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.
Elks “Boardwalk Dinner”: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., New Egypt Elks, 105 Lakewood Road, Plumsted. A Boardwalk-theme party sausage sandwiches andfrench fries, and pizza, boardwalk games, prizes, and funnel cake for dessert. Tickets: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children 3 to 12. (Children under 3 are free). Limited seating available. Call 609-234-4110 for reservations.
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.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., sponsored by the Plumsted Township Trap/ Neuter & Return Committee at the Gambler’s Ridge Golf Course,121 Burlington Path Road, Cream Ridge. Cost: $10 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Carryout available for $1 more. Delicious spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Cash bar and 50-50 raffle. For tickets, call (609) 317-0453.
Sun., Jan. 27
Robbinsville Irish Heritage Association Parade Fundraiser: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Centro Grille, 2360 Route 33, Robbinsville. Proceeds help pay for the RIHA’s 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Cost: $10 at the door; $5 for children under 12; and the restaurant owners will donate a percentage of the food receipts. For more information contact Dave Doran at 609-529-6611.
Mon., Jan. 28
The “When Dinosaurs Came with Everything” Puppet Show: 2:30 p.m., Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library System, 119 Evergreen Road, Plumsted. Running errands with mom or dad can be a real drag, but what if each store you went to was offering a free dinosaur with each and every purchase? This puppet show is based on Elise Broach’s book about a boy and his mom and a wild day of running errands around town with a lot of dinosaurs. Please register in advance by calling 609-758-7888.
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. 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.
”Motivating Gifted Learners:” 7 p.m., Stone Bridge Middle School Media Center, 1252 Yardville-Allentown Road, Upper Freehold. Lisa Van Gemert, the gifted youth specialist for Mensa will offer an eye-opening look at ways we should — and should not — motivate our children. For more information about the speaker, go Ms. Gemert’s website at www.giftedguru.com.
Fri., Feb. 1
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 2 and up. Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org.
Allentown Lions Art Auction Fundraiser: preview 7 p.m., auction starts 8 p.m., The German-American Society Hall, 215 Uncle Petes Road, Hamilton Township. More than 1,000 prints, sports memorabilia and originals for auction by Marlin Art Inc. in all price ranges (major credit cards accepted). Admission $20; wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and coffee, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. For more information, call Robert Strovinsky at 609-259-1886.
Sat., Feb. 2
”The Fun and Mystery of Reading Tea Leaves:” 1 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Learn about the history of tea and how the reading of tea leaves has become a fascinating pastime of fortune telling with certified food historian Judith Krall-Russo. Bring a shallow teacup and saucer (no coffee mugs!) and try your hand at it. Registration required online at www.mcl.org.
”Mutts Gone Nuts:” 2 p.m., Millstone Performing Arts Center, Millstone Middle School, 5 Dawson Court. A comedy dog act in the 1,200-seat auditorium along with an afternoon of family fun including a small bazaar with games sponsored by DCA Productions and information related to animal rescue, health and training. Tickets $12. Call MPAC at 732-446-8480 or use the online ticket ordering system at www.millstoneperformingarts.com.
Millstone Foundation for Educational Excellence Casino Night: 7 p.m., Battleground Country Club, Manalapan. Cost: $65 per person, includes $25 in “fun money” for gambling, hors d’oeuvres, crudités, assorted cheeses, dessert and a cash bar. Casino games include Texas hold-em, roulette, blackjack and craps. There will also be 50/50 raffle and auction with prizes. For tickets or more information about sponsorship, advertising and auction item opportunities, go online to the nonprofit Millstone Foundation for Educational Excellence’s website at www.mtfee.org.
Mon., Feb. 4
Mobile County Connection Service Center Comes to Plumsted: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., parking lot of the Plumsted library, 119 Evergreen Road. Services provided are County IDs, senior and veteran services, consumer affairs, voter registration and parks and tourism information. (Fees are required for some services.) For more information, call 609-758-7888.
Tues., Feb. 5
Babytime: 10:15 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A program for children 6 months to 24 months accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org.
Wed., Feb. 6
First Robotics Sponsor Networking Event: 6 p.m., Robbinsville High School Technology Lab, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Tours of the lab and brief presentations about the 2012 robotics season, an overview of the 2013 season, and an opportunity to network with other sponsors whose donations help the team buy the materials and pay registration fees and travel expenses for competitions. For more information, contact Joy Wolfe [email protected].
Thurs., Feb. 7
School-age Storytime ad Craft: 4:30 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. This is a class for children in kindergarten and up. Register online at www.mcl.org.
”Design elements of modern and classic Japanese Gardens: Stone Water and Plants:” 7 p.m., Allentown Garden Club meeting, Allentown Methodist Church. Brandon Forsht, along with Drew Sodo Hanson, who operates Boukakuan Japanese Tea House and Garden in Burlington County, will lead the photo tour of some of the great gardens of Japan. Mr. Forsht holds a master’s degree in landscape design from Columbia University, and Mr. Hanson is a licensed teacher in the Urasenka Tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony. All are welcome. For more information, go to www.allentowngardenclub.org, or call club president Terry Brown at 259-0334.
Sat., Feb. 9
Valentine Workshop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Drop in and make a valentine craft. Children of all ages accompanied by an adult are welcome. No pre-registration necessary. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150.
Learn to Use Yahoo Email: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Learn how to create an account and use email features. Register online at www.mcl.org or call the library at 609-259-2150.
First Robotics Sponsor Networking Event: 11 a.m., Robbinsville High School Technology Lab, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Tours of the lab and brief presentations about the 2012 robotics season, an overview of the 2013 season, and an opportunity to network with other sponsors whose donations help the team buy the materials and pay registration fees and travel expenses for competitions. For more information, email Joy Wolfe at [email protected].
Wine and Chocolate Trail Weekend at Laurita Winery: 12 noon to 9 p.m., 85 Archertown Road (GPS address); New Egypt. Enjoy live music, sampling award-winning wines, and tasting fabulous chocolates and decadent desserts. Free admission. For more information, go to www.LauritaWinery.com or call 609-758-8000.
Pasta Night at American Legion: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt. Dinner served family style includes penne pasta, meatballs with your choice of sauces, salad and dinner rolls, coffee/tea and homemade desserts. Tickets: $10 adults and $5 for children under 12. A 50-50 drawing will be held. For more information, contact Roberta at 609-209-6666.
New Egypt Elks Comedy Night: doors open 6:30 p.m., 105 Lakewood Road, New Egypt. Sponsored by the Elks Special Children’s Committee. Comedy, buffet, DJ, draft beer and soda included. Tickets: $30 per person. Call 609-758-8700 or 609-752-0272 for tickets and information.
Sun., Feb. 10
Wine and Chocolate Trail Weekend at Laurita Winery: 12 noon to 7 p.m., 85 Archertown Road (GPS address); New Egypt. Enjoy live music, sampling award-winning wines, and tasting fabulous chocolates and decadent desserts. Free admission. For more information, go to www.LauritaWinery.com or call 609-758-8000.
Wed., Feb. 13
Special Storytime Purim: 4:30 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Presented by Shalom Heritage Center for Jewish outreach and education. Register online at www.mcl.org beginning Jan. 30.
Fri., Feb. 15
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 2 and up. Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org starting Feb. 1.
Sat., Feb., 16
Robbinsville Irish Heritage Association Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Applebee’s, 333 Route 33 (corner of Whitehorse-Mercerville Road). RIHA will be serving pancakes and receiving a percent of the food receipts. Proceeds support the RIHA’s 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Questions? Contact Kathleen Sturgeon at [email protected] or 609-638-8308.
Used Tack Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hickory Ridge Farm (adjacent to the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, East Branch Road, Upper Freehold. No set-up fee. Bring your used tack for sale or come shop for bargains. Free Western and English riding demonstrations. For more information, call Pat Jasin, 732-664-2150 or 732-505-9700.
Tues., Feb. 19
Kids Movie Matinee: “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (PG); 2 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Pre-registration required online at www.mcl.org starting Feb. 5.
Thurs., Feb. 21
Learn about Working with Stained Glass: 7 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Local craftsman John Hones will explain how to get started and provide a bibliography and equipment list. Please register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150.
Fri., Feb. 22
Toddler Tunes: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A music program for children of all ages accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.mcl.lorg beginning Feb. 8.
Sat., Feb. 23
Book Talk with Author/Attorney John Hartmann: 2 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. Mr. Hartmann, a Trenton attorney and former state assemblyman, is the author of “Jacket” about his life in law and politics. His irreverent humor puts a human face on the dysfunctional New Jersey justice system. To register go online to www.mcl.org or call the library at 609-259-2150.
Tues., Feb. 22
Babytime: 10:15 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. A program for children 6 months to 24 months accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org beginning Feb. 12.
Wed., Feb. 27
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 painting. Registration is not necessary. Questions? Call 609-259-2150.
Thurs., Feb. 28
Noodling Around with the MOMS Club: 10 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Celebrate National Noodle Month (March) a few days early with stories and crafts. For children of all ages accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org beginning Feb. 14.
College Funding Boot Camp: 7 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Learn about the often complex process of college funding, proper financial planning, incorporating your child’s needs and desires and the significance of the Expected Family Contribution. Presented by Innovative College Funding Solutions LLC. Register online at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150.
Fri., March 1
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 2 and up. Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org starting Feb. 15.
Sat., March 2
Mr. Dennis’ Seuss Themed Magic Show: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. A program celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday that is for children of all ages. Online registration required at www.mcl.org beginning Feb. 16.
Sun., March 3
Designer Pocketbook Bingo: doors open 6 p.m., bingo starts 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Cost: $25 for a set of 16 bingo cards and a chance to win 16 different designer handbags. Additional game cards sold at the door. Must be 21 or older. Event includes, raffles for door prizes, dessert and coffee (food may be brought in, but not alcohol). This fundraiser benefits RHS Post-Prom 2014, a safe after-prom event for students. For tickets and table reservations (groups of 8 to 10) contact Debbie Parylak: 609-658-5196 or [email protected] or Toni DeChiara: 609-937-6193 [email protected].
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. 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.

