East Brunswick Sentinel

Dance troupe takes up residency in E.B. schools

BY BRIAN DONAHUE Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

JEFF GRANIT staff It's one of the four arts disciplines, along with music, visual arts and theater, but most school districts choose not to include dance as an art form in their curriculum. They instead teach aspects of dance such as aerobics and folk dance, along with the other performing arts included in the state Core Curriculum Content Standards.

County food pantries seeing higher demand

BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

The difficult economy and resulting job losses are forcing more people to turn to local food pantries to feed themselves and their families. As the holiday season approaches, all of the local food banks can use donations and many also need volunteers to help provide services.

Photo

11/19/2009

CHRIS KELLY staff

Synagogue remembers 'Night of Broken Glass'

BY JACQUELINE DURETT Correspondent — 11/19/2009

Aspecial service held Nov. 8 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center marking the 71st anniversary of Kristallnacht was a chance for the community to come together to remember, as well as look forward.

Friends group, though small, aims to score big for library

BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

MILLTOWN — They may not have many members, but the Friends of the Milltown Public Library do all they can to boost the library program. In fact, the group has just three working members, who seek to fund items not ordinarily included in the library budget.

Police get new motorcycle, DWI grant

BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

SPOTSWOOD — The Borough Council has made a number of moves to bolster its police department, including leasing a new motorcycle. At a recent meeting, the council approved a resolution to lease a 2010 Harley- Davidson so the borough can continue its motorcycle patrols.

A day of bike racing

11/19/2009

CHRIS KELLY staff

Mayor: Only the essentials included in capital budget

BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

EAST BRUNSWICK — In another sign of the times, the township's annual capital budget is a fraction of its past incarnations.

Fire chief clarifies status of firehouse

BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

MILLTOWN — Although Fire Chief Jules Dekovics is a Republican, he said there are no political parties when it comes to public safety. "It's all about what is best for the town," he said, referring to the status of the proposed new firehouse. The issue became the topic of political debate during the recent campaign for Borough Council.

Fundraisers

11/19/2009

Nov. 19 • Basket Raffle, sponsored by St. Thomas the Apostle HSA, doors open at 6:45 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., in the school auditorium, Route 18 south, Old Bridge. Admission is $20; includes coffee, dessert, door-prize entry, four prize-table tickets. Additional raffle tickets available for purchase. Participants may bring food into the event.

Sociable Singles to meet in Monroe

11/19/2009

The next meeting of Etz Chaim Sociable Singles is set for 1-4 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave. The gathering will feature discussions, socializing and refreshments. Admission is $5 per person. All are welcome to attend.

E.B. recreation sets summer-job expo

11/19/2009

The East Brunswick Division of Recreation will offer a Summer 2010 Employment Expo noon-2 p.m. Nov. 28 at the East Brunswick Senior Center, 3 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive. Interested applicants, 16 years of age (by June 1) and older, are invited.

Tickets available for Nov. 29 Tricky Tray

11/19/2009

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Queenship of Mary No. 1743, will hold its annual Tricky Tray 5-8 p.m. Nov. 29 at St. Bernadette's Church, O'Dea Hall, Princeton and Villanova roads, Parlin section of Old Bridge.

Township to hold home-party gala

11/19/2009

The township of East Brunswick, Division of Recreation and Community Services, will sponsor a Home Party Extravaganza 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 29 at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road. Approximately 18 home-party consultants will be on hand to sell their products.

Vendors welcome at McDivitt fundraiser

11/19/2009

James A. McDivitt Elementary School PTA will host a Vendor Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5 at the school, 1 Manny Martin Way, Old Bridge.

Library seeks books for needy children

11/19/2009

The Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, is seeking 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.

OLOL to sponsor Christmas Festival

11/19/2009

Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) School, 44 Cleveland Ave., Milltown, will host a Christmas Festival 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5. The event will offer a day of holiday shopping and food. The parish will sponsor an oldfashioned Bake Sale; a Magic Tree; an Anything Angel booth featuring angels of all types; and vendors and booths offering crafts, gifts, specialty items and more.

Youngsters invited to Free-Throw Contest

11/19/2009

East Brunswick Elks Lodge No. 2370, assisted by East Brunswick Boy Scout Troop No. 223, will conduct its annual Free-Throw Contest 7-9 p.m. Nov. 24 at Bowne-Munro School, 120 Main St. The contest is open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Participation is free of charge. For more information, call Anthony at 732-651-8345.

H1N1 consent forms available at library

11/19/2009

Residents with appointments to attend one the Middlesex County Public Health Department's H1N1-vaccine clinics may obtain a consent form at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center. David Papi, health department director health officer, recently announced that the county will provide the H1N1 vaccine (nasal spray and injectable) 1-3 p.m.

OLOL schedules Family Pasta Night

11/19/2009

Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) School, 44 Cleveland Ave., Milltown, will hold a Family Pasta Night 4-9 p.m. Nov. 21. Dinner will include pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers, salad, bread, beverages, dessert, coffee and tea. The event also will feature music and raffles.

Helping hands

11/19/2009

The St. Bartholomew Cadette Girl Scout Troop 81656, East Brunswick, including (l-r) Morgan Jensen, Joanna Brautigan, Katherine Fuchs and Olivia Szallai prepared and delivered lunches for local people in need last week. With the help of sister troops 80681, 81378 and 80520, the girls reached out to the families of St. Bartholomew School to make donations including paper products, drinks, snacks and sandwich items. The troops collected these during lunch period, assembled lunch bags and made sandwiches to complete the package. On Nov. 6, they delivered 135 bag lunches to Elijiah's Promise soup kitchen in New Brunswick.

Legion seeks vendors for Dec. 6 fundraiser

11/19/2009

Vendors are sought for the American Legion Post No. 253 One-Stop-Shop set for Dec. 6 at the post home, DeVoe Avenue, Spotswood. Cost is $20 per table. For more information and to reserve, call 848-459-2281 or 732-251-1221.

Thanksgiving interfaith service set

11/19/2009

The 34th annual East Brunswick Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 24 at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, 511 Ryders Lane. The interfaith service is sponsored by the East Brunswick Area Clergy Council. Participants will include leaders from a variety of religious congregations and organizations in East Brunswick.

Dinners, performers coming to post home

11/19/2009

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 133 and its auxiliaries will sponsor several upcoming weekend events at the post home, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. A Friday-Night Dinner takes place 6-8 p.m.; the menu changes every week.

Santa photos on fire truck offered

11/19/2009

The Milltown Fire Department will offer the opportunity to have photos taken with Santa on Milltown's oldest fire truck, a 1921 American LaFrance, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 29 at the South Main Street Firehouse. A donation of $10 will provide several options, including electronic and traditional pictures.

Toys for Tots may be dropped off in O.B.

11/19/2009

Reformed Church Home, 1990 Route 18 north, Old Bridge, will partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to collect holiday gifts for needy children, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 13. The public is invited to drop off new, unwrapped children's toys.

Tickets available for legion dinner

11/19/2009

American Legion Post No. 253 will hold its Past Commander/Past President Dinner at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the post home, DeVoe Avenue, Spotswood. A cocktail hour is set for 7 p.m. Dinner will be catered by Ria Mar Restaurant, South River. The event also will feature an open bar and music by a DJ. Cost is $50 per couple. The public is invited.

Holiday pierogi, blintz sale under way

11/19/2009

St. Stanislaus Kostka Rosary Altar Society, Sayreville, is holding its Fresh Pierogi and Blintz Sale for the holidays. Many different varieties of pierogi, including cheese (cottage cheese), potato, potato and cheddar cheese, potato and pot cheese, potato and onion, sauerkraut, sauerkraut and mushroom, potato and sweet cabbage, are available.

Holiday Bazaar on tap at Sayreville church

11/19/2009

Trinity United Methodist Church, 815 Bordentown Ave., Sayreville, will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5. The event will feature holiday crafts, homebaked items, a Granny's Attic, craft tables, a children's room and more. Luncheon will be available.

Boy Scout Crew sets Nov. 21 Yard Sale

11/19/2009

The East Brunswick Boy Scout Crew No. 310 Yard Sale is set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21 at 30 Flagler St., East Brunswick, off Old Bridge Turnpike near Chittick School. Rain date is Nov. 22. Bargains, treasures, collector's items, holiday items, games, stuffed animals and more will be available for purchase.

Holiday-shopping event on tap at school

11/19/2009

The Warnsdorfer Elementary School Fifth-Grade Parent Committee will host a Wrap- Up-Your-Shopping Night vendor sale 7-9 p.m. Dec. 3 at the school, 9 Hardenburg Lane, East Brunswick. The event will feature holiday gifts. A bake sale also will take place.

Russian culture, music set at library

11/19/2009

A three-part series on the history, culture and music of Russia is planned at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center. "Russia: A Long and Complex History — A Rich and Vibrant Culture" is set for 7-8 p.m. Nov. 23. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Thai Dinner to aid food-pantry building

11/19/2009

The Presbyterian Church of Jamesburg, 175 Gatzmer Ave., will sponsor a Thai Dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 28. Proceeds from the event will go toward completing construction of the steel building that will house the community food pantry.

Holiday Boutique under way at museum

11/19/2009

The 2009 Holiday Boutique at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., corner of George Street, on the campus of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, will be open through Dec. 23 during museum hours, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 2.

Photo contest under way in M'town

11/19/2009

Entries are still being accepted for the Milltown Photography Contest. Photos must be of Milltown. Applications and entry forms are available at the Milltown Public Library, 20 W. Church St., and at Schwendeman and Son Taxidermist, 119 S. Main St. New and old photos will be accepted.

Youth holiday events scheduled at library

11/19/2009

Registration is ongoing for children's holiday programs at the Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St. Craft programs and a magic show will be held in December. The events are open to Spotswood Library cardholders only. For more information, visit the library or call 732-251-1515.

Maccabee Mayhem coming to synagogue

11/19/2009

Temple B'nai Shalom, Fern and Old Stage roads, East Brunswick, will host a pre-Hanukkah Maccabee Mayhem celebration 9:15-11:30 a.m. Nov. 22.

Toys for Tots drive will begin Nov. 27

11/19/2009

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) will collect new, unwrapped toys for its Toys for Tots program every Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 27-Dec. 20, next to the Santa Claus display at the Menlo Park Mall, Edison. Cash donations also will be accepted. For more information, call Eddy Androvich at 732-698-2347.

Crystal Springs plans Job Expo for Nov. 27

11/19/2009

Crystal Springs Family Aquatic Center, East Brunswick, will hold its 2010 Job Expo 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 27 at the Division of Parks, 334 Dunhams Corner Road.

Tricky Tray will aid animal-rights issues

11/19/2009

The New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance will host its annual Tricky Tray beginning at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road. Doors will open at 2 p.m. Admission is $6 and includes one sheet of tickets, a door-prize ticket, baked goods and coffee. Tickets are available in advance.

Young actors to star in 'Guys and Dolls Jr.'

11/19/2009

Triple H Productions Inc. and the Hernandez Theatre Workshop Inc., in collaboration with the City of South Amboy Department of Recreation, will present "Guys and Dolls Jr." 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 22 in the theater at South Amboy Middle/High School, 200 Governor Hoffman, Plaza.

Granny's Cellar craft show set in Sp'wood

11/19/2009

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Spotswood, will host its annual Granny's Cellar Holiday Craft Show 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 29 at Immaculate Conception School, Manalapan Road, Spotswood. The event will feature approximately 75 crafters displaying and selling handcrafted merchandise.

PTA seeking vendors for Holiday Bazaar

11/19/2009

Vendors are sought for the Central Elementary School PTA Holiday Bazaar set for 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the cafetorium at the school, 371 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Table rental fee is $20. Admission to the event is free of charge.

Toys for Tots drive will begin Nov. 27

11/19/2009

Newly elected council members offer thanks

11/19/2009

We would like to thank the voters of Milltown for putting their trust and confidence in our abilities by voting for us on Election Day. As you can imagine, we were excited and pleased that evening as the results came in and we were elected to the Milltown Borough Council.

Appreciates support of family, friends, residents

11/19/2009

First and foremost, I would like to thank the voters of the 18th District who showed their tremendous support in wanting to change the course of New Jersey Legislature, and for not believing in the negative, malicious attacks against me.

Responsible cat neutering means less and less feral colonies

11/19/2009

Iwas a resident of South River for most of my life, then moved to Manchester and more recently to Ohio. Everywhere, it is the same story — ignorant people do not have their cats neutered and then let the cats outside to reproduce, to the point that a feral colony ensues. Whose fault is that? Not these poor creatures that didn't ask to be abandoned or lost.

Cartoon

11/19/2009

To cook a turkey — first find the darned giblets

Coda • GREG BEAN — 11/19/2009

In our family, there are lots of stories we like to tell around the Thanksgiving table. Most of them are funny — to us — and most of them involve disasters, some going back generations.

Stella Prohaska

11/19/2009

Mrs. Prohaska, 98, of East Brunswick, died Oct. 31, 2009, in John Montgomery Care Center, Freehold. She was a former telephone operator with New Jersey Bell, South River. She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin Prohaska; a daughter, Constance Parr; a brother, Joseph Jankowski; and a granddaughter, Cynthia.

Robert L. McCarty

11/19/2009

Mr. McCarty, 51, of Old Bridge, formerly of South River, died Oct. 31, 2009, at home. He was employed as a security-alarm monitor technician for the past four years with Protection One Security, Wall. Before that, he worked at STS Auto Center, East Brunswick, and Wawa, Old Bridge. He was predeceased by his father, John McCarty.

Anthony John Navickas

11/19/2009

Mr. Navickas, 80, of Old Bridge, died Nov. 1, 2009, in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. He began his career as a teacher with the East Brunswick school system in 1956, teaching classes in social studies, math and science, serving as a guidance counselor and eventually serving as principal of East Brunswick High School.

Jennie Branco

11/19/2009

Mrs. Branco, 85, of North Brunswick, died Nov. 13, 2009, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Marie and John Filozof, in North Brunswick. Mrs. Branco and her late husband owned and operated C.F. Branco Construction Co., South River. She was predeceased by her husband, Cesar Branco, in 1967.

Josephine Wielgolinski Slezak

11/19/2009

Mrs. Slezak, 86, of Helmetta, died Oct. 28, 2009, in Samaritan Hospice, Mount Holly. She was employed as the bookkeeper for J.W. Helme Co., Helmetta, in the 1960s and 70s. Her husband, Joseph, died in 2007, and a daughter, Mary Balbina, died in 1955. Surviving are a son, Leon, and his wife, Joanne, of Moorestown; and a grandson, Joseph.

James Michael Gushanas

11/19/2009

Mr. Gushanas, 44, of North Brunswick, died Nov. 7, 2009, at home. He was raised in East Brunswick prior to relocating to North Brunswick. He was a cosmetologist for 25 years. He was predeceased by his father, Anthony; his mother, Mary; a sister, Sharon; and a nephew, Kevin. He is survived by a brother, Anthony Mark Gushanas Jr.

Kayla Marie Shepard

11/19/2009

Ms. Shepard, 19, of San Francisco, died Oct. 28, 2009, in Bakersfield, Calif., as the result of injuries sustained in a motor-vehicle accident.

Dorothy B. Siecinski Frankle

11/19/2009

Mrs. Frankle, 86, of East Brunswick, died Oct. 29, 2009, in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Frankle, and by a brother, Raymond Siecinski. Surviving are a daughter, Karen Frankle of East Brunswick; a son, Robert Frankle of Brewster, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and a niece.

Antonia L. Melzer

11/19/2009

Ms. Melzer, 94, of East Brunswick, died Nov. 11, 2009, in Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick. She was a longtime volunteer worker at the East Brunswick Senior Center. Surviving are her sister-in-law, Louise Ficarra; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and greatgreat nephews. A Mass was offered at St.

Stephen Shanko

11/19/2009

Mr. Shanko, 91, of East Brunswick, died Nov. 3, 2009, in Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick. Surviving are his wife, Victoria Tupkielewicz Shanko; a son, Stephen, and his wife, Jill, of East Brunswick; two daughters, Maryanne Stahley, and her husband, Jim, of Monroe and Valerie Oremus, and her husband, Rick, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Trying to break free

11/19/2009

Above: Spotswood High School's Kevin Antoine (l) and Garret Walters sandwich Metuchen's James Warren after he caught a pass from Steven Deinzer in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I playoffs Nov. 14. Metuchen, playing at home, defeated the Chargers 28-7. Right: Spotswood's Kevin Antoine catches a pass in front of Metuchen's Stephen Serieux.

Monroe seeks revenge in semifinal vs. Ocean

BY JIMMY ALLINDER Correspondent — 11/19/2009

All Monroe Township High School's football team (8-1) has to do to earn a berth in the Central Jersey Group III championship game is beat Ocean Township tomorrow night.

Local Pop Warner team looking to make history

11/19/2009

EAST BRUNSWICK — The St. Bart's Buffalos PeeWee football team is on its way to the Eastern Region Finals this Saturday in Jackson. The team, with members from East Brunswick, Milltown, Spotswood and Helmetta, will face off against Maryland State champion the Tidewater Titans.

Local teams place well in state X-country meet

BY JIMMY ALLINDER Correspondent — 11/19/2009

Despite strong finishes by members of the East Brunswick High School boys team in the state Group IV cross country meet at Holmdel Park on Saturday, the Bears did not earn the right to move on to this week's Meet of Champions (MOC).

Sports Shorts

11/19/2009

Registration for East Brunswick baseball, softball and Buddy Ball will be held 7- 9 p.m. Nov. 19 and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at Managers Hall on Dunhams Corner Road in East Brunswick. Details: 732-266-5402. The St.