HAPPY VALLEY
A decade of dedication
HVRSD’s Quinn retires as director of facilities
BY LISA WOLFF
After a decade of dedicated service, Tom Quinn, director of facilities for the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, retired on Dec 1.
Quinn, who joined the district in August 2015, leaves behind a record of strong leadership, foresight, and commitment to improving both the efficiency and environment of Hopewell Valley’s schools.
Throughout his tenure, Quinn was known for his tireless work ethic. He approached every challenge with a practical and forward-thinking mindset that balanced fiscal responsibility with a genuine care for students and staff. He often said he felt a fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers and took that stewardship seriously, believing it was his duty to “take care of stuff and maintain it.”
Known for his collaborative spirit and his willingness to support new ideas, Tom always tried to say “yes” to any reasonable request that could
See QUINN, Page 12
Root and branch
Some Christmas tree traditions enjoy a Mercer County origin story
BY BILL SANSERVINO
cer County has bragging rights when it comes to this tradition.
how far would you go if they were sick?
For New Jersey’s many tree farms, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas bring the crowds they work toward all year — people who come not just to buy a tree, but to take part in something that feels like the official start of the season.
The first commercial Christmas tree farm in the United States took root in Hamilton Township, where William V. McGalliard began planting Norway spruces in 1901. Hoping to turn rocky farmland into profit, he instead helped spark a holiday custom that swept the nation.
Welcome to Capital Health.
He planted 25,000 spruce seedlings and 5,000 saplings from Charles Black of Hightstown. When the first trees matured around 1907, McGalliard sold them for $1 each, long before choosing a tree became the family-centered
What many don’t know is that Mer- See TREES, Page 8
SPORTS
Bulldogs’ cross country enjoys another fine season
BY RICH FISHER
The Hopewell Valley Central High cross country programs are so solid that it’s almost easy to take them for granted.
Even in a season that might not be considered up to par by Bulldogs standards, each team did some impressive things with young lineups.
The girls won the Colonial Valley Division meet and took third in the CVC meet. They were fourth in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III meet and advanced to the state meet, where they finished seventh after taking third and reaching the Meet of Champions as a wild card team last year (the top two finishers automatically qualify).
The girls had an individual MOC entry in junior Sydney Young, who finished third in CJ III and fourth in Group III to make the championship meet for the second straight year (the top 10 individuals in each group qualify for MOC).
Young finished 22nd at the Meet of Champions with a Holmdel Park PR of 18:55, which puts her third on the school record board.
“She ran really well at the Meet of Champs,” coach Karen Walker said.
The boys took second in the CVC Valley meet and fi fth in the CVC meet. They were third in CJ III for the third straight year and took sixth in states.
Aaron Oldfield’s squad also had an MOC qualifier as junior Finnegan Curley advanced as a wild card after finishing 11th in Group III. Curley ran
See XC, Page 14
When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we. With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment.
Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.
Ed and Anita Jackowski among the Christmas trees at Jack’s Nursery in Hopewell Township. (Staff photo by Bill Sanservino.)
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inBoX
Residents laud civic engagement levels in HoVal
Regardless of how you voted, we would like to thank all voters for participating in the 2025 Board of Education referendum. It is only through our active involvement in these types of community decisions that we can sustain an engaged and transparent school district.
We also wish to thank the Hopewell Valley Regional School District and the Board members for their responsiveness to our inquiries by providing information about what was included in the referendum and how taxpayers’ contributions will help keep our schools safe and warm.
We are grateful to the many members of the public who took the time to share their opinions in letters to the editor and on social media. By asking questions, challenging assumptions, and offering alternative views, our collective understanding of the referendum deepened. Our students should be proud of the thoughtful engagement shown by their parents and community members.
Finally, we urge the HVRSD to
continue providing updates on how taxpayer funds are spent in the coming years. We again recommend that the Board establish a Future Planning Committee—with energetic volunteers from all three municipalities and a mix of perspectives, including skeptical voices. Doing so will help ensure that the public remains informed about the district’s ongoing needs as it prepares for the next inevitable referendum.
John Hart and Vanessa Sandom
John Hart and Vanessa Sandom are both former Hopewell Township mayors.
We want to thank all the thoughtful Hopewell Borough residents who took the time to learn about and discuss the future of our municipal water system. Your participation — from attending the community meeting at the Calvary Baptist Church to sharing ideas for local management — showed how much our town values transparency and community-driven solutions.
Although the referendum to sell the system passed, we remain proud of the strong engagement that this process inspired.
Now that the sale is moving forward, all residents can look forward to the benefits promised — including the anticipated $1.1 million in annual surplus and about $1,445 in property tax reduction for the average home.
The Borough Council endorsed the sale on the promise of tax relief, and we trust they will deliver on that commitment.
Let’s continue to stay informed, engaged, and united as we shape Hopewell’s future together.
Hopewell Borough Public Water Alliance
The Hopewell Express accepts letters to the editor. Please send letters of 250 words or fewer to jemanski@communitynews.org on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.
We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hopewell Express is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.
EDITOR
Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rich Fisher, Bill Sanservino
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Lisa Wolff
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FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS
Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
DR. KRISTINA MCGUIRE, a licensed clinical psychologist from Capital Health Behavioral Health Specialists, will discuss strategies to cope with feelings of anger, grief, fear and helplessness related to the sociopolitical environment. Learn how to manage anxiety, set limits, and improve social connections. This discussion will focus on your mental health and not on specific political issues.
Healthy Eating
After
the Holidays
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Get back on track after the holidays with DR. KASHIF ANWAR and registered dietitian EMILY SANTORA from Capital Health Metabolic and Weight Loss Center. They’ll share tips for creating healthy eating habits that last, including mindfulness, exercise, and healthy nutrition.
RWJUH Hamilton December Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Dec. 2; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Presented by our oncology nurse navigator and certified oncology social worker at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.2836 to confirm attendance.
COLON HEALTH LECTURE AND TAKE HOME SCREENING KITS
Wednesday, Dec. 3; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Learn about colon health, ways to help mitigate your risk and receive a colon cancer screening test kit to take at home and mail back.
ANGELS AMONG US: GETTING CLEAR GUIDANCE
Wednesday, Dec. 3; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for a discussion about guardian angels and how we can connect with and receive guidance from them. Fee $15
THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES
Monday, Dec. 8; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join our monthly series to learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.
TALK SAVES LIVES: AN INTRODUCTION TO SUICIDE PREVENTION
Monday, Dec. 8; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This suicide prevention education program will review the latest data on suicide in the U.S., current research on factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts, prevention strategies, and ways to seek or offer support during times of crisis. Participants must be 18 years or older.
WII GAMES
Monday, Dec. 8, 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join RWJ Rehabilitation at RWJUH Hamilton, for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living.
LETTING GO OF CLUTTER
Tuesday, Dec. 9; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This support group explores how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood. A caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.
HOLIDAY CARD MAKING
Wednesday, Dec. 10; 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a sense of community as we make festive holiday cards. All materials will be provided
SACRED BREATHWORK
Wednesday, Dec. 10; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Sacred Breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Join us for this powerful
work. Please bring a yoga mat, low beach chair, blankets or anything else that will make you comfortable. Chairs will also be available. Fee $15
DON’T BET YOUR FUTURE
Thursday, Dec. 11; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Gambling is a widespread activity with complex societal impacts. While many view it as a harmless pastime, for some, the risks can lead to severe financial distress, mental health issues, and damaged relationships. Our presentation will explore the powerful social factors behind gambling, the dangers of addiction, and the importance of responsible play.
GLOBAL GROOVES: BOLLYWOOD BEATS
Saturday, Dec. 13; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Get ready to move and groove with the vibrant energy of Bollywood dance! Feel the beat, unleash your inner star, and experience the joy and energy of India’s most exciting dance style. No experience needed. Bring your enthusiasm and let the music move you!
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Dec. 16; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: THE HIDDEN CONNECTION BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND RESTFUL SLEEP
Tuesday, Dec. 16; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. If you or someone you love snores, wakes up exhausted, or struggles with
daytime sleepiness, you will not want to miss this talk. Join Sean Bradley, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and his team as they explain how the airway, jaw, and oral structures play a key role in sleep apnea, and how today’s oral sleep appliances can help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and feel more energized.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday, Dec. 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind.
TEEN AND CHILD SERIES: SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY
Wednesday, Dec. 17; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Technology is a big part of kids’ lives, and this workshop will give them tools to use it wisely. Students will learn how to protect their privacy, recognize unsafe or unkind online behavior, and understand the difference between positive and negative digital choices. The workshop will also encourage them to think before they click and to use social media in healthy, responsible ways.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Dec. 23; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Join the RWJ Rehab team, Ashley
Sarrol,Speech-Language Pathologist, & Allyson Panikowski-Berry, Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.
HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION
Monday, Dec. 29; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and preparation. Explore heart-healthy recipes.
CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK
JOURNALING
Tuesday, Dec. 30; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00pm
Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art. Grab some “junk” and get crafty while working on your mental health and wellness.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 16; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join us for this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques. Pose modifications will be offered so that you can confidently participate.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 16; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join us for a meditation class that will focus on reducing stress and achieving inner peace. Learn how easy it is to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 16; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who may not have moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury, or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch.
A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10, 17; 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Topics created for you by you. Every week is new and something different. Join us on all the dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New members are always welcome.
GENTLE JAZZ CLASS
Wednesday, Dec. 3 &17; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun gentle jazz class led by one of our Better Health Members, a former Dance Instructor, Norma Barber.
COOKIE DECORATING
Tuesday, Dec. 9; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join us as a local baker guides us through decorating her already baked from scratch cookies. All supplies included.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, Dec. 11; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs,
and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can also help reduce falls and back pain.
GAME TIME!
Friday, Dec. 12 & 19; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.
CREATE YOUR PERSONAL HOLIDAY WREATH
Monday, Dec. 15; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us as we spread winter joy through art and innovation. Create a beautiful holiday wreath to take home and enjoy. This fun and hands-on class will help you tap into your inner creativity as you spend time enjoying music, friends, and crafting. All supplies included.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Thursday, Dec. 18; 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Happy holidays! Whether you come alone to meet new people or to catch up with old friends, join our Better Health Program family for an enjoyable holiday party and to reflect on a year well spent. There will be delicious food, festive dancing, and a special singer. Looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!
WHAT WE KEEP
Friday, Dec. 19; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
What keepsakes have you held onto and why? What do they say about your story? What do they represent in your life? Now is the time to bring these cherished items out of the shadows and into the light. Join us as we guide you in reinventing your treasures, turning them into meaningful symbols of the present. Through reflection, storytelling, and creative exercises (art and writing), we’ll help you uncover the deep significance of what you’ve kept and show you how to integrate your memento in a way that inspires and transforms. Supplies included.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above.
Around Town
Valley voters approve $84M school bond referendum
Voters in the Hopewell Valley approved two bond referendum questions on the Nov. 4 ballot that would provide for $84.2M in renovations to facilities in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District.
According to unofficial vote results provided by Mercer County, Question 1 passed by a margin of 5,917 for and 4,145 against; and Question 2 by a margin of 5,410 for and 4,611 against.
Question 1 covers renovation or replacement projects throughout the district for things like roofs, doors, heating and air conditioning, rest rooms and a cafeteria. The bond would also cover modifications and renovations of driveways, parking lots, walkways and drainage systems in the district.
The costs of all projects covered by Question 1 total $58.4 million, not including a pledge of $19.9 million in state aid if the question passed.
Question 2 covers the addition of 8 to 10 classrooms at Bear Tavern Elementary School, six additional classrooms at Toll Gate Grammar School, and renovations to the nurse’s office at Toll Gate. Question 2 also covers the conversion of existing space at Toll Gate to a physical education office.
Costs for projects in Question 2 amount to $25.8 million, plus additional state aid of $338,321, according to the school district.
“Throughout the process of sharing referendum information, we had the opportunity to see just how much Hopewell Valley schools mean to this community. We are thrilled that we can now make much-needed improvements and expansions to uphold the quality and character of our district,” Rosetta Treece said in a statement sent to Community News. “We thank everyone who voted and can’t wait to get started on projects that will directly benefit students.”
The result is a start turnaround from a year ago, when a similar referendum failed to pass by a margin of 3,204 to 1,473, according to MercerMe. That referendum, which asked for $87.5 million, included costs for renovation of existing turf fields. Such renovations were not included in the 2025 referendum.
“We appreciate all the community members who took the time to learn about the referendum, ask questions, and vote,” said Anita Williams Galiano,
president of the HoVal Board of Education. “Through the strategy of a referendum, we will receive upfront funding to improve our schools and create the space we urgently need. More than $20 million in state aid will ease the impact of the project costs on local taxpayers, which is a win for our whole community.”
Hopewell Borough voters approve water system sale
Hopewell Borough voters approved the $6.4 million sale of the municipal water system to private utility New Jersey American Water in a Nov. 4 referendum vote.
Borough voters approved the measure by a margin of 612 to 433, according to an unofficial tally provided by Mercer County.
The vote was the culmination of a yearlong effort by Hopewell Borough to educate residents on the state of the water system and why the borough had concluded that the best decision it could make would be to sell the system to NJAW, which is part of American Water, a national water utility that serves customers in 14 states.
The sale includes physical assets including wells, wellhouses, water treatment equipment, water mains, fire hydrants, water meters, water storage tanks and the land thereon. The sale does not include the sewer system or the water itself.
NJAW in turn has said that it will spent at least $7 million over five years to rectify infrastructure issues in the water system, including lead service lines, contamination in multiple municipal wells, and installation of needed filtration systems to deal with contaminants known as PFAS and PFOS, which have been detected in borough water.
The borough has said that it would use the proceeds from the sale to pay down existing municipal debt. According to the borough, this would eliminate nearly a million dollars a year in municipal debtservice payments.
“I want to thank borough council, our town’s professionals and especially Council President (David) Mackie and Councilwoman (Sheri) Hook for the two years of work that went into studying, planning, See NEWS, Page 6
SAME PLAzA, NEW LOCATiON!
183 Scotch Road, Ewing NJ
OUR PRICES WENT DOWN!
We’re hoping that if we offer the best service and the best prices, you’ll visit us often!
Whether you walk-in, call, or book online, we encourage you to choose your favorite barber so you’re sure to leave Capital satisfied!
We offer discounts for seniors, first responders, military, and buzz-cuts along with regular specials.
Come See Us Walk-ins or Appointments Welcomed 9-6 weekdays and 9-4 Saturday Accepting cash, credit/debit cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay. For appointments, use QR code or call 609-403-6147 www.tbsbarbershops.com Our New Larger Location is a “MUST SEE” for clients new and old!
Calas floral QUARTER PAGE
continued from Page 5
and communicating with our community on the option our voters have now selected to provide water and affordable infrastructure improvements to the borough going forward,” Mayor Ryan Kennedy told Community News the day after the vote.
advocate for transparency and discourse and to stay involved as our elected officials have many important decisions in the months and years ahead.”
kelsey theater
QUARTER PAGE
“The level of engagement and consideration our community brought to this important issue, and the unprecedented voter turnout, make me proud of the work everyone has done — whether it was for or against the sale — and proud to be part of our borough. I look forward to working with our entire community as we determine our priorities and the opportunities that will come from retiring our municipal debt.”
The Hopewell Borough Public Water Alliance, a grassroots organization opposed to the water sale, had advocated for voters to reject the referendum. Via a website, savehopewellwater.com, the alliance argued that the borough had not done enough to explore alternatives to selling the system, and that the cost of losing control of the water system would be greater to residents in the long run than the proceeds from the sale.
J. David Waldman, an active member of the alliance, sent the following statement to Community News: “While we are disappointed that the voters have chosen to sell Hopewell Borough’s water system to NJAW, an irrevocable decision that will forever change our community, we are grateful and inspired by the civic engagement and thoughtful debate that the referendum process forced.
“We urge all who live, work, and own businesses in our borough to continue to
New Jersey American Water president Mark McDonough has told Community News that if the referendum should pass, it would take until at least the middle of 2026 for NJAW to complete the acquisition, with remediation and repairs not starting until after that.
“I want to thank the residents, Mayor Kennedy, Council President Mackie, Councilwoman Sheri Hook, the rest of the council members, and the many community leaders who supported this referendum, for entrusting us with the water system,” McDonough said in a statement shared after the vote’s passage. “We will be working with the borough to begin integration efforts and will be ready to get to work the day we transfer ownership. We look forward to fulfilling our promises and providing safe, affordable and reliable service to all of Hopewell Borough.”
Pennington church to host annual Christmas Bazaar Dec. 6
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pennington will open its doors for its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6, offering handmade gifts, holiday foods and family activities as part of a sixdecade community tradition.
Co-chairs Cindy Luciano and Amy Eckel said this year’s bazaar continues the long-standing focus on community connection, with proceeds supporting local food pantries, youth programs and international outreach.
NEWS
Tables at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church set up for a previous year’s annual Christmas Bazaar.
Hopewell Valley musician James Popik is set to perform his original Sourland Symphony live on Dec. 7 at the Hopewell Theater.
The bazaar traces its roots back 65 years. Archival church photos show volunteers preparing baked goods and decorations in the 1960s, and organizers say the event has continued to draw strong crowds even in challenging years.
Shoppers will find an array of baked goods, including cakes, pumpkin pies and gingerbread cookies, along with frozen soups and casseroles. A “Home Treasures” section will feature antiques, glassware and housewares, while the “Home for the Holidays” area will offer gently used Christmas décor such as ornaments, wreaths and lights.
Handmade crafts will include knitwear, jewelry, cards and painted wine glasses, with two vendors specializing in holiday ornaments. Youth-made items from Kairos Creates and pet gift baskets from the Pampered Pets table will also be available. Seeds to Sew, a nonprofit supporting women in Kenya, will sell handcrafted bags and accessories.
The Taste of Norway stand will offer heart-shaped waffles with lingonberry jam and Nordic-themed gifts. Children can shop on their own in the Secret Santa boutique, and Santa is scheduled to make appearances for photos and conversation.
The Creole Christmas Café will serve jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, gumbo and red beans and rice, with most lunch options priced around $10.
A raffle featuring two handmade quilts, assorted gift baskets and gift cards will be held, with tickets priced at $5 each or $20 for a bundle of five.
The event is set to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church’s Parish Hall at 300 S.
Main St., Pennington. Admission is free.
Street parking is available, and purchases can be made by cash, check or major credit card at a central checkout station.
More information is available at stmatthewspennington.org/christmas-bazaar or by calling 609-737-0985.
‘Sourland Symphony’ to have premiere at Hopewell Theatre
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is set to present the premiere of The Sourland Symphony, a new musical work by Hopewell Valley guitarist and composer James Popik, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at the Hopewell Theater.
The performance, scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 5 S. Greenwood Ave., will feature a nine-piece instrumental suite inspired by the beauty and mystery of the Sourland Mountains. The composition looks to blend elements of rock, jazz, classical and blues into what Popik describes as a “rich, acoustic soundscape.”
Popik and his ensemble will perform pieces evoking local landmarks, including “Woosamonsa Valley,” “Southside Spring,” “Roaring Rocks” and “Devils Half Acre Blues.”
“Popik has assembled an incredible cast of seasoned musicians to make this nine-song collection of instrumental offerings not only come to life, but … allows listeners to envision the very mountain(s) on which the music is based,” wrote Danny Coleman of New Jersey Stage Magazine.
Carol Lipson, executive director of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, said the project highlights the area’s creative spirit.
“We are fortunate to have so many gifted artists living in Hopewell Valley,” Lipson said. “To have a local composer debut a major original work rooted in our own landscape is truly something special.”
Popik, who has performed more than 3,000 shows across 250 venues from Maine to New Orleans, said the Sourlands have long been a source of inspiration.
“I’ve found enormous inspiration from the Sourlands, and I am extremely grateful to the Arts Council for this opportunity to share the music with you all,” he said.
A Grammy-featured artist recently signed to Wayfarer Records, Popik has performed alongside Los Lonely Boys, Dave Mason, the Marshall Tucker Band, Steve Forbert and Robert Hazard, and has even appeared at the White House.
Vinyl copies of The Sourland Symphony will be available for purchase at the event.
Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at hvartscouncil.org.
Saturday, December 13 • 11am – 2 pm
Featuring craft vendors, caroling, a
ADVENT CANTATA
Sunday, December 14 • 10 am
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
December
excursion we know today.
Born in 1857, McGalliard spent his life in White Horse, where he farmed, served on local boards, and built the town’s water works. His blend of entrepreneurship and public service helped transform his community, and his unlikely gamble on Christmas trees grew into a nationwide industry.
Though his farm is now the site of Kingston & Kemp Funeral Home, his legacy lives on in the thousands of tree farms across America.
That same spirit of tradition thrives today at Jack’s Nursery & Landscaping in Hopewell Township, where Edward “Jack” Jackowski and his wife, Anita, have spent nearly three decades tending evergreens and greeting generations of returning families.
Jackowski grows Black Hills spruce, Canaan fir, and Norway spruce — species that do well in the clay-rich soil on his Hopewell Township property.
“The Black Hills spruce look like they’d hurt, but they don’t,” he said while feeling the needles on one of the trees. “Regular spruce trees bite. They hurt you. But the Black Hills don’t.”
Jankowski said that while many families choose from Jack’s pre-cut selection, for parents with young children, he often
recommends exploring the fields.
“Kids remember running around out here,” he said. “Anybody can go to Home Depot and get a tree. But when kids come out here, they have a ball picking one. They’ll remember that.”
He stresses the importance of a fresh cut before the tree goes into its stand.
“We trim a quarter inch off the bottom,” he said. “If the sap hardens, the water can’t go up.”
Once home, he said customers should get the tree into water immediately.
“Warm water and sugar is the old trick, but we sell a product called ProLong. It keeps the sap from sealing over.”
Jack’s also sells a limited number of ball-and-burlap trees for replanting. Four- to five-foot sizes are the most manageable.
“I tell people to dig the hole before Christmas,” he said. “New Jersey weather is crazy. If the ground freezes, that thing’s not going in.”
Weather has shaped many memorable seasons on the farm. “I’ve sold trees in a T-shirt, and I’ve sold them in 35 degrees and raining,” he said. “We’re out there freezing and people still come.”
One year a sudden freeze encased every tree in ice. “We couldn’t even run ’em through the netting,” he said. “I finally told people, ‘There’s the trees —
20 bucks.’ It was that bad.”
But what keeps him going is the people. “I’ve watched kids grow up out here,” he said. “Some were babies the first time they came. Now they’re bringing their kids. It’s tradition.”
After decades working the fields, Jackowski has come to understand trees from the grower’s point of view — how they behave, how they surprise people, and how families connect with them.
But across New Jersey, other growers see the holiday tree tradition from a broader vantage point, and few know that landscape better than Allison Cole.
Allison Cole, who serves as the executive secretary of the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers’ Association, has seen just about every kind of tree — and every kind of customer — there is.
She said she could usually tell within a few minutes which families wanted a neat, symmetrical fir and which ones would proudly take home something a little wild-looking.
“You’ve got spruces and firs and pines, and they differ in their needles,” said Cole in a past interview with CommunityNews. org. “There are some exotic, off-the-wall varieties, too.”
Her years in the business have taught her that every tree has its own personality. A white pine, with its soft, graceful
needles, has a certain elegance — like a dancer twirling in slow motion. The sturdy Colorado blue spruce, meanwhile, has an icy beauty, its steel-blue hue glowing under white lights. But it’s not one to handle carelessly.
“You have to trim that one wearing gloves,” Cole said. “The needles are so sharp even the deer won’t nibble on it.”
Then there are the firs — Douglas, Concolor, and Fraser. Their full branches can hold heavy ornaments, their scent fills a room instantly, and, as Cole said, “they have good needle retention.”
Cole said she sometimes chose her own tree not for perfection but for personality.
“I’ve brought home the tree that was maybe bit by a tractor,” she said with a grin. “I can always make it beautiful.”
Still, practicality matters. “You’d be surprised how many people forget to measure their ceiling,” she said. “They find the perfect tree, bring it home, and then realize they don’t have room for the star or angel on top.”
Like any fashion, tree trends come and go. “Twenty-five years ago everyone wanted Scotch pine,” she said. “Now it’s all about the firs.”
Freshness remains central to her advice.
“It’s much better to go to a local tree
See TREES, Page 10
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farm and either cut it yourself or have it cut for you there,” she said. “That way you know it’s fresh.”
Once home, timing and care are crucial. “Get it into water as soon as possible,” she said. If it needs to sit outside before decorating, she said to keep it in a bucket of water in the garage or on the shaded side of the house.
“I usually give mine a gallon of clean water every day or every other day,” she said. “You just have to see what it needs.”
For some families, the love of Christmas trees goes beyond one holiday season. Many farms sell ball-and-burlap trees with roots still attached, ready to be replanted.
“People like to use them in their landscaping and say, ‘Oh, that was our Christmas tree from a few years ago,’” Cole said.
She said real trees remain the environmentally friendly choice. “You may have an artificial tree for 20 years, but when you throw it out, it sits in a landfill forever because you can’t recycle it,” she said.
In New Jersey, the business of Christmas trees is less about competition and more about community. “We’re all friends,” Cole said. “We help each other out.”
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She said the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers’ Association meets throughout the year to share advice, compare species performance, and trade stories from the field.
“It’s a group of people who love what they do,” she said. “We’re all in it for the same reason — because we love trees and we love the holidays.”
That sentiment extends to the public. Buying a tree locally supports small, family-owned farms and turns what could be a chore into a memorable outing.
“You’re not just buying a tree,” Cole said. “You’re making a tradition.”
The Association says it is committed to keeping that tradition alive for generations. Its members grow, prune, shape, and care for thousands of trees so that each December, families can walk through the fields in search of “the one.”
“People come back year after year,” Cole said. “We see their kids grow up. It’s like being part of their Christmas story.”
And that, in the end, is what keeps Cole and her fellow growers smiling even after long, cold December days in the fields.
“It’s worth it,” she said. “You’re part of something that brings people joy.”
For more information about Jack’s Nursery, go to jacksnurseryandlandscaping.com or call 609-737-0224. For more information, tips, and a list of farms near you, visit njchristmastrees.org.
Area Christmas tree farms
A & M Farm and Garden Center, 1203 US Highway 130, Robbinsville. Ffeatures fresh-cut Christmas trees, custom wreaths, holiday décor, grave blankets, and seasonal gifts for the home and garden. (609) 448-0663. aandmgardencenter. com/winter.
Barclay’s Tree Farm: 35 Orchardside Dr., Cranbury, offers choose-and-cut and a limited selection of pre-cut trees, plus fresh wreaths, stands and local honey.
Sourland Bread makes changes to distribution model
Sourland Bread, the cottage bakery founded by Mary Parr in 2013, has announced the closing of its dedicated bricks-andmortar location in Hopewell Fare as of Nov. 30. Interestingly, that does not mean that Sourland Bread will no longer be available at the Hopewell Borough market.
Parr announced in midNovember that Sourland Bread would be switching to a distribution model. Rather than selling her locally baked goods in her own store, she intends to supply them to local markets and cafés.
“Not to worry, you will still be able to buy our sourdough nearly everyday at the same Hopewell Fare location, as we will continue selling wholesale to Miguel,
the wonderful chef of Farmer’s Café,” Parr wrote in a message to customers Nov. 16. Farmers Café is located in Hopewell Fare. Other locations set to serve as Sourland Bread distribution hubs include Chickadee Creek Market in Pennington and Cherry Grove Farm. A complete list is online at sourlandbread. com.
A bread subscription service is also part of the new business model. Parr offers subscriptions for boule, gluten-free sourdough and pain de mie on the website as well.
Parr also announced that Sourdough 101 classes, already scheduled for December and January at Hopewell Fare, will go ahead as planned.
Parr
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enhance the student experience or strengthen district operations. His favorite part of the job was solving problems and finding new ways to make the buildings more efficient, a passion that defined his approach to facilities management.
projected to reduce gas consumption by up to 40 percent, while modernizing air-conditioning systems will improve reliability and ease of maintenance.
His leadership transformed the district’s facilities department into a strong, capable team that handled most maintenance and repairs internally. That shift reduced dependence on outside contractors and saved taxpayer dollars.
Former board of education member Adam Sawicki, who chaired the finance and facilities committee for years, noted Quinn’s steady guidance and clear communication. “Tom’s updates and presentations were instrumental in keeping the board well informed,” he said. “He focused on building the department’s internal capabilities and prioritized preventive maintenance and timely replacement of critical systems, which helped the district avoid major disruptions and unexpected expenses.”
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Under Quinn’s leadership, the district made significant strides in both air quality and energy efficiency. The 2017 facilities referendum included important HVAC upgrades. From adding air conditioning to older buildings that had never been cooled before, to improving ventilation and air quality throughout the district, that work proved invaluable when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
In conjunction with those projects, Quinn worked closely with my team at Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space to help install outdoor classrooms at every school. That collaboration stemmed from community efforts supported through corporate and nonprofit grants. The timing proved fortuitous: when Covid hit, those outdoor learning spaces, combined with improved indoor ventilation, allowed Hopewell Valley students to return to in-person learning earlier than many neighboring districts.
Being outdoors is proven to improve physical and mental health, and the district’s outdoor classrooms and native meadows have been recognized as best practices throughout the state.
Quinn spent years identifying aging infrastructure and developing solutions that would make the district’s operations more efficient and sustainable. The district’s most recent 2025 referendum includes projects that advance his legacy.
For example, replacing boilers based on early 20th-century technology with modern, high-efficiency models is
Last winter, the district conducted a comparative analysis. Quinn’s team installed a new boiler at Hopewell Elementary School while Toll Gate Grammar School continued operating its older steambased system. Despite the fact that Hopewell Elementary is 85,000 square feet and Toll Gate is 49,000 square feet, Hopewell Elementary used less natural gas.
“It’s difficult to compare energy use from one winter to another because weather patterns vary,” Quinn explained. “However, comparing buildings in the same season under similar conditions provides clear evidence of the new boilers’ performance gains. Under the latest referendum, we’ll update Toll Gate’s boiler as well.”
At Bear Tavern Elementary School, aging Panasonic HVAC units left 16 classrooms without functioning air conditioning after the manufacturer discontinued support. As part of the 2025 referendum, Quinn proposed a new system with individualized units for each classroom, ensuring that future maintenance issues would affect only a single room rather than multiple learning spaces. His practical, forwardlooking approach exemplifies the kind of problem-solving that defined his tenure.
A legacy of responsibility and care
Together, these efforts, from the 2017 and 2025 referendums to districtwide maintenance initiatives, reflect Quinn’s commitment to environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and student well-being. His work improved air quality, reduced energy costs, and created more resilient facilities that will serve the community for years to come.
Tom Quinn’s retirement marks the conclusion of a decade of steady, thoughtful leadership. His vision extended well beyond equipment and systems. It was about creating an environment where students could learn comfortably, teachers could focus on instruction, and the district may better steward taxpayer resources.
His legacy is visible in every classroom, every mechanical room, and every student’s experience of a better, healthier place to learn.
Quinn
Lisa Wolff is a Hopewell Express columnist.
a Holmdel PR of 18:55 to finish 41st in a field of 161 at the Meet of Champs.
“He went out a little slower and moved up nicely after the roller coasters (undulating hills),” Oldfield said. “His time was almost the same as states. Overall it is a great learning experience.”
Walker’s team had just one senior in the top seven runners and the boys will lose just two from their nucleus.
The girls graduated talented number one runner Claire Dumont last year but had the outstanding Young for the entire season after she only ran in state meets due to injury as a sophomore.
“We’ve been maintaining with her,” Walker said prior to the Meet of Champs. “She has a cross training day every week. She wasn’t running super-high mileage all season. She was consistent but we’re still trying to build on what she had last year, which wasn’t much due to her injury. I didn’t want to start pushing her training too fast. I want to make sure we’re still just building year to year.”
One thing is certain; Young is not afraid of hard work.
“She does all the things she needs to do, to do her best,” Walker said. “She’s a competitor. It still took her a little time. I had to remind myself she didn’t have a cross country season last year. The last
Hopewell Valley boys cross country team members Judd Horowitz, Ned Armour, Julian Hiraldo, Aidan Chow, Declan Curley, Finnegan Curley, Silas Allevik, CJ Victery and Eli Moyer. Missing from photo are Mason O’Connor and Pat Broker.
time she raced at some of these parks was her freshman year.
“She’s grown so much as a runner since then. Sometimes she has to make that realization that ‘Yeah, you are one of the top runners in the state, you belong here.’ And it was like ‘OK, yeah, I do,’ and she would go after it.
for what could be a strong 2026 campaign with so many returning.
“Elsie made so much progress in her training, how she’s racing, making sure she’s getting enough sleep and all those types of things,” Walker said. “She had a really great season and an awesome race at states (a Holmdel PR of 20:48).
“Sophia Pellegrino and Anna Wilson continue to move up and improve throughout the course of the season. Last year was Anna’s first cross country season. Lainie Smith is just super dependable. She’s always there in that number six spot.”
Then there was the newcomer, who showed promise.
“With Cecelia, at the end of the day, you’re a freshman, it’s your first states, this is a great experience, and anything you’re gonna do would be awesome,” the coach said. “It was fun for her to get that experience running states going into next year.”
“We tried out a lot of different race strategies this year, played around with what she was comfortable with, what she was uncomfortable with, seeing what worked. It was a really good season for her getting a lot of those opportunities she didn’t have last year.”
Oldfield’s team will also have the potential to do well next fall, led by Curley. The junior was fourth in the CVC meet, fifth in CJ III and 11th in the Group III state meet.
“He’s probably our most consistent runner,” the coach said. “He does those things that everybody wants your leaders to do. He’s a great all-around person, a great student-athlete. Kind of fits the typical mold of a good athlete. Checks all the little boxes and does everything right.”
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Rounding the top seven were senior Maddie LaChance, juniors Elsie Rey-deCastro, Sophia Pellegrino, Anna Wilson and Lainie Smith; and freshman Cecelia Carsky-Wilson. The first five were in the top 30 at sectionals, with Carsky-Wilson right behind at 35th.
“Last year we had a strong one-two with Claire and Sydney in the states and we were missing that number two spot this year,” Walker said. “I knew we’d have to make up for that by getting our pack running pretty much side by side in those later races.
“They did do a really good job of that. My numbers two-three-and-four were Sophia, Elise and Anna and they did a great job packing up and moving up throughout the season together. That really helped us out at our CVC meet and sectionals.
LaChance was a solid No. 5 runner and will be the only girl graduating from the top seven.
“Maddie missed some early season races due to SATs and illness, but she was back when we needed her in the later part of the season, scoring at CVCs and states,” Walker said. “She’s worked through some adversity this season so I’m really proud of how she’s persevered. Maddie is one of the toughest runners out there and plans to continue running at the college level so I’m really excited for her next chapter.”
LaChance leaves behind a solid junior class, which gained valuable experience
“You never know with that course; Holmdel is such a challenging course with the hills,” Oldfield said. “That being said we did expect him to get through to the Meet of Champs.”
His run at states was similar to his MOC race.
“It’s kind of like his MO,” Oldfield said. “He was a little conservative at the start with that opening hill right from the getgo. And then he constantly moves forward and puts himself in a good position. He’s worked extremely hard all summer, runs all three seasons with winter and spring track, and he put himself in that position.”
Curley’s accomplishment was even more impressive considering what he had to go through.
“He overcame a broken toe in the summer, which was a freak accident, nothing related to running,” Oldfield said. “He had to sit out a couple of weeks, that frustrated him. But he’s a kid that just does everything he’s supposed to do. He’s very focused.”
As for the team overall, the coach says it is in a third-place rut at sectionals, finishing third for the third straight year behind Colts Neck and West WindsorPlainsboro North. But the Bulldogs still got through, as they expected. They also
Hopewell Valley girls cross country team members Anna Wilson, Maddie LaChance, Sophia Pellegrino, Sydney Young, Cecelia Carsky-Wilson, Lainie Smith and Elsie Rey de Castro.
took fifth in the CVC meet.
“Like every team you’re gonna have nagging injuries, illnesses you have to overcome,” Oldfield said. “But I think with how it all ended up we were happy. Silas (Allevik), who only ran two races this year, should have been right around where Finnegan is (time-wise) if he was racing all year. He’s our number two guy. Our number three guy (Juan Hiraldo) is only a sophomore he did a nice job for us. We were happy.”
Curley, Allevik and Hiraldo finished 5-6-7 in the sectionals. There was a gap between the top three and the next finishers, as sophomore Patrick Broker and senior Mason O’Connor finished 28-29, followed by senior Colin Dickery and freshman Declan Curley.
In states, Curley’s 11th place made him the only Bulldog in the top 40.
“Allevik and Hiraldo got off to a slow start and got bottled up in the roller coasters a half mile into the race,” Oldfield said. “Once you’re bottled up there you have to let it run its course until the trail
opens up. That was a problem for us.”
And then there was the environment itself, which can be daunting to younger runners.
“After that it was guys learning how to race at that level with talented runners all around you,” the coach continued. “Allevik is a junior, Hiraldo and Broker are sophomores. O’Connor and Dickey are seniors and Declan Curley is a freshman.’
“Hiraldo couldn’t race last year at states, he had asthma. Broker is in his first year running cross country.”
With such a youthful lineup, the future is looking bright provided everyone keeps progressing.
“We’re gonna miss the two seniors,” Oldfield said. “Obviously they brought great leadership with the four years of experience that they both had. But we’re looking forward to next year if they do the right things and stay healthy.
“We’re excited to see where this can go. They’re all buying into it and we’re hoping to have even greater success next year.”
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MERCER COUNTY
MERCER COUNTY
OW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2026 PROGRAM BEGINS October 1, 2025
whAT ’s hAppening?
MERCER COUNTY LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2026 PROGRAM BEGINS
October
1, 2025
What’s Happening is a selection of events taking place this month in our area. For even more events, go online to our website, communitynews.org/events.
MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES
MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES
Lane, Lambertville.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season begins October 1, 2025 and will continue until June 30, 2026. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:
MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES
$4,167
$5,449
income limits are subject to change during the program year. Please call for incomes above 8 persons.
$6,732
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season began October 1, 2025 and will June 30, 2026. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance: apply?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season began October 1, 2025 and will continue until June 30, 2026. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance: How can I apply?
https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
1. Online - https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
640 S. Broad St, Trenton NJ, 08611. Appointments are not required at this time. email at: housing@mercercounty.org appointment with Mercer County LIHEAP by calling the appointment hotline at 609 -337-0933. call 609-989-6858 or email housing@mercercounty.org
2. In person at 640 S. Broad St, Trenton NJ, 08611. Appointments are not required at this time.
3. Contact us via email at: housing@mercercounty.org
Details below were believed to be accurate at time of publication. We always recommend that you confirm all necessary details when planning to attend an event.
On s TAGE TH is m O n TH
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theatre Center. Dec. 9 through Dec. 28. For showtimes and tickets visit mccarter.org. 91 University Place, Princeton.
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TCnJ Chamber music: strings, The College of New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. An evening of chamber music and solo performances. In the Music Building. Free. tcnj.edu. 2000 Pennington Rd, Trenton.
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Princeton University Concerts presents Peter sellars, director, Alexander Hall. 7:30 p.m. Mourning Through Music. music. princeton.edu. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.
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Legacy of Leadership Annual Awards dinner, TPC Jasna Polana. 5:30 p.m. Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 4519 Province Line Road, Princeton.
4. Schedule an appointment with Mercer County LIHEAP by calling the appointment hotline at 609 -337-0933. You may also call 609-989-6858 or email housing@mercercounty.org
*Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year. Please call for incomes above 8 persons.
How can I apply?
1. Online - https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website: https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-communitydevelopment-programs
Holiday brass, Trinity Church. 7 p.m. Carols and holiday favorites performed by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet. princetonsymphony.org. 33 Mercer Street, Princeton.
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Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website: https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-communitydevelopment-programs
Board of County Commissioners
Twas the night before Christmas, Kelsey Theatre. 10 a.m. Musical performance. Tickets $14-16. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Winter meteor shower Planetarium Talk, New Jersey State Museum. 4:15 p.m. Learn about the Geminid and Quadrantid meteor showers, including when, where and how to look for them. Reserve a seat at forms. office.com/g/znrJAjPZTF. 205 W State St, Trenton.
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mulled Wine Workshop, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 11 a.m. With Nikiforos. $38. Participants take home two jars of their own creation. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington.
Jingle All the Way 3K, Special Olympics NJ Sports Complex. 11:30 a.m. Participants receive T-shirt and medal. Rain or shine. jatw3k.org. 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrence.
Twas the night before Christmas, Kelsey Theatre. 1 p.m. Musical performance. Tickets $14-16. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.
James Popik Presents: The sourland symphony, Hopewell Theater. 2 p.m. James Popik’s ode to the Sourland Mountain presented live. 9 musicians including 2 guitars, violin, cello, bass, mandolin and percussion. 1st live performance. hvartscouncil.org. 5 S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell. sinfonia Winter Concert, Alexander Hall. 3 p.m. Led by conductor Ruth Ochs. music. princeton.edu. 68 Nassau St, Princeton. Festival of Trees Winter soirée, Morven Museum & Garden. 5 p.m. Get tickets at morven.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.
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Twas the night before Christmas, Kelsey Theatre. 10 a.m. Musical performance. Tickets $14-16. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.
2. In person at 640 S. Broad St, Trenton NJ, 08611. Appointments are not required at this time.
County Commissioners Edward Pattik Housing Director
Edward Pattik Housing Director
3. By email housing@mercercounty.org
Daniel Benson, County Executive
Daniel Benson, County Executive
4. Schedule an appointment with Mercer County LIHEAP by calling the appointment hotline at 609-337-0933. You may also call 609-989-6858 or email housing@mercercounty.org.
Twas the night before Christmas, Kelsey Theatre. 10 a.m. Musical performance. Tickets $14-16. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo, Pennington Public Library. Sessions at 4 and 5 p.m. Must register at wallabytales25.eventbrite. com. 30 N Main St, Pennington. dina Hall, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 5 p.m. Songwriter, singer, guitarist, percussionist, and recording artist. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington. mercer Friends & Family ice skating night, Ice Land Skating Center. 7 p.m. 6 Tennis Ct, Hamilton.
TCnJ Chamber music: Woodwinds, The College of New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. An evening of chamber music. In the Music Building. Free. tcnj.edu. 2000 Pennington Rd, Trenton.
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Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website: https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-communitydevelopment/housing-and-community-development-programs Board of County Commissioners Edward Pattik Housing Director
Christmas bazaar, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. 10 a.m. Holiday decorations, crafts, jewelry, quilt raffle, hostess gifts, baked goods and food. Luncheon available with a Creole flare. stmatthewspennington.com. 300 S. Main St, Pennington. Christmas on the Farm, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas crafts, live music, farm animal visits, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse before Santa arrives at 12:30. Jugtown Mountain String Band, warm drinks, homemade cookies, lunch and gift shop. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens
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december business before business Virtual speed networking, 8:30 a.m. Details at princetonmercerchamber.org.
Carols of many nations, The Seminary Chapel. Shows at 3:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Chapel choir celebrates the Christmas season. Sold out. 64 Mercer St, Princeton. Princeton University Concerts presents Théo Ould, Accordion, Alexander Hall. Shows at 6 and 9 p.m. French accordionist makes his Princeton University Concerts debut. Presented in collaboration with Princeton Sound Kitchen. music.princeton.edu. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.
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Women in business Alliance Holiday brunch, Cobblestone Creek Country Club. 10 a.m. Brunch. princetonmercerchamber.org. 2170 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. Trivia in the Winery, Terhune Orchards. 5 p.m. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton.
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See CALENDAR, Page 18
7:30 p.m. Carols, Christmas classics, Hanukkah music and more. Get tickets at psbrass.square.site or at the door. 95 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro.
An Evening of Readings & Carols, Princeton University Chapel. 8 p.m. Holiday concert featuring Westminster Choir College Chapel Choir, Symphonic Choir, Concert Bell Choir, Jubilee Singers and Westminster Choir. rider.edu. Chapel Drive, Princeton University.
michael Gabriele and spook Handy at Princeton Folk music society, Christ Congregation Church. 8 p.m. Double feature on folk music history, with an emphasis on New Jersey. princetonfolk.org. 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton.
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breakfast with santa presented by Trenton Assembly Rainbow Girls, Gothic-Mercer Lodge No. 270. 8 a.m. Bring a toy or monetary donation for Toys for Tots. Free crafts and visit with Santa. With the Elves of Trenton Assembly No. 9 Rainbow Girls. Register at forms.gle/LAS4JicmkWbzg8Tj8. 3682 Nottingham Way, Hamilton.
Ten Crucial days bus Tour, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With historical interpreters Roger Williams and Larry Kidder. Hear how the terrain, weaponry and weather influenced the ways the battles were fought and how the lives of the local people were disrupted by them. $155 per person includes bus fare, lunch and donations to historic sites. 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing.
Tim burton’s The nightmare before Christmas, Kelsey Theatre. Shows at 2 and 8 p.m. Includes interactive goody bag. TIckets at kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.
Princeton symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops, Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. Shows at 3 and 6 p.m. Vocalists John Brancy and Kara Dugan join the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and the Princeton High School Choir for festive melodies and glorious music. John Devlin conducts. Tickets at princetonsymphony.org. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.
Voices Chorale nJ: The Gift of being Together, Trinity Church. 4 p.m. Voices Chorale’s winter concert features traditional carols and the regional premiere of “A Garland for Christmas” by contemporary British composer John Whittaker. voiceschoralenj.org. 33 Mercer St, Princeton.
youth Orchestra of Central Jersey small Ensemble Concert, Community Middle School. 7 p.m. Ensemble concert featur-
ing woodwind, saxophone, percussion and brass choirs and ensembles. yocj.org. 95 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro.
An Evening of Readings & Carols, Princeton University Chapel. 8 p.m. Holiday concert featuring Westminster Choir College Chapel Choir, Symphonic Choir, Concert Bell Choir, Jubilee Singers and Westminster Choir. rider.edu. Chapel Dr, Princeton U. sU ndAy, dECE mb
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First Crossing Reenactment 2025, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 10 a.m. Watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to a speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats. A fundraising event. washingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing.
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december business After business, Stark and Stark. 5 p.m. Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce networking event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 100 American Metro Blvd, Hamilton.
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The nutcracker presented by The dance Connection, Kelsey Theatre. 10 a.m. Tickets at kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. new Jersey symphony: Handel’s messiah, Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. 7:30 p.m. njsymphony.org. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.
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The nutcracker presented by The dance Connection, Kelsey Theatre. 1 p.m. Tickets at kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.
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The nutcracker presented by The dance Connection, Kelsey Theatre. 1 p.m. Tickets at kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.
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73rd Annual Christmas day Crossing Reenactment, Washington Crossing Historic Park. Noon. Watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to a speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats. washington-
CLAssiFied
VACATION RENTAL
Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Dates are still available 1 br condo on beach. Call for details @ 609-577-8244.
HELP WANTED
Work From Home Quick Question...If you could earn an extra $5,000+ per month in as little as 60 days, would you want to know how? Listen to a 3-Minute Recorded Message. Call: (518) 841-1126, Then call Elaine at (640) 202-0791 for a Zoom invite. (Serious Inquiries Only!) Code:CP
FOR SALE
Carpentry Tools? Various carpentry tools for sale. Corded saws, sanders, routers, planers, misc hand tools. Lightly used/like new. Contact John Stanley @609-356-3533.
Antiques for Sale Antiques large and small. Jigsaw puzzles 500 pieces & 1000 pieces. Cash - 609-737-7156
SERVICES
F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.
Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.
LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.
Guitar, Ukulele and Drum lessons for all. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.
WANTED TO BUY
Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.
Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com
Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com
HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .
