MercerMe

NJTL of Trenton 50th Anniversary Gala
2025-09-21 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Mercer County Park Tennis Center and Mercer County Boathouse, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ, 08550, United States
NJTL of Trenton 50th Anniversary Gala Featuring Kim Clijsters
Sands Foundation and NJM Insurance Group to Be Honored
TRENTON, NJ – For Release: August 28, 2025 – Supporters, community leaders, and tennis enthusiasts will come together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton (NJTL of Trenton) at a dynamic gala event on Sunday,
September 21, 2025, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, NJ. Join us for an inspiring day of tennis, music, and recognition of those who have championed the organization’s mission over five decades. The festivities will begin at the Mercer County Indoor Tennis Center and conclude with a lakeside dinner and awards presentation at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake.
Event Highlights
Tennis Exhibition featuring Special Guest Kim Clijsters, former World No. 1 and NJTLT student-athletes and Gala sponsors. The on-court experience will be emceed by Bill Mountford, Director of Tennis at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, with coaching support from Dr. Dave Marshall, former coach of the Bryan Brothers and current head coach at Delaware State University.
Live Auction – including exclusive experiences and travel destinations
Honoree Presentation: The George H. & Estelle M. Sands Foundation and NJM Insurance Group
Buffet – Open Bar – DJ Music
Why This Gala Matters
Proceeds from this signature event directly benefit NJTL of Trenton programs that transform lives year-round:

Summer Camp & ACE (Academic Creative Engagement)
Ashe Elite Indoor Tennis Season
Minecraft Education Program (teacher training & student access)
Community Outreach Initiatives
Tennis Equipment, Educational Supplies & More

Honoree Spotlights
The George H. & Estelle M. Sands Foundation, a longtime NJTL of Trenton partner, has made an indelible mark on the organization’s ability to serve Trenton-area youth with excellence, equity, and opportunity. Their visionary philanthropy has helped sustain and expand critical academic and athletic programs. NJM Insurance Group, headquartered in West Trenton, exemplifies corporate citizenship through its consistent, generous support of youth development in the region. Their partnership with NJTL of Trenton has enhanced programming, provided essential resources, and deepened community impact.
About NJTL of Trenton
Founded in 1975, NJTL of Trenton is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to creating opportunities for success by combining tennis, education, and mentoring to support under-resourced youth. Each year, NJTL of Trenton serves annually over 1000 students in the greater Trenton area, helping them develop critical life skills, achieve academic goals, and build pathways to bright futures. Through dynamic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and families, NJTL of Trenton continues to be a national leader among NJTL chapters, empowering youth through programs that nurture the whole child—on and off the court.

Voices Chorale is Auditioning!
2025-09-22 19:15 - 19:45 | Music Together Worldwide, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Rd, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Calling all singers! Voices Chorale NJ is welcoming new members! Auditions are brief, stress-free, and open to all voice parts. They are available by appointment on September 22, and 29, before our Monday evening rehearsals. We rehearse on Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Music Together, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Road in Hopewell.
This December, we’ll celebrate the season with a holiday concert at Trinity Church in Princeton on Saturday, December 13 at 4 pm, featuring “A Garland for Christmas” by John Whittaker along with both beloved and new carols.
Visit VoicesChoraleNJ.org now to schedule your audition!

Breaking Barriers: Getting Started with Hispanic Genealogy
2025-09-24 19:00 | NJ
Many of us hesitate to begin our family trees because we’re unsure where to start. Questions naturally arise: Is it even possible to find information? Are resources available? If so, what are they—and will it cost me a lot? In this informative and culturally grounded session, we’ll address those doubts head-on and guide you through the process of uncovering your roots. This session on Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 pm is designed to empower individuals and families from Hispanic communities to begin their research journey with clarity, confidence, and connection. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Mercer County Wildlife Center Presentation: Whooo’s Awake While You’re Asleep?
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Have you ever wondered what happens outside your window while you’re asleep? Join a wildlife expert from the Mercer County Wildlife Center for an exciting and educational program about our nocturnal neighbors. We’ll explore the amazing world of animals that thrive in the dark, from hooting owls to intriguing opossums.
This program is packed with fascinating facts and special LIVE animal guests. You won’t want to miss it!
Recommended for ages 4+. Registration required.

Democracy on the Corner
2025-09-25 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-02 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-09 17:30 - 18:30 | Hopewell Borough Downtown, Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Join community members every Thursday at 5:30pm at the corner of Greenwood and Broad for a peaceful, visible demonstration of resistance. Participants bring signs and stand together in opposition to what they describe as illegal, unhealthy, and unconscionable actions by the current federal government. The weekly gathering offers comfort, connection, and solidarity among like-minded neighbors, and serves as a reminder to commuters that the community continues to stand up and speak out. The gathering typically lasts about an hour.

St. Matthew’s Church Fall Rummage Sale
2025-09-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-27 13:00 - 20:00 | NJ
St. Matthew’s Church, Pennington, is having a
Fall Rummage Sale!
Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27
Friday, Sept. 26: 1-8 p.m.
From 1-5 p.m: Items sold as priced
From 5-8 p.m.: $15 per bag
Saturday, Sept. 27: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
All items $10 per bag
The church is located at 300 South Main Street, Pennington.

Delaware River Festival
2025-09-27 10:00 - 16:00 | NJ
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and Wiggins Park in Camden
What: A free day of fun and discovery along the Delaware River.
The river is always the heart of the festival, and this year it will be livelier than ever with the Philadelphia Cup Regatta happening alongside the event for the first time. Sailboats racing along the water will bring extra excitement to the day.
If you’re eager to get on the water yourself, pedal boats will be available for a relaxing ride. Free RiverLink Ferry rides will carry visitors across the Delaware River, making it easy to experience both locations and everything in between. Prefer to stay on land? There’s no shortage of fun. Face painting, games, and crafts will be available throughout the day. Interactive environmental exhibits from local organizations will offer hands-on fun and education. A Bingo-style scavenger hunt will encourage attendees of all ages to explore and engage in the many offerings on both sides of the river, with the chance of winning a prize!
Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss the live bird show at Penn’s Landing or the chance to meet feathered friends up close during a special meet-and-greet at Wiggins Park. Art lovers can vote for their favorite piece in the 2025 Trash Free Waters Art Contest, highlighting creative visions for a cleaner, healthier Delaware River. Also, enjoy free admission to the Independence Seaport Museum building (please note that the Olympia and the Becuna, the museum’s two historic ships do still require the purchase of tickets to visit). Outside, step aboard the Gazela Primeiro, a turn-of-the-century Portuguese fishing ship, for deck tours and on-board programming.
With so much to do, don’t forget to stay hydrated! The Philadelphia Water Department Water Bar will be back with free, cold, refreshing tap water. Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle!
Don’t miss out on this incredible event that brings the community together to celebrate the beauty and vitality of the Delaware River. Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us for a day of joy, learning, and connection!
Due to ongoing construction on the Delaware Riverfront at Penn’s Landing, we recommend carpooling or using public transit. Limited paid parking is available along the Philly waterfront. Visitors can also park on the Camden side of the festival and take the RiverLink Ferry. For more information about traveling to the festival, visit delawareriverfest.org/getting-to-the-festival.
You can keep up to date on all the activities being planned through the festival’s official website, www.DelawareRiverFest.org, and on social media by following the handle @DelRivFest.

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Center for Aquatic Sciences, Philadelphia Water Department, and the Independence Seaport Museum have partnered to plan this magical day along the river. Additional thanks to New Jersey American Water and Camden County for their support.
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., received financial support from the EPA under an Assistance Agreement to support this work.
This project was financed in part by a Federal Coastal Zone Management Grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with funds provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Hopewell Tour des Arts
2025-09-27 11:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00 | Hopewell Boro Train Station, Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Hopewell Tour des Arts opens the doors of local artists’ studios and pop-up art spaces to the public. During this unique FREE event on Saturday 9/27 and Sunday 9/28 from 11am to 5pm, visitors can interact with the artists, watch them work, and purchase artwork in a variety of mediums. Based in the Hopewell Borough Train Station (2 Railroad Place, Hopewell NJ), the tour features a walkable map of locations where art enthusiasts can enjoy innovative works of art at their own pace. Hopewell Tour des Arts is brought to you by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. For more information, visit hvartscouncil.org.

MCLS Book Festival: Keynote Speaker Alicia Ostriker
2025-09-27 12:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
Saturday, September 27, 12:00 pm

Lawrence Headquarters Branch

2751 Brunswick Pike

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

609-883-8292

Join us for a rare opportunity to hear acclaimed poet and scholar Alicia Ostriker at the inaugural MCLS Book Festival. With 19 poetry collections to her name—including her latest, The Holy and Broken Bliss: Poems in Plague Time—Ostriker brings a voice both urgent and timeless. Twice nominated for the National Book Award and a former New York State Poet Laureate, she will read from her new work and sign books following the presentation. Don’t miss this profound literary moment with one of America’s most resonant poetic voices. Registration is requested.

Pennington Borough Council Meeting
2025-09-29 19:00, 2025-10-06 19:00 | NJ
Pennington Borough Council meetings are hosted by zoom on the first Monday and the last Monday of each month unless there is a holiday (ex: meeting on Tuesday September 2). For details please contact Pennington Borough.
See schedule here: https://www.penningtonboro.org/1211/Mayor-and-Council

Voices Chorale is Auditioning!
2025-09-29 19:15 - 19:45 | Music Together Worldwide, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Rd, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Calling all singers! Voices Chorale NJ is welcoming new members! Auditions are brief, stress-free, and open to all voice parts. They are available by appointment on September 29 before our Monday evening rehearsal. We rehearse on Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Music Together, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Road in Hopewell.
This December, we’ll celebrate the season with a holiday concert at Trinity Church in Princeton on Saturday, December 13 at 4 pm, featuring “A Garland for Christmas” by John Whittaker along with both beloved and new carols.
Visit VoicesChoraleNJ.org now to schedule your audition! We’d love to have you join us!

Manhattan’s Little Syria
2025-09-30 18:30 | NJ
Did you know that the first Arabic-speaking community in the United States was in New York City? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Until Linda Jacobs’ book, Strangers in the West, was published in 2012, the story of that community had been lost. Even the descendants of the people who lived there (among whom were Jacobs’ grandparents) didn’t know about it! Jacobs will talk about reconstructing the colony, name by name, its connection to the many smaller Syrian colonies in New Jersey, and her newest research on Tuesday, September 30, 6:30 pm. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Family Story Time
2025-10-01 10:30 - 11:00 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Join us in the children’s area for our family story time, where we enjoy stories, music and more!
No registration required. Please check our website for updates. Wednesdays at 10:30 am, except for the last week of each month.
Visit our page featuring a curated list of Virtual Story Times and Crafts
Pennington Public Library
30 N Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
609-737-0404

Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators
2025-10-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Online
Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.
The stories in Nuestra América cover each figure’s cultural background and childhood, and their accomplishments or contributions to American history. A glossary of terms and discussion question-filled reading guide, created by the National Museum of the American Latino, encourages further research and exploration. The museum has featured twenty-three of these stories in its exhibition ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States, the first exhibition to feature U.S. Latino history at the national level.
Featuring beautifully illustrated portraits by Gloria Félix, this is a book that children (and adults) will page through and learn from again and again. A must have for every school and home library to help students understand the American story!
Register today to learn more about the rich history of Nuestra América!
About the Presenters:

Adrián Aldaba, a Chicago native, is the national programs manager for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. In this capacity, he serves audiences of all ages by bringing the Latino Museum’s programs and content to communities where they live and thrive outside of the Washington, D.C. area. He does this through the museum’s national leadership, family, and public programs for adults and intergenerational audiences. He also supports national K-12 efforts facilitating teacher workshops connecting the museum’s literacy initiatives and resources to educators across the nation. Aldaba co-authored Strategies for Engaging and Representing Latinos in Museums, a free resource released by the American Alliance of Museums Latino Network. Aldaba joined the Smithsonian more than a decade ago after working as a research assistant for the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. He earned his A.B. cum laude in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard College.

Emily Key is the assistant director of Learning and Public Engagement at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino where she developed the museum’s learning continuum and education vision centered on creating opportunities for visitors to experience, learn, reflect, and transform by sparking curiosity and encouraging life-long learning. Key oversees national bilingual programming, community engagement, K-12 aligned educator resources, publications, and the Young Ambassadors Program, a nationally recognized youth leadership program. Key is also responsible for the creation of the General Motors Learning Lounge and its correlative educational programming for the museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery that opened in June 2022. Prior to the museum, she led education efforts for the Smithsonian Latino Center and worked in the education department of the National Air and Space Museum. Key holds a graduate certificate in arts and culture strategy from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from the George Washington University.

Wings Over Mercer
2025-10-04 06:00 - 18:00 | NJ
Wings Over Mercer is a brand-new, single-day birding competition celebrating fall migration in Mercer County. Teams will compete to identify as many bird species as possible within county lines during the event window. Whether you’re a student team, seasoned expert, or new to birding, there’s a place for you in this fun, friendly, and conservation-focused challenge.
This inaugural event not only brings attention to the incredible diversity of birds in Mercer County during fall migration — it also helps raise awareness for bird conservation and research through the Wild Bird Research Group.
Register here: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_4848f83f-de62-11ef-b6eb-0699c6635f0d&WidgetId=657408

Pennington Borough Democrats 3rd Annual Meet 'n Greet
2025-10-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Kunkel Park, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join the Pennington Democratic Committee for our 3rd Annual Meet ‘n Greet at Kunkel Park on Saturday, October 4th, 3-5pm. Meet our candidates for council, Kati Angarone and Amy Kassler-Taub, and other members of Council. County representatives will be present, too. Ask your questions, express your opinions on important Pennington issues, help get Mikie Sherrill elected Governor, and hang out with your community! It’s always a lot of fun. Light refreshments will be served, feel free to bring something to share if you like. Families are welcome.
Email PenningtonDemCommittee@gmail.com with questions and to RSVP.

Preschool Storytime
2025-10-06 10:15 - 10:45 | Hopewell Gazebo Park, Hopewell, S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ, 08525
Children’s Storytime will be held at the Hopewell Park Gazebo. The program includes several read-aloud stories. This program is intended for children ages 5 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the program. Please bring a blanket or a chair to sit on while you enjoy listening to some books. Registration is not required. For more information, please call the Hopewell Public Library at (609) 466-1625, email
hpl@redlibrary.org or visit https://www.redlibrary.org.

Introduction to Ceramics
2025-10-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Whether you’re a beginner or want to refine your skills, an experienced local artist, Sandy Bonasera, will help you create unique pieces in a friendly environment. Join us for a fun experience and to connect with your fellow art lovers. Sign up and discover the joy of working with clay. Materials will be provided by the Library and include clay, basic glazes, and firing.
Registration is full; sign up for wait list only

Queer Figures in New Jersey
2025-10-07 19:00 | NJ
Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 pm

October is LGBTQ+ History Month! Join us for a special program to discover queer figures in New Jersey history! Rutgers professor Kristyn Scorsone will focus on key, queer figures in New Jersey that might have been missed in other history lessons. They will highlight queer figures in New Jersey and explore their impact on NJ history. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Artists’ Choice Art Show
2025-10-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Thursday, October 9, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Join us for the opening of the Artists’ Choice Art Show. Tour the beautiful art painted by members of Artists’ Choice, a Hopewell Valley senior art group. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with artists, as well as community members. Refreshments are provided by Brandywine Living in Pennington. Paintings will remain in the library on exhibit for the month of October. Registration is not required.

Hopewell Branch

245 Pennington-Titusville Road

Pennington, NJ 08534

609-737-2610

Virtual Author Talk: Leigh Bardugo
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
October 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm via Zoom

10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy with Leigh Bardugo
#1 New York Times Bestselling and Award-Winning Author of Six of Crows and the Shadow and Bone Series

See More and Register on Zoom
Since being published in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm – and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave, and you don’t have to! Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself, celebrating the release of her Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition). In celebration of its decade-old status, the duology will be rereleased in special Dregs Edition paperback copies featuring beautiful new cover art by Harol Bustos, black stained edges, and updated maps.
About the Author: Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Familiar, Ninth House and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology—and much more. Her short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. She lives in Los Angeles and is an associate fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University.
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Sponsored by a generous donation from the Pennington First Aid Squad.
Pennington Public Library
30 N Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
609-737-0404

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve
2025-10-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
What’s the Carve All About? Think old-fashioned fall festival vibe – but with a twist! Hopewell Valley Arts Council commissions local artists to carve 150+ pound pumpkins into massive works of art. The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is four jam-packed days of:
– Mind blowing 150+ pound carved giant pumpkins
– Live music and fire pits with story tellers
– Face and mini-pumpkin painting, fun for the whole family
– Food trucks and new for 2025 – a BEER garden
10/9 Thurs 7pm-9pm
10/10 Fri 5pm-9pm
10/11 Sat 12pm-9pm
10/12 Sun 12pm-7pm
Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville NJ.
Tickets: $8 – $20 (Kids in strollers FREE)

Lunch & Learn: Nature Programs at Washington Crossing - 2025 & Beyond
2025-10-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Online
Join us on October 10th via Zoom as Joe Moore unveils the exciting vision for Washington Crossing State Park, NJ, outlining new programs and projects for the rest of this year and into 2026.
This year, immerse yourself in the natural world with outings focused on local ecology, the magnificent journey of migratory birds, the vital work of pollinators, the fantastic world of fungi, and the impressive spectacle of birds of prey!
Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll delve into the park’s rich history with special programming tied to Washington’s crossing of the Delaware.
Joe will also discuss how you can get involved through new volunteer opportunities, conservation management, and other impactful projects that will shape the park’s future.
About Our Presenter: Growing up in South Jersey near a steady stream, Naturalist Joe Moore developed a strong curiosity about the natural and cultural world. With a lifelong love for history and supportive parents, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Rowan University in 2014. A year later, Joe enrolled in American Public University’s Environmental Management program, completing his Master of Science degree in 2017. Blending his interests in history and nature, Joe went on to work at several non-profits focused on conservation and preserving coastal heritage along the Jersey Shore through eco-tourism. In the summer of 2025, he accepted the position of Naturalist at Washington Crossing State Park, where he plans to offer a wide range of outdoor programs and hikes while the Nature Center undergoes upgrades.
Registration is required.

American Repertory Ballet presents GISELLE
2025-10-10 19:00 - 2025-10-12 21:00 | New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
American Repertory Ballet’s 2025/26 season opens with the highly anticipated return of Ethan Stiefel and Johan Kobborg’s acclaimed adaptation of GISELLE. A haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, GISELLE tells the story of a young woman who dies of a broken heart—only to forgive her beloved from beyond the grave. Featuring emotionally powerful and technically stunning performances, this moving production had its world premiere at the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2012 and has since captivated audiences around the world, including its ARB Company Premiere at NBPAC in 2022. Step into the Halloween spirit with this hauntingly beautiful ballet!

Fairgrown Farm Fall Festival
2025-10-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Fairgrown Farm, 260 Wargo Rd, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Come celebrate fall on the farm! 🍂🎃
Join us on Saturday, October 11, for Fairgrown’s Fall Festival. We’ll have live music, food trucks, sweet surprises, and no shortage of fun!
Admission is free, so be sure to stop by.
Activities Include 🚜 Apple Cider Pressing Demos, Hayrides, Field Walk, Scarecrow Building, Pumpkin Painting, Touch-a-Tractor, & more!

Harvest Celebration
2025-10-11 12:00 - 17:00 | Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes, NJ, 08551, United States
Celebrate a successful grape harvest season with Unionville Vineyards from 12-5pm on Saturday, October 11th! Live music by Free Soil, the Antimo’s Italian Kitchen Food Truck, vineyard walks, and wine to toast to the end of our 2025 harvest season. Free to attend and all ages welcome!
