Holiday Greetings from Woodbridge: The Best Town Around

Happy Holidays from the Woodbridge E-News!!! It’s our hope that everyone is “Home-For-The-Holiday’s” and able to share the merriment of the season with family and friends. We’ve put together a spectacular line-up of Festive events that will keep everyone – residents and visitors alike – entertained throughout the Holiday season. Experience top-name entertainment appearing at The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC). Plan your Holiday shopping at the best Buy Local stores and merchants… and, grab a bite to eat at any of our fantastic restaurants, delis, & pizzerias!!! Explore the Holiday Train Show (the largest train display in Central Jersey) at The Barron Arts Center. Get into Wellness and work-out at the Woodbridge Community Center (WCC) & The Club at Woodbridge. And, there is much, much more to come!!! Stay-tuned to the WB E-News for all of the upcoming Holiday events.

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

See You Around Town…
Mayor John E. McCormac

NEWS FLASH: SPECIAL NORTH POLE BULLETIN... SANTA ARRIVES IN WOODBRIDGE!!!
Barron Arts Center Hosts Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival

Town Hall just received a special news bulletin from the North Pole announcing that Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in Woodbridge TONIGHT… FRI., DEC. 6 AT 5:00 PM just in time to ‘light-up’ the official Woodbridge Township Christmas Tree at the Barron Arts Center (582 Rahway Avenue). The annual tree lighting and holiday ceremony features seasonal holiday selections performed by the award-winning Woodbridge High School Choir and the Woodbridge High School Jazz Band. Following the tree lighting program, the Barron Arts Center opens to the region’s largest holiday train show and exhibit. The holiday train display has become the singular stop for the ‘Season-of-Giving’ food drive. This year, the Barron Arts Center holiday train display is ‘on track’ until December 30 (closed on Christmas Day.) If you’re stopping by to see the incredible train exhibit, plan to drop-off a food donation at the holiday express.

‘Season of Giving’ Food Drive Highlights WB Holiday Season

The ‘Season of Giving’ food drive is underway at all of the WB holiday events, concerts and programs. More than ever, we are seeking food donations for the Woodbridge Township food pantries that provide for the hungry throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. We have set a goal to collect at least 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food for the ‘Season of Giving’ holiday food drive by the end of the year - food that will be distributed by our local food pantries as they work to ensure that Township residents receive much needed supplies. We are once again encouraging our always generous Township residents and visitors to donate a can… or two… or three… of non-perishable food to help neighbors and families experience a healthy and happy holiday.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS:

SAT., DEC. 7: The Recreation Department Presents: Holiday Gingerbread Cookie Decorating at Parker Press Park. 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

SAT., DEC. 7: The Fords Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting – sponsored by the Fords Business Community – is set for Sat., Dec. 7 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Fords Public Parking Lot located at 555 New Brunswick Avenue (next to Olsen Towers). Stroll & Shop the ‘Buy Local’ businesses on New Brunswick Avenue. Holiday entertainment & Refreshments. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place at 5:30 PM.

DEC. 11: The Barron Arts Center Presents: Poets Wednesday Holiday Celebration with Featured Reader: Tina Kelley. Holiday Poetry Workshop: 7:00 PM. Holiday Poetry Readings: 7:30 PM.

DEC. 13: Barron Arts Center Holiday Concert & Sounds of the Season. The Jazz Lobsters Big Band. 7:30 PM.

DEC. 14: The Woodbridge Recreation Department Presents: Pictures with Santa. 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Parker Press Park.

SAT., DEC. 14: Woodbridge Community Choir Holiday Concert. St. Anthony of Padua Church, 436 Port Reading Ave. FREE Will Donations Accepted.

DEC. 25: Annual Christmas Friendship Dinner will be served from 1:30 to 3:30 PM on Christmas Day at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Father Milos Parish Hall, 436 Port Reading Ave., Port Reading. All are Welcome. Please call St. Anthony’s Church at 732-634-1419 to confirm a seat at the table.

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 promises to energize 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 AT APAC:
BARITONED
FRI., DEC. 6 & SAT., DEC. 7 @ 8:00 PM
TICKETS: $39.50

Visit: www.avenelarts.com or
call Box Office at: 732-314-0500

CELTIC ANGELS CHRISTMAS
TUES., DEC 10 @ 7:00 PM
WED., DEC. 11 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM

Holiday Shopping... Download the Woodbridge NOW APP
It’s Free... It's Easy...It's Everything Woodbridge!!!

Looking to get a jump on Holiday shopping this weekend!!! Download the Woodbridge NOW APP for all of the best shopping 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.

WPD Issues Holiday Safety Alert

The Woodbridge Township Police Department (WPD) announced the 2019 ‘Holiday Shopper Safety Program’ with increased uniformed patrol officers and marked police vehicles patrolling the Township's shopping districts during the holiday shopping season. The WPD’s sub-station at the Woodbridge Center Mall is open to provide an increased police presence inside the mall and mall parking areas throughout the entire holiday shopping season. Remember safety first while shopping: Shop with friends and family. Park in safe, well-lit areas. Don't hesitate to ask a uniformed officer or security guard to accompany you to your car if you feel uncomfortable.

Explore a Holiday Health & Wellness Membership at the WCC

Check out the Holiday Membership packages at the Woodbridge Community Center (WCC) - Woodbridge Township’s family recreation, fitness/sport and entertainment center. WCC membership packages are available in all shapes and sizes… Sign-up for a Family Membership or an Individual Membership and receive a FREE WCC gift!!!

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.

KidsSports @ The Club Hosts Parents Night Out…
Fri., Dec. 1 from 6:30 – 10:00 PM.
Catch up on holiday shopping and we’ll watch the kids!!! A fun, supervised night with swim, themed movies, pizza & hot chocolate. Members: $20.00 per Child. Non-Members: $25.00 per Child. Visit: www.theclub.org.

WB Events & Happenings

FRI., DEC. 6
Road to Hope Presents: Holiday Fundraiser at the Columbian Club of Avenel. Enjoy an evening of dinner & dancing. Entertainment Provided By: Smoke & Mirrors. Tickets: $25.00 (Advance). $30.00 (Door). Proceeds benefit the Woodbridge Township Addiction Services Program.

MON., DEC. 9
WPL Presents: New Jersey Shipwrecks. Explore New Jersey’s most notorious shipwrecks in this presentation by Dan Lieb, President of the New Jersey Historical Divers Association. 7:00 PM at the Main Library.

FRI., DEC. 13
Corner Newspaper Hosts: Holiday Cookies & Cans. Annual ‘Hometown Heroes’ event sponsored by the Corner Newspaper. Cookies and holiday non-perishable items are shipped to service men and women serving oversees. Price of Admission: Four Dozen Cookies. 6:00 to 9:00 PM at VFW Post #6061, Inman Ave., Colonia. Contact Councilwoman Debbie Meehan at 732-382-0273.
.

SAT., DEC. 14
WREATHS Across AMERICA. Join American Legion T. Nulty Post #471, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Mayor John E. McCormac and the Township Administration in placing more than 200 wreaths on the graves of Veterans (Revolutionary War to the Present) at the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge (Old White Church). 600 Rahway Ave. Wreath placement from 9:00 to Noon. Indoor Memorial Ceremony at Noon.

School News

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.

FRI., DEC. 6
Colonia Middle School Presents: Winter Wonderland Tricky Tray. 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

SUN., DEC. 8
Matthew Jago School #28 Presents: Breakfast with Santa. Reserve Your Seat Today. $8.00 (10 & Up). $4.00 (Children 5-9).

TUES., DEC. 10
Mawbey Street School #1 Winter Concert. 6:00 PM

Claremont Avenue School #20 Winter Concert at Colonia Middle School. 6:30 PM

Iselin Middle School Band Performance at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. 6:30 PM

Pennsylvania Avenue School #27 Presents: Holiday Concert. 6:30 PM

WED., DEC. 11
Oak Ridge Heights School #21 Winter Concert. 6:00 PM

Colonia High School Presents: Winter Concert and Holiday Arts Festival. 6:30 – 9:00 PM

Oak Tree Road School #29 Winter Vocal Music Concert. 7:00 PM

Woodbridge High School Presents: Holiday Concert. 7:00 PM

THURS., DEC. 12
Colonia Middle School Presents: Winter Choral & Instrumental Concert. 6:00 PM

John F. Kennedy Memorial High School Presents: Instrumental Holiday Concert. 6:30 PM

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!