Community Bulletin Board
Pioneer Grange No. 1 Christmas party Dec. 12

Pioneer Grange No. 1, Dayton section of South Brunswick, will hold its annual Christmas dinner party and program Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 410 Ridge Road.

The event will feature a covered dish (potluck) supper, followed by a program with carol singing, and a presentation by the Rev. Van Hager of Consolata Missionaries, Somerset. Visitors are welcome.

The Grange's New Year's Eve covered dish supper will be Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. at Fresh Ponds Schoolhouse-Community Hall, followed by program in Fresh Ponds Chapel.

For more information, call (732) 297-3008, or e-mail freshponds@aol.com.

Partnership selling green gift baskets for holidays

The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership, Milltown, is offering "green" gift baskets during the holiday season ranging in price from $25-$42 depending on basket size.

The baskets contain four or more nontoxic, child and pet safe items such as all-purpose cleaner, stain remover, glass cleaner, K-Neem insecticide/fungicide, plant nutrition tabs, and other items. Baskets are wrapped in clear plastic with a holiday bow. Orders are available each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.-noon at the Partnership Headquarters, 85 Washington Ave., Milltown. For more information, call (732) 249-5297.

Library's Music, Merlot and Miele benefit Dec. 7

The South Brunswick Library Foundation will the fourth annual present "Music, Merlot and Miele" Dec. 7 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the showroom at Miele Appliance, Route 1 north, South Brunswick.

The evening will feature wines supplied by Viking Liquors, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, and cooking demonstrations by Miele chef Susan Jaslove. Also featured will be hors d'oeuvres, cheeses, and desserts. Wine vendors will be available to answer questions. Music will be provided by the Saxaholics, South Brunswick. Tickets are $50 each, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation.

For tickets or more information, call Chris at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7287.

Willie Martinez Trio to perform jazz Dec. 8

The Willie Martinez Trio with guest Steve Gluzband on trumpet will return to South Brunswick's monthly "Jazz Café" Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. at Herb Eckert Auditorium, South Brunswick Municipal Complex, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. Martinez inaugurated the series in March, and has appeared on VH1's "Diva" concert with Faith Hill, and PBS's "Sessions at 54" with the vocalist Jewel. The series is sponsored by the South Brunswick Arts Commission. Admission is $5, and refreshments are included. For more information, call the Commission at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7635 or e-mail arts@sbtnj.net.

Bloom 'Artist of Month' at N. Brunswick gallery

The North Brunswick Township Gallery of Art will showcase the works of "Artist of the Month" Don Bloom during December. His recent oils, "Diamantes Tondo" used diamond shapes to draw the eye into to the visual effects of the paintings. Bloom is a former artist of the month.

The gallery is in the municipal building at 710 HermannRoad, and hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

''Twas the Night Before Christmas' opens Dec. 9

Villagers Theatre, 415 DeMott Lane, Somerset, will present the Kidsvill production of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17, with performances at noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon Sundays.

Portraying elves will be Jessica Kimberlin of the Dayton section of South Brunswick, and Matthew and Evan Gehring of the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. Carolers are played by Matthew Weinstein and Marc Scoff of the Kendall Park section of South Brunswick.

General admission tickets are $10. For reservations, call the box office at (732) 873-2710.

Talk on Muslims, Jews and Christians Dec. 12

Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan's Lane, North Brunswick, will present the panel discussion "Can Muslims, Jews & Christians Live Together in the Same House?" Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.

Jewish, Muslim, and Catholic women will discuss experiences and motivation for forming the Middle East Coexistence House at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. A question-and-answer session will follow the free presentation. Refreshments will be served.

The temple is holding a coat drive to collect coats and outerwear for the residents of New Brunswick. All sizes of clean coats are welcome and can be dropped off at the main office by Dec. 18. For more information, e-mail Admin@BnaiTikvah.org.

A discussion on vital pharmaceutical topics will be presented by two Rutgers specialists Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. The presenters will discuss how medications can hurt rather than help, prescriptive and over-the-counter medications, and related economic issues.

The Kadima Youth Group will meet Dec. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for lemons and latkes during which members will be have an opportunity to exchange unwanted "lemons" gifts for another member's gifts. Latkes will be served and dreidel games played. To R.S.V.P., e-mail Rachel by Dec. 15 at Kadima@BnaiTikvah.org.

The youth group will meet for "Get Naked" Jan. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Members wear as many layers of clothing as possible and, working in teams, are awarded points if the members are wearing an article of clothing announced by the judges.

To R.S.V.P., e-mail Rachel by Jan. 2 at Kadima@BnaiTikvah.org. or call (973) 886-2813.

Registration due Dec. 13 for SBHS dance clinic

The award winning South Brunswick High School Dance Team will conduct its fifth annual dance team clinic for boys and girls in grades K-8 Dec. 17 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the high school gym at 750 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. Registration forms must be submitted by Dec. 13.

Attendees will learn to improve dance technique as well as a dance routine. Also offered will be a new middle school workshop with beginner and advanced levels. Cost is $25, and includes a snack, drink and craft session for K-5 students. Sneakers/dance shoes and casual wear are recommended.

Registration forms and waivers may be sent to: Constable Elementary School, Attn.: Catherine DiGioia-Laird, dance coach, 29 Constable Road, Kendall Park 08824. For more information or a form, call Catherine at (732) 297-2488, ext. 2621 or e-mail Catherine.digioia-laird@sbschools.org.

South Brunswick H.S. fundraiser Dec. 9

South Brunswick High School's Project Graduation will hold a fundraiser Dec. 9 from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 869 Route 1, North Brunswick.

Patrons purchasing items at the store with a Project Graduation voucher will help the program raise funds toward the school's annual alcohol- and drug-free graduation night activity. To obtain a copy of a voucher or for more information, go to www.sbschools.org.