The Friends of the Metuchen Library, a non-profit organization that supports the Metuchen Public Library,  is sponsoring a library fundraiser on Sunday March 3.  "An Afternoon with Andrew McCarthy," star of stage and screen and travel writer, promises to be a compelling and insightful event and not to be missed!

McCarthy will make a presentation based on his recent memoir -- "The Longest Way Home" --  about his travel adventures and the life lessons they have brought him. (Of course, if you came of age in the 1980s, McCarthy is best remembered as a member of "The Brat Pack" - falling in love with Molly Ringwald in "Pretty in Pink" and breaking Ally Sheedy's heart in "St. Elmo's Fire" among many others.   

The purpose of this event is to raise funds to support enhancements to the Metuchen Public Library.   

A VIP meet-and-greet at 1pm will precede McCarthy's presentation at 2pm at the gorgeous new social center of the Presbyterian Church on Woodbridge Avenue and books will be available for sale at this time. Tickets are on sale at Marafiki Fair Trade on New Street, at the Metuchen Library or through the Friends website.

Nails in the Wall, the Gallery @ St. Luke's, 17 Oak Ave., Metuchen, will host a Round Table Discussion at the gallery Sunday, April 7, 12 noon - 1:30pm.  Participating in the discussion will be the five women artists whose work is in the current exhibit WINDOWS on HEAVEN:  Contemporary Icons.  Titled "...and find in them, not bonds, but wings," the Round Table will invite the iconographers to discuss their work with icons, what influenced them to paint in this style, and to engage in conversation together about their very different approaches to this form,

On February 6, 2013, the students in grade 6 at Edgar Middle School were able to learn from and interact with a professionals from all different careers who shared stories, experiences, and insights on their experiences in the working world.  The students were in awe of the professionals, a group that included former Metuchen Chief of Police Jim Keane, former Rutgers University football standout Shawn Tucker, and Event Planner Rachel Reinhart.

Referring to student favorite Shawn Tucker, sixth grader Julia Memory commented that "His turning around something bad that happened into something positive was a great message about being flexible in the real world." Such lessons resonated throughout the day, especially as the students discovered that their shop teacher is a former federal agent!

The knowledge the students were able to gain from the Career Day included the importance of learning how to communicate with others, which Ernst and Young's Gary Horowitz emphasized, along with the ability to read and write properly.  The students also noted that professionals Rachel Reinhart, Ed Paulmenn, and Peter Cammarano encouraged the students to follow their hearts and choose a career that they feel they would love to do everyday.





All the professionals who participated in the Edgar Middle School Career Day:





•
Gary Horowitz: Executive Director Tax Services, Ernst and Young
•
Shawn Tucker: Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Development, Rutgers University
•
Chief Jim Keane: Former Chief of Police, Metuchen Police Department
•
Vincent Caputo: Superintendent of Schools, Metuchen School District
•
Rachel Reinhart: Event Planner, TCNJ
•
Gerard Wansor: Food Technologist, IFF
•
Dr. James Coromilas: Head of Cardiology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center
•
Peter Cammarano: Former Chief of Staff for Governor Richard Codey and Metuchen Borough Councilman
•
Ed Paulmenn: Mechanic/Owner, Phoenix Autoworks
•
Sonia Dawson: Technical Marketing Manager, Croda
•
Frank Jones: Former Federal Agent and Woodshop Teacher, Edgar Middle School
•
Dean Butler: Production Manager, CBS Sports

Save the Date

The 2013 Fuce 5K Event
The Fifth Annual
Fuce 5K Family Fun Run/Walk
will be held on

Sunday, June 16, 2013
Race Starts at 8:30am
(Rain or Shine!)
Registration:
7:00 - 8:00am
Metuchen High School
Metuchen,  New Jersey

From Irene Morris-Nann and the Municipal Alliance:

The Attached Marijuana Fact sheet was designed by our Municipal Alliance Youth Alliance members as well as the supporting Main Street banner. They developed the idea on their own and worked as an amazing team of young people to do the research, gain community support and last night received a Marijuana Awareness Month Proclamation at the Council meeting which will be on Display at the Library. Kudos to the Youth Alliance and their Awesome advisor Kathy Liss.

Check the next page for the flyer. . . 

 COMEDY NIGHT 2013 IS SOLD OUT!

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR SCHOOLS

If you have any questions about Comedy Night, please contact Teresa Zeng or Kelley Jacques:

 ptocomedynight@yahoo.com

On Sunday March 10, 2013 at 2 PM, there will be an Open Mic at the Metuchen Public Library, 480 Middlesex Avenue, for all Metuchen residents (grades 6-12) interested in sharing their work.

The program will be hosted by journalist Jana Siciliano (Metuchen Matters) and will include some of the students from her The Write Stuff writing workshop. ALL musicians, writers, poets, filmmakers, comedians, painters, sculptors, etc. are encouraged to share their art!  If you'd like to take part in the Open Mic, please write KLiss@Lmxac.org or info@metuchenmatters.com.   The Open Mic is free and open to everyone who wishes to attend.  Refreshments will be served and are paid for by the Friends of the Metuchen Library.

From the Superintendent:

"We're excited to announce that a team from Edgar Middle School has applied to the Follett Challenge, a program run by Follett to recognize and reward schools for their work applying technology, content and creativity in ways that engage students, foster literacy and promote critical thinking.  Six winning schools will be awarded with the cash-equivalent of a total of $200,000 worth of products and services.

As part of the competition, Roseann Misrahi and Jane Brown created a short video about their Graphic Biography project.  The video is now posted on the Follett Challenge website for the public to vote for their favorite school.  30% of the school's total entry is determined by the number of votes its video receives.

The public will vote until March 15th for the school with the best video overview about their library program.  Edgar's submission is available on the Follett Challenge website under the "View Entries" tab at the following link http://www.follettchallenge.com/video.cfm?id=327

After registering, please go back and vote for our school once per day !!.

The Follett Challenge winners will be notified by April 5, 2013.  To cast your vote or learn more about the Follett Challenge, visit www.follettchallenge.com. 

The Graphic Biography project is a literacy technology project for students in 5th grade at Edgar Middle School that asks students to explore the life of a famous person.  The purpose of the project is to teach students how to acquire new knowledge even if they know nothing about a particular topic.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a police officer? 

The Metuchen Police Department will be conducting a 13-week "CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY" program for Borough residents beginning March 4th 2013 at 6:30pm at Borough Hall. Classes will be held every Monday night.

This interactive program is designed to educate borough residents about department procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, and demands of personnel that guide police decision-making. Some of the topics that will be covered include: An overview of the Department's organization and structure, recruitment and training, and the roles and responsibilities of the various divisions and sections. In addition, participants will be given an opportunity to "ride along" with a patrol officer and experience a firearms training simulation.

The Citizen Police Academy is open to Borough Residents, business owners, and school faculty within the Borough of Metuchen who are over the age of 18 and who successfully complete a background investigation.  PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS CLASS IS NOT A TRAINING COURSE TO BECOME A SWORN POLICE OFFICER.

If this sounds like something that might interest you, please contact Sgt. David Liantonio at (732) 632-8550. Class Size is Limited.

It is always a welcome time when Metuchen entrepreneurs open a new business in town . . . and surely something to be celebrated! Lollipopland Metuchen is your one-stop shop for gifts and favors made with candy and lollipops - imagine a teacher's joy at receiving yummy treats beautifully packaged at the end of a hard year or the look on your birthday baby's face when these delightful packages show up as favors for the friends who come to the party! Owned by two local moms, Michelle Schutz and Denice Quinn, Lollipopland Metuchen is here to stay. See what the ladies who own the lollipops told us about their thriving business:

MM: What inspired Lollipopland Metuchen?

Denice: Michelle and I have talked about the idea for a while. We decided to display our work at the Metuchen Country Fair. Our products were so positively received, we took the leap and took the idea to the next level. I love to be challenged and to start new ventures.

MM: What are the services you are offering at this time?

Michelle: We provide favors, centerpieces and gifts made with candy and lollipops. We can also provide candy tables for your event.

Since we pride ourselves on creating unique pieces for each client, potentially our services are endless.

MM: What's the best part about being a small business owner right here in your own town?

A: Denice - As a mom, I am very lucky to be home when my kids get off the bus from school each day. However, the "NY" in me is always looking for "more". Starting this business has given me the chance to work outside of the house and be in the workforce, however, it is on my own time schedule.

A:  Michelle - I have a very creative and strong personalitity coming from the Islands, and i'm very independent and i always wanted to put my creativity to good use. I also wanted to show my kids that i can be a great mom and still own my business. The kids have had  a lot of input in the beginning stages of the business. Denice's son helped by coming up with the name, Lollipop Land, and my daughter and husband designed the logo.

MM: Why was it important for you to take an office in Metuchen and make this the touchstone for your business?

Denice and Michelle:  We love Metuchen and all it has to offer. We are lucky to live in a town that has local businesses and have been able to keep the big chains out. We support local businesses. We provide quality and profesional products and services, so we are confident the residents of Metuchen will support us."

Check out the Lollipopland Metuchen ad on the right and click through for information on their array of services and ordering instructions.

Rabbi Zelizer and Nita Polay Levin of Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen, will be conducting a Saturday Morning Family Service on February 23, 2013 - 10:15 - 11:45am for students grades 2-6 and their families. For more information, contact Hazzan Levin - 732-548-2238 ext. 14 or can2r11@aol.com.

Neve Shalom of Metuchen will be holding Purim Services on Saturday Evening, February 23, 2013 - 6:30pm. Partial Megillah reading for families. Lots of noise and prizes for kids with teen readers. At 6:30pm, there will be a complete Megillah reading for adults and kids. Sunday Morning, February 24, 2013 - 9:00am a complete Megillah reading for adults and kids. BREAKFAST WITH THE PURIM CHARACTERS, and a delicious pancake breakfast at Neve Shalom, Sunday, February 24 at 10:00am made by our Neve Shalom Men's Club. Have your child's picture taken with Ester, Mordecai, Haman, the King and other Purim characters. The program is perfect for everyone ages 2-92. No reservations required, free breakfast. The program includes a performance of the new Purim Shpiel AVENUE SHU - shan written and directed by Hazzan Levin, music from Avenue Q and Sesame Street performed by Neve Shalom members and puppets. For more information, contact Hazzan Levin, 732-548-2238, ext. 14.

This year Mrs. Susan Canter, UL Teacher at Campbell School and gifted/talented expert, has been chosen by New Jersey Association for Gifted Children to be honored for her remarkable achievements in her field.

On Friday, March 8, 2013, the NJAGC will hold its annual Awards Celebration in conjunction with the Annual Conference at the Hotel Somerset-Bridgewater in Somerset, NJ from 6:30-8:30. If you would like to celebrate Mrs. Canter's years of service with our school district, you can join the fun by contacting the conference staff at njagcmail@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Mrs. Canter!

From NOW-NJ:

The NOW-NJ Political Action Committee (PAC) is pleased to announce its endorsement, by unanimous vote, of Senator Barbara Buono for Governor.

A tireless champion for women's rights, Senator Barbara Buono's proven record in the legislature demonstrates her long-standing commitment to women, families, and workers in the Garden State. While Chris Christie has waged a relentless war against women by cutting funds for basic family planning and health services and rejecting an increase in the minimum wage, Senator Buono has courageously defended women's rights, public education, and public sector unions.

Experienced and well-qualified, Senator Buono brings more than a message of compassion, hope, and respect for women and working people in New Jersey--she is a fierce defender of women's rights and economic justice. She has been willing to put her own career on the line to defend what is right and fair. New Jersey needs this brand of courage in these hard economic times and to counter the efforts of the current administration to undermine the basic rights of women in the Garden State.

The feminist candidate and the people's candidate, Senator Buono stands strong behind and stands up in support of economic justice, women's rights, equality of opportunity, reproductive rights, funding for women's health services, and marriage equality. NOW-NJ proudly and enthusiastically endorses her gubernatorial candidacy as representative of our ideals and the future of New Jersey.

MM received this information this morning from Rutgers. Campbell students make an annual pilgrimage to the Geology Museum for a wondrous and wonderful afternoon, meeting, among other things, the Egyptian sarcophagus that they can get up close and personal with -- and now the geology museum is in danger of being dismantled. Take a moment and send a note about how much your child or your class has enjoyed visiting the museum and do your part to keep it running! Thanks!

From Earth Sciences at Rutgers Museum:

This note is for those who have been to the Rutgers Geology Museum, know of the Rutgers Geology Museum, and wish they knew of the Rutgers Geology Museum. A week ago those running the museum were told the museum will close for good and the collections dismantled. No one saw this coming since the message was delivered from the interim vice chancellor of undergraduate education and not through a discussion about cost saving measures or a need for space, etc.

Just like the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers is a community entity, so too is the Rutgers Geology Museum (http://geologymuseum.rutgers.edu/). For those of you who are unaware of the Rutgers Geology Museum it plays a large role in enlightening the community of the latest research in the Earth and Planetary Sciences through its many outreach events such its 45 year old Annual Open House, famous and rock and mineral sale lectures, school visits, birthday parties, fall and spring geology field hikes, etc. Someone working from within Rutgers may not see all that the museum offers the Rutgers community and the public if they are not made aware of the impacts. This is where you can help. President Barchi needs your letters - email and/or snail mail. 

Here is some information that was provided to me from those at Rutgers that will help you craft a quick note:

 1- the letter should be addressed only to President Barchi with CC to Vice-President Richard Edwards. The reason for writing is that at the recent Rutgers Geology Museum Annual Open House on Saturday January 26th Prof. Olsson made the statement that "the Geology Museum may be closed and dismantled". It is only natural then that you write to the higher authorities at the University.

2- we believe that sending an e-mail to Prof. Barchi followed by regular post mail would be most effective.

Neve Shalom Adult Education Committee and the Gilbert and Claudie Hayat Speaker Series present Prof. GARY RENDSBURG of Rutgers University DIALECTIC IN JUDAISM: Differing Viewpoints in the Torah - Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the 9:30am service. Discussion will continue after the Kiddush lunch at Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. All are invited, free of charge.  For more information, contact Hazzan Levin - 732-548-2238 x 14 or can2r11@aol.com

Neve Shalom 's Men 's Club Presents it 's 1st annual Chili cook off. Come taste the 5 varieteis of different chilis .  Meat and  vegetarian.  The place: Congregation Neve Shalom 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen , The date: Sunday, February 10, 2013, the Time: 5:00pm.  Only $8.00 per adult person, children 6-13 $4.00 each and under 5 no charge.  Please contact Matt at 908-422-0227 or neveshalommensclub @ gmail . com to make your reservation.