Sun., June 19
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will present Art Finkle and a discussion on the Jewish Community that settled into the Trenton area at 7:30 p.m. Art is the chair of the Trenton Jewish Historical Society and will delve into the immigrant periods of a displaced people adapting to a completely new environment. He will highlight Trenton’s institutions, its work and its eventual economic success, and explore the second generation Russian community along with the older and smaller German Jewish community. Trenton is one of many small cities that served as havens for Jewish refugees who came to the land of opportunity to eventually achieve the American dream. Art also plans to highlight the history of Beth El Synagogue, whose congregation dates back to 1906. RSVP to the Beth El Synagogue, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Mon., June 20
Interactive storyteller Mr. Malcolm will be featured from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 3-6 will become part of the story as Mr. Malcolm regales those attending with classic and fun tales like “The Tortoise & the Hare” and “Frozen.” Siblings are welcome. Register online at www.mcl.org.
Mystery Book Club will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. The group will be discussing “Faceless Killers” by Henning Mankell. No registration is required and new members are always welcome.
Tues., June 21
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits seminar will be held at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. This informative seminar, led by Social Security Administration District Manager David Vinokurov, will show you how and when to apply for Medicare and Social Security and other topics. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
The Importance of Estate Planning seminar will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. This informational seminar presented by Attorney Robert F. Morris will cover New Jersey inheritance and estate taxes, New Jersey probate procedures, and a discussion on how the basic estate planning documents work. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
Wed., June 22
Meet the mammals with “Eyes of the Wild,” the summer reading kick-off event, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 4-12 can get up close and personal with some of nature’s coolest mammals in this fun, comical and educational program. Siblings are welcome. Register online at www.mcl.org.
Sit & Be Fit Exercise DVD Class will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. Follow along with a DVD to practice these easy chair exercises designed for seniors and others with limited mobility. Host Mary Ann Wilson, RN, leads viewers through exercises to help improve strength, range of motion, balance, dexterity, cognitive functioning and mood. Please bring a bath towel.
Thurs., June 23
ScienceTellers: “Power & Energy” will be featured from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 5-12 will listen to stories and do hands-on experiments to discover what makes us move and what powers the world. Register online at www.mcl.org.
iPad for Beginners class will be taught at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. Learn the basics of the popular mobile device. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
Coloring for Adults will be held at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. Coloring pages, pencils and markers provided. Lucy, the therapy dog, will attend most sessions. No registration required.
Roll into summer reading with Bubble Soccer at the Cranbury Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. For ages 7 and up. Come play an extreme version of soccer hosted by Princeton Game Truck. It’s soccer, it’s bumper cars, it’s a hilariously good time. Kids ride/play in giant, plastic “bubbles.” Pick up your ticket at the library before the event. Tickets will be available beginning June 21, one ticket per child. Adults may play if tickets remain. The Cranbury Public Library is at 23 N. Main, Cranbury, N.J.
Fri., June 24
Public speaking class from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 8-12 will learn and practice fundamentals of public speaking and debate through fun activities like magic, acting, and science. No registration required.
Friday Afternoon Movie: “Trumbo” will be shown at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. Come see the popular movie starring Bryan Cranston. Rated R: 125 minutes. A small snack will be provided. No registration is required.
Sat., June 25
The Rocky Brook Garden Club is sponsoring a Garden Tour: “Wonderland in the Gardens,” a tour of seven private gardens in Hightstown and Cranbury, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at Hightstown East Windsor Historical Society, 164 North Main St., Hightstown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-sale tickets for $12 are now available at Perennial Home,(Tues.-Sat.)119 W. Ward St., Hightstown, or Weichert Realtors, 417 Route 130, East Windsor. Check website www.hewhs.com or call 609-448-8388 for more info.
Harmony in Relationships Insight Session from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Everyone manages different relationships (parent-child, husband-wife, and relationships with friends, colleagues and more). Often it’s difficult to handle all relationships with the same level of dignity, leading to tension, anger and stress. Join Leena, an eight-year practitioner of Rajyoga meditation, in exploring how to create harmony in our relationships in this insight session. Register online at www.mcl.org.
Mon., June 27
Teen Craft: “Color Run” from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. For ages 10-16. Get colorfully creative by melting old crayons and turning them into abstract art. Register online at www.mcl.org beginning June 13.
The animals from What-Knott Farm in Pennsylvania will be at the Cranbury Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon under the big tree next to the tennis courts. This is a wonderful petting zoo, and a library favorite. All ages welcome. (No rain date.) The Cranbury Public Library is at 23 N. Main, Cranbury, N.J.
Tues., June 28
Getting More out of your Mobile Device class will be held at 10 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. Greg Duncan of TeachTech, LLC of Princeton returns to discuss how to protect your smartphone or tablet; how to work with apps, widgets and folders; and how to use features like calendar, address book, to-do lists and more. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
Wed., June 29
Mad Science Pre-School Workshop: “Stellar Space” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 3-6 will discover the wonders of space & take a pretend trip to the moon where we’ll collect moon rocks just like real astronauts. Register online at www.mcl.org beginning June 13.
Sit & Be Fit Exercise DVD Class will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. Follow along with a DVD to practice these easy chair exercises designed for seniors and others with limited mobility. Host Mary Ann Wilson, RN, leads viewers through exercises to help improve strength, range of motion, balance, dexterity, cognitive functioning and mood. Please bring a bath towel.
Hickory Corner Book Discussion Group will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. The group will be discussing “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. No registration is required and new members are always welcome.
Thurs., June 30
Tween Time Craft: Plastic Bag Jump Rope from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children and tweens ages 8-12 will make a jump rope from plastic shopping bags and duct tape. No registration necessary.
Sun., July 10
The Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton will host “ROTARUN”, a 5K race and fundraiser to benefit veterans groups and local charities, in Veterans’ Park in Hamilton Township, N.J. Sign-in for runners will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first 3 runners in several categories. There will also be a 1K fun walk. Registration forms are available at First Choice Bank (Route 130 at Shoppes at Hamilton), Pacers Princeton Running Store (7 Palmer Square West, Princeton), HVCB/Northfield Bank (corner of Youngs and Quakerbridge Roads) and Affiance, LLC (941 Whitehorse Ave., Ste. 18-19, Hamilton). The fee is $25. Visit rhrotary.org for online registrations and more information. The club welcomes event sponsors to help support its efforts to improve lives in our community.
Mon., July 11
Read to the Dogs will be held at 2 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Children can practice their reading skills by reading a story to one of the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs.All young readers and their families are welcome. Stop in, call the branch at 609-758-7888, or check the website www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register and find out about all monthly programs.
Wed., July 13
Energy Medicine will be held at 2 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. If you are looking for a natural way to tap into your body’s healing ability, then try Energy Medicine. Join us as Siobhan Hutchinson a Holistic Health specialist shows techniques that are easy and fun to do. This event is for the open-minded, and those seeking to self-empower themselves in their own healing journey. Stop in, call the branch at 609-758-7888, or check the website www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register and find out about all monthly programs.
Thurs., July 21
T’ai Chi Chih will be held at 2 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. T’ai Chi is a gentle, mindful moving meditation with many health benefits that may be done seated or standing.It is known to improve quality of sleep, decrease depression, improve balance and help lower high blood pressure. Stop in, call the branch at 609-758-7888, or check the website www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register and find out about all monthly programs.
Tues., July 26
Coloring for Adults will be held at1 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Rediscover the joy of coloring. Coloring sheets and art supply provided along with light refreshments and relaxing music. Stop in, call the branch at 609-758-7888, or check the website www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register and find out about all monthly programs.
Wed., July 27
Life-size Board Games will be held at 7 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. If you are a teen in grades 7 – 12, join us for life-sized board game night with Candy Land. Stop in, call the branch at 609-758-7888, or check the website www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register and find out about all monthly programs.
Continuing events
Spinning Yarns Craft Circle: This club meets the first and third Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Cranbury Public Library at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury. Visit the Gambino Room for an hour of knitting, crocheting, crafts and conversation. All levels welcome.
The Monroe Township Police PBA #255 & SOA #203 is having its second annual toy drive between now and Dec. 9. Residents are asked to drop off an unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation for children of all ages at the police department, 3 Municipal Plaza. For more information, contact Lt. Lisa Robinson at 732-521-0222, ext. 149 or email lrobinson@monroetwppolice.org; or Officer Wesley Panckeri at 732-521-0222, ext. 210 or email wpanckeri@monroetwppolice.org.
Read It and Eat It! Cook Book Club: This club takes place the third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Cranbury Public Library at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury. Call the library to reserve a copy of this month’s book or visit www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/264622.
Toddler Stay and Play: This event is held Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury. Early literacy story time helps prepare children with future reading skills. After singing, reading, and talking, children ages 12-24 months with a caregiver stay and play.
Movie Club: This club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Cranbury Public Library at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury Join the lively discussions about movies.
Central Jersey Chapter 148 of Korean War Veterans Association: Any veterans who served during the war from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953 to the current date can join the group that meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month (except January, February, March and April) at the Monroe Township Municipal Building. Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and a $10 chapter fee per year. The chapter is involved in various functions throughout the year including parades with color guard, flag raisings, Korean War memorial ceremonies, funerals and more. For more information, contact Charles Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or email him at KWVANJ@yahoo.com.
Holy Cross Lutheran Preschool: Registration for the 2015-16 school year for both Pre-K-3 and Pre-K-4 programs continues to be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call Preschool Director Kathy Schroeder at 609- 298-2880 ext. 101 for availability.
Community dinner: Rise and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen offer free hot meals at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 N. Main St., Hightstown, on Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and the First United Methodist Church, 187 Stockton St., Hightstown, on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All meals are provided free on an unconditional, no-questions-asked basis. Volunteers are welcome.
Food Pantry: The Rise Food Pantry is open 52 weeks a year from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and from 5 to 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. Contact info@rise-community-services.org for more information.
