Town Topics Newspaper, 'Tis the Season 2023.

Give the gift of HSP’s Virtual House Tour this holiday season.

Explore the stories, architecture, private art collections, landscapes and interior design of four spectacular Princton properties.

Streaming on-demand across your devices, at your own pace.

November 27-December 31, 2023

All access tickets $30

To purchase, visit www.princetonhistory.org

Starting November 27th, one home will be unlocked each week, with all four available the last week of December.

Proceeds support the programs and collections of the Historical Society of Princeton

7

947 Lawrenceville Road

3801 Lawrenceville Road

WESTMINSTER CHOIR COLLEGE OF RIDER UNIVERSITY PRESENTS

Featuring performances by Westminster Alumni Choir, Westminster Chapel Choir, Westminster Choir, Westminster Concert Bell Choir, Westminster Jubilee Singers and Westminster Symphonic Choir

DECEMBER 8 & 9 8 P.M.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Thursday, November 30

4-7 p.m.: Skating on the Square at Palmer Square’s eco-friendly, outdoor synthetic skating rink. Open public skate is every Thursday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. and every Saturday-Sunday from 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. through February 25. Tickets sold at the door only, no reservations. For more information, visit palmersquare.com.

Saturday, December 2

10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.: Holiday Lights Meander Days at the Fonthill Castle, 525 East Court Street, Doylestown, Pa. Offered on Saturdays and Sundays through December 31, these special days allow you to explore the 2023 holiday lights at your own pace. Tour guides are available along the route to answer questions. Time slots are every 10 minutes (each slot is 45 minutes long). For more information, visit mercermuseum.org/ holidays.

12-2 p.m.: Weekend strolling entertainment and Santa in Palmer Square, every Saturday and Sunday through December 24. For more information, visit palmersquare.com.

Tuesday, December 5

7-9 p.m.: Mercer Museum Holiday Open House, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa. Delight in the sounds, scents, and scenes of the holidays with local musical performances, kids’ crafts and activities, and a visit with Santa in the Log House. Free admission. For more information, visit mercermuseum.org.

Wednesday, December 6

6-7:30 p.m.: Art of Decking the Halls: Wreath Making with Moonshot Farm hosted by the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Rebecca Kutzer-Rice, owner of Moonshot Farm, a specialty cut flower farm in East Windsor, will guide as you create the perfect holiday wreath to help kick off the season. All wreathmaking materials are completely biodegradable. Tickets are $100, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

7:30 p.m.: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at McCarter Theatre. Adapted and directed by Lauren Keating, McCarter’s annual holiday tradition returns

with more magic, more music, and more merriment for all. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present, and future and enjoy this classic story as it comes to life around you. Various dates and times through December 24. For tickets and information, visit mccarter.org.

Thursday, December 7

5-7 p.m.: Fonthill Castle Guided Evening Tours, 525 East Court Street, Doylestown, Pa. Delight in the splendor of a guided historic evening tour at Fonthill Castle decked out for the holidays. Fonthill Castle was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer and an early example of reinforced concrete architecture. Discover Mercer’s renowned ceramic tiles during these 45-minute guided historic tours of the castle’s unique rooms and artifacts. Also on December 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28. Tour times begin at 5 p.m.; the last tour starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit mercermuseum.org/ holidays.

Saturday, December 9

10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Stony Brook Walking Tour by the Historical Society of Princeton. Before there was a “Princeton,” Quaker families established a community on the fertile ground along Stony Brook. This part lecture, part 2-mile hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Starts at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road. $10; tickets are required, no walkups allowed. For tickets and more information, visit princetonhistory.org.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Princeton Holiday Trolley Tour with Princeton Tour Company, sponsored by Palmer Square. Get into the holiday spirit and expand your knowledge of Princeton as you are chauffeured through the decked-out neighborhoods and beautifully festooned streets in a warm trolley as an expert guide regales you with fascinating tales. Customers can show their phone receipts and receive valuable specials from merchants on Palmer Square. The one-hour tours depart from 29 Hulfish Street. Also on December 10. Reservations are required at princetontourcompany.com.

4 p.m.: “Joyful Reflections” by Voices Chorale, featuring the rarely performed Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns and spirited arrangements of holiday classics including “Joy to the World,” “There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth,” “Wassail,” and Hanukkah favorites. At Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. Purchase online until 12 p.m. on concert day and receive a $5 per ticket discount. After that time, tickets will be available at the door. Visit voiceschoralenj.org. 4 p.m.: Princeton Youth Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Princeton High School Performing Arts Center,16 Walnut Lane. Also on December 10 at 12 and 4 p.m.

Sunday, December 10

1 p.m.: Relaxed performance of A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre. For more information, visit mccarter.org/access.

Tuesday, December 12

4-5 p.m.: Annual Menorah Lighting in Palmer Square, hosted by Palmer Square and The Jewish Center Princeton. Everyone is invited to this ceremonial festivity with great music and fun. At the Nassau Inn Patio, 10 Palmer Square. For more information, visit palmersquare.com/events.

Wednesday, December 13

6-7:30 p.m.: Holiday Paper Quilling Workshop at Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. Inspired by the beautiful paper decorations adorning Morven’s Festival of Trees, join teaching artist and founder of Hummingbird Arts April Zay as she leads the class in creating unique festive designs and holiday cards. Tickets are $20 general admission; $10 for Morven members. Register at morven.org.

Thursday, December 14

7:30 p.m.: Reduced Shakespeare Company Presents The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) at McCarter Theatre. A send-up of your average holiday production, The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) welcomes its audience to the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s NonDenominational Church of Acceptance (where all faiths are welcome because they’ll believe anything). The only problem? None of the acts scheduled to perform have arrived, so three members attempt to perform the entire show themselves in a raucous display of

physical comedy and absurdist humor. Irreverent yet heartwarming, the show does feature comic depictions of violence, mild innuendo, bawdy language, and the occasional rude word, and therefore is not recommended for children under 12. For tickets, visit mccarter.org.

Saturday, December 16

1 p.m.: American Sign Language Accessibility performance of A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre. To select the best seats for ASL access, contact Patron Services at (609) 258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. For more information, visit mccarter.org.

Sunday, December 17

1 p.m.: Audio Described and Open Caption Accessibility performance of A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre. To select the best seats for Open Caption access, contact Patron Services at (609) 2582787, Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. For more information, visit mccarter.org.

3-5 p.m.: Opening reception for the Annual Member Show at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. The Taplin Gallery will be filled with artwork produced by more than 100 artists, including drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and more. Free. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

4 p.m.: “A Feast of Carols” by Princeton Pro Musica. Featuring Rutter’s Gloria, Finzi’s In Terra Pax, and festive carols for organ, brass, percussion, and choir, this concert will wrap you in the warmth and joy of the holiday season. At the Princeton University Chapel. For tickets, visit princetonpromusica.org.

7 p.m.: Choir! Choir! Choir! presents “Un-Silent Night”: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along! at McCarter. The show transforms traditional caroling into a rousing holiday sing-along experience. For tickets and information, visit mccarter.org.

Wednesday, December 27

4-7 p.m.: Kwanzaa: Celebration at the Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa. Join The PairUP Society and the Mercer Museum for a special interactive celebration of Kwanzaa with music, vendors, kids activities, and programming. Free admission. For more information, visit mercermuseum.org.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT: SUPPORT THE PRINCETON COMMUNITY

A few ways to lend a helping hand this holiday season…

Community Options, Inc.

16 Farber Road, Princeton (609) 951-9900; comop.org

Community Options’ mission is to develop housing and employment supports for persons with disabilities. You can donate, volunteer, or participate in a fundraising event such as Cupid’s Chase and the Phil Lian and Joan Mueller Million Dollar Golf Classic. The donation link can be found on our website. By making a gift, you are promoting inclusion and independence for people with disabilities.

Vaseful Flowers & Gifts

305 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (844) 516-4141; vasefulprinceton.com

A Community Options Enterprise, Vaseful is a unique floral business which provides employment for people with disabilities in an integrated setting. We are committed to Community Option’s mission and to serving our customers with the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by our 24-hour guarantee. Shop with us today and support people with disabilities.

EASEL Animal Rescue League

4 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing (609) 883-0540; easelnj.org

EASEL Animal Rescue League operates a shelter in Ewing and manages a foster network of over 150+ cats and dogs. We facilitate adoptions and participate in a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for cats, as well as offer low-cost community veterinary services.

EASEL Animal Rescue League is a 501(c)3 nonprofit animal welfare organization with the mission of reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats killed in Mercer County through collaborative coalitions and community alliances. Our vision is a community where the human-animal bond is strong and an environment of respect for living creatures guarantees animals a healthy indoor home or safe habitat.

How can you help? Adopt; volunteer/foster; donate (your tax-deductible donation will help fund our programs and emergency medical care); attend a fundraising event — we always have fun events in the works, from handbag bingo to restaurant fundraisers. Invite friends and family to eat, drink, be merry, and support a wonderful cause. You can

also become a fan – like EASEL Animal Rescue League on Facebook. Share our Instagram and Twitter posts with your friends. Shop Amazon Smiles — when you shop at smile. amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to us! With corporate matching, you can double the value of your donation when you get your company to match. Most large corporations have matching gift programs.

You can also ask your company to donate directly to EASEL.

Priority wish list items: Friskies or Fancy Feast canned cat food (chicken pate); Purina Indoor Complete dry cat food; Alpo canned dog food (beef); Purina One Complete Puppy Chow; dog and cat pill pockets; gift cards to pet stores; durable dog toys; 6’ dog leashes; cat toys; large litterbox scoops; Feliway calming spray and diffusers; Adaptil calming spray and diffusers; Kitten Formula KMR; Miracle Nipples for kittens; Purina Kitten Chow; Friskies or Fancy Feast canned kitten food; chicken or turkey baby food; pet microwavable heating disc; bleach; paper towels; Swiffer Dry pads; Swiffer Wet Jet pads and solution; paper plates; and plastic or metal spoons, forks, and knives.

Maple Shade ReStore

Habitat for Humanity ReStores of South Central New Jersey

Hamilton ReStore

2465 South Broad Street

Independence Plaza, Hamilton

530 Route 38 East, Maple Shade

Egg Harbor Township ReStore

6925 Tilton Road, Egg Harbor Township (856) 439-6717; habitatscnj.org

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are furniture and home improvement stores that accept small and large donations of new furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials, and more. ReStores are open to the public and sell these items at a fraction of the lowest sales prices found in retail. Proceeds from the sales of these items help Habitat's work in your community and around the world.

Our gift to you: Bring in this ad for 20 percent off your purchase (not to be combined with over sales). Get another 5 percent discount if you like our Facebook page at facebook. com/habitatscnj. Thank you for supporting our mission!

Nonprofit Spotlight is kindly sponsored by:

Housing Initiatives of Princeton

33 Mercer Street, Princeton (609) 921-2328; housinginitiativesofprinceton.org

Our mission is to assist local individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity build toward a sustainable future via stable housing, better employment, and a network of support services. We envision a welcoming and inclusive Princeton community where all people can afford to live and thrive with secure housing, employment, and education.

Housing Initiatives of Princeton Charitable Trust (HIP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001. We began as a collaboration among Princeton churches and synagogues. We are now a community-based transitional housing organization whose members are concerned about homelessness and the unmet need for affordable and lowincome housing in Princeton.

town that examines every action through the lens of sustainability ensuring a healthy environment, a strong economy, and the well-being of all community members now and in the future. Our mission is to inspire our community to develop and implement solutions that positively impact our environment.

Volunteer 0pportunities and fundraising info: Volunteer with us at our 2024 events including Earth Day Fest, eCommuter Fest, and Upcycling at SHREDfest; sign up for our volunteer list at sustainableprinceton.org/ volunteer; buy a ticket for an EcoExperience or donate at sustainableprinceton.org/donate.

WHAT SHE DOES

HIP helps low-income working families to stay and thrive in our community through generous support from businesses, individuals, partner congregations, agencies, and foundations.

We manage seven homes in the Princeton area and rent them at affordable rates to local families in need. Families facing homelessness are referred to HIP by social services agencies or they contact us during a general search of affordable housing options.

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry info@pmfp.org; pmfpantry.org

PMFP has been providing food and other support to underserved neighbors in Princeton since 2010. Currently, we assist 260-plus Princeton families (over 1,250 infants, school-aged children, their parents, and seniors), delivering fresh produce, fresh proteins, and other household staples right to their doorstep.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit, we’re volunteer-led. We rely on donations to continue our mission, and our volunteers are the engine behind our work! Please visit pmfpantry.org to donate or learn more about volunteering.

Wildlife Center Friends

P.O. Box 161, Titusville (609) 303-0552; wildlifecenterfriends.org

Our mission is to support efforts to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife and their habitats through collaborative partnerships and education.

10 Nassau St Princeton

Heidi A. Hartmann Sales Agent

And what Princeton clients are saying:

Wildlife Center Friends is a community: People who recognize that the abundant wildlife inhabiting Mercer County and our region is a treasure that makes this an extraordinary place to live, work, and call home. As more people choose this area as their home, however, our wild neighbors are harmed more often. Increases in traffic, residential, and commercial development, as well as a changing climate, all pose a constant threat. Native wildlife habitats continue to shrink and disappear. As a supportive partner to the Mercer County Wildlife Center, Wildlife Center Friends is working to correct this harmful dynamic. Wildlife Center Friends creates awareness through the support of educational programs, and our community helps provide the critical medical care and supplies needed to rehabilitate injured and displaced animals so they can be released back into the wild.

Wildly talented and very, very likeable

Sustainable Princeton

-Gina Lee -

One Monument Drive, Princeton (609) 454-4737; sustainableprinceton.org

Completely confident in her abilities

-Roxanne List-

We strive to lead community change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience to the impacts of the changing climate, and protect the local ecosystem. Our vision is for Princeton to be a model

Our wish list includes scrub brushes; wheelbarrows; postage stamps; white copy paper – 8.5x11; surge protector strips; Arm & Hammer laundry detergent (Free & Clear without perfumes or dyes); Dawn dishwashing liquid; bleach; food storage bags – gallon size; Kennel Kabs – medium size; paper towels; pet bowls; receiving blankets; tall kitchen trash bags – 13 gallon; large 33+ gallon trash bags; heating pads (no auto-shutoff); Canned Wellness Canine; Dry Wellness Feline; and Pedialyte –clear. An Amazon Wish List can be also found on our website.

A highly competent problem solver

-Lavinia Hall-

A true appetite for tough negotiations

-Rich Morelli-

An alert focus to detail

-Linda & Ken Kelly-

Total stand-out among realtors

-Taufi & Sean Ryder-

• Fresh cut Pennsylvania grown Fraser and Concolor firs — up to 11’

• Beautiful poinsettias in all sizes

• Daily fresh cut winter berry & American holly

• Ornaments, lights, & all the trimmings for your holiday needs

• Fresh cut Pennsylvania grown fraser and douglas fir - up to 12’

• Daily fresh cut winter berry

• All natural handmade wreaths filled with berries

• Beautiful poinsettias in all sizes

• Ornaments, lights, & all the trimmings for your holiday needs

609.924.6767

Mon-Sat 9am - 5:30pm Sunday 9am - 4pm

• Grave blankets made of all natural trimmings and berries

• Fresh cut Pennsylvania grown Fraser and Concolor firs - up to 11’

Route 27, Princeton 2 miles north of Kingston

• Daily fresh cut winter berry & American holly

• All natural handmade wreaths filled with berries

Landscape Design & Installation

• Beautiful poinsettias in all sizes

609.924.6767

609.924.6767

Mon-Sat 9am - 5:30pm

Sunday 9am - 4pm

Mon-Sat 9am - 5:30pm Sunday 9am - 4pm Route 27, Princeton 2

Landscape Design & Installation

Landscape Design & Installation

WHAT SHE DOES

10

Heidi A. Hartmann Sales Agent

And what Princeton clients are saying:

Wildly talented and very, very likeable

-Gina Lee -

Completely confident in her abilities

-Roxanne List-

A highly competent problem solver

-Lavinia Hall-

A true appetite for tough negotiations

-Rich Morelli-

An alert focus to detail

-Linda & Ken Kelly-

Total stand-out among realtors

-Taufi & Sean Ryder-

Kelsey Christmas Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Parfumerie

Parfumerie

Nov. 24-Dec. 3

11

11

te Christmas Movie Sing-Along Dec. 16

The Nutcracker

Nov. 24-Dec. 3

A Very Kelsey Christmas Dec. 9

The Nutcracker

‘T was The Night Before Chris

Dec. 15-17

Dec. 15-17

White Christmas Movie Sing-Along Dec. 16

‘T was The Night Before Christmas...

A Very Kelsey Christmas Dec. 9

A Very Kelsey Christmas Dec. 9

White Christmas Movie Sing-Along Dec. 16

Dec. 8-11

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas...

Dec. 8-11

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas... Dec. 8-11

The Nutcracker

White Christmas Movie Sing-Along Dec. 16

The Nutcracker Dec. 15-17

Dec. 15-17

Dec. 8-11

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Dec. 15-17

Dec. 15-17

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas... Dec. 8-11

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas... Dec. 8-11

The Nutcracker Dec. 15-17

The Nutcracker e

Silverman Gallery

Today's finest artists working in the New Hope Tradition:

JOSEPH BARRETT

JENNIFER HANSEN ROLLI

GLENN HARRINGTON

DESMOND McRORY

JONATHAN MANDELL

ANITA SHRAGER

JEAN CHILDS BUZGO

JIM RODGERS

DAVID STIER

EVAN HARRINGTON

TRISHA VERGIS

RHONDA GARLAND

IN BUCKINGHAM GREEN - five miles south of New Hope 4920 York Rd., Rt. 202 • Holicong, PA 18928 silvermangallerybuckscountypa.com

THE SQUARE IS YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR MAKING HOLIDAY MEMORIES, AND PICKING OUT ONE-OF-A KIND GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH | 4 PM

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 18TH, 2023 - FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024

EVERY THURSDAY & FRIDAY | 4PM - 7PM

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 12PM - 3PM & 4PM - 7PM

NOVEMBER 16TH, 2023 - DECEMBER 18TH, 2024

EVERY