Police Chief John Zebrowski of the Sayreville Police Department will discuss the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey at 7:30 p.m. May 19 at South Amboy Knights of Columbus, 308 4th St., South Amboy.
Zebrowski will give an understanding on this significant change and what the police department can and cannot do under the new law.
Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, CDC guidelines will be followed, and the event will be on a first come, first served basis. Masks will be required to enter.
New Jersey State Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) COVID Crisis Fund is supporting the rising demand for medical oxygen for hospitals in India.
Make a check payable to AAPI and mail to Dr. Binod Sinha, 4 Progress St., Suite A9, Edison 08820.
Or, visit https://njstateaapi.org/donation-for-medical-oxygen-to-india/ to donate online.
John Anagnostis, regional vice chair of the Middlesex County Republican Organization, is seeking poll workers from Perth Amboy, Sayreville and South Amboy for the upcoming Primary Election on June 8 and the General Election on Nov. 2.
If interested, call 732-371-9967 and leave a message.
Old Bridge PBA Local 127 will once again sponsor the Old Bridge Militia’s Bulldozer Bash, which will be held at 2 p.m. June 19 at Old Bridge Elks Lodge 2229, 67 Old Amboy Road, Old Bridge.
The Old Bridge Militia Foundation has played a part in cultivating a hard rock and heavy metal scene, while also assisting those who might be interested in learning about music, especially younger members of the community. Funds raised by those initiatives go to those who do not have the financial means to purchase instruments or lessons.
Donation of $30 includes beer and soda. Food trucks will be on site all day.
For more information, visit oldbridgemilitia.org or email metaljoe@oldbridgemilitia.org
Camp Middlesex, a summer enrichment program for children age 7-15, will return for the summer.
Camp runs from June 28 to Aug. 20 at the college’s Edison campus.
While most programs will be in person, there is also a virtual component for those who prefer that option.
Each week, children choose a program that combines two classes, which have been paired together to create an all-day experience in areas such as sports, crafts, STEM, Super Science for Kids, computers and theater.
There is also an option to take classes in a “virtual Live” setting, in which campers sign up and participate at a set time from their home computers. These include cupcake making, drawing, genealogy, poetry and painting.
The new theater camp will run both morning and afternoon, and is centered on musical theater.
For those students interested in science, math and technology, Camp Middlesex offers Black Rocket courses, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They include Minecraft Designers, eSports, Creating Video Games, Virtual Reality, Robotics, and many others. These classes are run on-site, but there is also a virtual option, in which campers can participate from home.
For more information, visit middlesexcc.edu/Camp-Middlesex or call 732-906-2556.
The Old Bridge Sayreville South Amboy Chamber of Commerce invites members and non-members to a Meet & Greet Networking Event from 6-7:30 p.m. May 19 at GrilleStone Restaurant, 2658 Route 516, Old Bridge.
Bring business cards.
There will be light appetizers and a cash bar.
Outdoor event.
Members are $15; non-members are $20.
RSVP by May 14 by emailing ccommerceobssa@gmail.com or mary.ccommerceobssa@gmail.com
For more information, call 732-607-6340.
Women Aware invites the Middlesex County community to join a virtual conversation with Rachel Snyder, author of “No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” at 7 p.m. May 25.
An award-winning journalist, Snyder explores the real roots of private violence, its far-reaching consequences and what it will take to truly address it.
This is a fundraiser with proceeds benefitting Women Aware’s comprehensive services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Middlesex County.
To register, visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAwarePresents
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, the Ocean County YMCA and Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN) have joined forces to bring the region’s senior citizens together in person and virtually on May 26 for a special, free event dedicated to physical and mental health, injury prevention and camaraderie.
The trio is partnering with two major hospital groups and other organizations to welcome SCAN and YMCA members and the public to the Old Bridge, Freehold, Red Bank and Toms River facilities for the special National Senior Health & Fitness Day event featuring a host of activities, classes, fitness workshops, and a healthy meal.
The event coincides with Older Americans Month.
The National Senior Health & Fitness Day celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of classes will be offered at all four YMCA locations from deep water aerobics to Zumba and Yoga, and a seminar on injury prevention, plus “Walk, Talk and Stroll,” where everyone can have a fun and interactive walk together.
A grab-and-go lunch will be provided by Fulfill on a first-come, first-served basis.
Virtual programs will include a stress management workshop, brain games, meditation, fitness and more.
Partnering organizations include RWJ Barnabas, CentraState Healthcare System, the VNA of Central New Jersey Community Health Center, Atlantic Physical Therapy, T-Mobile and Fulfill, which are providing additional support and information during the one-day event.
Advance registration is required for all participants. To sign up and view the entire schedule, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/scan-ymca-national-senior-health-fitness-day-tickets-152021754159
All participants will receive a 7-day pass to SCAN and the YMCA of their choice.
For more information, email info@ymcanj.org.
The School of the Arts on the East Brunswick campus of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools will present an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” May 26-30.
Theater, music, dance, and arts technology students are collaborating on the performance, which will be presented before a limited audience in the outdoor “Hobbit” courtyard on the East Brunswick campus, 112 Rues Lane.
The play will be directed by theater arts teacher Brian Homer, with set design by arts technology teacher Lea Anello, and choreography by dance teacher Cleo Mack.
Music will be provided by East Brunswick campus music students under the direction of their teacher, Andy Greatorex, with costume design by students Emily Rosado, Paige Brathwaite, Louis Meagher-DiEllo, and Kevin Hernandez; light design by students Isabella Tomazic and Kirstyn Surowiec, and sound design by student Oliver Nichols.
The production will feature students Darrion Brown of North Brunswick as Lysander, Theodore Lenahan of South Amboy as Demetrius, Cheyenne Busch of North Brunswick as Helena, Isabella Sanchez of Highland Park as Hermia, Elizabeth Saucier of Edison as Hippolyta and Titania, Joseph McKenzie of Highland Park as Theseus and Oberon, Chris Bush of South River as Egeus, Dylan Ferrel of Carteret as Puck and Philostrate, Jonathan Williams of Avenel as Peaseblossom, Nya Wright of Highland Park as Cobweb, Nashaly Espinal of New Brunswick as Moth, Emily Gonzalez as Mustardseed, Arden Gonzalez as Snug and Starveling, Dajah McCormick of South Plainfield as Flute, Aleks Spohr of Edison as Snout, and McKenna Swan of Sayreville as Bottom.
The production team is led by Anello as company manager, with students Katarina Puig and Tiffany Crosby as stage managers.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, with matinees at 2 p.m. on May 29 and 30.
Tickets are $20 for the general public. There will be limited reserved seating with strict social distancing.
Tickets can be purchased through Ludus at mcvtsarts.ludus.com
COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in India, with more than 350,000 cases reported per day. The death toll is devastating the most vulnerable and marginalized populations: the homeless, poorly paid daily wage laborers and domestic workers. There are critical shortages of ventilator beds, medical oxygen, medicines and other lifesaving supplies.
United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) has established an India COVID-19 Relief Fund to raise financial support for the United Way of India to help battle this pandemic. The UWCJ India Relief Fund will accept donations though May 31. Donations may be mailed to: UWCJ at 32 Ford Ave., Milltown 08850; or visit https://bit.ly/3gNsSdZ
One hundred percent of all donations will be directed to the UWCJ India COVID–19 Relief Fund.
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey will present a workshop titled “Implications and Treatment of the Long-Term Neurological and Cognitive Effects of COVID-19” at noon on June 3.
Identify long-term and neurological impacts of COVID-19; describe the lingering cognitive issues resulting from COVID-19 and useful strategies to increase function; and describe options for medical, rehabilitative and recovery programs for those individuals who have experienced long-term effects of COVID-19.
Presented by Dr. Carol Sonatore, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, and Jennifer Murphy, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.
Register at bianj.org/webinars
The Brain Injury Alliance is located in North Brunswick.
MCFOODS (Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services) will hold Dine Below the Line at 6 p.m. June 6 via YouTube.
Tune in live to watch local chefs showcase recipes prepared on a budget with items typically found in a food pantry. Chefs will be judged on creativity, budget and nutrition. There will be a “People’s Choice” vote as well by those watching.
Donations for MCFOODS can be dropped off at the MCFOODS facility at 28 Kennedy Blvd., East Brunswick, around the back of the building under the tent. Staff members are there weekdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. to receive donations.
If an organization would like to conduct a food drive, arrangements can be made for staff to deliver containers and pick up donations.
Or, direct monetary donations can be made at www.feedingmiddlesexcounty.org/ or checks payable to Feeding Middlesex County can be mailed to P.O. Box 781, Edison 08818.
The Sayreville Historical Society will hold a Night at the Museum event to honor veterans on June 10.
The program is open to the public and admission is free.
Masks will be required and all COVID-19 protocols will be followed.
The event will run from 6-9 p.m. at the Sayreville Historical Museum, 425 Main St., Sayreville.
Jim Raffone, the founder/CEO of JAR Of Hope, has been fighting for years to save children with a fatal disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Duchenne is an extremely rare (one in every 3,500 live births), muscle-wasting disease for which there’s no cure. By the early-teens, these children (mostly boys) are in wheelchairs. By the late-teens, they’re breathing on ventilators. And by the early-twenties, they’re in graves. After suffocating.
Jim and Karen Raffone’s son James Anthony, now 11, was diagnosed with Duchenne at four. When they found out there was no cure, they started JAR Of Hope to raise funds for research.
Official Celebrity Boxing is staging a boxing event at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City on June 12. Raffone will go against Tommy “The Tiger” Moose, on the same boxing program with Lamar Odom and Aaron Carter.
Tickets are available at james@jarofhope.org
Jammin for Jaclyn, the New Jersey-based benefit for those fighting cancer, will hold its eighth annual benefit concert from 7-10:30 p.m. June 12, streaming virtually on Facebook Live @jamminforjaclyn
The event will benefit local business owner Brian DaSilva, who is battling pancreatic cancer.
Performers include Levy Okun, SOF, Sahara Moon, Nick Ryan, Fern, Taylor Tote, Natalie Farrell and Jake Tavill.
There will be a 50/50 drawing.
For more information or to donate, call Denise or Ron Morgan or Michael Squillace at 732-525-9536; email JamminforJaclyn@gmail.com; or visit JamminforJaclyn.org
The organization was originally established for Sayreville resident Jaclyn Squillace, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer while five months pregnant in 2014. Her brother, Michael Squillace, a professional multi-instrumentalist, along with her parents and co-founders, Denise and Ron Morgan, created the annual event in order to raise funds for Jaclyn’s many surgeries and treatments, but also to lift her spirits.
As she went in and out of remission for several years, they continued to run the event for others fighting cancer in the community.
Though Jaclyn passed in 2018, they continue to run the event in her name.
NAMI New Jersey will hold its virtual annual meeting and conference from 6-8 p.m. June 18 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19. Meeting times are tentative.
The meeting will recognize the efforts of mental health advocates to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. These awards are presented to affiliate leaders, individuals and families affected by mental illness, community leaders, mental health service providers, law enforcement officers, educators, legislators and media.
The theme is “Growing Through Adversity, Embracing Resilience.”
Registration information will be released.
For more information, visit naminj.org
The First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville will hold its annual flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the church, 172 Main St., Sayreville, directly across from Borough Hall. Rain date is Sept. 25.
Vendor spaces are available for $15 for one space, or $25 for two. There are a limited number of tables to rent for an additional $5.
No food vendors.
For more information, leave a message on the church answering machine at 732-257-6353 or email churchoffice172@optimum.net.
The First Presbyterian Church of Sayreville will hold its annual flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the church, 172 Main St., Sayreville, directly across from Borough Hall. Rain date is Sept. 25.
For more information, leave a message on the church answering machine at 732-257-6353 or email churchoffice172@optimum.net.
North Brunswick PBA Local 160 announced the return of its annual Cops & Rodders Car Show for Sept. 19. Rain date will be Sept. 26.
More details will be announced.
For more information, email carshow@nbtpba160.com
The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its 2021 walk, NAMIWalks NJ Your Way: A United Day of Hope, virtually on Oct. 9
For more information, visit namiwalks.org/newjersey
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Ongoing
Keep Middlesex Moving has developed a transportation finder to help seniors find a ride to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
The tool allows users to see what transportation options are available at almost all of the 40-plus vaccination sites in Middlesex County.
For more information, visit https://kmm.org/
The Middlesex County Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Mega-site, operated by RWJBarnabas Health, is seeking volunteers to assist in the efficiency of the registration and vaccination process and help visitors feel comfortable.
Volunteers of the mega-site, located at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, will greet patients and visitors; perform temperature screenings; direct patients through various steps of the vaccination process; provide education materials; and assist with maintaining the registration area and supplying vaccination stations.
Volunteers do not administer vaccines.
Those who apply to volunteer must be a minimum of 18 years old and will be subject to a background check and a drug screen, and will need to sign a confidentiality statement.
College students requiring community service hours are also eligible to volunteer. RWJBarnabas Health will track hours and provide written verification for those who need it.
Volunteers must commit through June to at least two shifts per week from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.; or one full day from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. Shifts are available seven days a week.
Send your name, phone number, email address, desired start date and your availability to Megasite_Volunteer@rwjbh.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 jdanyus@saintpetersuh.com
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.
Christ Church in South Amboy has reopened its thrift shop.
Limited hours are from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Items available include clothing, shoes, accessories and household items.
The new entrance is from the church parking lot, 220 Main St., South Amboy.
Follow COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing and mask wearing.
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
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
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.
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.
Old Bridge High School is seeking active duty or reservist military personnel who are alumni for the Military Wall of Honor expected to be established this year.
The wall is meant to commemorate graduates who have given their lives to honor their country and shine a light on the importance of veterans within the Old Bridge community.
Residents are urged to assist with the project by spreading the word of the proposed military wall. The high school is looking for graduates from 1995 through the present.
To submit information, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev1sK7AIQ6KvNb2iqUz6l7UgFmPBJXBpMbkAR2IuRwkUeVQQ/viewform or contact Guy Lassen at glassen@obps.org
