Burlington, Mercer, and Somerset counties
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.
The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, manager of NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to give – donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center – Central New Jersey
707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:30-7:15 p.m.
Thursday: 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nutrition
The Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults has in-person lunches at nine of its locations.
The Nutrition Program for Older Adults provides a daily nutritionally balanced meal Monday through Friday, except for county and/or municipal holidays.
All meals meet the required one-third of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) daily referenced intake of nutrients for an individual 60 years or older.
Meals are available to Mercer County residents age 60 or older and their spouses (regardless of age), any county resident with a disability whose primary caregiver is a program participant, anyone volunteering in the program, and the personal care aides of program participants when they accompany a participant to the site where the meals are provided.
In-person services will be hosted at: Jennye Stubblefield Senior Center and Sam Naples Community Center in Trenton, Lawrence Township Senior Center, Princeton Café for Older Adults, John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center in Hamilton, Hamilton Senior Center, Hopewell Valley Senior Center, Hollowbrook Community Center in Ewing, and Robbinsville Senior Center.
Most meal services begin at 11:30 a.m., although times may vary by location, so call 609-989-6650 or inquire at a local site.
No payment is required for a meal; however, there is a suggested donation of $1 for each meal provided.
Reservations are required; call 609-989-6650 to reserve a spot.
Monthly menus can be found on the Nutrition Program for Older Adults web page.
If transportation is a barrier to participating in the congregate meals, Mercer County TRADE may be able to help; call 609-530-1971 or email trade@mercercounty.org. Some of the sites also may have transportation options for its participants.
There may be home-delivered options.
For more information, call 609-989-6650 or email adrc@mercercounty.org.
Take-Home rapid COVID-19 test kits
Take-home rapid COVID-19 test kits are available at all Mercer County Library System branches. Mercer County residents may request up to three kits at a time. The kits are Lucira brand over-the-counter rapid molecular nasal swab test comparable to a PCR test.
Hiring
Mercer County Correctional Police is hiring. Send resume to mcorrectioncareers@mercercounty.org.
Operation Yellow Ribbon
Each year Operation Yellow Ribbon (OYR) and the local community partner together for the December holidays to send a “taste from home” to U.S. Troops deployed in The Middle East and far from home during the December holidays:
We are asking anyone who would like to purchase and drop off the following types of items and products that are store purchased only and already fully sealed by the manufacturer. Ideas of items include:
• Candy Canes
• Cans of ground coffee
• Boxes of tea bags
• Hot Chocolate
• Holiday Themed Tins of Cookies
• Holiday Themed Chocolates
• Holiday Themed Candy
• Hanukkah Gelt (chocolate gold coins), Dreidels, & Hanukkah Candles
• Little Debbie Holiday Cakes/Snacks
• Hostess Holiday Cakes/Snacks
• Royal Dansk Cookie Tins (Butter Cookies)
• Store purchased cookies such as Oreos, Nabisco, Chips Ahoy, Keebler, Mallomars, Lorna Doone, Archway etc.
• Kellogg’s Rice Crispy Treats
• Gingerbread House Kits
Please contact OYRofSJ@gmail.com with any questions or if more information is needed.
George Washington’s Historic Crossing
There are two exciting opportunities to watch the 71st reenactments of General George Washington crossing the Delaware River. They will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 25th from noon to 3 p.m. at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32 (River Road) in Bucks County, Pa. The actual crossings will take place at 1 p.m. For more information visit WashingtonCrossingPark.org.
Bordentown
Wednesdays
The Bordentown Township Police Department offers Straight to Treatment on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Insurance is not necessary to receive assistance. Neither is residency in Burlington County. No appointment is needed.
For more information visit www.straighttotreatment.com or email treatment@co.burlington.nj.us.
Every Sunday
Bordentown City holds a farmers market rain or shine outside Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks Street. For inclement weather, the market is moved indoors.
Bordentown Library events
Bordentown Library is located at 18 E. Union St., Bordentown. For more information about the events below call 609-298-0622 or visit https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/locations/bordentown-library.
Dec. 1 – 10 a.m. – Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange.
Dec. 1 – 1 p.m. – Mah-jong Meetup.
Dec. 2 – 10 a.m. – Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange.
Dec. 4 – 10 a.m. – ELL English Language Learners.
Dec. 5 – 10:30 a.m. – Baby and Toddler Time.
Dec. 5 – 6 p.m. – Create Your Own Scrapbook: Card Kit Class.
Dec. 6 – 10 a.m. – ELL English Language Learners.
Dec. 6 – 10:30 a.m. – Kids’ MusicRound.
Dec. 6 – 5 p.m. – Pinot’s Palette Art Class: Wishful Snowfall.
Dec. 7 – 11 a.m. – Gentle Yoga.
Dec. 7 – Noon – Community Resource Navigators.
Dec. 7 – 6:30 p.m. – Knot Your Momma’s Yarn Club.
Dec. 8 – 10 a.m. – Book Sale.
Dec. 8 – 10:30 a.m. – Parachute Play.
Dec. 8 – 1 p.m. – Mah-jong Meetup.
Friday, Dec. 1
Bordentown Township Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., Senior Community Center, 3 Municipal Dr.
Chocolate Walk in Bordentown City from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cranbury
The Cranbury Public Library (CPL) is located at 30 Park Place West. For more information on listed events please call (609) 722-6992.
Dec. 1 – all day – Inaugural Holiday Tree Decorating and Lighting at 4:40 p.m.
Dec. 1 – 11 a.m. – Communicating Your Health Priorities.
Dec. 2 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Bob Ross Painting Workshop: Winter Wonderland.
Dec. 2 – Noon to 2 p.m. – Meet the Artist – Kathleen Maguire Morolda.
Dec. 4 – 4 p.m. – Pawns Pathways at CPL Chess Club.
Dec. 5 – 6:30 p.m. – Spinning Yarns.
Dec. 6 – 11 a.m. – Family Storytime.
Dec. 7 – 10:30-11:15 a.m. – Mindful Movements and Guided Meditation.
Dec. 7 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Thursday Crafternoon: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?
Cranbury Arts Council Gourgaud Gallery
Gourgaud Gallery is located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main St.
The gallery will host an Open Call Exhibit in December. This is our 13th annual event and the theme this year is TREES, FLOWERS AND WATER.
The exhibit will run Sunday, Dec. 3 (Reception 1-3 p.m.) to Wednesday, Dec 28.
Admission to the gallery is free.
The show will feature several different mediums (paintings, drawings, photography, collage), in a variety of styles and sizes, created by many different artists. In addition to the artwork hanging on the walls, there will be a basket of matted unframed work to choose from-all standard size for framing.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit cranburyartscouncil.com and gourgaudgallery.com.
As part of a non-profit Cranbury Arts Council, the Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of art sales to the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs that support the arts in the community. Cash or a check made out to the artist is accepted as payment.
East Windsor/Hightstown
Hickory Corner Branch Library
Hickory Corner Branch Library is located at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Dec. 1 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.
Dec. 1 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Dance Party.
Dec. 1 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie: “Now You See Me.”
Dec. 2 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Fun Time.
Dec. 2 – 11:30-12:30 p.m. – Free Play with mTiny Robots.
Dec. 3 – 12:30-2 p.m. – NaNoWriMo Wrap Up Party!
Dec. 3 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie: “The Prestige.”
Dec. 4 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Messy Monday.
Dec. 4 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – ESL Conversation.
Dec. 4 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Learn How to Play Spades.
Dec. 4 – 5-5:30 p.m. – Schoo-age STEAM: Make Your Own Stamp and Art.
Dec. 4 – 7-7:30 p.m. – Makerspace Monday: Make Your Own Stamp and Art.
Dec. 5 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 5 -5-5:30 p.m. – Chanukah Storytime.
Dec. 6 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Discovery Time.
Dec. 6 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group.
Dec. 6 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Current Events Chat.
Dec. 6 – 4:30-5:15 p.m. – Chess Club.
Dec. 6 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Evening Storytime.
Dec. 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby time.
Dec. 7 – 11-11:45 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.
Dec. 7 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Crochet and Knit Corner.
Dec. 7 – 5-5:30 p.m. – Crafternoon: Owl Babies Painting.
Dec. 8 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Story and Snack: Reindeer.
Dec. 8 – 11-11:45 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.
Dec. 8 – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.
Dec. 8 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie: “The Commuter.”
Twin Rivers Branch Library
Twin Rivers Branch Library is located at 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor.
Dec. 5 – 2-3 p.m. – Craft and Chat.
Dec. 6 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby time.
Hightstown Branch Library
Hightstown Branch Library is located at 115 Franklin, Hightstown.
Dec. 2 – 3 p.m. – Visit with Santa.
Dec. 4 – 10 a.m. – Vamos A Aprender! Bilingual Story Time.
Dec. 4 – 6 p.m. – Kindergarten to Grade 8 tutoring.
Dec. 6 – 10 a.m. – Kids’ Concert with Miss Kim.
Dec. 6 – 2-3 p.m. – Crafty Adults: Felted Soap.
Dec. 7 – 10 a.m. – ABC Play Time.
Dec. 7 – noon to 12:45 p.m. – Guided Meditation.
Monday, Dec. 4
East Windsor to participate in Womanspace’s “Communities of Light” at the municipal building, 16 Lanning Blvd. at 5 p.m., Dec. 4. The lighting up ceremony will be followed by light refreshments. Citizens can participate by purchasing luminary kits, containing six candles each, for $10 at any time at the Police/Municipal Court Building, 80 One Mile Road, and bringing luminary kits to the event. All proceeds will go 100% directly to Womanspace, the primary Mercer County organization providing a comprehensive array of services to individuals affected by domestic violence and dedicated to improving the quality of life of abuse victims and their families. For further information, call (609) 448-5678, ext. 232.
Hightstown Elks Lodge No. 1955
Hightstown Elks Lodge No. 1955 invites everyone to two holiday events.
Dec. 10 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Breakfast with Santa, 110 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Visit www.elks1955.org to reserve seats.
Hillsborough
Photo submissions
The Administration/Clerk’s Office invites Hillsborough residents to share scenic photos of Hillsborough for the annual township calendar and planner. In the past, the calendar has showcased the township’s gorgeous open space and scenic locations including wildlife, farmland, parks, and rivers. When submitting photos, please don’t include people and pets, and avoid objects that distract including roofs, fences, and car windows. Please save pictures with your name and the location’s name before sending them to Deborah Ng at debng@hillsborough-nj. You will also need to fill out a photo release form that is located on the Hillsborough Township website.
Hillsborough Branch Library
The library is part of the Somerset County Library System at 379 S. Branch Road. For more information on the events visit sclsnj.org.
Dec. 1 – 10:30-10:50 a.m. – Baby Rhythm and Rhyme Time.
Dec. 2 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday Stations.
Dec. 4 – 3:30-7:30 p.m. – Homework Help Center.
Dec. 4 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Writers Group.
Dec. 5 – 10:30-11 a.m. – American Sign Language Storytime.
Dec. 5 – 2-3 p.m. – Crafternoon Tea.
Dec. 5 – 7-7:50 p.m. – Suspense with Susie Book Discussion.
Dec. 6 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Movin’ Munchkins.
Dec. 6 – 3:30-7:30 p.m. – Homework Help Center.
Dec. 6 – 4-5 p.m. – Craft Adventures.
Dec. 6 – 6-7 p.m. – Fantastic Worlds Book Club.
Dec. 7 – 6-6:30 p.m. – The Nutcracker: An Abridged Performance.
Dec. 8 – 10:30-10:50 a.m. – Baby Rhythm and Rhyme Time.
Dec. 8 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Read to a Therapy Dog.
Girls on the Run
The 22nd season of Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey (GOTRCNJ) is gearing up for the fall season.
Volunteer coaches are needed in Somerset, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. Please reach out to donna.york@girlsontherun.org for more information.
Coaches do not need to be runners or athletic. The goal of the coaches is not to teach the girls how to run. The key takeaway from the curriculum is for the girls to learn about confidence, character, caring, connection, and contribution to community. The girls learn to build self-worth, recognize their inner power to make positive decisions in their lives, while celebrating their uniqueness. These dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between emotional and physical health,
There is still time to volunteer as a coach or to start a new site for the Fall season. For information go to www.gotrcnj.org or contact donna.york@girlsontherun.org.
Friday, Dec. 1
Hillsborough Township’s Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at 5:30 p.m., 379 South Branch Road.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Hillsborough Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3, 324 Woods Road, Hillsborough, is hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast with Santa breakfast on Dec. 2 First seating is at 8:15 a.m. and second seating is 10:45 a.m. To make a reservation email WoodsRdFireAux@gmail.com. Santa will arrive on a fire truck and join the breakfast.
Hillsborough PBA 205 is running its annual movie night toy drive to support foster children and families through Embrella.org at the Hillsborough Cinemas.
The featured films are “The Grinch” (2018) and “Christmas Vacation” and the price of admission is one (1) new toy per guest. Both movies start at 5 p.m. and “The Grinch” will be available in two theatres and “Christmas Vacation” will be in one. There is limited seating available so please RSVP on the Evite link (http://evite.me/g2hc8ZytQ6) or QR code shown on the flyer.
From 3-5 p.m., there will be complimentary pictures with Santa provided by Memories with Mae Photography. Starbucks will be providing complimentary hot chocolate from 4-6 p.m. There will also be complimentary cookies. The Hillsborough Cinemas will have food available for purchase at the concession stand.
For those who cannot attend but would still like to donate toys, gift cards, etc. to this event, a toy bin is located in the Hillsborough Township Police Department lobby.
During this event, the police will also be fundraising for the Eick Family. Both the 5-year-old daughter and the father Ed are currently fighting a rare genetic form of brain cancer. For any questions on this event contact: Hillsboroughpba205holiday@gmail.com.
Monday, Dec. 4
Neshanic Garden Club is hosting its Greens Workshop from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Hillsborough Municipal Building, 379 South Branch River Road, Hillsborough. Email or call Marion Nation – mrsnation46@gmail.com or 908-359-6317 for more information.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Menorah Lighting at 4:30 p.m. For more information visit township website at www.hiullsborough-nj.org.
Hillsborough High School and Hillsborough/Millstone Municipal Alliance present Dirt by Author, actor and comedian John Morello relays a powerful message on how addiction and bullying affect family, friends and innocent bystanders at 6:30 p.m. at Hillsborough High School auditorium, 466 Raider Blvd.
Friday, Dec. 8
Gratitude Today and Beyond focused workshop at Hillsborough Municipal Complex from 8:30-10 a.m. Dec. 8. Free hot breakfast provided.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Hillsborough Boy Scout Troop 89 open house at 3 p.m., Hillsborough Fire Co. 2, 375 Route 206.
Hopewell Valley
The Sourland Conservancy – all year round – is thankful for every single member, volunteer, partner, and supporter for everything they do to save the Sourland Region’s important history and ecology.
Sourland Conservancy is at 83 Princeton Avenue, Suite 1A, Hopewell.
If you have planted any native plants and trees at your home or business, please email the Conservancy to let them know. They would like to highlight the efforts of private citizens in planting native to help connect green spaces and provide habitat for native and migratory species. For more information, visit their website www.sourland.org or email info@sourland.org.
Saturdays at Howell Living History Farm
The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township and is a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information on the events listed call 609-737-3299 or email info@howellfarm.org.
Dec. 2 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Christmas on the Farm.
Hopewell Branch Library
Hopewell Branch Library is located at 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.
Dec. 1 – 10 a.m. to noon – Memory Screenings.
Dec. 1 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Toddler Rock.
Dec. 2 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 2 – noon to 1 p.m. – Crafternoon: Holiday Tree Sponge Painting
Dec. 4 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 4 – 1-1:45 p.m. – Homeschool Teens: Discover America.
Dec. 4 – 2-3 p.m. – Monday Afternoon Book Club.
Dec. 4 – 3-4 p.m. – Prince Club Meetup.
Dec. 4 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon: Paper Dreidel.
Dec. 4 – 4:30-6 p.m. – Chess Club.
Dec. 5 – 10-11 a.m. – Cribbage and Coffee.
Dec. 5 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Toddler Rock.
Dec. 5 – 1-1:45 p.m. – Preschool STEAM.
Dec. 5 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon: Paper Dreidel.
Dec. 6 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Babytime.
Dec. 6 – 6-7 p.m. – Teen/Tween Knitting.
Dec. 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 7 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Lego Club.
Dec. 8 – 10 a.m. to noon – Maj Jongg in the morning.
Dec. 8 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Toddler Rock.
Dec. 8 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Stay and Play.
Dec. 8 – 2:30-4:30 p.m. – Gift Wrapping Stations.
Pennington Public Library
Pennington Public Library is located at 30 N. Main St. For more information visit www.penningtonlibrary.org.
Dec. 1 – 4:30 p.m. – Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo.
Dec. 2 – Story Stroll at Sked Street Park, Sked Street.
Sundays at Washington Crossing Park
The Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) will lead tours of the State Park on various Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m.
Tickets are free. As space is limited, all tickets must be reserved at Eventbrite. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-washington-crossing-state-park-historic-walking-tours-tickets-634898156477)
Tours begin at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum with a tour overview and a screening of the film, Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty. Tour guides and state park historians will introduce participants to the Museum’s world-class Swan Historical Foundation Collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. They will also discuss Lloyd Garrison’s painting of Washington’s Crossing, and how it compares to other depictions of the 1776 Crossing.
Next, visitors will walk down Sullivan Drive to the entrance to Continental Lane, where you will engage in a discussion on the reasons why Gen. George Washington chose this spot for his history-changing campaign. From there, participants will walk to the park’s Stone Barn where they will examine a map of the Battle of Trenton and a large diorama of Washington’s Crossing, the March to Trenton, and the Battle of Trenton.
Finally, visitors will walk to the nearby Landing Overlook, where they will discuss the significance of the nearby 1740s Johnson Ferry House, and the importance of ferryboat operations to the Crossing and Landing.
Tours are free but donations to the Washington Crossing Park Association are gratefully accepted. Tours are contingent on the weather. For updates: call the Visitors Center at (609) 737-0623. You may also visit https://www.wcpa-nj.com/historic-tours for more information.
NOTE: There are no park entrance fees until July 1st. After that, a $5 per car (cash only) entry fee applies on weekends until Labor Day.
Contact Information: WCPA, Executive Director Annette Earling, info@washingtoncrossingparkassociation.com.
Rabies Clinic
Dec. 2 – 9 a.m. to noon – Pennington Borough Department of Public Works, 301 N. Main St., Pennington.
Jan. 6, 2024 – 9 a.m. to noon – Hopewell Township Department of Public Works, 203 Washington crossing Pennington Road, Titusville.
For more information contact (609) 737-0605 ext. 6780.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Blood drive from 2-7 p.m. at Hopewell Township Health Department, 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.
Saturday, Dec. 9
St. Matthew’s Annual Christmas Bazaar to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 9, 300 South Main St., Pennington.
Join Santa and his elves for Homemade Gourmet Treats including cookies and cakes, Frozen Casseroles, Handmade Gifts, Holiday Luncheon with fresh Norwegian waffles, Hostess Gifts, a Christmas Quilt Raffle and more!
For more information contact (609) 737-0985
Lawrence Township
The Lawrence Township Library Branch is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. For more information contact (609) 882-9246.
Dec. 1 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.
Dec. 1 – 10-11 a.m. – Mouse Basics.
Dec. 1 – 2-3:30 p.m. – PC Basics.
Dec. 1 – 3-4 p.m. – Drum Circle.
Dec. 2 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Intro to Excel.
Dec. 2 – 10:30-11:30 (half hour) – Storytime.
Dec. 2 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Excel Essentials.
Dec. 3 – 1:30 p.m. – Friendship Bracelets.
Dec. 4 – 10-10:45 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 4 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Searching the Internet.
Dec. 4 – 11 a.m. – Little Artists.
Dec. 4 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Intro to Word.
Dec. 4 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Shrinky Dinks.
Dec. 5 – 10 a.m. – Babytime.
Dec. 5 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Quiet Storytime.
Dec. 5 – 3-4:30 p.m. – Poetry Writing Workshop.
Dec. 5 – 6-7:30 p.m. – Intro to Word.
Dec. 5 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Snowman Ornament.
Dec. 6 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 6 – noon to 1 p.m. – Adult Holiday Drawing Party – Make an Invitation.
Dec. 6 – 2-3:55 p.m. – Best of 2023 Film Screening.
Dec. 6 – 6-7:30 p.m. – Intro to Excel.
Dec. 6 – 6:30 p.m. – Holiday Perler Bead Ornaments.
Dec. 7 – 10 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 7 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Open lab.
Dec. 7 – 1-5 p.m. – Upcycle Challenge: Winter Holiday Decoration.
Dec. 7 – 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Play with Clay.
Dec. 8 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.
Dec. 8 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Windows 11: Files and Folders.
Anne Demarais Nature Center (ADNC)
The center is located at 481 Drexel Ave.
Every month, on the first Saturday, Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation is sponsoring walks through the meadow at the Lawrence Nature Center and through the Drexel Woods to see the wonders of nature, learn about the history of Lawrence Township and enjoy the great outdoors. Check back here, on our Events page to see what is coming up and to register for a walk.
Montgomery
Montgomery Library is located at 100 Community Dr., Skillman. For more information call (908) 458-8401.
Dec. 2 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Mandarin Storytime.
Dec. 2 – 2-3 p.m. – Chess for beginners.
Dec. 4 – 5-7 p.m. (half hour) – Monty Tutoring.
Dec. 4 – 5:15-6 p.m. – Art Academy.
Dec. 6 – 6:30-7 p.m. – The Nutcracker: An Abridged Performance.
Dec. 7 – 10:30-10:50 a.m. – Baby Bounce.
Dec. 7 – Digital Preservation Lab 101.
Dec. 7- 5-7 (half hour) – Monty Tutoring.
Princeton
Friday, Dec. 1
Join Friends of Princeton Open Space for a special evening to celebrate the extraordinary work by local photographers. Perspectives on Preservation Opening Reception is from 6-8 p.m., Dec. 1 at the Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Ave. Enjoy wine, light bites and live music with renowned cellist, Dan Kassel. Free and open to all
Perspectives on Preservation features a selection of images from submissions to our annual photo contest, sponsored by REI Princeton, as well as photographs of the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve by Princeton photographer, Frank Sauer. All photos will be offered for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Princeton Open Space
The exhibition continues on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happenings at McCarter Theater
McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place, Princeton. For more information about events listed or for tickets visit www.mccarter.org.
FOPOS
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) has a number of events lined up. For more information visit www.fopos.org.
Dec. 1 – 6-8 p.m. – Perspectives on Preservation Exhibition opening.
Dec. 2-3 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Perspectives on Preservation Photo Exhibition.
Happenings at Morven Museum & Garden
Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton St. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact info@morven.org.
Check out the Monthly Docent Tours of Striking Beauty: New Jersey Tall Case Clocks, 1730 to 1830. Morven’s special exhibition features over 50 tall case clocks, representing almost as many different clockmakers.
Tours are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month, at 2 p.m. through the duration of the exhibition: Jan. 18, 2024, Feb. 15, 2024.
Morven’s annual winter exhibition, Festival of Trees, runs through Jan. 7, 2024. A must-see Princeton holiday tradition, visitors enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels, and porches festively decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations.
Dec. 9 – 10 a.m. – Festival of Trees Family Morning and Storytime.
Dec. 13 – 6 p.m. – Holiday Paper Quilling Workshop.
Dec. 14 – 6 p.m. – Festival of Trees After Hours Tour.
Dec. 28 – 1 p.m. – special Holiday Time Tour of Striking Beauty.
Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St.
Dec. 1 – 9:45 a.m. to noon – Job Seekers: Advantages of Rejection.
Dec. 1 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – English Conversation Group.
Dec. 1 – Teens: “Hunger Games” event.
Dec. 2 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Journalism and Democracy – 2023 Public Humanities Forum.
Dec. 2 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Saturday Storytime!
Dec. 2 – 1-1:30 p.m. – Kids: Japanese Storytime.
Dec. 2 – 2-3 p.m. – Kids and Teens: STEM Circle.
Dec. 2 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Teens: Fall Python Series (Advanced).
Dec. 2 – 3:30-5 p.m. – Youth: Drop-In Chess Sessions.
Dec. 3 – 11 a.m. to noon – Book brunch.
Dec. 3 – 2-5 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol” Read-Aloud.
Dec. 3 – 2-2:30 p.m. – Kids: Spanish Storytime.
Dec. 3 – 2-4 p.m. – Collaborative Tapestry Art Project.
Dec. 4 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playtime Fun: Build it!
Dec. 4 – 3-6 p.m. – Kids and Teens: Homework Help.
Dec. 4 – 4-4:45 p.m. – Kids: Build with Lego.
Dec. 4 – 6-8 p.m. – Citizenship Test Prep Course.
Dec. 4 – 7-8:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.
Dec. 4 – 7-8:30 p.m. – Continuing Conversations on Race.
Dec. 4 – 7:30-9 p.m. – Mystery Book Group.
Dec. 5 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Tech: Ask the Mac Pros.
Dec. 5 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playtime Fun: Build it!
Dec. 5 – 2-3 p.m. – Tech: Getting Started with Google Drive.
Dec. 5 – 3-6 p.m. – Kids and Teens: Homework Help.
Dec. 5 – 4-7 p.m. – Mercer County Community ID.
Dec. 5 – 7-8:30 p.m. – Workshop: Writers Room.
Dec. 6 – 10 a.m. to noon – Drop in and Knit.
Dec. 6 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!
Dec. 6 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.
Dec. 6 – noon to 1 p.m. – Baby Play Group.
Dec. 6 – 1-2 p.m. – Tech: Introduction to Search Engine Optimization.
Dec. 6 – 3-6 p.m. – Kids and Teens: Homework Help.
Dec. 6 – 4-5:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.
Dec. 6 – 7-8 p.m. – Author: Ha Jin in Conversation with Yiyun Li.
Dec. 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!
Dec. 7 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – English Conversation Group.
Dec. 7 – 10:30-11:45 a.m. – Fiction Book Group.
Dec. 7 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.
Dec. 7 – noon to 1 p.m. – Baby Play Group.
Dec. 7 – 3-6 p.m. – Kids and Teens: Homework Help.
Dec. 7 – 4-5:30 p.m. – Neurodiverse Crafting Circle.
Dec. 7 – 7-8 p.m. – Author: Joshua N. Winn.
Dec. 8 – 9:45 a.m. to noon – Job Seekers: LinkedIn Branding Statements and Views.
Dec. 8 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – English Conversation Group.
Dec. 8 – 3-4 p.m. – Teens: take and Make – LED Sign.
Lewis Center of the Arts
Lewis Center of the Arts is located at 122 Alexander St., Princeton.
Dec. 1 – 4:30 p.m. – Fund for Irish Studies at Princeton University presents a Reading by Caoilinn Hughes at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St., Princeton University Campus.
Dec. 1-3 – Princeton Dance Festival presented by Lewis Center of the Arts at Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place. Times are 8 p.m., Dec. 1, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3.
Dec. 4 -7 p.m. – Conversation with Broadway director John Doyle, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University.
Dec. 4 – 5 p.m. – Fall Student Reading, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing.
Dec. 5 – 7 p.m. – The Circle or Prophetic Dream, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Dance.
Dec. 6 – 1:30 p.m. – Readings from The Princeton Comics Notebook, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Princeton Atelier.
Through Dec. 7 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Lewis Center for the Arts to presents When Pages Breathe, a series of events highlighting oral interpretation of literary works from Nov. 28 to Dec. 7. Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the CoLab, Lewis Arts complex, Princeton University campus.
Dec. 8-9 – Christmastown, staged reading of a new musical by Sydney Hwang, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater. Times are 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9.
Dec. 8-10 – Gaucho: A New Musical by Aaron Ventresca ’24, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater. Times are 8 p.m. for Dec. 8-9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10.
Princeton University Library
Commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Golio with a celebration of English literature.
Monday-Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Princeton University Library is located at One Washington Road, Princeton.
Holidays at the MarketFair
MarketFair extends a warm invitation to the community to partake in a bountiful array of festive holiday activities from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, including photo opportunities with Santa for children and pets, enchanting Sounds of the Seasons with performances by various bands and choirs, creative cookie decorating, heartwarming pet adoptions, gift wrapping services, and more. The seasonal delights that are sure to bring joy and cheer to all are detailed below.
Sounds of the Season
Saturday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 8
Various Bands/Choirs – more dates and times pending.
Sensory Santa
Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus
Wednesday, Dec. 6, Wednesday, Dec. 13, and Wednesday, December 20 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Pet Adoptions
Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10
Holiday Gift Wrapping
Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 21-24
The Wish Tree and photos with Santa
Through Sunday, Dec. 24
Pet Photos with Santa
Sunday, December 3, and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Join Voices Chorale NJ for a festive concert featuring the heartfelt, rarely performed Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns and spirited arrangements of holiday favorite classics at 4 p.m., Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St., Princeton. Led by Artistic Director Dr. David A. McConnell, the chorale continues its tradition of presenting engaging, challenging, and diverse music in this winter concert. Dr. Akiko Hosaki will accompany the choir on piano and organ. Visit VoicesChoraleNJ.org for more information.
Friday, Dec. 15
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Jeff Warner in an evening of traditional American folksong at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton. For more information visit www.princetonfolk.org.
Through Dec. 31
Artspace Art Exhibit features Through the Storm: Finding Home at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. Homefront’s visual artists and poets have powerfully and creatively interpreted their journey from homeless to home while navigating overwhelming challenges along the way.
Sunday, January 7, 2024
The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) will mark the 247th anniversary of Battle of Princeton – fought on Jan. 3, 1777- with its signature educational event, “Experience the Battle of Princeton” at Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer St., Princeton. The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. The reenactment will conclude by 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution will join other hereditary organizations as well as representatives of legacy National Guard and British Army units whose antecedents fought at the battle in a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Grove behind the Colonnade on the battlefield. A detailed schedule of events for Experience the Battle of Princeton can be found at www.pbs1777.org.
West Windsor
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is located at the Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
Through Dec. 3 – Parfumerie.
West Windsor Arts
West Windsor Arts Council, located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, is hosting a number of events.
For more information, call (609) 716-1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
Dec 2-3 – 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 – Deadline for “Manifesting Beloved Community” juried exhibit.
Dec. 9-10 – 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 16-17 – 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Through Dec. 23 – Juried affordable art show.
West Windsor Branch Library
West Windsor Branch Library is located at 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction.
Dec. 1 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Sing-a-long with Ms. Pat.
Dec. 2 – 1:30-3 p.m. – Vex Robotics for Teens.
Dec. 4 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Messy Club.
Dec. 4 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Storytime.
Dec. 5 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Songs and Stories.
Dec. 5 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Chess for Beginners.
Dec. 6 – 10:15-10:45 a.m. – Little Libros English/Spanish Storytime.
Dec. 6 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playdate Pals.
Dec. 6 – 5:30-6 p.m. – Art Explorers.
Dec. 7 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Little STEAMers I.
Dec. 7 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Little STEAMersII.
Dec. 7 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Let’s Play Chess.
Dec. 7 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Teen Writing Workshop.
Dec. 8 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Children’s Music with Ms. Kim.
Send items to calendar@centraljersey.com. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 732-358-5200, ext. 8233.
