In Town
Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey has auditions for the upcoming season at High School North, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, on Tuesday, June 3, starting at 5 p.m. All applicants must take private lessons and be members of their school bands or orchestras. Homeschoolers are invited to audition as well.
Weekly rehearsals occur at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North on Tuesday evenings from October through May. The more than 200 musicians play in one or more of the following: the Woodwind Choir, Wind Symphony, String Preparatory, Pro Arte, and Symphonic Orchestras, as well as two levels of brass, percussion, and saxophone ensembles. Register in advance at www.yocj.org.
West Windsor Arts Center offers many programs for tweens and teens this summer. A new one is “Street Art” including breakdancing, graffiti, performance poetry, and other art forms that emerged from city life. Practicing artists, Leon Rainbow, Ahmad Shakir, dancers from Illstyle & Peace Productions, and performance poet, Marisa Benson will be teaching classes. Campers will explore the history and evolution of these art forms as well as the ethics, responsible practice, and environmental impact of street art. For ages 9 to 14, Monday to Friday, July 14 to 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended day available. $375. Visit www.westwindsorartscenter.org or call 609-716-1931 for information.
American Red Cross will be holding a youth leadership conference Monday to Thursday, August 4 to 7, at 707 Alexander Road, West Windsor, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to students entering grades 9 to 12. Student attendees will receive a certificate for 28 hours of community service.
Participants will receive Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED training and certification. An exploration of humanitarian law includes activities and discussions as they explore the concept of human dignity in wartime. The Be Ready course teaches students how to help their communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. There are also courses in exploring cultural diversity, lessons in government relations, and civic responsibility, and more. $150 includes lunch and snacks. Visit www.redcross.org/Princeton to register.
ESL Classes
Princeton Adult School is offering a five-week class in English this summer. Classes with certified teachers begin the week of June 16 at the beginner and intermediate levels. Scholarships are available. Register at www.princetonadultschool.org or in person Thursday, June 5, 7 to 8 p.m. at Dorothea’s House, 120 John Street, Princeton. Call 609-683-1101 for information
Art Workshop
Prosopon School of Iconology returns to Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, to conduct an intensive, six-day workshop, from Sunday to Friday, July 13 to 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students will complete an icon using ancient techniques and natural materials with symbolic meaning. Previous artistic experience is not necessary. $715 includes tuition, materials, and workshop expenses. Visit www.prosoponschool.org or contact workshop coordinator Maureen McCormick at maureen@princetonprosopon.org for more information.
Volunteer Please
Jewish Family & Children’s Service is now accepting applications for a 1700-hour Americorps volunteer for the 2014-2015 school year. Volunteers receive living allowance benefits and a final education award to be used toward your higher education loans or tuition. Eligibility requirements include being college graduate and a U.S. citizen with a strong desire to make a difference in the area of hunger and vulnerable populations. Responsibilities include case management, intake, and overseeing food pantry. Contact Lara Wellerstein at laraw@jfcsonline.org or call 609-987-8100.
Scholarships Available
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of military personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. Its goal is to bridge the gap in funding between available sources of grants and scholarships and the total cost of college. Visit www.fallenpatriots.org for information.
Summer Programs
for the Young
Chabad of Greater Mercer County presents a culinary kiddie college institute for girls ages 6 to 10 with a curiosity about cooking. Monday to Friday, June 23 to 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The program presents the processes of cooking including ingredient and heat reactions, weights and measures, and the nature of solids and liquids. Instruction also includes the significance and secrets of Shabbat cuisine. Parents will be given copies of recipes and shopping lists. Call 609-252-0124 or E-mail Malky@Princetonchabad.org for information.
Middlesex County 4H will be holding Exploration day camp for children who have completed grades 3 through 6 at the 4-H Youth Center located at 645 Cranbury Road East Brunswick. The program is Monday to Friday, July 14 to July 18, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Arrangements can be made for early or late arrivals for $25 a child. It will be held
Activities include rocketry, theater, archery, scrapbooking, dance, cheerleading, wilderness survival, drama, and biking. $165 includes program materials, daily lunch, a T-shirt, and field trip. Sleepover with campfire and inner is optional. Extended day is available. Call 732-398-5261 for information.
Howell Farm is still accepting applications for parent/child enrollment in its summer Hatchery Program. The program, for children 3 to 5, is designed to introduce children to life on the farm through feeding farm animals, collecting eggs, storytelling, and taking a hayride.
The program is offered Mondays to Fridays, June 16 to 20, June 23 to 27, August 18 to 22, and August 25 to 29. One parent must volunteer work at the farm helping the farm staff work in exchange for one child’s participation in the program. No experience necessary. Visit www.howellfarm.org for an application.
Har Sinai Temple will hold its Early Childhood Center half day summer camp from Monday, June 23, through Friday, August 15, for children ages 2 to 5. Three or four days available. The location is 2421 Pennington Road at Denow Road West, Hopewell. Call 609-730-8100 or E-mail magdahst@aol.com for information.
Raritan Valley Community College is offering a variety of programs in chess and other games this summer for children ages 6 to 14 on its Branchburg campus.
Chess I for newcomers and beginners, Monday to Friday, June 23 to 27, and July 14 to 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Chess II for advanced beginners, Monday to Wednesday, June 30, to July 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. Chess III for intermediate players, Monday to Friday, July 7 to 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. Advanced beginner and intermediate player chess club, Monday to Friday, July 14 to 18, 1 to 4 p.m.; and August 11 to 15, 9 a.m. to noon. Extended days are available. Visit www.raritanval.edu/youth, E-mail youth@raritanval.edu, or call 908-526-1200, ext. 8404.
Good Cause
Downtown Performing Arts Center of Lambertville is raising money through the online site Indiegogo, to build a permanent indoor theater in Flemington. The goal is $30,000 by Sunday, June 15.
Contributions will be used for the start of the capital campaign to secure the building, make the necessary renovations, and raise the curtain on a performing arts center. A variety of levels of contribution are available with perks available for all.
The company has been operating the Washington Crossing Open Air Theater in Titusville for five years. Despite the success of the venue, it poses many obstacles to overcome — including rain, sudden thunderstorms, building sets to withstand the weather, excessive heat, and insects. The creation of an indoor theatrical venue will allow the group to expand on programming and arts education. Visit www.downtownpac.com for information.
Bus Trip
PEAC Health & Fitness offers its annual bus trip to the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Wednesday, August 27, beginning at 7:30 a.m. $125 includes bus, general admission, and breakfast. Call 609-883-2000, E-mail csalmon@PEAChealthfitness.com, or visit www.PEAChealthfitness.com for information.
