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Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer to hold annual Plant Expo and Garden Market

It’s about Blooming Time!

 

Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County’s annual Spring Plant Expo and Garden Market will be Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township.

PHOTO: The Mercer Master Gardeners are planning their annual Plant Expo and Garden Market, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at the Mercer Educational Gardens on the grounds of the Mercer County Stables in Hopewell Township. Pictured, from left, are Expo co-chairs Carol Bencivengo of Hamilton, Stephanie Foy of West Windsor, Ann Mann of Princeton, Harri Nowrey of Hamilton, and Susan Maley of Columbus.

 

One of the most celebrated events of the year, the Expo will be on the grounds of Mercer County Stables. The event is held rain or shine! Free parking is on site.

 

This year’s Expo will feature the much sought after home-grown perennials, trees, and shrubs from the gardens of Rutgers Master Gardeners and a garden market with select vendors.

 

The vendors are Steven Kristoph Nursery, Millstone Township; Shannon’s Nursery, Doylestown, Pa.; Byrne Farm Market, Wrightstown; and Chickadee Creek Farm, Pennington. Additionally, the Master Gardeners are excited to announce the addition of a new vendor, Moon Shot Farm of East Windsor.

 

Meet these select growers and purchase a wide variety of native plants, woody ornamentals, perennials, annuals, tomatoes, veggies, herbs and cut flowers.

 

Plan to arrive early for the best selection! Rutgers Master Gardeners will be on hand to help you choose the right plant for the right place and will answer all your questions.

 

Visit www.mgofmc.org for more information on vendors, a home-grown plant inventory, plant resources, and other sale details.

 

CONTACT: Meredith Melendez  (609) 989-6830; melendez@njaes.rutgers.edu

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the County. For home gardening, plant, turf, or insect questions, you can visit our Helpline office at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, Monday through Friday, and speak with a Rutgers Master Gardener volunteer. You can also call us, (609) 989-6853, or send us an email AsktheMGs@mercercounty.org. Visit our website at www.mgofmc.org for Helpline hours and more information.

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Education Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science

Leading NJ public health school announces new health and risk communication certificate

TCNJ’s Public Health department offers new all-online Health & Risk Communication certificate.

 

“Our department wants to arm public health and non-profit communities with the skills they need to succeed…”

— Slyvia Twersky, PhD, MPH, TCNJ Public Health Asst. Professor

 

EWING, N.J. – In March, a new report announced 2021 as a 58-year high for maternal mortality. The same study pointed out delayed preventive care during COVID and continued disparities in social determinants of health as key contributors.

 

As at-risk communities face mounting health challenges, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is preparing students to help people pursue healthier lives with a new graduate certificate in health and risk communication.

 

Consisting of four courses, the new program will teach students how to develop, implement, and evaluate health communication plans — from research to program testing. Students will learn about health communication campaigns in community contexts, social media, digital health platforms and interactive video games.

 

TCNJ Public Health and Communication Studies professor, John C. Pollock, PhD, expands on the benefits of this new program, saying, “This innovative graduate certificate offers robust training in creating, implementing, and evaluating professional health communication campaigns. Taught by health communication scholars and professionals, certificate courses employ knowledge about message formation and communication to teach students how to alleviate suffering, reduce risky behavior, and promote health equity.”

 

Credits generated from this certificate can be applied to a Master’s in Public Health degree from TCNJ. TCNJ’s Public Health program ranks number two in New Jersey.

 

TCNJ Public Health Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director, Sylvia Twersky, PhD, MPH, adds, “Our department wants to arm public health and non-profit communities with the skills they need to succeed and thrive in their jobs and create healthier communities. This certificate in health and risk communication helps us do that. As a completely online program, it can meet the needs of today’s busy professionals. It is also compatible with an MPH in Health Communication, so if a student wants to convert the certificate into a master’s degree, they have a clear path forward.”

 

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dean Carole Kenner explains, “This new health and risk communication certificate is an example of how our Public Health program empowers students to positively impact surrounding communities during and after their college experiences. Whether for a full Master’s degree or skills improvement, our diverse certificate offerings give anyone the opportunity to advance their knowledge and empower others.”

 

The School rebranded in 2022 to reflect its robust and diverse, cross-disciplinary health science curricula.

 

TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences educates aspiring health professionals to become future leaders across the healthcare industry. Faculty work closely with local healthcare partners to provide students with applicative skills and foundational knowledge. The nationally acclaimed school is dedicated to preparing individuals—through programs in nursing, public health, exercise science and physical education teaching—for the many rewards of guiding people, communities, and populations toward improved health outcomes. The School is nationally recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.

 

Contact Information:

Crothers Consulting | info@crothersconsulting.co | (800) 831-3840

Source: TCNJ School of Nursing and Health Sciences

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Business Government Lifestyle Local News Regulations & Security

Mercer County clerk announces opportunity for real estate professionals to access property records that include Daniel’s Law protections

TRENTON, N.J. — Real estate professionals may once again have access to all property records, including those subject to Daniel’s Law, if they complete a simple registration with the state, explains Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello.

 

Real estate professionals, including title searchers, may now register with the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, and upon approval, these professionals will have clear access to all records, including those that were redacted, or masked, in accordance with Daniel’s Law.

 

 

Daniel’s Law was implemented in 2020 inorder to protect law enforcement officers, judicial officers, prosecutors, and their families from public record searches. Consequently, County Clerks and other government offices redacted their addresses from public search engines throughout New Jersey.

 

However, the N.J. Legislature later created an exemption for qualified real estate professionals, so that property transactions could continue to move forward.

 

Those business entities are defined as “any person or entity organized under the laws of this State for the primary purpose of determining the existence of any lien, lawsuit, lease, easement, mortgage or other encumbrance or restriction, or ownership interest, on any property and regularly conducts business with any title insurance company or title insurance agent.”

 

Once registered with the Department of Banking and Insurance, title search businesses and real estate businesses may request documents subjected to redaction or nondisclosure under Daniel’s Law.

 

Applications may be submitted electronically by completing the form and following the instructions here:  https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/titlesearch/index.html. There is no cost to complete the registration process.

 

All registrants must maintain their information and immediately inform the Department of Banking and Insurance of any changes to the information in their registration. Any questions regarding the registration process can be directed to: TitleSearch@dobi.nj.gov.

 

For more information on the services offered by the Office of the Mercer County Clerk or questions regarding our public search room, please visit the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk or call the office’s main number at 609-989-6465.

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Business Culture Economics Government Local News Programs & Events

In March, Mercer County, SBDC recognize five ‘unstoppable’ small businesses

In celebration of National Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Day on March 15, five Mercer County businesses were presented with certificates of appreciation as part of the SBDC of The College of New Jersey’s second annual Mercer Unstoppables Program for making remarkable strides to launch and/or grow their physical locations under pandemic conditions.

 

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, County Director of Economic Development Anthony Carabelli Jr. and Lilian Mauro, Regional Director of the SBDC at TCNJ, presented the certificates to honorees during a ceremony at the Mercer County Administration Building in Trenton.

Here are the 2023 Mercer County Unstoppable Businesses, as selected by the SBDC at TCNJ for their ability to expand their existing businesses or launch entirely new businesses under challenging economic and labor conditions:

• Enterprise Solutions Accounting LLC, Ewing– Henry Pulido, owner
• K’s Event Decorations and Rentals, Hamilton – Antonia James, owner
• Little King Sandwich Shop, Hamilton – Robert Mustardo, owner
• Nonstop Fitness, Lawrence – Marcus Eaddy and David Milligan, owners
• Walkers Caribbean Grill, Ewing – Lovell Walker and Nordia Henry-Walker, owners

“We know the edge of prosperity in this country is in our small businesses, and without them all businesses would fail,” said County Executive Hughes. “Mercer County is grateful for people who take the risk, take the opportunity and the chance of opening up a business.”

 

“We know the edge of prosperity in this country is in our small businesses, and without them all businesses would fail,” said County Executive Hughes. “Mercer County is grateful for people who take the risk, take the opportunity and the chance of opening up a business.”

Ms. Mauro added, “All of this would not be possible without the help and support we have for more than 15 years from Mercer County. Thanks to them we have been able to offer the Spanish language program as well to all businesses, to not just to start, but to move forward to the next level.”

Learn more about these businesses and their stories at https://www.sbdcnj.com/unstoppables/.

Since 1981, America’s Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey has been helping greater Mercer County established businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to create and grow successful, profitable businesses. Through a combination of business counseling and training services, we help our clients achieve their business goals. If you are interested in learning more, visit https://www.sbdcnj.com/.

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Education Environment Lifestyle Science Special/Sponsored Content

Rutgers info on Wild Plant Culture to restore edible and medicinal native plant communities

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Environment Local News Programs & Events Science

Win a week of Nature Camp with Mercer County Park Commission

HAMILTON, N.J. — The Mercer County Park Commission announces a Camp Giveaway to send two lucky children to Summer Nature Camp.

 

Caption: Campers enjoy a trail adventure at Mercer County Park Commission Nature Camp.

During this promotion, running from April 17-23, Mercer County families will have one chance each day to be entered into a Grand Prize drawing at the end of the week.

 

Two Grand Prizes will be awarded:

  • 1 Week (June 26-30) of Aquatic Adventures Kayaking Camp for a 13-to-15-year-old Child*
  • 1 Week (Aug. 7-11) of Tulpehaking Nature Camp for a 10-to-12-year-old Child *

 

There are two ways to enter the drawing, and participating families may enter in one or both ways.

 

  • Online – Each day from April 17-21, post a picture highlighting “nature in your neighborhood” on your Instagram page tagging @MCPC_tulpehaking and naming the camp (either Kayak or TNC Camp) you want to attend. Up to one entry per family per day.
  • In-person – On April 22-23, visit the Tulpehaking Nature Center during open hours to find the “Tully the Wonder Turtle” icon. Take a picture of yourself with the icon and post it to Instagram tagging @MCPC_tulpehaking and naming the camp (Kayak or TNC Camp) you want to attend. Up to one entry per family per day.

The raffle drawing will be conducted on April 24, 2023. Winners will then be notified to register for their winning week of camp tuition-free. For more information about the Camp Giveaway, please contact 609-888-3218, ext. 201.

* General regulations:

  • Children must have reached the minimum age of their camp by Oct. 1, 2022.
  • Aquatic Adventures Kayaking Camp runs June 26-30.
  • Tulpehaking Nature Camp runs Aug. 7-11.
  • No purchase is necessary to enter.
  • Participants must reside in Mercer County, NJ.
  • Employees of the Mercer County Park Commission are not eligible to participate.

Park Commission Summer Nature Camps have been connecting children with the wonders of nature for over 10 years with hands-on, experiential and fun activities that build children’s knowledge and comfort with the outdoors. All camps are led by trained and dedicated Naturalist staff. This summer, the full camp season runs for five weeks conducted at three different locations within the park system.

 

Caption: Find Tully the Wonder Turtle at Tulpehaking Nature Center as one way to enter the Camp Giveaway.

Baldpate Nature Camp will be held for two weeks this summer, July 24-28 and July 31-Aug. 4 at Baldpate Mountain in Titusville. Baldpate Nature Camp is designed to enhance children’s natural affinity for the great outdoors for children ages 7-9 and 10-12 years. Hands-on nature explorations, science experiments, hikes through the forest and unstructured nature play create the foundation for each camp week. Camp days are devoted to a specific nature topic such as arthropods, forest ecology, birds and wildlife tracking.

 

Tulpehaking Nature Camp will run the week of Aug. 7-11 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton. Children ages 7-9 and 10-12 will discover nature through the lens of the Lenape people who inhabited this freshwater tidal marsh centuries ago and continue to view it as their homeland. Campers will explore the unique ecology and history of the Abbott Marshlands through hands-on outdoor explorations paired with traditional Lenape games and crafts.

 

Aquatic Adventure Camp will continue this summer at the Mercer County Park Marina with Angler’s Adventure Fishing Camp for children ages 10-12 years and Kayak Adventure Camp for children ages 13-15 years. Camps will be offered June 26-30 and July 10-14. Aquatic Adventure Camp blends environmental science with summer fun! Campers become immersed in freshwater ecology as they explore Mercer Lake and observe its scaly and feathered residents.

 

Regular camp tuition ranges from $250-300/week for Mercer County residents and $350-400/week for out-of-county residents. Camps are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some camps are already full. Please check https://register.communitypass.net/mercer for current availability and to register.

The Mercer County Park Commission’s Summer Nature Camp brochure may be found on their website at www.mercercounty.org/parks.

About Tulpehaking Nature Center:

The Tulpehaking Nature Center is located at 157 Westcott Ave., Hamilton, N.J. 08610. It is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

The nature center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore the nature and history of the Abbott Marshlands. It is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission.

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Culture Government Lifestyle Local News

Most Mercer County government offices to close for Good Friday

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices will be closed Friday, April 7, 2023, in observance of Good Friday.

 

All branches of the Mercer County Library System will be closed April 7 for Good Friday and April 9 for Easter.

 

The County Connection office in Hamilton will be closed Saturday, April 8, in addition to Good Friday.

 

The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.

 

  • Howell Living History Farm, which is operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, will be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday but will be open for programming Saturday.
  • Mercer County Stables will be open Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but will be closed Sunday. Tulpehaking Nature Center will be closed Friday but will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Mercer County Tennis Center will have regular hours Friday and Saturday, and will be open from 7:30 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Park Commission administrative offices will be closed Friday.
  • County golf courses and the Wildlife Center will have regular hours Friday through Sunday.

 

For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercounty.org/parks.

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Culture Environment Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events Science Weather & Environment

Mercer Mosquito Control reminds residents about spring cleanup

As warmer weather fast approaches, the Mercer County Mosquito Control Unit advises that now is the perfect time to clear your property of any unused objects that may hold water and harbor mosquitoes.

 

If removing containers is not possible, they should be stored properly so as not to collect water. Containers such as tires, buckets, children’s toys, corrugated downspout extensions, birdbaths, potted plant saucers, and neglected swimming pools or ornamental ponds are all suitable habitats for mosquitoes.

 

Some species of mosquitoes thrive in containers that hold very small amounts of water (as little as a bottlecap), which can easily be overlooked and become problematic, especially after plants around your property develop foliage.

 

The Mosquito Control Unit encourages everyone to routinely survey their property and remove standing water.

 

Please remember: STANDING WATER + 7 DAYS = MOSQUITOES.

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Business Environment Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events Science

D&R Greenway Land Trust announces dates for in-person Spring 2023 Native Plant Sale

PRINCETON, N.J. — D&R Greenway announces over fifty species of healthy local plants are ready for purchase at their annual Native Plant Sale sales taking place this spring in April. The Nursery is on the grounds of D&R Greenway’s Conservation Campus at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, [off Rosedale Road] Princeton, NJ 08540.

 

A bee collects pollen from an Echinecia (cone flower) plant

Planting natives enhances home gardens in natural beauty, attracts butterflies and birds in the landscape, and contributes to protection of a healthy bioregion.

 

Tina Notas, Director of Land Stewardship for D&R Greenway, remarks, “By adding locally-grown native plants to your garden, you’ll be rewarded with a melodious chorus of pollinators, including native birds. There are so many gorgeous native plants to choose from that will benefit wildlife and support our ecosystem.”

 

D&R Greenway’s comprehensive online catalog for review provides thorough plant descriptions, and pro-tips from D&R Greenway’s experienced Stewardship team. The catalog clearly addresses specific home garden conditions, such as filtered sun and varying soil conditions.

 

Possibilities include “Wildflowers, Herbaceous Shrubs, Trees, Ferns and even Grasses” as well as popular Cardinal flower, Purple Coneflower, Winterberry Holly, Blueberry, and Oaks.   https://drgreenway.org/shop/native-plants/

 

D&R Greenway’s native trees, shrubs, perennial wildflowers, grasses, and ferns are grown either on-site or purchased from reputable local native-plant growers. Native Plant Nursery specimens are grown from locally sourced starter plants, and are free of harmful nicotinoid insecticides. Planting natives that evolved locally requires less maintenance, in terms of fertilizer, water and pesticides.

 

The sale dates are: Thursday, April 20, 12:00 – 4:00 pm; Friday, April 21, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm; and EARTH DAY: Saturday, April 22, 9:00 am – 11:30 pm. Native Plant Sale proceeds support D&R Greenway’s preservation and stewardship mission. www.drgreenway.org.

 

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About D&R Greenway Land Trust:

D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989 and 44 miles of trails.

 

By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life.

 

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Culture Lifestyle Local News

Vote for your favorite piece of TrashedArt in contest at Lawrence MCL

One person’s trash is another person’s TrashedArt! Accepted entries in the Mercer County Library System’s 14th annual TrashedArt Contest, which celebrates Earth Day by encouraging patrons to turn ordinary trash into extraordinary art, are on display through April at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch.

 

Patrons can view photographs of the artwork and vote for the “People’s Choice” awards in person at each of the nine library branches and virtually on the MCLS website at www.mcl.org. Winners will be announced Tuesday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the TrashedArt Contest Reception at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Please register online for the TrashedArt Reception at www.mcl.org.

 

The photographs also will be used to create a virtual gallery that will be shared on the MCLS social media channels and website. To view past virtual galleries, visit the MCLS YouTube Channel (and search for “Virtual TrashedArt Reception Slideshow (2020),” “TrashedArt 2021 Virtual Contest Gallery,” and “TrashedArt Contest 2022 Gallery”).