Category: Programs & Events

These posts feature lifestyles, events, welfare programs, perks and assistance, governmental goals, etc.

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Timothée Chalamet flashes butt on ‘SNL’ as ‘gay famous’ pop star Troye Sivan

Timothée Chalamet embraced his inner-twink while hosting the Nov. 11 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” in a sketch in which the Oscar-nominated actor played openly gay Australian pop star Troye Sivan.

 

The sketch involved a woman (played by cast member Sarah Sherman) complaining to her doctor (played by cast member Bowen Yang) that she’s been seeing a mysterious figure in her sleep every night. When the doctor uses a new therapy to conjure the image while the woman is awake, Chalamet appears in a white tank-top, baggy blue pants and wavy blond hair.

 

He then breaks into a version of the choreography from Sivan’s recent hit “Got Me Started,” in which the singer at one point flashes his red briefs to the camera while — there’s no other way to report this — wiggling his butt.

 

“What are you? Are you a demon?!” the woman asks her vision.

 

“Not quite, girly,” Chalamet as Sivan responds. “I’m Australian YouTube twink turned indie pop star and model turned HBO actor Troye Sivan being played by an American actor who can’t do an Australian accent.” Sivan recently co-starred on the HBO series “The Idol,” but anyone on TikTok will best recognize him from his recent spate of deeply queer music videos with some iconically memorable dancing.

 

Yang explains that Sivan has started to haunt the dreams of more and more women “now that this boy is sneaking his way into the mainstream.”

 

“Isn’t he kind of famous?” she asks.

 

“He’s gay famous,” the doctor replies. “It’s different!”

 

After Chalamet dances again, the woman’s confusion only grow stronger. “Why does he have my psyche in a choke hold?” she exclaims. Chalamet-as-Sivan responds: “Isn’t it obvious, homie? I look like a moisturized Machine Gun Kelly, and I’m the most iconic blouse ever. Bye, diva!”

 

“Why did he call himself a blouse?!” she asks, her desperation rising.

 

This time, the doctor responds: “A blouse is a fem top!”

 

By the end of the sketch, Sivan’s hold on the woman’s mind has grown so strong, he begins to multiply, at which point musical guest Boygenius — the indie supergroup consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus — appear in identical Troye Sivan drag. Yang’s doctor joins them, and, yes, more red undies are wiggled at the camera.

 

UPDATE: On Sunday morning, Sivan responded to the sketch on TikTok by evoking the sketch itself. “The only way I can describe this is like it’s a weird fucking dream,” he said. “Like, imagine: Timothée Chalamet was in my dream, but he was me, and he was wearing my clothes…”

Check out the sketch below, and the mesmerizing Troye Sivan music video that inspired it.

Troye Sivan music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjLcVqjIkLo

 

 

— Variety

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Art & Life Culture Lifestyle Programs & Events

‘SNL’ hosts auditions for Britney Spears’ memoir with Timothée Chalamet, Jada Pinkett Smith, Julia Fox and more

The news that multiple Oscar nominee Michelle Williams was the reader for the audiobook of Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” was too delightful for “Saturday Night Live” to pass up.

 

In a pre-taped sketch for the Nov. 11 episode hosted by Timothée Chalamet, Chloe Fineman as Spears introduced a cavalcade of celebrities (or, rather, celebrity impressions) auditioning to be the reader of Britney’s book.

 

Fineman was everywhere in the sketch: She also played idiosyncratic actress and model Julia Fox, and a manic, borderline illiterate version of Chalamet, while the actor himself played Martin Scorsese (who recently directed Chalamet in a perfume commercial for Blue de Chanel).

 

Other highlights included Sarah Sherman as comedian John Mulaney, referencing his most recent stand-up special, “Baby J,” about his drug addiction (but in a funny way); Molly Kearney as actor Kevin James, but instead of reading from the memoir, Kearney just recreates the ubiquitous meme of James striking an aw-shucks pose; James Austin Johnson breaking out his Werner Herzog impression, remarking after reading some of Spears’ prose, “I am entranced by this Floridian vernacular;” and Ego Nwodim playing Jada Pinkett Smith, but instead of reading from Spears’ book, she reads from her own memoir, before yelling out, “Tupac has alopecia!”

 

Allison Janney, Steve-O, Fred Schneider from the B-52s, Ice Spice, Dame Maggie Smith, Bill Hader and Neil deGrasse Tyson all made appearances during the sketch as well. None of them, however, came close to the perfection of Williams’ reading of Spears’ memoir.

 

 

— Variety

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Deer management underway at 3 County park facilities

The Mercer County Park Commission is conducting deer management at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain.

This program is a method for reducing the overabundant deer herd in the greater Mercer County region.

Bow hunting, which began at all parks Sept. 9, and will take place Monday through Saturday until Feb. 17. 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. The parks/regions will be closed to the public when firearms are in use. There will be no hunting on Sunday.

Hunting is only permitted by those who have applied for and met all the requirements to participate in the program.

Read more.

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Business Culture Government Local News Programs & Events

The AACCNJ announces the honorees for the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Black-Tie Awards Gala

TRENTON, N.J.  — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the honorees for its Feb. 22, 2024, Black History Month — Black-Tie event — 14thAnnual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian, in Garfield, N.J.

This event will be held from 6 p.m. to  11 p.m.

“Each year during Black History Month, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, community service, sports and entertainment,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM., Founder President & CEO, AACCNJ.

“This distinguished group of honorees represents the best in class in their respective fields and underscores the level of excellence within the Black demographic in the United States, we look forward to your attendance and support.”

Marty Small, mayor of Atlantic City, N.J. (File photo)

The 2024 Gala themed “Leading the Way” is in recognition of the ancestral DNA of African Americans and those who courageously paved the way for past, present, and future generations of Black people in America. This annual Gala provides the platform, on behalf of AACCNJ members and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of N.J., to continue to increase the visibility of their businesses.

The AACCNJ will recognize the following individuals for their service and accomplishments in their respective fields:

Keith D. Wright, PhD.

Director, Business Diversity Operations

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Port Authority of NY & NJ

 

“In Keith’s role as Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Port Authority of NY&NJ, he is one of the prominent voices of the PANYNJ,” said John E. Harmon, Sr.

“We appreciate his willingness to consistently speak to our members about how the port authority does business with small businesses and outline the programs.”

“My appreciation for the work done by the AACCNJ has grown exponentially each year,” said Keith Wright.

“During the past five years I have watched them advocate, educate, and celebrate African American and Minority Businesses in our State. I am grateful and humbled to be recognized with the “Public Service Award” by the Chamber.”

Keith Wright shared his favorite quote from scripture: “Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatever a man (person) sows, that will he (they) also reap.” Galatians 6:7

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Free educational forum supports Mercer County Small Business Bond program

Mercer County is encouraging small-business owners to attend an educational forum about the new Mercer County Small Business Investment Program on Monday, Nov. 13.

The program is helping small businesses raise funding directly through retail investors locally and nationwide on the SMBX marketplace.

The free event, supported by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will take place on Monday, at 9 a.m. at the College of New Jersey, Business Building Student Lounge, 200 Pennington Road in Ewing. A light breakfast will be served.

Mercer County awarded a $500,000 grant to SMBX to manage the program and drive retail investment to at least 30 Mercer County small businesses on the SMBX marketplace. The grant offset some of the lending fees for small businesses as they raise funds to grow their businesses.

Small-business owners can apply to raise funds through the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, SMBX, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

Here’s how the program works:

  • Businesses can raise money by issuing Small Business Bonds on the SMBX marketplace.
  • Instead of borrowing from a bank, businesses borrow from investors in their community and across the country, paying them back monthly at fixed interest rates through SMBX.
  • Small businesses are not required to provide a personal loan guarantee.
  • SMBX completes the underwriting at no cost, the business reviews it, and SMBX files it with federal regulators.
  • The SMBX marketing team works with the business owners to offer and promote their raise.
  • Once the raise is completed, the business makes monthly fixed payments to its investors so it knows exactly what to expect for its cash flow.
  • By purchasing Small Business Bonds in $10 increments through the Mercer County Small Business Investment Program, investors can earn a meaningful monthly return by lending money to their favorite local small businesses while gaining more control over their money.

Small business qualifications:

  • Physical business located in Mercer County;
  • For-profit business registered with the State of New Jersey, and formed on or before April 10, 2023;
  • 30 or fewer employees, with part-time equating to ½ full-time employee;
  • Less than $10 million in gross revenue;
  • Preference is given to those businesses that have not received specific business grant assistance from the federal, state, or local government entity; and,
  • National franchises, real estate businesses, and independent consultants are ineligible.

The Mercer County Small Business Investment Program will run through September 2024.

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Culture Education Lifestyle Programs & Events Technology

Mobile Academy expands its ‘I AM’ Youth Leadership Program to Atlantic and Mercer Counties, adding two new high schools to the roster

TRENTON, N.J. – The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy is pleased to announce that its “I AM” Youth Leadership Program now includes schools located in New Jersey’s Atlantic and Mercer counties.

Additionally, for the 2023-24 school year, the program will be offered simultaneously at three high schools: Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, Foundation Academy Collegiate in Trenton, and Paterson STEAM High School in Paterson. This marks the largest number of cohorts the Mobile Academy has operated concurrently to date.

The “I AM” Youth Leadership Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and inspire young leaders. The program provides participants with leadership and job-readiness training, life-skills development, and opportunities to interact directly with professionals from various industries. The “I AM” pedagogy includes classroom mentorship, role-playing, case studies, interactive activities, career development workshops, and a closing ceremony that features individual letters of recommendation and certificates of achievement.

Course titles offered within the program include “Steps to Attaining Leadership,” “Team Building,” “Ethics,” “Public Speaking and Effective Communication,” “Job Readiness,” “Banking and Financial Literacy,” “Entrepreneurship Basics,” and “Career Day with government or corporate representatives.” This unique feature involves a field trip to a New Jersey corporation or the New Jersey State House, providing an overview of state government, career opportunities, executive or government official dialogue, and mentorship opportunities, as applicable.

“We are thrilled to bring the “I AM” Youth Leadership Program to Mercer and Atlantic counties, enhancing our commitment to nurturing the leadership potential of students from underserved communities,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, and CEO of the AACCNJ. “By offering this program in North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey at the same time, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals across the entire state of New Jersey, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive and lead. This future pipeline of talented men and women is an essential component to improving the future competitiveness of our New Jersey.”

Inquiries about bringing the “I AM” Youth Leadership Program to other high schools or after-school-programs can be sent to mobileacademy@aaccnj.com

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The AACCNJ is a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c)(3) tax exemption, as is the National Black Chamber of Commerce, with which the AACCNJ is affiliated.

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Culture Economics Government Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events Science

NJHMFA named 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction, and Design by NJBIZ

TRENTON, N.J. —  New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has been named a 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction and Design by NJBIZ for its contributions to multifamily development in New Jersey.

This award particularly recognizes NJHMFA for its recent leadership in developing key affordable housing projects in Paterson and Hamilton.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NJBIZ,” said Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.

“This award recognizes our commitment to ensuring affordable housing in Paterson and Hamilton. Our work here reflects our dedication to providing safe, affordable housing for all New Jersey residents.”

Three projects opening this year proved pivotal in earning this recognition from NJBIZ.

This July, Barclay Place, which provided 56 affordable apartments in downtown Paterson a block from Saint Joseph University Medical Center, opened its doors to the public. This project received financing through the NJHMFA’s innovative Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program (HPSP), a national model for leveraging hospitals’ status as anchor institutions to improve community health outcomes through the creation of nearby affordable and supportive housing.

Two miles away, Hinchliffe Residences served as the financing key to Paterson’s long-awaited redevelopment and revitalization of Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the country’s last remaining pre-integration baseball stadiums. By leveraging the stadium’s historic nature with modern planning elements, including affordable senior housing and a new parking deck, the state’s largest-ever historic preservation project has become a stepping stone to Paterson’s future.

Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods exemplified how NJHMFA spearheads the development of supportive housing in Hamilton for residents with special needs. This barrier-free apartment provides residents with ample access to community resources and ensures that all residents can live independent, fulfilled lives, regardless of income or disability status.

The award winners will be formally recognized at a virtual ceremony on November 29. To learn more about the awards, visit https://njbiz.com/event/njbiz-leaders-in-real-estate-construction-and-design-2023/.

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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Annual Holiday Toy Drive runs through December 11

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes invites county residents, businesses and civic groups to join Mercer County employees in their annual Holiday Toy Drive. 

Toys can be dropped off at a number of convenient locations around the county, and the Mercer County Park Commission will ensure your gift goes directly to a deserving area child.

“The holidays are upon us, and as you shop for your friends and family, I encourage you to consider adding to your list a gift for a child whose family might be struggling at this time of year,” Mr. Hughes said.

“Even the smallest or simplest item can bring a smile to a child’s face, so let’s make this year’s collection bigger than ever.”

Click here or the flyer for drop-off locations.

For information, call (609) 303-0700.

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Art & Life Culture Education Lifestyle Programs & Events

NJPF announces AI workshop for photographers and other artists

Nancy Ori and Umesh Bhatt will be doing two workshops: Nov. 12 in-person in Berkeley Heights, and Nov. 26 on Zoom regarding Artificial Intelligence image creation.

Both sessions will run from 11-4 p.m. Each will have limited seating in order to give participants a lot of one-on-one attention.

 

“Create images you could never do before. Artificial Intelligence software makes it possible to create images literally off the top of your head. You are no longer restricted to the images that come out of your camera and the traditional manipulations you know how to do in post-production.”

 

This workshop is specific to photographers and will teach them to create images that look like real photographs taken with a camera! Join them for a fun-filled day of learning how to set your computer up and get started using this new tool. Participants will not believe  when they see what it can do as soon as they take charge of the software.

 

Umesh and Nancy will demonstrate step by step so you will have no fumbling with the set up. Things are so new and obviously designed by techies, so having a techie and a right brainer explain it to you will be immensely helpful. Umesh and Nancy are the perfect combination to get you up to speed. You do not need to own any other complicated software programs. It will work with any type of subject matter. If you can imagine and describe it, you can create it. Supplement your library of images in a new and easy way.

 

Topics will include:

·      MidJourney installation, setup, and time for hands-on.

·      A formula and tools for creating effective prompts.

·      Using AI to generate photographs – Tips and techniques.

·      Use AI software to enhance your photographs (in painting, out painting etc.)

·      Learn how to use Photoshop Firefly, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion etc.

·      Advanced techniques to take your photographs to new levels never done before.

 

As an engineer at the top of his game with technology, Umesh has used his quest for precision and logic to inform his approach to photography. Through these workshops, he will share his passion for the craft and love of new technology. His analytical mind has drawn him to the exciting frontier of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Umesh says, “Let’s see what we can discover and create together during this workshop. In the world of art and photography, anything is possible.”

 

Nancy is the owner of New Jersey Media Center, LLC in Berkeley Heights where she continues to do product, portrait, and food photography after a 25-year career as photographer and manager of video and photographic services for Ciba and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Nancy was taught by Ansel Adams and then affiliated for many years with the Ansel Adams Workshop in CA. She enjoys teaching locally and running photography tours globally. In 1994, she founded the New Jersey Photography Forum, which under Ori’s direction, has become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state. Nancy says, “Join us for this cutting-edge workshop and get inspired. Your creative world now has infinite possibilities. Let us help you open the door! You will only need a laptop and an open mind.”

 

Contact Nancy at nancyori@comcast.net for more information and to register.

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‘Against the Tide,’ ‘The Monk and the Gun’ among Mumbai Film Festival winners

Sarvnik Kaur’s documentary “Against the Tide” has won the Golden Gateway Award at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

 

The film previously won awards at Sundance, Sydney and Seattle. Diwa Shah’s San Sebastian winner “Bahadur: The Brave” received Mumbai’s Silver Gateway Award.

 

The festival’s Gender Sensitivity Award, decided by India’s Film Critics Guild, was won by Leesa Gazi’s “Barir Naam Shahana” “(A House Named Shahana).” The Special Jury Award went to Kanu Behl’s “Agra,” which premiered at Cannes earlier this year.

 

The Rashid Irani Young Critics’ Choice Award, a program created by the festival to nurture young writers on cinema, was won by Shahrukhkhan Chavada’s “Kayo Kayo Colour?” Dominic Sangma’s Locarno title “Rimdogittanga” “(Rapture)”  won the NETPAC Award.

 

This year, global media company Civic Studios teamed with the festival to create a new category of award, the Light Camera Impact Award. This award recognized two short films focusing on subjects of climate, sexuality, and caste – “Blackhole” by Pradyumna Patil and “Praan Pratishthana” “(Consecration)” by Pankaj Sonawane. “Flowering Man” by Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar got a special mention in this category.

 

The IMDb Audience Choice Award was won by Pawo Choyning Dorji’s “The Monk and the Gun.”

 

Filmmakers selected for the festival’s self-explanatory Jio MAMI Select – Filmed on iPhone initiative include Archana Atul Phadke, Faraz Ali, Prateek Vats, Saurav Rai and Saumyananda Sahi. They will be mentored by Vishal Bhardwaj who directed the iPhone short “Fursat,” Vikramaditya Motwane “(Jubilee)” and Rohan Sippy “(Bluffmaster).”

 

The closing ceremony was hosted by actor Kalki Koechlin “(Goldfish).”

 

The festival opened with Hansal Mehta’s “The Buckingham Murders,” starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, opened the festival on Oct. 27. The closing film, Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” screened at the festival on Nov. 3. MUBI owns all rights to “Priscilla” in India. The film will release across the country via MUBI in partnership with PVR Inox Pictures.

 

This year the festival hosted masterclasses with jury head Mira Nair, excellence in cinema recipients Mani Ratnam and Luca Guadagnino, festival chair Priyanka Chopra Jonas and juror David Michôd. The festival’s Industry Connect Symposium featured a keynote from leading producer Siddharth Roy Kapur and included case studies of Shubhashish Bhutiani’s Venice winner “Hotel Salvation” and Bauddhayan Mukherji’s Durban winner “The Violin Player.”

 

 

— Variety