Discover Greatness: An Illustrated History of Negro Leagues Baseball will be presented Feb. 2 to May 1 at East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River Road, Piscataway.
The traveling exhibit from The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum features close to 90 framed photographs showcasing the history of African American baseball from the late 1800s to the 1960s.
Also, visit Treasures of Middlesex County: 300 Years of Raritan Valley History at The Cornelius Low House, 1225 River Road, Piscataway.
For hours, information and directions, visit middlesexcountynj.gov or text “CULTURE” to 56512.
The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8.
The plan is to meet in person at St. Bartholomew Knights of Columbus Hall, 460 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick, with entry through the back door, but group leaders will monitor the current COVID situation. Those attending must wear a mask.
A Zoom call will be available for those who would like to join virtually.
Monthly meetings discuss upcoming fundraising, community involvement and social activities, as well as club and NJ Federation Woman’s Club updates.
The club brings together women of East Brunswick and neighboring towns in service and friendship while promoting civic, educational and social activities. New members from the area are welcome.
Anyone interested in learning more about the club’s activities contact can call Laura at 732-254-5742.
For meeting details related to the location, or for the Zoom link, text or call Linda at 732-522-1314 prior to the meeting.
|
The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact – experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation.
Through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), learn
- How to solve problems and communicate effectively
- Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- Supporting your loved one with compassion
- Finding and using local supports and services
- Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
- How to handle a crisis
- Current treatments and therapies
- The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
Sessions through NAMI Middlesex County will be held virtually from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, March 9 to April 27, virtually. A Zoom tutorial will be held March 2; attendance is optional.
Register at www.naminj.org/programs/f2f/
The Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission will host a live tour of the Barnes Foundation’s exhibit of the works of Amedeo Mondigliani.
This 50-minute tour from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 17 will be followed by a Q&A with docent Joe Caliva.
Visit www.monroetownshipculturalarts.com to scan the QR code, or click on https://live.barnesfoundation.org/CACMonroeTwp2-17-22
The program is free and open to the public.
East Brunswick residents can rent a plot in the community garden, located adjacent to the municipal complex on Civic Center Drive off Rues Lane.
A limited number of 10-foot by 10-foot plots are available for new gardeners on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $45 for first-year gardeners.
All gardeners are required to put in four hours of community garden service each year by working with a committee and participating in work days, or pay $40 in lieu of service. Gardeners can select from a list of committees found on the registration form.
For more information and to register for a plot, go online to the registration form.
The garden’s website offers timely articles, tips and tricks for gardeners, a calendar of events and information on donating surplus produce. Meetings and events during the year also offer an opportunity to share ideas outside the garden.
To keep gardeners safe, gardeners are asked to follow current guidance on COVID. Masks are suggested when others are present, but are not required in the garden.
Established in 2009, the garden offers 160 plots for new and returning gardeners who live or work in East Brunswick.
Fencing erected by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and the township protects the area from deer and other critters.
For more information, email to [email protected].
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, including Europe; or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, to the current date.
Other veterans may join as associate members.
The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month, from May to December, at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, in the court room.
Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 to the chapter per year.
Korean War Veterans National LIFE membership is available for those 80 and older, and 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 campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, and the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland.
For more information, contact Charlie Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected]
Registration is open for yoga, women’s volleyball and men’s basketball for Milltown residents.
To register, log on to Community Pass.
Visit https://register.capturepoint.com/BoroughofMilltown
East Brunswick Community Housing Corporation (EBCHC) is a nonprofit group that provides affordable rental housing for low and very low income households who would not otherwise be able to secure decent housing in East Brunswick.
EBCHC has purchased and manages 78 rental units in East Brunswick, operating through a combination of municipal, state and county funding, mortgages and rental income.
There is a current need for new board members to participate in the mission to keep East Brunswick affordable. The corporation’s goal is to increase the opportunity for affordable housing for those who need it and assist in insuring that those in the program are successful in their tenancy.
The responsibility of a board member includes one evening meeting per month in East Brunswick and participation in a committee involving finance, operations, tenant issues or acquisition.
Interest and experience in landlord/tenant relations, property management, real estate financing and housing related issues and social services is desirable, but not required.
Applicants must be an East Brunswick resident.
For more information, contact Susan Fein at 732-390-6870 or [email protected]
The online program “Hervey’s Boys: New Jersey’s First Chinese Community,” with author Neal Stoffers, will be presented at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 by the East Brunswick Library.
Stoffers gives a presentation of the first known Chinese immigration to New Jersey. Over 172 Chinese immigrant laborers came to work at the Passaic Steam Laundry in present-day North Arlington. At the time, it was the largest commercial laundry facility in the country. These men formed the center of Chinese immigrant life in the New Jersey/New York City area in the region. Retired sea Captain James Hervey owned the facility, and its workers became known as Hervey’s Boys.
Stoffers is a retired captain from the Newark Fire Department. He earned a B.A. and an M.A. from Seton Hall University, both in Asian Studies. His concentration was Chinese language, history and philosophy. His presentation is based on his Master’s thesis and book “Hervey’s Boys: New Jersey’s First Chinese Community, 1870-1886.”
This online program is held on Zoom. It is free and to the public.
To register, go online to www.ebpl.org/calendar or call the library at 732-390-6767.
This program is co-sponsored by the Newark Public Library, New Brunswick Free Public Library, North Arlington Library and Old Bridge Public Library.
The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies, presents the New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2022, which marks the 40th anniversary.
The 40th anniversary festival will take place on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 20.
As a result of COVID, all the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date.
Tickets are $15 per program; the all-access pass is $100. Ticket buyers will also have special access to filmmaker introductions and Q&A sessions for many of the films.
All the works that are screened are part of the New Jersey Film Festival and United States Super 8 Film and DV Festival Competitions, and were selected by a panel of judges including media professionals, journalists, students and academics. These judges selected the 40 finalists which will be publicly screened at the festival. The finalists were selected from over 633 works submitted by filmmakers from around the world. In addition, the judges will choose the prize winners in conjunction with the festival director.
Prize winners will be announced after the screenings on Feb. 20.
For more information, to buy tickets and to see the festival lineup, visit https://watch.eventive.org/newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2022
The Imperial Music Center will present a concert at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 at the center, 48 Appleby Ave., South River.
Richard Golazeski will be conducting.
A $5 donation is appreciated.
For more information, call 732-238-0310 or visit www.imperialmusicenter.com.
Raritan Valley YMCA will hold a summer camp job fair from 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 5 at the Y, 144 Tices Lane, Eat Brunswick.
Job opportunities at Camp Yomeca include part-time, summer, aquatics and early childcare positions.
School bus drivers with CDL endorsement can also apply.
Register to attend by visit www.raritanvalleyymca.org, or calling 732-257-4114.
The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office will hold an 8-week-long Sheriff’s Civilian Academy for residents of Middlesex County in Spring 2022.
The academy is designed to educate residents on the various functions and duties of the Sheriff’s Office.
Applications are being accepted for the program, which will be held at the Middlesex County Fire Academy located in Sayreville.
The first session is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. April 5. Classes will continue weekly on Tuesdays. One Saturday class will be held. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony scheduled for May 24.
Each session will highlight functions of the Sheriff’s Office including defensive tactics, K-9, transportation, fingerprinting, DARE, courts, civil process and foreclosures, among others.
Participants will tour the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office and the Main Courthouse in New Brunswick.
Applications are due no later than Feb. 15. The application will be used to determine suitability for the program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside within the County of Middlesex, have no felony convictions, not be wanted for any crime, and submit to a limited background check.
For more information on the Sheriff’s Civilian Academy, contact Sgt. Frank Sautner at 732-745-5909 or email [email protected].
For more information, call 732-745-3382.
February is Black History Month; the East Brunswick Public Library, East Brunswick Senior Center and other township organizations are teaming up to celebrate.
The East Brunswick Library presents author Rich Geffken at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 to discuss his new book “Stories of Slavery in New Jersey” during a Zoom lecture. Geffken analyzes why New Jersey was the last state to abolish slavery, as well as the state’s complicated relationship with slavery.
The library will also host a special book discussion group featuring Jacqueline Woodson’s “Red at the Bone” at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in person at the library, and again at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
The East Brunswick Senior Center will host a presentation about the Lost Souls Memorial Project at 1 p.m. Feb. 11. Peter Kahn and Elayne Risley will explain the tragic events that led to 137 people from Middlesex County losing their right to freedom.
The Lost Souls Public Memorial Project is also exhibiting at the library throughout February.
A complete listing of BlackHistory Month programs, including recordings of previous presentations, can be found online at www.ebpl.org/blackhistorymonth.
A seminar on Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPO) will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Middlesex County College in David B. Crabiel Hall, 2600 Woodbridge Ave., Edison.
This statute provides procedures through which family or household members of law enforcement may apply for an ERPO against a person who poses a danger of causing bodily injury to self or others by possessing a firearm.
Speakers include Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; Bureau Chief Jeffrey J. Barile, Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, Chief of Prosecutors Supervision & Training; Assistant Attorney General Claudia Demitro, Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, Counsel to DCJ Director; and Assistant Prosecutor Judson Hamlin, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The general public, mental health service providers, law enforcement, clergy and members of the legal community are invited to attend. Attorneys will receive continuing education credits.
Confirmed partners include Brady United Against Gun Violence, the National Association for Social Workers, New Brunswick Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition, and Women Aware.
RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/r/erpoforum2022
The livestream link will be www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0U5yGZa1cA
For more information, contact Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Agent Reginald Johnson at [email protected] or 732-745-8430.
Presented by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will present a Youth Bias Task Force Roundtable: A Continuing Discussion from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 17.
The discussion will focus on combatting biases among young people, teaching effective responses to hate crimes, creating a learning expeience through discussion for students, parents and school officials; and opening the lines of communication between school officials and the community.
Panelists will include Erica Hein, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission; Kyle Anderson, Middlesex County Board of Education; Michael S. Likier, racial justice consultant; William Davis, community activist; Tisha Leonardo-Santiago, bilingual community relations specialist for the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights; Detective Juan A. Rodriguez of the Sayreville Police Department’s Juvenile Bureau; and students from the local Human Rights Commission; with opening remarks by Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.
The livestream link is www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5HOVDd1-2k
Centraljersey.com will hold a Health & Wellness Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at MarketFair, 3535 Route 1 south, Princeton.
For tickets, visit nmg.ticketleap.com/CJ22
For vendor opportunities, email [email protected]
Centraljersey.com/Newspaper Media Group/Packet Media LLC publish this chain of weekly newspapers and monthly magazines.
The East Brunswick Friends of the Library are asking for donations of unwanted jewelry and accessories for their first-ever “Baubles, Bangles & Bling Boutique” jewelry sale this March.
Donations can be dropped off in a sealed plastic bag at the East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center Dr., at the Circulation Desk.
Tax receipts will be available for all donors.
The Friends are collecting fine, costume and vintage jewelry, bracelets, earrings, pins, tie tacks, cuff links, rings, watches, gently worn handbags, wallets, scarfs, and other accessories. They are even collecting single earrings and non-working watches.
Donations will be accepted through early March.
Information about the jewelry sale will be released closer to the event. All money received benefits the library.
For more information, visit www.ebpl.org/friends.
Meet the mayors of Cranbury, Metuchen, Monroe, Jamesburg, Helmetta, South Brunswick and Plainsboro from 8-10 a.m. March 31 at the Crowne Plaza Princeton, 900 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro.
Learn about economic development opportunities, arts and culture, travel and tourism, and sustainability.
To register, visit www.mcrcc.org/event/meet-the-mayors-2021-part-1/
Sponsored by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Recognizing the bravery and commitment of volunteer firefighters and first responders, New Jersey American Water announces its 2022 grant program for volunteer fire departments and emergency responders (ambulance and first aid squads) located within the company’s service areas.
Grants may be used to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, communications gear, first aid equipment, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other materials that will be used to support volunteer firefighter and emergency responder operations.
Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the cost of training manuals, student workbooks, and instructors is also eligible.
To apply, organizations must complete the online application, located at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under News & Community, Community Involvement.
The maximum grant amount awarded to any organization is $2,000 and the deadline to apply is March 31.
Interested applicants can find more information and apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.
Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April.
The Freehold High School Class of ’72 will celebrate its 50th class reunion on July 23 at the American Hotel in Freehold.
Tickets are $85 per person, and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.
The deadline for ticket purchases is July 13. Contact Sue Shrott at [email protected] or 732-995-7754.
Ongoing
Women Aware, in collaboration with the Spotswood Police Department, is seeking volunteers to serve on the Spotswood Police Domestic Violence Response Team.
The team is composed of trained community members who respond to the police department on an on call basis in order to provide emotional support, domestic violence information, legal options, community resources and a safety plan to individuals affected by domestic violence.
Volunteers are needed for after hours and weekends.
Volunteers must undergo a background check and fingerprinting, interview process, and complete a 40-hour training.
To apply, visit www.womenaware.net/volunteer
Women Aware’s 24-hour hotline for assistance is 732-249-4504.
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.
The South River Police Department is reminding residents about the Operation Blue Angel program, which allows officers quick access to senior citizens and other eligible residents in the event of an emergency.
Operation Blue Angel is a program to assist residents who, due to advanced age, immobility, or medical concerns, may be unable to answer their door in an emergency situation.
The program is administered free of charge to any eligible resident.
Through Operation Blue Angel, a police department-owned lock box similar to a real estate agent’s lock box is placed outside the residence. A key, supplied by the resident, is locked inside the box. In the event of an emergency, responding police officers are able to retrieve the key by using a code accessed by our Communications Center, allowing first responders to quickly enter the home without causing damage. The code is stored securely at all times in the Communications Center and reset to a new code in the event it is used to access the lock box.
Applicants to Operation Blue Angel must meet certain criteria and agree to the following:
• Must be 55 years of age or older, or have a medical condition that is potentially incapacitating
• Must either live alone, or be home alone on a frequent basis
• Must provide a key for an entry door to the home
• Must grant the South River Police Department permission to access and use the key during an emergency
• Must complete and notarize a waiver form
To apply for the program, print, complete and return the application and liability waiver to police headquarters, available at southriverpd.org/operation-blue-angel
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]
The South River Police Department is reminding residents of its Unoccupied Residence Program.
As part of this free program, South River residents can complete and submit a form to let officers know when a residence will be unoccupied. A police officer will check on the home as time permits during his or her normal patrol duties.
The Unoccupied Residence Form can be downloaded by visiting www.southriverpd.org or picked up at Police Headquarters located at 61 Main St. Once completed, the form can be faxed to 732-613-6103 or dropped off at police headquarters.
This program is intended for residences which are unoccupied due to short-term travel or vacation plans. It is separate from South River’s long-term vacant property ordinance.
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.
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
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.
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]
The South River Police Department responds to emergency and non-emergency calls at businesses 24 hours a day. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to contact someone from the business outside of business hours. To assist police with having this information available when needed, the department maintains a database containing after hours contact phone numbers for business owners and representatives.
Anytime a new business is opened, business ownership is transferred, there are changes in employment status of listed contacts, or there are changes in positions or job titles of listed contacts, a business should be registered – but registration is 100% voluntary.
Information will be stored in a secure database. In the event it is deemed necessary by first responders on scene, the Communications Center can access the information and quickly reach a business owner or representative.
To register a business, visit southriverpd.org/business-registration and download the business registration form. The completed form can be submitted by emailing it to [email protected], faxing it to 732-613-6103, or dropping it off at headquarters, 61 Main St., South River.
For more information on registering an alarm, call 732-257-1999.
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]
The Jewish Family Services Food Pantry needs volunteers to organize its food pantry and supply closet, located at 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe.
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]
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.
Monroe Township Jewish War Veterans Post 609 is collecting United States and foreign stamps, both on and off envelopes.
Stamps are used by veterans as hobbies and as therapy to support medical staff at VA Medical Centers nationwide.
Stamps are not traded or sold; they are forwarded to veteran patients at no charge.
Also requested are DVDs suitable for veterans at those locations.
Send all items to JWV Post 609, c/o Charles Koppelman, 6 Yarmouth Dr., Monroe 08831-4742.
The East Brunswick Domestic Response Team is seeking volunteers.
Citizens are trained to respond to local police departments on an on-call basis to provide support and information to victims of domestic abuse.
For more information, email [email protected].