Business & Career
JobSeekers meetings. JobSeekers holds its next virtual meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, making Tuesday, Oct. 27, the other October meeting date. People looking for employment can join online without traveling to an evening meeting. The group’s website provides the meeting links. sites.google.com/site/njjobseekers
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Life sciences networking. Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs hosts a Life Science Women’s Network gathering Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event welcomes founders, investors, researchers, executives, entrepreneurs, students and other professionals working in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, health care and related fields. Participation is open to professionals of all genders. The gathering offers an opportunity to connect with others working in the region’s life sciences community. Advance registration is available through the event announcement. Contact Michelle Roemer Schoen at 609-423-1536 or michelle@biolabs.io. princetonbiolabs.com
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Career networking luncheon. Managers, business owners, job seekers and other professionals can register for the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s networking luncheon Thursday, Oct. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway, Edison. Featured speaker Roy James is the founder of On Target Staffing, which provides temporary, temporary-to-hire, direct-hire and executive search services. James also spent nearly three decades as a volunteer firefighter in Princeton. The luncheon brings together people seeking employees, exploring career opportunities or building business connections. Registration is available through the chamber. mcrcc.org
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Library vendor space. Monroe Township Library Foundation offers pop-up shop space to local residents who operate direct-sales businesses. The space is available on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is intended for selling merchandise rather than services. Residents interested in bringing their business into the library can visit a service desk to obtain rental information and submit an application. The program provides a local venue for independent sellers; applicants should ask about available dates before making plans. The library is at 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe. monroetwplibrary.org
Arts & Creativity
Poetry open mic. Poets of all experience levels are invited to a reading and open mic Sunday, Oct. 11, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Lawrence Headquarters Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Featured writers Judy Salcewicz and Virginia Barrie will read before the microphone opens to participants. Salcewicz leads the branch’s monthly writing workshop, and Barrie is an actor, director and playwright. Both have published poetry in regional journals. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is requested. Call 609-883-8292 or register through the Mercer County Library System’s event calendar. mcl.org
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Authors sought for readings. BucksArts is seeking local authors to participate in an evening of fiction and creative nonfiction readings Monday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Township Library of Lower Southampton in Feasterville. Writers who want to be considered should email Bill Hemmig at billhemmig@gmail.com by Thursday, Oct. 15. Requests will close earlier if all reading slots are filled. The program is part of BucksArts’ partnerships with local libraries and gives writers an opportunity to share their work with new audiences. bucksarts.org
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Creative writing workshop. Adults can bring their writing to Monroe Township Public Library’s workshop Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The small, instructor-led group offers constructive criticism and feedback on participants’ work. Bring a typed copy of a piece of no more than 1,500 words, whether a complete short story or part of a longer project, and be prepared to read it aloud. The program is for ages 18 and older. Space is limited and registration is required. The library is at 4 Municipal Plaza. monroetwplibrary.org
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Creative coping through journaling. Hightstown Memorial Library welcomes newcomers to its Creative Coping Journaling Club Thursday, Oct. 15, at 1:30 p.m. The group draws on Suleika Jaouad’s “The Book of Alchemy” and Isolation Journals prompts. Participants read a prompt, consider its inspiration, write and discuss their responses. No experience in creative writing or journaling is necessary, and participants can begin with any session rather than joining at the start of a series. Registration is encouraged. The branch is at 114 Franklin St., Hightstown. Call 609-448-1474. mcl.org
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Artful Connections. Center for Modern Aging Princeton offers a hands-on art class Thursday, Oct. 15, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St., Princeton. Instructor Ruthann Traylor leads Artful Connections, which combines creative projects with conversation and opportunities to meet other participants. The program explores such approaches as mixed media, painting, drawing, seasonal crafts, recycled art and nature-inspired projects. No artistic experience is necessary. The fee is $10, and registration is available through the center’s program portal. cmaprinceton.org
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Country two-step lesson. Central Jersey Dance Society welcomes beginners, singles and couples to its dance Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton St., Princeton. Alan Saperstein teaches a beginner and intermediate country two-step lesson from 7:10 to 8:10 p.m., followed by open dancing until 11 p.m. The playlist includes swing, foxtrot, hustle, waltz, tango, country two-step and Latin music. No partner is needed. Admission is $15, or $10 for full-time students with identification. Refreshments are provided; dancers are encouraged to bring water. Call 609-945-1883. centraljerseydance.org
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Community choral singing. Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs invites singers of all levels to a choral reading Sunday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road. Christopher Jackson conducts the session. Vocal scores are provided, and there are no auditions or separate rehearsals. Walk-in singers and people who prefer to listen are welcome. The conductor may prepare portions of the music with the chorus before the sing-through. Admission is $10 for singers and free for students and nonsinging guests. Email musical.amateurs@gmail.com. musicalamateurs.org
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Fall art classes. AOY Art Center is accepting registrations for its Fall II session, which begins Monday, Oct. 26. The schedule includes 29 adult and youth classes, with new offerings in gouache, altered art and mixed media assemblage, grid journaling, figure drawing, realistic drawing and lumen printing. Other classes cover photography, oil painting, watercolor, felting and picture-book creation. Youth offerings include graffiti exploration for ages 11 to 17 and oil painting for ages 10 to 16, along with drawing, fantasy art, clay and comics. Consult the individual course listings for meeting times, fees and materials. aoyarts.org
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Bones and skulls drawing workshop. The New Jersey State Museum offers a free observational drawing workshop Saturday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 205 W. State St., Trenton. Artworks Trenton teaching artist John Gummere leads the session, which uses bones and skulls as drawing subjects. The program is open to ages 16 and older and welcomes all skill levels. Supplies are provided, so participants do not need to bring their own drawing materials. Class size is limited and advance registration is required. The workshop is part of a new monthly series. nj.gov
Technology & Learning
Internet and office software classes. Monroe Township Public Library offers internet basics Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Excel basics Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Word basics Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the same afternoon and evening times. The classes are for adults, and registration is required. Participants need an email address to create a Northstar Digital Literacy account. Excel and Word students should already know how to use a keyboard and mouse. Register for one session of each class. monroetwplibrary.org
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Generative AI foundations. Lawrence Headquarters Library offers an introduction to generative artificial intelligence Thursday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in its computer classroom at 2751 Brunswick Pike. Participants will learn what generative AI is, how it works and how people interact with it through chat tools. The Microsoft Elevate class is part of the NJ AI Library Learning Network and a partnership involving the New Jersey State Library, LibraryLinkNJ and the NJ AI Hub. Registration is required. Call the library’s technology department at 609-882-4050 or use the online event calendar. mcl.org
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Opting out of AI data collection. Hickory Corner Library offers an interactive session Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. on limiting the personal information collected by Apple Intelligence, Galaxy AI and Google Lens. Librarian Lauren Costantini also will discuss identifying deepfakes and recent New Jersey AI laws. The program is intended to help participants understand choices about their data and recognize manipulated content. Registration is requested. The branch is at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Call 609-448-1330 or register through the Mercer County Library System’s event calendar. mcl.org
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Cutting the cable cord. Center for Modern Aging Princeton presents a free program Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. about alternatives to traditional cable television. Participants can attend at the Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning, 101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton, or join on Zoom. The session explores how streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ work, giving people considering a change an opportunity to learn about available options. Registration is required through the center’s program portal. cmaprinceton.org
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English conversation. Older adults can enroll in Center for Modern Aging Princeton’s Let’s Talk English class, meeting Mondays, Oct. 12 through Nov. 30, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St., Princeton. Instructor Joan Kuskin leads informal practice using phrases and conversations for everyday situations, including meeting people, shopping and discussing hobbies. The fee is $15. Mercer County Library System also offers adult English conversation at West Windsor Library Mondays, Oct. 19 and 26, from 2 to 3 p.m., and at Hopewell Library Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10:30 a.m. cmaprinceton.org
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Spanish conversation circle. Adults with an intermediate level of Spanish can practice with other patrons Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. The conversation circle offers opportunities to expand vocabulary, learn about Spanish-speaking cultures and connect with other language learners and speakers. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 609-799-0462 or use the Mercer County Library System’s event calendar to sign up. mcl.org
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History teaching cases. Princeton Public Library and Princeton University’s Cotsen Children’s Library have launched , a collection of historical-artifact cases educators can borrow for classroom use. Princeton Public Library cardholding teachers in Princeton-based schools may reserve the cases online. Each includes authentic materials and teaching guides supporting hands-on examination and inquiry. The five themes cover medieval manuscripts, New Jersey currency, 19th-century advertising, children’s reading materials and World War II in New Jersey. The cases let students compare and interpret the kinds of primary sources historians use. princetonlibrary.org
Volunteer & Community
Food pantry access and volunteers. Arm In Arm’s mobile pantry visits Lawrence Headquarters Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Mondays, Oct. 12, 19 and 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. People experiencing food insecurity do not need advance registration; staff register participants on arrival. The pantry provides food and personal care products to families in need. On Monday, Oct. 19, visitors also can meet representatives of the Mercer County Board of Social Services, New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and PSE&G Community Outreach. People interested in volunteering should contact Shariq Marshall at 609-508-7851 or shariqm@arminarm.org. arminarm.org
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CASA volunteer information session. People interested in advocating for children in foster care can attend a CASA information session Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 6 p.m. at West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers assigned by a New Jersey Family Court judge to help ensure children receive needed services. Volunteers work with foster parents, schools, state caseworkers and other caregivers. The session explains the role and recruits volunteers for children who do not yet have an advocate. Call 609-799-0462 for library program information. mcl.org
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Arts volunteers. BucksArts is seeking volunteers to staff its booth at Crafts in the Meadow Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, at Tyler Park Center for the Arts, 10 Stable Mill Trail, Richboro. Volunteers will help promote the organization during the juried art and craft festival. BucksArts also seeks a social media coordinator willing to contribute approximately four hours a week to promoting events and highlighting artists and writers. People interested in the festival booth or social media role can email info@bucksarts.org. Social media applicants should include sample posts. bucksarts.org
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Literary nonprofit board service. People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos is seeking new members for its board of trustees. The Princeton-based organization invites inquiries from people who care about literature, human connection and helping its work reach additional communities. Prospective trustees can use the organization’s board-service information to learn about getting involved. The organization is based at 475 Wall St., Suite 139, Princeton. peopleandstories.org
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Help transcribe historic papers. Volunteers can help make historical documents searchable during a transcription session Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Hopewell Library, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington. The session focuses on the papers of author and patriot Mercy Otis Warren, held by the Massachusetts Historical Society. Her correspondence, dramatic writings and poetry provide perspectives on the American Revolution and the new government. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number will be available. Registration is requested. Call 609-737-2610. mcl.org
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Run for Club Kids. Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County invites runners, walkers, teams and fundraisers to its Run for Club Kids Saturday, Oct. 24, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Rosedale Park, Pennington. People who cannot attend can participate virtually or organize a satellite run with coworkers, friends or a community group. Registration and donations support the clubs’ after-school and summer programs, educational and recreational activities, and college and career preparation. Participants can register, form a team or contribute through the organization’s event information. bgcmercer.org
Family & Recreation
Alternative education open house. Princeton Learning Cooperative holds an open house Monday, Oct. 12, from 2 to 3 p.m. at 16 All Saints Road, Princeton. Teens and families considering an alternative to traditional school can see the space, meet staff and learn how members direct their education through independent projects, mentorship, classes, tutoring and trips. The cooperative describes its program as a full-time alternative combining flexibility with a small community. Families who cannot attend the open house can arrange a separate visit. Registration and visit information are available through the cooperative. princetonlearningcooperative.org
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Autumn activities for young children. The New Jersey State Museum offers Small Explorers: Learning Together Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9:30 a.m. for children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers. The autumn-leaves program costs $15 for the first child, with a sibling discount, and requires advance registration. A separate Small Explorers story and craft program Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. features “Lawrence in the Fall” for children ages 2 to 8 and their caregivers. Both programs take place at the museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton. nj.gov
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Sky observing night. The New Jersey State Museum offers a free sky observing program Friday, Oct. 16, beginning at 6 p.m. in its planetarium at 205 W. State St., Trenton. An extended sky talk introduces objects visible that evening, including deep-sky objects observable through telescopes. Participants then drive to Washington Crossing State Park’s Simpson Observatory to observe with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton. If weather prevents observing, the planetarium talk will be followed by a free showing of “Encounters in the Milky Way.” Registration is required. nj.gov
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Archaeology activities. Families can explore Colonial and Revolutionary New Jersey during International Archaeology Day Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton. Children can collect an archaeology activity book and visit artifact stations to complete its pages. Visitors also are encouraged to explore the nearby Petty’s Run archaeological site and use the free Travel Stories app for the “History Beneath Trenton’s Feet” audio tour. Museum events are free unless otherwise noted in the program information. nj.gov
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Sewing and maker studio. Monroe Township Public Library offers open sewing Monday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m., or Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Adults work on their own projects and must have previous machine-sewing knowledge or have taken the library’s introductory sewing-machine class. Registration is required for one session. A pillowcase class Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. requires a yard of fabric and two fat quarters. Studio M also holds open maker hours Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. monroetwplibrary.org
Health & Support
Caregiver connections. Monroe Township Public Library offers a spouse caregiver support group Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., for people caring for a chronically ill, disabled or aging partner. General caregiver groups meet on Zoom Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Registration is required. Caregiver Unwind meets in person Thursday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offering a break focused on self-care. A chronic illness support group meets that day at 2 p.m. The library is at 4 Municipal Plaza. monroetwplibrary.org
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Medicare information. Hickory Corner Library presents Medicare 101 Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Jeffrey A. Previte of Senior Health Navigators discusses eligibility, enrollment, coverage options and common mistakes. Center for Modern Aging Princeton also offers free appointments on Thursdays with Roderick Spann of Senior Advisors at its Nancy S. Klath Center, 101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton. Registration is required for the center’s appointments. Check the respective registration calendars for availability and use the library event listing to enroll in Medicare 101. mcl.org
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Living independently at home. Hopewell Library offers Aging Gracefully at Home Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington. Senior residential real estate specialist Olga St. Pierre leads a workshop on the benefits and challenges of remaining at home while aging. The session explores planning, support and practical strategies for living safely and independently. Registration is requested. People considering their own future housing needs or helping family members plan can sign up through the Mercer County Library System’s event calendar or call the branch at 609-737-2610. mcl.org
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Flu shot clinic. Center for Modern Aging Princeton hosts a flu shot clinic Friday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning, 101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton. The clinic is offered in collaboration with the Princeton Health Department and Wegmans Pharmacy. Appointments are made through the Wegmans registration portal linked from the center’s October program information. cmaprinceton.org
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Scam prevention and support. Center for Modern Aging Princeton offers a free scam-prevention discussion Thursday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Nancy S. Klath Center, 101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton. Social workers and the technology team lead the session as part of Hot Topics in Aging. Registration is required. The center also offers a free Transition to Retirement support group Friday, Oct. 16, at 2:30 p.m., with in-person and Zoom participation. Facilitator Paul Knight leads discussion of changing routines, identity, purpose and priorities. cmaprinceton.org
