St. Bernadette’s Church, Social Concerns Ministry, will hold its spring clothing drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 in the church parking lot, 20 Villanova Road, Parlin section of Sayreville.
Help church members fund programs by donating clothing, small appliances, household items, toys, reading books, small furniture, linens, blankets, curtains, drapes, bedspreads, pillows, handbags, 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 should be left outside of the bins or on the church property.
For more information, call Karen at 732-425-0387.
The Sayreville War Memorial High School 2022 Hall of Fame Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 30 at the VFW Hall on Jernee Mill Road.
The honorees are:
Chris Beagan, Class of 1990: Three-time state championship coach, 2009, 2016 and 2018; GMC Coach of the Year 2003, 2009 and 2016.
Steven Casano, Class of 1985: Founding executive director of NeuroSearch; Sayreville Little League coach, sponsorship coordinator and board member.
William D’Amico, Class of 1973: Distinguished military career: three special
operations commanding officer tours of duty; Post-military career in corporate
medical device, consumer goods and industrial manufacturing industries.
Matthew Lynch (Posthumous Award), Class of 1985: President of Friends
Of Children’s Hospital in Warsaw, Poland; honored by U.S. Ambassador to Poland
for 20 years of service.
Farrah Reilly, Class of 1994: New York Times and USA Today bestselling
author under the pen name Emma Chase; books translated into over 20 languages
around the world.
Tickets are $60 each and include dinner and open bar; or $30for children under 21 with a choice of meals.
For more information, call Elaine Kubacz at 732-727-0192.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County wants to help residents grow quality food, as well as pick the best plants for your landscape, with the return of their weekly webcast: RU Ready 2 Garden.
This free online event is open to the public.
Master Gardener educators and New Jersey Agricultural Experiment station experts will offer advice for gardeners of all levels with a different topic each week. Participants will learn from these online live presentations that will occasionally include how to videos and virtual visits to local farms.
The one-hour webcasts will take place each Tuesday in April at 6:30 p.m.
For a full season schedule and registration details, visit https://MiddlesexCountyNJ.gov and search “RU Ready to Garden”
The RU Ready 2 Garden Webcast was developed by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, with the goal of providing gardeners with research-based methods to ensure success in their home and community gardens.
To view previous episodes of the webcast, visit tinyurl.com/rcevids
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Middle-schoolers are invited to partake in academic competitions at the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies in Edison.
The third annual Edison Academy Middle School Math Competition will be held April 30. In addition to using critical thinking and logical reasoning skills, students will be required to collaborate with teammates and to show an ability to learn new ideas. More information is available at https://mcamc.tech/.
The Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School District, the first full-time county vocational school district in the nation, has campuses in East Brunswick, Edison, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, and Woodbridge, offering 36 career majors. More information is available at www.mcvts.net.
The third annual D.A.R.E. Jr. Academy will be held this summer by the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.
The program is for children entering fifth and sixth grade in Middlesex County for the 2022-23 school year.
This program will include the D.A.R.E. program, as well as a junior police academy.
The program will run for two weeks, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 15-26, at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Way, Sayreville.
The $150 fee per child will include a T-shirt, ball cap, water bottle, supplies and a graduation party at commencement.
Junior Recruits will be responsible for their own lunches and snacks, as well as their own gym-style shorts (fingertip length at least), sneakers and mask.
The daily routine will include roll call, platoon formation, D.A.R.E. lessons, lunch, drill, demonstrations, police lessons, and daily physical training.
The class is limited to 45 seats.
Registration will only be confirmed once the completed forms with payment are received.
Contact Sgt. Frank Sautner at 732-745-5909 or [email protected] from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays to schedule a pickup time for the full packet.
Sacred Heart Church will hold its second annual virtual tricky tray.
Drop off tickets to play in person at Memorial Hall, 531 Washington Ave., South Amboy.
Dropoff ticket days and times are: Wednesdays, April 13, 20 and 27 from 6-8 p.m.; April 22 from 6-8 p.m.; April 23 from 3-6 p.m.; and April 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Purchase a presale bundle for $60, a $10 discount. No bundle packs will be sold at the door. Ticket sheets and additional raffles will be available at the event for cash only.
Masks and social distancing required.
Virtual ticket pulling starts at 6 p.m. April 29, livestreamed from the church’s website and Facebook page.
For more information, call the parish office at 732-721-0040 or email [email protected].
Westfield Senior High School Class of 1976 will hold its reunion weekend June 3-5.
The reunion will kick off on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. with a casual get-together at Crossroads in Garwood.
On June 4, join classmates at the Shady Rest at Scotch Hills Country Club for an event featuring a buffet, beer and wine and music.
Registration can be found at www.westfieldhigh76.com.
A website is available with more detailed information, including hotel and travel information.
For more information, contact either Ruth Liebesman at [email protected] or Jim Bivona at [email protected].
The Rutgers Business School Center for Women in Business will hold its CWIB Summit 2022 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29 at the Rutgers Business School, 100 Rockafeller Road, Piscataway.
Rutgers alums can reconnect with fellow Rutgers women.
Keynote speaker is Michele Meyer-Shipp, chief executive officer of Dress for Success.
Join a workshop on how to declare a bold vision and share it with Lisa McCarthy, CEO and co-founder of Fast Forward Group.
Registration and breakfast begin at 8 a.m.
For ticket information, registration and an itinerary, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/declare-your-bold-vision-tickets-256880044127
Discover Greatness: An Illustrated History of Negro Leagues Baseball will be presented through 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 Bernie Cohn Memorial Golf Classic and 76th Annual Outing will be held May 3 at Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Dr., Monroe.
The annual golf classic serves as an opportunity for the business and community leaders of Middlesex County to connect while supporting the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to improve Middlesex County.
Shotgun start is 9 a.m.
Bernie Cohn was very active with the chamber, serving as past chair of the Board of Directors, past chair of the golf outing and recipient of the first Leaders of Distinction Award.
For registration information, visit www.mcrcc.org/event/76th-annual-bernie-cohn-golf-classic/
The First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville will a hold a yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon May 7 at the church, 172 Main St., Sayreville, directly across from Borough Hall.
All items will be priced to go.
The Sayreville Board of Health will hold a rabies clinics from 9 a.m. to noon May 7 at the Public Works Garage, 167 Main St., Sayreville, for dogs and cats.
Cats must be brought in carriers.
Bring proof of address.
For more information, visit https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/office-of-health-services/rabies-clinics
Middlesex County’s photography contest, Picture Middlesex County, runs through May 17, and is open to all New Jersey residents.
From photos of landscapes to closeups of plants, insects, birds and other wildlife, there are many photograph opportunities in Middlesex County.
The photo contest is open to all amateur and professional photographers, youth to adult. Ages 17 and under require parent/guardian consent on the entry form.
Photos must be taken within Middlesex County within the timeframe of the contest.
Individuals may submit up to two photos per category.
Contest Categories:
- Arts and History: Historic sites, landmarks, public art, festivals, etc.
- Cityscapes: Buildings, architecture, skylines, etc.
- Landscapes: Parks, gardens, waterfront, farms, sunrise, sunset, etc.
- Lifestyle: People, community, photos that showcase life in Middlesex County
- Nature/Wildlife: Foliage, animals, etc.
- Transportation: Planes, railroad/trains, vehicles, boats, roadways, interstates, bicycles, etc.
After the contest, all submissions will be displayed on Middlesex County’s Facebook page, where people will vote for their favorite photo by “liking” the picture. The 10-day voting period will be from May 20–30. This will determine the “People’s Choice Award” winners.
A judging committee will anonymously judge all the photos to determine the contest’s overall winner. Winning photos may be publicly displayed at a future county event.
For full contest rules and more information, visit https://discovermiddlesex.com/picture-middlesex-county/
The Redhawks Native American Arts Council will hold its Native American Heritage Celebration June 18 and 19 at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Redhawk Council produces the largest heritage celebrations in the Northeast which include over 1,000 Native American artists, performers, and educators.
Buy tickets at raritanpw2022.eventbrite.com
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park is returning to the stage this summer with performances of “Something Rotten!,” “The SpongeBob Musical” and “A Chorus Line” as part of Plays-in-the-Park’s 60th season.
Plays-In-The-Park will be held at 8 p.m. performance nights at the Stephen J. Capestro Theater at Roosevelt Park, 1 Pine Dr., Edison.
“Something Rotten!” is set for June 22 to July 2. Welcome to the 1590s, where brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a show that will rival William Shakespeare. This show tells the story of the Bottom brothers as they attempt to write the world’s very first musical.
“The SpongeBob Musical” will be performed July 13-23. Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the No. 1 kids’ animated series on TV’s Nickelodeon.
“A Chorus Line” is scheduled for Aug. 3-13. Exploring the inner lives and ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition.
The Box Office opens at 5:30 p.m. each night and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets. All shows start at 8 p.m. The box office closes at 8:30 p.m. each show night.
Bring a lawn chair.
Ticket price is $7 per adult, $5 per senior citizen 60 and over, and children 12 and younger enter for free.
In the case of inclement weather, save the ticket stub for use at another performance this season.
In partnership with Replenish, Middlesex County’s food distribution organization, Plays-in-the-Park will be collecting nutritious food for residents in need throughout the season. Bring a non-perishable food item when attending performances.
For more information, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/find-programs-and-resources/parks-and-recreation/plays-in-the-park/box-office-policies
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
The 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 a hobby and as therapy at VA medical centers nationwide.
The 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 Township 08831.
More than $325 million of federal funding will be used to provide financial assistance and counseling for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19. The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA) will assist eligible homeowners with up to $35,000 in aid. The funds for the program have been allocated by Congress from the Homeowner Assistance Program within the federal stimulus American Rescue Plan.
To be eligible for financial assistance, families must have suffered a COVID-19 related financial hardship occurring after Jan. 20, 2020, such as increased expenses due to child care or funeral expenses, or lost income such as having lost a job. To be eligible, a family must earn less than 150% of their respective county’s median income.
To check qualifications, visit FY 2021 Homeowner Assistance Fund Income Limits. ERMA will also provide free housing counseling services to help homeowners apply for this program. Counselors will guide them through all available options, and even work with their loan servicers to achieve the best outcome possible for their family. These counselors will also ensure that the process is accessible to those without access to the internet or those having difficulties navigating the process.
For assistance applying for the program, call 855-647-7700 or email [email protected].
For a list of free housing counselors who can help with the application, visit tinyurl.com/HAFcounselor.
Applications for assistance can be submitted at njerma.com
The Sayreville Police Auxiliary is seeking new applicants.
Must be age 18 or older, live within 5 miles of the Sayreville border and have a clean criminal/driving record.
For more information and to apply, visit www.sayrevillepoliceaux.org
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]
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 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.
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]
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]