Monroe Township High School’s Footlights Club will present its Showcase 2021 at 7 p.m. Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at Monroe Township High School, 200 Schoolhouse Road, Monroe.
This will be an evening of Broadway tunes and one-act comedies.
Tickets are $10 for adults, or $8 for senior citizens and students.
Masks must be worn during the performance.
Volunteers are needed to join a Community Fall Cleanup Day from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 7, beginning at the Elks Lodge 2370, 21 Oakmont Ave., East Brunswick.
Contact Aimee Schneider at 732-207-3774 or smile2laugh2@gmail.com
Friends of the Spotswood Office on Aging will host a trip to The Hanover Manor for “The Jersey Dreamers Holiday Show” on Nov. 18.
Bus leaves the Senior Center, 1 Arlington Ave., at 9:30 a.m.
The cost is $79 per person.
Includes lunch: drink, soup and salad, plus choice of chicken francaise or roast beef with gravy. With vegetable and potato.
Call Linda Caruso at 732-353-6164 or Jim Genovese at 732-387-8505 to reserve.
The South River Municipal Alliance will present Cruisin’ for a Cause from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 27 along Main Street in Downtown South River.
Free to the public, but those wishing to show their car will pay $10.
Food will be available for purchase.
There will be music.
Trophies will be awarded.
All downtown businesses will be open during the car show.
Proceeds will benefit drug and alcohol prevention programs.
Middle school students and their parents can find out about opportunities in career and technical education at upcoming open houses on the five campuses of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools.
MCVTS offers 36 career majors, as well as a traditional academic curriculum, to Middlesex County students, along with interscholastic sports and extracurricular clubs and activities.
The East Brunswick Campus will hold in-person open houses on Dec. 11 and Jan. 22, 2022, both from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Perth Amboy Campus open houses will be Dec. 18 and Jan. 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Piscataway Campus schedule is Dec. 4 and Jan. 29, all from 10 a.m. to noon.
No tuition is charged to residents of Middlesex County.
Exploring East Brunswick’s Parks will be presented from 7-8 p.m. Nov. 10 via Zoom. Mike Reissner, director of Recreation, Parks and Community Services for East Brunswick, will take viewers on a virtual tour of the township’s parks, which comprise over 1,000 acres including wooded hiking trails, lakes for fishing, a dog park and even a disc golf course.
East Brunswick’s parks include Butterfly Park, one of the first municipal butterfly parks in the country; Crystal Springs family water park; Frost Woods with a 2.4-mile blazed trail; Bicentennial Park offering boating, fishing, hiking and picnic areas, and many recreation areas geared to families and sports.
To register, visit https://ilove.ebpl.org/adults-kids-teens/events/tween/option-green-exploring-eb-parks-zoom/2021-11-11-000000-2021-11-11
The Option Green series is presented by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission in partnership with the East Brunswick Public Library.
More information about the library’s events can be found at friendsebec.com.
The Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, expanded evening hours Monday through Thursday until 9 p.m. and Sunday hours until 5 p.m.
The library will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East Brunswick Public Library’s Geek League teen volunteers return to the library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center Dr., on Oct. 30 from noon to 4 p.m.
The Geek League assists library patrons of all ages with technology questions.
Patrons seeking assistance must sanitize their hands and device before sitting with the volunteer and keep their masks on at all times.
Since “geeks” are volunteers, there may be some occasions where they might not be available to help.
Volunteers have the right to refuse service to patrons if they are unsafe or make an inappropriate request.
Help is first-come, first-served.
Geek League meets in Group Study Room A by the Information Services Desk.
For more information, call the library at 732-390-6789.
Poll workers are needed for the 2021 General Election.
Residents who are interested will be required to attend mandatory training for the new electronic poll books, machines and election procedures.
Election Day is Nov. 2. Workers are needed from 5:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Payment is $200 for the full day, plus a one-time training bonus of $30 paid after Election Day coverage.
For Monroe residents, the application is available at Monroetwp.com under Forms & Applications.
For Spotswood residents, visit Spotswoodboro.com
The Kosher Meals on Wheels program through Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County is in need of substitute drivers to deliver meals, sometimes with limited notice.
Currently, there are openings on Mondays along the Highland Park route and along the Edison/Metuchen route. Areas include Woodbridge, Edison, Metuchen, Highland Park, East Brunswick and Old Bridge.
Call 732-777-1940 for information on how to apply.
The Borough of Spotswood will offer the following events and programs:
Oct. 29 is a hayride and bonfire at Helmetta Pavilion, Maple Street, Helmetta.
Oct. 30 is Trunk-or-Treat at Spotswood High School.
Oct. 31 will be a Halloween Pizza/Dance Party at Spotswood High School.
For detailed information and registration, visit www.spotswoodboro.com/recreation
NJ Transit will conduct virtual hearings on Oct. 28 regarding the Senior Citizen & Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program: at 5 p.m. for the southern region, at 6 p.m. for the central region, and at 7 p.m. for the northern region.
The program funds capital, operating, and/or administrative expenses for locally coordinated paratransit services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. It also funds accessibility improvements to NJ Transit’s fixed route bus and rail system, the provision of technical assistance to the counties, and the administration of the statewide program.
To join the meeting by phone, dial 862-294-4371 and use phone conference ID 625 900 084#.
Written comments for the record may be sent to Public Hearing Comments 2021, NJ Transit, Local Programs 8 Community Transportation, 1 Penn Plaza E., 4th Floor, Newark 07l05-2246; or via email to publichearings@njtransit.com by Oct. 28.
For further information on the hearing, including login information, visit https://northbrunswicknj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/October-28-2021-Public-Hearing.pdf
Saint Peter’s University Hospital and East Brunswick Public Library will present an online lecture via Zoom on autoimmune diseases at noon on Nov. 5.
Autoimmune diseases – which include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease – result from the immune system attacking the body instead of foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses.
Marlene Marte Furment, MD, will present a lecture on why autoimmune diseases happen. She will share examples of autoimmune diseases, along with the most common signs and symptoms, and diagnostic tools and treatment options.
To register, go to www.ebpl.org/calendar or call 732-390-6767.
This program is presented through East Brunswick Public Library’s “Just For The Health Of It!” consumer health and wellness information initiative. To learn more about related resources and programs, visit www.justforthehealthofit.org.
Community theater Playhouse 22 will welcome Khy Garner, singer, actor, author, director and playwright, will join fellow musicians at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 for an evening of live music in the Studio Theater.
Tickets are $15.
“A Christmas Carol” will return Dec. 10-19 at 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays.
Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
For more information and tickets, visit www.playhouse22.org
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Veteran’s Diversion Program, is hosting a Veteran’s Response Training Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Dr., Sayreville.
There will be discussions and presentations from various veterans organizations and individuals who work to ensure that the mental health and well-being of veterans in the community do not go unnoticed.
To register, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021/VRTConf
Saint Peter’s University Hospital and East Brunswick Public Library team up for the online program “Tobacco Cessation: Benefits, Methods and How to Be Smoke-Free for Good” at 2 p.m. Nov. 18.
Led by Denise Kosnar, APN, and Robin Bergeron, PA-C, from the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, this presentation reviews the benefits of quitting tobacco, methods to quit, and how to start the journey to being smoke-free.
Registration is required for this free program. To register, go to www.ebpl.org/calendar or call 732-390-6767.
“Tobacco Cessation” is offered through East Brunswick Public Library’s Just For The Health of It! consumer health and wellness information initiative. To learn more about similar programs and resources, visit www.justforthehealthofit.org.
Middlesex County mayors will meet with members of the business community to share economic development opportunities.
This year’s topics include arts and culture, travel and tourism, sustainability, and economic development.
Meet the mayors of Edison, Woodbridge, Carteret, Perth Amboy, Milltown, North Brunswick and Metuchen at 8 a.m. Dec. 2.
Meet the mayors of Old Bridge, South Amboy, Sayreville, South River, East Brunswick and Spotswood in February 2022.
Hosted by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
For more information and to register, visit www.mcrcc.org/
East Brunswick Elks Lodge 2370 will hold “Winter Warmth for our Youth” from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 at the lodge, 21 Oakmont Ave., East Brunswick.
Contact Aimee Schneider at 732-207-3774 or smile2laugh2@gmail.com to donate any youth size winter jackets, hats, gloves and scarves before Dec. 5.
The items will be distributed to children in need in the community.
New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) announced the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship.
A long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, Bollaci was also a coach and seasoned referee with the NJ State Referee Committee.
Beginning this fall, the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship will award $1,000 to a deserving college-bound senior.
All applications, along with a short essay and high school transcript, must be received by Dec. 18. The essay should give an explanation of what soccer means to the applicant and how soccer has impacted his/her life. Also describe community service.
Scholarship winners will be notified by NJYS by Jan. 4, 2022. Winners will receive an award and also have the opportunity to be recognized via a press release and online interview promoted by NJYS.
The recipient of the scholarship will also receive recognition of the accomplishment through the NJYS Annual Awards presented by RWJBaranbas Health, which will take place in early 2022.
Applications are being accepted at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQSLK9L
The Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s Annual Juried Photo Exhibition has a scheduled opening for March 26, 2022.
All photographs must be made within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. The reserve is found in portions of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties. All wildlife, flora and fauna must be photographed in their natural environment.
Submission date is Jan. 30, 2022.
More than $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded: $1,000 for First Place Best in Show; $350 each for First Place Landscape, Flora & Fauna, and Other (People, Towns, Architecture, Culture, History, Recreation, etc).
Photographs submitted for exhibition will be selected by a credentialed jury with final selections chosen by Michael Yamashita, an acclaimed National Geographic photographer.
Acceptance notification is planned from Feb. 14-18. Awards, including cash prizes, will be announced at the reception on March 26.
All selected photographs will be exhibited at the historic Bishop Farmstead in Southampton from March 28 through April 30, and all submitted photos will be on display in the online gallery opening by April 15.
Open submissions are $30 for up to three images and $5 per image for each additional image. A total of six images can be submitted per photographer.
All participants must use the Smarter Entry system to register. Photos must be JPEG format, and files cannot exceed 8MB in size.
Learn more at www.PinelandsPhotoExhibit.org or email entries@pinelandsalliance.org.
Ongoing
The South River Police Department is reminding residents about the Operation Blue Angel program, which allows officers quick access to senior citizens and other eligible residents in the event of an emergency.
Operation Blue Angel is a program to assist residents who, due to advanced age, immobility, or medical concerns, may be unable to answer their door in an emergency situation.
The program is administered free of charge to any eligible resident.
Through Operation Blue Angel, a police department-owned lock box similar to a real estate agent’s lock box is placed outside the residence. A key, supplied by the resident, is locked inside the box. In the event of an emergency, responding police officers are able to retrieve the key by using a code accessed by our Communications Center, allowing first responders to quickly enter the home without causing damage. The code is stored securely at all times in the Communications Center and reset to a new code in the event it is used to access the lock box.
Applicants to Operation Blue Angel must meet certain criteria and agree to the following:
• Must be 55 years of age or older, or have a medical condition that is potentially incapacitating
• Must either live alone, or be home alone on a frequent basis
• Must provide a key for an entry door to the home
• Must grant the South River Police Department permission to access and use the key during an emergency
• Must complete and notarize a waiver form
To apply for the program, print, complete and return the application and liability waiver to police headquarters, available at southriverpd.org/operation-blue-angel
The Central Jersey Chapter 148 of the Korean War Veterans extend an invitation to any veterans, regardless of the branch of service, who served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location; or who served in Korea from July 27, 1953, to the current date.
The group meets at 10 a.m. for a breakfast meeting the second Wednesday of every month from May to December at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, downstairs on the first floor.
Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 to the chapter each year.
Korean War Veterans National Life membership if one is over age 80 is $75.
The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including fundraising to help veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, the Lyons Veterans Hospital Lyons, and the Vineland Veterans Hospital in Vineland.
For more information, contact membership chair Charlie Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or KWVANJ148@yahoo.com
The South River Police Department is reminding residents of its Unoccupied Residence Program.
As part of this free program, South River residents can complete and submit a form to let officers know when a residence will be unoccupied. A police officer will check on the home as time permits during his or her normal patrol duties.
The Unoccupied Residence Form can be downloaded by visiting www.southriverpd.org or picked up at Police Headquarters located at 61 Main St. Once completed, the form can be faxed to 732-613-6103 or dropped off at police headquarters.
This program is intended for residences which are unoccupied due to short-term travel or vacation plans. It is separate from South River’s long-term vacant property ordinance.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) is inviting Middlesex County residents to become a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister to a local child.
BBBSCNNJ currently has 20 children on its Middlesex County waiting list, mostly boys.
BBBSCNNJ provides one-to-one mentoring for youth ages 6-18. Volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters spend quality time with their Littles each month, enjoying free or low-cost activities during which the child may learn new skills, explore new interests, or expand their experience beyond their family and neighborhood.
There are no special skills required, and BBBSCNNJ’s experienced staff provides continual support.
To be matched with a Middlesex County child, apply at mentornj.org.
Middlesex County residents looking for local farmers, grocery stores or food pantries – as well as public transportation routes to get there – can download the interactive map-based Accessing Healthy Foods app.
Visit http://middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap
Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey is seeking compassionate volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families.
Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their home, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. Visits can be virtual and are during the day or early evening. Volunteers may also assist with administrative work in the hospice office.
To sign up for a virtual training class, contact Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email Deborah@dovehs.com
The Center for Therapy & Counseling Services is offering a Teen Girls Support Group.
This free group offers girls ages 13-17 a safe place to connect, share stories and be encouraging. The goal is to enhance self esteem, self confidence and communication skills.
Each group is led by trained facilitators.
Girls meet weekly at 7 p.m. Thursdays, virtually.
Registration is required by calling 732-254-0600.
Or, email info@centerfortherapy.net for more information.
The Center for Therapy & Counseling Services is located at 15 W. Prospect St., East Brunswick.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Monroe is holding a coat drive for Trenton Rescue Mission and NJ Rise.
Gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves are requested.
Drop off containers are located at the Encore Clubhouse vestibule or on the side porch of 39 Westminster Dr. in Greenbriar Whittingham.
For more information, call Lin at 609-655-0023.
Right at Home of Central New Jersey can organize a Senior Citizen Prom for local facilities.
They will provide music and entertainment.
A prom king and queen will be crowned.
For more information on how to schedule a prom, call 732-967-0900.
Serving northern Middlesex, Mercer and Monmouth counties.
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
The South River Police Department responds to emergency and non-emergency calls at businesses 24 hours a day. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to contact someone from the business outside of business hours. To assist police with having this information available when needed, the department maintains a database containing after hours contact phone numbers for business owners and representatives.
Anytime a new business is opened, business ownership is transferred, there are changes in employment status of listed contacts, or there are changes in positions or job titles of listed contacts, a business should be registered – but registration is 100% voluntary.
Information will be stored in a secure database. In the event it is deemed necessary by first responders on scene, the Communications Center can access the information and quickly reach a business owner or representative.
To register a business, visit southriverpd.org/business-registration and download the business registration form. The completed form can be submitted by emailing it to adehanes@southriverpd.org, faxing it to 732-613-6103, or dropping it off at headquarters, 61 Main St., South River.
For more information on registering an alarm, call 732-257-1999.
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 Jewish Family Services Food Pantry needs volunteers to organize its food pantry and supply closet, located at 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe.
Monroe Township residents can apply for current and future openings on township boards, commissions and advisory councils.
Monroe is accepting volunteer applications for appointments to the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, Affordable Housing Board, Commission on Aging, Cultural Arts Commission, Environmental Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Open Space & Farmland Preservation Commission, Planning Board, Recreation Advisory Board, Shade Tree Commission, Sustainable Jersey – Green Team Advisory Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Residents should visit https://monroetwp.com/index.php/boards-commissions and select from a list of boards and commissions to review full descriptions of each group.
They then can send the downloadable form located at the bottom of the boards and commissions page of the website for their area of interest.
Submissions may be sent to the Municipal Clerk by mail at the Administrative Offices, by email at preid@monroetwp.com, or by fax to 732-521-3190.
All submissions will be retained for a maximum period of one year from the date of filing.
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.
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.
The Community Pet Food Bank by New Beginnings Animal Rescue is open from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, with varying hours on Saturdays, on the grounds of Nativity Lutheran Church, 552 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.
For more information, visit nbarnj.org
The Jamesburg Public Library will hold its board meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
These meetings are open to the public, and will take place on Zoom for the remainder of the year.
Visit jamesburglibrary.org or www.facebook.com/JamesburgLibrary/ for further information.
Each meeting will have a different Zoom link and passcode
The East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department is collecting non-perishable food, cash and gift cards for distribution to Aldersgate Community Outreach Center.
Drop off food in the back of the box truck parked in the parking lot, 334 Dunhams Corner Road; the door is kept down so lift it to put donations inside.
Or, drop cash/check/gift cards in an envelope and put in the drop box next to the front door to the Recreation Department.
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.
The East Brunswick Domestic Response Team is seeking volunteers.
Citizens are trained to respond to local police departments on an on-call basis to provide support and information to victims of domestic abuse.
For more information, email domesticviolence@ebpd.net.
