By: centraljersey.com
Princeton Borough Council, 7:30 p.m., Borough Hall.
Montgomery Zoning Board of Adjustment special meeting, 7:30 p.m., Municipal Building, 2261 Route 206.
Princeton Regional Board of Education, 8 p.m., John Witherspoon Middle School, 217 Walnut Lane.
Thurs., Nov. 25: Thanksgiving
Trinity Church Turkey Trot: The Trinity Church Turkey Trot steps off at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the 5K run and walk support The Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton, the Trenton After School Program and Housing Initiatives of Princeton. The race begins and ends at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St., Princeton, rain or shine. Runners and walkers pay $25 per person to participate, and 100 percent f race fees will support the charities benefitting from this race. Register online at www.acteva.com/go/trinitytrot. For more information, call 609-954-2277 x112.
Community Thanksgiving Service: 11 a.m. to noon, Princeton University Chapel. Presented by Princeton Clergy Association. Please bring nonperishable food item for Crisis Ministry food bank; no glass containers.
Fri., Nov. 26
Holidays on the Green at Palmer Square: Meet characters from American Repertory Ballet’s "The Nutcracker," 3 to 4 p.m.; holiday music, tree lighting, visit by Santa, 4:45 p.m. Free. On the Web: www.palmersquare.com.
Sat., Nov. 27
Holiday Event! Visit by Santa, horse and wagon rides, art projects, strolling carolers and characters, and more. 3 to 6:30 p.m. Free. Princeton Forrestal Village, off Route 1 south, Plainsboro. On the Web: www.princetonforrestalvillage.com.
Sun., Nov. 28
Songwriters in the Round: Songwriter Kim Yarson returns to the Princeton Public Library with the duo Barbara Harley and Al Lind and Dan Sufalko. The musicians perform their music in an in-the-round setting, allowing the audience to learn more about the songs and the process of songwriting. 3 p.m. Free. Community Room.
"Twice the Fun: Music for Two Voices," featuring soprano Danielle Sinclair and mezzo-soprano Denise Mihalik with pianist Kathy Shanklin, at 3 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton. Free. Westminster Choir College of Rider University is located at 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton. On the Web: www.rider.edu/arts.
Selections from Handel’s "Messiah": Nassau Presbyterian Church invites the public to hear some of the most beloved words and music from Part One of Handel’s "Messiah," sung by choir and soloists from Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church and Nassau Presbyterian Church, accompanied by a community orchestra of members and friends of both church. The soloists will include Beverly Owens, soprano; Carlensha Bethea Grady, soprano; Carol Fagundus, mezzo soprano; Nerissa Thompson, mezzo soprano; Joseph Alden-Sawtelle, tenor; and William F. Walker, bass. This special event will include congregational carols and a chance to join in on the "Hallelujah" Chorus to kick off the Advent season. 4 p.m. Free. The program is followed by dinner offered for a $7 donation. Reservations for the dinner are due at the church office Wednesday, Nov. 24. For more information, call 609-924-0103.
Mon., Nov. 29
Montgomery Township Committee, 8:30 a.m., Municipal Building, 2261 Route 206, court room.
Montgomery Township Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Municipal Building, 2261 Route 206, court room.
Tues., Nov. 30
"How to Use Your Foreign Degree in the U.S.": SCORE presents Paula Restrepo in seminar designed for those who earned a university degree in another country. She will discuss skills and strategies on how to use that degree and experience to continue a career in the U.S. 6:45-8:45 p.m. Free. On the Web: www.princetonlibrary.org.
A Festival of Hymns": The Sacred Music department of Westminster Choir College of Rider University will present a Festival of Hymns with organist Tom Trenney at 8 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the Westminster campus in Princeton. The public is invited to attend at no charge. Westminster Choir College is located at 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton. On the Web: www.rider.edu/wcc.
Wed., Dec. 1
Grief Workshops for Seniors: Princeton Senior Resource Center, through a grant from the Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, is sponsoring a workshop on "Managing Grief" on Wednesday Dec. 1, at 1 p.m., in the Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St., Princeton, to be repeated Monday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Princeton Public Library. The program will be led by Lynn Shell, RN. Free. Register by calling 609-924-7108.
Central Jersey Orchid Society: Dr. William Mathis, orchid grower and specialist in native orchids of the United States, will discuss "Native and Terrestrial Orchids," the many hardy perennial orchids that can be grown almost anywhere in the U.S. with a little care and preparation. 7 p.m. Free. Refreshments will be served. All welcome. D&R Greenway Land Trust, Johnson Education Center, off Rosedale Road, Princeton. On the Web: www.centraljerseyorchids.org.
Thurs., Dec. 2
55PLUS: James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum, will speak about "Museums and the Power of Display." 10 a.m. Free. Open to the public. Jewish Center of Princeton, 435 Nassau St., Princeton
Menorah lighting: Happy Chanukah! Palmer Square North plaza, Hulfish Street, Princeton. 5 p.m. Free.
Matthew Sharpez: "You Were Wrong: A Novel." "From ‘an heir to John Barth and kin to David Foster Wallace’ , comes a deft, comic story of love, fatherhood, and murder." 6 p.m. Free. Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St., Princeton.
"The Elephant in the Room: Sexual Health and Disabilities": Special Education PTO will meet in the library of John Witherspoon Middle School, 217 Walnut Lane, Princeton, to hear talk by Elizabeth Casparian, Ph.D., executive director of HiTOPS Adolescent Health and Education Center, titled "The Elephant in the Room – Sexual Health and Disabilities." 7:30 p.m. Free.
Holiday Handbell Concert: Princeton Theological Seminary will present a holiday handbell concert for the Seminary and Princeton communities at 7:30 p.m. in Miller Chapel on the Seminary’s campus. The concert, "A Carol for all Seasons," under the direction of F. Thomas Simpson, includes the ringing of holiday songs by Princeton Seminary and Princeton University students, and will feature one of the world’s largest handbells, on loan from Malmark, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of handbells. Free. On the Web: www.ptsem.edu.
Christmas Carol Festival: A Christmas Carol Festival will be held at 7:30 p.m. at St. David the King Roman Catholic Church, 1 New Village Road, West Windsor (Princeton Junction). Sing traditional Christmas carols, and enjoy a wide array of delicious homemade cookies and baked goods, Wassail, coffee, or juice. Free. All welcome. Call 609-275-7111 for more info.
Fri., Dec. 3
Free movie for seniors: "Robin Hood," starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. 1 p.m. Free. Princeton Senior Resource Center, Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St. Register by calling 609-924-7108.
"Sauce for the Goose" Holiday Show and Sale: The Arts Council of Princeton opens its annual holiday arts and crafts sale with reception at the Paul Robeson Center’s Taplin Gallery. 4 to 7 p.m. First opportunity to view and purchase unique, hand-crafted works. Free admission. The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is located at 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton. On the Web: www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
"The Gift for All Seasons": Princeton Alliance Church’s annual Women’s Christmas Celebration. "The Gift for All Seasons" – Jesus. 7 p.m. A special guest speaker will discuss the practical and symbolic significance of "The gifts of the Magi" and how these gifts apply to the every day lives and spiritual walk of women today. $5 per person. For more information, call the church at 609-799-9000, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro. On the Web: www.princetonalliance.org.
Opera Gala: Westminster Choir College of Rider University will present a gala concert of opera scenes and arias on Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. in the Princeton Regional Schools Performing Arts Center at Princeton High School. William Hobbs, conductor. The program will feature Westminster vocal students performing arias and scenes from operas that include "Der Rosenkavalier," "Peter Grimes," "Carmen," "Falstaff," "La Cenerentola," "Lakme," "L’Elixir d’amore," "Street Scene" and "The Magic Flute," with orchestra and supertitles. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased by calling 609-921-2663 or going to www.rider.edu/arts. The Princeton Regional Schools Performing Arts Center is located in Princeton High School on Walnut Lane in Princeton.
Sat., Dec. 4
St. Nicholas Bazaar: Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St., Princeton, will host the annual St. Nicholas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items for sale will include gingerbread houses, topiaries and wreaths, brafts, and baked goods. For children, there will be a junior shopper’s room where they can buy gifts for family members and a fun ornanment workshop. Food will also be available.
Sinterklaas Brunch and Bazaar: The historic Blawenburg Reformed Church invites the community to the annual Sinterklaas Brunch and Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Cook Hall, directly behind the sanctuary, on Route 518 in the historic Blawenburg Village section of Montgomery Township. Admission is free. Sinterklaas features many items for sale. including toys, delicious frozen homemade soups and gourmet casseroles, baked goods, Christmas decor, handmade crafts, plus White Elephant sale and lunch. On the Web: www.blawenburgchurch.org.
Santa and Snowy at Princeton Shopping Center. They will be arriving on a fire engine! 12:30 to 3 p.m. Free. 301 N. Harrison St., Princeton. On the Web: www.princetonshoppingcenter.com.
Library special sale: The Friends of the Princeton Public Library will hold a special sale of gently used audio-visual materials and world language books in the library’s Community Room from 1 to 5 p.m. Bargain-hunters will find a rich assortment of fiction and non-fiction, dictionaries and language instruction books (as well as tapes and CDs) in German, French, Spanish, Asian and Eastern European languages, Russian, Hebrew, and other languages for adults and children. Those who attend the sale will also find a wide selection of DVDs including movies, TV series, documentaries, children’s titles, exercise instruction and more. The library is in the Sands Library Building at 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton Borough. On the Web: www.princetonlibrary.org.
"A Child’s Christmas in Wales": Holiday program by The Princeton Singers, including traditional favorites and carols; Steven Sametz, artistic director. 6 p.m. Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau St.., Princeton. $25; $10 students.
"An Old Fashioned Holiday" with Princeton Elks: Annual dinner-dance. Reception, dinner, dancing, 6 p.m. $30 per person. Cash bar. Music by Jade. Elks Lodge, Route 518, Montgomery (Blawenburg). To purchase tickets: 609-924-6963, 609-921-6564.
Westminster Concert Bell Choir: "Christmas for the Young at Heart." 8 p.m. Bristol Chapel on the Princeton campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Holiday favorites for children of all ages. Kathleen Ebling Shaw, conductor. $20 adults, $15 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased by calling 609-921-2663 or going to www.rider.edu/arts. Westminster Choir College of Rider University is located at 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton.
Sun., Dec. 5
Family holiday concert: Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band, award-winning children’s performers, will perform a Family Concert of holiday favorites and everyone’s favorite Kaleidoscope Songs in the new Crescendo Theater at the Princeton Montessori School, 487 Cherry Valley Road, at 4 p.m. A pizza dinner (free for children) will immediately follow the concert. Tickets $10, including pizza for children. Children under 2, free. On the Web: www.kaleidoscopesongs.com.
Holiday Concert: The Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra will present its Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. at the Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro, under the direction of Chiu-Tze Lin. The concert will feature the Qing Yang Dance Studio performing Chinese Dance and a Community Chorus singing excerpts from Handel’s "Messiah," plus holiday music sing-along. Admission $15, $12 for seniors and students. Premium seating available at $25. To order, visit www.bravuraphil.org or call 609- 790-9559, 732-792-2070, or 609-658-5036.
Mon., Dec. 6
Grief Workshop for Seniors: Princeton Senior Resource Center, through a grant from the Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, is sponsoring a workshop on "Managing Grief" at 7 p.m.in the Princeton Public Library. The program will be led by Lynn Shell, RN. Free. Register by calling 609-924-7108.
Tues., Dec. 7
Princeton Borough Council, 7:30 p.m., Borough Hall.
Wed., Dec. 8
"Carols of Many Nations": Service of readings, anthems, carols, with Princeton Theological Seminary Choir. 3 p.m.; 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary. Free.
Sun., Dec. 5
Polenta Festa! Annual celebration of traditional Italian dish. Make your favorite recipe and bring it to sample. 5 p.m. Free. Live music. Dorothea’s House, Princeton’s center of Italian culture, 120 John St., Princeton. On the Web: www.dorotheashouse.org.
Princeton Site Plan Advisory Board, 7:30 p.m., Municipal Building, meeting room A.
Thurs., Dec. 9
Princeton Borough Public Works Meeting, 12:00 p.m., Borough Hall, West Conference Room.
Tues., Dec. 14
Princeton Borough Council, 7:30 p.m., Borough Hall.
Montgomery Zoning Board of Adjustment special meeting, 7:30 p.m., Municipal Building, 2261 Route 206.
Tues., Dec. 28
Princeton Borough Council, 7:30 p.m., Borough Hall.
About the calendar
The Princeton Packet publishes events listings for the five communities it serves every Tuesday, as a community service. There is no charge.
Typewritten press releases must be received no later than two weeks prior to the date you would like to see your news in print. E-mail submission is preferred.
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Releases and photos can be mailed to he Princeton Packet, P.O. Box 350, Princeton 08542, or faxed to 609-874-2159, or e-mailed (the preferred means) to [email protected].