The First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville will hold a Fish & Chicken Fry on Oct. 15.
All meals will be takeout only from 5-6:30 p.m.
The price is $15 per person and includes fish or chicken (chicken is available by advance order only), kraut, French fries, a roll, green beans and a slice of fruit pie.
The church is located at 172 Main St., Sayreville, directly across from Borough Hall.
Call the church at 732-257-6353 for tickets. There will be a limited amount of tickets available at the door.
Simpson United Methodist Church will hold a pumpkin patch through Oct. 31 at the church, 2095 Route 516, across from the YMCA, Old Bridge.
A variety of shapes and sizes of pumpkins will be for sale, as well as gourds and other items.
Hours are 3-8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Trunk-or-Treat is planned for 2-5 p.m. Oct. 31.
St. Bernadette’s Church, Social Concerns Ministry, will hold a clothing drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at the church, 20 Villanova Road, Parlin.
Donate clothing, small appliances, household items, toys, reading books, small furniture, linens, blankets, curtains, drapes, bedspreads, pillows, handbags and shoes (do not need to be packaged separately).
No large appliances or furniture will be accepted.
Tax receipts will be available.
St. Bernadette’s Church has clothing bins on the church property year-round that accept donations; however, nothing large or breakable can be left outside the bins or on the church property.
For more information, call Karen at 732-425-0387.
Ann Smith, an expert at helping people capture their memories and preserve them for younger generations, will present a virtual program at 10 a.m. Oct. 10 hosted by Congregation Beth Ohr.
Smith is the president of Life Stories Remembered LLC and has over 40 years of experience in helping people create meaningful personal legacies for their family.
The program is free and open to the public.
To obtain the Zoom log on, email [email protected] by Oct. 9. This is a joint program of Congregation Beth Ohr’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club and is sponsored by the Stephen Edwards Memorial Fund.
The Madison Park Homeowners Association will hold a parade and Trunk-or-Treat Party on Oct. 23.
Check in begins at 1 p.m. at Madison Park Elementary School, 33 Harvard Road, Parlin section of Old Bridge.
The parade will start from the school, with a police escort, at around 1:30 p.m. to the firehouse at 3011 Cheesequake Road.
Trunk-or-treating will follow in the firehouse parking lot.
A costume contest will take place afterward.
Sign up is required for those adults wishing to hand out candy from their vehicles. Email [email protected]
Each vehicle must provide its own treats. Sign up by Oct. 16.
Trinity Episcopal Church in Matawan is having a Goods and Services Auction on Nov. 13.
Preview and bidding begins at 6 p.m. The raffle starts at 7 p.m.
Admission is $15 and includes 10 Tier 1 tickets for raffles.
There are two tiers of prizes: Tier 1 value of $25-$75 and Tier 2 value of $75.01 to $250.
Interested parties can call the church at 732-591-9210.
The church is located at 18 Ryers Lane, Matawan.
The Friends of the Sayreville Public Library will hold a book sale from 1-3:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and 17 at the library, 1050 Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville.
Pay $10 for a bag of books or $15 for a box. Must use bags and boxes provided.
Sayreville Public School teachers will be admitted free, with proper ID.
Social distancing required.
Then, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 20, Boscov’s will offer a 25% shopping discount at the stores in Woodbridge Center in Woodbridge or the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown.
Pay $5 to receive the discount off most purchases. The $5 goes directly to the Sayreville Public Library.
Select the charity at the register in-store during checkout.
Passes may be purchased at the library or at Boscov’s on the day of.
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.
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]
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
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
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.
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 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]
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
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.
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]
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
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
John Anagnostis, regional vice chair of the Middlesex County Republican Organization, is seeking poll workers from Perth Amboy, Sayreville and South Amboy for the upcoming General Election on Nov. 2.
If interested, call 732-371-9967 and leave a message.
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
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 Old Bridge, South Amboy, Sayreville, South River, East Brunswick and Spotswood in February 2022.
Hosted by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.mcrcc.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
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.
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 Madison-Old Bridge Township Historical Society is looking for middle school and high school yearbooks from Madison Township and Old Bridge Township to add to its collection.
Contact Jeff Kagan at 646-246-5598.
The yearbook collection is readily available for the general public to review at the Thomas Warne Museum located just across the street from the Old Bridge High School.
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.
Sign up at https://forms.gle/nxuZUi5AMJe1RcyJ8
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]
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]