Keynote speaker Sheri-Rose Rubin will discuss Jews with Disabilities at 7:30 p.m. March 11.
Sheri-Rose and her husband Seth are the parents of Sophie, 20, and Max, 17; Max has cerebral palsy.
She is a councilwoman in Metuchen and the founder of the Metuchen Accessibility Committee and the organizer of Metuchen Buddy Ball.
Fellow panelists include Lauren and Michael Cohn, Meredith Parmalee-Kafah, Sheldon and Therese Jaffe, and Cantor Emily Simkin.
Register at www.edisontemple.org/event/we-are-tee-jews-with-special-needs
The Zoom meeting ID is 835 722 1415 using passcode “temple”.
Hosted by Temple Emanu-El of Edison.
For more information, call 646-558-8656.
Although Woodbridge canceled its 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 1 the American Irish Association of Woodbridge started a “Parade of Food” to replenish the township food pantries. Through March 14, drop off food at any Woodbridge Township firehouse.
The Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day event to will be held Sept. 19 behind Woodbridge High. Details will follow.
For more information, visit Amerirish.com
Breaking the Chain Through Education, based in Metuchen, will hold a March Madness 50/50 raffle.
All chances are $100 each. Payment must be received within 24 hours. Instructions to pay are located in the rules when you select your chance.
The raffle closes at 2 p.m. March 17.
Fifty-nine winners will be determined to win $5,000 in prizes: 56 early games from March 18-28 each win $50, final four games on April 3 each win $500, and the final game on April 5 wins $1,200.
Winners will be paid via check or Venmo after the final game.
For more information, email ctaylor@btcte.org
Proceeds benefit the organization, which nurtures more than 80 formerly trafficked children in Ghana, Africa, as they become self-sufficient.
Temple Emanu-El will present “How to Be a Better Ally … To Our Black Neighbors,” a community conversation dedicated to raising awareness and promoting equity, inclusion and belonging throughout Edison, at 7:30 p.m. March 18.
Register at www.edisontemple.org/event-how-to-be-an-ally-to-our-black-neighbors.html
The Zoom meeting ID is 526 131 2528 using passcode “temple”.
For more information, call 646-558-8656.
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen’s food pantry will receive donations from Stop & Shop’s Blooming’ 4 Good Bouquet fundraiser.
Throughout March, the food bank will receive $1 for every specialized bouquet with a red sticker purchased at the supermarket at 1049 Route 1 south, Edison.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; the Summit Area YMCA; and the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy have teamed up to provide a free virtual LiveSTRONG program for cancer survivors.
The LiveSTRONG program is a 12-week physical activity program designed to assist cancer survivors in returning to physical activity. It is provided by certified YMCA fitness instructors that are trained in cancer survivorship and post-rehabilitative exercise. The LiveSTRONG program is geared to getting cancer survivors back on their feet to increase physical activity, reduce cancer-related fatigue and promote overall health.
This virtual LiveSTRONG program in English will meet twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. via Zoom. The virtual LiveSTRONG Spanish sessions will run twice per week on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m.
The series will start during the final week of March.
The program is open to the first 50 registrants. A consent form, medical clearance and completion of a brief baseline assessment are required for participation.
Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with a nurse navigator from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to create or update their cancer survivorship care plan.
The virtual Zoom sessions will also include a workshop on nutrition, cancer survivorship as well as a session dedicated to gentle yoga and meditation.
To learn more about the program, contact Michael Johnson at mike.johnson@ymcaofmewsa.org or 732-494-3232, ext.3529.
The Edison Arts Society will showcase the contemporary and abstract paintings of Nitu Pilania in the Edison Arts Society Gallery on the third floor of the municipal building, 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison.
The exhibit is open through April 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the business week.
Pilania is a self-taught Indian artist based in New Jersey. Her oil and acrylic artwork are primarily centered around contemporary and abstract styles. Her paintings revolve around nature and animals with bold and vibrant colors. She also enjoys using graphite charcoal pencils as well.
The Edison Police Department is seeking applicants to serve as auxiliary police officers.
Auxiliary police officers are unpaid volunteer positions open to U.S. citizen, age 18 or older, with a high school diploma or a G.E.D, and a valid N.J. driver’s license.
Applicants must be in good physical condition and able to pass a criminal background check and interview.
The applicants should be Edison residents, or live in towns near Edison that do not have auxiliary police officers of their own.
The auxiliary police officers augment the Edison Police Department by assisting with traffic control functions, crowd control and security, road closures, extra patrols in parks and public properties, and may be dispatched to emergency or disaster situations.
All applicants, if selected, will be required to attend the Middlesex County Auxiliary Police Academy which will tentatively start in May or June and extend for six weeks. The training will occur on most Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and a few Saturdays during that period of time.
Applicants for auxiliary police officer should contact Lt. Robert J. Dudash Jr. at 732-248-6442 or rdudash@edisonpd.org.
Applications can be downloaded from www.edisonnj.org or www.edisonpoliceaux.com
Completed applications must be mailed or dropped off to the Edison Police Department, Patrol Bureau, 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison 08817, Attention: Lt. Robert J. Dudash Jr.
Applications must be submitted by no later than 4 p.m. to be considered for the 2021 appointment process.
The Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce announced Cruise Night Season for 2021.
The scheduled dates are May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Rain dates will be the following Wednesday.
There will be prizes for first, second and third place at each event.
Sponsorships are available.
For more information, call 732-548-2964 or email metuchenchamber@optimum.net
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About the YMCA
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is a charitable, nonprofit organization devoted to supporting individuals and families—regardless of age, income or background—in their quest to realize their full potential through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day we serve 20,000 YMCA members and 1,000 children in childcare in five communities throughout Middlesex County. The YMCA of MEWSA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcaofmewsa.org.
Veronica Vargas
Executive Assistant
YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy
483 Middlesex Avenue
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Free mobile COVID-19 testing is offered at The Family Learning Center, 30 Hillside Ave., Metuchen, every Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nasal PCR, saliva PCR and rapid antibody testing are available.
No appointment necessary. Walk ins accepted.
Bring ID and insurance card. No out-of-pocket costs for insured or uninsured people.
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@jfsmiddlesex.org
The Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County in Edison will hold a virtual Mah Jongg tournament on March 10.
Play on RealMahJongg.com for three rounds of 12 games.
The Zoom opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m. Play from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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 as well as a 50/50 raffle.
The cost is $18 per person. Raffle tickets are $5 each.
Register by March 8. Zoom registration information will be sent upon receipt of tournament registration.
Call the JCC Front Desk at 732-494-3232 to register by phone.
For more information, email Diane Mael at dmael@jccmc.org
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, is hosting a free virtual lecture series on adolescent and family health issues.
Organized by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, this virtual lecture series is designed for parents and families. The presentation will address common parental concerns about the numerous ways the pandemic has impacted teens, from issues like isolation to how they cope, socialize and develop. The series will also explore addiction which has escalated during the pandemic and resources for successful recovery.
Each lecture will start at 6:30 p.m.
The full list of lecture topics is:
March 10: Adolescent Brain Development and Addiction, presented by Dr. Tejal Mehta, Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital
Registration link: https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p6L9vxZ1SiuLRSQFuyW_Fw
March 24: Vaping and the Adolescent, presented by Nicki Francis and Mara Carlin, BS, CPS, Wellspring Center for Prevention
Registration link: https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TswvyYdFTxm6d5qSNMRNJw
April 7: Recovery Coaches, presented by Bonnie Nolan, PhD, Woodbridge Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (WOORP)
Registration link: https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dcB-NO7KQbCuOm1fhIIvqw
April 21: Successful Recovery from Addiction, presented by Don Rogers, Community Outreach director at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper
Registration link: https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5QCvDKsbSk-JkDa2sAna3w
For more information on any of the virtual lectures, contact Robert J. LaForgia, coordinator, Healthier Middlesex, at rlaforgia@saintpetersuh.com or 732-745-8600, ext. 5831. Allow up to 48 hours for a response.
Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County will hold a COVID-19 series, A Year Later, during March.
The collaboration with Family Support Organization of Middlesex County will offer a public health and educational series intended for advocates, families, educators, mental health professionals and the community at large.
The conversation will focus on what has been learned in a year, how COVID-19 has impacted mental and behavioral health in adolescents and adults, and how adverse childhood experiences can be reduced.
To join the 10:30 a.m. March 11 workshop about the impact on behavioral and mental health, visit https://link.zixcentral.com/u/3daeb9a9/lFbdeEN16xGQymK8IYY8jw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FtJ0kcuCsqDkiGtwPFYXaadxfA7LcCsFbnKFw
To register for the 1 p.m. March 18 workshop on reducing adverse childhood experiences, visit https://link.zixcentral.com/u/5fa08222/NAHeeEN16xGOlGK8IYY8jw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FtJIpdOCvqjooGdXuS2NYbw0ikKJS6Hda4QSp
For more information, visit https://ccdom.org/mfscmiddlesex
Recognizing the bravery and commitment of volunteer firefighters and first responders, New Jersey American Water announces its 2021 grant program for volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads and first aid squads located within the company’s service areas.
Grants may be used to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, communications gear, first aid equipment, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other materials that will be used to support volunteer firefighter and emergency responder operations. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the cost of training manuals, student workbooks, and instructors is also eligible.
To apply, organizations must complete the application available at www.newjerseyamwater.com under News & Community, Community Involvement.
The maximum grant amount awarded to any organization is $2,000.
The deadline to apply is March 12. Interested applicants can find more information and apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.
Grant recipients will be notified at the end of March.
Teens across the state can begin submitting entries for the 26th Annual New Jersey Teen Media Contest, which highlights the New Jersey Human Services’ mission to support families, especially during these challenging times.
The contest, run by the Division of Family Development, is open to all New Jersey middle and high school-aged children.
The 2021 contest challenges teens to illustrate – through art or the written word – how they and their loved ones have supported each other through all of the changes that have happened this year, from remote schooling to finding new ways to stay connected to friends and family.
All entries must be postmarked no later than March 31.
Staff from the Division of Family Development and its Office of Child Support Services will judge the contest. Winners will be selected in first, second, and third places in both the middle and high school groups, for each of the two entry categories. Typically, winning students are recognized at an awards ceremony in mid-May, but a final decision on an awards ceremony will be made at a later date based on the status of the public health emergency and related health and safety guidelines.
Winning entries from the contest will be included in the 2022 Office of Child Support Calendar, as well as potentially being included as part of the office’s marketing materials. A number of honorable mention entries will also be selected for possible inclusion in both areas.
The 2021 calendar can be viewed or downloaded from the contest homepage, www.NJTeenMedia.org, to serve as inspiration for the teens. The website also provides the official rules, frequently asked questions, entry forms, a look at the winners and honorable mentions from previous contests and other important contest information.
Teachers and administrators can register their school by visiting www.NJTeenMedia.org or by contacting Matthew Cossel at 937-207-7627 or matthew.cossel@efkgroup.com. School registration is not required for direct student entry.
For complete submission guidelines, visit www.NJTeenMedia.org.
For more information about child support services, call 1-877-NJKIDS1 or visit www.NJChildSupport.org.
The Tamarack Women’s 9-Hole Golf League is welcoming new members for the 2021 season on Thursday mornings from April through October.
While the league is nine holes, ladies are welcome to play the remaining nine holes following league play each week.
Golf experience is required for membership.
Interested lady golfers should contact membership Chair Linda Schuller at lindaschu@comcast.net for further information.
New Jersey American Water is accepting applications for green project funding through its Environmental Grant Program.
The program offers grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for qualifying innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies throughout the company’s service areas.
New Jersey American Water will award the grants on a competitive basis and select projects based on various criteria including goals, impact, innovation, design and sustainability. The nature of the project’s collaboration with other community organizations as well as its overall community engagement will also be considered.
All applicants are expected to outline specific, measurable goals for projects in their proposals. At the conclusion of the grant project, the lead organization must provide a written report on the project results/impact.
Grant recipients will be notified in mid-April.
More information and application requirements can be obtained directly at newjerseyamwater.com/community.
Middlesex College is developing apprenticeship opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing through Career Advance USA, a U.S. Department of Labor-funded grant.
Apprenticeships, developed and implemented in collaboration with employers, are earn-and-learn programs that combine formal classroom learning with on-the-job training.
Those interested in the program should register for a virtual information session at middlesexcc.edu/manufacturing-apprenticeships. They will be held over Zoom at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, April 13 and May 11.
The college is also looking for employers interested in developing workers.
For more information about the grant and how to participate, visit middlesexcc.edu/manufacturing-apprenticeships or contact Yarelis Figueroa at yfigueroa@middelsexcc.edu or John Miller at jsmiller@middlesexcc.edu.
The Metuchen Arts Council is joining with the Metuchen Human Relations Commission to schedule a virtual “Community Conversation” around the issues highlighted in 2021 Windows of Understanding Public Art Project. Those issues include food insecurity, youth engagement, trauma and recovery, public health and climate change.
All Community Conversations will start at 7:30 p.m. and can be accessed via Facebook live at www.facebook.com/MetuchenHumanRelationsCommission/.
The next event is scheduled for April 21. In observance of Earth Day, Edison Greenways Group and artists Laura Curtis and Mickey Waring will explore the issue of climate change.
In addition to the Community Conversations, the Metuchen programming for the Windows of Understanding Project will include an exhibition in the Metuchen Public Library Gallery of all the art discussed in the Community Discussion.
A virtual exhibit will also be mounted and available for viewing from the Metuchen Arts Council website at www.metuchenartscouncil.com. The project launches on Jan. 18, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as a way of paying homage to Dr. King’s legacy.
For more information on Windows of Understanding, including a complete list of featured organizations, participating storefronts, and a full calendar of free events, visit http://www.windowsofunderstanding.org or on Instagram at @windowsofunderstanding, #weseethroughhate.
The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold the 75th annual Bernie Cohn Golf Classic from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 13.
Tee time is 9 a.m. at the Banks Course, Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Dr., Monroe.
Sign up at mcrcc.org or https://shotgunflat.wufoo.com/forms/z1qupopx0qkzr0t/
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Ongoing
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 marcia.glatman@scorevolunteer.org
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.
