Community Bulletin Board
Concert series continues at Presbyterian Church

“Chris Deibert: Jazz Piano and Organ Improvisations,” a concert featuring improvisations based on selected hymns, is set for 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 at The Presbyterian Church of Jamesburg, West Church Street and Gatzmer Avenue. The event is part of the 2006 Concert Series at the church.

The remaining schedule is as follows:

• March 11 — “Nicholas Connolly: Songs for Voice,” featuring the baritone in a variety of vocal works by French, German, Italian and American composers;

• April 22 — “Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing,” led by the Presbyterian Church Choir and organist Shea Velloso, and featuring audience participation in old favorites and revival hymns;

• May 6 — The Tower Hill Calvin Ringers handbell ensemble, Charles Harris, director, featuring selections from the group’s 2006 touring program;

• June 3 — Choir Festival, featuring the combined choirs of the Monmouth Presbytery and local churches.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free of charge; however, a free-will offering will be accepted. All proceeds will be used to fund the church’s concert series and music program.

For more information, call (732) 521-1711.

Info available on E.B. school board candidacy

The deadline for filing nominating petitions to run for positions on the East Brunswick Board of Education is 4 p.m. on Feb. 27.

The election is scheduled for April 18. In addition to the three expired three-year terms that are on the ballot every year in East Brunswick, one unexpired two-year term is on this year’s ballot.

Prospective school board candidates may obtain a School Board Candidate Kit from the office of Bernardo Giuliana, business administrator/board secretary, in the Jon R. Kopko Administration Building, 760 Route 18, East Brunswick.

Published by the New Jersey School Boards Association, the School Board Candidate Kit includes information about legal qualifications for school board candidacy, campaign procedures and the role of the school board member. Information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act, important dates in the school election process and briefing sessions for school board candidates also are included in the kit.

Organizations sought for Community Day

The township of East Brunswick Division of Recreation and Community Services will sponsor the 17th annual East Brunswick Community Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 5 at Brunswick Square Mall, Route 18, East Brunswick.

Community-based, nonprofit volunteer groups are invited to participate in the free event. Exhibitors will display materials, recruit members, distribute literature and demonstrate their talents.

Reserved exhibit space is free to the first 58 groups to respond.

The event will feature a continuous showcase of community talent and entertainment on the mall stage from noon to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, to reserve space or to volunteer for the talent showcase, call (732) 390-6797 or e-mail recreation@eastbrunswick.org.

Mill housing featured in post office exhibit

Castle Garden, a row house for George W. Helme Snuff Mill workers, is the topic of the “Helmetta Traditions” bulletin-board display at the Helmetta post office, Main Street. The exhibit will run through the end of February.

Castle Garden, which stood from the late 1800s-1960s on John’s Place at Ditch Bank Road, featured eight units that housed generations of snuff-mill workers.

“Helmetta Traditions” deals with local and natural history and local traditions. The project, which is wrapping up its third year, is privately funded and operates in cooperation with the Helmetta post office.

For more information, write to Joe Sapia, P.O. Box 275, Helmetta, NJ 08828, or e-mail Snufftin@aol.com.

Winter Carnival to benefit E.B. school

The Bowne-Munro Elementary School PTA will sponsor a Winter Carnival fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the school, 120 Main St., East Brunswick.

Eric the Magician will offer shows at 1 and 1:30 p.m. Cost for the show is $3 per person.

The event also will feature face-painting, raffles, games and prizes. Catering will be by Bright Lights.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pot Roast Dinner on agenda at VFW post

Spotswood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4589 will hold a Pot Roast Dinner from 3-7 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the post home, 33 Daniel Road, Spotswood.

Dinner will include the main course, salad, dessert, coffee, tea and soda.

Donation is $8 for adults, $5 for children age 10 and under.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 251-9862 after 3:30 p.m.

Meeting and trip on agenda for AARP

The next general meeting of AARP East Brunswick Chapter No. 4855 will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center.

Guest speaker Sy Larson will offer an update on Medicare Part D.

A few seats are still available for the group’s Feb. 18 trip to see the “Mummers Show of Shows” at Broadway Hall, Atlantic City. Cost is $48 per person for the bus and show.

Participants will be on their own for dinner at The Home Buffet.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 238-5678.

Funds sought to aid library hit by hurricane

Kids for Kids, a volunteer group at the Monroe Township Library, is raising money to rebuild the children’s audio-book collection at the Pass Christian Public Library, Pass Christian, Miss. Located on the Gulf Coast, the Pass Christian Library was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and is currently located in a trailer.

During the month of February, patrons are invited to visit the Monroe Library and “Lend a Hand for Happiness” by donating a minimum of 50 cents to the cause. A “Lend a Hand for Happiness” heart with the patron’s name on it will be displayed in the library. Also available will be penny jar, in which loose change may be donated to the project.

For more information, call Leah Wagner at (732) 521-5000.

S.R. Seniors schedules meeting, trips to A.C.

South River Seniors will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Philo Masonic Hall, 120 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River.

Individuals age 55 and above are invited to attend. New members, singles and/or couples, are always welcome.

Admission is $3. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (732) 238-5678.

The group offers trips to the Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City, on the first Tuesday of every month.

For more information, call (732) 254-1886.

J’burg Senior Citizens slates upcoming events

Jamesburg Senior Citizens, 139 Stevens Ave., will sponsor a variety of upcoming events.

All Jamesburg residents over age 60 are invited to join the club. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.

Exercise classes are held at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays at the center.

A Pizza and Bingo Luncheon is planned for Feb. 15. Doors will open at noon.

There will be a Hot Dog and a Movie event on Feb. 22. Doors will open at noon.

For more information on membership and trips, other than excursions to Atlantic City, call Dolores Brightwell at (732) 521-1449.

For information on upcoming Atlantic City trips, call Sue Kane at (732) 251-8386.

Valentine’s Ball for children set in Sp’wood

Youngsters age 6 and under are invited to a Valentine’s Day Ball beginning at 10 a.m. on Feb. 14 at Kiddie Academy Child Care Learning Center, 406 Main St., Spotswood.

Participants will make a magnet, design a frame, decorate cookies, create a valentine, pin the arrow on Cupid and make a bouquet. Formal pictures will be taken. Face-painting will be offered.

The public is invited. Admission is free of charge.

For more information, call Kiddie Academy at (732) 251-2686.

Temple schedules yoga classes for moms, babies

The Early Childhood Learning Center of Temple B’nai Shalom, Fern and Old Stage roads, East Brunswick, will offer three types of upcoming yoga classes.

Programs will be available for mothers and babies ages 3 weeks-12 months, mothers and babies age 12-18 months, and adults only.

Baby-sitting will be provided during the adults-only class. For more information and to register, call (732) 251-4300, ext. 227. Registration deadline is Feb. 17.

Little House seeking tricky tray donations

The Little House Association, South River, is accepting donations of merchandise and gift certificates for its upcoming tricky tray set for 6:15 p.m. on May 19 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1451, 31 Reid St., South River.

Little House provides a meeting place for more than 180 Girl Scouts in South River. All donations, small or large, will be appreciated.

To make a donation or for more information, call Linda at (732) 257-3274.

Nonfood vendors sought

for August county fair

Unique nonfood vendors are sought for the 68th annual Middlesex County Agricultural Fair set for Aug. 7-13 at the fairgrounds, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

For more information, call (732) 416-1929.

Young people’s theater workshop set in Monroe

The Monroe Township Recreation Department and the Mighty Oak Players will sponsor a 10-week Spring 2006 Children’s Theatre Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays beginning Feb. 25 at the Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road. The program is open to youngsters age 8 and older.

During the workshop students will create a play inspired by existing text or by their own ideas.

Participants will select a theme for development into an original script. There will be a production at the conclusion of the workshop.

Instructors will be Janet Berkowitz and Phil Garber. Fee is $75.

For more information and to register, call (732) 723-5000.

Fashion show luncheon scheduled for Feb. 18

The Philoptochos Society (Friends of the Poor) of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Perth Amboy, will sponsor its annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Feb. 18 at the Pines Manor, Edison. Cocktails will begin at noon. Lunch is planned for 1 p.m.

Fashions will be provided by Journey Productions Inc. Music will be by Jukebox Memories. Donation is $45 per person. Reservation deadline is Feb. 12. For more information and to reserve, call Helen Suravalas at (732) 257-3237 or Georgia Vassallo at (732) 727-2187.

Corpus Christi plans Feb. 11 Garage Sale

The Corpus Christi School Garage Sale is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 11 in the school cafeteria, 80 David St., South River.

The kitchen will sell hot items for lunch. There also will be a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle drawing. All proceeds will benefit the school. For more information or to purchase 50/50 tickets, call Sharon Feniello at (732) 254-0655.

HSA seeking crafters, vendors for spring show

Crafters and vendors are sought for the St. Thomas the Apostle HSA Spring Craft and More Show set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 11 in the school auditorium, Route 18 south, Old Bridge.

Rental tables are available at a cost of $15 or $30.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 866-0482.

Police Youth Services offering free counseling

The East Brunswick Department of Public Safety offers a Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program through its Police Youth Services Program.

The program, which provides counseling services, mentoring and mediation as an outlet for juveniles and their parents and assists in preventing delinquent and incorrigible behavior, is run by counselor Christine Fawzy. Services are free of charge and available to East Brunswick residents.

For more information, call Christine Fawzy at (732) 390-2878.

Recreation slates trips to shows, game

The Milltown Department of Recreation will sponsor a variety of upcoming events.

All trips are open to residents and nonresidents.

The rec office is offering a bus trip to the 7:30 p.m. March 3 New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls basketball game at Madison Square Garden, New York City. Cost is $69 per ticket and includes bus transportation from Milltown.

The public is invited to attend the 7 p.m. March 9 performance of “Smucker’s Stars on Ice” at the Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton. Tickets cost $20 or $40 each. Participants must use their own transportation.

Tickets are available for the 4 p.m. March 19 performance of “Willy Wonka” at the State Theatre, New Brunswick. Cost is $25 per ticket.

For more information on all events and to reserve, call (732) 828-2100, ext. 141.

Comedian/hypnotist to appear at fundraiser

East Brunswick High School Project Graduation will hold a Get Hypnotized fundraiser, featuring comedic hypnotist Skylr, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the cafetorium at Churchill Junior High School, Norton Road. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for students, in advance; $17 for adults, $12 for students at the door. There will be a $50 immediate- family maximum. Refreshments are included in the price.

Ticket requests should be sent to Project Graduation Hypnotist, East Brunswick High School, 380 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

‘The Clutter Challenge’ next up for Hadassah

East Brunswick Hadassah will present a program titled “Organize Your Life: The Clutter Challenge” at 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane.

Guest speaker Jamie Novak of Expert Organizing Solutions will offer creative yet practical solutions to the clutter problem. Hadassah Community Outreach will collect new or unused items for use as raffle prizes at future Hadassah events.

The meeting is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information, call Phyllis at (732) 254-6804.

High school PTO sets Comedy Night benefit

The Monroe Township High School PTO will sponsor a Comedy Night fundraiser on March 12 at the Stress Factory Comedy Club, 90 Church St., New Brunswick. Dinner is set for 5 p.m. The show will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $35 each. All proceeds will benefit the PTO.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Joann at (732) 521-8273.

Participants sought for March 4 Vendor Expo

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Queenship of Mary Court No. 1743, will host a Vendor Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 4 in Lourdes Center, St. Bernadette’s Church, Villanova and Princeton roads, Parlin section of Old Bridge.

Participants will shop with Avon, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Home and Garden Party, Party Lite, Tupperware, and more. The event also will feature a gift raffle and a 50/50 drawing.

Vendor tables are available at a cost of $25 each. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 721-3201.

Temple schedules yoga classes for moms, babies

The Early Childhood Learning Center of Temple B’nai Shalom, Fern and Old Stage roads, East Brunswick, will offer three types of upcoming yoga classes.

Programs will be available for mothers and babies ages 3 weeks-12 months, mothers and babies age 12-18 months, and adults only.

Baby-sitting will be provided during the adults-only class.

For more information and to register, call (732) 251-4300, ext. 227. Registration deadline is Feb. 17.

Frost PTA schedules tricky tray at EBHS

The Frost Elementary School PTA will sponsor a tricky tray fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 17 in the cafeteria at East Brunswick High School (EBHS), Cranbury Road.

Prizes will include a three-night, four-day, inclusive Beaches Resorts family vacation for four, theater tickets, gift certificates for fine dining and sporting events and more prizes from local businesses including the East Brunswick Academy of Music, Photos by Igal, Christie’s Florist, Mega Movies and Flipover Gymnastics. Ticket price is $5 at the door and includes light refreshments. Participants must be 18 years of age. Area companies interested in donating goods or services are asked to call Robin Adkins at (732) 651-6002 or e-mail robin465@comcast.net.

E.B. Woman’s Club will meet on Feb. 14

The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will hold its monthly meeting at 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Scheduled program is “Show and Tell in 5 Minutes or Less.”

Guests are welcome.

For more information, call Sue at (732) 238-6361.

Cell-phone collection aiding soldiers overseas

A Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive is ongoing at Liberty Tax Service, 723 Route 18, at Racetrack Road, East Brunswick.

Donations of used cell phones are sought. Each phone will be recycled through Cell Phones for Soldiers (www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com) to provide a 100-minute calling card for a member of the military stationed overseas.

All Liberty Tax offices are drop-off sites for the drive. For more information, call (732) 390-5576.

Friends sponsoring trip to Philly Flower Show

The East Brunswick Friends of the Library will offer a March 8 trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from behind the Big Kmart parking lot, off Summerhill Road, East Brunswick. Departure from Philadelphia is set for approximately 4 p.m.

Cost, including round-trip bus transportation, admission to the show and a snack and beverage on the bus, is $41 for Friends members, $44 for nonmembers. Participants will be on their own for lunch.

Checks should be made payable to E.B. Friends of the Library and mailed to Anita Varshney, 17 Diana Court, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Reservation requests should include sender’s name, address and telephone number. Requests should not be sent to the library.

Reservation deadline is Feb. 20.

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

Winter Rummage Sale planned at E.B. temple

The East Brunswick Jewish Center Sisterhood will sponsor its Winter Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 26 and 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 27 at the synagogue, 511 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

Offerings will include clothing, toys, household items and more.

For more information, call (732) 257-7070.