Community Bulletin Board
Library events to mark 22 million checkouts

The public is invited to a week of special events, Nov. 14-20, at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center, in honor of 22 million checkouts since the library opened its doors in 1967.

Visitors will have the opportunity to win prizes, including a DVD player and dining certificates to area restaurants. Entry postcards for the prize drawings have been sent to East Brunswick residents, and additional entry forms are available at the library. All entries should be hand-deposited in marked boxes on the circulation desk or the media services desk; cards should not be mailed. Only one entry per household will be accepted. Refreshments will be served each day of the event.

The free, weeklong celebration is designed to offer the library’s thanks to the public for supporting the institution’s efforts to serve the growing information and entertainment needs of the community.

During the past 38 years, 22 million books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, phonograph records, artworks, videocassettes, audiocassettes, movie projectors, DVDs, music CDs, CD-ROMs, software and video games have been checked out to library cardholders.

For more information, call (732) 390-6783 or (732) 390-6767.

Free computer training offered to E.B. adults

The Churchill Junior High School Computer Club, East Brunswick, is offering free personal computer training for East Brunswick adults.

Participants will receive one-on-one training in Windows, MS Word, MS Excel and the Internet. Classes will be held monthly throughout the school year.

The next class is set for 9-11 a.m. on Nov. 19 in room 303 at Churchill Junior High School, 18 Norton Road.

The program is free of charge, but enrollment is limited.

To register, interested individuals should call the Churchill Computer Club at (732) 613-6800, ext. 4346, and their leave name and telephone number.

E.B. sponsoring holiday food, gift basket program

The township of East Brunswick is conducting its annual holiday food and gift basket program.

Individuals, groups or organizations are sought to adopt needy families in East Brunswick and provide them with food and/or gift baskets for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. All adoptions will be kept strictly confidential.

Gift certificates or gift cards to local grocery or department stores also may be purchased for distribution to those in need.

For more information, call Karen Kecskes at (732) 390-6797, Mondays-Fridays, or e-mail karen.kecskes@eastbrunswick.org.

Tickets available for Breakfast With Santa

The Interfaith Network of Care (INC) will host a Breakfast With Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 3 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Parish Hall, South Main Street, Milltown.

Tickets are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon through Nov. 18 (or until tickets are sold out) at the INC office, 62 S. Main St., next to St. Paul’s Parish office. Seating is limited.

Admission is $6 per person and includes a continental breakfast and a visit with Santa. The event also will feature crafts, door prizes and more. Photos with Santa will be available for $6 each.

Tickets will not be sold on the day of the event. For more information, call (732) 247-1655.

Youngsters invited to Elks free-throw contest

East Brunswick Elks Lodge No. 2370 will sponsor its annual Basketball Hoop Shoot from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road.

The event is open to boys and girls ages 8-13.

First-place winners in each of three age groups (8-9, 10-11, 12-13) will have a chance to advance to the district, regional, state and national tournaments. Trophies will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers at the Nov. 16 event.

Admission is free of charge. For more information, call (732) 651-8345.

Donations sought for Red Kettle, Angel Tree

Shoppers are invited to participate in the season of giving by donating to the Salvation Army Red Kettle collection and the Angel Tree during regular mall hours Nov. 14-Dec. 24 at the J.C. Penney court, Brunswick Square Mall, Route 18, East Brunswick.

Interested individuals may drop off monetary contributions for the Red Kettle and then select an angel, representing a child’s holiday wish, from the Angel Tree. Unwrapped gifts for the child may be brought back to the J.C. Penney court.

For more information, call (732) 238-3600.

Israeli exposition coming to EBJC

An exposition on the state of Israel, its history, its culture and its contributions to the world is planned for 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 13 the East Brunswick Jewish Center (EBJC), 511 Ryders Lane.

Ari Neieman, a senior at East Brunswick High School, put together the exposition as part of the requirements to attain his Eagle Scout rank.

For more information, call Steven Solomon, EBJC educational director, at (732) 257-7070.

Township prepares for Veterans Day ceremony

East Brunswick’s annual Veterans Day observance will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Veterans Park in the municipal complex, Jean Walling Civic Center. Rain location will be the East Brunswick Senior Center.

The event will feature a wreath ceremony, a gun salute, taps to honor the nation’s military men and women, and the dedication of 14 new granite walkway pavers at the monument.

For more information, call Karen Kecskes at (732) 390-6797 or log on to www.eastbrunswick.org.

EBHS will present Shakespeare play

East Brunswick High School will stage William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 and 19 in the auditorium at the high school, Cranbury Road. Tickets cost $8 for the general public $8, $5 for students and senior citizens. For more information, call (732) 613-6900.

Church club to sponsor trip to ‘The Nutcracker’

The R Club of Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River, will offer a bus trip to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, to see the 1 p.m. Dec. 18 performance of the New York City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

The bus will depart at 11 a.m. from the church parking lot, Whitehead Avenue.

Tickets cost $87 per person, including bus transportation.

For more information and to reserve, call Carol at (732) 254-4979.

Winter Wonderland to come alive in M’town

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown, will present Winter Wonderland 2005: Christmas in New York from 8-11 p.m. on Dec. 2, 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 3, and 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 4.

Participants in the holiday event will have the opportunity to stroll along Mill Pond Path (located at the Milltown Rescue Squad Building) or to take a ride down Ford Avenue in a horse-drawn carriage.

Cost for the Mill Pond Path stroll is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children.

The Ford Avenue carriage ride will accommodate four guests per ride, with a maximum charge of $10. Limited tickets for the horse-and-buggy ride will be sold on a first-come basis for approximately 12 rides per evening.

Tickets for both attractions may be purchased at the Milltown Rescue Squad each evening. Holiday refreshments will be available.

For more information, call Geralyn Gerhart at (732) 249-6229.

Plays-in-the-Park to offer ‘Joseph’ at State Theatre

The 11th annual Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park holiday production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 28 and 29 and at 3 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the State Theatre, Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. The Dec. 29 performance will be sign-language interpreted.

The show tells the Biblical story of Jacob and his 12 sons through music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Tim Rice.

Tickets cost $6 and will be available beginning Nov. 16 through the State Theatre box office, either in person or by calling (732) 246-7469. There will be a service charge for credit card and telephone orders.

For more information, call (732) 548-2884, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays-Fridays, or log on to www.playsinthepark.com.

Funding has been made possible in part by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and the financial support of The Friends of Plays-in-the-Park.

‘Side Show,’ ‘Forum’ auditions scheduled

Auditions for the Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company’s upcoming productions of “Side Show” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 15 and 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the theater space at The Garden of Friends, 3018 Bordentown Road, Parlin section of Sayreville.

Cast lineup for “Side Show” will include three male leads, baritones/tenors who must be able to sing well and move. Various male and female featured ensemble roles also are open. Participants should bring sheet music with 16 bars and come prepared to sing and dance. A dynamic black baritone who moves well also is sought.

The “Forum” cast will include females and males who sing, dance and act well. Individuals who are interested in the Hysterium role should e-mail mark@smstc.org.

“Side Show” is slated for a February opening. “Forum” will be staged in March.

For more information or directions, call (732) 553-1153.

Rummage sale to aid church youth group

The youth group of St. Paul’s Church will hold a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 12 in the church education building, corner of South Main Street and Lakewood Avenue, Milltown.

Proceeds will benefit the youth group’s upcoming mission trips.

For more information, call the church office at (732) 828-0020.

Altar Rosary Society schedules craft bazaar

The St. Bartholomew Altar Rosary Society will sponsor a craft bazaar from 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the church hall, Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

The event will feature handcrafted items, a bake sale, food and a 50/50 drawing. For more information, call Lucy at (732) 846-4771.

Hazardous waste drop-off day scheduled

The Middlesex County Division of Solid Waste Management will hold a household hazardous waste drop-off day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Middlesex County College, near the Mill Road entrance, Edison.

Household hazardous wastes which are improperly disposed of are identified as a danger to children and animals, a potential cause of groundwater pollution and a potential threat to garbage collection crews.

Acceptable materials that county residents may bring for disposal include, but are not limited to: pesticides/herbicides; flammable liquids; solvents; pool chemicals; used motor oil; oil filters; paints; car batteries; household batteries; antifreeze; propane tanks; fluorescent light bulbs (no broken bulbs); and asbestos. Residents who wish to bring asbestos (maximum 300 pounds) must register by calling (732) 745-4170.

Materials that will not be accepted are tires, explosives and munitions, infectious waste, unknown materials and empty containers.

The drop-off day is sponsored by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is conducted in cooperation with Middlesex County College.

The free event is open to residents of Middlesex County. Items should be brought in clearly marked containers.

For more information on the hazardous waste drop-off day and on the county tire-recycling program, call (732) 745-4170 or e-mail solidwaste@co.middlesex.nj.us.

Compassionate Friends will meet on Nov. 13

The Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved family members, meets at 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month in the parish hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Main Street, Spotswood. The next meeting is planned for Nov. 13.

Group members are united by their love for their children or siblings who have died from many causes and at different stages of life. The meetings offer support and discussion of relevant issues. Bereaved grandparents, parents and siblings are welcome to join.

For more information or directions, call Dick Quaintance at (732) 548-1419, e-mail requaintance@aol.com.

Dance to the oldies at American Legion hall

Spotswood American Legion Post No. 253 will sponsor its monthly Oldies Dance from 8-11 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the post home, Devoe Avenue, next to the lake.

Participants will dance to the music of the ’50s and ’60s. An oldies dance is held every third Friday of the month at the post home. A DJ provides the music.

Admission is $7 per person and includes soda, cake, coffee, tea, door prizes and trivia games. Singles are welcome.

For more information, call Tony at (732) 251-0970.

Senator sponsoring community food drive

Sen. Barbara Buono (D-18th) is sponsoring an ongoing community food drive at her district office, 100 Plainfield Ave., Suite 1, Edison.

All items collected will benefit MCFOODS (Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Service), the emergency food distribution network. MCFOODS serves more than 60 local food pantries and soup kitchens and provides nutritious foods and necessities to needy county families and individuals.

Nonperishable food items may be brought to the senator’s legislative office. Items in glass containers will not be accepted. For more information, call (732) 819-8141.

Donations now sought for 4-H Teens Project Gift

Middlesex County 4-H Teens will collect donations of new clothing, toys, games and other items for children from 7-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 at the 4-H Center, Cranbury and Fern roads, East Brunswick. All donations should be new.

Contributions will be used for the upcoming 4-H Teens Project Gift Shopping Day, a holiday event for families with limited resources.

For more information, call the Middlesex County 4-H office at (732) 398-5261.

For directions to the 4-H Center, log on to http://co.middlesex.nj.us/extensionservices/4hclubs.asp.

Meditation panel slates open house at library

The Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation will hold an open house from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Milltown Public Library, West Church Street.

Sahaj marg is a form of raj yoga meditation designed to help individuals lead a stress-free life and to balance their worldly and spiritual life.

Admission is free of charge. All are welcome.

Israeli art show, sale next up at synagogue

Temple B’nai Shalom, Fern and Old Stage roads, East Brunswick, will present an Israeli Art Show and Sale — A Festival of the Arts With Young and Old Masters from Nov. 17-20.

For more information, call the temple office at (732) 251-4300.

Library collecting books for disadvantaged youth

The Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St., is collecting donations of new hardcover and paperback books for distribution to disadvantaged children throughout Middlesex County during the holiday season.

The program, called Books to Keep, is a project of the Libraries of Middlesex, a consortium of public libraries, and the Middlesex County College Library, Edison.

Books may be dropped off at the Spotswood Library through Dec. 15. Envelopes will be available for tax-deductible monetary contributions.

For more information, call (732) 251-1515.

Mall shopping event to aid Churchill PTA

The Churchill Junior High School PTA, East Brunswick, is selling tickets for the Simon Evening of Giving set for 6:30-10 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Menlo Park Mall, Edison.

For each $10 ticket sold, the PTA will receive $5. Only individuals holding tickets will be permitted to shop. There will be special sales, raffles and prizes throughout the evening.

For tickets and more information, call Lorraine at (732) 651-1242.

Daughters of Penelope schedules tricky tray

The Daughters of Penelope, Tethys Chapter No. 229, will hold its annual tricky tray fund-raiser beginning at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway.

The event will feature Christmas gifts, electronics, toys, crystal, Lenox, jewelry and gift baskets.

Admission is $7 and includes one sheet of auction tickets, coffee, tea and homemade Greek pastries. Additional auction tickets may be purchased for a small fee. Proceeds will benefit various area charities.

For more information or to reserve, call Alice Kartikis at (732) 297-0581 or Polly Ploussiou at (732) 297-6246.

Established in 1929, the Daughters of Penelope is the women’s organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), with headquarters in Washington, D.C. The organization is a leader in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities, with more than 350 chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece and Cyprus and Australia.

Interfaith Network to sponsor wine-tasting

The Interfaith Network of Care (INC) will host a wine-tasting fund-raiser from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 470 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

The event will feature six wines from around the world, hors d’oeuvres and door prizes. Debbie Miller Nelson will be the moderator.

Tickets cost $40. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 247-1655, or log on to www.interfaithnetworkofcare.org.

INC offers personal and social support to individuals coping with chronic conditions, disabilities, isolation and other age-related disabilities, and helps those responsible for the individuals’ day-to-day well-being.

Sock-Hop planned for Nov. 19 at VFW

A Sock-Hop will be held from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Nov. 19 at South River Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1451, 31 Reid St.

Music will be provided by the band Pulse.

Tickets cost $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

For more information, call (732) 521-4126 or (908) 720-3386.

Spaghetti Dinner on tap for Jamesburg Cub Scouts

Jamesburg Cub Scout Pack No. 54 will host a Spaghetti Dinner from 4-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180, 74 W. Railroad Ave.

Dinner will include spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert.

Tickets cost $8 for adults (ages 13 and above), $5 for children (ages 12 and under) and will be available at the door.

Youth group to hold garage and bake sale

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Youth Group will sponsor a Garage Sale and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the church, 90 Leonardine Ave., South River.

The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call (732) 254-1734.

McCarrick will stage ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’

Cardinal McCarrick High School will present its fall production, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18 at the school, Augusta Street, South Amboy.

Tickets cost $6 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 721-0748, ext. 244.

Gourd-crafting program coming to Cheesequake

A gourd-crafting program will begin at 1 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Cheesequake State Park Interpretive Center, 300 Gordon Road, Old Bridge.

Participants will learn the techniques used in transforming a gourd into a bird-feeding platform or a piece of artwork.

The free program is open to all ages.

For more information, call (732) 566-3208.

Business networking event slated for Nov. 15

Network PLUS, a business-to-business networking group that provides members with leads to help them grow their businesses, will sponsor its next networking event at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Panico’s, 103 Church St., New Brunswick.

Admission is $10 and includes hors d’oeuvres. All interested individuals are welcome to attend.

For more information and to register, call (732) 254-8440, or e-mail robin@thesandersongroup.com.

Network PLUS has almost 1,000 members meeting at more than 100 different locations throughout New Jersey, offering breakfast, lunch and after-work events. The group’s goal is to grow to more than 10,000 members within the next three years.

‘Birth of Venus’ next up for library book group

The East Brunswick Public Library Book Discussion Group will meet at 1 and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the library, Jean Walling Civic Center. Topic of discussion will be “The Birth of Venus” by Sarah Dunant.

All adults, whether regular, occasional or new members, are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Copies of the book are available at the reference desk. For more information, call Claudia Link at (732) 390-6772.