Editor’s Note: Please call before attending any event. As of press time, certain restrictions were still in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Ongoing
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].
Produce is fully stocked at the Terhune Orchards farm store, Cold Soil Road, Princeton.
Fruits, vegetables and herbs are picked daily. There are also mixed bouquets and fresh-cut sunflowers.
Visit the farm store in person, or order online at www.terhuneorchards.com/shop
Summer hours of the farm store are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The winery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Terhune also sells produce at the Princeton Farmers Market on Thursdays, West Windsor Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Trenton Farmers Market on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information or to order over the phone, call 609-924-2310.
Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir are auditioning new choristers for the 2020-21 season. Both choirs are programs of Westrick Music Academy (WMA).
Any child entering grades 3-12 this fall is welcomed.
Singers will be asked to introduce themselves, sing a Major scale and a familiar song like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat, or “Happy Birthday”. This will help music directors better understand their current level of musical ability.
Interested singers have the option to have a live audition via Zoom, or submit an audition video.
Auditions are scheduled throughout August, but interested singers are encouraged to apply early.
To learn more about the process or to schedule an audition, visit WestrickMusic.org/auditions.
Pickleball will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month 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 Mercer County Park tennis/pickleball program through the end of 2020. Membership is required.
For more information on pickleball and membership, email [email protected] or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
Suydam Farms is offering pick-your-own blackberries.
Produce is available for sale, as is farm fresh proteins. Shop from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Suydam Farms is located at 49 Skillman Lane, Somerset.
For more information, visit www.suydamfarms.net
HomeFront’s Back to School Drive, benefiting local children in need, is ongoing.
Sign up to sponsor one or more children, and provide them with the clothing, shoes, backpack and the school supplies they will need to succeed, whether they are learning remotely or in school.
For more details, visit [email protected], or to sponsor a child, email [email protected] or call 609-915-1035.
Join the ACME Screening Room every Saturday night this summer for the ACME Carpool Cinema at the Spoke Works Building, 204 N. Union St., Lambertville.
Each evening begins with live music by local musicians, followed by a movie screening at dusk.
Bring your own food for a picnic or visit local restaurants offering take out. Thai Tida will be on site providing concessions of Thai street food.
Tickets are $35-40 per car.
For the upcoming film schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.acmescreeningroom.org.
The ACME Screening Room is also planning a live comedy night fundraiser with more details to come.
The Mercer County Mask Project is in need of masks for healthcare workers and first responders.
Volunteers of the West Windsor Arts Council have made more than 230 face masks thus far.
To donate, visit https://westwindsorarts.org/volunteer/ for more information.
Right at Home of Central New Jersey is holding a Health Care Heroes Back to School drive along with HarborChase of Princeton.
Residents and professional partners are asked to donate supplies for the children of doctors, nurses, EMTs, home health aides and social workers.
Donations can be dropped off at Right at Home of Central New Jersey, 1405 Route 18 south, Suite 203, Old Bridge; or at HarborChase of Princeton, 4331 Route 1 south, Princeton.
For more information, call 732-967-0900.
Gesher LeKesher is currently accepting applications from high school juniors and seniors in the Greater Princeton Mercer Bucks area to participate in a Jewish peer leadership program.
As Gesher “Madrichim” (peer leaders), teens lead a group of seventh to ninth grade “Talmidim” (learners) in outreaches addressing trending topics from a Jewish perspective including friendships, the impact of social media, peer pressure, prejudice, and anti-Semitism on campus.
Gesher LeKesher meets virtually six hours each month: two Monday night trainings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and an additional outreach time either Monday/Wednesday night or Sunday morning.
Gesher LeKesher is a program of Jewish Family & Children Services and is partially funded by the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks.
For more information, visit www.jfcsonline.org/gesher-lekesher.
The Jewish Community Youth Foundation is kicking off its 18th year giving back to local, national and global non-profits beginning this fall. The program brings together teens in grades 8-12 from the Mercer and Bucks counties area.
Each teen philanthropist donates their own money which gets matched and pooled with money they fundraise during the program. Students will meet virtually to discuss Tzedakah and explore needs and the non-profit organizations who address them. At year-end, each group decides how their dollars will be donated. The program offers teens the opportunity to develop leadership and presentation skills.
Registration is open for all participants in grades 8-10, and returning participants in 11th and 12th grades. Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.jfcsonline.org/jcyf.
Contact Celeste Albert at 609-987-8100, ext. 210 or [email protected] with any questions.
Participating in yoga benefits both physical and mental health and influences positive thought. It alleviates mental stress, develops better physicality and subsequently enhances emotional well-being. Yoga postures are a form of meditation in motion that help release tension and emotional stress. This can help decrease physical ailments by improving the flow of oxygen and conditioning the respiratory tract through breathing exercises.
Honor Yoga is offering free, virtual classes at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and at 6 p.m. Thursdays with instructor Michelle Gerdes.
To register, visit http://honoryoga.com/yfew
The Township of Hillsborough is working with Town Planner to produce a 250th anniversary edition of the color printed 2021 calendar, which will be mailed out to every residence in Hillsborough.
This year, the twist is historic pictures to commemorate Hillsborough’s 250-year history. Individuals interested in submitting photographs for consideration can email their high resolution image to [email protected]. There is no guarantee any photo will be used.
A photo release will need to accompany the picture. The photo release form is found at www.hillsborough-nj.org
The printing of the calendar is funded through the various advertisements contained within the calendar. Contact Jim O’Dowd at 973-650-2736 or [email protected] for more information regarding advertising.
Being civically engaged is important to the aging community and voting may be one of the most vital civic activities. Voting in local, state and national elections provides seniors the opportunity to express and act upon their beliefs and values. Additionally, many seniors live on a fixed income and are potentially at higher risk of being affected by fiscal policy changes.
CareOne at Hamilton has designated itself a voter registration site to ensure all residents and outside community members have the opportunity to vote. Voter registration applications are provided and processed on-site and team members can assist residents and community members with registering to vote either traditionally or through the mail.
Contact Aleah Hosszu in admissions at 609-586-4600 or email [email protected] for more information or to register.
School is starting Sept. 3 in Hillsborough. Hillsborough C.A.N. (Community Assistance Network) is in need of supplies for school-age residents.
Drop off hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the township’s Social Services Department, 379 S. Branch Road.
To donate, visit www.hillsborough-nj.org.
Sat., August 29
The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) will hold a virtual Jamaica Independence Party from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Featuring Master of Ceremonies Brian Gibbs, comedian Oliver Samuels, playwright Debra Ehrhardt, DJ Larry Ranks vs. DJ G-Royal of RSR Sound, Barrelman Radio and DJ Naturalist.
Wear all white and present your Jamaican flag.
Patrons are asked to donate to the fundraiser by using one of the following methods: JON-J PayPal account at www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=KHUWYQBKLNVCC ; Zelle to [email protected] ; or write a check payable to the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey and mail to JON-J, P.O. Box 446, Orange, NJ 07051.
Sponsorships are available.
JON-J is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that launched in 1998. The money raised through various fundraising events have been impactful in providing aid for hurricane disaster-relief efforts in New Jersey, Jamaica, and other Caribbean Islands; funding scholarships to college-bound students in New Jersey; assisting local food banks in New Jersey; and providing aid to needy schools in Jamaica.
For tickets, visit https://JonJindependenceparty.eventbrite.com
Through Sun., August 30
The Princeton University Art Museum is hosting a museum challenge through Aug. 30.
Choose any artwork from the Princeton University Art Museum’s collections or from another museum and re-create it at home using anything on hand, the more imaginative the better. Think dogs with books, a ketchup bottle standing in for wine, a bathrobe in place of a cape.
Snap a photo and submit the entry at artmuseum.princeton.edu/nss
Categories include Best Use of Food, Best Use of a Pet, Best Landscape, Best Still Life, Best Portrait, 13-and-under Best in Show, and others.
Winners will be announced during the museum’s Nassau Street Sampler Virtual Festival on Sept. 3.
Contest details are available at https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/story/art-re-creation-challenge-how-enter
Through Mon., August 31
Assemblymen Andrew Zwicker and Roy Freiman (D-16) are holding a virtual school supplies drive.
Using the online donations platform YouGiveGoods, visit https://yougivegoods.com/njlegd16-bts, choose the school district you would like to support, and click on “Shop” to purchase the goods you would like to donate.
All goods ordered online will be shipped directly to each school district after the drive ends, and the district will distribute the items to the students in need.
You will be emailed a tax receipt at the time of purchase.
The goal is to collect 2,000 items by Aug. 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 through 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.
Mon., August 31 to Fri., October 23
The West Windsor Arts Council will hold the visual art show, Art and Healing, from Aug. 31 to Oct. 23.
The opening reception will be 7:15 p.m. Sept. 11.
Artists explore the theme of art and healing as it relates to the pandemic as well as to any challenging life experience, personal or public.
For more information, visit https://westwindsorarts.org/event/art-and-healing-exhibition/
Thurs., September 3
In the summer of 1783, the Continental Congress met at Nassau Hall in Princeton, awaiting news of a peace treaty with Great Britain. On Sept. 3, the Treaty of Paris was signed, formally ending the Revolutionary War.
On the anniversary of this milestone, educator and long-time Historical Society of Princeton walking tour guide Barry Singer will offer an illustrated talk via Zoom describing the lead up to this pivotal moment in America’s history, as this small rural town provides the backdrop for the historic events of that summer and fall.
“Zoom into History: Princeton, the Nation’s Capital: 1783” will be presented at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.
To register, visit https://princetonhistory.org/events/princeton-the-nations-capital-1783/
The Princeton University Art Museum will hold its Nassau Street Sampler Virtual Festival from 4-11 p.m. Sept. 3.
The fest will include online lotería, trivia, art-making, chef videos, student performances, and a virtual dance party.
For more information, visit https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/nassau-street-sampler
Through 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
Starting Fri., September 4
Fri., September 4 – Fri., November 6
Through Mon., September 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
Tuesdays, 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.
Fri., September 11 & Sat., September 12
Bordentown City will hold Restaurant Weekend Sept. 11-12. Hours are 3-11 p.m.
A section of the downtown area from Crosswick Street to either West Park Avenue or all the way down to Veterans Way will be taped off to allow restaurants to expand outdoor dining into the street to serve more patrons.
There will be live entertainment each night.
The Rev. Matt Tucker of Christ Church Parish will hold a memorial service for the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, on the corner of Boyds Pharmacy at 7 p.m. Sept. 11.
Diners should wear a mask when attending the event for shopping or for outdoor dining purposes.
Sat., September 12
Roxey Ballet Company is looking for dancers of all ages for its upcoming virtual holiday classic “The Nutcracker”.
Auditions will be held on Sept. 12; registration deadline is Sept. 6.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those auditioning have the opportunity to audition in-person or virtually via Zoom. Audition times will be staggered to accommodate smaller groups and physical distancing.
More information and to register, visit www.roxeyballet.org/auditions or email [email protected]
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.
Tues., September 15
The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber will hold its 2020 Golf & Tennis Outing from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Forsgate County Club, 375 Forsgate Dr., Monroe.
Arrival is by 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11 a.m. Shotgun start at noon. Helicopter ball drop is at 5:30 p.m. A cocktail reception, dinner and awards will be at 5:45 p.m.
The Cherry Valley Country Club, 125 Country Club Dr., Skillman, will host the tennis tournament. Arrival is at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., practice at 12:30 p.m. and tournament start at 1:30 p.m. The final match will be at Forsgate at 5 p.m.
To register, visit https://web.princetonmercerchamber.org/events/2020Golf%20%20Tennis%20Outing-844/details
Fri., September 18
The Young Professionals Group of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation is hosting 2020 YPG Family Movie Night on Sept. 18, featuring “Trolls World Tour” at Arm & Hammer Park, home of the Trenton Thunder, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton. Doors open with food trucks at 5:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m.
Also celebrating Kacie Hurley, business development executive at Withum as Young Professional of the Year, and Ritchie & Page Distributing Company, Inc. as corporate honoree.
There will be temperature checks at the gate and face masks are required. Bring your own blanket and snacks; chairs, coolers, strollers and alcohol not permitted.
A family movie pack of four tickets is $100. Adult tickets for ages 12 and up are $30. Child tickets for ages 3-11 are $20. Children under 3 are free.
All tickets include food truck voucher, popcorn and gift.
For tickets, visit www.rwjbh.org/ypgmovienight
Sponsorship and marketing opportunities available starting at $100. Contact Jillian Kay at 609-581-6581 or [email protected] for more details.
All proceeds to benefit The Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton and the Patient Assistance Fund.
Fri., September 18 and Sat., September 19
The Mercer County Hazardous Waste Collection and Electronics Recycling Event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 18 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19, rain or shine, at the John T. Dempster Fire School, 350 Lawrence Station Road, Lawrence Township.
No registration is required, just proof of Mercer County residency.
Residents can dispose of aerosol cans, used motor oil, propane gas tanks, pesticides, herbicides, car batteries, paint thinner, oil based paints, gasoline, anti-freeze, driveway sealer, insect repellants, mercury, and fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Used electronic equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, stereos, televisions, and microwaves will be accepted.
For more information, visit www.mcianj.org or call 609-278-8086.
Sat., September 19 through November
Playing on Bordentown’s moniker of the “Little City with a Lot of Charm,” Harrowing History aims will debut Sept. 19 at Joseph Bonaparte’s former Point Breeze property, located at 101 Park St., Bordentown.
While the stories of Francis Hopkinson, Clara Barton and Thomas Paine are some of the most well-known from this town, this latest initiative dives into dark passageways to expose Bordentown’s disreputable natives. This 90-minute storytelling showcase features the performance talents of Bordentown locals Ann Hay, Chris Campbell, James Parker and Stacy La Mell, along with Leann Testerman, Elyse Kiedaisch and Melissa L. E. Baker. Each performer brings their own talents to embody the persona of their 19th-century avatar.
Tickets are $20. In support of local Bordentown businesses, attendees can save $5 off their ticket purchase if they show a recent receipt at the performance from a Downtown Bordentown Association-member business in town.
Visit Harrowinghistory.bpt.me for tickets and more information.
For a teaser, visit Youtube.com/watch?v=Oal0KivUE7E
Thurs., September 24
The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold the NJ Conference on Diversity & Inclusion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24.
Keynote speakers will be Dr. Randal Pinkett, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners and winner of season four of NBC’s “The Apprentice”; and Debby Irving, racial justice educator and writer.
To sign up for the virtual presentation, visit https://web.princetonmercerchamber.org/events/
Sat., September 26
The Hopewell Harvest Fair (HHF) will be offered virtually this fall.
Live music and many of the fair’s traditional contests will be offered through Facebook Live on the Hopewell Harvest Fair Facebook Page. Community members are encouraged to watch these performances live, though they will also be recorded and watched at a later date.
In addition, members of the Hopewell Valley community near and far will be able to submit original work via the HHF website for any of the following contests: Photography, Kids’ Art; Kids’ Lego, Find Freddy Takes Out the Trash, and Doggy Dress-Up. Submissions will be judged and winners will be announced during the festival on the HHF website and via social media. Winners will receive a digital certificate and earn bragging rights.
The HHF Board of Trustees will also run a poetry exhibition; submissions of poetry will not be judged. The poetry exhibition will also be published on the website.
Specific guidelines for the contests and the poetry exhibition will be available at www.hopewellharvestfair.org
Digital contest submissions will be accepted on the website beginning Sept. 5.
The deadline for all submissions is Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m.
Mon., September 28 to Fri., October 9
Oct. 15 is the special pickup day for those who donated a costume and want a new one. All others can pick up a new-to-you costume on Oct. 16.
Tues., September 29 to Sun., October 4
Hillsborough will hold Restaurant Week Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, featuring local outdoor dining and take-out restaurants as well as some popular restaurant chains. Restaurateurs will offer specials including prix fixe menu dishes, daily combo specials and daily or
weekly special menu items that represent unique recipes.
For an up-to-date list of participating restaurants, visit the Restaurant Week
site at www.hillsboroughbusiness.org. Prix fixe and special menus will also be available on the site.
Through Wed., Sept. 30
Garden State Watercolor Society (GSWS) is partnering with D&R Greenway Land Trust to mount a wildlife-focused 50th anniversary Juried Exhibition online through Sept. 30.
A virtual awards ceremony will include a special new award on occasion of GSWS’ 50th anniversary, the D&R Greenway James Fiorentino Nature Art Award. Opportunities to experience the exhibit include a virtual gallery, a virtual talk with featured artists, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
This exhibit celebrates the natural world with a sense of urgency to save it from loosened regulations and increasing environmental concerns. It recognizes the value found in the lands of D&R Greenway that have become a critical connection for people, for inspiration and restorative meditation.
Garden State Watercolor’s exhibit “Out of the Wild” portrays human relationships with the wild landscape, flora and fauna with creative imagination. This exhibit was juried by Steve Zazenski, AWS, who is known for his colorful landscapes depicting coastal New England, Europe and the Caribbean.
Art is available for sale online, with part of each purchase a donation to support D&R Greenway’s charitable mission of preserving and caring for land, and inspiring a conservation ethic.
Featured in the outdoor scavenger hunt is the second annual mini-art exhibit “Beautiful Creatures” that includes 90 5 inch by 7 inch images of earth’s creatures created by 47 artists. Artists were challenged to paint using only secondary colors of orange, green and purple. This special exhibit follows the popular 2019 challenge that focused on primary colors of red, yellow and blue.
The community is invited to wear a mask to seek and find this year’s “Beautiful Creatures” as laminated art placed throughout the town of Princeton and at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center campus that includes Greenway Meadows on Rosedale Road.
For more information, visit www.gswcs.com and www.drgreenway.org.
East Windsor invites proposals for an art installation.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and council members are seeking ideas for the potential creation of a visible outdoor landmark on township-owned property at the southern township intersection of routes 130 and 33.
Concept proposals should include installation of an original work of art that provides an attractive and memorable entry point into the township, which is sufficiently sized to be visible to vehicle traffic on both Route 130 and Route 33, and is durable to last at least 10 years outdoors.
Proposals should be submitted to the Township Clerk’s office by Sept. 30.
Additional information is available at www.east-windsor.nj.us/fair-open-notices
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.
Thurs., October 22
Based on the real story of a reform school that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children, “The Nickel Boys” is set in Jim Crow-era Florida.
Co-sponsored by the Princeton Public Library.
To register, visit https://princetonhistory.org/events/historical-fiction-book-group-13/
Sat., October 24
The Princeton Festival will move its annual gala online on Oct. 24.
Participants can enjoy live music, dancing, conversation and an auction.
Masks encouraged, Venetian or contemporary style.
More information will be released closer to the date.
For more information, visit princetonfestival.org
Thurs., October 29 & Fri., October 30
The NJ Conference for Women, a program of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s Women in Business Alliance (WIBA), will hold its 2020 event on an online platform.
The event will offer the same the same education and motivational speakers in a two-day scheduled program that features a customizable agenda, sessions on demand, online interactive networking, giveaways and more.
The 2020 keynote speakers include Leymah Gbowee, a 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, Liberian peace activist, trained social worker and women’s rights advocate. She currently serves as executive director of the Women, Peace and Security Program at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, and is the founder and current president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, the founding head of the Liberia Reconciliation Initiative, and co-founder and former executive director of Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-A); and
Victoria Arlen is a reporter, Paralympic gold medalist and author. In 2005, Arlen was 11 years old when she came down with two rare neurological disorders, transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. She fought for her life for five years, including four years in a vegetative state where she was “locked” within herself, unable to communicate with those around her. At times, she suffered seizures for more than 20 hours per day. She was paralyzed from the waist down for a decade and incredibly, regained the ability to walk in 2016.
In addition to the keynotes, the event will feature at least five breakout speakers and an Executive Keynote General Session.
For the full agenda, visit www.njconferenceforwomen.com/agenda.html.
Tickets are $125 and are available at www.njconferenceforwomen.com.
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.