Fri. Feb. 3, Sensory Play for Babies & Toddlers from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Infants and toddlers ages 3 month-2 years will engage their senses of touch, sight & sound with a variety of objects & toys., Sat., Feb. 4, Learn professional cookie decorating as part of the “Booking the Cooks” series for 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Learn how to decorate Valentine’s Day cookies from professional cookie decorator and local resident, Leslie Marchio, of Four Peas and a Dog. This is a family event, adults and children welcome. You must register to ensure adequate program supplies. Cranbury Public Library, 655-0555, 23 N. Main, Cranbury., Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor will be sponsoring Café Night at 7:30 p.m. with music by Barry Wasserman and Alan Stein. 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 Feb. 1, 2017 at 609-443-4454 or by emailing [email protected]. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520, www.bethel.net., Sun. Feb. 5, Sahaja Yoga Meditation from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Sahaja yoga meditation is based on “Kundalini awakening” which is practiced in more than 90 countries. Experience the peace and joy you can derive from this state of self-realization, and feel its benefits in your life. For information, call 609-448-1330., Mon., Feb. 6, Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor will host a Tu BiSh’vat Holiday Hoopla and Book Club event at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy finding out about Tu BiSh’vat, through reading, practical experiential learning and Holiday Magic. All books, materials and snacks are included. Families must have a child age 3 through second grade to participate. All siblings are welcome. Children, come in your pajamas. RSVP to the Beth El Synagogue. The synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520; 609-443-4454;www.bethel.net., Sing-Along with Kim Yarson from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. For ages birth-5 and a caregiver. Dance to Kim’s high-energy guitar music as she plays classics and original songs. Please register at www.mcl.org., Lunch Time Meditation from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Let’s bring some newness this New Year! Join us for some guided mediation during lunch hour. This short mediation will help us regain the peace that we lose through our busy mornings and it will also help us get through the rest of our day smoothly., Tues., Feb. 7, Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes & a craft. Siblings welcome., Beginning Spanish class from 5 to 6 p.m., Citizenship Exam Review from 6 to 7 p.m. and Learning English with Victor from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Register in person or by calling (609) 448-1474 for any of these three classes., Wed., Feb. 8, Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Siblings welcome., Dementia Conversations at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. A representative of the Greater New Jersey Alzheimer’s Association will share tips for having difficult conversations about some of the most common issues regarding Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Learn about helpful resources and how to plan ahead to build a care team that communicates well. For information, call 609-448-1330., Thurs., Feb. 9, Make a Mosaic Heart. Come to the Cranbury Public Library at 1:30 p.m. to create a lovely mixed-media mosaic heart for Valentine’s Day! We will construct a 4X6 heart with jewelry remnants and other found objects onto a stand-up frame. Please check for “parts” at home to bring to the craft session. We will provide all other materials. Limit eight, please call the library to register., Science and a Story from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will listen to stories and conduct theme-related science experiments. Messy play clothes, please., One-on-one Medicare Counseling from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Schedule a private appointment with a Medicare counselor. Provided by Mercer County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). Call (609) 393-1626 to schedule an appointment., Conversational ESL at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.Join educator Beth Broder Epstein to learn how to improve your English language speaking skills, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and fluency. Must have some basic knowledge of English. For information, call 609-448-1330., Fri., Feb. 10, “Living in Space: Life on the International Space Station” program at 6:30 p.m., presented by Frank O’Brien a NASA Solar System ambassador and local resident. Frank has lent his spaceflight history expertise to NASA for 20 years as a contributing editor for NASA’s Apollo Lunar Surface Journal and is co-editor the Apollo Flight Journal. School-aged children and up. Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main, Cranbury., Baby and Toddler Time from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Join us for singing and rhyming fun followed by play time with the library’s toys. Siblings welcome., Sat., Feb. 11, Gauri Sabnis of Synergex Physical Therapy will present information at 1 p.m. regarding toning-up for spring sports. For parents and student athletes. Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main., Elks Lodge 1955 will hold its 23rd Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 110 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. The total number of donations for all 22 previous blood drives is 1,055 donations. You can signup online to donate blood at www.redcrossblood.org, enter sponsor code Elks1955 and pick your time slot., Temple B’nai Shalom in East Brunswick will host “Fire & Ice,” a Sweethearts Masquerade Dance featuring DJ Mateo, an evening of music and dance, from 8 p.m. midnight. Tickets are $36/couple which includes light refreshments, dessert reception and champagne punch (plus BYOB). Bring your favorite mask or receive a free one upon entry. Babysitting is extra and available on request. Fire & Ice will be held at the temple at 15 Fern Road in East Brunswick. Contact [email protected] by Feb. 7 to reserve your spot(s) and then mail payment to Temple B’nai Shalom at 15 Fern Road, East Brunswick, NJ, 08816., Mon., Feb. 13, Coupon Swap at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. All day. Drop in anytime during the day to bring coupons to share and take what you need. Coupons will also be available all month under our magazine collection., Tues., Feb. 14, Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Siblings welcome., Beginning Spanish class from 5 to 6 p.m., Citizenship Exam Review from 6 to 7 p.m. and Learning English with Victor from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Register in person or by calling (609) 448-1474 for any of these three classes., Wed., Feb. 15, The Rocky Brook Garden Club will be sponsoring a program “Winter Blooming & Deer Resistant Plants” presented by Anne Haines, owner of Deer Country Gardens in Millstone Township, N.J. The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society freight station, 164 North Main Street, Hightstown. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. followed by the program., Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Siblings welcome., Begin the New Year with Meditation Part 2 at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. In this fast-paced world, inner peace can seem elusive. Please join Umesh Bhatia, long-time meditator, for an engaging workshop teaching you practical strategies to reduce stress, and create a more healthy and positive lifestyle. Umesh will offer effective meditation techniques which can help you connect within to gain a real and profound sense of serenity and joy. Embrace the New Year with meditation and join Umesh as he takes you on this powerful journey. For information, call 609-448-1330., Thurs., Feb. 16, Introduction to Excel at 1 p.m. at Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main, Cranbury., Science and a Story from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will listen to stories & conduct theme-related science experiments. Messy play clothes, please., One-on-one Medicare Counseling from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Schedule a private appointment with a Medicare counselor. Provided by Mercer County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). Call (609) 393-1626 to schedule an appointment., Conversational ESL at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Join educator Beth Broder Epstein to learn how to improve your English language speaking skills, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and fluency. Must have some basic knowledge of English. For information, call 609-448-1330., Sleep Disorders at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, more than 100 million Americans have difficulty falling or staying asleep, which can negatively affect health and mood. Join Tara Scoles, a registered polysomnographic technologist with University Medical Center of Princeton, for an eye-opening discussion on sleep disorders and whether a sleep study could help diagnose your condition. For information, call 609-448-1330., Fri., Feb. 17, Baby and Toddler Time from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Join us for singing & rhyming fun followed by play time with the library’s toys. Siblings welcome., Sat., Feb. 18, Jackie Robinson was the most famous black American in the country for the decade from the end of the war to the emergence of Dr. Martin Luther King. The 1 p.m. talk will cover how his career in Major League Baseball fit in the broader civil rights movement and the extent to which he himself became an influential force in it. With Frank Marlowe. The Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main, Cranbury., Yoga for Beginners from 10:30 to noon at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Learn simple and powerful yoga postures to improve stability and balance. No physical agility or prior yoga experience needed. Bring a mat or large towel. Instructor, Aruna, is a trained Isha facilitator. Please register at www.mcl.org., Sun., Feb. 19, Black History Month Program: “Lifting Every Voice” at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. The Don Evans Players, a volunteer, community theater group named for the late Trenton off-Broadway playwright, will perform the short skit, which is an interpretation of the Black national anthem through sound, poetry and improvisation directed by Todd Evans. For information, call 609-448-1330., Tues., Feb. 21, Greenwood House will facilitate “The Conversation” – the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes with doctors, family and friends – with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Mercer County at an event from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. Enjoy a kosher lunch followed by a discussion led by Janet Hayden, LCSW and administrator at Greenwood House Homecare/Hospice, and the film screening of “The Bucket List.” The event is open to the community. RSVP to Beth Englezos at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Mercer County no later than Thursday, Feb. 16, by email at [email protected] or call 609-987-8100, ext. 126., Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Siblings welcome., Beginning Spanish class from 5 to 6 p.m., Citizenship Exam Review from 6 to 7 p.m. and Learning English with Victor from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Register in person or by calling (609) 448-1474 for any of these three classes., Wed., Feb. 22, Gauri Sabnis of Synergex Physical Therapy will present information regarding toning-up for Spring sports at 6:30 p.m. For parents and student athletes. Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main, Cranbury., Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Siblings welcome., New to Medicare seminar from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. If you are getting ready to join Medicare for the first time or want to understand more about your Medicare coverage options SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) will be presenting an overview of Medicare in 2017. Please register at www.mcl.org., Embroidery Circle at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Whether you are looking to create your first stitch or expand your skills, learn new methods and techniques, or share embroidery art and craft knowledge, ideas and project work, the Embroidery Circle is open to all skill levels – including absolute beginners. We also encourage you to bring embroidery projects you are working on to share with others or work in the good company of fellow embroiders. For information, call 609-448-1330., Book Discussion at 7:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. The group will be discussing “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett. No registration. For information, call 609-448-1330., Thurs., Feb. 23, “Booking the Cooks” series at 1 p.m. Organize Your Recipes Digitally. Learn the ins and outs of online management of your favorite recipes. Cranbury Public Library, 23 N. Main, Cranbury., Science and a Story from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will listen to stories and conduct theme-related science experiments. Messy play clothes, please., One-on-one Medicare Counseling from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Schedule a private appointment with a Medicare counselor. Provided by Mercer County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). Call (609) 393-1626 to schedule an appointment., Conversational ESL at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.Join educator Beth Broder Epstein to learn how to improve your English language speaking skills, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and fluency. Must have some basic knowledge of English. For information, call 609-448-1330., Fri. Feb. 24, Baby and Toddler Time from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Join us for singing and rhyming fun followed by play time with the library’s toys. Siblings welcome., Sat., Feb. 25, The Hightstown Woman’s Club will be sponsoring its 38th Annual Dollhouse & Miniature Show & Sale at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 North Main Street, Hightstown, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and children under 12 is $3. Twenty- five dealers from various areas such as New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and of course New Jersey, will be on hand displaying their wares. A king/queen-sized handcrafted Yellow Brick Road quilt valued at $750 will be raffled by the club this year for $3 a ticket. Door prizes will be available as well as a delicious lunch and tempting homemade cakes and cookies all sold to benefit the Woman’s Club civic improvement projects. Call 609-448-8388 for more information., “Happy Birthday Dr.Suess” with Mr. Malcolm the Storyteller from 11 a.m. to noon at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Help storyteller, Mr. Malcolm bring Dr. Suess’ beloved classics to life in this interactive storytelling program. Suggested for ages 4 and up. Registration suggested at www.mcl.org., Sun., Feb. 26, Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will be sponsoring a discussion titled “Google and Genealogy” at 7:30 p.m. Sometimes, searching for ancestors is very much an exercise in overcoming brick walls. Casey Zahn will present how to use Google for genealogy searches and how to get the most from all that Google has to offer. Many of these ideas apply to all search engines. Ms. Zahn is a member of the Genealogy Society of New Jersey. Her specialties include beginning research, websites, census, newspapers, immigration and children. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520. The website is www.bethel.net. Contact the synagogue office with any questions, (609) 443-4454., Sahaja Yoga Meditation from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Sahaja yoga meditation is based on “Kundalini awakening” which is practiced in more than 90 countries. Experience the peace and joy you can derive from this state of self-realization, and feel its benefits in your life. For information, call 609-448-1330., Mon., Feb. 27, VITA Super Tax Day from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Tax preparation assistance is available FREE as a face-to-face appointment for individuals or families earning $60,000 per year or less. Space is limited. Schedule an appointment in person or by calling (609) 448-1474., Mystery Book Club at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. The group will be discussing “The Fifth Gospel” by Ian Caldwell. No registration. For information, call 609-448-1330., Tues., Feb. 28, Story time with Miss Liz from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Siblings welcome., Beginning Spanish class from 5 to 6 p.m., Citizenship Exam Review from 6 to 7 p.m. and Learning English with Victor from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Register in person or by calling (609) 448-1474 for any of these three classes., Free Immigration Legal Clinic from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Register in person or by phone at (609) 448-1474 for a free 15-minute consultation with an immigration lawyer., Mon., March 6, Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor will host a Purim Holiday Hoopla and Book Club event at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy finding out about Purim, through reading, practical experiential learning and Holiday Magic. All books, materials and snacks are included. Families must have a child age 3 through second grade to participate. All siblings are welcome. Children, come in your pajamas. RSVP to the synagogue. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net., Thurs., March 30, Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Werner Lecture Fund is sponsoring the music of bygone era: European Gypsies and their folklore Duo “Sky Caravan” at 7:30 p.m. The evening’s performance will feature Elena Panova on piano and Milena Dawidowicz on violin. Elena is a faculty member of Westminster Choir College, where she teaches piano and is Chamber Music Coordinator. She is also an artist piano faculty with the Peddie School. Milena is a String Orchestra Director in South Brunswick School District. She performs with numerous local groups, including Sinfonietta Nova. RSVP to the synagogue. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454;www.bethel.net., 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]., 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., Short email submissions are preferred. Releases must include time, date, location, full street addresses and admission fee, if applicable., Also, share events with us on Facebook via www.facebook.com/WindsorHightsHerald.
