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Culture Local News

Mercer County to honor veterans at local event

 

TRENTON , N.J. — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and Mercer County Veteran Services invite the public to attend the County’s Veterans Day Ceremony and Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at the Mercer County Office Park gym, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing. A face mask is required for entry.

 

“We value our veterans for their courage, their willingness to fight for democratic principles, and their contributions to the community,” Mr. Hughes said. “I hope you’ll join me in paying tribute to all Mercer County veterans on November 7th.”

 

Mr. Hughes will give opening remarks at the event and U.S. Army Col. Terrence Sommers will serve as keynote speaker. The placement of a wreath to honor veterans’ service, and a salute to fallen veterans by Marine Corps League Trenton Detachment 207 will follow. This year’s program will also feature a performance by the Trenton Central High School JROTC Drill Team and a medley of military songs by singer Jill Pakman. Refreshments will be available.

 

Vendors representing several agencies serving veterans will be on hand to provide information about their organizations and the services available to local veterans and their family members.

Categories
Local News Politics

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy re-elected after defeating challenger in tight gubernatorial race

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy narrowly won reelection Wednesday, eking out a victory that spared Democrats the loss of a second gubernatorial seat.

 

He’s the state’s first Democratic governor to get a second straight term in 44 years, defeating Republican former Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli.

 

AP called the race Wednesday evening when a new batch of votes from Republican-leaning Monmouth County increased Murphy’s lead and closed the door to a Ciattarelli comeback.

 

Ballots remaining to be counted included a significant number of votes from predominantly Democratic Essex County, along with mail-in votes spread across other counties. Murphy has won the mail-in vote by a wide margin even in Republican leaning counties like Monmouth.

 

Ciattarelli spokesperson Stami Williams disputed the call because of the close margin, calling it “irresponsible.”

 

Murphy delivered a brief speech in Asbury Park’s boardwalk convention hall, nodding to the race’s narrow margin by saying he would work for both those who voted for and against him. But there was no trace he planned to scale back the left-leaning positions he’s taken during his first term.

 

“We shall be judged in the long run not by how we fared in elections, but by what we did as an administration,” Murphy said, quoting Brendan Byrne, the last Democratic governor to be reelected in the state. “Those words will always remind us to always, always, always keep moving forward.”

 

Ciattarelli waged a formidable campaign in heavily Democratic New Jersey, his spending nearly equaling the governor’s and outpacing the GOP’s performance four years ago. But Murphy’s advantages, including 1 million more registered Democrats, proved too much for the Republican to overcome.

 

The victory gives Democrats a silver lining after GOP businessman Glenn Youngkin defeated Terry McAuliffe in Virginia’s gubernatorial race — exacerbating worries that President Joe Biden’s sagging approval ratings are hurting the party. This year’s elections were the first major tests of voter sentiment since Biden took office and pointed to a potentially painful year ahead for Democrats as they try to maintain thin majorities in Congress.

 

The closeness of the race has surprised experts, who watched public polls showing Murphy leading comfortably and looked to his party’s registration advantage.

 

“If you asked anybody several months ago within the state, I think anyone would have predicted a high double digit landslide for Murphy,” said Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University.

 

Voters came out at much higher rates for Ciattarelli this year than they did for his GOP predecessor in 2017. While campaigning, he walked a line between standing up for the moderate stances he had in the Legislature — like supporting Roe v. Wade — and appealing to Republicanswho embraced Trump, particularly on cultural issues that have captured attention across the country.

 

Ciattarelli, who stepped down as state Assembly member in 2018 to run for governor, founded a medical publishing company called Galen Publishing, and held local and county positions in Somerset.

 

Murphy’s win also ends the more than three-decade-old trend of the party opposite the president’s winning in New Jersey’s off-year governor’s race.

 

The 64-year-old governor said he was acutely aware of the political trends, calling them an “animating” force for his reelection effort that spurred him to run as if he were 10 points behind.

 

Murphy built his campaign around the progressive accomplishments he signed into law — like a phased-in $15 an hour minimum wage and paid sick leave along with taxes on the wealthy — and brought on Democratic allies, like progressive U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, to campaign for him.

 

With a Democrat-led Legislature, Murphy achieved most of the promises he made in his first run four years ago when he vied to succeed Republican Chris Christie. Taxpayer-financed community college and some pre-K, tighter gun laws, expanded voting access, recreational marijuana, more state aid for schools and a fully funded public pension — all promised and all delivered during the first term. A proposal for a public bank to finance projects went unfulfilled.

 

Murphy is a former Goldman Sachs executive and served as ambassador to Germany under former President Barack Obama, who campaigned for Murphy in the weeks before Election Day.

 

He has said his next term will be about enacting a Reproductive Freedom Act aimed at codifying Roe v. Wade in the state as well as additional gun control laws and the expansion of taxpayer-financed pre-K for 3-year-olds.

 

Headwinds facing Democrats, like President Joe Biden’s falling approval ratings and congressional Democrats’ struggles to enact their agenda, didn’t factor heavily enough into some experts’ preelection analysis, said Ben Dworkin, the director of Rowan University’s Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship. He counted himself among them.

 

A spokesperson for Ciattarelli said Wednesday that the campaign was focused on the vote count and said a possible legal pursuit of a recount was on the table. Murphy also called Wednesday morning for every vote to be counted.

 

New Jersey does not have an automatic recount law, but the candidates are permitted to request one. The party that wants a recount must file a suit in State Superior Court in the counties where they want to contest tallies. That has to be done within 17 days of Election Day.

 

Associated Press Writer Mike Catalini reports

Associated Press Writer Christina Paciolla contributed to this report.

Categories
Local News Politics

Polls still open until after dark for N.J. Decides 2021

Tuesday is the final day for voters to cast a ballot in the New Jersey race for governor. Voters can postmark their mail-in ballots today, or vote at the polls.

 

There are at least five names to choose from, but the two main party candidates are sure to be the top vote-getters. Polls have shown for months that Gov. Phil Murphy, a 64-year-old Democrat, has a comfortable lead — as much as 11 points according to a Monmouth University poll released last week.

 

But there is one major factor working against the governor. If Murphy is Tuesday’s victor, he’ll be the first Democratic governor to be reelected in New Jersey since Brenden Byrne in 1977. That’s even though the state has about a million more registered Democrats than Republicans.

 

The ongoing issue for Democrats in statewide elections is that New Jersey homeowners pay the highest property taxes in the county and Murphy’s challenger, Republican Jack Ciattarelli, reminds voters of that every chance he gets.

 

Ciattarelli, 59, is a business owner and former member of the New Jersey legislature. He calls Murphy a “tax and spend liberal.” If elected, he says he’ll cut the taxes, but what is unusual this time around is that Murphy makes no bones about New Jersey being a high tax state. Instead of promising to cut them, Murphy told member station WNYC that residents get good value for their high taxes: “That means the best public schools in America. It means among the best health care systems in America. It means a location second to none that we need to invest aggressively in.”

 

Murphy’s honesty about taxes has picked up support from some unlikely quarters. “He’s honest about what he believes,” says Harry Hurley, the host of a conservative talk radio show for WPGG, which broadcasts in the Republican-leaning southern part of the state.

 

“I will tell you that I had great respect for him. He campaigned saying he was going to raise certain taxes, and nobody does that. They lie. They lie to get elected and then they raise the taxes.”

 

Murphy is a former investment banker with Goldman Sachs who spent his own money to run for governor in 2017. He accomplished nearly everything he campaigned on four years ago. He raised taxes on millionaires, made community college free for those who can’t afford it, raised the minimum wage and kick-started a wind energy sector that now leads the region. But polls show the reason he’s leading the race is due to something he didn’t plan on.

 

“At the end of the day, Murphy’s handling of COVID is really going to be the determination for most people,” says Matt Hale, a professor of political science at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

 

“He’s done a very workmanlike, very professional and very quiet job, but I think that’s exactly what people want.”

 

New Jersey was one of the first states to be hit by the public health crisis, and it came at a particularly bad time for the governor. In early March, Murphy underwent surgery for a cancerous tumor on his kidney, just as the spread of COVID in New York and New Jersey was becoming apparent. He kept up on developments from his hospital bed and quickly moved to shut down the state.

 

He soon was holding daily briefings that would draw thousands of viewers online. Despite the high marks for his leadership during the pandemic, possibly the biggest blemish on his first term will be the almost 8,000 deaths at nursing homes in a little more than a year, including two facilities for veterans.

 

Murphy defends his record, saying the state was hurt by being among the first to face the pandemic, without adequate supplies of protective equipment or anyplace to send residents when they were ready to return home from the hospital.

 

Ciattarelli does not support mask mandates for school kids or vaccine mandates, both of which poll strongly in New Jersey, especially among parents like Monica Schaefer, who is in her 50s and has kids in the schools in Chatham, a suburb that’s evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

 

She says she thinks the mandates in school are really important because they help everyone, not just students. “I’m a true believer in unions and for our teachers, and it protects our teachers, and I think it’s important to keep them on staff, and it’s important that they’re protected.”

 

If elected, Ciattarell has promised to lower property taxes, redistribute the extra funding that poor school districts are given to suburban communities. He was known as a moderate during his time in Trenton as a member of the state legislature, but ran to the right during his primary, attending a “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, the day of the Capitol riot.

 

He has also promised to roll back police reforms, prohibit abortions after 20 weeks and slow the climate change actions taken by Murphy.

 

The other odd-year gubernatorial election happening this year is in Virginia, where Democrat Terry McAuliffe is locked in a dead heat with Republican Glenn Youngkin.

 

— NPR

Categories
Lifestyle Local News Politics

Senator cites discrimination against some dog breeds in N.J. homeowners insurance

Sen. Lesniak recently calls on the State Legislature to ban the discrimination in homeowners insurance against certain breeds of dogs.

 

Specifically, he cited Travelers and GEICO Insurance Companies for their discrimination against a long list of breeds of dogs in their homeowners insurance applications.

 

“Here’s what Travelers asks,” said Lesniak, “Do you or any household member own one or more of the following breeds or a mix of one of these breeds of dogs: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, American Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiffs, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Wolf Hybrid.”

 

“What, no poodles?” Lesniak questioned. “GEICO has a similar list, though not as extensive,” Lesniak added.

 

“I have two mixed breed rescue dogs: pit bull, doberman pinscher and rottweiler. The only danger they present is that they could love you to death,” Lesniak explained, “Additionally, the insurance companies’ practice discourages adoption of rescue dogs, many of which have unknown breeding or fall into the laundry list of prohibited breeds.”

 

Lesniak praised insurance companies which do not discriminate against certain dog breeds and added, “this inhumane insurance company practice must be stopped.”

 

About The Lesniak Institute for American Leadership 

 The Lesniak Institute is developing the next generation of American leaders by teaching the principles of effective advocacy, offering first-hand experience through its causes, and partnering with grassroots organizations. The Institute is named for Senator Raymond J. Lesniak who authored and sponsored hundreds of laws during his 40 years in the New Jersey Legislature to advance human rights and the quality of life for millions. LesniakInstitute.org

Categories
Local Events

Mercer County events for November

CALL FOR ARTISTS

NOVEMBER 15 Deadline
Newark Airport Exhibition: 2D Concourse Art

New Jersey Arts Council
PO Box 306 Trenton NJ 08625
artscouncil.nj.gov

 

Munich Terminal One LLC, the Terminal A operator contracted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts are pleased to present the Newark Liberty International Airport 2D Concourse Art Inclusion opportunity, which will include up to three artists selected to present large-scale diptych (set of two) images installed in the New Terminal A Concourse. Each set of two images will be presented on opposite sides of a hallway, on large walls approximately 130’10” x 6’9” in size. Each artist selected will present two coordinating works on opposite sides of the hall. This opportunity is accepting submissions from adult professional visual artists who are current residents of New Jersey. Munich Terminal One will print the selected image(s), install them on the display locations as “wraps”, replace wraps as needed and provide a $25,000 stipend to each selected artist for use of their work. CaFÉ (callforentry.org)

 

CONCERTS

NOVEMBER 4, 7:30 pm
Wosner Plays Mozart

Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Matthews Theatre, McCarter, 91 University Place, Princeton
(609) 258-2787 | princetonsymphony.org 

Pianist Shai Wosner brings masterful artistry to Mozart’s Piano Concerto, K. 450. His performance is bookended by Evan Williams’ The Dream Deferred, inspired by the Langston Hughes poem “Harlem,” and Schubert’s “Tragic” Symphony, which is actually quite thrillingly vital.

 


NOVEMBER 5, 3:30 pm
Experiencing Strings Day!

Westminster Conservatory of Music
101 Walnut Lane, Princeton
(609) 921-7104 | rider.edu

Westminster Conservatory, the community music school of Rider University’s Westminster College of  the Arts, will hold its first Experience Strings Day on Friday, November 5, 2021.

Offered at the Conservatory’s main location on the Westminster Choir College campus in Princeton, Experience Strings Day will feature free 20-minute trial lessons, Q&A sessions with the Assistant Director, & a short performance by Westminster Conservatory string students. The free 20-minute trial lessons with Westminster Conservatory teachers offered in the afternoon will be for children between the ages of 6 through 18. Adults are also welcome to register for a trial lesson.

LOCATION: Cullen Center – Westminster Choir College, 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton

 

NOVEMBER 5 & 19, 3 pm
Outdoor Drum Circle

The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2451 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence
(609) 882-9246 | mcl.org

Join our in-person drum circle led by popular long time facilitator Ange Chianese in a relaxed outdoor setting next to the library’s building. Drummers of all levels of experience are invited to
participate. Bring your own drum(s), bells, percussions. Bringing your own folding chair is encouraged. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required. Call 609-883-8292 or e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org for more information.

 


NOVEMBER 6, 10 am
Social Justice Sing 

Westminster Conservatory of Music
101 Walnut Lane, Princeton
(609) 921-7104 | rider.edu

Singing together is a powerful way to foster community and advocate for social transformation. Join us for a singing experience centered around the theme of justice for all. We will explore musical styles from folk and classical to Broadway and R&B. Together, we will raise our voices as advocates for equity.

Led by Westminster Choir College faculty and students, this intergenerational event is open to everyone. Every voice matters; no singing experience is required!

LOCATION: Rider University – Yvonne Theater, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville

 


NOVEMBER 7, 3 pm
An American Salute

New Jersey Youth Symphony
Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton
(609) 771-5544 | whartonarts.org

Together We Celebrate! The New Jersey Youth Symphony is proud to present “An American Salute,” a show honoring our veterans on Sunday, November 7. Join us for an uplifting concert at Patriot’s Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton to honor our veterans with music by American composers including Bernstein, Copland, Gould, and more.

Come and sing along to the Armed Forces Medley and America the Beautiful. Free for all Veterans—just use code VET2021 at checkout. Tickets are available for purchase online: http://ow.ly/1ksA50GoVHZ.

 

CULTURE

NOVEMBER 3, 4:30 pm
Diwali and Threshold Art

The Mercer County Library, Hickory Corner Branch
138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
(609) 448-1330 | mcl.org

For Diwali, learn to create beautiful threshold art to welcome good fortune to your home. The designs are traditionally known as Rangoli, Alpana, Kolam etc. Using a template of dots, sidewalk chalk, and colored sand, we will create colorful floral and geometric patterns by our library’s entrance and sidewalk.
Registration is required.

 

NOVEMBER 10, 2 pm
The Short of It: Louise Erdrich (Outdoors)

The Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch
245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington
(609) 737-2610 | mcl.org

The short story — short in length, but full of content! Join our discussion group, which focuses on the short story. This month we’ll celebrate National Native American Heritage Month as we read Louise Erdrich’s stories, “Fleur,” “The Shawl,” and “American Horse.” Registration is required.

 

EXHIBITIONS

NOVEMBER 19 – April 29, 2022
Painting the Moon and Beyond

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
Cadwalader Park, Trenton
(609) 989-1191 | ellarslie.org

Presenting an exhibition of paintings by New Jersey native and revered American landscape painter Lois Dodd and artists who have long been a part of her life. Dodd, 94, a founding member of the legendary artist-run Tanager Gallery, has, for more than 70 years, painted her surroundings—New York’s Lower East Side, rural Mid-Coast Maine, and the Delaware Water Gap. Among her favorite subjects—and the central theme of the exhibition—is the night sky.

 

NOW – NOVEMBER 20
Stepping Into Tomorrow/ TRANSITional Art Project Exhibition

Artworks Trenton
19 Everett Alley, Trenton
(609) 394-9436 | artworkstrenton.org

Stepping Into Tomorrow was funded by a 2020 Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Grant. Trenton is one of 16 municipalities nationwide to receive funding in 2020 from Bloomberg Philanthropies for asphalt art projects. Request for Proposals was posted and three semi-finalists were selected to show their designs at a Virtual Public Presentation. George Bates’ design was selected and planning quickly took place for road closures, materials, and community involvement. After 16 hours on September 4th & 5th, 2021, George Bates along with a team of artists, community members, students, and volunteers, installed the final design for the Stepping Into Tomorrow Asphalt Art Project at the Trenton Transit Center (the intersection of South Clinton Avenue and Barlow Street/Raoul Wallenberg Avenue). This project is a partnership between Artworks Trenton and The City of Trenton, made possible through funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Thank you also to NJ Transit and New Jersey Council on the Arts for participating in the Stepping Into Tomorrow Asphalt Art Project through your TRANSTional Art Project installed at the same intersection.

 

About the Artist:

Born in Newark, NJ and currently based in Ocean, NJ, George Bates’ public art projects are a direct outgrowth of his interest in exploring the plastic nature of systems, communities, complexities, aesthetics, and the realities and satisfactions of societal living in relation to art. His public art projects for the NYC MTA can be seen at the 36th Street, Rockaway, Queens and Central Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn subway stations completed respectively in hand painted and fired glass, and laser cut stainless steel. His work can also be seen all along the North Metro Line light-rail in Aurora, CO and a variety of public projects throughout the United States.

 

In conjunction with the “Stepping Into Tomorrow” Asphalt Art Project at the Trenton Transit Center, NJ Transit and NJSCA will be installing their “TRANSITional Art Project” outside of the Trenton Transit Center on August 28th.  NJ Transit and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts are pleased to present the TRANSITional Art Project to the Trenton Transit Station. This project includes 10 banners hung around the exterior of the building and 5 pieces installed within the bus shelters created by local New Jersey artists, as well as a brand new bike rack welded from upcycled bike parts.

 

HISTORY

NOVEMBER 4, 7 pm
VIRTUAL: We Are Still Here: The History and Continuing Culture of New Jersey’s Indigenous Tribal Communities

The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2451 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence
(609) 882-9246 | mcl.org

November is National Native American Heritage Month. Rev. Dr. J. R. Norwood Jr. is a tribal historian who served as the Principal Justice of the Tribal Supreme Court and Councilman-at-Large for the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Nation in South Jersey. He will offer a presentation on the history and current work of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape, the largest American Indian Tribe in New Jersey, followed by a question-and-answer session. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Hopewell Branch Library, Friends of the West Windsor Library, the Hightstown Library Association and the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.

 

NOVEMBER 6, 12 pm
Cannon Firing Demonstration

Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing – Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ
(609) 737-0623 | state.nj.us

Lamb’s Artillery Company (Revolutionary War re-enactment group) will be conducting Artillery demonstrations from 12 noon to 4 pm in the field behind the Visitor Center Museum, Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville. The cannon firing demonstrations will be held at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm.

 

NOVEMBER 7, 2pm
West Airport Road Project – Migrant and Resident African American Contributions to Central New Jersey

The 1719 William Trent House Museum
15 Market Street, Trenton
(609) 989-3027 | williamtrenthouse.org

The Trent House Association in partnership with the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society presents a talk on the West Airport Road Project on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. This is a free program offered both in-person at the Trent House Museum Visitor Center and virtually on Zoom. Pre-register on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/westairportroad. Join via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/wairportrd.

The West Airport Road Project began with the rediscovery of a 1997 newspaper article on George Sumbry, an African American veteran of World War II who returned to the Hightstown-East Windsor area and established a grocery store on Airport Road. Mr. Sumbry knew the area from his teenage years when he and his brother found work there after leaving Alabama in 1929. His is the story of many other African Americans who left the South and found work in the North during the Great Migration.

The West Airport Road Project will commemorate contributions to agriculture and commerce in the Hightstown-East Windsor area by the Sumbry family and others who worked and lived there. In his talk Mr. Charles (Cappy) Stults, president of the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society, will outline that history and describe plans to erect interpretive signs along the road where African Americans first lived, built churches, and established businesses.

 

NOVEMBER 14, 2 pm
“Slice of Life” Quilt Art Celebrates 300 Years of Hightstown History

Hightstown Woman’s Club
Main Street, Hightstown
https://www.facebook.com/HightstownWomansClub

Ever wonder what your day-to-day life would be like if you lived 100 years ago? 200 years ago? How about 300? The Hightstown Woman’s Club did, and created a “Slice of Life” Art Quilt to commemorate 300 years of living in Hightstown.  On Sunday, November 14th at 2 PM, they will be presenting this art quilt to the Borough officials at the historic Fire House event room, 140 North Main Street.

At the event, the Woman’s Club CIP Committee will reveal the two-year process that brought them to the spectacular finished product. This was a community event, with 26 makers from Hightstown and East Windsor participating in a mixed-media artform. An accompanying book has been produced with a rich historic compilation of the art quilt subjects, and will be available to view and purchase in time for the holidays.

The commemorative quilt colorfully illustrates the area’s history. Come learn what drove people to this area, see some of the businesses that helped them survive, and hear about the challenges and successes they experienced throughout the years.  What did this area look like when the Native Americans lived here? When and how did our population begin to grow and become diverse? Why did some businesses prosper while others failed? What was daily life like for the kids?

 

HOLIDAY

NOVEMBER 13, 14, 20 and 21, 10 am
Off the Wall Holiday Market

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

Art lovers will be able to explore handcrafted items by local artisans in the areas of apothecary, ceramics/potter, fiber/textile, glass items, jewelry, journals/note cards, and more.

 

NOVEMBER 17 – January 10
Morven Museum & Garden’s Festival of Trees Tradition 

Morven Museum
55 Stockton Street, Princeton
(609) 924-8331 | morven.org

Festival of Trees is an annual highlight of the holiday season showcasing a juried collection of trees and mantles displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, upstairs and down.


NOVEMBER 27, 10 am
Wreath & Sleighbell Sale 

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

Visitors are invited to lend support to the farm’s community outreach programs by bringing canned goods for donation to area food banks and soup kitchens. At the visitor center, the Friends of Howell Farm will hold their annual Wreath & Sleighbell Sale, featuring straps of bells made by the farm’s harnessmaker.  **Please note that fall 2020 Saturday programs will be modified to encourage social distancing and reflect current State guidelines for public events. Visitors are required to carry masks at all times, and wear them when social distancing isn’t possible.

 

LECTURES

NOVEMBER 1, 7 pm
VIRTUAL: Understanding the Abolition Movement

Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
(609) 924-9529 | princetonlibrary.org

As part of Continuing Conversations on Race, organizer and abolitionist Micah Herskind gives a presentation featuring small group discussions. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZSPRb7PUO37HS_euaTBZh8gvt9Oje6mf1fyKtNE2wWySdvQ/viewform

 

NOVEMBER 10, 7 pm
VIRTUAL: What’s Next for Human Space Travel?

The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org

Presented by Paul Cirillo of the New Jersey Astronomical Association. Learn about the upcoming human space programs planned by the United States, China, Russia and four U.S. commercial companies. Find out what’s in store for space stations and gateways, moon bases, a journey to Mars and even space tourism will be presented. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Branch Library. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.

 

NOVEMBER 11, 1 pm
Lunchtime Gallery Series: Looking Up: Mountains and the Celestial

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

ocents use their knowledge and passion to make their chosen topics fun and engaging to everyone.  The docent program at Princeton University Art Museum involves an intensive training program, consisting of lectures, gallery sessions, research, and presentations to fellow trainees and other docents. Docents then continue their education throughout their years of service by attending docent meetings, participating in study groups, attending gallery talks, and taking trips with fellow docents to other regional museums.  WWAC is thrilled to be able to offer these special sessions available to members and non-members.

To be held once a month on Thursdays from 1 to 2pm

 

NATURE

NOVEMBER 6, 10 am
Cider Making

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

Fresh apple cider awaits those who help make it! To earn a taste, all you have to do is turn the crank of the cider press…and then help re-fill the hopper with the Macs, Cortlands and Red Delicious apples that make for a perfect blend. In the farmhouse kitchen, apple pie is in the oven and applesauce is on the stove.

 

NOVEMBER 13, 10 am
Bacon, Sausage & Scrapple Making

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

When the weather turns cold, the annual work of making sausage, scrapple, and bacon gets underway, giving visitors a chance to see the techniques used to make these products…then to taste some of the results! Visitors can lend a hand filling the sausage stuffer and grinding the corn used in scrapple and cornbread recipes, then taste cracklins and other delicacies made in the process.

 

NOVEMBER 20, 10 am
Logging & Firewood Cutting

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

While farmers use horses to skid saw logs out of the woods and haul firewood to the sap house in preparation for maple sugaring season, visitors can cut and chop firewood, split locust logs into fence rails, and make real barn pegs for use in barn frames around the farm!

At the sawmill, farmers will be cutting boards for horse stalls, fences, and a new hog shed.

 

RE-OPENING

NOVEMBER
The Sarnoff Collection

TCNJ The College of New Jersey, The Sarnoff Collection
2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing
(609) 771-2654 | davidsarnoff.tcnj.edu/

Watch for the reopening of the Sarnoff Collection in November, 2021! We have been closed since March 2019 as part of the campus response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to welcoming you soon! Visit their website to learn more https://davidsarnoff.tcnj.edu/visit/

 

THEATRE

NOW – NOVEMBER 5
VIRTUAL: Sugar Skull!, Dia de Muertos Adventure

McCarter Theatre & Arts Council of Princeton Community Partnership
(609) 258-2787 | mccarter.org

Sugar Skull! is a joyful digital theater experience that delves into the rich traditions of Día de Muertos to deepen audiences’ understanding of Mexican and Latin American culture. Featuring regional dances of Mexico, colorful costumes, and traditional music Sugar Skull! teaches about Mexican culture beyond the expected!

On this virtual adventure, audiences will join Sugar Skull, a charismatic candy skeleton, as he follows the music towards the ultimate party! He is spurred on by the tricky Chaneques, who desperately want him to be the centerpiece on their ofrenda. Along the path, Sugar Skull meets many colorful characters who teach him how Day of the Dead is much more than a party — it is a celebration of life!

 


NOVEMBER 12-13, 2 pm & 8 pm
All Together Now! 

Kelsey Theatre & The Pennington Players
1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor
(609) 570-3333 | Kelsey.mccc.edu

The Pennington Players is bringing back live theater with a wonderful Benefit concert featuring some of Kelsey’s favorite performers and some new talent – With 15 of your favorite Broadway songs, including “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat” from Guys and Dolls and “Seize the Day” from Newsies and 13 more! A Special Fundraising Event.

 

NOVEMBER 19 & 20, 8 pm
NOVEMBER 27, 2 pm & 8 pm
NOVEMBER 21 & 28, 2 pm
33 Variations

Kelsey Theatre & The Pennington Players
1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor
(609) 570-3333 | Kelsey.mccc.edu

Pierrot Productions is excited to finally be able to present this passionate play written by Moises Kaufman, touching on one of classical music’s enduring riddles as to why Beethoven wrote 33 variations of a rather uninspired waltz. Two hundred years later, a modern-day music scholar is driven to solve the mystery even as her own health and relationship with her daughter crumbles.  The show simultaneously explores the composer’s creations and the struggle of the musicologist, enhanced by a live pianist playing the variations.

 

WORKSHOPS

NOVEMBER 1, 6:30 pm
Indoor Sugar Skull Suncatcher

The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org

Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos! Use your creativity to make a scratch art sugar skull suncatcher. Recommended for ages 3 years and up, with a caregiver. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required.hopeprogs@mcl.org

 

NOVEMBER 4, 3 pm
Fall Decor Workshop

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

Come one and all to celebrate fall! Participants will create several pieces to add that personal touch to the Thanksgiving table that will surely be brought out year after year:

– Give Thanks Banner
– Pinecone Place Markers
– Leafy Tealight Jars

Your workshop fee includes all materials necessary to complete several instructor-led projects. This will be a relaxing activity for school friends or families to engage in some artistic fun while making memories on their day off together.

 

NOVEMBER 5, 2 pm
Fused Glass Pendants

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

Learn about the exciting art of fused glass and make 3 pendants. The class will include instruction on how to design a pendant for full fusing and tack fusing, including cutting small pieces of glass. A demonstration will show how to use a flame to shape glass stringers. Finished pieces, complete with a silver plated bail and on leather cord, will be available for pick-up in approximately 7-10 days. An $20 additional material fee is due to the teaching artist at the time of the workshop.

 

NOVEMBER 6, 10 am
Indoor Paint-a-Canvas for Adults

The Mercer County Library, Hightstown Branch
114 Franklin Street
(609) 448-1474 | mcl.org

Together we’ll be instructed step-by-step to create our own paintings in acrylics on canvas. Everyone’s painting will be based on a similar design, but all will be unique. All supplies provided. Taught by art instructor, Sweety Mehta. Sponsored by the Hightstown Library Association.
Registration required at mcl.org.

 

NOVEMBER 6, 11 am
Morven Museum Victorian Pressed Flower Wreath Card Workshop

Morven Museum
55 Stockton Street, Princeton
(609) 924-8331 | morven.org

Spend an afternoon as Victorian women, such as Morven’s Harriet Stockton might have, at Morven creating flower art wreaths with many flowers pressed from Morven’s historic garden with Curator of Education Debra Lampert-Rudman.

Learn the “love language” of flowers, enjoy an illustrated presentation on this Victorian art, and create wreath cards of your own special design suitable for framing or gift giving.

All flowers, materials, including archival watercolor papers and glue, embellishments, tools, and live virtual art instruction provided, as well as follow-up resources. No previous experience required and registration is limited, ages 12 and up.

 

NOVEMBER 7, 12 pm
IPhone Photography

Princeton Photo Workshop
Herrontown Road, Princeton
princetonphotoworkshop.com

Learn how to make impressive, high quality pictures with your iPhone at Little Island – New York’s newest public park – and on the neighboring High Line.
During the class, we’ll compare the advantages and limitations of taking pictures with your phone and learn simple techniques that maximize the quality of your images: how to use burst mode, adjust brightness, hold the camera and position the camera lens properly, set focus, use filters, take photos at night, and much more.
If you enjoy documenting life with your iPhone and are curious about how to take those everyday photos to the next level, this is the class for you.

 

NOVEMBER 13, 10:30 am
Morven Museum Weave a One-of-a-Kind Bird House with Master Basketmaker Mary May

Morven Museum
55 Stockton Street, Princeton
(609) 924-8331 | morven.org

Master Basket Maker Mary May has designed a special “For the Birds” Bird House Weaving One-Day Workshop specifically for Morven in celebration of our exhibition In Nature’s Realm: The Art of Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh . Ticket price includes museum admission as well as workshop.

 


NOVEMBER 18, 10:30 am
Card-making with Alicia

The Mercer County Library, West Windsor Branch
333 Noth Post Road, Princeton Junction
(609) 799-0462 | mcl.org

Craft a Fall themed card that can be used for many occasions including Thanksgiving. We incorporate acetate with an interactive fold to make our design. Presented by Alicia Vincelette, and sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library.
Registration is required, and space is limited.

 

NOVEMBER 24, 3 pm
Fused Glass Ornament

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

Learn how to make your own keepsake glass ornament. This class will be 2 hours long and the participants will learn how to make 3 ornaments. The class will include instruction on how to design several ornaments for tack fusing, including cutting small pieces of glass and using a flame to shape glass stringers. The participants will glue their ornaments and I will take the pieces and fuse them in my kiln in my studio. I will return the finished pieces in 7-10 days, complete with a silver-plated bail for hanging on their tree. Material cost is $30 which includes glass base, dots and stringers, and bail for ornaments.

 

NOVEMBER 30, 6:30 pm
VIRTUAL: Digital Camera Essentials

Princeton Photo Workshop
Herrontown Road, Princeton
princetonphotoworkshop.com

We’ll introduce you to the essential functions of your digital camera, including shooting modes, shutter speed, aperture and ISO, and explore how to think about taking a picture you’ll be proud to share.

Categories
Culture Lifestyle

Los Angeles hotels, restaurants prep for unusual awards season

 

Hollywood events are on reset as the new normal plays out. Although it’s another year without an in-person American Film Market, the setback is not holding back Los Angeles restaurants and hotels from showcasing their ample options for holidays and the upcoming event season, which features a first-time Super Bowl on Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium.

 

Event planners, catering pros and hotel entertainment sales execs are prepping for another odd end-of-year, one with evolving public health protocols (required vaccination status checks at the door) to accommodating up-to-the-moment bookings.
Whether inside, al fresco or a hybrid, there’s still a hesitancy to book larger gatherings; most in-demand are spaces that can hold 20 to 30 for seated dinners.

 

“So far, the phone is not ringing with holiday party calls the way it would have pre-COVID,” says Matt Duggan, outgoing general manager at AOC. Brentwood. “And many of the calls that do come through seem less committed, more speculative. They’re playing with the idea only,” he adds of large-scale corporate socializing.

 

— Variety

Categories
Art & Life Culture

New Jersey Photography Forum opens the international photography exhibit, ‘Unframed’

The NJ Photography Forum opened its 27th Annual Photography Exhibit, Unframed, online on Oct. 1. through Jan. 15, 2022

 

Seventy-five works by 40 artists were chosen for this year’s show from hundreds of entries which came from around the globe and across the U.S. Unframed, printed images of the selected works will also be on display at the Watchung Arts Center in Watchung, NJ from November 2, through November 30, 2021.

 

Old Oak Tree
— By Nancy Melin

The links to access the exhibit are: Watchung Arts Center website- http://watchungarts.org/nj-photography-forum-international-photo-exhibit/, NJ Photography Forum website- https://www.njphotoforum.com/p75497615

 

“The emotional impact of the pieces ranges from mysterious and thought provoking, to stunning black and whites and digitally enhanced pieces, to traditional and beautiful color works. The variety of creative ideas and processing techniques has produced an interesting show with many more pieces which we can accommodate because of the format of the show,” says Nancy Ori, director of the photography forum and the curator of the exhibit, who was very enthusiastic about the response to the call for submissions.

 

The public is invited to attend an online conference via Zoom moderated by the Curator to review the exhibit and hear from some of the artists on November 13, 2021 at 1 pm eastern time. Contact Nancy Ori to get the link.

 

At the same time as the Unframed exhibit is in the Main Gallery of the Watchung Art Center, the Photography Forum will also be showing The Best One, works by the members of the Forum’s Exhibit Committee in the more intimate downstairs gallery. Both exhibits can be viewed during regular gallery hours. Visit the Watchung Arts Center website at: www.watchungarts.org for visitation requirements and times. Entrance is free at: 18 Stirling Road in Watchung, NJ on the circle.

 

All of the images will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Watchung Arts Center.

 

Two years ago, The New Jersey Photography Forum celebrated the 25thanniversary of its founding. The NJPF is dedicated to furthering the interests of professional and serious photographers living or working in the New Jersey area. Over the past 27 years under the direction of Nancy Ori, the NJPF has become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state.

 

The monthly meetings are currently held virtually using Zoom but will return to in-person meetings at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit when possible. At the meetings, attendees are encouraged to share expertise and advance their skills. The meetings provide access to a wide variety of current creative and technical information through informal presentations and demonstrations by manufacturers and photographic artists. At each meeting, photographers have an opportunity to display their work for critique by others. Exhibition possibilities within the fine art community are constantly explored, and the group historically has produced as many as a dozen group exhibits each year at various venues. These opportunities have become an invaluable resource for photographers interested in becoming fine art exhibitors.

 

The Watchung Arts Center offers new art exhibitions each month, performances of music, comedy, improv and classes for children and adults in art, photography, dance, yoga, and more. Visit their website at www.watchungarts.org.

 

You can learn more about the New Jersey Photography Forum by visiting their web site at www.njphotoforum.com or by contacting Nancy Ori at nancyori@comcast.net.

Categories
Culture Local News

Hang out with birds, bats, and bugs for the Masquerade Parade by D&R Greenway Land Trust on Halloween Day

PRINCETON, N.J. – Expecting carloads of parade-goers, D&R Greenway Land Trust is planning their annual Halloween Day Masquerade Parade for Sunday at historic St. Michael’s Farm Preserve in Hopewell.

 

Mutts comic artist Patric McDonnell with Masquerade Parade art
— Courtesy photo

Presenting birds, bats, and bugs…Oh my! D&R Greenway’s Masquerade Parade will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 31. To pre-register your carload of parade-goers, visit www.drgreenway.org, or come straight to the Hopewell Elementary School parking lot and register during the event. The donation is $25 per carload. Ticket purchases and Sponsorships support the land trust’s mission of preserving land and inspiring a conservation ethic now and forever.

 

A dozen colorful and unusual ‘floats’ decorated to the event theme, “Birds, Bats and Bugs”, will be positioned along the St. Michaels Farm Preserve roadway. Celebrate Halloween while enjoying the beautiful fall backdrop of St. Michaels Farm Preserve.

 

Participating ‘floats’ include FUTURO Program at Latin American Legal Defense of Education Fund (LALDEF); Hopewell Township Police Department; Bahai’is of Central New Jersey; Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer; Bordentown Historical Society; InnerSpace Taijiquan; Washington Crossing Audubon Society; SPLASH Steamboat Floating Classroom/D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Kayak Program; D&R Greenway Land Trust and The Chubby’s Project.

 

Sunday’s Parade offers a safe way to Trick or Treat as guests will remain in their cars, which they are encouraged to have decorated in line with the theme. Passengers are also encouraged to create lively signs identifying their favorite bird, bat, or bug along with a fun fact about their favorite creature.

Each carload will be given a nature-themed goody bag of surprises, including a newly published children’s book. Vehicles will “line up” in the Hopewell Elementary School parking lot and migrate to St. Michaels Farm Preserve at the Princeton Avenue entrance closest to town (Hopewell).

 

Every parade has live music: Ours will feature and our very own musician, Bill Flemer and Friends on D&R Greenway’s float. See best-selling cartoonist Patrick McDonnell’s specially themed Halloween painting and renowned artist James Fiorentino’s Little Brown Bat on display!

 

This drive-through, reverse parade will be held light rain or shine. If severe weather cancels our Parade, we will host a Zoom party on Friday evening, November 5th, where each group will present their creations and the audience will vote for best “float!”

 

BACKGROUND:

 

D&R Greenway Land Trust, an accredited nonprofit, has reached a new milestone of over 21,000 acres of land preserved since 1989. By preserving land for life 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 our neighbors—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 in connecting land with people from all walks of life.

 

Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and www.drgreenway.org to learn more.

Categories
Culture Special/Sponsored Content

California lures two TV shows with $15 million in extra tax credit funding

 

The California Film Commission announced Monday that it has awarded $15 million in tax credits to two TV shows, inducing them to move production to California. The funds come from the increase to the state’s film and TV tax credit program authorized by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in July. The shows are “The Mysterious Benedict Society” on Disney Plus, which will relocate from Vancouver, and ABC’s “Promised Land,” which will relocate from Georgia.

 

“Promised Land,” which is set in California’s Sonoma Valley, has yet to debut on the network. It was picked up to series in August.

 

Relocating TV from out-of-state is one of the primary goals of California’s film credit program, which was increased to $330 million per year in 2015. Once a show comes to the state under the program, the state is committed to continue subsidizing the show for the duration of its run. The state is currently subsidizing 22 shows that relocated previously and are still in production. That led to a $150 million “shortfall” in the program earlier this year, thanks to steadily increasing production budgets.

 

With California enjoying a historic surplus this year, Newsom initially proposed adding $30 million to the program — solely earmarked to relocating TV shows. The Legislature tacked on an additional $150 million to cover the shortfall and spread the allocation over two years.

 

The announcement comes as TV production has surged to near record levels in Los Angeles, with FilmLA announcing last week that TV production is now 22.1% above the pre-pandemic average. Soundstages are almost at full capacity, and many crews are so exhausted that working hours became the central issue of negotiations between IATSE and the AMPTP on a new contract.

 

“The new expansion of our tax credit program is working to bring more jobs, spending and opportunity to California,” Colleen Bell, the executive director of the California Film Commission, said in a statement. “Production here in California continues to rebound from the pandemic, and the decisive action from our policymakers in Sacramento is helping to fuel that success.”

 

Newsom also signed into law a new $150 million tax credit to incentivize the construction of new soundstages, in order to expand California’s advantage in production infrastructure.

 

— Variety

Categories
Entertainment News

All new episodes of The Wendy Williams Show start Monday

Finally, The Wendy Williams Show will return Monday, Oct. 18, for Season 13, with all new episodes, but without Wendy as host.

 

A recent statement from The Wendy Williams Show reports that, “Wendy will not be returning to her treasured purple chair just yet. As we wait for her return, we will have all new original shows with an exciting line-up of guest hosts, games and more!”

 

Wendy Williams has been on hiatus from her show since Sept. 20 when Season 13 was supposed to start. Her absence is due to medical reasons.

 

Since then, fans had anticipated her return Oct. 4, which did not occur. Now Oct. 18 is the new date, and fans are excited for new episodes. Knowing that her shoes are hard to fill, fans are anxiously awaiting her return.

 

Wendy’s fans, whom she also calls her co-hosts cannot wait for her new episodes. In the meantime, they are also excited to see who her guest hosts will be.

 

That wait is over as fans and co-hosts will continue to enjoy Wendy’s Hot Topics with their favorite Hot Talk panelists.

 

The lineup includes, Bevy Smith, Michael Yo, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Devyn Simone, who will help Wendy to kick off the new season with the latest Hot Topics and a new edition of Trendy @ Wendy.

 

Tuesday, Emmy Winning-Producer, New York Times bestselling author and ‘Friend to the Show,’ Leah Remini steps in as Wendy’s special guest host!

 

Since Wendy’s shoes are difficult to fill, “we need to find the right fit!” states Team Wendy.

 

“Leah brings a lot of fun, laughs and energy that we know our Wendy Watchers will love. She’s our people and we’re excited to see her walk through those double doors!” Team Wendy states.

 

“We love you for watching and can’t wait for the new season to start Monday!”