Editor’s Note: Please call before attending any event. As of press time, certain restrictions were still in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Now through Sept. 7
The Princeton Festival’s 14th annual competition for young pianists will be conducted entirely online, closing on Sept. 23 with a virtual concert by finalists and the announcement of the winners. Those wishing to enter must submit a video of themselves playing a designated piece by Sept. 7.
Submissions will be adjudicated by a distinguished panel of Conservatory faculty and concert soloists. Entrants will compete in four categories divided by age from 6 to 18 years old, plus two categories (Piano Four-Hands and Open Class) for competitors 25 and under. Artists may enter more than one category.
Winners will receive certificates and cash prizes.
Details are available at https://princetonfestival.org/2020-piano-competition-rules-repertoire
Fri., July 10
Cranbury Township will hold drive-in movie showings at the West Property on June 10. The matinee will be “Toy Story 4” for the younger crowd at 6 p.m., followed by the feature showing of “National Lampoon’s Vacation” at 8:45 p.m.
Sat., July 11
Shariese Katrell and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice will hold a Black Lives Matter rally on July 11.
Assembly will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Princeton YMCA, 59 Robeson Pl., Princeton, with the route walking toward Hinds Plaza. An event featuring guest speakers will be held from 2-5 p.m.
All those who wish to participate or volunteer should email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/shariesekatrell
Sundays, July 12 & 26, Aug. 9 & 23
Have Bike Will Ride is a new warm-weather bicycling group through the YWCA Princeton Area Newcomers and Friends Women’s Club.
This is a leisurely ride off-road on park trails or small towns with very slow or no traffic. Some ideas are Skillman Park, Duke Farms, portions of the D&R Canal Trail, Village Park in Lawrenceville, and portions of the Lawrenceville-Hopewell Trail system.
The group expects to ride for about an hour, beginning around 5:30 p.m., weather-permitting. The specific meet up location and ride details will be sent by email to members of the group before the ride. If there is a coffee shop along the way, riders will stop for a visit.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
Mon., July 13
Princeton PFLAG meeting. PFLAG is a support group for families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Peer-facilitated discussion and information sharing in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond. 7-9 p.m. Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Visit pflagprinceton.org for more information.
Tues., July 14
Pickleball will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, beginning July 14, at the Mercer County Park Tennis/Pickleball Center, Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Morning times to be announced.
Participants must wear masks, bring water and bring their own paddle.
Mercer County fees are $7/time or a player can pay $35 (62 and older) or $70 (under 62) to join the MC Park tennis/pickleball through the end of 2020.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
Wed., July 15
Hillsborough Township, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, Derstine’s and Community Assistance Network will distribute food from 9-11 a.m. July 15 at the Willow Road Complex, 530 Willow Road, Hillsborough. No one will be admitted prior to 9 a.m.
Open to Hillsborough residents only; ID required.
Maximum two units per household. Each unit includes one gallon of milk, 5 pounds of cheese, 10 pounds of produce and 10 pounds of protein.
Items will be placed in the car’s trunk by volunteers. No contact pickup.
Enter from Willow Road directly across from Valinor Road.
Registration is required; ticket must be shown upon arrival. For more information, visit www.hillsborough-nj.org
Seniors may register by calling 908-369-3880.
Thurs., July 16
The Mercer County Senior Art Show will be available online from July 23 to Aug. 7.
Any Mercer County resident age 60 or older can submit an entry. Deadline is July 16.
The closing reception and award ceremony is planned for 1-2 p.m. Aug. 7 via Zoom.
Winners will be notified of the Zoom code closer to the reception date.
All first place winners are automatically included in the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show.
For the registration link, visit mercercounty.org.
For more information, call Cheryl Reed at 609-989-6899 or email [email protected].
Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State will be held at 2 p.m. July 16, courtesy of the Mercer County Park Commission.
CWF Executive Director and author David Wheeler take the audience on a journey through the diverse wildlife, nature destinations and outdoor activities offered in New Jersey.
To view, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZqECAhGDQc69WUDqdwa_cQ
Sat., July 18
The West Windsor Arts Council is celebrating what would have been Priscilla Snow Algava’s 80th birthday by throwing a virtual artmaking party from 3-7 p.m. on July 18. All are invited to join this free online event and create art together in a playful, judgment-free space, view Algava’s artwork and listen to some reggae music.
Algava died of cancer in 2019. She was often found sketching in the Small World Coffee cafe below her Witherspoon Street studio.
Algava’s daughter Carin is organizing the event with her sister Alisa, artist Heather Barros artist Mic Diño Boekelmann, and with support from the West Windsor Arts Council.
The event will kick off with brief instruction and art prompts from Barros. No artistic experience necessary.
An online exhibition of Algava’s artwork, along with a number of her former students and colleagues, will be on display at westwindsorarts.org beginning July 13. Some works will be available for sale with proceeds benefiting the Priscilla Snow Algava Scholarship Fund at West Windsor Arts Council.
For more information or to register, visit https://westwindsorarts.org/event/virtual-artmaking-extravaganza/.
Thurs., July 23
Advancing Your Mission During COVID-19 and Beyond will continue from 10:30 a.m. to noon on July 23, with a workshop on long-term strategies for resilience in terms of revenues, costs and business models.
The sudden and pervasive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is upending revenue streams for many businesses. Non-profit cultural institutions are particularly hard hit as stay-at-home orders necessitate cancellation of school programs, special events and regular visitation hours. How can non-profits make strategic financial decisions confidently during and after this crisis? Are there new business models, cost-saving strategies, and alternative revenue streams that can help? Does the crisis actually offer new opportunities to reimagine financial sustainability for these organizations? How will institutions ensure that their collections and programming are accessible to communities without resources, and would reaching such communities expand potential funding opportunities?
This session will ask participants to consider equity and access alongside fiscal strategy and touch on board engagement and stewardship as well.
Readings will be circulated ahead of time to familiarize attendees with some of the issues that may be at play.
Each webinar is free to attend with registration. With registration you will receive information to participate via Zoom. The webinars will be recorded and shared publicly following each session.
Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/advancing-your-mission-during-covid-19-and-beyond-registration-104787907452
Sun., July 26
“Look Before You Vote: Televising the Presidential Conventions” will be held at 1:30 p.m. July 26.
Join the Sarnoff Collection for July’s Sunday at the Sarnoff Zoom discussion about the history of broadcasting and the presidential conventions and the cool technologies that were invented to cover those technologically challenging events.
Wed., July 29
Tickets are available for Mercer’s Got Magic, an interactive virtual fundraising show featuring magicians, illusionists and mind readers.
Mercer’s Got Magic will air on July 29 at 7 p.m. Attendees can see the show via Live Stream on their TV, computer or electronic device.
The family-friendly event is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton and will benefit the Hamilton Area YMCA, COVID-19 relief and other Rotary charities.
Tickets start at $25 per household, with Deluxe and VIP upgrades available, and the ability to donate additional funds to The Rotary.
To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit www.MercersGotMagic.com
Take time to eat, chat, make new friends, solidify old ones, then perhaps discover something cool about the town where lunch is held, through the YWCA Princeton Area Newcomers and Friends Women’s Club.
For time and location, email [email protected] or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
Fri., July 31
Nominations are being accepted in 10 categories for an annual recognition program to celebrate individuals, businesses and governments for extraordinary commitment to recycling.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, annually recognizes excellence in recycling to highlight program successes achieved by individuals, agencies, businesses and others whose efforts help keep New Jersey communities clean and healthy.
Applications may be submitted in these categories: Institution, Business, Retail Merchant, Government, Leadership, Rising Star, Recycling Industry, Outstanding Educator/Educational Program, Volunteer Citizen and Source Reduction/Resource Management/Sustainability.
Nominations are due by July 31 and awardees will be notified in September. Award winners will be honored at the Association of New Jersey Recyclers Symposium and Awards Luncheon scheduled Oct. 14 in Neptune.
To view the application and information packet, visit www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/awards.htm or www.recycle.nj.gov.
Exploring Family History is for anyone who wants to learn more about their family history and genealogy.
To be held on July 31 through the YWCA Princeton Newcomers and Friends Women’s Club. New members welcome.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
Fri., July 31 – Sun., August 2
Girls on the Run of Central NJ (GOTRCNJ) has transitioned its season 5K run to a virtual event.
The Rainbow Run for Fun virtual 5K will take place between July 31 and Aug. 2. Complete the 5K on your own time at your own pace. Register at https://runsignup.com/rainbowrun4fun5k.
Registration is free and open to all; however, donations will be accepted during registration to benefit the scholarship fund for those girls who otherwise would not be able to participate.
All participants will receive a printable bib, a printable finisher certificate, a 5K training plan, weekly emails with training tips and words of encouragement, a photo frame/finisher’s sign.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 908-642-4321.
GOTRCNJ anticipates there will be a fall 2020 program, either in person, virtual or a hybrid of both. For more information, visit www. gotrcnj.org.
From Fri., July 31 – Fri., September 4
A series of structured workshops will benefit poets who are interested in honing their craft and working toward publishing their work. Featuring Anna Evans. Will be held online courtesy of the West Windsor Arts Council. To register, visit https://westwindsorarts.z2systems.com/np/clients/westwindsorarts/eventList.jsp?anotherEvent=&categoryIds=6
Fri., August 7
Watch an artist create a masterpiece before your eyes. Part art studio, part rock group, part creation lab, Artrageous takes audiences on a visual journey and high-energy ride of inspiration, creativity and engagement, paying tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres. It’s a frenzy of movement and color as lines and brush strokes appear on giant canvasses, culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings. 7 p.m. Aug. 7, Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg. Tickets are $30-$40.
Sat., August 8
Relive the experience of a live Motown concert, circa 1964, during “Shadows of the ’60s.” For all ages. 8 p.m. Aug. 8, Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg. Tickets are $30-$40.
Mon., Aug. 10-Fri., Aug. 14
Princeton Photo Workshop has translated many of its photography classes, including photography basics, photo editing, portrait photography, composition, and black and white photography, into fully interactive remote classes.
Summer Photo Camp for Teens will be held Aug. 10-14 via Zoom since the workshop is closed through at least September. Camp will start at 10 a.m. for about four hours. Campers will learn the basics of taking better pictures, including camera settings, composition and using light to capture the image you envision. After a break for lunch, campers will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic to download, edit, organize and creatively process photos. At the end of each virtual day, campers will then be assigned photo exercises.
New experiences will include how to do virtual portraits, experimenting with abstract art photography and an exploration of science-fiction-like worlds with renowned Macro photographer Don Komarechka, direct from his home in Ontario.
Requirements are a digital camera and computer.
Mon., August 10
Princeton PFLAG meeting. PFLAG is a support group for families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Peer-facilitated discussion and information sharing in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond. 7-9 p.m. Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Visit pflagprinceton.org for more information.
Tuesdays, Aug. 13, Sept. 10 & Oct. 8
Join the YWCA Princeton Area Newcomers and Friends Women’s Club at 4 p.m. to read and discuss books about race.
The first book is “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram Kenti; view one of the author’s talks at www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzuOlyyQlug before the first meeting, if possible.
The Page 3 participants will select the other two books as well as whether members will meet online on Zoom or outside with masks while social distancing.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
Mon., August 31
The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is opening the nomination process for its 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project. This multi-day salute to service will bring together Purple Heart heroes representing each state and territory in the nation to pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.
One Purple Heart recipient and an escort of their choosing from each state and territory will again be selected for an all-expenses-paid tribute filled with tours and ceremonies honoring their service and that of all those who have earned the Purple Heart. The four-day Patriot Project Mission will feature visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s headquarters where the Badge of Military Merit originated in 1782, and a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor – the museum dedicated to paying tribute to our nation’s combat wounded. Other special tribute events are also being planned.
Anyone can nominate a Purple Heart recipient they know. Nominations must include a short description (up to 250 words) of why their nominee is deserving of this special recognition. Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or submitted via www.purpleheartmission.org/patriot-project.
Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 31. The Honor Mission will select three finalists from each state and territory and a national panel of Purple Heart recipients and other distinguished Americans will select the final honorees.
A complete list of honorees will be announced nationally on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.
Through Sun., September 13
“Fine Feathered Friends: Birds as Mainstay and Muse.” The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to announce a new exhibition that brings the fun of birdwatching indoors through nearly 200 rarely seen artifacts and specimens exploring birds as an ecological mainstay and their role as a design-inspiring force, or muse, for New Jersey artisans. Free. Museum hours: 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. Auditorium galleries hours: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday. For more information, visit statemuseum.nj.gov.
Mon., September 14
Princeton PFLAG meeting. PFLAG is a support group for families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Peer-facilitated discussion and information sharing in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond. 7-9 p.m. Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Visit pflagprinceton.org for more information.
Mon., October 12
Princeton PFLAG meeting. PFLAG is a support group for families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Peer-facilitated discussion and information sharing in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond. 7-9 p.m. Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Visit pflagprinceton.org for more information.
Sat., October 17
The Community Health Law Project (CHLP) has extended the deadline for nominations of candidates for the Ann Klein Advocate Awards and Mike Lione Accessibility Award to recognize those who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of people living with disabilities through Oct. 17.
The Ann Klein Advocate Award is given to a group of select individuals and organizations, nominated by the public, who have performed exemplary work as advocates for people living with disabilities and/or vulnerable populations.
The award is named in memory of Ann Klein, former commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, whose career as a public servant, legislator and social worker paved the way for significant advances in the human services systems throughout the State of New Jersey.
The Mike Lione Accessibility Award was established in 2013 in memory of longtime Community Health Law Project Board Member and former Chair Mike Lione. This award is presented to an individual or entity that has performed exemplary work as an advocate for accessibility on behalf of persons living with disabilities.
For more information, visit www.chlp.org or call 973-275-1175.
Mon., November 10
Princeton PFLAG meeting. PFLAG is a support group for families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Peer-facilitated discussion and information sharing in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond. 7-9 p.m. Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Visit pflagprinceton.org for more information.
Sat., November 14 & Sun., November 15
The Nassau Film Festival (NFF), which was postponed from May, will be held Nov. 14 and 15 at the Princeton Garden Theatre, Nassau Street, Princeton, to celebrate short films from around the globe.
The NFF screens short films and music videos (30 seconds to 20 minutes) in the following categories: fiction, documentary, animation, student fiction, horror, music videos, trailers and episodic.
Best of Festival Awards are given in each of the categories, and attendees have a chance to network with actors, actresses, directors, writers, producers and directors of photography at a special festival event.
Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate in question-and-answer panel discussions with filmmakers whose films are selected to screen at the festival.
The festival will accept submissions through Sept. 15.
Mon., December 14
Princeton PFLAG meeting. PFLAG is a support group for families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. A presentation and discussion with a panel of Princeton University LGBT Center Peer Educators, who will share their stories, answer questions, and discuss LGBTQ+ life at the university. PFLAG provides support for families, friends and allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental setting. Refreshments. Newcomers welcome. Serving Central New Jersey and beyond. 7-9 p.m. Trinity Church, 33 S. Mercer St., Princeton. Visit pflagprinceton.org for more information.
Continuing events
In 2018, American Repertory Ballet launched Dance for Parkinson’s (an affiliate of the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD) that brings the benefits of dance to individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Led weekly by trained teaching artists, Dance for Parkinson’s uses music, guided imagery, vocalization and movement to provide participants with a holistic, safe and creative experience.
Until classes can resume in the studio, this class is one of more than 135 weekly online classes American Repertory Ballet is delivering to the community via Zoom.
For more information, email [email protected].
Co-Dependents Anonymous Step Study Meeting. CoDA is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. Meetings are held every Friday evenings. The 24 Club, The 1860 House, 2nd floor, 124 Montgomery Road, Skillman. For more information, email [email protected].
VFW Meetings: Monthly meetings of the Hillsborough Memorial VFW Post 8371 are held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Somerset County Hillsborough Senior Center, 339 S. Branch Road. The post’s mission is Veterans and Military Support, Youth Scholarship Activities and Community Service. All veterans with foreign service are welcome as members to assist the post in achieving its mission. For information regarding membership, post activities or the youth scholarship programs, contact Commander Tom Cellilli via phone or text at 908-255-3669.
Alzheimer’s caregiver support group: Following the guidelines of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group is “a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system.” The group meets the first Monday and second Wednesday of each month at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church, 651 Country Club Road, Bridgewater. All are welcome.
Free weekly support groups: Carrier Clinic hosts free weekly support groups on the campus throughout the year. These support programs include:
Weekend Codependency Program, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bright Futures for Kids, Sundays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Parents Support Group, Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m.
Mood Disorder Support Group, Thursdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m.
For more information about these or other services and programs available at Carrier Clinic, visit CarrierClinic.org or call 908-281-1513. For more information, visit CarrierClinic.org/WhatToDo.
Midweek meals: The Wednesday midweek meals held in Asbury Hall, at the United Methodist Church of Bound Brook, have started back up. All seniors are invited for a full course meal for $4. Bring friends and family to enjoy a meal and fellowship.
Pop Warner: Calling all 5-7 year olds. Hillsborough Dukes Pop Warner is offering free Flag Football registration to first time players, including instructional and safe environment with fun training activities to teach core skills. Every child plays every game and the Dukes are the only organization that requires coaches to be USA Football Heads Up Certified. There are no tryouts or team drafting. Visit register.hillsboroughdukes.com to register. For more information, contact [email protected].
Coping with addiction: Parents of Addicted Children helps parents understand and cope with drug problems they are facing, and will face, with their children. Meets first and third Monday of month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road.
Alzheimer’s support group: The Alzheimer’s Association has a support group in Hillsborough. Family members and caregivers come together to share information and support in a safe, confidential atmosphere. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Brookdale Hillsborough, 600 Auten Road. Call 908-431-1300.
Mothers of Preschoolers: MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays at the Fellowship Bible Church building, 109 New Amwell Road. The group says it meets to “laugh, cry and embrace the journey of motherhood.” Sponsored by Crossroads Community Church, it hears speakers, has a craft or project and lots of conversation and refreshment. Child care is provided. For information, see www.crossroadsnj.org/MOPS. Registration fee is required.
Divorce support group: A nondenominational support group to help separated and divorced people to a new beginning. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Route 206 at Homestead Road. Call 908-295-6740.
Swim lessons at HRC: The Swim Academy at HRC, located at 30 Brower Lane, Hillsborough, is offering swim lessons for all ages and levels. Call HRC Fitness at 908-359-3600 to register or visit www.hrcfitness.com for class schedules.
Send items to [email protected] or fax to 609-924-3842. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 609-874-2163.