The Art of the Crossword Puzzle

Do you love completing crossword puzzles in your spare time? Do you ever wonder how they are created with such regularity and precision by professional crossword puzzle experts?

On Sunday, January 14 at 3 p.m., the Arts Council of Princeton will be joined by crossword puzzle author and celebrity Mangesh Ghogre. Alongside bagels and coffee, Ghogre will give a refresher course on completing crossword puzzles and some handy tools for making puzzles of your own. Ghogre’s puzzles have been published in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. In an age of burgeoning artificial intelligence, Ghogre hopes to advocate for utilizing our own natural intelligence when it comes to clue making and problem solving. more

Groundhog Appreciation and Celebration at The Watershed Institute

The Watershed Institute will be celebrating Groundhog Day a little early this year to share fun facts about these unique, comedic, and sometimes misunderstood animals. On Saturday, January 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors will be led through a series of educational outdoor stations that include learning about the characteristics of a groundhog, searching for groundhog holes, meeting with naturalists for a treasure hunt/nature hike and, eventually, finding Wally the Woodchuck. Attendees will also be able to try chucking wood with a catapult or trebuchet. more

“Experience the Battle of Princeton” on Jan. 7

On Sunday, January 7, the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) will mark the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Princeton with its signature educational event, “Experience the Battle of Princeton.”

The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. with introductions and comments on the background of the battle. Members of the public are urged to arrive at the site by 9:15 a.m. to secure space and parking. A narrated reenactment of a portion of the Battle of Princeton will begin at 10 a.m. featuring reenactors portraying Crown and Continental forces. The reenactment will conclude by 11 a.m.  more

French American School of Princeton Hosts Open House

Interested students and families are invited to join the French American School of Princeton (FASP) for their Winter Open House on Saturday, January 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. This event is designed for prospective preschool through eighth grade students. more

Volunteers Plant 100 Trees in Lambertville

Sixteen volunteers recently gathered to plant 100 native trees and shrubs along a new section of the Lambertville Nature Trail. The group, including Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick, planted a variety of native trees and shrubs including eastern red cedar, flowering dogwood, sweet birch, white oak, and eastern redbud. These trees and shrubs will help to reduce flash flooding from this hillside neighborhood, filter and cool air and water, and provide important wildlife habitat. more

Neurodiverse Crafting Circle and Social Networking at PPL

On Thursday, December 21 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Princeton Public Library (PPL) welcomes any neurodivergent individuals who are looking to connect with Princeton community members while working on their own crafting projects (brought from home). The crafting session will be held at PPL’s STEAM Studio. The program is intended for people ages 17 and older. more

First Washington Crossing Reenactment for 2023

The reenactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776 is one of the region’s most popular and well-attended traditions. Taking place on Sunday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the famous Crossing will also be accompanied by Colonial Era activities, learning sessions, and games. Jason Q. Bohm will narrate events in the Historic Village and children’s author Jenny Cote will be sharing two of her novels. The day promises to include fun and learning for all. more

Owl Research Presentation at Watershed Institute

Join The Watershed Institute on Thursday, November 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a special presentation on the biology and ecology of the northern saw-whet owls. Led by local researchers at the Wild Bird Research Group, the ecologists will discuss data collected through the Owl Banding Program. Tyler Christensen, Ph.D. candidate in ecology and evolution at Rutgers, will lead the discussion. more

Annual Night Out With NAMI, Nov. 18

This year’s Night Out With NAMI will take place at Trenton Country Club for “A Night at the Races” on Saturday, November 18. The Kentucky Derby-themed event will feature Southern fare, mint juleps, live bluegrass music, and a silent auction.

Central to the evening’s celebration will be the recognition of mental health champions Tom Pyle and David Lee White.  more

JM Group Raises Over $20,000 to Support Community Organization

JM Group has announced that in recent months they have raised $21,385 to support local nonprofit organization Share My Meals.

This past April, JM Group restaurant Kristine’s hosted an event, “A Night in Paris,” with Share My Meals. It was a well-attended event showcasing the community’s full support of Share My Meals, which aims to fight both food insecurity and the environmental impact of food waste.  more

Homecoming and Spirit Week at The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) will hold its 35th Annual Spirit Week October 16 through 21 in celebration of current students and returning alumni. With lots of Lion spirit, students will promote campus activities that they are proud of. From varsity sports to performing arts and everything in between, this week also provides a way to meet and connect with fellow students over a shared love (or even curiosity) of interests.  more

Stuart School Honors Supporters at 60th Anniversary Founders Leadership Reception

Image Credit: Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

On Thursday, October 5, friends and supporters of Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart joined in commemorating the school’s 60th anniversary at the Founders Leadership Reception at the home of John and Woodney Wachter P’31.  more

Newark History Society Event Live and Online at Newark Public Library

On Tuesday, September 19 beginning at 6 p.m., Newark Public Library will present a special program entitled “Black Liberation: Seeking Freedom in 18th and 19th Century Newark.” The event will be held at Newark Public Library, but participants may also join the program virtually at https://www.njpac.org/event/black-liberation-seeking-freedom-in-18th-and-19th-century-newark/. It is requested that those who are joining in person or virtually RSVP either way at the indicated link. more

PU’s Cotsen Children’s Library Featured on PBS’s “Craft in America”

The Cotsen Children’s Library, a unit within Princeton University Library’s Department of Special Collections,

Has been featured on a segment of PBS’ Craft in America.

The library is the benefaction of Lloyd E. Cotsen, ’50, and Charter Trustee, Emeritus. The curatorial division administers the research collection of illustrated children’s books, manuscripts, original artwork, prints, and educational toys, hosts academic conferences on children’s books and publishes their proceedings, and sponsors fellowships for research. The outreach division of Cotsen serves children of all ages, families, librarians, and educators.  more

New Hope, Pa., Resident Writes Children’s Book

New Hope, Pa., resident Cheryl Olsten has crafted a story that weaves a narrative of inclusivity, ambition, and the power of following your heart.

Within the pages of Mimi and the Gold Baton (Greenleaf Book Group), to be released October 10, readers will follow Mimi, and undaunted and spirited mouse, as she embarks on a journey through a world that embraces and celebrates differences. Through her poignant pursuit of becoming a “mousetro,” Mimi discovers an unexpected orchestra symbolizing the harmonious coming together of musicians from all walks of life.  more

Fall Open House Days at The College of New Jersey

Come see why The College of New Jersey (TNCJ) has been ranked No. 1 during a scheduled open house day. The 2023 open houses will be held on Saturday, September 23, Sunday, October 15, and Saturday, November 18. Pre-registration is required at admissions.tcnj.edu/visit/lions-day-open-houses/. more

Mayor Mark Freda Hosts Julia Wall of Stuart Country Day School on Princeton Podcast

Head of School Julia Wall was the July 6 guest on Princeton Podcast, a show hosted by Princeton Mayor Mark Freda. With each episode featuring a who's who of notable Princeton leaders, listeners get to know the influential figures that shape this vibrant historical community and whose contributions to local programs and services are helping to mold the future of Princeton. more

Take A Look Inside the Infant Program at Princeton Montessori School

Princeton Montessori School at 487 Cherry Valley Road is well-known for their excellent Infant program offerings. Operating Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., families are given the option to enroll their child at a minimum of three days per week with at least six hours per day.  more

HomeFront Launches Annual Back-to-School Drive to Support Children Impacted by Poverty

As the 2023-24 school year approaches, HomeFront has announced its annual Back-to-School Drive that aims to provide children affected by poverty with school supplies and support for a successful start to the academic year.

The Back-to-School Drive runs through August 18. The program is a testament to HomeFront’s commitment to empowering the next generation to thrive and be prepared for their academic journey.  more

Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party at Princeton Shopping Center

On August 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., visit the Princeton Shopping Center for a Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party hosted by the Princeton Public Library.

The fun will begin at 6 p.m. with face painters, a scavenger hunt, and games on the lawn. Stop by a table hosted by Taim Mediterranean Kitchen and spin the wheel for some free samples of their award-winning falafel, hummus, za’atar pita, and tahini sauce.  more

Steinert High School Student to Perform on National School of Rock AllStars Tour, Raise Funds for Teen Suicide Prevention

Dean Svecz, a 16-year-old resident of Hamilton Township and a vocal student at School of Rock Princeton (SoR), will be a member of the School of Rock AllStars, which is a touring ensemble of some of the top teen musicians from School of Rock franchises from across the country. Svecz and his AllStars bandmates will perform at venues across four midwestern states from July 31 through August 5 to support mental health awareness as well as raise funds for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS). more

Eight Princeton Academy Students Compete at the NSDA National Finals in Arizona

Image Source: Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart

Eight members of the Speech and Debate Team represented Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart at the 2023 National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Finals taking place on June 13-16, 2023 in Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz. The NSDA National Tournament is the largest academic competition in the world featuring over 6,000 high school and middle school students representing more than 1,500 schools from across the United States as well as participants from multiple U.S. territories and countries around the world.  more

Guided Butterfly House Tours at The Watershed Institute

If you can’t make it to the Butterfly Festival at The Watershed Institute on August 5, fret not! Visitors can participate in a unique guided tour of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House to view and learn about local butterfly species every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., all summer long. If time and weather allow, staff will also lead attendees in catching and observing wild butterflies in the fields. Cameras are welcome.  more

Jurassic Quest, Nation’s Biggest Dinosaur Experience, Migrates to New Jersey

North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur experience is back — bigger and better than ever! New Jersey families can walk among the nation’s largest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest migrates to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison July 21-23 and the Atlantic City Convention Center July 28-30.

Walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that once ruled the earth. In addition to life-like dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest’s classic experiences for the whole family include some of the largest ridable dinosaurs in North America; live dinosaur shows; interactive science and art activities, including a fossil dig and fossil-like items to play with; bounce houses; inflatable attractions; and photo opportunities.  more

The Art of Kusamono: An In-Person Horticulture and Gardening Class

On Saturday, July 22, Longwood Gardens will offer a unique introductory class on The Art of Kusamono. Attendees can choose from either a 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. class time.

Often paired with bonsai, kusamono are potted arrangements of wild grasses and flowers in unique pots or trays selected to suggest a season, place, or natural habitat. The class will be led by U.S. kusamono artist Young Choe, who teaches the art of kusamono worldwide and has exhibited her work at the U.S. National Arboretum and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, among others. The class will include a lecture, demonstration, methods for creation, guided teaching of kusamono styles, display techniques, and care. Lastly, those in attendance will create their own kusamono to take home and enjoy.  more

Trenton Literacy Movement Celebrates Juneteenth

The Trenton Literacy Movement will honor Juneteenth a few days early on Thursday, June 15 at 5 p.m. with a special event at the MCLS Lawrence Headquarters Branch. The Trenton Literacy Movement’s mission is “to enable students in Trenton public elementary schools to read at grade level by grade 3.” As such, Edward Bullock will present on the importance of literacy for young Trenton students, the movement’s evolution, long-term goals, and progress since its founding. Bullock is president of the Trenton Literacy Movement and a published author.  more

Firefly Summer Camp 2023

Firefly Summer Camp, located at the Hopewell Tennis and Swim Center at 11 Titus Mill Road #4306 in Pennington, is perfect for the sports-loving child or teen in your family. With facilities that include six indoor tennis courts, six outdoor tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool, multiple outdoor sports fields, and two indoor gyms, Firefly offers a balance of sports instruction and sheer summer fun.  more

Sam Lambert to be Honored at NJ Conservation Gala

Drone View of Franklin Parker Preserve. (Photo by Richard Lewis)

Samuel W. Lambert III of Princeton will be honored for his land preservation efforts in the Pine Barrens on Thursday, June 1, at New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s 2023 Gala in Peapack-Gladstone.

The event to be held at the Mansion of Natirar will celebrate land preservation throughout New Jersey — most notably the 20th anniversary of the Franklin Parker Preserve in the heart of the Pine Barrens. more

Princeton Montessori Students Visit the Sourland Mountains

Princeton Montessori middle school students learn about macro invertebrates and stream health with Sourland Conservancy staff. (Photo by Laurie Cleveland)

Princeton Montessori middle school students took a field trip to the Sourland Mountains recently where they were guided by the Sourland Conservancy staff. The morning began with a trip to the Foraging Forest in Hopewell Borough Park where students learned about climate change, edible plants, invasive species and more. Afterwards, they got their hands dirty by planting native trees and shrubs to provide critical habitat for birds, pollinators, and other native species. more

African American History Museum to Hold Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), Central New Jersey’s only African American history museum sharing the story of Black Americans since the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, will hold its second annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. (rain or shine).  more