Community Bulletin Board: the Suburban (for Aug. 12)

Editor’s note: In light of recent events related to coronavirus, some organizations have decided to cancel their upcoming programs. Please check the status of any event before attending. 

The Township of Old Bridge has appropriated $110,000 of its federal Community Development Block Grant CARES Funds (CDBG-CV) for the Small Business Assistance Program; approximately 20 township businesses will secure assistance. The program is being established to provide working capital funds to the community’s small businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received assistance from the SBA.
For more information on this program or to fill out an application, visit www.oldbridge.com/smallbusinessgrant 
The application due date has been extended to Aug. 31 and must be submitted via email to [email protected].

 

 

CASA of Middlesex County is seeking volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected.

When a child is in foster care, having a CASA (court-appointed special advocate) means they are more likely to find a permanent home, spend less time in foster care, and perform better in school. 

Fall training starts in October. Online information sessions will be offered at noon on Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 and at 10 a.m. Sept. 19.

For more information or to register, email [email protected]

 

Summer Soiree Series: A Chance to Network With the Best will be held virtually from 5-6 p.m. Aug. 18 by the Women in Business Committee of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

There will be an opportunity to deliver a personal introduction, and then topical conversations held in breakout sessions.

Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

To register, visit www.mcrcc.org/event/august-18th-summer-soiree-a-chance-to-network-with-the-best/

 

 

The Old Bridge Sayreville South Amboy (OBSSA) Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual chamber picnic and food drive, hosted by the Hauser family, from 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 18.

This is a free event to members bringing a donation for the food bank.

Chef John will prepare his open flame barbecue: burgers, hot dogs, chicken, fruit, dessert and more.

Reservations are a must as space is limited.

For the link to register, visit www.chamberofcommerceobssa.org/

 

NAMIWalks NJ 2020 will be held virtually on Sept. 26.

Join a team and collaborate with activities in a safe, socially distanced manner or jointly on a virtual platform. Be your own “virtual walker.” Walk or run in your neighborhood, backyard or local park; garden, cook, play games over social media, etc.

Efforts support the National Alliance on Mental Illness New Jersey chapter.

For more information, visit https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=965

 

Antonia Maria Foundation is seeking live-in staff for its sober living home for women, Gracie’s House, located on Livingston Avenue, North Brunswick.

The primary duty is to maintain the safety of the residents through overnight checks.

You receive reduced rent, days free to work a job or attend college, and free access to spiritual and wellness programs.

Applicants must be female, drug- and alcohol-free, and trustworthy and compassionate.

To apply, contact Antonia Montalvo at 732-823-8350 or visit www.antoniamariafoundation.org

 

CASA of Middlesex County will hold Toast 2020, which will honor John E. Harmon Sr., the founder, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ).

Toast 2020 is an opportunity to mingle with community leaders, enjoy a champagne brunch, participate in a silent auction and learn how Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) help children who have suffered abuse and/or neglect and are now in an out-of-home placement.

 

The event is planned for 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Steakhouse 85, 85 Church St., New Brunswick. If necessary due to COVID-19, the event will be held virtually.

 

 

Funds raised from Toast 2020 help to recruit, train and support volunteer advocates. CASA advocates go through extensive training before they are paired with a child or sibling group and annual continued education to stay current on issues impacting children. Though state agencies ensure the child’s basic needs are met, CASAs are trained to gather well-being information and report to the family court judge to help a child thrive.

 

 

Additionally during Toast 2020, the late William Hamilton, Jr., will be recognized for his contributions to CASA of Middlesex County as a board member, donor and friend.

 

To purchase tickets, visit www.casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/Toast2020. To inquire about event sponsorships, ad journal opportunities and silent auction donations, email [email protected].

             

 

 

 

 

The County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey is offering scholarships to law school students seeking careers as prosecuting attorneys, graduate students with a commitment to child advocacy, and to police officers hoping to attend college or graduate school to advance their careers in law enforcement.

The annual scholarships, each amounting to a one-year grant of $3,500, will be paid directly to the recipients, who will be selected by a committee that administers the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey Scholarship Foundation.

Scholarship applicants must be residents of New Jersey and must demonstrate a financial need. Scholarship recipients from previous years are ineligible.

Each of the scholarships are dedicated to the memory of an attorney who died in office, where they had served with dignity as prosecutors in various counties in New Jersey and exemplified the high standards of law enforcement professionals.

To be eligible for the Oscar W. Rittenhouse Memorial Scholarship, an applicant must be accepted for admission to a law school and must have an interest in pursuing a career as a prosecutor.

To be eligible for the Andrew K. Ruotolo Jr. Memorial Scholarship, an applicant must be accepted for admission to a law school or a graduate school. Applicants must exhibit an interest, and commitment to, enhancing the rights and well-being of children through child advocacy programs.

To be eligible for the Harris Y. Cotton Memorial Scholarship, an applicant must be accepted for admission to a law school. The applicant must have an interest in pursuing a career as a prosecutor with an emphasis in domestic violence or hate crime prosecutions.

To be eligible for the John H. Stamler Memorial Scholarship, an applicant must be a sworn law enforcement officer seeking educational advancement on a college or graduate level to improve his or her effectiveness as a law enforcement officer.

Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 4. Applications are available online at www.burlpros.org.

Personal interviews of finalists will be conducted. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision in October.

Applications should be sent to Prosecutor Scott Coffina, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly 08060; or email [email protected]

 

 

 

The First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville has rescheduled its June flea market for Sept. 12. The rain date is Sept. 19. It will take place in the church parking lot at 172 Main Street, across from Borough Hall, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There are spaces available for vendors. For more information, call 732-257-6353 or email at [email protected].

For more information, visit FPCSAYREVILLE.org.

 

 

Sayreville Day is currently planned for Sept. 12, with a rain date of Sept. 19, at Kennedy Park.

Resident Gail Thompson is organizing a group of 10 handcrafters and artists who will demonstrate what they create to the public. Each person should display a different craft, such as pottery, hand embroidery, origami, jewelry, drawing, painting and nature weaving.

The purpose is to encourage people to appreciate and admire handcrafted items and learn how to do a simple craft.

There will be no fee to exhibit, but no sales are allowed.

For more information, contact Thompson at [email protected] or 732-234-6194.

 

 

 

 

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is opening the nomination process for its 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project. This multi-day salute to service will bring together Purple Heart heroes representing each state and territory in the nation to pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.

One Purple Heart recipient and an escort of their choosing from each state and territory will again be selected for an all-expenses-paid tribute filled with tours and ceremonies honoring their service and that of all those who have earned the Purple Heart. The four-day Patriot Project Mission will feature visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s headquarters where the Badge of Military Merit originated in 1782, and a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor – the museum dedicated to paying tribute to our nation’s combat wounded. Other special tribute events are also being planned.

Anyone can nominate a Purple Heart recipient they know. Nominations must include a short description (up to 250 words) of why their nominee is deserving of this special recognition. Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or submitted via www.purpleheartmission.org/patriot-project.

Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 31. The Honor Mission will select three finalists from each state and territory and a national panel of Purple Heart recipients and other distinguished Americans will select the final honorees.

A complete list of honorees will be announced nationally on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

The United Way of Central Jersey’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund will assist individuals and families affected by the novel coronavirus with crucial basic expenses including rent, utilities, prescription medication/medical supplies, child care and food.
United Way will work with trusted community partners to identify individuals and families most in need of this temporary support.
Donations to the UWCJ COVID-19 Support Fund may be made online at www.uwcj.org. Checks made payable to United Way may be mailed to United Way of Central Jersey, 32 Ford Ave., Milltown 08850.

 

 

 

 

Nominations are being accepted in 10 categories for an annual recognition program to celebrate individuals, businesses and governments for extraordinary commitment to recycling.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, annually recognizes excellence in recycling to highlight program successes achieved by individuals, agencies, businesses and others whose efforts help keep New Jersey communities clean and healthy.

Applications may be submitted in these categories: Institution, Business, Retail Merchant, Government, Leadership, Rising Star, Recycling Industry, Outstanding Educator/Educational Program, Volunteer Citizen and Source Reduction/Resource Management/Sustainability.

Nominations are due by July 31 and awardees will be notified in September. Award winners will be honored at the Association of New Jersey Recyclers Symposium and Awards Luncheon scheduled Oct. 14 in Neptune.

 To view the application and information packet, visit www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/awards.htm or www.recycle.nj.gov.

The Sayreville War Memorial High School 2020 Hall of Fame Annual Awards Banquet is rescheduled again for 6 p.m. April 24, 2021, at the VFW Hall on Jernee Mill Road.

The honorees are:

  • Chris Beagan, Class of 1990, three-time state championship coach, GMC Coach of the Year
  • Steven Casano, Class of 1985, founding executive director of NeuroSearch; Sayreville Little League coach, sponsorship coordinator and board member
  • William D’Amico, Class of 1973, distinguished military career; three special operations commanding officer tours of duty; post-military career in corporate medical device, consumer goods and industrial manufacturing industries
  • The late Matthew Lynch, Class of 1985, president of Friends Of Children’s Hospital in Warsaw, Poland; honored by U.S. ambassador to Poland for 20 years of service
  • Farrah Reilly, Class of 1994, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author under the pen name Emma Chase; books translated into more than 20 languagesTickets are $50 for adults or $30 for children, with a choice of meals.All reservations received to date for tickets and program ads will be honored.New ad book and ticket requests will be mailed in March.For more information, contact Elaine Kubacz at 732-727-0192 or [email protected].

 

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.

 

 

 

Old Bridge High School is seeking active duty or reservist military personnel who are alumni for the Military Wall of Honor expected to be established this year.

The wall is meant to commemorate graduates who have given their lives to honor their country and shine a light on the importance of veterans within the Old Bridge community.

Residents are urged to assist with the project by spreading the word of the proposed military wall. The high school is looking for graduates from 1995 through the present.

To submit information, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev1sK7AIQ6KvNb2iqUz6l7UgFmPBJXBpMbkAR2IuRwkUeVQQ/viewform or contact Guy Lassen at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

The Community Health Law Project (CHLP) has extended the deadline for nominations of candidates for the Ann Klein Advocate Awards and Mike Lione Accessibility Award to recognize those who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of people living with disabilities through Oct. 17.

The Ann Klein Advocate Award is given to a group of select individuals and organizations, nominated by the public, who have performed exemplary work as advocates for people living with disabilities and/or vulnerable populations.

The award is named in memory of Ann Klein, former commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, whose career as a public servant, legislator and social worker paved the way for significant advances in the human services systems throughout the State of New Jersey.

The Mike Lione Accessibility Award was established in 2013 in memory of longtime Community Health Law Project Board Member and former Chair Mike Lione. This award is presented to an individual or entity that has performed exemplary work as an advocate for accessibility on behalf of persons living with disabilities.

For more information, visit www.chlp.org or call 973-275-1175.