Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for May 12)

 

 

 

 

Bentley Community Services in South Brunswick has been selected by the Dayton Stop & Shop store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Community Bag Program for May.

Bentley is a unique food pantry serving families, seniors and individuals in need, creating access to and providing high quality, fresh foods and other products weekly, facilitating healthy diets and nutrition. By Bentley offsetting/eliminating weekly grocery bills, clientele are able to save crucial monies they need for monthly bills, reduce debts and work toward self-sufficiency.

Bentley Community Services will receive a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased at this location in May.

The store is located at 24 Summerfield Blvd., Dayton section of South Brunswick.

Learn more about Bentley Community Services by visiting www.bentleycommunityservices.org or call 908-227-0684.

For more information about the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, visit https://stopandshop.bags4mycause.com/

 

 

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 North Brunswick Library will host a virtual seminar, “Climate Change in New Jersey: Practical Steps Individuals Can Take to Reduce Its Impact,” at 7 p.m. May 11.

John Miraglia, of the Raritan Valley Group of the Sierra Club, will present an online talk discussing the impact of climate change and other environmental factors altering the quality of life in New Jersey.

Topics will include how current environmental conditions are affecting wildlife, energy availability, flooding and human health; and how every individual can take practical steps to address these issues.

To join, tune in on Zoom at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85883597654?pwd=TGZ4SWphdWRNUFZQeFpOb2o0VUlydz09

Meeting ID is 858 8359 7654. Passcode is 945894.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. It will be held over Zoom at 10 a.m. 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].

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Library and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey nutrition experts Evelyn Fuertes and Michelle Jansen will discuss how to reduce cancer risk through healthy eating and physical activity through a virtual workshop at 6 p.m. May 12.

In addition, enjoy a virtual cooking demo by America’s Grow-a-Row Executive Chef Shauna Alvarez.

Register at https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsdOmvqDsrHNCfecBaegTUcorYSPIW_qHr

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.

 

 

 

The Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary organization of women educators, is holding their annual yard sale fundraiser on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Brunswick Municipal Complex, Hermann Road, North Brunswick. Rain date is May 22.

There will be a large number of household and estate items for sale.

Proceeds support scholarship and altruistic funds.

 

 

MCFOODS (Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services) will hold several food drives to benefit the food insecure in Middlesex County over the next few months:

 

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15 at East Jersey Old Town Village, Johnson Park, 1050 River Road, Piscataway
• East Brunswick High School’s second annual Battle of the Classes Food Drive: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16 at Brunswick Square Mall, 755 Route 18, East Brunswick

In addition, Dine Below the Line will be held at 6 p.m. June 6 via YouTube. Tune in live to watch local chefs showcase recipes prepared on a budget with items typically found in a food pantry. Chefs will be judged on creativity, budget and nutrition. There will be a “People’s Choice” vote as well by those watching.

Furthermore donations can be dropped off at the MCFOODS facility at 28 Kennedy Blvd., East Brunswick, around the back of the building under the tent. Staff members are there weekdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. to receive donations.

If an organization would like to conduct a food drive, arrangements can be made for staff to deliver containers and pick up donations.

Or, direct monetary donations can be made at www.feedingmiddlesexcounty.org/ or checks payable to Feeding Middlesex County can be mailed to P.O. Box 781, Edison 08818.

 

 

The Township of North Brunswick will hold its fifth annual Community Wide Yard Sales during May.

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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sunny Days Celebration grab-and-go event will be held at noon May 19 at the North Brunswick Senior Center, 15 Linwood Place, North Brunswick.

Lunch is a choice of tuna, roast beef or veggie sandwich.

Reservations are limited. Call 732-418-2222 to reserve a pick up time.

All proper safety protocols will be followed. Masks required.

 

 

Medical Mall Pharmacy will provide Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for North Brunswick residents age 55 and older from noon to 2 p.m. May 21 at the North Brunswick Senior Center, 15 Linwood Place, North Brunswick.

Sponsored by Right at Home of Central New Jersey.

Appointments required. Call 732-418-2222.

 

 

 

 

Women Aware invites the Middlesex County community to join a virtual conversation with Rachel Snyder, author of “No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” at 7 p.m. May 25.

An award-winning journalist, Snyder explores the real roots of private violence, its far-reaching consequences and what it will take to truly address it.

This is a fundraiser with proceeds benefitting Women Aware’s comprehensive services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Middlesex County.

To register, visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAwarePresents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

The next Commit to be Fit activity includes a self-guided stroll around Boyd Pond off Independence Boulevard.

Once the hunt is over, submit photos from the trail along with the form by May 24 to receive a prize.

The cost is $3 per participant.

Details on future activities will be announced.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Brunswick’s Memorial Day 5K will be virtual again this year. The last day to register and run is May 24.

On May 23 at 9 a.m., there will be an annual Firefighters Memorial Service at the memorial on Livingston Avenue across from the post office.

The Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park will be held in person at 11 a.m. Monday, May 31. 

Prior, at 10 a.m. there will be a ceremony at Sabella Park, Cozzens Lane, by members of the North Brunswick Adams AC.

For more information, visit www.northbrunswicknj.gov

 

 

 

NAMI New Jersey will hold its virtual annual meeting and conference from 6-8 p.m. June 18 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19. Meeting times are tentative.

The meeting will recognize the efforts of mental health advocates to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. These awards are presented to affiliate leaders, individuals and families affected by mental illness, community leaders, mental health service providers, law enforcement officers, educators, legislators and media.

The theme is “Growing Through Adversity, Embracing Resilience.”

Registration information will be released.

For more information, visit naminj.org

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Fun & Games in the Park for North Brunswick children in grades K-7 will be offered from June 21 to Aug. 27 at Veterans Park, Roosevelt Avenue.

All CDC guidelines will be followed during summer day camp.

Deposit is $15.

Register early in order to ensure programming is not canceled.

For more information, visit www.northbrunswicknj.gov

 

 

Win at Weight Loss workout in the park will be held by the South Brunswick Parks and Recreation Department from 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 1 at Beech Woods Park, 137 Beekman Road, Kendall Park section of South Brunswick.

Join Claire Mason of PurposeFit LLC for an outdoor workout that is a mix of cardio, conditioning circuits and strength training.

Classes are suitable for all fitness levels.

Bring a mat, water and a set of dumbbells.

There are no rain dates; virtual classes or class recordings will be offered in the event of inclement weather.

Drop-in sessions are $15. Packages are available.

For more information, call 908-403-7093 or visit www.purposefitcoach.com

 

 

 

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.

 

 

North Brunswick Township is accepting nominations for the Ann Marie Chandlee Volunteer Service Award for 2021.

Any organization, business or person who willingly gives their time, talents and resources  to fulfill the needs of the community and improves the lives of North Brunswick residents can be nominated.

Return the nomination form to the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick; fax to 732-247-0979; email to [email protected]; or drop the nomination form inside the box marked “Volunteer Service Award Nominations.”

 

North Brunswick PBA Local 160 announced the return of its annual Cops & Rodders Car Show for Sept. 19. Rain date will be Sept. 26.

More details will be announced.

For more information, email [email protected]

 

 

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its 2021 walk, NAMIWalks NJ Your Way: A United Day of Hope, virtually on Oct. 9

For more information, visit namiwalks.org/newjersey

 

 

 

Ongoing

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Middlesex, a summer enrichment program for children age 7-15, will return for the summer.

Camp runs from June 28 to Aug. 20 at the college’s Edison campus. 

While most programs will be in person, there is also a virtual component for those who prefer that option.

Each week, children choose a program that combines two classes, which have been paired together to create an all-day experience in areas such as sports, crafts, STEM, Super Science for Kids, computers and theater. 

There is also an option to take classes in a “virtual Live” setting, in which campers sign up and participate at a set time from their home computers. These include cupcake making, drawing, genealogy, poetry and painting. 

The new theater camp will run both morning and afternoon, and is centered on musical theater. 

For those students interested in science, math and technology, Camp Middlesex offers Black Rocket courses, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They include Minecraft Designers, eSports, Creating Video Games, Virtual Reality, Robotics, and many others. These classes are run on-site, but there is also a virtual option, in which campers can participate from home. 

For more information, visit middlesexcc.edu/Camp-Middlesex or call 732-906-2556. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Middlesex County Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Mega-site, operated by RWJBarnabas Health, is seeking volunteers to assist in the efficiency of the registration and vaccination process and help visitors feel comfortable.

 

Volunteers of the mega-site, located at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, will greet patients and visitors; perform temperature screenings; direct patients through various steps of the vaccination process; provide education materials; and assist with maintaining the registration area and supplying vaccination stations.

Volunteers do not administer vaccines.

Those who apply to volunteer must be a minimum of 18 years old and will be subject to a background check and a drug screen, and will need to sign a confidentiality statement. 

College students requiring community service hours are also eligible to volunteer. RWJBarnabas Health will track hours and provide written verification for those who need it.

Volunteers must commit through June to at least two shifts per week from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.; or one full day from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. Shifts are available seven days a week.

Send your name, phone number, email address, desired start date and your availability to [email protected].

 

 

Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.

The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.

Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction.

The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.

To join the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group, call Jeanne Delacruz, a social worker at Saint Peter’s who facilitates the support group, at 732-745-8522 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.

 

 

 

 

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].

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.