Sat., March 12
New Kid: NJ Theater Alliance Stages Festival, Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. George Street Playhouse presents “New Kid” a story about an immigrant family that moves to a new place and faces unexpected challenges. The play allows the audience to explore the impact of a new language and customs on an outsider.New Kid addresses racism, prejudice, peer pressure, and conflict resolution. OC event made possible by the generous support of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. Grades K-6. For information, call the library at 609-758-7888 or visit the website www.oceancountylibrary.org.
The Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission will sponsor “Empty Bowls,” an international program that engages participating artists to create and donate handmade bowls in which s simple meal is served to community members. This event, to benefit RISE, a community service partnership, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hightstown VFW Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Road, Hightstown. Tickets are $35 and include soup and a bowl handmade by a professional potter. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com or the RISE offices. For information, contact Ann Marie Miller, Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission, at 609-313-4541.
The Hightstown Elks Club will have its annual comedy night at 8 p.m. featuring Ben Bergman and Katrina Brown. Mr.Bergman has been seen on NBC Chicago, Mancow TV and the TBS Just For Laughs Chicago Festival. He has also worked with some of the best performers in the country including Kevin Pollak, Chad Daniels and Bill Burr. He is constantly performing across the country and the city he calls home, Chicago. Headliner Katrina Brown tours constantly in the Midwest and is known as the “Mutant Queen of Ohio Comedy.” Her comedy is blue enough for PG-13 rating and clean enough not to horrify people. Her experiences of being a wife, mother, aging woman, pop culture addict and “proof that nature likes practical jokes” she keeps audiences of every age and demographic in stitches. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 per person and includes the show, a buffet of appetizers and desserts and a DJ dance party after the show. For information, email [email protected] or call Pat O’Brien at 609-384-5741.
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.
Mon., March 14
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor will be hosting the program, “Be An Effective Israel Advocate” at 7:30 p.m. This interactive program, sponsored by the Board of Rabbis and the Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks, and facilitated by Noam Gilboord, will provide a general overview of the challenges posed to Israel and American Jewish communities by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS) against Israel. Teens are encouraged to attend. RSVP to Beth El Synagogue, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J. 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Tues., March 15
Excel for Beginners will be taught at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor N.J. Come to learn the basics of this popular spreadsheet program. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
Wed., March 16
College Safety with Thomas Zambrano at 7 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Thomas Zambrano is the Director of Security at Georgian Court University. Join us for a special program and learn how to choose a safe college, how to stay safe at college, and tips to help you become aware and alert to unexpected danger. For information, call the library at 609-758-7888 or visit the website www.oceancountylibrary.org.
Drug Free New Jersey: 15 Minute Child Break will be presented on at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. This interactive one-hour presentation is for parents, grandparents and caregivers who are concerned about children/teens and substance abuse. Topics include: talking to your kids about drugs & alcohol; influence of media and pop culture; effects of specific drugs; and how to keep your kids drug-free. Presented by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. Call the library to register for this program at 609-448-1330.
Thurs., March 17
“Social Media Academy: Facebook” will be held at 1 p.m. at the Cranbury Public Library. This is the first of a monthly five-part series covering popular social media networks. The first class will cover Facebook, where participants will learn how to set up an account, privacy settings, and general navigational techniques. Other programs in the series include Twitter (4/21,) Instagram (5/19,) Pinterest (6/16) and Goodreads, (7/21). All programs will begin at 1 p.m. The library is at 23 N. Main, Cranbury.
David Vinokurov, Social Security Administration district manager, will present “Understanding Your Social Security Benefits” at 3 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. As retirement approaches, it is more important than ever to understand the role that Social Security benefits can and should play in retirement plans. This seminar will show you how and when to apply for Medicare, Social Security and other topics. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
The annual public meeting of the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Join the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library and be part of the growth and improvement of the branch. Membership dues provide the library with funds to buy additional books, audiobooks, DVDs and programs for children and adults including the Summer Reading Program.
Fri., March 18
A screening of the movie “Freeheld” will be at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. The film, starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page, tells the local story of police officer Laurel Hester and her domestic partner’s struggle to retain benefits as Hester is diagnosed with cancer. No registration is necessary.
Homeschoolers Open House and Book Swap from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Bring your gently used materials to swap with other homeschoolers and learn what the library has to offer to support your homeschooling journey. For information, call the library at 609-758-7888 or visit the website www.oceancountylibrary.org.
Sat., March 19
Gardening enthusiasts are invited to register for the upcoming Rutgers Home Gardeners School to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rutgers University Cook/Douglass campus in New Brunswick, N.J. This year marks the 40th offering of this annual event. Designed to offer something for everyone seeking a greener thumb, the Rutgers Home Gardeners School is made up of 35 individual workshop sessions covering a wide array of horticulture topics. The registration fee for the event is $75, but a special early registration discount price of $60 is being offered through March 10. An additional discount is also available for Master Gardeners. Participants can purchase a $10 box lunch when registering or bring their own bag lunch. Pre-registration is recommended. For more information or to register, visit www.cpe.rutgers.edu/hgs or call the Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education at 848-932-9271.
The Hightstown East Windsor Lions Club will be holding its 79th annualHoliday Egg Hunt at Association Park, Grant Avenue, Hightstown. The hunt will start at 9 a.m. sharp. The park will be divided into two zones: ages 1 to 5; and ages 6 and up. Prizes will be awarded. Rain date is Saturday, March 26, at 9 a.m. sharp. Remember to bring a basket or a bag. This was one of the first Lions Club community activities conducted by the club after its founding in 1936.
The Cranbury Public Library will host its second annual Makers Day from 10 a.m. to noon. It’s a fun-filled, all-ages community event that celebrates imagination, creation, and learning. There will be several hands-on activities and demonstrations of technology and craftsmanship with community partners Little Owl Enrichment and Cranbury School’s Girls in Tech Club. The event will be held in the Cranbury School Large Group Room. The library is at 23 N. Main, Cranbury.
Sun., March 20
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor, Werner Lecture Fund, presents Ted Otten and Michael Kownacky and ‘An evening of stories of the career and music of Leonard Bernstein,” at 7 p.m. For more than 20 years, Ted Otten and Michael Kownacky have been presenting music from the world of the performing arts to their listeners on WWFM – The Classical Network. Each hour program is based on a specific theme that showcases everything from Broadway to Hollywood, musicals from around the world, performance art, and cabaret. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Mon., March 21
Book Café with guest author at 3 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Meet nationally known local author, speaker and retreat leader Barbara Hosbach as she presents two of her books,“Fools, Liars, Cheaters, and Other Bible Heroes” and “Your Faith Has Made You Well.” Light refreshments served. Books available for purchase. For information, call the library at 609-758-7888 or visit the website www.oceancountylibrary.org.
Keep This Toss That at 6 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Are you ready for a fresh start?Join us as Jamie Novak of HGTV & Martha Stewart blogger presents a humorous look at the common pitfalls of spring organizing. Aside from a good laugh you’ll walk away with tips on closet cleanups and making piles of paperwork disappear. Program sponsored by Friends of Plumsted Library. For information, call the library at 609-758-7888 or visit the website www.oceancountylibrary.org.
Hickory Corner’s Mystery Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. The group will be discussing “In a Dry Season” by Peter Robinson. New members are always welcome. No registration is necessary.
Tues., March 22
Spring: Get Your Garden Growing at 3 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J. Are you ready for spring? Get ready to have a beautiful garden with some helpful tips and insights presented by the Master Gardeners of Ocean County. For information, call the library at 609-758-7888 or visit the website www.oceancountylibrary.org.
“Vitamins & Herbal Supplements: Do You Need Them?” will be presented at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Is the food we eat really providing us with all the nutrition we need for good health or should we take a vitamin or supplement? Walgreen’s pharmacist Kathleen Roberts will discuss various types of vitamins and supplements, their benefits, side effects and more. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
Wed., March 23
Join Michele Granberg, MA, certified laughter leader, for The Healing Power of Laughter at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. She will lead participants through simple interactive exercises that get and keep you laughing. Learn how to release tension and inhibitions and reclaim your true smile and genuine laugh. Leave feel refreshed, relaxed and uplifted. Call the library to register at 609-448-1330.
“Feeling Great – No Matter What!” workshop will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Transform the way you think, feel and experience life. Understand the power of your true identity. Join Leena, an eight-year practitioner of Rajyoga meditation, in this interactive workshop. Register online at www.mcl.org. Call the library at 609-443-6798 for more information.
Sun., March 27
The Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will be sponsoring a “Double Header” program at 7:30 p.m. Part one of the meeting will address “Using Probate Records to find Cousins.” Part two will address “Searching for a Birth Family.” Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Tues., March 29
Genealogy 101 will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Learn how to go about researching your family history using Ancestry Library and other genealogical websites and sources. Presented by Cathy Zahn of Central Jersey Genealogical Society. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library. To register, call the library at 609-448-1330.
Thurs., March 31
McCarter Theater’s “A Christmas Carol” Ensemble Project information session and workshop will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. McCarter Theater’s production staff is looking for members for its new “A Christmas Carol” Ensemble and reaching out to people of all ages of the community to come and learn more about the project. Call the library at 609-443-6798 for more information.
Fri., April 1
“Master Gardeners – We Planted a Tree” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Listen to a story and learn why trees are important. Receive a tree plug to plant at home. For grades K-3. Presented by Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County. A caregiver must be in the library during the program. Register online at www.mcl.org. Call the library at 609-443-6798 for more information.
Pasta Fest 2016, a family dinner and fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton, will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Nottingham Ballroom, 200 Mercer St., Hamilton Square, N.J. Menu items include linguine, pencil points, several sauces (including meatless), salad, dinner rolls, a variety of desserts and refreshments. The night’s fun will include entertainment by Bob Orlowski of Top Shelf Entertainment, and a Super 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the event fund the Rotary Club’s annual scholarship program and benefit local charities. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, visit www. rhrotary.org or call 609-915-3224.
Sun., April 3
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will present, “Finding Family Dead or Alive” at 7:30 p.m. Sandra Lanman, an award-winning writer and public relations professional, will discuss how to mine documents, family stories, the Internet and other resources to locate relatives and even long lost friends. She will share how she found her mother’s biological family 70 years after and an ocean away from where she was given up for adoption, and how she located her father’s family and friends separated by the Holocaust. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
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 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 [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.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or to Community Calendar, Windsor-Hights Herald, P.O. Box 350, Princeton, New Jersey, 08542.
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