Category: Culture

Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

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Tankfarm raises $23M to fuel innovation in propane

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tankfarm, the tech-enabled propane distribution platform, announced today that it has closed on a $23M Series-B round led by a handful of prominent family offices and existing investors. The capital will go towards customer acquisition, continued development of Tankfarm’s patent-pending technology platform, and extending its national propane delivery footprint which currently spans 37 states and over 400 locations.

“In the midst of a very challenging economic and fundraising environment, our investors stepped up and have put Tankfarm on a path to becoming one of the largest propane distribution companies in the US market,” Heaney said. “It is a testament to our fantastic team, and also to the belief our investors have in our vision. We are deeply grateful to all of them.”

 

Tankfarm invests in software and sensors to improve the customer experience for propane consumers, and to make deliveries more efficient and profitable. The company aims to improve the propane industry’s approach to technology, so it can begin to meet the expectations of today’s propane consumer. The $35B U.S. propane industry is highly fragmented and has been slow to embrace new technology.

 

“This really is just the beginning,” Heaney added. “Every day our technology moat gets a bit deeper, creating an increasingly durable source of competitive advantage in an industry that has traditionally underinvested in technology.”

 

For more information, visit: https://tankfarm.io

 

About Tankfarm

Tankfarm is a propane distribution company that invests in proprietary software and sensors to create a superior customer experience and greater logistical efficiency to the propane industry. Tankfarm offers transparent pricing, no fees, free tank monitoring and a guarantee that our customers will never run out of propane. The Tankfarm supplier network spans 37 states and over 400 locations.

 

Tankfarm is a member of the World Liquid Propane Gas Association (WLPGA), the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), the Maine Energy Marketers Association, the New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA), the New Jersey Propane Gas Association (NJPGA), the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA), the Mid-Atlantic Propane Gas Association (MAPGA) the Virginia Propane Gas Association (VPGA), the Rocky Mountain Propane Association (RMPA), the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA), the Pacific Propane Gas Association (PPGA), and the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

Contacts

Andrew Heaney

support@tankfarm.io
855-976-4141

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Culture Economics Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science

The Menopause Society Annual Meeting 2023: Bayer to present latest real-world evidence of menopausal symptoms and their treatment

 

  • Real-world evidence (RWE) research results on treatment utilization and pathways in women with menopausal symptoms via poster presentations on the CHAPTER natural menopause study, CHAPTER i-menopause study and REALISE study
  • These poster presentations reinforce Bayer’s leadership and commitment to understanding and advancing women’s healthcare specifically for those who are experiencing menopause symptoms

 

 

BERLIN & WHIPPANY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Bayer will present the latest RWE research results which focuses on treatment utilization and pathways in women with menopausal symptoms at the upcoming Menopause Society Annual Meeting (formerly The North American Menopause Society). The Menopause Society Annual Meeting takes place from September 27 – 30, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

 

Key Highlights of Bayer’s presentations at The Menopause Society annual meeting 2023 are:

REALISE iVMS: What do women with breast cancer take for menopause symptoms? A real-world analysis of treatment utilization from the US and Europe

  • Approximately 20% of women with vasomotor symptoms (VMS) induced by breast cancer treatment received hormonal therapy (HT).
  • Regardless of severity of symptoms, women were prescribed HT at similar rates for their VMS.
  • Evidence of HT prescribing, despite contraindications, suggests clinicians are seeking treatment options (indicating significant symptom burden) and an unmet need for non-HT options.

 

CHAPTER natural menopause: Characterizing treatment pathways for natural menopausal symptoms in US women

  • Two-thirds of natural menopausal women did not receive treatment for menopausal symptoms, which might suggest undertreatment in this population.
  • Paroxetine was prescribed to fewer women than other non-hormonal therapies , despite being the only non-HT approved for VMS in the US.
  • Benzodiazepines were highly prescribed suggesting an unmet need for treatments for the management of menopause-associated sleep and mood disturbances.

 

CHAPTER i-menopause: Characterizing treatment pathways for endocrine therapy (ET)-related menopausal symptoms in US

  • Only one-third of women initiating ET for breast cancer or high breast cancer risk received treatment for menopausal symptoms, which might suggest symptoms often go unrecognized and untreated.
  • Benzodiazepines were the most common treatment prescribed, reflecting a requirement for management of menopause-associated sleep and mood disturbances.
  • Despite being contraindicated, HT was prescribed to approximately 15% of women, suggesting an unmet need for effective, long-term non-HT management options for ET-related menopausal symptoms.

 

The research presented showcases the commitment of Bayer as a leader in women’s healthcare to broaden therapeutic choices and to increase awareness and education around menopausal symptoms. Additionally, as part of this commitment, the company is investigating new approaches, including elinzanetant, a late-stage investigational drug with a data readout expected in late 2023.

 

The official poster session will be held on Thursday, September 28, from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM EST.

 

About Vasomotor Symptoms

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS; also referred to as hot flashes) are a result from hyperactivation of the thermoregulatory pathway mediated by hypertrophy of the KNDy neurons due to withdrawal of estradiol, which can result from progressive reduction of ovarian function due to natural menopause or medical intervention by bilateral oophorectomy or endocrine therapy.

 

VMS are reported by up to 80% of women at some point during the menopausal transition and are one of the leading causes for seeking medical attention during this phase of a woman’s life. Over one-third of menopausal women report severe symptoms, which can last 10 years or more after the last menstrual period, with relevant impact on quality of life.

 

Vasomotor symptoms may also be caused by endocrine therapy, for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence. There are currently no treatment options available for these women.

 

About Menopause

By 2030, the world population of women in the menopause phase is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year. Menopause is a natural phase in women’s lives, related to progressive decline of ovarian function, which usually occurs in women in their late 40s or early 50s. It can also be the result of surgical or medical treatment, for example for breast cancer. The decline in hormone production by the ovaries can lead to various symptoms, which can dramatically affect a woman’s health, quality of life, consumption of healthcare and work productivity. The most frequently reported and bothersome symptoms during the menopausal transition are VMS, sleep disturbances and mood changes. For this reason, maintaining functional ability and quality of life is extremely relevant from both a healthcare and socio-economic perspective.

 

About Elinzanetant

Elinzanetant is an investigational, first, non-hormonal, orally administered, selective neurokinin-1,3 receptor antagonist currently in clinical development for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) associated with menopause. Elinzanetant seeks to address vasomotor symptoms by modulating a group of estrogen sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain (the KNDy neurons), that due to the absence of estrogen, become hyperactive in menopausal women and consequently disrupt body heat control mechanisms resulting in hot flashes.

 

The clinical Phase III development program with elinzanetant, OASIS, currently comprises four Phase III studies: OASIS 1, 2, 3 and 4. The OASIS 1,2 and 3 investigate the efficacy and safety of elinzanetant in women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. The OASIS 4 study is an expansion of the clinical phase III program and investigates the efficacy and safety of elinzanetant in women with vasomotor symptoms by endocrine therapy for treatment or prevention of breast cancer.

 

The design and dosing of the Phase III clinical development program is based on the positive data from two Phase II studies (RELENT-1 and SWITCH-1). RELENT-1 was a Phase Ib/IIa study investigating the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of elinzanetant. SWITCH-1 was a Phase IIb study, which investigated the efficacy and safety of four different doses of elinzanetant compared to placebo in patients with vasomotor symptoms. Full results of the study have been published in March 2023 in Menopause – The Journal of the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) and are available at: https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.2071.

 

About Women’s Healthcare at Bayer

Bayer is a global leader in women’s healthcare with a long-standing commitment to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. Bayer offers a wide range of effective short- and long-acting birth control methods as well as therapies for menopause management and gynecological diseases. Bayer is also focusing on innovative options to address the unmet medical needs of women worldwide and to broadening treatment choices such as in menopause. Additionally, Bayer intends to provide 100 million women per year in low-and-middle income countries by 2030 with access to family planning by funding multi-stakeholder aid programs and by ensuring the supply of affordable modern contraceptives. This is part of the comprehensive sustainability measures and commitments from 2020 onwards and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

 

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

 

Find more information at https://pharma.bayer.com/
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bayer
Follow us on Twitter: @BayerPharma

kw (2023-0136e)

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Contacts

Contact for Global media inquiries:
Katja Wiggers, phone +49 30 221541614
Email: katja.wiggers@bayer.com

Contact for US media inquiries:
Courtney Ambrosi, phone 1 (908) 798-1107
Email: courtney.ambrosi@bayer.com

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Culture Economics Education Lifestyle Local News

Passage Theatre Company recently updates its management team for community sustainability

 

Passage Theater Company announced changes to its management team that will assist the state capitol’s only professional theater company with its vision to become a more adept and sustainable part of the community.

 

C. Ryanne Domingues, who has led the theater’s programming as Artistic Director for more than six years, has accepted a full-time position at Rider University as Assistant Professor in the BFA Acting program of the Department of Performing Arts. She will continue to work with Passage Theater in a part-time role to develop new, original programming through the 2024-2025 season, including the highly anticipated production of Ghetto Gods in Divineland.

 

“We are just delighted that Rider University recognized Ryanne’s amazing artistic voice and teaching talent and that she will have this opportunity to shape the next generation of theatre professionals,” said Caroline Wylie, president of Passage Theater’s board of directors.

 

Managing Director Brishen Miller was promoted to Executive Artistic Director, reflecting his innovative leadership and the additional responsibilities he’s taking on to ensure the theater’s continued success going forward.

 

Founded in 1985, Passage Theater at Trenton’s historical Mill Hill Playhouse is committed to creating and producing socially relevant new plays and arts programming the deeply resonate with and reflect our community.

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Culture Environment Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events

D&R Greenway Land Trust announces first ever Harvest Moon Ball on Sept. 30 at the new Discovery Center at Point Breeze in Bordentown

D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Harvest Moon Ball, featuring musicians and theatre performers, will be held at the Discovery Center at Point Breeze on the evening of Sept. 30, at 101 Park Street, Bordentown, N.J.

— Justin Lee Jazz Trio

 

The event starts at 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. to support the historic and ecologically important property.

 

In the tradition of Joseph Bonaparte, the exiled King of Spain who entertained prominent scientists, artists and leaders here in the 1820s and 1830s, guests are invited to dress as someone who once visited Point Breeze or to come as you are to see who’s who. Prominent people who walked on this land in the 19th century included the Marquis de Lafyette, Dolley Madison, John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John James Audubon, Louis Mailliard, and Joseph Bonaparte’s daughter Zenaide for whom a dove was named. Thirteen thousand years of history provides a creative playground for the imagination of partygoers who choose to participate in the parade of characters.

Improv performances and music by a jazz trio will keep the mood swinging throughout the evening. Libations and desserts and cheeses from Toscano, a popular Bordentown restaurant, will be served under the full harvest moon.

“We designed this to be an affordable, community-focused event to get people out on the land in an unforgettable setting,” says Linda Mead, D&R Greenway’s president and CEO. “Sunset is magic at Point Breeze. Watching the full moon rise will make this night shine on under the Harvest Moon, like the song!”

— Welcome to the Discovery Center at Point Breeze

 

This fun garden party will be inspired by the unexpected.  Pegasus Theatre, sponsored by Bordentown Arts, a community-based nonprofit, will perform improv. Principals Peter Alexander and Jennifer Nasta Zefutie will bring their theatrical storytelling to an intimate setting inside the Discovery Center, opened in May 2023, surrounded by colorful exhibits, art, and artifacts of note.

Bordentown’s vibrant arts scene received a boost in the last few years from the recently formed Bordentown Arts.

 

“There’s an insane amount of talent in this one square mile – just as there’s an insane amount of history!” exults Leon Stanley, who founded the nonprofit in 2020 to support arts and cultural experiences within Bordentown City, where he lives with his wife, gallery owner C.J. Mugavero.

 

“We want Bordentown to be the best it can be,” says Stanley.

 

“The arts bring a quality of life, are a driver of the economy, and dovetail with the city’s reputation as a restaurant town.”

 

Musician Justin Lee will lead a talented jazz trio with guitarist Raúl Abbad and singer Monika Ryan, a New York style classic jazz singer who recently released her fourteenth album, “Playfully.” A local resident, Lee is no stranger to Point Breeze; he played a virtuoso solo of both the US national anthem and the French national anthem on Bastille Day when a delegation from Bordentown’s French sister city, Mortefontaine, visited the preserved property. He’s thrilled that Point Breeze will now be a multi-faceted community asset.

— Joseph Bonaparte original oil painting circa 1819 on display at the Discovery Center

 

“I’m excited that my kids will get to enjoy the open space and the programs.”

The first ever Harvest Moon Ball celebrates that Point Breeze is now a Bordentown treasure, preserved forever. Point Breeze is an apt location to celebrate, as well, the recent election to D&R Greenway’s Board of Trustees of longtime Bordentown public servant, former mayor James E. (Jim) Lynch, Jr.

As Bordentown’s mayor in 2020, Jim Lynch seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve Point Breeze – and with it, the unique character of the small city. Developers had been salivating over the site.

 

“The Divine Word Fathers, who were here for 80 years, were hounded by developers who wanted to build warehouses or a thousand condos,” Lynch recalls.  D&R Greenway and State Green Acres partners joined with the city to permanently preserve the land.

Lynch, now a City Commissioner, joined D&R Greenway’s Board of Trustees in 2023, the latest chapter in a 34-year relationship. “I started working on behalf of Bordentown with D&R Greenway in 1989 [the land trust’s founding year], and it just blossomed from there.” Joining the Board “is a great honor for me,” he says.

For Point Breeze, says Jim Lynch, “The best is yet to come.”

 

The ticket price of $60.  Admission to the Harvest Moon Ball on Sept. 30 is via advance ticket purchase by Sept. 25 at www.drgreenway.org or by calling (609) 924-4646.  Limited tickets will be available at the door, first come, first served. Proceeds benefit D&R Greenway’s Discovery Center at Point Breeze.

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. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Art & Life Culture Education Government Lifestyle Programs & Events Regulations & Security

Retired Navy captain exposes ‘The Great Lie’ and other lapses in military’s transition assistance program

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — The decision to retire from the Navy after 26 years wasn’t an easy one for Capt. William Toti, who says he had come to love his time in the service.

 

He knew he wanted a viable second career in the civilian market, and, as a commanding officer, he was told throughout the military transitioning program that all a civilian company would want from him was “good leadership” — advice he calls “The Great Lie” in his book, From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership.

 

“Transitioning to industry is a stressful enough condition as it is, but when the military actively tells you things that are absolutely one hundred percent wrong, and start you headed down the wrong path, that makes that stress level go up even further,” Toti said during an interview.

 

Toti isn’t alone in feeling unprepared for certain aspects of transitioning to civilian employment. More than 200,000 service members separate from the military each year, and more than half of those surveyed about the process felt as if they had little to no help with the transition.

 

But Toti is one of the lucky ones. He managed to successfully progress from captain of a nuclear submarine to a captain of industry, and after accumulating more than a decade of firsthand experiences related to transitional challenges for veterans, Toti decided to put it all on paper. From CO to CEO  isn’t filled with hand-waving aphorisms, Toti says, but rather, practical nuts-and-bolts advice for veterans and the companies that want to help their military veterans succeed.

 

“Any company will proudly recite the number of veterans they hire as employees, but none of those companies can tell you how many of those new hire veterans are still with them after five years,” Toti noted. “Did you know that about 50% of military veterans leave their first job within two years of transitioning out of the military? This constitutes millions of dollars of lost investment in employee turnover.”

 

From CO to CEO can help readers understand:

  • How and when to make their transition.
  • How to properly define goals for their future careers.
  • How to prepare for job interviews, negotiate compensation and land the right position.
  • What it takes to succeed in today’s defense industry.
  • The pluses and minuses of 20 career options.
  • The language and assumptions of civilian business culture.
  • And much more.

 

“The book is intended to correct the defects the military injects into its transitioning veterans before they leave service; it’s intended to help companies head off problems in assimilating new veteran employees; and it’s intended to serve as a guide for transitioning veterans to help them understand the business environment and learn new skills necessary for them to succeed,” Toti added.

 

About the Author

William Toti served for more than 26 years on active duty, culminating as commodore of Submarine Squadron 3, then 15 years as a corporate executive and eventually a CEO. He has been featured in several documentaries, including The Lost Ships of World War II (Fox), USS Indianapolis: The Final Chapter (PBS), USS Indianapolis: Live from the Deep (PBS), USS Indianapolis: The Legacy, 9/11: One Day in America (National Geographic), 9/11: The Pentagon (The History Channel) and 9/11: Inside the Pentagon (PBS).

 

For more information, please visit https://williamtoti.com, or follow him on Twitter (@william_toti).

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Culture Government Lifestyle Local News Politics Programs & Events Regulations & Security

Mercer County has new voting machines for the 2023 General Election

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is very proud to report, on behalf of the three election offices representing Mercer County, that there are new voting machines for November General Elections.

She said,  “our Mercer County Administration and Board of Commissioners have purchased new voting machines for use in the 2023 General Election and beyond.”

Covello said, that the voting machines are Dominion ICX Touchscreen machines, which allow voters to vote, print out their ballot, and then scan the ballot into the scanners for improved accuracy and accountability in the voting process.

“These are the same voting machines the County presently uses for early voting, however now, they will also be used in every voting district in Mercer County on Election Day,” she reported.

It is really a great achievement that our County has made in providing voters with voting machines that produce a verifiable paper trail. Voting advocacy groups urge that a paper trail be a part of any new voting system to allow for a auditable backup to any electronic voting. Why? Because if the computer in the machine fails, you will still have the paper to count and recheck. In fact, the State of New Jersey only certifies voting machines designed with a paper backup for counties to purchase.

Because we have had very positive feedback about the voting machines used in Early Voting, I’m excited for the voting public to try out these new machines in the November General Election. For one, they are simple to use because you just touch the screen and it marks your ballot. No more Sharpie pens will need to be used! Also, voters can enlarge the font on the machine screens and request the ballots to be shown in different languages.

Lastly, the new machines will allow you to print out your ballot and scan it into the scanner. However, if you prefer to hand-mark your ballot, you still can do that by printing out a blank ballot and requesting a marker from the poll worker. Mercer didn’t want to take the ability to hand mark your ballot away.

The new voting machines mean that as a voter, you will have more options in how to cast your vote. You can vote on a new voting machine on Election Day, or you can vote during the Early Voting period at a voting center, several days prior to the election, or you can vote by mail — an option many people prefer because the ballot comes right to your home.

We leaders of our other three County election offices; County Clerk, Office of the Superintendent of Elections, and the Board of Elections, have been preparing videos and news releases to educate the voting public about the new voting machines. These will be released on our County websites and on our social media pages. There will also be new enhanced training classes for poll workers on how to use the new voting machines.

In summation, we want you to know that Mercer County heard the voters and invested in a new voting system to our County in time for the upcoming November General Election. Hopefully, the new voting machines will prove to be a positive addition to our County services for many years to come.

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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE ‘Glow Party’ on sale!

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party™

lights up Trenton, Feb. 9-11, 2024

Worldwide Tour Rolls into CURE Insurance Arena with a Thrilling Experience for the Whole Family!

Tickets On Sale Friday, Sept. 8, 2023!

Tickets and event information are available at Ticketmaster.com and www.hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com.

Tickets are subject to convenience and facility fees.

Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the DARK! This one-of-a-kind show will visit the CURE Insurance Arena from Feb. 9-11, 2024 for four epic performances!

Show times are as follows:

Friday, Feb. 9, 7:30 PM/VIP, 4:30 p.m./Crash Zone, 5 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 12:00PM/VIP, 9 a.m./Crash Zone, 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m./ VIP, 4:30 p.m./Crash Zone, 4 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 12 p.m./VIP, 9 a.m./Crash Zone, 9:30 a.m. -1 0:45 a.m.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party brings fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Demo Derby™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and introducing the brand new HW 5-Alarm™, the firetruck hero of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks! The Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a BIG value for the whole family! See the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks up close and personal, exclusively guided by the hosts of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live in the pre-show VIP Backstage Tour! Experience what happens behind the scenes before all of the smashing and crashing goes down and then watch when the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks come to life. Each pass includes a VIP merchandise bundle exclusive to VIP Experience attendees! Passes are available to purchase while supplies last by adding them on to the ticket order at time of purchase.

The exciting Crash Zone Pre-Show Party will be held 2-1/2 hours before every performance. The unique experience provides fans access to the competition floor to see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, plus meet the drivers and get their autographs! Passes will be available to purchase while supplies last by adding them on to the ticket order at time of purchase.

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Culture Environment Lifestyle Local News Science Special/Sponsored Content

D&R GreenwayLand Trust announces fall 2023 Native Plant Sale dates for Sept.

PRINCETON, N.J. — D&R Greenway announces a wide variety of healthy local plants are ready for purchase at their annual Fall Native Plant Sale taking place on Friday, Sept. 22: 2:30 pm-5:30 pm and Saturday, Sept. 23: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Carolina Allspice

 

Planting natives enhances home gardens in natural beauty, attracts butterflies and birds in the landscape, and contributes to protection of a healthy bioregion. The Nursery is on the grounds of D&R Greenway’s Conservation Campus at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, [off Rosedale Road] Princeton, N.J. 08540.  Native Plant Sale proceeds support D&R Greenway’s preservation and stewardship mission. www.drgreenway.org.

Tina Notas, Director of Land Stewardship for D&R Greenway, remarks, “Fall is a great time to plant natives!  Give them a head start for the next growing season.”

Noted biologist, professor and author Doug Tallamy, is a biodiversity warrior.  In the Summer 2023 issue of Saving Land from the national Land Trust Alliance, he is quoted as saying, “In my view, the only way to achieve E. O. Wilson’s dream of protecting the natural world on at least half of the planet, as described in his 2016 book “Half Earth,” is to coexist with nature, in the same place, at the same time. We must bury forever the notion that humans are here and nature is someplace else, for there are no longer enough “someplace else’s” to meet the need. We have persisted for the last century in the misguided belief that humans can only thrive when segregated from the natural world, and, as a result, the U.S. has formally protected only 12% of its land. We can achieve Wilson’s lofty goals without excluding the human enterprise, but the key to doing this is to practice conservation not only in protected wild lands, but also outside of parks and preserves: where we live, work, farm and play.”

 

Wild Geranium

D&R Greenway’s CEO Linda Mead encourages local residents to support D&R Greenway’s land protection work and biodiversity by purchasing natives for your backyard at the nonprofit organization’s Native Plant Sale, “This provides every one of us a way we can do good while helping D&R Greenway’s work to do well.”

D&R Greenway’s native trees, shrubs, perennial wildflowers, grasses, and ferns are grown either on-site or purchased from reputable local native-plant growers. Native Plant Nursery specimens are grown from locally sourced starter plants, and are free of harmful nicotinoid insecticides. Planting natives that evolved locally requires less maintenance, in terms of fertilizer, water and pesticides.  Possibilities include the popular Cardinal Flower, as well as Evening Primrose, Scarlet Oak, Sweet Joe Pye, and Trumpet Honeysuckle, among others. Visit our website at www.drgreenway.org

Swamp Milkweed

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

 

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

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Sprouts Farmers Market celebrates milestone with 400th store opening in Haddon Township, NJ

Sprouts continues to stretch from coast to coast

 

PHOENIX — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, opens its 400th store.

 

Its newest store opened on Sept. 8 located at 640 W. Cuthbert Blvd. in Haddon Township, N.J. As a part of Sprouts’ five-year plan, it remains committed to a robust growth strategy, aiming to expand 10 percent year over year.

 

“Following the unveiling of our 399th store just last week in Rialto, Calif., and now, on the opposite coast, our 400th store celebrates its opening in Haddon Township, N.J.,” said Jack Sinclair, chief executive officer of Sprouts.

 

“The expansion not only marks a significant milestone, but also represents our success in offering high quality better-for-you products to our customers coast to coast. To our remarkable teams, loyal customers, and supportive partners, thank you for being integral to this incredible accomplishment.”

 

Haddon Township, N.J. marks the 23rd store opening for Sprouts this year. Each new store adheres to an innovative design concept, featuring a 23,000-square-foot footprint, and a bright and airy farmers market experience with an open layout, community feel, and produce at the heart of the market.

 

“Our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, with our trajectory fueled by our dedication to delivering a wide assortment of organic groceries, local farm-fresh produce, and quality healthy products that cater to any dietary needs,” said Nick Konat, chief operating officer of Sprouts.

 

“As we celebrate our 400th store milestone, we now set our sights on the promising path ahead, looking forward to continuing growth and positive impact in the communities we serve.”

 

Sprouts is currently located in 23 states across the U.S., including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

 

For a list of current stores, visit www.sprouts.com/stores.

 

About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

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Park Commission to conduct deer management program at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain

The Mercer County Park Commission was scheduled to conduct deer management at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain beginning on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. This program is a method for reducing the overabundant deer herd in the greater Mercer County region.  

 

Bow hunting will begin at all parks beginning on Saturday, Sept. 9 and will take place Monday through Saturday until Feb. 17, 2024. The parks will remain open when only bow hunting is being performed.  

Firearm hunting will occur at Baldpate Mountain and the area north of Lake Mercer at Mercer County Park beginning Monday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 9, and every Wednesday through Saturday thereafter through Feb.10, 2024. The parks/regions will be closed to the public when firearms are in use. There will be no hunting on Sunday.  

All parks have posted signage at parking areas and trail heads regarding hunting schedule and closure dates as a reminder and notice to the public. Where possible, orange chains will be placed across trails and entrances to indicate closures, as well as the use of electronic message boards displaying park closure dates. Park Rangers will patrol the parks during closures to enhance public safety.  

The Mercer County Park Commission is responsible for overseeing and managing approximately 7,100 acres of parkland throughout the County, with the dual goals of conserving natural resources and providing a variety of recreational opportunities for Mercer County residents.

 

Ecological stewardship within the parks has become an increasing priority in the past decade, with partnerships in place to facilitate large-scale habitat restoration projects. Current County stewardship efforts include invasive species management, citizen science efforts, meadow restorations, reforestations and wildlife management, which all contribute to improving the ecological health within the park system and the County at large. 

One of the largest regional threats to biodiversity of flora and fauna in central New Jersey is the overabundance of white-tailed deer. Heightened levels of herbivory caused by deer overpopulation jeopardizes the native plant understory and overall forest health, degrading habitat value for other wildlife.

Regions within Mercer County have some of the highest deer populations in the state. According to 2021 population estimates, the white-tail deer population density within Hopewell Valley was 109 deer per square mile, and 155 deer per square mile post-birthing. Biologists recommend a density of 20-25 deer per square mile to achieve and maintain a healthy forest, and 10-15 deer per square mile if the forest is already in a degraded condition. In order to address this ecological issue and cooperate with regional efforts, the Park Commission implements its Deer Management Program in several of its parks. 

The deer management program complies with all hunting regulations set by the State; the Park Commission has additional rules for the program to ensure the safety of the public and maintain the management ethics of the program. For example, hunting is only permitted by those who have applied for and met all the requirements to participate in the program. All hunting must be done from an elevated tree stand; hunters are not permitted to hunt from the ground. The County has instituted a 75-foot safety buffer on either side of all County authorized trails in the parks within which no hunting activity may take place. 

When the parks are open to bow hunting only, park users are urged to stay on County authorized trails, wear bright colors and to keep dogs on leash at all times per Park Commission regulations. Park users are also asked to observe posted closure notices and to refrain from entering the park and areas posted during the closures.  

For the past five years, the Park Commission has supported efforts to see that deer harvested from the parks are donated to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program. In that time, the deer management program has donated 352 deer, equivalent to 67,784 servings of venison that have been distributed at local Mercer County food shelters.  

More information including maps can be found by visiting the Mercer County Park Commission’s Deer Management page