Common calendar, Packet papers, December 10

Ongoing

 

Mercer County’s ice skating center is open to the public seven days a week during the operating season, which runs through March 11, 2022, at Mercer County Park, West Windsor.

The skating center has a full snack bar, a fireplace, lounge area and dining tables. Vending machines, skate rentals, a skate-sharpening service and lockers also are on site. The center offers general public skating sessions, skating lessons, birthday parties and ice time for hockey. Group rates and private party rentals are available as well.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged in the lounge area.

General public skating hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; Friday night from 7:45-9:45 p.m.; Saturday from 1-3:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m. and 7:45-9:45 p.m.; and Sundays from 1-3:30 p.m.

Senior Skate (62 and older) is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-10 a.m.

Adult Only Skate for those 21 and older is offered Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:30-10 a.m.

Ticket prices are: adults, $8; juniors (11 and under), $6; and seniors, $6.

Skates can be rented for $4 per pair.

Frequent skater passes and season passes also available.

Lesson programs for adults and children ages 5 and older will be held on Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. The lesson programs run for five weeks with rolling admission. Lessons are $70. A private lesson for one person for 20 minutes is $22. A semi-private lesson for two people for 20 minutes is $26. For more information on group lessons, visit www.mercerskatingschool.com/

To obtain a complete public skating schedule, directions or more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org or call the Skating Center at 609-371-1766.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Princeton Farmers Market will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Franklin Avenue lot bi-weekly beginning Dec. 9.

Shoppers can expect local organic produce, local meats, artisan bread, gluten-free/vegan goods, empanadas and more.

A full list of market dates and participating vendors can be viewed at www.princetonfarmersmarket.com

The market is authorized to accept SNAP/EBT cards to be used on eligible purchases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through Friday, Dec. 10

The Hopewell Township Police Department is holding its Holiday Toy Drive 2021 fundraiser through Dec. 10.

Support Hopewell-Pennington PBA Local 342, whose members will purchase new toys and deliver them to Capital Health and Womanspace.

Gifts purchased will be suitable for boys and girls aged 3 months to 16 years.

Financial donations can be made via the Venmo app @hopewellpba342.

Gift donations will be accepted at the Hopewell Township Police Department, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville section of Hopewell Township.

For more information, contact Officer Maria Gavdanovich.

 

The seniors of Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor and Jewish Family and Children’s Services will present the program “Jerry Herman – The Best of Times is Now” at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

Herman was a self-taught musician from New Jersey who trained to be an interior decorator before switching to drama. He wrote numerous scores for a variety of shows, all in a self-proclaimed big old-fashioned Broadway style. This lecture will look at his best-known musicals, “Hello Dolly” and “Mame,” as well as lesser-known works like “The Grand Tour” and “Miss Spectacular.”

A boxed lunch, coffee and tea are included.

RSVP by Dec. 10 by calling 609-443-4454 or visiting www.bethel.net.

Beth El Synagogue is located at 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor.

 

 

Santa’s Mailbox is back in Hillsborough.

Each night leading up to Christmas, Santa will send one of his elves to stop by his special mailbox to pick up each child’s letter so Santa can start working on all the presents. Hillsborough Recreation Department will have sample letters next to the mailbox as well as on its website to print. If the child wants a return letter from Santa, make sure the letter is in the mailbox by Dec. 10. No postage is necessary.

The Recreation Department is hosting a pajama drive to benefit the Pajama Program and local families in need through Dec. 10. Donations can be placed in the donation box that will be located in the hallway leading to the library on South Branch Road. All sizes are welcome from infants to adults.

The Recreation Department is also hosting a winter movie night featuring “Elf” at the Hillsborough Township Complex on Dec. 10. The admission fee is one set of new pajamas per child. Pre-registration online via the recreation website is required as space is limited.  

 

 

Saturday, Dec. 11

The Trenton Brass Quintet, Plus One, will present Holiday Brasses at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, or free for children under 12.

For ticket information, visit www.trentonbrassquintetplus1.com

 

Sinterklaas, a Dutch Holiday Bazaar, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at Blawenburg Reformed Church, 424 Route 518, Skillman.

There will be soups, baked goods, crafts and a White Elephant.

For more information, visit Blawenburgchurch.org

 

 

Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12

Somerset County 4-H and the Somerset County 4-H Association are gearing up to celebrate with three community-based events focused on family fun.

Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Holiday Craft Festival, or put your creativity to the test at the Gingerbread Contest, both which take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 at The Ted Blum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater.

Both are free and open to the public of all ages.

The Somerset County 4-H Association is also returning with its 10th annual Community Holiday Dinner on Dec. 25. This event, made possible through volunteers and donations, invites the public to a takeout-only lasagna dinner at no cost.

Reservations are due by Dec. 20 and can be done by contacting the Somerset County 4-H office at 908-526-6644..

For more information, visit 4histops.org/events.

Through Jan. 29, 2022

Special event Dec. 11

Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) James Kerney Campus (JKC) Gallery announced its next photography exhibit entitled “Homecoming 2021,” which showcases the works of photography students who graduated during the pandemic.

The show runs through Jan. 29, 2022, with an artist reception from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11. The public is invited.

“Homecoming 2021,” is a FUJIFILM-sponsored collaboration between Booksmart Studio (Eric Kunsman) and Float Photo Magazine (Yoav Friedlander and Dana Stirling), along with JKC Gallery Director Michael Chovan-Dalton and artist Alanna Airitam.

The show celebrates the hard-fought creative triumphs of students around the globe whose final years as undergraduate and graduate students were disrupted by the pandemic.

The free open worldwide call to “Homecoming 2021” invited 2020-2021 photography graduates to submit their work. All work will be published and select images will be exhibited at Mercer County Community College’s JKC Gallery. One student will be awarded a Fujifilm GFX 100S camera and lens donated by FujiFilm North America during the Dec. 11 reception.

For more information about the artists, visit https://jkcgallery.onnline/homecoming-2021.

Gallery hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation. Register the visit at least one day in advance at JKCGallery.online.

To learn more about the show, the reception and registration requirements, including Zoom links, visit JKCGallery.online.

 

 

 

Select dates through Sunday, Dec. 19

American Repertory Ballet announces the return of “The Nutcracker” this holiday season.

Performances are scheduled at:

Patriots Theatre at the War Memorial, Trenton: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 11.

State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 19.

All patrons attending a performance must show proof of vaccination via a vaccine card, or through NJ’s Docket App, or a negative COVID-19 PCR. Check each venue’s website for more information.

All patrons are required to wear masks at all times while inside the venue regardless of  vaccination status. This includes children older than 2 who have not been vaccinated.

Visit arballet.org to purchase tickets.

Call 609-921-7758 for more information.

 

 

 

 

Sunday, Dec. 12

The annual Cranbury tradition of a pancake breakfast is returning Dec. 12 to kick off the holiday season.

The breakfast, which is organized by the Cranbury Lions Club, will once again take place in the Cranbury School cafeteria, a tradition for more than 70 years.

The proceeds go toward annual student scholarships which include the Stan Thomas Scholarships, Dr. David C. Tudor Science Scholarship, Todd M. Beamer Memorial Scholarship, and a memorial scholarship named in honor of a recently passed Lion member.

The money that is raised from the pancake breakfast also provides funds for other areas such as capital projects. 

In previous years, Lions Club members have served the public coffee, eggs and sausage in addition to making pancakes during the breakfast.

 

 

 

Through Sunday, Dec. 12

The 8th Annual Operation Bark Drop Dog/Cat Toy & Food Drive was announced by Police Chief Robert Garofalo and members of the West Windsor Police Department/PBA Local 271 – including K9s Mackey, Hodge and Phoenix, and retired K9 Cherno.

 

Items needed include cat beds, dog beds, cat hidey beds, cat tents, scratching posts, dog and cat toys, Heartgard, Nexgard, Frontline, dog and cat shampoo, dog collars, halters/harnesses, leashes, Premier-Easy Walk (front leading) harnesses for dogs, canned dog and cat food and treats, dog Bully sticks, kitten milk replacer, pill pockets for dogs and cats, and paper towels.

An Amazon wish list is available at https://a.co/1xuyyLg

Those wishing to mail a donation or use online shopping can mail their contributions to:
West Windsor Police Department, Attn: BarkDrop, 20 Municipal Drive, West Windsor 08550.

Or, bring items to West Windsor police headquarters, 20 Municipal Dr., and place in the blue bin in the lobby, by Dec. 12.

 

Items will be distributed to several local shelters based on items received and quantity.

Contact Garofalo at [email protected] with any concerns.

 

 

Sundays, through Dec. 26

The Princeton University Carillon bells in the Cleveland Tower at the Princeton University Graduate College will play holiday music every Sunday at 1 p.m. through Dec. 26. The concert is free.

 

Monday, Dec. 13

The Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) will hold an open house on Dec. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at 2 Mount Lucas Road. Residents are invited to learn firsthand from current volunteers and staff what it means to volunteer as an EMT. No prior experience is necessary. Visit https://pfars.org/volunteer/ for more information.

 

 

 

Tuesday, Dec. 14

 

 

Select dates, beginning Wednesday, Dec. 15

Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County (LVSC) is recruiting volunteer tutors to teach literacy skills to adult learners in Somerset County.

Training is provided to all LVSC volunteer tutors through a required 4-week virtual workshop.

The first step in becoming a volunteer tutor is to attend a Tutor Information Session, which will be conducted virtually via Zoom at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, and at 3 p.m. Jan. 14.

To register for an info session, visit www.literacysomerset.org/get-involved/tutor/information-sessions/register

After attending an information session, the next step is to attend LVSC’s 4-week Tutor Training Workshop which is held virtually on Zoom. Dates are 3-5 p.m. Jan. 21 and 28, and Feb. 4 and 11.

Participants must also complete online training modules prior to each Zoom session.

Upon completion of the 4-week training, tutors are matched with an adult learner. Depending on public health guidance, the two can choose to either meet weekly at the library or will work together virtually using Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, etc.

For more information, visit www.literacysomerset.org or call 908-725-5430.

 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 15

Join Rabbi Matt and the crew of Beth El Synagogue as they explore Space the Final Frontier and other modern Halakhic issues.

A class at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 15 will focus on gender dysphoria.  

Zoom meeting ID is 897 003 3588. Password is 1234. 

The next topics will be: Death and life support, Jan. 19; electricity, Feb. 16; time travel, March 23; divorce, May 18; and genetic manipulation, June 15.

Beth El Synagogue is located in East Windsor.

The virtual workshops are open to the community.

For more information, call 609-443-4454 or visit www.bethel.net. 

 

The Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition will present “Trauma, Race and Stigma: Empowered to Change” virtually from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Guest speaker Kimme Carlos is the founder of the Urban Mental Health Alliance, CEO and founder of Kimme Carlos Motivational Counseling, and co-founder and lead facilitator of Sister Wellness Retreats: Healing Spaces for Black Women.

She will discuss the intersection of trauma, race and stigma with a focus on action steps to manage and respond to social, emotional, cultural and other factors that operate to reinforce adverse childhood experiences and risk factors.

This presentation will empower changemakers and will offer opportunities to identify various barriers to change, and will discuss viable solutions.

To register by Dec. 14, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eJ4XX4cORv-7frhTbr8UDw?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

 

 

Wednesdays in December

The Indoor Wednesday Film Festival will be held Wednesdays, Dec. 15, 22 and 29, from 2-4 p.m. at the West Windsor Branch of the library, 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the featured actor of the month.
Registration is required. Call 609-799-0462.

Sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library.

 

 

 

Through Wednesday, Dec. 15

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello and employees in the Mercer County Clerk’s Office are asking for help with their two holiday food and supply drives to benefit children and animals.

The clerk’s office is partnering with the Children’s Home Society of Trenton to sponsor a drive for children in need by collecting toys and clothing. The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1894 that helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families achieve their potential.

They are also collecting food and supplies for the animals at both the Trenton Animal Shelter and EASEL, the Ewing animal shelter.

Drop items at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office through Dec. 15 at the Courthouse Annex, located at 209 S. Broad St., Trenton.

 

West Windsor Arts Council and Art Against Racism are calling for artwork based on “Manifesting Beloved Community,” a juried exhibit of work exploring the relationship of community health with race, racism and efforts to create an antiracist society.

The deadline to submit work is Dec. 15.

For the full prospectus, visit https://westwindsorarts.org/exhibition/art-against-racism-manifesting-beloved-community/

The exhibition will be held from Jan. 11 to Feb. 26, 2022, at both West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction; and at Whole World Arts at MarketFair, 3535 Route 1, Princeton.

A virtual and in-person reception is planned for Jan. 16.

Selected work will be shown in an online gallery viewable at artagainstracism.org

 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16

Make an indoor paper bag gingerbread house at the Hightstown Memorial branch of the library, 114 Franklin St., Hightstown.

Time slots are 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 for children age 5 and younger; or 4:15 p.m. Dec. 15 for children ages 5-8.

Sponsored by the Hightstown Library Association.
Registration required at www.mcl.org.

 

 

Thursday, Dec. 16

Easy Home Ideas, DIY, and More for 2022 will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville.

Olga St. Pierre will share tips on home renovation projects, quick decluttering and organization tactics, as well as Do-It-Yourself ideas for the coming year.

Email [email protected] to register to receive the link to the virtual program.

 

Alexis Greene will discuss Emily Mann in “Rebel Artist of the American Theater” at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 in person at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St., Princeton; as well as via livestream.

Hear the story of a remarkable American playwright, director and artistic director as told by her biographer and by herself. It is the story of a woman who defied the American theater’s sexism, a traumatic assault, and illness to create unique documentary plays and to lead the McCarter Theatre Center, for 30 seasons, to a place of national recognition.

In her biography, Greene explores Mann’s life as a professional director and playwright, first at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, where she received an MFA from the University of Minnesota, then on and off Broadway and at regional theaters. She examines Mann’s leadership of the McCarter Theater, along with her battles to overcome multiple sclerosis and to conquer -personally and artistically – the memories of the violence she experienced when a teenager.

This event is co-sponsored by the McCarter Theater. It will be in-person with a streaming option. Vaccination and a mask are required in the store. To attend in person, RSVP to [email protected].

For the livestream option, register at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/alexis-greene–emily/register

 

 

 

Friday, Dec. 17

The Winter Holiday Concert “I Dream a World” will be held at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St., Princeton.

Artistic Director Dr. David A. McConnell and the Board of Trustees will present the first live and livestreamed concert of Voices Chorale NJ since December 2019. Featuring works based on the inspiring poetry of E.E. Cummings, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes and Emily Dickinson.

Singers and audience members will wear masks, and there is a streaming option for those who cannot join us in person.

For tickets and information, visit www.voiceschoralenj.org

General admission is $20 in advance, or $25 at the door.

Children 12 and under, and students, are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

All tickets for online viewing are $20.

 

 

An Indoor Drum Circle will be held from 3-4 p.m. Dec. 17, at the Lawrence library branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township.

Join an in-person drum circle led by Ange.

Drummers of all levels of experience are invited to participate.

Bring drums or use sanitized ones provided by the library.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.
Registration is required.

 

 

 

Through Friday, Dec. 17

The Anne Reid ’72 Gallery at Princeton Day School will resume exhibits after an 18-month hiatus.

Anne Gilman: At the still point of the turning world will be on display through Dec. 17. Gilman is a Brooklyn-based artist who works in varying formats that include large-scale drawings and multi-panel projects.

The gallery has typically been open to the public during school hours throughout the academic year on days when school is in session. Currently, the gallery is scheduled to begin public hours as of Oct. 4.

Because COVID protocols at Princeton Day School may continue to change, exhibition reception/events will be updated at www.pds.org/the-arts/anne-reid-gallery.

To schedule a private viewing, email [email protected].

Princeton Day School is located at 650 Great Road, Princeton.

 

 

 

The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department’s 26th Annual Toy Drive places donation boxes at 57 locations across Burlington County.

Collections will occur regularly through Dec. 17.

Donation sites include multiple Burlington County government offices, libraries, schools, municipal buildings, courthouses, community centers and businesses. A complete list with addresses is available at www.facebook.com/100066357081089/posts/219902923564942/?d=n and on the Sheriff’s Department’s free mobile phone and tablet app, which can be downloaded at https://apps.myocv.com/share/a53408060 .

Businesses or offices interested in hosting a donation box can contact the Sheriff’s Community Services Unit at 609-265-3788 or [email protected] by Nov. 30.

Donated toys and gifts will be distributed to local children by community partners and providers. Last year, those included the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Oaks Integrated Care in Mount Holly, the Christian Caring Center in Pemberton Township, Providence House Domestic Violence Services, Sisterhood in Burlington City, Servicios Latinos de Burlington County, Foster and Adoptive Family Services of Princeton and House of God in Delran.

 

 

 

Through Saturday, Dec. 18

 

New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) announced the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship.

A long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, Bollaci was also a coach and seasoned referee with the NJ State Referee Committee.

Beginning this fall, the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship will award $1,000 to a deserving college-bound senior.

All applications, along with a short essay and high school transcript, must be received by Dec. 18. The essay should give an explanation of what soccer means to the applicant and how soccer has impacted his/her life. Also describe community service.

Applications are being accepted at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQSLK9L

 

 

The Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography Gallery in Hopewell continues its season of exhibits with a special “Members Holiday Exhibit and Boutique” through Dec. 18.

The exhibit will include fine art photographs both on the walls and in the artist’s bins, along with smaller gift items including calendars, note cards, purses, scarves and jewelry accessories. There will also be items from the Water Color Women of Gallery 14.

 

The exhibit will feature works by all of the member artists: John Clarke, Pennington; Alice Grebanier, Branchburg; Larry Parsons, Princeton; Charles Miller, Ringoes; Philip “Dutch” Bagley, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; Martin Schwartz, East Windsor; Joel Blum, East Windsor; John Strintzinger, Elkins Park; Mary Leck, Kendall Park; Barbara Warren, Yardley, Pennsylvania; David Ackerman, Hopewell; and Bennett Povlov, Elkins Park.

 

Gallery 14 is a Co-Op gallery of like-minded artists who want to promote photography as a fine art medium.

 

Gallery 14 will be offering an ongoing series of exhibits throughout the year featuring individual members as well as guest artists. For more information on Gallery 14 and its exhibits, visit www.gallery14.org.

 

Gallery 14 is located at 14 Mercer St. in Hopewell, and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made to view the show at other times.

 

 

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office provides a multitude of ID card services, specifically Veteran ID (Vet ID), Goldstar ID, and Resident ID cards.

Through Dec. 18, Veterans ID cards will be free of charge in honor of Pearl Harbor Day. Or, the regular cost for a Vet ID is $10, and the card is valid for 10 years.

The Veteran ID is a form of photo ID you can use to demonstrate that you served in the U.S. Military. Some of the benefits of having this card may be certain discounts offered to veterans at local stores, businesses and restaurants. This card allows a veteran the ability to avoid carrying around military discharge papers or sharing sensitive personal information to prove veteran status.

For anyone interested in getting a Vet ID, or any other IDs, make an appointment with the County Clerk’s Office ID Department by calling 609-278-7108 or visiting www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk.

To acquire a Vet ID card, bring the following: DD214: Certificate of Release and one of the following four forms of identification: A non-expired driver license; proof of voter registration status; residential proof that shows you own or rent a home in Mercer County/copy of deed, or copy of your lease with your address, name and current date; or a family member who you live with that has a current New Jersey driver’s license who is willing to sign as a witness.

 

 

 

 

Sunday, Dec. 19

Santa Claus will make his tour of Bordentown City starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 19.

 

 

Through Sunday, Dec. 19

Discover artisan handicrafts and specialty items at Princeton’s Artist Chalet Winter Village.

The Artist Chalet Winter Village will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, through Dec. 19, on Hinds Plaza, Witherspoon Street, next to the Princeton Public Library.

Grab hot drinks and snacks from local restaurants and enjoy sidewalk sales at local retailers.

Artist chalets have been curated by the Arts Council of Princeton.

Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for more information.

 

Boy Scout Troop 43 of Princeton will hold a Christmas tree and wreath sale through Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 3 p.m. Sundays.

There is a no-contact purchase option.

Free delivery within Princeton.

To order, visit www.troop43treesale.com or visit the Princeton YMCA lot at 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, Dec. 20

The Somerset County 4-H Association will hold its 10th annual Community Holiday Dinner on Dec. 25. This event, made possible through volunteers and donations, invites the public to a takeout-only lasagna dinner at no cost.

Reservations are due by Dec. 20 and can be done by contacting the Somerset County 4-H office at 908-526-6644..

For more information, visit 4histops.org/events.

 

Through Tuesday, Dec. 28

The Gourgaud Gallery’s 12th Annual Open Call exhibit will be held through Dec. 28 at the gallery, Cranbury Town Hall, 23-A N. Main St., Cranbury.

The show will feature several different mediums (paintings, drawings, photography) in a variety of styles and sizes, created by many different artists.

The gallery is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

Due to COVID safety precautions, there will not be a reception. 

The Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of art sales to the Cranbury Arts Council.

Cash or a check made out to the artist is accepted as payment.

For more information, contact Linda Gilbert at [email protected] .

 

 

 

 

 

Through Jan. 2, 2022

From air samplers that record the microclimate to scale replicas of the rooms at Bainbridge House that spin on the quarter hour, Jesse Stecklow’s work investigates the ways in which both atmospheric and built surroundings affect perceptions. 

In his first solo museum exhibition, the Los Angeles-based artist explores the processes of perception and creativity through site-responsive installations at the Princeton University Art Museum’s Art@Bainbridge gallery, located in a restored 18th-century home at 158 Nassau St., Princeton. 

Components in the Air/Jesse Stecklow brings together works from five of the artist’s series that interweave imagery, motion and sound to heighten visitors’ attention to the ways in which personal associations, memories and perspectives shape experiences of space.

The installation will be on view through Jan. 2, 2022.

 

The Lawrence Township Junior Baseball & Softball Association opened registration for its Spring 2022 Little League softball and baseball programs for children ages 5-16 who live or attend school in Lawrence Township.

Free T-ball for children ages 5 and 6 will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays beginning April 9.

Little League Softball for girls ages 6-12 will be coach-pitched, player-pitched and have a Majors Division, starting April 11.

Lawrence Little League Baseball for ages 6-12 will be coach-pitched, player-pitched and have a Majors Division, starting April 11.

Babe Ruth Baseball for ages 13-16 begins mid-April.

Little League and Babe Ruth programs cost $165 per player with family discounts and payment plans available.

Receive a $15 discount if registered by Jan. 2, 2022.

This season is the 70th anniversary.

COVID protocols will be followed.

To register, log in or create an account at www.ltjbsa.com.

Registration closes Feb. 13.

 

January 2, 2022

The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) will mark the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Princeton – fought on Jan. 3, 1777 – with “Experience the Battle of Princeton” on Jan. 2.

The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton, with a presentation by Larry Kidder, historian and author of “Ten Crucial Days: Washington’s Vision for Victory Unfolds” and several other books on Revolutionary War New Jersey.

Following this presentation, attendees can watch the narrated re-enactment, with British and American reenactors, including artillery.

Following the reenactment, the New Jersey Sons of the American Revolution will hold a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Grove behind the colonnade on the battlefield.

Tours of the historic Thomas Clarke House will be offered.

Pre-registration is required at www.pbs1777.org

 

 

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022

Mercer County Technical Schools is accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year for academies beginning in ninth grade, shared-time for 11th and 12th grades, and Career Prep for 12th grade.

A virtual information session will be held from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 4, 2022, at https://meet.google.com/jij-konb-gvw.

For more information and the application, visit www.mcts.edu

 

 

 

Through Jan. 8, 2022

The New Jersey School Boards Association is encouraging students to submit entries to the Garden State Film Festival’s student submission category, “New Jersey Hometown Documentary Short” by the Jan. 8 deadline.

This category is reserved for works that are written, directed and shot by New Jersey high school students. Films must focus on some aspect of their hometown, including topics like profiles of interesting persons, places, time periods or subjects related to the arts.

This film submission category has been created to encourage young filmmakers’ creativity while instilling a sense of pride in their hometowns and state, according to information provided by the NJSBA.

Students are encouraged to submit entries on their own or through their school by the Jan. 8 deadline. The Garden State Film Festival’s professional jury will select winning films in various categories. The festival will take place from March 23-27 in Asbury Park. For more information, visit GSFF.org

 

The Off the Wall Holiday Market is open through Jan. 8, 2022, at West Windsor Arts in Princeton Junction, and its satellite gallery at Whole World Arts at the Princeton MarketFair Shopping Center, featuring 80 original artworks for sale.

In addition, more than 200 handmade items can be found at the MarketFair location.

Items can also be purchased online at westwindsorarts.org.  

For more information about ongoing activities and classes at West Windsor Arts and Whole World Arts, visit westwindsorarts.org or call 609-716-1931.

 

 

 

 

Through Jan. 10, 2022

Festival of Trees 2021 will be presented by Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, through Jan. 10, 2022.

Morven’s annual holiday tradition continues for its 16th year with a juried collection of themed trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum’s galleries decorated by talented members of Garden Clubs and Organizations.

Decorators include American Spaniel Club, Contemporary Garden Club, Mount Laurel Garden Club, Neshanic Garden Club, New Jersey Audubon Society, Nottingham Garden Club, Princeton Public Library, Stony Brook Garden Club, The Garden Club of Princeton, The Present Day Club and West Trenton Garden Club.

Reserve a timed admission. Limited walkups will be available.

Cost is $10 general admission, $8 seniors and students, free for Friends of Morven, free for children under 6, and free for active military.

 

The museum is located at 55 Stockton St., Princeton.

To register, visit www.morven.org/festivaloftrees21

 

Tuesday, Jan. 11

Pennington School’s Middle School will hold a virtual open house at 7 p.m. Jan. 11.
Head of School Chrissie Knight and Middle School Dean of Students Lisa Houston will lead an informative session for parents of prospective students.

Register at https://pennington.schooladminonline.com/portal/public_calendars/middle_school_information_session

 

 

 

 

 

Jan. 11 to Feb. 26, 2022

Special event Jan. 16

West Windsor Arts Council and Art Against Racism will present “Manifesting Beloved Community,” a juried exhibit of work exploring the relationship of community health with race, racism and efforts to create an antiracist society, from Jan. 11 to Feb. 26, 2022, at both West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction; and at Whole World Arts at MarketFair, 3535 Route 1, Princeton.

A virtual and in-person reception is planned for Jan. 16.

Selected work will be shown in an online gallery viewable at artagainstracism.org

 

 

 

 

 

Through Jan. 23, 2022

Orlando, an exhibition of contemporary photography guest-curated by award-winning actor Tilda Swinton, will open Dec. 4 and launch Art on Hulfish, a new gallery space from the Princeton University Art Museum.

Art on Hulfish showcases a roster of exhibitions led by photography that will consider issues of profound impact on 21st-century life. Located in downtown Princeton, it encompasses some 3,000 square feet of exhibition space and another 2,000 square feet for public programming, ranging from drop-in activities to scheduled work with artists.

Admission is free.

The gallery will present four exhibitions each year until late 2024, when the museum’s new building designed by Sir David Adjaye is projected to open.

 

“Orlando” is inspired by the themes of Virginia Woolf’s revolutionary 1928 novel “Orlando: A biography,” the story of a young aristocrat who lives for three centuries without aging and shifts gender along the way; and Sally Potter’s equally groundbreaking 1992 film “Orlando,” which featured an androgynous Swinton in the starring role.

The resulting exhibition of more than 50 photographs includes baroque inventions by Mickalene Thomas, layered images by Carmen Winant, and fragmented figural studies by Paul Mpagi Sepuya, among others.

 

“Orlando” will be on view at Art on Hulfish Dec. 4 through Jan. 23, 2022.

Art on Hulfish joins Art@Bainbridge, the museum’s other satellite gallery in Princeton’s Bainbridge House, a revolutionary-era building retrofit to present primarily solo installations by emerging and early-career artists throughout the year.

 

 

 

The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health, announced the launch of the 10th annual Protect Me With 3+ poster and video contest.

 

The contest challenges New Jersey youth in middle and high school to raise awareness about the importance of adolescent immunizations including tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and flu vaccines. Additionally, the contest has expanded to include entries for COVID-19 vaccination awareness.

Middle school and high school students can participate in the contest by submitting a hand-drawn poster or an original computer-generated poster that integrates key facts about one of the adolescent vaccines listed above. High school students also have the option to submit a video up to 30 seconds long instead of a poster.

In addition to accepting posters via mail, the contest is also accepting poster and video submissions electronically at www.protectmewith3.com/submit.

If a student is selected as a finalist, the agency will provide them with a pre-stamped envelope to mail their original poster.

Judges will then select the top three winners in each category.

The submission deadline is Jan. 23, 2022. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in the video and poster categories, and the winning entries will be showcased during various statewide immunization awareness activities.

Additionally, students who submit entries by Jan. 1, 2022, will be entered into random drawings to win prizes courtesy of Protect Me With 3+ event sponsors.

For more information about Protect Me With 3+ sponsorship opportunities, visit www.protectmewith3.com/sponsors.

The top five finalists in each of the three categories will be posted on www.protectmewith3.com for public voting in March. The winners will then be announced and honored at an awards ceremony in May.

New Jersey teachers are encouraged to make the Protect Me With 3+ contest a class project. As an added incentive, prizes will be awarded to the classrooms with the most eligible submissions in each of the three categories. For more information on lesson plans and interactive materials for schools, visit http://www.protectmewith3.com/schools.

Information regarding eligibility, video and poster submission guidelines, and contest rules can be found at www.protectmewith3.com.

 

 

 

Through Jan. 30

 

 

The Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s Annual Juried Photo Exhibition has a scheduled opening for March 26, 2022.

All photographs must be made within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. The reserve is found in portions of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties. All wildlife, flora and fauna must be photographed in their natural environment.

Submission date is Jan. 30.

More than $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded: $1,000 for First Place Best in Show; $350 each for First Place Landscape, Flora & Fauna, and Other (People, Towns, Architecture, Culture, History, Recreation, etc).

Photographs submitted for exhibition will be selected by a credentialed jury with final selections chosen by Michael Yamashita, an acclaimed National Geographic photographer.

Acceptance notification is planned from Feb. 14-18. Awards, including cash prizes, will be announced at the reception on March 26.

All selected photographs will be exhibited at the historic Bishop Farmstead in Southampton from March 28 through April 30, and all submitted photos will be on display in the online gallery opening by April 15.

Open submissions are $30 for up to three images and $5 per image for each additional image. A total of six images can be submitted per photographer.

All participants must use the Smarter Entry system to register. Photos must be JPEG format, and files cannot exceed 8MB in size.

Learn more at www.PinelandsPhotoExhibit.org or email [email protected].

 

 

 

Select dates, Feb. 17 through April 21

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) shares initial plans for transitioning the series’ concert offerings to a live, in-person format.

Although the kinds of gatherings possible on-campus in the coming year is not yet known, PUC is actively working with Princeton University officials to lay the groundwork for a Spring 2022 season.

The current schedule is as follows:

Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Takács String Quartet & Julien Labro, Bandoneón

March 10, 7:30 p.m.: Mark Padmore, tenor, and Mitsuko Uchida, piano

March 24, 7:30 p.m.: Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Mitsuko Uchida, piano

March 31, 7:30 p.m.: Ébène String Quartet

April 7 at 7:30 p.m.: Dover String Quartet

April 21 at 7:30 p.m.: Tetzlaff String Quartet

April 27 at 7:30 p.m.: Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello, and Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano

All planned events will be realized in accordance with concurrent scientific, state, and university guidance, with the safety and health of the community in mind.

In the meantime, patrons are urged to mark their calendars and explore the planned offerings on PUC’s new website, puc.princeton.edu

 

 

Through June 30

Mercer County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offered in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, allows individuals meeting various income qualifications to apply for bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs.

LIHEAP is designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

This year, the application period is Oct. 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Applications, forms and information can be found on the Office of Housing and Community Development’s programs page on the county website. Mail to County of Mercer LIHEAP/USF Programs, 640 S. Broad St., Room 106, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton 08650; fax to 609-278-2758; email [email protected]; or drop off at Mercer County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton.

If an in-person appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment at the County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton; or Mercer County Connection, Hamilton Square Shopping Center, 957 Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton.

For more information, contact Home Energy Assistance at 609-989-6959 (Spanish: 609-989-6736).

 

 

 

Continuing events

 

 

 

 

The Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences is turning into a wedding venue.

Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz will begin performing weddings every Wednesday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. by appointment only, in the historic and picturesque Lyceum building on High Street in Mount Holly.

Burlington County couples interested in being married can make appointments online at http://co.burlington.nj.us/611/Marriage-Services.

There is no fee for the service, but couples must obtain a marriage license from the municipality where either the bride or groom resides or from Mount Holly, where the Lyceum is located. Obtaining a license typically takes 72 hours.

For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at 609-265-5142.

 

 

 

The Mercer County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit invites any licensed health care professional, practicing or retired, who lives or works in Mercer County and any community volunteer who lives or works in Mercer County who has an interest in health and emergency preparedness issues to join.

MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources to prepare for and respond to emergencies at a local level. All volunteers receive free training.

Sign up at https://njlmn.njlincs.net/jsp/mrc-index.jsp or call 609-989-6887 for more information.

 

 

 

Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey is seeking compassionate volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families.

Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their home, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. Visits can be virtual and are during the day or early evening. Volunteers may also assist with administrative work in the hospice office.

To sign up for a virtual training class, contact Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

Bentley Community Services, a designated 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, has been helping working families in financial crisis regain self-sufficiency by providing a full range of grocery provisions and more each week, offsetting grocery bills.

Bentley also offers educational and informational workshops throughout the year facilitated by professionals.

Bentley Community Services is located at 4064 Route 1 north, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, but helps families in communities from the entire central New Jersey region, including Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon, Somerset and Monmouth counties.

For more information, call 908-227-0684 or visit www.bentleycommunityservices.org

Donations of perishable, non-perishable foods and toiletries are accepted throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketfair Princeton launched a Mall Rewards App that’s one of only two shopping centers in the state to offer such as technology service.

Marketfair Rewards is an app-based loyalty program where members can accumulate points in a variety of ways and use those points to redeem gifts such as discounts, gift cards to retailers, restaurant and wellness services and more in a shopping cart environment.

Download the app to a mobile device where the customer will receive 200 points for signing up. After every purchase, the customer has up to seven days to submit their receipt through the app which will immediately store the receipt for future use while also providing the guest with 1 point for every $1 spent.

Current participating retailers include Anthropologie, William Sonoma, Orange Twist, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Francesca’s, Athleta, Club Pilates, GAP, Eastern Mountain Sports, White House Black Market, Barnes & Noble and AMC.

Restaurants include Corners Bakery Café, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and TGI Friday’s.

 

 

 

Right at Home of Central New Jersey can organize a Senior Citizen Prom for local facilities.

They will provide music and entertainment.

A prom king and queen will be crowned.
For more information on how to schedule a prom, call 732-967-0900.

Serving northern Middlesex, Mercer and Monmouth counties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.

The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.

Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction.

The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.

To join the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group, call Jeanne Delacruz, a social worker at Saint Peter’s who facilitates the support group, at 732-745-8522 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery.

To schedule a presentation at a school, PTA meeting, congregation, town hall, support group or professional training, email [email protected]

Presentations are available in English and Spanish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is looking for volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.

The organization is recruiting business owners and executives, both current and retired, who want to share their experience and knowledge with today’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

The Central Jersey Chapter of SCORE serves Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Central Jersey SCORE provides in-person mentoring and webinars, both offered virtually in line with current pandemic restrictions. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development and management. Services are offered free of charge.

Anyone interested in volunteering with SCORE or seeking additional information should email [email protected]

 

 

The Mercer County Solidarity Network (MCSN) is a new mutual aid group designed to connect people in need throughout Mercer County with people who can help meet those needs.

The group is looking for individuals, families and businesses who would like to donate their time, resources or goods/services with people who have been affected by the pandemic and who request support. There is no minimum obligation – donors can specify whatever they feel they can provide and the group will match donors with individuals who have expressed a related need.

To sign up as a donor, visit www.mercersolidarity.org/ or email [email protected].

 

Hermés Paris, a family-run, independent, luxury retailer has entered into a lease agreement for 17 Palmer Square in Princeton.

The 6,155-square-foot retail store is expected to open in Fall of 2023.

For more information on Hermés, visit www.hermes.com/us/en/.

For more information on Palmer Square, visit www.PalmerSquare.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Send items to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 732-358-5200, ext. 8233.