PTO hosting fundraiser
The Parent-Teacher Organization at Bear Tavern Elementary School is hosting a fundraiser and auction highlighting local food and a wine tasting Saturday, March 10, at Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad in Titusville from 7 to 10 p.m.
An adult-only event, “A Taste of Hopewell Valley” will include food tastings from diverse area restaurants, including Blue Bottle Café, Chez Alice, Emily’s Cafe, Pennington Pizza, Edo Sushi and Dos Gringos.
Wine tastings are being sponsored by ShopRite Liquors with a cash bar as well.
Tickets are $15 at the door and $11 when bought online at www.BearTavernAuction.com.
In what parent organizers say is the first auction to benefit the school in seven years, all proceeds will support technology initiatives for the students of Bear Tavern Elementary School.
The silent auction will feature three beach house rentals, a New York City “apartment experience,” a catered dinner and a two-week camp session at Rambling Pines as well as an array of gift certificates from local businesses.
Bear Tavern teachers and students from grades kindergarten through five are creating art and gift baskets for the auction, and there will be a tricky tray, a 50-50 raffle and a grand prize raffle of an Apple iPad 2 with Wifi.
Co-chairwomen are Sue Cammarano, Carrie Ellis and Jill Long. The event is being sponsored by Capital Health with help from Volvo of Princeton; Union Fire and Rescue Squad; West Trenton Hardware; Pennington Market; Dr. Mark McDonough DMD; Riegel Printing and ZAS Management Systems.
Leisure Club to have meeting
The Hopewell Valley Leisure Club will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, March 6, at 11 a.m. in St. Alphonsus Church Hall, 54 E. Prospect St., Hopewell.
Members are reminded to bring a sandwich; a beverage and dessert will be provided by the Refreshment Committee. Visitors are welcome.
For additional information, call 466-0657 or 466-0761.
Summer Kids Camp
The Hopewell Valley After-School Program is accepting registrations for HVASP Summer Kids Camp 2012.
Enroll for full weeks, part-time weeks or drop-in care.
HVASP Kids Camp is licensed through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and has an all-parent board of directors.
All staff members are first aid and CPR certified.
Campers will swim at a community pool three days per week and have daily snacks, weekly field trips and special events. Register by March 5 to receive a discount of $5 per week.
The camp will be located at Bear Tavern Elementary, 1162 Bear Tavern Road, Titusville.
For more information, visit HVASP.com, email HVASP@verizon.net or call at 609-730-1311.
Open house event
Chez Alice Catering Company and Hopewell Valley Vineyards will hold an Open House and Event Showcase today from 4-7 p.m. at the Vineyard, 46 Yard Road. For more information or to RSVP , call 609-737-1199. Other vendors, including florists, entertainers and Brillmans Rental Barn will be available to offer ideas and information regarding their services.
CHS musical opens Friday
”The New Gershwin Musical Comedy” will be performed at CHS’ Performing Arts Center, 259 Pennington-Titusville Road, on March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and $12 and may be purchased at the door, or online at: www.showtix4u.com as well as through the box office at 866-967-8167.
Piano forum
The Piano Teachers Forum will meet March 2 at 9:45 a.m.with coffee at 9:15 a.m. at Jacobs Music on Route 1 in Lawrence Township. The program will be Anne Farber presenting Dalcroze Techniques in the Piano Lesson. For directions and more information, call Jean Parsons at 921-1510 or visit: www.pianoteachersforum.org. Nonmembers are welcome for a $10 fee at the door.
Straube exhibit
The Straube Center Fine Art Show — Grace, Strength and Freedom — will run from March 2-May 25 at Straube Center, Route 31 and West Franklin Avenue, Pennington (Buildings 100 and I-108). The show is always free to the public. Opening reception is March 2 from 7-9 p.m. and will feature hors d’oeuvres (free). Gallery hours are: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.
Wildlife Center needs volunteers
Mercer County Wildlife Center is seeking individuals who would like to volunteer their time to care for animals brought to the Hopewell Township facility. The center’s staff and volunteers care for native wildlife that are injured, ill or displaced, and provide medical treatment and a temporary refuge to prepare the animals for release into an appropriate, wild habitat. The center is staffed 365 days a year by one full-time licensed wildlife rehabilitator and two full-time assistants and receives more than 12,000 phone calls annually. The center has scheduled its 2012 volunteer orientation on March 3 at the center. Those who are interested are required to attend only one of the two sessions. To work directly with the animals, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, have had a current tetanus vaccine, and are required to attend one orientation session. The center is located on Route 29. To register for either orientation session or get more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Jane Rakos-Yates at 883-6606, ext. 103.
Free tax help
During 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 on the Lawrenceville campus on: March 1, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Bart Luedeke Center Pub (near Cranberry’s Cafe); and March 3, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Multi-Cultural Center on the second floor of the Bart Luedeke Center. Student volunteers must have successfully completed an upper-level taxation course and two January training courses. Students are equipped to handle New Jersey and Pennsylvania resident returns. 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.
1440 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing.
Consignment sale
Your Child and Mine is hosting its biannual children’s consignment sale from March 1-3 in Hopewell Township at the Princeton Community Church, I-95 and Route 31 North. This is a way to find needed items for children. Check out www.yourchildandmine for more information.
Clothing sale
On March 2 and 3, “Thrifty Threads” will be held at Hopewell United Methodist Church — downstairs in Burton Hall, which is handicapped accessible. United Methodist Women will offer gently used clothing for men, women and children for a donation. No pricing of items. Funds raised go to support mission projects of the United Methodist Women. The church is at 20 Blackwell Ave., Hopewell Borough. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon. Call 466-0471 for more information.
Township Democrats needed
The Hopewell Township Democratic County Committee is looking for interested people to run for the office of Township committeeperson in the fall. It also is seeking new members for the Hopewell Township Democratic County Committee. Requirements for the Township Committee seat are that the person be 18 years of age or over, a registered Democratic and a resident of Hopewell Township. A strong interest in local government affairs is desired.
In addition, each voting district in Hopewell Township has a man and woman voting representative on the County Democratic Committee. These people choose the candidates to run in the primaries for each election and generally support the party and candidates. Registered Democrats or those willing to become registered Democrats may apply. Forward requests to Democratic County Chairwoman Carol Kleis, at carol_kleis@msn.com by March 5.
Library talk
On March 7, the Hopewell Borough Library will present a talk by local writer, Scott Mulhern, the author of “Seventeen Steps to the Edge: Haikus from Heaven- Haikus from Hell.” He has lived in Hopewell for over 16 years with his wife, Susan, and their three dogs. He was a professional actor for over 20 years, and has two grown daughters. The library’s Wednesday Night Out talk series is held at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Hopewell Railroad Station, and is free and open to the public. Check: http://redlibrary.org/ for upcoming speakers and library-sponsored events.
PBPA meets March 7
Pennington Business and Professional Association (PB&PA) meets March 7 at 7 p.m. at A&E Construction, 278 N. Main St., Pennington. Annual elections and the future of the PB&PA will continue to be discussed. Members are asked to attend and to bring a guest. For additional information, contact Brit West, president, 462-0556.
College-bound?
PEAC Health & Fitness will present a “College Bound” lecture with Don Betterton, formerly of Princeton University. His topic is: “Inside the Admissions Office — What Every Family Needs to Know in an Increasingly Competitive College Environment.” The one-hour lecture will be held at PEAC on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. To reserve a seat, call 883-2000. For more information, contact Valerie Lopenzina via e-ail at VMLopenzina@peachealthfitness, or visit: www.PEAChealthfitness.com. PEAC is located at 1440 Lower Ferry Road in Ewing.
Bear Tavern event March 10
The Parent-Teacher Organization at Bear Tavern School is hosting a fundraiser and auction highlighting local food and a wine-tasting on March 10, at Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad in Titusville from 7-10 p.m. An adult-only event, “A Taste of Hopewell Valley” will include food-tastings from area restaurants, including Blue Bottle Café, Chez Alice, Emily’s Cafe, Pennington Pizza, Edo Sushi and Dos Gringos. Wine-tastings are being sponsored by ShopRite Liquors with a cash bar as well. Tickets are $15 at the door and $11 when bought online at www.BearTavernAuction.com.
Taste of Hopewell
The Friends of the Hopewell Public Library will hold “A Taste of Hopewell” on March 11 from 7-9 p.m. at the Off Broadstreet Theatre. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased at www.friendsofthehopewelllibrary.wordpress.com or at the library, 13 E. Broad St. For information, call 466-1625. Proceeds benefit Hopewell Public Library. Watch for more details March 8.
GOP slates meetings
The Hopewell Valley Republicans have set the following meetings for 7 p.m. at the Hopewell Township branch of the Mercer County Library, Pennington-Titusville Road (next to Central High). All meetings are open to the public. The meetings will be followed by Hopewell Township Republican County Committee meetings at 7:30 p.m.: March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13. The GOP’s schedule also includes the Spring Breakfast, the 56th annual Chicken BBQ, scholarships, and the presidential election. All local residents are invited to become involved and participate in the local GOP activities. For more information, or in case of inclement weather on the day of the meeting, phone GOP association President Mike Chipowsky at 737-8869.
Gala scheduled
The Bridge Academy, independent school in Lawrenceville for students with language-based language disabilities, will hold a fundraiser dinner/auction on March 17 at 6 p.m. at the Trenton Country Club. For tickets, sponsorships or more information, call 609-844-0770.
Volunteers needed for special meal
In a tangible gesture of interfaith community service, Hopewell Township’s Har Sinai Temple volunteers prepare and serve an annual outreach meal to some 200 needy adults and children at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 343 S. Broad St., Trenton. To prepare for this year’s March 25 event, the temple is seeking volunteers to help assemble the meals, serve them and clean up afterwards. For those unable to volunteer, Har Sinai suggests donations as small as $3 for one meal up to $72 for 24 meals. Food preparers are needed at Union Fire Company, 1396 River Road, on March 25 from 9-11:30 a.m. On the same day, volunteers also are needed at the Church of the Sacred Heart from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for food preparation and serving and from 12:30-2:30 p.m. for serving and cleanup. To volunteer or donate, contact the temple at 730-8100.
Buy a Brick campaign under way
The Hopewell Valley Veteran Association is beginning its annual Memorial Brick Campaign. Bricks are available for inclusion in the Veterans Memorial Day program, which will be held on May 26. Col. Ken Baker, Veterans Association president, said: “The Memorial Brick Program is a great way to remember our loved ones who have served our country. The program also helps us maintain the Veterans Memorial.” Applications for the purchase of the Memorial Bricks are available at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building or online at www.hopewellvalleyvterans.org. Each brick is $100 and orders must be placed by March 26 to be included in the Memorial Day program.
Rummage sale donations sought
Calvary Baptist Church, Hopewell, will hold its rummage sale from May 31-June 2. At this point the church is collecting only large items like furniture. If you have such items to donate and need them picked up, call or e-mail the church at 466-1880 or hcbco@verizon.net. Information about when other donations will be accepted will come later.
Golf outing
On May 7, the 9/11 Memorial Golf Outing will be held at the Hopewell Valley Golf Club. For more information, to sign up to play or to sponsor a golf hole, contact Mike Chipowsky at 737-8869 or mchipowsky@comcast.net.
Chorus needs tenors, basses and baritones
Tenors and altos, who like to sing tenor, will find a warm welcome in the Hopewell Valley Chorus this season. Several spots for tenors, basses and baritones have opened up in the 52-year-old unauditioned chorus, which is preparing a program, “A Spring Bouquet,” featuring flower-themed songs from madrigals to musical theater. The chorus rehearses at Hopewell Valley Central High School, 153 Pennington-Titusville Road, Mondays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Membership is $35. Call 737-3177 or e-mail hopewellchorus@aol.com. The repertoire and more information are online at www.hopewellvalleychorus.org.
YMCA is accepting camp registrations
Hopewell Valley YMCA is offering a range of fun and rewarding activities for children this summer at Camp Reign. Specialty activities (arts and crafts, games and more, sports and Wiz Kids) will be offered to campers enrolled as Turtles, Penguins, Hawkes and Wolves while campers enrolled in Sports Camp will take part in structured fun drills as well as various sports. Camp Explorers will engage in both mentally and physically challenging activities in order to build leadership skills. All campers will have instructional and recreational swim time, daily snacks and weekly trips. There will be open houses (March 27 and May 29) at Toll Gate Grammar School from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Hopewell Valley YMCA, 737-3048; info@hvymca.comwww.hvymca.org.
Pennington library offers programs
National Honor Society students will offer free tutoring and homework assistance to elementary and middle school children Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. at the Pennington Library. Subjects include language arts, social studies, math, science and Spanish. For additional information, contact Tara Russell at 737-0404 or trussell@penningtonlibrary.org. The library is located at 30 N. Main St. Hours are Monday and Wednesday (10-5 and 7-9); Tuesday; Thursday (10-7); Friday (10-5) and Saturday (10-2).
Pennington: Bag your leaves
Pennington Borough residents should start bagging leaves. They should be placed at the curb in open bags without sticks or debris. Leaves left at the curb or in cans will not be picked up.
VOICES events
VOICES Chorale’s spring program includes: “Irish Heartsong” on March 10 in Princeton and on March 11 in Wrightstown; “Cathedral Classics” in Princeton on June 10; and others. Weekly rehearsals are held on Mondays, 7:30-9:45 p.m., at Music Together, 225 Route 654, Hopewell Township. They resumed Jan. 9. Additional information about VOICES is available at www.VOICESChorale.org and by subscribing to VOICES’ newsletter at www.enews.archive.com/VOICES.
CHS 1992 reunion
Thanks to those persons who completed the recent HVCHS Class of 1992, 20th reunion survey. The reunion committee has examined and discussed the results of this survey. The information provided is helpful as a way to guide planning and decision-making. The reunion committee is now doing additional research for this 2012 event and will submit future event update messages to the HVN. Questions? E-mail Mike Bennett at michaelbennettmb@yahoo.com and Erica Hokenson-Salazar at ehsalazar@gmail.com.
Yoga in Hopewell
One Spirit Yoga classes are offered in the Hopewell Railroad Station at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays. All levels are welcome. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and wear comfortable clothes to stretch in. For questions contact Nancy McCormack at 333-1188 or mccormackne@comcast.net.
Cub Scout registration
Calling all boys in first through fourth grade. If you like fun and adventure, camping and going on trips and trying new things, then Cub Scouts is for you. There is a $65 registration fee that will cover the majority of activities for the year, registration with the Boy Scouts of America and a subscription to Boys Life magazine. To become a part of Troop 171, contact Margaret at engine96@comcast.net to register or for more information.
Special HFD mugs available
In celebration and support of the 100th anniversary, which was celebrated Oct. 1, the Hopewell Fire Department and the Hopewell Business Association have introduced a mug with a picture of the first Hopewell firehouse and horse-drawn fire wagon on Seminary Avenue. Proceeds from sale of the mug will support the Fire Department and the HBA’s scholarships for Hopewell Valley Central High School seniors. According to mug Chairman Robert Witkowski, the mugs are available at: Hopewell Pharmacy, PNC Bank, Hopewell Valley Community Bank, and 1st Constitution Bank.
TGIF Youth Group expands to senior high
TGIF, an ecumenical community Youth Group includes a junior high group (sixth-eighth grade TGIF) and a senior high group (nine-12 grade TGIF2), which meet regularly at the Pennington United Methodist Church on two Fridays a month from 7-9 p.m. (and other times) for fellowship, community service, discussions and learning about God. Both groups will meet together for some activities and then split for age-appropriate discussions and activities. All young people are invited (no church affiliation required). There is no cost to join. For more information, contact Carla MacGuigan, 818-9281.
Divorce, Separation Group
A Divorce and Separation Group will meet at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W. Broad St., Hopewell, on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. in the library. Call 452-8576 or 466 — 0758 for information. The purpose of group “is to look back and learn and to move forward to rebuild.”
Attention: Teen Leaders
The Hopewell Valley YMCA is forming the Teen Leaders program for next year. This club is for teens (grades seven-12) who wish to make a difference in their community. Club activities are centered around four goals: Leadership Training, Personal Growth, Service to Others and Social Development. Club participants will have the opportunity to perform service, socialize, travel and grow as leaders. The club is organized and run by teens with a teen board and officers. Volunteer opportunities may include leading classes, serving on branch boards, mentoring YMCARE participants, preparing meals for the homeless, or organizing clothing/supply drives. For more information, contact Tina Morak at tmorak@hvymca.org or 737-3048.
The 9/11 Memorial
The Hopewell Valley 9/11 and Emergency Responder Memorial Committee is planning to build and is accepting donations for a permanent memorial at Hopewell Township’s Alliger Park. The project is being funded by private donations. Questions? Call Chairman Mike Chipowsky at 737-8869.
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).
Volunteers needed for blood drives
NJ Blood Services, which supplies blood products and services to 60 hospitals throughout the state, is in need of volunteers to work blood drives. The blood service volunteer is an integral member of the collection team whose task it is assist donors with registration, escorting and canteen duties, and to watch for post donation reactions. Volunteers should have the ability to relate to the public, be able to perform different jobs as needed and have the willingness to follow the rules. For more information, contact R. Jan Zepka at 732-616-8741 or rzepka@nybloodcenter.org.
Girl Scouts have openings
Girl Scouts has openings in troops for the coming school year. Leadership, friendship, goal setting, nature, and community service are just a few of the many things girls can experience as Scouts. Hopewell Valley Girl Scouts serves almost 400 girls. For more information, contact Maude Tatar at thetatars@yahoo.com or 818-0711.
NAMI Connection
NAMI Connection is a support group for people who are affected by mental illness. It meets the first, second, third and fourth Monday of every month at the NAMI Center of Mercer County, 3371 Brunswick Pike, Suite 124 (adjacent to Mercer Mall) in Lawrenceville. Registration is not required. Questions? Contact Erika Reading at 799-8994 or ereading@namimercer.org.
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 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.
Legion Post 339
Hopewell Valley American Legion Post 339 meetings and events are held now at 16 Seminary Ave., Hopewell Borough. Sal Torre is commander. 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.
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 LuciaHuebner@gmail.com or call 466-0277.
Hopewell Borough Adopt-a-Flag
The Hopewell Fire Department and Emergency Medical Unit is sponsoring an Adopt-a-Flag program. Residents can purchase an American flag through the department. The flags are used to line Broad Street in Hopewell Borough from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If interested, send a check for $30 to the Hopewell Fire Department, 4-6 Columbia Ave, Hopewell, 08525, with Adopt-a-Flag in the memo section. Questions Call the department at 466-0060, ext. 33.
Adopt-a-Flag for Pennington
Through the Adopt-a-Flag program, Public Works employees assist the Pennington Parks and Recreation Commission every spring and fall by hanging flags in honor of veterans, loved ones and citizens. Donations are being accepted for flags to be displayed within the borough from May to September. Purchases and personal dedications can be made by completing an Adopt-a-Flag form, along with a tax-deductible check of $42, which can be found at Borough Hall or on Facebook.
Alzheimer’s support groups
The Alzheimer’s Association offers support group programs for families and caregivers to come together to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and discuss their feelings and concerns. For locations and additional information, call 800-883-1180.
Hopewell Scouts need canoes
Hopewell Borough Boy Scout Troop 71 is looking for canoe donations for river and high adventure trips. Make a difference by donating gently used canoe(s) and get letter of donation as a tax write-off. Contact Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Winters at 737-6349 or ron_winters@verizon.net for pick-up of item.
