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The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel is planning to return to New Jersey this August.
Producers are looking for different, unusual and unique items; something with an extraordinary story.
Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call 646-493-2184 or email [email protected]. Include full name, city/state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection.
Pickers only pick private collections, so no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.
American Pickers will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state in terms of COVID-19 guidelines.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GotAPick/
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.
The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, manager of NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, go to https://www.nybc.org/support-us/volunteer-nybc/volunteer-application/
Metuchen’s farmers market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the Saturday before Thanksgiving, at the intersection of Pearl and New streets.
The Woodbridge farmers’ market is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot, 1 Main St., throughout the summer. There will be weekly surprise vendors, events and entertainment.
South Brunswick Township is currently recruiting for School Crossing Guards.
All positions are part time. All interested should apply through the township website at https://www.southbrunswicknj.gov/employment.
The Metuchen Auxiliary Police is seeking applicants.
Eligible applicants for these unpaid, volunteer positions must be U.S. citizen, age 18 or older, with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and valid New Jersey driver’s license.
Applicants must be in good physical condition, pass an interview and a criminal background check. The applicants should be Metuchen residents or live in a municipality near Metuchen that do not have auxiliary police.
Auxiliary Police augment the Metuchen Police Department; assist with traffic control, crowd control, road closures, and extra patrols in parks, school, and places of worship, public properties and during emergency or disaster situations.
If selected, applicants must attend the Middlesex County Auxiliary Police Academy from March to the end of May. The Auxiliary Police Academy classes are held from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, some Wednesday’s and four Saturdays. Saturday classes are held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Applicants can print out an application by going to the following Metuchen_Auxiliary_Police_Application_02_05_2020.pdf (metuchennj.org)
Applications can be mailed to the below address:
Metuchen Police Department
C/O Metuchen Auxiliary Police – A/Lt. Angelo Donato, III
500 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Applicants can also email the application to [email protected]. Any questions please contact the Auxiliary Police at 732-632-8123
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy announced registration is open for their preschool programming for children ages 3-5 located at the Metuchen YMCA branch, 65 High St. The program utilizes the Creative Curriculum, designed to foster social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language development and to enhance learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology. Afterschool enrichment programs are being offered to provide academic support for students.
The program begins on Sept. 6. Preschool programming is offered until 4 p.m. with extended hours available. Swimming lessons will be included as part of the program. Registration is now open at ymcaofmewsa.org/childcare/metuchen-ymca-child-care. Limited space available.
For more information, contact Gabriella St. Fleur at [email protected] or call 732-548-2044.
Middlesex County will hold a series of bike rodeos:
Sept. 17, New Brunswick
Oct. 12, North Brunswick
Dates subject to change based on weather.
For more information, call 732-387-1220.
To RSVP, visit https://bikerodeos2022.eventbrite.com
The North Brunswick Board of Education has scheduled meetings at 7 p.m. at the Board Office, 25 Linwood Place, unless otherwise noted:
Regular public meetings are scheduled for Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.
Conference meeting Dec. 7 at Livingston Park Elementary, 1128 Livingston Ave.
Regular public meeting Dec. 21.
If any regular public meeting cannot be broadcast live, it will be taped.
For updated information, the meeting agendas and links to any recorded meetings, visit nbtschools.org
The Gallery at the Metuchen Library is featuring Watercolors by the Oak Tree Watercolor Group led by Ray Skibinski. The gallery opened July 1 and will run through Aug. 29 at the library at 480 Middlesex Ave. For more information visit www.metuchenlibrary.org.
The Edison Recreation Department has scheduled various programs for adults, teens and children throughout the summer.
- Adult Recreation classes include badminton, ping pong, chess, line dancing, pickleball, tai chi and volleyball. Classes are held at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, 1070 Grove Ave., and Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 450 Division St. The cost is $30 for residents, $60 for non-residents, and are free for Edison residents 65 years and older.
- Teen Recreation classes include chess, basketball drills and skills, design class, open-play volleyball, and open-court basketball. Classes are held at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The cost is $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents.
- Adult Spring Aerobics take place at Lincoln Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 p.m., and at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The cost is $50 for Edison residents, $100 for non-residents, and free for residents 65 years and older.
For additional information or A.D.A. concerns, call the Recreation Office at 732-248-7310.
For detailed information, visit www.edisonnj.org/departments/recreation_department/.
The Monroe Township Farmers Market is open weekly through Thursday, September 15. The market, which takes place in the parking lot of the Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, will operate on Thursdays from 2-7 p.m.
The market will be held rain or shine. If the market is canceled or delayed, it will be posted on the library’s social media accounts and website at www.monroetwplibrary.org/market.
The East Brunswick Public Library has summer reading challenges for three groups—kids, teens and adults—that encourage them to not only read, but to use other library resources and explore the community. By finishing these challenges, summer reading participants are eligible to win prizes.
Summer reading at East Brunswick Public Library runs through mid-August. A list of all summer reading events and programs can be found online at www.ebpl.org.
Bowery Art Collective is now accepting submissions for Pop Art Portraiture Exhibition. Opening reception is from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 18 at 335 Main St.
For more information visit boweryartcollective.com.
Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey, IACFNJ will hold India’s 75th Independence Day celebration “Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” Aug. 20 with cultural and patriotic dance performances and singing at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, 329 Culver Road, South Brunswick.
Local and state elected officials will be in attendance. The celebration will be held in the outdoor grounds of the temple.
For more information visit www.IACFNJ.org or e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].
Join Kingston Greenways Association as they explore Heathcote Meadows from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 21.
The walk starts from the paved parking lot at the end of Monroe Court in South Brunswick. The trails are flat, but a hat, bug spray, water and closed-toed shoes are recommended to avoid hazards such as a brush with poison ivy. The walk is free, and all are welcome.
Community Programs has opened registration for free Adult School programs in East Brunswick. The school is offered under the auspices of the Middlesex County Adult Education Consortium. Programs available include evening High School Equivalency (HSE) Prep, evening English as a Second Language (ESL), as well as daytime and evening Citizenship classes. The Adult Basic Skills Program is funded by State and Federal grants through the State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and is provided as a community service by the East Brunswick Public School District.
Testing will begin the week of Aug. 22nd. Space is limited. Registration must be completed by Aug. 17. Potential students will be contacted via email after registration with your date and time for in-person testing. The testing email will include date, time, and location. Once testing has been completed, all tests will be graded, and placements will be made.
All HSE/ESL classes will be held Mondays through Wednesdays from 6-8:30 p.m. All Citizenship classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 12:30-3 p.m., or two evenings per week from 6-8:30 p.m., depending on the student’s test score and placement.
Classes will begin Sept. 19.
Registration and more information can be found on the website www.ebnet.org/adultschool For questions regarding the testing and placement process, curriculum and program content information, email [email protected] or call 732-613-6989.
For registration questions, email [email protected] or call 732-613-6674.
Woodbridge Center will be holding free fun events for kids during the month of August.
Aug. 17 – 2-3 p.m. lower-level near center court by The Children’s Place.
The Woodbridge Township Public Library and Woodbridge Garden Club, and Kidz Kuts will
be hosting a “Dried Flower Fun” event. Learn about local flowers and create a dried flower craft.
Aug. 20 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. lower-level center court near Forever 21 and Aldo.
KidsUnited has a state-of-the-art training facility inside Woodbridge Center featuring soccer, geared towards early development, teaching unique methods of physical, personal, intellectual, and social development for children ages 1.5 to 10.
The KidsUnited coaching staff will introduce our attendees to a small sampling of their
program. After stretching exercises, participants will partake in an inflatable indoor soccer
field. Kids who plan to attend are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and
sneakers.
Aug. 24 – 2-4 p.m. lower-level near center court by The Children’s Place.
The local Macaroni KID team will be hosting a fun “Macaroni” based event. Kids can stop
by and create their very own unique macaroni craft.
The www.woodbridge.macaronikid.com website is a resource for family activities, events,
news and information for the Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Linden, and Carteret areas.
Menlo Park Mall, in collaboration with GreenDrop, will host its back-to-school denim drive, “Do Good with Denim,” to support sustainability and positively impact the community from 1-3 p.m. in center court Aug. 20.
Shoppers are invited during the busy back-to-school season to drop off their denim-exclusive clothing – jeans, jackets, shirts, skirts etc. – to be recycled.
Participants will receive free offerings from mall eateries with each donation.
GreenDrop raises funds with the collection of donations through the partnership of the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the National Federation of the Blind.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will host its EARTH Center Garden, Arts, and Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at the EARTH Center, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave, South Brunswick.
The East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center Dr., is hosting a craft supply swap at 6 p.m. Aug. 24.
Craft donations can be taken to the library’s Information Desk in bags or between August 18-23. Donations are limited to two bags or boxes. Suggested donation items include knitting needles, crochet hooks, fabric, drawing and painting supplies, scrapbook paper and more. All items should be clean, as well as in new or gently used condition. A complete list can be found online at www. https://tinyurl.com/ebcraftswap22.
At the exchange, anyone who donates supplies will be given a ticket for early admission to the swap from 6-7 p.m. Everyone else can enter the swap at 7 p.m.
For additional information, email [email protected].
The Metuchen Recreation Department will hold a Kids Fishing Derby from 9-11 a.m. Aug. 27 at Tommy’s Pond on Lake Avenue.
The Edison Recreation Department and Mayor Sam Joshi will present its first House Music In the Park Festival from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison.
The free event will feature music by DJ Beloved, DJ Jihad Muhammad, DJ Mar Mar and MC Ras Anthony, food, vendors and a beer and wine garden.
The Metuchen Municipal Alliance Committee will host a candlelight vigil in memory of all who have died from a substance abuse disorder at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 in front of Borough Hall, 500 Main St.
The entire community is invited to come out in support of those who have lost loved ones to this disease and those who are presently fighting it. The theme of the event is “Breaking the Stigma.”
The vigil will include a speaker, whose recovery story offers hope. Local organizations and houses of worship will be represented. Addiction specialists, information and literature will be available at the conclusion of the event.
The New Jersey Central Jazz Festival 2022 is planned for Sept. 9–11: Flemington Sept. 9, New Brunswick and Metuchen Sept. 10, and Somerville April 11, 2023.
The plans for Metuchen currently begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in Downtown Metuchen at New and Pearl streets.
The Borough of Sayreville will be hosting the 21st annual Memorial Service to remember victims of Sept. 11, 2001.
The Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11, rain or shine at the Sayreville Borough 9/11 Memorial in Burke’s Park, Washington Road.
Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive by 4 p.m. For more information,
contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 732-390-7021.
The Metuchen Downtown Alliance is sponsoring a Downtown Rumble Pro Wrestling from 5-7 p.m. on the Metuchen Town Plaza, 1 Pearl St., Sept. 17.
Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre will present its Summerfest 4-8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Lola’s Latin Bistro, 87 Central Ave., Metuchen.
For more information, contact Eva Lucena at 732-598-3979 or visit www.alboradadance.org.
The 32nd annual St. James School’s Street Fair will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 17 on Main Street in Woodbridge. The fair will include a 50/50 raffle, two stages with live performances, food trucks, snacks, crafters, vendors and a kid’s fun zone.
For vendor applications email [email protected].
North Brunswick Humane Association (NBHA) is holding a dog walk-a-thon and adoption event between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 25 at North Brunswick Community Park, 2053 Route 130 South. Rain date Oct. 9.
The event will include music, food, games and prizes.
Pre-register on the NBHA website at www.NorthBrunswickHumane.org.
The Cornerstone Jazz Series at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen continues on Sunday afternoons in October and November; dates to be determined.
Kingston: On The Map will be on view through November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in the History Room at the D&R Canal Locktender’s House, on old Lincoln Highway (off Route 27) in Kingston.
The village of Kingston has hosted colonial taverns, armies during the American Revolution, canal boats, railroad trains and travelers on the Lincoln Highway. One of the oldest settlements in central New Jersey, Kingston evolved with America over its 340-year history.
The display uses journal entries and prints of a dozen historical maps to illustrate Kingston’s evolution, from settlement to commercial center to modern community. One map shows how Kingston moved between the colonies of east and west New Jersey. Another shows both Kingston and Princeton divided by county lines. Railroads appeared in the 19th century, disappearing by the 20th. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built for commerce, but is now a recreation destination.
This display follows a talk by George Luck, Jr. and Charlie Dieterich, titled “Why is Kingston Here?” given this past February.
Air circulation is limited, so masks and distancing are requested.
For more information, visit www.khsnj.org/
The Kingston Historical Society is planning events, including a community walk on May 21 and a panel discussion later this spring. Details of future events and a video of the February talk are available on the organization’s website, www.khsnj.org/.
Ongoing
Both the Kendall Park First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad in South Brunswick are seeking new volunteer members.
Anyone age 18 or older who wants to save lives should apply.
Free training will be provided.
Anyone interested should call 888-842-6060.
St. Paul Community Church in Milltown is collecting food for members of the community in need.
Donations can be brought to the church at 62 S. Main St., Milltown.
Call Kim at 732-828-0020 with any questions.
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.
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]
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
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.
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]
Gain stability from an in-demand occupation; apply for a Women’s Center career training grant from Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County.
Qualified persons who are active members of the JFS Women’s Center must submit an application and attend an interview. Grants are available for short-term training programs for in-demand jobs.
Eligible candidates must qualify as a “displaced homemaker,” a woman who is a single mother, divorced, separated, widowed, or living with a disabled spouse/partner.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, email womenscenter@j fsmiddlesex.org
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]
Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey seeks compassionate volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families.
Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. They read to the patient, reminisce about their lives, play cards, help with letter writing and provide respite for caregivers.
Visits can be virtual, and are either during the day or early evening.
Volunteers may also assist with administrative work within the hospice office.
Patient care volunteers complete an application and attend a virtual volunteer training program that covers the role of a hospice volunteer. Day and evening virtual training programs are offered.
To sign up for the next virtual training class, contact Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email [email protected].