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Holidays 2012

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Letter to the Editor: Fire Safety During the Holidays

Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski is the chair of the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission.

The holiday season should be a time of joy. But each year, fires caused by Christmas trees and holiday decorations bring tragedy to families all across the country. Research by the US Fire Administration shows a significant rise in fires and the danger of fires during the holiday season. In recent years, the U.S. has averaged more than 200 fires each year that began with a Christmas tree or holiday lighting, many resulting in death or injuries. But there are simple steps that families can take to substantially reduce the risk of a fire over the holidays.  The Christmas tree is a symbol of the holiday season for many, but if not properly selected and handled, it is a major fire hazard. Those who use an artificial tree should ensure that the…

Friday, December 14, 2012

New Brunswick Salvation Army Collecting Donations at 11 Middlesex County Locations

Donations will be accepted at locations in East Brunswick, Edison, Milltown, North Brunswick and Somerset.

The Salvation Army Corps of New Brunswick hopes to raise $100,000 this holiday season to benefit families in need by collecting donations at 11 locations throughout Middlesex County. The drive, which began on Thanksgiving, runs through Christmas Eve. Volunteers will be manning the Salvation Army's signature Red Kettles and ringing bells at the following locations: "Local Middlesex County residence and shoppers have been very generous in the past, supporting the army's work, and I know that they will continue to open their hearts so that the New Brunswick Corps can continue its charitable work in helping those in need," said Capt. Domingo Urban, in a prepared statement. For more information, or to make a contribution online, visit www.…

Tonight: City Arts Council Hosts Holiday Market

The market will feature a myriad of local crafts and artwork.

The New Brunswick Community Arts Council will present its first ever Holiday Market on Dec. 14, a bazaar of artists and merchants from the tri-state area selling their goods. From 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the George Street Playhouse, shoppers can peruse holiday crafts, clothing and jewelry, pottery and artwork. Free hot chocolate and hot apple cider from The Fresh Grocer will be served, and professional singing groups will perform holiday carols. "The idea for the Holiday Market came about from creative brainstorming by the Arts Council on how we could support local artisans," said community arts council chair Susan Painter. "We know many talented people who simply need an outlet for their work." Painter said the council has "taken care" to…

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Cyber Monday: Finding Deals From Home

Are you gearing up to let your fingers do the walking on Cyber Monday?

East Brunswick residents who didn’t want to brave the crowds on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday still have one more big chance to save courtesy of Cyber Monday. Similar to the two other major shopping events, Cyber Monday differs in that consumers don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes (or offices) to take advantage of some pretty big pre-holiday deals. All the bargains laid out for Cyber Monday are for online shoppers only. So how can you find the best deals online this Cyber Monday? While most major retailers that have an online presence aren’t tipping their hats on their online deals just yet, many have splash pages set up that they're inviting shoppers to bookmark in advance of the Nov. 26 shopping holiday. Here are…

Saturday, November 24, 2012

How to Track Down the Hottest Toys

Tips for getting the presents they want without having to hoof it from East Brunswick to the North Pole.

Santa’s awesome, but he doesn’t always deliver the hottest toys of the season on demand to East Brunswick, no matter how nicely we ask. If the kids – or wannabe kids – in your life happen to have their hearts set on presents that are hard to come by, it can be torturous running from store to store only to find what they really want just isn’t available. Whether your little girl has her sights on the latest Lalaloopsy, your son wants a Hot Wheels R/C Terrain Twister or that “big baby” in your life is yearning for a copy of Halo 4, here are some ideas on how to track down what’s in demand without putting miles and miles on your vehicle in the process: If you hate ordering online and love the gratification of being able to hold the present …

Madzi

9:47 am on Saturday, November 24, 2012

Seems to me it would be better for New Jersey if we shopped locally and bought presents from local artisans or small businesses. Those big box retailers buy junk from China. Ask yourself these questions when buying toys: is it safe? Is it made in the USA? Is it really just flashy junk? Buying treats from local businesses like 2 Chicks with Chocolate in South River is preferable bad choices. Keep …   more ›

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Is Black Friday Shopping For You?

When people start lining up late Thanksgiving night to take advantage of door-buster deals in the wee hours Friday morning, will you be there?

Love it or hate it, Black Friday is the super bowl of shopping. And with its arrival only mere days away, East Brunswick is abuzz with people talking about the potential savings stores big and small have to offer. Some people create their own Black Friday “game plans” on what stores to hit and when after they've poured over the announced bargains various retailers have to offer. There are those so keen on saving they set alarms to wake them up in the wee hours of the night. These folks line up early and some even camp out all night to be able to scoop up the deals they’re after. Are you one of those shoppers? Do you do Black Friday or do you prefer to stay as far away from stores on the day after Thanksgiving as possible? Follow Patch on …

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