Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties
As holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood or platelets this month. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks.
For a limited time, those who come to give through Dec. 15, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Those who come to give Dec. 16 to Jan. 3, 2025 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on both offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
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.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pennington
Dec. 21 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. Matthew’s Episcopal church, 300 South Main St.
Dec. 28 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. James Church, 17 Eglantine Ave.
Princeton
Dec. 22 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Princeton Family YMCA, 59 Paul Robeson Place.
Dec. 31 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stone Hill Church, 1025 Bunn Drive.
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 trade@mercercounty.org. 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 adrc@mercercounty.org.
Hiring
Mercer County Correctional Police is hiring. Send resume to mcorrectioncareers@mercercounty.org.
Tai Chi Lessons
Learn and practice Tai Chi for free at Todd’s Tai Chi Group – at the Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro on Saturdays – for beginners through intermediate level from 10-11:30 a.m. On Saturdays when the library room is not available practice is outside (weather permitting) at the Plainsboro Park off of Edgemere Avenue near the bocce ball court near the cricket parking area.
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 treatment@co.burlington.nj.us.
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. 20 – 1 p.m. – Mahjong Meetup.
Dec. 21 – 10 a.m. – Winter Solstice DIY Candle Craft Grab n’ Go.
Dec. 23 – 10 a.m. – Snowman Handprint Grab n’ Go.
Dec. 26 – 2 p.m. – Movie: The Holdovers.
Dec. 27 – 1 p.m. – Mahjong 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.
Dec. 20 – 3-4 p.m. – Cranbury Girl Scout Troop 78204.
Dec. 20 – 4-5 p.m. – Cranbury Girl Scout Troop 72480.
Dec. 20 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – “One Book, One Cranbury” Read-Out Kickoff event at Town Hall.
Dec. 21 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Tai Chi.
Dec. 24-25 – Closed for Christmas holiday.
Dec. 26 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Thursday Crafternoon: Welcome to The Ornament Factory!
Dec. 26 – 5-8 p.m. – Monthly Game Night.
Cranbury Arts Council Gourgaud Gallery
Gourgaud Gallery is located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main St.
In December, the gallery will present Flora, Fauna and Water through Dec. 27. The show features a number of artists work in two-dimensional mediums.
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.
Open Sundays
Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society open Sundays from 1-4 p.m., 4 Park Place E.
East Windsor/Hightstown
Hickory Corner Branch Library
Hickory Corner Branch Library is located at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Dec. 20 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.
Dec. 20 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Dance Party.
Dec. 20 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie: “Everest” (2015).
Dec. 21 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Fun Time.
Dec. 21 – 2:30-3 p.m. – Slime Time: Winter Holiday Slime.
Dec. 22 – Matinee Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946).
Dec. 23 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Messy Monday.
Dec. 23 – 2-3 p.m. – Hands-on Chemistry for School-age Kids.
Dec. 23 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – ESL Conversation.
Dec. 23 – 7-8 p.m. – Paint Like the Group of Seven.
Dec. 24 – 11 a.m. – noon – Holiday Card Making Workshop
Dec. 26 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Time.
Dec. 26 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Crochet and Knit Corner.
Dec. 26 – 3-3:30 p.m. – Crafternoon: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Craft.
Dec. 26 – 6:30-8 p.m. – Chess for Adults.
Dec. 27 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.
Dec. 27 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Nonfiction Book Club.
Hightstown Branch Library
Hightstown Branch Library is located at 114 Franklin St., Hightstown.
Dec. 21 – 10:30-11 a.m. (15 min.) – Read with JoJo the Dog!
Dec. 23 – 6-6:30 p.m. – Hanukkah Story Time and Author Visit.
Twin Rivers Branch Library
Twin Rivers Branch Library is located at 276 Abbington Dr., East Windsor. For more information contact (609) 443-1880.
Dec. 23 – 2:30-3:15 p.m. – Winter Wonderland Magic Show.
Dec. 23 – 4-5 p.m. – Drop-in Snowflake Crafternoon.
Dec. 24 – 10:30-11:15 a.m. – Story and Songs.
Dec. 24 – 1-2 p.m. – DIY Snow.
Dec. 26 – 10:30-11:15 – Baby Time.
Dec. 26 – 2-3 p.m. – Adult Fiction Book Club.
Dec. 26 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Kids’ Craft: Paint a Winter Scene.
Dec. 27 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Little Builders.
Dec. 27 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Sock Snowman.
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. 20 – 11:30-11:50 a.m. – Storytime with Mr. John.
Dec. 20 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Read to a Therapy Dog.
Dec. 21 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Saturday Drop-In Fun.
Dec. 21 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Robot Demonstration.
Dec. 21 – 3-5 p.m. – Reading Buddies.
Dec. 23 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Drop in Craft: Spinning Noise Maker.
Dec. 26 – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Baking and Books.
Dec. 26 – 2-4 p.m. – Family Green Screen Photos.
Dec. 27 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Rhyme and Play.
Dec. 27 – 2-2:45 p.m. – Reptile Show.
Hopewell Valley
Free Rabies Clinic
Jan. 4, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon – Hopewell Township Department of Public Works, 203 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville.
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 info@howellfarm.org.
Gift shop open through Dec. 20.
Hopewell Branch Library
Hopewell Branch Library is located at 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.
Dec. 20 – 10 a.m. to noon – Mah Jongg in the Morning.
Dec. 20 – 2:30-4:30 p.m. – Gift Wrapping Stations.
Dec. 21 – 10 a.m. to noon – Gift Wrapping Stations.
Dec. 21 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 21 – noon to 2 p.m. – Crafternoon – Holiday Gnome Craft.
Dec. 23 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 23 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon – Hanukkah Craft.
Pennington Public Library
Pennington Public Library is located at 30 N. Main St. For more information visit www.penningtonlibrary.org.
Through Dec. 20 – Holiday Wrapping station
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.
Contact Information: WCPA, Executive Director Annette Earling, info@washingtoncrossingparkassociation.com.
Lawrence Township
The Lawrence Township Library Branch is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. For more information contact (609) 882-9246.
Dec. 20 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.
Dec. 21 – 10 a.m. to noon – Beginner Mah Jongg with Connie.
Dec. 21 – 10 -11 – Excel: Charts and Graphs.
Dec. 21 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Mini Scientists: Gravity.
Dec. 21 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Excel: Pivot Tables.
Dec. 21 – 2-2:30 p.m. – Edible Holiday Trees.
Dec. 21 – 2:30-4 p.m. – Open Lab/Northstar.
Dec. 22 – 2-2:45 p.m. – Clothing for toys.
Dec. 23 – 10-10:45 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 23 – 3:15-4:45 p.m. – Round Singing.
Dec. 23 – 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Edible Holiday Trees.
Dec. 24 – 10-10:45 a.m. – Storytime.
Dec. 26 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Baby Time.
Dec. 26 – 1-5 p.m. – Drop-in Upcycle Challenge.
Dec. 26 – 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Play with Clay.
Dec. 27 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Open Lab/Northstar.
Dec. 27 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Playdough Playdate.
Lawrence Historical Society
Hogmanay will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Brearley House, Dec. 31. A New Year’s Eve Tradition with food vendors, kids’ activities and more!
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 on the center’s 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. 21 – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Preschool Playtime.
Dec. 23 – 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Origami Bookmarks.
Dec. 26 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Building Blocks.
Dec. 27 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Kids Craft: Scratch Art Snowman.
Princeton
Saturday, Dec. 21
At4:30 pm, painter Kyoko Bartley will be the featured speaker for the “Inside the Artist’s Studio” series at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center. Bartley, a Japanese-born artist based near Princeton, specializes in a diverse range of art forms in various mediums, including traditional Japanese motifs, animal art and hyper-realistic drawings. For more information visit princetonmakes.com.
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.
Through Dec. 29 – “A Christmas Carol.”
FOPOS
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) has a number of events lined up. For more information visit www.fopos.org.
FOPOS is hosting its ninth annual photo contest, Perspectives on Preservation, sponsored by REI Co-op Princeton.
The Perspectives on Preservation photo contest showcases the diverse forms of beauty that photographers find in the Mountain Lakes Open Space Area and builds awareness of the role Mountain Lakes plays in protecting biodiversity and enhancing quality of life in our community. The goal is to encourage residents to explore the natural world more deeply and to learn what our community most loves and values about the Mountain Lakes Preserve and surrounding area. For more information visit https://www.fopos.org/perspectives-photo-contest
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 info@morven.org.
Dec. 20 – A Night Out at the Museum.
Through Jan. 5 – Festival of Trees.
Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St.
Dec. 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Job Seekers: Holiday Networking Social.
Dec. 20 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – English Conversation Group.
Dec. 21 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Saturday Storytime!
Dec. 21 – 1-1:30 p.m. – Kids: Japanese Storytime.
Dec. 22 – noon to 1 p.m. – Living Latin, Part I and II.
Dec. 22 – 1-3 p.m. – Course: Learn English at the Library.
Dec. 22 – 1-2 p.m. – Introduction to Latin, Part II.
Dec. 23 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playtime Fun: Build it!
Dec. 26 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Kids: Storytime!
Dec. 26 – 11:30 a.m. to noon – Kids: Baby Storytime.
Dec. 26 – noon to 1 p.m. – Baby Play Group.
Dec. 27 – 1-2 p.m. – Kids: Make a Robot.
Dec. 27 – 2-4 p.m. – Film: “The Wild Robot.”
Princeton University Library
Princeton University Library (PUL) opens “Monsters & Machines: Caricature, Visual Satire, and the Twentieth-Century Bestiary” is open in the Milberg Gallery.
“Monsters & Machines: Caricature, Visual Satire, and the Twentieth-Century Bestiary” examines the global use of bestiary in visual satire during the period from the beginning of World War I through the end of the Cold War. The exhibition is curated by a team of PUL librarians: Thomas Keenan, Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies Librarian; Lidia Santarelli, Librarian for History, New York University; Deborah Schlein, Near Eastern Studies Librarian; and Alain St. Pierre, Librarian for History, History of Science, and African Studies.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information about the exhibition, public tours, and related programming, visit: https://library.princeton.edu/monstersandmachines.
Lewis Center of the Arts
Lewis Center of the Arts is located at 122 Alexander St., Princeton.
Center for Modern Aging Princeton
Center for Modern Aging Princeton is located at 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B. For more information contact (609) 751-9699 ext. 105. Programs include in-person, hybrid, or virtual.
Through Sunday, Jan. 26
Princeton Makes, the vibrant artist cooperative located in the Princeton Shopping Center, is excited to announce the opening of its upcoming basement exhibition, Roots and Radiance. This thought-provoking exhibit will run through January 26, 2025, celebrating themes of growth, grounding, and the energy of new beginnings. An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 at 301 North Harrison St. For more information about Roots and Radiance or Princeton Makes visit www.princetonmakes.com. The Roots and Radiance exhibit is free and open to the public during Princeton Makes’ regular hours (Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Special Holiday schedule: Princeston Makes will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 31.
West Windsor
West Windsor Community Farmer’s Market – third Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vaugn Lot.
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is located at the Mercer County Community College (MCCC), 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. For more information visit www.kelseytheatre.org.
It’s the ultimate holiday celebration in song when Off-Centre Stages presents “The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza (Remixed),” Dec. 20-22.
Friday, Dec. 20 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21 – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec 22 – 2 p.m.
West Windsor Arts
West Windsor Arts Council, located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, is hosting a number of events. For more information, visit westwindsorarts.org/artists
West Windsor Arts has announced an exciting schedule of exhibitions for the upcoming year, including its popular Off the Wall Juried Art Show, which is on display each year during a robust Holiday Market of unique items. These sister shows feature works of original art and handmade items for sale by local artists and artisans, just in time for the holiday season.
The Off the Wall Holiday Market for Artisans and Crafters will be on display at the art center and online through Dec. 23. West Windsor Arts is seeking original, handmade whimsical or functional objects created by makers. This highly promoted event includes a variety of shopping opportunities, from open gallery hours to donor events to private appointments.
The Off the Wall Juried Art Show, featuring affordable artwork, will be on display in the gallery and lobby of the arts center during the Holiday Market (Through Dec. 23). West Windsor Arts is seeking original artwork and sculpture for this highly publicized exhibition. Buyers will have ample opportunities to view and purchase artwork at the arts center and online.
Musicians, Performers and Entertainers
Community-Driven Shows: Rolling Deadline
This is an open call for performers, musicians, dancers, singers, filmmakers, entertainers for children, puppeteers and others. West Windsor Arts hosts a variety of community-driven events on Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons in an 85-seat capacity space. Your fee will be based on ticket sales: Once overhead is covered, ticket sales will be split 50/50.
West Windsor Branch Library
West Windsor Branch Library is located at 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction.
Dec. 20 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Knitting, Crochet, Et Cetera!
Dec. 21 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Winter Snow Magic Show with Dennis Thomas.
Dec. 22 – 1-2 p.m. – Big STEAMers.
Dec. 23 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Storytime.
Dec. 23 – 4:45-5:45 p.m. – Let’s Play Chess.
Dec. 23 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Sponge-Painting Poinsettias.
Dec. 24 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Toddler Storytime.
Dec. 24 – 11 a.m. to noon – Playdate Pals.
Dec. 24 – 12:30-2 p.m. – Drop-in Craft.
Dec. 26 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Toddler Storytime.
Dec. 27 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Sing Along with Sarah.
Dec. 27 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Knitting, Crochet, Et Cetera!
Send items to calendar@centraljersey.com. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 732-358-5200, ext. 8233.
