Community Bulletin Board: the Suburban (for Sept. 15)

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 Middlesex County Conference on Mental Health and Addiction Recovery will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22 via Microsoft Teams.

 

Following opening remarks by Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, an inspirational presentation from Lynette Sheard, director of NJ Mental Health Players, will address the COVID-19 pandemic and its intersection with the economy, racism and behavioral health.

 

The keynote address will be on “Ending Stigma in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Among the LGBTQ+ Community” delivered by Mayte Redcay, Serise, Inc.

Elie De Franca of Velocity Mentoring will present “Community Wise, Mindfulness and Meditation: Addressing Oppression to Promote Individual and Community Health.”

The conference will close with an interactive mindfulness exercise that participants can experience virtually.

 

CEUs have been requested for this free conference.

For questions concerning behavioral health and social work contact hours, contact Rutgers UBHC Center for Continuing Education at [email protected].

To register, visit https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5LTzjogOi0O5pRD-y9C3Hpd0esbzOXRPsS_B0Aq5FmxUNlBCVVBCTkswMTNIMDZQQ1pCSU81NDBJUy4u

 

The Sammy’s Hope 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing will be held on Sept. 30 at Royce Brook Golf Club, 201 Hamilton Road, Hillsborough.

The outing begins at 8 a.m. with registration and breakfast; 9 a.m. shotgun start; lunch at the turn; followed by a buffet reception with open bar, basket raffle, 50/50, prizes and awards.

Reception venue will be outdoors and follow CDC guidelines.

All proceeds from the event go toward medical care and training of the animals in its care.

First responders, firefighters, police, EMTs and military personnel can join the outing at a reduced fee of $75 (limited to 16).

Sponsorship opportunities of various levels are available.

To register, sponsor, or for more information, visit www.golfinvite.net/sammyshope

 

Right at Home of Central New Jersey has created the Tickled Pink Silent Disco, to be held from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Buccleuch Park, 321 Easton Ave., New Brunswick, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The suggested donation is $5 will all proceeds benefiting breast cancer research.

RSVP to Beth Sholom at [email protected] or 732-967- 0900 by Sept. 30.

 

 

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 and 15, shoppers at Boscov’s at the Woodbridge Center Mall will receive 20% off most purchases in a fundraiser to support the Sayreville Public Library. Five percent will be donated back to the Friends.

Select the charity at the register in-store or from a list online during checkout.

The Friends of the Sayreville Public Library will hold a Book & Regifting Sale from 1-3:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 at the library, 1050 Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville.
Changes implemented to keep within guidelines of safe social distancing
Only $10 for a bag of books or $15 for a box of books.
Donated gifts will be priced to sell.
The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business committee will present the 19th annual Women’s Leadership Summit in a weekly format, planned for 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23.
The theme for this year is “Rest… Renew…Relaunch” in keeping with individual journeys and experiences during this pandemic.
The event will feature a diverse set of professionals who will bring their expertise and personal experience into insightful and empowering sessions. There will also be time set aside for questions and answers.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.mcrcc.org/event/19th-annual-womens-leadership-summit/

 

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The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is introducing new child care options and academic programming this fall.

The YMCA is launching the “Y Academy” in September to provide convenient, flexible and affordable options for children in grades K-6, whose schedules are split between in-person and virtual learning.

Parents will have options, with children attending two or three days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Y Academy will be available at the Freehold Family YMCA, Freehold Borough YMCA Community Center, and Matawan Child Achievement Center.

The Y plans to offer the Y Academy at the Old Bridge Family YMCA and Red Bank Family YMCA, pending licensing, and community sites are also under consideration depending on interest.

Also new this fall is a full-day kindergarten program for families who prefer in-person classroom instruction. Young learners will engage in an academic curriculum, physical fitness, and social and emotional learning activities.

The kindergarten program will be available in September at the Freehold Family YMCA’s Enrichment Center and Matawan Child Achievement Center. It will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, with extended care available at 7 a.m. and until 6 p.m.

Children will be placed in small groups and all safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments will be strictly followed. Staff and children will be required to wear masks (with scheduled mask breaks for children). Health screenings will be mandatory at parent drop off and both parent and child will be temperature checked.

The Y will also resume before and after school care in the following school districts: Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Highlands, Little Silver, Manalapan/Englishtown, Matawan, Middletown Township, Millstone, Monmouth Beach, Shrewsbury, Spring Lake Heights and West Long Branch.

Additionally, the Y provides child care for infants to preschoolers at the Freehold Family YMCA and an academic pre-school program at the Matawan Child Achievement Center.

To learn more about YMCA child care programs and registration, visit www.ymcanj.org.

 

The times and dates of food pantry operations in Sayreville have changed.

Food will be distributed in a contactless drive up service from 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at the Sayreville Senior Center, 423 Main St.

Donations will be accepted from 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday, also at the Senior Center, to ensure food is quarantined for a week prior to redistribution.

For more information, email [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 10 a.m. Sept. 19.

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

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 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.

 

 

The Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre will present “The History of the Migration of Spaniards from Andalucia to New Jersey” from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 15.

There will be a lecture by Dr. Mirta Barrea Marlys; Flamenco guitarist/singer Pedro Jimenez, who was born in Cadiz; a talk by Maria Hill, born in Spain; narration by Eva Lucena; and Spanish cultural demonstrations and regional dances.

The event is free and open to the public.

For reservations, call Lucena at 732-598-3979 or email [email protected], or visit https://alboradahistorylecture.eventbrite.com

 

 

Women Aware will mark 40 years of service to individuals and families in Middlesex County affected by domestic violence with a 40th anniversary Virtual Candlelight Vigil from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 21.

The event will remember victims whose lives were ended by domestic violence and to honor survivors moving beyond abuse.

During the vigil, the organization will honor Women Aware shelter founders Diane Palladino and Ellen Koteen; volunteer advocate Ruth Hague; and Paul Sansone Sr., founder of Sansone Auto Group, Paul Sansone, Sr.

The candlelight vigil is open to the public and free to attend. Visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAware40th

For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Dyckman, director of development, at [email protected] or 732-249-4900, ext. 0428.

To donate online, visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAware40th

Text to donate 202-858-1233 Code WA40

Mail a check payable to Women Aware; mail to Women Aware, 40th Anniversary, 250 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick 08901

Follow Women Aware on social media: Facebook @womenawareinc or Instagram @womenaware or Twitter @Women_Aware

High School Mock Trial Competition teacher-coaches can enter their teams online at njsbf.org
There is no charge to enter. Registration closes on Oct. 23.
The 2020-21 High School Mock Trial Workbook, which contains the rules, procedures and case, will be released by the end of October. This season the competition will be conducted via Zoom.
For more information, contact Sheila Boro, director of mock trial programs, at [email protected].

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.