Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for April 7)

Complete all five challenges from April to August to collect Team USA gear during the North Brunswick Tour de Parks.

Each challenge costs $3 per participant.

After completing each challenge, submit photos and the completed form in order to collect gear.

Details on each challenge will be announced.

For the first challenge, exercise your mind and muscles during the Pulda Farm Trivia & Play Trail.

Follow the trail on a self-guided excursion with activity stations.

Submit a proof of play by April 22 to receive the first Tour de Parks prize: a USA mask.

Participants can register for one event at a time, or choose the Spring Summer Total Tour de Parks option and commit to all five.

Register at https://register.capturepoint.com/NorthBrunswickTownship or email [email protected] or call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.

 

 

 

The Township of North Brunswick will hold its fifth annual Community Wide Yard Sales during the first three Saturdays in May.

The yard sales will be conducted in three zones.

On May 1, yard sales will be held in Zone 1, which includes Berdine’s Corner and the neighborhoods bordered by Livingston Avenue, Patton Street, Ridgewood Avenue, Linwood Place, Hermann Road, Milltown Road, including the Milltown section, Chrome Street, Georges Road and Nassau Street.

On May 8, the sales move to Zone 2 including all neighborhoods on either side of Route 130 from the Route 1/130 overpass to Black Horse Lane, including Deer Brook Village.

On May 15, the Zone 3 yard sales will be held between Route 1 and Route 27 and from How Lane south to Finnegans Lane.

The yard sales will be rain or shine.

Registration for North Brunswick homeowners will be conducted entirely online through the township website at www.northbrunswicknj.gov.

Registration deadlines are:

  • Thursday, April 29 at 4 p.m. for the May 1 yard sale;
  • Thursday, May 6 at 4 p.m. for the May 8 yard sale; and
  • Thursday, May 13 at 4 p.m. for the May 15 yard sale.

Participant lists will be posted on the township website at 12 p.m. on the Friday before the yard sale.

On the Monday following each yard sale, a collection of bulk material will be automatically scheduled for each registered household.

The Department of Public Works will collect only bulk items that were not sold and placed at the curb, which may include indoor and non-metal outdoor furniture; large toys; bagged clothing, textiles, dishes, glasses; small appliances and home décor items.

Metal items such as bicycles, air conditioners and bed frames will be collected on the Wednesday following each yard sale.

For further information regarding the post-sale collection regulations, call the Department of Public Works at 732-297-1134.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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April is National Poetry Month; in celebration, the North Brunswick Public Library invites residents to share poetry, which will be displayed on the library building’s windows at 880 Hermann Road, as well as virtually on the library website and social media.

Poets of all ages are encouraged to submit their words in the form of free verse, song lyrics, haiku, rhymes, sonnets, fragments, random thoughts, limericks, narratives and journal entries.

This is not a contest, but simply a sharing of poetry. However, there will be a raffle to win a $25 gift card from Nino’s Pizza & Subs.

Send poems to https://form.jotform.com/210735019531145

Any questions, email librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary

 

The Arts Institute of Middlesex County is presenting a multitude of arts and culture events throughout April, primarily centered around National Poetry Month.

Highlights include:

  • April 7 at 4 p.m. – In celebration of National Poetry Month, join the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick in a reading of “I Saw a Peacock with a Fiery Tail”. After the reading, create your own pen and ink cutouts using your own materials.
  • April 14 at 4 p.m. – Explore a folk story told in poetic verse and in two languages through vivid prints in this reading of “The Snow and the Sun,” written and illustrated by Antonio Frasconi. After the reading, experiment with engraving to create multiple prints of your own.
  • April 21 at 4 p.m. – Explore the real-life story of the Puerto Rican-American pediatrician and New Jersey-based poet William Carlos Williams as told through multimedia illustrations. Let the images and words inspire you to create your own poems and collages from a variety of your own found papers and other materials.
  • April 28 at 4 p.m. – Explore everyday family and community life in the Bahamas through paintings and poetry in a reading of “Under the Sunday Tree,” then create your own everyday scene or portrait in paint.

 All programs will be held virtually.

Visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Artsculture for full details on all the events.

To honor National Poetry Month, the Arts Institute will also present a series of videos and content on www.middlesexcountynj.gov/PoetryMonth

 

 

 

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will hold a town hall meeting on use of force as part of the 21 County 21st Century Community Policing Project.

Middlesex Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, in partnership with the Middlesex County Association of Chiefs of Police and the NAACP, will discuss the recently issued and revised Attorney General’s directive regarding the use of force from 6-7 p.m. April 8.

To join the webinar, visit https://bcove.video/3vOe3gj

Questions may be submitted in advance to [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services will offer a pet photo shoot from 9-11:30 a.m. April 9 at Community Park, 2053 Route 130, North Brunswick.

Pictures with Parx the Chipmunk, the department’s mascot, will also be available.

Cost is $15 per session, which includes six digital photos.

To make an appointment, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475 or email [email protected]

Space is limited.

Register online and make an appointment at https://register.capturepoint.com/NorthBrunswickTownship

 

 

 

Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, is hosting a free virtual lecture series on adolescent and family health issues.

Organized by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, this virtual lecture series is designed for parents and families. The presentation will address common parental concerns about the numerous ways the pandemic has impacted teens, from issues like isolation to how they cope, socialize and develop. The series will also explore addiction which has escalated during the pandemic and resources for successful recovery.

Each lecture will start at 6:30 p.m.

The full list of lecture topics is:

April 7: Recovery Coaches, presented by Bonnie Nolan, PhD, Woodbridge Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (WOORP)
Registration link: https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dcB-NO7KQbCuOm1fhIIvqw

April 21: Successful Recovery from Addiction, presented by Don Rogers, Community Outreach director at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper
Registration link: https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5QCvDKsbSk-JkDa2sAna3w

For more information on any of the virtual lectures, contact Robert J. LaForgia, coordinator, Healthier Middlesex, at [email protected] or 732-745-8600, ext. 5831. Allow up to 48 hours for a response.

 

The North Brunswick Public Library will offer the following programs for adults during April:

  • The Virtual Fiber Arts Club will meet from 10-11 a.m. April 9 and 23. Work on a current project (embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, weaving) and enjoy the company of others. Register in advance for this Zoom program at  https://form.jotform.com/203075873192155 

Any questions, librarian Barbara at [email protected]

  • Outdoor Tai Chi will be held at 10 a.m. April 10 and 24 at the library, 880 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

Participants age 16 and up are invited to join teacher Vikram Sarath on the library’s lawn for free outdoor Tai Chi sessions. Beginners are welcome.

Social distancing will be observed. Appropriate face coverings are required until class begins.

Sessions are weather-permitting.

No registration required.

Any questions, email librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]

  • A virtual mindfulness meditation will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 12.

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation.

Taught by Dr. Siobhán Gibbons Ed.D., a licensed psychologist in the State of New Jersey.

Register in advance for this Zoom program at https://form.jotform.com/210256432646149

Any questions, email librarian Barbara at [email protected]

  • A twine balls craft with Pat Dahl will be held at 7 p.m. April 26.

During this Zoom class, Dahl will teach how to create decorative twine or yarn balls to display around the house.

Supplies needed include balloons, twine or yarn, white glue or Mod Podge, brush, measuring cup, bowl and spoon.

Register in advance for this Zoom program at https://forms.gle/wkAteHUQWUWQDPHTA

Any questions, email librarian Barbara at [email protected]

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Soccer Club will begin the Buddy Ball Soccer season at 10 a.m. April 10 on Field 2 of Community Park, 2053 Route 130, North Brunswick.

Buddy Ball Soccer provides sports opportunities for physically and developmentally challenged youth age 5 and older. Players are assigned “buddies” who assist them on and off the field.

For more information or to register, visit www.northbrunswicksoccer.org

 

 

 

 

Join Mara Carlin, coordinator of Coalition and Community Programs for the Wellspring Center for Prevention, as she discusses what CBD oil is and facts about cannabidiol at 7 p.m. April 13, presented by the North Brunswick Public Library.

Register at https://form.jotform.com/210595539431155

The virtual program link will be sent following registration.

For more information, email Librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]

 

 

The North Brunswick Public Library will host members of the Wellspring Center for Prevention for virtual seminars on CBD oil and marijuana literacy.

Mara Carlin, coordinator of Coalition and Community Programs, will discuss CBD oil (cannabidiol) during a virtual seminar for adults at 7 p.m. April 13. Questions will be encouraged.

Register at https://form.jotform.com/210595539431155

On April 27 at 7 p.m., adults are invited to a virtual seminar on marijuana literacy to discuss what marijuana is, the changing marijuana laws in New Jersey, and the pros and cons of medical marijuana.

Register at https://form.jotform.com/210596399125160

Any questions, email librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary

 

 

 

Middlesex College is developing apprenticeship opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing through Career Advance USA, a U.S. Department of Labor-funded grant.

Apprenticeships, developed and implemented in collaboration with employers, are earn-and-learn programs that combine formal classroom learning with on-the-job training.

Those interested in the program should register for a virtual information session at middlesexcc.edu/manufacturing-apprenticeships. They will be held over Zoom at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, April 13 and May 11.

The college is also looking for employers interested in developing workers.

For more information about the grant and how to participate, visit middlesexcc.edu/manufacturing-apprenticeships or contact Yarelis Figueroa at [email protected] or John Miller at [email protected].

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Join the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services’ crew to celebrate Earth Day by growing a plant in water.

Time slots are 2:30-3 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m. or 3:30-4 p.m. April 22 at the Community Garden at the Pulda Farm, 300 Old Georges Road, North Brunswick.

The first 30 to register will receive a bottle. Registrants post April 22 should bring their own water bottle.

Register at https://register.capturepoint.com/NorthBrunswickTownship

For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.

 

 

 

 

Hiding in Plain Sight: Working Together to Prevent Youth Suicide will be presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New Jersey Department of Health, New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, Monmouth University SRF Suicide Prevention Research and Training Project and the School of Nursing and Health Studies, New Jersey Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, New Jersey Department of Children and Families, the New Jersey Traumatic Loss Coalition, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

The free virtual conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on April 29.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OK4X_jzXTIqHYvDtrLW5PA 

For more information, contact Sharleen van Vlijmen at [email protected]

 

 

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]

 

 

Eligible adult students and graduates with the potential to succeed in college can apply for the 2021 NJALL Scholarships.

 

NJALL will award two scholarships on June 18 to two adults who earned a high school diploma by attending a New Jersey adult education program to prepare for a High School Equivalency Test or Adult High School and have been accepted to/or are attending college.

 

The Scholarship NOW provides up to $1,000 per semester for full-time enrollment, (pro-rated for part-time) to a maximum of $8,000 for higher education.

 

To qualify, an applicant must be a resident of New Jersey. Scholarship applications are open to anyone regardless of gender, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation or disabling condition.

 

The 2021 application with eligibility information is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/2333e3fb001/c398a7eb-91b8-4dfa-9f55-18a3a701099f.pdf

All applications must be submitted, including all required documents, postmarked no later than May 10.

 

 

 

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/

To get motivated and earn bragging rights, North Brunswick Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack will present a Wellness to Health Challenge.

Through May 21, lace up sneakers, take out the bike or grab swim goggles and join the wellness challenge.

Categories include walking, running, cycling or lap swimming. Record miles/laps and email results each Friday to [email protected].

Certificates and prizes will be awarded.

For more information, contact Lou Ann Benson, director of the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services at [email protected] or 732-902-1590.

 

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Department of Parks & Recreation will award the Grandparents of the Year.

A one-page typed explanation of why the grandparent(s) deserve(s) the title should include the name, address and phone number of both the nominee and nominator.

Submissions are due by Aug. 1.

Email to Lou Ann Benson at [email protected]

Recipients will be awarded in September near Grandparents Day.

For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 8233.

 

 

 

 

Ongoing

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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]

 

 

 

 

North Brunswick is seeking crossing guards for three hours per day at a rate of $12 per hour.

Applicants must be available from 7-9:15 a.m. as well as from 2-4 p.m.

Applicants must have access to a vehicle and a cell phone.

Interested parties can fill out an employment application and submit it to the Business Administration’s office, second floor, Municipal Complex, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

A copy is available at www.northbrunswicknj.gov/crossing-guard

A copy of a driver’s license is required.

If interested, contact Lt. Greg Gyumolcs, Traffic Safety Bureau, at 732-247-0922, ext. 321; or Sonia Brown, Human Resources, at 732-247-0922, ext. 242.

 

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].

 

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 Township of North Brunswick will continue honoring veterans with a secondary street signs at township roads.

Applications for wartime veterans are received throughout the year. The honored veterans must be a past or current resident of North Brunswick.

The requirements can be found at www.northbrunswicknj.gov; on Facebook; or at the Municipal Building at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

For more information, contact Lou Ann Benson at [email protected].

 

 

The Antonia Maria Foundation has beds available at Gracie’s House in North Brunswick for women seeking a safe, loving, caring environment in which to recover from addiction and trauma.

There is in-house and overnight staff available 24/7. There are daily check ins, recovery guidance and weekly house meetings. Private Reiki sessions, individual EFT/tapping sessions, in-house yoga, nutritional education, meditation and other healing and spiritual tools are offered.

Call Destiny at 609-384-4023 for information on how to apply.

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].

 

South Brunswick VFW Post 9111 is seeking monetary assistance from the community.

The organization has long supported free Christmas parties for children, food drives, Purple Hearts Chapter 10, the American Veterans Dog Foundation that trains dogs to support veterans, and a Christmas party for veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park.

The efforts are in jeopardy because of the impact of COVID-19.

To donate to the GoFundMe account, visit https://gf.me/u/ynb882

 

The Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ), in partnership with the South Brunswick Food Pantry, holds a weekly drive-thru food pantry program every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at ISCJ, 4145 Route 1, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

The ISCJ is providing a box of provisions meant to supplement a family of four for one week. Items in this box generally include pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, canned beans, canned soup, oil, hummus, cheese, bread, canned beef or fish, frozen organic chicken, corn flour, pudding, some personal protective equipment and personal hygiene items.

This service is open to all citizens in need, regardless of legal status, creed, ethnicity or geography.

Email [email protected] for any questions regarding the program, to seek assistance, to volunteer or to donate food.

 

Residents of South Brunswick are able to preregister and pick up food twice a week at the Municipal Building, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

Drive-thru is available from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Register to receive food by emailing [email protected] by 1 p.m. the day prior to pickup. After you register you will receive a confirmation number which you will show on the day of your pickup.

On your pickup day you will pull around to the rear of the building and pull up to the drive thru. Upon arriving you will show one of the employees the confirmation number from your phone or you can write it on a piece of paper and hold it up to the window.

An employee will place the boxes in your trunk after verifying your confirmation number. Food will not be distributed without a confirmation number.

Remain in your vehicle and keep your windows rolled up at all times.

This program is for South Brunswick residents only.

For more information, call Wert at 732-329-4000, ext. 7674.

 

 

The North Brunswick Police Department is seeking donations of sanitizing wipes and other PPE.

Drop off items at police headquarters, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

Call 732-247-0922, ext. 326 for more information.

 

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library is chronicling residents’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit www.sbpl.info/covid-19-stories/ to be part of the South Brunswick historical local archives. The link takes you to a survey of 17 questions to help encourage a story.
Stories can also be emailed directly to SBPL Information Services Specialist Randall Marsola at [email protected]
Stories can be anonymous.
Entries can include photographs, artwork, poems, etc.
The submissions may be featured on the library website.

 

 

 

 

Central Jersey Family Health Consortium is offering a series of virtual support groups.

 

A New Dad Support Group for expectant and new fathers with babies under 1 year old will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, co-facilitated by a therapist and an experienced father of twins.

Registration is required by emailing Pat Vena at [email protected].

 

A New Mom Support Group for pregnant and new moms with babies under 1 year old will be held in English at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in Spanish at 1 p.m. Wednesdays.

To register in English, email Pat Vena at [email protected]. To register in Spanish, email Mariella Flores at [email protected].

 

The Listening Hearts and Minds Support Group is held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays for pregnant and parenting women, co-facilitated by experienced counselors. Topics include parenting skills, coping with COVID-19, stress management, keeping mental health and meditation.

Pre-registration required by contacting Deena Cohen at [email protected] or 888-633-5502.

CJFHC is located at 30 Silverline Dr., Second Floor, Suite 1, North Brunswick.

For more information, visit www.cjfhc.org or call 732-937-5437.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.