Community Calendar: Nov. 22

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., Byron Johnson Recreation Area soccer fields, 187 Ellisdale Road, Upper Freehold. All AHS alumni, coaches and current varsity soccer players, are invited to participate in 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.
   Allentown Tree-Lighting Event: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pete Sensi Park, Main Street, Allentown. Sponsored by the Allentown Business Community Association, the festivities include caroling, free warm beverages and cookies, visiting with Santa Claus, a cookie decorating contest, and the tree-lighting at 6 p.m. Downtown stores will be open for holiday shopping. For further information, email the ABCA at [email protected].
   Plumsted Tree-lighting Event: 6 p.m., (rain, snow or shine) outside the Plumsted Township Municipal Building, 121 Evergreen Road. Bring an ornament to decorate the official municipal tree, donated by Herb Marinari of Big Woods Nursery. The New Egypt Fire Department will bring Santa and Mrs. Claus on the firetruck and free photos of your child will be take with Santa. Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for Plumsted Business and Merchants Association food drive. For more information, call 609 758 2241, ext. 132.
   4th Annual Gingerbread House Contest: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Plumsted Township Municipal Building, 121 Evergreen Road. A family fun event sponsored by the Plumsted Township Council for the Arts, which will take place immediately following the tree-lighting in front of the municipal building. For more information, call 609-758-2241, extension 144.

Sun., Dec. 2

   Craft Boutique Fundraiser: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rose Hill Assisted Living, 1150 Washington Blvd., Robbinsville. Unique crafters, artists and vendors; food; baked goods; door prizes and more. Admission: $2. Fifty percent of proceeds go to hurricane disaster relief. Contact Oltarzewski for more info at 609-371-7007.

Tues., Dec. 4

   Holiday Tree-lighting Festivities: 6:30 p.m., at a new replacement tree on the lawn outside the Foxmoor shopping center Washington Boulevard, Robbinsville. This free event township-sponsored event features a performance by the Robbinsville High School Choir, sing-alongs, tree-lighting countdown, and hot chocolate. A menorah will be lit as well. Contact 609-918-0002 for more information.

Thurs., Dec. 6

   ”The Nutcracker” ballet: 4 p.m., Allentown Library, 16 So. Main St., Allentown. Come enjoy excerpts from “The Nutcracker” ballet presented by the Performing Arts Ensemble of Red Bank. This is a free, family-friendly performance. Questions? Call 609-259-7565.
   Soup Restaurant Night: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Allentown High School, 27 High St. A fundraiser for the Allentown Food Pantry and the AHS Band. Gourmet soups prepared by area chefs and local restaurants, fresh breads, hot dogs, desserts, soda and coffee. Cost: $5 for students and children; $10 for adults; and $30 for a family of four. Takeout soups available for $5 at the door. The AHS symphonic band will perform a winter concert afterward at 7 p.m. For further information, contact [email protected].

Mon., Dec. 10

   Zumba-thon to Benefit Hurricane Sandy Relief: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.), Combined Forces Martial Arts, 1090 Route 130 South, Robbinsville. Enjoy the popular workout dance craze while raising funds for the Jersey Shore hurricane victims. Admission: $20 per person. Contact 609-259-4926 for more information.

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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