Community Bulletin Board
Pioneer Grange No. 1 installs officers for 2006

Pioneer Grange No. 1, 410 Ridge Road, Dayton section of South Brunswick, initiated six new members at its most recent meeting in late March. The new members are Marion Rizkovsky, Dan Haggerty, Joe Gess, Helmut Harich, and his wife Gloria, and the couple's daughter Amanda.

The group also installed Grange officers for 2006, with the District Pomona Grange Deputy Clifford Reed officiating. Installed were: Rev. John H. Maltby, Master (president); Steven Vlcej, overseer (vice president); The Rev. Robert S. Turton III, Steward; Daniel Guerriero, assistant steward; Sandra B. Turton, lady assistant steward; Ramona Carlisle, chaplain; Joan C. Luckhardt, lecturer (program director); Joyce Beyrouty, gatekeeper; Harriet Terren, flora; Maria A. G. Kotun, treasurer; Helen Ilnicki and Donna Lou Underwood-Gess, executive committee; and Alice S. Veghte, pianist. Not yet filled for 2006 are the positions of ceres, pomona and secretary.

The Grange will celebrate annual national "Grange Awareness Month" April 25, and award three "Citizen of the Year" awards to individuals that have contributed greatly to South Brunswick Township.

Submissions now taken for S. Brunswick contest

South Brunswick Township has announced a poster contest for students in grades K-8, with submission deadline May 1.

The Township is seeking a new recycling slogan and poster for 2006, with the theme "School Recycling: Make Less Garbage!" Posters should focus on what to recycle, and how to recycle properly at school. First-, second-, and third-place prizes will be awarded in the age categories of grades K-2, three to five, and six to eight. An overall winner will become the official South Brunswick recycling poster for 2006, and be framed and posted at the schools, municipal building and public library.

Posters should be poster size (22 by 28 inches), done in crayons or markers, and original artwork (no computer-generated art, commercial glue-on letters or copyright items may be used). Entries will be judged on clarity of the message conveyed, is the theme is addressed, if the slogan conveys and message and is easy to read, creativity, visual clarity, neatness, color, and for correct spelling and grammar.

For more information, call Nancy at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7274 or e-mail npaquett@sbtnj.net.

'Peace Prize' opens April 21 at Mason Gross

Rutgers Theater Company will present "Peace Prize" April 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m.; and April 23 at 2 p.m. at Philip J. Levin Theater at Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick.

The witty play by Rutgers emerging artist Sharon Farrell connects the paths of Alfred Nobel and activist Henri Dunant at the 1867 Universal Exposition in Paris. Costume designer is Joyce Yoon, Edison. Emerging artists are master's degree candidates at Mason Gross School of the Arts. Tickets are $20, $15 for Rutgers alumni and employees, and seniors and $10 for students with valid ID. For information, call (732) 932-7511 or visit www.masongross.rutgers.edu.

Hazardous waste

drop-off days scheduled

The Middlesex County Division of Solid Waste Management recently set the following household hazardous waste drop-off days schedule:

+ April 15 at the Middlesex County Highways Department, Apple Orchard Lane, off Route 130, North Brunswick;

+ May 21 at Middlesex County College, near the Mill Road entrance, Edison.

All collection times are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

The drop-off days are sponsored by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and are conducted in cooperation with the Middlesex County Department of Public Works-Division of Highways and Middlesex County College.

The events are open to residents of Middlesex County only and are free of charge. Items should be brought in clearly marked containers.

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

Easter egg hunt in

North Brunswick April 8

The North Brunswick Department of Parks & Recreation will hold an Easter egg hunt April 8 at noon at Parson's Elementary School, 116 Hollywood St.

The event is open to North Brunswick children age 11 and younger, and an adult must accompany all children. It will also feature face painting and a visit from the Easter bunny. Admission is donation of a canned food item. For more information, call Greg at (732) 247-0922, ext. 475. Summer Pilates courses will be offered June 5-Aug. 21 from 7-7:45 p.m. (fee $100), and yoga Thursdays June 8-Aug. 24 at the senior center at 15 Linwood Place. Registration is being accepted for summer camps and Camp Journey. Spring & Summer Brochures will be mailed by mid-March.

The senior center will provide transportation at 9 a.m. to the Senior Health & Fitness Walk May 31 at Johnson Park, New Brunswick. T-shirts, visors and lunch will be provided. Registration ends May 12. A block party for Burdine's Corner residents will be held on May 20 from noon until 2 p.m.

For more information, call Recreation at (732) 247-0922, ext. 475 or e-mail LBenson@northbrunswickonline.com.

Reservations due April 19 for temple events

Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick, will hold a family shabbat dinner for families with children age 2-7 April 21 at 6 p.m.

Dinner will be baked ziti (or plain pasta), salad, bread, and vegetables. Cost is $6, and $4 for children age 2-12. Reservations are due by April 19 and may be made by calling Bobbi at (732) 274-2797.

Matthew Katz, son of Steve and Andrea Katz of South Brunswick, will celebrate his Eagle Court of Honor April 23 at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Katz's Eagle Scout Service Project was directing the construction of the Holocaust Remembrance Garden adjacent to the temple's library. Reservations are due by April 19 and may be made by e-mailing scats1107@aol.com.

Douglas E. Friedman will present "The Comedian Harmonists" April 23, with brunch at 9:30 a.m., followed by the presentation from 10:30 a.m.-noon. The harmonists were a singing group formed in 1927 and banned by the German government in 1935 because three of its six members were Jews. Cost is $5, and free for members. For reservations, call the temple at (732) 297-0696.

The Fifty Plus Group will meet April 25 at 1 p.m. Congregant Mark Roller will explain how the temple acquired the Holocaust Torah on permanent display in the lobby. Attendees may also participate in a candle lighting in memory of the six million. Guest speaker Rabbi Lisa Vernon will also discuss HaZak, the United Synagogue's organization for mature Jews. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Madeline at (732) 297-4240.

Nursery school and summer camp will hold the grand opening of the new playground April 30 from 10 a.m.-noon. Taking part in the ribbon cutting will be South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese, North Brunswick Mayor Francis "Mac" Womack, Mayor of North Brunswick. There will be gifts, games, face painting, raffles and hors d'oeuvres. For information, call Phyllis at (732) 297-0295, ext. 22.

A celebration of Yom Ha'atzma'ut, Israel's Independence Day will be May 2 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a concert at 7:45 p.m. Cost is $18 per family or $5 per person, and reservations are due by April 28. For reservations, call Cantor Rockman at (732) 297-0696.

Great Circle to perform at jazz caf April 7

The South Brunswick Arts Commission will continue its "Jazz Caf Series" April 7 at 8 p.m. with a performance by Great Circle. The concert will be at Herb Eckert Auditorium at the municipal complex, Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

Great Circle has performed at the Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. It consists of flutist Jamie Baum, guitarist Kenny Wessel, acoustic bass guitarist Jerome Harris and drummer Jeff Hirshfield.

Admission is $5, and refreshments are included. For more information, call the Commission at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7635.

Reservations due April 7 for center's Italian buffet

South Brunswick Senior Center will host an Italian buffet April 21 from 4-6 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, and reservations must be made by April 7.

The event will feature live music and saxophone by Dan Bacher, and a performance of Irish dance by performers from the DeNogla School of Irish dance. The menu will consist of pasta, chicken dishes, salad, homemade bread, dessert and coffee. Caterer is Giuseppe's of Dayton. The senior center is at 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. For reservations, call the senior center at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7670.

Annual 'YMCA Healthy Kids Day' April 8

South Brunswick Family YMCA will hold its 14th annual "YMCA Healthy Kids Day" April 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The free event will be at the Y at 329 Culver Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.

It will include sack races, facepainting, arts and crafts, various contests, pool games, a scavenger hunt, bingo, and an open family swim, tug of war, exercise class, yoga and obstacle course. Parents will also be able to sign up children for summer camp. Sponsors of the national event are American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and American Public Health Association.

For more information, call the YMCA at (732) 329-1150.

'Safe Sitter' program slated for April 10

Saint Peter's University Hospital, 254 Easton Ave., New Brunswick, will hold a "Safe Sitter" class April 10 from 9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

The program is for children age 11-13, and will teach how to handle emergencies when caring for young children. Attendees will learn basic child-care skills, how to entertain children and keep children safe, what to do when a child stops breathing or chokes and how to call for emergency help.

Classes are limited to 18 students. Fee is $50 for materials and program costs, and registration is required. To register, call Carol at (732) 745-8579.

Workshops at area North Brunswick High April 10

North Brunswick Township High School, Route 130 and Raider Road, will host one-hour smoking cessation and weight loss workshops April 10 at 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., respectively.

The Hypnosis Counseling Center will present the workshops which will feature hypnosis exercises and discussion. The workshops will be led by counselor Barry Wolfson. For cost or to register, call (732) 289-3040.

Bereavement group forming in Monroe

Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Southern Middlesex County, Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe, is forming a new bereavement group.

Individuals who have experienced the loss of a spouse or significant other are invited to join. A licensed clinical social worker will lead the group.

For information or to register, call JoAnn Cohen at (609) 395-7979.

Lions Club's tricky

tray auction April 7

South Brunswick Lions Club will hold its third annual tricky tray auction April 7 at the cafeteria at South Brunswick High School, Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the auction will be at 8 p.m. Admission is $5, and attendees must be age 18 or older.

For more information, call Diane or Debbie at (732) 297-2051.

Rummage sale at Oak Woods begins April 6

Oak Woods Senior Residence, 700 Woods Lane, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, will hold a rummage sale April 6-8 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Items of clothing and furniture in good condition will be accepted for the sale.

For more information, call Fannie at (732) 247-9997.

'Score 1 for Literacy' raises $1,500 at event

The third annual "Score 1 for Literacy" ice hockey tournament was held recently at Princeton Sports Center, South Brunswick, raising $1,500 for the nonprofit NJ Reads. Former New Jersey Devil Rob Skrlac signed autographs, posed for pictures, and spent time with young hockey players promoting the importance of reading in both academics and athletics. The event was organized by Envision Success, East Brunswick, and New Jersey Reads, Trenton.

Volunteers sought for

S. Brunswick cleanups

South Brunswick Township is asking residents to choose litter areas in the township for a spring cleanup, with bags and gloves provided for volunteers.

Following the cleanups, the township will hold its annual Earth Day celebration April 23 from noon-2 p.m. at Reichler Park (in case of rain it will be at the senior center at 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick). The event will feature a flag ceremony, tree planting, music, and games. Free T-shirts, tree seedlings, hot dogs, drinks and other refreshments will be given to volunteers.

Individuals interested in a cleanup should call Public Works at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7274.

No interruption in garbage pickup April 14

South Brunswick Township has announces there will be no interruption of garbage or recycling pickup Good Friday April 14 for owners of single-family homes. Township offices will be closed, but the contractor will perform normally scheduled collections. For more information, call Public Works at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7260.

Cell phone donations taken at Rutgers campus

Students in the Ascent class at Rutgers University Livingston campus are holding a month-long campaign to collect used or broken cell phones, PDAs, beepers and chargers. Donations will be repaired and distributed to victims of domestic violence through an organization called The Wireless Foundation. The drop-off location is at the Livingston student center, Piscataway. Visit www.wirelessfoundation.org/calltoprotect.