Thurs., Jan. 3
Painting Fun: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children of all ages, accompanied by an adult, are welcome to drop in and create a special painting. Pre-registration is NOT required. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Fri., Jan. 4
Storybooks in Action: 10:30 a.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 age 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Preschool Storytime: 10:30 a.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and a craft. Please register in-person, by phone at 609-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Sat., Jan. 5
Toss the Christmas Tree; Boost a Dune: 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Plumsted Township Maintenance Building parking lot, Pine Street. Join the Plumsted Youth for Nature and the Environment’s dune restoration project for Island Beach State Park using recycled Christmas trees. (The tree branches help bind the sand together to prevent further erosion, and the decomposing trees also provide nutrients for dune grasses.) Remove all tinsel, lights and ornaments before dropping off your Christmas tree. For more information, call Larry Witham at 609-758-7755.
Snowflake Creations: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A program for children of all ages accompanied by an adult. Drop in; pre-registration NOT required. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Tues., Jan. 8
Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Stories and crafts for toddlers age 18 months to 36 months old. Please register in-person, by phone 609-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Make the Most of Your e-Reader: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Topics covered include the basics of eReaders, how to choose an eReader, finding, checking out, and downloading eBooks; and how to use eLibraryNJ. Register for this program online at www.mcl.org.
Wed., Jan. 9
Teddy Bear Picnic: 10 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Bring your favorite bear for crafts, games and a snack. For children age 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Online registration begins Dec. 26 at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Meet With Elected Representatives: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Plumsted library, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. State Assemblyman Ron Dancer, Plumsted Mayor Dave Leutwyler and NJ Congressman Chris Smith’s aide, Fran Grilletto, will be available to meet with residents to answer questions; receive suggestions; or assist with any federal, state or local matters of concern. Call the library at 609-758-7888 in advance to reserve a specific time slot for a one-on-one meeting.
Thurs., Jan. 10
Pre-K and Kindergarten Kids Storytime: 2 p.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Join us for this new program for children ages 4-6. Please register in-person, by phone at 609-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Free Rabies Clinic: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Robbinsville Public Works garage, 56 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. Hosted by the West Windsor Health Department. For further information, contact 609-936-8400.
Learn to Make Indoor Garden Terrariums: 7 p.m., Allentown Garden Club monthly meeting at the Allentown Methodist Church, 23 Church Street. A representative of Barlow’s Flower Farm will demonstrate how to assemble these indoor gardens using a variety of containers and plants. All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.AllentownGardenClub.org, or call club president Terry Brown at 609-259-0334.
Fri., Jan. 11
Creation Station: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children accompanied by an adult are invited to drop in and create special crafts with materials provided by the library. No pre-registration needed. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Sat., Jan. 12
Toss the Christmas Tree; Boost a Dune: 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Plumsted Township Maintenance Building parking lot, Pine Street. Join the Plumsted Youth for Nature and the Environment’s dune restoration project for Island Beach State Park using recycled Christmas trees. (The tree branches help bind the sand together to prevent further erosion and the decomposing trees also provide nutrients for dune grasses.) Remove all tinsel, lights and ornaments before dropping off your Christmas tree. For more information, call Larry Witham at 609-758-7755.
Self-Defense for Women: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42-Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Instructor Carolyn Schindewolf, of Princeton HealthCare System’s Community Education and Outreach program, will teach easy self-defense techniques. Anyone under 18 needs parental permission to attend. Dress in sneakers and comfortable clothing. Register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150.
Thurs., Jan. 17
Coffee Doughnuts and a Movie: 1 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Please register in advance online at www.mcl.org or call the library at 609-259-2150.
Snowman Tube Sock Craft: 4:15 p.m. to 4:50 p.m., Allentown library, 16 South Main Street. Grab a clean white sock to make and decorate a sock snow person. For children ages 5 and up. Please register in advance by calling the library at 609-259-7565.
Fri., Jan. 18
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. Online registration required at www.mcl.org beginning Jan. 4.
Preschool Storytime: 10:30 a.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and a craft. Please register in-person, by phone at 609-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Sat., Jan. 19
Millstone Free Rabies Clinic: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., 899 Perrineville Road, Millstone. For more information, call 732-446-4249, extension 1701.
Upper Freehold Free Rabies Clinic: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 314 Route 539 (municipal garage). Township dog licenses can be renewed at this time for dogs vaccinated at the clinic or with a rabies vaccination certificate valid through Nov. 1, 2013. For additional information, call 609-758-7738.
Rotary Club Magic Show Fundraiser: 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School Auditorium, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road, Robbinsville. A family show featuring comedy and magic by professional entertainers/magicians. Cost: $15 for adults; $12 for children/students; and $10 for groups of 12 or more. Tickets available online at magicformegan.com. For more information, call 609-575-3645.
Tues., Jan. 22
Babytime: 10:15 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A class for children 6 months to 24 months accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.mcl.org beginning Jan. 8. For questions, call 609-259-2150.
Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m., Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Stories and crafts for toddlers age 18 months to 36 months old. Please register in-person, by phone 609-758-7888 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Wed., Jan. 23
Clutter Be Gone!: 7 p.m., Robbinsville branch f the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Professional organizer Ellen Tozzi will show you how to start the de-cluttering process, how to decide what to keep and what to let go, and how to keep the clutter away for good. Please register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Thurs., Jan. 24
Cookie Monsters: 4:15 p.m. to 4:50 p.m., Allentown library, 16 South Main Street. Enjoy the story “The Mitten” by Jan Brett, then decorate a theme-inspired cookie. (Please let us know of any food allergies your child has). For children ages 5 and up. Register in advance by calling the library at 609-259-7565.
Fri., Jan. 25
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 beginning Jan. 11.
Sat., Jan. 26
Managing Your Digital Photos: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Learn how to use Shutterfly to organize, edit, and share your pictures. Please bring ONE of the following: 1. Your camera with its memory card and either its USB cable or a memory card reader; or 2. Your camera’s memory card with photos on it, and a memory card reader; or 3. Your smartphone with built-in camera and have a valid email address. Register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Tues., Jan. 29
Babytime: 10:15 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A class for children 6 months to 24 months accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.mcl.org beginning Jan. 15. For questions, call 609-259-2150.
Thurs., Jan. 31
Coffee Doughnuts and a Movie: 1 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown, Road. Please register in advance online at www.mcl.org or call the library at 609-259-2150.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid “The Third Wheel” Book Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. to 4:50 p.m., Allentown library, 16 South Main Street. Join us to celebrate the release of the newest Wimpy Kid book with a trivia challenge and a raffle to win a copy of the book. For ages 8 and up. Register in advance by calling 609-259-7565.
The Economy: Investing in Uncertain Times: 7 p.m. Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Presented by Integrated Asset Management, Inc., this program will explore processes and practices that can help you successfully invest for growth, generate income, and protect your nest egg. Register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Recurring events
Winter Storytime Sessions at the Allentown Library. Stories, songs and fun activities every Thursday at the library located at 16 S. Main St., Allentown. No pre-registration required! Schedule includes: “Good Morning Storytime” from 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. for ages 3 and under with a parent or caregiver (siblings welcome); “Preschool Storytime” from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for ages 3 to 5; and “Family Storytime” from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. for all ages. For more information, call the library at 609-259-7565.
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.
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