Burlington, Mercer, and Somerset counties
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.
The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, manager of NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to give – donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center – Central New Jersey
707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:30-7:15 p.m.
Thursday: 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pennington
Dec. 30 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. James Church, 17 Eglantine Ave.
Nutrition
The Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults has in-person lunches at nine of its locations.
The Nutrition Program for Older Adults provides a daily nutritionally balanced meal Monday through Friday, except for county and/or municipal holidays.
All meals meet the required one-third of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) daily referenced intake of nutrients for an individual 60 years or older.
Meals are available to Mercer County residents age 60 or older and their spouses (regardless of age), any county resident with a disability whose primary caregiver is a program participant, anyone volunteering in the program, and the personal care aides of program participants when they accompany a participant to the site where the meals are provided.
In-person services will be hosted at: Jennye Stubblefield Senior Center and Sam Naples Community Center in Trenton, Lawrence Township Senior Center, Princeton Café for Older Adults, John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center in Hamilton, Hamilton Senior Center, Hopewell Valley Senior Center, Hollowbrook Community Center in Ewing, and Robbinsville Senior Center.
Most meal services begin at 11:30 a.m., although times may vary by location, so call 609-989-6650 or inquire at a local site.
No payment is required for a meal; however, there is a suggested donation of $1 for each meal provided.
Reservations are required; call 609-989-6650 to reserve a spot.
Monthly menus can be found on the Nutrition Program for Older Adults web page.
If transportation is a barrier to participating in the congregate meals, Mercer County TRADE may be able to help; call 609-530-1971 or email [email protected]. Some of the sites also may have transportation options for its participants.
There may be home-delivered options.
For more information, call 609-989-6650 or email [email protected].
Take-Home rapid COVID-19 test kits
Take-home rapid COVID-19 test kits are available at all Mercer County Library System branches. Mercer County residents may request up to three kits at a time. The kits are Lucira brand over-the-counter rapid molecular nasal swab test comparable to a PCR test.
Hiring
Mercer County Correctional Police is hiring. Send resume to [email protected].
Operation Yellow Ribbon
Each year Operation Yellow Ribbon (OYR) and the local community partner together for the December holidays to send a “taste from home” to U.S. Troops deployed in The Middle East and far from home during the December holidays:
We are asking anyone who would like to purchase and drop off the following types of items and products that are store purchased only and already fully sealed by the manufacturer. Ideas of items include:
• Candy Canes
• Cans of ground coffee
• Boxes of tea bags
• Hot Chocolate
• Holiday Themed Tins of Cookies
• Holiday Themed Chocolates
• Holiday Themed Candy
• Hanukkah Gelt (chocolate gold coins), Dreidels, & Hanukkah Candles
• Little Debbie Holiday Cakes/Snacks
• Hostess Holiday Cakes/Snacks
• Royal Dansk Cookie Tins (Butter Cookies)
• Store purchased cookies such as Oreos, Nabisco, Chips Ahoy, Keebler, Mallomars, Lorna Doone, Archway etc.
• Kellogg’s Rice Crispy Treats
• Gingerbread House Kits
Please contact [email protected] with any questions or if more information is needed.
George Washington’s Historic Crossing
There are exciting opportunities to watch the 71st reenactments of General George Washington crossing the Delaware River. The next opportunity is on Monday, Dec. 25th from noon to 3 p.m. at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32 (River Road) in Bucks County, Pa. The actual crossings will take place at 1 p.m. For more information visit WashingtonCrossingPark.org.
Thursday, Jan. 3, 2024
Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties is offering a Job Seekers Success Group for active job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking a career change. The next group will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. The topic for this session is “How to Nail Your Next Interview” presented by Ken Sher, Sher Coaching. This group is offered free of charge and are open to the entire community. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from The Arnold A. Schwartz Foundation. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation and to be admitted to the group. To register or for information about Career Counseling Services, please contact Elise Prezant at [email protected] or (908) 725-7799 ext. 108.
Bordentown
Wednesdays
The Bordentown Township Police Department offers Straight to Treatment on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Insurance is not necessary to receive assistance. Neither is residency in Burlington County. No appointment is needed.
For more information visit www.straighttotreatment.com or email [email protected].
Every Sunday
Bordentown City holds a farmers market rain or shine outside Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks Street. For inclement weather, the market is moved indoors.
Bordentown Library events
Bordentown Library is located at 18 E. Union St., Bordentown. For more information about the events below call 609-298-0622 or visit https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/locations/bordentown-library.
Dec. 22 – 1 p.m. – Mah-jong Meetup.
Dec. 27 – 2 p.m. – Snowflake Slime.
Dec. 28 – 10:30 a.m. – Miss Kim’s Sing-Along Concert.
Dec. 29 – 1 p.m. – Mah-jong Meetup.
Cranbury
The Cranbury Public Library (CPL) is located at 30 Park Place West. For more information on listed events please call (609) 722-6992.
*The Cranbury Public Library is seeking a part-time Building Manager to carry out and coordinate the ongoing maintenance of our 11,000 square-foot public library building, newly opened in November 2022.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 26 – 7 p.m. – Evening book discussion.
Dec. 27 – 11 a.m. – Family Storytime.
Dec. 28 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Thursday Crafternoon: Make an Ornament for Our Tree!
Dec. 28 – 5-8 p.m. – Monthly Game Night.
Cranbury Arts Council Gourgaud Gallery
Gourgaud Gallery is located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main St.
The gallery will host an Open Call Exhibit in December. This is our 13th annual event and the theme this year is TREES, FLOWERS AND WATER.
The exhibit will run through Wednesday, Dec 28.
Admission to the gallery is free.
The show will feature several different mediums (paintings, drawings, photography, collage), in a variety of styles and sizes, created by many different artists. In addition to the artwork hanging on the walls, there will be a basket of matted unframed work to choose from-all standard size for framing.
In January 2024, Gourgaud Gallery is pleased to host returning artist, Elaina Phillips. The exhibit, Color, Form, and Meaning, will run from Jan. 2-24.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit cranburyartscouncil.com and gourgaudgallery.com.
As part of a non-profit Cranbury Arts Council, the Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of art sales to the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs that support the arts in the community. Cash or a check made out to the artist is accepted as payment.
East Windsor/Hightstown
Hickory Corner Branch Library
Hickory Corner Branch Library is located at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Dec. 22 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.
Dec. 22 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Kids’ Music Round Demo Class.
Dec. 22 – 11-11:45 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.
Dec. 22 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Nonfiction Book Club.
Dec. 23 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Fun Time.
Dec. 23 – 2:30 -3 p.m. – Slime Time: Candy Cane Slime.
Dec. 23 – 3-4 p.m. – Twilight Zone: Viewing and Discussion.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 26 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 26 – 2:30-3:15 p.m. – Paint a Vase Craft.
Dec. 26 – 6:30-8 p.m. – Chess for Adults.
Dec. 27 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Discovery Time.
Dec. 27 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Current Events Chat.
Dec. 27 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Pokemon Winter Break Party.
Dec. 28 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Time.
Dec. 28 – 2:30-3 p.m. – Crafternoon: Snowflake Pom Pom Painting.
Dec. 29 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.
Dec. 29 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – New Year celebration.
Dec. 29 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.
Twin Rivers Branch Library
Twin Rivers Branch Library is located at 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 27 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby time.
Dec. 27 – 2:15-3:15 p.m. – Winter Magic Bubble Show.
Dec. 28 – 2-3 p.m. – Adult Fiction Book Club.
Hightstown Branch Library
Hightstown Branch Library is located at 115 Franklin, Hightstown.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 26 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 26 – 5-8:15 p.m. – Learning English.
Dec. 27 – 10 a.m. – Selfish Shellfish Author Visit.
Dec. 29 – 10 a.m. – Kids’ Concert with Tim Hoh.
Hillsborough
Photo submissions
The Administration/Clerk’s Office invites Hillsborough residents to share scenic photos of Hillsborough for the annual township calendar and planner. In the past, the calendar has showcased the township’s gorgeous open space and scenic locations including wildlife, farmland, parks, and rivers. When submitting photos, please don’t include people and pets, and avoid objects that distract including roofs, fences, and car windows. Please save pictures with your name and the location’s name before sending them to Deborah Ng at debng@hillsborough-nj. You will also need to fill out a photo release form that is located on the Hillsborough Township website.
Hillsborough Branch Library
The library is part of the Somerset County Library System at 379 S. Branch Road. For more information on the events visit sclsnj.org.
Dec. 22 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Read to a Therapy dog.
Dec. 23 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday Stations.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 27 – 4-7 p.m. – Passport services.
Dec. 27 – 4-5 p.m. – Tasty Adventure – Candy Cane Sled.
Dec. 28 – 12:30-1:15 p.m. – T(w)een Crafternoon.
Dec. 28 – 4-4:45 p.m. – LEGO Challenge.
Dec. 29 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – New Year’s Eve at noon.
Girls on the Run
The 22nd season of Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey (GOTRCNJ) is gearing up for the fall season.
Volunteer coaches are needed in Somerset, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Coaches do not need to be runners or athletic. The goal of the coaches is not to teach the girls how to run. The key takeaway from the curriculum is for the girls to learn about confidence, character, caring, connection, and contribution to community. The girls learn to build self-worth, recognize their inner power to make positive decisions in their lives, while celebrating their uniqueness. These dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between emotional and physical health,
There is still time to volunteer as a coach or to start a new site for the Fall season. For information go to www.gotrcnj.org or contact [email protected].
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024
The South Branch Reformed Church will host its Roast Pork dinner from 4-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at the church, 870 River Road, Hillsborough. Dine in or take-out. Take out customers please bring bags. Sides include mashed potatoes, Succotash O’Brien, Cole Slaw, Bean salad, Baked potato, Beverages and a selection of Desserts. Reservations can be made (908) 369-4956 but walk-ins are welcome.
Hopewell Valley
The Sourland Conservancy – all year round – is thankful for every single member, volunteer, partner, and supporter for everything they do to save the Sourland Region’s important history and ecology.
Sourland Conservancy is at 83 Princeton Avenue, Suite 1A, Hopewell.
If you have planted any native plants and trees at your home or business, please email the Conservancy to let them know. They would like to highlight the efforts of private citizens in planting native to help connect green spaces and provide habitat for native and migratory species. For more information, visit their website www.sourland.org or email [email protected].
Saturdays at Howell Living History Farm
The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township and is a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information on the events listed call 609-737-3299 or email [email protected].
Hopewell Branch Library
Hopewell Branch Library is located at 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.
Dec. 22 – 2:30-4:30 p.m. – Gift Wrapping Stations.
Dec. 23 – 10 a.m. to noon – Gift Wrapping Stations.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 28 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 28 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Lego Club.
Dec. 29 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Crafternoon: New Year’s Eve Craft.
Pennington Public Library
Pennington Public Library is located at 30 N. Main St. For more information visit www.penningtonlibrary.org.
Throughout dates in December – Snowflake Decorating Contest.
Sundays at Washington Crossing Park
The Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) will lead tours of the State Park on various Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m.
Tickets are free. As space is limited, all tickets must be reserved at Eventbrite. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-washington-crossing-state-park-historic-walking-tours-tickets-634898156477)
Tours begin at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum with a tour overview and a screening of the film, Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty. Tour guides and state park historians will introduce participants to the Museum’s world-class Swan Historical Foundation Collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. They will also discuss Lloyd Garrison’s painting of Washington’s Crossing, and how it compares to other depictions of the 1776 Crossing.
Next, visitors will walk down Sullivan Drive to the entrance to Continental Lane, where you will engage in a discussion on the reasons why Gen. George Washington chose this spot for his history-changing campaign. From there, participants will walk to the park’s Stone Barn where they will examine a map of the Battle of Trenton and a large diorama of Washington’s Crossing, the March to Trenton, and the Battle of Trenton.
Finally, visitors will walk to the nearby Landing Overlook, where they will discuss the significance of the nearby 1740s Johnson Ferry House, and the importance of ferryboat operations to the Crossing and Landing.
Tours are free but donations to the Washington Crossing Park Association are gratefully accepted. Tours are contingent on the weather. For updates: call the Visitors Center at (609) 737-0623. You may also visit https://www.wcpa-nj.com/historic-tours for more information.
NOTE: There are no park entrance fees until July 1st. After that, a $5 per car (cash only) entry fee applies on weekends until Labor Day.
Contact Information: WCPA, Executive Director Annette Earling, [email protected].
Rabies Clinic
Jan. 6, 2024 – 9 a.m. to noon – Hopewell Township Department of Public Works, 203 Washington crossing Pennington Road, Titusville.
For more information contact (609) 737-0605 ext. 6780.
Lawrence Township
The Lawrence Township Library Branch is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. For more information contact (609) 882-9246.
Dec. 22 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.
Dec. 23 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Mini Scientists: Weather.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 26 – 10 a.m. – Baby time.
Dec. 26 – 3-4 p.m. – Stitch Makers.
Dec. 26 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Kawaii Craft Club: Advocado Fleece Pillow.
Dec. 27 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 27 – 2:30 p.m. – Magic Show: Mike Rose.
Dec. 27 – 6:30 p.m. – Dandelion Wish Painting.
Dec. 28 – 10 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 28 – 1-5 p.m. – Upcycle Challenge: Winter Holiday Decoration.
Dec. 28 – 5:30-7:15 p.m. – Christmas Movie Special: “The Nativity Story.”
Dec. 28 – 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Play with Clay.
Dec. 29 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Messy Art Club.
Anne Demarais Nature Center (ADNC)
The center is located at 481 Drexel Ave.
Every month, on the first Saturday, Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation is sponsoring walks through the meadow at the Lawrence Nature Center and through the Drexel Woods to see the wonders of nature, learn about the history of Lawrence Township and enjoy the great outdoors. Check back here, on our Events page to see what is coming up and to register for a walk.
Montgomery
Montgomery Library is located at 100 Community Dr., Skillman. For more information call (908) 458-8401.
Dec. 22 – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Preschool Playtime.
Dec. 23 – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Preschool Playtime.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 27 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Building Blocks.
Dec. 28 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Cozy Read-a-Thon.
Dec. 29 – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Kids Craft.
Princeton
Happenings at McCarter Theater
McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place, Princeton. For more information about events listed or for tickets visit www.mccarter.org.
FOPOS
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) has a number of events lined up. For more information visit www.fopos.org.
Happenings at Morven Museum & Garden
Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton St. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact [email protected].
Check out the Monthly Docent Tours of Striking Beauty: New Jersey Tall Case Clocks, 1730 to 1830. Morven’s special exhibition features over 50 tall case clocks, representing almost as many different clockmakers.
Tours are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month, at 2 p.m. through the duration of the exhibition: Jan. 18, 2024, Feb. 15, 2024.
Morven’s annual winter exhibition, Festival of Trees, runs through Jan. 7, 2024. A must-see Princeton holiday tradition, visitors enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels, and porches festively decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations.
Dec. 28 – 1-2 p.m. – Special Holiday Time Tour of Striking Beauty with Steve Petrucelli.
Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St.
Dec. 22 – 1-2 p.m. – Cozy Winter Hangout.
Dec. 23 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Saturday Storytime!
Dec. 23 – 3:30-5 p.m. – Youth: Drop-In Chess Sessions.
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 26 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playtime Fun.
Dec. 26 – 2-4 p.m. – Film “Elemental.”
Dec. 26 – 3-5 p.m. – Kids: Mini Maker Pop-up.
Dec. 27 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Art: Princeton Sketchers.
Dec. 27 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Family Storytime!
Dec. 27 – 2-4 p.m. – Film: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Dec. 27 – 3-5 p.m. – Kids: Mini Maker Pop-up.
Dec. 28 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Family Storytime!
Dec. 28 – 3-5 p.m. – Kids: Mini Maker Pop-up.
Dec. 29 – 3-4 p.m. – Get Moving with Hiveclass.
Lewis Center of the Arts
Lewis Center of the Arts is located at 122 Alexander St., Princeton.
Princeton University Library
Commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Golio with a celebration of English literature.
Monday-Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Princeton University Library is located at One Washington Road, Princeton.
Holidays at the MarketFair
MarketFair extends a warm invitation to the community to partake in a bountiful array of festive holiday activities from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, including photo opportunities with Santa for children and pets, enchanting Sounds of the Seasons with performances by various bands and choirs, creative cookie decorating, heartwarming pet adoptions, gift wrapping services, and more. The seasonal delights that are sure to bring joy and cheer to all are detailed below.
Holiday Gift Wrapping
Through Dec. 24
The Wish Tree and photos with Santa
Through Sunday, Dec. 24
Through Dec. 31
Artspace Art Exhibit features Through the Storm: Finding Home at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. Homefront’s visual artists and poets have powerfully and creatively interpreted their journey from homeless to home while navigating overwhelming challenges along the way.
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) will mark the 247th anniversary of Battle of Princeton – fought on Jan. 3, 1777 – with its signature educational event, “Experience the Battle of Princeton” at Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer St., Princeton. The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. The reenactment will conclude by 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution will join other hereditary organizations as well as representatives of legacy National Guard and British Army units whose antecedents fought at the battle in a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Grove behind the Colonnade on the battlefield. A detailed schedule of events for Experience the Battle of Princeton can be found at www.pbs1777.org.
Thursday to Sunday, Jan. 18-21, 2024
Princeton University Concerts will present the North American premiere of Future Presence, a groundbreaking concert experience in virtual reality developed and performed by members of the Grammy Award-winning Mahler Chamber Orchestra, from Thursday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Woolworth Center for Musical Studies on Princeton University’s campus.
West Windsor
Friday, Dec. 22
West Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Operation Santa from 6-9 p.m.
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is located at the Mercer County Community College (MCCC), 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
West Windsor Arts
West Windsor Arts Council, located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, is hosting a number of events.
For more information, call (609) 716-1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
Through Dec. 23 – Juried affordable art show.
West Windsor Branch Library
West Windsor Branch Library is located at 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction.
Dec. 22 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Knitting, Crochet, Et Cetera!
Dec. 24-25 – Library closed for the Christmas holiday.
Dec. 27 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playdate Pals.
Dec. 27 – 2-4 p.m. – Wednesday Film Festival – “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.”
Dec. 28 – 11 a.m. to noon – Winter Snow Magic Show.
Dec. 28 – 4:30-5 p.m. – Big STEAMers.
Dec. 28 – 6-7 p.m. – Tweens and Teens New Year’s Party!
Dec. 28 – 6:30-8 p.m. – Game Night.
Dec. 29 – 11 a.m. to noon – Count Down to Noon-Year’s!
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.