GREETINGS FROM WOODBRIDGE: THE BEST TOWN AROUND

The Woodbridge E-News is your direct link to all of the news, events, programs and happenings in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is the community spirit of our Ten Towns that stand as the Heart-and-Soul of our Township – outstanding and dependable public services, neighbor helping neighbor and volunteers who work behind the scenes to keep the Woodbridge Quality-of-Life the best in the state.

Just around the corner is another year of spectacular Township events!!! Experience top-name entertainment appearing at The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC). Shop the very best Buy Local stores and merchants… and, grab a bite to eat at any of our fantastic restaurants, delis, & pizzerias!!! We’re nearly ready to announce the exciting line-up for the Mayor's Summer Concert series: Golden Oldies Monday and Tribute Band Tuesday… Woodbridge Wednesday… Local Band Thursday and Country Sunday. Explore the Barron Arts Center and ‘Save-The-Date’ for the annual BarronFest Art Festival. Get into Wellness and work-out at the Woodbridge Community Center (WCC) & The Club at Woodbridge. Tooling Around the Township ‘Builds & Repairs’ in April. Plan to shop the Summer Farmer’s Market... and there is much, much more to come in 2020!!

Visit us at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us for everything Woodbridge!!!

See You Around Town…
Mayor John E. McCormac

J.J. BITTINGS CHILI COOK-OFF “HEATS-UP” ON SUNDAY

The 13th Annual Woodbridge Township Charity Chili Cook-off ‘Heats-Up’ on Sunday at J.J. Bitting Brewing Co., 33 Main Street, in Downtown Woodbridge. Noon - 2:00 PM. Think your chili recipe is the best in Woodbridge? Enter your chili in the cook-off for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition and the chance to win a cash prize!!! Don't have a chili recipe!!! No problem!!! Come spend the afternoon sampling the best chili and local brew Woodbridge has to offer!!! The Heat is on Us!!!! All proceeds donated to a Woodbridge Charitable Cause.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION & FESTIVITIES SET FOR MARCH 8

The 47th Annual Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Celebration gets underway on Sun., March 8, 2020 at 9:00 AM with the presentation of Proclamations to the St. Patrick’s Day honorees followed by the raising of the Irish Flag at Woodbridge Town Hall (1 Main Street). The St. Patrick’s Day Parade - sponsored by the American Irish Association of Woodbridge – steps-off at 1:30 PM from Woodbridge High School to Main Street and concludes in front of Town Hall. Enjoy more than 80 marching units, including traditional Irish Pipe Bands and Step Dancers, Irish-themed parade floats and displays, marching bands representing Woodbridge, Colonia and JFK high schools, Woodbridge Township First Responders, Fire Departments, First Aid and Emergency Response Squads, members of Woodbridge scouting organizations and community, civic, sorts and neighborhood associations.

AVENEL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC) - the region’s newest performing arts center offering top-name theatre, stage productions and special performances – is welcoming theatre-goers with the very best entertainment venue in Central Jersey. The APAC is a multi-disciplinary performing arts center located in Avenel (Woodbridge Township). Managed by the Woodbridge Arts Alliance (WAA), the APAC has energized Avenel and surrounding communities by programming exceptional, professional theatre, music, comedy, dance and more. The APAC features seating for 200 patrons, a separate performance room and pre-function lobby area that opens to exterior space for larger gatherings and events. APAC also features Curtains Restaurant – a stand-alone dining destination available for catered pre-performance and special events.

NOW SHOWING:
MEN are from MARS – WOMEN are from VENUS… THE OFF-BROADWAY COMEDY HIT!
FRI., FEB. 28 @8:00 pm
SAT., FEB. 29 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
SUN., MARCH 1 @ 3:00 PM
APAC TICKETS: boxoffice@avenelarts.com or call 732-314-0500

MARCH
SPOTLIGHT

WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM: TUES., MARCH 10, 2020
Zero Cost To Taxpayer

The Woodbridge Township Board of Education and School District Administration are presenting a proposal that will modernize school facilities and strengthen school security. The proposal would:

Build a new Avenel Street School #4/5, replacing the 108-year-old school building on Avenel Street 0 the oldest school building in the District;
Add classrooms and gym facilities to Lafayette Estates School #25 and Matthew Jago School #28;
Upgrade infrastructure and technology and strengthen school security in every school building;

The Special Election Referendum is scheduled for Tues., March 10, 2020. Polls Open from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. For more information visit the Woodbridge Township School District web page at: www.woodbridge.k12.nj.us

CENSUS 2020: #BeCountedInTheBestTownAround

THANK YOU WOODBRIDGE… HAVE-A-HEART FOOD DRIVE COLLECTS $38,700.00 & 27,000 LBS.

The Paul Sansone Foundation took “First Place” with a $14,250.00 ‘Have-A-Heart’ donation.

The St. John Vianney Student Council contributed 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food to ‘Have-A-Heart.’

The Young Marines supported ‘Have-A-Heart’ with 750 pounds of food.

The Colonia Business Community reports to Robert Mascenik School #26 in Iselin to drop-off $5,500.00

Colonia Middle School contributed over 500 lbs. of food to the ‘Have-A-Heart’ food drive.

Mayor John E. McCormac announced that the Have-A-Heart food drive collected $38,738.00 in cash donations and more than 27,127 pounds of non-perishable food to support local food pantries in their work to aid needy families throughout Woodbridge Township. This year, Have-A-Heart issued a ‘2/14’ challenge to Township corporate offices, businesses, retail outlets, food stores, restaurants and hospitality industry, Township schools and students, charitable organizations and residents to donate 214 pounds of food or contribute $214 to assist food pantries continue their work in providing food and meals to less fortunate residents and the homeless. More than 100 Township corporations, businesses, retail outlets, school students, charitable organizations and residents contributed to the Have-A-Heart food drive.

KNOW BEFORE GO!!! DOWNLOAD THE WOODBRIDGE NOW APP

Shopping this weekend!!! Download the Woodbridge NOW APP for all of the best deals, rewards & specials!! The Woodbridge NOW APP Is FREE!!! And, it’s the best source for what’s happening in Woodbridge. Stay connected with just one touch. Visit www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.

ATTENTION SENIOR’S – NEED HELP WITH 2019 TAX FORMS

The Woodbridge Township Division of Multi-Service on Aging and AARP will provide "FREE" assistance to prepare 2019 Income & Property Tax Relief Forms. Help with Income Tax preparation is now available through April 8 (Monday and Wednesday appointments only). Property Tax Relief preparation will be available until the deadline date designated by the State. Income and Property Tax assistance will take place at the Woodbridge Health Center (back of Woodbridge Main Library), 2 George Frederick Plaza/Rt. 35 Amboy Ave in Woodbridge. APPOINTMENT REQUIRED. Please call 732-726-6262 to schedule your appointment. File & Feed!!! In exchange for our services, we ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to help stock the Woodbridge food pantries. Check the Woodbridge Township web page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us for additional information on the tax preparation assistance program.

IT’S ‘MARCH MADNESS’ MEMBERSHIP MONTH AT THE WCC

Now is the time to explore the Health & Wellness benefits of a WCC membership!!! WCC membership packages are available in all shapes and sizes. Check out the Family Membership or an Individual Membership. Join today and receive a FREE WCC gift with your new membership!!! We’re betting that you’ll discover that the WCC is the perfect place for family fun, fitness and connection.

DID YOU KNOW??? The WCC is at the leading edge of what’s hot in the health, wellness and fitness industry!!! WCC members are going strong and getting in shape with the popular LesMills Group Effect exercise classes and personal training program. The WCC also offers a full aquatics program with swim lessons for all ages, a competitive swim team, roller and ice skating lessons, ice hockey, open skate sessions, weight and aerobic center, personal training & fitness programs, a full-court gymnasium, basketball court, indoor track, and so much more. Perfect your swing – baseball or softball - at the 3-cage batting center. And, after taking batting practice, tee-off at SkyLine Mini-Golf... the best and most challenging mini-golf course in Central Jersey.

The WCC hosts Corporate/Office outings and Birthday, Anniversary, Project Graduation, or any party for that special occasion. Your special event party comes with the full-service, in-house WCC Café and catering. Contact our Membership Services Coordinator at 732-596-4196. Visit our webpage at: www.njwcc.com. See us on Facebook. Or stop-by the WCC at 600 Main Street, Woodbridge. You’ll be glad you did!!!

It’s All Happening at The Club

The Club at Woodbridge is now part of the Woodbridge Township Recreation Family – and we’re offering an incredible menu of health, wellness, fitness and entertainment programs, events and happenings to members and guests!!! The Club is the perfect complement to the Woodbridge Community Center (WCC) right across Main Street. Both facilities have a pool, running track, cardio rooms, weight rooms, concession areas and child care functions. Both run summer camps for kids and personal training and other amenities. The Club has racquetball and badminton, while the WCC has a hockey rink, roller rink, mini-golf course and batting cages. Explore all The Club has to offer at: www.theclub.org.

NEW AT THE CLUB… THE GOLF DEN
The Club at Woodbridge just announced The Golf Den - an exciting new amenity to their wellness, fitness, sport and recreational facility. The Golf Den’s private Club House features widescreen PGA TOUR Golf Simulators that tee-off from 50 of the PGA’s most challenging – and famous – golf courses.

The Golf Den offers golfers the perfect blend of entertainment and performance options allowing clients to enjoy a round of golf with friends or use the simulators for focused practice and game improvement or competitive league play. With the use of 3Trak revolutionary ball-tracking technology used in the PGA TOUR Simulator, The Golf Den’s virtual indoor golf experience is something entirely new and truly unique to Central New Jersey.

The Golf Den is a 7-day a week, year-round, indoor virtual golf & practice center… bring your clubs and your best game for the most amazing virtual golf experience!!!

WB EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

FRI., FEB. 28
Fish Fry Friday at St. Andrew’s Knights of Columbus (Every Friday during Lent… except Good Friday). KofC Hall at 109 Morrisey Street, Avenel. Adults: $12.00. Seniors and Under 10: $10.00. Dinner Served from 4:30 to 7:30 PM.

TUES., MARCH 3
Relay for Life of Woodbridge Presents: Take a STEP to help FIGHT CANCER. Kick-Off Party & Dine-to-Donate at The Curtains Restaurant at APAC. 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

THURS., MARCH 5
Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce & The Women’s Leadership Connection Presents: Breaking Boundaries: Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. Network! Learn! Be Inspired! Colonia Country Club, 300 Colonia Blvd., Colonia.

THURS., MARCH 5
Barron Arts Center Presents: Susan B. Anthony: Failure Is Impossible. FREE ADMISSION. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. 7:30 PM.

FRI., MARCH 6
Woodbridge Animal Shelter Presents: Classic Rock for Shelter Pets. A benefit for the Woodbridge Animal Shelter Pets with Seven Stone Band. Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel. 7:30 – 11:30 PM. Donation: $20.00.

SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

There are many events, programs and happenings every day that focus on our schools, students and extra-curricular activities. The WB E-News encourages residents, parents, students and visitors to support the various school-related activities - without community sponsorship, many of the student programs, events and activities would not be able to take place. Plan to attend.

SUN., MARCH 1
Woodbine High School Senior Class Breakfast with the Elks. 8:00 – 11:00 AM. $8.00 Adults. $4.00 Ages 5-9. Location: Elks Hall, 665 Rahway Ave.

SUN., MARCH 1
Boy Scout Troop #523 Hosts Blood Drive. Give-The-Gift-Of-Life. St. John Vianney School, 420 Inman Ave., Colonia. 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

THURS., MARCH 5… FRI., MARCH 6… SAT., MARCH 7
John F. Kennedy Memorial High School Players Present: Footloose: The Musical. Tickets: $10.00 Advance. $15.00 Door.

FRI., MARCH 6
AMS “Wildcats” Tricky Tray. Avenel Middle School. Doors Open at 6:00 PM. Benefitting The March of Dimes, Team LeGrand and AMS.

About the Woodbridge E-News

The Woodbridge E-News is your direct link to all of the news, events, programs and happenings in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. You are receiving the Woodbridge E-News because you previously communicated with us via E-Mail or you signed-up for our entertainment news, registered to become a member of the Woodbridge Green Team or Greenable Woodbridge, provided your e-mail address to us after attending a public meeting, forum or event, or simply requested information about Woodbridge Township government, resident services and programs. We want to continue to send you periodic updates, so please take a moment to confirm your continued interest in receiving the Woodbridge E-News. CLICK HERE to keep receiving future editions of the Woodbridge E-News. Thank you!