• Reduced-price "Hometown Savings 2004" books, offered by The Friends of the Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St. Books contain discount coupons from local retailers and large, chain merchants in Spotswood, East Brunswick, South River, Milltown, Monroe, Old Bridge. Cost is $8, a savings of $7 off cover price. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and will be used to support library programs and services. (732) 251-1515.
March 18-21
• Bargain Book and Media Sale, sponsored by the East Brunswick Friends of the Library, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. March 18-20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 21, in the J.C. Penney court at Brunswick Square Mall, Route 18, East Brunswick. Free puppet shows for youngsters at 7 and 7:30 p.m. on March 18. Hardcover and paperback books for adults and children, video games, audiobooks, computer software, CDs, videos — all at a fraction of their original cost. New titles brought in each day. Proceeds benefit the East Brunswick Friends of the Library and, ultimately, the library. (732) 390-6783 or (732) 390-6767.
March 18-25
• Orders accepted for homemade cheese, potato or sauerkraut pierogi made by the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1451, South River. Donation is $5 per dozen. To order, call (732) 254-8248 or (732) 254-4481.
March 18-April 1
• Orders accepted for babka, pierogi, blintz and chrusciki sale, sponsored by St. Euphrosynia Belarusian Greek Orthodox Church, 284 Whitehead Avenue, South River. Food pickup is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. on April 8 at the church. Order forms available at the Belarusian-American Center, next to the church, or by calling (732) 672-8646 or (732) 822-8572.
March 19 & Fridays through April 9
• Fish fry, sponsored by Our Lady of Victory Columbiettes, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Victorian Hall, 775 Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville. Broiled or fried fresh fish, shrimp, combination platters, salad bar, dessert, coffee or tea. Takeouts available. (732) 257-2061.
March 20
• Irish Night Dinner-Dance, sponsored by Our Lady of Victories Knights of Columbus Council No. 2061, Parlin section of Sayreville, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., at the Knights council home, Washington Road. Open bar, Irish stepdancers, bagpipers, live music by the Round the House Band. Cost is $30 per person. To reserve, call Joe Campbell at (732) 727-7178 or Joe Crisafi at (732) 721-8045.
• Tricky tray, sponsored by the Garden State Knights Baseball Club, Morgan section of Sayreville, doors open at 6 p.m., calling begins at 7:30 p.m., at St. Bernadette’s Church Lourdes Center, Villanova and Princeton roads, Parlin section of Old Bridge. Admission is $5 per adult; includes two free sheets of raffle tickets. Youngsters admitted for $1. Raffle tickets cost $3 for one sheet with 25 chances, $5 for two sheets. Additional tickets for special prize tables available for 50 cents-$1. For advance tickets, see a club manager or call Cathy at (732) 316-1659.
• Spaghetti Dinner, sponsored by the youth group of Simpson United Methodist Church, 5-7 p.m., at the church, 2095 Route 516, Old Bridge. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12; youngsters under age 4 admitted free of charge. Takeouts available. All proceeds fund youth group activities. (732) 679-7499.
• All-You-Can-Eat Lasagna Dinner, sponsored by Spotswood Reformed Church, 5-7 p.m., at the church, 429 Main St. Lasagna, salad, Italian bread, dessert. Takeouts may be picked up after 4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children ages 5-12; youngsters under age 5 admitted free of charge. (732) 251-9277.
• St. Patrick’s Day Dinner-Dance, sponsored by Elks Lodge No. 2370, 7:30 p.m., at the lodge, Oakmont Avenue and Hardenburg Lane, East Brunswick. Tickets cost $17.50 per person; available by calling (732) 409-2729.
March 21
• Mah-Jongg Game Day, sponsored by The Friends of the Sayreville Public Library, 2-4 p.m., in the conference room at the library, Washington Road. Free admission. Open to experienced players and individuals interested in learning how to play. Mah-jongg sets and playing cards available for use by participants. Call Teri at (732) 727-7639.
• Cut-a-thon, to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Salon 527, 1199 Englishtown Road, Old Bridge. Staff members will offer a $15 wet and cut, $10 manicure. Raffles, refreshments, more. Appointments recommended but not necessary. (732) 416-0200.
• Afternoon of Antique Appraisals, sponsored by the HSA of Sacred Heart School, South Amboy, 1-4 p.m., in the school cafeteria, Walnut Street, behind Sacred Heart Church. Appraisals conducted by Barbara of Barbara’s Unique Antique Boutique, Jamesburg. Cost is $4 per item, with a limit of three items per person. No weapons, large furniture. Charge for spectators is $2. Baked goods, coffee available. (732) 721-0367.
March 23
• Family and Friends Night Out, sponsored by Madison Park Elementary School, Old Bridge, 5-8 p.m., at T.G.I. Friday’s, Route 9, Old Bridge. During the event, 20 percent of every school supporter’s bill (excluding tax and gratuity) will be donated to the school. Friday’s will offer a free kids meal for youngsters age 12 and under with each adult entrée purchased. Call Debbie Lair at (732) 727-8224.