Community Bulletin Board: the Sentinel (for February 12)

Bring an appetizer to share. Dessert and coffee will be provided. No outside beverages allowed; cash bar.

The entry fee is $10. For tickets, visit emilyfredricksfoundation.org/events

For more information, visit emilyfredricksfoundation.org.

Fredricks was an East Brunswick resident who was killed in 2017 while bicycling to work.

 

 

 

The Spotswood Education Foundation will hold a casino night fundraiser from 6-11 p.m. on Feb. 29 at the Helmetta Community Center, 1 Brookside Pl., Helmetta, to support grants for the Spotswood education system.

Price is $50 per person by Feb. 21 and includes dinner catered by Tuscany, desserts and assorted beverages. Each ticket receives $100 in “play” money.

Must be 21 years old to attend.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To donate a service or item for the raffle, call Nick Legakis at 917-476-6418.

For more information, email [email protected].

 

 

Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre will celebrate its 25th anniversary with its 16th annual gala, Gala de Espana, from 4-8:30 p.m. on March 15 at Ria Mar, 25 Whitehead St., South River.

Honorees include Lisa Botalico, assistant director and principal dancer; Gisele Assi, Flamenco singer and principal dancer; Krystina Moreno, principal dancer; Teresa Rodriguez, Flamenco soloist; and Catarina Carrasco, featured dancer.

There will be an all-Spanish banquet with sangria and desserts. Dance to the music of Donny Pesce. Wear a Flamenco costume or Spanish-themed dress for a best outfit prize.

Tickets are $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10.

To order online, visit www.eventbrite.com.

For more information, call 732-598-3979.

 

 

 

The South River Police Department will hold Coffee with a Cop from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 26 at Dunkin Donuts, 75 Main St., South River.

 

 

 

The East Brunswick Domestic Response Team is seeking volunteers.

Citizens are trained to respond to local police departments on an on-call basis to provide support and information to victims of domestic abuse.

For more information, email [email protected].

 

 

 

 

Milltown Boy Scout Troop 33 will hold its annual fundraising spaghetti dinner from 5-7 p.m. on March 14 at the American Legion, 4 JFK Dr., Milltown.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 9, $8 for seniors, and $8 for early bird from 4-5 p.m.

Contact a local scout for tickets, or purchase at the door.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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 Monroe Public Library will hold a number of children events in March, including Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at 5:30 p.m. on March 2, and a St. Patrick’s Day Party at 5:30 p.m. on March 16 at the library, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.

For more information, call 732-521-5000 or visit www.monroetwplibrary.org.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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 Friends of the Monroe Library will celebrate Women’s History Month with a Women in History presentation – Doughnuts for Doughboys: A World War I Salvation Army Lassie in Neuvilly, France at 2 p.m. on March 26 at the library, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.

Approximately 500 Salvation Army volunteers during World War I were young women who served with the American Army in France. Laurie Gaulke will perform the engaging historical portrayal.

For more information, visit www.monoretwplibrary.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 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.

 

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 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.

 

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.