Book of the Month: Each Month’s Best Books, All in One Place

Treat your bookshelf and home library to a book subscription box from Book of the Month (www.bookofthemonth.com), the original book subscription service.

This convenient subscription is perfect for bibliophiles who would like to support the publishing industry and rely less on ordering from Amazon and other big-box retailers. The other great thing about Book of the Month (BOTM), is that it provides a curated list of wave-making titles in a variety of genres and sub-genres. From new fiction to thrillers, romance, “quick reads,” history, family sagas, mysteries, and more, readers are sure to find a monthly title that appeals to them and will be shipped in the form of a hardcover, directly to their front door. more

Artworks Trenton Appoints M’kina Tapscott as Executive Director

Artworks Trenton, a leading visual arts center in central New Jersey, has announced the appointment of M’kina Tapscott as executive director, beginning January 18. The selection of Tapscott followed an intensive search and selection process. Tapscott succeeds Lauren Otis, executive director since February 2016, who in 2021 announced his intention to step down. more

Princeton Health’s New Center for Thyroid and Parathyroid Care

An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, according to the American Thyroid Association, ranging from function issues such as underactive or overactive conditions to cancer. These conditions, once diagnosed, can usually be successfully treated with either monitoring; medication; or surgically, usually through a minimally invasive procedure that may or may not require an overnight stay. more

Russian Ballet Theatre Announces 2022 U.S. National Tour

The Russian Ballet Theatre will present their new production of Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton.

Expect all of the splendor of time-honored Russian traditions, costumes, and dance technique. There will also be elaborate hand-painted sets and added choreography to accent the unique production. more

Special PPL Event on the Anniversary of the Capitol Insurrection

Join Princeton Public Library (PPL) for a virtual Crowdcast event on Thursday, January 6 from 8 to 9 p.m. with writers Karen J. Greenberg and Julian E. Zelizer. On the anniversary of the Capitol insurrection, Greenberg and Zelizer will discuss the “subtle tools” that were forged under George W. Bush in the name of security and their impact on how the Trump administration was able to weaponize disinformation, xenophobia, and distrust of law. more

Fiesta del Dia de Los Reyes Magos: A Three Kings Day Flamenco Celebration

John Singer Sargent’s “Spanish Dancer”

Join the Arts Council of Princeton for a special dance performance in honor of Three Kings Day on Sunday, January 9 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Paul Robeson Center for the Arts at 102 Witherspoon Street.

Three Kings Day (or Fiesta del Dia de Los Reyes Magos) is celebrated throughout the world by several different cultures, marking the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas and commemorating the story of the three wise men who traveled from afar, bearing gifts for the infant baby Jesus.  more

Stuart School and NCGLS Host Women in Business for Virtual Alumnae Career Lunch

On the Monday before winter break, the National Center for Girls’ Leadership (NCGLS) at Stuart hosted a virtual Women in Leadership career lunch featuring four Stuart alums and a current parent with careers in business. Students cycled through Google Meet breakout rooms that were hosted by leadership endorsement candidates and guests shared their career journeys, lessons learned from mistakes, and reflections on their Stuart experience. Virtual panels like these have allowed Stuart Country Day to give current students access to more experts within the alumnae community who would not normally be able to attend in person.  more

Rubin Museum’s New AWAKEN Podcast with Laurie Anderson

The Rubin Museum in New York City presents AWAKEN, a podcast hosted by acclaimed musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson about the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” In 10 episodes, the audience is led into a “deep dive” through the personal stories of guests who share how they’ve experienced a shift in their awareness, and as a result, their perspectives on life. From deep introspection to curious, yet life-changing subtle inquiries, awakening can take on many forms, from the mundane to the sacred. more

Frank Sinatra Statue Unveiled in Hoboken on Singer’s 106th Birthday

Frank Sinatra circa 1955 at Capitol Studios

One of the most famous Hoboken natives, Frank Sinatra, received his own six-foot-tall bronze statue on December 12, on what would have been the singer’s 106th birthday. The legendary personality and entertainer is depicted in a three-piece suit leaning against a flickering lamp post with his hat tilted to one side. The confident and charismatic look was a trademark of Sinatra’s and the singer’s own daughter, Tina, stated that the statue is of a strong likeness to her father. The statue was designed by Carolyn D. Palmer. more

Bryant Park’s Festive Winter Village is Back for 2021

Image Source: bryantpark.org

The European inspired open-air market curated by Urbanspace in New York City’s Bryant Park hosts artisans from New York and around the world. Enjoy world class shopping, eats, and drinks as you stroll through the shops, which are housed in custom-designed kiosks. The Winter Village operates from now through January 2, 2022. Monday-Friday hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekend hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Face coverings are strongly encouraged for all Holiday Shops staff and visitors. It is estimated that over 170 holiday shops will participate in this year’s Winter Village. more

Beloved Toys “R” Us Opens Flagship Store at American Dream Mall

Image Source: www.americandream.com

American Dream Mall, an entertainment and retail complex in East Rutherford, will be the site of the new Toys “R” Us flagship store. The two-story complex will stretch across 20,000 square feet of retail space. It will also be located adjacent to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and DreamWorks Water Park inside of American Dream Mall. more

An Evening with Harry Connick Jr. at Count Basie

Don’t miss An Evening with Harry Connick Jr. on Friday, February 4 at 8 p.m. at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Ticket prices start at $50 per person and doors open at 7 p.m.

Connick’s career has exemplified excellence across theater, film, and music. A best-selling musician, singer, and composer, he is particularly known for his live performances, which exude energy and fun, an attribute of his native New Orleans roots. Connick has appeared on Broadway and in over 20 feature films. He began singing and playing piano at age 5 with his musician father. more

Start a New Year Tradition with the Arts Council of Princeton

The new year is coming, and with all the challenges that many of us have endured over the past couple of years, the Arts Council of Princeton has partnered with Miya Table & Home to create a community project that is a refresh, a restart, and a recommitment to our personal goals, hopes, and dreams. This special Daruma workshop will take place on Tuesday, December 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton, located at 102 Witherspoon Street. more

Center for Contemporary Art Offers Winter Courses for Children & Teens with ASD and Other Special Needs

The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster will be offering two winter art courses for children and teens with ASD and other special needs. Both classes will be taught in person. 

The art course for children ages 6-10 will be taught on Mondays at 4-4:45 p.m. from January 24-March 7.

The art course for children ages 11-16 with special needs will be taught on Mondays at 5-5:45 p.m. from January 24-March 7. more

Give the Gift of a Whitney Membership This Holiday Season

Image Source: www.whitney.org

Delight, inspire, and surprise the art lover and creative talent in your life with a Gift Whitney Membership this holiday season. Members enjoy unlimited free admission, half-priced guest tickets, dedicated viewings, Whitney Gift Store discounts, early admission to new exhibits, and so much more.  more

Book by PU Professor Named to “Financial Times” Best Books List

A book authored by local historian Harold James has been named to the Financial Times’ Best Books of 2021: Politics List. 

The War of Words: A Glossary of Globalization, published by Yale University Press, reveals the origins of key buzzwords and concepts used in contemporary political debate such as “neoliberalism,” “geopolitics,” and “globalization,” while highlighting communication challenges associated with their misuse.  more

NJ Transit Launches Holiday Travel Promotions

Customers can now celebrate the season and save!

The holiday season is here! To celebrate, NJ Transit is offering several promotional discounts running through the rest of 2021. Both new and current customers can save on holiday travel by using various promotional codes in the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, including an invitation for new customers to “Try NJT” to take a free ride, “Buy One, Get One” deals, as well as discounts to Newark Liberty International Airport and MetLife Stadium for NFL football.  In addition, the family SuperSaver fare, which allows kids 11 and under to ride for free, will be extended from December 17 through January 3.  Full details are available at  njtransit.com/holiday. more

Jane Lynch – “A Swingin’ Little Christmas!” Live in Concert

Thursday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m.

What do you get when you mix one part cabaret, one part comedy, and one heaping helping of Christmas kitsch? A Swingin’ Little Christmas! It’s a fun fresh twist on the Christmas specials of the ’50s and’60s when harmonies were tight, and swing was the thing. 

Starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch (Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), along with Kate Flannery (The Office, Dancing with the Stars), Tim Davis (Glee’s vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. These top-notch talents will jingle your bells and get you in the holiday spirit faster than a glass of eggnog. more

Casey Abrams Trio at Ramapo College

The Berrie Center for the Arts at Ramapo College of New Jersey welcomes The Casey Abrams Trio on Saturday, December 4 at 8 p.m.

Casey Abrams burst onto the national scene with his appearance on Season 10 of American Idol. With his stand-up bass and smooth, vocals Abrams has carved out his unique jazz-funk sound. His brand-new album, “Casey Keysey,” was released in October. more

Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing Presents Fall 2021 Student Reading

Part of the Althea Ward Clark W’21 Reading Series at Princeton

Students enrolled in fall creative writing courses in the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Creative Writing at Princeton University will read from their new works of fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and literary translation on Tuesday, December 7 at 5 p.m. in the Chancellor Green Rotunda on the Princeton campus as part of the Program’s Althea Ward Clark W’21 Reading Series. The reading is the culmination of students’ work in the Program in Creative Writing’s fall creative writing workshops.  more

PBS’s “Drive by History: Eats” Asks and Answers What Historical Figures May Have Eaten

What would George Washington or Walt Whitman have dined on? The new PBS series Drive by History: Eats answers these questions and more as it dives deep into New Jersey’s culinary past. 

In the first episode, New Jersey resident and Blair Academy alum Melissa F. Clark ’05 explores a meal designed to curry George Washington’s favor at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J. Using ingredients that would have been on hand during the summer of 1778 and employing the food trends popular during the period, Clark dishes up a delectable fried breaded chicken with sorrel sauce and raspberry fool for dessert.  more

The Hun School Welcomes Freestyle Love Supreme Academy

Image Source: Hun School Office of Communications

On Wednesday, November 17, The Hun School welcomed Freestyle Love Supreme Academy to campus as part of the School’s Centennial Speaker Series and Her at Hun: Celebrating 50 Years of Girls and Women. The outdoor performance was high-energy, interactive, and carried a message of positivity and inclusivity.

Freestyle Love Supreme (FLS) was conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Anthony Veneziale. The group is currently performing on Broadway and are the subject of a Grammy Award-winning documentary on Hulu. FLS Academy are talented members of the cast who spin cues from the audience into humorous bits, instantaneous songs, and fully realized musical numbers. From singing to rapping to beatboxing with harmonies and freestyle flow, each show is unique to their audience.  more

Santa Arrival Party at MarketFair Mall

Celebrate Santa’s arrival as his helpers and musicians prepare for his grand entrance to MarketFair on Friday, November 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy interactive holiday shows, arts and crafts, balloon sculpting, Mrs. Claus Storytime, and giveaways for the first 150 registrants.

Make a Santa photo reservation from November 26 through December 24 at marketfairshoppes.com. Your family will enjoy having photos of sweet memories that they will treasure forever.  more

Paul Muldoon Livestream Event, December 1

Labyrinth Books in Princeton will host a hybrid, livestream event with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon on Wednesday, December 1 at 6 p.m. Muldoon will introduce his 14th collection of poetry, entitled Howdie-Skelp: Poems. He will be joined by fellow poet Michael Dickman.  more

Penn Medicine Pavilion Offers a New Level of Care for Philadelphia-Area Patients

Image Source: www.pennmedicine.org

At the end of October 2021, Penn Medicine opened the doors to its 1.5-million-square-foot future-ready pavilion. The 17-story building on Penn Medicine’s West Philadelphia campus houses 504 private patient rooms and 47 operating rooms. The pavilion will play host to the latest inpatient care for cardiology, cardiac surgery, medical and surgical oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, and transplant surgery. It will also be the site for Penn Medicine’s new emergency department. more

Mimi’s Cookies: Custom Cookies for Any Occasion

Waldwick, New Jersey, baker Mimi of Mimi’s Cookies, makes cookie creations that not only taste delicious, but are beautiful and personal as well. 

What started 20 years ago as a hobby, Mimi has transformed her love of baking into a full-blown business in Bergen County and now ships throughout New Jersey. Known for her artful ability to create chic, custom designs, Mimi will cater to whatever the occasion may be. Holidays, birthdays, reunions, baby showers, graduations, religious celebrations and more, the possibilities are endless.  more

Winter Skating on Palmer Square is Back!

Image Source: www.palmersquare.com

Make lasting memories this winter season by skating on Palmer Square in Princeton’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink. Located on Hulfish Street behind the Nassau Inn, open skate will run from Saturday, November 20 through Sunday, February 27.

Hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-7 p.m.; and every Saturday and Sunday, 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. more

Edison Township Menorah Lighting

Celebrate Hanukkah 2021 with the Lighting of the Edison Township Menorah on Tuesday, November 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road in Edison. Following the lighting ceremony, guests will join local dignitaries, JCC members and visitors from around the state for indoor entertainment, light refreshments, music, and more. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. Masks are required during the ceremony but may be removed when enjoying refreshments. For more information, visit www.jccmc.org. 

Sauce for the Goose Art Market 2021

Ready, set, shop small!

The Arts Council of Princeton’s Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market returns to the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, November 14. 

Purchase handmade gifts directly from local artisans and crafters working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fine art, and more. Find one-of-a-kind gifts all while supporting the creatives living and working in the greater Princeton community. more

Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Dance Presents Princeton Dance Festival

Choreographer Omari Wiles (center foreground) with Princeton students in rehearsal for his new work to be featured in the 2021 Princeton Dance Festival (Photo by Jonathan Sweeney).

The 2021 Princeton Dance Festival returns with in-person performances featuring new and repertory works by choreographers Rebecca Lazier, Kyle Marshall, Justin Peck (staged by Michael Breeden), Larissa Velez-Jackson, Omari Wiles, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and Germaine Acogny (staged by Samantha Speis), and new work staged by Tina Fehlandt inspired by Mark Morris’ choreography on the 40th anniversary of the founding of his famed dance company, performed by Princeton dance students. All performances will take place at McCarter Theatre on November 19-21.  more