Category: Programs & Events

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

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MTF Biologics receives Mission Plasticos’ Annual Humanitarian Award for its work in reconstructive surgery

Emmy-Winning Producer Lorna Luft joins the event to share her story right before Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

EDISON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — MTF Biologics will receive the 2023 Corporate Humanitarian Award at Mission Plasticos’ annual Celebration of Global Friendships: Emerald City event on Sept. 9, 2023, in Newport Beach, Calif.

 

Mission Plasticos has been transforming lives on a global and local scale in communities in need over the last 24 years – providing reconstructive surgery, training local medical professionals, and supporting ongoing research focused on improving standards of care.

 

All of this is made possible by the goodwill of its medical volunteers and longtime philanthropic supporters such as MTF Biologics which provides allograft tissue free of charge to support Mission Plasticos’ efforts ensuring all women have access to reconstructive surgery regardless of their economic situation.

 

“At MTF Biologics, we are committed to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions and impactful collaborations, and are proud of our work with Mission Plasticos, an organization that shares our vision of making a positive difference in the world,” said Joe Yaccarino, CEO of MTF Biologics.

 

“As the 2023 Corporate Humanitarian Honoree, we are truly honored to be recognized for our efforts. Together we are addressing the challenges to improve the lives of women during their difficult journey with breast cancer, empowering them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.”

 

This year, Emmy-winning TV producer, Broadway Star, and daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland, Lorna Luft, will be in attendance and share her breast cancer journey. Lorna is thrilled to participate in this celebration as she was diagnosed in 2012 with Stage 2 breast cancer. She is honored to share her story and be an advocate for equity in women’s healthcare.

 

“Mission Plasticos is thrilled to honor MTF Biologics at our upcoming gala for their unwavering support of our mission and our patients,” said Susan Williamson, Executive Director at Mission Plasticos. “Without corporations like MTF Biologics and their philanthropic investments, we would not be able to provide treatment to as many patients as we currently do. Their dedication to ensuring that every woman receives a full journey of care is a quality that we at Mission Plasticos deeply appreciate and for which we are immensely grateful.”

 

About Mission Plasticos

Founded in 1999 by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Nichter, Mission Plasticos is a 501-c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing reconstructive surgery to those in need. It provides training to local medical professionals, and supports ongoing research focused on improving standards of care. The group’s board-certified, volunteer surgeons and medical teams provide reconstructive breast surgery for post-mastectomy women, burn contracture surgery, as well as post traumatic, congenital deformity, and other reconstructive surgical care at no cost to patients. Over the last two decades, Mission Plasticos has completed more than 100 missions in 15 countries, trained more than 5,000 doctors, and treated more than 16,000 patients.

 

In 2022 Mission Plasticos launched Reshaping Lives: Full Circle—the first large-scale nationwide program providing no-cost breast reconstruction surgery for post-mastectomy women in the U.S. who are uninsured or underinsured. Mission Plasticos provides this care using volunteer board-certified plastic surgeons across the country who are experts in breast reconstruction. Part of Mission Plasticos broader Reshaping Lives America program, Reshaping Lives: Full Circle is based on the success of Mission Plasticos global work over the last 23 years and its pioneering domestic work in California since 2016. For more information, visit https://missionplasticos.org.

 

About MTF Biologics

MTF Biologics is a global nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives by honoring donated gifts, serving patients and advancing science. It provides exceptional service, resources, and expertise to donors and their loved ones who give the gift of donation; patients who depend on tissue and organ transplants; healthcare providers who care for donors and recipients; and clinicians and scientists advancing medicine through transplantation science and research.

 

The International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine (IIAM), a Division of MTF Biologics, honors donors of non-transplantable organs by providing their gifts to the medical research community to combat and cure diseases. Statline, also a Division of MTF Biologics, provides specialized communications and technology expertise to organ, tissue, and eye procurement organizations, as well as the hospitals and patients that they serve. Its sister organization, Deutsches Institute for Zell-und Gewebeersatz – DIZG (The German Institute for Cell and Tissue Transplantation) expands its reach to patients across the globe. For more information, visit www.mtfbiologics.org.

Contacts

Aleksa Loch, 847-345-1348 or aleksa.loch@finnpartners.com

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Art & Life Culture Education Lifestyle Programs & Events Science

NJ Media Center offers artists workshop in photo encaustic medium

Nancy Ori of New Jersey Media Center LLC, invites artists to join her for a fun day of learning how to work in the creative and forgiving medium or Encaustic. She wants students to learn to layer their photographs with exciting and simple mixed media techniques to create new work with incredible diversity from their current portfolios.

 

There will be a presentation demonstrating several key techniques, a discussion with examples from contemporary artists, and a look at how abstraction, composition and wax can create amazing new pieces with your photographs. There will be time to look at the images and to make suggestions on how to use them and what additional collage materials you may want to collect to compliment them along with plenty of time for hands-on to learn the techniques.

 

Encaustic uses heated beeswax and colors to create unique works of art. An ancient medium that pre-dates oil painting, encaustic enjoys new popularity today amongst photography artists. The process allows you to work in layers, adding photographs & collage materials into the wax as you build your piece, or you can simply cover a single photograph for a unique presentation. Techniques like marking into the wax and filling the marks with color create varied surfaces that cannot be duplicated with any other medium.

 

“It’s not that often that you find a teacher who is completely open and forthcoming with their wealth of knowledge and ideas. Nancy’s photo encaustic workshop was so informative, interesting and incredibly fun. I left with a feeling of inspiration not only for my personal creative projects, but new ideas for my photography business too. Out of 5 stars I would definitely give this workshop a 5.” Sonya K.

 

During our session, there will be plenty of room for lots of creating with a great opportunity for one-on-one time with Nancy to walk you through the process.  Expect to leave with an inspired imagination and at least one finished work. All necessary wax, colors, boards to work on, equipment, & tools will be supplied to get you started. You will also receive a comprehensive handout to follow and use after the workshop.

 

 

No previous art experience is necessary. You only need to bring your photographs and a playful spirit.

 

New Jersey Media Center LLC is a provider of Professional Development Certification credit hours for New Jersey teachers and will issue a certificate at the completion of a class, workshop or lecture for qualified applicants upon request.

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Business Culture Economics Environment Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle Programs & Events

Sprouts announces 24 school garden builds in 24 hours in 24 communities

Foundation invests over half a million dollars directly into local schools for nutrition education, academic learning

 

PHOENIX — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #24gardensin24hours—The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation announced today that it is awarding 24 schools across the U.S. with a new or refreshed learning garden as part of the “24 Gardens in 24 Hours in 24 Communities” contest, that was launched in April to celebrate Earth Month. From a pool of over 3,000 nominations by Sprouts customers, a three-month process involving interviews and thorough vetting generated in the selection of the final 24 schools.

On Saturday, Sept. 23 an estimated 500 Sprouts team members across the country will join together to install these learning spaces, building 24 school gardens in 24 hours. Companywide volunteer service days have become an annual tradition for Sprouts, whose team members have donated more than 10,000 service hours over the last five years, working to bring these programs to life for kids.

 

“Sprouts is committed to providing children with hands-on educational experiences that shape how they think about food. We believe that our Foundation’s efforts to make these connections will play a pivotal role for children to develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating,” said Nick Konat, president and chief operating officer of Sprouts.

 

“We are also very excited for our team members to give back to their local communities on September 23rd as we build these learning gardens in 24 hours.”

 

In addition to funding the physical garden spaces, the Foundation’s donation will also support training for educators at each school site to learn how to effectively incorporate the garden into teaching practices across all grade levels. By teaming-up with KidsGardening, a national nonprofit focused on this work, each of the 24 schools will become part of a learning community, where teachers responsible for the garden space will receive ongoing technical assistance and mentoring for the full school year.

 

“This program is exciting because we are able to invite our customers to help us connect with new schools through the nomination process,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. “These schools represent 24 incredible communities, comprised of teachers and students, that will now have access to an outdoor garden, where classroom lessons can be brought to life through hands-on learning, and where students can experience the magic of watching seeds sprout, and fresh fruits and vegetables grow. We are glad we can play a role in making this possible.”

 

“Sprouts is a true partner who listens and understand what it takes to operate a successful garden program – and investing in teacher training and compensation for educators operating their garden spaces is the key ingredient to building effective and sustainable school garden programs,” said Em Shipman, executive director of KidsGardening.

 

Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has granted $18M to more than 400 nonprofit partners focused on advancing children’s nutrition education and school-based gardening programs. This year alone, more than 3 million students across the U.S. will benefit from programs supported by Sprouts.

 

A list of the contest winning finalists can be found at sprouts.com/schoolgardenwinners

 

Winning schools are in 23 states across the U.S. in Sprouts Farmers Market communities 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.

 

Garden Giveaway Winners Receive:

  • $15,000 – $20,000 garden construction grant awarded directly to the selected school to build a new learning garden or refresh an existing garden space on campus.
  • $5,000 program grant to support nutrition education lessons in the garden.
  • The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation will partner with each winning school to coordinate a volunteer workday for the garden build or garden refresh on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
  • Ongoing professional development and 1:1 support to sustain their learning garden program.

 

To learn more, visit https://about.sprouts.com/sprouts-foundation/.

 

About Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is helping kids grow healthy through nutrition education and hands-on gardening programs that bring learning to life. In partnership with nonprofit organizations, from school gardens to youth cooking programs, we’re teaching children how to grow and prepare fresh, nutritious foods, empowering them with the tools to develop lifelong healthy eating habits. Since 2015, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation has donated more than $18 million to advance nutrition education and access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and this year alone, over three million children will be impacted by nutrition education and garden-based learning programs, funded by Sprouts.

 

About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts is the place where goodness grows. True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 380 stores in 23 states nationwide. This year Sprouts celebrates its 20th anniversary. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com.

Contacts

480-263-0441, media@sprouts.com

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Art & Life Culture Economics Lifestyle Programs & Events Regulations & Security

The Prospector creates competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — The Prospector, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing competitive and inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater and online gourmet popcorn business.

 

 

With a mission to create meaningful work for millions, the Prospector operates a wide array of jobs and businesses while educating entrepreneurs, employers, and educators about their model.

 

 

The Prospector aims to address the pressing issue of unemployment among individuals with disabilities, where nearly 80% of Americans with disabilities do not have a job.

 

 

By showcasing the value that people with disabilities bring to the workforce, the Prospector is committed to transforming lives through meaningful work.  Prospects are paired with jobs that highlight their strengths and passions – or as the Prospector calls it, “sparkle.”   Approximately 75% of Prospects, the name given to all Prospector employees, self-identify with a disability.

 

“Our goal is to build a system where anyone with sparkle, determination, and drive can transform their lives through meaningful work,” the organization states.

 

“We are dedicated to creating a universally-designed, inclusive workplace where barriers are eliminated, and all individuals can thrive.”

 

Since its inception, the Prospector has established a workplace that embraces inclusivity at every level. Operating procedures are documented with accessibility in mind, while accommodations, modifications, and workarounds are integrated into daily operations. The organization believes in constant learning and teaching, adapting dynamic approaches to training and nurturing a supportive environment.

 

Prospects at the Prospector have trailblazed a revolutionary model of social enterprise, which can be adapted by businesses of all sizes. The key to their success lies in competitive and inclusive employment, with Prospects, both with and without disabilities, working together across various roles. This collaboration ranges from movie projection and production to concessions, clean team, grant writing, graphics, and more. Prospects earn competitive wages, benefit from upward mobility, professional development, and contribute to the organization’s high standards of excellence.

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County Exec. Hughes not long ago, announces Certified Diverse Vendor Directory

Building on his Small Business Set-Aside Program, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced that a digital directory of participating businesses is now available online on Mercer County’s website.

The  Mercer County New Jersey Certified Diverse Vendor Directory will include New Jersey State certified Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Veteran Owned/Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB/DVOB) and Small Business Enterprises (SBE).

“The online directory is an effort to support the business enterprises of women, minorities and veterans, along with small businesses,”  Mr. Hughes said.

“Small  businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and our goal is to create and identify ways to increase business traffic to certified small businesses and encourage others to become certified. This online directory, managed by our Small Business Outreach Department, is another tool to support our business community.”

In his 2023 State of the County address, County Executive Hughes recognized Job One Lawn and Landscape, a Woman and Minority-owned small business in Ewing. Owned by Jocelyn and Stan Tucker of Ewing, Job One recently won a county contract for $75,000, and are just one of Mercer County’s set-aside success stories.

How will my business benefit?

No-cost advertising. The digital directory will be accessible to all Mercer County departments and the public, and for even greater exposure for businesses listed in the directory Mercer County will share information with municipal purchasing departments within the county. All businesses will be displayed by category and will include the business’s contact information and Capability Statement.

Hands-on help. Mercer’s Small Business Outreach pros will walk you through the process to learn how to participate in the county’s formal bidding process.

Free training. Mercer partners with the Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey to review business plans, and obtain funding from the UCEDC.

Please note, only current certified businesses registered with The State of New Jersey SAVI Selective Assistance Vendor Information Portal will be included.

Digital directory accessible at www.mercercounty.org

Sign me up!

 

Questions? Please contact James Chambers, Coordinator of Small Business Outreach at (609) 989-6212, jchambers@mercercounty.org.

Adopted in July 2018, the Qualified Minority-, Women-, Veteran-owned Business or Small Business Set-Aside Program reserves 10 percent of the dollar value of all the county’s goods, professional services and construction contracts to be utilized for qualified businesses. Of that 10 percent, 30 percent is allocated for qualified minority businesses; 30 percent for qualified women-owned businesses; 30 percent for qualified veteran-owned businesses; and 10 percent for small businesses. The Set-Aside Program makes it easier for qualified businesses to contract with the county, as it provides access to $70 million in procurement. An estimated $7 million worth of contracts will be available to eligible businesses as part of the new program.

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Government Local News Programs & Events Regulations & Security

Veterans: VA extends deadline to Aug. 14 for Veterans and survivors to apply for PACT Act benefits

Extension will ensure that no Veteran or survivor misses out on a single day of backdated PACT Act benefits

 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced lately that Veterans and survivors who apply (or submit their intent to file) for PACT Act benefits by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 will be eligible to have their benefits backdated to Aug. 10, 2022 – the day that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law.

This is an extension from the original deadline of Aug. 9, 2023. Mercer County Veteran Services encourages all Veterans and their survivors to apply – or submit their intent to file – for PACT Act benefits now by visiting VA.gov/PACT.

Mercer County Veteran Services, in an effort to assist all Mercer veterans and their surviving family members, were to submit intent to file forms to the VA for Veterans and their survivors who have appropriate ID on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. They may also submit their forms Monday Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and 2 to 3 p.m.

Please note, Veteran Services will only submit the “Intent to File” forms during these hours. No appointment needed for these help sessions.

Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, call Mercer County Veteran Services at 609-989-6120.

The office is located at 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing, N.J.

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Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events

Capital City Farm blossoms under new leadership in Trenton

As farm grows, so does artistry

 

The Mercer County Park Commission’s Capital City Farm (CCF), a flourishing urban farm in Trenton, recently welcomed its new Farm Manager, Corinne Gordon.

Corinne Gordon, new manager at Capital City Farm in Trenton.

Gordon brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Farm Specialist for the Carter Historic Farm in Bowling Green, Ohio. Her background in sustainable agriculture and community engagement is a perfect match for the Park Commission’s mission and goals for this vibrant space, which include providing locally grown produce for those with limited access to fresh food, lush floral cutting gardens — as well as the opportunity to learn about and participate in urban agriculture.

CCF and the Park Commission’s Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell donate tons of fresh produce and grains, including grits and whole wheat flour, to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Mercer County each year. In 2022, 21 tons of produce were donated.

“We were very fortunate to be able to bring Corinne aboard,” said Aaron T. Watson, Park Commission Executive Director. “With her education and experience, we know that the farm will continue to flourish under her leadership, strengthening our outreach to the community and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK).”

A bounty of flowers from the cutting gardens at Capital City Farm.

Capital City Farm and TASK have been great partners for many years, even prior to the first harvest, according to Joyce Campbell, TASK CEO.

“Having a farm next door to a soup kitchen is like a dream come true as it’s often difficult to get fresh produce donated,”  Campbell said. “The farm’s donation of fresh produce inspired the installation of a salad bar at TASK, which not only provides nutritious foods, but also provides choice for our patrons, most of whom live in poverty and don’t often have the choices many of us take for granted.”

Artist-turned-farmer, Walter Roberts, displays a portrait he painted.

Many farmers may be natural artists, with their carefully-sown beds, their gentle coaxing of seedlings, and their passion for creating a product that they can be proud of. Indeed, the work of farmers requires the touch and vision of craftsmen, and Capital City Farm has become a living canvas that showcases the beauty of agriculture and art.

Working closely with Gordon is Walter Roberts, an artist-turned-farmer whose unique set of skills have been a mainstay of Capital City Farm since it was first acquired by a coalition of local partners and converted into a farm. Starting as a volunteer and eventually becoming a full-time farmer for the Park Commission, Roberts is largely responsible for the growth and variety of crops produced on the farm, not to mention the art that adorns the fences and other structures there. Roberts’ artistry is on display in the meticulously-managed garden beds and the portraits he paints and displays along the farm’s enclosure.

Raven George, Capital City Farm florist.

Also contributing to the aesthetic is Raven George, New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s Cut Flower Production Manager and CCF florist, who creates beautiful flower bouquets each Saturday from the cockscomb, zinnias, cosmos, and snapdragons grown at the farm. Occasionally, she holds free workshops to teach others how to create their own cut flower arrangements at home.

Capital City Farm’s commitment to sustainability and artistic expression has transformed a once-vacant lot into a dynamic space for the entire community to enjoy. Even beyond the garden beds and fruit trees at the edge of the farm, the work of Corinne Gordon, Walter Roberts, Raven George, and a host of volunteers and interns is fast finding new roots in the neighborhood, and throughout New Jersey’s capital city.

Participants in a floral design workshop show off their creations.
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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