Community Calendar: Nov. 8 edition

Thurs., Nov. 8

   BRICKS 4 KIDZ: 10 a.m. (grades K-2) and 11 a.m. (grades 3-5), Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Hands-on class where students build machines, buildings, vehicles and other structures out of LEGO bricks, using model plans designed by Bricks 4 Kidz. . Online registration required at www.mcl.org.
   A Beginning Quilt Workshop for Grades K-2: 4:15 p.m., Allentown Public Library, 16 So. Main St. Children age 5 and up will learn the basics of creating a beautiful piece of art from fabric. Registration required. Call 609-259-7565.
   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.
   Coping with Dementia at Home: 7 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42-Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Dr. Shelly L. Chinkes, director of community outreach at Comfort Keepers of Hamilton Square, will discuss dementia, how to manage it at home, practical solutions for the caregiver, professional resources/options, and financial considerations. Dr. Chinkes will also discuss updates on Alzheimer’s disease. Register online at www.mcl.org by clicking on “Programs/Events” and following the instructions.

Fri., Nov. 9:

   Kids Movie Matinee “Madagascar 3” (PG): 10:30 a.m.. Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Online registration required at www.mcl.org.

Sat., Nov. 10

   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: [email protected].
   Lots of Leaves: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System. Children may drop in and make leaf creations with the materials provided. Registration not required. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
   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

   Deadtime Stories with Authors Annette and Gina Cascone: 4:15 p.m., Allentown Public Library, 16 So. Main St. These two New Jersey authors will share creepy and funny stories from their book, “Grave Secrets,” and show film clips from the new movie based on their book. For ages 8 and up. Registration required. Call 609-259-7565.
   Raven Players present “The Odyssey:” 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 [email protected].
   Conscious Eating: 7 p.m., Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Skip the diet and let Capital Health’s registered dietitian, nutritionist, and certified diabetes instructor, Mindy Komosinsky, show you how to reach your weight loss goal with small changes and by being conscious of what you eat. Register online at www.mcl.org by clicking on “Programs/Events.”

Fri., Nov. 16

   Raven Players present “The Odyssey:” 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected], 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.
   Family Fun Day: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Bring the family to play a variety of games, including board games, cards, and Wii. No advanced registration required. For more information, call 609-259-2150.
   Puzzle Exchange: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Bring a gently used puzzle with 500 pieces or more in its original box, and exchange it for one you haven’t already put together. Puzzles should have all their pieces and be in good taste. Children’s puzzles — no minimum number of pieces — can also be exchanged, but make sure no pieces are missing. No advance registration required. For more information, call 609-259-2150.
   Live Theatre Presentation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:” 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Allentown Pubic Library, 16 So. Main St. Leap into the exquisite land of Narnia and enjoy The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company’s performance. For all ages. Registration required. Call 609-259-7565.
   Raven Players present “The Odyssey:” 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 [email protected] .

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. 19

   Scaredy Squirrel Has a Puppet Show: 2:30 p.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. The Ocean County Library Puppet Show Players will present a show based on Melanie Watt’s Scaredy Squirrel books. Register for this program in-person, by phone at 609-758-7888, or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
   Thanksgiving Fun: 7 p.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Join us for stories and a craft celebrate Thanksgiving. We’ll even have popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jellybeans, just like in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. A program for ages 3-10. Register in-person, by phone at 609-758-7888, or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Tues., Nov. 20

   Turkey Creation Station: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children of all ages can drop in and create a special turkey. No registration required. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.

Mon., Nov. 26

   Movie Night “Pocahontas” Rated (G): 6:30 p.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. A magical Disney animated tale based on the classic true story of a Native American princess who saves Virginia settler John Smith from the clutches of the Powahatan tribe. Register in-person, by phone at 609-758-7888, or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
   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

Tues., Nov. 27

   Storybooks in Action: 2 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library, 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. Online registration begins Nov. 13 at www.mcl.org.

Thurs., Nov. 29

   Beginning Quilt Workshop For Grades 3-6: 4:15 p.m., Allentown Public Library, 16 So. Main St. We will use Jeff Brunbeau’s book, “The Quiltmaker’s Gift,” as inspiration to create our own design on a crazy patchwork square using lace, charms, beads and buttons. Registration required. Call 609-259-7565.
   School-Age Storytime and Craft: 4:30 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This class is for children in grades Kindergarten and up. Online registration begins on Nov. 15 at www.mcl.org.

Fri., Nov. 30

   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 on Nov. 16 at www.mcl.org.

Sat., Dec. 1

   Santa visits the Robbinsville Library: 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 1 p.m., 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children of all ages are invited to come listen to Santa as he brings ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to life. Don’t forget your wish list because, when the story is finished, you can share it with him. Online registration begins on Nov. 17 at www.mcl.org.

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 [email protected].
   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 [email protected].
   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 [email protected].
   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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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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