Coffeehouse cabaret
The Hopewell Valley Central High School A Cappella Groups and the Vox Central Jazz Choir present a casual night of group vocal music at Hopewell Elementary School on December 16.
Starting at 7 p.m., this free concert will feature musical offerings from the two vocal groups. This evening of music will also feature other groups and soloists from the CHS Choral Music Program.
Coffee and refreshments will be served.
Christmas Bazaar Re-opening
Are you looking for last minute gifts or ornaments for Christmas? Calvary Baptist Church, located at 3 East Broad Street in Hopewell, will be re-opening their Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some soups and bake goods will be available.
For additional information, call 609-466-1880.
Historical lecture on Washington Crossing
Using diaries and letters of the participants, Washington Crossing State Park’s Resource Interpretive Specialist Clay Craighead will give a lecture on the significance of the Christmas Night Crossing and the Battle of Trenton on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
The Visitor Center Museum will be open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. featuring The Swan Historical Foundation’s Collection of 500+ Colonial and Revolutionary War artifacts.
For more information, call 609-737-0623.
Pennington library book fair
The Friends of the Pennington Public Library are hosting a Holiday Book Fair at Barnes & Noble in Princeton Market Fair on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Special Guest, Ame Dyckman, New York Times bestselling children’s book author of Tea Party Rules and Boy and Bot, will provide a very special story time beginning at 11 a.m.
Shoppers provide the cashier with the code or name of Pennington Library at checkout, and a percentage of the total purchase will be donated to support our historic library. In addition, there will be free gift-wrapping of your purchases. All purchases made at Barnes & Noble Café also count toward the Book Fair.
Can’t make the Bookfair? You can shop online at BN.com/bookfairs from Dec. 17 to Dec. 22, enter Bookfair ID Number 11844313 in the little box at checkout, and the library will be credited with your purchase. Please don’t miss out on this special event.
House tour and Quilt Show
Enjoy a fabulous house tour and quilt show in delightful Hopewell Borough this holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Six of Hopewell’s loveliest private homes will open their doors and share their charm, seasonal decorations and holiday warmth. Plus three of Hopewell’s churches – Hopewell Presbyterian, Hopewell United Methodist, Calvary Baptist – will display a fabulous collection of antique and new quilts created by some of the best quilters in the area.
The House Tour & Quilt Show is one of a series of events celebrated in Hopewell during 2016 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of its incorporation as a borough.
Show proceeds will benefit Family Promise, a non-profit organization that provides temporary shelter at churches plus meals for homeless families, supported by the Hopewell Council of Churches.
Tickets are $20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/hopewells-125th/. Tickets also available at the Hopewell Public Library beginning Dec. 1.
Non-sectarian Christmas service
Pennington United Methodist Church will host a non-sectarian Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
The service is for all faiths and for those who find the holiday season difficult due to stress, personal loss, grief, mourning or loneliness. It is an opportunity for quiet contemplation and reflection away from the commercial hustle and bustle, and to honor and remember the loved ones in our lives in a compassionate and uplifting way.
The church is located at 60 S. Main St. and has off-street parking. For further information, call the church office at 737-1374 or visit www.pumcnj.com.
Music for the holidays
The Hopewell United Methodist Church is pleased to present “Music for the Holidays” by the Hopewell Valley Central High Sschool Chamber Singers.
On Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4:15 p.m., the Chamber Singers will perform holiday music. The concert will proceed at the conclusion of the Hopewell Council of Churches’ Home for Christmas House Tour and Quilt Show. The HUMC is located at 20 Blackwell Ave., Hopewell Borough.
Under the direction of Randy White, the students all attend Hopewell Valley Central High School and work very hard at their vocal music.
This is a free concert and is open to the public. Free will donations will be accepted and applied to the cost of the group’s Italy Tour in April 2017.
For more information, visit http://www.hopewellmethodist.org or call 609-466-0471.
Blue Christmas
Calvary Baptist Church of Hopewell will host a “Blue Christmas” service Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. to help those feeling less than merry this holiday season.
The service is intended to help address the needs of those experiencing grief caused by the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, unemployment or other issues of loss. Light refreshments will be served after the service.
The service will be led by Pastor Dennis O’Neill and will offer participants a time of prayer and reflection.
The service is open to anyone in the community and will include an opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one or as a sign of hope.
Calvary Baptist Church is located at 3 East Broad Street in Hopewell. For more information call 609-466-1880 or email Dennis O’Neill at [email protected].
End of the Year Celebration
On Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 10-11:15 a.m., the Hopewell Valley Senior Center at 395 Reading Street, Pennington will host its annual end of the year celebration, complete with music, food and fun.
Music will be provided by Karl Dentino, Ragtime Blues Guitar player. Light refreshments will be served.
Brown bag luncheon
Certified Geriatric Care Manager Mary Kay Krokowski will be the speaker at the Brown Bag Luncheon on Jan. 6.
Sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry Committee of the Pennington Presbyterian Church, located at 13 S. Main St., Ms. Krokowski’s topic will be “Aging in Place,” describing the local grassroots organization whose mission is to provide support for the older residents of Hopewell Valley.
Attendees should bring a bagged lunch. Beverages, fruit and light desserts will be provided. Lunch is at 1 p.m. and the program is at 1:30 p.m.
For additional information call the church office at 609-737-1221
Senior Resource Fair
On Thursday, Jan. 26 from 11-1 p.m., Brandywine Senior Living will host an informational gathering at the Hopewell Township Auditorium, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville.
Drop in anytime and enjoy a free lunch, as well as getting information from helpful resources in the area. Meet with representatives from Mercer County Office on Aging, Consumer Affairs, Mercer County Surrogate, Contact, Perritt Labs, SHIP, Social Security, Capital Health, Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, Hopewell Township Police and many more. No registration required. The snow date is slated for the following day.
Registration open for Tai Chi classes
A 10-week beginner Tai Chi class at St. Matthew’s Church will start on Monday, January 9 at 4:30 p.m., but registration is currently under way. Tai Chi is a low impact exercise designed to improve your overall health and well being. Participants report enjoying greater balance, flexibility, strength and a sense of well being. In addition, students report an improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness and stress relief.
A Saturday morning class may be added if there is enough interest in the course.
For more information or to register call Bev Tucker at 609-737-1384 or email [email protected].
Community Closet clothing
The Hopewell Community Closet has reopened and has fall and winter fashions for all ages and sizes newborn to 3X.
There’s something for everyone — men, women and children — for a freewill donation or free to those who are financially struggling.
Shop hours are Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The Hopewell Community Closet is in Burton Hall of the Hopewell United Methodist Church in Hopewell Borough.
Donations of gently used clothing, shoes and handbags are accepted at business hours.
The mission of the Hopewell Community Closet is to provide access to free or low-cost clothing to struggling individuals and families.
This ongoing outreach is operated by the United Methodist Women of Hopewell United Methodist Church. The freewill donations support UMW missions.
The church is at 20 Blackwell Ave. More information is available at www.hopewellmethodist.org.
Heirloom blanket on sale
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Hopewell Fire Department is selling a one-of-a-kind heirloom blanket featuring nine historic sites in Hopewell. It is available in four colors: cranberry, hunter green, duke blue and black on a natural background. The blanket measures 48 by 68 inches and includes a brief history of each landmark shown on the blanket. The cost is only $40 each.
The landmarks are St. Michael’s Orphanage (1898), Old School Baptist Church (1715), Hopewell Academy (1756), Hopewell House (circa 1700), John Hart Monument (1865), Hopewell Fire Department (1911), Pierson/Gantz residence (1891), chocolate factory (circa 1900) and railroad station (1882).
Blankets can be purchased by calling Mary Anne Van Doren at 609-466-3060 or emailing [email protected]. Supplies are limited. Proceeds support the auxiliary.
Yoga for all
One Spirit Yoga holds a class for all levels of experience in the Hopewell Train Station every Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Bring a yoga mat, beach towel, water bottle and wear comfortable stretchy clothes. Classes are designed to calm the mind, relax the body and restore spirit.
For questions, contact Nancy McCormack at 609-333-1188 or email [email protected].
Adopt a flag for Pennington
The Pennington Parks & Recreation Commission is seeking donations to buy flags to display along Main Street and Delaware Avenue through September. The flags cost $42 and can be purchased as a donation on behalf of someone special or in memory of a loved one.
The commission will send a letter of acknowledgment to the person for whom the flag was purchased, noting the name of the donor and reason for the donation. Donors will also be acknowledged in the local newspapers and at borough hall.
To Adopt A Flag, pick up a form at Borough Hall or go to http://www.penningtonboro.org/Adopt_a_Flag.pdf. For information, contact Michelle Needham at 609-818-1450.
Mahjongg Thursdays in Hopewell
Beginners and experienced players alike can come down to the Hopewell Township Municipal Building, located at 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd. in Titusville, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursdays for weekly Mahjongg.
New players are encouraged to attend and shadow experienced players. Entrance is free, but pre-registration is required for first-time players.
For more information, 609-737-0605, ext. 668.
Grief support group meets
Group and individual grief support and Biblical counseling are offered in day and evening hours at Calvary Baptist Church, 3 West Broad St., Hopewell, by Joseph A. Immordino Jr., a Walk of Faith counseling ministry. Call 609-466-1880 or 609-209-6046 or email [email protected].
The website is www.CalvaryBaptistHopewell.com or www.AWalkofFaith.net. Registration is appreciated.
Broadside exhibit runs through year
David Sellers’ 125th anniversary commemorative letterpress broadsides were unveiled in March at Morpeth Contemporary Gallery, West Broad Street.
The limited-edition “Quasquicentennial Broadsides,” created and donated by Mr. Sellers, are available for viewing and purchase ($200 each) at Hopewell Borough Hall, 88 E. Broad St. A framed broadside is on display in the downstairs foyer.
Proceeds will go to the Hopewell Railroad Station Trust Fund, to aid in repainting costs, and to the Hopewell Public Library.
This exhibit will remain at Borough Hall while the supply of broadsides lasts.
The exhibit is available for viewing during business hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and during evening public meetings.
125th flags on sale
Hopewell Borough’s 125th anniversary flags are on sale for $25 at Borough Hall, 88 E. Broad St. The price includes the pole for the flag.
Members of the 125th Anniversary Committee urge residents to “fly a flag to show your pride in the borough.”
Postcard collection group
Formed in 1972 to encourage interest in postcard collecting, the Washington Crossing Card (Postcard) Collector Club meets at the Union Fire Company, 1396 River Road (Route 29), Titusville. (Parking and entrance are in the rear of the fire house). The program is preceded by a bourse and followed by an auction.
Meetings are usually the second Monday of the month at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 to let the collectors and dealers buy and sell or just examine. In all instances, see www.wc4postcards.org for a list of the lots. For information, call Betty at 215-598-7534 or Carol at 609-737-3555.
Stamp club posts schedule
Coryell’s Ferry Stamp Club is open to anybody interested in stamp collecting and related subjects. In August the group meets socially at homes.
Monthly meetings are on the first and third Mondays.
On the first Monday of any month, the site is the Deats Building, 122 Main St., Flemington.
On the third Monday of the month, the site is The Crossing United Methodist Church, 1896 Wrightown Road, Washington Crossing, Pa.
For information, call 215-598-7534 or 908-806-7883.
Hopewell ornament for sale
Hopewell Business Association is selling the fourth Hopewell ornament, custom designed for year-round display.
This year the brass ornament is the Hopewell Public Library. The library celebrated 100 years in 2014 and has operated in several locations in the borough. It has been in its current location at 13 E. Broad Street since 1965.
Ornaments are $12 and available from Fancy Threads on Railroad Place, and Hopewell Museum on Broad Street. Orders may also be sent to P.O. Box 192, Hopewell, 08525. Direct questions to Marilyn at 609-658-0501.
Join Girl Scouts
Girls in grades kindergarten through 12 will make new friends and have new experiences and opportunities in art, science, nature and community service when they join Girl Scouts.
For information, go to gscsnj.org/join or email [email protected] with contact information.
Auxiliary meetings slated
The Hopewell Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the firehouse, South Greenwood and Columbia avenues, Hopewell.
New members are welcome. Contact membership Chairwoman Mary Anne Van Doren at 466-3060 for more information.
Post 339 meetings, events
Hopewell Valley American Legion Post 339 meetings and events are held at 19C Model Ave., Hopewell Borough.
Noel Singer is commander. For information, call Joe Kianka, 466-1149.
Alzheimer caregiver groups
Those with a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder, an Alzheimer’s Association support group can offer an opportunity to find out more about community resources and learn from others who are going through similar experiences.
Support groups meet monthly. To find out what groups are meeting in the Greater Mercer County area, call the helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/nj.
Artists gather at railroad station
Artists gather to paint and draw at the Hopewell Railroad Station on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This is time to practice with other artists. There is no fee. Bring art supplies and projects. There are tables and chairs to use.
Contact Lucia Stout Huebner at [email protected] to be put on the email list or call 609-466-0277.
Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous offers a daytime meeting in Princeton every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the 24 Club in the North Princeton Shopping Center.
The meeting focuses on studying the 12 Steps for gaining and maintaining freedom from nicotine based on the 12 Steps of AA.
You do not need to have already quit smoking in order to attend. Call 908-829-4414 for details.
Join Cub Pack 1776
Cub Scout Pack 1776 of Titusville invites boys in grades one to five to join the pack. Learn to tie knots, shoot an arrow, build a birdhouse, make and race derby cars and go on hikes.
To learn more about the programs, email Cubmaster Joe Gribbins at [email protected] or call at 309-1962.
Medicine drop-off at HQ
The Hopewell Township Police Department at 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road is a drop-off site for Project Medicine Drop, developed by the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs as part of its effort to halt the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs.
It allows consumers to dispose of unused and expired medications anonymously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at “prescription drug drop boxes” within the headquarters of participating police departments.
Police departments in Lawrence, Princeton and West Windsor also are drop-off sites.
Let Me Run offered
Let Me Run is a nonprofit that meets twice a week over the course of the seven-week program for boys in grades four and five.
The mission is to inspire boys through the power of running to be courageous enough to be themselves, to build healthy relationships and to live an active lifestyle. If interested, contact Michelle Brennan at [email protected]. For information, visit www.letmerun.org.
Contact Anne Bancroft ([email protected]) for information.
NAMI Connection
NAMI Connection is a support group for individuals facing the challenges of recovery from mental illness.
A trained volunteer who lives in recovery leads the group. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the NAMI Mercer Center, Lawrence Commons, 3371 Brunswick Pike, Suite 124, Lawrenceville. No registration is necessary.
For information, call 609-799-8994 or email [email protected].
Memoir Group meetings
The Memoir Group meets the third Thursday of every month at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.
Soup and cookies are served at 12:30 p.m. followed by shared memoirs. A topic is assigned, but one may write on any topic or just eat and listen. All ages are welcome.
Call Howard Bennett at 267-980-6518 for info.
Volunteers for blood drives
New Jersey Blood Services, which supplies blood products and services to 60 hospitals throughout the state, is in need of volunteers to work blood drives.
Volunteers assist donors with registration, escorting and canteen duties and watches for post donation reactions.
Volunteers should have the ability to relate to the public, be able to perform different jobs as needed and be willing to follow the rules.
For information, contact R. Jan Zepka at 732-616-8741 or [email protected].
Photos on exhibit at Borough Hall
David Blackwell’s “Images of Old Hopewell: A Photographic Journey” exhibit is housed at Hopewell Borough Hall in the lower-level gallery. This exhibit was featured in early March at Morpeth Contemporary as part of the borough’s 125th Anniversary event series.
Mr. Blackwell is a member of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and is the author of the Hopewell history featured in the 125th commemorative booklet. His exhibit includes 19th- and early 20th-century photographs depicting Hopewell Borough citizens of the past, and the residences and businesses in which they lived and worked.
This exhibit is available for viewing during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and during evening public meetings. Meetings are advertised at www.hopewellboro-nj.us.
Breast cancer support group
The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center holds a breast cancer support group on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. for any woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Attendees will meet people having similar experiences and receive support, guidance, information on community resources and educational information about breast cancer. The group will be led by a licensed clinical social worker.
The group will meet at the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center at 2100 Wescott Drive in Flemington. For information or to register, call 908-237-2337 or email [email protected].
Kids invited to football, cheer
Boys and girls ages 4 to 14 who are residents of Hopewell, Pennington, Titusville, Ewing and Princeton are invited to register for Hopewell Valley Youth Football & Cheer.
HVYFC&A encourages all age and skill levels to participate. These programs not only teach participants football and cheer skills, but sportsmanship, leadership, academic importance and respect.
To register or for information, visit www.hvbulldogsfootball.com or contact Liz Vannozzi [email protected].
Send items to [email protected] or fax to 609-924-3842. For details, call 609-874-2163.
