Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for Sept. 15)

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 North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services will hold Bird House Tuesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 15, 22 and 29 at Veterans Park in the pavilion, Roosevelt Avenue, North Brunswick.

Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed.

Attendees will be provided with their own painting supplies.

Register online at www.communitypass.net

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

 

 

The North Brunswick Library will present a Wills, Estate Planning & Probate Seminar at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 via Zoom.

Kenneth Vercammen, Esq., will discuss the NJ Estate Tax that was eliminated; wills and problems if there is no will; power of attorney recommendations; living will and advance directive; administering the Estate/Probate/Surrogate; and avoiding unnecessary expenses and saving your family money.

The free community program is open to the public. You do not need to be a resident to attend.

Registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tde-sqjouE9fXmYAWFx34o1BJgoyDnVIG

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/328710198519218

 

 

The North Brunswick Public Library and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey will offer a free virtual Food & Nutrition Literacy series.

“Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables,” led by educators from NJ-SNAP-Ed, begins Sept. 23. Each free workshop begins at 6 p.m. Join one or all.

Registration is required at https://form.jotform.com/202444315297151

A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

The schedule is as follows:

Fruits and Vegetables, Sept. 23: Learn ways to include a variety of fruits and vegetables on your plate daily.

My Plate, Oct. 7: Plan a meal with healthy food choices.

Stretching Food Dollars, Oct. 21: Learn useful tips on how to save money and properly budget when food shopping.

Food Safety, Nov. 4: Learn helpful steps for safe handling and safe consumption of food.

Portion Sizes, Nov. 18: Learn about the health benefits of portion control.

Meal Planning, Dec. 2: Learn how to plan easy, healthy meals using low cost, readily available foods.

Nutrition Facts Label, Dec. 9: Learn ways to properly identify the information on nutrition facts labels.

Healthy Beverages, Dec. 16: Understand the link between sugary drinks and chronic diseases, and discover healthier alternatives.

For more information, email Librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or @NorthBrunswickLibrary on Facebook.

 

 

The Adams AC will hold a pasta dinner from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the club, 1210 Cozzens Lane, North Brunswick.

Menu includes pasta, meatballs, salad and dessert.

Cost is $12 per person.

Takeout and outdoor dining.

To place an order, call 732-501-9484.

 

The North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services is holding its annual fall house decorating contest.

Submit photos of your decorated house to [email protected] by Oct. 2. Include your address and contact information.

Parx, the recreation mascot, will be judging homes the second week of October.

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

 

High School Mock Trial Competition teacher-coaches can enter their teams online at njsbf.org
There is no charge to enter. Registration closes on Oct. 23.
The 2020-21 High School Mock Trial Workbook, which contains the rules, procedures and case, will be released by the end of October. This season the competition will be conducted via Zoom.
For more information, contact Sheila Boro, director of mock trial programs, at [email protected].

 

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The North Brunswick Public Library will offer adult programs virtually throughout September:

  • Fiber Arts Club, 10-11 a.m. Sept. 25. Work on a current project (embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, weaving, etc.) while enjoying the company of others remotely. Register in advance for the Sept. 11 Zoom program at https://forms.gle/F73c3BUa6qrTcPz78 or the Sept. 25 Zoom program at https://forms.gle/BUdWoddPYYQuC9j76
  • Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body: Tips from the Latest Research, 7-8 p.m. Sept. 28. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn how to identify the reasons for taking care of yourself as you age and list strategies to age well in cognitive activity, physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, and social engagement. Register in advance for this Zoom program at https://forms.gle/gwC1SyjmDvb58Q7c7

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or follow the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary

 

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Public Library and Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ announce “Take Back Your Health Tuesdays” virtual program sessions beginning Sept. 15.

Join experts from RCINJ for informative and interactive online programs, where you’ll learn how to reduce your risk from certain cancers, how nutrition and lifestyle choices can protect you and your family against certain cancers, and how genetics can often heighten your cancer risks.

Each program begins at 7 p.m.

Registration is required at https://form.jotform.com/202264021498148

You may register for all or any of the programs that interest you.

Once you’ve registered, you will receive a link with the Zoom URL.

The dates are as follows:

Sept. 15: Cancer 101: Learn about how cancer develops, basic screening that can save lives and what steps you can take to reduce your risk for certain cancers.

Sept. 29: HPV-Related Cancers: Learn how to protect you and your family against HPV-related cancers.

Oct. 13: Guts and Glory: Learn about the relationship between the GI tract and cancer.

Oct. 27: Nutrition for Colorectal Health: Learn how proper nutrition can reduce your risk for colorectal cancer.

Nov. 10: Lung Cancer Screening: Learn about lung cancer screening, if you are eligible and the process for screening.

Nov. 24: Breathing Easier: Learn about the dangers of second hand smoke and how you can protect yourself and your family.

Dec. 8: Controlling Your Cancer Risk: You can inherit or develop a heightened cancer risk. Learn what causes heightened risks and best practices to manage them.

Dec. 22: Family History and Cancer Risk: Don’t be in the dark when it comes to familial cancer risks.

Any questions, email [email protected]

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary

 

 

 

 

 

In lieu of its annual gala, the Antonia Maria Foundation will hold a live raffle at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 to raise funds for its new sober living home in North Brunswick.

Prizes will be posted on the foundation’s social media pages in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit www.antoniamariafoundation.org

 

 

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].

             

 

 

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

 

 

 

The North Brunswick Public Library is hosting a free Writing Strategies for Resumes & Cover Letters virtual, interactive workshop at 7 p.m. Sept. 24.

Join Kawana Jacocks, senior resume writer at WriteOne Resumes, to learn how to create effective resumes and cover letters that get your invaluable skills and unique personality across for employment, advancement and career changes.

Register in advance at https://form.jotform.com/202405572318147

Any questions, email [email protected] 

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary

 

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 North Brunswick Public Library will offer a free virtual Wills, Estate Planning & Probate seminar from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 22.

The NJ Probate Law has made several substantial changes in Probate and the administration of estates and trusts in New Jersey. Join speaker Kenneth Vercammen, Esq., as he shows you how to correctly navigate the current changes to the NJ Probate Law, and make estate planning easy while also protecting your family.

Topics covered during this free seminar include how to eliminate the NJ Estate Tax, what a living will is, and an overview of problems that arise if you have no will.

Registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tde-sqjouE9fXmYAWFx34o1BJgoyDnVIG

You will be sent the virtual program URL following registration.

Any questions, email [email protected]

For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or follow the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary

 

The South Brunswick Water Division will start flushing water mains from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Oct. 5.

The flushing program will be finished in approximately six weeks.

Flushing will begin in the vicinity of Broadway Road area working toward Dayton and then proceeding towards Davidson’s Mill Road. Flushing will then continue in Monmouth Junction and Route 1 areas. After crossing Route 1, the flushing will go from Kingston through Kendall Park to Brunswick Acres. The high service area consisting of Wood Gate, High Gate and Princeton Manor will be last.

The township will not be flushing in the portion of Kingston that is served by New Jersey American Water Company.

Officials recommend that water use be kept to a minimum between the stated hours since the water may be discolored. Any discoloration caused by the flushing operation will be of short duration and will not affect the quality or safety of the water.

For more information, call the Water Division at 732-329-4000, ext. 7270 or 7226.

 

 

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.

 

 

September is Library Card Sign-up Month.

Use your library card for free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, online testing, practice and certification exams, technology workshops, and live tutoring with Learning Express.

In addition to books, a cardholder can borrow movies, music, audio books, and games. Use it for free access to e-book and digital magazine collections, English as a Second Language, genealogy research; language learning with Rosetta Stone; streaming media; and even the New York Times online.

And, don’t miss: Bookflix for kids, Brainfuse, Lynda.com, Consumer Reports, Encyclopedia Britannica, Heritage Quest, Learning Express, MedlinePlus, Morningstar, The World Almanac for Kids, and more.

To learn more, visit www.sbpl.info and order your library card online.

For more information, call the Borrower Services Department at 732-329-4000, ext. 7290.

 

 

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business committee will present the 19th annual Women’s Leadership Summit in a weekly format, planned for 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23.
The theme for this year is “Rest… Renew…Relaunch” in keeping with individual journeys and experiences during this pandemic.
The event will feature a diverse set of professionals who will bring their expertise and personal experience into insightful and empowering sessions. There will also be time set aside for questions and answers.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.mcrcc.org/event/19th-annual-womens-leadership-summit/

 

 

The Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre will present “The History of the Migration of Spaniards from Andalucia to New Jersey” from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 15.

There will be a lecture by Dr. Mirta Barrea Marlys; Flamenco guitarist/singer Pedro Jimenez, who was born in Cadiz; a talk by Maria Hill, born in Spain; narration by Eva Lucena; and Spanish cultural demonstrations and regional dances.

The event is free and open to the public.

For reservations, call Lucena at 732-598-3979 or email [email protected], or visit https://alboradahistorylecture.eventbrite.com

 

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 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.

 

 

 

Ongoing

 

South Brunswick VFW Post 9111 is seeking monetary assistance from the community.

The organization has long supported free Christmas parties for children, food drives, Purple Hearts Chapter 10, the American Veterans Dog Foundation that trains dogs to support veterans, and a Christmas party for veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park.

The efforts are in jeopardy because of the impact of COVID-19.

To donate to the GoFundMe account, visit https://gf.me/u/ynb882

 

The Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ), in partnership with the South Brunswick Food Pantry, holds a weekly drive-thru food pantry program every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at ISCJ, 4145 Route 1, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

The ISCJ is providing a box of provisions meant to supplement a family of four for one week. Items in this box generally include pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, canned beans, canned soup, oil, hummus, cheese, bread, canned beef or fish, frozen organic chicken, corn flour, pudding, some personal protective equipment and personal hygiene items.

This service is open to all citizens in need, regardless of legal status, creed, ethnicity or geography.

Email [email protected] for any questions regarding the program, to seek assistance, to volunteer or to donate food.

 

Residents of South Brunswick are able to preregister and pick up food twice a week at the Municipal Building, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

Drive-thru is available from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Register to receive food by emailing [email protected] by 1 p.m. the day prior to pickup. After you register you will receive a confirmation number which you will show on the day of your pickup.

On your pickup day you will pull around to the rear of the building and pull up to the drive thru. Upon arriving you will show one of the employees the confirmation number from your phone or you can write it on a piece of paper and hold it up to the window.

An employee will place the boxes in your trunk after verifying your confirmation number. Food will not be distributed without a confirmation number.

Remain in your vehicle and keep your windows rolled up at all times.

This program is for South Brunswick residents only.

For more information, call Wert at 732-329-4000, ext. 7674.

 

 

The North Brunswick Police Department is seeking donations of sanitizing wipes and other PPE.

Drop off items at police headquarters, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

Call 732-247-0922, ext. 326 for more information.

 

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library is chronicling residents’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit www.sbpl.info/covid-19-stories/ to be part of the South Brunswick historical local archives. The link takes you to a survey of 17 questions to help encourage a story.
Stories can also be emailed directly to SBPL Information Services Specialist Randall Marsola at [email protected]
Stories can be anonymous.
Entries can include photographs, artwork, poems, etc.
The submissions may be featured on the library website.

 

 

 

 

 

The New Brunswick Community Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the market pavilion, 178 Jones Ave.; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the market pavilion; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at Kilmer Square Park, 108 Albany St.

 

 

 

 

Central Jersey Family Health Consortium is offering a series of virtual support groups.

 

A New Dad Support Group for expectant and new fathers with babies under 1 year old will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, co-facilitated by a therapist and an experienced father of twins.

Registration is required by emailing Pat Vena at [email protected].

 

A New Mom Support Group for pregnant and new moms with babies under 1 year old will be held in English at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in Spanish at 1 p.m. Wednesdays.

To register in English, email Pat Vena at [email protected]. To register in Spanish, email Mariella Flores at [email protected].

 

The Listening Hearts and Minds Support Group is held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays for pregnant and parenting women, co-facilitated by experienced counselors. Topics include parenting skills, coping with COVID-19, stress management, keeping mental health and meditation.

Pre-registration required by contacting Deena Cohen at [email protected] or 888-633-5502.

CJFHC is located at 30 Silverline Dr., Second Floor, Suite 1, North Brunswick.

For more information, visit www.cjfhc.org or call 732-937-5437.

 

 

 

To continue providing service to the North Brunswick community in these “virtual times,” the North Brunswick Public Library has launched its own YouTube channel.

Though the library remains closed, librarians are regularly creating fun and educational videos ranging from craft demonstrations and book talks to poetry readings and instructional lessons on how to use several of the library’s awesome databases.

Soon, the library hopes to broadcast its videos on North Brunswick’s own TV-15.

Visit www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WP7DqpscPLtBsIOBSepXQ to subscribe to the channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The United Way of Central Jersey’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund will assist individuals and families affected by the novel coronavirus with crucial basic expenses including rent, utilities, prescription medication/medical supplies, child care and food.
United Way will work with trusted community partners to identify individuals and families most in need of this temporary support.
Donations to the UWCJ COVID-19 Support Fund may be made online at www.uwcj.org. Checks made payable to United Way may be mailed to United Way of Central Jersey, 32 Ford Ave., Milltown 08850.

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Brunswick Township is accepting submissions for its Veterans Park Memorial Paver Donation Project.

Any resident who has a family member who served in the United States military during a wartime period can honor them at Veterans Park on Roosevelt Avenue with a 4-inch-by-8-inch brick engraved with their name, branch of service, rank, conflict and period of service.

All engraving will be done in upper case. There is a maximum of three lines with 15 letters/spaces/punctuation marks per line.

Checks in the amount of $75 should be made payable to the Township of North Brunswick and mailed with the name, mailing address, telephone and email to the Veterans Paver Donation Project, c/o the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick 08902.

For more information, call Lou Ann Benson at 732-247-0922, ext. 475.

 

The Township of North Brunswick will continue honoring veterans with a secondary street signs at township roads.

Applications for wartime veterans are received throughout the year. The honored veterans must be a past or current resident of North Brunswick.

The requirements can be found at www.northbrunswicknj.gov; on Facebook; or at the Municipal Building at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.

For more information, contact Lou Ann Benson at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.