Fri., Jan. 8
The Cranbury Public Library’s Toddler Story Time will be at 10:30 a.m. Traditional story time that helps prepared children with future reading skills. First, we sing, read, and talk. Then we stay and play! Ages 12-24 months with caregiver.
Excel for Beginners will be taught at 10:30 a.m. the 138 Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. (609) 448-1330. Come to learn the basics of the popular spreadsheet program. Space is limited; call to register.
Sat., Jan. 9
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasmas Physics Laboratory’s popular Ronald E. Hatcher Science on Saturday Lecture Series begins at 9:30 a.m. The first lecture in the series by astronomer Alan Hirshfeld, “Starlight Detectives: How Astronomers, Inventors, and Eccentrics Discovered the Modern Universe, will focus on the history of modern astronomy. The lectures fill up quickly so come early. Adults must show photo ID to register at the security booth. Free parking is available. Go to http://www.pppl.gov/education/science-education for a Science on Saturday schedule. You can also watch the lecture series live from home at https://mediacentral.princeton.edu/id/1_rqmmkznx. If Science on Saturday is canceled due to inclement weather or other emergency, a message will be left on the Science on Saturday Hotline at (609) 243-2121.
Sun., Jan. 10
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in Hightstown will host “A Muslim, Christian, Jewish Interfaith Dialogue, The Role of Religion and Politics” from 7 to 9 p.m. Four speakers, Dr. David Abalos, Rev. Robert Moore, Imam Sohaib Sultan and Rabbi Eric Wisnia will give presentations in the church. A question and answer period will follow. The evening will conclude with a time for refreshments and conversation in the community room. The church is at the corner of Franklin Street (Route 33) and Maxwell Avenue, Hightstown, N.J. 08520. The entrance to the parking lot is on Maxwell Avenue. The program is co-sponsored by St. Anthony’s Social Justice Committee, The Interfaith Coalition for Peace and Justice, The Coalition for Peace, and Community Unity – HEWR. For additional information, call Lenore Isleib at 609-448-6470.
Wed., Jan. 13
Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, will offer a class on PowerPoint for Beginners at 10:30 a.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. (609) 448-1330. Learn how to use Microsoft’s popular slideshow and presentation program. Space is limited; call the library to register.
Thurs., Jan. 14
The Knitting and Crochet Club will meet at 2 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library at 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. Do you enjoy knitting, crochet or needlepoint? Bring old or new projects to work on and share ideas. The group meets every second Tuesday of the month. Call the branch at 609-758-7888, or check the website: www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register and find out about all of the monthly programs.
Tues., Jan. 19
The Cranbury Public Library’s “Read It and Eat It!” Cookbook Club will meet at 1 p.m. Grab your apron and try new recipes, share tips, reviews and samples. New members are always welcome.
Babes at Play will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library at 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. Songs, bounces, rhymes and stories for children up to a year old with caregiver.
Thurs., Jan. 21
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Seniors will present, “How do you order pizza in Hebrew: The development of Hebrew into a living language.” At 1 p.m. The afternoon event will include guest speaker, Dr. Leo Weinstock, Eminent Scholar of Semitic Languages. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Fri., Jan. 22
Beth El Synagogue will have a kid-friendly Shabbat Service at 5:30 p.m. Led by Cantor Larry Brandspiegel, Kabbalat Tot Shabbat will introduce your little ones, ages infant to second grade (older siblings are also invited) to the Friday evening service. After services, a Shabbat dinner will include chicken nuggets, French fries and dessert. The service is free and the dinner is $5 per person, with a maximum of $18 per family. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520. RSVP to the synagogue office (609-443-4454) or [email protected] by Jan. 14.
Sun., Jan. 24
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will be sponsoring its annual “Help Night” at 7:30 p.m. A number of laptop computers will be available for you to work with some of our knowledgeable club members to help you solve some of your most difficult genealogy research problems. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520. www.bethel.net. Contact the Synagogue office with any questions, (609) 443-4454.
Join Beth El Synagogue on from 2 to 4 p.m. for a Karaoke party. All ages are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to some of the best singers. Cost is $5 per person with a maximum of $18 per family. RSVP to [email protected] and send your check to the synagogue office or pay at the door. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520, 609-443-4454.
Mon., Jan. 25
Book Café with guest author at 3 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library at 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. Meet local author Sebastian Rizzo as he presents his debut novel “Torben’s Fountain.” Books available for purchase.
Tues., Jan. 26
Coloring for Adults at 11 a.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library at 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. Rediscover the joys of coloring. Coloring sheets and art supplies provided along with light refreshments and music.
Fri., Jan. 29
The Cranbury Public Library will have Family Game Night at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite game or play one provided by the library. Several tables of people playing different games will be featured. And there will be popcorn, too. The library is at 23 N. Main St. Call 609-655-0555 for information.
Wed., Feb. 3
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Israel Affairs Committee and Hadassah will present a guest speaker, Itzhak Brook MD, at 2 p.m. Dr. Brook will discuss the historical background of the 1973 Yom Kippur War and its effects on Israeli society, as well as his personal experiences and challenges as a battalion physician in the Sinai. Topics include the physical and psychological traumas soldiers coped with, the effect of religion on them, the cost of war in human life and suffering, and the daily struggle for survival in the war which threatened Israel’s existence. Admission is free. RSVP to Beth El Synagogue as [email protected] or 609-443-4454. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, www.bethel.net.
Sat., Feb. 6
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor will be sponsoring music by Crashing Through Doors featuring Barry Wasserman and Alan Stein at 7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of live music, desserts, coffee and tea. The cost is $20 per person. RSVP to the Beth El Synagogue office by January 29, 2016 at 609-443-4454 or be emailing [email protected]. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520, www.bethel.net.
Sun., Feb. 7
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Women’s League will be sponsoring “Coach Bag Bingo” from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Admission is $35 and includes 15 games, door prize, snacks, pastries, fruit, drinks and a chance to win genuine Coach bags and items. Additional specials, 50/50 and raffles will be available. RSVP to Beth El Synagogue. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Tues., Feb. 9
The Cranbury Public Library will host an event on digital and traditional scrapbooking at 10:30 a.m. Learn about the latest and greatest apps and programs to make digital scrapbooks and see a demonstration of the library’s Silhouette Cameo cutter to use for traditional scrapbooking. Patrons may use the cutter for their own projects too – just make an appointment. The library is at 23 N. Main St., Cranbury.
Thurs., Feb. 18
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Seniors meeting will host guest speaker, Rabbi Jay M. Kornsgold at 1 p.m. The topic of the discussion will be “Where is God When We Need God: The Holocaust and Other Horrors.” Join us as we discuss one of the great conundrums of the modern age: How do we reconcile our belief and faith in God in the face of the horrors occurring around us when we see no way of resolution or rescue through prayer and supplication to God. Rabbi Kornsgold will lead us through the philosophical and religious pathways to search for an answer. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Fri., Feb. 19
The Cranbury Public Library will host a program on “Ghost Writing a Memoir” at 7 p.m. Come hear about Robin Black’s experience ghost writing the holocaust memoir, “One Voice, Two Lives.” The library is at 23 N. Main St., Cranbury.
Mon., March 7
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor and Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County present “Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer” at 7 p.m. Jeannie Opdyke Smith, the daughter of the late Irene Opdyke, will speak about her mother’s story. Irene Opdyke, a brave and inspiring figure, received international recognition for her life-saving actions during the Holocaust when working for a high-ranking German official. She risked her life by aiding and saving Jews during the Holocaust. Her story is powerful, emotional, and awe-inspiring. Join us as Jeannie tells her mother’s story in a magnificent style. The free event will be held at Beth El Synagogue is East Windsor, is open to everyone and is appropriate for students 7th grade and up. For more information, contact Lisa Adler at JFCS, [email protected], 609-987-8100 X113 or Beth El Synagogue at 609-443-4454.Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
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 [email protected]; or Officer Wesley Panckeri at 732-521-0222, ext. 210 or email [email protected].
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.
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 [email protected].
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.
