Community Calendar: Nov. 29 edition

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 kindergarten and up. Online registration required 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 required at www.mcl.org.
   Italian Dinner at the New Egypt Elks: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., 105 Lakewood Road (Route 528), Plumsted. Dinner, salad and dessert; and a movie and craft table to keep children entertained after eating. Adults $10; seniors $8; children (ages 3 to 12) $6; and children under 3 are free. For reservations, call or text Chrissy Miller at 609-234-4110.

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 required at www.mcl.org.
   Standardbred Retirement Foundation’s Holiday Shopping Spree and Race Farm Tour: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Showplace Farms, 505 Route 33 East, Millstone. Various vendors for your holiday shopping, including unique items for horse lovers; a farm tour (begins 11 a.m. sharp); hot cocoa; treats; and Santa’s canine helper. For more information, call SRF at 732-446-4422.
   Allentown Tree Lighting: 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, a visit 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].
   Millstone Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., outside the Millstone firehouse, 461 Stage Coach Road. Baked goods, refreshments, holiday crafts, middle school chorus, pictures with Santa (bring your camera). Children are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped present for a needy child that will be collected by township employees for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys-for-Tots program. For more information on the Toys-for-Tots collection, call 732-917-2954.
   Plumsted Tree Lighting: 6 p.m., (rain, snow, or shine) outside the Plumsted Township Municipal Building, 121 Evergreen Road. Bring an ornament to decorate the new municipal tree, donated by Herb Marinari of Big Woods Nursery. The New Egypt Fire Department will bring Santa and Mrs. Claus on its firetruck and free photos of your child will be taken with Santa. Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for Plumsted Business and Merchants Association’s 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 festivities. 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 for your holiday shopping, as well as food, baked goods, door prizes and more. Admission: $2. Fifty percent of proceeds go to hurricane disaster relief. Contact Karen Oltarzewski for more information at 609-371-7007.
   Santa Paws Photos: 12 noon to 3 p.m., NorthStar VETS, 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. Buy a unique photo of your pet with Santa on his sleigh. Cost $15. Proceeds benefit the Vet-I-Care Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides funds to defray the cost of life-saving treatments for animals. For more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected] or call 609-259-8300 ext.1153.

Tues., Dec. 4

   Holiday Tree-lighting Festivities: 6:30 p.m., at a new replacement tree on the lawn at the Foxmoor shopping center, Washington Boulevard, Robbinsville. This free 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., Allentown. This is 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].

Fri., Dec. 7

   ”Babytime”: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This class if for children age 6 months to 24 months accompanied by an adult. Registration required online at www.mcl.org.

Sat., Dec. 8

   Annual Natural Wreath-making Workshop: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Welcome Center Building, 31 Main St., Plumsted. The Plumsted Environmental Commission will provide the grapevine wreath, as well as holly and pine twigs, to make an all-natural wreath. (Bring your own ribbon or bows if you desire additional decoration). No charge for wreath, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Registration required; email [email protected].
   ”Gift Wrapped” — A Holiday Musical Revue: 7 p.m., Millstone Center for the Performing Arts, 5 Dawson Court, Millstone. A heartwarming show, directed by Gina Whalen, features 22 holiday songs, including ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Santa Baby,’ ‘Oh Chanukah,’ ‘You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,’ and other favorites accompanied by a live band. All seats are reserved and tickets start at $20. Use the MPAC’s new on-line ticketing system at www.millstoneperformingarts.com to get preferred seats or call MPAC at 732-446-8480. Contact Barbara for group prices at [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.

Tues., Dec. 11

   Storybooks in Action: 2 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. For children ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org.

Fri., Dec. 14

   Sing Along with Miss Amy: 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. Registration required online at www.mcl.org.

Sat., Dec. 15

   Kids Movie Matinee “Arthur Christmas” (PG): 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Registration begins online at www.mcl.org beginning Dec. 1.
   Visit with Santa: 12 noon, Tony’s Farm Market, 1369 Route 130 North, Robbinsville. Bring a new unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corp’s Toys-for-Tots collection and visit Santa during the farm market’s open house. Food donations for the Robbinsville Food Pantry will also be accepted. For more information, call 609-448-0667.
   Have Your Photo Taken on a Horse with Santa: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Reindancer Therapuetic Riding Center, 31 Archertown Road, Plumsted. Requested donation $10. For more information, contact 609-752-0900.

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.

Wed., Dec. 19

   Kids Music Round: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This is a music movement class for children age 6 months and up accompanied by an adult. Online registration at www.mcl.org begins Dec. 5.

Wed., Dec. 27

   The Lizard Guys: 2 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This show for children in kindergarten and up includes live animals. Online registration at www.mcl.org begins on Dec. 13.

Fri., Dec. 30

   The Magic of Mike Schick: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A free magic show for children of all ages accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.mcl.org beginning Dec. 13.

Sat., Dec. 29

   Kids Movie Matinee “Brave” (PG): 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Registration begins online at www.mcl.org beginning Dec. 13.

Mon., Dec. 31

   Countdown to 2013 Children’s Celebration: 11:45 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Come and create special crafts with materials provided by the library, then count down to 12 noon while celebrating with juice and a snack. Any child under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration at www.mcl.org begins on Dec. 13.

Recurring events

   Library Giving Tree. The Allentown Library, 16 So. Main St., will be collecting new hats, gloves and scarves to decorate its Giving Tree during the month of December. All donations will go to a local charity. Call the library at 609-259-7565 for more information.
   Library Food Drive. During the month of December, 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.
   Toys-for-Tots Drive (Millstone). The Millstone Township Recreation Office is an official drop-off location for the U.S. Marine Corp’s annual toy drive for needy children. New UNWRAPPED toys can be brought to the municipal building, 470 Stage Coach Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday until Dec. 14. For more information, or to volunteer, call 732-917-2954.
   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 more 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, 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. Meets 11:30 a.m., second and fourth Tuesdays each month at Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road. Contact Jim Samuel at [email protected].
   The Good Neighbor Fund assists area residents with emergency needs such as utility, rent and medical bills. To donate, mail check payable to Good Neighbor Fund in care of Allentown Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 122, Allentown, 08501.
   Plumsted TNR Committee. Plumsted Trap, Neuter and Return Committee every Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., New Egypt Flea Market, 933 Route 536, Plumsted.
   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. Meets 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. Short email submissions (no attachments, please!) are preferred. Include time, date, location, full street address, admission fee (if applicable), and a contact email or phone number for further information. Submission of an item does not guarantee publication.