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Culture Lifestyle Local News

New season of trail riding returns at Mercer County Stables!

Mercer County Stables (MCS) is inviting the community to participate in its 2022-23 Trail Riding Program, which starts in October this fall and runs through May next Spring.

 

Reservations begin at 9 a.m. on Sept. 12. Phone-in reservations only. MCS require reservations to participate. Have your Community Pass account set up before calling to make your reservation. To reserve a trail riding spot, call 609-730-9059 x401.

For this relaxing walk-only trail ride, the program organizers want the public to join them for a 45-minute guided ride around the trail at Mercer Stables property for ages 12 and up; adults are welcome too!

Previous riding experience is not necessary, but riders must be able to control the horse. At the management’s discretion, riders may be on lead for the rider’s safety.

Weight Restrictions: 220 lbs. max weight limit, weigh-in will be required by all participants. They must be physically able to get on and off the horse without assistance. Boots are preferred; no open-toed shoes, ballet flats, thin sneakers (like Vans/Converse) or tight clothing. Wearing a riding helmet is required (provided by MCS).

Please allow for some extra time before and after your scheduled trail ride. One adult from the same family must register with minors. When making reservations, MCS may provide additional policies.

Trail Riding at Mercer Stables starts Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, and runs to mid-May 2023.

Times: Mondays – 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays- 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.

Thursdays – 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays- 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Cost: 45-minute trail ride $45.00

*Actual time may vary by a few minutes depending on how fast or slow the horses walk.

Age Requirement: 12 years old and up

Weight Restrictions: 220 lbs. maximum

Categories
Local Events Travel & Leisure

All-new Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party lights up Trenton for four thrilling shows Feb. 10-12

Worldwide Tour Rolls into CURE Insurance Arena with a Thrilling Hot Wheels® Monster Trucks Glow Party Experience for the Whole Family!

Tickets On-Sale Friday, Sept. 9, 2022

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is coming to Trenton for the first time ever! Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the DARK! This one-of-a-kind show will visit the CURE Insurance Arena for four epic performances!

Tickets and event information are available at www.hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com or at cureinsurancearena.com. Tickets are subject to convenience and facility fees.

Show times are as follows:

  • Friday, February 10, 7:30 p.m. / Crash Zone, 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 11, 12:30 p.m. / Crash Zone, 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, February 11, 7:30 p.m. / Crash Zone, 5 p.m
  • Sunday, February 12, 2:30 p.m. / Crash Zone, 12 p.m.

The popular family entertainment tour brings audiences the only opportunity to watch their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Boneshaker™, Bigfoot® and more, plus the all-new Gunkster™ – LIGHT UP the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles.

Event performances will also feature a dazzling dance party, spectacular laser light shows and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Plus, a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS, and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a BIG value for the whole family!

The exciting Crash Zone Pre-Show Party will be held 2.5 hours before every performance. The unique experience provides fans access to the competition floor to see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks! Each pass includes an autograph card plus a souvenir pass and lanyard exclusive to Crash Zone attendees! Passes will be available to purchase while supplies last.

Categories
Art & Life Culture

New Jersey Photography Forum presents ‘Colorific’ exhibit at the Mayo Performing Arts Center

The New Jersey Photography Forum is presenting its Colorific photography exhibit in the Art Upstairs Gallery at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ from September 8 – October 18, 2022.

 

The NJPF Colorific exhibit reopens the Art Upstairs Gallery for the new performance season each year. It is open to ticket holders on nights of performances and is open to the public from 12:00 to 2:00pm on Tuesdays or by appointment during normal business hours. There will be a free reception for the exhibit on Sunday, September 18 from 4pm to 6pm that is open to the public.

 

        “This annual exhibit of photographic images is an explosion of color with works ranging from traditional subjects to abstract forms and designs. It features thirty works selected by a jury from over 95 submitted images. Also featured will be two 3-d works created in glass by photographer Russ Wills,” says Nancy Ori, director of the NJPF. 

 

        Seventeen artists from around New Jersey have works in the exhibit, including: Jamin Chen, Montville; Ken Curtis, Califon; Ralph Greene, Woodland Park; Theresa Hood, Hamilton Township, PA; Marv Kaminsky, Flanders; Kathleen Kirchner, Stanhope; Parvathi Kumar, Bridgewater; Leonard McDonald, Mountainside; Charlann Meluso, Berkeley Heights; Charles Miller, Ringoes; Jeff Newman, Flemington; Nancy Ori, Berkeley Heights; Lynn Ronan, Midland Park; Tom Stillman, South Plainfield; Christine Truhe, Summit; Russ Wills, Plainfield, and Allan Wood, Maplewood.

 

         Three years ago, The New Jersey Photography Forum celebrated the 25thanniversary of its founding. The group is dedicated to furthering the interests of professional and serious photographers living or working in the Metro area. Under the direction of Nancy Ori, the NJPF has grown to be the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state.

 

The monthly meetings are currently held virtually using Zoom and will return to their regular in-person sessions at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit when possible. Meeting attendees are encouraged to share expertise and advance their skills. At each meeting, member and guest photographers have an opportunity to share their work as well as have access to a wide variety of current creative and technical information through informal presentations and demonstrations.

 

Exhibition possibilities within the fine art community are constantly being explored with the group producing as many as a dozen group exhibits each year at various venues. These opportunities have become an invaluable resource for Metro area photographers interested in becoming fine art exhibitors.

 

         The Mayo Performing Arts Center is a highly recognized center for the arts. It provides a year-round series of performances featuring international, national, and local artists. It also houses two visual art galleries that feature works by local art organizations and individual artists from around the region, as well as those with international recognition. For more information go to Mayoarts.org. The Center is located at 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ. To make an appointment to see the exhibit, call 973-539-0345, ext. 6701.

 

        For more information on the exhibit or the group, please contact Nancy Ori at nancyori@comcast.net, To learn more about the group, please visit the New Jersey Photography Forum website at www.njphotoforum.com

Categories
Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science

International Overdose Awareness Day addresses critical life-saving issues

Observed on Aug. 31 each year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

 

People of all backgrounds and socio-economic levels are affected by addiction. Although substance use disorder is a disease, there still is social stigma associated with drug use and overdose deaths.

 

This day of overdose awareness reminds us that people lost to overdose are not just statistics – they are loved.

 

In 2021, 138 people died in Mercer County of a suspected overdose. The tragedy of overdose is far too frequent; but can be prevented. Overdose prevention, education, and recognition play a crucial role in saving lives.

The Mercer County Department of Human Services’ Office on Addiction Services encourages all residents to have access to naloxone, a medication that can help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

Every month, the Office on Addiction Services collaborates with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to host a free, virtual training on the use of naloxone (brand name Narcan).

Naloxone rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by attaching to opioid receptors and reversing and blocking the effects of other opioids. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, hydrocodone/Vicodin, codeine, and morphine.

In the United States, most overdoses are caused by opioids. When administering naloxone during an overdose, it is still is critical to call 911 so that the individual can receive immediate medical attention.

The next training hosted in conjunction with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is Sept. 22.

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Culture Environment Lifestyle Local News Science

Mercer County reopens Rosedale Road/General Johnson mini roundabout in Princeton

Project aims to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic speed, congestion

 

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure reopened County Route 604 — Rosedale Road — after completion of a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Rosedale Road and General Johnson Road, announced County Executive Brian M. Hughes, Thursday.

 

The roundabout, located at the intersection of Rosedale Road and entrances to Johnson Park Elementary School and Greenway Meadows Park, was engineered to increase pedestrian safety, control speeds along Rosedale Road and decrease congestion in the area during peak school and park operation hours. The roundabout aligns with Mercer County’s Complete Streets Policies by providing improvements to support all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. It also complements Princeton’s Safe Routes to School project by calming vehicular traffic along Rosedale Road.

 

In addition to the construction of the Mini-Roundabout, Mercer County also reduced travel lane widths to 11 feet on Rosedale Road approaches, lowered the posted speed limit to 35 MPH between Elm Road and Province Line Road while maintaining the 25 MPH school zone, and installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB’s) on both Rosedale Road approaches, to increase driver awareness of pedestrian crossings. Mercer County collaborated with Safe Routes to School Program Coordinators during the conceptual design phase, resulting in the addition of the rumble strips and “school ahead” pavement markings. Johnson Park Elementary School and Greenway Meadows Park officials were consulted during the construction staging design process with a focus on always maintaining access to the school and park entrances.

 

Construction began on June 30, 2022, and was completed on August 25, 2022, while public schools were not in session. Mercer County had committed to completing the project within the anticipated two-month timeframe and opened the road prior to the new school year start date in September.

Categories
Culture Environment Local News

Annual ‘Insect Festival’ set for early Sept.

This year’s theme is ‘Bugs Need Homes, too!’

Learn about the importance of insects in our lives and how to protect their habitats through fun, hands-on activities!

 

LAWRENCE, N.J. — Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County annual 2022 Insect Festival will be on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township.

Photo: Rutgers Master Gardens of Mercer County from left, Fay Denning, Denise Hanssen, Marietta Hujber and Cynthia Sage get “Costume Ready” for the upcoming Insect Festival to be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine at Mercer Educational Gardens in Hopewell Township.

The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free and on-site parking is available.

This year’s festival, themed “Bugs Need Homes, too!” will feature the importance of providing and supporting habitats for the incredible insects common to the Northeast.

There will be educational activities for visitors of all ages, including the popular scavenger hunt and metamorphosis game. Other highlights include “Bugs in Water,” “Insect Hunt in the Meadow,” and Q&A with the Mercer County Horticulturist. Local environmental agencies and experts will offer displays and information. Representatives from Mercer County Mosquito Control, N.J. Beekeepers Association, the Watershed Institute, and the N.J. Department of Agriculture will be present, as well as the Mercer County Naturalist.

 

Attendees are invited to view the six demonstration gardens on site and learn how the different plants provide safe habitats for a wide variety of insects. The public can also learn about various methods of composting. Along the way, there will be activities designed to teach children of all ages to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our insect friends!

About the Master Gardeners: 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 Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and speak with our Rutgers Extension Horticulturist Kathryn Homa. You can also call us, (609) 989-6853, or send us an email AsktheMGs@mercercounty.org. Visit our website at www.mgofmc.org for more information.

 

Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, N.J. Department of Agriculture and the Mercer County Board of Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

Categories
Local News Politics Regulations & Security

Mercer County Clerk Sollami Covello announces law changes for poll workers

TRENTON, N.J. – Earlier this year, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill that increases the compensation of election workers from $200 per day to $300 per day because election workers play a critical role in ensuring that New Jersey residents can exercise their right to vote.

 

In July, the governor signed legislation amending an existing law to allow minors between the ages of 16 and 18 to work a full day at the polls on election days. The upcoming general election is set for Nov. 8, 2022.

 

“With the ever-increasing use of technology in elections, the pay increase and the increase of younger workers will allow additional qualified workers to assist us in the election process and we will all benefit from this assistance,” said Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello.

 

To work at the polls, applicants must be registered to vote in Mercer County and may not be a candidate in the current election.

 

Full-day and half-day positions are available for working at the polls. However, anyone wishing to be a poll worker, who meets the criteria, should fill out an online application and attend a mandatory training session with the Mercer County Board of Elections.

 

Additionally, poll workers are needed to work at the Early Voting locations before Election Day from Oct. 29 to Nov. 6. Early Voting hours will be Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

To apply, please contact the Mercer County Board of Elections at 609-989-6522 or by email at  BoardofElections@mercercounty.org. Applications can be found here: https://www.mercercounty.org/boards-commissions/board-of-elections/board-worker-application. To reach the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, please call 609-989-6465.

 

To register to vote or to apply for a vote-by-mail application, you may visit the Mercer County Clerk’s website at County Clerk | Mercer County, NJ or the State Division of Elections website (for information in additional languages) at vote.nj.gov. 

Categories
Culture Local News Weather

Hughes advises Mercer County residents to prepare for hurricane season

TRENTON, N.J. — As the peak period for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey arrives, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes advises County residents to plan and prepare for potential storms this summer and fall.

 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but the peak time for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey is mid-August to late October. When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive — even as far inland as Mercer County.

“In Mercer County, we have first-hand experience with how devastating hurricanes and tropical storms can be, as we experienced last September when the remnants of Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc in several of our communities,” Mr. Hughes said. “It’s essential that you and your family be ready before a storm strikes, and not put yourselves or others at risk by waiting until the last minute to prepare.”

The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management suggests taking the following readiness steps in preparation for hurricane season:

• Make a plan

. You may not be at home or with your family when an emergency occurs, so it’s important to have a plan for getting everyone back together in a safe place. The plan should also include what to do if you must shelter at home or evacuate, and emergency contacts both near and far from your home. Make sure your family and everyone involved knows the plan, including children and your emergency contacts.

• Build a kit

. Your emergency preparedness kit should include a stockpile supply of items, consisting of at least a three-day supply of bottled water, non-perishable foods and essential medications set aside for each member of your family and your pets. You can also include important documents and supplies for eating, bathing, safety and entertainment. Have a portable, crank or solar-powered USB charger on hand for your cell phone.

• Stay informed

. Use credible websites and social media to stay informed of breaking news and continued coverage of emergency events. And continue to monitor traditional media sources — TV, newspapers and radio — for information during an emergency. Your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will provide you with information about such things as open shelters and evacuation orders. Also register for the Mercer County emergency notification system by visiting www.mercercounty.org and clicking on “Alert Mercer” at the top of the home page.

For more information about emergency preparedness, including making a plan, creating an emergency kit and staying informed, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign at www.ready.gov, or the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management at  www.nj.gov/njoem.

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News

Local residents put artistic talent, creativity on display in Mercer County Senior Art Show

TRENTON, N.J. — A professional juror has selected the winners from 107 entries in this year’s Mercer County Senior Art Show, which is being held through Aug. 5 at The Conference Center at Mercer in West Windsor at the Mercer County Community College campus.

“Mercer County is fortunate to have so many older adults who tap into their creativity to construct new works of art,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “I commend everyone who entered their work in the County show and thank them for sharing their artistic talent with us.”

Annually, the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage partners with the Mercer County Office on Aging to produce the Mercer County Senior Art Show. First-place winners from the County show advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show held in the fall.

Each year, the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage partners with the Mercer County Office on Aging to produce the Mercer County Senior Art Show. First-place winners from the County show advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show held in the fall.

Mercer County residents ages 60 or older may submit artwork to the Mercer County Senior Art Show. There is no fee to enter. Submissions must be the original work of the applicant, created within the last three years, and not previously entered in a Mercer County Senior Art Show or the State Senior Art Show. Artwork was entered in the following categories: acrylic, craft, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, sculpture, watercolor and works on paper.

 

The winners were selected by professional juror Thomas Kelly, an award-winning New Jersey-based artist who works in acrylic on canvas, creating colorful narrative paintings often inspired by overheard comments or everyday situations. Kelly has exhibited in New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia and Bethlehem, Pa., and more than 325 of his original paintings have been collected in private and public collections in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Eighteen artists from the Mercer County Senior Art Show — one “professional” winner and one “non-pro” winner in each of the nine categories — will move on to the State Show. The individuals were awarded first, second and third place, and honorable mention in their respective categories. The Best in Show selections: “Small Token” by Arcelio Brignoni of East Windsor, Acrylic, Non-Professional; and “Home Economics” by Margaret Miccio of Trenton, Sculpture, Professional.

The exhibition can be viewed here on the Mercer County website.

Categories
Business Environment Science

Despite climate change worry, new study says most professionals in tea and related industries underprioritize sustainability when stocking tea

First-of-its-kind sustainability report reveals purchasing drivers of professionals in tea and related industries.

SECAUCUS, N.J. – A new report from Firsd Tea, the largest importer of Chinese tea in the U.S., finds most professionals in tea and related industries underprioritize sustainability when stocking tea inventory—even with 80% of this group worried about the effects of climate change on business operations.

 

Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 is the first study to gauge opinions of tea sustainability among associated industry professionals.

 

“This finding is surprising to me. We hear so much from our customers about the importance of sustainability. I look forward to better exploring what is behind this potential disconnect between customer concern for sustainability and business purchasing priorities,” Firsd Tea marketing director, Jason Walker, explains.

Respondents listed flavor (96%), leaf grade (90%) and origin/terroir (88%) as the top three characteristics that contributed to their decisions to stock particular tea types. These considerations are followed by demand (86%), consistency of supply (84%) and price (83%). Sustainability (79%) ranks seventh in the list of factors influencing tea-stocking decisions.

 

Sean Cash, PhD, Bergstrom Foundation professor of global nutrition in the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, says, “The results of this compelling survey indicate that representatives of the tea industry are keenly aware that their sector is threatened by climate change, and to a greater extent than many other crops. This clearly supports the urgent need for collaborations that will help protect and support the future of tea for years to come.”

 

Dr. Cash is a co-principal investigator with Tea & Climate Change Collaborative, an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional project team that researches the effects of climate change on tea quality and socio-economic responses.

 

“Firsd Tea believes stocking sustainable teas should be a win-win. Choosing sustainable teas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor and quality,” explains Shengyuan Chen, Firsd Tea’s executive director.

 

The study derives its results from a two-month long survey beginning in December 2021 to February 2022 conducted in collaboration with Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, a 120+ year-old publication covering the global tea and coffee industries from origin through the supply chain. Princeton-based Crothers Consulting administered the survey to 95 voluntary respondents conducting business in tea and related sectors (e.g. coffee, wine and cocoa).

 

For the full Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 Report, click here.

 

About Firsd Tea:

Firsd Tea is the U.S. subsidiary of parent company, Zhejiang Tea Group, Ltd. (ZJT), China’s largest tea exporter and the world leader in green tea exports. Founded in 1950, ZJT has been the largest tea producer and exporter in China for 25 consecutive years. The company has remained one of the leading and most technologically advanced manufacturers and innovators in the Chinese tea industry. ZJT boasts strategic collaboration with the Science Department of Zhejiang University as well as the Hangzhou Tea Research Institute of All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-operatives. Zhejiang Tea Group’s portfolio of products include EU compliant conventional teas and organic teas (first organic tea producer in China since 1989), decaf teas (one of only two companies in China who have a CO2 decaf facility) and chemical solvent-free tea extractions, including instant teas, tea polyphenols, and EGCG.