Thurs., Oct. 18
Special Storytime with Author Patricia Brady-Zandig: 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Allentown Library, 16 So. Main St. Learn basic Italian for kids as author Patricia Brady-Danzig reads in both English and Italian from “Fabrizio’s Fable,” her new tale about Luigi, the brave Italian mouse. All ages welcome. Registration requested. 609-259-7565.
Robbinsville Flu Clinic: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Township Senior Center, 1117 Route 130, Robbinsville. Free for Robbinsville residents over the age of 55. Pre-registration is required. Call 609-259-1567 to register. Please wear short-sleeve or loose fitting clothing on the day of the clinic.
Fri., Oct. 19
”Pink Out” for Breast Cancer Awareness Football Game: 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Attend the RHS vs. Ewing High School football game and help raise funds for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. All fans are asked to wear pink. RHS students will be selling pink T-shirts and pink ribbons and donating proceeds to the foundation. For more information, contact krulewicz@robbinsville.k12.nj.us.
Sat., Oct. 20
Tag Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Millstone Community Center, 463 Stage Coach Road, Millstone. The Pleasure Horse Club of Central Jersey’s 3rd annual tag sale will feature “multiple” sellers with two full floors of items ranging from antiques, household goods, tools, holiday wreaths and centerpieces, toys, clothes as well as horse and other pet related items. Held rain or shine. No early birds please. For more information, contact Marion at 732-866-1641.
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation Open House: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Walnridge Farms, Arneystown-Hornerstown Road, Cream Ridge. Come see the new rehabilitation and training facility the nonprofit SRF is using to help find homes for retired racehorses. Enjoy a continental breakfast, visit the horses and shop. Event is rain or shine, but limited shelter from inclement weather. No RSVP required. For more information, contact Donna Leletual at admin@srfmail.com.
Used Book Sale: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Sponsored by the Robbinsville Township Library Advisory Committee. All proceeds benefit the library For further information, call 609-259-2150.
Sun., Oct. 21
Family Fun Day: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., hosted by Reindancer at Laurita Equestrian Center, 31 Archertown Road, Plumsted. Features pony rides, hay rides, petting zoo, contests, pumpkin painting, hay bale throwing, beanbag toss, food, music, children’s prizes and more. Cost: $5 per person; $25 maximum per family. Held rain or shine. Proceeds go toward the seasonal decorations on Main Street. For more information, contact pjclyne@verizon.net.
Annual All-You-Can-Eat Turkey Dinner: doors open 12 noon to 6 p.m., Hope Fire Company, Route 524, Upper Freehold. Sit-down dinners are $19; take-out dinners are $20. Proceeds benefit the Hope Fire Company serving Allentown and Upper Freehold since 1818. For further information, call 609-259-7200.
Greater Allentown Area CROP Hunger Walk: 1:15 p.m., Allentown Presbyterian Church, 20 High St., Allentown. Come help end hunger “one step at a time.” Twenty-five percent of all proceeds benefit the Allentown Good Neighbor Fund and Church World Service. For more information, or to donate online, go to www.cropwalkonline.org.
Tues., Oct. 23
Storybooks in Action: 2 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Come watch the animated version of a storybook and make a craft. For children ages 2 and up. (Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult.) Register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Geeks and Gadgets: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Members of the library staff will answer your questions about electronic devices, computer technology and library services such as the catalog, audio books, and e-books. Bring in your electronic devices for instruction and troubleshooting. No pre-registration is required, however, please email your questions at least two or three days in advance to support@mcl.org. For further information, call 609-259-2150.
Wed., Oct. 24
”The Harvest Season”: 6:30 p.m., Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Food historian Judith Krall-Russo will present an educational and entertaining program about how our forefathers prepared for the long winter ahead while celebrating the harvest season. Sponsored by the Friends of the Plumsted Library, which also will host tours before and after the program showcasing recent changes at the library. Register by phone (609)-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Thurs., Oct. 25
Halloween Parade and Craft: 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Allentown Library, 16 So. Main St. Kids can come to the library dressed in their Halloween costume for a parade and a special Halloween storytime. Trick or treats will be available for all children. All ages welcome. Registration required. Call 609-259-7565.
School-Age Storytime and Craft: 4:30 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This class is for children in kindergarten and up. Online registration required at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Allentown Garden Club Meeting: 7 p.m., Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church St., (next to LaPiazza), Allentown. Dr. Catherine Folio, a professor at Brookdale Community College, will speak about “Hardy Terrestrial Orchids and Wildflowers,” and introduce us to wild orchids found in New Jersey. All are welcome. For more details, go online to www.AllentownGardenClub.net or contact club president Terry Brown at 609-259-0334.
Learn about Vitamins and Supplements: 7 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Danielle Candelario, clinical pharmacist at University Medical Center of Princeton, will present the latest information on the role of vitamins and supplements (including herbal supplements) in disease prevention and general wellness. Register online at www.mcl.org by clicking on programs/events link. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Fri., Oct. 26
Toddler Tunes: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This music program is for children of all ages accompanied by an adult. Online registration begins Oct. 12 at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Art Auction/Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m. preview; auction 7:30 p.m., sponsored by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville-Hamilton Sunrise at the Nottingham Ballroom, 200 Mercer St, Hamilton Square. Auction will feature art in all media and price ranges. Major credit cards accepted. Admission: $10 and includes light hors d’oeuvres by Dolce & Clemente. Proceeds benefit Megan’s Place, Homefront, Womanspace, Club foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Trenton & Mercer County. Tickets sold at the door or contact Wally Sawka at 609-947-0176.
ParaNormal Encounters at the Allentown Public Library: 7 p.m., 16 So. Main St., Allentown. Come meet the NJ Researchers of Paranormal, who will present their first-hand accounts of hunt experiences and ghost stories. Get an overview of technology and equipment used in paranormal investigations. Enjoy hands-on introduction to equipment; and use these meters to look for unexplained electromagnetic fields in this 18th century library. Advance ticket sales only. Individual tickets cost $10 and family tickets cost $25. This program contains content that may not be suitable for youngsters. Stop in to the library for your tickets or call for my information, 609-259-7565.
Sat., Oct. 27
Soles for the Harvest 5K and Mile Fun Run: Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539, Upper Freehold. Race proceeds benefit Nets For Life, a partnership for malaria prevention in Africa. Runners/walkers are also encouraged to bring a food donation for the Allentown Food Pantry. The 5K race is on a beautiful country course passing by horse farms and historic Walnford Park. Online registration is at www.active.com/running/allentown-nj/soles-for-the-harvest-5k-2012. Entry fees for 5K are $20 before Oct. 13 and $25 on race day; $10 for the Fun Run or $15 with race T-shirt. Race day registration/check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., Fun Run race at 8:45 a.m. and 5K race begins at 9:30 a.m.
Create “Creatures of the Night”: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children can drop in to create creatures of the night with craft materials provided by the library. Registration NOT required. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Pampered Chef Fundraiser for After-School Homework Club: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Millstone Township Community Center, 463 Stagecoach Road, Millstone. All proceeds help provide sessions for the After-School Homework Club sponsored by the Municipal Drug Alliance for over 20 years. For more information, call 732-462-4770 ext. 40.
Plumsted Fall Festival: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., North Main Street & Main Street, Plumsted. Children’s face painting, pony rides, inflatables and wagon rides as well as great food, music and lots of vendors. A family event sponsored by Main Street New Egypt and Plumsted Township. Admission is free, but a $6 per child wristband is required for unlimited children’s activities. For vendor or general information, contact Peter Ylvisaker at Main Street New Egypt at 609-758-7539, ext. 132 or email him at peterylvisaker@aol.com.
Town Center Halloween Parade: 4 p.m., starts at the park at Union and McCabe Streets, Robbinsville. Event will have DJ, costume contests, food, drinks and candy. Volunteers needed. For more information, contact 609-532-7903.
Sun., Oct. 28
Expo Friendship: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road, Robbinsville. Sponsored by the Friendship Circle of Greater Mercer County, which provides support, assistance and resources to individuals and families with special needs. Day includes speakers on long-term planning for special needs kids, advocacy for special needs schoolchildren, concert performance by an autistic adult and his father, a simulation on dyslexia, and more. A fun center will entertain children so parents can attend programs. For further information, or to volunteer, go to expofriendship@aol.com or call 609-683-7240.
Fall-Fest Equine Open House: 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center, 260 Millstone Road, Perrineville. Meet the rescues, Parelli natural horsemanship demonstration/discussion by Jeane DeVries, silent auction, tack sale, decorated pumpkins for sale, horseeshoe decorating booth, vendors, crafts. For more information, go online to www.hher.webs.com.
23rd Annual Millstone Halloween Parade: 1:45 p.m. parade registration and lineup in the fields behind the Clarksburg Inn; parade steps off promptly at 2 p.m. (at which time Route 524 will be closed to traffic). Goody bags and prizes for scariest, funniest, prettiest, most original and most patriotic. In case of inclement weather, the parade is inside the firehouse. Individually wrapped candy donations accepted until Oct. 15 at firehouse. Contact Lori Maher at 609-371-0365 for more information.
Mon., Oct. 29
Children’s “Haunted House” Party: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road. The library’s Teen Advisory Board is hosting this event for children age 3 and up. Wear your costumes and enjoy games, crafts and treats. Register in person, by phone at 609-758-7888, or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Tues., Oct. 30
Celebrate Halloween: 3 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children ages 4 and up are invited to wear their costumes and join library staff for crafts, games, and treats! Online registration begins Oct. 16 at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
”Howl”-o-Ween” III Fundraiser: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., NorthStar VETS, 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. Sponsored by the nonprofit Vet-I-Care Foundation and Greyhound Friends of NJ, event features devilish food, spooky spirits, 50/50 raffles, games prizes, the magic of Mike Spade and the opportunity to meet actress and animal advocate Linda Blair. Costumes optional. Donation: $25. RSVP to eschuck@northstarvets.com or call 609-259-8300 ext. 1153.
Wed., Oct. 31
Halloween Parade: 6 p.m., Broad & Main Streets in downtown Allentown to Newell Elementary School on High Street. The Allentown High School Marching Band will be marching and performing.
Thurs., Nov. 1
Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccination Clinic: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Plumsted Township Municipal Building (Courtroom), 121 Evergreen Road. Offered by the Ocean County Health Department for age 6 months and up. No charge if enrolled in (non-HMO) Medicare Part B, otherwise $20. For more information, call 732-341-9700 or 800-342-9738 ext. 7502 for adults, or go online to www.ochd.org.
Fri., Nov. 2
Clothing Drive: 7 a.m. to 12 noon, Robbinsville High School , 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Drop bags of clothes off at the front of the school BEFORE 12 noon for pickup. (Clothes brought after 12 noon cannot be accepted). Questions? Contact Mrs. Bonifazi or Mrs. Wojtowicz at bonifazi@robbinsville.k12.nj.us or Wojtowicz@robbinsville.k12.nj.us.
Sat., Nov. 3
The 42nd Annual Country Bazaar and Auction: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church St., Allentown. Baked goods, soup by the quart, toys, clothes, books, flea market, boutique of finer items. Lunch and dessert available. Auction starts 9:30. For information call 609-259-7392.
Elks Quarter Mania Paddle Fundraiser: doors open 6 p.m., New Egypt Elks, 105 Lakewood Road, Plumsted. This fun event is a cross between an auction, a raffle and a home party. Direct sale vendors and local businesses will be auctioning new items for one to four quarters per bid. Tickets: $5 (includes two paddles; additional paddles $2 each). For tickets, call the Elks at 609-758-8700 or Ed Treadaway at 609-752-0272
Tues., Nov. 6
Election Day: Vote! Polls open statewide from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Candidates for school boards, municipal government, U.S. Senate, Congress and U.S. President are on the ballot. For more information, go online to www.njelections.org/index.html
Thurs., Nov. 8
”Kids Time Only” Used Book Sale: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., New Egypt High School, 117 Evergeen Road, Plumsted. Only children’s books will be sold during this special event. Adults must accompany all children. Sponsored by the Friends of the Plumsted Library. For further information call 609-758-0009, 732-580-5600, or email plumstedfriends@verizon.net.
New Jersey Quarter Horse Association Annual Open Meeting: 6 p.m., Rick’s Saddle Shop, 282 Route 539, Upper Freehold. Everyone is welcome. You do not need to own a horse, only a love of horses. Enjoy refreshments and learn about the NJQHA. For more information, contact Susan Auer at 908-418-5923 or go online to www.njqha.com.
Fri., Nov. 9:
Used Book Sale: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., New Egypt High School, 117 Evergeen Road, Plumsted. Selling a large variety of books for all ages, plus jigsaw puzzles, CDs, and DVDs. Sponsored by the Friends of the Plumsted Library. For further information call 609-758-0009, 732-580-5600, or email plumstedfriends@verizon.net.
Sat., Nov. 10
Used Book Sale: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., New Egypt High School, 117 Evergeen Road, Plumsted. Selling a large variety of books for all ages, plus jigsaw puzzles, CDs, and DVDs. Sponsored by the Friends of the Plumsted Library. For further information, call 609-758-0009, 732-580-5600, or email plumstedfriends@verizon.net.
Homefront Fall Donation Drive: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Robbinsville Fire House, 1149 Route 130 North, Robbinsville. HomeFront and the Rescue Mission of Trenton will be collecting clothing and accessories (ties, hats, gloves, socks, coats, scarves, shoes of any size and gender), canned and dried foods, books, handbags, briefcases, knapsacks, baby items, and diapers. The charitable organizations also need foam packing peanuts and bubble wrap, DVD players, CDs, VHS recorders, televisions and other appliances. For more information, go online to www.homefrontnj.org.
Bus Trip to the Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City: departs 9 a.m. sharp from New Egypt High School front parking lot, 117 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Returns 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Plumsted Township Republican Club. Cost: $20 includes roundtrip bus fare, driver gratuity and $20 casino giveback. For more information contact: PlumstedGOP@gmail.com.
Harvest Dinner Dance: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Millstone Elks, Burnt Tavern Road, Clarksburg. Cost: $20 per person, includes music and dinner. Proceeds benefit cancer care at CentraState Medical Center. For tickets, call 609-259-2684
Mon., Nov. 12
School Referendum Town Meeting: 7 p.m., Pond Road Middle School, 150 Pond Road, Robbinsville. Learn more about the Dec. 11 referendum that, if approved, would add 29 classrooms to Sharon Elementary School and Pond Road Middle School to address K-8 overcrowding. For more information, go to www.robbinville.k12.nj.us
Wed., Nov. 14
National Rural Health Day Kickoff in Plumsted: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Plumsted Municipal Building, (Senior Room, lower level), 121 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. The State Office of Rural Health and Ocean Health Initiatives is sponsoring this event for seniors and will provide information on healthcare services, a light breakfast and more. For further information, contact Ocean Health Initiatives at 732-719-9026.
Thurs., Nov. 15
Raven Players present “The Odyessey:” 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School auditorium, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. This dramatic adaptation of Homer’s myth is full of magic, romance and adventure. Odysseus’ journey will entrance audiences of all ages. Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. For more information, contact Director Alison Sussman at sussman@robbinsville.k12.nj.us .
Fri., Nov. 16
Raven Players present “The Odyessey:” 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School auditorium, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. This dramatic adaptation of Homer’s myth is full of magic, romance and adventure. Odysseus’ journey will entrance audiences of all ages. Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. For more information, contact Director Alison Sussman at sussman@robbinsville.k12.nj.us .
Sat., Nov. 17
Millstone Township Girl Scouts Blood Drive: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Millstone Township Community Center, Route 524 next to the firehouse. Donors must be healthy, at least 16 years old (with parental consent), weigh at least 120 pounds, and present photo or signature ID. Appointments greatly appreciated. To make an appointment, call Jessica at 732-842-5750 ext. 225, email millstonegirlscouts@hotmail.com, or visit www.cjbcblood.org.
Free Rabies Clinic for Dogs & Cats: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., New Egypt Firehouse, 59 Main St., Plumsted. Dogs must be on a short leash and cats must be in carriers or pillowcases. For more information, call 609-758-2241, ext. 131.
Raven Players present “The Odyessey:” 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School auditorium, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. This dramatic adaptation of Homer’s myth is full of magic, romance and adventure. Odysseus’ journey will entrance audiences of all ages. Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. For more information, contact Director Alison Sussman at sussman@robbinsville.k12.nj.us .
Sun., Nov. 18
Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pond Road Middle School, 150 Pond Road, Robbinsville. No admittance fee. Event features an adult craft fair, student performances, children’s make-and-take crafts, children’s holiday gift shop, and refreshments. New and returning crafters can download application forms at the Robbinsville Education Foundation’s website, www.refkids.org.
Mon., Nov. 26
School Referendum Town Meeting: 7 p.m., Sharon Elementary School, Sharon Road, Robbinsville. Learn more about the Dec. 11 referendum that, if approved, would add 29 classrooms to Sharon Elementary School and Pond Road Middle School to address K-8 overcrowding. For more information, go to www.robbinville.k12.nj.us
Sat., Dec. 29
Hershey Holiday Bus Trip: departs 9:45 a.m. and returns 9:15 p.m., Foxmoor Shopping Center, Robbinsville. Outing sponsored by the Robbinsville Women’s Club and includes roundtrip transportation on Starr Motorcoach, buffet lunch at Hotel Hershey, a tour of Hershey Chocolate World, Christmas Sweet Lights Candy Lane, shopping and motorcoach ride through the Sweet Lights Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular. Cost: $105 for adults and $85 for children 8 and under. Tickets must be ordered and paid for in full by Nov. 1. For more information, contact 908-330-8011. This is a fundraiser to support the community charities sponsored by the club.
Recurring events
Storytime at the Allentown Library: Stories, songs and fun activities every Thursday at the library located at 16 S. Main St. New fall schedule includes: Library Babies for ages 2 and under with parent/caregiver from 10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.; Terrific Twos and Threes for age 2 to 3 with parent/caregiver (siblings welcome!) 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.; Preschool Story and Art Program for ages 3 to 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; Family Storytime for all ages from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. No registration is required for storytime programs. For further information, call 609-259-7565.
The Robbinsville Municipal Alliance against Alcoholism and Drug Abuse works to combat substance abuse through education and by creating a forum for shared ideas among the many hands of government that touch lives affected by drugs or alcohol. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 1 Washington Blvd., Robbinsville. For information, email Shaina Ciaccio at shainaciaccio@ymail.com.
Weekly senior games: Plumsted Senior Outreach Services, Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Plumsted Municipal Building lower level via elevator, 121 Evergreen Road. Play a different game every week, including Scrabble, bingo, board and card games and dominoes. For further information, call 609-758-2241, ext. 111, and leave message.
Senior Exercise Classes, sponsored by the Plumsted Senior Outreach Service, resume for fall at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the lower level of the Plumsted Municipal Building, 121 Evergreen Road. All new participants are required to submit a doctor’s permission form. To register, call 609-758-2241, ext. 111.
Mid-day Toastmasters Club: 11:30 a.m., second and fourth Tuesdays each month at Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road. For information, contact Jim Samuel at db2guy@yahoo.com.
Good Neighbor Fund: assists area residents with emergency needs such as utility, rent and medical bills. To make donation, mail check payable to the Good Neighbor Fund in care of Allentown Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 122, Allentown, 08501.
Plumsted TNR Committee: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., Plumsted Trap, Neuter and Return Committee every Sunday at the New Egypt Flea Market, 933 Route 536, New Egypt.
MOMS Club of Upper Freehold/Allentown: First Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Allentown Presbyterian Church, 20 High St.; for information, contact Barbara Nissinger or Jen Domen at ufamomsclub@hotmail.com.
Millstone MOMS: 10 a.m., MOMS Club of Millstone Township, second Thursday of each month; for information, contact Melanie Sullivan at 732-851-5559 or melansulli@yahoo.com or www.millstone.nj.us/Moms_Club.html.
Discussing books: 6:30 p.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, first Wednesday of the month; registration can be done in person, by phone at 609-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Community events, meeting notices, public announcements and other items of local interest appear regularly in this column at no charge. Send to jdegnan@centraljersey.com or Community Calendar, in care of The Messenger-Press, P.O. Box 350, Princeton, New Jersey, 08542, or fax to 609-921-2714.
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