HOPEWELL: Valley news briefs, issue of Dec. 4

Tea, library events happen on Dec. 6 
The annual Christmas tea, featuring holiday music, trains, refreshments and vintage Christmas decorations, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Hopewell Museum, 28 E. Broad St., Hopewell Borough.
John Burkhalter and company will provide a musical background, and video images of scenes old and new will be on display.
At the same time, the Hopewell Public Library Holiday will host an open house from 1 to 3 p.m.
Enjoy a Sunday stroll through historic Hopewell and stop by the library. Enjoy homemade goodies, music and conversation with staff, volunteers, board members and Friends.
The library has been providing service since its founding in 1914 in a saddle shop on Mercer Street, and has been in its current building since 1965. For information check in at the Hopewell Public Library, 13 E. Broad St., 609-466-1625, or redlibrary.org.
School’s music programs will benefit 
The PTO of the Hopewell Central High School is hosting a benefit reception and silent auction on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Hopewell Valley Golf Club from 6 to 10 p.m.
There will be passed hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar for beverages. The golf club will make its members dining room available to those wishing to buy a full meal.
Sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center with a musical performance by Sachal Vasandani, the event will provide the music programs of both Hopewell Valley and Trenton high schools with instruments, workshops and performances to create a continued musical partnership between the two schools.
The goal of this event is to raise funds for both schools’ performing arts programs. Jazz at Lincoln Center will enhance the programs of both schools and buy instruments with a portion of the money raised.
The two schools will hold a performance at Hopewell Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center on April 13. Admission will be free.
According to Tracy Martin, chairperson of the event, “Jazz At Lincoln Center has agreed to work generously with us to maximize our impact with these schools and our young people. The goal is to raise awareness and together explore the cultural and artistic differences, as well as similarities within our combined communities.”
For information and to purchase tickets, go to www.onthevineHV.org or contact Tracy Martin at chair@onthevinehv.org. 
Donate to Toys for Tots 
Residents of the Hopewell Valley area are invited to give children a reason to smile this holiday season by donating a toy for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or a girl to the lobby of the Hopewell Township Municipal Building before Friday, Dec. 18. The Marine Corps will collect the donated toys, sort them and deliver them to area families. 
Community Closet clothing 
The Hopewell Community Closet has reopened and has fall and winter fashions for all ages and sizes newborn to 3X.
There’s something for everyone — men, women and children — for a freewill donation or free to those who are financially struggling.
Shop hours are Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The Hopewell Community Closet is in Burton Hall of the Hopewell United Methodist Church in Hopewell Borough.
Donations of gently used clothing, shoes and handbags are accepted at business hours.
The mission of the Hopewell Community Closet is to provide access to free or low-cost clothing to struggling individuals and families.
This ongoing outreach is operated by the United Methodist Women of Hopewell United Methodist Church. The freewill donations support UMW missions.
The church is at 20 Blackwell Ave. More information is available at www.hopewellmethodist.org. 
Caroling and concert for Chorale 
The Hopewell Valley Youth Chorale will do “pop-up” caroling at dining and retail establishments from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec 11, as part of the Seminary Avenue Holiday Walk in Hopewell Borough. Kids and parents are welcome to join in as the group carols.
The Hopewell Valley Youth Chorale’s annual winter concert will be held at the Pennington Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 4 p.m. For information, go to www.hvychorale.org. 
Nursing job fair scheduled 
Hunterdon Healthcare will host a nursing job fair for its home health division on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hunterdon Regional Community Health, 215 Route 31, Flemington.
Applicants should bring their resume and note that an RN certification is required and two years of nursing experience preferred. The positions offer competitive salary and flexible scheduling. To learn more, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org or call Human Resources at 908-788-6159.
Lutherans to hold festival 
St. Peter Lutheran Church, located on the corner of routes 518 and 579 in Hopewell Township, will hold its 7th annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Festivities include a cookie and candy sale, a variety of vendors, themed baskets, craft items, attic treasures, gently used books, a prayer request table and games for children. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit the St Peter Nursery School. Call 215 313-2922 for information. 
Kids’ program at synagogue 
Reconstructionist synagogue Kehilat HaNahar, also known as “The Little Shul by the River,” in New Hope has been awarded its second Berger grant.
This congregation is part of the Harold and Renee Berger Synagogue Network for Families with Young Children, a program of Jewish Learning Venture. It is one of 16 synagogues chosen this year.
With these funds, Kehilat HaNahar will implement a program called “Jewish Music and Movement” for children ages 1 to 6 accompanied by an adult. It is free and open to all in the community.
The program will be held at the synagogue one Sunday per month through April from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Families can come to any session; remaining are Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 13 and April 17.
To register and to get more information about the program, email khnschool@gmail.com or call the synagogue office at 215-862-1912. 
Saturday bird walks end 
The Delaware and Raritan Greenway’s free Second Saturday walks to local preserves continue Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. Sharyn Magee will lead a hike looking for the “Birds of Winter” at the St. Michael’s Farm Preserve in Hopewell.
Space is limited for participants and cars; register early and receive directions at 609-924-4646 or www.drgreenway.org. Sturdy footgear and clothing for outdoor hiking as well as water for each hiker is essential. Cameras and binoculars are recommended. 
Christmas cookie sale 
Christmas cookie and bake sale will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Larison’s Corner Church, 1000 Old York Road, Ringoes. Choose your selection from more than 60 varieties of homemade cookies. $5 per dozen. Bring containers or use ours. Direct questions to 908-788-5398 or 908-500-0723. 
Grief support group meets 
A grief support group is held Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 3 West Broad St., Hopewell, by Joseph A. Immordino Jr., a Walk of Faith counseling ministry. Call 609-466-1880, 609-209-6046 or email info@calvarybaptisthopewell.com. The website is www.CalvaryBaptistHopewell.com or www.AWalkofFaith.net. Registration is appreciated.
One Spirit Yoga returns 
One Spirit Yoga is back in the Hopewell Train Station through May on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. The class is open to all levels. Bring a yoga mat, beach towel and water bottle and wear comfortable stretchy clothes. Classes are designed to calm the mind, relax the body and restore spirit.
For questions, contact Nancy McCormack at 609-333-1188 or email mccormackne@comcast.net. 
Chiropractors collect coats 
Pennington Family Chiropractic will hold its annual coat, hat and glove drive through Dec. 31. Drop off gently used or new items for donation in the foyer at 2554 Pennington Road by the Pennington Circle. The office is open Sunday to Friday. All proceeds benefit Anchor House & TASK. Call 609-737-3737 with questions. 
Bazaars at Baptist churches 
An annual Christmas bazaar will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Second Calvary Baptist Church on the corner of Columbia and Maple Avenue, Hopewell. The vent will feature handmade crafts, homemade baked goods, Avon, Mary Kay and Fuller brush products.
Eat in or take out made-to-order sandwiches and homemade soup available. For information, call 609-466-0862.
Calvary Baptist Church at 2 East Broad St., Hopewell, will open its Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. A few home made pies will be available. 
Tai chi classes begin Jan. 11 
Tai chi for health and balance classes begin Monday, Jan. 11, at 4:30 p.m. Bev Tucker will instruct a class that includes tai chi and qigong for health, healing and personal growth. A series of 10-week classes are held at St. Matthew’s Church, Pennington. For information and registration, call Ms. Tucker at 609-737-1384, or email taichibev92@gmail.com. 
Hopewell Farmers market 
The Hopewell Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Railroad Station, Railroad Place.
Shoppers will find Olssons Fine Foods (international cheeses, Griggstown meats, international and local pantry items); Village Bakery (bread, cookies and pastries); North Slope Farm (vegetables and fruits); Highland Gourmet (all-natural beef, fresh mushrooms, homemade baked goods, local honey); WoodsEdge Wool Farm (alpaca and llama fashion); and Guzikowski Eggs (fresh local eggs). 
Artists gather at station 
Artists gather to paint and draw at the Hopewell Railroad Station on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
This is time to practice with other artists. There is no fee. Bring art supplies and projects. There are tables and chairs to use.
Contact Lucia Stout Huebner at grassfedbeef@gmail.com to be put on the email list or call 609-466-0277. 
Doggie calendar for sale 
Dozens of furry, four-legged locals bask in their 12 months of fame in the 2016 “Dog Days of Lambertville” calendar for sale. The 11th edition of the calendar features more than 60 pups — many who have seen hard times before arriving safely in one of the most dog-friendly places on the planet.
They are priced at $10 each. Calendars can be purchased in Lambertville stores or online for $10 plus shipping and handling at www.lambertvilledogs.com. Net proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to local animal charities. 
Keep a low-sodium diet 
Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates will host a program, “Following a Low-Sodium Diet Over the Holidays” on Monday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Hunterdon Medical Center, off Route 31 near Flemington.
Linda Hesse, dietitian for Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates, will talk about healthy eating over the holidays and provide tips. This program is sponsored by the Hunterdon Heart Care Program. To register, call 908-788-6471, ext. 242. 
Clothing accepted 
A community clothing drive to support families in need through Fisherman’s Mark in Lambertville and the Shiloh Baptist Church of Trenton will be collected through Friday, Dec. 11. Drop off clothing in bags or boxes at South Hunterdon Regional High School outside the main office. 
Tree lights boost hospital 
Each year, the Lights of Love evergreen tree, located on the front lawn of the Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, is illuminated with thousands of lights representing gifts received to memorialize loved ones.
A $20 tax-deductible donation to the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation will place a “light of love” on the tree. A larger donation will place shining ornaments on the tree. These levels include: Circle of Love, $500; candlelight, $250, and starlight, $100.
For information and to make a donation, call the foundation at 908-788-6141 or visit foundation.hunterdonhealthcare.org. 
Cancer survivor program 
The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center will host a cancer survivorship program, “The Next Chapter: Transitioning from Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Dec. 10 and 17 and Jan. 7, 14 and 21.
This is a free five-week program geared towards educating people with all types of cancer diagnoses who have completed active treatment no more than two years ago and are currently disease free. Topics to be discussed are management of disease, nutrition, physical well-being, emotional well-being, and life after cancer.
Participants are welcome to bring family members and friends. A light dinner will be served at each session. Participants who complete all sessions and hand in a pre- and post-survey will be entered to win a $25 gift card.
For information and to register, contact Gabrielle Winther at 908-237-2337 or winther.gabrielle@hunterdonhealthcare.org. 
Volunteers for blood drives 
New Jersey Blood Services, which supplies blood products and services to 60 hospitals throughout the state, is in need of volunteers to work blood drives.
Volunteers assist donors with registration, escorting and canteen duties and watches for post donation reactions.
Volunteers should have the ability to relate to the public, be able to perform different jobs as needed and be willing to follow the rules.
For information, contact R. Jan Zepka at 732-616-8741 or rzepka@nybloodcenter.org. 