Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for December 4)

 

A Mobile Branch dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 in the parking lot of the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

The new mobile branch will be open to visitors throughout the day.

Afterward, step inside the library building for complimentary refreshments and activities for all ages.

The Friends of the Library will present the library’s annual Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can enjoy crafts and games in the Winter Carnival. The Friends will host a table of specialty items for shoppers.

At 2 p.m. the public can enjoy a live tabla drum music concert.

Free admission all day.

 

 

A pre-Pearl Harbor ceremony is set for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Elmwood Cemetery, 425 Georges Road, North Brunswick, supported by Wreaths Across America and the Elmwood Cemetery Association.

The public is welcome to attend the remembrance ceremony.

For more information, call 908-307-3260 or 732-545-1445.

 

The South Brunswick Township Municipal Building, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, will serve as a collection site for Toys For Tots Donations.

To donate online via Amazon, visit www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1QCWAZAZFLLU3

 

 

 

The Township of North Brunswick has created an opportunity for ice skating across the street from the Municipal Building, 710 Hermann Road.

The ice skating rink will be open through March 1. Hours of operation will be weekdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Skates may be rented for $3 if sizes are available. Call the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services at 732-247-0922, ext. 475 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to ensure there are no changes in operational times.

 

The rink will also be open for birthday parties.

For more information and training videos, visit northbrunswicknj.gov.

 

 

 

South Brunswick Police Department PBA Local 166 has scheduled its annual Santa Day from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Moose Lodge, 1020 Old Georges Road, South Brunswick.

Refreshments will be served.

Gifts will be provided to children while supplies last.

 

 

 

The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) will hold its annual Pre-New Year’s Ball from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 28 at The Imperia, 1714 Easton Ave., Somerset.

Proceeds benefit the organization’s scholarship fund for awards to local high school graduates who are going on to college and for a donation to Hampton School in Jamaica towards infrastructure improvements.

Tickets are $110. Cash bar.

For tickets, visit brownpapertickets.com.

 

 

 

A Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Elmwood Cemetery, 425 Georges Road, North Brunswick.

Wreaths will be laid on the graves of all 650 veterans buried at Elmwood.

Fundraising partners are Boy Scout Troop 18, American Legion Post 459 and the North Brunswick Domestic Violence Response Team.

For every wreath donated at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/162779/Overview/?relatedId=158874, Wreaths Across America will donate back $5 to Elmwood.

For more information, email Eleanor Molloy at [email protected].

 

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library Foundation will present “Delicious & Divine: A Wine, Dinner & Chocolate Affaire” at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Holiday Inn, 100 Independence Way, Princeton.

Chocolatier Chef Kir from the New York International Culinary Center will visit. The evening will include live music, wine, chocolates, a buffet dinner, and a live presentation by Kir.

Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased online or at the library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

To purchase tickets or to learn about being an event sponsor, visit www.sbpl.info/delicious…

 

 

 

North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 will offer its first Santa Claus fundraiser.

Members of the fire company will arrive with Santa on a fire engine. Santa can deliver a special gift, provided by parents in advance.

Donations by cash or check only; minimum of $25 is requested. Proceeds benefit the firehouse. Make checks payable to North Brunswick Fire Company 1.

All presents must be delivered to the firehouse, located at 600 Cranbury Cross Road, North Brunswick, before the day/night of the reservation. Presents must be wrapped with the child’s name and address clearly displayed on each gift.

Santa will make his visits on Dec. 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22. All dates and times are subject to change given any emergency calls firefighters must respond to.

Open to North Brunswick Fire Company 1 area residents only.

For a detailed itinerary of neighborhoods, visit www.northbrunswicknj.gov.

 

 

 

The Dayton Village Citizens Coalition will hold its annual tree lighting celebration on Dec. 8 at the park next to La Taverna Restaurant, 375 Georges Road, Dayton section of South Brunswick.

The activities will start at 3:45 p.m. with children hanging their own natural ornaments for birds on trees near the 5 Corners in Dayton, followed by singing and music at the park next to La Taverna. At 4:45 p.m., a surprise “cool” guest arrives with treats for the children. Then the tree lighting is at 5 p.m. Afterwards there will be hot chocolate and cookies across the street in the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton.

The public is invited for any and all parts of this event.

Bring a non-perishable food item for the South Brunswick Food Pantry.

For more information, call Terry Caruso at 732-438-8790.

 

 

 

 

 

North Brunswick PBA Local 160 is holding its fourth annual toy drive.

Through Dec. 20, drop off new, unwrapped toys for local families in need to police headquarters, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

For more information, contact Sgt. Ryan Uzunis at [email protected].

 

The North Brunswick Heritage Day Committee will hold a Pancakes and Pajamas fundraiser from 8-10 a.m. on Dec. 7 at the Green Turtle, Main Street off Route 1 north, North Brunswick.

The cost is $10 per ticket.

 

 

North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 will hold Breakfast with Santa from 8-11:30 a.m. on Dec. 15 at the firehouse, 1470 Cozens Lane, North Brunswick.

Full breakfast buffet.

Bring a camera. Every child will receive a gift from Santa.

The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 10, and free for children under 2.

For more information, visit www.nbvfd3.net or Facebook.com/nbvfd3.

 

Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County (JFS) is seeking volunteer drivers to deliver kosher meals to homebound seniors.

The immediate need is for meal pickup one day per week at 11 a.m. at JFS, 32 Ford Ave., Second Floor, Milltown, for delivery in North Brunswick.
JFS kosher meals are available to Middlesex County homebound seniors age 60 and over who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves due to physical or cognitive impairment.
For more information, call 732-777-1940 or email [email protected].

 

 

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Middlesex County launched a new ambassador program, and is seeking volunteers.
CASA supports children in foster care. In this new role, volunteers will help CASA build connections with local organizations and community groups and assist in growing their volunteer pool so they will be able to serve more children.
Activities of the CASA ambassador include connecting with community groups and local businesses, representing CASA at community events, distributing brochures or posters, or organizing a fundraising activity.
Ambassadors commit to three ambassador activities per year. The ambassadors will gain new skills and meet new people while they are making a difference for children in their community.
The first training will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the CASA of Middlesex County office, 77 Church St., New Brunswick.
For registration or more information, email [email protected].

 

 

 

 

The South Brunswick Senior Center will hold a food drive during December at the center, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

Needed items include coffee, canned tomatoes, boxed milk, canned fruit, canned meat, prepared noodles, rice mix, macaroni and cheese, whole wheat pasta, peanut butter and jelly, hearty soups, canned tomatoes, canned vegetables, juice boxes, pancake mix and syrup, oatmeal, cereal and toiletries.

For more information, call 732-329-4000, ext. 7670.

 

 

The South Brunswick Senior Center will introduce the following new programs in December for its resident members age 55 and older:

A Podcast Café will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Mondays.

The Write Away Club will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Creatively Yours will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The Dance Zone will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Call the Senior Center at 732-329-4000, ext. 7670 for more information on each program, or to register.

  

 

 

 

The Friends of the South Brunswick Senior Center will hold a Winter Wonderland event from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Senior Center, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.
Doors open at 10:15 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m. Music with Pam & Steven begins at 12:15 p.m.

South Brunswick resident members age 55 and older should sign up at the Senior Center.

For more information, call 732-329-4000, ext. 7670.

 

Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County will hold a holiday party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Parsons Elementary School, 899 Hollywood St., North Brunswick.

There will be a visit by Santa, music, presents and refreshments.

The North Brunswick Police Department will tow Santa on his sleigh to the event.

Invitation only due to limited space; register by calling 732-646-4055.

 

 

North Brunswick Humane Association President Vincent Sheehan will discuss the complexities of pet nutrition from 2-3 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the North Brunswick Library, 880 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

Topics will include what you should feed your pet, what ingredients go into pet treats, and the growing problem of pet obesity.

No registration is necessary. Human snacks will be served.

 

 

 

 

A Community Blood Drive has been scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the South Brunswick Community Center, 124 New Road, South Brunswick.

 

The North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services will hold its annual menorah lighting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 23 at the municipal building, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

Bring a donation of food items or gift cards to local food stores for the North Brunswick Food Bank.

For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.

 

 

 

 

Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is seeking volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.

The organization is recruiting retired or current business owners and executives 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 at a wide variety of locations and also presents seminars at local venues. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics related to organizing and managing a business and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development. Services are offered free of charge.

For more information, visit www.centraljersey.score.org.

 

 

 

T A Sprinkler, Inc. will hold its annual Winter Wonderlights Spectacular from Nov. 30 to Jan. 5, 2020, at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

There will be Christmas lights, food, hot chocolate and photo opps with Santa.

 

 

Blue Jersey Band will perform at the South Brunswick Jazz Cafe at 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the South Brunswick Municipal Complex Herb Eckert Auditorium, 540 Route 522, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

“Jazz & Django” will include traditional, swing, blue, new and gypsy jazz by Frank Ruck on guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals; Ellen Ruck on guitar and vocals; and Ian Young on bass and trombone.

Admission is $6 at the door. Light refreshments included.
For more information, call 732-329-4000, ext. 7635 or visit www.sbarts.org/jazz-cafe/

 

South Brunswick has scheduled the following blood drives:

Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center, Woodlot Park, New Road

Dec. 30 from 1-7 p.m. at the library, 110 Kingston Lane

For more information, visit southbrunswicknj.gov

 

 

Homework Buddies Peer Tutoring has begun at the South Brunswick Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.
The sessions will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. No appointment is necessary.
Select high school students volunteer to help students in kindergarten through 12th grade with homework and studying concerns.
Tutoring is not available on school holidays or early closing days.

Any mothers with children up to age five are invited to join MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, who meet from 9-11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month from October through June at the North Brunswick Library, 880 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

Childcare will be provided.

For more information, visit www.meetup.com/middlesex-county/mops

 

 

The MOMS Club of North Brunswick is a group of stay-at-home or part-time working mothers of children of all ages who are interested in support, cultivating friendships and fun for the children.

For more information, visit momsclubofnorthbrunswick.blogspot.com.

 

 

The United States Census Bureau is seeking applicants for jobs for the 2020 Census.

For information on how to apply, visit 2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020.

 

The 10th annual Hugs for Brady Foundation Winter Gala will be themed “Oh What a Night!,” featuring entertainment from the stars of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys,” on Jan. 25 at The Palace at Somerset Park, 333 Davidson Ave., Somerset.

The gala honors individuals who have made significant contributions to help those affected by childhood cancer. This year’s honorees are The 2020 Gala Committee as the Ellen Gambatese Pediatric Cancer Volunteer of the Year; Roy G. Svenson as the Brady Buggy Wagon Volunteer of the Year; Steven K. Libutti, director of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, as the Dr. Randy Siegel Pediatric Cancer Medical Humanitarian of the Year; and Kevin Cummings, chairman and CEO of Investors Bank, as the Hugs for Brady Founation Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian of the Year.

Sherrie and Michael Wells of South Brunswick started the Hugs for Brady Foundation in 2009, shortly after their 13-month-old son, Brady Michael, was diagnosed with non-differentiated acute leukemia. In 2010, Brady passed away at 23 months old, after he had battled the disease for 10 months.

For more information, tickets, sponsorship information, to donate or to take part in the silent auction, visit www.hugsforbrady.org.