Category: Programs & Events

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

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The AACCNJ recently host a blockbuster 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala at the Venetian in Garfield, with over 700 in attendance 

TRENTON, N.J. —  The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) hosted a blockbuster 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala with over 700 in attendance on Feb. 22 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J.

 

The AACCNJ 2024 Annual Awards Gala themed “Leading the Way” is the premier Black History Month event in the state of N.J. The event provides the platform, on behalf of the members of the AACCNJ and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of N.J., to continue to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.

 

The evening began with a “Black Carpet Experience” and VIP Reception, for the attendees; the honorees and guests also enjoyed a Cocktail Reception in the Grand Ballroom and later moved to the Palazzo Ballroom for dinner, dancing, and the Awards Ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Lamman Rucker, Actor, Activist, and Entrepreneur.

 

“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. “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 thank the attendees and sponsors for their ongoing support.”

 

The lead supporter of the 2024 Gala was Truist with a $50,000 grant from the Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation, to support AACCNJ programs, including the Gala.

 

“For Truist, Black History Month is a way to honor the culture and celebrate the impact of this community as we work to fulfill our purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities,” said Travis Rhodes, Pennsylvania and New Jersey regional president for Truist. “We are grateful to partner with the African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey and be part of such a special night. This work is key to the vibrancy and economic growth of New Jersey and beyond.”

 

The 2024 Gala Platinum Sponsor at $25,000 was Hackensack Meridian Health.

 

“Hackensack Meridian Health’s unwavering commitment to supplier diversity is a testament to our network’s belief in the power of inclusion and economic empowerment”, said Avonia Richardson-Miller, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Department, Hackensack Meridian Health. “As New Jersey’s largest and most integrated health network, our support of minority-owned businesses not only strengthens our communities but also ensures that all patients have access to the highest quality of care. We are honored to support the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for their exceptional leadership and for setting an example for others to follow.”

 

The 2024 Gala Gold Sponsors were Atlantic Health Center, Consolidated Edison, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Johnson & Johnson, Milhouse Engineering, PSEG, Provident Bank, Robert Wood Johnson, United Airlines, and Valley National Bank.

 

The 2024 Silver Sponsors included American Water, Atlantic City Electric, Atlantic Shore Winds, Citizen’s Bank, Davis EIS, Ferreira, Fulton Bank, Hermann Transportation, JCP&L, Lakeland Bank, Leading Light Wind, NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), NJ Children’s Foundation, NJIT, NJ Symphony, NJ Redevelopment Authority, PNC, SJI, and T & M Associates

 

“Another phenomenal event with unlimited opportunities to network with decision makers and potential partners, said Gary Mann, AACCNJ, Chairman of the Board, & CEO, Jasfel Analytics. “If you are a business in NJ and did not attend this event, you are at least six months behind our members and attendees in building a pipeline for your business.”

 

The Honorable Tahesha Way, Esq., Lieutenant Governor & Secretary of State made opening remarks at the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on February 22nd at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ, in her role as Acting Governor that evening.

 

“We were excited to have the Acting Governor join us for our Black History Month Gala,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. “We are at a critical juncture for our co-existence in NJ, following the release of the state commissioned Disparity Study. The Acting Governor’s presence is significant and appreciated as we look forward to advancing a more intentional economic agenda to improve the social economic standing of Black people in NJ. Privately, the Acting Governor reiterated the commitment of the Murphy administration,” said Harmon.

 

“We have issued a Call to Action. Our organization stands at a critical juncture, and we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in collaboration with our strategic partners”, said Tammeisha Smith, AACCNJ, Vice Chair, & CEO, Dunbar Center, Inc. “Together, we will chart a course that not only sustains our present momentum but also paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.”

 

The Honorable Benjamin Crump, Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law; received the Presidential Award of Excellence. Helon Hammond, Vice President, Global Learning, People & Community Impact, United, accepted the Business Award on behalf of Brett J. Hart, President, United Airlines, Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, Chief, Division of Programs and Reintegration Services, State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections, received the Community Service Award. Keith D. Wright, PhD., Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Port Authority of NY&NJ received the Public Service Award.

 

More information can be found at www.aaccnj.com

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The AACCNJ recently announces its participation in NJ Disparity Study Presentation & Panel Discussion at NJIT

TRENTON, N.J. — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced its participation in NJ Disparity Study Presentation & Panel Discussion, on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NJ Institute of Technology, in Newark, N.J.

 

Lawrence Crump, Councilman at Large, City of Newark, convened the panel discussion to ensure the information from the State’s recently released Disparity Study, was made available to the public at large.

 

The presentation on the Disparity Study, conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, was led by Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC, and moderated by John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

Panelists included:

The Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor City of Newark, N.J.

Luis De La Hoz, First Vice President, RD, Community Lending N.J. at Valley Bank

Ryan Haygood, Esq., President & Chief Executive Officer, N.J. Institute for Social Justice

Marjorie Perry, President & CEO, MZM Construction

The Honorable Shavonda Sumter, Assemblywoman, 35th Legislative District

 

The event took place at the Central King Building, Agile Strategy Lab (L-70) at NJIT, 100 Summit Street, Newark, N.J., and was streamed on Councilman Crump’s Facebook page Larry Crump and on YouTube OOTCC, for those who were unable to attend in person.

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National Baseball Hall of Fame Artist James Fiorentino, along with syndicated cartoon artist, author and playwright, Patrick McDonnell to exhibit at D&R Greenway, Johnson Eduction Center

PRINCETON, N.J. — The public is invited to a special reception at D&R Greenway Land Trust, Johnson Education Center at One Preservation Place, on Sunday, March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet and enjoy artwork by James Fiorentino, one of the most renowned watercolor artists in the country.

 

Joining James will be syndicated cartoon artist, author and playwright, Patrick McDonnell who will share his inspiration for his popular comic strip “MUTTS.”  There is no charge to attend; reservations are required at info@drgreenway.org, or by phone.

 

A new visual display of local photographers’ images of D&R Greenway’s stunning preserves and events asks visitors to reflect on their own experiences on preserved land.  You are invited to leave a note or drawing to illustrate your visit to a D&R Greenway preserve, making you a part of this unique exhibit.

 

In addition to Fiorentino’s wildlife and sports art, and McDonnell’s framed comic strips with original signature and remarque, this exhibit features popular botanical artist, Liz Cutler who retired as a long-time teacher from Princeton Day School. Patrick McDonnell will offer books for sale with personalized signature at the reception.

 

James Fiorentino is considered one of the most renowned sports artists in the country. At the age of fifteen, James was the youngest artist to be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his likeness of Reggie Jackson, which hung beside the paintings of Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol. His painting commemorating Roberto Clemente remains in the museum as a part of their permanent collection.

 

In 1994, he became the youngest artist to win Beckett Magazine’s annual sports art competition for the likeness of Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton. When Beckett opened up the competition worldwide the following year, James triumphed again with a stunning collage of Muhammad Ali. When Ali saw James’ latest work of himself, the greatest said, “James, you are the greatest.”

 

“I am always honored to have my works displayed at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center.  It is one of the best spaces to showcase art and to also have an exhibition with other great artists such as my friend Patrick McDonnell making it even more special. This exhibition has some of my best works that I have been able to put down on paper in watercolor depicting nature and wildlife.”

 

James is a member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society, Garden State Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Salmagundi Club, Society of Animal Artists and Artists for Conservation. James is also a trustee of the Raptor Trust of NJ and D&R Greenway Land Trust.

 

Sales from comic strip to benefit the land trust’s work to preserve and care for land, maintain public trails, grow food for the hungry, and inspire a conservation ethic. Proceeds from art and book sales benefits D&R Greenway’s mission to preserve and protect land, and inspire a conservation ethic.

 

Additional information is available at www.drgreenway.org, or by calling D&R Greenway at 609-924-4646.

 

About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations.   D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Mercer County Clerk announces foreclosure resources and information

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is dedicated to supporting residents through challenging times, particularly those facing foreclosure.

In light of the growing concerns surrounding foreclosures, the County Clerk is pleased to provide some valuable resources and information to empower individuals and families within our community.

The Mercer County Clerk’s office is the official record keeper of all Notices of Lis Pendens. A Notice of Lis Pendens is the document that is recorded before property goes into the foreclosure process. When this notice is received at the Mercer County Clerk’s office, a letter is immediately sent to the owner of that property notifying them that their house will be going into foreclosure to give the resident an opportunity to take steps save their property.

For those currently in foreclosure:

We recommend you contact the Office of the Courts Foreclosure Mediation Hotline at 888-989-5277 or visit Foreclosure Self-Help | NJ Courts. This program offers access to housing counselors and trained mediators to assist in resolving foreclosure actions and establishing affordable mortgage arrangements. Explore Federal and State Mortgage Modification Programs, which are available at no cost for information and assistance.

For those not yet in foreclosure:

If you’re currently struggling to make mortgage payments, contact your mortgage servicer immediately to discuss your situation and explore available options. Seek assistance from a HUD-certified housing counseling agency in your county. Act promptly; early intervention provides more options for resolution. For more information on avoiding foreclosure please visit Avoiding Foreclosure | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Beware of foreclosure rescue scams:

Assistance for foreclosure-related issues should not come with a fee. Be cautious of organizations or individuals requesting payment for housing counseling or loan modifications. Avoid signing over property deeds without direct involvement from your mortgage company, and only submit mortgage payments directly to your mortgage company, unless otherwise instructed. The Clerk’s Office offers a hot line where you can call us for referral to law enforcement, if you believe you have been victimized at 609-989-6466.

Reporting mortgage-related fraud:

Victims of mortgage-related fraud are encouraged to report incidents to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-242-5846 or visiting New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (njconsumeraffairs.gov). Legal Services of New Jersey also offers representation at no cost to low-income homeowners who have been misled or taken advantage of by lenders.

Additional resources: The New Jersey HomeKeeper Program provides financial assistance to homeowners facing imminent foreclosure due to unemployment or underemployment. Contact (855)-NJ-KEEP-1 or visit www.njhomekeeper.gov for eligibility details. The New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program offers housing counselors, mediators, and legal aid to homeowners in foreclosure. Call 888-989-5277 or visit Foreclosure Self-Help | NJ Courts to enroll. The National Foreclosure Mitigation Program also provides pre-foreclosure counseling and assistance.

“Mercer County’s foreclosure rate remains steady and will likely continue as the cost of living rises. Therefore, we must work together to fight the battle on foreclosure. My office along with other Mercer County Officials will do everything we can to assist constituents when their house is in foreclosure,” according to Sollami Covello.

Facing foreclosure can be a daunting experience, but it’s essential to remember that help is available. Whether you’re seeking legal assistance, financial support, or educational resources, our office remains committed to assisting residents in preserving their homes and financial stability. For more information, please visit Foreclosure Assistance | Mercer County, NJ or contact the County Clerk’s Office at 609-989-6465.

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The AACCNJ announces US Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., as the Keynote Speaker for the State of Black NJ 2024 Economic Summit

TRENTON, N.J. —  The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces U.S. Representative Donald Payne, Jr., as the Keynote Speaker for the State of Black NJ 2024 Economic Summit which will be held on April 17 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Princeton-Conference Center, Plainsboro, N.J.

 

The Honorable Donald Payne Jr., will present keynote remarks, at the annual AACCNJ Summit, which serves as a platform for dialogue on public policies and the economic impact on Black New Jerseyans, and Black Businesses in New Jersey as it relates to education, health, workforce readiness and attaining an equitable share of economic opportunities within the public and private sectors of the state.

 

“Please join us for a day of thoughtful discussion and the recognition of a select group of distinguished corporate leaders that have kept their word, coalesced strategies, and advanced resources to perpetuate the success of AACCNJ,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. “The State of Black New Jersey Conference serves as a best practice of how to build bridges towards mutual success with an overarching goal of improving the competitiveness of our state.”

 

“I am honored to be this year’s Keynote Speaker for the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s State of Black NJ 2024 Economic Summit,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “The Summit is an opportunity to highlight the many successful African American business owners and connect African American entrepreneurs with the mentors and resources to help them launch and grow their businesses. In addition, it fosters conversations about how to improve economic equity in New Jersey and create more opportunities for African Americans statewide. I am proud to be a part of such a valuable event and I thank the AACCNJ for inviting me to be the Keynote Speaker.” The Silver Sponsor for the 2024 Summit is Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ.

 

You can register through the following link: https://mms.aaccnj.com/members/evr/reg_event.phpevid=81404431&orgcode=AANJ

 

The 2024 Economic Summit is themed “Accountability, & Reciprocity”, and will feature two panels, moderated by John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ, and Faye Coleman, CEO, Pure Genesis LLC.

 

Panel I Topic: Economic Development – Panelists:

Samantha DeAlmeida Roman, President, Associated Builders & Contractors

A. Bruce Crawley, President & Principal Owner, Millennium 3 Mgt, Inc. (M3M)

Monique L. Nelson, Executive Chair, UniWorld Group Inc. (UWG)

Keith D. Wright, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,

Port Authority of NJ & NJ

Panel II Topic: Honoring Equity Partners

James V. Fakult, President, Jersey Central Power & Light

Ralph LaRossa, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer,

Public Service Enterprise Group

Mike Reagan, Senior Vice President, CGI

 

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

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 Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

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Asian Film Awards nominee ‘Rapture’ finds distribution in France with Capricci

Dominic Sangma’s “Rapture” (“Rimdogittanga”), which was a nominee at the recently concluded Asian Film Awards, has been snapped up for French distribution by Capricci, as revealed at Hong Kong rights market FilMart.

 

The film revolves around a 10-year-old boy who suffers from night blindness and for whom every night is terrifying when his village is gripped by the fear of child kidnappers. The film debuted at Locarno in 2023 and won prizes at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the Mumbai Film Festival. “Rapture” also won the special jury award at the Hainan Island International Film Festival in China and will screen at the upcoming Beijing International Film Festival.

 

The film is a rare India-China co-production. One of the lead producers is China’s Xu Jianshang, who met Sangma at a students’ film festival in 2014 and produced his “Ma’ama,” which won an award at the Shanghai Film Festival. “Rapture” was developed when Xu was attending the Busan Asian Film School in 2019. Xu introduced the project to Sun Li of China’s Joicy Studio, who boarded the project. The film’s India producer, Anu Rangachar, brought in several other producers including Harsh Agarwal of Uncombed Buddha, Aditya Grover and Stephen Zacharias. Eva Gunme R. Marak, a patron for many artists in the region, also boarded the project.

 

“Rapture” was invited to India’s Film Bazaar, won a grant for script development from the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund, participated in Boost NL and was selected for La Fabrique Cinema at Cannes. Xu took part in Talents Tokyo and Sangma at Berlinale Talents. Funding also came in from Vision Sud Est and the Doha Film Institute.

 

Capricci is a French independent arthouse production, distribution and sales company. The shingle has repped fiolms from directors such as Abel Ferrara, Albert Serra, Hong Sangsoo, Philippe Garrel, Bi Gan, Jean-Charles Hue and Wang Bing.

​

The Garo-language “Rapture” originated from a childhood memory of Sangma, who hails from Meghalaya in northeastern India, and the film is set there.

 

“Capricci is delighted to be working on the French release of ‘Rapture.’ With this film, we discovered a region of India with which we were unfamiliar, but also a filmmaker of extremely promising talent,” a Capricci spokesperson told Variety. “We were struck by the film’s formal beauty, as well as by Dominic Sangma’s extremely lucid view of his childhood memories and his community. We’re proud to bring his art to French cinephiles.”

 

Sangma told Variety: “Capricci are very special distributors for arthouse films, they distributed some of my favorite films of recent time, they’re perfect for ‘Rapture.’ It gives me immense pleasure that ‘Rapture’ will be theatrically released in France. ‘Rapture’ is a small film from Meghalaya and to be released theatrically in France means a proud moment for my entire Garo community and it is making history for my state, no other film from Meghalaya has released before in France. I am super excited and such moments are to cherish.”

 

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 — Variety (EXCLUSIVE)

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Transcend Capital Advisors announces NIL partnership with top-ranked junior golfer Miles Russell

15-Year-Old Phenom was Youngest-Ever Winner of AJGA Player of the Year Award in 2023

 

MADISON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Transcend Capital Advisors has signed a multi-year Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with 15-year-old amateur golfer Miles Russell, currently the #1-ranked golfer in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Boys rankings.

 

Russell, who resides in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, was the youngest-ever winner of the AJGA’s Rolex Junior Player of the Year Award in 2023, surpassing the record previously held by Tiger Woods for 32 years.

 

Following an exemplary run on the Florida Junior Tour circuit, amassing 14 wins and 34 top-five finishes in 42 starts, Russell burst onto the national scene last year, quickly winning two AJGA Junior All-Star events, the TaylorMade TP5 Junior All-Star and Moon Golf Junior All-Star, by a combined 15 strokes. He was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy, teaming up with fellow Team Transcend member Yana Wilson in foursome and fourball matches.

 

Russell built off this early success and emerged as one of the game’s most exciting young talents. At the beginning of August, he claimed victory at the 2023 Junior PGA Championship, shooting 18-under par over four rounds, seven shots clear of his nearest competitor. A few weeks later, he followed up with a win at the Junior PLAYERS Championship to become the youngest-ever champion in event history.

 

“Transcend is committed to supporting the stars of tomorrow and helping them capitalize on their unique talents and ultimately achieving their dreams of playing professional golf. Miles is an exceptional young man and his humility, character, and commitment to excellence make him a perfect fit for Team Transcend. We are thrilled to have him on our team and are excited to watch all that he will accomplish in the future,” said Brian Gorczynski, Managing Partner of Transcend.

 

Russell closed out his sensational year with a second-place finish at the South Beach International Amateur, including a course record-tying 10-under par round of 60 in his second round, finishing two shots behind fellow Team Transcend member, Ben James. The only amateur to advance to the final Monday qualifier for last week’s Puerto Rico Open, Russell fired a 5-under par 67 and advanced to a playoff for the last qualifying spot but fell just short in his effort to become one of the youngest players to qualify for a PGA TOUR event.

 

“I am so excited to be a part of Team Transcend,” said Russell. “Joining this team of exceptional amateur players is humbling and makes me want to work hard and get better every day. Thanks to Transcend’s support, I am able to pursue my golf dreams to the fullest and I couldn’t be more grateful for their belief in me.”

 

Transcend also has NIL partnerships with 20-year-old amateur golfer James, a sophomore at the University of Virginia who is currently ranked #5 in the Men’s World Amateur Golf rankings, 17-year-old Yana Wilson, currently the #1-ranked junior girl in the Rolex AJGA Rankings; and 16-year-old Blades Brown, #5 in the Rolex AJGA Boys Ranking and the 2023 Tennessee Men’s and Junior Player of the Year. The firm previously had a multi-year NIL partnership with accomplished amateur Caleb Surratt who turned professional earlier this year.

 

About Transcend Capital Advisors

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Madison, New Jersey, Transcend is an independent registered investment advisor (RIA) offering wealth management services, public and private investments, strategic advisory services, and access to banking, lending, and family office solutions. Transcend is an employee-owned firm and manages approximately $3.0 billion of assets, serving families, business owners, executives, retirees, and entrepreneurs across the United States. Leveraging the unique network of its experienced management team, Transcend provides clients with access to investment opportunities not typically available to individual investors. Transcend was recently ranked #42 in the United States in Forbes’ second annual “America’s Top RIA Firms” list and was also recently named in the 2023 SmartAsset “100 Fastest Growing RIAs” list. For more information on Transcend, please visit transcendcapital.com.

 

The Forbes “America’s Top RIA Firms” list was compiled by SHOOK Research, which uses quantitative and qualitative data, including interviews, to rank firms. Firms elect to participate but do not pay to be included in the ranking. To learn more about the methodology, click here.

 

SmartAsset compiled its ranking of U.S.-based investment advisors registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) by examining filing data and ranking firms based on one-year and three-year growth of client accounts and assets under management. No compensation was paid for inclusion in this ranking. To learn more about the methodology, click here.

Contacts

Karen Moraghan

Hunter Public Relations

kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
908/963-6013

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Mercer County to celebrate its 12th-Annual Cultural Festival & Food Truck Rally in June

TRENTON, N.J. — In celebration of Mercer County diversity, County Executive Dan Benson, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Division of Culture and Heritage present the 12th Annual Cultural Festival & Food Truck Rally on Saturday, June 8, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, N.J.

Mercer County’s 12 municipalities are home to citizens of many ethnicities and countries of origin. Therefore, the county welcomes food trucks and craft vendors to apply for participation in this festival.

The festival, will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., celebrating diverse cultures through live music and traditional dance performances, authentic food trucks, a beer garden, art demonstrations, heritage crafters, activities for children, and more.

Those who want to participate in this year’s Cultural Festival as either a craft vendor (selling cultural/heritage-related goods) or as a food truck/vendor, should fill out the online form below by April 1, 2024.

Given the growing success of the annual Cultural Festival, The Division of Culture & Heritage has put a cap on the number of craft and food vendors able to participate.

The program management will review all the submitted applications to ensure this year’s Cultural Festival is as diverse as possible, in order to determine this year’s food truck and craft vendor festival line-up. Those who are selected to participate will be notified by April 8, 2024. Payment will be processed after the line-up is determined.

Click the following link to apply:

For more information, please call the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage at

(609) 278-2712 or e-mail culturalfestival@mercercounty.org.

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Mercer County Clerk to hold another passport event in West Windsor

The Mercer County Clerk’s Office is very excited to co-host yet another passport outreach event in West Windsor Township with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 1 p.m. to  6 p.m.

 

Please join us if you need a passport or passport renewal.

 

Note that appointments are on a first come first serve basis and will fill up fast!

 

For more information visit the Mercer County Clerk’s website Passports | Mercer County, NJ

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Donatella Versace and Dwyane Wade host L.A. LGBT Center event, designer gets stuck in elevator: ‘One of her security ripped open the doors’

Talk about a fashion emergency. Donatella Versace got stuck in an elevator at the Los Angeles LGBT Center on Friday night on her way to co-host an event for the organization with Dwyane Wade.

 

Staffers at the center immediately called the fire department, but sources say the fashion designer’s security took care of things.

 

“One of her security ripped open the doors,” an onlooker said.

 

Fortunately, the mishap didn’t stop the event from continuing.

 

Not only was it announced that Versace donated $50,000 to the center, but she was also named its first global ambassador.

 

“I feel so honored to be here tonight,” Versace said, after being introduced by Wade, adding, “It’s so emotional for me — but also because I was stuck in the elevator. I thought I was never going to make it to this roof, but I did. But it’s an honor to be here. But please, donate and vote.”

 

Wade also announced that his family – wife Gabrielle Union and daughter Zaya Wade joined him at the party – was donating $50,000. A few minutes later, Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno revealed that the dating app also was giving $50,000 to the center.

 

 

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— Variety