Community Bulletin Board: Criterion Sentinel (for Sept. 8)

 

 

The Garden Club of Metuchen is holding its annual Welcome Back meeting on Sept. 13 at the Metuchen Senior Citizens Center, starting with light refreshments at 6:45 p.m., followed by the program and business meeting from 7-9 pm.

Members will share their summer garden “show and tell” via a slideshow and also hold a plant and seed exchange.

The Senior Center is located at Center and New Streets, with parking on site.

The Garden Club of Metuchen will follow all COVID safety instructions for meetings.

Because of construction at the club’s usual meeting site, the October meeting will also be held at the senior center.

Beginning with November, all subsequent meetings will again be held in Fryer Hall of St. Luke’s Church at 17 Oak Ave.

After the September meeting, all meetings will take place on the first Monday of the month at 6:45 p.m.

The public is invited, and is encouraged to respond via Facebook at www.facebook.com/Garden.Club.of.Metuchen for purposes of planning.

 

 

 

 

Live music will be performed at The Old Franklin Schoolhouse, 491 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen.

Ramblin’ Deano with Matt Witte and Renee Maskin will perform at 7:15 p.m. Sept. 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10, or $5 for BIL members.

Steve Wynn will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at www.wynnmetuchen.eventbrite.com

Johnny Dowd with Mike Noordzy and Cody McCorry will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost is $10, or $5 for BIL members.

El Noordzo with Daughter Vision and Renee Maskin will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost is $10, or $5 for BIL members.

Jake LaBotz with Renee Maskin will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost is $10, or $5 for BIL members.

All patrons must show proof of full vaccination. Masks may be required when indoors.

Audience size will be limited.

An air purifying system will be used during live events.

 

 

 

 

Religious School registration is open for the 2021-22 school year at Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St., Edison.

Contact Director Lisa McNerney for more information. Email [email protected]

Or, register students at www.edisontemple.org/school_enrollment.php

 

 

 

 

The Edison Public Library will offer the following programs via Zoom open to adults, unless otherwise noted:

 

• 7 p.m. Sept. 8, Computer Maintenance & Internet Safety. Learn computer users tips on how to surf the internet safely and how to make your computer last longer.
• 7 p.m. Sept. 9, Genre Tasting Part 1. In honor of Library Card Sign-up Month, read short stories from different genres.
• 7 p.m. Sept. 15, ¡Juguemos Lotería! Let’s Play Lotería!. Lotería is a traditional Mexican game combining cards and bingo, and it has been played as a game of chance, as a pastime and for educational purposes. Learn the history, rules, and even play a sample game. This program is in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The program will be offered in person at the main branch of the library, 340 Plainfield Ave., Edison. Masks and social distancing are mandatory.
• 7 p.m. Sept. 16, Edison Crafting Club. Start a new hobby or learn new tips.
• 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Genre Tasting Part 2.To register, call the library at 732-287-2298 or visit org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anastasija Zolotic, the first American female taekwondo athlete to win a gold medal, who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will be coming to Woodbridge, along with U.S. Olympic Head Coach Gareth Brown, as well as Pan American Champion CJ Nickolas, on Sept. 11 at International Martial Arts of Woodbridge, 54 Cutters Dock Road, Woodbridge.

Master Mohamed Elshikh, president of the New Jersey State Taekwondo Association, will host them for a day of training. Athletes are invited to the Olympic Sparring and
Training Class, and after they train they will have the opportunity to ask questions
and take photos with Zolotic.

The event will be broken down into two sessions, first color belts and then a session for black belts only.

For more information, visit njstatetkd.com

 

 

 

Middlesex County’s Quest Scavenger Hunt features new locations and activities for summer 2021.

Participants may play solo or create a team of up to five members.

The Quest Scavenger Hunt runs thru Sept. 9. Participants will upload photos to the Middlesex County Quest Facebook Group’s private page.

Individuals and teams who complete at least 10 activities on the Quest map will win a free T-shirt (one shirt per team member). At the end of the contest, each team will submit their favorite Quest photo.

Photos will be voted on using Facebook “likes” during a one-week voting period. The photo with the most “likes” will win the grand prize. This year’s grand prize winner will receive an exclusive VIP experience/workshop with the Middlesex County Arts Institute.

To learn more about the Quest Scavenger Hunt – including the official Quest rules –visit discovermiddlesex.com/quest/. To join the Quest or to upload photos, join the Middlesex County Quest Facebook Group.

 

Seniors are invited to attend three in-person programs at the Metuchen Public Library, 480 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen.

• “Brain Health” will be presented at 2 p.m. Sept. 13. Learn about how to improve memory, keep the brain healthy, what foods to eat and games to play to keep the brain active.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3nnvxyv8 

All participants will be given a free Sudoku/puzzle book.

This program is presented by Samantha Malinger, a senior support specialist/crisis counselor with the RWJ Hope and Healing program.

The program is funded through FEMA to provide support to those who might need some extra help during COVID times.

• Senior Mobility And Resource Training (SMART) will be presented by NJTIP at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 15.

Learn how to transit trips, pay the fare, and access favorite places without a car. Sign up for a session on mobility options and public transit available from Metuchen.

On Sept. 15, sign up for a trip to a destination that will take place Sept. 22. Potential destinations could include the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, a museum tour in Princeton, or a tour of NJPAC in Newark. Participants will meet outside of the library at 10 a.m. Sept. 22 for the trip. Fares will be covered.

Register at https://bit.ly/MetNJTIPTrip

• Movie and TV Trivia will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 27.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/pyauha8 

All participants will be given a free coloring book.

This program is also presented by Samantha Malinger and funded through FEMA.

 

 

Mignolo Arts Center will hold a grand opening ribbon cutting celebration at noon on Sept. 18 at the center, 272 Lake Ave., Metuchen.

Hosted by the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce.

The ribbon cutting will precede Mignolo’s Grand Opening Festival Benefit. For tickets, visit www.mignolo.art/grandopening

There is no parking on site; park in the nearby Halsey Lot.

 

 

The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, will hold their fall rummage sale from 5-8:30 p.m. Sept. 24 and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept 25 at the church, 270 Woodbridge Ave., Metuchen.

Drop-off donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20-23; on Sept. 21, hours are extended until 8 p.m.

Old TVs and computers will not be accepted; contact the Department of Public Works for disposal instructions.

 

 

 

 

The seventh annual New Jersey ParaUnity Expo is scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25 at Woodbridge High School, 1 Samuel Lupo Pl., Woodbridge.

The VIP Party on Sept. 24 is from 7-10 p.m. Cost is $95 per person, adults only. Free appetizers, cash bar and deejay.

The VIP Party on Sept. 25 is from 8-11 p.m. Cost is $95 per person, adults only. Free appetizers, cash bar and deejay.

Tickets for the general expo from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 are $20 for adults or $5 for children 12 and under.

Proceeds go directly to the Woodbridge Charity Fund.

For ticket information and a schedule of events, visit www.newjerseyparaunityexpo.com/

 

 

 

 

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 new Jazz Education Series, jointly sponsored by the Metuchen Arts Council-Jazz and the New Jersey Jazz Society, continues on Sept. 19 with “Nat King Cole@100: (NKC100) by Will Friedwald, music writer and author of “Straighten Up & Fly Right: The Life & Music of Nat King Cole”.

Oct. 18 is “An Informal Survey of the Great Baritone Saxophonists” by baritone saxophonist Frank Basile, a member of the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band.

Nov. 21 is “Ellington and Strayhorn: Alone and Together” by David Hajdu, Columbia University professor, music critic for “The Nation,” and author of “Lush Life,” a biography of Billy Strayhorn.

The presentations will be available on the New Jersey Jazz Society website, njjs.org, as well as the NJJS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Attendance is free, but donations are encouraged.

To register, log on to https://bit.ly/3iaEWqt.

 

 

 

The 35th annual Lebanese Festival will return to St. Sharbel Maronite Church from 5-10 p.m. Sept. 17, noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 18, and noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 19.

The church is located at 526 Easton Ave., Somerset.

Performances by Bassil Touma, Eddie Osama and Kalem Issa.

There will be live music and dancing, a bar, games, and souvenirs.

Lebanese food and pastries; vegan and gluten free options will be available.

Parking and admission are free.

For more information, visit www.saintsharbelnj.org

 

 

 

 

 

The mah-jongg tournaments at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Oak Tree Road in Edison are coming back in person starting Oct. 10 after a year of virtual play.

Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Six rounds of play begin at 10 a.m.

Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks will be served.

Giveaways, door prizes, auction and raffles. Cash prizes.

Players must be able to complete four games in 50 minutes.

All participants must provide proof of COVID vaccination with registration forms. Mask wearing is optional.

The cost is $56 per person.

Deadline to register is Oct. 1.

For more information, call Diane Mael at 732-593-5967.

 

 

 

 

 

The Metuchen Country Fair, usually held in October, is canceled again this year due to the pandemic.

Instead, Metuchen’s Town Wide Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2.

Items for sale can include books, household items, clothing, toys and games, tools, furniture, jewelry, antiques, records and CDs, artwork and sporting goods.

Businesses are encouraged to host sidewalk sales.

Registration and permit distribution are contactless. To sign up, visit https://form.jotform.com/212155117735047

For assistance, email [email protected] or call 732-548-2964.

Organized by the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Keller Williams Elite, Realtors.

 

 

 

The sixth annual Suicide Prevention Conference will be held virtually on Oct. 6.

Presented by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health.

Trauma: The Hidden Face of Suicide will be presented from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., welcome to anyone interested in learning about trauma and suicide prevention.

The conference will feature presentations, breakout sessions and a panel discussion.

Nick LeDonne will share his mental health story using the art of animation.

Dr. Meagan Corrado, founder and owner of Storiez Trauma Narratives, has trained clinicians, community leaders and trauma survivors across 20 training programs.

Registration will soon be available.

 

 

 

 

The YMCA of MEWSA (Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy) will host its annual Richard Hale Memorial Golf Classic on Oct. 7 at the Metuchen Golf and Country Club in Edison.

This fundraiser supports the Y’s Send a Kid to Camp Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to children from underserved families in the community.

In 2020, the Y provided more than $12,000 in camp scholarship funds which provided peace of mind for families facing economic challenges. With these scholarships, campers are less likely to experience summer learning loss and become inactive.

Camp provides access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) programming, swimming, sports, arts and crafts and more.

The fundraiser starts with lunch and a Bloody Mary bar, a shotgun start at 12:25 p.m., followed by an open bar and dinner, along with several events including a wine pull, raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Sponsorship opportunities are available which are tax deductible and include recognition in all promotional materials, press releases and in the event program.

For more information, visit www.ymcaofmewsa.org/golf-classic; or contact Catherine Haugh at 732-516-9200, ext. 2083 or [email protected].

 

 Join NAMI New Jersey for NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope on Oct. 9.

Before the pandemic, in any given year, 1 in 5 people in the United States reported having a mental health condition. Mental health experts suggest the figure is now 2 in 5, or even higher, according to information provided by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

 

This year. due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, NAMI is offering a virtual version of its annual NAMIWalks event.

 

Anyone can participate by registering at namiwalks.org/newjersey and deciding how they want to participate. They can choose to join the virtual walk event on Oct. 9 or pick an activity of their choice, such as jumping rope, baking a cake, practicing yoga or walking with friends and family in the neighborhood—all while taking precautions to stay safe.

 

There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged. One hundred percent of funds raised support NAMI New Jersey’s free local mental health programs, resources and services.

 

 

NAMI New Jersey is part of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. It is headquartered in North Brunswick.

 

For more information, visit nami.org

 

The Edison YMCA will hold its 12th annual Tot Trot & Fall Festival on Oct. 10, featuring games, activities, vendors and food trucks.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. The race begins at 11 a.m.

The YMCA is located at 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

 

The Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County is holding its very first pickleball tournament at the outdoor pickleball courts at Community Park on Dunhams Corner Road in East Brunswick on Oct. 13; rain date is Oct. 20.

This is a non-sanctioned, round robin, elimination tournament for intermediate players only. 

Prizes, giveaways, raffles and healthy snacks will be provided.

The cost is $36 per person, or $67 for a married couple. 

Game play details will be sent upon registration. 

Space is limited so register early. 

To receive a flier or registration form, contact Diane at [email protected] or 732-593-5967.

 

Breaking the Chain Through Education will hold the fourth annual Sam Liss Memorial 5K beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 31 at Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Ave., Metuchen.

Prizes will be awarded for costumes.

Register by Oct. 30 to guarantee a long-sleeved T-shirt.

To register, visit btcte.org/5krun

For more information, email [email protected]

 

 

Middlesex County mayors will meet with members of the business community to share economic development opportunities.

This year’s topics include arts and culture, travel and tourism, sustainability, and economic development.

Meet the mayors of Edison, Woodbridge, Carteret, Perth Amboy, Milltown, North Brunswick and Metuchen at 8 a.m. Dec. 2.

Hosted by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.mcrcc.org/

 

***

Ongoing

 

The Central Jersey Chapter 148 of the Korean War Veterans extend an invitation to any veterans, regardless of the branch of service, who served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location; or who served in Korea from July 27, 1953, to the current date.

The group meets at 10 a.m. for a breakfast meeting the second Wednesday of every month from May to December at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, downstairs on the first floor.

Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 to the chapter each year.

Korean War Veterans National Life membership if one is over age 80 is $75.

The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including fundraising to help veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, the Lyons Veterans Hospital Lyons, and the Vineland Veterans Hospital in Vineland.

For more information, contact membership chair Charlie Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected]

 

 

 

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]

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

 

The Edison Recreation Department Teen Center is now open at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center.

Open basketball is held from 3-5 p.m. weekdays, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

All teens must have a valid Teen Center Membership I.D. to participate in teen activities.

The half-year non-refundable membership for teens is $5 per resident and $10 per non-resident and is valid through Dec. 31.

Sign up online at www.edisonnj.org. Click on “Register for Recreation Now” and follow the instructions.

All members must adhere to the Teen Center rules.

For more information, call the Edison Recreation Department Monday through Friday at 732-248-7310 or the Minnie B. Veal Community Center at 732-248-7316.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

The Metuchen Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through November.

Walk up only; no curbside or drive-through.

For updates, visit www.metuchenfarmersmarket.com

 

 

The Woodbridge Township Farmers Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday in the Town Hall parking lot, 1 Main St., Woodbridge.

Parking will be available at the NJ Transit lot on Eleanor Street.

Face coverings required. Social distancing will be expected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Middlesex Moving has developed a transportation finder to help seniors find a ride to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

The tool allows users to see what transportation options are available at almost all of the 40-plus vaccination sites in Middlesex County.

For more information, visit https://kmm.org/

 

 

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].

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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]

 

 

 

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 womenscenter@j fsmiddlesex.org