Links We Like

Princeton Soup & Sandwich Company
Camp Fire New Jersey
New Hope Film Festival
Historical Society of Princeton
CASA of Mercer
QuickChek Balloon Festival

Announcements

Strawberry Days are HERE!
Driscoll’s, Wegmans and The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey want your help to let our local at-risk children know you care about them! For three days only - July 7, 8 and 9 - your purchase of containers of delicious Driscoll’s strawberries at (list coming soon) participating Wegmans stores in NJ and southeastern PA will truly add up to help children. Each container purchased during Strawberry Days will earn 50-cents towards a $20,000 maximum donation from Driscoll’s to support our critical programs for at-risk children in our communities. With your help, we know we can reach our goal and together we will all make a difference in so many lives! Participating stores include: In NJ Bridgewater Cherry Hill Manalapan Mount Laurel Ocean Princeton Woodbridge In PA Collegeville Concordville Downington King of Prussia Malvern Montgomeryville Warrington

The Hunterdon County Historical Society announces summer walking tours for the public beginning at the Hiram E. Deats Memorial Library and headquarters @ 114 Main Street in Flemington on two Wednesday evenings, July 12 and August 9 @ 6:30 p.m.
Led by heritage educator, Janice Armstrong, the tours will begin at the Society’s library and headquarters and last about an hour. Janice will highlight the beautiful Greek Revival and Victorian architecture in homes and businesses, as well as detail the fascinating history of Flemington’s lesser explored side streets. A suggested donation of $5 per person will benefit the Historical Society. For more information call the Society @ 908-782-1091 and check for updates and details at the Society’s website: www.hunterdonhistory.org.

Renewable Energy 101 - Join Sustainable Princeton each Saturday at 2 pm throughout the month of July at the Energy Parklet, located in front of JaZams on Palmer Square in Princeton, to learn about the renewable energy technologies showcased in this fun and interactive space. July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29 at 2 pm.

Mercer County 4-H Fair Seeks Entries from the Community
Have you perfected a new skill or hobby this year? Well, bring it over to the 99th annual Mercer County 4-H Fair and the coveted Blue Ribbon could be yours! This year the fair will be celebrated July 29-30 at the Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township.
There are many “Open Division” categories at the fair - you do not need to be a 4-H member to exhibit. Your special family recipe, homegrown vegetable or creative project could earn a ribbon, and the general public is encouraged to submit entries. Please visit here, where you will find the fair exhibit book and a complete schedule. Projects will be received from the general public for entry in the fair on Friday, July 28, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Howell Living History Farm

Literacy NJ Mercer County Tutor Training Workshop
Become a volunteer tutor and help adults improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills! 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27 and 10/4 - 10:00-1:00 At Hamilton Township Library. More info: sbharda@literacynj.org

The New School for Music Study (nsmspiano.org) is now enrolling for the 2015-2016 school year! NSMS is a community music school, specializing in transformative music instruction at the piano for all ages and levels. For more information about enrollment, contact us at admissions@nsmspiano.org. Make plans now to join us for our annual Welcome Night on Thursday, September 3 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. At 5:30 and 6:30 children will enjoy our "Meet the Piano" concert, followed by a brief informational meeting for parents.

On the Blog

Charles Evan Children's Discovery Trail - New and Perfect for Young Families

Save the Date!

August 25, 2017 - 5th Annual NJ Uke Fest

September 13, 2017 - 28th Annual CHSOFNJ Golf Outing

September 14, 2017 - Annual Meeting, Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks

September 16, 2017 - Carrier Clinic’s 6th Annual “Walk of Hope”

September 16, 2017 - Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space 30th Anniversary Celebration

October 7, 2017 - Bill Benjamin Memorial Golf Outing - 609-235-9020

Events

Major Non-Profit Fundraisers

7/6 - Summer Film Series, Princeton University Art Museum, 101 McCormick Hall, Princeton University, 609-258-3788, 7:30p.m., "A Knight's Tale" screening., more info

7/7 - First Fridays, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, 609-586-0616, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Grab a drink at the open-air beer garden, check out the art, wander the grounds, go behind-the-scenes at on-site sculpture studio The Seward Johnson Atelier, and enjoy a variety of pop-up performances. Free with park admission., www.groundsforsculpture.org

7/7 - Dance Improv, Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Orchard Hill Center, 88 Orchard Road, Skillman, 609-924-7294, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Lightly guided dance improvisation with live music. No experience necessary. $18., www.princetonyoga.com

7/8 - Mercer County Jazz Festival, Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, 12 to 8 p.m., Performances by Joey Defrancesco & The People, Windard Harper and Jeli Posse, Orrin Evans Captain Black Big Band, Jerry Topinka's G13 Band, James Stewart Quartet, and No WiFI. Music, dancing, food vendors, and more. $15 to $10., www.mercercountyparks.org

7/8 - Astronomy and Music Show for Children with Autism, Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, 908-231-8805. 5 p.m., "The Sky Above," a 45-minute show designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. $8. Register., more info

7/9 - Brentano String Quartet, Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University, 609-570-8404. 3 p.m., Performing "The Fifth Book," a recent work by Stephen Hartke. Free., more info

7/9 - Blue Jersey Band, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-9529, 4 p.m., Frank Ruck on mandolin, guitar and vocals, Ellen Ruck on guitar and vocals, and John Burton on bass guitar perform swing, gypsy jazz, and bluegrass., www.princetonlibrary.org

7/10 - Influence of American Rock 'n' Roll on The Beatles, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-9529. 7 p.m., Author and Beatles scholar Aaron Krerowicz presents a multimedia program that illustrates the influence of Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and other American recording artists from the 1950s on the music of The Beatles., www.princetonlibrary.org

7/11 - Princeton Chamber, Trenton Country Club, 609-924-1776. 7:30a.m. to 10a.m., Trenton economic development breakfast series: Transforming Trenton Together with Trenton mayor Eric Jackson. $35., www.princetonchamber.org

7/12 - “See Camp in Action” Open House, LakeView Day Camp, 11am. LakeView Day Camp is hosting "See Camp in Action" Open Houses each Wednesday this month at 11AM. July 5, 12, 19 & 26. Interested Families please RSVP to 732-821-8933 to hold a spot! https://www.lakeviewdaycamp.com/

7/12 - Informational Seminar on Weight Loss Surgery, The Center for Advanced Weight Loss will be holding an informational seminar on weight loss surgery on Wednesday, July 12th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Meeting Room A/B. The community is invited to come learn about weight loss surgery and whether or not it is right for you. Participants are encouraged to bring their own questions. This is a free informational seminar, but registration is required. 908-735-3912

7/13 - Summer Food. Summer Fun at Princeton McCaffrey's Food Markets, 1:30pm. We eat differently in the summer. Foods seem lighter, brighter and fresher. All the fresh summer produce inspires creativity. Join Jill Kwasny, MS, RDN when she presents "Summer Food. Summer Fun." Jill will provide meal planning tips for quick, easy and delicious summer dishes. Please RSVP to nutritionist@mccaffreys.com or call 215 750-7713 to reserve your spot. The event will be held in the bistro area and typically run one hour. As always, we will have something healthfully delicious for our guests to sample to reinforce that good health and great taste go hand in hand.

7/13 - FREE Dragon Boating Event with Machestic Dragons, 5-7pm., Mercer Lake. Looking for a fun outdoor activity, while supporting a good cause? Join the Machestic Dragons and paddle on a dragon boat. No experience needed, all equipment provided and it’s free! For more information, call Rhonda Golub at 609-462-2425.

7/15 - Fairy Festival at The Watershed, 10:30-1pm., Come to the Fairy Festival on the Watershed Reserve in Pennington! Celebrate with the Rainbow Fairies, Woodland Fairies and Forest Elves...join them in a dance around the maypole, create magical crafts, construct villages along the Fairy Trail and play in the stream with the Water Sprites! Fairy finery and gnome haberdashery is strongly encouraged. No pets or alcoholic beverages. Registration requested but not required. The Watershed Center is located at 31 Titus Mill Road in Pennington. Learn more at thewatershed.org or call 609-737-7592.

7/15 - Concentric Circles of Influence: An evening of film, art, and music, 7:30 p.m., at the West Windsor Arts Center, will featurea short documentary by Ilene Dube called Generations of Artists: Roosevelt, NJ. The film features a central New Jersey arts community that has continued through three generations. Special guest appearances by filmmaker Ilene Dube, and artists Mel Leipzig and Jonathan Shahn who will share a conversation about their artistic relationship, as well as musical performances by the Woe Nellies and The Big Rascals will round out the evening along with an ice cream social. Admission: $13 - $15 at the West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction. www.westwindsorarts.org

7/16 - Liv Women's Ride at Mercer County Park, 8am. Join Sourland Cycle's Liv Ambassador Laura Kenny for a ride to preview the NJ State Triathlon course. This is a no drop ride, and you don't need to be a triathlete to participate. We'll ride the Sprint course first, then the Olympic course (which is two loops). You have the option to ride one loop (11 miles), two loops, or up three loops (36 miles total). This is a women's only ride. Road bikes and helmets are required.

7/16 - Alliance Française Bastille Day Celebration, 12:00-3:00pm at Turning Basin Park, Alexander Rd, Princeton (near canoe rental) Rain or shine! (We have a sheltered area) Bring a picnic lunch and a dish to share (salad, appetizer, or dessert), and enjoy a game of boules, French music and singing, French conversation! Cost: Each adult - $5 for members, $10 for non-members (Pay on arrival). Visit the Alliance Francaise of Princeton website for more information. RSVP: Nadine at ncohen@callawayhenderson.com by July 7th to let us know how many adults/children

7/17 - Camp Fire New Jersey’s 17th Annual Golf Classic, 10am., Camp Fire New Jersey’s 17th Annual Golf Classic to benefit its statewide educational programs will take place at the Old York Country Club in Chesterfield with registration beginning at 10 a.m. After lunch, the shotgun start will commence at 12:30 p.m. with cocktails, dinner and an awards ceremony to follow at 5:30p.m. $175.00. For more information, contact Associate Executive Director Kelly Nitti by phone at 609-695-8410 or via email at knitti@campfirenj.org.

7/20 - Music in the Park, Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission, Grove Gazebo, Thompson Park, Monroe, 732-521-4400, Ext. 134. 6 p.m., Performance by Boheme Opera NJ. The program will star soprano Joanna Connolly, mezzo-soprano Emily Byrne, tenor James Price and baritone Kevin Grace. Accompanying at the keyboard will be pianist Doug Han. Highlighted at this Broadway revue will be songs from Anything Goes, Company, Funny Face, Girl Crazy, Kiss Me Kate and Oklahoma, among others. Free. Bring a chair or blanket. In the event of rain, the concert moves inside the senior center, 12 Halsey Reed Road, Monroe. www.bohemeopera.com

7/21 - Shabbat Under the Stars, The Jewish Center of Princeton, 6:30pm., Join us after services for a friendly potluck dinner. Meet old friends and make new ones! Bring a dairy or vegetarian dish in a disposable container. Dessert and Beverages provided by TJC. Additional dates: 8/11, 8/25.

7/22 - Princeton Pong’s 2017 July OPEN Table Tennis Tournament. This is a 2-Star USATT-Sanctioned Tournament open to groups of all ages and skill levels. Register now @ Princetonpong.com or call us at (609) 987-8500. Entry deadline is July 21st. Events start @ 9:30 and finish by 5:30 pm. Hope to see you at the club!

7/22 - Songs and Stories of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum, Titusville, 609-737-9303. 2 p.m., Dressed in Colonial clothing, Matthew Dodd sings and performs period songs on the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and recorder. Park vehicle entrance fee applies.

7/23 - Free Introduction: 200 Hour Prana Yoga Teacher Training with Jeff Migdow, MD and Marisa Bonfanti, 1:30 - 3:00 pm FREE (next free intro September 16, check for time) Have you been touched by the spirit and essence of yoga? Do you feel you would like to share the gifts you have received from your practice with others? Then this yoga teacher training is for you!In this 200 hr Yoga Alliance certified Prana Yoga Teacher Training, you will learn how to practice and teach yoga as a profound science that unites movement, safety, breath, sound, concentration, meditation and prayer. This course will enable you to become a teacher of yoga at its essence and greatly expand the depth and power of your practice and the healing experiences of your students. Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, 88 Orchard Road, Skillman, NJ 08558. 609-924-7294. www.princetonyoga.com deborah@princetonyoga.com

7/23 - The Great American Folk Song Revival with Caroline Doctorow, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-9529. 3 p.m., Singer-songwriter Caroline Doctorow presents a tribute to songwriters of the 1960s that includes the work of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, Donovan, Richard and Mimi Farina, Pete Seeger, and John Hartford., www.princetonlibrary.org

7/25 - Fundraising Night, Children's Home Society of NJ, Texas Roadhouse, 1305 Route 33, Hamilton, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Bring in a flyer, which can be found at www.chsofnj.org, to donate 10 percent of your meal to the Children's Home Society of NJ.

7/26 - Argus Quartet, Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University, 609-570-8404, 7:30 p.m., Performing "Satellites" by Garth Knox. Free., more info

7/28 - Dancing Under the Stars, Central Jersey Dance Society, Albert Hinds Plaza, Princeton, 609-945-1883, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., No partner needed. In case of rain, dance moves inside Princeton Public Library

7/29 - Sourland Stewards Stewardshop, Hopewell Township. 10 a.m. to noon., Participants work collaboratively to solve a real-life ecological challenge, guided by an experienced practitioner at his residence. Register. more info

7/29 - Wine on the Waterfront, 1-5pm., Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) The event features live jazz music, food and craft vendors and wine samples from seven of the eight wineries from the Bucks County Wine Trail. Proceeds will help the Friends of Washington Crossing Park provide educational and historical programming. more info

7/30 - Handbell Concert, Princeton United Methodist Church, 10am - Handbells anyone? On Sunday, July 30, at 10 a.m. at Princeton United Methodist Church (PUMC) you can hear four octaves of handbells played by one artist, Hyosang Park. After the service you can experience playing them yourself. RSVP to hyosang@PrincetonUMC.org.

8/3 - Picnic on the Lawn, Princeton University Art Museum, 6pm., Celebrate summer and the new special exhibition Great British Drawings from the Ashmolean Museum at our annual picnic on the lawn. Enjoy barbecue fare, live music, exhibition tours, and family-friendly activities including the Great Princeton Bake Off. Visit our website for details on how to enter your dessert! Musician John Burkhalter will offer English Country Dancing demonstrations. Stay until sunset for the last of our summer film screenings, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Cosponsored by the Princeton YMCA.