Fund for Irish Studies Series at PU Presents a Conversation with Novelist Roddy Doyle

Princeton University’s Fund for Irish Studies presents a conversation with award winning novelist, dramatist, and screenwriter Roddy Doyle led by scholar and critic Frintan O’Toole, co-chair of the series, on Friday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Princeton’s Howard G.B. Clark University Professor of the Humanities Paul Muldoon, co-chair of the series, will provide a welcome and introduction. The event opens the 2021-22 series, which will be virtual for the fall. The event is free and open to the public.

Doyle has written 12 novels, including The Commitments; Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, for which he won the Booker Prize in 1993; The Woman Who Walked Into Doors; and, most recently, Love. His latest book, a story collection called Life Without Children,will be published in the U.S. in spring 2022. Doyle has written eight books for children. He has also written for screen and stage. He is the co-founder of Fighting Words, which aims to help Irish children and young people to discover and harness the power of their own imaginations and creative writing skills. He lives in Dublin. more

“The Art of Deception”: A Duck Decoy Workshop with Master Carver Jode Hillman

Join Morven Museum & Garden on Sunday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a special workshop presentation with duck decoy Master Carver Jode Hillman. “The Art of Deception: Techniques and Theory of Creating a Three-Dimensional Black Duck Silhouette Decoy” will be an on-site class, held outdoors, masked, and socially distanced. All supplies and materials will be provided. Lunch will also be included from Brick Farm Market (selections to be made the week before class). Attendees are asked to dress for the outdoors and weather. Class size is limited to eight students. more

Drew University Named a Princeton Review Best College Once Again

Makes top lists for theater, race/class interaction, and radio station

Drew University has made The Princeton Review’s annual “The Best 387” nation’s top schools. Drew has made the list every year since its debut in 1992.

The list, which includes only about 14 percent of the schools in the country, praised Drew for its 60-plus majors and minors, seven NYC semesters, top-ranked theater program, impressive science departments, engaging and dedicated faculty, and myriad research opportunities. more

Princeton Health Names Medical Director for Cancer Programs

Noah A. Goldman, MD, a gynecologic oncology specialist who has taught at five medical schools during the past two decades, has joined Penn Medicine Princeton Health as the new medical director of cancer programs.

As medical director, Goldman will collaborate with administrative and medical staff leaders at Princeton Health and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to foster development of a comprehensive cancer program for central New Jersey.

Goldman also will see patients in Princeton Health’s new oncology suite in the Medical Arts Pavilion, adjacent to Princeton Medical Center (PMC). He is board certified in gynecologic oncology and obstetrics and gynecology. To schedule appointments in the oncology suite, call 609.853.6590. more

Urban Insider: Fall Essentials

Tailgate in style with the latest looks from J.McLaughlin.

 more

Celebrate Oktoberfest with FOPOS

It’s been quite a year and Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) is ready to celebrate their dedicated crew of volunteers and the amazing accomplishments of 2020-21 with the festive Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mountain Lakes House, located at 57 Mountain Road in Princeton.

This rain or shine event will ring in the autumn spirit with local craft beers, hard cider, festive fare, and live music by the country sounds of Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves — all in the beautiful setting of Mountain Lakes House overlooking the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. more

A New Space for Spiritual Practice and Reflection

Outdoor labyrinth provides opportunity to focus on spiritual well-being

A new outdoor labyrinth is nestled behind the residential Witherspoon Apartments on Princeton Theological Seminary’s Charlotte Rachel Wilson Campus. Along with many helping hands, Student Life Resident Daniel Heath, MDiv ’20, dreamed of the idea and coordinated the design and recent completion of the labyrinth.

The previously unused space is now an ecofriendly gathering place for students and their families with a labyrinth at the center. At nearly 50 feet in diameter, it is one of the largest labyrinths in the Princeton area. more

Fall Open House at Arts Council of Princeton

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) invites the community to a Fall Open House on Saturday, September 18 from 1-3 p.m.

Free and open to the public, the Fall Open House will feature the inaugural ACP Pottery Throwdown where attendees can watch ceramic artists in friendly competition while competing in various challenges on the potter’s wheel. In addition, each studio will be filled with opportunities to watch artists at work and discover the variety of classes and workshops the Arts Council has to offer, including painting and drawing, dance, textile art, clay, and more. more

Hopewell Theater Reopens September 10 with Performance by Danielia Cotton

After a year and a half pandemic shutdown, Hopewell Theater is reopening its doors on Friday, September 10 at 8 p.m. — the date of the Theater’s four-year anniversary — with a grand reopening show featuring international recording artist Danielia Cotton.

The event begins with a pre-show party at 6:30 p.m., followed by the 8 p.m. live music performance by Cotton.

“Happy to be a part of the official reopening of my hometown theater post COVID lockdown,” said Cotton, a rock singer-songwriter born and raised in Hopewell. “It is my honor to once again perform in this small but mighty theater that has become a true gem in the town I grew up in.” more

Landmark Hospitality Relaunches Iconic Logan Inn

The company revives the centuries-old property through history, delectable cuisine, and style.

Landmark Hospitality announces the reopening of the Logan Inn in New Hope, Pa. Established in 1727 and steeped in tradition, the Logan Inn stands as the oldest operating inn in America. After two years of construction, Landmark Hospitality completed an expansion and renovation of the property, transforming it into a boutique hotel experience and curated entertainment for travelers and locals. The revitalized inn joins Landmark Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of adaptive reuse projects across the tri-state area. more

Jasper Johns: “Mind/Mirror” Joint Exhibition

Flag, 1954–55, by Jasper Johns (American, born 1930) (The Museum of Modern Art, New York: Gift of Philip Johnson in honor of Alfred H. Barr, Jr., 106.1973) © Jasper Johns/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

From September 29 through February 13, 2022, patrons and art lovers will have the opportunity to see, in-person, a 65-year survey of the artist Jasper Johns’ works of contemporary art at both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. more

New York City Wine and Food Festival is Back

The Food Network and Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF), presented by Capital One, will be held this year on October 14-17. The four-day annual event showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, culinary personalities, and America’s most beloved television chefs while raising critical funds to support New Yorkers affected by severe illness and food poverty. Proceeds will benefit Food Bank for New York City and God’s Love We Deliver. more

Montclair State Awarded $1.4M to Address Impacts of COVID-19

State grants will increase student engagement and support academic progress.

Montclair State University will receive more than $1.4 million from the state of New Jersey to support programs that help to address the impacts of COVID-19 on postsecondary students.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges announced the grants on July 12, with Montclair State among 35 public and public-mission private institutions receiving $30 million in state aid to implement vetted best practices that increase college completion, address barriers to student success, and develop sustainable systemic reforms. more

Guided Outdoor Family Meditation at Grounds For Sculpture

On Sunday, September 19 from 10 to 11 a.m., join Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton for a wellness workshop led by Katie O’Brien. This outdoor, guided family-centric mediation promises to provide stress relief, relaxation, self-empowerment, and focus heading into the back-to-school season. Learn the art of mediation, a life-changing tool for many, which children of all ages can learn to practice with the support of a family member.

Elements of sound, drumming, and vocal toning exercises will be incorporated with the intention to facilitate body awareness and mindfulness, followed by a fun and freeing movement meditation. This workshop is designed for children ages 5 and up and their adult caretakers. Admission is $25 for adults ($10 for members) and $15 for children ($5 for members). more

WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft

The 22nd annual Festival of Fine Craft at WheatonArts offers two days of an art and shopping experience for the entire family with more than 125 juried artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their works. Visitors will also partake in special artist demonstrations, hands-on family art activities, a Beer and Wine Garden, Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser, live music, and more.

This year’s event will be held on October 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WheatonArts is located on 45 wooded acres at 1000 Village Drive in Millville, New Jersey (GPS address). This historic organization is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Fellowship Program, New Jersey’s largest Folklife Program, Artist Studios (hot glass, pottery, and flameworking), Museum Stores, and nature trails. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (62+), and $7 for students. Members and children under age 5 are free. more

LBI ChowderMonth 2021

Typically, the annual Long Beach Island (LBI) Chowderfest signifies the end of the summer season on the Jersey Shore. To extend the festivities this year, Chowderfest is becoming ChowderMonth, a month-long celebration of delicious chowders and seafood stews in Ocean County, New Jersey. Dine at participating restaurants from September 4 through October 2, then vote online for your favorite chowder dish and restaurant!

To participate, first go to chowderfest.com to download a pass. You will instantly receive your pass via text and email. Your pass can also be saved to your home screen on your smartphone for easy, one-tap access. When you arrive at your destination, simply click “check in,” then allow GPS to validate your current location. The final step is to vote for your favorite chowder in Red, White, and Creative categories at any participating restaurant. Voting closes at 11:55 p.m. on October 2. more

Trenton Music Makers Orchestra is Growing

There’s nothing like drawing in an even larger group of your community’s kids because of your community’s own generosity.

Trenton Music Makers was honored to learn that it would be part of the cohort of grantees supported by the Trenton Arts Endowment Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The Fund will support the live 2021-22 opening of the after-school orchestra’s “Open Strings” project, begun online during the earliest days of the pandemic lockdown. more

Urban Insider: Back to School

Yale University

Be prepared for whatever the new school year brings with these fun and fitting gifts and accessories.

 more

Drew University Announces New Cybersecurity, Statistics Majors; Dual-Degree with NYU

As of August 2021, Drew University in Madison, N.J., has announced the addition of new majors in cybersecurity and statistics, as well as a dual-degree cybersecurity program with New York University. These new majors join an already robust selection of concentrations from the liberal arts college.

The new major in cybersecurity will be available in fall 2021. The program will offer a liberal arts approach with flexibility through elective offerings for students to choose emphases in software, systems, or interdisciplinary contexts.

Undergraduate degrees in cybersecurity are a rarity in higher education and the program’s liberal arts emphasis will further separate it from the few contemporary programs offered in the U.S. more

Asbury Park Fall Bazaar 2021

The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar returns on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Asbury Park Convention Hall. Come celebrate local makers, musicians, and artists living and working in Asbury Park. This year’s event will include shopping from the best local and regional artisans along with DIY craft workshops, vintage photo booth trailers, live DJs, handmade selfie walls, and delicious food and libations from The Anchor’s Bend and Asbury Oyster Bar. more

Experience the Benefits of Cryotherapy at 4 Elements Wellness Center

Escape from daily life at 4 Elements Wellness Center in Princeton. Whether you have 5 minutes or several hours, 4 Elements is a place where nature and cutting-edge science are combined for improved health and positivity.

Designed to embrace your curiosity and lift your spirits from the moment you enter their doors, 4 Elements offers a wealth of rejuvenating services. One of the most cutting-edge is Cryotherapy. 4 Elements offers full-body, localized, and Cryo facial therapy. Their Pagani Cryo T-Shock has been used in Europe since 2014 to kill fat cells, reduce cellulite, tighten loose skin, and slow the overall signs of aging. more

Dino Safari at Westfield Garden State Plaza

Now through September 6, grab a prehistoric passport and join over 40 giant moving dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, a completely drive-thru dino adventure for the whole family at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus.

Get up-close-and-personal with the most fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. Rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus from Africa while you learn how dinosaurs evolved over time, where on earth they lived, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. more

Virtual Discovery Day at Stuart Country Day School

Discover the Stuart advantage at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart’s Virtual Discovery Day on Tuesday, August 17 at 6 p.m. This event will provide prospective families and students with the opportunity to engage with current teachers, administrators, and students. Register online at https://www.stuartschool.org/admissions/register-for-an-open-classroom. For questions regarding the admissions application process, email Director of Admissions Joe Petitto at jpetitto@stuartschool.org.

As the only all-girls school in Princeton, Stuart has been educating girls for lives of exceptional leadership and service since 1963. Situated on 55 acres in the Princeton Ridge, Stuart provides an environment where girls put academics first and are willing to explore and take risks. The challenging curriculum includes the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as the arts, humanities, and athletics. Stuart enrolls girls in JK-12 and has a co-ed Early Childhood Program. more

New Telemedicine Services at Penn Medicine

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Penn Medicine is offering telemedicine appointments and consultations for a variety of specialties and services. These remote services include coronavirus screenings, new patient appointments, and follow-up care. More than 9,000 members of the Penn Medicine clinical staff are trained to provide telemedicine visits and participate in more than 7,000 appointments per day across the Penn Medicine system. The following Penn Medicine departments currently offer telemedicine appointments for new patients, with services being continually added: cancer, heart and vascular, bariatric surgery, orthopaedics, primary care, transplant, neurosciences, and neurosurgery. If you are already a Penn Medicine patient, contact your doctor to see if telemedicine appointments would work for you. more

New Jersey’s Brown’s Best Raw Pet Food Features Farm Fresh Ingredients

Crafted right in New Jersey, Brown’s Best Premium Raw Pet Food is chef-created and nutrient packed for your favorite dog.

Using restaurant-quality, farm fresh ingredients like grade A beef, chicken, turkey, and more, Brown’s delivers superior nutritional benefits. The result is healthier, happier dogs, and reduced health concerns such as red eyes, dry skin, allergies, loose stools, low energy, and excessive shedding. Brown’s ships across New Jersey and is manufactured in Bergen County’s Harrington Park. Their website and 24/7 customer service phone line will answer all of your questions about transitioning your dog to a raw food diet. You can also visit their physical store at 68 Schraalenburgh Road in Harrington Park. more

Fantastic Fungi and How to Draw Them

Did you know that September is National Fungus Month?

Join Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve of Bucks County virtually to celebrate these fascinating organisms by learning the basics of mushroom foraging and documenting fungi using a sketchbook. This multi-week course runs from Tuesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. through Tuesday, September 28 at 8:30 p.m. Develop your drawing skills by depicting mushrooms in graphite. Go on to create a pleasing composition and design a watercolor painting. These virtual lessons are suitable for all age levels. more

Urban Insider: New Arrivals From J.McLaughlin

Image Source: www.jmclaughlin.com

The August Edit includes earth tones, easy silhouettes, lots of layering and covetable accessories.

 more

Identify Birds You See or Hear with Merlin Bird ID

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recently launched a free birding app, called Merlin Bird ID, which enables users to identify the birds they see or hear, anywhere, at any time. 

The Bird ID Wizard asks users to answer three simple questions about the bird they are trying to identify, and Merlin will reply with a list of possible matches. Merlin offers quick and accurate identification for all levels of bird watchers to help them learn about birds across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. Sample questions may include, “What size was the bird?” “What were the main colors?” and “What was the bird doing?”  more

Poets at the Princeton Public Library, August 16

On August 16, from 7 to 8 p.m., Princeton Public Library presents a virtual Poets at the Library featuring readers Catherine Doty and John David Muth. Each reader will share their work for 20 minutes followed by an open mic session. Poets who sign-up in advance may share one poem during open mic. To sign-up via crowdcast to attend this virtual event, or to reserve a spot during open mic, visit https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/5414024.

Doty is a poet, cartoonist, and educator from Paterson. She is the author of Wonderama and Momentum, volumes of poems from CavanKerry Press and Just Kidding, a collection of cartoons from Avocet Press. She is the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as an Academy of American Poets Prize and fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts. more

Pick-Your-Own Sunflowers at Alan’s Flower Farm

Sunflower season is here and what better way to enjoy these beautiful blooms than to take a trip to Alan’s Flower Farm in Allentown. 

From sunflowers to hydrangeas, lavender, dahlias, peonies, mixed bouquets, and summer annuals, Alan’s bucolic fields contain a wide variety of blooms. In season now, sunflowers are harvested from July to October. These regal blooms are an instant pick-me-up and look wonderful as a table setting or dried and added to a hanging wreath.  more