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.

Start your holiday shopping on Sat., Nov. 30 with the Downtown Merchants Association and the Woodbridge Recreation Department’s annual ‘Holiday Stroll’ on Main Street from 4:00 – 6:30 PM.  This year, the ‘Holiday Stroll’ serves as the featured event for Small Business Saturday - a national promotion to Buy Local at the premier Downtown Main Street businesses.  Plan to shop Small Business Saturday at the great specialty shops in any of our Downtown Shopping areas - Main Street in Woodbridge.  New Brunswick Avenue in Fords.  Inman Avenue in Colonia.  Oak Tree Road in Iselin. You'll be sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list!!!

 The Main Street Holiday Stroll features all-new and exciting holiday events… including horse-drawn carriage rides.  Ice Skating on Main Street.  Ice Sculptors.  Holiday Carolers.  Special Performances.  DJ Entertainment.  Don’t miss Santa and Mrs. Claus on their first visit of the season to 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.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS:

DEC. 1:  The 59^th Annual Woodbridge Township Holiday Parade steps-off on Sun., Dec. 1 at 1:30 PM from Woodbridge High School.  The parade marches down Amboy Ave. to Main Street and concludes at the reviewing stand at Town Hall.  Join in this year’s parade as more than 75 contingencies, including unique holiday-themed floats, high school marching bands, holiday choirs, community organizations, student and veterans groups and surprise guests join in welcoming the holiday season to Woodbridge.     

DEC.5:  The Colonia Business Community Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Thurs., Dec. 5 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Evergreen Center (400 Inman Ave., Colonia).  The Colonia Fire Department lights the Christmas Tree at 6:30 PM.  Meet Herbie the Camel and his friends at the holiday petting zoo!!! Holiday carolers.  Refreshments.  And More!!!  The CBC is collecting donations for Toys-for-Tots and non-perishable food items for the ‘Season of Giving’ food drive.                                                                                                                        

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. 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.  

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!!!

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.

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.