MercerMe

Community Journalism "J Lab" Certificate Program
2025-09-04 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Mercer County Community College
The “J Lab” at MCCC is a continuing education program for residents in the Mercer County, NJ area to learn basic skills of journalism so they can tell the stories of their communities that may otherwise be overlooked. The 8-evening program starts on Thurs. Sept. 4. It is led by a journalism professor and includes guest presentations from writers and editors from several community publications and national media outlets.
Session topics include: interviewing strategies, photography tips and tricks, fact-checking, determining newsworthiness, handling ethical questions of community reporting, following basic journalistic writing practices, and more!
Students in the program receive regular feedback and support on their course project from the professor and teaching assistant. To qualify for the certificate, students must maintain a reporter’s notebook, attend class consistently, contribute to discussions, and complete one or more publishable quality articles. J Lab articles are published on The College VOICE website and can be used as part of a portfolio for those seeking further publication opportunities.

Greenscaping – Easy Ways to a Greener, Healthier Yard
2025-09-04 19:00
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, 7pm, join the Pennington Environmental Commission for a virtual Community Conversations: Greenscaping – Easy Ways to a Greener, Healthier Yard.
Curious about turning part of your lawn into a meadow or pollinator garden? Want to learn which native plants thrive in Pennington and Hopewell Valley (while standing up to deer)? The Pennington Environmental Commission’s second Community Conversations event will take place on September 4 at 7 pm. This will be a virtual event, where practical, beautiful ways to “greenscape” your home will be explored.
The speakers, Mike Van Clef (FOHVOS Stewardship Director) and Samantha Bean (nature writer and native plant advocate), will share the why and the how of greenscaping – and there will be time for questions and comments.
Zoom details will be posted on the Borough website’s Meeting Calendar. The Pennington Environmental Commission hopes you’ll join and share your ideas!

Pennington Summer Concert
2025-09-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Howe Commons, 65 S Main St, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Join your friends and neighbors at Howe Commons in the heart of downtown Pennington Borough on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 6pm to 9pm for fantastic tunes. Event hosted by Pennington Borough Parks and Recreation.

Lawrence Hopewell Trail Full Moon Bike Ride and Walk
2025-09-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Mercer Meadows Rosedale Lake, Federal City Road, Pennington, NJ, 08534
Now in its 10th year, the Full Moon Bike Ride is a once-a-year opportunity to ride through the park under the light of the moon. Along the way, enjoy music, lighting and festivities that make for a special evening with friends and family.
And new this year, enjoy the Full Moon Walk, a slower paced journey under the moon.

A Night for Gaza
2025-09-07 19:00 | Hopewell Fare, 65 East Broad Street, Hopewell, New Jersey, 08525
Sunday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. | Hopewell Fare, Hopewell Borough
Enjoy an evening of live music and art in support of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). The event features performances by local musician David Butler & Friends and acclaimed artist Carsie Blanton. An art auction will include work from 25+ artists, including Zaria Forman and Kira Dominguez Hultgren. Food will be available for purchase, and the event is BYOB. All proceeds benefit PCRF.
Tickets are $25–$100 (pay what you can). To purchase, visit Instagram ticket link, make your donation, and comment on the pinned post (or message “@a_night_for_gaza”). No Instagram? Email ANightforGaza@gmail.com.
Tickets are limited.

Clear the Clutter
2025-09-09 11:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
A challenge for many homeowners is going through their “stuff” at home, deciding what to do with everything, and finding the motivation to get through this dreaded process. Join Olga St. Pierre to talk about common clutter misconceptions, make an action plan to get and stay motivated, and even get the family and kids involved! Registration is requested.

Democracy on the Corner
2025-09-11 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-09-18 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-09-25 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-02 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.

Voices Chorale is Auditioning!
2025-09-15 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 15, 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! We’d love to have you join us!

Food Truck Festival
2025-09-17 11:00 - 19:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
NEW! Food Truck Festival at Woolsey Park on Saturday, September 27 from 11am to 7pm. Join your friends and neighbors for a day of fun at this new event! This Food Truck FEASTival will keep you entertained and busy with a large variety of activities, entertainment, and of course, food! Live bands will be performing throughout the event. A beer garden will be available for those of age, and children’s activities will fill the park. There will be many food trucks available, so there is sure to be something for everyone’s palate. This event is in partnership with Municipal Event Services. Rain date will be September 28. Don’t miss this new family-friendly event!

The History of Public Education in Lawrence Township
2025-09-17 19:00
What Did We Learn and When Did We Learn It?:
The History of Public Education in Lawrence Township
Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 pm

Two hundred years ago the world of Lawrence Township school children was nothing like it is today. But many of the education questions their parents faced sound familiar: where should schooling happen, who should be educated, and who should pay for it? Learn how different generations of Lawrence citizens answered these questions and how our public schools coped with rapid suburbanization and a changing society.
Plus, you’ll take a visual tour of all of the schools, past and present. Presented by Dennis Waters, former Lawrence Township historian and current member of the Mercer County Library Commission. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

The Ebony Hillbillies - Princeton Folk Music Society Concert
2025-09-19 20:00 - 22:00 | Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents The Ebony Hillbillies. Sometimes called one of “the last African-American String Band in America,” The Ebony Hillbillies are known for their mix of pop, country, bluegrass, folk and jazz. Classically trained violinist and vocalist Henrique Prince and banjo, mountain dulcimer, guitar and vocal ace Norris Washington Bennett, along with other musicians on vocals, bass and percussion, are on a mission to preserve and spread the joy of string band music.
Tickets online or at the door (if not sold-out): $40 ($35 members, $10 students). Tickets and livestream Access: www.princetonfolk.org. Doors open at 7:30PM. Ample free parking.

NJTL of Trenton 50th Anniversary Gala
2025-09-21 12:00 - 17:00 | 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
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.

St. Matthew’s Church Fall Rummage Sale
2025-09-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-27 13:00 - 20:00
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
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
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
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
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.
