The Week Ahead in Lawrenceville

Monday

Naturalist Pam Newitt presents "Explore Gardening and Nature With Your children," showing parents how to explore their yard with their children.  Lawrence Senior Center, 30 Darrah Lane. 7 p.m. 

Tuesday

Barnes & Noble hosts a Grand Opening Preview Party at Marketfair Mall. Lots of surprises in store for all ages and special guests and performances throughout the evening. A portion of the evening's proceeds benefit Corner House of Princeton, 6 p.m. 

Thursday

Like to speak in public? Lawrenceville Toastmasters Club is holding a Table Topics Contest. Table topics are impromptu speeches about any variety of subjects.  Join for the Table Topics contest and watch the contestants give a quick speech using all of their speaking skills to compete for the distinction of best table topics presenter from our club.  The winner gets to represent our club in the area contest at the end of September. Noon.

Opening Reception for "Contrast," an art exhibit by John Sears. When he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a 1985 bicycling accident, Sears encountered physical and emotional obstacles that challenged his spirit and his ability to make art.  This exhibit will chronicle his journey as an artist.  It will include drawings and paintings created both before and after his injury, illustrating his approach to life and to art. Reception from 5-7 p.m., exhibit is on display through Oct. 13. 

Freelance writer Terri Huggins will discuss how to get published and the different options for getting published including newspapers, blogging, books, magazines and ebooks. Lawrence Library, 7 p.m. Registration suggested.  

Friday

Preview of the Book Sale at the Lawrence Library, $5, $20 for booksellers, 6-8:30 p.m.