Burlington, Mercer, and Somerset counties
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.
The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, manager of NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
Spring is here! April is National Volunteer Month, and the American Red Cross is celebrating the millions of people who volunteer to give blood, platelets and plasma throughout the year. This month, the Red Cross and Peanuts are joining forces as a reminder that it’s cool to be kind and help save lives.
Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to give – donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center – Central New Jersey
707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:30-7:15 p.m.
Thursday: 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Princeton
July 28 – 2-7 p.m. – Stone Hill Church, 1025 Bunn Dr.
Nutrition
The Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults has in-person lunches at nine of its locations.
The Nutrition Program for Older Adults provides a daily nutritionally balanced meal Monday through Friday, except for county and/or municipal holidays.
All meals meet the required one-third of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) daily referenced intake of nutrients for an individual 60 years or older.
Meals are available to Mercer County residents age 60 or older and their spouses (regardless of age), any county resident with a disability whose primary caregiver is a program participant, anyone volunteering in the program, and the personal care aides of program participants when they accompany a participant to the site where the meals are provided.
In-person services will be hosted at: Jennye Stubblefield Senior Center and Sam Naples Community Center in Trenton, Lawrence Township Senior Center, Princeton Café for Older Adults, John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center in Hamilton, Hamilton Senior Center, Hopewell Valley Senior Center, Hollowbrook Community Center in Ewing, and Robbinsville Senior Center.
Most meal services begin at 11:30 a.m., although times may vary by location, so call 609-989-6650 or inquire at a local site.
No payment is required for a meal; however, there is a suggested donation of $1 for each meal provided.
Reservations are required; call 609-989-6650 to reserve a spot.
Monthly menus can be found on the Nutrition Program for Older Adults web page.
If transportation is a barrier to participating in the congregate meals, Mercer County TRADE may be able to help; call 609-530-1971 or email [email protected]. Some of the sites also may have transportation options for its participants.
There may be home-delivered options.
For more information, call 609-989-6650 or email [email protected].
National Night Out
Most police departments are holding National Night Out festivities on Aug. 1. Here is a list so far:
- Bordentown – 6-9 p.m. – Joseph Lawrence Park, 316 Ward Ave.
- Cranbury – 5-8 p.m. – Village Park, 38A Maplewood Ave.
- East Windsor Township – 6-9 p.m. – East Windsor PAL Complex, 30 Airport Road.
- Hightstown – 6-8:30 p.m. – Association Park, Grant Avenue.
- Hillsborough Township – 6-8 p.m. – Mountainview Park, 141, Mountainview Road, Hillsborough.
- Hopewell Township – 6-8 p.m. – Stony Brook Elementary School.
- Princeton Community Night Out – 5-8 p.m.
Take-Home rapid COVID-19 test kits
Take-home rapid COVID-19 test kits are available at all Mercer County Library System branches. Mercer County residents may request up to three kits at a time. The kits are Lucira brand over-the-counter rapid molecular nasal swab test comparable to a PCR test.
The New Jerey State Museum
The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to announce the start of new Spanish-language programming in the Planetarium. Six Spanish versions of current Planetarium programs have been added to the programming lineup. On the fourth Saturday of each month, which began on June 24, two Spanish language shows will be presented, at 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Tickets for each show must be purchased at the Planetarium box office on the day of the show; the box office opens 30 minutes before each show. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and $9 for seniors. Patrons should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before their shows as it will start at the listed time.
The schedule for future programs can be found on the Museum’s website, statemuseum.nj.gov. The museum is located at 205 West State Street in Trenton.
Through Sept. 4
The New Jersey State Museum will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2023 program began on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, and will end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. While admission to the New Jersey State Museum is always free, there is a fee for Planetarium programs. That fee is waived under the Blue Star program.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. A list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
The New Jersey State Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. General admission is free. For additional information visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov.
Located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, the New Jersey State Museum encompasses three buildings including a state-of-the-art Planetarium and holds over two million artifacts in its collections in Archaeology/Ethnography, Cultural History, Fine Art and Natural History.
The New Jersey State Museum is a center for the exploration of science, history and the arts. We preserve and share stories that inspire curiosity and creativity for the enrichment of our communities.
By Tuesday Aug. 8
Registration is now open for HEWYBL’s fall 2023 flag football season. The league is open to boys and girls from all area towns, and has both co-ed teams and all-girls teams. HEWYBL Flag Football is open to players who will be in grades Pre-K to 9 in the fall. The registration deadline is Aug. 8 and the season will run from early September until early November. Games will be played in East Windsor.
HEWYBL flag football typically draws players from Allentown, Cranbury, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hightstown, Millstone, Robbinsville, West Windsor and other surrounding towns.
Season details and registration are available at hewybl.leagueapps.com If you have any questions about HEWYBL Flag Football or the upcoming season, please contact [email protected].
By Friday, Aug. 14
Womanspace, Inc. is in search of community members who would be part of their next cohort to be trainees for the Response Teams of Mercer County.
The Womanspace Response Teams of Mercer County are comprised of highly trained and dedicated volunteers who meet with victim-survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence at the moment of crisis. Without the skill and dedication of these advocates, they would be unable to reach victim-survivors with the support and resources they critically need.
The role of the volunteer Response Team advocates is to provide compassionate support and tangible resources to victim-survivors at an extremely difficult time. In cases of domestic violence, advocates meet the victim at the police department. In cases of sexual assault, advocates meet the victim at the hospital. In both cases, advocates play a critical role as both an unconditional champion of the victim-survivor and as a source of information on available resources for future self-advocacy. Their goal is to empower victim-survivors so they can make informed decisions that are best for their lives and their families.
Domestic and sexual violence is a significant issue in Mercer County, as it is throughout the country. According to the 2020 NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report, there were 2020 domestic violence offenses reported by the police in Mercer County, which reflects a fraction of actual incidents as domestic violence and sexual assault often go unreported. Sexual assault will affect 1 in 6 women, and 1 in 33 men during their lifetimes.
Applications are currently being accepted. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15. Training begins on Sept. 12.
More information is available at www.womanspace.org.
Bordentown
Wednesdays
The Bordentown Township Police Department offers Straight to Treatment on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Insurance is not necessary to receive assistance. Neither is residency in Burlington County. No appointment is needed.
For more information visit www.straighttotreatment.com or email [email protected].
Every Sunday
Bordentown City holds a farmers market rain or shine outside Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks Street. For inclement weather, the market is moved indoors.
Bordentown Library events
Bordentown Library is located at 18 E. Union St., Bordentown. For more information about the events below call 609-298-0622 or visit https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/locations/bordentown-library.
July 28 – 1 p.m. – Mahjong Meetup.
July 29 – 2 p.m. – Meet the author: Tony DiGerolamo.
July 31 – 2 p.m. – Movie Matinee: Champions.
Aug. 2 – 2 p.m. – Wednesday Crafternoons.
Aug. 3 – 11 a.m. – Gentle Yoga Am.
Aug. 3 – 2 p.m. – Mad Science: Fire & Ice.
Aug. 4 – 10:30 a.m. – Obstacle Course.
Aug. 4 – 1 p.m. – Mah-Jong Meetup.
Cranbury
The Cranbury Public Library is located at 30 Park Place West. For more information on listed events please call (609) 722-6992.
July 28 – 2 p.m. – Afternoon Flicks.
July 31 – 4 p.m. – Chess Club.
Aug. 1 – 6:30 p.m. – Spinning Yarns.
Aug. 2 – 11 a.m. – Family Storytime.
Aug. 3 – 3:15-4:30 p.m. – Crafternoon.
Cranbury Arts Council Gourgaud Gallery
Presents the Creative Collective Summer Exhibition at the Gourgaud Gallery from through July 28 at the gallery, Town Hall, 23-A North Main St.
Gourgaud Gallery located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main St. will host art exhibits by members of the Creative Collective. The exhibit includes a variety of mediums including oil painting, acrylic paintings, watercolor and mixed media.
In August, the gallery will present “Nature Revisited” by artist Evie Sutkowski.
The Art opening reception will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Artwork includes the mediums of watercolor, collage, mixed-media, eco-print, and cyanotype.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit cranburyartscouncil.com and gourgaudgallery.com.
As part of a non-profit Cranbury Arts Council, the Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of art sales to the Cranbury Arts Council and it’s programs that support the arts in the community. Cash or a check made out to the artist is accepted as payment.
East Windsor
Child Passenger Safety Car Seat Inspections
To promote child passenger safety, Mayor Janice S. Mironov, Members of Council and the Police Department will be hosting free Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections for East Windsor Township residents, underwritten by a New JerseyHighway Traffic Safety Division grant. Participants will have their child car seats inspected to ensure proper installation and will receive educational materials on how to properly and safely restrain children passengers.
The program will be held on several dates at the following locations:
Tuesday, Aug. 1 – 6-9 p.m. – at the East Windsor PAL complex, 30 Airport Road (National Night Out).
Friday, Sept. 22 – 3-7 p.m. – at the East Windsor Township police/court building, 80 One Mile Road.
Sunday, July 30
Sunday brunch with John Bianculli Trio with Daniel Mayer on bass and Tom Baker on drums from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Americana Kitchen & Bar, 359 US Highway 130, East Windsor. For more information call 609-448-4477.
Through August
Meadow Lakes resident, Betsy Ashton, is displaying her art exhibit, “Portraits of Immigrants: Unknown Faces, Untold Stories,” at the Meadow Lakes community. The art exhibit showcases several paintings created by Ashton. Through the art exhibit, she introduces viewers to the lives of people she has met from different countries who have immigrated and now live in the United States. The portraits depict real people with real lives that come from a variety of different cultures.
Ashton used the journalistic skills she developed during her career as a CBS News correspondent to interview the people in her portraits. She wrote the accompanying bibliographical captions for each of her portraits. When the viewing public experience her paintings, Ashton wants them to better understand who these people are, what sacrifices they made to come to this country, and all their contributions to our society.
Ashton is an experienced artist whose portraits are displayed in art exhibits and collections around the world. Her official portrait of former Ambassador Philip Lader resides in the collection of the US Embassy in London, United Kingdom and her portrait of actor Hal Holbrook is in the Hall of Fame collection of The Players in New York City. Her portrait of author Louise Erdrich is displayed in the collection of the Kenyon Review at Kenyon College.
The “Portraits of Immigrants: Unknown Faces, Untold Stories” art exhibit will be in the Meadow Lakes community, 300 Meadow Lakes, East Windsor, until August.
Hightstown
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Hightstown Historic Walking Tour will be held from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 23.
Together with the Hightstown – East Windsor Historical Society, Downtown Hightstown is sponsoring a Historic Walking Tour on Wednesday, August 23. Learn about Hightstown’s rich history while strolling through the downtown.
Tour begins at 6:30 pm at the Historical Society 164 North Main St., Hightstown. Tickets are $18 each. The tour runs approximately 90 minutes.
Parking is free and is available adjacent to the Historical Society at 164 North Main St. or in the municipal parking lot by the lake.
Hillsborough
Photo submissions
The Administration/Clerk’s Office invites Hillsborough residents to share scenic photos of Hillsborough for the annual township calendar and planner. In the past, the calendar has showcased the township’s gorgeous open space and scenic locations including wildlife, farmland, parks, and rivers. When submitting photos, please don’t include people and pets, and avoid objects that distract including roofs, fences, and car windows. Please save pictures with your name and the location’s name before sending them to Deborah Ng at debng@hillsborough-nj. You will also need to fill out a photo release form that is located on the Hillsborough Township website.
Hillsborough Branch Library
The library is part of the Somerset County Library System at 379 S. Branch Road. For more information on the events visit sclsnj.org.
Friday, July 28 – 10 a.m. to noon – Adult Recess.
Friday, July 28 – 10:30-10:50 a.m. – Baby Song and Rhyme Time.
Friday, July 28 – 2-3 p.m. – Read to a Therapy Dog.
Saturday, July 29 – all day – Craft in the Children’s Room.
Monday, July 31 – 2-3 p.m. – Soaring Storytime.
Monday, July 31 – 2-6 p.m. – All Together Now.
Monday, July 31 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Friendship Bracelets for Adults.
Tuesday, Aug. 1 – 10-10:20 a.m. – Toddler Storytime.
Wednesday, Aug. 2 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Movin’ Munchkins.
Wednesday, Aug. 2 – (25 min. sessions) 10:30-11:25 a.m. and 4:30-5:25 p.m. – Reading Buddy.
Friday, Aug. 4 – 10 a.m. to noon – Adult Recess.
Friday, Aug. 4 – 10:30-10:50 a.m. – Baby Song and Rhyme Time.
Friday, Aug. 4 – 2-3 p.m. – Read to a Therapy Dog.
Hopewell
The Sourland Conservancy – all year round – is thankful for every single member, volunteer, partner, and supporter for everything they do to save the Sourland Region’s important history and ecology.
Sourland Conservancy is at 83 Princeton Avenue, Suite 1A, Hopewell.
If you have planted any native plants and trees at your home or business, please email the Conservancy to let them know. They would like to highlight the efforts of private citizens in planting native to help connect green spaces and provide habitat for native and migratory species. For more information, visit their website www.sourland.org or email [email protected].
Diabetes Education at Capital Health
Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, One Capital Way, Pennington, will hold four evening sessions from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The dates are Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; and Nov. 7, 14, 21, and 28.
For more information call 609-537-7081.
Saturdays at Howell Living History Farm
The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township and is a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information on the events listed call 609-737-3299 or email [email protected].
July 29-30 – Mercer County 4-H Fair and Wheat Threshing. Saturday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 5 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Honey Harvest.
Aug. 12 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Potato Harvest.
Aug. 19 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Picket Fence Art Show.
Aug. 26 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Fiddlin’ on the Farm.
Sundays at Washington Crossing Park
The Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) will lead tours of the State Park on various Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m.
Tickets are free. As space is limited, all tickets must be reserved at Eventbrite. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-washington-crossing-state-park-historic-walking-tours-tickets-634898156477)
Tours begin at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum with a tour overview and a screening of the film, Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty. Tour guides and state park historians will introduce participants to the Museum’s world-class Swan Historical Foundation Collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. They will also discuss Lloyd Garrison’s painting of Washington’s Crossing, and how it compares to other depictions of the 1776 Crossing.
Next, visitors will walk down Sullivan Drive to the entrance to Continental Lane, where you will engage in a discussion on the reasons why Gen. George Washington chose this spot for his history-changing campaign. From there, participants will walk to the park’s Stone Barn where they will examine a map of the Battle of Trenton and a large diorama of Washington’s Crossing, the March to Trenton, and the Battle of Trenton.
Finally, visitors will walk to the nearby Landing Overlook, where they will discuss the significance of the nearby 1740s Johnson Ferry House, and the importance of ferryboat operations to the Crossing and Landing.
Tours are free but donations to the Washington Crossing Park Association are gratefully accepted. Tours are contingent on the weather. For updates: call the Visitors Center at (609) 737-0623. You may also visit https://www.wcpa-nj.com/historic-tours for more information.
NOTE: There are no park entrance fees until July 1st. After that, a $5 per car (cash only) entry fee applies on weekends until Labor Day.
Contact Information: WCPA, Executive Director Annette Earling, [email protected].
Monday, Aug. 21
National Senior Citizen Day Ice Cream Social will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville. Register with Hopewell Valley Senior Services, 609-537-0236.
Lawrence Township
Tuesday nights are Family nights at Anne Demarais Nature Center (ADNC), 481 Drexel Ave. The programs begin at 7 p.m. and will last until approximately 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 1 – Incredible Insects.
Aug. 8 – The Art and Science of Composting
Aug. 15 – Exploring the Trails of the ADNC.
Aug. 22 – Revolutionary War History in South Lawrence.
Aug. 29 – Music and Storytelling Night (and marshmallows too!)
Tuesday, Aug. 1
Aug. 1 – noon – A Conversation with Congressman Andy Kim at Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. For more information contact 609-883-8292.
The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System and the League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township welcome Congressman Andy Kim to the library. This conversation will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township. Come and join Congressman Andy Kim for an inspiring discussion on democracy and good government. Advance registration is appreciated.
Monday, Aug. 3 and 17
COVID-19 vaccines are going at the Lawrence Community Center from noon to 2 p.m., 295 Eggert Crossing Road. Walk-ins welcome, appointments encouraged. Call for appointment at 609-844-7089.
Princeton
Happenings at McCarter Theater
McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place, Princeton. For more information about events listed visit www.mccarter.org.
McCarter Theater Summer Camp will offer students from ages 5 to 15, the chance to immerse themselves in a creative process. Online registration began Feb. 17.
Camp runs Monday through Friday. Session 4 runs from Aug. 7-11. For more information visit Summer Camp 2023 | McCarter Theatre Center.
August with FOPOS
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) has a number of events lined up. For more information visit www.fopos.org.
Sunday, Aug. 6 – 10-11:15 a.m. – Outdoor Yoga.
Tuesday, Aug. 8 – 2-4 p.m. – Weekday Volunteer Session.
Saturday, Aug. 12 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Weekend Volunteer Session.
Saturday, Aug. 19 – 9-11 a.m. – Forest Art Walk.
Sunday, Aug. 20 – 10-11:15 a.m. – Outdoor Yoga.
Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St.
July 28 – 9:45 a.m. to noon – Job Seekers: Navigating Today’s Multigenerational Workplace.
July 28 – 2-4 p.m. – Teens: Public Speaking and Debate Summer Camp.
July 28 – 7-10 p.m. – Dancing Under the Stars.
July 29 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Saturday Storytime!
July 29 – noon to 1 p.m. – So Percussion Summer Institute Concert.
July 29 – 2-3 p.m. – Youth: Drawing around the World.
July 29 – 3:30-5 p.m. – Youth: Drop-In Chess Sessions.
July 30 – 11 a.m. to noon – Book Brunch with Claire Legrand.
July 30 – 4-5:15 p.m. – Music: Joy & Rob with The Beagles.
July 31 – 3-5:15 p.m. – Monday at the Movies Series: Classics of the Silver Screen.
July 31 – 7-8:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.
Aug. 1 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Outdoor Storytime at Princeton Shopping Center.
Aug. 1 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Tech: Ask the Mac Pros.
Aug. 1 – 4-7 p.m. – Mercer County Community ID.
Aug. 1 – 7-8:30 p.m. – Workshop: Writers Room.
Aug. 2 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!
Aug. 2 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Mobile Office Hours: Bonnie Watson-Coleman’s Office.
Aug. 2 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.
Aug. 2 – noon to 1 p.m. – Parent Support Group.
Aug. 2 – 1-2 p.m. (virtual) – Discovering France: A Virtual Series.
Aug. 2 – 4-5:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.
Aug. 2 – 6-9 p.m. – Princeton Student Film Festival 2023.
Aug. 3 – 10-11:15 a.m. – English Conversation Group.
Aug. 3 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!
Aug. 3 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.
Aug. 3 – 1-2 p.m. – Tech: Introduction to Gmail.
Aug. 3 – 1:30-3 p.m. – English Conversation Group.
Happenings at Morven Museum & Garden
Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton St. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact [email protected].
Check out the Monthly Docent Tours of Striking Beauty: New Jersey Tall Case Clocks, 1730 to 1830. Morven’s special exhibition features over 50 tall case clocks, representing almost as many different clockmakers.
Tours are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month, at 2 p.m. through the duration of the exhibition: Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Jan. 18, 2024, Feb. 15, 2024.
Thursday, Aug. 3 – 6 p.m. – a program All About Bees. Bees are essential to supporting our ecosystem, including the many plants that grow in Morven’s gardens.
Thursday, Aug. 10 – 6 p.m., relax with an Evening Yoga Practice in Morven’s historic gardens led by Gemma Farrell at Gratitude Yoga.
Saturday, Aug. 19 – 11 a.m. – Sing Along with Sarah at Morven! Come join Sarah Johnson for some music and movement fun in Morven’s beautiful gardens!
Through Aug. 4
The Princeton Human Services Department is seeking donors for its 14th Annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive. The drive benefits Princeton children who are low-income and in need of school supplies and new backpacks.
If you would like to participate in this year’s drive, you may drop off donations at the Princeton Human Services office on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is located at One Monument Drive. The deadline for donations is Friday, Aug. 4.
You may choose to donate book-bags or school supplies or both! Items that can be donated include book bags, notebooks, binders, folders, loose leaf paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, scissors, glue sticks, and other school supplies.
Hundreds of applications have been distributed to families with children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Your help and generosity are greatly appreciated. If you have questions, please call our office at (609) 688-2055 or send an e-mail to [email protected]
West Windsor
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer presents:
BYE BY BIRDIE
Fridays, July 28 and Aug. 4 at 8 p.m.
Saturdays, July 29 and Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.
Sundays, July 30 and Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.
Il TABARRO/SUOR ANGELICA
Friday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.
Sunday Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.
Kelsey Theatre is located at the Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
West Windsor Arts
West Windsor Arts Council, located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, is hosting a number of events.
Registration for Summer Arts Camps – through Sept. 1
For more information, call (609) 716-1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
Continuing events
Hopewell Township officials remind residents about annual pet licenses, which are required by the state for all dogs and cats. A proof of rabies vaccination is required for the license to be issued.
The township’s pet licensing fees are $22.20 for spayed or neutered dog, and $21 for spayed/neutered cats. If an animal is not spayed or neutered, the fee is $3 more. Pet owners received a notice back in October, with a deadline for payment at the end of January.
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department will perform safety seat inspections every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m.
No appointment required.
The service is offered free of charge to improve child safety.
A typical inspection takes about 20 minutes.
Inspections are performed at the Burlington County Administration Building, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly. Residents can call 609-265-3788 when they arrive and ask for the on-duty child safety seat technician.
Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey is seeking volunteers who are willing to make a difference with individuals who are experiencing the challenge of end-of-life.
Dove Hospice Services is looking for individuals who can dedicate a small amount of time each month to provide companionship-friendly visits, life review, play cards, sewing, knitting or craft projects, music enrichment, pet therapy and office or administrative assistance, according to a press release.
Dove Hospice Services is expanding its “We Honor Veterans” program and is seeking motivated veterans who are interested in providing compassion, support and outreach to fellow veterans and their families.
Visits can be made to individuals living in facilities or private homes. Ongoing training is provided. Volunteers must be 18 or older and a COVID vaccine is required. For additional information, contact Michelle Rutigliano at 732-405-3035.
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW), which is dedicated to foster children in the region, is seeking applications from individuals in the community to serve on the CASA SHaW Board of Trustees.
Individuals who are interested in applying to become a member of the CASA SHaW Board of Trustees should send their resumes and credentials to CASA SHaW at [email protected].
CASA SHaW is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to “Speak Up for a Child” removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home.
For more information, visit www.casaofnj.org.
Hillsborough Township’s Senior Chapters A and B each provide an experience for seniors looking to get out, mingle and experience new things. Trips, theaters, entertainment, card games, speakers, hobbies, talent shows, restaurants, history, and health screenings are some of the activities.
The first and second Thursdays of each month are designated for regular meetings at the municipal building for Chapter A and Chapter B, respectively.
Any Hillsborough senior age 60 or over who is interested in learning more can contact the Social Services Department at 908-369-3880.
The Monroe Township Jewish War Veterans Post 609 is collecting United States and foreign stamps, both on and off envelopes.
Stamps are used by veterans as a hobby and as therapy at VA medical centers nationwide.
The stamps are not traded or sold; they are forwarded to veteran patients at no charge.
Also requested are DVDs suitable for veterans at those locations.
Send all items to JWV Post 609, c/o Charles Koppelman, 6 Yarmouth Dr., Monroe Township 08831.
Volunteers are needed to help end domestic violence in Burlington County.
The Domestic Violence Response Team consists of volunteers who work with Providence House, domestic violence services and police departments to help people who experience domestic violence by empowering and advocating for survivors.
Must be 18 years of age or older, a resident or employee of Burlington County, have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and access to transportation, and no criminal history.
For more information, call 856-904-4344 or email [email protected]
East Windsor residents can volunteer for appointment to various township boards and committees, including the Clean Communities Advisory Committee, Commission on Aging, East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, Economic Development Committee, Environmental Commission, Health Advisory Board, Local Assistance Board, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The mayor and council will make appointments at the January reorganization meeting, as well as throughout the year as opportunities arise.
Residents interested in volunteering can obtain an application form from the Municipal Clerk or from the township website or send a letter of interest and a resume or information about their background to: Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members, East Windsor Township Municipal Building, 16 Lanning Blvd., East Windsor 08520; or fax to 609-443-8303.
For an application form or further information, call 609-443-4000, ext. 238.
The U.S. State Department is experiencing longer than usual delays in the processing times of passports.
For those looking to travel and needing to renew their passports, it is advised to begin this process immediately. The current wait times for passport services is 10 weeks for expedited services and up to 14 weeks from the time of submission for a regular application. This delay is likely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information regarding passports, visit the Mercer County Clerk’s website at www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/passports or call the clerk’s passport office at 609-989-6473; for Spanish, call 609-989-6131 or 609-989-6122.
Appointments at the Mercer County Connection, located at 957 Route 33, Hamilton, are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment at the Mercer County Connection, call 609-890-9800.
All customers must have applications filled out, money orders and checks along with documentation and copies prior to appointment. Delays in appointment availability may be experienced due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mercer County’s Swift911 system notifies the public in the event of an emergency or for sharing important information via phone, text or email.
All calls will have the caller ID of “Mercer County Alert.”
Personal information will not be provided to any outside agencies or companies.
To sign up, visit www.mercercounty.org/departments/emergency-management-public-safety/mercer-county-emergency-notification-system
For assistance with registration, email [email protected]
Mercer County posts regarding emergency closures are available at www.cancellations.com/ and www.fox29.com/closings
Central Jersey Chapter 148 of the Korean War Veterans extend an invitation to any veterans, regardless of the branch of service, who served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe; or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, to the current date.
Other veterans may join as associate members.
The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month, from May to December, at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, in the court room.
Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 to the chapter per year.
Korean War Veterans National LIFE membership is available for those 80 and older, and is $75.
The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including fundraising to help veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, the Lyons campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, and the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland.
For more information, contact Charlie Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected]
The Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences is turning into a wedding venue.
Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz will begin performing weddings every Wednesday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. by appointment only, in the historic and picturesque Lyceum building on High Street in Mount Holly.
Burlington County couples interested in being married can make appointments online at http://co.burlington.nj.us/611/Marriage-Services.
There is no fee for the service, but couples must obtain a marriage license from the municipality where either the bride or groom resides or from Mount Holly, where the Lyceum is located. Obtaining a license typically takes 72 hours.
For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at 609-265-5142.
Bentley Community Services, a designated 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, has been helping working families in financial crisis regain self-sufficiency by providing a full range of grocery provisions and more each week, offsetting grocery bills.
Bentley also offers educational and informational workshops throughout the year facilitated by professionals.
Bentley Community Services is located at 4064 Route 1 north, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, but helps families in communities from the entire central New Jersey region, including Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon, Somerset and Monmouth counties.
For more information, call 908-227-0684 or visit www.bentleycommunityservices.org
Donations of perishable, non-perishable foods and toiletries are accepted throughout the year.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.
The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.
Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction.
The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.
To join the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group, call Jeanne Delacruz, a social worker at Saint Peter’s who facilitates the support group, at 732-745-8522 or email [email protected]
Sign up at https://forms.gle/nxuZUi5AMJe1RcyJ8
NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery.
To schedule a presentation at a school, PTA meeting, congregation, town hall, support group or professional training, email [email protected]
Presentations are available in English and Spanish.
Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is looking for volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.
The organization is recruiting business owners and executives, both current and retired, who want to share their experience and knowledge with today’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
The Central Jersey Chapter of SCORE serves Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
Central Jersey SCORE provides in-person mentoring and webinars, both offered virtually in line with current pandemic restrictions. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development and management. Services are offered free of charge.
Anyone interested in volunteering with SCORE or seeking additional information should email [email protected]
The Mercer County Solidarity Network (MCSN) is a new mutual aid group designed to connect people in need throughout Mercer County with people who can help meet those needs.
The group is looking for individuals, families and businesses who would like to donate their time, resources or goods/services with people who have been affected by the pandemic and who request support. There is no minimum obligation – donors can specify whatever they feel they can provide and the group will match donors with individuals who have expressed a related need.
To sign up as a donor, visit www.mercersolidarity.org/ or email [email protected].
Send items to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 732-358-5200, ext. 8233.