What’s happening in Central Jersey: June 16 and later

• The Edison Elks will have their Father's Day Breakfast on June 19.
• Jamesburg Elks Lodge 2180 will present its Father’s Day Breakfast Celebration on June 19.
• The Sunday School children of the Reformed Church of Linden held a Words with God fundraiser on May 22.
• The Cybersecurity Center at Kean University and the Union County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a free ransomware symposium.

BERNARDSVILLE

Saturday Crafters to meet on June 18

Saturday Crafters, the monthly craft group organized by Bernardsville Public Library, will meet at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.

Individuals are invited to bring their own handwork projects to the library and work together in a comfortable, communal setting while enjoying the benefits of shared tips and conversation. They can also take advantage of the many books available at the library on different types of crafts.

Public Relations Assistant Evelyn Fischel will showcase project ideas and books at each meeting. A longtime crafter, Fischel will encourage such interests as knitting, crocheting, paper arts, hand sewing, embroidery and other needlework, as well as any other craft the group wishes to cover.

There is no charge to attend the meeting, and no sign-up is needed.  For more information, call the library at 908-766-0118.

Bernardsville Public Library is at 1 Anderson Hill Road.

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EDISON

Breakfast is served on Father's Day

The Edison Elks will have their Father's Day Breakfast on Sunday, June 19.

The breakfast will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the lodge, 375 Old Post Road. The breakfast buffet consists of eggs any way, omelets, bacon, sausage, Taylor ham, french toast, pancakes, potatoes, cereals, coffee, tea, juices and desserts.

The cost is $8; $4 for ages 6 to 12. Ages  5 and younger are guests of the lodge.

For further information, call the lodge after 3 pm at 732-985-2487.

BERNARDSVILLE

Detours set for railroad crossing project

A New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) railroad crossing rehabilitation project will require a road closure and detour beginning this week in Bernardsville.

Starting at 7 a.m. from Thursday, June 16, until 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, the two-way traffic on Meeker Road is scheduled to be closed between Mine Brook and Pill Hill Road, before the NJ TRANSIT grade crossing. The following detours will be in place:

From Meeker Road North of Mine Brook: Meeker Road traffic north of Mine Brook will be directed to Route 202 North/Mine Brook Road. Turn right onto Mount Airy Road/CR525, and make another right onto Pine Hill Road.

From Meeker Road South of Mine Brook: Meeker Road traffic south of Mine Brook will be directed to Pill Hill Road. Turn left onto Mount Airy Road/CR525 and make another left on Route 202 South/Mine Brook Road.

Due to an on-going separate construction project in the vicinity, the exact date of the reopening of Meeker Road will have to be coordinated with the local authorities, according to a NJDOT news release. The traffic detour will be coordinated with local police.

For this project, the existing crossing will be replaced with new concrete crossings and new asphalt approaches. This project is included within NJDOT’s railroad grade-crossing safety program which repairs, upgrades, or removes approximately 30 crossings each year, statewide.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news go to Twitter @NJDOT_info.

FANWOOD

Sit down with the mayor at Mara's Cafe

Mayor Colleen Mahr will host "Coffee with the Mayor" on Saturday, June 18, in Downtown Fanwood at Mara's Café to meet with residents between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. She will address a range of Borough issues and be available to discuss the specific concerns of residents. No appointment is necessary. Mara’s Cafe is at 250 South Ave. in Fanwood

FLEMINGTON

Meet, greet the greyhounds June 18

New Jersey Greyhound Adoption Program (NJGAP) will host a Meet & Greet at Flemington Department Store, Route 31 South, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.

NJGAP volunteers and their dogs will be there to talk to the public about greyhound rescue and adoption.

NJGAP is based in Hunterdon County has rescued more than 2,500 greyhounds since 1993. Its website is www.njgap.com where you can find information about greyhound rescue and adoption, as well as a pre-adoption application. Check NJGAP out on Facebook for photos 
and bios of available dogs for adoption at www.facebook.com/NJGAP.

NJGAP also has a fun, interactive, public presentation of "The Greyhound Story" available for groups and organizations (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, churches, libraries, seniors, etc.) who would like to learn more about greyhound rescue and adoption.

Consider fostering, as NJGAP always needs foster homes to help rescue more greyhounds. NJGAP's hotline is 908-713-9344.

FLEMINGTON

Society to sponsor June 21 Trunk Show

The Delaware Valley Bead Society (DVBS) will sponsor a Trunk Show and a mini-workshop with Darlene Mansue, of D7 Studio.

The program will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, in the Café of the Hunterdon County Senior Center, 4 Gauntt Place — Building #1. The program is free, but non-members must register.

The trunk show will include ceramic pendants and beads from Marsha Neal Studio and lampwork beads from Nolly’s Folly Studio. D7 Studio’s initial focus was to take over and continue the work of the Marsha Neal Studio, but Mansue branched out and now also exclusively represents Nolly’s folly Studio, which specializes in hand-made glass beads by artist bead maker Nolly Gelsinger.

The mini-workshop will teach participants how to make a Starburst Drop Leather Bracelet. Kits that include all the necessary materials are available for $16.  The project is suitable for all levels. The deadline to reserve a kit and sign up for the workshop is Friday, June 17.

The trunk show and workshop will be presented during the two-hour DVBS meeting. To sign up for the workshop and/or to register as a guest, email your name, address and phone number to odyssey5@ptd.net or call 908-246-1231.

To learn more about the Delaware Valley Bead Society, visit www.delawarevalleybeadsociety.org.  

FRANKLIN (SOMERSET)

Recycling pickup changing in Summerfields 

In order to better serve residents in the Summerfields Development in Franklin Township, the Somerset County Recycling Division wants residents to know that effective Friday, June 17, recycling pickup will be Fridays, instead of Thursdays.

Future Friday recycling pickups will be: June 17; July 1, 15, 29; Aug.12, 26; Sept. 9, 23; Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18; and Dec. 2, 16, 30. 

A notice of this change was placed in the handle of recycling buckets of those residents who put out recyclables last week.

Affected residents are encouraged to share this new schedule with neighbors, according to a county news release.

FRANKLIN (SOMERSET)

Educational facility recently opened

The Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies and Lifelong Learning has opened the Rutgers Continuing Education Center at Atrium, an executive training facility for continuing and professional education programs and events.

Located at 300 Atrium Drive in the Somerset section of the township, the newly-opened educational facility features a 20,000 square-foot suite. It offers free parking and on-site food service and catering in a modern facility.

The new facility, which held a grand opening in May, already is hosting programs for Rutgers Continuing Studies. It is available for Rutgers events for faculty, students and administration by visiting Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies online reservations at ems.rutgers.edu/EMS.

The facility features eight classrooms of varying sizes to hold from 18 to 64 attendees, a 2,800-square foot banquet room, and private workstations and meeting areas. It is available for daily and multi-day conferences.

“The demand for continuing and professional education continues to grow, and the new Rutgers Continuing Education Center at Atrium is a significant new resource for Rutgers for continuing education and other educational programs, meetings and events,” said Richard J. Novak, vice president of continuing studies and distance learning at Rutgers, in a news release.

JAMESBURG

Have breakfast with Dad on Father's Day

Jamesburg Elks Lodge 2180 will present its Father’s Day Breakfast Celebration on Sunday, June 19.

Bring your Dad/Grandad and start off your Father’s Day Celebration with a trip to the Jamesburg Elks Lodge 2180 for a breakfast buffet from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Treat Dad/Grandad to eggs any style; pancakes; french toast; home fries; sausage, bacon; toast, bagels, muffins, coffee and juices. All for a donation of $10; $5 for ages 4 to 10 and dads/grandads. Ages 3 and younger are free. Proceeds from this event will benefit the area's special-needs children and adults.

For more information or reservations for large groups, call Kathy Martin at 732-521-3922.

LINDEN

Sunday School held fundraiser May 22

The Sunday School children of the Reformed Church of Linden held a Words with God fundraiser on Sunday, May 22.

Players were set up in teams and played for four rounds of intense games. In the last round, Gianna Muschiatti and Kaitlyn Labitan were in a playoff where only two points separated the contestants. Muschiatti was crowned the grand-prize winner. There were gift card prizes and pizza afterward.

A fun time was had by all, even the parents and spectators got involved as judges and helping contestants. Spectators and donors were treated to a sandwich lunch during the competition.

So far, more than $500 has been raised for this year's vacation Bible school.

MONTGOMERY

Township gets nod for its top status

On Thursday, May 19, Montgomery was recognized by the New Jersey Legislature and the Somerset County Board of Freeholders for its top status in the 2016 New Jersey Best Towns for Families by New Jersey Family Magazine.

State Sen. Kip Bateman, Assemblymen Jack Ciattarelli, 16th Legislative District, and Somerset County Freeholder Mark Caliguire presented state legislative and county citations to honor Montgomery and extended their congratulations to the Township Committee.

According to a news release, Bateman said, “Not every town gets ranked like Montgomery. We know all the work and hours the mayor and members of the township committee put in," prior to reading the joint legislative resolution, which states in part: ‘Montgomery Township has been guided by citizens of character and public-spiritedness … its leaders of today remain devoted to carrying on the Township’s tradition of effective government.’"

Montgomery was ranked No. 2 in New Jersey overall, No. 1 mid-sized town in the state, as well best in Somerset County for 2016 by NJ Family Magazine.

“This doesn’t happen by accident or overnight. It takes leadership and involvement of citizens and all those who serve throughout the community,” said Ciattarelli in the news release.

Among highlights cited in the survey were a stellar public school system, history going back to the American Revolution, lots of green space and parks, diversity, public safety and Montgomery’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

Caliguire, who presented a citation from the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, has been a strong advocate for the 247-acre Skillman Park, a Somerset County passive recreation park redeveloped in 2011 from a decommissioned state institution property. It is an example of a new open space amenity benefiting Montgomery citizens, Somerset County residents, and the public at large.

The ranking looked at the entire state — more than 500 towns in all — and measured each municipality against a host of important factors, including school district quality, crime rates, affordability, commute times, percentage of families who live there, access to hospitals and general lifestyle factors. 

To view the entire 2016 Best Towns for Families ranking list, go to www.njfamily.com/Best-Towns-for-Families-The-List/.

For NJ Family magazine’s Most Diverse list, visit www.njfamily.com/New-Jerseys-Best-Towns-for-Families-Most-Diverse/.

To read the summary article about Montgomery, go to www.njfamily.com/New-Jerseys-Best-Towns-for-Families-Montgomery-Township/.

PISCATAWAY

Library offering free computer classes

Piscataway Public Library offers a variety of free computer classes for adults, ranging from Computer Basics, to Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint and Word 2013 (Level 1, 2 and 3).

The will be conducted at the J.F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane.

Check out the library’s website to see what is currently being offered at http://piscatawaylibrary.org/technologytraining.

Registration is required. You may register online, or by calling Kennedy Library at 732-463-1633, ext. 6.

PRINCETON

Festival is kicking into high gear

The Princeton Festival goes into high gear in its third week.

A centerpiece of the 2106 season, the festival production of Benjamin Britten’s opera "Peter Grimes," opens for the first of three performances, Sondheim’s "A Little Night Music" continues its run, Grammy award-winner Cécile McLorin Salvant performs, Norwegian organist Kristiaan Seynhave plays French Romantic works, and the popular free lecture series continues.

The Festival Orchestra under the baton of artistic director Richard Tang Yuk and a cast directed by Steven LaCosse will bring Britten’s drama of "Peter Grimes" to life at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 in the McCarter Theatre. The story takes place in a small fishing village on the English coast.

A free lectures will provide special insights into "Peter Grimes." At 6 p.m., preceding the opening curtain on Saturday, June 18, Scott Burnham, professor of Music at Princeton, will discuss “Meeting Peter Grimes,” the special qualities of the opera that appeal to opera lovers and to today’s audiences, as well as his own introduction to Britten and Grimes.

Remaining performances of the Festival’s production of "A Little Night Music" will be held Thursday, June 16, through Sunday, June 19, at 185 Nassau St.

Cécile McLorin Salvant's recording For One to Love won the recent Grammy award for the best jazz vocal album. She is joined with her trio in the concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, in the Berlind Theatre at the McCarter Theater Center as she performs old favorites, the latest in jazz, and her own compositions. Audiences are warned that tickets are scarce.

Sunday, June 19, also brings Festival audiences the Norwegian organist, Kristiaan Seynhave, winner of the International César Franck-Concours, to the Princeton University Chapel to play the "Grand Pieçe Symphonique" by Franck and Widor’s "Symphonie No. 5" on the Skinner/Mandel organ. The recital will be at 3 pm.

For more information about the events at the festival and a link to ticket sales (handled by McCarter Theatre), visit www.princetonfestival.org. To purchase tickets by phone, call McCarter Theatre at 609-258-2787.

SOMERSET COUNTY

Food collection to take place June 17

Freeholder Director Patricia Walsh has announced that the next “Buy One, Bring One” (BOBO) collection of food for Somerset County families and individuals in need will be held Friday, June 17.

“This month’s BOBO Fridays collection is part of our annual Curbing Hunger Month food drive in Somerset County,” said Walsh in a news release. “If you miss putting out canned-food donations at the curb on your recycling pickup day, you can drop off an item or two at the nearest BOBO Fridays bin.”

Look for the blue BOBO Fridays bins at these county locations: Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville; Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater; and Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge section of Bernards.

Local libraries hosting the bins include the Bound Brook Memorial Library, Bridgewater Library, Manville Library, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield Library, Peapack-Gladstone Library, Somerville Public Library, Warren Township Library and Watchung Library.

Towns that have BOBO Fridays bins in their municipal buildings are Bedminster, Bound Brook, Franklin, Green Brook, North Plainfield and Raritan Borough.

Canned or boxed food items are accepted. For examples of healthful foods to donate, visit http://bit.ly/DonateHealthy.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at http://bit.ly/SCeBulletins or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SomersetCountyNJ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/SomersetCntyNJ.

SOUTH AMBOY

Pre-kindergarten co-hosted meeting

Pre-K Our Way, a nonprofit, statewide effort that helps New Jersey’s communities bring high-quality pre-k to their children, recently co-hosted a community meeting at the South Amboy YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy.

The meeting provided an opportunity for parents and family members, YMCA members, local elected officials, early education providers, and community and business leaders to learn about how they can use Pre-K Our Way to expand preschool access for 3- and 4-year-olds to more communities throughout the state, and learn of ways to get involved in the community-led movement.

Lucinda Florio, former first lady of New Jersey and a member of the Pre-K Our Way Leadership Group, attended the meeting and spoke on the importance of pre-Kindergarten to improve children’s education.

“As a former elementary school teacher, I have witnessed the success students enjoy when they arrive in Kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. I am confident that providing all children with these pre-k opportunities will enhance their school performance," Florio said in a news release.

Although New Jersey has one of the most successful and high-quality public preschool programs in the country, fewer than 40 communities have access to one of these programs. Pre-K Our Way believes that where a child lives shouldn’t determine whether or not they have access to pre-Kindergarten. An expansion of preschool under New Jersey law could bring high-quality, public programs to the communities of South River, Carteret and South Amboy in Middlesex County.

“Preschool is an essential building block for our children’s long-term educational success, yet a child’s access to New Jersey’s high quality programs is often dependent upon their zip code,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way, in the news release.  “Working with advocates such as the South Amboy YMCA and local community members, Pre-K Our Way is working towards bringing pre-k to more New Jersey communities, ensuring children are prepared for school, ready for success.”

Since 1921, the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy has worked to strengthen the community, believing that lasting personal and social change comes by working together. The Y is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities through programs that develop values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 

Pre-K Our Way, a nonpartisan and nonprofit community-based organization, coordinated through a diverse group of business leaders, parents, foundations, early childhood educators, community leaders interested citizens and elected officials, engages communities on expanding NJ’s existing high-quality public preschool for their children. Visit www.prekourway.org for more information.

UNION

Ransomware is topic of symposium

The Cybersecurity Center at Kean University and the Union County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a free ransomware symposium.

The symposium will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 20, at Kean’s STEM auditorium, 1075 Morris Ave. New Jersey Assemblyman Jon M. Bramnick will deliver the keynote address. Speakers will include representatives from the FBI and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.Jim Drylie, Ph.D., executive director, Cybersecurity Center at Kean University, will lead a panel discussion on ransomware risk mitigation at the event. The program will include breakfast, expert speakers, two panel discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

Ransomware is a type of computer malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, forcing victims to pay an online ransom in order to regain access to their data.  Small businesses are especially vulnerable to this kind of attack.

"Ransomware and other cybersecurity threats are wreaking havoc on small businesses that rely upon computers to operate their business, but are too small to have a formal IT infrastructure,” said New Jersey SBDC at Kean University director David Margulies in a news release. “New Jersey’s Small Business Development Centers are committed to educating business owners and helping them to avoid and mitigate this escalating threat.”

To register for the symposium, visit bit.ly/ransomwaresymp. For more information, contact the SBDC at Kean University at sbdc@kean.edu or 908-737-4220.

For more information about Kean University, visit www.kean.edu.

UNION COUNTY

Prize-winning art on view

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has announced a selection of prize-winning art work by Union County employees and their family members is on display through Wednesday, July 13.

The display can be seen in the Freeholders Gallery, on the sixth floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue, in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The art display presents a select sampling of 17 pieces from among the 149 creations judged at the recent 15th annual National Arts Program Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families. The exhibit and contest is a result of a partnership with the National Arts Program Foundation which provides prize money and valuable support to display the work of talented artists.

“The artistic talent of our Union County employees, retired County employees, County program volunteers and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen in a news release. “We have artists who excel in painting, photography and other visual arts, and we are proud to put their work on display. We thank the National Arts Program Foundation and Elizabethtown Gas Company for hosting the May 4th awards reception and providing space for Union County employees and their families to display their talent in the original exhibit.”

Listed alphabetically by town are all the award-winning employee artists (or their family members) and the awards they won at the original exhibit and contest. Not all of the award-winning pieces are able to be displayed at the Freeholders Gallery exhibit.

Cranford: Christina Barlik (Third Place, Teen 13-18); Berkeley Heights: Leslie Kepner (Professional, Honorable Mention). Edison: Richa Wadhawan (Second Place and Art Education Award, Teen 13-18). Hillsborough: James Caratozzolo (Second Place, Amateur). Martinsville: Kayla Stasil (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Old Bridge: Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Phillipsburg: Angelina Saggese (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Plainfield: Raymond Morgan (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Rahway: Arianna Lespinasse (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Danni Newbury (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Scotch Plains: Diego A. Otero (First Place, Youth 12 and Under). Somerset: Tina Nummela (Third Place, Amateur). Summit: Agnieszka Solawa (Second Place, Professional). Westfield: Richard Earl (First Place, Professional); Michael Endy (Best of Show, Professional).

Additional support for this event was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send an email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.