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Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

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New music video for Houston music artist DOM goes viral

Houston based music artist, DOM recently releases music video for new single, and it has garnered a phenomenal number of views.

 

Singer, producer, and rapper, DOM is the alter ego of Houston, Texas based music artist Dominique Side. She has become known for her fierce voice and unstoppable energy.
DOM recently released a wild music video for her latest single and it’s already received well over 300K  views, thus quickly becoming a viral visual sensation.

 

Born originally in Biloxi, Mississippi, Dominique had been a part of several R&B outfits until forming VgnBae Music Group in 2019. After producing and singing on different recordings at their studios, in 2021 she stepped into the spotlight, creating music as the force named DOM. Her first EP “IRL” was a full concept album following the journey of a woman pushed to the edge by a cheating partner. Critics called it  a “deliciously deranged, dark and sexy rollercoaster ride”, songs from the EP were featured on the radio, soundtracks, and in fashion retail stores.

 

Dominique has stayed busy in the 2 years since her last release came out creating her own luxury vegan clothing line, “Nikki Green”. and working on numerous projects with artists at VgnBae Music Group where she is the co-owner. Returning to the studio this summer DOM delivered a new, super twerk-able single entitled “SDA” featuring Erica Banks and a “Missy Elliot-esque” vibe.

 
Her latest single, abbreviated from “Shake Dat Ass”, gives fans a mouthwatering taste of DOM’s contagious songwriting and versatility in hip-hop and rap. Continuing her uncompromising views on female empowerment of sexuality and success, the accompanying music video has been called “gloriously bootylicious” and “shows that DOM will have her cake and eat it too.”

With a brand new EP on the way set for later this year, it would appear fans can continue looking forward to DOM releasing songs featuring her many different sides and undeniable boss energy.

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Older adults display artistic talents at annual Mercer County Senior Art Show

A professional juror has selected the winners from 150 entries in this year’s Mercer County Senior Art Show, which is being held through August 14 at The Conference Center at Mercer on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus.

“Every year I look forward to seeing the talent that Mercer County has to offer, and every year the level of talent excites me,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“What’s especially so amazing about this year is that the number of participants is just about back up to where we were before the COVID pandemic.”

Each year, the Mercer County Office on Aging and the Division of Culture and Heritage partner to produce the Mercer County Senior Art Show. All first-place winners from the County show will advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, which will be held in the fall.

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

The winners were selected by professional juror Walter Czajkowski, a lifelong Trenton resident who was the co-owner and co-director of J & W Gallery in New Hope, Pa., for more than 20 years. His gallery represented more than 40 artists, and 60 percent of them are in permanent museum collections. Some of the more notable artists include Yaacov Agam, Glenna Goodacre, Esther Wertheimer, Marlene Baron Summers, and Fred Stein.

Twenty artists from the Mercer County Senior Art show — one “non-professional” winner and one “professional” winner in each of the nine categories — will move on to the State Show. Pictured, from top, are the Best in Show selections: “Peacock” by Orlando Loaiza of Hightstown, Acrylic, Non-Professional; and “Exiles” by William Plank of Lawrenceville, Acrylic, Professional.

Listed below are the individuals who were awarded first, second, and third place, as well as honorable mention in their respective categories.

NON-PROFESSIONAL

Acrylic

1. Orlando Loaiza, BEST IN SHOW, NON-PRO, Hightstown
2. Rochelle Clerkin, Hamilton
3. Annette Osterlund, West Windsor
HM – William Wolfe, Princeton

Craft

1. Darlene Duttry, East Windsor
2. Irwin Stoolmacher, Princeton Junction
3. Rima Phillips, East Windsor
HM – Peggy Bardon, Hamilton

Digital

1. Joel Finger, Pennington

Mixed Media

1. Eileen Johnson, Hamilton
2. Eugenia Travers, Trenton
3. Loreta Macaraig, Hamilton
HM – Susu Pat, Trenton

Oil

1. Andrea Pitluk, Princeton Junction
2. Carlo Fiorentini, Princeton
3. Raj Oberoi, Robbinsville
HM – Karen Brodsky, Princeton Junction; Suzanne Migliori, Hamilton

Pastel

1. Marilyn Sperry, East Windsor
2. Olga Skolka, East Windsor
3. Mary Raftery, Hightstown
HM – Steven Brodel, Ewing

Photography

1. Leslie Rothermal, East Windsor
2. Sari DeCesare, Pennington
3. Bill Boyles, West Windsor
HM – Patrick Compagnucci, Trenton

Sculpture

1. Kay Chen, East Windsor
2. Douglas Watt, Hamilton

Watercolor

1. Marion Crum, Ewing
2. Diane Hughes, East Windsor
3. Lorraine McCormick, East Windsor
HM – Cecelia Hetzer, East Windsor; Donna Kay, West Windsor

Works on Paper

1. Barbara Bingham, Pennington
2. Sulhiniso Rahmatullaeva, Lawrenceville
3. Vivien Cannata, Robbinsville
HM – Earl Brancolino, Hamilton; Marina Lam, East Windsor; David Potts, Hamilton; Susan Tsui, East Windsor

PROFESSIONAL

Acrylic

1. William Plank, BEST IN SHOW, PROFESSIONAL, Lawrenceville
2. Arcelio Brignoni, East Windsor
3. Ed Drago, Robbinsville
HM – Jane Conlon Goble, Lawrenceville; Leni Paquet-Morante, Hamilton

Craft

1. Caryn Newman, Ewing

Digital

1. Maia Reim, West Windsor

Mixed Media

1. Helene Plank, Lawrenceville
2. Renee Kumar, Princeton Junction
3. James Dashcund, Hopewell
HM – Eleni Litt, Princeton

Oil

1. Larry Chestnut, Trenton
2. Pat Proniewski, Hamilton
3. Bo Li, Hightstown
HM – Younghee Kim Chung, Princeton; Maxine Shore, East Windsor

Pastel

1. Lucia Stout, Hopewell
2. Margaret Kalvar-Bushnell, Princeton Junction

Photography

1. Janice Montervino, Trenton
2. Diana Frost, Princeton Junction
3. Lisa Shrager, Hamilton

Sculpture

1. Sue Chiu, Lawrenceville
2. Joy Kreves, Ewing
3. Stefanie Mandelbaum, East Windsor

Watercolor

1. Alexandra Indara, Hamilton
2. Lynn Varga, Hamilton
3. Margaret Simpson, Hamilton
HM – Robert Lowe, Trenton

Works on Paper

1. Eleanor Dock, Ewing
2. Terry Goldstein, East Windsor
3. Frank Pastore, Hightstown

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

The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department’s goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.

Through its offices and divisions, the Department of Human Services provides funding to community-based organizations for those organizations to provide direct services to Mercer County residents. The department does not provide direct services to Mercer County residents, but directs Mercer County residents to where they can access services. With this funding, the Department of Human Services complies with procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Public Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.

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PBGC approves SFA application for Newspaper Guild International Plan

Newspaper Guild International Plan averts insolvency and reduction of benefits through receipt of Special Financial Assistance

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) recently announced that it has approved the application submitted to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program by the the Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (Newspaper Guild International Plan). The plan, based in Washington, D.C., covers 5,824 participants in the printing industry.

The Newspaper Guild International Plan will receive approximately $62 million in special financial assistance, including interest to the expected date of payment to the plan. The plan was projected to become insolvent and run out of money in 2034.

Without the SFA Program, the Newspaper Guild International Plan would have been required to reduce participants’ benefits to the PBGC guarantee levels upon plan insolvency, which is roughly 15 percent below the benefits payable under the terms of the plan. SFA will enable the plan to continue to pay retirement benefits without reduction for many years into the future.

“Today, the Biden-Harris administration kept our promise to fight for America’s workers and retirees by taking action to protect the retirement security of 5,824 workers across America,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su.

“As part of the American Rescue Plan, Special Financial Assistance will ensure workers get the secure and dignified retirement they deserve as we grow our economy from the middle out and the bottom up.”

 

About the Special Financial Assistance Program

The SFA Program was enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. The program provides funding to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and will ensure that millions of America’s workers, retirees, and their families receive the pension benefits they earned.

The SFA Program requires plans to demonstrate eligibility for SFA and to calculate the amount of assistance pursuant to ARP and PBGC’s regulations. SFA and earnings thereon must be segregated from other plan assets and may be used only to pay plan benefits and administrative expenses. Plans are not obligated to repay SFA to PBGC. Plans receiving SFA are also subject to certain terms, conditions and reporting requirements, including an annual statement documenting compliance with the terms and conditions. PBGC is authorized to conduct periodic audits of multiemployer plans that receive SFA.

As of August 1, 2023, PBGC has approved nearly $52.2 billion in SFA to plans that cover over 751,000 workers, retirees, and beneficiaries.

The SFA Program operates under a final rule, published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2022, which became effective August 8, 2022, and was amended effective January 26, 2023.

About PBGC

PBGC protects the retirement security of over 33 million American workers, retirees, and beneficiaries in both single-employer and multiemployer private sector pension plans. The agency’s two insurance programs are legally separate and operationally and financially independent. PBGC is directly responsible for the benefits of more than 1.5 million participants and beneficiaries in failed single-employer pension plans. The Single-Employer Program is financed by insurance premiums, investment income, and assets and recoveries from failed single-employer plans. The Multiemployer Program is financed by insurance premiums. Special financial assistance for financially troubled multiemployer plans is financed by general taxpayer monies.

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Mercer County Clerk continues to issue warnings to passport applicants

TRENTON — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is again issuing warnings to constituents in order to prevent them from wasting their precious time and money.

Residents should know the following:

Passport fees are required at all passport facilities

The U.S. Department of State advises all passport applicants that there are no free passports, nor fee waivers. Instead, it is true that a fee is required for all passport applications.

Payment is required at all Passport Acceptance Facilities, including the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton Township, and the Mercer County Clerk’s Office in Trenton.

There are recent social media videos circulating on the internet, which advise customers that passports can be free by submitting form I-912, but these are false, misleading and incorrect.

The form they are referring to is for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and not for Passport Services. The form is NOT a Department of State form and it is not honored by them.

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello explained that videos on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, are not being produced by government officials, and have created confusion among constituents who believe they (the videos) are accurate.

For further information on the Form I-192 and the individuals eligible, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-192 for clear instructions and additional information.

It is recommended for those who are planning international travel to begin submitting their paperwork well in advance of any travel dates, to allow for any unforeseen delays. The current wait times for passport services are 7-9 weeks for expedited services and up to 14 weeks from the time of submission for a regular application. Please note, these times are estimates; if the workload is significantly heavy or light, that number can change.

For detailed information on documentation required for a passport, or office hours at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/passportsand for detailed information on services at the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton, please visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/county-connection/passport-application-information

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Innovative educator makes ‘Forbes 50 Over 50’ list as star helping teachers and raising millions

Lacey Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, has been recognized by Forbes 50 Over 50 list for IMPACT:

 

•       Lacey Robinson serves as the CEO and President of UnboundEd, a professional development solution for educators. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, Robinson led a pivot from an in-person model to a fully virtual one, scaling its reach from a few thousand to tens of thousands of educators looking to prioritize equity in the classroom.

•       At the same time, she led the organization’s merger with Pivot Learning and CORE Learning—a move that solidified UnboundEd as the leading national K-12 equity-focused educator development organization.

•       When she began leading the organization in 2020, UnboundEd recorded $14.3 million in revenue. In two years’ time, she’d grown it to $35 million.

•       Funders include the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Schusterman Family Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation and the MacKenzie Scott Foundation.

•       Robinson has spent time in and around the classroom for her entire career, having worked as a teacher, a principal and a school staff development specialist.

 

“All students deserve a learning environment that is grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful. All students flourish when their education not only acknowledges their identities but the identities of others, affirming who they are as academics and as human beings,” says Robinson.

 

“Adopting this mindset begins our journey toward justice as educators. My life’s work aims to help educators in school systems disrupt systemic racism and all of its legacies in classrooms. I work with our collective educator community to ensure that future generations can stand free within themselves to be whomever they choose to be. I choose to be a truth-teller. I choose to own my story of internalized racism that I had to overcome and to stare at the hard truth about my toolkits of pedagogical practices and concepts to be the educator I am now. I choose not to look away.”

 

In her new book, Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and Learning, Robinson delivers an engaging combination of storytelling and research that explains why justice is happening―or not happening―inside the classroom and within the details of teaching and learning. An intuitive and exciting roadmap for K-12 teachers, teachers-in-training, school administrators, and principals who aim to reverse the racial injustices today’s children face every day, Justice Seekers belongs in the hands of everyone who cares about educational equity.

 

Lacey Robinson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, a role that accelerates her life’s work to help educators in school systems disrupt bias and systemic racism and its legacies in classrooms. As President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, Robinson sets the organization’s vision for equity-driven national change. While continually monitoring the design, delivery, and quality of UnboundEd’s national K-12 educator professional learning programs,  Robinson concurrently maintains the nonprofit’s health, sustainability, and future-driven vision for what teaching and learning can be in the 21st century.

 

Robinson engaged with industry partners to support standards-aligned, content-focused, equity-driven adult professional learning and development from the organization’s infancy as its Chief of Program and Engagement. She also endorsed vital design and execution elements for UnboundEd’s signature professional learning opportunity, the illustrious Standards Institute. Robinson’s contributions led to the organization’s rapid growth and positioned UnboundEd as an industry leader. Robinson spearheaded migrating this work into a virtual space during the pandemic to meet the needs of educators. Ultimately, she believes the work of UnboundEd/CORE will be a catalyst of support for teachers and leaders in what she likes to coin as the Edusphere. Robinson focused on literacy, equity, and school leadership for over two decades as a teacher, principal, and staff development specialist. Inspired by Langston Hughes, her path is to build temples for tomorrow as strongly and bravely as she knows how and to ensure that future generations can stand freely within themselves to be whomever they choose.

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Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates the grand opening of Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods

HAMILTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has announced the official opening of Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods. This much-anticipated, transformative housing development represents a significant milestone in providing permanent accessible homes and supportive services that empower residents with disabilities to live independently within the vibrant community of Hamilton.

Hamilton Woods offers barrier-free living in every apartment, ensuring easy navigation for residents with wheelchairs. With rents as low as $882 per month, this development addresses the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals, making it truly a place they can call home. Furthermore, the residents will have access to on-site social services coordinators provided by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, further enhancing the support network available to them.

Donna Spencer, NJHMFA’s Director of Multifamily and Supported Housing and Lending at NJHMFA, expressed her gratitude and excitement during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She praised the efforts of all those involved in bringing this remarkable project to life, especially acknowledging the support and collaboration of Mayor Jeff Martin, the Township of Hamilton, and Project Freedom, a key partner in this endeavor.

“At NJHMFA, we are firmly committed to providing supportive housing to ensure that everyone has a safe, quality, and affordable home regardless of disability status,” Donna Spencer stated.

“Hamilton residents know from experience that Project Freedom builds and maintains accessible, affordable apartments to the highest standard, enabling tenants to reach their full potential. It is our expectation that Project Freedom’s second Hamilton project will prove just as successful as their first.”

The collaboration between NJHMFA and Project Freedom has been instrumental in making this project a reality. Funding of nearly $14 million generated through 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an additional $1.2 million awarded through NJHMFA’s Special Needs Housing Trust Fund have been crucial to the success of Hamilton Woods.

Hamilton Woods is a housing development that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It offers 72 units with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Notably, a quarter of these units are thoughtfully designated for individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses, promoting equal housing opportunities. With over eight percent of Hamilton’s population representing people with disabilities, this project addresses their housing needs and is a welcome addition to the township.

Strategically located near the township’s “Center City” district, Hamilton Woods provides easy access to various neighborhood amenities, including a Capital Health clinic, the Hamilton Area YMCA, and the Hamilton Library, all just across the street. Residents will also enjoy convenient transportation options with a nearby bus stop and a range of shopping and dining opportunities within walking distance.

“Hamilton is proud to host a second Project Freedom development,” commented Mayor Jeff Martin. “Project Freedom’s commitment to affordable, barrier-free housing is second-to-none and we look forward to our continued partnership with everyone who made this project possible.”

Project Freedom’s track record in building and maintaining supportive housing has made them an invaluable partner in this initiative. Over the years, Project Freedom has created over 750 affordable homes in five counties, empowering tenants with disabilities and their families to live independently and thrive. Their previous developments have had a positive impact on both the tenants and the surrounding community by uplifting property values and fostering diversity within the neighborhood.

Tracee Battis, Executive Director of Project Freedom said, “We are so thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of our beautiful Hamilton Woods project, our 12th since the inception of Project Freedom nearly 40 years ago and our 2nd in Hamilton Township. We cannot thank Mayor Jeff Martin, Hamilton Township, NJHMFA, Mercer County, TD Bank and National Equity Fund enough for their continued support for our mission.”

At the event, Norman Smith, Associate Executive Director and Founder, expressed that this is like a second homecoming for him, having grown up in Hamilton Township. He went on to explain what Project Freedom means to him. “Project Freedom’s housing provides a base from which people with and without disabilities can blaze their own paths. This is what I am most proud of. While others see apartments as just bricks and mortar, I see them as catalysts for lives being changed through the opportunity of freedom.”

The Freedom Village concept has proven to be a success in previous partnerships, with developments in Hopewell, Woodstown, Toms River, and more. These homes have brought hope and relief to residents, particularly those with disabilities, who often bear the brunt of the affordable housing crisis. The overwhelming response to Hamilton Woods, with nearly 600 applications received, highlights the pressing need for such supportive accommodations.

“On behalf of NJHMFA, I would like to thank everyone who played a part in bringing this project to fruition,” NJHFMA Executive Director Melanie R. Walter said. “Hamilton Woods offers modern, inclusive, accessible housing that will enhance resident access to and participation in the Hamilton Township community.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the residents of Hamilton Woods, reflecting the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedication, partnership, and a shared vision for inclusive and supportive communities.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov

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AM Best to sponsor, exhibit and speak at Vermont Captive Insurance Association’s Annual Conference

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — AM Best will participate in a number of sessions at the 2023 Vermont Captive Insurance Association’s (VCIA) Annual Conference, including a discussion on the potential opportunities parametric coverage presents for the captive insurance industry and a presentation on the rising use of captives to cover cyber exposures. The VCIA conference takes place Aug. 7-10, 2023.

Fred Eslami, associate director, AM Best, will participate in a panel session on Tuesday, Aug. 8, titled, “Parametric Coverage in Captives – Nuts and Bolts.” The discussion will cover the basic concept of parametric solutions in insurance and possible uses of parametric solutions in the captive industry, including a real-world case study. The panel discussion is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. (EDT).

 

Later that day, at 1:30 p.m. (EDT), AM Best Managing Director John Andre and Eslami will deliver a presentation, titled, “Cyber Market Likely to Attract More Captives,” which will look at the growing role captives are playing in providing capacity and a line of protection against captive attacks, as well as the rise in cyber specialist companies that in some cases form their own captive.

 

In a pre-conference “Captive Immersion Workshop,” scheduled for Monday, Aug. 7, Daniel Giunta, account manager, Business Development, AM Best, will join a number of captive insurance experts and participants to discuss basics surrounding captive formations and a look at the space of captive service providers and partners. The workshop runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

AM Best is a platinum sponsor of the VCIA conference, and this year marks the 23rd year that the credit rating agency has sponsored the annual event. The VCIA conference, which will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington, VT, offers a multitude of seminars focused on captive insurance trends and networking opportunities. AM Best will be on site exhibiting at booth No. 32 at the DoubleTree Exhibition Hall.

 

In addition, AM BestTV be conducting executive interviews from the VCIA conference. Look for the VCIA-related playlist during the conference under the “Event Coverage 2023” tab at www.ambest.tv.

 

For more information about the VCIA event, please visit the conference overview and agenda.

 

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated in the United States and throughout the world. For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

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Family fun: Mercer 4-H Fair set for upcoming weekend

TRENTON, N.J. – The 104th Mercer County 4-H Fair featuring children’s activities, hayrides, animal shows, music, farm tours, exhibits and more will be held Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30, at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township.

 

      Photo: Animal shows will be among the many activities offered at the Mercer County 4-H Fair on Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30, at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township.  (Photo by Chad Ripberger).

Plenty of food and beverages, including homemade ice cream, will be available at the fair, which will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The opening ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Show Tent.

4-H Fair exhibits showcase the talents of the general public as well as those of 4-H members, and it’s not too late to enter.

There are many “Open Division” categories for public entries, including arts and crafts, photography, gardening, clothing, baking and woodworking.

Please visit http://mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/fair, where you will find information about exhibiting at the fair and more. Projects will be received from the general public for entry in the fair on Thursday, July 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Howell Farm. In addition to judging by experts, fairgoers will vote on their favorite exhibits in each category on Saturday, July 29, and those receiving the most votes will be recognized on Sunday.

Admission and parking are free. Click here for 4-H Fair schedule and map.

 

4-H, a youth development program operated by Rutgers Cooperative Extension, provides research-based, hands-on learning experiences for youth in Mercer County. For more information about 4-H or entering projects in the fair, please contact Altaira Bejgrowicz at the Mercer County 4-H Office at (609) 989-6830 or bejgrowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Howell Farm is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, just off Route 29, seven miles north of Washington Crossing. The GPS address is 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530.

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FerTex Properties announces next steps as Vincent Ferrucci takes over as Chief Executive Officer

HAINES CITY, Fla. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — FerTex Properties has superseded its company business plan and three year forecast within its first year. We are honored and remain humble as we begin phase #7 of FerTex Properties.

Phase #7 will begin before the end of 2023. The additional work required will take shape over time and continue to be created together – across all channels, our cleaning partners and the FerTex customer support team, along with Astin’s Handyman Services – between each of us along with the feedback we received from the families we serve.

 

FerTex also announced the appointment of Vincent Ferrucci as Chief Executive Officer.

 

It takes courage to start a business from the ground up, but often the most important ingredients are belief and passion. For Vincent Ferrucci, it was his undeniable passion for traveling and his unique career path in delivering top-notch customer service to millions of customers that led him to creating FerTex Properties.

 

Since opening its doors in 2022, FerTex Properties has become the place to book your next vacation with locations across the U.S., including Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico.

 

Ferrucci said creating FerTex Properties was a passion project to fill a gap in his life after retiring from a 25+ year career in uniquely designed companies that all delivered top-notch services, such as Jenny Craig, Sylvan Learning Centers, Metabolic Research Centers, and NY Kids Club & NY Preschool, where he served as CEO until Feb. 2022.

 

As the Top executive of a prestigious preschool, with several locations, 19 to be exact, his dedication, passion and character were put to the test. He had to find creative and innovative ways to keep the business alive, clean, safe, and sustainable, so that their students could continue with their education. He did not fail, and exceeded all expectations.

 

As the tide was turning and the pandemic was no longer the number one priority on everyone’s mind, Vincent was able to comfortably walk away after delivering on his promise to his team of keeping the business alive and all locations opened.

 

We’re seeing unprecedented cultural division and economic trauma for so many – all while navigating through a once in a lifetime pandemic. Vacations only seemed to be a dream for so many and could now become reality for families around the world again. It was important to Vincent that everyone felt welcome, safe and at home when on vacation.

 

Vincent discovered this amazing opportunity and this huge hole in the market place of vacation rentals delivering five star service for its customers. “It was very exciting to discover something new and exhilarating,” Ferrucci said. “If you’re building a business, it takes so much time, effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears, all of it.”

 

So Ferrucci did what he has always done in his career; and that was jump in the trenches with creating phase #1.

 

Our mission is simple – to provide you safe, clean and luxurious accommodation to help lay down the foundation for the vacation of your dreams. Our team works tirelessly to ensure the only thing you need to think about is making memories that will last a lifetime!

 

See you on your next vacation!

 

About FerTex Properties

FerTex Properties was created in 2022 to make your travel accommodation experience painless and pleasant. From our hospitality, affordable pricing, quick response, to our personalized touches during your stay, we will ensure your visit will be a memorable one.

 

Our travels around the world have shown us what 5-star services and accommodations should be, and how to get it on a budget. FerTex Properties’ mission is to create a safe, comfortable and luxurious space for you and your loved ones. No detail is too small. Our budget-friendly homes are carefully chosen, and designed, with one goal-to be the foundation for the vacation of your dreams. No matter the destination, the most important part of any vacation is the memories you will make to last a lifetime.

Contacts

Media:

FerTex Properties

Vincent Ferrucci

Chief Executive Officer, CEO.

vincent@fertexproperties.com

FerTex Properties

https://fertexproperties.com/

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B&G Foods announces date of second quarter 2023 earnings conference call

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) announced today that it intends to issue a press release with second quarter 2023 financial results after the market close on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023.

 

B&G Foods has scheduled a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET that same day to discuss the results. Hosting the call will be Casey Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer and Bruce Wacha, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

The earnings press release and live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed at www.bgfoods.com/investor-relations. A replay of the webcast will be available following the conference call through the same link.

 

About B&G Foods, Inc.

Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute high-quality, branded shelf-stable and frozen foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With B&G Foods’ diverse portfolio of more than 50 brands you know and love, including B&G, B&M, Bear Creek, Cream of Wheat, Crisco, Dash, Green Giant, Las Palmas, Le Sueur, Mama Mary’s, Maple Grove Farms, New York Style, Ortega, Polaner, Spice Islands and Victoria, there’s a little something for everyone. For more information about B&G Foods and its brands, please visit www.bgfoods.com.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Dara Dierks

866.211.8151

Media Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Matt Lindberg

203.682.8214