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The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel is planning to return to New Jersey this August.
Producers are looking for different, unusual and unique items; something with an extraordinary story.
Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call 646-493-2184 or email [email protected]. Include full name, city/state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection.
Pickers only pick private collections, so no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.
American Pickers will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state in terms of COVID-19 guidelines.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GotAPick/
The 84th annual Middlesex County Fair will be held Aug. 1-7 at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Fireworks are scheduled for opening night, Monday, Aug. 1, with a rain date of Aug. 2; and Sunday, Aug. 7, with no rain date.
Details about entertainment experiences will be announced.
Vendor booths are available for commercial offerings, clothing, contractors, small businesses, crafters and more.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit middlesexcountyfair.com.
The Metuchen Public Library is holding a number of programs in June including Cricut Iron-On Tote Bag at 7 p.m. on June 29. For more information visit www.metuchenlibrary.org.
Metuchen’s farmers market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the Saturday before Thanksgiving, at the intersection of Pearl and New streets.
Through June 26
Playhouse 22 presents Lerner and Loewe’s “Camelot” Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22 and $20 for seniors and students.
The East Brunswick Community Arts Center Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. For more information call 732-254-3939.
Middlesex County will hold a series of bike rodeos:
June 26, Edison
July 16, Piscataway
Aug. 13, East Brunswick
Sept. 17, New Brunswick
Oct. 12, North Brunswick
Dates subject to change based on weather.
For more information, call 732-387-1220.
To RSVP, visit https://bikerodeos2022.eventbrite.com
North Brunswick’s 25th Anniversary Youth Sports Festival runs through July 4 at the field next to Chamberlain University, 630 Route 1 north, North Brunswick.
Entertainment includes pig racing, motorcycle show, magic show, petting zoo, laser light show, fireworks, food vendors and live music.
For event information, visit www.facebook.com/NBYSFofficial
For ticket information, visit www.northbrunswickyouthsportsfestival.com/p/tickets
Kids Takeover in Metuchen returns after a few-year hiatus.
Held on the last day of school for Metuchen students, June 21, from 1-5 p.m. kids can visit downtown businesses after school lets out for the summer around 12:30 p.m.
There will be business specials, a bounce house, a deejay, dancing.
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park is returning to the stage this summer with performances of “Something Rotten!,” “The SpongeBob Musical” and “A Chorus Line” as part of Plays-in-the-Park’s 60th season.
Plays-In-The-Park will be held at 8 p.m. performance nights at the Stephen J. Capestro Theater at Roosevelt Park, 1 Pine Dr., Edison.
“Something Rotten!” is set for June 22 to July 2. Welcome to the 1590s, where brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a show that will rival William Shakespeare. This show tells the story of the Bottom brothers as they attempt to write the world’s very first musical.
“The SpongeBob Musical” will be performed July 13-23. Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the No. 1 kids’ animated series on TV’s Nickelodeon.
“A Chorus Line” is scheduled for Aug. 3-13. Exploring the inner lives and ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition.
The Box Office opens at 5:30 p.m. each night and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets. All shows start at 8 p.m. The box office closes at 8:30 p.m. each show night.
Bring a lawn chair.
Ticket price is $7 per adult, $5 per senior citizen 60 and over, and children 12 and younger enter for free.
In the case of inclement weather, save the ticket stub for use at another performance this season.
In partnership with Replenish, Middlesex County’s food distribution organization, Plays-in-the-Park will be collecting nutritious food for residents in need throughout the season. Bring a non-perishable food item when attending performances.
For more information, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/find-programs-and-resources/parks-and-recreation/plays-in-the-park/box-office-policies
The North Brunswick Board of Education has scheduled meetings at 7 p.m. at the Board Office, 25 Linwood Place, unless otherwise noted:
Regular public meetings are scheduled for June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.
Conference meeting Dec. 7 at Livingston Park Elementary, 1128 Livingston Ave.
Regular public meeting Dec. 21.
If any regular public meeting cannot be broadcast live, it will be taped.
For updated information, the meeting agendas and links to any recorded meetings, visit nbtschools.org
A Father’s Day Bike Ride will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. June 23 on the Middlesex Greenway Trail, beginning at the end of Raymond Street, in the Fords section of Woodbridge.
Father figures and children can join the Greenway Family Success Center Team for a family bike ride.
Those in need of a bicycle can stop by the Woodbridge Bike Share on East William Street in Fords to borrow one for free.
The registration link is https://bit.ly/GFSCBikeRide22
For more information, call 732-734-1569.
The Edison Recreation Department has scheduled various programs for adults, teens and children throughout the spring and summer.
- Adult Yoga will be held through June 25. This free, virtual class meets Saturday mornings from 7:30-9 a.m. via Zoom. Students will learn simplified kundalini yoga, holistic health, as well as simple exercises, asanas and meditation. The cost to attend is $50 for both residents and non-residents, but is free for Edison residents over age 65. Proof of age and residency is required.
- Adult Recreation classes include badminton, ping pong, chess, line dancing, pickleball, tai chi and volleyball. Classes are held at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, 1070 Grove Ave., and Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 450 Division St.. The cost is $30 for residents, $60 for non-residents, and are free for Edison residents 65 years and older.
- Teen Recreation classes include chess, basketball drills and skills, design class, open-play volleyball, and open-court basketball. Classes are held at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The cost is $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents.
- Adult Spring Aerobics take place at Lincoln Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 p.m., and at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The cost is $50 for Edison residents, $100 for non-residents, and free for residents 65 years and older.
- Adult Spring Watercolor classes are held through June 30 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School on Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m., and at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center on Thursdays from 7-9:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for Edison residents, $40 for non-residents, and free for residents 65 years and older.
For additional information or A.D.A. concerns, call the Recreation Office at 732-248-7310.
For detailed information, visit www.edisonnj.org/departments/recreation_department/.
St. Stan’s Carnival is celebrating 25 years.
There will be entertainment, raffles, tricky tray, games of chance, 50/50 raffles, food vendors, beer garden, a Friday fish fry and more.
Hours are 6-10 p.m. June 23; 5-11 p.m. June 24 and 25 at the church, 221 MacArthur Ave., Sayreville.
Pride on the Metuchen Plaza will be held from 5-8 p.m. on June 25. Student representatives from Metuchen’s Gay-Straight Alliance will host story hour and activities followed by “The Birdcage” movie at 9 p.m.
Experience the Battle of the Short Hills from 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 26.
Meet at the end of Hayduk Drive in Edison.
Hike 100 acres of forest that was the site of the 1777 Battle of the Short Hills.
Dogs are allowed.
The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department is again offering summer in-person Kindergarten Readiness Academy and Summer Early Learning Academy programs to all East Brunswick residents, as well as surrounding communities.
The Kindergarten Readiness Academy is designed to provide students entering kindergarten with continued quality programming prior to kindergarten. Participation in this program will focus on essential kindergarten readiness skills, therefore providing a head start for all participants.
The Summer Early Learning Academy will offer a summer care program for 3- and 4-year-olds who will not be entering kindergarten in September 2022. Activities and themes are designed to promote children’s social and cognitive development.
Both programs will also concentrate on closing the learning gap that research shows traditionally occurs over summer months. They will provide your child a summer of fun with weekly themes and daily activities with on-site vendors. Special events and enrichment classes will include a carnival, dinosaur dig, field day, luau, Spanish classes and music.
Students will also have opportunities each week to participate in on-site water play activities.
Weekly themes for Summer 2022 are:
- To Infinity & Beyond: Focus on Science and the Solar System.
- Community Helpers: Learn About and Meet Local Community Helpers.
- Islands of Adventures: Explore Island Life, Music and Water Transportation.
- Wide World of Sports: Learn and Play Various Sports.
- Under the Big Top: Explore Circus and Carnival Life.
- Land & Sea Creatures: Focus on Dinosaurs, Sea Life and Farm Animals.
Both programs will offer full-day or half-day sessions, running from June 27 to Aug. 9, with the option to attend three weeks or all six weeks.
Visit www.ebnet.org/elasummer for registration instructions and program details.
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is once again offering the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship for teen youth within the communities that they serve, including Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, South Amboy and Piscataway, who are pursuing higher education in the fall of 2022.
The Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship was established several years ago in honor of late Metuchen Branch YMCA swim coach and mentor, Ryan Marie Patterson. She was 27 years old. As a teen she began her work with children as a member and coach of the Metuchen Branch YMCA Manta Ray swim team. Her work with her teammates inspired her and helped guide her direction in college. Ryan attended Colgate University, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She then received her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in the Bronx.
At the time of her death, Ryan worked at the Morris Heights Health Center counseling and supporting students at the Health Opportunities High School and Truman High School in the South Bronx.
The recipient of the scholarship must strive for excellence in academics, sports or the arts. In addition, they must demonstrate that they have made an impact in their community through volunteer work, a service project or other means, live by the golden rule, have influenced others in a positive way and advocated for others who are less fortunate.
There is no grade point average that is required to apply for this scholarship.
The scholarship can be used to fund the recipient’s higher education cost. The final scholarship award amount for 2022 is $2,000.
Applications are available at www.ymcaofmewsa.org/giving/ryan-patterson-memorial-scholarship. All submissions must be made electronically through the website.
All applications must be received by June 30. The committee will notify the scholarship recipient in July and they will receive their scholarship at a small presentation in August.
For more information, contact Veronica Vargas at [email protected].
Preschool applications for the 2022-23 school year, as well as pre-registration for Edison’s Summer Playground program, are now available.
The preschool program is available for 3-year-olds from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 4-year-olds from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, 1070 Grove Ave., Edison.
The six-week summer playground program begins June 27 and is held 9 a.m. to. 1 p.m. weekdays at various neighborhood parks throughout the township, with trips, games and crafts for Edison children ages 5-12.
There is a $75 per child non-refundable fee.
For an updated class schedule, information and downloadable applications, visit www.edisonnj.org/departments/recreation_department/ and on the left side click “Entertaining Edison.”
To register for either of these programs, log into Community Pass at register.capturepoint.com/Edison, click the dropdown box for Edison Township, then click on “Browse Activities” under the “Edison Township Before and After School Programs” section.
For more information, call the Recreation Department at 732-248-7310.
The East Brunswick Public Library will host a six-week English Language Learners class for job seekers starting on June 27. The class will be held in the library’s meeting room, Civic Center Drive, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The program is designed for intermediate learners to improve their ability to write, read, speak and read in English. It also focuses on developing computer and career skills to improve their job outlook.
These classes are free; students taking the course are expected to attend all sessions.
Potential students must take a placement test to gain admission to the class. To sign up for the test, visit www.tinyurl.com/ellebpl. Once the application is submitted, the library will schedule the placement test.
Any questions can be answered by Librarian Paul Kibala by email at [email protected] or by calling 732-390-6772.
The Monroe Township Farmers Market is set to open its 2022 season on June 30 and continue weekly through Thursday, September 15. The market, which takes place in the parking lot of the Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, will operate on Thursdays from 2-7 p.m.
The market will be held rain or shine. If the market is canceled or delayed, it will be posted on the library’s social media accounts and website at www.monroetwplibrary.org/market.
“Everything at Once,” an art exhibit by Lisa Gordon Cameron, will be on display through June 30 in the Gallery at the Metuchen Library, 480 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen.
Using digital photography, painting and collage, Cameron creates works that reflect on the human relationship with the earth.
Woodbridge Township has scheduled its annual Independence Day fireworks display on Friday, July 1, at Alvin P. Williams Park in the Sewaren section of Woodbridge.
South Brunswick will hold its Independence Day celebration on July 1. Rain date will be July 8.
The entertainment details will be announced.
Mayor Jackie Palmer of Spotswood and Mayor Christopher Slavicek of Helmetta will present the Mayors’ March and Spark in the Park on July 2.
This Independence Day celebration will begin with a parade at 1 p.m., starting at Holy Trinity Church in Helmetta and ending at Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood. Staging for the parade will start at noon.
The celebration will resume at 6:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Sports Field for family fun, a beer and sangria garden, food trucks, music and fireworks.
Those interested in participating may complete an application at https://forms.gle/Qi2pcvqtmfY344D97
New this year is the addition of a float contest for local non-profit organizations. Anyone can enter an Independence Day-themed float into the parade. First-prize winners will receive a check for $500, while second- and third-place winners will win $250 and $100, respectively.
The New Jersey Symphony will hold a free outdoor summer concert at Metuchen Town Plaza at 7:30 p.m. on July 2.
The program will feature a tribute to Sondheim, Sousa’s ode to his time in New Jersey in “The Atlantic City Pageant.” The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Henry Lewis Concerto competition winner will round out the concert of family favorites.
Edison Township will host a 4th of July celebration at Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd.
Live music begins at 3 p.m. The fun celebration will include food, a beer and wine garden and fireworks, which will begin at 9:15 p.m.
For more information call 732-248-7310.
NJ Audubon will hold Family Fun Week programs at Davidson Mill Pond Park in North Brunswick.
Children and adults can join Miss Anne of NJ Audubon to explore nature while searching for critters in the field, in the forest or in the pond. Test skills by building a bird nest or making a survival shelter.
Sessions are available July 5 and 6, or July 7 and 8, both from 9 a.m. to noon.
This program is appropriate for adult/child combinations, ages 3-13.
Pre-registration is required. Visit https://njaudubon.org/summer-camps/
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will hold its annual “Christmas in July” sale on July 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school auditorium, 44 Cleveland Ave., Milltown.
Many Christmas items will be available as well as jewelry and other seasonal and everyday items, both new and gently used. Shoppers are asked to bring along their personal shopping bags.
The South River School District is seeking nominations for the South River High School Wall of Fame.
A Wall of Fame is erected in the main corridor of the high school with the names of the recipients on plaques of recognition. The purpose is to identify individuals with stellar achievement and performance who serve as a role model for current and future South River High School students. This award is not limited to athletic achievement.
Nominees will be considered based on the following criteria:
1. Attended and graduated from South River High School.
2. Exhibits a high level of achievement in his/her field.
3. Possesses the qualities of a positive role model for South River youth.
The committee will consider all nominees based on the strengths of the candidates in the above areas.
A maximum of two individuals may be inducted this year.
The nomination form is available at www.srivernj.org.
The deadline for submission is July 15.
The second annual Daniel Anderl Love is Light 5K is scheduled for July 16 at North Brunswick Community Park, 2051 Route 130, North Brunswick.
The charity race will benefit the St. Augustine of Canterbury School in the Kendall Park section of South Brunswick, through the Daniel Anderl Class of 2014 Scholarship Fund. Anderl was killed in 2020 when a man targeting his mother, a federal judge, came to their North Brunswick home.
The purpose of the “Love is Light” 5K Run/Walk is three-fold, intended to:
- Honor Daniel’s legacy, who selflessly sacrificed his own life to protect his mother and father.
- Advocate to create national legislation that protects members of the judiciary, as evidenced by the signing of New Jersey Bill A1649, the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 (“Daniel’s Law”) that protects the privacy and security of members of the judiciary.
- Raise funds for academic student scholarships.
Create a team or virtual team, or contribute as a sponsor.
For registration and more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/NorthBrunswickCommunityParkNorthBrunswick/LoveisLight5K
The Edison Police Department will bring back its Junior Police Academy (JPA) in 2022.
The JPA will be held in two one-week sessions for local middle school students. The first session runs from Aug. 1-5 and the second from Aug. 8-12. Each daily session runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, 50 Woodrow Wilson Dr., Edison.
Edison’s Junior Police Academy is open to all township students entering the sixth, seventh or eighth grades as of this upcoming September.
The registration deadline is July 18.
Activities include DWI and anti-drug education, personal safety instruction, sports activities, and a variety of demonstrations that may include police K-9s, emergency response, fire safety and suppression along with motor vehicle stops.
Academy graduates will receive a diploma during a graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. Aug. 5 and 1 p.m. Aug. 12 during their respective ceremony in Council Chambers at the Edison Municipal Complex, 100 Municipal Blvd., where family and friends are invited to attend.
Academy class sizes are limited, so students are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program fee is $100 per session, payable by check or money order to the Edison Municipal Alliance and dropped off or mailed to 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison 08817. That fee covers the cost for supplies, equipment, T-shirts, water bottles, baseball caps and other giveaways.
To obtain an application, visit www.edisonpolice.org.
Direct all inquiries to Sgt. Donald Ship of the Community Oriented Policing Unit at 732 248-6462 or [email protected].
The Freehold High School Class of ’72 will celebrate its 50th class reunion on July 23 at the American Hotel in Freehold.
Tickets are $85 per person, and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.
The deadline for ticket purchases is July 13. Contact Sue Shrott at [email protected] or 732-995-7754.
Spotswood Hole in One Club’s annual golf outing to benefit the Spotswood High School Golf Team will be held on July 25 and Rossmoor Golf Course in Monroe.
The benefit, which is $140 per golfer, will include an 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. shotgun, food/dinner and prizes. For more information contact Liz Esposito 732-501-9945.
The North Brunswick Police Department will hold a National Night Out Block Party, sponsored by North Brunswick Township, from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 2 outside police headquarters, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.
This is an annual, nationwide community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Rain or shine.
Free food and fun family activities.
The 84th annual Middlesex County Fair will be held Aug. 1-7 at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Fireworks are scheduled for opening night, Monday, Aug. 1, with a rain date of Aug. 2; and Sunday, Aug. 7, with no rain date.
Details about entertainment experiences will be announced.
For more information, visit middlesexcountyfair.com
The New Jersey Central Jazz Festival 2022 is planned for Sept. 9–11: Flemington Sept. 9, New Brunswick and Metuchen Sept. 10, and Somerville April 11.
The plans for Metuchen currently begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in Downtown Metuchen at New and Pearl streets.
The Cornerstone Jazz Series at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen continues on Sunday afternoons in October and November; dates to be determined.
Kingston: On The Map will be on view through November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in the History Room at the D&R Canal Locktender’s House, on old Lincoln Highway (off Route 27) in Kingston.
The village of Kingston has hosted colonial taverns, armies during the American Revolution, canal boats, railroad trains and travelers on the Lincoln Highway. One of the oldest settlements in central New Jersey, Kingston evolved with America over its 340-year history.
The display uses journal entries and prints of a dozen historical maps to illustrate Kingston’s evolution, from settlement to commercial center to modern community. One map shows how Kingston moved between the colonies of east and west New Jersey. Another shows both Kingston and Princeton divided by county lines. Railroads appeared in the 19th century, disappearing by the 20th. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built for commerce, but is now a recreation destination.
This display follows a talk by George Luck, Jr. and Charlie Dieterich, titled “Why is Kingston Here?” given this past February.
Air circulation is limited, so masks and distancing are requested.
For more information, visit www.khsnj.org/
The Kingston Historical Society is planning events, including a community walk on May 21 and a panel discussion later this spring. Details of future events and a video of the February talk are available on the organization’s website, www.khsnj.org/.
Ongoing
Both the Kendall Park First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad in South Brunswick are seeking new volunteer members.
Anyone age 18 or older who wants to save lives should apply.
Free training will be provided.
Anyone interested should call 888-842-6060.
St. Paul Community Church in Milltown is collecting food for members of the community in need.
Donations can be brought to the church at 62 S. Main St., Milltown.
Call Kim at 732-828-0020 with any questions.
The 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 a hobby and as therapy at VA medical centers nationwide.
The 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 Township 08831.
Central Jersey Chapter 148 of the Korean War Veterans extend an invitation to any veterans, regardless of the branch of service, who served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe; or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, to the current date.
Other veterans may join as associate members.
The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month, from May to December, at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, in the court room.
Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 to the chapter per year.
Korean War Veterans National LIFE membership is available for those 80 and older, and is $75.
The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including fundraising to help veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, the Lyons campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, and the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland.
For more information, contact Charlie Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected]
To assist unemployed and underemployed county residents with their job search, Middlesex County’s One-Stop Career Centers within the Office of Career Opportunity are offering virtual career-related services.
In addition to accessing the One-Stop Career Centers for assistance with job searches, resume reviewing, career counseling, and career services for low-income residents, job seekers and underemployed residents are encouraged to sign up for SkillUp, a free online training portal with more than 5,500 courses focusing on business, project management, accounting, human resources, information technology, and customer service. To sign up, visit http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/BDE/Pages/SkillUp.aspx
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development also recently launched Job Source, offering a variety of tools designed to help fuel a successful job search experience. Users can create a free account and get tips and templates for job search, resume writing, cover letters and many other free services.
State-run One-Stop Career Centers are currently only operating remotely, with career-related services available virtually and by telephone. A return date for appointment-only services at the state-run centers has not been determined.
For more information, contact the Office of Career Opportunity at 732-745-3970 or if interested in job training contact Middlesex County One-Stop Career Centers at 732-745-3955 (New Brunswick) and 732-293-0642 (Perth Amboy) to schedule an appointment.
More information can be found at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/BDE/Pages/Office_Workforce.aspx
Middlesex County residents looking for local farmers, grocery stores or food pantries – as well as public transportation routes to get there – can download the interactive map-based Accessing Healthy Foods app.
Visit http://middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap
The Center for Therapy & Counseling Services is offering a Teen Girls Support Group.
This free group offers girls ages 13-17 a safe place to connect, share stories and be encouraging. The goal is to enhance self esteem, self confidence and communication skills.
Each group is led by trained facilitators.
Girls meet weekly at 7 p.m. Thursdays, virtually.
Registration is required by calling 732-254-0600.
Or, email [email protected] for more information.
The Center for Therapy & Counseling Services is located at 15 W. Prospect St., East Brunswick.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) is inviting Middlesex County residents to become a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister to a local child.
BBBSCNNJ currently has 20 children on its Middlesex County waiting list, mostly boys.
BBBSCNNJ provides one-to-one mentoring for youth ages 6-18. Volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters spend quality time with their Littles each month, enjoying free or low-cost activities during which the child may learn new skills, explore new interests, or expand their experience beyond their family and neighborhood.
There are no special skills required, and BBBSCNNJ’s experienced staff provides continual support.
To be matched with a Middlesex County child, apply at mentornj.org.
Sign up at https://forms.gle/nxuZUi5AMJe1RcyJ8
Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.
The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.
Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction.
The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.
To join the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group, call Jeanne Delacruz, a social worker at Saint Peter’s who facilitates the support group, at 732-745-8522 or email [email protected]
Gain stability from an in-demand occupation; apply for a Women’s Center career training grant from Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County.
Qualified persons who are active members of the JFS Women’s Center must submit an application and attend an interview. Grants are available for short-term training programs for in-demand jobs.
Eligible candidates must qualify as a “displaced homemaker,” a woman who is a single mother, divorced, separated, widowed, or living with a disabled spouse/partner.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, email womenscenter@j fsmiddlesex.org
Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is looking for volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.
The organization is recruiting business owners and executives, both current and retired, 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 and webinars, both offered virtually in line with current pandemic restrictions. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development and management. Services are offered free of charge.
Anyone interested in volunteering with SCORE or seeking additional information should email [email protected]
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].