Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for Oct. 13)

 

Aubrey Pappas, a Linwood Middle School teacher who died in a car accident in 2014, is honored every year with the Purple for Pappas 5K.

This year’s event will be held virtually from Oct. 10-17, or in person Oct. 17 at North Brunswick Community Park, 2053 Route 130 south.

The warmup begins at 9 a.m. with CKO Boxing, the choir, a cheer and ice cream from Thomas Sweet. The 5K walk and run begins at 10 a.m.

To register, visit runsignup.com/race/nj/northbrunswick/purpleforpappas5K

 

 

North Brunswick will hold a Bike Rodeo from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 behind Linwood School, 25 Linwood Pl., North Brunswick. Rain date is Oct. 15.

Bring a bicycle, tricycle, scooter or skates. Wear a helmet.

There will be obstacle courses and challenges.

Free event. Everyone is welcome to attend.

To register, visit https://northbrunswickbikerodeo.eventbrite.com

For more information, contact Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County at 732-646-4055 or [email protected]

 

 

The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) will hold its Grand Navratri Garba celebration Oct. 15 and 16 from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at South Brunswick High School, 750 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

The Navratri celebration marks the festival of nine nights during when Hindu devotees worship the goddesses Shakti Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.  

The group of Mahesh Mehta, along with Bollywood Indi-pop singer duo Preety-Pinky, and musicians of Entertainment Unlimited will sing traditional garbas, dandiya, sanedo and bhangaras.

For more information, visit www.IACFNJ.org or email at [email protected] or contact Dr. Tushar Patel at 848-391-0499.    

 

 

 

 

 

North Brunswick Fire Co. No. 3 will hold a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at the firehouse, 1470 Cozzens Lane, North Brunswick.

Vendor spaces are $25 for one, $45 for two, or $60 for three.

Vendor setup begins at 8 a.m.

The event will be held rain or shine.

For an application, visit the firehouse and look for the binder on top of the mailbox in front of the building. Inside the application is an envelope for payment; checks and money orders not accepted.

Registration on the day of is an additional $5 per table.

For more information, contact Chelsie Repka at 732-213-5531 or [email protected]

 

 

Anshe Emeth Community Development Corps’ Central Jersey Diaper Bank in New Brunswick is collecting baby clothes from size newborn to 2T. Clothing, coats, diapers and books only.

Donations can be picked up within Middlesex County on Oct. 15, 17, 18 and 19.

To sign up, email [email protected]

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library is seeking volunteers to help share their skills, enthusiasm and professional experience with adult English language learners.

 

The library offers ESL/ELL and English Conversation Group classes on an ongoing basis and needs volunteers to help the program grow.

 

All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

The library will provide resources, curriculum guides and training opportunities.

To apply, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1mJCRHm4TW63onm3UvDhWA4UkLijWymbl07qNqxycwoHZMQ/viewform?usp=send_form

 

For more information, contact Jill D’Amico, head of Information Services, at 732-329-4000, ext. 7638, or [email protected]

 

 

The “No One Fights Alone” Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Training by Garry Tonon Jiu Jitsu to benefit the JillyBean Foundation will be held from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 23 at UFC Gym, 1846 Route 1, North Brunswick.

No experience necessary.

Minimum donation of $10 is required. T-shirts will be available for purchase.

Hosted by Robbinsville PBA Local 344.

 

 

New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) announced the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship.

A long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, Bollaci was also a coach and seasoned referee with the NJ State Referee Committee.

Beginning this fall, the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship will award $1,000 to a deserving college-bound senior.

All applications, along with a short essay and high school transcript, must be received by Dec. 18. The essay should give an explanation of what soccer means to the applicant and how soccer has impacted his/her life. Also describe community service.

Scholarship winners will be notified by NJYS by Jan. 4, 2022. Winners will receive an award and also have the opportunity to be recognized via a press release and online interview promoted by NJYS.

 

The recipient of the scholarship will also receive recognition of the accomplishment through the NJYS Annual Awards presented by RWJBaranbas Health, which will take place in early 2022.

 

Applications are being accepted at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQSLK9L 

 

 

VonThun’s Country Farm Market has planned its fall season, now through Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the farm, 505 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

There will be pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, hayrides, a family fun activity area, farm animals, a farm market, pony rides, homemade apple cider and donuts, a corn maze and campfires.

There are different prices for general admission, u-pick and activities. Seniors older than 55 and military personnel receive a discount. Season pass option available. Group rates available.

Some attractions require an extra fee.

Pre-purchase tickets for the South Brunswick location at https://vonthunfarms.com/sb/sbfall-fun/

 

 

 

Middlesex County has compiled a comprehensive resource hub on its website to assist residents and businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Ida.

The hub page, located at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/stormrelief, features information, resources and links from FEMA, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, U.S. Small Business Administration, REPLENISH Nourishing Neighbors, the Red Cross and more.

Some resources are also available for individuals affected by Tropical Storm Henri.

 

 

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) because of Tropical Storm Ida at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1010 Fire Academy Dr., Sayreville.

Apply for assistance, learn more about disaster assistance programs, learn the status of a FEMA application, understand documents received from FEMA, find housing and rental assistance information, get referrals to other agencies, and learn about Small Business Administration programs.

The DRC will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

For more information, visit https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator 

 

 

 

To assist unemployed and underemployed county residents with their job search, Middlesex County’s One-Stop Career Centers within the Office of Career Opportunity are offering virtual career-related services.

 

In addition to accessing the One-Stop Career Centers for assistance with job searches, resume reviewing, career counseling, and career services for low-income residents, job seekers and underemployed residents are encouraged to sign up for SkillUp, a free online training portal with more than 5,500 courses focusing on business, project management, accounting, human resources, information technology, and customer service. To sign up, visit http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/BDE/Pages/SkillUp.aspx

 

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development also recently launched Job Source, offering a variety of tools designed to help fuel a successful job search experience. Users can create a free account and get tips and templates for job search, resume writing, cover letters and many other free services.

 

State-run One-Stop Career Centers are currently only operating remotely, with career-related services available virtually and by telephone. A return date for appointment-only services at the state-run centers has not been determined.

 

For more information, contact the Office of Career Opportunity at 732-745-3970 or if interested in job training contact Middlesex County One-Stop Career Centers at 732-745-3955 (New Brunswick) and 732-293-0642 (Perth Amboy) to schedule an appointment.

More information can be found at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/BDE/Pages/Office_Workforce.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kosher Meals on Wheels program through Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County is in need of substitute drivers to deliver meals, sometimes with limited notice.

Currently, there are openings on Mondays along the Highland Park route and along the Edison/Metuchen route. Areas include Woodbridge, Edison, Metuchen, Highland Park, East Brunswick and Old Bridge.

Call 732-777-1940 for information on how to apply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre presents its new production, “Inspiraciones,” at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Hungarian Athletic Club, 233 Somerset St., New Brunswick.

 

The afternoon will include classical Spanish dances, regional dances, a protest dance and Gypsy Flamenco. There will be the debut of new choreography inspired by famous paintings of women.

 

Tickets are $20 for seniors and students or $30 for the general public.

To order tickets, visit https://alboradainspiraciones.eventbrite.com

 

For more information or to purchase tickets by check, call 732-598-3979 or email [email protected]

 

 

Criminal Minds: Criminal Handwriting will be presented by professional graphologist Terry Antoniewicz at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19.

Antoniewicz will take participants into the minds of criminals, kidnappers and murderers, discussing Jack the Ripper, Ted Bundy, Unabomber Ted Kaczynski and more, through handwriting analysis.

Join the Friends of the South Brunswick Public Library to view this virtual event.

This presentation will take place instead of the Friends’ annual tea party.

To join, visit www.sbpl.info/about-us/partners/friends-of-the-library/

 

 

 

NJ Transit will conduct virtual hearings on Oct. 28 regarding the Senior Citizen & Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program: at 5 p.m. for the southern region, at 6 p.m. for the central region, and at 7 p.m. for the northern region.

The program funds capital, operating, and/or administrative expenses for locally coordinated paratransit services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. It also funds accessibility improvements to NJ Transit’s fixed route bus and rail system, the provision of technical assistance to the counties, and the administration of the statewide program.

To join the meeting by phone, dial 862-294-4371 and use phone conference ID 625 900 084#.

To speak at one of the virtual hearings, email [email protected] or leave your contact information via voicemail at 973-491-7772 by Oct. 11.

Written comments for the record may be sent to Public Hearing Comments 2021, NJ Transit, Local Programs 8 Community Transportation, 1 Penn Plaza E., 4th Floor, Newark 07l05-2246; or via email to [email protected] by Oct. 28.

For further information on the hearing, including login information, visit https://northbrunswicknj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/October-28-2021-Public-Hearing.pdf

 

 

 

 

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]

 

 

Better Safe Than Sorry: Advanced Cell Phone & Internet Safety for Teens will be presented by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 13 via Zoom.

Learn how to keep children safe when using their electronic devices.

Learn about Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) campaign, which aims to educate teens and young children about cell phone and internet safety and the dangers of certain apps that can be used to exploit and victimize children.

The event is intended for adolescents.

For more information, call Detective Paul Kelley at 732-745-3330.

 

 

 

 

Women Aware is the state-designated lead domestic violence service agency, headquartered in Middlesex County.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a virtual candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 will feature music, survivor testimony, an advocate address and a candlelit moment of silence in remembrance of victims whose lives were stolen by domestic violence and in honor of survivors moving beyond abuse.

There is no charge to attend, but donations are encouraged. All proceeds will support comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

For more information, to register and to donate, visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAware2021Vigil

 

 

 

East Brunswick Ghost Walk begins its seventh season beginning Oct. 15 and continues Oct. 16, 22 and 23.

Located in the sleepy historic village, the walk begins 7:30 p.m. on the corner of Kossman Street and Old Bridge Turnpike.

The walk features mysteries, deaths and hauntings for some of these pre-Civil War homes, including the site of the murder of Rachel Wright in 1906.

The walk is wheelchair-friendly.

The cost is $10 per person. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company District No. 1 in the village.

Sponsored by New Jersey Ghost Organization.

Follow on Facebook @EBGhostWalk for details and further information.

 

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services has several events planned for Halloween.

Submit photos for the Halloween House Decorating Contest through Oct. 17 by emailing [email protected]. The Boo Crew will be judging houses on Oct. 18 and 19.

To take part in a pumpkin carving contest, drop off a pumpkin at the Parks Maintenance Facility on Oct. 15, or at Veterans Park on Roosevelt Avenue before 11 a.m. Oct. 16, for judging on Oct. 16 during Halloween Happenings. Email [email protected] to register.

Halloween Happenings will take place on Oct. 16 at North Brunswick Veterans Park, Roosevelt Avenue. Rain date is Oct. 17.

Come dressed in costume for games, activities, craft projects, etc.

There will be pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating and a family selfie station.

Pre-register for a specific time slot at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.

The cost is $5 per child.

The Famous Great Pumpkin Drop-off, where Parx the Chipmunk visits residents’ homes to meet with children, will be Oct. 18 and 19.

Pre-registration is required at https://register.capturepoint.com/NorthBrunswickTownship

All current COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed for in-person events.

For more details, visit www.facebook.com/NorthBrunswickTownshipDPRCS/

 

 

 

 

 

The 20th annual Women’s Leadership Summit, Rebound with Resilience: Ready to Go!, will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Doubletree by Hilton Princeton, 4355 Route 1.

Presented by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee.

Keynote speaker is Sarah Chaplin, president and CEO of the State Theatre New Jersey.

For registration information, visit mcrcc.org

 

 

See the Pacific Southern Railroad through a fundraiser for Rocky Hill Community Services, a family-friendly model railroad show set for Oct. 23 and 24.

There will be 4,000 square feet of trains, buildings, bridges, cars, mountains, rivers, passengers and a circus train.

Show times are set for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Each show is 45 minutes.

Arrive 30 minutes early to arrive for parking and ticketing.

No reservations needed, but the attendance limit is 50 people per show.

Pay at the door. Donation is $10 per person; children 5 and under are free

All donations benefit the Rocky Hill Fire Company and the Rocky Hill First Aid and and Rescue Squad.

For more information, visit www.pacificsouthern.org

 

 

 

 

Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County (JFS) has relocated its main office to 219C Blackhorse Lane, North Brunswick, from Milltown.

From 2-4 p.m. Oct. 28, the agency will host a grand opening event at the main office to formally welcome the community to the new facility.

The grand opening event will be held concurrently with the agency’s annual meeting and Volunteer Appreciation celebration.

Local legislators, community leaders, nonprofits, business owners, volunteers and neighbors are invited to enjoy light refreshments and learn about JFS programs.

The presentation will review the past year’s tests and triumphs as well as honor the hard work of the agency’s dedicated volunteers.

RSVP to [email protected] or 732-777-1940 by Oct. 14.

 

NJ Transit will conduct virtual hearings on Oct. 28 regarding the Senior Citizen & Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program: at 5 p.m. for the southern region, at 6 p.m. for the central region, and at 7 p.m. for the northern region.

The program funds capital, operating, and/or administrative expenses for locally coordinated paratransit services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. It also funds accessibility improvements to NJ Transit’s fixed route bus and rail system, the provision of technical assistance to the counties, and the administration of the statewide program.

To join the meeting by phone, dial 862-294-4371 and use phone conference ID 625 900 084#.

Written comments for the record may be sent to Public Hearing Comments 2021, NJ Transit, Local Programs 8 Community Transportation, 1 Penn Plaza E., 4th Floor, Newark 07l05-2246; or via email to [email protected] by Oct. 28.

For further information on the hearing, including login information, visit https://northbrunswicknj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/October-28-2021-Public-Hearing.pdf

 

 

Eagle’s Landing Day Camp will hold its annual Pumpkin Palooza open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31 at the camp site, 74 Davidsons Mill Road, North Brunswick.

Enjoy camp tours, snacks, carnival games, pumpkin picking, pumpkin chucking, zip lines, hay rides, Ga-Ga, arts and crafts projects and baking projects.

 Any child already registered for camp will receive a special T-shirt.

Call 732-821-9155, email [email protected], or send a message on Facebook for more information.

 

 

 

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Veteran’s Diversion Program, is hosting a Veteran’s Response Training Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Dr., Sayreville.

There will be discussions and presentations from various veterans organizations and individuals who work to ensure that the mental health and well-being of veterans in the community do not go unnoticed.

To register, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021/VRTConf

 

 

Community theater Playhouse 22 will present Khy Garner, singer, actor, author, director and playwright, will join fellow musicians at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 for an evening of live music in the Studio Theater.

Tickets are $15.

“A Christmas Carol” will return Dec. 10-19 at 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

For more information and tickets, visit www.playhouse22.org

 

 

 

 

 

The Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s Annual Juried Photo Exhibition has a scheduled opening for March 26, 2022.

All photographs must be made within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. The reserve is found in portions of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties. All wildlife, flora and fauna must be photographed in their natural environment.

Submission date is Jan. 30, 2022.

More than $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded: $1,000 for First Place Best in Show; $350 each for First Place Landscape, Flora & Fauna, and Other (People, Towns, Architecture, Culture, History, Recreation, etc).

Photographs submitted for exhibition will be selected by a credentialed jury with final selections chosen by Michael Yamashita, an acclaimed National Geographic photographer.

Acceptance notification is planned from Feb. 14-18. Awards, including cash prizes, will be announced at the reception on March 26.

All selected photographs will be exhibited at the historic Bishop Farmstead in Southampton from March 28 through April 30, and all submitted photos will be on display in the online gallery opening by April 15.

Open submissions are $30 for up to three images and $5 per image for each additional image. A total of six images can be submitted per photographer.

All participants must use the Smarter Entry system to register. Photos must be JPEG format, and files cannot exceed 8MB in size.

Learn more at www.PinelandsPhotoExhibit.org or email [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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].