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Environment Local News

Park commission releases Rutgers parks report

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – The Mercer County Park Commission has released a report from Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Sustainability (CUES) on Mercer County’s parks and open space network.

 

Curlis Lake in the Park Commission’s Mercer Meadows and a pedestrian bridge in Mercer Meadows.
— Courtesy photo

The report is the culmination of a year-long study by CUES and provides a detailed inventory and analysis of County parks and how they provide a diverse variety of recreation amenities and also protect the County’s natural resources. The report includes park-specific recommendations for future enhancements in order to further restore natural habitat and improve visitor experiences.

 

The survey assessed county-owned regional parks, golf courses and urban parks by land type, ecology and infrastructure, providing a detailed inventory of the park system. Throughout 2021, the team assessed and inventoried amenities throughout all county park facilities, inspecting 7,379 acres of land and a long list of amenities, such as 17 playgrounds, 50 sports fields, 4 dog parks, 26 comfort stations and 220 picnic tables. The full inventory and analysis can be viewed here: http://mercercountyparks.org/stewardship.

 

“In addition to County investments in new parks and open space, this report highlights the Park Commission’s commitment to providing the highest level of maintenance to public spaces,” said County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “The research and analysis will help to maximize these efforts to benefit our parks, natural areas and future park development.”

 

“This report provides a critical inventory of the many park improvements available to Mercer County residents and data on the natural resources we are entrusted to care for through long-term stewardship practices here at the County,” said Park Commission Executive Director Aaron T. Watson. “It provides our Park Commission with helpful recommendations on how to enhance our public spaces even further. We want to thank the Rutgers research team of students, landscape architects, ecologists and researchers for undertaking this comprehensive study.”

 

The CUES report includes recommendations such as increasing efforts to remove diseased ash trees, expanding the monitoring of rare native species threatened by invasive vegetation, and implementing green stormwater management practices to enhance watershed health and overall user experiences in the parks. Expanded partnerships with non-profit organizations are also recommended to provide a greater network of resources and expertise to support management of County open space.

 

The Mercer County Park System is home to many native plant and wildlife species across rural and urban environments. These properties provide wildlife habitat and offer both passive and active recreational activities for residents and visitors.

Categories
Culture Local News

Most Mercer County offices to close for Presidents Day

TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices, including all branches of the Mercer County Library System, will be closed Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, in observance of Presidents Day.

 

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.

 

Please remember that when visiting Mercer County government buildings and other indoor facilities, face masks must be worn regardless of one’s COVID-19 vaccination status.

 

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following hours on Presidents Day: Ice Skating Center, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Mercer County Stables, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mercer Oaks West and Mountain View golf courses will be open, course conditions and weather permitting, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but Mercer Oaks East and Princeton Country Club golf courses will remain closed. The Wildlife Center will be answering phones from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and accepting patients by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Howell Living History Farm, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed.

 

For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

Categories
Local News News Now!

Wilburtha Road bridge work complete

Road reopened Feb. 14

 

TRENTON, N.J.— Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes recently announced that the bridge on Wilburtha Road in Ewing Township reopened  to the motoring public the evening of Feb. 14, 2022.

 

Officially known as Bridge No. 414.1 on Wilburtha Road, the structure traverses a tributary to Reeds Creek located in the West Trenton neighborhood of Ewing Township.

 

The old historic bridge built in 1835 is a stone masonry arch. The structure was closed Dec. 6, 2021 on an emergency basis due to a widespread collapse of the curve of the arch.

 

The rehabilitated bridge includes a newly installed steel liner preserving the structural integrity of the old historic arch. The remainder of the historic spandrel walls and parapets were re-pointed. The cross section at the bridge consists of two 12-foot travel lanes.

“I appreciate the effort put forth by our engineering department to preserve the historic integrity of the structure while ensuring safe passage for all motorists,” Mr. Hughes said.

 

The contractor Underground Utilities Corp. of  Linden was the successful low bidder of the emergency job.

Categories
Education Local News

After 24 years, top NJ communication program launches groundbreaking health and wellness specialization

Student-faculty partnerships at The College of New Jersey confront major national health issues.

 

After over two decades of preparation, the department of communication studies at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), a national award-winning program, launched a new student specialization in Health and Wellness Communication (HWC) in spring 2022. The HWC concentration is available to undergraduates enrolled full time.

 

The innovative track boasts several faculty teaching courses and conducting research in health communication, collaborating with students in all scholarship phases and supporting student employment and graduate program aspirations. TCNJ’s department of communication studies ranks number one in New Jersey and received the 2013 National Communication Association Rex Mix Program of Excellence Award as the nation’s best undergraduate communication studies department.

 

In the HWC specialization, students select their own topics and teams to explore a rich array of subjects while mentored by experienced professors.  For courses in global health and risk communication campaigns and international communication, students explore issues including COVID-19, climate change, child brides, HIV/AIDS,    water contamination, traditional healers, human trafficking and child labor. US health and risk communication campaign courses investigate health literacy, public health emergency/crisis communication, universal health care, women’s reproductive rights, gun safety, PTSD and opioid abuse.

 

For interpersonal health and lifespan courses, students learn about patient-provider communication, communal coping with long-term and terminal diseases, end-of-life conversations among family members, sexual conversation strategies shared by parents and children, and family stress reduction. Courses in emerging media technology address telehealth, virtual reality and other immersive media, interactive video games for health, and mobile diagnostics and artificial intelligence.  Other topics include social media health misinformation, digital health search and eHealth literacy, online social support communities and social media health campaigns.

 

In the HWC specialization, creative professors teach engaging courses and mentor student-faculty research projects. Building its foundation over 24 years, HWC founder Professor Dr. John C. Pollock co-authored papers, articles, chapters, and a book with over 450 students. His senior-edited 2021 book  “COVID-19 in International Media: Global Pandemic Perspectives” included a chapter co-authored by six students, one awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to Sweden, others accepted to leading graduate schools such as Johns Hopkins and Columbia. Associate Professor Dr. Yifeng Hu investigates new media health communication and emerging media technologies, organizing several students to develop “Fresh Start”, a narrative immersion video game educating first year college students about mindful drinking, yielding a presentation at the prestigious biannual national University of Kentucky Health Communication Conference in April 2020. TCNJ educates student athletes and other student groups with “Fresh Start” as a modern program for alcohol awareness.

 

In his courses on interpersonal health communication and health communication campaigns, Assistant Professor Dr. Yachao Li often co-authors with students on the role of health communication in reducing minority health disparities and COVID-19 vaccination information or misinformation, in particular transmitted by social media.  Department chair and Associate Professor, Dr. Keli Fazio, partners with students investigating relational and health stressors impacting mental, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as ways communication can buffer negative health stressors, such as the traumatic loss of a family member to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Assistant Professor Dr. Eugene Cho conducts research on customizable voice assistants, finding that Voice Assistant similarity (with subject’s own voice) and subject customization can persuade unvaccinated individuals to consider getting vaccinated.

 

According to Dean of the School of Arts and Communication Lorna Johnson-Frizell, also a Professor of Communication Studies, “I am delighted that the health and wellness communication strength long manifest in successful student-faculty collaboration has been formally recognized in an official Health and Wellness Communication specialization. Our new HWC concentration is clearly aligned with national aging trends, increased federal healthcare spending, and occupational opportunities in New Jersey’s flourishing pharmaceutical industries, benefiting students, faculty, and the state’s entire population.”

Categories
Culture Local News

James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts announces world premiere of ‘Common Ground’ docu-series and student film exhibition

TRENTON, NJ – The James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (JRH), a 501c3 non-profit agency dedicated to providing quality arts education and mentoring to youth in the City of Trenton and greater Mercer County area, is pleased to announce “Pretty…Ugly”, a celebration of film and student exhibition to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 at the Historic Mill Hill Playhouse located at 205 E. Front St. in Trenton.

 

The student exhibition will be preceded by a private showing and World Premiere of episode one of “Common Ground,” a docu-series focusing on adjudicated youth and officers from the Trenton Police Department. In attendance will be city, county, and state officials.

 

“Pretty….Ugly” will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work and give the public insight into the work of the Foundation as they view projects completed by JRH students from the Trenton area as part of the Let’s Film class. The exhibition is open to the public and appropriate for families and children of all ages. “I am so proud of this unique group of students who stepped up to complete their films after taking all of their classes online during Covid. They were motivated to rise above the challenges and were finally able to meet for filming and the completion of their projects,” said Founder and CEO Joseph Halsey. “As an organization we couldn’t be more excited to share their work with the public.”

 

The Let’s Film program offers comprehensive film classes where youth take a hands-on approach to learning how to create short films from pre to postproduction. Topics discussed include crime in urban communities, black on black violence, and mental health issues among others.

 

The Generation Change program at JRH is focused on interviewing adjudicated at-risk inner-city youth on how they would solve challenging problems in their community. These interviews are filmed, and short documentaries are created and shown within the local community to create a starting point for conversation and change.

 

Admission to the event is free, registration is required at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/228397010607?aff=efbneb

 

For more information on the World Premiere of episode 1 of Common Ground and the James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts student film exhibition, please call 609-938-3673 or email kcody@jrhfoundation.org. You may also schedule a tour of JRH’s newly renovated facility at 535 E. Franklin Street in Trenton by contacting the Foundation.

 

ABOUT US:

The James R Halsey Foundation of the Arts (JRHFA) is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for youth (ages 13-20) by providing a safe and educational environment that utilizes the art of filmmaking to foster personal growth and creativity. The initiative is accomplished by application of a stimulating course curriculum that exposes program participants to every aspect of the creative process while providing life skills training to inspire positive change and prepare youth for long-term employment. The Foundation was founded in 2017 after a local native of Trenton NJ, Joseph A. Halsey, completed the filming of an award-winning short documentary titled ‘If I Were Mayor.’ After sitting down with local Trenton area youth to discuss how they would fix the problems their city was facing, the idea of teaching kids film while inspiring change was born.

Categories
Culture Education Local News

Celebrate Black History Month at Rider University with speaker Jesse Washington

 

Tuesday, February 1 

I Came as a Shadow: A talk about America’s struggle with racial justice through the lens of Georgetown University’s legendary coach, John Thompson

6:30p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In person: Sweigart Room 115 or via Zoom

 

Journalist Jesse Washington, from ESPN’s The Undefeated, will look at today’s college sports landscape which was largely made possible by Coach John Thompson. His legacy includes forcing the NCAA to repeal a racially discriminatory SAT rule; confronting a drug kingpin who was associating with his players; and being the only coach who would give

Allen Iverson a basketball scholarship.

 

Visit http://www.rider.edu/about/events/black-history-month-2022

for more Black History Month events.

Categories
Local Events

Upcoming shows added at Mercer’s CURE Arena!

 

Mercer County’s CURE Insurance Arena’s 2022 schedule is shaping up with something for everyone. Upcoming events and shows include:

  • Jo Jo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour, Feb. 25
  • Harlem Globetrotters “Spread Game Tour,” Feb. 26
  • Disney On Ice “Mickey and Friends,” March 17-20
  • Hotwheels Monster Trucks Live, April 8-10
  • Thamon Live, April 16
  • Beartooth: The Below Tour Part 1, April 29
  • Trolls Live, May 10-11

 

Categories
Culture Education Local News

Top NJ public health school students and faculty partner with state initiative to address Black maternal and infant mortality crisis

EWING, N.J. – Students and faculty in the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science (SNHES) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) are partnering with Nurture NJ to tackle the state’s Black maternal and infant mortality crisis. First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, officially launched Nurture NJ in early 2019 as a statewide initiative committed to equity in maternal and infant health outcomes for women of color. New Jersey’s mortality rates among Black, non-Hispanic women are nearly seven times greater than those of non-Hispanic white women–more than double the national average.

 

To address this crisis, TCNJ’s public health department will offer a course for aspiring doulas–helpers employed to support women giving birth–to expand advocacy for at-risk mothers and newborns throughout the state. Launching in summer 2022, the program will train students on the NJ Family Care doula registration process and Nurture NJ recommendations for succeeding in this field. Sonali Golpakrishnan, a TCNJ graduate student involved in developing the class, remarks, “Community-based doulas provide non-medical and emotional support, ensuring that mothers’ needs are heard before, during, and after birth. Doula involvement has shown to improve birth outcomes for mothers and babies.”

 

One professor spearheading this program, Ria Rodney, explains the importance of this track to strengthening equity in NJ: “Doulas are a lifeline in keeping families safe both at home and in the hospital… By offering a doula course, students will get hands-on healthcare experience very early in their liberal learning education, and be encouraged to provide an essential need to the community.”

 

Students and faculty from TCNJ’s public health department were first asked by the Nurture NJ to assist with the 2020 Black Maternal and Infant Health Leadership Summit. Assistant Professor of Public Health and co-developer of the new doula track, Dr. Natasha Patterson, describes the college’s role at this conference: “At the summit, students and faculty served as facilitators and note-takers. We were trained and provided with a draft of the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan, including a section for academic institutions outlining the role we can play to help address the devastating Black maternal and infant mortality rate in New Jersey.”

 

A public health student who volunteered at the summit, Salomine Ekambi, Class of 2022, adds, “This summit is essential for improving equity because it raises awareness of the experiences endured by women of color. It’s a call for action…This work has enabled me to witness how different agencies and health systems interact to achieve a common goal.”

 

TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science’s Dean Carole Kenner explains, “The school’s partnership with statewide initiatives to combat tragic maternal healthcare disparities empowers students to think critically beyond the classroom. Our faculty act as true mentors to students, involving them in efforts critical to achieving a more equitable society. This is what makes our public health program stand out.” TCNJ’s SNHES is the number two public health schoolin New Jersey.

 

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
Culture Local News

County Clerk holds annual drive to benefit local charities

TRENTON, N.J. — Following their annual holiday drive benefiting local charities, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello and her staff delivered a large amount of donations to both the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey and EASEL (Ewing Animal Rescue League).

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello with Deputy County Clerk Walker Worthy Jr. at EASEL
— Courtesy photo

 

This year, the County Clerk and her staff along with the County Courthouse staff and Trenton Fire Director Kenneth Douglas all assisted in collecting toys and clothing to benefit the Children’s Home Society. The Clerk’s Office also collects pet food and pet supplies and monetary donations for local animal shelters.

 

“If the public puts their trust in you to serve them, your service should extend beyond your official title,” said Sollami Covello.

 

“Of course, this would not be possible without those generous souls and businesses who donated to help our local charities. By collecting toys, clothing, pet food and money, we hope to the make the holidays brighter for the children and animals in need.”

 

The Children’s Home Society offers many services to vulnerable families including women’s health services, clinical and behavioral counseling, educational opportunities and more.

 

For more information about how to donate or get involved, visit their website at https://www.chsofnj.org/ or call 609-695-6274.

 

Both EASEL and the Trenton Animal Shelter are committed to reducing the euthanizing of homeless animals in Mercer County. They are also accepting donations and volunteers.

 

For more information, visit EASEL’s website at https://www.easelnj.org/ or call the Trenton Animal Shelter at 609-989-3254.

Categories
Culture Local News

Most Mercer County offices to close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TRENTON,  N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 

The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Lawrence and West Windsor branches of the Mercer County Library System will be open for holiday curbside hours, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All other branches will be closed.

 

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.

 

Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following hours on Jan. 17:

 

Ice Skating Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

 

Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.;

 

Mercer Oaks East and Princeton Country Club golf courses, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

 

Wildlife Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.

 

Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Stables, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed on Jan. 17.

 

Mercer Oaks West and Mountain View golf courses are closed during January.

 

For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.