April is National Poetry Month; in celebration, the North Brunswick Public Library invites residents to share poetry, which will be displayed on the library building’s windows at 880 Hermann Road, as well as virtually on the library website and social media.
Poets of all ages are encouraged to submit their words in the form of free verse, song lyrics, haiku, rhymes, sonnets, fragments, random thoughts, limericks, narratives and journal entries.
This is not a contest, but simply a sharing of poetry. However, there will be a raffle to win a $25 gift card from Nino’s Pizza & Subs.
Send poems to https://form.jotform.com/210735019531145
Any questions, 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
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 jdanyus@saintpetersuh.com
The Arts Institute of Middlesex County is presenting a multitude of arts and culture events throughout April, primarily centered around National Poetry Month.
Highlights include:
- April 14 at 4 p.m. – Explore a folk story told in poetic verse and in two languages through vivid prints in this reading of “The Snow and the Sun,” written and illustrated by Antonio Frasconi. After the reading, experiment with engraving to create multiple prints of your own.
- April 21 at 4 p.m. – Explore the real-life story of the Puerto Rican-American pediatrician and New Jersey-based poet William Carlos Williams as told through multimedia illustrations. Let the images and words inspire you to create your own poems and collages from a variety of your own found papers and other materials.
- April 28 at 4 p.m. – Explore everyday family and community life in the Bahamas through paintings and poetry in a reading of “Under the Sunday Tree,” then create your own everyday scene or portrait in paint.
All programs will be held virtually.
Visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Artsculture for full details on all the events.
To honor National Poetry Month, the Arts Institute will also present a series of videos and content on www.middlesexcountynj.gov/PoetryMonth
State Theatre New Jersey will hold an online Italian wine tasting in support of the reopening this fall in a newly renovated theater for the 100th anniversary season.
The wine tasting will be held at 4 p.m. April 24 via Zoom.
RSVP is April 16 if attending, but April 14 if ordering wine.
Sommelier and Italian wine ambassador Michelle Erland will lead the “fun”draising event.
Optional food pairing provided and delivered by Stage Left restaurant.
To join, visit www.stnj.org/event/online-italian-wine-tasting
For questions or to arrange wine delivery outside of New Jersey, contact Linda Van Deriver at 732-247-7200, ext. 594 or lvanderveer@stnj.org
Complete all five challenges from April to August to collect Team USA gear during the North Brunswick Tour de Parks.
Each challenge costs $3 per participant.
After completing each challenge, submit photos and the completed form in order to collect gear.
Details on each challenge will be announced.
For the first challenge, exercise your mind and muscles during the Pulda Farm Trivia & Play Trail.
Follow the trail on a self-guided excursion with activity stations.
Submit a proof of play by April 22 to receive the first Tour de Parks prize: a USA mask.
Participants can register for one event at a time, or choose the Spring Summer Total Tour de Parks option and commit to all five.
Register at https://register.capturepoint.com/NorthBrunswickTownship or email events@northbrunswicknj.gov or call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.
The North Brunswick Senior Center will hold a spring fling beginning at noon on April 21.
Staff will bring the lunch order to the car to take home and enjoy.
Open to North Brunswick senior citizens.
All proper COVID protocols will be followed.
Reservations are limited; call 732-418-2222 to set a time for pickup.
Women Aware will present a virtual community education panel on the Rights & Resources for Victims of Crime in Middlesex County from 7-8 p.m. April 21.
The webinar will promote community awareness of crime victims’ rights and services during the 2021 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 18-24).
Information will be presented in both English and Spanish.
Access the Zoom webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89437471896?pwd=WldvUFBCa0l6cWs4SXdYZU5DMkh0UT09
The Township of North Brunswick will hold its fifth annual Community Wide Yard Sales during the first three Saturdays in May.
The yard sales will be conducted in three zones.
On May 1, yard sales will be held in Zone 1, which includes Berdine’s Corner and the neighborhoods bordered by Livingston Avenue, Patton Street, Ridgewood Avenue, Linwood Place, Hermann Road, Milltown Road, including the Milltown section, Chrome Street, Georges Road and Nassau Street.
On May 8, the sales move to Zone 2 including all neighborhoods on either side of Route 130 from the Route 1/130 overpass to Black Horse Lane, including Deer Brook Village.
On May 15, the Zone 3 yard sales will be held between Route 1 and Route 27 and from How Lane south to Finnegans Lane.
The yard sales will be rain or shine.
Registration for North Brunswick homeowners will be conducted entirely online through the township website at www.northbrunswicknj.gov.
Registration deadlines are:
- Thursday, April 29 at 4 p.m. for the May 1 yard sale;
- Thursday, May 6 at 4 p.m. for the May 8 yard sale; and
- Thursday, May 13 at 4 p.m. for the May 15 yard sale.
Participant lists will be posted on the township website at 12 p.m. on the Friday before the yard sale.
On the Monday following each yard sale, a collection of bulk material will be automatically scheduled for each registered household.
The Department of Public Works will collect only bulk items that were not sold and placed at the curb, which may include indoor and non-metal outdoor furniture; large toys; bagged clothing, textiles, dishes, glasses; small appliances and home décor items.
Metal items such as bicycles, air conditioners and bed frames will be collected on the Wednesday following each yard sale.
For further information regarding the post-sale collection regulations, call the Department of Public Works at 732-297-1134.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, is hosting a free virtual lecture on adolescent and family health issues at 6:30 p.m. April 21: Successful Recovery from Addiction, presented by Don Rogers, Community Outreach director at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper.
Register at https://SaintPetersHCS.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5QCvDKsbSk-JkDa2sAna3w
For more information, 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.
The North Brunswick Public Library will offer the following programs for adults during April:
- The Virtual Fiber Arts Club will meet from 10-11 a.m. April 23. Work on a current project (embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, weaving) and enjoy the company of others. Register in advance for this Zoom program at https://form.jotform.com/203075873192155
Any questions, librarian Barbara at belieff@northbrunswicklibrary.org
- Outdoor Tai Chi will be held at 10 a.m. April 24 at the library, 880 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.
Participants age 16 and up are invited to join teacher Vikram Sarath on the library’s lawn for free outdoor Tai Chi sessions. Beginners are welcome.
Social distancing will be observed. Appropriate face coverings are required until class begins.
Sessions are weather-permitting.
No registration required.
Any questions, email librarian Ryan Miller at rmiller@northbrunswicklibrary.org
- A twine balls craft with Pat Dahl will be held at 7 p.m. April 26.
During this Zoom class, Dahl will teach how to create decorative twine or yarn balls to display around the house.
Supplies needed include balloons, twine or yarn, white glue or Mod Podge, brush, measuring cup, bowl and spoon.
Register in advance for this Zoom program at https://forms.gle/wkAteHUQWUWQDPHTA
Any questions, email librarian Barbara at belieff@northbrunswicklibrary.org
The North Brunswick Public Library will host members of the Wellspring Center for Prevention on April 27 at 7 p.m.
Adults are invited to a virtual seminar on marijuana literacy to discuss what marijuana is, the changing marijuana laws in New Jersey, and the pros and cons of medical marijuana.
Register at https://form.jotform.com/210596399125160
Any questions, 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
United Way of Central Jersey is continuing to provide VITA services to prepare taxes this season for individuals and families making $65,000 or less.
All taxes will be prepared remotely via video conferencing and/or phone.
To schedule an appointment, visit https://uwcjtaxprep.as.me/schedule.php
For VITA Lockbox locations, visit https://tinyurl.com/VITALockbox
To prepare your own taxes for free, visit www.myfreetaxes
Join the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services’ crew to celebrate Earth Day by growing a plant in water.
Time slots are 2:30-3 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m. or 3:30-4 p.m. April 22 at the Community Garden at the Pulda Farm, 300 Old Georges Road, North Brunswick.
The first 30 to register will receive a bottle. Registrants post April 22 should bring their own water bottle.
Register at https://register.capturepoint.com/NorthBrunswickTownship
For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Working Together to Prevent Youth Suicide will be presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New Jersey Department of Health, New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, Monmouth University SRF Suicide Prevention Research and Training Project and the School of Nursing and Health Studies, New Jersey Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, New Jersey Department of Children and Families, the New Jersey Traumatic Loss Coalition, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
The free virtual conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on April 29.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OK4X_jzXTIqHYvDtrLW5PA
For more information, contact Sharleen van Vlijmen at svanvlijmen@njaap.org
Student athletes Darcy Fruhschein of North Brunswick and Mackenzie Keane of East Brunswick, who are GMC bowlers, have teamed up to create Bowl for the Battle Youth Scholarship Tournament, a bowling fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society for breast cancer support.
Check in time on May 8 is 8:30 a.m.; start time is 9 a.m. at Bowlero North Brunswick, 1 Caroler Lane, North Brunswick.
There will be two divisions: handicap and scratch.
Entry fee is $60 per athlete.
Proceeds will provide scholarship money to student athletes.
Pre-register at bowlforthebattle@gmail.com
For more information, call 732-846-2424, ext. 4950 or email dstein@bowlero.com
South Brunswick will begin curbside brush collection on May 3.
Materials must be at the curb (not in the street) by 6:30 a.m. May 3 in order to ensure collection. This township-wide collection may take a few weeks.
Items that will be picked up include brush, branches, shrubs and bushes that are less than 4 feet in length and less than 5 inches in diameter. They must be securely tied in bundles that are less than 50 pounds.
Twigs and small branches that are less than 4 feet may be placed in a container.
No bags, leaves, weeds, stumps, litter or garbage will be accepted.
Full trees that have been cut will not be collected.
Brush from paid contractors will not be collected.
Residents choosing the delivery option for recycling their brush may take it to the convenience center located behind Sondek Park, 473 New Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. The brush site is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open to South Brunswick residents only.
Eligible adult students and graduates with the potential to succeed in college can apply for the 2021 NJALL Scholarships.
NJALL will award two scholarships on June 18 to two adults who earned a high school diploma by attending a New Jersey adult education program to prepare for a High School Equivalency Test or Adult High School and have been accepted to/or are attending college.
The Scholarship NOW provides up to $1,000 per semester for full-time enrollment, (pro-rated for part-time) to a maximum of $8,000 for higher education.
To qualify, an applicant must be a resident of New Jersey. Scholarship applications are open to anyone regardless of gender, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation or disabling condition.
The 2021 application with eligibility information is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/2333e3fb001/c398a7eb-91b8-4dfa-9f55-18a3a701099f.pdf
All applications must be submitted, including all required documents, postmarked no later than May 10.
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. It will be held over Zoom at 10 a.m. 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 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/
To get motivated and earn bragging rights, North Brunswick Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack will present a Wellness to Health Challenge.
Through May 21, lace up sneakers, take out the bike or grab swim goggles and join the wellness challenge.
Categories include walking, running, cycling or lap swimming. Record miles/laps and email results each Friday to lbenson@northbrunswicknj.gov.
Certificates and prizes will be awarded.
For more information, contact Lou Ann Benson, director of the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services at lbenson@northbrunswicknj.gov or 732-902-1590.
The North Brunswick Department of Parks & Recreation will award the Grandparents of the Year.
A one-page typed explanation of why the grandparent(s) deserve(s) the title should include the name, address and phone number of both the nominee and nominator.
Submissions are due by Aug. 1.
Email to Lou Ann Benson at benson@northbrunswicknj.gov
Recipients will be awarded in September near Grandparents Day.
For more information, call 732-247-0922, ext. 8233.
Ongoing
NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery.
To schedule a presentation at a school, PTA meeting, congregation, town hall, support group or professional training, email ioov@naminj.org
Presentations are available in English and Spanish.
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
North Brunswick is seeking crossing guards for three hours per day at a rate of $12 per hour.
Applicants must be available from 7-9:15 a.m. as well as from 2-4 p.m.
Applicants must have access to a vehicle and a cell phone.
Interested parties can fill out an employment application and submit it to the Business Administration’s office, second floor, Municipal Complex, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick.
A copy is available at www.northbrunswicknj.gov/crossing-guard
A copy of a driver’s license is required.
If interested, contact Lt. Greg Gyumolcs, Traffic Safety Bureau, at 732-247-0922, ext. 321; or Sonia Brown, Human Resources, at 732-247-0922, ext. 242.
French American School Princeton (FASP) is accepting enrollment.
At FASP, students in preschool (3 years old) through grade 8 benefit from a rigorous bilingual curriculum accredited by the Middle State Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and the French Ministry of Education; personalized attention thanks to small class sizes; and a multicultural community with more than 30 nationalities represented.
FAPS is located at 75 Mapleton Road, Princeton.
Visit ecoleprinceton.org, call 609-430-3001 or email admissions@ecoleprinceton.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 marcia.glatman@scorevolunteer.org
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.
The Antonia Maria Foundation has beds available at Gracie’s House in North Brunswick for women seeking a safe, loving, caring environment in which to recover from addiction and trauma.
There is in-house and overnight staff available 24/7. There are daily check ins, recovery guidance and weekly house meetings. Private Reiki sessions, individual EFT/tapping sessions, in-house yoga, nutritional education, meditation and other healing and spiritual tools are offered.
Call Destiny at 609-384-4023 for information on how to apply.
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.
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.
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.
