Community Bulletin Board: the Sentinel (for March 4)

East Brunswick AARP Chapter 4855 will meet at 10:30 a.m. on March 10 in the Civic Center Firehouse, 310 Rues Lane, East Brunswick.

Guest entertainer John Trzeciak will perform.

Members and guests are encouraged to wear green for St. Patrick’s Day.

For more information, call 732-238-3626.

 

Raritan Chapter 58, Order of the Eastern Star, will hold its annual tricky tray on March 14 at the Philo Masonic Lodge, 120 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Auction starts at 7 p.m.

Donation is $10. Snack bar available.

Must be 18 or older to attend.

 

 

The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. on March 10 at East Brunswick Fire District 1, Civic Center Station, 310 Rues Lane, East Brunswick.

In addition to the general meeting, the club will host an entertaining in-house event to further the groups activities.

Women from surrounding towns are welcome to join. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Laura at 732-254-5742.

The Jamesburg Presbyterian Church will hold meetings of the Jamesburg Area Association of Churches on Wednesday evenings throughout the Lenten season.

The meetings bring together members of all the various Christian denominations for a free meal and an explanation of a chosen passage in the Bible. Each week a different church leader officiates and provides a short talk on the meaning of a particular piece of Scripture.

The second meeting will be held from 6:30-8:15 p.m. on March 4 at 175 Gatzmer Ave., on the corner of Church Street, Jamesburg. The discussion will delve into Psalm 23:2, lie down in green pastures. 

Call the church office at 732-521-1711 to RSVP.

 

 

The Spotswood Police Department, in conjunction with Spotswood resident Marylin Israel, will hold a walk on April 18 to raise awareness for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a birth defect that occurs during fetal development which causes a hole in an infant’s diaphragm, which leaves limited room for the lungs to grow.

Israel’s 7-month-old grandson Asher was diagnosed with CDH during a 20-week ultrasound. After five months in the NICU he returned home to his parents Gonzalo and Jennifer.

The walk will begin at Immaculate Conception in Spotswood and continue to the Maple Street Pavilion in Helmetta.

For more information, visit the Spotswood Police Department’s Facebook page.

 

 

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will hold a workshop on children’s cellphone safety at 6 p.m. on March 11 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Dr., Sayreville.

Learn about the Internet Crimes Against Children campaign. Parents will learn about internet safety and the dangers of certain applications that can exploit or victimize children.

Adults only; the material is not suitable for children.

Admission is free but registration is required by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/ICAC2020

 

The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey will offer a trip to The Museum of Jewish Heritage  for the “Aushwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away” exhibit on April 20.

Round-trip transportation and boxed lunch is included in the fee of $64 per person.

Meet at 11 a.m. at the federation’s office, 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River. Bus should return by 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call Lisa Adler at 732-588-1800.

 

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance will be held by the Old Bridge Columbian Club at 7-11 p.m. on March 14 at 61 Pine St., Old Bridge.

Cost is $32 per person in advance only. Includes full corned beef and cabbage dinner with soda bread, salad, tap beer, soda, coffee, tea and desserts.

Special wine price, and cash bar for drinks.

Deejay music.

For reservations, call 908-510-5693 or 732-707-3417.

 

Playhouse 22 will hold open auditions for “Camelot,” a musical by Lerner and Loewe, at 7:30 p.m. on March 30 and 31 at the theater, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Callbacks will be by invitation from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4.
Those auditioning should be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show. Sides will be provided at auditions.
Be prepared to list any dance experience. Everyone auditioning will be taught a short movement combination. No specific shoes/attire required.
Video auditions will not be accepted. Bring your theater resume.
Rehearsals are expected to begin on or about April 6 and will be held depending on cast availability.
​Performance dates are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, June 12–28. Tech Week will begin on June 6 and all cast members are expected to attend these rehearsals.
For character descriptions, visit www.playhouse22.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Legion Post 253 will hold a Murder Mystery Dinner from 5-10 p.m. on April 18 at the post, 50 Devoe Ave., Spotswood.

Cost is $50 per person by April 10, and $65 per person afterward.

Buffet dinner included.

For more information, text 732-991-9507 or visit the post on Facebook.

 

 

 

The Sgt. John Basilone Italian-American Club, 48 Appleby Ave., South River, has resumed its weekly Tuesday night dinners at 6:30 p.m.

The fresh-cooked homemade dinners include soup, salad, entrée, dessert, coffee and tea. The menu changes each week.

The cost is $12.

For more information, call 732-238-0310 on the day of the dinner or visit www.imperialmusiccenter.com for a listing of the menu and dates of monthly concerts.

Since the club supports the South River Food Bank, donations of non-perishable items will be collected.

 

Rabbi Jeff Pivo of the East Brunswick Jewish Center will take part in “Freshly Brewed” Coffee and Conversation at The Coffee Bar, Ryders Crossing Shopping Center, 350 Ryders Lane, Milltown.

Schedule is: noon on March 5, 10 a.m. on March 12, 7 p.m. on March 23 and noon on March 30.

Visit www.facebook.com/eastbrunswickjc for additional dates and times.

 

 

 

 

The South River Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer.

The Class I Special Police Officer will work under the direction of the chief of police. Class I officers are typically assigned to court security details, special events, parking enforcement and to supplement routine patrol.

Minimum qualifications:

• Must be a resident of the State of New Jersey.

• Must pass a psychological exam.

• Must pass a medical exam and have a doctor complete a medical certification.

• Must pass a drug test pursuant to Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy.

• Must be able to pass an extensive background check.

• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license in good standing.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Interested applicants can obtain an application from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the Records Bureau, South River Police Department, 61 Main St., South River. Applications must be returned to the police department by March 20.

 

 

 

The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department is offering high school equivalency and citizenship programs, free of charge.

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.

To register for either program, call Community Programs at 732-613-6983.

 

 

The East Power Regional of Winter Guard International (WGI) will bring together premier percussion and wind ensembles in the region to compete for top honors from March 14-15 at Monroe Township High School, 200 Schoolhouse Road, Monroe.

Tickets are $20 for March 14, $23 for March 15 or $34 for both days.

Saturday ticket includes preliminaries at both venues and Scholastic A semi finals on Saturday evening. Sunday ticket includes finals only. Combo ticket includes all events at both venues on both Saturday and Sunday.

For ticket information, visit wgi.org or call 937-247-5919.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Orders are being taken for 11 different flavors of babka – cheese, chocolate, cinnamon crumb, prune, poppy, raspberry, apricot, raisin ($12); or raspberry cheese, apricot cheese and chocolate cheese ($13) – offered by Ss. Peter and Paul RO Church in South River.

To order, call Judy at 732-828-0076.

Pickup will be from 3-7 p.m. on March 26 in the church hall, 7 Jeffrie Ave, South River.

Orders are due by March 22.

The church will then hold its annual spring festival on March 28.

 

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.

 

Fish Fry Fridays are back at American Legion Post 25, 4 JFK Dr., Milltown, from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays through April 10.

Cost is $10 for adults, or $5 for children 12 and under. Dinner includes fries or macaroni and cheese, plus salad, coleslaw and dessert.

Take out is available for an additional 50 cents each meal.

For more information, call 732-828-7125.

 

The St. James Knights of Columbus will hold Lenten fish frys through April 10 at Council 6336, 83 E. Lincoln Ave., Jamesburg.
Eat in or take out.
There will be a salad bar, meatless entrée choices and desserts.

The Spotswood Police Department is accepting applications for the 2020 Junior Police Academy, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 13-17 at Spotswood High School, 105 Summerhill Road, Spotswood.

The academy is open to students entering sixth through 12th grades.

Applications can be picked up at Spotswood police headquarters, 77 Summerhill Road, Spotswood. Deadline to apply is June 29.

For more information, contact Detective Sgt. Edward Schapley at 732-416-1861 or [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.

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.

Monroe Township Jewish War Veterans Post 609 is collecting United States and foreign stamps, both on and off envelopes.

Stamps are used by veterans as hobbies and as therapy to support medical staff at VA Medical Centers nationwide.

Stamps are not traded or sold; they are forwarded to veteran patients at no charge.

Also requested are DVDs suitable for veterans at those locations.

Send all items to JWV Post 609, c/o Charles Koppelman, 6 Yarmouth Dr., Monroe 08831-4742.

 

East Brunswick residents and those who work in town can rent a plot at the Community Garden, located adjacent to the Municipal Complex on Rues Lane.

The garden has 10-foot by 10-foot plots available to new gardeners on a first-come, first-served basis for $45 for the first season.

All gardeners are required to put in four hours of community garden service each year by working with a committee and participating in work days, or paying $40 in lieu of service.  Gardeners can select from a list of committees found on the registration form.

For more information, visit ebcommunitygarden.weebly.com or email [email protected].

The Middlesex County Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the Primary Election on June 2. In addition to receiving a stipend of $200 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote.

Any county resident who is 18 years or older, registered to vote in Middlesex County and can speak English is qualified to become a poll worker. High school students (16 or 17 years old) can serve as poll workers if they are a United States citizen, a resident of Middlesex County, can speak English and have written permission from his or her parent or guardian and high school representative.

While all individuals are welcome to apply, the county’s focus is recruiting poll workers to assist the county’s large demographics of voters who speak English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean.

No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each poll worker attends a single-session training course.

Those interested in becoming poll workers are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot. For more information and to obtain an application, call the Middlesex County Board of Elections at 732-745-3471.

 

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 annual Makerfest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 .m. on March 21 at the Monroe Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.

The annual celebration will include crafting, electronics, 3D Printing, creativity, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), hands-on projects and demonstrations for all ages.

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

 

 

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].

 

 

The East Brunswick Jewish Center will present “Broadway Revue” at 8:30 p.m. on March 21 in the main sanctuary, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

Enjoy solos, duets and ensemble pieces from some of Broadway’s top shows, old and new.

The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 4.

Sponsorship is available at $36 per person and includes preferential reserved seating in the first three rows.

For tickets, visit www.ebjc.org/events or call Ellen Botwin at 732-257-7070, ext. 5.

 

Playhouse 22 announced its 2019-20 season lineup:

“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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

At its 27th annual Partner in Excellence dinner, East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF) trustees will honor JoAnn Chmielowicz, Leslie Anderson and Jane Mueller.

In addition, the EBEF will induct Anthony Yoseloff, David Rabinowitz and Charlie Wachtel into their Alumni Hall of Fame, which will celebrate the accomplishments of East Brunswick High School alumni in the fields of academics, athletics and the arts.

Community members are invited to attend the dinner on March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison; the cost is $75. The foundation will accept advertisements or donations from anyone wanting to recognize the honorees.

Also associated with the dinner is a “Spectacular Limited Raffle,” where the first prize winner will receive New York Yankees Legends Seats tickets for two, and second prize is an 18-hole round of golf for a foursome at Jasna Polana, along with other prizes.

For more information, visit ebef.org.

 

 

St. Mary’s Altar Rosary Society, 30 Jackson St., South River, will hold its annual Easter Babka Sale through April 2.

Cost for each babka is $11.50 for: cheese, cinnamon crumb, prune, raisin, poppy seed or chocolate. The cost is $13 each for apricot and cheese, chocolate and cheese or raspberry and cheese.

Orders, with payment, may be left during normal business hours at the parish office, or enclosed in an envelope and dropped in the collection basket at church at all Masses. Or, you may mail your order with payment – checks should be made payable to St. Mary’s Altar Rosary Society. All orders must be received by April 2.

Babkas will be available for pickup only from 3-6 p.m. on April 7 in the Parish Center.

For more information, call Christine at 908-391-3355.

 

 

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series, in collaboration with the Monroe Public Library and the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission, will hold a concert with Soprano Mary Bonhag and double bassist Evan Premo at 1 p.m. on April 6 at the Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.

Free admission, but seating is limited.

 

Free tree seedlings will be available in East Brunswick during April as part of the New Jersey Forest Service’s New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on April 4, citizens will be able to pick up tree seedlings at the East Brunswick Recycling Center, 357 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick.

Available on a first come, first served basis, the seedlings come with instructions on how to store, care for and plant the trees.

Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pickup in order to prevent the roots from drying out.

For a list of all distribution locations across the state, visit www.forestry.nj.gov or www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests.

For more information on East Brunswick’s program, email Jill Veit at [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.

 

A lecture on “Health and Fitness Concerns For An Active Population” will be held by Brandeis University Middlesex Chapter at 1 p.m. on March 16 at the East Brunswick Library, Civic Center Drive off Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.
This presentation covers general health and fitness concerns for an active, aging population. Dr. Jay Koenigsberg, PT, DPT, of the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in East Brunswick, will review osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacement surgery and Parkinson’s disease.
The program is free and open to the public.
The March social justice collection will collect books for pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes at the Redshaw School in New Brunswick.
For more information, call Thelma at 732-257-4833.

 

 

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 Expo will 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.

Participants can purchase a $14 box lunch when registering or bring their own bag lunch.

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.

 

Prudential Center, Entercom and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation have announced the Sixth Annual Mikey Strong Charity Hockey Game, presented by M&M’S, to benefit spinal cord research and quality of life initiatives at 7 p.m. on March 27 at Prudential Center in Newark.

Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti, hosts of Entercom station WFAN (WFAN-FM/AM) morning show “Boomer & Gio,” will host the two-period charity game and be joined by notable NHL Alumni, including Bruce Driver, Colin White, Marek Zidlicky, Randy Velischek, Jim Dowd, Tommy Albelin and Ken Daneyko.

General admission tickets are priced at $25 and are on sale at NewJerseyDevils.com/MikeyStrong.

Prudential Center doors will open at 6 p.m. First 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a voucher for two complimentary tickets to a select New Jersey Devils game during the 2020-21 season and a voucher for two complimentary tickets to a select New York Yankees game during the 2020 season.

Fans should tag #MikeyStrong, #JoinReeve, @Prucenter and @ReeveFoundation in their social media posts.

Proceeds from the game will go to the Nichols Family Trust to provide for Nichols’ medical needs, as well as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. Nichols, a Monroe resident, was 17 when on Jan. 4, 2014, he was playing for the Monroe High School hockey team when he suffered an injury that left him paralyzed from a fractured C5 vertebrae.

For more information, visit NewJerseyDevils.com/MikeyStrong.

 

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.

 

 

North Brunswick PBA Local 160 will hold its 25th annual Cops & Rodders Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 26 in the parking lot next to DeVry University, 630 Route 1 north, North Brunswick.

To register a car or learn about sponsorships, contact Officer Joseph Grasso or Officer Shawn McCorry at [email protected].

 

 

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.

 

 

 

The Korean War/Defense Veterans Association Central Jersey Chapter No. 148 extends an invitation to any veterans, regardless of branch of service, who served during the war from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe, or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, through the present.

The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month —except January through April — at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza.

Membership dues are $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 chapter fee per year.

The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including parades, flag raisings, visiting the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, etc.

For more information, contact Charles Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected].

 

The fourth annual Celebrate Middlesex County event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 13 at Roosevelt Park, Parsonage Road, Edison.

Enjoy roller skating, a fishing derby, live music, entertainment, food trucks and hands-on activities.

For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/celebrate.