Due to the Executive Order limiting the number of people permitted to attend outdoor gatherings, the Township of Edison canceled the Christmas tree lighting in Clara Barton scheduled for Dec. 3; the menorah lighting at the Jewish Community Center on Dec. 15; and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park.
The township will light the tree, menorah and holiday tree, but there will be no public events.
A menorah lighting will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. Dec. 10.
The menorah lighting will feature local families, musical pieces and the story of Hanukkah.
The event will be streamed live on the Metuchen Borough Facebook page, Metuchen Media YouTube and Channel 15.
Gelt and dreidels will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at selected Metuchen shops starting that night and through the weekend.
Sponsored by Temple Emanu-El, Congregation Neve Shalom and MEAICA (Metuchen Edison Area Interfaith Clergy Association.
A Peace and Healing Vigil will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 by the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, 270 Woodbridge Ave., Metuchen.
For more information, visit https://fpcweb.org/
Sunrise Senior Living, BrightStar Care and CareOne will hold a slipper-sock drive to benefit homebound seniors residing in Edison.
Socks must be skid-free. New socks only. Adult sizes.
Drop off the donation to Sunrise Brighton Gardens, 1801 Oak Tree Road, Edison. No visitors; ring the doorbell or call 732-767-1031 upon arrival. Concierge will come outside to get the donation.
Or, request a pickup by emailing [email protected]
Donations are requested by Dec. 8.
The Metuchen Police Department will holds its 2020 toy drive virtually.
To donate a gift, visit https://donateatoy.org/referrals/ref/Metuchen+PD/
Donate a Toy will match a gift for every donation made.
For more information, call 732-549-0141.
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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.
The JCC of Middlesex County in Edison will hold a virtual Mah Jongg Tournament on Dec. 9. Opening ceremony on Zoom at 10 a.m. Play from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Play on RealMahJongg.com. There will be three rounds/12 games.
Winners will be announced on Zoom at 1:45 p.m.
There will be Amazon gift card prizes for first, second and third place winners. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.
The cost is $18 per person; $5 per 50/50 ticket.
Must register by Dec. 4.
Zoom registration information will be sent upon receipt of tournament registration.
Contact Diane Mael, director of Adult Services, by emailing [email protected] to get an invitation, rules for scoring and registration information.
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/
The Arthritis Foundation will hold the Can’t Stop Jingling Jingle Bell Run virtually from Dec. 11-13.
Wear your favorite holiday costume and “jingle along” your own 5K route.
Register at jbr.org/NewJersey
Sponsored locally by FLT and Ivy Rehab Network in Metuchen.
Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey will hold an interactive program on Zoom, “Getting Through the Holidays Without Someone You Love,” at 1 p.m. Dec. 16.
Presented by Doug Skerbetz, chaplain.
To register, email [email protected]
A link will be emailed prior to the call with instructions on how to access the presentation.
High school students are invited to enter their substance use prevention messages through their original music as part of the music and song writing competition, “Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey,” sponsored by New Jersey Broadcasters and 959.9-FM WRAT.
The competition is designed to challenge New Jersey high school students to create original music and lyrics with powerful peer-to-peer substance use, misuse and prevention messages. Entries are accepted through Feb. 1.
All music genres are welcomed from students interested in sharing their talent and inspiring messages about shouting down drugs and raising up their voices to inspire their peers.
The winner of the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs competition, as decided by judges and announced at the end of the Prevention Concert, will receive a $5,000 music contract. The second- and third-place performers will receive $3,000 and $2,000 music contracts, respectively, with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.
For rules and information on how to enter, contact Diane Higgins at 973-275-7985.
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Ongoing
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].