Fri., Dec. 4
LEGO Club Friday, 10:30 a.m., at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. For ages 3 to 11.
Images of Cranbury, 7 p.m. at the Cranbury Public Library, 23 North Main Street. Cranbury resident and photographer David Nissen will present a journey through the pages of his recently published book. Copies will be available for purchase at the program.
Cranbury’s Girl Scouts Brownie Troop 72911 welcomes resident to join them for a Winter Workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cranbury Fire House on Main Street. Winter crafts, cookies and cocoa will be offered. The evening benefits the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation and attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped gift to help spread joy to economically disadvantaged children.
The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company Visit from Santa is now being organized. Would you like for Santa to drop off a gift for Christmas? The fire company will deliver one gift per child the weekend of Dec. 19-20. Those wishing to donate gifts can do so at the tree lighting ceremony Dec. 4 or to the firehouse Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 between 7 and 9 p.m. Open to Cranbury residents only. For questions, call the firehouse at 609-395-0633 or email at station48chiefs@yahoo.com.
The Cranbury Township recycle shed will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. If you have questions, call Town Hall at 609-395-0900, ext. 229.
Sat., Dec. 5
Holiday Shoppe at Cranbury History Center, 6 S. Main St., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Features unique Cranbury items, including note cards, framed prints, trays, shirts, aprons, bookmarks, books and more.
Make a Gingerbread House, 10 a.m. to noon, at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Construct and decorate a gingerbread house for the holidays with Teen Advisory Board members. For ages 4 to 10.
Sun., Dec. 6
Cranbury Museum, 4 Park Place East, Cranbury. Christmas Tea,1-4 p.m. View the Depression Glass exhibit and see the tree and rooms that are decorated for the holidays. Refreshments will served.
The Cranbury Lions Club will have its 68th annual pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cranbury School cafeteria. In addition to the breakfast, the club will sell poinsettias and have pictures available with Santa. Prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Mon., Dec. 7
Mobile County Connection, 1 to 3 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Located in the library’s parking lot. Services provided include senior and veteran services, consumer affairs, voter registration and parks and tourism information.
Bennie the Bear – Story Time with children’s author Jill Tate, 3:30 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Ms. Tate will read her book “Bennie the Bear.” Learn about the real live bear that inspired the story. Following will be a question-and-answer session and book signing. Crafts will follow. For ages 3 to 6.
Holiday concert featuring flute/guitar duo Marjorie Koharski and Keith Calmes, 5 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Program is sponsored by Friends of the Plumstead Library.
The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company Visit from Santa is now being organized. Would you like for Santa to drop off a gift for Christmas? The fire company will deliver one gift per child the weekend of Dec. 19-20. Those wishing to donate gifts can do so at the firehouse Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 between 7 and 9 p.m. Open to Cranbury residents only. For questions, call the firehouse at 609-395-0633 or email at station48chiefs@yahoo.com.
The Cranbury Township Board of Health meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 23A N. Main St., Cranbury.
Wed., Dec. 9
Legends of the Night, 3:45 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. You’ve seen them on Harry Potter, now see them for real. Meet different species of owls, learn about their habitat and night vision skills. Presented by a naturalist from Cattus Island. For ages 4 to 10.
Meet the Mayor, 8:45 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Jack Trotta and Assemblyman Ron Dancer. Call 609-758-7888 for an appointment.
The Cranbury Township Parks Commission meeting will be held at 9:15 a.m. at Town Hall, 23A N. Main St., Cranbury.
Thurs., Dec. 10
Knitting and Crochet Club, 2 p.m., at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Do you enjoy knitting, crochet or needlepoint? Come chat and share ideas and bring your old and new projects to work on. The group meets every second Thursday of the month.
The Beth El Synagogue Seniors will be hosting their monthly meeting on at 1 p.m. Come to play, eat and sing as Cantor Larry entertains us with his humor, voice, and imagination in celebration of Chanukah. Bring a gift priced between $6 and $10 and be eligible for a gift of your choosing at the annual bring one/take one Chanukah exchange. RSVP to the Beth El Synagogue office by Dec. 4. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
The Beth El Synagogue Werner Lecture Fund presents Larry Wolfert and “About Jewish Folk Singers” at 7 p.m. Larry Wolfert’s passion for folk music has played a key part in his role in keeping it alive in Central New Jersey. For 25 years, he has been a member of the duo “The End of the Line” and for 30 years a substitute DJ for WRSU’s Sunday Folk Show “Home Made Music.” This event will be held at Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Sat., Dec. 12
Holiday Shoppe at Cranbury History Center, 6 S. Main St., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Features unique Cranbury items, including note cards, framed prints, trays, shirts, aprons, bookmarks, books and more.
Sun., Dec. 13
Cranbury Museum, 4 Park Pace East, Cranbury. Open Sunday,1-4 p.m. Exhibit, “Depression Glass: Candy-Colored Glass of the Depression Era“ showcases the colorful American Glassware produced during the Depression Era and features more than 300 pieces.
The Hightstown Christmas Candlelight House Tour schedule is: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., refreshments, holiday boutique; 3 to 6 p.m., candlelight tour of six homes (ticket required) starts at the Ely House, 164 N. Main St., Hightstown; 6 p.m. bell choir concert at Frist United Methodist Church, 187 Stockton St., Hightstown. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available at Perennial Home, 119 Ward St., Hightstown, and at Weichert Realtors, 417 Route 130, East Windsor. Same day tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children and are available at the Ely House from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Mon., Dec. 14
Drop-In Holiday Craft, 3 to 5 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Make a holiday card for someone special. Some messy art is involved. Walk-ins welcome. For all ages.
The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company Visit from Santa is now being organized. Would you like for Santa to drop off a gift for Christmas? The fire company will deliver one gift per child the weekend of Dec. 19-20. Those wishing to donate gifts can do so between 7 and 9 p.m. Open to Cranbury residents only. For questions, call the firehouse at 609-395-0633 or email at station48chiefs@yahoo.com.
Tues., Dec. 15
Family Picture Book Discussion, 3:45 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Celebrate the holidays by reading “The Drummer Boy” and “Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanza.” Registration at the circulation desk and book pick-up available beginning Nov. 23. Best suited for grades 1 to 3.
Wed., Dec. 16
Star Wars Celebration, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Celebrate Star Wars with games, crafts, gifts and snacks. Come in your favorite Star Wars costume. For ages 8 and up.
Fri., Dec. 18
Toddlertime, 10:30 a.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Toddlers ages 18 to 36 months and their caregivers can participate in stories, songs and a craft.
Career Services for People with Disabilities, noon to 2 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Do you have a disability (physical, emotional, learning, drug dependency) that interferes with your ability to find and/or maintain employment? The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) may be able to help with free services, such as career counseling, vocational training, assistive technology and job coaching. Meet with a DVRS representative to learn more.
Sun., Dec. 20
Cranbury Museum, 4 Park Pace East, Cranbury. Open Sunday,1-4 p.m. Exhibit, “Depression Glass: Candy-Colored Glass of the Depression Era“ showcases the colorful American Glassware produced during the Depression Era and features over three hundred pieces.
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will be hosting Roger Lustig presenting “New On-line Resources for Germany and Prussia” at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Lustig will present an outline of German records; where to look for vital records according to date and place and also cover other types of sources. He has been doing genealogical research since 2002, and has done research for clients since 2008. His specialty is German Jewry, and within that, Prussia; and most of all, Upper Silesia, a region now in Poland, where his father’s family lived for centuries. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520. Contact the synagogue office with any questions at (609) 443-4454 or go to www.bethel.net.
Mon., Dec. 21
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor and JFCS – Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County – will host “Demystifying the Stigma of Mental Health Problems” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This interactive discussion will address the following questions: What are the warning signs and red flags? What is mental health? Why is there a stigma? When is it appropriate to ask for help? Where do we find the help we need? How as a community can we improve? This free event for teens and adults will be held at Beth El Synagogue, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to register, contact Andrea LoPresti at 609-987-8100 or email andreal@jfcsonline.org.
Thurs., Dec. 24
Enjoy dinner and a movie at 6 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. Sponsored by the Werner Lecture Fund and the Beth El Men’s Club, the evening will consist of a Kosher Chinese dinner and a viewing of the movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” After the movie, join us for a discussion of Jewish and Greek weddings and lifestyles.The cost is $18 per person if paid by Dec. 18, 2015. After that date, the cost is $23 per person. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Mon., Dec. 28
LEGO Club, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. For ages 3 to 11.
Wed., Dec. 30
Anime Club, 6 to 7:30 p.m.,at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Join other tee fans to screen anime DVDs. For grades 6 to 12.
Teen Advisory Board meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. If you are a teen in grades 7 to 12, see what TAB is all about.
Mon., Jan. 4
The Cranbury Township reorganization meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 23-A North Main St.
Sun., March 13
The Community Concert Association of Bordentown Inc. will host “Jersey Sound” at 3 p.m. in Bordentown Regional Middle School, 50 Dunn’s Mill Road, Bordentown. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for seniors. This award-winning chorus, a member of “Sweet Adelines,” brings musicianship, memorable repertory, humor and vocal quality to every performance. Enjoy a concert of old-time classics, pop, jazz, patriotic, and Broadway favorites. For additional concert or membership information, call 609-298-5465.
Sun., April 10
The Community Concert Association of Bordentown Inc. will host “Broadway-Style Musical Revue” at 3 p.m. in Bordentown Regional Middle School, 50 Dunn’s Mill Road, Bordentown. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for seniors. This particular concert gives the opportunity to remember the great Broadway composers from the past 100 years who have made music that is authentically American and popular around the world. For additional concert or membership information, call 609-298-5465.
Continuing events
Spinning Yarns Craft Circle: This club meets the first and third Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Cranbury Public Library at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury. Visit the Gambino Room for an hour of knitting, crocheting, crafts and conversation. All levels welcome.
The Monroe Township Police PBA #255 & SOA #203 is having its second annual toy drive between now and Dec. 9. Residents are asked to drop off an unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation for children of all ages at the police department, 3 Municipal Plaza. For more information, contact Lt. Lisa Robinson at 732-521-0222, ext. 149 or email lrobinson@monroetwppolice.org; or Officer Wesley Panckeri at 732-521-0222, ext. 210 or email wpanckeri@monroetwppolice.org.
Read It and Eat It! Cook Book Club: This club takes place the third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Cranbury Public Library at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury. Call the library to reserve a copy of this month’s book or visit www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/264622.
Toddler Stay and Play: This event is held Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury. Early literacy story time helps prepare children with future reading skills. After singing, reading, and talking, children ages 12-24 months with a caregiver stay and play.
Movie Club: This club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Cranbury Public Library at 23 N. Main St. in Cranbury Join the lively discussions about movies.
Central Jersey Chapter 148 of Korean War Veterans Association: Any veterans who served during the war from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953 to the current date can join the group that meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month (except January, February, March and April) at the Monroe Township Municipal Building. Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and a $10 chapter fee per year. The chapter is involved in various functions throughout the year including parades with color guard, flag raisings, Korean War memorial ceremonies, funerals and more. For more information, contact Charles Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or email him at KWVANJ@yahoo.com.
Holy Cross Lutheran Preschool: Registration for the 2015-16 school year for both Pre-K-3 and Pre-K-4 programs continues to be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call Preschool Director Kathy Schroeder at 609- 298-2880 ext. 101 for availability.
Community dinner: Rise and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen offer free hot meals at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 N. Main St., Hightstown, on Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and the First United Methodist Church, 187 Stockton St., Hightstown, on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All meals are provided free on an unconditional, no-questions-asked basis. Volunteers are welcome.
Food Pantry: The Rise Food Pantry is open 52 weeks a year from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and from 5 to 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. Baby care items, personal products and all nonperishable and perishable food items are needed for local families. The pantry welcomes locally grown fruits and vegetables. Food can be donated directly to the pantry at 225 Franklin St., Hightstown, during operating hours or to the Greater Goods Thrift Store, 114 Rogers Ave., Hightstown. Contact info@rise-community-services.org for more information.
What’s going on
Community events, meeting notices, public announcements and other items of local interest appear regularly in this column at no charge. Send items well in advance to mmorsch@centraljersey.com or to Community Calendar, Windsor-Hights Herald, P.O. Box 350, Princeton, New Jersey, 08542.
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