The Coalition for Animals and Seer Farms invite you to a family-oriented dog walk to benefit foreclosure victims, both animals and their human companions, by offering financial assistance to help keep their families intact.

September 26, 2010
11 AM to 4 PM
 
Unionville Vineyards
9 Rocktown Road
Ringoes, NJ

The rain date for this event is October 3, 2010. Activities include wine tasting, cheese & crackers; costume contest; contest for longest tail, youngest & oldest pet; Swift Paw dog agility; tennis ball bite; face painting; pet photos; and 50/50 raffle. The Candy Cats Band will be performing from 2 -4 pm. Magic 98.3 will be providing music from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Sandy Levine from NJN Homeless Tales will also be participating in the event. For more information please visit www.coalitionforanimals.org and www.seerfarms.org.

LUNGE into something different this fall….Fencing is fun, safe, exciting, & a great form of exercise! Fencing sharpens your agility, balance, confidence, reflexes, & even your mind! Our “Taste of Fencing” Courses are just that, they allow you to try the sport of fencing without making a long term commitment or costly investment.

The Taste of Fencing Courses consists of one hour class, once a week for five weeks. Additional classes are available, once your session is completed.  Fee of $160 includes use of required equipment; participants will need to buy a $20 glove at the first class.  Log into www.hcesc.com and click on the Join Us button to register.

September courses will be offered at Bucks County Academy of Fencing 287 South Main Street, Lambertville, NJ (the Laceworks complex on Route 29): MONDAYS; SEPT. 13 – OCT. 11 at 6:30 PM TO 7:30 PM; AGES 8 – 11 YEARS, FRIDAYS; SEPT. 17 – OCT. 15 at 6:30 PM TO 7:30 PM; AGES 12 THRU ADULT, SATURDAYS; SEPT. 18 – OCT. 16 at 10:00 AM TO 11:00 AM; AGES 8 – 11 YEARS.

Remember to log in to www.hcesc.com and click JOIN US or call 908-439-4280 x1405.

September/October Events from Hunterdon Healthcare

• Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center To Hold Colorectal Screening Program
• Hunterdon Medical Center Offers Free Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening at Health Fair
• HMC Foundation Sponsors ‘A Culinary Affair’ to Benefit Hunterdon Hospice and Visiting Health and Supportive Services
• Hunterdon Hospice Will Offer Training for New Volunteers
• Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center Presents:  Hoda Kotb: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee

Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center To Hold Colorectal Screening Program

The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 4,430 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in New Jersey during 2010. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in both men and women.  The death rate from this cancer has decreased significantly over the past two decades due in part to improvements in early detection and treatment.  The Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED) program will be hosting a community education program to discuss the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) option for colorectal screening on September 15th from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. in the conference room at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.

The risk for colorectal cancer increases with age; more than 90% of all cases are diagnosed in individuals who are 50 or older.  Individuals who have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at a higher risk for developing this cancer due to a possible gene mutation.  There are several behavioral risk factors that can be modified such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red and processed meats, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50 both men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin screening.  Screening can result in the identification and removal of suspicious polyps before they become cancerous in addition to the detection of cancer at an early stage. Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer offer a variety of options depending upon your health status. It is important that you discuss with your health care provider which option is the most appropriate.  Screening options include doing one of the following:

• A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• A colonoscopy every 10 years
• A guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year

If you are concerned about not having insurance coverage for these important screening tests, coverage may be available through the (CEED) grant at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.  Please call Marge Vellotti at (908) 237-5409 to see if you qualify for this program.

To register for this evening presentation on FIT screening, please call (908)237-5409.

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Hunterdon Medical Center Offers Free Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening at Health Fair

Approximately 9 million Americans have Peripheral Arterial Disease
(P.A.D.), a common and dangerous vascular disease that can be associated
with a heart attack, stroke, amputation and death.  September is P.A.D.
Awareness Month, and Hunterdon Medical Center is joining forces with the
P.A.D. Coalition, the Society for Vascular Nursing, ev3 Endovascular,
Inc. and BioMedix, Inc. to inform residents about the risk factors,
warning signs and consequences of P.A.D.  Hunterdon Medical Center will
host a Vascular Health Fair and conduct a free screening for peripheral
arterial disease on Saturday, September 18th from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Andrey Espinoza, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, Interventional Cardiologist and
Medical Director for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Hunterdon
Medical Center explained, “P.A.D. occurs when arteries in the legs
become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to
the legs.  This can result in leg muscle pain when walking, disability,
a poor quality of life and possibly amputation of  affected limb.
Blocked arteries found in people with P.A.D. can be a red flag that
other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may also be
blocked – increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.”
The screening test for P.A.D. is called the ankle-brachial index, a
painless, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the
ankles with the blood pressure in the arms.  This specialized test will
be read by a cardiologist and results will be discussed after the
completion of the test.

Who Should be Tested for P.A.D.?

National medical guidelines recommend that certain individuals be
tested for P.A.D.

- People under 50 years of age, and have diabetes and at least one
other risk factor:
? History of smoking
? Abnormal cholesterol
? High blood pressure
- People 50 years or older and have diabetes.
- People 50 years or older and are a former or current smoker.
- People 70 years or older.
- People who have one or more symptoms of P.A.D.
o Fatigue, heaviness, tiredness or cramping in the leg muscles
(calf, thigh or buttocks) that occurs during activity such as walking
and goes away with rest.
o Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep
o Skin wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes that are slow to heal
(or that do not heal for 8 to 12 weeks).

In addition to the P.A.D. screening, free foot screenings will be
provided by Muriel Quinn, DPM, Podiatrist at Hunterdon Medical Center.
A Cardiovascular Risk Assessment – Know Your Numbers, Know Your Risk,
will determine a persons  ten year risk for having a heart attack or
stroke and will include, blood pressure, body mass index and a risk
factor analysis for heart disease and stroke. A fasting lipid and
glucose test will also be available and the fee for the lab test is
$25.

The festivities will be kicked off with a one mile walk at Hunterdon
Medical Center at 8:00 a.m. led by Joetta Clark Diggs, New Jersey’s
1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympian.   Joetta Clark Diggs has been
America’s premier middle distance runner for over three decades.
President, of Joetta Sports & Beyond, LLC
(www.joettasportsandbeyond.com) and the Executive Director of the
Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation, Inc., Joetta spends her time
delivering high-energy motivational seminars to athletic programs,
businesses, and other organizations across the country.   Joetta will
provide fitness tips and offer ideas from her first book titled:
Joetta’s “P” Principles for Success: Life Lessons Learned from
Track & Field.

At 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Dr. Espinoza will present The ABC’s of
P.A.D.  At noon, fitness staff from the Hunterdon Health and Wellness
Centers will lead a one mile walk.  Attendees will also enjoy
educational displays on cardiovascular health, nutrition, wound healing,
fitness and more.

“P.A.D. is a devastating disease that is often undiagnosed,” stated
Dr. Espinoza.    “By teaming up with the P.A.D. Coalition, Hunterdon
Medical Center is working to increase awareness of P.A.D. and improve
our community’s vascular health.”

To register for the P.A.D screening call Maria Feo, RNC, Heart and
Vascular Care Coordinator at 908-237-5440.  To register for the lipid
glucose test call Kathleen Seelig, Director of Public Relations at
908-788-6515.

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HMC Foundation Sponsors ‘A Culinary Affair’ to Benefit Hunterdon Hospice and Visiting Health and Supportive Services

On Monday, September 20th, Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation will
hold ‘A Culinary Affair’ at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse from 6:00 p.m.
- 9:00 p.m.  Hunterdon Hills Playhouse  is located at 88 Rte. 173 West
in Hampton (between exits 11 & 12 off Rte. 78).  The event will feature
a sampling of fine food and wines from local establishments, which will
include: 55 Main, Baker’s Treat, Blue Fish Grill, California Grill,
Harry & David, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Maddalena’s Cheesecake and
Catering,  Matt’s Red Rooster Grill,  Market Roost Fine Catering,
Restaurant and Gift Gallery, Max’s 31 – A Trattoria, Metropolitan
Seafood Co., Ol’ West BBQ, Shaker Café, Shop-Rite of Hunterdon County,
The Garden Gourmet, The Perryville Inn, The Ship Inn, Triumph Brewery
Company of New Hope, Unionville Vineyards, Wonderful World of Wines and
Yi En Asian Cuisine. This event is being co-sponsored by Flemington Car
& Truck Country and Cust, Dori & Benick, C.P.A.  In addition, guests
will be able to browse through and bid on a bountiful collection of
auction items, and listen to live music performed by local favorite, 78
West.

Proceeds will benefit Hunterdon Hospice and Visiting Health and
Supportive Services.  For more than 30 years Hunterdon Hospice has been
providing physical, spiritual, psychosocial and bereavement support for
people with a life-threatening illness and their families. Visiting
Health and Supportive Services has been providing certified home health
aides to care for chronically ill patients, sick children, and the
homebound elderly in the comfort of their own home for over 50 years.
Tickets to ‘A Culinary Affair’ are $75 per person if purchased
before August 15th, or $80 after August 15th.  For tickets, visit
www.aculinaryaffair.kintera.org or call the Hunterdon Medical Center
Foundation at (908) 788-6141.

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Hunterdon Hospice Will Offer Training for New Volunteers

Hunterdon Hospice has been providing care to families in this community for over thirty years.  Hospice is a special kind of care designed to support and comfort people living with a terminal illness.  When a family receives hospice services a whole team of people are assigned to see that they receive the most complete and comprehensive care possible; and an incredibly important member of that team is the Hospice Volunteer.  Hospice volunteers receive training, which teaches them about what hospice care is and it prepares them to provide care to patients and their families.  Hospice volunteers are not all direct patient care volunteers.  “Many of our volunteers work in our office, some help with our fundraisers, and some volunteers help us deliver medicine and supplies when patients need that.  All volunteers are equally important,” stated Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator at Hunterdon Hospice.  Hunterdon Hospice is now accepting applications for its training program, which begins on September 22nd.

Volunteers provide valuable emotional support to both patients and families and keep families connected to the community.  They fill many of the gaps and help wherever needed, such as providing respite to caregivers and family members, running errands, being a companion to the patient, and helping with household tasks.   “Our volunteers are such amazing people and are always willing to help out however needed.  Volunteers form relationships with their patients and the patients’ loved ones. They provide whatever support is needed to enable the family to continue to function,” explains Ms. Stump.  Stump added, “I continuously hear from our volunteers about how helping out with Hunterdon Hospice helps them keep life in perspective. They always tell me how surprised they are by how much joy and happiness doing this work brings them.  They experience moments of laughter and friendship.

Patients teach them about life and how to live your life with courage, dignity and always hope.  Our volunteers go home at the end of the day knowing they have helped make a difference in someone’s life.” The training program covers all aspects of volunteering so the volunteer is prepared to be with patients and their families. Hunterdon Hospice is a Medicare-certified, non-profit organization, which coordinates home-based supportive services in the homes of its patients. Training classes meet from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm on Wednesdays starting September 22 and will go through October 27th.  The classes will be held at the Hospice Office located at 215 Route 31 South in Flemington.

To arrange for an interview contact Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator at 908-788-2573 or e-mail her at stump.joy@hunterdonhealthcare.org.  To learn more about Hunterdon Hospice, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org or call 908-788-6600.

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Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center Presents:  Hoda Kotb: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hunterdon Regional
Cancer Center presents:  Hoda Kotb: How I survived War Zones, Bad Hair,
Cancer and Kathie Lee on Thursday October 14th at Hunterdon Central
Regional High School (84 Route 31, Flemington).  Doors will open at 6:00
p.m. and the program will start 7:00 p.m.

Hoda Kotb is the co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today Show.  She
began hosting the 10 a.m. hour when it debuted in 2007, which she
currently hosts alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Ms. Kotb has been a
correspondent for Dateline NBC.  She has covered a variety of domestic
and international stories for NBC News, including Hurricane Katrina.
A two-year breast cancer survivor, Ms. Kotb has been part of several
initiatives to raise awareness about the disease.  During this program
Ms. Kotb will talk about her tight-knit family, her career in
journalism, Hurricane Katrina, Kathie Lee and the double whammy that
took her breast and broke her heart.  She describes cancer survival and
Hurricane Katrina as two life transforming events.

Admission is $35 per person and includes a copy of Hoda’s new book,
HODA: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee.  A
health fair before the program will give attendees the opportunity to
talk to professionals about cancer, mammograms, nutrition, exercise and
more.   Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to the event to recognize
breast cancer awareness.   Hoda Kotb was scheduled through Friends’
Health Connection.     To register online visit:
www.friendshealthconnection.org or call 1-800-483-7436.
Pictured: Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC’s Today Show and a breast cancer
survivor will speak at an event sponsored by Hunterdon Regional Cancer
Center.

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Hunterdon Healthcare exists to prevent disease, illness and injury; to seek cures; relieve pain; give comfort; and inspire a healthy way of living.  Hunterdon Medical Center, the flagship hospital, is acknowledged as a leader in developing comprehensive medical and health care services.  Hunterdon Medical Center treats over 8,600 inpatients annually, with 33,000 Emergency Department visits and over 292,000 outpatient visits per year.  The 178-bed hospital provides a full range of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic inpatient and outpatient hospital and community health services.

The Hunterdon Medical Center is also a teaching institution and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  The Family Practice Residency Program is one of the first in the nation for the training of specialists in family medicine.

Hunterdon Medical Center is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health, and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

For more information call or visit our website.

• phone: 908-788-6100
• web: www.hunterdonhealthcare.org

Hunterdon County YMCA News & Events:

• Hunterdon County YMCA Before and After School Programs Address  Children and Teens’ Social and Academic Needs
• YMCA Plans Eighth Annual Golf Classic

Hunterdon County YMCA Before and After School Programs Address  Children and Teens’ Social and Academic Needs

Registration for Hunterdon County YMCA before and after school programs is now open.

As children and teens return to school, the Hunterdon County YMCA encourages parents looking for safe, educational and fun activities outside the classroom to take advantage of its after school program. Combining play with academics, the Hunterdon County YMCA after school program fills gaps in schools by offering enrichment through arts, physical education, sports and nutrition.
 
The Hunterdon County YMCA operates before and after school programs at 18 county schools. For a list of schools, visit www.hcymca.org.  A kindergarten-wrap program is also offered at all Flemington-Raritan schools and Tewksbury Elementary. All programs are licensed by the state of New Jersey and the adult to child ratio averages 1:10. Programs run on most school holidays.   

According to the Afterschool Alliance, 15.1 million children in the United States are left unsupervised after 3 p.m. In New Jersey alone, 28% of children are left alone – responsible for taking care of themselves.  

“At the Hunterdon County YMCA we are committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen,” said Bruce Black, President/CEO, Hunterdon County YMCA. “Our after school program is not just about an extended day of work and activities – it’s about giving youth an extra support system that encourages them to achieve success.” 

Afterschool programming at the Y is a healthy way for children and teens to stay active and productive when the school day ends. Youth in the Hunterdon County YMCA’s after school program receive homework assistance. In addition, children in the Y’s after school programs participate in games, crafts, community service projects, and Healthy U. The Healthy U program is the result of a collaborative partnership between The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, which is comprised of all 42 YMCA member Associations throughout New Jersey. Healthy U offers children the opportunity to learn about healthy choices and engage in fun physical activity.

“Attending after school programs can have many lasting positive effects on youth, including helping children and teens develop interpersonal and social skills, perform well academically, and develop habits that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement,” said Black.

As one of the leading providers of afterschool programs, the nation’s Ys have been engaging children in afterschool programs for more than 50 years. Today, Ys impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of youth in afterschool programs at nearly 10,000 sites across the country. Afterschool programming at the Y focuses on the holistic development of youth, promoting creativity, a love for learning, academic success and friendship and character building. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

For more information about the Hunterdon County YMCA’s before and after school programs, please contact Wendy Crocetti, School Age Child Care Director or at 908-236-0055 ext. 22 or visit www.hcymca.org.

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YMCA Plans Eighth Annual Golf Classic

The Hunterdon County YMCA is pleased to announce its Eighth Annual Golf Classic to be held Monday, October 18, 2010 at Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start. The scramble event will include 18 holes of golf, golfer giveaways, lunch, and a buffet dinner.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories with special prizes for on-course challenges including longest drive, closest to the pin and more. In addition, Mercedes-Benz of Flemington is sponsoring a hole-in-one contest for the chance tow win a new Mercedes-Benz as well as the chance for the winning team to take one shot for a $1 million.

Individual golfers pay $250.  Corporate sponsorships begin at $1,250 and include one foursome and associated recognition benefits, including a sign on a hole.  Other participation opportunities include tee/green sponsors, beverage sponsors and more.

The Hunterdon County YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and proceeds of the event benefit the YMCA financial assistance program that provides scholarships for YMCA programs and/or services to people experiencing financial hardship. In 2009, nearly $340,000 was utilized by Hunterdon County residents for YMCA programs.  With the assistance of the community, the Hunterdon County YMCA is able to remain true to its mission: to help all people grow in spirit, mind and body.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to register for the Golf Classic, please contact Hilary Kruchowy, Development Director at (908) 236-7879 ext. 11. Or to register online visit www.hcymca.org  and click on Special Events.

The Hunterdon County YMCA has been serving the county for over 100 years and is a family-oriented community service organization. The YMCA offers a wide variety of programs and services to meet your family’s needs.

Before/After School Care
The Hunterdon County YMCA operates Before and After School Programs at 18 county schools. All programs are licensed by the state of New Jersey and the adult to child ratio averages 1:10. Program activities include homework time, group activities, community service projects, and a time for free play. Programs run on most school holidays.

Full Day Child Care
Conveniently located with easy access to Route 78, Route 22 and Route 31, the Child Care and Learning Center in Annandale provides flexible 5 full day or 3 full day enrollment options for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers.

Preschools
YMCA Preschools are located in Clinton and Milford where we provide developmentally appropriate group and individual experiences for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age in a half-day learning enriched setting.  Children learn readiness skills and social interaction skills in a warm and nurturing environment.  School year runs September to June.

Summer Camps
The Hunterdon County YMCA offers day camp programs at four locations throughout the county, YMCA Camp Carr in Clinton Township, Sports Camp at the Deer Path Branch in Flemington, South Camp in West Amwell and Kinder Camp for children ages 3-5 at the Round Valley Branch in Annandale. Extended care is available and transportation is available for Camp Carr and Sports Camp.

Programs, Sports and Activities
The YMCA offers swimming lessons, youth sports, dance, gymnastics, karate, youth/teen fitness classes, and fun activities for the whole family. Parent-tot programs are available for swimming, dance and gymnastics.

Fitness
A Hunterdon County YMCA membership is one of the best investments you can make for personal or family well-being and fun. Membership includes use of the Deer Path Branch (Flemington), Round Valley Branch (Annandale) unlimited land and water exercise classes, the YMCA Camp Carr Outdoor Pool (evenings and weekends in season), babysitting, and a special rate of youth classes.

As a mission driven, community organization, the YMCA is committed to the philosophy that “everyone belongs at the Y” and provides financial assistance for all who qualify.  In addition, the Hunterdon County YMCA relies on the help of volunteers to best serve the community. Each year, over 450 individuals volunteer for the Hunterdon County YMCA.

• phone: 908-236-7879
• web: www.hcymca.org

Music Together Family and Friends, LLC of Whitehouse Station, Bridgewater & Flemington provides music and movement programs for families with children age birth through 4 years – songs, chants, rhythmic rhymes, finger plays, dancing, drumming, instrumental jam sessions.

• web: www.musictogetherfamily.com
• phone: 908-735-5957

NORWESCAP Child & Family Resource Services is offering training, Nutrition in the Early Childhood Classroom on Thursday, September 16.  Lisa Wood, Child Care Specialist with NORWESCAP CFRS, will lead the group through a presentation on the importance of good nutrition for young children.  This training is designed to give early care and education professionals ideas to help children understand the importance of good nutrition. Teaching nutrition through literature, songs, cooking, and dramatic play will be explored. The two hour training will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the NORWESCAP CFRS office on 63 Main Street in Flemington .  There is a minimal registration fee of five dollars.  Interested individuals may contact NORWESCAP CFRS at 908-782-8183 to register for this training.  
 
NORWESCAP is a non-profit community action agency established in 1965 that creates opportunities for over 30,000 low-income people in northwest NJ by providing a large portfolio of self-sufficiency and emergency services.  The mission of NORWESCAP is “Fighting Poverty.  Creating Opportunities.  Changing Lives.”

NORWESCAP CFRS will be offering a Child Development Associate (CDA) course starting Tuesday, September 14 in Hunterdon County. Child Development Associate is a credential recognized by the New Jersey Office of Licensing for group teacher qualification.  Eligible candidates must be 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or a GED, and currently or plan to work with children.

The 120 hour CDA course will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at NORWESCAP CFRS office located on 63 Main Street, Flemington. The course will run from September 2010 – June 2011. Please contact Brenda O’Shea  at NORWESCAP CFRS office 908-782-8183 for further information or to register.  

NORWESCAP is a non-profit community action agency established in 1965 that creates opportunities for over 30,000 low-income people in northwest NJ by providing a large portfolio of self-sufficiency and emergency services.  The mission of NORWESCAP is “Fighting Poverty.  Creating Opportunities.  Changing Lives.”

The Readington Reformed Church will hold the first presentation of their Community Seminar Series on Sunday, September 26th at 11:30AM.  The topic will be “Financial Record Keeping for Small Businesses” with speaker Geri Staub from Administrative Solutions, Bridgewater, NJ. The seminar will be presented in the church’s Fellowship Hall. No reservations are required and the seminar is open to all at no charge.  Light refreshments will be served prior to the seminar.  Any questions, contact the church office at (908) 534-2077. The Readington Reformed Church is located at 124 Readington Road, Readington and holds worship services each Sunday at 10AM with Sunday School at 9:30AM. The next seminar will be held on Sunday, October 24th at 11:30AM with “Funeral Planning” as the topic with speaker Barbara Kearns from Kearns Funeral Home, Whitehouse, NJ.

Hundreds of motorcyclists are expected in the seventh annual Ride for Rotary, a Motorcycle Poker Run, Picnic & Clam Bake, to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Flemington on Saturday, Sept. 18.

 The 65-mile motorcycle “poker run” includes prizes for riders and family members, plus a festive clam bake and picnic. Riders and picnickers should pre-register by Sept. 4.

For riders, the starting and ending location is the Clinton Elks Lodge, Sidney Road (Route 617) in Franklin Township. Breakfast will be provided during check-in between 9 and 11 a.m. The ride proceeds through Hunterdon County and surrounding areas.

Prizes include $250 for the best poker hand, $100 for second best and $50 for third best.

The event supports a dozen Hunterdon-area charities devoted to underprivileged youth, senior citizens and the disabled, and also funds scholarships for local high school seniors and community service projects.
Rider registration is $25 including breakfast and lunch. Those who pre-register by Sept 4 also receive a commemorative T-shirt and are guaranteed clams! For those who register on event day, shirts will be sold for $15 each while supplies last.

Families, friends and others are all invited to the picnic that follows the ride, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Clinton Elks. Enjoy food, beverages, prizes, a cash raffle, a tattoo contest, face painting and other activities for the kids, vendors and music by DJ Krazy Kat. Picnic tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-11. Only those who pre-register are guaranteed clams and T-shirts.

A 50/50 cash raffle will be held during the event. Tickets are $10 each, with a limit of 2,000 tickets. First prize is 35% of tickets sales (potential $7,000); second prize, 10% (potential $2,000); and third prize, 5% (potential $1,000). The drawing will be held the day of the event at 3 p.m. at the Clinton Elks.

Ride for Rotary draws broadly on community talents. Hunterdon County Polytech students design the run T-shirt, park cars and help to prepare and cook some of the food. A professional clam shucker prepares the steamers and clams on the half-shell. Face painting and other kids’ activities are provided. Breakfast and picnic foods are donated by local businesses.

For more information, visit flemingtonrotarynj.org/RFR/index.php or call Bob Chittenden at 908-284-9040.

Liberty Village Premium Outlets Presents Cooking with the “Cast Iron” Chef

The Le Creuset store, Suite 79, invites you to watch and interact with “Cast Iron” Chef Chris as he demonstrates the ease and simplicity of cooking with Le Creuset. Cookware pieces will vary from week to week. Mark your calendar and plan to visit Le Creuset to learn cooking and maintenance techniques on Thursdays from Sept 2 – 30. Noon – 2pm.  No pre-registration required.

        Sept  2:        Skillets, Skillet Grills & Panini Press
        Sept  9:        Wok
        Sept 16:        Bouillabaisse and Duofeu
        Sept 23:        Round & Oval Ovens
        Sept 30:        Stainless Steel Cookware

Liberty Village Premium Outlets are located at 1 Church Street, Flemington, NJ, 08822, 908-782-8550.