On Ramp is a guide to opportunities readers can act on now, from workshops, auditions and artist calls to volunteer roles, business programs and community resources. Listings are subject to change, so readers should confirm details with the sponsoring organization before making plans.
Business & Career
Small-business tax webinar. Small-business owners can register for New Tax Changes for Small Businesses, a free online workshop Thursday, Nov. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Rutgers-Newark presents the session on Zoom with Jill Maniacci, a senior stakeholder liaison and tax specialist with the Internal Revenue Service.
Advance registration is required. Use the event listing in the center’s training calendar to register and obtain connection information. The online format allows business owners throughout the region to participate without traveling to Newark. rnsbdc.com
Starting a home-based business. People considering operating a business from home can attend a SCORE seminar Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Newsroom at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St.
Janet Pickover discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a home-based business, its potential effects on home life, and requirements owners need to consider, including zoning, insurance and licensing. The session offers an introduction for prospective owners weighing how a business would fit into their household. Consult the library calendar for attendance information or call 609-924-9529. princetonlibrary.org
Word classes and computer access. Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County’s Women’s and Career Centers offer an Intro to Microsoft Word class beginning Monday, Nov. 9. The centers also offer computer-lab hours for people who need to search for jobs, complete applications or use a computer in a quiet setting.
The opportunities are open to all, with advance registration required. Contact the agency at 732-777-1940 or womenscenter@jfsmiddlesex.org to enroll and obtain the class schedule, lab hours and location. The agency has offices in North Brunswick and Monroe. jfsmiddlesex.org
November JobSeekers meetings. JobSeekers holds online meetings Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The group meets virtually on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
People looking for work can use the group’s website to obtain meeting links and participate from home. The organizer’s November announcement confirms that meetings remain online. Visit the NJ JobSeekers site before the session for access information. sites.google.com/site/njjobseekers
Middlesex networking breakfast. Business owners and other professionals can register for the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s November Networking Breakfast Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Rutgers Club, 85 Avenue E, second floor, Piscataway.
The gathering offers an opportunity to introduce a business or organization and meet other professionals in the county. Use the registration button on the chamber’s November breakfast page, or call 732-745-8090 for registration and pricing information. mcrcc.org
Teach art in Yardley. AOY Art Center is accepting proposals from instructors for adult and youth classes and workshops at 949 Mirror Lake Road, Yardley. Subjects include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, fiber arts, stained glass and graphic arts.
Classes generally meet once a week for six weeks, with instructors paid $35 an hour. Workshops typically meet one to three times and use a 50-50 revenue split. Youth instructors must have Pennsylvania criminal, federal and child-abuse clearances. Submit a class or workshop proposal through the forms linked from the Instructors Wanted page; the class form requests a description, materials list, preferred schedule and photographs of the instructor’s work. aoyarts.org
Arts & Creativity
Community writing group. Writers can share their work with other readers at Trenton Free Public Library’s Community Writing Group, led by Trenton writer and poet Neisha Kelly. The November schedule lists the group every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Community Room A at 120 Academy St.
The first Saturday in this coverage period is Nov. 7. Participants bring their writing into a community setting where others can read their work. Contact the library at 609-392-7188 or info@tfplibrary.org for participation information. tfplibrary.org
Poetry in progress. Poets can read work in progress and receive constructive feedback at Princeton Public Library’s virtual Writers Room Poets session Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.
The session is organized around peer response, giving participants a place to share developing poems and hear suggestions from other writers. Register through the library calendar to receive the Zoom link. The online meeting offers an option for writers who want to take part without traveling to the library. Call 609-924-9529 with registration questions. princetonlibrary.org
No-sew fabric mosaics. Adults ages 18 and older can make an 8-by-12-inch fabric mosaic Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at AOY Art Center, 949 Mirror Lake Road, Yardley. Leigh Ferello teaches kinusaiga, a fabric-art technique that does not require sewing.
Use a supplied design or bring a simple line drawing on 8½-by-11-inch paper, with design areas larger than a quarter-inch. Fabric scraps are optional. Tuition is $106.35, or $93 for members, plus a $25 materials fee payable to the instructor. Register through the center’s workshop calendar. aoyarts.org
Creative drawing experiments. Leigh Ferello leads Creative Release Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at AOY Art Center, 949 Mirror Lake Road, Yardley. The workshop is open to adults ages 18 and older, and no experience is required.
Participants try blind-contour drawing, drawing with both hands and making marks in response to music using pastels. The exercises provide several ways to experiment with drawing rather than concentrating on a single finished image. Tuition is $73, or $64 for members, plus a $10 materials fee. Register online. aoyarts.org
Pattern drawing across generations. Participants ages 10 and older can create art with structured shapes and repeating patterns at Zentangle with Mimi Saturday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. in the Community Room at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St.
The intergenerational workshop introduces a drawing method built from recurring patterns. Participants make a piece of art while practicing the technique. Consult the library’s event calendar for attendance information or call 609-924-9529. princetonlibrary.org
Slow-stitched textile vessels. Adults ages 18 and older can learn to make a textile vessel with Devon Chebra Sunday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at AOY Art Center, 949 Mirror Lake Road, Yardley. No experience is necessary.
The workshop uses slow stitching with upcycled silks and reclaimed textiles. Materials are provided; participants may bring fabric, buttons or trims with personal meaning to incorporate into their work. Tuition for the Dec. 13 session is $94, or $84 for members. Register through the workshop calendar, which also lists sessions Sunday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027. aoyarts.org
Japanese brush calligraphy. Leigh Ferello introduces Japanese brush calligraphy Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027, from 1 to 4 p.m. at AOY Art Center, 949 Mirror Lake Road, Yardley. The workshop is for adults ages 18 and older and includes practice with hiragana characters.
Bring a ream of computer paper and $10 for materials; a notebook is optional. Tuition is $127.20, or $113 for members. Register for the Jan. 5 session online. The workshop calendar also lists Tuesday, Jan. 26, and Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027, for readers who prefer a later date. aoyarts.org
Community Connections
Share a skill with teens. Princeton Learning Cooperative is recruiting volunteers to tutor teens individually, lead small classes or offer a one-time workshop. The usual commitment is about an hour a week. Remote teaching is possible for subjects that do not require hands-on work.
Current requests include Japanese, advanced German, calculus-based physics, geometry, algebra I and II, art and voice instruction. Contact Pan at pan@princetonlearningcooperative.org or 609-851-2522 to discuss a subject and schedule. The cooperative, an alternative to traditional school, is at 16 All Saints Road, Princeton. princetonlearningcooperative.org
Holiday gifts for local families. Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County has begun its holiday gift drive. Readers can donate through the agency’s website, contribute new, unwrapped toys or gift cards, or organize a collection at a business or community organization.
The agency especially requests gift cards for tweens and teens, with Target, Walmart and Barnes & Noble among its suggested retailers. To coordinate donations, call 732-777-1940 or email office@jfsmiddlesex.org. Offices are at 219C Blackhorse Lane, North Brunswick, and 1600 Perrineville Road, Suite 26, Monroe. Contact the agency to arrange a drop-off. jfsmiddlesex.org
Get involved with library friends. People interested in supporting Trenton Free Public Library can attend a Friends of the Library informational meeting Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Community Room A, 120 Academy St.
The meeting introduces the Friends, shares developments at the library and offers ways to become involved. It provides a first step for readers considering service connected to the library and its community. Contact 609-392-7188 or info@tfplibrary.org for information about attending and the group’s activities. tfplibrary.org
Connect with county services. Mercer County residents can meet representatives of the county Board of Social Services Monday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Representatives provide information about services and support available to county residents and families, and how to access them. No registration is required. The visit gives readers a local place to ask about connecting with the agency. Call the branch at 609-448-0957 for information about the visit. mcl.org
Youth & Family
Teen service and library input. Teens ages 13 to 17 can join Trenton Free Public Library’s Teen Advisory Group Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. in the YA Lounge, 120 Academy St. Participants can earn community service hours, assist librarians and create social media content.
The library also offers Community Service Saturday Nov. 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the YA Lounge. That session involves hands-on projects supporting local organizations and causes while earning volunteer hours. Contact 609-392-7188 or info@tfplibrary.org for participation details. tfplibrary.org
Explore an alternative to school. Teens and families can visit Princeton Learning Cooperative Thursday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. at 16 All Saints Road, Princeton. The open house introduces the cooperative’s full-time alternative to traditional school.
Visitors can see the space, meet staff and learn about self-directed learning, individual mentorship, classes, tutoring and trips. Register using the November open-house link on the cooperative’s announcement. Families unable to attend can arrange another visit by calling 609-851-2522 or emailing info@princetonlearningcooperative.org. princetonlearningcooperative.org
Sing, move and play. Children and families can sing, dance, move and play with Lolly Hopwood Friday, Nov. 6, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Visitor Center Auditorium at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, 1635 River Road, New Hope.
The free family program uses original songs and stories with opportunities for children to participate. Registration is strongly encouraged. Use the preserve’s online calendar and booking link to reserve a place, or call 215-862-2924 with questions. bhwp.org
Explore materials science. Families can explore and play with materials science Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. in the Community Room at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St.
World of Materials Science Day brings Princeton University researchers together with visitors of all ages for a family-oriented, multilingual program. The activities invite participants to investigate materials through exploration and play. Consult the library’s November calendar for attendance information, or call 609-924-9529. princetonlibrary.org
Dance together or join the band. Princeton Country Dancers offers an All-Ages Folk Dance Sunday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Road. No partner or experience is needed. Callers lead square dances, contras, play-party games and other traditional dances to live music.
Admission is $10 a person or $25 for families of three or more, with reduced prices of $5 to $10 a person or $15 to $25 a family for people with limited income. Musicians of all ages and abilities can join the Mixed Age Dance Band; rehearse at 2:15 p.m. and bring a music stand and printed music. Later dances are Sundays, Jan. 10 and Feb. 7, 2027. princetoncountrydancers.org
Cook a story-inspired dish. Children ages 6 to 12 can take part in Cooks & Books Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in the Children’s Room at Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
Sticky Fingers Cooking leads a session in which children prepare a dish inspired by stories found in the library and work together on the food. The program combines reading with hands-on cooking and teamwork. Contact the library at 609-392-7188 or info@tfplibrary.org for participation information. tfplibrary.org
Hands-on Hello Girls history. Families can practice operating a telephone switchboard and make cardstock service caps and armbands Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton. The event is free.
Activities explore the World War I service of Grace Banker and the women known as the Hello Girls. At 11:45 a.m., author Claudia Friddell and Banker’s granddaughter Carolyn Timbie read from Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call, written for ages 8 to 10, followed by a signing. Bring a copy or purchase one in the museum shop. nj.gov/state/museum
Learning & Lifestyle
Preparing for retirement. Individuals and couples ages 50 and older can attend Preparing for Retirement: Protecting What You’ve Built Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Deepak Khanna and Shalu Khanna of IronShield Financial lead the educational workshop. Topics include market volatility, taxes in retirement, Social Security, health and long-term care costs, income and longevity risk. Registration is required through the Mercer County Library System calendar. Call 609-448-0957 for assistance. mcl.org
Practice English conversation. Intermediate English speakers can practice conversation Mondays, Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Librarian Mary Astarita leads the sessions, intended for people who are comfortable speaking English in most situations and want more practice to build confidence. Participants converse in a casual group rather than beginning with introductory language lessons. Register through the Mercer County Library System calendar or call 609-448-0957. mcl.org
Make holiday cards and tags. Readers can learn to make holiday cards, gift bags and tags Mondays, Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Each weekly session explores a different approach to creating handmade holiday packaging and greetings. Register for the desired dates through the Mercer County Library System calendar. The sessions offer hands-on projects for readers preparing their own gifts and cards. Call 609-448-0957 for registration assistance. mcl.org
Make Indian condiments. Learn to prepare mint sauce, onion chutney and mango chutney Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Easy Cook: Indian Poppadom Dips is a hands-on program centered on three condiments to enjoy with poppadoms and naan. The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library sponsor the session. Registration is required through the Mercer County Library System calendar. Call the branch at 609-448-0957 for assistance registering. mcl.org
Build computer skills. Princeton Public Library offers three November technology classes at 65 Witherspoon St. Mastering Google Search meets Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m.; Adobe Photoshop Advanced meets Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m.; and Microsoft Excel for Beginners Part 1 meets Monday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m.
All three meet in the Technology Center and require registration. Choose the program that matches the skill and experience level you want to develop, and register separately through the library calendar. Call 609-924-9529 for assistance. princetonlibrary.org
Homework help in Trenton. Elementary and middle school students ages 6 to 12 can receive help with math, science or reading homework Thursdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room at Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
The November schedule lists the weekly tutoring program. Register for a session through bit.ly/tutortfpl; walk-ins are also welcome. The first Thursday in this coverage period is Nov. 5. Contact 609-392-7188 or info@tfplibrary.org for information about participating and holiday-week availability. tfplibrary.org
Support & Resources
Creative time for caregivers. Caregivers can take part in a meditative art workshop Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Caregiver coach Kat Verdi leads the program, which combines relaxation, meditation and creative activity. The workshop is designed specifically for caregivers and is sponsored by the Gardens at Monroe during National Family Caregivers Awareness Month. Registration is required through the Mercer County Library System calendar. Call 609-448-0957 for assistance. mcl.org
Spouse and partner peer support. Adults supporting a spouse or partner with a mental health condition can join NAMI New Jersey’s online Spouse/Partner Support Group Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.
Two trained facilitators lead the group using NAMI’s Family Support Group model. Participants must be at least 18, and attendance is limited to 15 people. Register by 11 a.m. on the meeting day to receive the Zoom link by noon. Contact programs@naminj.org for registration information. The group offers peer connection with others who share similar experiences. naminj.org
Support for families with hospital experience. NAMI New Jersey offers an online group Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. for family members whose loved one is or has been in a New Jersey state hospital.
The free, confidential family support group brings together people with shared experience of mental health challenges and state-hospital care. Register by 11 a.m. on the meeting day to receive a Zoom link by noon. Contact programs@naminj.org for the registration link or questions about participating. The session is an opportunity for families to share experiences and learn from peers. naminj.org
