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.
A drive-through Halloween costume contest will be held from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30 in the parking lot of the North Brunswick Public Library, 880 Herman Road.
The “Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free” costume contest is supported by Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County and the Wellspring Center for Prevention.
Hear some spooky stories and grab some candy.
For more information, visit northbrunswicklibrary.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 on Oct. 19, 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 lbenson@northbrunswicknj.gov. 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.
The North Brunswick Public Library is offering free outdoor Tai Chi sessions on Saturdays, beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 24, on the front lawn of the library, 880 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.
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 rmiller@northbrunswicklibrary.org
For a complete listing of all events held by the library, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org
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The North Brunswick Library will offer the following virtual programs for adults throughout October:
- The Fiber Arts Club will meet from 10-11 a.m. Friday Oct. 23. Work on a current project such as embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, weaving, etc. Register in advance at https://forms.gle/irQyQbuUoVFSHMDq6
- “Halloween: A Haunted History” will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 by Kevin Woyce. Learn about the history of Halloween, from Old World harvest festivals to the modern family holiday. Along the way, the origins of the Jack-o’lantern, Orson Welles’ 1938 “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast, the first monster movies, haunted lighthouses and hotels, and more will be discussed. The hour-long slideshow is illustrated with original photographs and antique Halloween cards, advertisements, artwork and movie posters. Register in advance for this Zoom Program at https://forms.gle/ZsBicpKnSEcXhokH9
- The “Book Buzz” Online Book Discussion Group will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 27. This new book group will meet on the fourth Tuesday morning of every month. In October, the group will discuss “The Lying Life of Adults” by Elena Ferrante. The eBook is currently available on Hoopla. Register in advance for this Zoom Meeting at https://forms.gle/VhjycPQC8Nb6EyKC8
- A virtual figure drawing workshop at 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Join artist April Zay as she covers basics and proportions of figure drawing. Attendees will need paper, pencil, an eraser and a ruler. Register in advance for this Zoom Program at https://forms.gle/HsjkiQr1v4EJL1Ac9
For a complete listing of North Brunswick Public Library virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary
Learn about marijuana literacy ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, which will include a ballot question for New Jersey residents regarding the legalization of cannabis.
Wellspring Center for Prevention members will discuss what marijuana is, talk about the current marijuana laws in New Jersey, and provide pros and cons of medical marijuana at 7 p.m. Oct. 29.
Register for the virtual discussion at https://form.jotform.com/202714995965167
For more information, email librarian Ryan Miller at rmiller@northbrunswicklibrary.org
For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary
Senior residents of North Brunswick can stop by the senior center at noon on Oct. 28 for an outdoor Quarantine Halloween party.
There will be a to-go lunch provided, plus Halloween treats.
Wear a costume. Festive participants will win prizes.
RSVP by calling 732-418-2222.
The senior center is located at 15 Linwood Place, North Brunswick.
Sponsored by the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services.
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:
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 rmiller@northbrunswicklibrary.org
For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/or find the library on Facebook @NorthBrunswickLibrary
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:
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 rmiller@northbrunswicklibrary.org
For a complete listing of virtual events, visit https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/ or @NorthBrunswickLibrary on Facebook.
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 sdyckman@womenaware.net 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
Ride a cycling course of your choosing to help support and raise funds for more than 26,000 Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.
This year’s route and mileage are up to each participant.
Through Oct. 24, register and complete your ride.
All registered participants will receive a long sleeve t-shirt, ride bib and finisher medal.
Fundraising incentives are available to those who reach specific milestones.
To register and for more information, visit www.BikeSONJ.org.
The North Brunswick Township High School Class of 2022 will hold a basket auction on Oct. 24 on the Steve Libro Field of the high school, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick. Rain date is Oct. 25.
Pre-sale entrance begins at 1 p.m. General admission starts at 2 p.m. Drawing begins at 2:30 p.m.
Masks required for entry and while in the stadium. Social distancing will be maintained. Bleacher seating will be marked.
No one under age 18 will be admitted.
No re-entry.
Cash only. Only 75 tickets will be available at the gate.
Food and beverages will not be served; you may bring your own.
For more information, visit northbrunswicknj.gov
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the NJ Reentry Corporation of New Brunswick, will hold a clothing drive to benefit men and women reentering the workforce.
Lightly used clothing items, as well as toiletries and hygiene products, will be collected from Oct. 26-29 at the following locations:
- Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, 25 Kirkpatrick St., Second Floor, Wade Baker Conference Room, New Brunswick. Contact Amber Gibbs at amber.gibbs@co.middlesex.nj.us or Sara Lucas at sara.lucas@co.middlesex.nj.us to set up a drop off time.
- Office of the Clerk of the Board, 75 Bayard St., First Floor, New Brunswick. Contact Daniele Reitsma at daniele.reitsma@co.middlesex.nj.us to set up a drop off time.
- Director’s Office, 1001 Fire Academy Dr., Sayreville. Contact Ginny Rizzo at ginny.rizzo@co.middlesex.nj.us to set up a drop off time.
All items will be delivered to the NJ Reentry Corporation on Oct. 30.
The regular public meeting of the North Brunswick Township Board of Education scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 28 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.
The North Brunswick Humane Association is holding a virtual Halloween Party fundraiser through Oct. 30, including a pet costume contest, pet talent contest and door prizes.
Registration and event details are available at www.northbrunswickhumane.org
Fees are no longer required to borrow a DVD or video game from the South Brunswick Public Library. The SBPL Board of Trustees recently approved the measure, now allowing cardholders to borrow any item loaned by the library completely free of charge.
However, overdue fines will begin accruing for anything that is returned late on or after Nov. 1. At this time, returned items still do need a 5-day quarantine. Return your item on or before the designated date, but know that the title will remain in your account until after it has been quarantined. This in no way affects borrowing time or the designated return date. Anyone with a fine can save time by paying fines online using a credit card.
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 beth@rahcentral.com.
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 AsmZwicker@njleg.org
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 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.
Ongoing
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.
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 deborah@dovehs.com.
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 foodpantry@iscj.org 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 jwert@sbtnj.net 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 pvena@cjfhc.org.
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 pvena@cjfhc.org. To register in Spanish, email Mariella Flores at mflores@cjfhc.org.
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 dcohen@cjfhc.org 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 lbenson@northbrunswicknj.gov.
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.
