Community Calendar: Nov. 15

Thurs., Nov. 15

   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 info, email [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

   Flu Vaccine Clinic (rescheduled): 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Plumsted Municipal Building courtroom, 121 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Flu and pneumonia shot is free if enrolled in Medicare Part B, otherwise $20. For further information, contact the Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700 or visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org.
   Class of 2014 “Novemberfest:” 6:30 p.m., Hamilton Manor, Route 130. Lots of food and themed baskets as prizes and give-aways in this fundraiser to benefit the Class of 2014’s Post-Prom activities. Tickets are $35 person pre-ordered or $40.00 at the door. For tickets please contact Tiziana Johnston at 609-658-5686 or email [email protected] or Jodi Stephens at 609-532-6362 or [email protected].
   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

   Pancake Breakfast Fundrasier for Melissa Ferrono: 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Robbinsville High School, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Cost $10 for adults and $7 for children. Please show your support for 2012 RHS graduate Melissa Ferrono who is battling bone cancer. Proceeds go to the Ferrono family. For further information, contact Gael Levering at 609-954-3832.
   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.
   Fall Rummage Sale: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Millstone Township Firehouse, 461 Stage Coach Road, Millstone. A fundraiser sponsored by the nonprofit Millstone Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Household items, linens, toys, tools, clothes, books, electronics (no computers), sports equipment, etc. Donated items gratefully accepted at the firehouse 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 13 through Nov. 16. For more information call Kathleen Fitzgerald at 732-446-9570 or Jana Munoz at 732-446-9222.
   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.
   Donation Drive for Jersey Shore Hurricane Victims: 12 noon to 3 p.m., Byron Johnson park, Ellisdale Road, Upper Freehold. A tractor-trailer donated by Bohren’s Movingn & Storage will be loaded and transported to the county’s donation distribution center for coastal communities most impacted by the hurricane. Requested items include toiletries, cleaning supplies, size C and D batteries, infant clothes and supplies, gift cards and phone cards. For more information, contact Nancy DiPasquale via Facebook at www.facebook.com/Nancydipasquale.
   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

   Turkey Trot Pleasure Pace Fundraiser for Horse Park of New Jersey: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through cleared trails in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. Register at the Secretary’s stand at the Horse Park, 626, Route 524, Upper Freehold (Allentown on GPS). Cost is $45 per rider and participants must ride in groups of two or three. Teams will leave the Horse Park every two or three minutes until 1:30 p.m. Call 259-0170 for more information.
   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 musical performances, children’s make-and-take crafts, children’s holiday gift shop, food court serving breakfast and lunch, poinsettia sale, balloon man, bake sale and refreshments. Santa arrives at noon, courtesy of the Robbinsville Fire Department, to participate in the Raven Regiment Marching Band parade. All proceeds benefit the Robbinsville Education Foundation. For more info, go to www.refkids.org.
   Donation Drive for Jersey Shore Hurricane Victims: 12 noon to 3 p.m., Byron Johnson park, Ellisdale Road, Upper Freehold. A tractor-trailer donated by Bohren’s Movingn & Storage will be loaded and transported to the county’s donation distribution center for coastal communities most impacted by the hurricane. Requested items include toiletries, cleaning supplies, size C and D batteries, infant clothes and supplies, gift cards and phone cards. For more information, contact Nancy DiPasquale via Facebook at www.facebook.com/Nancydipasquale.

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.

Fri., Nov. 23

   Black Friday Fun Run/Walk: Registration 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Lake Drive, Robbinsville. This is a fundraiser for Special Olympics with a requested donation of $10 per participant. Meet at the gazebo at West Lake Park to walk or run on the paved path around the lake and work off those Thanksgiving Day calories. The 1.25-mile run begins at 10 a.m. and the 0.6-mile walk begins 20 minutes later. For the organizers’ planning purposes, please RSVP to [email protected] if you are going to attend.
   4th Annual Allentown High School Alumni Soccer Game: 1 p.m., location to be announced. All AHS alumni, coaches and current varsity soccer players, are invited to participate in the annual alumni soccer game, a Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Members of past AHS soccer teams can sign up to play by sending an email to AHS Varsity Team Manager Genevieve Finn at [email protected].

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.

Mon., Dec. 17

   Coping with Seasonal Affected Disorder (S.A.D.): 2 p.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. The onset of winter, less daylight, holiday stress and its increasing demands on a person’s time can be overwhelming and lead to depression. The library and The Center for Healthy Aging at Kimball Medical Center will present “S.A.D.,” a 25-minute discussion on seasonal affective disorder. Free program, but registration is required. Go online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org or phone (609) 971-0514 to register.

Recurring events

   Library Food Drive: During the month of November, all branches of the Mercer County Library System will be holding a special food drive to help replenish local food banks that have been depleted in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. In Robbinsville, residents can bring non-nonperishable food items to the Robbinsville branch at 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road during normal library hours. Additional information regarding collection, and a list of the most needed food items, may be found on the library’s website, www.mcl.org.
   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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