Sakula Yoga Studio ribbon-cutting ceremony today

Well, as some of you may have read in yesterday’s Metuchen Matters, today is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of our new yoga studio in Metuchen, Sakula Yoga Studio. Mayor Vahalla and members of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to personally help us launch our joint venture. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place today (January 21) at 4:30 p.m. Sakula Yoga Studio is located at 325 Main Street.

Rozanna Marinucci and I decided to open our own studio after we received an e-mail back in October stating that the Sacred Spaces Yoga Studio would be closing. We made the decision to open up our own studio because we felt that there needed to be a place in Metuchen where folks could still find the mental, spiritual and physical healing that only yoga can provide.

Rozanna and I have personally hand-picked our team of certified yoga instructors to ensure that we have the most qualified instructors who can teach every level of yoga from beginners and intermediate to the most experienced.

Sakula Yoga Studio will be open seven days a week and will offer class schedules that will fit into just about anyone’s schedule. We will be offering classes for every level of yoga. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or have been practicing yoga for years, we offer gentle yoga, power yoga and everything in between. The duration of classes depends on which classes you choose, but the minimum length of a class is one hour.

If you are a yoga lover, or if you just want to find out why yoga is an ideal way to maintain a sound body and mind, we invite you to stop by today for our ribbon-cutting ceremony. If you are unable to come by today, we invite you to stop by at your leisure. We are eager to get to know those of you whom we have not yet met and share our love for yoga with our community.

Please click to read an article in Metuchen matters about the Sakula Yoga Studio.

Santa Paws 2009

I was just reading some articles in mycentraljersey.com when I ran across one entitled, “Santa Paws 2009” which piqued my curiosity. To tell you the truth, I had no idea what it was either at first. As it turns out, Santa Paws 2009 is an interesting event to benefit Second Chance for Animals. For $15, you can get two framed 4”x6” digital pictures of your pets with Santa Claus. For a small extra fee, they will print additional pictures and you can also purchase a CD with the images so you can print as many more as you like. Those who bring a donation of pet food will also receive a free gift.

Santa paws will take place on three different Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sampson G. Smith School. The Sampson G. Smith School is located at 1649 Amwell Road in Somerset.

Due to safety reasons, you must keep smaller pets in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. According to this article, most people bring their pet dogs and/or cats, but all pets are welcome including birds and reptiles.

All proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Franklin Township Animal Shelter in Somerset. If you would like more information, please contact Second Chance for Animals at 732-728-SCFA or you can send them an email at scfa1998@secondchanceforanimals.org .

If you have pets, I urge you to attend this benefit and help raise money for the Franklin Township Animal Shelter. I will be taking my little ones to get a few pictures taken, that way I can print them and send them to family and friends along with a Christmas card.

New Y in South Amboy

According to an article that I read recently in mycentraljersey.com, construction of South Amboy’s new aquatic community center began on Thursday. This new aquatic center, located at the site located between Broadway and Portia Streets, is expected to be completed by September 2010 and just like a traditional YMCA, this aquatic center will provide community and recreational activities for residents in and around South Amboy.

The tract where this center will stand was donated by Peron Development and Peron Development has plans to use a portion of this land to build residential housing units. Peron Development has also agreed to provide an additional $850,000 for improvements to the aquatic community building. This project is expected to cost $9.8 million, some $3 million of which will come through Middlesex County grants. The remainder of the funds will come from tax-exempted bonds

This aquatic center will feature a spacious atrium, gymnasium, a senior fitness center, a wellness center for teens and families and a babysitting area where your little ones can play while you exercise or swim a few laps in the six-lane pool.

This new aquatic center in South Amboy will be a great asset to this community as it will provide local and nearby residents with a state of the art community fitness facility and aquatic center where they can meet some of their neighbors while enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Membership rates are expected to be established closer to the center’s opening date.

September 2009 Events for Central New Jersey

• September 3, 2009 – Metlar-Bodine House Museum located in Piscataway for more information call 732.463.9363 and get  exhibit times and schedules.
• September 3, 2009 – Early Trades and Crafts come out and enjoy a variety of early American craftsmanship call 973.377.2982 or visit the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts official website for more details.
• September 5, 2009 – Jamesburg Farmers Market at Presbyterian Church if Jamesburg, for more information call 732.512.1711,
• September 6, 2009 – Somerset Jazz Consortium - an Open Jam Session located a PJ’s Coffee House in Highland Park, call 732.828.2323 or please visit the PJ’s Coffee House website.
• September 12, 2009 – Jazz, Funk and Fusion at the East Brunswick Public Library, for more information on this event please call 732.390.6950 or visit the East Brunswick Public Library website for more details.
• September 12, 2009 – Annual Clambake and BBQ, this fundraiser for Special Needs Children is a fun filled event for the entire family, come out and have some clams, cold drinks, beer and entertainment at the Manville – Hillsborough BPOE Elks Lodge.  For more information call 908.725.1717.
• September 13, 2009 – Fashion Based Fundraiser to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, come out and donate for a great cause, for more information in this event you can call 732.828.1014 or visit the Coldwater  Creek store website for more details.
• September 15, 2009 – Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs – Grammy Award Winning Musicians will be playing at the State Theatre for more information on this event you can call 732.246.7469 or visit the State Theatre of New Jersey website.
• September 21, 2009 – American Legion Flea Market located at the Pear’s Street parking Lot in Metuchen. For more information on this even you can visit the American Legion Flea Market website.
• September 26, 2009 – Ninth Annual Women’s Health Benefit at the Marriott Bridgewater Hotel in Bridgewater, for more information on this great event you can call 908.927.9300.

Wet and Wild Tubing for Uganda

I saw an article earlier today at NJ.com entitle, “Tubing in the Delaware will help orphans in Uganda” that caught my attention. According to this article, this event is scheduled to take off in the Delaware River from Kingwood Township on Saturday September 5, or in the event of rain, Sunday, September 6. There will be a stop on an island so participants can enjoy a barbecue lunch courtesy of The Famous River hot Dog Man. Kids over the age of 5 are welcome to participate. The cost of this even is $30 per person and all proceeds will go to help finance the construction and staffing of a pediatric health clinic at the Awegys School in Kigo, Uganda. The Awegys School is a school for Ugandan orphans. Those who would like more information, or who wish to register to participate in this charitable event should send an e-mail to tubing4uganda@yahoo.com or visit the Outside the Dream foundation’s website.

The Outside the Dream Foundation will oversee the construction of this clinic. Outside the Dream is a registered NGO that plans, coordinates and funds the development of this and other projects that are implemented by Ugandan communities. This organization does not dictate which projects will be undertaken, but instead allows communities to decide which projects they will choose to undertake and the most effective methods to complete these projects.

If you enjoy tubing down the Delaware, I encourage you to participate in this fun activity for the whole family and, at the same time, help to benefit former child soldiers, orphans, the homeless and other vulnerable children in Uganda.

August 2009 events for Somerset and Middlesex County, New Jersey

• August 3 – 9, 2009 – Middlesex County Fair located in East Brunswick, for more information on this fun family event call 732.257.8858 or visit the Middlesex County Fair website.
• August 5, 2009 – Metlar Bodine House Museum, in Piscataway.  For more information on exhibits and hours call 732.463.8363.
• August 6 – 9, 2009 – Clamfest located in highlands, for more info call 732.291.4713 or visit the Highlands New Jersey website.
• August 7, 2009 – Rutgers Historical Tour in New Brunswick, for more information on this event located at Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum call 732.932.9342 ext. 2619
• August 8, 2009 – Jamesburg Farmers Market located at the Presbyterian Church of Jamesburg, for more info call 732.521.1711
• August 9, 2009 – Somerset Jazz Consortium an open jam session at PJ’s Coffee House in Highland Park, for more information call 732.828.2323 or visit the PJ’s Coffee House website.   
• August 9, 2009 – Nature Walks at Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Baskin Ridge.  For more information you can call 908.766.2489 or visit the Somerset County Parks website.
• August 12, 2009 MAM PARK BENCH located at the Montclair Museum, for more information on this exhibit call 973.746.5555 or visit the Montclair Museum website.
• August 25, 2009 – B.B. King in concert in Morristown. Call 973.539.8008 or visit the Mayo Arts website for more details.
• August 26, 2009 – Kiddie Academy Hosts Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fundraiser in Hillsborough, for more information on this event call 908.281.477
• August 26, 2009 – Ninth Annual Women’s Health Benefit at the Marriott Bridgewater Hotel, for more information on this great event and fundraiser fro women’s health and counseling center call 908.526.2335 ext 134.

Food Pantries seeing more demand

I was just reading some articles in MyCentralJersey.com when I saw a piece highlighting the effects that this current economic crisis is having on the South Brunswick food pantry. According to this article entitled, “South Brunswick food pantry traffic increases in troubled times”, the South Brunswick food pantry has seen an increase in the number of families who are seeking their help since our economy began to slow late last year. While during an average month, the food pantry would serve an average of 25 people, that number has risen to an average of 30 families per month. According to LouAnn Wolf, the township’s social services director, the pantry has seen up to 42 families who needed assistance in just one month. These families are in need of not only food and hygiene items, but in some cases, they are also in need of cash to pay for things that they cannot afford such as medications and bills. The Human Intervention Trust Fund is a fund that helps folks in need by offering assistance with paying utilities, rent and medical prescriptions

The economic crisis currently affecting our country is having a negative impact on many sectors of our society. As a result more folks are losing their jobs, and in some cases, losing their homes to foreclosures. This is making it difficult for folks who find themselves in this predicament to make ends meet. At the same time, harder economic times are making it so that fewer people are donating to the South Brunswick food pantry. Because of this increase in demand without a corresponding increase in supply, LouAnn Wolf feels that it may be a time to make some changes to how the food pantry is run.

It’s not just folks who have lost their jobs or homes who need help, the elderly, folks who have suffered injuries or who have fallen ill and victims of domestic violence also find themselves in the situation where they cannot pay for all of their bills and still afford proper food.

I can imagine the pantry will have a harder time once summer is over. Folks spend more during winter months because of heating costs and that could make it so that even more families have to turn to the South Brunswick food pantry for help.

According to the food pantry’s website, they are currently in dire need of Parmalat, coffee, tea, juice boxes, personal needs products, snack foods, soups, and all canned pastas such as ravioli and spaghetti.

In order to qualify for food pantry service, clients must provide residency and income verification. The food pantry is open on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

July 2009 Events for Somerset and Middlesex County, New Jersey

• July 3 – 12, 2009 – Little Lost Arts at the Ratsch Theater presents ‘The Last Prophecy of Merlin!’, located in Branchville.  For more information on this event call 973.875.5111 or visit their website.
• July 8, 2009 – Montclair Art Museum features Animals from 9:30 to 11:30 in Montclair.  Call 973.746.5555 or visit the Montclair Art Museum website for more details.
• July 8 and 22, 2009 – Ice Cream Social, a fun affair for the entire family come out and enjoy an evening at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center as it becomes an ice cream parlor.  Call 973.377.2295 or visit the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center website for more details.
• July 17, 2009 – Rutgers Gardens Farmers Market, located in New Brunswick, come out an experience fresh produce locally grown and prepared food.  Call 732.932.8451 or visit the Rutgers Garden website for more information.
• July 1, 2009 – Oldies Concert Night at Meadowlands Racetrack, bring your blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy the music under the start. For more information on this fun event call 201.843.2446 or visit the Meadowland Racetrack website.
• July 12, 2009 – Wheel Concepts, located in Edison, call 732.417.1400 or visit the Tire Empire website for more details on this event.
• July 17 – 19, 2009 – The 106^th Birchwood Manor Antiques Show in Whippany, come out and check out all of the best of the past and of today.  If you like antiques this is the place to be.  Call 973.224.2797 or visit the JMK shows and events website.
• July 18, 2009 – Art in the Garden Tour in Edison, will be preparing for several takes for Cable Edison TV.  Come out and see these beautiful gardens, for more information on this event call 908.753.2787 or visit the Edison Arts Society website.
• July 18 – 19, 2009 – 2^nd Annual Book Sale at the East Brunswick Museum Corporation, for more information on this vent you can call 732.257.1508 or visit the East Brunswick Museum website.
• July 18 – 19, 2009 – Garden State Cat Club of New Jersey will be holding a cat show and expo. For more information on this event call 908.276.9423 or visit the Garden State Cat Club website.
• July 18, 2009 – Somerville Sampler Day, come out and explore downtown Somerville enjoy restaurant tastings, live music and much more.  Call 908.541.1600 or visit the Somerville New Jersey website for more details on this fun family event.
• July 25, 2009 – Open House and Wine Tasting Festival at the Rutgers Garden, lectures, displays, wine tasting, children’s activities and much more, call 732.832.8451 or visit the Rutgers Garden website for more information.

Women’s Health & Counseling Center garage sale

I don’t know about you, but I love a good garage sale. There’s something about being able to get a great deal on a very rare or unique item, is something that drives many fans of garage sale. And what could be better than being able to help benefit a good cause just by attending a garage sale? Well, while reading NJ.com earlier, I ran across an article about an interesting garage sale that is coming soon. According to this article entitled, “Women’s Health & Counseling Center fund-raising garage sale” there will be a fund-raising garage sale to benefit the Women’s Health and Counseling Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday June 19 and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday June 20. This garage sale will take place at the WHCC Center located at 71 Fourth Street in Somerville New Jersey.

The Women’s Health and Counseling Center is a non-profit healthcare provider that offers high-quality healthcare services to women who face monetary, cultural, linguistic or other obstacles. Aside from family planning and primary care services, this organization, which is now into its 36 year of serving women in this area of New Jersey, also helps provide sexual assault support services and cancer screenings for eligible men and women as well as educational and counseling services for at-risk adolescent. The WHCC offers services based on a sliding rule, how much a patient pays is determined by how much they can afford to pay and no patient is refused services because they cannot afford them. Please click the link if you would like to find out more about the Women’s Health and Counseling Center.  

Those who decide to go to this fund-raising garage sale can expect to see items such as books, CDs, DVDs, tools, house wares, home décor items, furniture, clothes, electronic games, children’s toys and much more for sale. There will be also be cookies, brownies pies and other baked goods for those who attend this fund-raising garage sale. Garage and bake sales have helped the WHCC to stay in business in the past and hopefully this one will help generate enough funds to help them continue to serve those who cannot afford healthcare.

June 2009 Events for Somerset and Middlesex County, New Jersey

• June 9, 2009 – Linden Farmers Market – Located at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade Amphitheatre in Linden.  Call 908.474.8493 for more information on this event.  If you enjoy fresh-grown vegetables, sauces, cheeses, pickles, olives and much more.
• June 9, 2009 –Cats the musical will be playing at Villagers Theatre in Somerset.  For more information on this event call 732.247.1655
• June 12, 2009 –The Scent of the Sea, located at Swain Galleries in Plainfield, for more information on this great exhibit call 908.756.1707.
• June 9- 13, 2009 – Carnival, located at St. Matthew’s R C Church on Edison.  Come out and enjoy, rides, food, raffles and much more.  For more information call 732.985.5063
• June 12 and 13, 2009 – Rummage Sale, located at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Warren, call 908.647.4383 for times and for donation information.
• June 5 – 25, 2009 – Junebug ArtFest in Metuchen on Main Street, for more information on this even you can visit the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce website or call 732.906.4137.
• June 11, 2009 – New Jersey Quilt Convention located at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison.  For more information on this great event visit the New Jersey Quilts website or call 732.761.1709.
• June 12 – 26, 2009 – Rutgers Gardens Farmers Market located at Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick.  For more information on this event call 732.932.8451 or visit the Rutgers Garden website.
• June 13, 2009 – 35^th Annual Rose Day located at Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Somerset.  Call 732.873.2459 or visit the Somerset County Parks website for information on lectures and demonstrations.
• June 14, 2009 – Union Street Fair and Craft Show in Union, for more information on crafters, vendors, live music, rides and games call 908.654.1400 or visit the Street Fairs website.
• June 16, 2009 – Huey Lewis and the News at the Community Theater in Morristown, visit the Mayo Arts website or call 973.539.8008 for tickets.
• June 21, 2009 – Father’s Day at the Fire House, located at the Liberty Hall Museum in Union.  Come and pick a unique gift for Father’s day. Call 908.527.0400 or visit the Liberty Hall Museum website for more details.
• June 27, 2009 – Funkmaster Flex Celebrity Car Show located the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison.  Celebrity car show, visit the Funkmaster Flex website for more information or call 732.417.1400.