Common calendar, Packet papers, January 29

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) is expanding its digital offerings for the remainder of the 2020-21 season to replace planned in-person concerts, many of which will be rescheduled to future seasons.

The university’s performing arts series has recast all of its virtual programming to directly address socially relevant topics. This includes: a new podcast series, Breathe in Music, bringing PUC’s popular Live Music Meditation series to a digital format; a new series of conversations with musicians and prominent arts thinkers about the impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts hosted by multidisciplinary artist and WNYC host Helga Davis; the release of new video episodes of mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato’s Sing for Today, in which the opera star responds to current events through the lens of song and conversations; and virtual performances and live Q&As with world-renowned musicians to continue PUC’s Watch Party series.

Most of this digital content will be available to the public at no charge.

For more information about Princeton University Concerts, contact Dasha Koltunyuk at dkoltuny@princeton.edu or 609-258-6024.

The Princeton Adult School is offering predominately online and a few in-person COVID-safe classes for the spring, presenting a selection of 152 courses, including:

• Lecture series on Africa, “Up Close and Personal: Africa;”

• History courses, such as “Nineteenth Century America Through the Prism of Five Extraordinary Elections” and closer to home “From Village to Town: The Transformation of Princeton between 1890 and 1910;”

• Writing skills for a variety of personal and professional reasons;

• Making objects with the hands – doodling, knitting, jewelry making, woodworking, photography;

• Making music by one’s voice, harmonica, ukulele, piano, mandolin;

• Playing games (bridge, MahJong, chess;

• Improving business and workplace skills;

• “Spring Wildflowers,” “Therapy Walks,” “Nature Walk” and “Name That Tree.”

To participate, visit www.princetonadultschool.org to register for classes. For assistance, call the office at 609-683-1101.

 

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will not be offered this tax season at any site in Mercer County because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, AARP is offering an alternative this year called the AARP Alternative Tax Preparation program (ATP). The ATP program provides direct taxpayer access to free online tax software for this year’s taxes as well as video and/or phone assistance with a certified AARP tax assister.

Rather than doing the tax return for taxpayers, certified AARP tax assisters help taxpayers prepare their own online returns.

Taxpayers can get more information about the Alternative Tax Preparation program at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

The Tax-Aide program intends to resume preparing tax returns at Mercer County sites next year.

 

 

“Performing Healing: Rituals & Repetition,” an exhibition by Diana Chen, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Visual Arts, will be viewable online at 185nassau.art through May.

The Princeton University senior will exhibit new work exploring the therapeutic role of rituals and repetition during times of crisis and change. Using found objects, personal items and other memorabilia, the work depicts healing as an alchemical performance in which we re-live, re-tell and re-enact through simple repetitions of movement. Drawing inspiration from Buddhism, Jungian psychology and creation myths, the work seeks to re-trace the symbolic journey from distress and fragmentation to healing and wholeness.

Free and available to the public.

For more information, visit https://arts.princeton.edu/events/healing-narratives-senior-thesis-exhibition-diana-chen/

 

Princeton Dance Festival Reimagined, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Dance, will be viewable online through May.

The virtual edition of the annual Princeton Dance Festival recorded in December features diverse, professional choreographers bringing their aesthetics to the question of dance in the COVID era working with Princeton dance students.

In works led by Peter Chu, Francesca Harper, Rebecca Lazier, Dean Moss, Silas Riener and Olivier Tarpaga, students explored the intersections of dance and multimedia performance, digital animation, filmmaking, site-based work and music.

Each evening is a completely different and unique experience followed by a recorded question-and-answer session with the choreographers.

Free and available to the public.

Video content is closed captioned.

To view the recordings, visit https://arts.princeton.edu/academics/dance/past-events/2020-21/princeton-dance-festival-reimagined-2020/

 

 

 

“All Her Power: 50th Anniversary of Princeton Undergraduate Coeducation Theater Project,” presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater, will be held virtually online through May.

The first undergraduate co-ed class arrived at Princeton University in the fall of 1969. In celebration of this milestone in 2019, the Program in Theater facilitated journalistic research by three generations of Princeton women – current students, professional artist alumnae, and the first generation of graduating women – to culminate in a theatrical event exploring the experiences of women at the University. Students were paired with professional artist alumnae to research and create new, short performances about women who graduated from Princeton in the first few years of co-education at Princeton.

The process, led by Program in Theater Director Jane Cox and Lecturer in Theater and Princeton alumna Suzanne Agins ’97 working with student-alumnae pairs, culminates in this filmed archive of the work in collaboration with theater and visual arts alumna Milan Eldridge ’20.

Free and available to the public.

The film is closed captioned.

To view the film on demand and read more about the project, visit allherpower.princeton.edu

 

 

 

The Nassau Film Festival (NFF) screens short films and music videos (30 seconds to 20 minutes) in the categories of fiction, documentary, animation, student fiction, horror, music videos, trailers, and episodic. 

It will be held virtually this year from May 15-23, instead of at the Princeton Garden Theater.

Best of Festival Awards are given in each of the categories and attendees have a chance to network with actors, actresses, directors, writers, producers and directors of photography at a special festival event. Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate virtually in question and answer panel discussions with filmmakers whose films are selected to screen at the festival.  

Over the years, NFF has earmarked funds donated from patrons and sponsors each year to assist various non-profit organizations. Buy a festival pass or make a donation to Feeding America’s Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which has a COVID-19 Response Fund that is helping to ensure local food banks can feed those in need right now, including children who rely on school meals to eat.

For more information, visit nassaufilmfestival.org

 

 

The East Windsor Regional School District has opened Kindergarten registration for the 2021-22 school year.

Any child who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1 is eligible for full-day kindergarten. A birth certificate or passport must be presented to verify the date of birth.

Families will also be required to submit proof of residence.

To register, visit https://genesis.ewrsd.k12.nj.us/genesis/openReg?screen=welcomeScreen&action=form

For registration requirements and a registration packet, visit www.ewrsd.org or call the Office of Community Services at 609-443-2881, ext. 6800.  

 

 

 

To register for Little League Baseball and Softball in Cranbury, Plainsboro and West Windsor, visit www.wwll.org and click the “Register Today” tab.

The season is expected to begin in mid-April and end in mid-June. Those dates will remain flexible.

COVID-19 protocols will continue to be firmly in place for the spring, and full compliance with all protocols is expected of everyone in the program.

If a family has a credit from last Spring, that credit will be manually applied by the league after registration. Parents cannot apply the credit during the online registration process. Once WWLL applies the credit, the parent will receive a receipt reflecting that the credit has been applied and any remaining balances/credits.

 

 

 

First and third Saturdays, through April

Every first and third Saturday through April, the West Windsor Community Farmers Market is held outdoors, rain, snow or shine, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MarketFair on Route 1 in West Windsor/Princeton.

Available is fresh produce, coastal seafood, farm fresh eggs, artisan cheese, fresh pasta and sauces, soups and chili, pastured meats and poultry, gluten-free baked goods, alpaca fiber wear, and more.

Yes We Can! food drive volunteers are set up at the outdoor market, where they collect cash donations from visitors to buy fresh produce from the farmers.

The dates are Feb. 6 and 20, March 6 and 20, and April 3 and 17.

Enter the market from the Meadow Road side parking lot in front of the AMC Theater.

For more information about the market, visit westwindsorfarmersmarket.org.

For information or to volunteer for Yes We CAN! Food Drives, visit https://arminarm.org/yeswecanfooddrives/.

 

 

Friday, Jan. 29

According to an article from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “90% of teens ages 13-17 have used social media” and teens average “almost nine hours a day, not including time for homework” online.

On Jan. 29 at noon, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey will partner with Somerset County Youth Services for a virtual social media wellness program for ‘tweens and teens with author and educator Ana Homayoun.

During the program, students in grades 6-12 and their caregivers will have the opportunity to digitally meet with Homayoun, who will offer tips on how to practice social media wellness during this unique school year.

In Homayoun’s 2018 book, “Social Media Wellness: Helping Tweens and Teens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World,” the author aims to help teens, parents, and educators better understand social media socialization, while providing practical tips on how to make better choices around social media use and overall wellness.

Register at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4672496.

 

For more information about Somerset County’s Youth Services Department, visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/human-services/youth-services.

 

Through Saturday, Jan. 30

The Arts Council of Princeton rings in 2021 with a new exhibit “Travels: Domestic and aBroad,” featuring works by Krysia Kolodziej and Libby Ramage, in the Taplin Gallery through Jan. 30.

When Kolodziej and Ramage met in the early 1990s, Kolodziej was editing for Princeton University Press and writing poetry; Ramage was starting her work teaching art to very young children while making and exhibiting her own art.  

Ramage’s mixed media pieces – with painting and drawing using acrylics and charcoal – were created from a scrapbook originally compiled by her stepfather’s mother, Hilda, a formidable woman who reigned over her family imperiously. Hilda saved everything from her once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe in 1957, hence the “aBroad” portion of the show’s title. Ramage rescued the scrapbook from the landfill and has been mining these materials for the past eight years, weaving one woman’s experience and the nostalgia of memories with her own sensibilities and creativity.

Kolodziej’s work, the “Domestic” in the title, uses domestic imagery (vintage fabrics, women’s jewelry, wrist watches, postage stamps, dressmaker’s patterns, zippers and buttons, thread, even the pieces of a broken-down piano) and techniques (sewing, for example) combined with mixed media techniques and collage to create visual poems. These reference the hours of unpaid labor of women not in the paid workforce–but for whom the home was/is the workplace–or that same labor expended after completing a full-time job. Items from the traditionally male domain are also present: pieces of wood, nuts and bolts, and/or electronic bits, all from Kolodziej’s late father’s workbench. 

The Taplin Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

To learn more, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org

 

Saturday, Jan. 30

Howell Living History Farm will hold an Ice Harvest beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 30 at the farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township.

Neighbors once called Howell Farm the “ice farm” because they could buy ice from the pond to keep their milk cool on the way to the train station on Pleasant Valley Road.

In late January, visitors to the farm will learn about the tools and technology that made ice harvesting a successful business at the turn of the 20th century, and try their hand at using an ice saw on the pond.

Visitors can also help pull ice blocks up the ramp to the ice house, chip ice for ice cream, and make an ice candle to take home.

Programs will be modified to encourage social distancing and reflect current state guidelines for public events. Visitors are required to carry masks at all times, and wear them when social distancing isn’t possible.

For more information, call 609-737-3299 or visit howellfarm.org

Through Sunday, Jan. 31

Raritan Valley Road Runners, one of the largest running clubs in New Jersey, is accepting applications for a new scholarship program designed to help student runners in cross country or track and field who attend high school or community college in Middlesex and Somerset counties.

A one-time award of $1,000 will be made to each of two outstanding athletes enrolling in post-secondary education.

The scholarships are not based entirely on speed or competitions won, but rather on strong academics, sportsmanship, citizenship and financial need.

The scholarships are funded by individual donations, funds from club-sponsored races and business contributions.

Eligible applicants will be graduating from high school in Middlesex or Somerset counties in 2021 or currently attending community college in these counties. They will need to prove acceptance to a full-time (12 credits or more) associate or bachelor’s degree program. They will have a weighted GPA of 2.75 or higher as demonstrated by an unofficial transcript. And they will need to demonstrate passionate participation as a runner in a cross country or track and field in their junior and senior years of high school or while at community college. Participation in extracurricular activities and community involvement will also be considered.

For more information, application materials, or to donate to the scholarship fund, email scholarship@rvrr.org.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. Scholarships will be awarded in April.

 

All dogs and cats in Cranbury Township must be licensed annually during January. Forms are available online at www.cranburytownship.org

The application may be mailed or returned directly to the drop box in front of Town Hall, 23-A N. Main St., Cranbury.

Fees are $10 for spayed/neutered pets, or $13 for those who are in tact.

To avoid a late fee or a summons, licenses must be obtained by Jan. 31. Afterward, a late fee of $5 per animal plus $1 per month for each month delinquent will be charged.

If a pet passes away, email jgolisano@cranbury-nj.com for the system to be amended and to avoid receiving a summons for an unlicensed pet.

Due to the current health emergency, the January rabies clinic has been postponed. Dates for 2021 clinics are to be determined.

 

The Friends of Princeton Open Space is holding a contest for photographers of all ages.

Professional and amateur photographers can submit photos for the annual Give Thanks for Nature Photo Contest for a chance to win prizes provided by contest sponsor, REI.

Photographs must be taken in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve from Nov. 27, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021.

Photo enthusiasts ages 16 and under are invited to participate in this year’s photo contest for a chance to win gift card prizes from local businesses such as jaZams, the bent spoon and LiLLiPiES.

For information on how to enter, visit www.fopos.org/announcements/give-thanks-to-nature-photo-contest2020

 

 

Sunday, Jan. 31

 

Historian Tali Nates, founder and executive director of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre in South Africa, will participate in a virtual presentation at 2 p.m. Jan. 31 as part of the Daniel Pearl Education Center Speaker Series.

A historian who lectures internationally on Holocaust education, genocide prevention, reconciliation and human rights, Nates has presented at the United Nations and numerous global conferences.

The daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Nates will speak on “A Place on Schindler’s List: My Father’s Story,” a highly personal account of her father and uncle, who were both on Schindler’s List, among the 1,200 Jews saved by Oskar Schindler at the Plaszow concentration camp.

Nates will present virtually via https://youtu.be/q3SbrNcsiH8

Email dpeccommittee@gmail.com with any questions.

 

 

Sunheri Yaadein, a virtual Bollywood concert featuring Tina, Rakesh, Tanmayee, Pinakin, Neeti and Tushar, hosted by Madhavi, will be held from 3-5 p.m. Jan. 31.

Zoom ID is 882 1333 1879; no passcode needed.

It will also be broadcast on Facebook Live by the Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey, OHMKara, Indus TV and GOPIO Central Jersey.

Lutenist Daniel Swenberg will be featured in “Extraordinary Tunings,” a recital of rarely heard works from 1620-50, at 4 p.m. Jan. 31 courtesy of the Dryden Ensemble.

Ticket prices range from $10-$50.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit drydenensemble.org.

 

 

 

Through Monday, Feb. 1

High school students are invited to enter their substance use prevention messages through their original music as part of the music and song writing competition, “Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey,” sponsored by New Jersey Broadcasters and 959.9-FM WRAT.

The competition is designed to challenge New Jersey high school students to create original music and lyrics with powerful peer-to-peer substance use, misuse and prevention messages. Entries are accepted through Feb. 1.

All music genres are welcomed from students interested in sharing their talent and inspiring messages about shouting down drugs and raising up their voices to inspire their peers.

The winner of the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs competition, as decided by judges and announced at the end of the Prevention Concert, will receive a $5,000 music contract. The second- and third-place performers will receive $3,000 and $2,000 music contracts, respectively, with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

For rules and information on how to enter, contact Diane Higgins at 973-275-7985.

 

 

Throughout February

February is Give Kids a Smile Month. This national initiative helps underserved children get the dental care they need for free.

Rowan College at Burlington County’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free dental care to children ages 13 and under during February. Services include screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants to protect permanent teeth.

To schedule an appointment, call 856-291-4215.

For more information, visit rcbc.edu/dental.

 

 

Monday, Feb. 1 – Sunday, Feb. 7

Blue Point Grill will hold Pink Pearl Week 2021, the restaurant’s 21st year supporting the fight against breast cancer.

For the past six years, the grill has partnered with YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) to assist in their mission to provide support and information to women and their families affected by breast cancer.

This year, help kick breast cancer to the curb with curbside pickup. Through Feb. 7, Blue Point Grill will donate 15% of all online order sales to the BCRC.

Place an order online and view the specials under the “Pink Pearl Specials” tab. Pink Pearl specials will also be available for dine-in customers.

For more information, visit www.bluepointgrill.com/pink-pearl-week

Blue Point Grill is located at 258 Nassau St., Princeton.

 

 

Wednesday, Feb. 3

Tune in to Rowan College at Burlington County’s (RCBC) Facebook Town Hall at 6 p.m. Feb. 3 to hear firsthand from Sensato CEO John Gomez; Deborah Heart and Lung Center CIO and Burlington County Workforce Development Board Member Richard Temple; RCBC Information Technology instructor Paul Warner; and RCBC 2020 valedictorian and 3+1 cybersecurity graduate Shanni Prutchi, as they discuss how organizations protect the healthcare industry from cyber attacks, why this work is so important and how an RCBC cybersecurity degree can prepare you for this field.

To learn more about RCBC’s cybersecurity program, visit rcbc.edu/cybersecurity.

 

 

Thursday, Feb. 4

The Princeton University Art Museum will hold a virtual yoga class inspired by the abstract art of Alexander Calder at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4.

Yoga instructor Tricia Adelman will guide this all-levels yoga practice through a series of moves and poses imbued with elements of Calder’s style, such as his signature bright colors and geometric forms.

Participants will view the artwork as they connect breath and movement, focusing on flexibility, balance, and physical challenges.

Offered in partnership with Princeton University Campus Recreation.

Details and free registration via Zoom are available at https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/calendar/2021-02/yoga-and-art

 

 

 

The Metlar-Bodine Museum will offer “Stories of Slavery in New Jersey” at 7 p.m. Feb. 4.

Historian and author Rick Geffken reveals stories from New Jersey’s dark history of slavery. A Q&A session follows the lecture.

Dutch and English settlers brought the first enslaved people to New Jersey in the 17th Century. By the time of the Revolutionary War, slavery was an established practice on labor-intensive farms throughout what became known as the Garden State. The progenitor of the influential Morris family, Lewis Morris, brought Barbadian slaves to toil on his estate of Tinton Manor in Monmouth County.  “Colonel Tye,” an escaped slave from Shrewsbury, joined the British “Ethiopian Regiment” during the Revolutionary War and led raids throughout the towns and villages near his former home. Charles Reeves and Hannah Van Clief married soon after their emancipation in 1850 and became prominent citizens in Lincroft, as did their next four generations.

Rick Geffken is a trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society, past president of the Monmouth Connection, member of the Navesink Maritime Historical Association and Monmouth County Historical Association. He is currently heading up a project called The New Jersey Slave Record.

To join the Zoom lecture, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84404927732        

Meeting ID: 844 0492 7732

The program is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. Make checks payable to The Fellowship for Metlar House, or use Venmo via Sherry-Hope1

A limited number of signed books are available from the museum, 1281 River Road, Piscataway. Call the museum at 732-463-8363 to place an order. Pickup available on days the museum is open. Cost is $23 each plus $3 shipping.

For more information, email metlarbodine@gmail.com or visit www.MetlarBodineHouseMuseum.org

 

Thursdays, Feb. 4-25

Aerobic hikes for preteens to adults will be held on Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 1 p.m., weather permitting. Meet at The Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, in the Titusville section of Hopewell Township.

The routes of the 2-3.5 mile brisk guided hikes on selected trails in the state park will be determined.

Bring a water bottle and wear hiking shoes. The trails are quite wet in sections.

Advanced registration required in order to ensure social distancing. Face coverings are required. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

In the event of inclement weather, some programs might be canceled. It is advisable to call ahead before coming out. Call 609-737-0609.

 

Thursdays, Feb. 4 to March 4

The Princeton University Art Museum and the Arts Council of Princeton will offer free online art-making experiences on Thursdays, from Feb. 4 to March 4.

Weekly classes are taught via Zoom so participants can join live workshops, using materials available at home.

Each week’s lesson features works from the museum’s collections and is introduced by a student tour guide.

“Capturing a Winter Scene” will be Feb. 4. This live art-making class is inspired by Charles Ephraim Burchfield’s “Winter Rain from the East.” This class will focus on techniques of drawing a winter scene, including line, shadow, perspective and tone.

Illustrating horses will be the focus on Feb. 11. This live art-making class is inspired by Frederic Remington’s “Coming through the Rye.” Remington’s bronze sculpture is based on a drawing from the 1880s and features four animated horses and riders in a composition remarkable for being largely elevated off the work’s base, with the leftmost horse completely suspended. This class will focus on drawing horses, with instruction on anatomy, movement, texture and expression.

Feb. 18 is “Unique Cropping.” This live art-making class is inspired by Edward Hopper’s “Universalist Church.” In this partial view of an 18th-century Universalist church in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Hopper shows only the elegant white spire, obscuring the rest of the building with intervening houses. The lines of the roofs adjacent to the church lead the eye across both axes of the image to the steeple. This class will focus on creating a unique architectural composition by cropping the image and closely focusing on one aspect of a scene.

Storytelling with Collage, a live art-making class inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s “The 1920s … The Migrants Arrive and Cast Their Ballots” will be held Feb. 25. Lawrence’s expressive style conveys the scene with exaggerated geometries, angular figures, and blocks of color. This class will focus on visual storytelling and creating collage compositions using basic shapes and blocks of color.

“Rendering Clothing and Drapery” on March 4 is inspired by a Greek Statuette of Nike from the Hellenistic period. In this sculpture, the goddess of victory wears a clinging chiton with a long overfold that reveals the lines of her voluptuous body. This class will focus on the basic shapes of clothing and the anatomy of folds to better understand the mechanics of drapery.

Details and free registration for each class are available at https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/calendar/2021-02/art-making-drawing-collections-capturing-winter-scene

 

 

Friday, Feb. 5

“Irish Hobo, Buddhist Monk, Anti-colonial Celebrity: The Strange Story of U Dhammaloka/Laurence Carroll,” a lecture by Dr. Laurence Cox, associate professor of Sociology at the National University of Ireland Maynooth and associate researcher at the Collège d’Etudes Mondiales, Paris, will be presented virtually at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 by the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University.

The lecture is based on his recent book, “The Irish Buddhist: the Forgotten Monk who Faced Down the British Empire,” co-authored with Alicia Turner and Brian Bocking, presented by Princeton’s Fund for Irish Studies.

The Zoom webinar is free and open to the public.

This event will be live captioned. Viewers in need of access accommodations should email LewisCenter@princeton.edu

For information and the registration link, visit
https://arts.princeton.edu/events/fund-for-irish-studies-lecture-by-laurence-cox

 

 

 

Friday, Feb. 5 – Friday, Feb. 26

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts will present “Natural and Conventional Signs,” a virtual exhibition in which U.K. artist Ryan Gander exhibits a selection of new works directly guided by his research at Princeton undertaken during his time as a Hodder Fellow and made during the global pandemic.

 

A video tour of the exhibition, physically mounted in Gander’s new impromptu gallery space, Solid Haus, in Suffolk, England, is available on-demand from Feb. 5-26.

 

On Feb. 9 at noon EST, Gander will present a live guided tour of the exhibition and engage in a conversation with Princeton Program in Visual Arts faculty member David Reinfurt via Zoom.

 

The exhibition video and live tour/conversation events are free and open to the public at arts.princeton.edu/gander.

 

Saturday, Feb. 6

Samaritan will hold its annual Celebration of Life Gala, presented by Holman Enterprises, virtually at 7 p.m. Feb. 6.

“Be A Samaritan: Celebration of Life” will celebrate the dedicated work and success of the special people who comprise the Samaritan team, particularly honoring their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Samaritan offers hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy.

Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief in their homes, assisted-living or nursing home communities and through two inpatient hospice centers.

Individual tickets to the gala are $225 each.

Samaritan will also hold its annual Delightful Dining Raffle. Two raffle winners will be announced during the event – at $10 per ticket, this raffle offers the chance to win 12 $100 dining gift certificates to area restaurants.

Additionally, the event will feature an online auction. Bidding opens Feb. 1.

Tickets for the raffle and access to the online auction are available at www.SamaritanNJ.org/Gala. 

For additional details, tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org/Gala or contact Julie Weitzman at 856-552-3239 or jweitzman@samaritanNJ.org.

 

Saturday, Feb. 6 to Saturday, March 6

On view in the Arts Council of Princeton’s Taplin Gallery from Feb. 6 to March 6 is “Legends of the Arts,” a Black History Month exhibit.

Presented by Museums in Motion, visitors are invited to take a stroll through decades of culture and excellence related to some of the most notable individuals in American history. Legendary figures such as poet and author Langston Hughes, actor and singer Paul Robeson, actress Lena Horne, and Motown singing sensation The Supremes will be featured, to name a few.

All ages are invited to view this display at 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton.

To learn more, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

 

 

Tuesday, Feb. 9

The Arts Council of Princeton offers  “In Conversation,” a curated series of discussions.

On Feb. 9, the Arts Council welcomes Kayren Carter Mjumbe, president and senior curator for Museums in Motion, a traveling African American history museum. Based in Princeton, the organization was founded in 2016 with the mission of educating the country on the achievements of both legendary and unknown African Americans and culture.

The exhibit has traveled to school districts and events in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Alabama. Mjumbe’s vision is to produce and host a series of cultural television programs highlighting the most captivating African American museums and historical sites in the United States.

Mjumbe will be in conversation with Timothy M. Andrews, major supporter of the Arts Council’s Artist-in-Residence program and former council Board President.

Register for this free webinar at artscouncilofprinceton.org

 

 

 

Thursday, Feb. 11

World-renowned artist and feminist trailblazer Audrey Flack is the subject of a new documentary that explores her life and art.

Watch the film “Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack” through the Princeton Garden Theatre virtual cinema.

Then join the conversation about the film with Academy Award-winning director Deborah Shaffer and Audrey Flack herself at 4 p.m. Feb. 11 via Zoom.

Flack, an acclaimed painter, sculptor, and pioneer of photorealism, is the first photorealist painter whose work was purchased for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Her art resides in major museums around the world.

Now in her eighties, she returns to her canvas for the first time in decades and shares her hard-fought struggles as a female artist and mother to find her rightful place in the art world.

Advance registration for the film talk is required. Registration and film ticket information are both available at https://bildnercenter.rutgers.edu/events/upcoming-events/icalrepeat.detail/2021/02/11/82/-/queen-of-hearts-audrey-flack

This program is presented by the Rutgers Jewish Film Festival in cooperation with the non-profit Princeton Garden Theatre, which is currently screening the film virtually as part of its Art on Screen Series.

The Rutgers Jewish Film Festival is a public program of the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University. The Bildner Center connects the university with the community through public lectures, symposia, Jewish communal initiatives, cultural events, and teacher training.

 

 

Through Friday, Feb. 12

Nominations for the 25th annual Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award are being accepted through Feb. 12.

Members of the community can nominate a fellow New Jerseyan and give him or her the chance to be recognized for their service. They are people who help others in need, give their time and energy to solve community problems, and put others above themselves.

Each year, the Making a Difference Award presents $50,000 to one winner, $25,000 to two runners-up, and up to $7,500 to several others at a ceremony hosted by Ramapo College of New Jersey, which manages the awards program on behalf of the Russell Berrie Foundation.

Awards will be presented at a virtual ceremony in May.

The nomination form is available online at berrieawards.ramapo.edu. 

Friday, Feb. 12 to Sunday, Feb. 14

Join wine makers from Terhune Vineyard and Winery in Princeton for a special Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Virtual Tasting, offered at 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 3 p.m. Feb. 13 and 3 p.m. Feb. 14, pairing the Harvest Blues and Rooster Red wines with Terhune homemade chocolate cookies in a special assortment along with chocolate truffles.

Enjoy a virtual tour of Terhune vineyard and winery along with the guided tasting.

Inquire by emailing tmount@terhuneorchards.com

On Feb. 13 and 14, the farm will be open for socially distanced seating with heaters and firepits. Wine tasting flights, hot mulled wine and chocolate treats will be available along with light fare. All can enjoy s’more and hot cocoa kits.

Masks are required on premise unless seated, and groups are limited to six guests.

The event is weather dependent, so call ahead.

Terhune is located at 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton.

Order Valentine’s gifts and reserve wine tastings online at terhuneorchards.com

Saturday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 21

Community Options will host its 13th annual Cupid’s Chase 5k event in support of people with disabilities from Feb. 13-21.

This year the race in Bridgewater will be held virtually. Runners will be able to run at any location they choose and upload their times to a central results site.

Once the upload window closes on Feb. 22, results will be final.

All funds raised will be used to support people with disabilities in the Somerset County region.

Register at https://5kevents.raceentry.com/races/virtual-cupids-chase-bridgewater-nj/2021/register

 

Sunday, Feb. 14

 

The MOSAIC Cultural Series of Adath Israel Congregation in Lawrenceville will present Ronnit Vaserman, founder of Art Connect Group, with a talk on “Warhol Women” at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14.

Participants will discover the many famous women Andy Warhol painted.

BYOB: Bring Your Own Brunch. Registrants will receive recipes for 15 Minutes of Frame Eggs, The Factory French Toast and MOMA MOSA.

To register, call 609-896-4977.

 

The Dryden Ensemble will present a Valentine’s Day concert, Leycester Lyra Viol Lessons, featuring Lisa Terry, at 4 p.m. Feb. 14.

Terry plays the bass viol “lyra-way,” with melodies and chordal accompaniment just like a lute with a bow, in these 17th century lessons collected by English gentleman Peter Leycester.

Listen to typical Baroque dance movements like allemande, courante and sarabande, a few settings of folk songs, and some engaging character pieces.

The suggested donation is $10 general admission, $25 for supporters or $50 for patrons.

For more information, visit https://drydenensemble.org/

 

 

Lisa Terry will present a lecture-recital titled “Leycester Lyra Viol Lessons” at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 courtesy of the Dryden Ensemble.

Ticket prices range from $10-$50.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit drydenensemble.org.

 

Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14

The Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey will hold its 2021 annual conference virtually on Feb. 19 and 20.

Find meaning across Latinx identities and adapt to changing times affecting racism, colorist and invisibility.

To register, visit www.latinomentalhealthnj.org

Co-sponsored by Horizon NJ Health and Rutgers School of Social Work.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 16

 

The virtual presentation will be followed by Q&A.

The cost is $10, or $5 for general admission. A recording will be sent to all ticket holders.

Registration is required. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-tribute-to-frank-johnsons-music-at-morven-virtual-prog-tickets-137677207233

 

 

Wednesday, Feb. 17

Reading in Translation: New Student Work, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing, will be held via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

Six Princeton students studying literary translation will read from their recent work, hosted by faulty member Larissa Kyzer.

Free and open to the public.

Viewers in need of access accommodations should email LewisCenter@princeton.edu

For more information and the Zoom link, visit https://arts.princeton.edu/events/reading-in-translation-new-student-work/

Danielle Allen, a widely-recognized public policy expert and political philosopher, will be the featured speaker at People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos annual benefit from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

She will be joined by her Harvard University colleague, David Kidd, to discuss “Reinvigorating Civic Education for the Nation,” an exploration of how their work has grown into a resource for rebuilding civic education nationally.

Allen, a self-described “democracy advocate” and “policy innovator,” is currently James Bryant Conant University professor at Harvard University, and director of Harvard’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics. She is also the principal investigator for the Democratic Knowledge Project, a research and action lab at Harvard that works to strengthen the knowledge and skills democratic citizens need to succeed at operating their democracy.

Allen is currently exploring a candidacy for Massachusetts governor in 2022.

A Princeton University graduate and a former faculty member at the Institute for Advanced Study, Allen holds PhDs from both Cambridge University (in classics) and Harvard University (in government).

 

Thursday, Feb. 18

A new Westminster Conservatory at Nassau video will be available on the church website at 12:15 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month and remain available for viewing.

The artist on Feb. 18 will be Marvin Rosen on piano.

To view the concert, visit www.nassauchurch.org/westminster-conservatory-recitals/

 

“Losing Picasso: The Challenges of Condensing a Life” will be a film lecture presented by the Princeton University Art Museum at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18.

The filmmakers, Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, faced almost insurmountable challenges in producing the film“Surviving Picasso,” which takes as its subject the relationship between Pablo Picasso and his companion Françoise Gilot.

This lecture with Caroline Harris, associate director for education, investigates the resulting depiction of the painter, providing a larger context for the period portrayed.

Watch the film at your leisure, then join the group on Zoom on Feb. 18 for the live lecture.

Presented in partnership with the Princeton Garden Theatre.

Details and free registration available at https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/calendar/2021-02/lecture-losing-picasso-challenges-condensing-life.

 

 

“In Nature’s Realm: The Art of Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh” will hold its virtual opening reception and curator walk at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18.

The exhibition examines the work of Hardenbergh (1856–1915), born in New Brunswick, the great-great-grandson of the Rev. Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh (1736–90), the first president of Queens College (Rutgers University), a self-taught artist and ornithologist.

Curator and Deputy Director Elizabeth Allan takes viewers on a virtual tour inside Morven Museum & Garden’s latest exhibition. In Nature’s Realm is on view Feb. 19 through Jan. 9, 2022, at Morven, 55 Stockton St., Princeton.

This virtual recording will include a Q&A session. A recording will be sent to all ticket registrants.

Free, but registration is required.  

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/in-natures-realm-virtual-opening-reception-curator-walk-tickets-136637539559

 

Join the SheTek community from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 for a free webinar to boost your career and give you the secrets you need to break into the leadership sphere.

Learn from experts Connie Watson, Ed.D., leadership and organization coach and founder of Connie Watson Consulting; and Chaya Pamula, SheTek founder and PamTen president and CEO, about how you can overcome roadblocks, add the right skills to your resume, effect change from within an organization, and more.

Sign up at https://bit.ly/TheOutlet10

 

 

Friday, Feb. 19

Karma Cat + Zen Dog Rescue Society and People for Animals will hold their quarterly Snip & Chip for Community Cats event on Feb. 19, where locals can bring in feral cats to be spayed/neutered and microchipped free of charge.

Do not bring any socialized cats, they will be turned away.

The event will be held at the People for Animals Clinic located at 1 Sharon Road in Robbinsville. All feral cats from Central New Jersey are welcome, with a limit of five cats per participant. All cats must be dropped off between 7 and 7:30 a.m. to receive treatment.

Snip & Chip will provide free spay/neuter surgeries (valued up to $55) which will include rabies & distemper vaccines, ear tip, injectable pain control, tattoo, and medical waste disposal for feral cats. Microchip insertion/registration will be available free of charge as well.

Additional services will be available for an additional charge, including post-op boarding.

All additional services must be pre-paid at the time of drop off.

Karma Cat + Zen Dog Rescue Society will accept cash or credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). No American Express or checks accepted.

Registrations must be made by Feb. 8. To register, participants must fill out the form at https://karmacatzendog.org/snipchiprequest. If participants cannot fill out the form, email SnipAndChip@karmacatzendog.org with “Snip & Chip Reservations” in the subject line. Within the body of the email, participants must provide: full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, number of cats, what town the cats reside in, and a description of the colony.

The pickup date is Feb. 19 or 22; $15 boarding fee per cat to be paid to the rescue.

 

 

“The Pandemic and Hopewell Valley Schools: Challenge, Response, Lessons Learned” will be presented by Dr. Thomas A. Smith, superintendent of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 19. The Zoom room will open at 12:45 p.m.

The program is designed to inform those who do not have connections with the school system about the ways in which the schools grappled with the pandemic over the past year to maximize both learning and safety.

The program is offered by the Older Adult Ministry Committee of the Pennington Presbyterian Church, as part of its Brown Bag Lunch Program series.

Call the church office at 609-737-1221 to register and receive the Zoom link.

 

 

Opening Friday, Feb. 19

“In Nature’s Realm: The Art of Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh” will open on Feb. 19 at the Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton.

From the untouched land surrounding Barnegat Bay and the diverse wildlife that called it home, to the picturesque steeples and meadows around New Brunswick, Hardenbergh’s work provides a special glimpse into the Garden State on the brink of rapid development. 

For more information, visit www.morven.org/upcoming-exhibitions

 

Saturday, Feb. 20

A cross country ski workshop will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 20 for pre-teens to adults at The Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, in the Titusville section of Hopewell Township.

In this workshop, participants will learn about the different types of cross-country ski equipment that are available, what to look for in selecting a pair of skis, how to dress and where to go skiing in New Jersey. 

The discussion will last up to 90 minutes.

If the ground is snow covered, an additional one hour ski lesson will be offered. Participants will have to provide their own ski equipment for the outdoor lesson. Call the Nature Center to obtain equipment rental information.

Advanced registration required in order to ensure social distancing. Face coverings are required. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

All programs will initially meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise indicated.

In the event of inclement weather, some programs might be canceled. It is advisable to call ahead before coming out. Call 609-737-0609.

 

The premiere of the 40th annual tour of Thomas Edison (formerly Black Maria) Film Festival, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts, Program in Visual Arts and Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium, will be held virtually via Zoom at 8 p.m. Feb. 20.

The tour kicks off virtually with a premiere screening of several top award-winning films followed by an audience Q&A with filmmakers and Festival Director Jane Steuerwald.

Free and open to the public.

Viewers in need of access accommodations should email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least two weeks in advance.

For more information and the Zoom link, visit https://arts.princeton.edu/events/40th-annual-thomas-edison-film-festival-premiere-2021/

 

 

Sunday, Feb. 21

The MOSAIC Cultural Series of Adath Israel Congregation in Lawrenceville will present the virtual program “Pandemic Parables” by Geraldine Buckley, accounting her experiences working in a hospital plagued by COVID-19. Amidst the tragedy of the pandemic, she finds grace and solace from patients and hospital staff.

To register, call 609-896-4977.

 

 

 

Starting Monday, Feb. 22

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select days, from Feb. 23 to March 23

Morven Museum & Garden will present the Grand Homes & Gardens Distinguished Speakers Series at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23; and March 11, 16 and 23.

This year’s theme is “The Woman of the House.”

The schedule is: Lyndhurst Castle, New York, Feb. 23; Harbor Hill and Beacon Towers, Long Island, March 11; Globe House and Gertrude Jekyll’s garden, March 16; and The Mount, March 23.

The program is all virtual.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-homes-gardens-distinguished-speakers-series-2021-tickets-133788391681

 

Wednesday, Feb. 24

A reading by Ottessa Moshfegh and seniors from the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creating Writing will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 via Zoom.

The C.K. Williams Reading Series showcases senior thesis students of the Program in Creative Writing with established writers as special guests.

Free and open to the public.

Viewers in need of access accommodations should email the Lewis Center at least two weeks in advance at LewisCenter@princeton.edu

For more information and the Zoom link, visit https://arts.princeton.edu/events/c-k-williams-reading-by-ottessa-moshfegh/

Through Friday, Feb. 26

The West Windsor Arts Council will present a virtual exhibit, Harmony Art Show, from through Feb. 26.

WWAC invites artists to explore the idea of balance disrupted and harmony restored as it relates to personal experience, beliefs, or observations.

The online opening reception will be from 7:15-9 p.m. Jan. 15.

For more information, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkfu-qrTspHt0TTfednaklYy6cktleZ66w

 

Friday, Feb. 26

“1921 and 2021: The Partition of Ireland, Then and Now,” presented by Princeton University’s Fund for Irish Studies, will be held virtually via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

Scholar and critic Fintan O’Toole delivers the annual Robert Fagles Memorial Lecture on “1921 and 2021: The Partition of Ireland, Then and Now.” O’Toole, one of Ireland’s leading public intellectuals, is a columnist for The Irish Times and Leonard L. Milberg ’53 visiting lecturer in Irish Letters at Princeton.

Free and open to the public; no registration required.

This event will be live captioned. Viewers in need of other access accommodations should email the Lewis Center at least two weeks in advance at LewisCenter@princeton.edu

For more information and the Zoom link, visit https://arts.princeton.edu/events/fund-for-irish-studies-lecture-by-fintan-o-toole/

 

 

Saturday, Feb. 27

 

 

 

At the turn of the 20th century, the Great Migration saw Black Americans leaving the segregated Jim Crow South for northern cities. Harlem, a neighborhood in upper Manhattan, quickly became the epicenter of a vibrant community, drawing over 175,000 Black Americans from southern states. Some of the greatest minds in poetry, art, and theater lived within this 3-square mile area giving rise to The Harlem Renaissance.

Join local artist Kenneth Lewis Jr. in an exploration of the Harlem Renaissance and the collage work of Romare Bearden from 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 27. Using basic supplies found around the home, learn how to utilize the power of collage as an art form.

All ages are invited to join this special hands-on celebration of art, history, and the possibilities of this exciting form of creative self-expression.

Register for this free online workshop at http://artscouncilofprinceton.org/events/free-workshop-harlem-renaissance-the-art-of-collage/?view_year=2021&view_month=02&view_day=27

 

 

“Hot Music for a Cold Night,” a virtual gala to benefit the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 27.

For questions or to get on the invitation list, contact Audrey Yeager at ayeager@princetonsymphony.org or 609-497-0020.

 

 

 

Through Sunday, Feb. 28

 

Elementary and secondary school music teachers in New Jersey can introduce schoolchildren to their favorite instruments and at the same time win $500 for their music programs in “Discovering Instruments,” a new competition from the Princeton Festival.

Music teachers may enter the competition by submitting introductory instructional videos about an instrument by Feb. 28.

 

Five winners will be chosen. In addition to the cash prize, the competition will award a free professional video recording session to re-record the winning presentations, which will be prominently posted on the Festival website.

Full details are available at https://princetonfestival.org/discovering-instruments/.

The competition is open to any music educator who holds a full or part-time teaching position in a New Jersey elementary or secondary school. Initial video submissions must be approximately three to five minutes long, and introduce a portable instrument. The decision of the judges is final.

 

 

The Arts Council of Princeton’s public art presence continues with the display of “Untitled 2017 (Fear Eats the Soul) (White Flag)”.

The piece, on loan from artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, is a black and white adaptation of the American flag, superimposed by the words “Fear Eats the Soul”.

Tiravanija’s piece was created as part of Creative Time’s Pledges of Allegiance, a nationwide public art project that commissioned 16 flags, each created by acclaimed contemporary artists. Each flag embodies art’s ability to channel political passion, points to an issue the artist is passionate about, and speaks to how the country might move forward collectively.

On view from the roof of the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts through Feb. 28.

Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org to learn more.

 

 

 

Sunday, Feb. 28

The Signs of Spring Walk at Morven Museum & Garden will take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 on the grounds of the museum, 55 Stockton St., Princeton. The walk will be canceled in the event of rain.

Safely get outside with Morven’s Horticulturist Louise Senior as she tours the grounds and gardens looking for signs of spring.

Dress accordingly with comfortable, water resistant boots or shoes. Masking, limited group capacity, and CDC social distancing requirements will all be observed.

Details on where to meet on Morven’s grounds will be provided to all registrants by email prior to the program.

The cost is $10, or $5 for Friends of Morven.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/signs-of-spring-walk-with-horticulturist-louise-senior-at-morven-tickets-136212680795

 

Saturday, March 6

The Watershed Institute will hold a Winter Fairy Festival on March 6 in person for ages 2 and up at 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.

Build winter fairy cottages using natural materials, search for fairies hidden at each activity station using a scavenger hunt sheet, create crafts like bird feeders and snowflake ornaments, and play fairy games such as fairy ring toss and magic gem search.

Bundle up for this all outdoors event.

Wings and wands encouraged.

Masks, social distancing, and adult attendance required. For information on policies for in-person programs, visit https://thewatershed.org/in-person-program-policies/

Cost is $10 for adults, or $5 for children 2 and older. Discount available for members.

Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable.

For more information, email egallos@thewatershed.org

 

 

Thursday, March 11

An artist talk with Glenn Ligon and Hilton Als will be presented by the Princeton University Art Museum at 5:30 p.m. March 11.

Ligon, whose work draws on literature and history to explore race, language, desire and identity, joins Pulitzer Prize–winning author and critic Hilton Als to discuss the ways in which art can engage and rethink the most urgent issues of our time.

Details and free registration available at https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/calendar/2021-03/artist-talk-glenn-ligon-and-hilton-als

 

 

Through Friday, March 12

Recognizing the bravery and commitment of volunteer firefighters and first responders, New Jersey American Water announces its 2021 grant program for volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads and first aid squads located within the company’s service areas.

Grants may be used to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, communications gear, first aid equipment, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other materials that will be used to support volunteer firefighter and emergency responder operations. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the cost of training manuals, student workbooks, and instructors is also eligible.

To apply, organizations must complete the application available at www.newjerseyamwater.com under News & Community, Community Involvement.

The maximum grant amount awarded to any organization is $2,000.

The deadline to apply is March 12. Interested applicants can find more information and apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.

Grant recipients will be notified at the end of March.

 

 

Saturdays, through March 13

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s (PPPL) 36-year tradition of offering weekly informative talks on a wide variety of science subjects continues with a live online version.

The Ronald E. Hatcher Science on Saturday Lecture Series resumes from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays through March 13, on the Zoom virtual meeting platform.

The series kicks off with a lecture on “The Renaissance of the Stellarator Fusion Concept,” by PPPL physicist David Gates, head of Advanced Projects. Stellarators, a type of fusion energy facility that has twisty coils, were invented by PPPL founder Lyman Spitzer in the 1950s. The complex devices have been a less popular choice for fusion experiments than donut-shaped tokamaks but are making a come-back as scientists find new approaches to stellarator design.

Other highlights include a talk by Geeta Govindarajoo, professor of chemistry at Rutgers University, on the intersection between chemistry and art. Govindarajoo will discuss the role of chemistry in creating and restoring art and detecting forgeries.

Post questions for the speaker by tweeting to @PPPLsSciEd or #scionsat.

The remaining schedule is:

 

• Jan. 30: Cristian Galbiaiti, of Princeton University’s Department of Physics, “From studying the Sun, to searching for dark matter, to fighting COVID-19”
• Feb. 6: Adam Ruben, author, “Public Perception of Science: Lesson from a Dead Sheep.”
• Feb. 13: Slobain Duffy, “Virus Host-Shifting: Insights from Laboratory Experimental Evolution”
• Feb. 27: Tracy Drain, of NASA, “Mars Exploration Program”
• March 6: Sophia Gershman, PPPL, “Plasma Science Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”
• March 13: Kory Evans, Rice University, “Ecology and Evolution of Teleost Fishes”

 

Recordings of the talks will be posted on the Science Education website a few weeks after the initial viewing.

For more information, visit energy.gov/science.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 20

The Miss New Jersey-New York Collegiate USA inaugural pageant will be held at the Hyatt Regency Princeton in Princeton on March 20.

Young ladies, ages 13-29, will participate in collegiate and high school divisions.

All contestants receive a college scholarship sponsored by Marymount University and the opportunity to win additional cash scholarships and awards.

The annual event, its national pageant celebrates and rewards young women who are college-bound, current degree seekers with higher education exposure, or seeking help to pay student loan debt with career opportunities, cash and college scholarships. The pageant aspirations are to recognize and incentivize young women to receive scholarships for higher education, and become positive role models, all while building a strong sisterhood.

The New Jersey-New York Pageant is a preliminary to the Miss Collegiate USA National event to be held this summer in Greenville, South Carolina.

Winners of the state pageant will receive the official state crown, rhinestone embroidered state banner, her entry fee into the national pageant, a cash scholarship, prize package and become eligible to compete in the inaugural 2021 Miss Collegiate USA/Miss High School National Pageant for an opportunity to win a $40,000 college scholarship to Marymount University, $5,000 cash scholarship, and many other awards.

In 2021 the organization anticipates to award over $500,000 in scholarships, cash and awards.

In addition, a university fair is scheduled during the week of the national pageant. For additional information on the fair, visit www.misscollegiateusa.org/universityfair

Apply for the pageant at www.misscollegiateusa.org/nj-nypageant

For more information, visit www.misscollegiateusa.org

 

Sunday, March 21

The Dryden Ensemble will celebrate Bach’s 336th birthday at 3 p.m. March 21 with a streaming of their live concert of Bach’s “St. John Passion: The Mardi Considine Spring Concert” recorded on March 13, 2020, at All Saints Church in Princeton.

The intimate production of this masterpiece uses a choir of eight singers, as Bach did, with a small orchestra of 18th-century instruments.

The ensemble is led by Scott Metcalfe, the acclaimed director of “Blue Heron.”

Ticket prices range from $10-$50.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit drydenensemble.org.

 

 

 

Through Wednesday, March 31

 

Teens across the state can begin submitting entries for the 26th Annual New Jersey Teen Media Contest, which highlights the New Jersey Human Services’ mission to support families, especially during these challenging times.

The contest, run by the Division of Family Development, is open to all New Jersey middle and high school-aged children.

The 2021 contest challenges teens to illustrate – through art or the written word – how they and their loved ones have supported each other through all of the changes that have happened this year, from remote schooling to finding new ways to stay connected to friends and family.

All entries must be postmarked no later than March 31.

Staff from the Division of Family Development and its Office of Child Support Services will judge the contest. Winners will be selected in first, second, and third places in both the middle and high school groups, for each of the two entry categories. Typically, winning students are recognized at an awards ceremony in mid-May, but a final decision on an awards ceremony will be made at a later date based on the status of the public health emergency and related health and safety guidelines.

Winning entries from the contest will be included in the 2022 Office of Child Support Calendar, as well as potentially being included as part of the office’s marketing materials. A number of honorable mention entries will also be selected for possible inclusion in both areas.  

The 2021 calendar can be viewed or downloaded from the contest homepage, www.NJTeenMedia.org, to serve as inspiration for the teens. The website also provides the official rules, frequently asked questions, entry forms, a look at the winners and honorable mentions from previous contests and other important contest information.

Teachers and administrators can register their school by visiting www.NJTeenMedia.org or by contacting Matthew Cossel at 937-207-7627 or matthew.cossel@efkgroup.com. School registration is not required for direct student entry.

For complete submission guidelines, visit www.NJTeenMedia.org.

For more information about child support services, call 1-877-NJKIDS1 or visit www.NJChildSupport.org.

 

Through Thursday, April 15

Through Monday, April 19

The Princeton Festival’s 15th annual piano competition is open to pianists from around the world, with an entry deadline of April 19.

To enter the competition, artists must submit a video of themselves performing a designated piece of music. Participants compete for cash prizes and certificates, plus the Richard Tang Yuk award, named for the festival’s founding artistic director, given to the best performer overall.

The professionally adjudicated competition is organized into seven categories:

• Four age categories for solo performers from 6 to 18 years old.
• Open Class I for soloists and Piano Four-Hands for all competitors up to 25 years old
• Open Class II, new for 2021, for solo professionals and lifelong amateurs 26 or older

Full information and an entry application is available at https://princetonfestival.org/2021-piano-competition-rules/.

Winners in all categories will be announced after the Finalists’ Concert, which will stream online on June 6.

 

Saturday, May 15 – Monday, May 23

The Nassau Film Festival (NFF) screens short films and music videos (30 seconds to 20 minutes) in the categories of fiction, documentary, animation, student fiction, horror, music videos, trailers, and episodic. 

It will be held virtually this year from May 15-23, instead of at the Princeton Garden Theater.

Best of Festival Awards are given in each of the categories and attendees have a chance to network with actors, actresses, directors, writers, producers and directors of photography at a special festival event. Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate virtually in question and answer panel discussions with filmmakers whose films are selected to screen at the festival.  

Over the years, NFF has earmarked funds donated from patrons and sponsors each year to assist various non-profit organizations. Buy a festival pass or make a donation to Feeding America’s Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which has a COVID-19 Response Fund that is helping to ensure local food banks can feed those in need right now, including children who rely on school meals to eat.

For more information, visit nassaufilmfestival.org

 

 

Continuing events

 

Cranbury residents age 55 and older can exercise via Zoom.

Classes meet on both Mondays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. with instructors Helen and Robin. Zoom opens at about 9:45 a.m. so that members can talk with the instructor and other participants before class.

On the Township of Cranbury website there is a tutorial on how to use Zoom, prepared by the Cranbury Library.

To join, contact Connie Bauder, who will forward three registration forms to complete and return before being sent the invitation to join class.

There is no charge to participate.

Request and send completed registration forms to Bauder at fiddleheadfarms@comcast.net

The Township of Hillsborough is working with Town Planner to produce a 250th anniversary edition of the color printed 2021 calendar, which will be mailed out to every residence in Hillsborough.

 

 

 

The Mercer County Solidarity Network (MCSN) is a new mutual aid group designed to connect people in need throughout Mercer County with people who can help meet those needs.

The group is looking for individuals, families and businesses who would like to donate their time, resources or goods/services with people who have been affected by the pandemic and who request support. There is no minimum obligation – donors can specify whatever they feel they can provide and the group will match donors with individuals who have expressed a related need.

To sign up as a donor, visit www.mercersolidarity.org/ or email MercerCountyPOL@gmail.com.

 

 

 

Co-Dependents Anonymous Step Study Meeting. CoDA is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. Meetings are held every Friday evenings. The 24 Club, The 1860 House, 2nd floor, 124 Montgomery Road, Skillman. For more information, email fridayeveningcoda@gmail.com.

VFW Meetings: Monthly meetings of the Hillsborough Memorial VFW Post 8371 are held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Somerset County Hillsborough Senior Center, 339 S. Branch Road. The post’s mission is Veterans and Military Support, Youth Scholarship Activities and Community Service. All veterans with foreign service are welcome as members to assist the post in achieving its mission. For information regarding membership, post activities or the youth scholarship programs, contact Commander Tom Cellilli via phone or text at 908-255-3669.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group: Following the guidelines of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group is “a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system.” The group meets the first Monday and second Wednesday of each month at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church, 651 Country Club Road, Bridgewater. All are welcome.

Free weekly support groups: Carrier Clinic hosts free weekly support groups on the campus throughout the year. These support programs include:

Weekend Codependency Program, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bright Futures for Kids, Sundays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Parents Support Group, Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m.

Mood Disorder Support Group, Thursdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m.

For more information about these or other services and programs available at Carrier Clinic, visit CarrierClinic.org or call 908-281-1513. For more information, visit CarrierClinic.org/WhatToDo.

Midweek meals: The Wednesday midweek meals held in Asbury Hall, at the United Methodist Church of Bound Brook, have started back up. All seniors are invited for a full course meal for $4. Bring friends and family to enjoy a meal and fellowship.

Pop Warner: Calling all 5-7 year olds. Hillsborough Dukes Pop Warner is offering free Flag Football registration to first time players, including instructional and safe environment with fun training activities to teach core skills. Every child plays every game and the Dukes are the only organization that requires coaches to be USA Football Heads Up Certified. There are no tryouts or team drafting. Visit register.hillsboroughdukes.com to register. For more information, contact football@hillsboroughdukes.com.

Coping with addiction: Parents of Addicted Children helps parents understand and cope with drug problems they are facing, and will face, with their children. Meets first and third Monday of month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road.

Alzheimer’s support group: The Alzheimer’s Association has a support group in Hillsborough. Family members and caregivers come together to share information and support in a safe, confidential atmosphere. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Brookdale Hillsborough, 600 Auten Road. Call 908-431-1300.

Mothers of Preschoolers: MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays at the Fellowship Bible Church building, 109 New Amwell Road. The group says it meets to “laugh, cry and embrace the journey of motherhood.” Sponsored by Crossroads Community Church, it hears speakers, has a craft or project and lots of conversation and refreshment. Child care is provided. For information, see www.crossroadsnj.org/MOPS. Registration fee is required.

Divorce support group: A nondenominational support group to help separated and divorced people to a new beginning. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Route 206 at Homestead Road. Call 908-295-6740.

Swim lessons at HRC: The Swim Academy at HRC, located at 30 Brower Lane, Hillsborough, is offering swim lessons for all ages and levels. Call HRC Fitness at 908-359-3600 to register or visit www.hrcfitness.com for class schedules.

Send items to calendar@centraljersey.com. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 732-358-5200.