Community Bulletin Board: the North and South Brunswick Sentinel (for November 3)

 

 

FRC Team 25-Raider Robotix will hold its 19th robotics off-season event.

The Brunswick Eruption Revival robotics competition will be held at the North Brunswick Township Middle School on Nov. 6 and 7 by the FIRST Mid-Atlantic District.

This event is not open to the public due to COVID restrictions; however, the event will be livestreamed each morning beginning at 9 a.m. and accessible through a link under the www.RaiderRobotix.org Media tab.

Brunswick Eruption Revival will host a total of 36 high-school aged teams from around the region over the two days of competition while playing the game “Infinite Recharge,” the FIRST Robotics Competition game from the canceled 2020 season.

For some teams, this will be the first and last time they will play the game with the student-built robots from the canceled season.

 

 

The Great Food Expo and the New Jersey Ultimate Women’s Expo will be held simultaneously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 6 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 7 at the New Jersey Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.

Free parking.

There will be shopping, tastings, samples, healthy food and snacks, desserts, chocolate confections, vendors and pop-up shops.

For ticket information, visit www.newjerseywomensexpo.com/food

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library will hold its Coffee & Conversation Book Discussion Group from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

November’s title is “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.

Copies of the book can be found on Hoopla, or by emailing the Information Desk at info@sbpl.info, or by calling 732-329-4000, ext. 7286.

Registration is required.

 

 

Veterans Day memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Elmwood Cemetery, 425 Georges Road, North Brunswick.

Gathering will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Parking on site.

Services will include patriotic music, a dedication of a “Missing Man” POW/MIA chair, and a garden plaque memorializing the Tomb of the Unknown Solder in Arlington Cemetery to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founding.

Military veterans are encouraged to attend in uniform.

The services will take place outdoors in the rear section of the cemetery near the “forever gardens.”

Guests are encouraged to dress for the outdoor weather and wear walking shoes, and bring umbrellas if needed.

If time allows, short tours of veterans’ gravesite may be given.

For more information, call 732-545-1445.

 

 

 

South Brunswick will hold a free rabies clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 in person at the Public Works garage in the municipal complex, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. 

Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. Muzzle dogs as needed. 

Proof of prior rabies vaccination or license tag is required for 3-year protection.  

Due to the veterinarian’s schedule, there will only be one rabies vaccination clinic this year. Residents may attend any other rabies clinic that may be offered by other towns in New Jersey. 

Contact the South Brunswick Health Department at 732-329-4000, ext. 7237, for more information.

Masks are required when indoors.

 

Vince di Mura, a concert jazz pianist, composer, arranger and musical director, will perform from 2-3 p.m. Nov. 14 via Zoom courtesy of the Friends of the South Brunswick Library.

To register for the Zoom link, visit https://sbpl.libnet.info/event/5697765

 

 

The Edison Holiday Art & Craft Festival, formerly known as Sugarloaf, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14, at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.

Tickets are $10 at the gate, which are good for all three days. Children under 12 are free.

In advance, tickets are two for $15 on Eventbrite.

For more information, visit www.artfestival.com/festivals/edison-holiday-art-craft-festival-indoor

 

 

 

 

An Estate Planning and Probate seminar will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 via Zoom by the South Brunswick Library.

Topics include handling probate during COVID and while government offices are closed; the dangers if you have no will or documents are invalid; getting estate planning documents completed when you can’t go into a law office; what goes into a will; New Jersey estate tax eliminated and inheritance tax reduced; Powers of Attorney recommendations; living will and advance directive for medical care; administering the estate/probate/surrogate; and avoiding unnecessary expenses and saving your family money.

Questions for Kenneth Vercammen can be asked using the chat feature on Zoom and they will be answered during the Q&A period at the end of the presentation as time allows.

 

To register, visit https://sbpl.libnet.info/event/5531704

 

 

 

North Brunswick Township Schools have immediate openings for staff positions.

Substitute teachers are paid $120 per day, nurses are paid $225 per day, and paraprofessionals are paid $100 per day.

Visit the Human Resources page at www.nbtschools.org for application steps.

 

 

Now on display at the South Brunswick Public Library is a set of posters sent from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History about World War I, “World War I: Lessons and Legacies.”

The centennial anniversary was 2019, but the COVID-19 quarantine delayed the display.  

The exhibition is designed around the College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies core curriculum.   

The poster display can be found next to the Borrower Services Desk inside the library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

The public can view the display on Veterans Day and through the end of the year.

For more information, visit https://historyexplorer.si.edu/sites/default/files/World_War_I_Lessons_and_Legacies_Educators_Guide.pdf 

 

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library Foundation is more than halfway to its $500,000 financial goal to cover the cost of repairs and an addition at the public library. 

There are a variety of naming opportunities and sponsorship levels available to give support.

View a display of the planned addition and improvements now in the lobby of the library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

Changes and improvements include interior renovations, such as HVAC repairs and ADA upgrades, plus a 10,400-square-foot wing and enlarged parking area to be built using the municipally-owned lots next door. The wing will include a large meeting room and a 128-seat auditorium with stage.

The authorized cost of the plan is $7,198,704. Funding will come from several sources, including a state grant of $3,586,852, a township bond of $3,011,852, a SBPL Trustee contribution of $250,000 with the balance to be fundraised by the foundation.

Township residents will only pay 42 cents on the dollar. 

For details on how to help the campaign, visit www.sbplfoundation.org or contact Library Director Chris Carbone at 732-329-4000, ext. 7287, or ccarbone@sbpl.info.  

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and completed by late 2023.

 

 

 

The South Brunswick Public Library is seeking volunteers to help share their skills, enthusiasm and professional experience with adult English language learners.

 

The library offers ESL/ELL and English Conversation Group classes on an ongoing basis and needs volunteers to help the program grow.

 

All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

The library will provide resources, curriculum guides and training opportunities.

To apply, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1mJCRHm4TW63onm3UvDhWA4UkLijWymbl07qNqxycwoHZMQ/viewform?usp=send_form

 

For more information, contact Jill D’Amico, head of Information Services, at 732-329-4000, ext. 7638, or jdamico@sbpl.info

 

 

 

 

 

Since the North Brunswick Food Bank was completely destroyed, efforts have been underway to replenish the lost items. The food bank is operating out of the Senior Center on Linwood Place.

The North Brunswick Municipal Alliance Committee, as part of its holiday cheer program, is collecting pasta, sauce in non-breakable containers, children’s cereal, cookies and Thanksgiving items. Collection at the Senior Center is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

To donate a turkey from ShopRite, let the cashier know and he/she will make sure the food bank receives it.

In addition, the Domestic Violence Response Team is requesting donations of socks for adults and children.

Call 732-902-1590 for more information.

 

 

 

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 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

 

 

A New Jersey Cannabis Industry Job Market & Business Insight Seminar will be presented by the North Brunswick Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18.

Join Kawana Jacocks, writer at WriteOne Resumes, for a free virtual workshop about the legal cannabis business industry in New Jersey, and the rapidly growing job and entrepreneurial marketplace it will create.

Learn about cannabis laws, employment opportunities, marketplace terminology, relevant skills needed, and resume writing/interviewing guidance for employment in the cannabis industry.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/26x8aded

For more information, email Librarian Ryan Miller at rmiller@northbrunswicklibrary.org

 

 

 

Community theater Playhouse 22 will present 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

 

 

 

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Milltown is celebrating is 100th anniversary of the laying of the corner stone. 

The Anniversary Committee is working on the annual Christmas Bazaar to be held on Dec. 4. Vendors currently include vintage China, Longaberger baskets, handmade gift bags, teddies, the bakery, New-to-You Christmas, fresh evergreens, vintage jewelry, emporium gifts, gently-used toys, Magic Tree Game, homemade chocolates, decorative lamps, Color Street Nails, Thirty-One Bags, seasonal decor, and raffles.

Children’s DIY crafts will be available. 

The Knights of Columbus will offer Breakfast with Santa (reservations required) and a la carte lunch items. 

Sign one of the Christmas cards for a veteran and, if possible, bring a small treat or personal care item to be delivered to a veterans Care home. 

For additional information, visit www.ololchurchnj.org or search @ololmilltown on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

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 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 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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Amaranth at North Brunswick is the township’s first age-restricted community, currently under construction on Route 130.

Low- and moderate-income residents who would like to be part of the community can add an email address to be part of the marketing for the development.

To register, visit amaranthnj.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.

 

 

 

 

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.