County Releases Schedule of Upcoming Events

The Mercer County administration has released the following list of events that have thus-far been scheduled for 2011:

Through April, Free Tax Assistance by AARP, County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. AARP Foundation guides people with low to moderate incomes through their taxes, making sure they receive all the deductions and credits they’re entitled to. The AARP Tax-Aide program has trained and certified volunteers who will prepare and file your federal income tax return with the IRS, free of charge. Appointment necessary. (609) 890-9800.

Feb. 12, Valentines Day Hay Rides, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Howell Living History Farm, Valley Road off Route 29, Titusville. (609) 737-3299.

Feb. 15, Winter Hike, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Rosedale Park, Blackwell Road Parking Area. Snowshoes welcome! Free. jrogers@mercercounty.org.

Feb. 16, Homecare and Hospice Medicare Benefits Information, 10:30 a.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. (609) 890-9800. Caregiving decisions can be difficult and confusing.  Every Tuesday, a representative from the Visiting Nurse Association of Mercer County will be at the Connection to meet with people, answer questions, and address many of the concerns of families have when deciding whether home care or hospice is the right choice for their loved one.  Learn what home care and hospice are, what services are provided, and how to pay for the services.  Call for appointment.

Feb. 17, Planning for Incapacity, 10-11:30 a.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. Planning for incapacity is an important and often overlooked part of estate planning that covers how you are cared for if you become physically or mentally unable to care for yourself.  This seminar will discuss planning tools to use to ensure that decision-making related to property or personal care can proceed without unnecessary disruption.  Guest speaker will be Susan Knispel, Esquire, Project Director for Mercer County Legal Services Project for the Elderly. (609) 890-9800.

Feb. 19, Winter Kitchen, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Howell Living History Farm, Valley Road off Route 29, Titusville. (609) 737-3299.

Feb. 20, Mercer County Freeholder Board, formal meeting, 6:30 p.m., McDade Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton.

Feb. 22, Mercer County Freeholder Board, agenda meeting, 6:30 p.m., McDade Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton.

Feb. 23, Homecare and Hospice Medicare Benefits Information, 10:30 a.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. (609) 890-9800. Caregiving decisions can be difficult and confusing.  Every Tuesday, a representative from the Visiting Nurse Association of Mercer County will be at the Connection to meet with people, answer questions, and address many of the concerns of families have when deciding whether home care or hospice is the right choice for their loved one.  Learn what home care and hospice are, what services are provided, and how to pay for the services.  Call for appointment.

Feb. 23, Mercer County Park Commission monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m., McDade Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton.

Feb. 24, “Taking Care of Your Heart” workshop, 6:30–7:30 p.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. 890-9800. High blood pressure is one of the many risk factors for heart disease.  Join us for a free heart health workshop that will include free blood pressure screenings.  Guest speaker will be Dr. Pirouz Parang, cardiologist, Heart Care Specialists at Capital Health. Register at 890-9800.

Feb. 24, Mercer County Freeholder Board, formal meeting, 6:30 p.m., McDade Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton.

Feb. 25, Consumer Affairs information, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. 890-9800. Representative from Mercer County Office of Consumer Affairs will be on hand to answer questions about credit, home improvement, automotive and Internet fraud.

Feb. 26, Maple Sugaring, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Howell Living History Farm, Valley Road off Route 29, Titusville. (609) 737-3299.

Feb. 28, Bird Walk, 1-3 p.m., Curlis Lake Woods. Meet at the Mercer County Equestrian Center Parking Lot, Federal City Road, Pennington. Free. jrogers@mercercounty.org

March 2, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Growing Plants from Seeds,’’ 7-8:30 p.m., Cooperative Extension Service, Spruce Street, Lawrence. Get a jumpstart on your spring garden and save money by growing plants from seeds. Learn from a Master Gardener about new varieties of flowers and vegetables as well as how to provide the best care before and after germination. Resource information will be included. Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for registration information, fees and program.

March 3, New Jersey Notary Oath Filing, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. (609) 890-9800. Did you recently receive your certification to become a notary, or need to renew your outstanding certificate? If so, you need to be properly sworn in. $15, via check, money order, or credit card.

March 8, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

March 15,  Mercer County High School Consumer Bowl, 9:30 a.m., Hamilton Technology Center, 1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton.

March 16, Annual Economic Summit, 2-6 p.m., Mercer County Community College Conference Center, West Windsor. (609) 278-6555.

March 26, Household Chemical and Electronic Waste Day, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Dempster Fire Training Academy, Basin Road, Lawrence. www.mcia-nj.com.

March 26, Mercer County Master Gardeners Presents “Come Garden With Me,’’ 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., all-day symposium, Stuart Country Day School. Mercer County Horticulturist, Barbara J. Bromley, will be joined by garden photographer Rob Cardillo; Joe Eck, co-author of Our Life in the Garden; and award winning author and garden blogger Margaret Roach to present a day-long program. Details about our speakers and their lectures as well as registration information and fee can be found at http://www.mgofmc.org/symposium. Pre-registration is required.

April 7, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 5-8 p.m., Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

April 10, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Composting: Ultimate Recycling,’’ 11 a.m. to noon, Educational Gardens, Federal City Road, Pennington. Household and yard waste like vegetable scraps, shredded newspapers and fallen leaves shouldn't go to the landfill. Instead, turn them into compost to improve your garden soil. Horse manure is a useful addition to speed up the composting process. Master Gardeners will explain how to compost at home, and the Equestrian Center will introduce some of their horses and donate manure to participants who bring a lidded container. Resource information will be included. Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for registration information, fees and program.

April 19, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., Mercer County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

April 20, How to Start Your Business A-Z, 6-8 p.m., Lawrence Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

May 4, How to Start Your Business A-Z, 6-8 p.m., Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

May 7, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Spring Plant Expo,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Educational Gardens, Federal City Road, Pennington. The Best of the Best! Perennials, herbs, tomatoes and native plants for local gardens will be available to the public. Knowledgeable Master Gardeners will assist you in choosing the right plants that will be best-suited to the conditions in your garden. Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for registration information, fees and program.

May 11, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

May 12, Doing Business in Mercer County/Products and Services, 6-8 p.m., Lawrence Branch, Mercer County Library, North Post Road. A step by step look at the bidding process to do business with Mercer County. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

May 13, Mercer County Teen Arts Festival, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mercer County Community College. (609) 278-2712, teenarts@mercercounty.org  or visit nj.gov/counties/mercer/commissions/cultural/teenarts.html

May 21, Electronics Waste Disposal Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sovereign Bank Arena, Parking Lot 1, Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, Trenton. www.mcia-nj.com

June 7, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 5-8 p.m., Mercer County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

June 11, Household Chemical and Electronic Waste Day, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Dempster Fire Training Academy, Basin Road, Lawrence. www.mcia-nj.com.

June 14, How to Start Your Business A-Z, 6-8 p.m., West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

June 18, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Herbs in Containers, 10-11 a.m., Educational Gardens, Federal City Road, Pennington. Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for registration information, fees and program.

July 19, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Herbs in Containers, 6-7:30 p.m., Extension Services, Spruce Street, Lawrence. Beneficial insects are the natural enemies of some of your worst garden pests and they can reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides. Ladybugs and their larvae keep aphids from destroying plants; bees pollinate flowers so plants can produce fruit; ground beetles destroy slugs. Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for registration information, fees and program.

July 26, How to Start Your Business A-Z, 6-8 p.m., Hopewell Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Aug. 9, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Lawn Renovation and Establishment,” 7-8:30 p.m. Extension Services, Spruce Street, Lawrence. Does your lawn need reseeding, renovation or sodding? Barbara J. Bromley, Mercer County Horticulturist, will share ideas on home lawn maintenance. Learn how to prepare your lawn for reseeding, renovation or sodding and when is the best time for these activities. The type of grass seed should be determined by site conditions, expectations of turf use and maintenance requirements. Learn how to keep your lawn looking great next year. Soil test mailers will be available so you can know if fertilizer or lime is really needed. Visit www.mgofmc.org/symposium for registration information, fees and program.

Aug. 10, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., Hightstown Memorial Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Sept. 7, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 5-8 p.m., Lawrence Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Sept. 10, Annual Insect Festival, 1-4 p.m., at the Mercer Educational Gardens, Federal City Road, Hopewell. (609) 989-6830 or www.mgofmc.org. Puppet show, games, crafts, an insect safari, story-telling, insect costume parade and hay rides at the nearby Mercer County Equestrian Center will all be available for children to enjoy. Adults can learn about beneficial insects, beekeeping and composting. Visit our demonstration gardens and meadow.

Sept. 12, Doing Business in Mercer County/Products and Services, 6-8 p.m., Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library, North Post Road. A step by step look at the bidding process to do business with Mercer County. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Sept. 21, How to Start Your Business A-Z, 6-8 p.m., Hamilton Library, Justice Samuel Alito Road, Hamilton. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Sept. 22, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., Trenton Free Public Library, Academy Street. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Oct. 1, Household Chemical and Electronic Waste Day, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Dempster Fire Training Academy, Basin Road, Lawrence. www.mcia-nj.com.

Oct. 5, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 5-8 p.m., Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Oct. 15, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Attracting Birds to Your Garden,’’ 11 a.m.-noon, Mercer Educational Gardens, Federal City Road, Hopewell. Learn about food preferences among different species of birds and how their food needs sometimes change with the season. Native plants, natural cover and plant diversity help attract birds into the garden all year long. Learn more about what you can do to create an inviting, essential place for birds to feed, roost and raise their young. (609) 989-6830 or www.mgofmc.org.

Oct. 25, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Nov. 5, Electronics Waste Disposal Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sovereign Bank Arena, Parking Lot 1, Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, Trenton. www.mcia-nj.com

Nov. 10, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 1-5 p.m., Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.

Nov. 19, Mercer County Master Gardeners presents “Winterizing Your Garden Tools,’’ 7-8:30 p.m., Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service, Spruce Street, Lawrence. Cleaning and sharpening tools will make garden chores much easier next season. Preventing the development of rust can extend the lifetime of those tools. Learn the materials you will need and the proper techniques to use before putting your tools away for the winter. (609) 989-6830 or www.mgofmc.org.

Dec. 1, Free Counseling to Help You Grow Your Business, 5-8 p.m., West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library. Answer your questions about small business challenges, doing business with government, applying for business loans, planning, marketing and more. Register at (609) 771-2947 or email programs@sbdcnj.com. For more information, contact Anthony Carabelli Jr. at (609) 989-6059.