Community Bulletin Board: the Sentinel (for March 24)

The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department again is offering the Early Learning Academy preschool classes.

This parent-pay program is for 3- and 4-year-old children residing in East Brunswick and surrounding areas.

To be eligible for the 2021-22 school year, children must be 3 years of age by Oct. 31, 2021, and not age-eligible for kindergarten (5 years of age by Oct. 31, 2021).

Children must be toilet trained.

The curriculum design and implementation is based on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and the Preschool Implementation Guidelines. Certified supervisors with expertise in the field of early childhood and school readiness oversee the planning and preparation for the program.

The program provides parents the opportunity to register their child for a five-day/week developmentally appropriate learning experience within the school district.

This tuition-based program is five days per week. Half-day (a.m. or p.m.), mid-day extension, and full-day including early morning and/or after school care are available.

The program is located in a designated section in the Hammarskjold Middle School, with  security and its own designated pick-up and drop-off doors.

Transportation for this program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

The Early Learning Academy (ELA) Pre-School Registration will begin April 5. Visit www.ebnet.org/ela for full registration instructions, including fees and all required forms. 

A non-refundable registration fee plus the first month’s tuition must be received to reserve a spot in the program. Credit card payments are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) as well as via e-check.

For more information or questions regarding the registration process, curriculum and program content information, email [email protected] or call 732-613-6629.

Enrollment for the current school year is still being accepted for the in-person 5 day per week half and full day programs.  Visit www.ebnet.org/ela  

For summer, in-person 3- or 6-week programs (half and full day), visit www.ebnet.org/elasummer.

 

 

 

 

 

The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department is again offering summer in-person Kindergarten Readiness Academy and Summer Early Learning Academy programs to all East Brunswick residents, as well as surrounding communities.

The Kindergarten Readiness Academy is designed to provide students entering kindergarten with continued quality programming prior to kindergarten. Participation in this program will focus on essential kindergarten readiness skills, therefore providing a head start for all participants. These essential kindergarten skills are aligned with the East Brunswick Kindergarten curriculum.

Additionally, the program enables us to provide comprehensive transition information for children to their Kindergarten teacher.

The Summer Early Learning Academy will offer a fun-filled summer care program for 3- and 4-year olds who will not be entering Kindergarten in September 2021. Activities and themes are designed to promote children’s social and cognitive development.

Both programs will also concentrate on closing the learning gap that research shows traditionally occurs over summer months. They will provide your child a summer of fun including Science, Carnival, Olympic and Ocean-themed weeks, plus more. Kindergarten

Readiness Academy and Summer Early Learning Academy will have full- and half-day programs, running from June 28 to Aug. 10, with the option to attend three weeks, or all six weeks.

Registration is open, and there will be a discount incentive to register for the 6-week programs prior to April 1.

Visit www.ebnet.org/elasummer for registration instructions and program details.

                       

 

Right at Home of Central New Jersey will hold its second annual Shed the COVID-19 Challenge: Round 2.

The eight-week weight loss challenge begins April 5.

Donate $1 for every pound lost to Smash Out Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Last year, more than $5,000 was donated to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

Contact Beth Sholom at [email protected] or call 732-967-0900.

Ask about partnership opportunities.

 

 

 

To help feed families in need who observe Passover, donate unexpired, non-perishable food at the yellow bins in front of the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

Matzoh is not needed.

The food will be brought to the Jewish Family Services Kosher Food Pantry.

Donations will be collected through April 9.

To make a monetary donation, visit https://jfsmiddlesex.org/passover/

 

Pedaling for a Purpose, the Raritan Valley YMCA’s eighth annual Spin-a-thon, will be held on April 10.

The outdoor, COVID-safe fundraiser will be held at the Y, 144 Tices Lane, East Brunswick.

Sessions are at 9:15 a.m. or 12:15 p.m.

There will also be Zumba at 10:15 a.m. and Zumba Toning at 11:15 a.m.

Proceeds will support senior fitness, fund child care needs, provide youth programming, support drowning prevention efforts, and assist with family and teen activities.

Reservations are first come, first served.

The cost is $35 per person per activity.

To register or donate, visit https://raritanvalleyymca.org/member-connection#/programs/22527376/8th-annual-spin-a-thon-april-10-2021/

 

 

United Way of Central Jersey is continuing to provide VITA services to prepare taxes this season for individuals and families making $65,000 or less.

All taxes will be prepared remotely via video conferencing and/or phone.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://uwcjtaxprep.as.me/schedule.php

For VITA Lockbox locations, visit https://tinyurl.com/VITALockbox

To prepare your own taxes for free, visit www.myfreetaxes

 

Student athletes Darcy Fruhschein of North Brunswick and Mackenzie Keane of East Brunswick, who are GMC bowlers, have teamed up to create Bowl for the Battle Youth Scholarship Tournament, a bowling fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society for breast cancer support.

Check in time on May 8 is 8:30 a.m.; start time is 9 a.m. at Bowlero North Brunswick, 1 Caroler Lane, North Brunswick.

There will be two divisions: handicap and scratch.

Entry fee is $60 per athlete.

Proceeds will provide scholarship money to student athletes.

Pre-register at [email protected]

For more information, call 732-846-2424, ext. 4950 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery.

To schedule a presentation at a school, PTA meeting, congregation, town hall, support group or professional training, email [email protected]

Presentations are available in English and Spanish.

 

 

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Aldersgate United Methodist Church will hold a Community Easter Egg Hunt from 10:30 a.m. to noon April 3 at the church, 568 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

There will be an Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts and refreshments.

Social distancing and masks required.

Bags will be provided for the egg hunt.

Admission is $10. Pre-payment required online at www.aldersgateumc-eb.org/easter-egg-hunt-registration.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teens across the state can begin submitting entries for the 26th Annual New Jersey Teen Media Contest, which highlights the New Jersey Human Services’ mission to support families, especially during these challenging times.

The contest, run by the Division of Family Development, is open to all New Jersey middle and high school-aged children.

The 2021 contest challenges teens to illustrate – through art or the written word – how they and their loved ones have supported each other through all of the changes that have happened this year, from remote schooling to finding new ways to stay connected to friends and family.

All entries must be postmarked no later than March 31.

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. Typically, winning students are recognized at an awards ceremony in mid-May, but a final decision on an awards ceremony will be made at a later date based on the status of the public health emergency and related health and safety guidelines.

Winning entries from the contest will be included in the 2022 Office of Child Support Calendar, as well as potentially being included as part of the office’s marketing materials. A number of honorable mention entries will also be selected for possible inclusion in both areas.  

The 2021 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.

Teachers and administrators can register their school by visiting www.NJTeenMedia.org or by contacting Matthew Cossel at 937-207-7627 or [email protected]. School registration is not required for direct student entry.

For complete submission guidelines, visit www.NJTeenMedia.org.

For more information about child support services, call 1-877-NJKIDS1 or visit www.NJChildSupport.org.

 

 

 

New Jersey American Water is accepting applications for green project funding through its Environmental Grant Program.

The program offers grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for qualifying innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies throughout the company’s service areas.

New Jersey American Water will award the grants on a competitive basis and select projects based on various criteria including goals, impact, innovation, design and sustainability. The nature of the project’s collaboration with other community organizations as well as its overall community engagement will also be considered.

All applicants are expected to outline specific, measurable goals for projects in their proposals. At the conclusion of the grant project, the lead organization must provide a written report on the project results/impact.

Grant recipients will be notified in mid-April.

More information and application requirements can be obtained directly at newjerseyamwater.com/community.

 

 

The contest is open to all graduating high school seniors who are residents of South River and who are planning to continue their education.

To apply for the award, submit a typed essay of no less than 1,000 words (approximately two pages, single spaced in 12-point font) describing something that took place in South River in your lifetime. An event need only be of significance to you; it need not have been a major event in South River’s history.

Essays are judged by members of the South River Historical & Preservation Society and will be added to the permanent collections at the South River Museum – Old School Baptist Church. Judging is based solely on the quality of the essays, and all awards will be at the discretion of the judges.

Sponsored by the South River Historical & Preservation Society, award amounts will be $500 first place, $350 second place, and $150 for third place.

Submissions must be sent via email and include full name, address, phone number, email address, school name, expected date of graduation, date of submission and future education plans (e.x. college name).

Email the electronic version to [email protected]

Or, mail a paper version to South River History Essay Contest, South River Historical & Preservation Society, Inc., P.O. Box 446, South River 08882.

 

 

 

 

East Brunswick residents can turn the page on a winter spent mostly indoors by renting a plot at the township’s Community Garden, located adjacent to the municipal complex off Rues Lane.

A limited number of 10-foot by 10-foot plots are now available for new gardeners on a first-come, first-served basis for $45 for the first season. The garden is open to township residents and people who work in East Brunswick.

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 and to register for a plot, visit registration form.

The garden’s website  offers timely articles, tips and tricks for gardeners, a calendar of events and information on donating surplus produce. Gardeners have donated more than a ton of surplus produce in the last few years. Meetings and events during the year also give gardeners a chance to share ideas outside the garden.

To keep gardeners safe, several rules, including mandatory mask wearing and social distancing while in the garden were instituted last year.

For more information, email to [email protected].

The East Brunswick Community Garden is a project of the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.

 

 

 

 

Nominations are being accepted for the South River High School Wall of Fame.

Nominees should serve as a role model for current and future South River High School students. This award is not limited to athletic achievement.

A Wall of Fame is erected in the main corridor of the high school with the names of the recipients on plaques of recognition.

Nominees will be considered based on the following criteria:

1. Attended and graduated from South River High School.

2. Exhibits a high level of achievement in his/her field.

3. Possesses the qualities of a positive role model for South River youth.

The committee will consider all nominees based on the strengths of the candidates in the above areas. A maximum of two individuals may be inducted this year.

The deadline for nominations is April 1.

To make a nomination, visit www.srivernj.org for the nomination form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold the 75th annual Bernie Cohn Golf Classic from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 13.

Tee time is 9 a.m. at the Banks Course, Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Dr., Monroe.

Sign up at mcrcc.org or https://shotgunflat.wufoo.com/forms/z1qupopx0qkzr0t/

 

 

 

Ongoing

 

 

 

The Lost Souls Memorial Project (LSP) is releasing the official Request for Design Proposals (RFP), seeking design teams to submit their ideas about what the future Lost Souls memorial will be in East Brunswick.

The LSP seeks to create a permanent memorial to 137 African Americans who, in 1818, were stolen from New Jersey and transported to the Deep South to be sold into permanent slavery. Jacob Van Wickle, a corrupt Middlesex County judge, organized an extensive ring that included members of his family as well as highly placed members of the New Jersey elite. The state was phasing out slavery at the time, and under the state’s gradual emancipation laws no slave could be sent out of state without having given formal legal consent. The judge and his ring used deception, fakery and outright kidnapping of both free and enslaved people, who were held under guard in his home in what is now East Brunswick, New Jersey. They were sent on ships from Perth Amboy to Louisiana and Mississippi, many ending on the plantation owned by Van Wickle’s brother-in-law. Had they remained in New Jersey, they would in time have become free according to the state’s laws.

Outrage when the ring was discovered led to a few indictments, but Van Wickle was never brought to account, and the affair was forgotten.

The purpose of the Lost Souls Public Memorial is to ensure that these children, women and men are never again forgotten, and this horrific event be brought to light.

The New Brunswick NAACP, the New Jersey Chapter ​of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, and The Unitarian Society, as well as other community groups and individuals, are working to bring this project to life.

For more information about the project, and to access the RFP, visit lostsoulsmemorialnj.org.

 

 

The Monroe Township Police Department created a new Facebook page and Instagram account in 2020.

In an effort to reach more residents, the department created a new Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MonroePoliceNJ

The department’s Instagram account is www.instagram.com/MonroePoliceNJ/

The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/MonroePoliceNJ/

For more information, visit the department’s website at www.monroetwppolice.org/

 

 

The South River Police Department responds to emergency and non-emergency calls at businesses 24 hours a day. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to contact someone from the business outside of business hours. To assist police with having this information available when needed, the department maintains a database containing after hours contact phone numbers for business owners and representatives.

Anytime a new business is opened, business ownership is transferred, there are changes in employment status of listed contacts, or there are changes in positions or job titles of listed contacts, a business should be registered – but registration is 100% voluntary.

Information will be stored in a secure database. In the event it is deemed necessary by first responders on scene, the Communications Center can access the information and quickly reach a business owner or representative.

To register a business, visit southriverpd.org/business-registration and download the business registration form. The completed form can be submitted by emailing it to [email protected], faxing it to 732-613-6103, or dropping it off at headquarters, 61 Main St., South River.

For more information on registering an alarm, call 732-257-1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is looking for volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.

The organization is recruiting business owners and executives, both current and retired, who want to share their experience and knowledge with today’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

The Central Jersey Chapter of SCORE serves Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Central Jersey SCORE provides in-person mentoring and webinars, both offered virtually in line with current pandemic restrictions. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development and management. Services are offered free of charge.

Anyone interested in volunteering with SCORE or seeking additional information should email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jewish Family Services Food Pantry needs volunteers to organize its food pantry and supply closet, located at 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe.

 

 

Monroe Township residents can apply for current and future openings on township boards, commissions and advisory councils.

Monroe is accepting volunteer applications for appointments to the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, Affordable Housing Board, Commission on Aging, Cultural Arts Commission, Environmental Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Open Space & Farmland Preservation Commission, Planning Board, Recreation Advisory Board, Shade Tree Commission, Sustainable Jersey – Green Team Advisory Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Residents should visit https://monroetwp.com/index.php/boards-commissions and select from a list of boards and commissions to review full descriptions of each group.

They then can send the downloadable form located at the bottom of the boards and commissions page of the website for their area of interest.

Submissions may be sent to the Municipal Clerk by mail at the Administrative Offices, by email at [email protected], or by fax to 732-521-3190.

All submissions will be retained for a maximum period of one year from the date of filing.

 

 

Volunteer vaccinators may be needed in Middlesex County and at other vaccination sites.

Licensed nurses, doctors and medical professionals who are willing to volunteer should email their name, address, phone number and license information to Lt. Jangols of the Monroe Township Police Department at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

Gain stability from an in-demand occupation; apply for a Women’s Center career training grant from Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County.

Qualified persons who are active members of the JFS Women’s Center must submit an application and attend an interview. Grants are available for short-term training programs for in-demand jobs.

Eligible candidates must qualify as a “displaced homemaker,” a woman who is a single mother, divorced, separated, widowed, or living with a disabled spouse/partner.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

French American School Princeton (FASP) is accepting enrollment.

At FASP, students in preschool (3 years old) through grade 8 benefit from a rigorous bilingual curriculum accredited by the Middle State Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and the French Ministry of Education; personalized attention thanks to small class sizes; and a multicultural community with more than 30 nationalities represented.

FAPS is located at 75 Mapleton Road, Princeton.

Visit ecoleprinceton.org, call 609-430-3001 or email [email protected].

 

 

 

 

To document the experiences of the community while living through the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Brunswick Public Library has been collecting submissions to a COVID-19 Community Time Capsule.

The time capsule can be viewed online at www.ebpl.org/history

The library is still taking submissions at this time.

 

 

The Community Pet Food Bank by New Beginnings Animal Rescue is open from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, with varying hours on Saturdays, on the grounds of Nativity Lutheran Church, 552 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

For more information, visit nbarnj.org

 

The Jamesburg Public Library will hold its board meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

These meetings are open to the public, and will take place on Zoom for the remainder of the year.

Visit jamesburglibrary.org or www.facebook.com/JamesburgLibrary/ for further information.

Each meeting will have a different Zoom link and passcode

 

The East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department is collecting non-perishable food, cash and gift cards for distribution to Aldersgate Community Outreach Center.

Drop off food in the back of the box truck parked in the parking lot, 334 Dunhams Corner Road; the door is kept down so lift it to put donations inside.

Or, drop cash/check/gift cards in an envelope and put in the drop box next to the front door to the Recreation Department.

 

 

Raritan Valley YMCA is encouraging residents to #StayWithUs during this time, in particular by visiting the Y’s Facebook page for virtual events, programs and classes.

Adult programs include group fitness classes provided by Y360, Les Mills and from Y instructors. Programs and classes will be updated on a week-to-week basis. The ZOOM app is required; email [email protected] for log-in details.

The Facebook page also features live story time and creative arts with Ms. Preeti and Ms. Brenda.

Details Camp Yomeca day camp are available on the website. Online registration is open.

For more information, visit raritanvalleyymca.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 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].

 

 

Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey seeks compassionate volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families.

Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. They read to the patient, reminisce about their lives, play cards, help with letter writing and provide respite for caregivers.

Visits can be virtual, and are either during the day or early evening.

Volunteers may also assist with administrative work within the hospice office.

Patient care volunteers complete an application and attend a virtual volunteer training program that covers the role of a hospice volunteer. Day and evening virtual training programs are offered.

To sign up for the next virtual training class, contact Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email [email protected].