The Metlar-Bodine House Museum is reopening after months of closure due to COVID-19.
Discover Piscataway’s exceptional 354-year-old back story told in a docent-led tour. Learn why and how America’s tradition of celebrating July 4 began in Piscataway in 1778. View a map display of the museum’s theme “From Indian Trail to Interstate,” a journey through time. Visit the museum’s Dutch Door gift shop.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17; noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19; and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 13.
Schedule subject to change due to COVID-19. Call ahead or visit the website.
Admission is $5 per person; children under 5 free. Pay at the door, cash only.
Group tours of four must schedule in advance.
Official COVID-19 guidelines include limiting tours and gift shop visits to one group of four people at a time to maintain social distancing; masks required for children and adults before entering the museum and to be worn during the visit; and the availability of hand sanitizer at the admission desk and in the gift shop.
The museum is located at 1281 River Road, Piscataway.
For more information, call 732-463-8363, email [email protected] or visit https://metlarbodinehousemuseum.org
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Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Milltown will not hold its annual Christmas Bazaar.
Instead, a Merry Christmas Sale will be held from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 13 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 in the school’s auditorium, 44 Cleveland Ave., Milltown.
The sale will offer new gift items, attic treasures and vintage jewelry.
The auditorium offers adequate table spacing, Guests are required to wear masks and use hand sanitizer upon arrival. Social distancing will be expected.
Nominations for 2020 Young Adult Peer Advocate and Youth Advocate awards are open through Nov. 13.
The North Brunswick Township Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will be presenting the awards virtually in late December.
Submit information to [email protected] no later than Nov. 13.
For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.
For specifics, visit www.northbrunswicknj.gov/2020-dprcs-awards
The Middlesex County Office of Arts and History Program will present Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre’s 25th anniversary live concert from 2:30-4 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Hungarian American Athletic Club, 233 Somerset St., New Brunswick.
This is an in-person, live performance. Masks required. Patrons will be socially distanced.
Tickets are $25.
Limit 60 attendees.
Purchase tickets at https://alborada25anniversarygrantshow.eventbrite.com or call Eva Lucena at 732-598-3979.
Through Nov. 16, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-16) is hosting a virtual food drive for the food banks serving the residents of the 16th Legislative District.
To donate, visit https://yougivegoods.com/district16-fooddrive
YouGiveGoods will ship the items, appropriately packaged and labeled, to the designated facility. For the product donations, YouGiveGoods will provide a tax receipt; for the cash donations, the tax receipt would come from the food bank itself.
For more information, contact Zwicker at [email protected]
The regular public meeting of the North Brunswick Township Board of Education scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 18 will be held remotely using Zoom video conferencing technology.
For instructions on how to access this meeting and make comments during the public participation session, visit www.nbtshools.org.
NAMI NJ (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will continue its webinar series with “Grateful & Present: 5 Tools to Help Make the Season Joyous” from 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 18.
Yoga therapist Melissa Fine will discuss self-care tools rooted in yoga philosophy. Explore the multiple layers of “self,” including physical, energetic, mental and intuitive.
Fine will provide insight on how to nourish the self to increase well-being and gratitude. Specific topics will include movement, breathing, meditation, seasonal eating, journaling and self talk.
Participation is limited to the first 500 people.
RSVP at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_poS3jdKIQqWQVKbTwYK17w
The North Brunswick Senior Center will offer lunch to go at noon on Nov. 24 as part of its Thanksgiving on Wheels program.
Call the Senior Center at 732-418-2222 to place an order. Reservations are limited.
All proper protocols will be followed. No gathering permitted. Masks required for pick up.
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, is held at 6 p.m. each workshop. 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:
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 North Brunswick Public Library and Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ announce “Take Back Your Health Tuesdays” virtual program sessions.
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:
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
Events at the North Brunswick Public Library during November will be held both virtually and in person.
- The Virtual Fiber Arts Club will meet from 10-11 a.m. Nov. 20 via Zoom. Work on a current project (embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, weaving, etc. Register in advance for the Nov. 20 program at https://forms.gle/69eU6QHXvdxEKqqj9
- Outdoor Tai Chi will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 on the front lawn of the library.
Participants ages 16 and older can join instructor Vikram Sarath for free. Beginners are welcome.
Social distancing will be observed. Appropriate face coverings are required until class begins.
Register by emailing librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]
- The “Book Buzz” Book Discussion Group will meet virtually from 10-11 a.m. Nov. 24.
This is a new book group that will be meeting on the fourth Tuesday morning of each month. In November, the group will discuss “The Other Mrs.” by Mary Kubica. The eBook is available on Hoopla.
Register in advance for this Zoom Meeting by visiting https://forms.gle/T1JXPueEBBNbC6cH9
- “Christmas Traditions” at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 is an hour-long virtual presentation by Kevin Woyce, author, photographer and lecturer, who will use original photographs, vintage images, and live music to explore favorite Christmas traditions, from the first Christmas to “A Christmas Carol,” “White Christmas,” and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. He will also explain how historical figures ranging from Saint Nicholas, Martin Luther, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens and Thomas Nast helped shape the way society celebrates the Christmas season.
Register in advance for this Zoom Program at https://forms.gle/KprkrLYBqhQsnWH4A
For a complete listing of events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary
Right at Home of Central New Jersey and its healthcare partner, HarborChase of Princeton, hosted a Back to School Drive for the families of health care heroes. Many professional partners and local businesses donated supplies, filling close to 600 bags of school supplies.
Currently, Right at Home of Central New Jersey is providing snacks and beverages to health care heroes at facilities throughout Middlesex, Northern Monmouth and Mercer counties through the Junk Trunk. The RAH-mobile has been filled and deliveries are on their way.
Starting the second week of November, the Junk Trunk will be transitioning to the Holiday Hatchback and member will be delivering holiday snacks and goodies to health care heroes to wish them a safe and happy holiday season.
To donate snacks, call Right at Home of Central New Jersey at 732-967-0900.
Donations can be dropped off at the office, 1405 Route 18 south, Suite 203, Old Bridge.
For more information, visit www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/ or email [email protected].
The Girls on the Run of Central NJ (GOTRCNJ) Fall 5K race will be virtual this year.
The 5K Turkey Trot will take place Nov. 26-29 and is open to the public. Registrants can complete the virtual 5K on their time and in their own place.
Registration is free and open to all. However, in an effort to sustain the GOTRCNJ Scholarship Fund, participants can donate $10 or an amount of their choice to GOTRCNJ during registration. One hundred percent of donations will go to scholarships to make the program accessible to girls who otherwise would not be able to participate.
Participants will receive a printable bib and finisher’s certificate.
Register at https://runsignup.com/gotrturkeytrot or visit www.gotrcnj.org.
For race questions, contact Donna York at [email protected] or 908-642-4321.
The Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth will hold the 17th annual Suicide Prevention Conference, focusing on “Reaching for Hope,” from 8:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 3, via WebEx.
Speakers include Susan Klebold, author and activist; and Vanessa L. McGann, clinical psychologist
To register, visit https://rutgers.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=7116
Cost is $49 per person.
Supported by the NJ Department of Children & Families, American Foundayion for Suicide Prevention-New Jesey, and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, serving Monmouth and Middlesex counties, will hold its annual meeting, Giving Wings to the Jewish Heart of Jersey, at 6:30p.m. Dec. 8 via Zoom.
Look at ways the Jewish community became more connected and capable this year amid extraordinary challenges, recognize individuals and organizations for playing key roles, and celebrate the shared values that unite Jews.
The first 100 households to sign up by Nov. 25 will receive a celebration goody bag.
For registration information, visit https://www.jewishheartnj.org/
Mayor Womack’s Fitness Challenge is open to entire community of North Brunswick.
Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack kicked off the walk/run/bike/swim to health, which runs through Dec. 14.
Families, individuals and staff members can participate. Log in miles or swim laps. The participants with the highest number of miles will be awarded.
Participants are asked to track their miles weekly and forward totals to [email protected]. Include the miles for the category you wish to challenge yourself.
Prizes will be awarded in the following groups: individual North Brunswick resident, North Brunswick family, and individual staff member.
For more information, visit northbrunswicknj.gov or the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Facebook page. Or, call Director Lou Ann Benson at 732-247-0922, ext. 475.
National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Dec. 19, with Elmwood Cemetery in North Brunswick hosting a wreath-laying ceremony for the third year in a row.
The ceremony will be held at noon in the cemetery, 425 Georges Road.
The public is invited to attend; face masks required. There will also be a live stream for those who cannot attend in person.
Ongoing
Participants age 16 and older can join teacher Vikram Sarath. Beginners welcome.
Social distancing will be observed. Appropriate face coverings are required until class begins.
Register in advance at https://form.jotform.com/202874125667158
For more information, email librarian Ryan Miller at [email protected]
For a complete listing of all events held by the library, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org
South Brunswick Township is currently recruiting school crossing guards.
All positions are part-time. There are permanent and substitute positions available.
Anyone interested should apply at www.southbrunswicknj.gov/employment
The North Brunswick Food Bank announced new hours for Thursdays: 6-7:30 p.m. at the municipal building, 710 Hermann Road.
Tuesday hours remain the same from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Antonia Maria Foundation has beds available at Gracie’s House in North Brunswick for women seeking a safe, loving, caring environment in which to recover from addiction and trauma.
There is in-house and overnight staff available 24/7. There are daily check ins, recovery guidance and weekly house meetings. Private Reiki sessions, individual EFT/tapping sessions, in-house yoga, nutritional education, meditation and other healing and spiritual tools are offered.
Call Destiny at 609-384-4023 for information on how to apply.
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].
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 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.
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.