NJ Today: Central Jersey Daily Rundown, Sunday, April 22
JK Design expands teams
Creative and advertising agency JK Design, with offices in Hillsborough, has made a string of new hires for its design and account management departments. The four new employees will help support the agency's roster of clients with creative and strategic solutions. New account manager Samantha Bongiorni is responsible for helping clients meet their goals and managing the diverse needs of multiple divisions of one of the agency's largest healthcare clients. Amanda Crossen, a graphic designer, is a recent Pratt Institute graduate. In addition to her new role as JK's graphic designer, Lauren Dehrone has run her own photography business since 2013. Joe Kovacs is JK's newest account coordinator, and has more than five years of agency experience working with organizations in the financial, healthcare and nonprofit sectors. For more info on JK Design, call 908-428-4700 or visit www.jkdesign.com.
Church to pack 10,000 meals
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 367 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, will host a Rise Against Hunger meal-packaging event at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 29. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Raleigh North Carolina, Rise Against Hunger works to galvanize volunteers to produce millions of nutritious meals annually to in-country partners around the world that are working to serve communities in need. A group of 40 to 50 volunteers can package more than 10,000 meals in just two hours. Trinity’s congregation has participated in this event three other times, according to a news release. Volunteers from the local community are most welcome to participate. Contact the church office at 732-257-6636. In conjunction with the Rise Against Hunger event, a Harry Chapin tribute concert featuring local artist Gregg Parker will take place at 2 p.m. at the church. Admission is free with a donation of a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to the CUP Food Pantry in Spotswood.
Autism event rocks Fanwood
The Borough of Fanwood hosted the Rockin’ for Autism fair at LaGrande Park on April 14, the third consecutive year for this event that raises awareness of autism and funds for Autism New Jersey. The event is organized and run by the Banks family of Fanwood. Mallory Banks, 16, started fundraising in the name of her brother, Ethan, who has autism, when she was 9, selling baked goods. Years of similar fundraisers grew into a daylong event several years ago that now features several bands, a midway of exhibitors and vendors, food and a beer garden. Funds are raised through a raffle, silent auction and online donations. Many sponsors donated goods and services. Last year, the Banks family raised more than $13,000 for Autism New Jersey. They are seeking to exceed that amount this year.
Networking event in Bernardsville
The Professional and Business Social Network is hosting a Business Card Exchange and Social at Rudolph's Steakhouse, 1 Mill St., Bernardsville, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Admission is $15 to $18. Attendees will enjoy the simplicity of the historic Rudolph's Steakhouse, a refurbished mid-1800s building with a classic stone exterior and interior. The evening includes an 8 p.m. drawing for a $50 gift certificate for Rudolph's Steakhouse/Rudy's Tavern. A cash bar with appetizer and dinner menus will be available at this restaurant featuring modern American culinary creations prepared by Chef David Drake. Call 610-348-5544 or www.PBSNinfo.com. All members of the business and professional community are welcome. Membership is not required, but business attire should be worn.
National Women Build Week 2018
For the 11th year, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are engaging women nationwide to work together to build Habitat homes during this year’s National Women Build Week from May 5-13. In preparation for the build week, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County (Habitat GPMC) and Lowe’s are hosting “how to” clinics. Clinics are being held nationwide for women interested in volunteering with Habitat homeowners and fellow women volunteers during this year’s National Women Build Week. Lowe’s will host a clinic in Piscataway at 1345 Centennial Ave. on April 25. The clinic, on how to frame for walls and roofs, will start at 7 p.m. To sign up for a clinic, volunteers should contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County at 888-557-6032. On May 5, local volunteers work to complete the current project on West Third Street in Plainfield in partnership with volunteers from the area and a local family. To learn more about National Women Build Week, visit Habitat.org/wb.
Youth workshop to focus on opioid use
Parents, guardians and professionals who work with children and families are invited to a panel presentation that will focus on prevention and early intervention strategies for opioid use on Wednesday, April 25. The panel presentation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Manville-Hillsborough Elks Lodge, 1500 Brooks Blvd., Manville. Several prevention agencies will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. For those who wish to donate, canned goods will be accepted for the Manville Food Pantry. Walk-ins are welcome. Registration and refreshments will available at 6:30 p.m. To reserve a seat in advance, contact Gretchen Craig at gcraig@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-704-6333. Moderating the panel discussion will be the Rev. Timothy J. Wolf, director of the Pioneer Family Success Center. Panel participants will include Kimberly Seber, a parent, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Jakim, Drug Enforcement Administration New Jersey Division. Participants from RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery will include Director Michael Litterer, Patient Navigator Nicholas Beam and Senior Recovery Specialist Jenna Reidy. This program is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, county Youth Services Commission, county Department of Human Services, RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, Pioneer Family Success Center and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
MCC honors three faculty members
Three professors at Middlesex County College were recently honored: Iris Ramer, professor of English as a Second Language, was selected as the 2018 Faculty Scholar; Melissa Luis of the History and Social Sciences Department received the Excellence in Teaching Award; and Old Bridge resident Laura De Cillis of the History and Social Sciences Department received the Excellence in Teaching Part Time Award. Ramer, a Princeton resident, has written two ESL textbooks and her new work, “Manny’s Journey,” is scheduled for publication next year. Ramer also has presented her research on teaching ESL with an integrated curriculum approach at numerous international conferences. Luis, who teaches education courses, excels in the classroom, according to her colleagues. Luis, a Colonia resident. is also the adviser to Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society.
Midland opens 2 apartments
Two new licensed supervised apartments have been opened as part of the Branchburg-based Midland Community Residential Services program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The apartments, located in Hillsborough, will provide a home and support to four individuals. Midland’s Community Residential program is composed of seven group homes and now, four supervised apartments, to meet the growing demand for these types of services. “The supervised apartment model furthers each person’s independence and truly is a catalyst for individuals to have control of their lives,” Midland President and CEO, Shawn M. McInerney said. “Through this continuum of services and supports, Midland’s goal is to provide authentic opportunities for each person to be an independent member of the community and exercise the tenets of self-direction.” Visit https://midlandschool.org/midland-residential-services.
Trend expert to speak in Princeton
The New Jersey Communications, Advertising and Marketing Association (NJCAMA) will host a networking and speaker event at the Hopewell Theater on April 24 at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature a presentation on “Trendspotting” by bestselling author Richard Laermer. Registration is open atwww.njcama.org. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with area communications and marketing professionals and learn from Laermer, author of eight books. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with networking and refreshments until 6:30. Laermer will present his lecture “How To Be the Best Marketing TrendSpotter On Earth: Using Trendspotting to Identify Emerging Trends and Build Your Business” from 6:30 to 7:30. The night concludes with additional networking time until 8. The registration fee is $15 per member and $20 per non-member and includes refreshments.
Community in Crisis kicks off spring
Community in Crisis (CIC) will kick off programming on Thursday, April 26, at the Community Hub in the old library building, 2 Morristown Road, Bernardsville. Programs will be geared to residents from middle school age to seniors. Middle school students are invited to join the Hub Club, a weekly after-school program Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. from April 26 to June 14. The Hub Club will offer participants the opportunity to enjoy fun activities and participate in community service projects. Every two weeks, Hub Clubbers will be greeted by pet therapy dogs thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit organization, Creature Comfort. Registration is required by visiting https://conta.cc/2ICbYdV. A $40 suggested donation is requested to cover supplies over the eight week program; financial assistance is available. Monthly acoustic coffee houses will begin Saturday, April 28, at the Hub. In partnership with Love More for Julius, doors will open at 7 p.m. and guests will enjoy musicians, refreshments, and a fun, sober environment until 10. Love More for Julius was founded in memory of Julius Trombino whose purpose in life was to bring music, healing and happiness into others’ lives. All are welcome and children not in high school must be accompanied by an adult. A $10 suggested donation will be appreciated at the door and light food and soft drinks will be available for purchase. A book club will make its debut on Tuesday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and continue on May 29 and June 12. The first book, "Crazy Stressed: Saving Today's Overwhelmed Teens with Love, Laughter, and the Science of Resilience," was written by Dr. Michael J. Bradley and will be discussed in three parts. Registration for the Book Club is much appreciated; reading the book is optional. Lastly, Coffee and Conversation will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday May 1, May 22 and June 5. This series will offer a relaxed environment for people to come together and enjoy a presentation on a relevant topic followed by Q&A, facilitated by Megan Cook, a licensed associate counselor, as well as occasional guest speakers. There is no fee. Visit www.communityincrisis.org or email info@communityincrisis.org.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority celebration
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Theta Phi Omega Chapter and its philanthropic arm, Ivy Visions, sponsored an African American Heritage program March 11 at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield. The event showcased a variety of professional, as well as young artists. In its 16th year, this event drew more than 250 community residents. Performances included vocalists, instrumentalists, orators and dancers. Following the program, guests enjoyed a reception with the performers in the Fellowship Hall. The program is supported by a grant from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. The video recorded by interns from HomeTowne Television Station and will be available for Union County residents to view at the end of this month (Channel 33 on Verizon, Channel 36 on Comcast).
READ:NJ Today: Central Jersey Daily Rundown, April 21
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