Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for July 28)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Middlesex County Fair returns to the fairgrounds in East Brunswick Aug. 2-8.

Fireworks are planned for opening night on Aug. 2; rain date is Aug. 3.

There will be events, entertainment, vendors, exhibits and a home arts competition.

Hours are 5-11 p.m. Aug. 2-6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 7, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 8.

The cost per day is $10 for adults, $4 for seniors over age 65, $4 for children ages 3-10, and free for children under 2.

Parking is free. Entertainment is free.

The fairgrounds are located at 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Masks are not required in outdoor spaces. Masks are recommended for non-vaccinated people in indoor locations.

For more information, the complete schedule and tickets, visit http://middlesexcountyfair.com/ or call 732-257-8858.

 

 

 

For the entire month of July, Bentley Community Services of South Brunswick has been selected to receive a $1 donation for every $10.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold at Stop & Shop, 3333 Route 27, Kendall Park section of South Brunswick. 

Bentley Community Services is a unique food pantry serving families, seniors and individuals in need. Bentley is located at 4064 Route 1, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. 

For more information, visit  www.bentleycommunityservices.org or call 908-227-0684.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Public Library announced its remaining adult programs for July.

  • Virtual Zumba with Colleen at 10 a.m. July 28, 45-minute class

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudO2grDgvHtI3Dn91XmZFUU0qaYyhzIwI

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

 

  • Watch & Roll: Movie/TV Discussion with Barbara at 7 p.m. July 29

Movie and TV addicts will meet monthly to talk about movies and television series.

Register in advance for this Zoom program at https://forms.gle/CMXaQEJhc4ynTcFc8

Any questions, email librarian Barbara at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Board of Education will relocate its regular public meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. July 28 to North Brunswick Township High School, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick.

The location was originally Linwood School.

For more information, visit nbtschools.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

The North Brunswick Police Department will hold a National Night Out event from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 3 in front of police headquarters, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

There will be a block party including activities for the entire family in order to foster positive community relations between police and residents.

For more information, visit northbrunswicknj.gov

 

 

 

Complete all five challenges through 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 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.

 

 

 

Playhouse 22 will host a free day-long outdoor in-person theater festival on Aug. 7 (rain date Aug. 14) at the community theater, located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
For more information, visit www.playhosue22.org

 

 

North Brunswick Township will hold Concerts in the Park to honor healthcare workers and the first aid squad.

The next dates are Aug. 13 and Sept. 10 at Community Park, 2053 Route 130, North Brunswick.

Bring lawn chairs.

Free admission.

To reserve a spot, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475 or email [email protected]

 

 

Summer reading fun begins soon for all ages at the South Brunswick Public Library.

Registration for the 2021 Tails & Tales program ends on Aug. 15. There will be prizes.

Registration for the animal-themed summer program will be on the Readsquared app; there will be a variety of virtual and in-person events throughout the season. Read whatever you want and log your progress on the account you establish on the app.

To register, visit SBPL.READSQUARED.COM, call the library or stop by in person at 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, for help registering.

To view an informative video from Children’s Department Head Matt Kirschner, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHx8nLO0jY&feature=youtu.be

For more information, visit sbpl.info

 

 

 

The NBT India Day Committee will hold a virtual event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15 commemorating 74 years of Indian independence.

The event, with the theme of Health is Wealth!, will be available on the Facebook or YouTube Live platforms.

For more information, visit www.nbtindiaday.org

 

 

 

Students within New Jersey’s 16th Legislative District will benefit from a school supplies drive.

YouGiveGoods provides a shopping platform that offers schools brand-new donated items.

Donations will be accepted through Aug. 18.

Use the link https://yougivegoods.com/njlegd16-bts-2021.

Choose your preferred school district, choose the items to be donated, purchase the items, and YouGiveGoods will send you a tax receipt and ensure delivery of the item.

 

 

Summer Fun & Games in the Park for North Brunswick children in grades K-7 will be offered through 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

 

 

An exhibit of traditional heirloom Ukrainian embroideries and an illustrative lecture are being presented at the Barron Arts Center by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch 98.

The exhibit will include a display of traditional embroideries: women’s and men’s clothing, costumes, pillows and other assorted embroidered articles. These embroideries represent the uniqueness of regional motifs, designs/stitches and colors.

The exhibit will run through Aug. 27 at Barrons Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge.

 

 

 

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.”

 

Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17) is coordinating his annual backpack and school supply drive through Sept. 3.

Requested items include backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, highlighters, mechanical pencils, pencil cases, pens, pocket folders, notebooks, rulers, tissues or even gift cards.

Donations will be accepted at Danielsen’s office, 334 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset; the North Brunswick Library, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick; the Franklin Township Library, 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset; Franklin Township Library, 3391 Route 27, Franklin Park; the Piscataway Library, JFK branch, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway; or the Piscataway Library, Westergard branch, 30 Murray Ave., Piscataway.

For more information, call the office at 732-247-3999.

 

The “I Have MS, But MS Doesn’t Have Me” basket raffle fundraiser for awareness of multiple sclerosis will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 62 S. Main St., Milltown.

Fore more information, contact Traci Ceras at 732-841-2883 or [email protected]

To make a donation, visit msfocus.org/events

 

 

 

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 24th annual Taste of Middlesex is planned for 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 27 at The Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison.

Each year, the Edison Chamber of Commerce invites restaurants from around Middlesex County to showcase their cuisines.

Attendees sample dishes from around the area, then choose the winner by voting for their favorite.

The Groove will perform during the evening.

Must be 21 or over to attend.

Tickets are $50 per person in advance or $60 at the door; seniors get a $5 discount. Or, purchase a 10-pack for $450.

The event serves as a fundraising opportunity for non-profits; for every $50 ticket an organization sells, $25 gets donated back to the organization. Unsold tickets must be returned to the chamber by Sept. 1.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 732-738-9482.

 

 

 

Playhouse 22 will reopen to the public for live theater with the opening night of “Harvey” on Oct. 8 at the community theater, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

The annual production of “A Christmas Carol” will return in December.

More information about tickets, new safety guidelines and the 2022 season will be available at Playhouse22.org

 

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

 

The Princeton Environmental Film Festival returns Oct. 12-17.

 

To submit a film, visit https://princetonlibrary.org/peff/entry/

There is no fee to enter.

For more information, email [email protected]

 

 

Ongoing

Middlesex County residents looking for local farmers, grocery stores or food pantries – as well as public transportation routes to get there – can download the interactive map-based Accessing Healthy Foods app.

Visit http://middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) is inviting Middlesex County residents to become a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister to a local child.

BBBSCNNJ currently has 20 children on its Middlesex County waiting list, mostly boys.

BBBSCNNJ provides one-to-one mentoring for youth ages 6-18. Volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters spend quality time with their Littles each month, enjoying free or low-cost activities during which the child may learn new skills, explore new interests, or expand their experience beyond their family and neighborhood. 

There are no special skills required, and BBBSCNNJ’s experienced staff provides continual support.

To be matched with a Middlesex County child, apply at mentornj.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their home, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. Visits can be virtual and are during the day or early evening. Volunteers may also assist with administrative work in the hospice office.

To sign up for a virtual training class, contact Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

The Center for Therapy & Counseling Services is offering a Teen Girls Support Group.

This free group offers girls ages 13-17 a safe place to connect, share stories and be encouraging. The goal is to enhance self esteem, self confidence and communication skills.

Each group is led by trained facilitators.

Girls meet weekly at 7 p.m. Thursdays, virtually.

Registration is required by calling 732-254-0600.

Or, email [email protected] for more information.

The Center for Therapy & Counseling Services is located at 15 W. Prospect St., East Brunswick.

 

 

Right at Home of Central New Jersey can organize a Senior Citizen Prom for local facilities.

They will provide music and entertainment.

A prom king and queen will be crowned.
For more information on how to schedule a prom, call 732-967-0900.

Serving northern Middlesex, Mercer and Monmouth counties.

 

 

 

New Jersey State Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) COVID Crisis Fund is supporting the rising demand for medical oxygen for hospitals in India.

Make a check payable to AAPI and mail to Dr. Binod Sinha, 4 Progress St., Suite A9, Edison 08820.

Or, visit https://njstateaapi.org/donation-for-medical-oxygen-to-india/ to donate online.

 

 

 

The Anshe Emeth Community Development Corp (AECDC) Central Jersey Diaper Bank is collecting baby clothing sizes newborn-2T, diapers and books.
Donations can be picked up if within Middlesex County. Volunteers from the Rutgers School of Nursing will arrive between 10 a.m. and noon on the day indicated.

 

Sign up at https://forms.gle/nxuZUi5AMJe1RcyJ8

At this time, no shoes, equipment, toys, etc. can be collected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]

 

 

Amaranth at North Brunswick is the township’s first age-restricted community, currently under construction on Route 130.

Low- and moderate-income residents who would like to be part of the community can add an email address to be part of the marketing for the development.

To register, visit amaranthnj.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middlesex County’s Parks and Recreation Department will accept reservations for picnic groves at nine county parks via a new online reservation system.

The parks included in this new reservation system include Alvin Williams Park in Woodbridge; Donaldson Park in Highland Park; Fords Park in Woodbridge; Johnson Park in Piscataway; Joseph Medwick Park in Carteret; Merrill Park in Woodbridge; Roosevelt Park in Edison; Thompson Park in Monroe; Warren Park in Woodbridge.

These picnic groves offer visitors a socially distanced way to host picnics and small gatherings in an outdoor setting. 

Fees vary for each location and are contingent on the Executive Order in place at the time of event.

To reserve a picnic grove online and view a list of accommodations provided at each grove such as electrical outlets, charcoal grills, shelter, etc., visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/About/ParksRecreation/Pages/PR/Reservations.aspx. 

A list of rules and regulations for the use of picnic areas will be listed on that page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]

 

 

 

 

 

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]