Author: Michelle Dryden

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Local News

2020 River of the Year celebrates with art mural

Recently named River of the Year 2020 by American Rivers, the Delaware River will celebrate a completed art

Artist Marlon Davila begins painting D&R Greenway Mural at Bordentown Beach.
— Provided photo

mural along Bordentown Beach by July 4th.

Not only are they celebrating the honor of being River of the Year 2020, but also D&R Greenway Land Trust is preparing for their upcoming Kayak Education Program on the banks of the Delaware River at Bordentown Beach, and so earlier this month they announced the first strokes of paint to the public art mural there.

So, D&R Greenway has partnered with the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Funds youth program, FUTURO, and the City of Bordentown in celebrating these diverse communities as the country celebrates June as American Rivers Month.

Bordentown Mayor Jim Lynch reflects on the importance of the Delaware River in his community and his personal life: “I literally grew up on the Delaware River,” he said.

“Whether it was fishing on Yapewi Aquatic Boat Club’s Docks at 3:00 a.m. with my uncle Babe or docking my first boat at Bordentown Yacht Club in 1971 under the tutelage of Past Comm. Bill Feaster, the River has a huge impact on my life,” Lynch said.

He mentioned that he lost his dad at 12-years-old, and that the River was an outlet for healing. He went on the say that after his classes at Bordentown Military Institute, he would go down to the River for water skiing adventures until dark.

The River has great family and community support and what “was once a river with many challenges of neglect and pollution has blossomed into this gem,” he said.

Delaware River Sunset at Bordentown Thomas Paine Bridge Crosswicks Creek Delaware — by Susan van Dongen.

 

 

 

The Mayor thanks D&R Greenway and others for their efforts in achieving the well-deserved and long overdue award and honor of River of the Year 2020.

While the mural-in-progress takes place, the artists are inviting the public to enjoy watching its creation at Bordentown Beach, but to remember to maintain social distancing efforts.

The creators intend for the mural to be “a symbol of perseverance, dedication, and love,” said Strategic Community Conservation Fellow Nadeem Demian, who is partnering with D&R Greenway through Princeton University.

The art will decorate the 40-foot shipping container that will store the watercraft and equipment for D&R Greenway’s upcoming kayak program.

Categories
Local News

NJMVC reopens in stages with limited in-person transactions

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) announced earlier this month that its reopening will occur in

The NJMVC building in Trenton, N.J.
— Provided photo

stages, limiting in-person transactions, and encouraging customers to use NJMVC.com more often.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the MVC had forced extended closures of its agencies and inspection stations, with the possibility of reopening dates kept getting postponed.

Now, the phased re-openings, which began Monday, include drop-off and pick-up transactions at designated Licensing and also Vehicle Centers that are processing and validating driving permits from driving and high schools; also processing license plates, registrations and title work from dealers.

“With the phased reopening of the Motor Vehicle Commission, we’re passing another important milestone on the road back,” said N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy.

“The MVC is implementing smart, innovative plans to safely deliver motor vehicle services to New Jerseyans as we continue to fight against COVID-19,” he said.

These reopening of the MVC services will proceed in a way that safeguards public health and safety, bringing many changes and improved efficiencies to the Commission operations.

Going forward, around June 29, the MVC will also possibly allow road tests, issue new licenses and permits, and maybe also conduct out-of-state transactions such as transfers and private sales registrations, also on a limited basis to avoid overcrowding.

“The old MVC crowded a lot of people into a lot of small spaces. We can’t operate like that in a COVID-19 world,” said Chief Administrator Sue Fulton.

“Our reopening plan re-imagines MVC workflows, with streamlined processes to clear the backlog and ensure that you spend as little time as possible at MVC,” she said.

The MVC also requires all customers and employees to wear a face masks at its facilities, and if they cannot do so, there will be other arrangements for their transactions.

“We have more innovations coming to speed our service, while keeping our customers and employees safe,” Fulton stated. “We look forward to sharing further plans as they are finalized.”

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Local News

‘Wines for Preservation’ labels feature stunning landscapes

In partnership with Old York Cellars of Ringoes, N.J., D&R Greenway of Princeton recently announced their Wines for Preservation with labels of stunning landscapes by local artist James Fiorentino.

Artist James Fiorentino affixes his artwork labels of the D&R Greenway landscapes to these wine bottles.
— Provided photo

There are now three wines from the 2019 harvest whose labels feature the renowned Fiorentino’s artistry of D&R Greenway Land Trust’s preserved landscapes.

The three Old York Cellars’ Wines for Preservation are the St. Michaels Red, Sourlands White and Goat Hill Rose´. Each wine label is a collector’s piece that presents artwork from each of the three land preserves.

“This official collaboration with a New Jersey vintner is fitting, due to D&R Greenway’s preservation of more than 8,000 acres of farmlands that contribute to New Jersey’s reputation as the Garden State,” states the D&R Greenway press release.

It also states that Old York Cellars is nestled in the Sourland Mountain area of central New Jersey, where D&R Greenway has preserved thousands of significant acres including its first preserved acre upon its founding 30 years ago.

The other two D&R Greenway land preserves that Fiorentino uses for art on the wine labels are also near this New Jersey area. The St. Michaels Farm Preserve is on the former site of St. Michaels Orphanage that was established in 2010.

Goat Hill Preserve is high above the Delaware River, just South of Lambertville, N.J.

“I am so very honored to have my artwork grace the bottles of Old York Cellars wine, as I am a personal fan. D&R Greenway has a wonderful message to spread through the beauty of artwork and the pleasure of wine!” declares Fiorentino.

D&R Greenway President and CEO Linda Mead also comments that supporters should, “bring the beauty of the outdoors in with these wines on your table!”

She further explains that, “as we weather the current crisis, our region’s residents are appreciating daily walks on our preserves more than ever before. Through our partnership with Old York Cellars, you can return home after your walk to enjoy a glass of our red, white, or rose´ wine—its label depicting the actual site where you have just hiked…”

The owner of Old York Cellars, David Wolin, also comments that “James Fiorentino’s paintings are a great pairing for our wines. Old York Cellars is proud to support D&R Greenway with the sale of each of these special edition bottles.”

Categories
Local News

In response to C19, virtual gala honors P’ton leaders, ‘Open Space is Open’

During the height of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic in Princeton, N.J., D&R Greenway hosted their

From L-R: John Rassweiler and Phyllis Marchand – virtual honorees at D&R Greenway spring gala 2020.

annual awards gala virtually, earlier this month.

The local land trust organization quickly responded to the COVID-19 global health crisis by emphasizing that its central New Jersey 21,000 acres of preserved “Open Space is Open” for public enjoyment.

Earlier this spring, the nonprofit, D&R Greenway land trust organization announced its transition of their traditional spring fundraiser from an in-person event to a “Virtual Gala” celebrating “Open Space is Open,” and honoring community leaders such as former Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand and Business Leader John Rassweiler.

“While it is not safe to gather together physically, we can gather electronically to celebrate two great pillars of the Princeton community who have contributed mightily to preserving land: former Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand and John Rassweiler, who served longer than anyone on the D&R Greenway Land Trust’s board,” said D&R Greenway President & CEO Linda Mead.

D&R Greenway held their “Virtual Gala” and a participatory after-party utilizing Princeton TV and Zoom to show pre-recorded videos featuring the land preservation accomplishments of Marchand and Rassweiler, and the co-winners of the Donald B. Jones Conservation Award.

Virtual party goers who supported the Gala connected with honorees via Zoom, while they acknowledged the event sponsors in the film credits.

In acknowledgment of her award, Marchand commented, “I care about D&R Greenway because I care about the legacy I will leave to my grandchildren and to all future generations…take care of each other, take care of our planet and enjoy ‘Land for Life!’”

St. Michael’s Preserves of D&R Greenway Land Trust.

The other virtual honoree and over two-decades member of D&R Greenway Rassweiler said that, “D&R Greenway is one of my lead charities because its objectives have been consistent and are ones I strongly support. Its organization and execution always have been at a high professional level.”

The event also honored the family and friends of the late Michael “Iron Mike” Snyder with a community service award and also built a new trail for him off Rosedale Road.

D&R Greenway’s “Our Open Space is Open” messages have gotten attention both locally and nationally as people today realize more than ever the benefits of preserved lands and how a daily dose of walking is to their good health and well-being.

Categories
Entertainment News

‘Duppet’ comedy contends depression, which COVID-19 makes more real

The Coronavirus Pandemic and its infectious deadly disease – COVID-19 have affected many aspects of everyday life like health, careers and the global economy.

For Comedian John Poveromo of New Jersey, this is very real. Poveromo would rather be headlining in his show, Duppet, around the country now, but instead he is in self-isolation like the rest of us.

In the meantime, he has turned to social media, and has his relatable, real-life-experiences comedy, Duppet streaming on Amazon Prime.

The short, Duppet, is “derived from Poveromo’s own struggles with depression,” states his bio.

It is “a comedic short film dealing with issues of depression and anxiety, which manifest themselves in the form of a puppet named Duppet,” the bio. info. states.

Even though Poveromo and others can relate to these mental health struggles in Duppet, he does not limit himself to just on-stage performances. He is also a comic book writer and artist, with his published artworks called, Drawings from a Nobody.

However, in early March, shortly before the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown, Poveromo had a stand-up act that was scheduled at Curlies in Rochester, N.H., where he is a regular.

“I love going back there,” said Poveromo. “I get to hang out for the weekend, see a lot of regulars and a lot of new faces…It’s really just a great feeling…”

Poveromo first got interested in comedy when he was a child, drawn in by the relatability of the adult comics he saw on screen, and encouraged by the world of Jim Hensen, which would later be proven an inspiration for him.

“When I was a kid, comedians were adults who didn’t take the world so seriously,” said Poveromo. “So, it’s a weird way to see things because growing up, you’re surrounded by your parents, your teachers, people who come from a place of authority and then you see a comic and they’re older and they’re breaking away all the bulls***.”

And learning from those he admires, Poveromo has his own list of admirers who love his comedy.

“John Poveromo’s cutting edge, quick-witted sarcasm is hysterical and it’s fun to watch his playfulness with the audience as he drives home specific points with his spot-on punchlines. In a world full of bland, he is a refreshing shot of young vibrant adrenaline that goes straight to your funny bone! This kid’s got the goods!!” states Joey Kola of the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Rachael Ray, and Kevin Can Wait.

Categories
Local News

COVID-19 crisis pre-cautions force closure extensions for NJMVC agencies, Inspection Stations

Several New Jersey residents have been waiting to service their vehicles at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) since mid-March, but to no avail.

While most of the in-person services have been suspended due the COVID-19 Pandemic, many online ones such as vehicle registration renewal and address changes, are still accessible.

However, there is hope that in about 10 days from today, on May 11, the agencies, road testing, and inspections facilities will re-open to the general public.

“The closures are part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” announced NJMVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton, last week.

In addition to expanding online services, the Commission is continuing other essential operations, including measures to support commercial trucking to keep the supply chain moving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drivers can process most renewals of driver licenses, non-driver IDs, registrations; customers’ changes of address, and paying fees online at www.NJMVC.gov. For the first time, this includes processing/renewing some commercial registrations.

Those who have suspended licenses can seek to get them restored, if eligible, using email instead of phone or in-person interactions with email address suspension.info@mvc.nj.gov.

“As Gov. Murphy reminds us, public gatherings represent a threat to all of us, as New Jersey works to flatten the curve in this global pandemic,” Fulton said.

“The volume of customers that typically visit our agencies would risk the health of our customers and employees alike. We will continue to strive to make as many services available online as possible.”

Fulton has adjusted the extensions for the NJMVC services twice before, starting March 16

Customers should check www.NJMVC.gov for the latest information and updates.

Categories
Local News

Housing moratorium in effect amid COVID-19 cases in N.J.

Earlier this month, New Jersey Gov. Murphy enacted a moratorium on removals of individuals who would suffer evictions

N.J. Gov. Murphy implements housing moratorium to help the less fortunate avoid evictions.
— Provided photo

or foreclosures in the State.

This was part of the Gov’s continued efforts to help contain the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and to protect residents who experience immediate financial needs, and thus he took action by signing A-3859 into law.

This current A-3859 law “explicitly provides authority to the Gov. to issue an executive order declaring a moratorium on removing individuals from their homes pursuant to an eviction or foreclosure proceeding,” states an official State of N.J. press release.

Next, the Gov. signed Exec. Order No. 106, which imposes the moratorium.

“The move will ensure that no renter or homeowner is removed from their residence while this Order is in effect,” the press release states.

Similarly, a day prior to N.J. Gov’s moratorium, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac announced that they have suspended all foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days.

“This outbreak affects all of us and we are all in this together,” said Gov. Murphy. “The steps I am outlining…will help those who are suffering financial harm through no fault of their own continue to stay afloat as we work our way through this. They will also bolster public health by ensuring that residents facing eviction or foreclosure can stay in their homes, protecting them against increased risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.”

N.J. Gov. Murphy stands with men who wear protective face masks to prevent the risk of infecting others with the deadly coronavirus.
— Provided photo

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Assembly members Angela McKnight, Holly Schepisi, and Benjie Wimberly; and Senators Joseph Cryan and Nellie Pou sponsored the Assembly Bill No. 3859.

“I applaud the Gov’s swift action in signing this bill into law in the midst of the expanding coronavirus crisis,” said Sen. Joseph Cryan.

“This is a public health emergency that confronts all of us with challenges, especially those who live paycheck to paycheck to support themselves and their families. It would be cruel to allow people to be forced out of their homes due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, such as the pandemic. This is a time to care for our neighbors and fellow citizens,” he said.

Categories
Local News

PBA Local 127 via Texas Roadhouse delivers Meals on Wheels to community

Last week, members of Old Bridge PBA Local 127 offered a gesture of empathy and kindness to their community by delivering hot meals from Texas Roadhouse to nearby residents.

With the Coronavirus Pandemic affecting just about nearly every family in these communities, the Local just “wanted to give some assistance to those families to make their day a little brighter,” states a Facebook post from the PBA Local 127 Page.

The Local has decided to continue purchasing these meals from Texas Roadhouse and will deliver them to various families in town over the next couple of weeks.

“We want to thank Texas Roadhouse for forming this partnership with us and allowing us to be a part of this special mission,” the post states.

It further explains that Texas Roadhouse has been a loyal support of “our PBA for many years and we are thankful for their continued generosity especially during these unstable times.”

Categories
Politics

Progressive calls N.J.’s ballot-rigging system ‘cheating’

New Jersey Democrat and progressive, Lisa McCormick, has recently signed a pledge to oppose ballot rigging in the Garden State.

McCormick was outstanding in the last primary election for U.S. Senate, and this made her N.J.’s leading progressive, as she signed the pledge.

“The folks at Cape May County Indivisible, a progressive grassroots collective, came up with this Pledge to Democratize New Jersey,” said McCormick, who intends to make her plans for 2020 known in late March.

“As you may know, I believe bracketing in primary elections is nothing less than ballot rigging or cheating,” she states.

McCormick believes N.J.’s boss-controlled election system is rigged for cheating.

She explains in her pledge that ballot rigging, bracketing, or cheating is anti-democratic.

“This pledge calls attention to an anti-democratic structure unique to New Jersey Primary ballots, by getting candidates to publicly acknowledge the inequity and corruption enabled by the party line,” according to Kyle Aldrich, an Indivisible organizer,  who said five District 2 congressional candidates have signed on.

“When we talk about ‘machine politics’ in South Jersey – this is the root of it. This is the exact ballot structure that billionaire party bosses exploit to control our elections,” states Indivisible Organizer Cassandra Gatelein during a talk with Max Pizarro of Insider N.J.

“The candidates then become indebted to the party bosses, putting their desires before the needs of their constituents. This pledge is about putting power back into the hands of the people,” she declares.

McCormick posted the following statement on various social media sites:

The folks at Cape May County Indivisible, a progressive grassroots collective, came up with this Pledge to Democratize New Jersey. https://cmcindivisible.wordpress.com/

As you may know, I believe bracketing in primary elections is nothing less than ballot rigging or cheating.

My website has had a section called, “Stop Rigging Ballots” and I have stated that I want to: “Prohibit candidates from ‘bracketing’ or otherwise giving anyone an unfair advantage with respect to ballot position.” http://lisamccormicknj.nationbuilder.com/money_out

“Every American is entitled to equal protection of the law, so candidates picked by party bosses should not get preferential treatment in primaries.”

I also stated my opposition to the practice when I ran for US Senate in the 2018 Democratic primary; https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/mccormick-makes-offer-to-off-the-line-dems/

As my campaign manager said, explaining that I would give full support to candidates who sue to break up a ‘regular’ organization line in any county, “Mounting a legal challenge to this unjust law would be be an attack on the heart of illegitimate power of New Jersey political bosses, and a good chance to show why you deserve the nomination of the party of the people. Win or lose in the election, this is a legal fight worth waging and winning for the people.”

I am on the same page as Cape May County Indivisible, and I am proud to endorse their pledge.

Get involved and learn more at www.lisamccormick.org.

Categories
Art & Life

‘Structure’ exhibit charms Overlook Auxiliary Gallery

An exhibit called Structure that features a series of photographs is now on display through April 4, at Overlook

A photograph from the “Structure” exhibit now showing at Overlook Auxiliary Gallery at the Overlook Hospital in Summit.
— Provided photo

Auxiliary Gallery inside the Overlook Hospital in Summit, N.J.

The Structure exhibit, curated by Ray Yaros, consists of 68 photographs made by 19 New Jersey Photography Forum (NJPF) members.

The photographers challenged their talents to create images that focus on an arrangement and organization of interrelated elements in material objects, or systems.

“Material structures include man-made objects such as buildings and machines, but could be something from nature as well, as with a spider web, or an amazing tree trunk,” states Nancy Ori of NJPF.

She explains that there are often details in objects such as a grand staircase, or a church roof where the beauty of the design far exceeds the intended purpose.

The NJPF is a group of experienced photographers that was started in 1995 by Ori, who is from Berkeley Heights, and by Michael Creem, from Summit. It serves as an opportunity to gather and talk about their work, as well as to explore exhibition opportunities within the fine arts community.

“The group has grown over the years to become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the State,” Ori says.

Members have a variety of artistic styles and use a wide range of photographic techniques, she states.

They produce 10-12 exhibits annually throughout the State and welcome new members to their monthly meetings at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit.

The Structure exhibit at the Overlook Hospital is on the fifth floor. It is a free-of-charge show opened to the public 24 hours each day. Ask the receptionist at the main entrance for directions.