Puppet festivals at East Brunswick Library geared toward families
The 19th Annual Phyllis Noar Puppetry Festival returns to the East Brunswick Library with two performances this month.
Roger Roberts Puppet Company presents a different take on a classic fairy tale with “Cinderella in the Wild West” at 2 p.m. Feb. 11.
Paper Moon Puppet Theatre will perform “Punch & Judy & The Three Little Lambs” at 2 p.m. Feb. 25.
The festival is sponsored by the Friends of the East Brunswick Public Library to celebrate the life of the late Phyllis Noar, a longtime library advocate and former president of the Friends.
Both puppet shows are for families with children ages 2 and up.
Both puppet shows are free. No tickets are required.
The library is located at Civic Center Drive off of Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.
For more information, visit www.ebpl.org.
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The Professional and Business Social Network (PBSN) will hold a Singles Valentine’s Dance Party and Social, including a lesson on the hustle, from 6:45 p.m. to midnight Feb. 10 at Forsgate Country Club, Forsgate Drive, Monroe.
Admission is $20. Singles and couples welcome. Membership not required.
Cash bar.
Attire is dressy seasonal. Jacket and tie optional. No jeans or sneakers.
Reservations are not required. For more information, call 610-348-5544 or visit www.PBSNinfo.com.
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Ambassador award will honor members of New Jersey’s education community
The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma is accepting nominations for the 2018 Ambassador Award horning New Jersey’s education community.
Teachers, educational administrators and professional staff from public, private, charter and religious schools; as well as educational programs and school organizations can be nominated. Nominations due Feb. 20.
The awards ceremony will be held on April 19 at the Ramada Plaza Conference Center, Forsgate Drive, Monroe.
For more information, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI NJ) website at naminj.org.
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Registration for inclusive preschool program in East Brunswick due by March 9
The East Brunswick Public School District offers General Education Inclusive Preschool classes for all three and four-year-old children who reside in East Brunswick.
Children must be three years of age by Oct. 31, 2018, and not age-eligible for kindergarten (5 years of age by Oct. 31) in order to participate in the program in September.
The classes are taught by certified teachers and supported with paraprofessional aides. This program provides an inclusive educational environment for preschool children aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations. This program includes both typically developing and special needs preschool children.
This tuition-based program is five days per week, two-and-one half hours per day and follows the 10-month school calendar. Both AM and PM sessions are available.
Tuition is not assessed for families eligible for free and reduced lunch. Information on eligibility for free and reduced lunch and the application is available at www.ebnet.org/preschool and at each elementary school.
Transportation for this program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Applications are available at www.ebnet.org/preschool and must be received by March 9. Send completed applications to Assistant Superintendent of Student Activities/Services, East Brunswick Public Schools, 760 Route 18, East Brunswick 08816.
A limited number of openings will be available. Requests for specific sessions will be considered based on the number of applicants; however, there are no guarantees for parental requested placements.
A lottery drawing will occur in March if the number of applicants exceeds the openings.
For more information, call the office of the assistant superintendent at 732-613-6750.
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Brandeis University Middlesex Chapter will meet at 1 p.m. March 19 at the East Brunswick Library, Civic Center Drive off Ryders Lane.
A member of The Newark Museum Speakers’ Bureau will discuss women in art. The presentation is based on the museum’s extensive collection. Learn how women were portrayed in art from Egyptian times to the Gilded Age when art was mostly created by men. Follow the rise of women artists through a visual presentation of examples of women’s works.
The March social justice collection will collect used eyeglasses for Eyes for the Needy.
For more information about Brandeis membership, call Thelma at 732-257-4833.
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Residents invited to tour Memphis, Nashville in October
The Monroe Township Patrons of the Arts organization will sponsor a trip to Nashville and Memphis from Oct. 7-13.
Activities include guided city tours of Nashville and Memphis; visits to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the Rock and Soul Museum, Sun Studios; a backstage tour of the Ryman Auditorium; an optional General Jackson Dinner Crusie; and time to explore the area.
The cost is $2,522 based on double occupancy or $665 per person. Price includes escort from Monroe to the airport, non-stop flights, all transportation, five premium dinners, six breakfasts, tickets and entrance fees, and dining gratuities. Travel insurance is extra.
Limited to 35 guests. Deposit is $800 upon booking. Final payment due by July 16.
To reserve, call 732-605-0262 or visit www.atlaswt.com.
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Contestants can win prizes at South River Chili Cook-off & Tasting on April 14
The South River Police Department will hold its second annual Chili Cook-off & Tasting from noon to 2 p.m. April 14 at the Saint Mary Coptic School, 80 David St., South River.
For the cook-off, contestants age 16 and older may enter any type of chili. Chili should be cooked off premise and be ready for judging at noon. Contestants must provide a means to keep the chili warm. Provide enough chili for approximately 100 one-ounce samples.
The contestant entry fee is $20. Registration is due by April 13.
Entries will be judged by guest judges for first place, runner up and fan favorite.
Admission for the tasting is $10 for adults, or $5 for ages 12 and under. Tasting tickets are limited and sales at the door are subject to availability.
There will also be door prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle.
For advance tickets, call Jackie at 732-257-6727, ext. 103 or Adam at 732-754-6043.
View the flier at southrivernj.org/police/2018/SRPD-2nd-Annual-Chili-Cook-Off-Tasting.pdf
Proceeds from the event help fund the department’s community policing programs and community events including Law Enforcement Against Drugs, National Night Out, Too Good for Drugs, Junior & Citizen Police Academies and the Free-Throw Tournament.
