Community Bulletin Board
Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer boating courses

Coast Guard Flotilla Auxiliary 2-1, 167 Main St., Sayreville, will offer two upcoming safe boating courses.

“Basic Navigation and GPS (Global Positioning System)” classes will be held on four Monday nights beginning Sept. 12. Cost is $80, including books.

“America’s Boating Course” is set for four Wednesday nights beginning Sept. 14. Cost is $45, including books.

For more information and to register, call (732) 698-2222 or (732) 616-9016.

Remembrance ceremony

in Sayreville Sept. 11

The borough of Sayreville’s governing body will host a ceremony to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 at 1 p.m. Sept. 11 in front of borough hall, 167 Main St. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, call the municipal clerk’s office at (732) 390-7020.

Old Bridge Elks to host Sept. 16 Polish Dinner

Old Bridge Elks Lodge No. 2229 will hold its annual Polish Dinner from 6:30-9 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the lodge, 67 Old Amboy Road.

Cost is $10 per person and includes a meal featuring homemade Polish delicacies. For more information and to reserve, call Joe Barlik at (732) 251-0049.

‘West Side Story’

to be staged in O.B.

GB Productions will present “West Side Story” at 8 p.m. on Sept. 15, 17, 22 and 24 at St. Thomas the Apostle auditorium, Route 18 south, Old Bridge.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children.

For more information and tickets, call (732) 238-4028.

Band parents sponsoring trip to A.C. casino

The Sayreville War Memorial High School Band Parents Association will sponsor a bus trip to the Sands Casino in Atlantic City on Sept. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The bus will depart from the schools parking lot, 820 Washington Road. The cost is $22, with $20 slot cash returned. Refreshments will be served on the bus. For reservations or more information, call Debbie at (732) 257-7730.

Extension horticultural program to air on NJN

Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension will present “If Plants Could Talk,” its gardening, landscaping and agriculture program, at 1 p.m. on Sept. 3 on NJN Public Television.

Hosts Bill Hlubik and Nick Polanin will take viewers to Longwood Gardens, the arboretum and horticultural display gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. Experts at Longwood will highlight some of their favorite annuals and perennials and share tips on how to keep the plants looking healthy.

The mission of “If Plants Could Talk” is to promote environmental stewardship by introducing the audience to farmers, horticulture experts and home gardeners.

To provide the viewer with more information on the topics presented, Rutgers Extension has assembled a Web site offering information on gardening, landscaping and agriculture. At www.ifplantscouldtalk.rutgers.edu, interested individuals may download fact sheets on planning a vegetable garden, methods of Lyme disease prevention and more. Also available are deer-tolerant plant selections and how-to slideshows. The site provides the locations of the nearest “pick-your-own” farms.

For more information on future air times, log on to the Web site, check local listings, or call NJN viewer services at (609) 777-0031.

Tuesday-Night Dinners

to begin at Sons of Italy

The Order of the Sons of Italy in America, Sgt. John Basilone Lodge, will begin its weekly Tuesday-Night Dinners at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Imperial Music Center, 48 Appleby Ave., South River.

Dinners, cooked fresh and featuring a different menu each week, will include homemade soup, salad, a main course, dessert, coffee and tea. Cost is $9.

For more information, call (732) 238-0310.

Car show on tap at Old Bridge Elks lodge

Old Bridge Elks Lodge No. 2229 will host a car show beginning at noon on Sept. 11 at the lodge, 67 Old Amboy Road. Rain date is Sept. 18.

All American-made cars and light trucks manufactured before 1975 are eligible to enter. Organizers hope to make the car show an annual event.

The day will feature a DJ, door prizes and arts and crafts. Free show shirts will go to the owners of the first 50 cars to be registered. All participants will receive a goody bag and a dash plaque. There will be 80 best-of-show trophies and 15 specialty awards. A ’50s dance will follow the awards presentation.

Registration is $12 in advance, $15 from 9-11:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

For more information on the show, call (732) 845-2863. For vendor or crafter information, call (732) 801-4216.

Car wash to raise funds

for Lady Bombers soccer

The Sayreville War Memorial High School (SWMHS) Lady Bombers soccer team will sponsor a car wash from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the SWMHS parking lot, Washington Road.

Cost is $5 per car. For more information, call Eileen at (732) 257-6587.

Youngsters invited to Triple H auditions

Students in kindergarten-12th grade are invited to audition for “Disney’s Cinderella” and “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians,” two upcoming presentations from Triple H Productions, Sayreville.

Auditions will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 for students in kindergarten-fourth grade, and Sept. 8 for youngsters in grades 5-8, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, MacArthur Avenue, Sayreville. Participants should use the back entrance.

Auditions for students in grades 9-12 will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the gym at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, MacArthur Avenue, Sayreville.

Show dates will be Nov. 11 and 12.

All performers should come prepared to sing with sheet music. For more information, log on to www.triplehproductions.com, or call (732) 254-1535.

Rosary society slates

Sept. 10 flea market

St. Thomas Rosary Society, Old Bridge, will hold its 15th annual Giant Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 in St. Thomas the Apostle Church parking lot, Route 18 south, Old Bridge. Rain date is Sept. 17.

For more information, call Charlotte at (732) 257-0721.

Jazz panel to present award at meeting

As part of its third anniversary celebration, the Central Jersey Jazz Association (CJJA) will nominate jazz musicians to its Hall of Jazz. Another category will be added to recognize business or educational efforts toward the jazz community.

The first award will be given to Dan Morgenstern, director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, Newark, for his lifelong efforts in the promotion of jazz. The presentation will take place at the CJJA meeting set for 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the North Brunswick government and community complex, 710 Hermann Road. Donation is $6. Members are asked to bring a dessert or beverage item. For reservations and more information, call (732) 727-7791 or e-mail iclavering@netzero.com.

Photographic panel to meet on Sept. 8, 29

The Raritan Photographic Society will hold its first monthly meetings of the 2005-06 season at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the East Brunswick Library, Jean Walling Civic Center, and at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road.

The club meets twice a month to offer lectures on photographic techniques, skills and technology (both film and digital); independently judged competitions at various skill levels; and field trips to local photo-opportunity locations. For more information, log on to www.raritanphoto.com, call Bruce Tucker at (732) 390-4698, or e-mail btucker718@aol.com.

Nighttime astronomy event scheduled at park

A “Star Watch” astronomy program is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the main office parking lot at Cheesequake State Park, Gordon Road, Old Bridge.

Marc Rogoff and the Star Astronomy Club will offer a presentation. Participants will view and identify stars and planets in the nighttime sky. Insect repellent is suggested.

The program is free of charge and open to all ages.

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

Youngsters invited to reptile, mammal events

Snakes-N-Scales will present two upcoming youth programs at the Sayreville Public Library, 1050 Washington Road.

Youngsters age 5 and up will meet a variety of reptiles that have inspired dragon legends throughout the ages at “There Be Dragons!” set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 6.

“Mammal Mania,” open to children of all ages, is planned for 10 a.m. on Sept. 24. The program will feature many unusual mammals from around the world.

For more information, call (732) 727-0212, ext. 5.

Public invited to special education PTA meeting

SEPTA (Special Education PTA) of South River will hold a meeting from 6:30-9 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave.

The event is open to the public. Children are welcome to attend in the company of their parent or guardian.

South River SEPTA extends an open invitation to all parents of special needs children who are transitioning from early intervention services (EIP) to preschool settings and those who are already in preschool settings to classification in their local school districts. For more information, log on to www.specialeducationpta.org or call (732) 651-7157.

Vendors, crafters needed for S.R. Heritage Day

The South River Municipal Alliance seeks crafters and vendors for its 11th annual South River Heritage Day celebration set for noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 on Montgomery Street in the borough.

The event, which will take place rain or shine, will be held indoors at South River High School, Montgomery Street, in case of rain.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 238-4791 or (732) 651-7852.

Luncheon and meeting next up for artists panel

The Suburban Artists Guild will meet at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the East Brunswick Library, Jean Walling Civic Center.

The event will feature a welcome-back luncheon. Members are asked to bring a dish to share. A program titled “Palate to Palette” will offer a critique of artwork brought in by guild members.

Dues are $30 and will be collected at the meeting.

For more information, call Paula Feifer at (732) 238-0800 or Selena Palmer at (732) 254-3113.

St. Stan’s Oktoberfest scheduled for Sept. 24

St. Stanislaus Kostka HSA will sponsor its annual Oktoberfest from 2-9 p.m. on Sept. 24 on the St. Stan’s School grounds, 225 MacArthur Ave., Sayreville. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place from 1-8 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Highlights will include games, wheels, rides, entertainment, children’s activities, a beer garden and food.

Youngsters will have the opportunity to pay one price and go on rides from 2-6 p.m. or 6-9 p.m. For more information, call (732) 254-0212.

Labor Day Hike next up at Cheesequake

A Labor Day Hike is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Sept. 4 at the Cheesequake Park Interpretive Center, 300 Gordon Road, Old Bridge.

Seasonal attractions of the area will be discussed during the 1 1/2-hour walk.

Individuals ages 10 and up are invited to attend. Admission is free of charge.

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

St. Ambrose HSA seeks holiday show crafters

Crafters are sought for the St. Ambrose HSA Holiday Craft Show set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the school, Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge.

Space rental cost is $28-$30, including a table. A donation for the Chinese auction also is requested. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 679-5990.

HSA seeks crafters for craft show/bake sale

Crafters are sought for the St. Thomas the Apostle HSA annual Craft Show and Bake Sale set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 15 in the school auditorium, Route 18 south, Old Bridge.

Rental tables are available at a cost of $17.50 or $35. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 866-0482.

Donors sought for Sept. 11 blood drive

Our Lady of Victory Knights of Columbus Council No. 2061 will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the council home, 775 Washington Road, Parlin section of Sayreville.

Donors are urgently needed. For more information, call (732) 257-2061.

Alzheimer’s support group slates meeting

The Alzheimer’s Disease Support Network of Middlesex County will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 in the Piscataway Senior Center, Hoes Lane.

For more information, call Mildred Potenza at (732) 235-8400.

Special Strides seeks donations for fund-raiser

Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Center for children with special needs, Monroe, will hold its annual fund-raiser at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Congress Hill Farm, 118 Federal Road, Monroe.

The community-based event is usually attended by more than 300 supporters. Special Strides is looking for individuals and businesses who are interested in donating items to be raffled off at the fund-raiser. Many of the donated items that have been raffled off in previous years were bundled in theme baskets that were packaged by one of the nonprofit organization’s volunteers.

“Our thought was that as people entertain during the summer months, they can suggest that their guests bring ‘theme’ items (kitchenware, sporting goods, health and beauty products, etc.) in lieu of a cake or dessert,” said Laurie Landy, founding partner of Special Strides. “Our volunteers would then assemble the baskets for the event.”

The money raised at the annual fund-raiser subsidizes every child who participates in the Special Strides program, which aids youngsters who have a wide range of disabilities from cerebral palsy to spinal-cord injuries to autism, experience improvement in their flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Special Strides provides specialized therapy using horses as a strategy to achieve neuro-developmental goals. Occupational, physical and speech therapists provide the assistance. For more information, to donate, or to volunteer for the fund-raiser, log on to www.specialstrides.com or call (732) 446-0945.

Our Lady of Victories plans Oktoberfest gala

The second annual Our Lady of Victories Oktoberfest will be held from 7-11 p.m. on Sept. 17 in the parish’s Monsignor Dalton Hall, Main Street, Sayreville.

The event will feature German music by Bernie Bunger’s Orchestra and a German meal catered by John Brusich. The award-winning Bayern Verein dancers will entertain throughout the evening. German desserts, including chocolate cake and apple strudel, will be served. Beer, wine and soda will be available all evening.

Gift baskets containing a variety of prizes will be auctioned off. A 50/50 raffle will be held.

Tickets cost $30 per person and may be purchased at the pastoral center or after all Masses during August and Labor Day weekend. Deadline for purchase is Sept. 6. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For more information, call Teri Yetsko at (732) 727-7639.

‘Wild Party’ auditions on tap for Sept. 6 and 7

The Cabaret Theatre at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, will hold auditions for Andrew Lippa’s version of “The Wild Party” at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 7 at the theater, corner of Nichol Avenue and Suydam Street, New Brunswick. Callbacks are set for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8.

Participants should prepare 16 bars of an up-tempo song and be prepared to dance. An accompanist will be provided.

The show, which will be the first production in the theater group’s 30th anniversary season, will be directed by Christopher J. Guell, musically directed by Andre Baldasserini, choreographed by Alisson Canavara and produced by Mel J. Sullivan.

“The Wild Party” features mature themes. All auditioners should be at least 18 years of age.