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Innovative educator makes ‘Forbes 50 Over 50’ list as star helping teachers and raising millions

Lacey Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, has been recognized by Forbes 50 Over 50 list for IMPACT:

 

•       Lacey Robinson serves as the CEO and President of UnboundEd, a professional development solution for educators. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, Robinson led a pivot from an in-person model to a fully virtual one, scaling its reach from a few thousand to tens of thousands of educators looking to prioritize equity in the classroom.

•       At the same time, she led the organization’s merger with Pivot Learning and CORE Learning—a move that solidified UnboundEd as the leading national K-12 equity-focused educator development organization.

•       When she began leading the organization in 2020, UnboundEd recorded $14.3 million in revenue. In two years’ time, she’d grown it to $35 million.

•       Funders include the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Schusterman Family Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation and the MacKenzie Scott Foundation.

•       Robinson has spent time in and around the classroom for her entire career, having worked as a teacher, a principal and a school staff development specialist.

 

“All students deserve a learning environment that is grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful. All students flourish when their education not only acknowledges their identities but the identities of others, affirming who they are as academics and as human beings,” says Robinson.

 

“Adopting this mindset begins our journey toward justice as educators. My life’s work aims to help educators in school systems disrupt systemic racism and all of its legacies in classrooms. I work with our collective educator community to ensure that future generations can stand free within themselves to be whomever they choose to be. I choose to be a truth-teller. I choose to own my story of internalized racism that I had to overcome and to stare at the hard truth about my toolkits of pedagogical practices and concepts to be the educator I am now. I choose not to look away.”

 

In her new book, Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and Learning, Robinson delivers an engaging combination of storytelling and research that explains why justice is happening―or not happening―inside the classroom and within the details of teaching and learning. An intuitive and exciting roadmap for K-12 teachers, teachers-in-training, school administrators, and principals who aim to reverse the racial injustices today’s children face every day, Justice Seekers belongs in the hands of everyone who cares about educational equity.

 

Lacey Robinson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, a role that accelerates her life’s work to help educators in school systems disrupt bias and systemic racism and its legacies in classrooms. As President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, Robinson sets the organization’s vision for equity-driven national change. While continually monitoring the design, delivery, and quality of UnboundEd’s national K-12 educator professional learning programs,  Robinson concurrently maintains the nonprofit’s health, sustainability, and future-driven vision for what teaching and learning can be in the 21st century.

 

Robinson engaged with industry partners to support standards-aligned, content-focused, equity-driven adult professional learning and development from the organization’s infancy as its Chief of Program and Engagement. She also endorsed vital design and execution elements for UnboundEd’s signature professional learning opportunity, the illustrious Standards Institute. Robinson’s contributions led to the organization’s rapid growth and positioned UnboundEd as an industry leader. Robinson spearheaded migrating this work into a virtual space during the pandemic to meet the needs of educators. Ultimately, she believes the work of UnboundEd/CORE will be a catalyst of support for teachers and leaders in what she likes to coin as the Edusphere. Robinson focused on literacy, equity, and school leadership for over two decades as a teacher, principal, and staff development specialist. Inspired by Langston Hughes, her path is to build temples for tomorrow as strongly and bravely as she knows how and to ensure that future generations can stand freely within themselves to be whomever they choose.

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AI’s personalization pitfalls: Inaccurate outputs cost customer loyalty

The increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the digital marketing landscape, but it could potentially lead to a disaster if personalization and tailoring for each customer is neglected.

 

Although 61.4% of marketers are using AI to optimize their marketing campaigns, only 54.5% believe it enhances their outputs.

 

 

“Just because something can be automated doesn’t mean it should be,” explains Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital. “AI is useful but can’t fully replace the crucial human element in digital marketing.”

The consequences of neglecting personalization in AI-driven marketing can be disastrous.

Excessive reliance on automation, generic content delivery, and a lack of human touch are the pitfalls that can result in alienated customers, decreased brand loyalty, and ultimately, a negative impact on revenue.

 

 

Chew states that customers expect relevant and timely interactions, and any failure to meet these expectations can lead to detrimental outcomes for brands. Negative experiences could lead to a decline in customer loyalty, increased churn rates, and potential damage to a company’s reputation.

Brands must shift their focus towards hyper-personalization — an approach that goes beyond traditional personalization efforts.

“Each interaction with customers must feel unique and tailored. Brands must acknowledge the importance and recognize the limitations of leveraging AI to deliver truly customized experiences,” notes Chew.

Derek Chew can also explain why human supervision and intervention is imperative to get the most optimum output of an AI-generated marketing campaign. 

About Fullmoon Digital

Fullmoon Digital, founded by Derek Chew, a former early Yahoo! employee, is one of the few 100% independent digital marketing agencies in the United States. The firm is cross-functional, with deep experience in media planning and buying, digital consultancy, SEO, digital strategy, programmatic, analytics, performance marketing, paid media, social advertising, and creative. They push the envelope of what is possible in terms of marketing and technology, all the while providing best-in-class digital marketing service to their “pack” of clients. For more information, please visit www.fullmoondigital.com

 

Sources to read more:

  1. Geyser, Werner. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Marketing Benchmark Report: 2023. February 22, 2023. Influencer Marketing Hub. https://influencermarketinghub.com/ai-marketing-benchmark-report/
  2. Dey, Victor. 92% of businesses use AI-driven personalization but consumer confidence is divided. May 02, 2023. Venture Beat. https://venturebeat.com/ai/92-of-businesses-use-ai-driven-personalization-but-consumer-confidence-is-divided/
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Mercer County announces zero-interest rate loans to businesses through new partnership with UCEDC

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Office of Economic Development are excited to announce that the county will partner with the UCEDC to establish a 0% Interest Loan Program for small businesses in Mercer County.

Dedicating $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the program will allow Mercer County businesses to apply for affordable access to capital. The UCEDC will provide loans on a first-come, first-served basis utilizing current lending products and capital.

“Mercer County continues to provide financial options for its vibrant small businesses,” said County Executive Hughes.

“Through our 2023 Mercer County Small Business Grant Program, our newly announced Small Business Investment Program and this initiative, we recognize the importance of our small businesses to our regional economy and want to make every effort to help them continue to grow and flourish.”

Specifically, the program will require the following:

  • Businesses must be located in Mercer County, registered with the State of New Jersey and have been formed on or before September 1, 2019.
  • Businesses must have 30 full-time equivalent employees or less at time of application and have less than $10 million in annual gross revenue based on most recent tax return.
  • Loans will range from $10,000 to $20,000.
  • Loans will be offered at 0% interest, with a five-year repayment term.
  • Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, or purchases of furniture and equipment.
  • No collateral requirements, pre-payment penalties, processing, closing or application fees.
  • Personal guarantees of the significant owners of the business (10% or greater) are required.
  • Applicants must not have had a bankruptcy or significant charge-offs within the most recent 3-year period.

Through the Mercer County loan program, UCEDC will provide $750,000 of lending to small businesses located in Mercer County. With an average expected loan amount of $15,000, given the parameters above, Mercer County will provide funding to approximately 50 businesses in the target market.

Please click Mercer County Zero-Interest Loan Program flyer or here to learn more and apply.

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Mercer County launches Small Business Investment Program

Partnering with SMBX’s small-business marketplace will allow local business owners to raise capital through retail investors in the community and nationwide.

People can invest in small businesses for as little as $10 and be repaid principal and interest monthly.

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced the launch of Mercer County’s new Small Business Investment Program to help small businesses raise funding directly through retail investors in their communities, and nationwide.

Through a competitive bid process, the County selected SMBX, the online marketplace connecting small businesses and everyday investors, to run the program.

Mercer County has set aside $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to manage the program and drive retail investment to at least 30 Mercer County small businesses on the SMBX marketplace. The funds will keep the program free for small businesses.

“Mercer County continues to invest in our small-business community,” said County Executive Hughes.

“On the heels of the Mercer County Small Business Grant program, this SMBX initiative will allow start-ups and established businesses alike to grow and expand through the infusion of much needed capital.”

“Small-business owners nationwide are choosing to raise funds through everyday investors in their communities, giving people a chance to earn money by investing in the businesses they love,” said Ben Lozano, co-founder and CEO of SMBX.

“We’re excited to partner with Mercer County to help businesses raise funds with no fees for owners or investors.”

Small-business owners can apply to raise funds through the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, SMBX, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ).

SMBX and the Mercer County Office of Economic Development will work closely with business organizations and chambers of commerce, including the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber, the AACCNJ, the Capital Region Minority Chamber of Commerce and the Latino Merchants Association, to market the program and provide technical assistance to small businesses to prepare them to raise capital through SMBX.

“We are pleased with the decision of the Hughes Administration to support our efforts to expand capital access to the members of the African American Chamber of Commerce and businesses throughout Mercer County,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

“It is through the efforts of forward-thinking leaders that we can collectively collaborate to advance best practices that can lead to transformational outcomes; the resulting benefit will be a more competitive Mercer County.”

Here’s how the program will work:

  • Businesses can raise money by issuing Small Business Bonds on the SMBX marketplace.
  • Instead of borrowing from a bank, businesses borrow from investors in their community and across the country, paying them back monthly at fixed interest rates through SMBX.
  • Small businesses are not required to provide a personal loan guarantee.
  • SMBX completes the underwriting at no cost, the business reviews it, and SMBX files it with federal regulators.
  • The SMBX marketing team works with the business owners to offer and promote their raise.
  • Once the raise is completed, the business makes monthly fixed payments to its investors so it knows exactly what to expect for its cash flow.
  • By purchasing Small Business Bonds in $10 increments through the Mercer County Small Business Investment Program, investors can earn a meaningful monthly return by lending money to their favorite local small businesses while gaining more control over their money.

Small-business qualifications:

  • Physical business located in Mercer County;
  • For-profit business registered with the State of New Jersey, and formed on or before April 10, 2023;
  • 30 employees or fewer, with part-time equating to one-half a full-time employee;
  • Less than $10 million in gross revenue;
  • Preference is given to those businesses that have not received specific business grant assistance from the federal, state, or local government entity; and,
  • National franchises, real estate businesses, and independent consultants are ineligible.

The Mercer County Small Business Investment Program will run through September 2024.

###

About SMBX

SMBX is a marketplace connecting small businesses and everyday investors. We empower communities by making finance accessible to everyone. By issuing a Small Business Bond, businesses can borrow money from existing customers and their community at competitive rates, raising the funds needed to expand their business.

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Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates the grand opening of Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods

HAMILTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has announced the official opening of Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods. This much-anticipated, transformative housing development represents a significant milestone in providing permanent accessible homes and supportive services that empower residents with disabilities to live independently within the vibrant community of Hamilton.

Hamilton Woods offers barrier-free living in every apartment, ensuring easy navigation for residents with wheelchairs. With rents as low as $882 per month, this development addresses the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals, making it truly a place they can call home. Furthermore, the residents will have access to on-site social services coordinators provided by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, further enhancing the support network available to them.

Donna Spencer, NJHMFA’s Director of Multifamily and Supported Housing and Lending at NJHMFA, expressed her gratitude and excitement during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She praised the efforts of all those involved in bringing this remarkable project to life, especially acknowledging the support and collaboration of Mayor Jeff Martin, the Township of Hamilton, and Project Freedom, a key partner in this endeavor.

“At NJHMFA, we are firmly committed to providing supportive housing to ensure that everyone has a safe, quality, and affordable home regardless of disability status,” Donna Spencer stated.

“Hamilton residents know from experience that Project Freedom builds and maintains accessible, affordable apartments to the highest standard, enabling tenants to reach their full potential. It is our expectation that Project Freedom’s second Hamilton project will prove just as successful as their first.”

The collaboration between NJHMFA and Project Freedom has been instrumental in making this project a reality. Funding of nearly $14 million generated through 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an additional $1.2 million awarded through NJHMFA’s Special Needs Housing Trust Fund have been crucial to the success of Hamilton Woods.

Hamilton Woods is a housing development that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It offers 72 units with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Notably, a quarter of these units are thoughtfully designated for individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses, promoting equal housing opportunities. With over eight percent of Hamilton’s population representing people with disabilities, this project addresses their housing needs and is a welcome addition to the township.

Strategically located near the township’s “Center City” district, Hamilton Woods provides easy access to various neighborhood amenities, including a Capital Health clinic, the Hamilton Area YMCA, and the Hamilton Library, all just across the street. Residents will also enjoy convenient transportation options with a nearby bus stop and a range of shopping and dining opportunities within walking distance.

“Hamilton is proud to host a second Project Freedom development,” commented Mayor Jeff Martin. “Project Freedom’s commitment to affordable, barrier-free housing is second-to-none and we look forward to our continued partnership with everyone who made this project possible.”

Project Freedom’s track record in building and maintaining supportive housing has made them an invaluable partner in this initiative. Over the years, Project Freedom has created over 750 affordable homes in five counties, empowering tenants with disabilities and their families to live independently and thrive. Their previous developments have had a positive impact on both the tenants and the surrounding community by uplifting property values and fostering diversity within the neighborhood.

Tracee Battis, Executive Director of Project Freedom said, “We are so thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of our beautiful Hamilton Woods project, our 12th since the inception of Project Freedom nearly 40 years ago and our 2nd in Hamilton Township. We cannot thank Mayor Jeff Martin, Hamilton Township, NJHMFA, Mercer County, TD Bank and National Equity Fund enough for their continued support for our mission.”

At the event, Norman Smith, Associate Executive Director and Founder, expressed that this is like a second homecoming for him, having grown up in Hamilton Township. He went on to explain what Project Freedom means to him. “Project Freedom’s housing provides a base from which people with and without disabilities can blaze their own paths. This is what I am most proud of. While others see apartments as just bricks and mortar, I see them as catalysts for lives being changed through the opportunity of freedom.”

The Freedom Village concept has proven to be a success in previous partnerships, with developments in Hopewell, Woodstown, Toms River, and more. These homes have brought hope and relief to residents, particularly those with disabilities, who often bear the brunt of the affordable housing crisis. The overwhelming response to Hamilton Woods, with nearly 600 applications received, highlights the pressing need for such supportive accommodations.

“On behalf of NJHMFA, I would like to thank everyone who played a part in bringing this project to fruition,” NJHFMA Executive Director Melanie R. Walter said. “Hamilton Woods offers modern, inclusive, accessible housing that will enhance resident access to and participation in the Hamilton Township community.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the residents of Hamilton Woods, reflecting the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedication, partnership, and a shared vision for inclusive and supportive communities.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov

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CIA operatives dodge danger, confront terrorist attacks in realistic race against time, ‘The Handler’

GREENWICH, Conn. —  In the real world, “espionage is not a tuxedo and a martini,” quipped prolific author Jeffrey S. Stephens, who has written extensively about missions involving CIA operatives and national security.

 

“They work in the shadows. They’re in danger,” he added. “There’s so much that goes on that we don’t know about — so many near misses that we can never hear about for obvious security reasons.”

 

His latest book, The Handler, pays homage to those who “work in the shadows” to protect the people of the United States with a chillingly realistic plot centered on the revival of Al Qaeda and its efforts to pull off a large act of terrorism.

 

The book features Nick Reagan, an abundantly confident CIA operative and American hero who will go to any length to protect the country he loves. And in The Handler, Reagan and his team travel to the ends of the earth to locate an anonymous terrorist determined to unleash a series of unholy attacks on America. Can their mission succeed when they don’t even know who they’re looking for?

 

Readers first meet Reagan as he traces a trail of clues to China in search of the Ghost Chip — a new technology that turns cell phones into detonators and renders them untraceable. In the hands of terrorists, the Ghost Chip would be catastrophic.

 

When the CIA uncovers details of a violent assault planned in New York City, Reagan and his partner, Carol Gellos, are assigned to prevent it — facing long odds and danger along the way.

 

As events unfold, it becomes apparent the incident in Manhattan was only the first in a series of intended terrorist strikes within the United States. Even worse, Reagan discovers that the man behind this onslaught is further along in his preparations than anyone in the intelligence community anticipated.

 

The anonymous ISIS handler behind these assaults is using new technology, as well as in-formation gathered from three American scientists kidnapped in Pakistan, to coordinate his plans. The result will be a gruesome fate for thousands of innocent people … unless Reagan can stop him.

 

After deciphering the code being used by the Handler to plot his bloody scheme, Reagan races against time, needing help as never before from his group of talented associates, including his lover, top CIA analyst Erin David.

 

Throughout The Handler, the author toggles between perspectives, giving readers a chilling look inside the minds of Islamic terrorists hellbent on carrying out heinous acts in the name of the Koran, while simultaneously, Reagan risks his life to thwart the awful carnage.

 

BestThrillers.com calls The Handler, “A taut terrorism thriller that mesmerizes with a dizzying global conspiracy and believable stakes,” and The Real Book Spy calls it, “Jason Bourne for the new millennium.”

 

About the Author
A native of New York City, Jeffrey S. Stephens is a successful attorney in private practice, admitted in both New York and Connecticut. Stephens has lived for more than 30 years in Greenwich, which is where he and his wife, Nancy, raised their two sons, Graham and Trevor. Stephens is the author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, Targets Of Deception, Targets Of Opportunity, Targets Of Revenge and Rogue Mission, as well as the Anthony Walker murder mystery Crimes And Passion and the Pencraft First Place Award winning novel, Fool’s Errand.

 

For more information, please visit www.jeffreystephens.com, or follow the author on Facebook (Author Jeffrey Stephens), Instagram (jss50) and Twitter (@j_stephensbooks).

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Mercer County Clerk issues warning to passport applicants and to veterans

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is issuing two warnings to constituents that could cause a waste of precious time and money, the two things no one needs to lose, she says.

Passport Fees Required at all Passport Facilities

The U.S. Department of State advises all passport applicants that there are no free passports nor fee waivers, and that a fee is required for all passport applications.  Payment is required at all Passport Acceptance Facilities, including the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton Township and the Mercer County Clerk’s Office in Trenton.

Recent social media videos circulating on the internet, which advise customers that passports can be free by submitting form I-912 are false, misleading and incorrect. The form they are referring to is for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and not for Passport Services. The form is NOT a Department of State form and it is not honored by them.

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello explained that videos on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are not being produced by government officials, and have created confusion among constituents who believe them to be accurate.

For further information on the Form I-192 and the individuals eligible, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-192 for clear instructions and additional information.

For detailed information on documentation required for a passport, or office hours at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/passportsand for detailed information on services at the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton, please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/county-connection/passport-application-information.

Veterans Filing Scam

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is alerting all Veterans of a fraudulent solicitation targeting those seeking assistance with filing their DD-214 discharge papers. The DD-214, or Certificate of Release or Honorable Discharge from Active Duty, is a vital document that verifies a Veteran’s military service and is often required when accessing various military benefits and entitlements. The Mercer County Clerk’s Office records such items free of charge, without the need for a middle man.

“Unfortunately, at least one opportunistic company is preying on Veterans by offering to file or obtain their DD-214 on their behalf in exchange for significant payments” said Covello.  A Company called “DD-214 DIRECT” out of Phoenix, Arizona is soliciting Veterans to pay to record copies of their discharge papers (DD-214).

We want to emphasize that the Mercer County Clerk’s Office files and provides certified copies of DD-214 discharge papers free of charge. Veterans can visit our office or contact us directly to receive guidance and support throughout the process, without incurring any unnecessary fees. Often, we record such documents when a Veteran visits our office to obtain a US Veteran ID Card.

For additional information on Veteran Services, please call 609-278-7108 or 609-989-6465 or visit the Clerk’s Office online at https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk

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Bridge on Princeton-West Windsor border closed for NJDOT replacement project

The Washington Road bridge over the D&R Canal in Princeton and West Windsor is closed and detoured as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) undertakes an emergency bridge replacement project.

As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, Washington Road is closed between Faculty Road and Tiger Lane. Local access will be maintained between Route 1 and Tiger Lane. Work is expected to be completed this fall.

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that although Washington Road is a county roadway (CR 571), the canal bridge is under the jurisdiction of NJDOT, which is undertaking the bridge replacement.

“NJDOT has been monitoring the condition of the bridge and determined that the replacement project couldn’t wait,” he said.

“Safety is always the top priority, so I urge motorists to be patient and to allow extra time when traveling into and out of Princeton for the duration of the project.”

NJDOT will have variable message signs directing motorists to detour routes, which include the following:

Washington Road southbound detour:

  • Motorists wishing to travel south on Washington Road will be directed to use Route 27/Nassau Street
  • Turn left onto Alexander Street
  • Take the ramp to Route 1 northbound to New Brunswick
  • Take the jughandle to CR 571 northbound/Princeton to Washington Road

Or

  • From Route 27/Nassau Street, turn right onto Harrison Street
  • Turn right onto Route 1 southbound
  • Stay right on Route 1 southbound to take the “All Turns” lane to CR 571/Hightstown/Princeton back to Washington Road

Washington Road northbound detour (updated):

  • Motorists on Washington Road northbound before the Route 1 intersection wishing to cross the Washington Road bridge over the D&R Canal will be directed to turn right onto Route 1 northbound
  • Stay right to take Harrison Street exit
  • Cross Route 1 and continue on Harrison Street westbound/Princeton
  • Turn left onto Route 27/Nassau Street southbound back to Washington Road

Or

  • Motorists on Washington Road northbound before the Route 1 intersection wishing to cross the Washington Road bridge over the D&R Canal will be directed to turn left onto Route 1 southbound
  • Take the ramp to Alexander Road westbound/Princeton
  • Continue on Alexander Road and turn right onto University Place
  • Turn right onto Route 27/Nassau Street northbound back to Washington Road

+Route 1 to Washington Road northbound detour:

Motorists traveling on Route 1 northbound or southbound wishing to travel into Princeton using Washington Road northbound will be directed to use Alexander Road/Alexander Street or South Harrison Street/Lower Harrison Street.

Pedestrian access

Access to the D&R Canal towpath will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists on Washington Road southbound, crossing the Washington Road bridge over Carnegie Lake. Barriers will be in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists to the towpath a safe distance away from the active construction zone.

Pedestrians and cyclists on Washington Road northbound will not be able to access the D&R Canal towpath. Instead, they can use crossings at Alexander Street and Harrison Street.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather and other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow the agency on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT or on the NJDOT Facebook page.

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Heat advisory issued; cooling sites open in Mercer County

TRENTON, N.J. — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Mercer County and the surrounding area from 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, to 6 a.m. Friday, July 28, and an Excessive Heat Watch from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 28.

County Exec. Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that many cooling sites will be open.

Temperatures on Thursday were expected to reach the middle to upper 90s with a heat index (a measure of the combination of heat and humidity) of up to 104 degrees.

For the Excessive Heat Watch on Friday, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of up to 106 degrees are possible. Children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures.

The New Jersey Department of Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following recommendations for staying safe during hot weather:

  • Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
  • People without air conditioning should reach out to NJ 2-1-1 for information regarding Cooling Centers: nj211.org/nj-cooling-centers
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
  • If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors if possible.
  • Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
  • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Consider pet safety. If pets are outdoors, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
  • If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

Mercer County Library System branches and municipal senior centers serve as cooling sites, although daily hours of operation vary. These locations are open to all residents. The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers, and West Windsor library branches are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hollowbrook Branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Call individual senior centers for hours of operation, restrictions and accommodations. Call your local senior center if you don’t see it on the list of confirmed cooling sites below.

Mercer County library branch locations

  • Ewing, 61 Scotch Road
  • Hickory Corner, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
  • Hightstown Memorial, 114 Franklin St.
  • Hollowbrook, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing
  • Hopewell, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington
  • Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike
  • Robbinsville, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road
  • Twin Rivers, 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor
  • West Windsor, 333 North Post Road

Municipal senior center locations

  • Ewing – Hollowbrook Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive; 609-883-1199
  • Hamilton Senior Center, 409 Cypress Lane; 609-890-3686;
  • Hopewell Valley Senior Center, 395 Reading St., Pennington; 609-537-0236;
  • John O. Wilson Center, 169 Wilfred Avenue, Hamilton; 609-393-6480;
  • Lawrence Senior Center (not a cooling center but will be available from 2 to 7 p.m. July 27 and noon to 7 p.m. July 28 for cooling purposes), 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence; 609-882-9246
  • Princeton Senior Resource Center, 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B; Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St.; 609-751-9699
  • Robbinsville Township Senior Center, 1117 Route 130; 609-259-1567
  • Samuel Naples Senior Center (covering all of Trenton), 611 Chestnut Ave.; 609-989-3462
  • West Windsor Senior Center, 271 Clarksville Road; 609-799-9068

For assistance in coping with the heat or to contact your local cooling site, please call the Mercer County Office on Aging at (609) 989-6661 or toll-free at (877) 222-3737. During non-business hours, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they experience heat-related problems.

For more information regarding heat-related emergencies, please visit www.ready.nj.gov, the National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resourcespage or the National Institute on Aging Hot Weather Safety page.

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Tom Cruise: Insider reveals – the bizarre secret of his eternal youth: bird poop as skin food – most expensive bird droppings in the world

Tom Cruise’s worldwide fame as a Hollywood powerhouse and movie star has grown to the point where it is often difficult to separate the myths about him from the actual facts.

 

But now an insider from the set of the movie Mission Impossible reveals an incredible beauty secret that makes the superstar turn away from the use of Botox: the use of droppings of the Japanese nightingale.

 

In a world where beauty standards and the pressure to always look young are everywhere, Tom Cruise has proven that he goes his own way. Instead of relying on invasive measures like Botox, Cruise prefers to turn to natural and sustainable means to regenerate and nourish his skin.

 

Asami Geisha is based on an ancient Japanese tradition and draws on a recipe that is already over 600 years old.

 

The key ingredient of this unique cosmetic is the droppings of the Japanese nightingale. This may seem unusual at first glance, but in Japan this substance has been valued for centuries for its healing properties. The droppings of nightingales contain natural enzymes that regenerate the skin and give it a youthful glow. The droppings of the nightingales are disinfected by ultraviolet light and then made into a fine powder and incorporated into cosmetics.

 

The insider reports that Tom Cruise is thrilled with the amazing results. It is designed to make his skin look smoother, firmer and younger without having to undergo invasive treatments. Cruise is known for his dedication and commitment to his roles, and obviously that dedication extends to his skin care.

 

But if you want to enjoy these high-quality cosmetics, you have to dig deep into your pocket. 50 ml of “Asami Geisha” costs an incredible $490. This makes “Asami Geisha” by far the most expensive bird droppings in the world.

 

We can’t confirm the insider’s statement, but 10 years ago the media reported that Tom relied on the power of Bird Poop.

 

Here is the source:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tom-cruise-facial-bird-droppings-poop_n_1634402

 

It is clear that the extraordinary effect of the droppings of the Japanese nightingale has become a trend among Hollywood stars. Victoria Beckham, Harry Styles and Angelina Jolie have also been fans for years, according to international media reports.