Editor’s note: In light of recent events related to coronavirus, some organizations have decided to cancel their upcoming programs. Please check the status of any event before attending.
The Township of East Brunswick will hold “A Moment of Remembrance” marking the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 outdoors, rain or shine, at the Sept. 11 monument at the East Brunswick Municipal Complex, 1 Civic Center Drive.
A candlelight vigil will remember the eight East Brunswick residents and all those who lost their lives on that tragic day. Participants will also honor the heroic efforts of the thousands of first responders, rescue teams and volunteers who selflessly assisted that day and all the days that followed.
The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 732-390-6810.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Blood donors help young patients who often need transfusions to aid their recovery.
The Spotswood VFW will hold a blood drive from 1-7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the VFW, 33 Daniel Road, Spotswood.
For an appointment, visit smarturl.it/NJBS_Drive using sponsor code 13807; or call or text Lynne at 732-616-9284.
Middlesex County College will be offering an alternative educational program for children in grades 1-5 starting Sept. 8. The program, called “Think Tank,” is offered by the MCC Child Care Center.
Since many of the local elementary schools have decided to go virtual, many working parents are struggling to assist their child with school and maintain a job. The children will bring classroom assignments and projects from their schools, and our staff will assist but not instruct with the assignments.
Think Tank will follow all state and federal health protocols, including social distancing in the classroom and taking children’s temperatures daily. Staff members will wear masks, and it is highly recommended that children wear them too.
Classes will be limited to 10 students in each.
The children would be responsible for bringing their own tablet or laptop to the classroom, depending on district guidance.
Parents will provide lunch for their child.
In addition to the assignments from the school districts, students will participate in a nature walk and journaling, as well as various math, science and art projects.
As some parents may work remotely part of the week, MCC will offer options for three, four or five days per week. The fee is $40 per day, and capacity is limited.
For more information, contact the MCC Child Care Center at 732-906-2542 or email [email protected].
The South River Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of school crossing guard (part-time/substitute).
School crossing guards work under the direction of the police department and are responsible for the safe crossing of school children and other pedestrians at designated crossing areas within the Borough of South River.
Minimum qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be a United States citizen
• Must be a resident of New Jersey
• Must be of sound body and of good health with vision and hearing adequate to perform essential job functions
• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license
• Must be of good moral character and not be convicted of any criminal offense
Applications can be obtained from and returned to South River Municipal Offices, 48 Washington St., South River.
The East Brunswick Public Library is hosting the Just Say Yes Nutrition Workshop Series at 2 p.m. Tuesdays.
Farmers markets will be the topic of the Sept. 15 workshop. Attendees will learn about the benefits of purchasing seasonal produce at a farmers market and how to identify strategies to eat healthy and increase physical activity.
The topic of the Sept. 22 is MyPlate, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s meal planning recommendations. Using MyPlate, people can learn how to make healthier food choices.
The final program explores food safety on Sept. 29. Attendees will learn about proper handwashing techniques, the list of steps for safe consumption, and safe handling of fruits and vegetables.
All programs are presented by the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Registration is required for the free programs. Each program is limited to 25 attendees. To register, visit www.ebpl.org/calendar or call 732-390-6767.
The Department of Defense Warrior Games was established in 2010 as a way to help in the recovery of wounded veterans through team and individual participation in various sporting events. This year’s games have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
As children of veterans who fought in the nation’s wars and as caretakers for many veterans over the years, Right at Home of Central New Jersey honors all veterans and thanks them for their service to our country.
The Let’s Get Nauti(cal) event at The Armory Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Perth Amboy will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 featuring drinks and appetizers to honor the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command team members who would have participated in the Warrior Games this year.
Attendees should bring personal care items for packages that will be sent to current service members.
RSVP to Beth Sholom at 732-967-0900 or [email protected] by Sept. 14.
The Middlesex County Conference on Mental Health and Addiction Recovery will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22 via Microsoft Teams.
Following opening remarks by Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, an inspirational presentation from Lynette Sheard, director of NJ Mental Health Players, will address the COVID-19 pandemic and its intersection with the economy, racism and behavioral health.
The keynote address will be on “Ending Stigma in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Among the LGBTQ+ Community” delivered by Mayte Redcay, Serise, Inc.
Elie De Franca of Velocity Mentoring will present “Community Wise, Mindfulness and Meditation: Addressing Oppression to Promote Individual and Community Health.”
The conference will close with an interactive mindfulness exercise that participants can experience virtually.
CEUs have been requested for this free conference.
For questions concerning behavioral health and social work contact hours, contact Rutgers UBHC Center for Continuing Education at [email protected].
To register, visit https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5LTzjogOi0O5pRD-y9C3Hpd0esbzOXRPsS_B0Aq5FmxUNlBCVVBCTkswMTNIMDZQQ1pCSU81NDBJUy4u
Right at Home of Central New Jersey has created the Tickled Pink Silent Disco, to be held from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Buccleuch Park, 321 Easton Ave., New Brunswick, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The suggested donation is $5 will all proceeds benefiting breast cancer research.
RSVP to Beth Sholom at [email protected] or 732-967- 0900 by Sept. 30.
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The East Brunswick Public Library is hosting the “Path to 2020 Elections” program series to explore the election process.
Carlos L. Yordan presents :Can Social Media Help Us Explain Different Political Events?” at 7 p.m. Sept. 9. In this talk, Yordan explores how social media postings on different platforms to get a better sense of people’s reactions to various political events. Examples include how Facebook engagement data explains BREXIT and the 2016 presidential election; Twitter data that explores people’s sentiments in regards to terrorist attacks; and how political candidates’ social media activity impacts their popularity and the relevance of their ideas.
The library will celebrate National Voter Registration Day from 2-5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the library’s outdoor “Library In The Park Tent.” Visitors can register to vote by paper or view the New Jersey Department of Elections website, find information about in-person voting places and secure drop boxes, and additional voter resources. The library is located at 2 Jean Walling Civic Center Dr., East Brunswick.
Frank Argote-Freyere explains the Electoral College in the lecture “Who Really Elects the President: the Workings of the Electoral College” at 7 p.m. Oct. 27. His presentation explores how the Electoral College was created by the founding fathers as a way to manage an unruly public and, if needed, overturn the election results.
Both lectures are presented on the Zoom platform.
These programs are all sponsored by the Friends of the East Brunswick Public Library.
For more information, visit www.ebpl.org.
Disability Allies in East Brunswick is facilitating a virtual conference on Navigating Transition to Adult Life from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 18.
Topics will include social inclusion, employment, community living, transportation, Transition to 21, DDD, the special education advocate, advocating as an adult, housing, Charting a Life Course, What is a Support Coordinator, Volunteer & Work Opportunities in the Community, Creating Successful Transition to Adult Life After High School, Improving Transition to Adulthood, services in Middlesex County, How to Help Young Adults with ADHD, Meet Support Coordinators, and more.
Registration is required in advance at disabilityallies.com/conference.
The cost is $20.
For more information, email [email protected] or call Harriet Shander at 908-848-0385.
East Brunswick Public Library’s popular “Take A Business Break” returns this fall with three online programs to help local business owners to get tips from experts during their lunch break.
Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, leads this online workshop series. He is an emeritus partner at WithumSmith+Brown, PC, and a Fairleigh Dickinson MBA professor. He was designated one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting by Accounting Today.
The first program in the series is How Much Your Business Could be Worth and How to Increase its Value at noon on Sept. 17. Mendlowitz shows eight different ways your business could be valued and which method would be right for you. He will also indicate ways to substantially increase that value.
The second program is Five Numbers You Should Get Every Day to Better Control Your Business at noon on Oct. 15. He will share the important numbers that every business person must evaluate each day.
The final program in the series is When to Hire Your First Employee and How Much to Pay at noon on Nov. 19. This workshop explains how to determine if this critical decision is right for your business.
All three programs are free and open to the public.
The events will be held on the Zoom platform. Registration is requested; to register, go to https://ilove.ebpl.org/ebpl-virtual-programs.
CASA of Middlesex County is seeking volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected.
When a child is in foster care, having a CASA (court-appointed special advocate) means they are more likely to find a permanent home, spend less time in foster care, and perform better in school.
Fall training starts in October. Online information sessions will be offered at 10 a.m. Sept. 19.
For more information or to register, email [email protected]
| CASA of Middlesex County will hold Toast 2020, which will honor John E. Harmon Sr., the founder, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ).
Toast 2020 is an opportunity to mingle with community leaders, enjoy a champagne brunch, participate in a silent auction and learn how Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) help children who have suffered abuse and/or neglect and are now in an out-of-home placement.
The event is planned for 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Steakhouse 85, 85 Church St., New Brunswick. If necessary due to COVID-19, the event will be held virtually.
Funds raised from Toast 2020 help to recruit, train and support volunteer advocates. CASA advocates go through extensive training before they are paired with a child or sibling group and annual continued education to stay current on issues impacting children. Though state agencies ensure the child’s basic needs are met, CASAs are trained to gather well-being information and report to the family court judge to help a child thrive.
Additionally during Toast 2020, the late William Hamilton, Jr., will be recognized for his contributions to CASA of Middlesex County as a board member, donor and friend.
To purchase tickets, visit www.casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/Toast2020. To inquire about event sponsorships, ad journal opportunities and silent auction donations, email [email protected].
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NAMIWalks NJ 2020 will be held virtually on Sept. 26.
Join a team and collaborate with activities in a safe, socially distanced manner or jointly on a virtual platform. Be your own “virtual walker.” Walk or run in your neighborhood, backyard or local park; garden, cook, play games over social media, etc.
Efforts support the National Alliance on Mental Illness New Jersey chapter.
For more information, visit https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=965
The Community Health Law Project (CHLP) has extended the deadline for nominations of candidates for the Ann Klein Advocate Awards and Mike Lione Accessibility Award to recognize those who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of people living with disabilities through Oct. 17.
The Ann Klein Advocate Award is given to a group of select individuals and organizations, nominated by the public, who have performed exemplary work as advocates for people living with disabilities and/or vulnerable populations.
The award is named in memory of Ann Klein, former commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, whose career as a public servant, legislator and social worker paved the way for significant advances in the human services systems throughout the State of New Jersey.
The Mike Lione Accessibility Award was established in 2013 in memory of longtime Community Health Law Project Board Member and former Chair Mike Lione. This award is presented to an individual or entity that has performed exemplary work as an advocate for accessibility on behalf of persons living with disabilities.
For more information, visit www.chlp.org or call 973-275-1175.
Women Aware will mark 40 years of service to individuals and families in Middlesex County affected by domestic violence with a 40th anniversary Virtual Candlelight Vigil from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 21.
The event will remember victims whose lives were ended by domestic violence and to honor survivors moving beyond abuse.
During the vigil, the organization will honor Women Aware shelter founders Diane Palladino and Ellen Koteen; volunteer advocate Ruth Hague; and Paul Sansone Sr., founder of Sansone Auto Group, Paul Sansone, Sr.
The candlelight vigil is open to the public and free to attend. Visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAware40th
For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Dyckman, director of development, at [email protected] or 732-249-4900, ext. 0428.
To donate online, visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAware40th
Text to donate 202-858-1233 Code WA40
Mail a check payable to Women Aware; mail to Women Aware, 40th Anniversary, 250 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick 08901
Follow Women Aware on social media: Facebook @womenawareinc or Instagram @womenaware or Twitter @Women_Aware
The East Brunswick Jewish Center will present Tovah Feldshuh, Up Close and Personal, at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 via Zoom.
The Broadway actress will talk about her 45-year career.
Tickets are $18 per Zoom link.
The $180 sponsorship includes four Zoom tickets, a pre-show chat and recognition.
Register at www.ebjc.org under Events.
For more information, email Ellen at [email protected]
A health literacy social worker is available to assist patrons of the East Brunswick Public Library.
Emerith Hernandez Cortes, MSW, is a bilingual social worker who speaks Spanish and English. She can help with needs such as food, housing, addiction, health services, job loss, small business recovery, places to find employment, and mental health topics.
Appointments can be made by calling 732-518-8247 or by emailing [email protected]. These appointments are digital on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sessions are private and confidential.
The program runs through Nov. 30.
This service is offered through the library’s Just For The Health Of It! consumer health and wellness information initiative. It is offered through a grant from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
To learn more, visit www.justforthehealthofit.org.
Ongoing
To showcase emerging artists in the area, the East Brunswick Public Library held the Grownup Summer 2020 Art Challenge.
The result is an online gallery, sharing the work of area residents.
It is available online for viewing at ilove.ebpl.org/art-challenge.
The East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department is collecting non-perishable food, cash and gift cards for distribution to Aldersgate Community Outreach Center.
Drop off food in the back of the box truck parked in the parking lot, 334 Dunhams Corner Road; the door is kept down so lift it to put donations inside.
Or, drop cash/check/gift cards in an envelope and put in the drop box next to the front door to the Recreation Department.
Raritan Valley YMCA in East Brunswick is offering a new hybrid learning club, a wraparound school age program to roll over from summer camp to a full-day learning experience that combines virtual learning with outdoor activities.
Students can bring their virtual learning devices. Credentialed staff will aid in classwork and homework during the day.
The afternoon portion will run similar to Camp Yomeca. Activities will include arts and crafts, tennis, basketball and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) along with an afternoon snack. Swimming will be included in September, weather-permitting.
For the session schedule and rates, and to register, visit https://raritanvalleyymca.org/member-connection#/programs/22527368/hybrid-learning-club/
East Brunswick now has a disc golf course at Heavenly Farms, 440 Dunhams Corner Road, across from the main parking lot.
It is free to play. Bring your own equipment.
Pickleball can be played on six brand-new courts at Community Park, 350 Dunhams Corner Road, and two hybrid pickleball/tennis courts at Lenape Park, 31 Millman Dr.
On Wednesday evenings there is a “club” that gathers at Community Park and plays, as well as a group that plays on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Community Park. They are open to the public. The group is not affiliated with East Brunswick Recreation.
The East Brunswick Jewish Center is providing minyanim twice every day, services on Shabbat and holidays, adult education classes and Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi.
Membership welcome but not necessary.
Visit www.ebjc.org/online-events for more information.
Raritan Valley YMCA is encouraging residents to #StayWithUs during this time, in particular by visiting the Y’s Facebook page for virtual events, programs and classes.
Adult programs include group fitness classes provided by Y360, Les Mills and from Y instructors. Programs and classes will be updated on a week-to-week basis. The ZOOM app is required; email [email protected] for log-in details.
The Facebook page also features live story time and creative arts with Ms. Preeti and Ms. Brenda.
Details Camp Yomeca day camp are available on the website. Online registration is open.
For more information, visit raritanvalleyymca.org.
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].
The Korean War/Defense Veterans Association Central Jersey Chapter No. 148 extends an invitation to any veterans, regardless of branch of service, who served during the war from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe, or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, through the present.
The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month —except January through April — at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza.
Membership dues are $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 chapter fee per year.
The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including parades, flag raisings, visiting the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, etc.
For more information, contact Charles Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected].