By: centraljersey.com
Hopewell Valley Republicans will meet Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room of The Straube Center, 108 W. Franklin Ave., Pennington. Meetings are free and open to the public. Agenda items will include the annual spring breakfast in April and other events planned throughout 2011. Meetings will continue to be held the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. "We have a very full schedule of events this year," said President Mike Chipowsky, "and we welcome local residents to join us We’ll be moving some of our activities to larger venues, to accommodate all those who are interested in attending ." In case of inclement weather, call Mr. Chipowsky after 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting at 737-8869 for an update.
Brown Bag Lunch
On Feb. 4, there will be a "Brown Bag Lunch" at 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Older Adult Committee of the Pennington Presbyterian Church, it will be held at 13 S. Main St, Pennington. Kurt Marttila, of "Seniors Helping Seniors," will speak at 1 p.m. about in-home services that provide seniors with the ability to choose an independent lifestyle by matching them with caring, compassionate seniors who want to help. A variety of services are offered to help seniors remain in their own homes. Bring a sandwich. Beverages, fruit and a light dessert will be provided. All are welcome. Call to make a reservation, 737-1221.
Piano forum
The Piano Teachers Forum will meet Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. with coffee at 9 a.m. The program, "Introducing American Classic Songwriters to Young Pianists and Adult Students" will be presented by Dr. James Lyke. The meeting will be held at the regular meeting place, Jacobs Music on Route 1 in Lawrence Township.
Super Bowl Meatball Sale
The Hopewell Knights of Columbus will hold a Super Bowl Meatball Sale on Feb. 5 from 2-6 p.m. and Feb. 6 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Church, Hopewell. Quart containers of six meatballs in sauce for $5 will be available as well as trays for parties. To preorder trays, contact Tony Muscente at 575-5707. Trays can be made of any quantity (25-500 meatballs in sauce) and large or cocktail size. Large meatballs are $75 per 100. Small meatballs are $65 per 100. All meatballs will be made fresh in homemade sauce that weekend. For more information, visit: www.kofc7103.org.
Boot Camp for CASA
Chris Amaro of Fit Body Boot Camp, Pennington, has announced the Feb. 3-11 "Frowns Upside Down: Boot Camp for CASA," a fundraiser pledged to raise $400 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mercer County to ensure that children, suffering from abuse and neglect, are given the support they need to guarantee placement in safe, loving and permanent homes. The fundraiser will take place at 55 Route 31 South, Building C, Pennington. Activities include: total-body exercises, group training, cardio and core training for 45 minutes to burn fat and tone "problem areas" of the body. For more information on how to participate, call 877-250-9423. Or go to: casabootcamp.eventbrite.com .
‘Eden’ discussion
The Har Sinai Temple Sisterhood will meet to discuss the Yael Hedaya novel, "Eden," at a Feb. 10 event that is open both to members and the public at 7:30 p.m. in Har Sinai Temple, 2421 Pennington Road at Denow Road West. The novel focuses on the realities of middle age while exploring the personal lives of families living in a small, rural Israeli community called Eden. The novel, released in October 2010, also illustrates the community’s entangled love lives in what the Kirkus Review called a "’Peyton Place’ with Uzis." Anyone interested in attending should call 730-8100. Admission is free and lighted parking is available.
Spaghetti dinner
TGIF youth will host a Community Spaghetti Dinner on Feb. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at The Pennington United Methodist Church, 60 S. Main St., Pennington. Tickets are: ages 12 and up, $8; ages 5-11, $5; under 5 free. Call 818-9281 to buy tickets in advance. Limited tickets at the door. All proceeds will benefit TGIF summer Mission 101 Trip as well as other planned TGIF community service projects. TGIF is a youth group open to all sixth-eighth graders in the community. Currently, participating youth represent over five denominations or no church affiliation. The group meets several Fridays a month from 7-9 p.m.
Tax help offered
During the months of February and March, Rider University accounting students will offer free tax help through the Internal Revenue Services’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for low to moderate income individuals and senior citizens. Sessions will be held in the Bart Luedeke Center, Room 14 (located next to the Rider Bookstore on the bottom floor) on the Lawrenceville campus on: Feb. 8, 15 and 22 and March 1, from 6-9 p.m.; Feb. 10, 17 and 24 and March 3, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 5, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Donald Shaw, adjunct professor of accounting and coordinator of the volunteer effort, said student volunteers must have successfully completed an upper-level taxation course and two January training courses. Tax returns are prepared using professional software on laptops. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents such as W2 forms, interest statements, copies of last year’s return as well as any IRS tax item received in the mail.
Har Sinai retreat
The Har Sinai Temple Sisterhood is taking reservations for its annual Women’s Retreat, an overnight program of spirituality and bonding, to be held at the Marriott Princeton Hotel and Conference Center, 100 College Road East, Plainsboro, from Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.-Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m. A Friday evening welcoming reception and Shabbat dinner will be followed by a Shabbat service. The night will conclude with a wine tasting event presented by Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Saturday activities begin with an early morning fitness walk, a buffet breakfast with Torah study, followed by the Shabbat service. A presentation by Dr. Barbara Gitenstein, president of the College of New Jersey, will discuss "Filling Our Spiritual Cups." A closing Havdalah service will be held after lunch. Those who attend the retreat may opt for an overnight stay or a Friday evening and/or Saturday programs. This event is open to all. Make reservations ASAP by calling 730-8100.
Brisket Bake-Off
Har Sinai Temple is looking for a new brisket recipe, unless it decides to keep the old one. The first annual Brisket Bake-Off will be held at the temple, 2421 Pennington Road, on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. and is open to all who want to make a brisket, eat some brisket or do both. Sponsored by Social Action Committee, the bake-off will raise money for the temple’s annual feeding of the poor at Trenton’s Church of the Sacred Heart on March 27 and provide a new taste to the meat dish. To participate, entrants must prepare and bring a hot, at least 10-pound brisket to the temple by 5 p.m. and pay $10, which entitles them to a full meal. People who simply want to eat pay $15 and children 10-and-under get meals for $5. Har Sinai will supply side dishes, beverages and desserts. Prizes of aprons or turkey basters will be awarded for first place and "audience choice." Judging will be Nancy Frost and Eunice Levie and Gary Schindler from Gary and Lenny’s New York Deli. Make reservations by calling 730-8100.
Hopewell churches slate retreat
The women of the Hopewell United Methodist Church and Second Calvary Baptist Church invite all women to attend their annual retreat in Ocean City from April 8-10. The topic is "Living in the Present Moment," presented by the Rev. Gerri Fowler of Balm in Gilead Ministries. Cost is $158 per person, based on two women/room. It includes accommodations at The Port-O-Call oceanfront resort, retreat registration and two buffet breakfasts. Single rooms also available. Contact Ellie Furlong at 466-8728, by March 2 for information or reservations.
Networking breakfast
On March 16, Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Hopewell Valley Chapter will hold a Networking Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Pennington First Aid Squad, 110 Broemel Place, Pennington. Visit the Chamber website at www.mercerchamber.org for further details and updates and to register and pay online, or call the Chamber Office at 689-9960.
Valley Chorus
The Hopewell Valley Chorus rehearses Mondays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Chorus Room at Hopewell Valley Central High School, 259 Pennington-Titusville Road. Membership is $35 per season. For further information, call 737-7960 or e-mail [email protected]. The website is: www.hopewellvalleychorus.org.
Baldpate closings
The Mercer County Park Commission will close Baldpate Mountain to all visitors on select days due to the annual deer management project. Those dates are: Feb. 3-5, 9-12. Exact project dates also will be posted on the various gates leading into the area. Note that unauthorized persons entering the area on the above dates not only put themselves at extreme risk, but will also be cited. Questions? Call the Mercer County Park Commission at 989-6559.
YMCA summer camp registration
The Hopewell Valley YMCA is accepting registrations for Summer Camp 2011. The camp is a state-licensed day camp and accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Campers are offered swim lessons four days a week, weekly trips, snacks, special events and activities. Attend an open house on Jan. 31 at Toll Gate Grammar School from 6:30-8 p.m. Register by Feb. 25 and receive a discount on registration per camper. For more information, call 737-3048, or [email protected]. Also visit: www.hvymca.org. The YMCA operates offices at 62 S. Main St., Pennington.
Robotics Team and course
The Straube Foundation is hosting a Robotics Team, which will meet every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in room I-19 of building I-108. If interested in robots, this team will make you feel right at home. Beginners are welcome. There is a monthly fee to pay the instructor and maintain the robots. For fee and other information, go to www.straube.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 737-3322.
Kindergarten enrichment
The Hopewell Valley After School Program is accepting registrations for a.m. and p.m. kindergarten enrichment taught by licensed teachers. HVASP is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Enroll for full weeks, part-time weeks or drop-in care for any kindergarten child attending Bear Tavern Elementary, Stony Brook Elementary, Toll Gate Grammar or Hopewell Elementary. For more information, visit: HVASP.com, e-mail at [email protected] or call 730-1311.
Fellowship group
All community children in grades six-eight are invited to TGIF, an outreach ministry of The Pennington United Methodist Church. TGIF meets two Fridays a month from 7-8:30 p.m. as well as additional times for extra activities. Youth from several churches and those with no church affiliation and are from multiple communities are participating in fellowship, community service and exploring their relationships with God. Questions? Call Carla MacGuigan at 818-9281.
Yoga classes
One Spirit Yoga classes has returned to the Hopewell Railroad Station. Classes are Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Bring yoga mat, a water bottle and a willingness to stretch, relax and let go. For questions, call Nancy McCormack at 609-333-1188.
Memoir Group
The Memoir Group meets the third Thursday of every month at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville. Soup and cookies at 12:30 p.m. are followed by shared memoirs. A topic is assigned, but one may write on any topic or just eat and listen. All ages are welcome. Call Howard Bennett at 267-980-6518 for more information.
Hopewell Farmers market
The Hopewell Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. at the Railroad Station, Railroad Place. Shoppers will find Olssons Fine Foods (international cheeses, Griggstown meats, international and local pantry items); Village Bakery (bread, cookies and pastries); North Slope Farm (vegetables and fruits); Highland Gourmet (all-natural beef, fresh mushrooms, homemade baked goods, local honey); WoodsEdge Wool Farm (alpaca and llama fashion); and Guzikowski Eggs (fresh local eggs).
Artists gatherings
Artists gather every Monday night (except the first Monday of the month) to paint and draw from 7:30-9:30. Bring art supplies and a project in mind. Table and chairs provided. This is a free Hopewell Borough recreation program. For information, contact [email protected] or call 466-0277.
Legion Post 339 and auxiliary unit
Hopewell Valley American Legion Post 339 and Auxiliary Unit 339 meetings and events are held now at 16 Seminary Ave., Hopewell Borough. Sal Torre is commander. The unit (auxiliary) president is Joan Garay. For more information, call Joe Kianka, 466-1149.
VFW Post 829
Veterans of Foreign Wars Pennington Post 829 meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Hopewell Township Branch, Mercer County Library, next to CHS. All members and those wishing to become members are invited to attend this meeting. For more information, call Bob Peck at 771-4133.
Hopewell Fire Auxiliary meetings
The Hopewell Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the firehouse, South Greenwood and Columbia avenues, Hopewell. New members are welcome. Contact Membership Chairwoman Mary Anne Van Doren at 466-3060 for more information.
Camp open houses
Rambling Pines Day Camp will host open houses on Feb. 6 and 27 from 1-3 p.m. Parents and children are invited to attend the open house, tour the facility and meet some of the staff members. Applications are being accepted for the 2011 summer season. Rambling Pines is located on Route 518 in Hopewell Township. For additional information or a brochure, call 466-1212 or log onto www.ramblingpines.com.
