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. This year, the Administration and Municipal Council look forward to continuing the business of Woodbridge. 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. And, just around the corner is another year of spectacular Township events! Experience top-name entertainment appearing at The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC). Plan to shop the very best Buy Local stores and merchants… and, grab a bite to eat at any of our fantastic restaurants, delis, & pizzerias!!! Explore 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!!!

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

See You Around Town…
Mayor John E. McCormac

MAYOR MCCORMAC REPORTS ON THE STATE-OF-THE-TOWNSHIP

Mayor John E. McCormac presented the 2020 State-Of-The-Township address to the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce (WMCC), the Woodbridge Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), regional corporate business community, elected officials and Township residents on Tues., Jan. 21, 2020. Mayor McCormac reported that the State-of-the-Township was strong – perhaps the strongest ever and getting stronger all the time – and that the stability of the Township economy results from successful navigation of the steadily rebounding national, regional, state and local economy. The address also focused on Quality-of-Life initiatives and strategies for maintaining Woodbridge as the “Best-Town-Around.”

Visit the Township Web to view the TV-35 video of the Mayor’s State-of-the-Township address: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.

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 AT APAC:
DEBBIE GRAVITTE: BIG BAND BROADWAY

SHOW TIMES:
FRI., JAN. 24 @ 2:00 & 8:00 PM
SAT., JAN. 25 @ 8:00 PM
SUN., JAN. 26 @ 3:00 PM

TICKETS: VISIT THE APAC AT: boxoffice@avenelarts.com or call 732-314-0500

HAVE-A-HEART FOOD DRIVE CHALLENGE NOW UNDERWAY!!

Woodbridge Township food pantries need your help!!! This year, we’re asking Woodbridge Township businesses and residents to lend an even bigger... and more generous hand. We’re inviting participation in the 2020 Valentine’s Day “Have-A-Heart” Food Drive Challenge. We know that many Township businesses, retail outlets, food stores, food service and hospitality representatives, corporate businesses and offices, and residents are already involved in assisting the community by providing non-perishable foods and financial donations on a regular basis. However, circumstances this year demand that we do just a little more… and that’s why we’re again issuing the “Have-A-Heart” Food Drive Challenge seeking donations of 214 pounds of food or $214 to assist our food pantries continue their work providing food and meals to less fortunate residents and the homeless.

The “Have-A-Heart” food drive is coordinated by Peter Barcellona, Chairman, of the “We Feed Woodbridge” Food Bank Committee. All you need to do is give Peter a call at 732-855-0600 x5034 and tell him where and when to pick up a donation – 214 pounds of food or $214 - and our student volunteers will come directly to your location… it’s that easy! Or, you can deliver 214 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Woodbridge Township Public Health Center (2 George Frederick Plaza) or the Woodbridge Community Center (WCC) anytime between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. Financial contributions (payable to “We Feed Woodbridge”) can also be dropped-off at the Health Center or mailed directly to the Woodbridge Department of Health & Human Services, c/o We Feed Woodbridge, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

Don’t delay!!! We need your help now! The cupboards are nearly bare! I know we can count on our Township businesses and businesspersons to lend a hand. Please give us a call today at 732-855-0600 x5034… you’ll be glad you did… and we’ll be better able to assist our neighbors and friends in their time of need.

TASTE OF COLONIA SERVES ON FEBRUARY 6

Experience the best food and beverage that Colonia has to offer at the Taste of Colonia set for Fri. Feb. 6, 2020 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Colonia Country Club (300 Colonia Blvd.) The Taste of Colonia - sponsored by the Colonia Business Community (CBC) and The Corner News Publication - offers a wide variety of culinary delicacies from the finest restaurants and caterers in Colonia and the surrounding area. Tickets: $30.00 (Advance Purchase Only - No Tickets Sold at the Door). Tickets available at: Advanced Family Chiropractic (622 Inman Ave.) or contact Councilwoman Debbie Meehan at 732-382-0273. Taste of Colonia is a sponsor for the Have-A-Heart food drive. Plan NOW to raise your glass to a worthy (and delicious) cause. (All proceeds donated to the Have-A-Heart food drive.)

Barron Arts Center Announces Winter/Spring Line-Up

The Barron Arts Center’s 2020 Winter/Spring Calendar of Events is now available. You don’t need to go to New York City or Philadelphia to experience art, culture, music and first-rate entertainment – its right here in Woodbridge at The Barron Arts Center. Here's a sample of what's on tap for the coming Winter/Spring series. The Barron Hosts Suffragette State: The Politics of Art & Culture Visual Art Series… Now in their 31^st Year performing at the Barron Arts Center… the All Seasons Chambers Players will perform with their Flemish harpsichord in combination with flutes and strings for a program of music from the 18^th Century. Concert Date: Feb. 21 at 8:00 PM. Poets Wednesday & Poetry Workshops are always part of the schedule. For complete listings and details on all the exhibits, concerts, classes, events and programs call 732-634-0413. Visit: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us. Become a fan of the Barron Arts Center on Facebook and Twitter.

CENSUS 2020: #BeCountedInTheBestTownAround

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.

WEATHER EMERGENCIES: SIGN-UP FOR CodeRed

The Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management has implemented a Township-wide CodeRed telephone alert system. CodeRed is an emergency notification service that provides timely alerts to Township residents and businesses with important emergency-related information. While most Township residents with land-line or home telephone numbers are listed in the Emergency Management database and receive timely emergency information, a growing number of residents rely primarily on a cellular phone, text message or email. We want to make certain that if there is an emergency, all Township residents get information ASAP… and reaching residents on their cell phone or via text is simply the best way to provide timely and perhaps life-saving information. BUT YOU HAVE TO REGISTER TO GET CodeRed MESSAGES. Residents, along with anyone working in Woodbridge, are encouraged to visit the Township web page: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us. CLICK on the CodeRed logo to enroll contact information, including land-line, cell numbers, email and text addresses.

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.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP AT THE WCC

Now is the time to explore a Family Health & Wellness Membership at the WCC… Join in January and we’ll waive the Membership Joiner Fee and offer 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

MON., JAN. 27
The Historical Association of Woodbridge Township Presents: “A Token on the Freedman’s Coat.” The story behind Thomas Mundy Peterson’s 1884 Voting Medal with Historian & Author Gordon Bond. 7:00 PM. First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Rahway Ave

SAT., FEB. 1
MDA Bowl-A-Thon Sponsored by IAFF Local 290. Woodbridge Bowling Center. Noon – 3:00 PM

TUES., FEB. 4
Woodbridge Public Library (WPL) Presents: Revisiting the Founding Era: The Founding Fathers. 7:00 PM at the Woodbridge Main Library.

SAT., FEB. 8
Team LeGrand Presents: Comedy Club at the APAC. Headliner: Tracy Locke. All proceeds benefit Team LeGrand Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation..

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., JAN. 26
St. James School Student Tuition Angel Fund Presents: Cowling for Wildcats. Woodbridge Bowling Center. 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

FRI., JAN. 31
Iselin Middle School PTO Presents: Handbag Bingo & Tricky Tray. Doors Open at 6:00 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!