Sat., Nov. 12
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Israel Affairs Committee will present “Syria: This is a War of Necessity,” at 12:15 p.m. This Shabbat Kiddush briefing by guest speaker Dr. Ghaidaa Hetou will follow morning services at Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. RSVP 609-443-4454 or [email protected]. Between ceasefires, air-strikes and ongoing diplomatic talks, progress toward peace in Syria proves unattainable, at least in the short term. Dr. Hetou will discuss a crucial factor for achieving a negotiated settlement, namely the military component. This program is free and open to the public. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520. www.bethel.net. Contact the synagogue office to RSVP, (609) 443-4454, [email protected].
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, Anu, is a trained Isha facilitator. Online registration suggested at www.mcl.org.
Sun., Nov. 13
The Sisterhood of Temple B’nai Shalom will host its fourth Annual Holiday Boutique from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of vendors will be participating. Sale items will include fashion jewelry, handbags, cosmetics, skin care products, clothing, food and kitchen products, candles, stationery, home décor, dog treats, balloons & party accessories and much more. A 50/50 Raffle and Tricky Tray will also be held. Free admission. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Temple B’nai Shalom is at 15 Fern Road, on the corner of Fern and Old Stage Road, in East Brunswick. E-mail [email protected] with any questions, or to inquire about becoming a vendor.
Art and Artifacts Show and Sale Flea Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Roosevelt Public School, 2A School Lane, Roosevelt, N.J., 08555. Local artists and collectors will be displaying and selling their original art works and collected treasures, flea market-style, in the school gymnasium. Also at 11 a.m. there will be a talk about Ben Shahn’s historic New Deal mural, a fresco that fills a wall in the school. Come for the mural talk and stay to browse and buy the art and eclectic goods on display. Also enjoy refreshments and live music as you stroll through the market. Suggested donation of $5 to benefit the Roosevelt Arts Project, RAP. For more information, email [email protected]. Roosevelt is on Route 571, five miles from Hightstown. Visit http://www.rooseveltartsproject.org for information about the 2016-2017 schedule of cultural events presented by RAP.
Mon., Nov. 14
Coupon Swap from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. All day. Drop in anytime and bring coupons to share and take what you need.
Preschool Art Class with Mrs. Mehta from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will learn drawing and painting techniques from local art instructor Mrs. Mehta. Messy play clothes, please. Online registration is suggested at www.mcl.org.
Mother Daughter Book Club from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. For girls ages 11 and up and their mothers. Come enjoy fun conversation and snacks as we discuss “Running Girl“ by Simon Mason. No registration required & new members welcome.
Tues., Nov. 15
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.
Thurs., Nov. 17
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Seniors Group will present Rabbi Jay Kornsgold at 1 p.m. leading a discussion on the presidential election. Participants can discuss the election and its effects on everyone after the actual election has taken place. This program is free and light refreshments will be served. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Werner Lecture Series will present “Yes, I Can: A Survivor’s Story,” at 7 p.m. Sol Lurie was only 11years old when he began his journey of concentration camps; six in four years. Mr. Lurie is an inspirational speaker for audiences of all ages. The program is free. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, N.J., 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library Fall Book Sale will be held at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J.. from 4 to 8:30 p.m. (4 to 6 p.m. for Friends Members only). Browse through thousands of gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Proceeds are used to purchase materials for the library and provide special programs for adults and children, including the Summer Reading Program.
Science & 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 Annual Enrollment Assistance 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.
Fri., Nov. 18
Saluts de Salies – Ten Months in Southwest France, at 7 p.m. at the Cranbury Public Library. This program will be presented by Cranbury resident Richard Moody. He will speak about the 10 months he and his wife, Lisa, recently spent in a 400-year old house in the medieval town of Salies de Bearn in the province of Bearn in southwest France. The library is at 23 N. Main, Cranbury.
The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library Fall Book Sale will be held at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse through thousands of gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Proceeds are used to purchase materials for the library and provide special programs for adults and children, including the Summer Reading Program.
Sat., Nov. 19
The Monroe Township High School PTO is hosting a fall craft/vendor fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 200 Schoolhouse Road, Monroe. Free admission.
The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library Fall Book Sale will be held at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse through thousands of gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Proceeds are used to purchase materials for the library and provide special programs for adults and children, including the Summer Reading Program.
Sun., Nov. 20
The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library Fall Book Sale will be held at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J., from 1 to 4 p.m. for a bag sale. Browse through thousands of gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Proceeds are used to purchase materials for the library and provide special programs for adults and children, including the Summer Reading Program.
The Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor Genealogy Club will be sponsoring a discussion titled “International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies 2016 Conference Before – During – Afte,” at 8 p.m. Norm Katz will cover the events before the conference, the conference itself, describing the attendance, vendors, research facilities, special interest groups, conference speakers, takeaways and the conference follow-ups. Beth El Synagogue is at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520. www.bethel.net . Contact the synagogue office with any questions at (609) 443-4454.
Mon., Nov. 21
Mystery Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, N.J. The group will be discussing “Maise Dobbs” by Jacqueline Windspear. New members are always welcome and no registration is needed.
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 & a caregiver. Dance to Kim’s high-energy guitar music as she plays classics and original songs. Online registration is suggested at www.mcl.org.
Tues., Nov. 22
Tuesday Morning Movie: “Ratchet & Clank” will be shown at 11 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Join us for a screening of the popular animated movie. Rated PG; 94 minutes. No registration necessary.
Computer Class: Internet Basics will be taught at 2:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Join us to learn the skills needed to navigate the World Wide Web. Please call the library to register at (609) 448-1330.
Thurs., Nov. 24
Start off your Thanksgiving Day by helping those in need. Participate in the fourth annual Mercer County Turkey Trot at Mercer County Park, 334 South Post Road, West Windsor, N.J., 08550. The morning event will consist of a 5K Race and a 1 Mile Walk/Run. The 5K race kicks off at 8:30 am from the West Picnic area. The 1 Mile Walk/Run begins at 8:35 am. The entry fee is $35. Proceeds will benefit local food pantries, including JFCS, Rise, TASK, Catholic Charities and Mercer Street Friends. Participants are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the food pantries. For more information and to sign up, go to www.mercercountyturkeytrot.com.
Sun., Nov. 27
Sunday Afternoon Movie: “Café Society” will be shown at 2 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Join us for a screening of the popular movie starring Jessie Eisenberg. Rated PG-13; 96 minutes. No registration necessary.
Mon., Nov. 28
Computer Class: Windows 10 Basics will be taught at 2:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Join us to learn how to use Microsoft’s newest operating system. Call the library to register at (609) 448-1330.
Preschool Art Class with Mrs. Mehta from 10:30 to11:15 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Library, 114 Franklin St. in Hightstown. Children ages 2-6 will learn drawing and painting techniques from local art instructor Mrs. Mehta. Messy play clothes, please. Online registration is suggested at www.mcl.org.
Tues., Nov. 29
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.
Wed., Nov. 30
Book Talk: “Rescuing the Revolution” will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Local author David Price will discuss his new book, “Rescuing the Revolution: Unsung Patriot Heroes and the Ten Crucial Days of America’s War for Independence.” The book offers a fresh perspective on the “10 crucial days” of the American Revolution and the exploits of nine men and one woman including Joseph Trumbell, Edward Hand, Charles Scott and the Mysterious Widow of Mount Holly who distinguished themselves in “the glorious cause.” Sponsored by Friends of the Hickory Corner Library. Call the library to register at (609) 448-1330.
Sat., Dec. 3
JEM Productions and Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor present “The Odd Couple,” starring Marshall Alter as Felix Unger and Carlos Cervantes as Oscar Madison. This play will keep you laughing as endearing slob Oscar Madison and neat-freak Felix Unger try to live together. Performances are Saturday Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. Tickets are available@ BrownPaperTickets.com or at the door. General admission is $30, senior and student admission is $25. Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520; 609-443-4454; www.bethel.net.
Mon., Dec. 5
Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor will host a Hanukkah Holiday Hoopla and Book Club event at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy finding out about the Jewish Holiday, Hanukkah, through reading, practical experiential learning and holiday magic. All books, materials and snacks are included. Families must have a child age 3 through secondd grade to participate. All siblings are welcome. Children, come in your pajamas. RSVP to the Beth El Synagogue 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].
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.
