington Pl., North Brunswick.
Inspirational speaker Barbara Vernoski, former Mrs. NJ American Queen and owner of a life coaching business, helps women “Reclaim, Restore and Redirect” their lives.
Cost of meal and event is $32.
For reservations, call Debbie at 732-485-3662. Reservation with payment is due Feb. 14.
Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.
The East Brunswick Historical Society will present “The History of East Brunswick: From 1860 to Now” at 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road. Snow date is March 8.
Manny Alvarez, president of the East Brunswick Historical Society; Mark Nonestied, division head of the Office of Arts and History of Middlesex County and a contributing member of the East Brunswick Museum; and Mayor Brad Cohen will provide comments.
Refreshments available.
For more information, call 732-249-7397.
CASA of Middlesex County is seeking volunteers to advocate for children in foster care.
Learn more about court appointed special advocates from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Feb. 19 at The Coffee Bar, 350 Ryders Lane, Milltown; and from 10-11 a.m. on Feb. 22 at Fiddleheads New American Bistro, 27 E. Railroad Ave. (Rte. 522), Jamesburg.
RSVP to Nora Siklosi Szabo at [email protected]
For more information, visit www.casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/events
The Monroe Township League of Women Voters general meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Monroe Township Municipal Courtroom, 1 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.
The guest speaker will be Joseph Storin, director of Monroe’s Utilities Department.
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System offers a free, year-long program that teaches improved nutrition, increased exercise, stress management and weight loss to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
The Prevent T2 program is open to anyone 18 years or older diagnosed with prediabetes or with a history of gestational diabetes. Taught by registered dietitian nutritionists, sessions are an hour in length with weigh-ins for the 15 minutes before and after class. Lifestyle coaches track progress and give away prizes. The class provides group support for living a healthy lifestyle.
The latest session of classes will begin on Feb. 12, and be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Family Health Center, located at 123 How Lane in New Brunswick. The year-long program meets every other week for its first six months, followed by monthly meetings in the second half of the year.
Registration is required by calling 732-339-7772. Space is limited. Classes will be offered in English (and Spanish as needed).
The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at East Brunswick Fire District 1, Civic Center Station, 310 Rues Lane, East Brunswick.
Carol Simon Levine will talk about the fight for women’s suffrage prior to the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call Laura at 732-254- 5742.
Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County will offer a women’s support group from 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, beginning Feb. 10, at its office, 32 Ford Ave., Floor 2, Milltown.
Receive support from ladies going through the changes of divorce, separation and single motherhood.
For more information, email [email protected].
Disability Allies will hold its monthly movie pajama night from 5-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at The Young Adult Community Inclusion Center, in The Village Green Shopping Center, 415 Route 18, East Brunswick.
The cost is $10 per person.
There will be snacks.
Register in advance at disabilityallies.com/movienight
For more information, contact Audrey Weiner at 732-789-7027 or [email protected].
The East Brunswick Republican Municipal Committee will meet on Feb. 19 for an initial screening of candidates seeking the committee’s support for mayor and two township council seats.
Candidates must be registered Republicans in good standing and have lived in East Brunswick for at least one year.
Interested candidates, not their representatives, are to contact Jesal Amin directly at [email protected] or 732-955-7390.
Potential candidates should provide a short biography outlining their qualifications, including any community service contributions as well as an explanation of their desire to run.
For more information, visit www.eastbrunswickrepublicans.com/ or middlesexgop.net/
Any Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass who would like to join the Monroe Township Chorus can attend rehearsals from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 12 Halsey Reed Road, Monroe.
For more information, call Director Sheila Werfel at 609-619-3229.
The Friends of the Jamesburg Library will hold their annual book sale through Feb. 28 at the library, 229 Gatzmer Ave., Jamesburg.
The cost is $5 per plastic grocery bag (handles must touch) or $1 per book. All types of books are available: fiction, non-fiction, children’s, craft and cook books.
Proceeds help fund the summer programs for children and public use computers.
For more information, visit www.jamesburglibrary.org or call 732-521-0440.
The fourth annual Middlesex County Association of Chiefs of Police Coach Bingo/Tricky Tray fundraiser to benefit the four children’s hospitals in Middlesex County will be held on Feb. 8 at St. Stan’s School gym, 221 MacArthur Ave., Sayreville.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m.
Cost is $30 per person, which includes 12 games of bingo (three boards per game), coffee, tea and dessert.
There will also be a 50/50.
All guests are invited to bring their own food and refreshments.
For tickets, call Gina at 732-432-8361.
The South River Foundation for Educational Excellence will hold its fifth anniversary Adult Dinner Dance Fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Ria Mar, South River.
This year’s honorees are Nancy Roque-Soares, South River Middle School educator/bilingual translator; Audrey Taylor, Passion 4 Youth program founder/CEO and 2019 Coach of the Year; and Kevin Nielsen, South River Board of Education member and retired South River police sergeant.
Tickets are $70 at the door.
Cash or check made payable to SRFEE are preferred.
For more information, contact Danielle Oswald at 732-259-5436 or [email protected].
East Brunswick resident Khristi Adams is the author of “Parable of the Brown Girl.”
She is teaming up with Brown Kids Read to sponsor an essay contest for the release. The contest is open to girls from the New Jersey area. There will be winners in two age groups who will receive $250, a certificate of recognition and a signed copy of “Parable of the Brown Girl.” Honorable Mention honorees will be recognized with a certificate of recognition, a signed copy of “Parable of the Brown Girl” and a gift box.
Winners may also be invited to participate in a panel discussion at Barnes and Noble on Feb. 15.
For more information, visit brownkidsread.org/tellusyourstory/
East Brunswick Blackhawks Girls Lacrosse will hold a social and informational parent meeting and registration from 7-8 p.m. on Feb. 9 at The Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
The team is open to girls in grades 3-8 in East Brunswick, South River, Spotswood, Helmetta, Jamesburg, Milltown, Old Bridge and any other town that does not have its own lacrosse team.
For more information, email [email protected].
One in 8 Middlesex County residents are food insecure – meaning they don’t have reliable, affordable access to nutritious foods and necessities.
The holidays are over but the need for food donations has not ended. MCFOODS (Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services) is running low on items such as macaroni and cheese, rice, spaghetti, peanut butter, tuna fish, canned fruits and vegetables.
Consider hosting a food drive with your business, school, civic group or athletic team. MCFOODS can provide containers and transportation of items back to the warehouse. A flyer is attached that can be used or personalized to promote a collection.
Individual donations can be dropped off at the libraries in East Brunswick, Edison, Metuchen, Monroe, Piscataway, Plainsboro and Woodbridge.
MCFOODS is also in need of volunteers to help at the warehouse, offer professional expertise, assist at local events and host a food drive.
For more information, contact Jennifer Apostol, MCFOODS director, by calling 609-409-5033, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.mciauth.com.
The 20th annual Super Pet Expo will be held from Feb. 7-9 at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.
There will be 200 exhibitors addressing pet adoption, pet care and health, grooming, food and daycare. An array of pet gifts, treats, fashion, grooming accessories and toys will be for sale.
Freestyle disc-catching exhibitions by the Mid Atlantic Disc Dog Club include Treibball, reminiscent of soccer, for dogs who enjoy chasing, playing games, herding or problem-solving; and the Bone-A-Fied Talent Group, who will demonstrate the preliminary steps involving targets and pushing a ball with precision.
The Mister Crabs Show includes hands-on educational demonstrations of how to build a “crabitat” and the care and conservation of hermit crabs.
Repticon is a showcase of hundreds of reptiles and amphibians from around the world.
Luring 101 is for dogs who love to chase. They take center stage in an enclosed 250-foot luring course set up to give pets a high-speed run. Additional fee.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association will demonstrate cat agility.
The Garden State Cat Club of New Jersey will sponsor a Pet Me Cat Area.
Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery will show visitors the magic of reptiles.
Macaw parrots Molly, Polly and Dolly will strut their stuff for New Jersey Bird Man Bill Middleton, performing an exotic bird show in which they ride bikes, roller skate, play basketball and more.
Show hours are 3-8 p.m. Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 8 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9.
One-day adult tickets are $13 for adults or $8 for children 4-11. Weekend passes are $20 for adults or $10 for children. Children 3 and younger are free, one per adult. Some events require additional fees.
Leashed pets admitted free. No retractable leashes allowed.
For more information, visit www.superpetexpo.com.
Five spectacular gardens will enhance the 31st annual New Jersey Home & Garden Show Feb. 21-23 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.
The show added “& Garden” to its name this year, and 4,500-square-feet of landscape design, plants, water features and more.
The highlight will be TV personality Doug Wilson of “Trading Spaces” sharing tips on how to achieve high-end flair on realistic budgets.
Attendees can take painting classes, browse and purchase the work of artisans and craftsmen, enjoy a model Tiny Home and study life-size mood boards designed for small rooms. In addition to a classic car auction, visitors will meet more than 200 remodelers, contractors, interior designers, landscapers, and kitchen and bath designers.
Hours are 3-8 p.m. on Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 23.
Tickets are $10 for adults; children 16 and under are free.
For more information, visit www.newjerseyhomeshow.com or www.facebook.com/NJHomeShow/
Monroe Township Public Schools will hold Kindergarten registration for children who will be five years old by Oct. 31.
Only a parent or legal guardian can register their child.
The following documents are required for registration: child’s original birth certificate; current physical form and immunization record signed and dated by a doctor; proofs of residency – a deed, tax bill, closing disclosure or lease, and three current utility bills; the accompaniment of the other family if residing with one; a sales contract to purchase a home in Monroe with a closing date on or before Oct. 31; an IEP or 504 if applicable; custody, adoption, foster parent or guardianship papers, if applicable.
Time slots at each school are 9:15-11:30 a.m. on the first day for last names ending in A-G, 1-2:45 p.m. on the first day for H-M, 9:15-11:30 a.m. on the second day for N-R, and 1-2:45 p.m. on the second day for S-Z.
Registration will be held at the Oak Tree Elementary School, 226 Applegarth Road, on Feb. 24 and 25. Call 609-655-7642 to receive the Registration Packet.
Registration will be held at the Mill Lake School, 115 Monmouth Road, on Feb. 27 and 28. Call 732-251-5336 to receive the Registration Packet.
Registration will be held at the Barclay Brook School, 358 Buckelew Avenue, on March 10 and 11. Call 732-521-1000 to receive the Registration Packet.
For questions regarding which school your child should attend, call Central Registration at 609-642-6128, ext. 4013.
The High School Equivalency Program is currently running and will conclude in May. Classes are held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at East Brunswick High School, 380 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Classes prepare attendees for TASC; not a testing center.
The Citizenship Program is currently running and will conclude in May. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays in Meeting Room 3 at the East Brunswick Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center Dr. Classes run either from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 12:30-3 p.m. dependent on class level.
Playhouse 22 announced its 2019-20 season lineup:
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” will be Feb. 7-23.
“Harvey” will be March 20 to April 5.
“Camelot” will be June 12-28.
All performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets for the main stage are $22 for adults or $20 for seniors and students.
A season subscription of three shows is $63 per person, or $57 for seniors and students. A select package of four shows is $80 per person or $72 for seniors and students. An elite package of five shows is $95 per person, or $85 for seniors and students.
Special times will be announced for “A Christmas Carol.” All tickets to “A Christmas Carol” and other special events and concerts are $15.
Playhouse 22 is located at the Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
For tickets, visit www.playhouse22.org.
United Way of Central Jersey received a grant from the Office of Faith Based Initiatives, a Division of Programs in the Department of State, which hosts the New Jersey Complete Count Commission to continue its advocacy efforts for a complete 2020 census count within Middlesex County.
United Way will focus on increasing the count of young children ages 0-5 and their families residing within neighborhoods designated as Hard to Count (HTC) based upon responses to the 2010 census.
United Way invites all potential community partners to meet at 10 a.m. on Feb. 21 at its office at 32 Ford Ave. in Milltown to outline the outreach plan approved by the Complete Count Commission and determine the specific outreach schedule in terms of kiosk and mobile support center locations and rotation among partners.
The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office will hold an 8-week-long Sheriff’s Civilian Academy for residents of Middlesex County in the spring.
The Sheriff’s Civilian Academy is designed to educate Middlesex County residents on the various functions and duties of the Sheriff’s Office.
Applications are being accepted for the program, which will be held at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville.
The first session is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. on April 14. Classes will continue weekly on Tuesdays. One Saturday class will be held. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony scheduled for June 2.
Each session will highlight functions of Sheriff’s Office including: Defensive Tactics, K-9, Transportation, SWAT, Courts, Civil Process and Foreclosures among others. Participants also will tour the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office and the Main Courthouse located in New Brunswick.
Applications are due no later than Feb. 28. Applicants must be at least at 18 years old, reside within the County of Middlesex, have no felony convictions, not be wanted for any crime, and submit to a limited background check.
For more information, contact Sgt. Frank Sautner at 732-745-5909 or [email protected].
For more information on the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, call 732-745-3382.
Elvis Presley will visit the Farrington Room of the East Brunswick Elks Lodge at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Mike Holland will perform during the dinner show.
Cost is $15 for the show, or $25 for dinner and show.
Pre-purchased tickets offer a $2 discount on either package.
The lodge is located at 21 Oakmont Ave., East Brunswick.
For tickets, contact Aimee Schneider at 732-207-3774 or [email protected].
A corned beef and cabbage event will be held from 1-7 p.m. on March 17 at American Legion Post 253, 50 Devoe Ave., Spotswood.
All-you-can-eat buffet for $10. Drink specials will be announced.
The Monroe Township Public Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with a poetry contest and poetry fair.
Monroe residents are encouraged to enter the poetry contest sponsored by the Poets Corner poetry group by submitting an original poem, with a maximum of 24 lines. One entry per person. Entrant’s name, address and contact number must be clearly and legibly written or typed with the submission. The deadline for submission is March 14.
Poems must be mailed to the Monroe Township Library, c/o Poets Corner, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Township, NJ 08831.
The competition will conclude with a Poetry Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 17. The Poetry Contest winner will be notified by mail and will be invited to read his/her work at this event.
Poets Corner meets on the first Friday of every month at 11:00 am at the Monroe Township Library. Interested and aspiring poets are welcome to attend. Registration is not required.
National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.
Guidelines for the annual NAMI NJ (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Dara Axelrod Expressive Arts Mental Health Poetry Contest include:
* Poem should be in keeping with the theme of how your superpowers helped you battle your challenges with mental illness
* Poem must be typewritten. If sent electronically, do not send PDF files.
* Poem should be no longer than 40 lines.
* Fill out a media release form to accompany your entry.
* Provide a cover letter that includes your name, email (if available), mailing address and phone number.
The contest submission deadline is March 25.
Mail typed entries to NAMI NJ Poetry Contest, 1562 Route 130, North Brunswick 08902. Or, email your entry with the signed media release form to [email protected].
April is the National Poetry Month and May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Jamesburg Presbyterian Church will hold a Merit Badge Fair on March 28, open to all Boy Scouts of America scouts.
Each class has a $15 non-refundable registration fee. Separate transactions are required for registering each sibling.
Each scout will receive one free lunch; additional food and snacks available for sale.
Scouts must be prepared. Bring a signed blue card, printed merit badge workbook for each class, pen and paper. Scouts should be dressed in Class A uniform.
If prerequisites are not completed, a partial completion will be given.
For more information, visit www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0a4daea62ca5ff2-merit. Do not call the church.
The music of Eric Clapton will be played by the band Slow Hands from 4-6 p.m. on March 29 at Monroe Township High School, 200 Schoolhouse Road, Monroe.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for patrons, or free for students with ID. For tickets, visit www.monroetownshipculturalarts.com, or they will be available for purchase at the box office one prior to showtime.
Presented by the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission.
The Woodbridge Township Psychic Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 7 at the Evergreen Senior Center, 400 Inman Ave., Colonia section of Woodbridge.
Readers scheduled to appear include Jane Doherty, Judy Kay, Jennifer Wood, Scotty The NJ Medium, Constance Elek, Intuitive April the Psychic Housewife of New Jersey, Dawn Strouse, Bonnie Edwards, Michele Germann Rothermel and Christine Barath. Palm readings by Shannon, Marie Gilbert and Jean Lee Brown Ramalho.
Admission is $5. Lectures are free.
The 2020 Progressive Insurance Saltwater Fishing Expowill showcase more than 200 exhibitors selling saltwater fishing products, from new boats and kayaks to an array of accessories including fishing rods, reels and lures, from noon to 8 p.m. on March 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 14 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 15 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.
The annual event includes a seminar on filleting and preparing fish, a Fishing 101 Interactive Center, a 50-foot casting pond, a fishing simulator and free fishing for children 11 and younger.
Tickets are $13 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and younger when accompanied by an adult. All children 11 and under will receive free admission on March 15. Rods Go Free on March 13 – anyone named Rod or any variation of the name will receive free admission with a valid form of ID.
Tickets are on sale at saltwater.sportshows.com/.
Registration is open for the 44th annual Rutgers Home Gardeners School, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 21 at the Rutgers University Cook/Douglass campus in New Brunswick.
The Home Gardeners School is 40 individual workshop sessions that cover an array of horticulture topics. This format allows attendees to select the workshops that are most relevant to their gardening interests and create their own personalized schedule for a day of learning. Expert speakers from commercial horticulture and landscape design firms, as well as faculty and staff from Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE), will cover topics including landscape design, common problems and solutions, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, beekeeping, hardscaping, best management practices and deer control methods.
The registration fee is $95, but early registration is $80 is being offered through Feb. 29. An additional discounted fee of $70 is available for Master Gardeners (certificate required) through Feb. 29.
Attendees are asked to bring food donations for Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) or pet items for Scarlet Paws Rescue.
For more information or to register, visit www.cpe.rutgers.edu/hgs or call the Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education at 848-932-9271.
Children who will be five years of age on or before Oct. 31, 2020, are eligible for the East Brunswick Public School full-day kindergarten program for the 2020-21 school year.
Registration is by appointment only. Visit www.ebnet.org/register to schedule an appointment.
All required forms and additional information can be found on the website.
Registration takes place at the District Registration Office located in the Jon R. Kopko Administration Building, 760 Route 18, East Brunswick. Registration ends April 30.
The Antonia Maria Foundation and Day One Sober Living will hold their 2020 spring gala, Celebrate a New Day, from 7-11 p.m. on April 3 at the South Gate Manor, Freehold.
The second annual gala will launch the partnership with Day One to help revolutionize sober living care for women in New Jersey. Together, the two organizations will be opening Leo’s House, a recovery home for women following in the footsteps of Gracie’s House. Both are located in North Brunswick.
For information on tickets or sponsorship, call 732-823-8350.
Teens across the state can begin submitting entries for the 25th Annual New Jersey Teen Media Contest, which highlights NJ Human Services’ mission to support families.
The contest, run by Human Services’ Division of Family Development, is open to all New Jersey middle and high school-aged students. This year, the contest will accept entries in the hand-painted/hand-drawn and written word categories.
This year’s challenge to teens is to illustrate through art, including the written word, a valuable life lesson or moment that you will never forget. Teens are invited to show when parents and other loved ones provided valuable life lessons and teaching moments.
All entries must be postmarked no later than March 11. Staff from the Division of Family Development and its Office of Child Support Services will judge the contest. Winners will be selected in first, second, and third places in both the middle and high school groups, for each of the two entry categories, with each receiving a prize package at an awards ceremony in May.
Winning entries will be included in the 2021 Office of Child Support Calendar and be placed on display in the New Jersey State House in Trenton shortly after the awards event. A number of honorable mention entries will be selected for possible inclusion in the State House exhibit and possibly the calendar.
The 2020 calendar can be viewed or downloaded from the contest homepage, www.NJTeenMedia.org to serve as inspiration for the teens. The website also provides the official rules, frequently asked questions, entry forms, a look at the winners and honorable mentions from previous contests and other important contest information.
Entries can be submitted via the students’ art or English/language arts teachers, if their school is registered. Teachers and administrators can register their school by visiting www.NJTeenMedia.org or by contacting Matthew Cossel at 973-799-0200 or [email protected]. Teens whose schools are not registered can submit entries directly.
For complete submission guidelines, visit www.NJTeenMedia.org. For more information about child support services, call 1-877-NJKIDS1 or visit www.NJChildSupport.org.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar launched its fourth annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest, which will recognize top teachers nominated by their students.
The contest is offered at Applebee’s restaurants in New Jersey owned and operated by local franchisee Doherty Enterprises: Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Totowa, Union and Wall.
Applebee’s will award four winners from separate regions with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the 2020-21 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class.
To nominate a teacher, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee’s explaining why their teacher deserves to be Teacher of the Year. Students who enter will receive a free ice cream certificate (one per entrant).
Contest submissions will be accepted through March 1. Winners will be announced on April 6.
For more information about, visit www.dohertyinc.com/community-connection.
The Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo will be held March 27-29 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.
Reiki, crystals, psychic readings, workshops and aura photography.
Hours are 5-9 p.m. on March 27, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 28 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 29.
Free tote for the first 150 attendees at the door on March 28 and 29.
For more information and tickets, visit www.heartofonenessholisticexpo.com.
Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County will hold its One Community Gala for 2020 at 5 p.m. on June 14 at Classical Caterers at Congregation B’Nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegans Lane, North Brunswick.
Dinner, dancing and auction.
Honorees include community leaders David and Ellen Rabinowitz, BCB Bank and Vincent Davis, and Bill Neary.
Sponsorship opportunities and journal ads are available.
For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected], or call 732-777-1940.