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Farewell Services

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins passes

 

This is unfortunate news for the music world: Friday, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins was found dead in a Colombian hotel.

 

The information was shared on Twitter by the visibly devastated band members overnight from Friday to Saturday. The musician was 50 years old. Remember that the Foo Fighters will be in Montreal for the Osheaga Festival on July 29.

 

“His melodic spirit and infectious laughter will live with us forever,” the band wrote.

 

Shortly after the tragic announcement, the New York Post reports that the band canceled their scheduled Friday gig at the Picnic Stereo Festival in Bogotá, Colombia. Recall that the group recently played at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chile on March 18 and the one that took place in Argentina on March 20. Additionally, the band headlined the Lollapalooza festival in Brazil on Sunday.

 

Oliver Taylor Hawkins was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1972 and grew up in the prestigious town of Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. The musician spent the mid-1990s as a touring drummer for Canadian singer Alanis Morissette before joining the Foo Fighters.

 

It must be said that this is the second time that David Eric Grohl saw the death of a friend and member of his group. Remember that when he was the drummer of Nirvana in 1994, Kurt Cobain, unfortunately, lost his life, then 27 years old. After vocalist David Grohl, Hawkins was probably the most famous member of the group, making the cover of American magazines more than once.

 

Several pioneers in the rock scene reacted to the drummer’s tragic death through their social networks.

 

“Taylor Hawkins was truly a remarkable person and an amazing musician. My heart, love, and consolations go out to his wife, children, family, band, and fans. See you soon, on the other side,” Ozzy Osbourne tweeted.

 

“Shaken and saddened to hear that @taylorhawkins passed away today! 😞. Our prayers and solacing to the Hawkins family, friends, and @foofighters fans. Sad,” ” said Gene Simmons.

 

“God bless you, Taylor Hawkins. I loved your unstoppable spirit and rock power. Rest in peace, my friend,” wrote Tom Morello.
“So tragic.  Rest in peace, Taylor. “launched Billy Idol.

 

“Incomplete disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, bandmates, crew, friends, and all who have been touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and many others. It’sIt’s incredibly sad” ” wrote the group Nickelback on Twitter.

 

“Wordless and completely drained. Taylor was a great guy, father, and husband. My heart goes out to them, Dave and the band. What terrible News” wrote Paul Stanley.

 

—  Celebrity Insider

Categories
Healthcare Local News

Top NJ health school selected as National Healthy People 2030 Champion

TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science selected as Healthy People 2030 Champion

 

EWING, N.J. – The School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science (SNHES) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has been selected as a national Healthy People 2030 Champion by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHSS). Founded by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), Healthy People 2030 is a set of data-driven health improvement objectives for the next decade. Institutions designated as Healthy People 2030 Champions consist of public and private organizations that impact health outcomes at state, tribal and local levels—and embody Healthy People’s goals and objectives.

 

Selected Healthy People 2030 Champions are recognized by ODPHP as health leaders for an entire decade. Laura Bruno, associate professor of health and exercise science, remarks, “Earning this designation not only supports our mission but further articulates how our graduates are uniquely prepared to become impactful agents of change in their respective future careers. As a school, this designation speaks volumes of our programs, the education our students receive, and the value and commitment we place on improving the health and well-being of all.”

 

Anne Farrell, chair and professor of the same department, adds, “To be selected as a Healthy People 2030 Champion is verification and ongoing support of the work each department within the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science is doing and will continue to do to train and help individuals reach optimal health and well-being.”

 

Tracy Perron, department chair and professor of nursing at TCNJ’s SNHES, comments on the School’s alignment with Healthy People 2030 objectives: “We embrace our responsibility as a public institution to address the needs of New Jersey’s citizens and communities. Our service to the state focuses on promoting wellness and improving health through education, research, and outreach in both professional and community settings. Our focus is to prioritize learning experiences that bring attention to, and help narrow, health inequities in our communities, while also contributing to positive, systemic change in our various professions.”

 

Expanding on the benefits of winning this recognition for the School’s public health program, associate professor of public health, Marina De Souza, explains, “Being designated a partner of this highly competitive initiative highlights TCNJ`s public health program`s commitment to taking action and empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to promote health and prevent diseases. It also gives public health undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to practice and learn from hands-on experiences that have been developed and led by our faculty.”

 

As a reward for winning the Healthy People 2030 Champion award, recipients are encouraged to use the official winner’s emblem on all digital assets. In addition, designated organizations are given access to information, tools and resources to help them promote Healthy People 2030 goals and objectives—which include improving outcomes in areas such as health conditions, health behaviors, specific populations, settings and systems, and social determinants of health.

 

TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science’s Dean Carole Kenner explains, “This award is a testament to the brilliant work of our educators and students. Our teacher-scholar model expands beyond the classroom to local, state and national levels. Our school is honored to be recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.”

 

TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science 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.

 

Contact Information

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

Categories
Healthcare Science

A non-invasive digital therapeutic, JOGO-Gx, shows early success in treating Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Early data show neuroplasticity could help treat Parkinson’s Disease symptoms

 

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – JOGO-Gx, a non-invasive digital therapeutic built with AI and wearables that taps into the neuroplasticity of the brain using biofeedback, shows early success as a Parkinson’s Disease treatment. An uncurable progressive nerve system illness, Parkinson’s affects more than 10 million people worldwide with symptoms such as uncontrollable tremors and muscular rigidity. Existing medications for treating Parkinson’s have severe side effects, and often become less effective with time – leaving sufferers of this disease with few options.

JOGO-Gx has already shown a 70% tremor reduction among initial trial participants using the device at least two times a week. “JOGO-Gx taps into the natural neuroplasticity of the central nervous system (CNS) using electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. Think of neuroplasticity as GPS. In a traffic jam, you will be redirected to reach your destination. Same happens in the brain, where alternate neuronal pathways are created to gain control over affected muscles. By training the brain to relax via biofeedback, we are able to help patients control their tremors naturally. JOGO-Gx is non-invasive and does not emit electric signals,” says Chief Scientific Officer, Gary Krasilovsky, PhD. Gary is an industry veteran and researcher who studied biofeedback-driven neuroplasticity of the central nervous system for over 40 years.

 

Hugh Fitzpatrick, who has been using JOGO-Gx for around a month, discusses his experience with the digital therapeutic: “JOGO-Gx has reduced my tremors considerably. I am able to sleep better after using JOGO-Gx before going to bed. I rarely need to take my sleep medication anymore.”

 

Conducted in collaboration with Parkinson’s People, a UK-based organization that raises awareness about and supports those with the disease, the trial will assess a total of 40 Parkinson’s patients in the US and UK with a three-month observation. Russ Bradford, who co-founded the group with his wife, Charlotte, remarks, “We are delighted to work with JOGO on their initial trial with Parkinson’s People to see who can benefit from the JOGO-Gx digital solution. It’s proving to help alleviate symptoms such as tremors. We know that people living with Parkinson’s need to tackle their symptoms on a personal level, and this is something JOGO-Gx can offer. The device could also possibly help with pain and incontinence, which are other Parkinson’s symptoms. The real benefit would be that JOGO-Gx does not require taking more medication, and could even help people reduce the medication they’re currently prescribed. Watch this space.”

 

About JOGO Health:

JOGO Health is a digital therapeutics company founded after over nine years of thorough research and testing. Built on the pioneering work of late Dr. Joe Brudny, New York University’s Rusk Rehabilitation Center, and Dr. Gordon Silverman, Rockefeller University, JOGO uses wearable sensors and an AI driven app to treat chronic pain, Parkinson’s tremors and other movement disorders associated with neurological conditions via telemedicine.

 

Media Contact:
Maxwell Pollock
Crothers Consulting
8008313840
maxwell@crothersconsulting.co

Categories
Culture Lifestyle Local News

Mercer County bike-share program returns

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The County of Mercer, the Mercer County Park Commission, and Verve have restarted the bike-share program at three locations around the County park system — Mercer County Park, Rosedale Park and the Red Barn in Mercer Meadows.

 

Eight bikes are at each location and can be rented by downloading the Verve Micro-mobility Sharing app from the App Store or Google Play.

 

“Mercer County is becoming more bike-friendly through our county roadways and in our parks,” said County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “The bike share program continues to provide our park users with an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy biking without needing one of your own.”

 

Park patrons are encouraged to create a VerveS account, where users can rent a bike from Mercer County Park near the 9/11 Memorial; Rosedale Park on Federal City Road; and at the Red Barn at Keefe and Cold Soil roads. The cost of the ride is $1 to start and 18 cents per minute thereafter. Users must be 18 years or older to rent a bike and rentals must be returned to one of the three county parks locations.

 

“I was very pleased to see our park patrons take advantage of this amenity during the past couple of years,” said Aaron T. Watson, Park Commission Executive Director. “This bike share program makes it easy for families to explore our parks and the Lawrence Hopewell Trail.”

 

Verve has been in business since 2018 with a focus on eco-friendly transportation. Verve scooters are set up at several East Coast HBCUs and are also available at Live Nation festivals around the country, including in New Orleans, Atlanta, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Verve’s relationship with the Park Commission began in 2021, which was its first time offering bicycles.

 

The Mercer County Park Commission has diverse recreational activities and natural resources for all ages to enjoy with more than 10,000 acres of parks, facilities and preserved open space. For up-to-date information on programming, recreation and events, please visit www.mercercountyparks.org or follow the parks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Categories
Environment Local News

Mercer County Park Commission wins record awards on programming, recreation, and design

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – The Mercer County Park Commission received five awards at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Annual Awards Ceremony in Atlantic City on Tuesday, March 8. The Mercer County Wildlife Center, Howell Living History Farm, and Mercer County Stables received awards in programming, recreation, design, visual and cultural arts.

— Courtesy photo: From left, Deputy Director Joe Pizza, Senior Project Manager Jeremy McDermott, Superintendent of Parks Anthony Cucchi, County Stables Director Christine Cardinal, Executive Director Aaron T. Watson, Marketing and Community Outreach Director Wanda Lacy McNeill, Wildlife Center Director Diane Nickerson, Howell Living History Farm Director Pete Watson, and Superintendent of Operations Robert Doherty.

 

The Mercer County Wildlife Center received the Gregory A. Marshall Parks and Historic Resources Award for their pre-flight conditioning cage, a new enclosure to rehabilitate large raptors.

 

Howell Living History Farm received the Excellence in Educational and Interpretive Programming award for their “Share the Harvest” Program, which provided farm-fresh food and produce to Mercer County food shelters throughout the pandemic.

 

Mercer County Stables was honored with three awards, including the Daniel M. Gasalberti Excellence in Recreation Programming Award for their Horses and Youth (HAY) Program, a program designed for youth living in under resourced areas of Mercer County. HAY’s equine-based programming is educational and recreational. The Stables also received the Excellence in Visual and Cultural Arts Programming for their Juneteenth celebration featuring Black cowboys and women equestrians. The redesign of the facility, which added to its functionality and its visual appearance, earned the Stables the Excellence in Design award.

 

“The addition of new programming, events, and facility resources have opened a wide range of recreational and educational activities for the public,” said County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “These awards represent a collaborative effort to provide new opportunities to the community and attract new visitors, and we are so proud of the work of all our Park Commission employees under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Aaron T. Watson.”

 

The (NJRPA) Annual Awards Ceremony took place at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City, NJ. Awards were accepted by Executive Director Watson, Deputy Director Joe Pizza, Superintendent of Parks Anthony Cucchi, Wildlife Center Director Diane Nickerson, Howell Living History Farm Director Pete Watson, County Stables Director Christine Cardinal, and Marketing and Community Outreach Director Wanda Lacy McNeill.

 

“I would like to recognize the work of our Commissioners, elected officials, our directors, and managers who made these programs and additions to our facilities possible,” said Executive Director Watson. “We strive to provide accessible programming and continue to build our offerings each year.”

 

NJRPA represents more than 600 public and private parks, recreation, and public health professionals and more than eight million citizens statewide. During the 47th Annual Conference, the Park Commission received five of the 24 awards.

Categories
Environment Local News

Sections of Mercer Meadows recently closed for prescribed burning

HOPEWELL TWP., N.J. — The Pole Farm and Reed Bryan sections of Mercer Meadows were closed Friday, March 4 for a prescribed burn.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has determined that the weather conditions on Friday, March 4 were  safe and suitable for prescribed burning. Rosedale Park had remained opened. For your safety, please observe all posted closure signs for future burns. Notice of the reopening of  parks will be posted on the Park Commission website and social media.

The fire was lit, monitored and managed by the Forest Fire Service officials who had undergone rigorous training and are experienced in conducting safe and effective prescribed burns. All appropriate safety measures and precautions were taken by those performing the burn, including having a contingency plan. While the burn was in progress and until the Section Warden  deemed the fire out, there were  law enforcement and fire personnel, equipment and vehicles present at the Pole Farm and surrounding areas. Specific conditions were met in order to burn, including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction.

                   

Forest Fire Service officials and Mercer County Park Commission staff were onsite and actively monitored the burn site until it was determined the park is safe to reopen to the public Sunday, March 5. Local police and fire departments were made aware of the activities.

In the days following the prescribed burn, it is normal to see smoldering and smoking logs and debris. If you believe fire is a threat, call 1-877-WARNDEP. Once reopened, park users are encouraged to please stay on the trails. 

Categories
Environment Local News

D&R Greenway Land Trust, in partnership with Princeton Public Library, hosts pop-up exhibit celebrating the birds of New Jersey

D&R Greenway Land Trust is partnering with Princeton Public Library to present a pop-up art exhibit at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton, titled “N.J. Birds & You,” February 23 through March 4.

 

This exhibit features artwork created by members of the Princeton community and submitted as part of Princeton Public Library’s Great Backyard Bird Count programming. This exhibit includes, but is not limited to, works of art by local artists, Hanna Aviv, Trudy Borenstein-Sugiura, Lori Langsner, Margaret Simpson, Maia Reim and Amy Martin, D&R Greenway’s Easement Monitor.

 

Each painting or drawing depicts a bird native to New Jersey, collected into a colorful and diverse flock of feathered friends.

 

Joining this exhibit is Princeton High School freshman Ming Li, whose vivid and lively pencil drawings of New Jersey birds will be displayed alongside the Great Backyard Bird Count submissions.

 

This exhibit celebrating the birds of New Jersey will be on display in D&R Greenway’s Olivia Rainbow Gallery at the Johnson Education Center for a limited time beginning Wednesday, February 23 through Friday, March 4, with viewing hours 11 am – 3 pm.  

 

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. 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.

 

Categories
Education Local News

Amid national mental health crisis, TCNJ’s health and exercise science department launches new fully online health and wellness graduate certificate.

EWING, N.J. – One of the more devastating effects of the pandemic has been a national decline in mental health. The US Census Bureau found overall household anxiety levels surged 6% from pre-COVID levels in 2021, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 24% jump from 2019 to 2020 in child emergency room visits for mental health reasons. In the midst of this crisis, the health and exercise science department in the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science (SNHES) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is launching a new fully online health and wellness graduate certificate to prepare students to address wellbeing challenges in schools and society at large.

 

The health and exercise science associate professor spearheading this program, Laura Bruno, remarks, “Now, more than ever, wellness support and education is needed. The goals and objectives of this program are to prepare individuals with the necessary tools to be wellness champions. We want to create agents of change who will proactively address and support the wellness needs within the communities they serve.” Launching in summer 2022, the certificate program will include courses on motivational coaching, stress-management, health and wellness, nutrition and physical fitness, as well as an internship requirement. This track will be offered in a fully digital format.

 

Before announcing this graduate certificate, TCNJ’s SNHES piloted an undergraduate health and wellness minor with similar program elements. Health and exercise science professor and department chair, Anne Farrell, says, “Health and wellness coaches help people learn to live their best life by empowering clients to be the drivers of change through goal setting and applying the practical strategies for reaching those goals. We have found that undergraduate majors enroll for multiple reasons: To attain information and practical experiences to improve their own health, to supplement or enhance their current major, and to make themselves more marketable. The certificate is especially relevant for those in health or education-focused fields, where there is an ever-growing need for professionals with this knowledge and skill base.”

 

Both Bruno and Farrell hope to extend the certificate’s internship requirement in the future to encourage students to actively assist local schools with assessing and taking action to improve student wellness.

 

A student who enrolled in the school’s health and wellness minor, Nicollette Simon, Class of 2022, adds, “I am so happy and extremely blessed to have the opportunity to minor in Health and Wellness. My professors structured the classes to be very engaging, and I learned so much about health and wellness upon completion of the program that I will definitely be able to carry with me into my nursing career.”

 

TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science’s Dean Carole Kenner explains, “This new health and wellness graduate certificate is necessary for preparing current and future educators and health professionals to be active agents of change as the world deals with the mental health crisis resulting from the pandemic. We are proud that our faculty and students continue to proactively confront society’s most urgent challenges.”

 

TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science 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.

 

Contact Information

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

Categories
Environment Local News

Park Commission to conduct prescribed burns

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – The Mercer County Park Commission will be working with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to perform prescribed burning at Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain though late spring this year.

 

Prescribed burns will be administered to the Pole Farm and Reed Bryan Farm sections of Mercer Meadows, and Baldpate Mountain. Burns are expected to take place between now and late spring as determined by the Section Forest Fire Warden.

 

These burns will occur over a two- to three-day period. The Section Warden will determine when the conditions fall within safe range and will notify the Park Commission and appropriate township and emergency response officials with 48 hours’ notice before the burn will begin. The park will be closed to the public during the burns. The closure will be posted at all entrances, crossings, and trail heads, as well as on the Park Commission website and social media pages.

 

The fire will be managed by the Forest Fire Service officials who have undergone rigorous training and are experienced in conducting safe and effective prescribed burns. All appropriate safety measures and precautions will be taken by those performing the burn. While the burn is in progress and until the Section Warden has deemed the fire out, there will be law enforcement and fire personnel, equipment and vehicles present at the Pole Farm and surrounding areas. Specific conditions must be met in order to burn, including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction.

 

Properly conducted prescribed burns encourage native seed germination, reduce invasive plant pressure, and cycle nutrients into the soil. Increasing habitat quality and diversity along with promoting forest regeneration, managing invasive species, and grassland establishment are all benefits from conducting prescribed burns.

 

While managing invasive species and promoting habitat regeneration is an important component of the burn plan for both Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain, the Park Commission anticipates the burn to have additional benefits such as reducing hazardous fuel loads to prevent unplanned, higher intensity wildfires. Prescribed burns have also been successful in reducing tick and insect pest populations. 

For the days following the burn, there may be smoldering dead trees and logs within the burn areas. This activity is normal and need not be reported to the fire department or Park Commission as a fire hazard. Park Commission staff will be on site to monitor post-burn activity.

For more information on prescribed burn plans, including frequently asked questions, maps and resources, please visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

Categories
Education Local News

Hightstown high captures virtual consumer bowl

TRENTON, N.J. — Hightstown High School’s Consumer Bowl team proved once again that it can be successful competing in any format as it won this year’s three-team Mercer County event, which was held Feb. 11 via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also taking part were runner-up Nottingham High School and Ewing High School.

 

It was the sixth straight Mercer County Consumer Bowl title for Hightstown High, which also captured the quiz-show style competition on good consumer practices from 2017 through 2020, when the event was held in person, and in 2021, when it was virtual. Hightstown also won the Central Regional and State Championships in 2017.

 

Mercer County’s Consumer Bowl competition, part of the statewide New Jersey Consumer Bowl, is hosted by the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, and tests students’ knowledge of the state’s consumer protection laws and regulations.

 

“I congratulate the Hightstown team on an impressive performance and commend all of the participants for accommodating the virtual format and making the effort to be informed consumers,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Education is the best defense against consumer fraud.”

 

This year’s Hightstown High School team was composed of Curtis McCleish – Captain; Akul Solanki, Aparajit Kannan, Aprameya Kannan and Ansh Dalia. The team’s adviser is teacher David Teleposky.

 

The Nottingham High School team, under teacher/adviser Michael Bendorf, was composed of Jack Burke – Captain; Dan Leon, Mark Tezak, Zobia Chaudry and Zack Shah.

The Ewing High School team, under teacher/adviser Angelina Gummel, was composed of Uhart Bradnock – Captain; Mackayla Backs Fillisky, Samantha Weeast, Davon Letran and Joey Martinez.

 

The Consumer Bowl was created by the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs in 1994 as a way to encourage students to become smarter consumers, to be wary of scams and unfair business practices, and to be knowledgeable when obtaining services like home improvements or buying products such as vehicles or appliances.

 

The Division of Consumer Affairs can be reached at (609) 989-6671