Thursdays in May at Morven Museum Spring Chamber Concert Line-Up

The Thursday, May 6 at 6pm series-opening concert Springtime Strings showcases the PSO Strings. On the program are Jessie Montgomery's Strum and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings.

On Thursday, May 13 at 6pm, Boyd Meets Girl features the duo of Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf. The pair are known for an eclectic and engaging range of repertoire.

Momenta Quartet performs Thursday, May 20 at 6pm. The quartet's artistic vision encompasses contemporary music of all aesthetic backgrounds alongside great music from the recent and distant past. Its members are Emilie-Anne Gendron and Alex Shiozaki, violins, Stephanie Griffin, viola, and Michael Haas, cello.

Concluding the spring series on Thursday, May 27 at 6pm, the America the Beautiful concert includes works by American composers performed by the PSO Brass Quintet. Quintet members are Jerry Bryant and Thomas Cook, trumpets, Lars Wendt, trombone, Jonathan Clark, horn, and Jonathan Fowler, tuba.

The opening concert will be at Morven Museum & Garden's Education Center; the remaining three concerts will be at the adjacent Pool House, both with outdoor seating. Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. There is ample free parking at the end of the museum's driveway. Patrons should plan on bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Tickets are available for $35/pod at princetonsymphony.org or by calling 609-497-0020.

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NJBPU Approves Three-Year ZECs for Hope Creek, Salem One, and Salem Two Nuclear Power Plants

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved three-year Zero Emission Certificates (ZECs) for Hope Creek, Salem One, and Salem Two nuclear power plants located in South Jersey. At a total of $300 million, the certificates ensure that the plants, which supply the State with over 90 percent of in-state carbon-free generation and 37.5 percent of its overall in-state energy supply will remain operational. The Board's decision secures the single largest source of the State's overall clean energy power supply, which would otherwise be replaced by sources such as fossil gas, increasing emissions at a time when combatting the climate crisis amid a worldwide pandemic is paramount.

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Mercer County to Resurface Section of Parkway Ave. in Ewing, Trenton

Due to deteriorated pavement surface conditions, Parkway Avenue (County Route 634) between Route 31 and West Ingham Avenue in Ewing Township and the City of Trenton is scheduled for milling and resurfacing by the Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Work is expected to begin Monday, May 3, with an anticipated completion time of approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

During construction, work will be completed in two phases:
• The first phase will consist of milling and paving Parkway Avenue from Route 31 to Prospect Street. A detour will be posted directing motorists to use Prospect Street, Route 31 and Parkway Avenue.
• The second phase will consist of milling and paving Parkway Avenue from Prospect Street to West Ingham Avenue. A detour will be posted directing motorists to use Prospect Street, Route 31, Kelsey Avenue and West Ingham Avenue.

Roadwork and detours will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Access will be permitted for local businesses, residents, and service and emergency vehicles. No parking will be permitted on Parkway Avenue between Route 31 and Prospect Street and between Spruce Street and Buttonwood Drive during County working hours.

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The League of Women Voter Hosts New Jersey Assembly in Legislative District 16 Virtual Forum

The three Democratic candidates running for New Jersey Assembly in Legislative District 16 will meet in a virtual forum on Thursday, May 6 at 7:30PM. To view the webinar live, register at TheMontyNews.com. Questions for the candidates may be emailed to the League of Women Voters at lwvprinceton@gmail.com by April 30. A recording of the forum will be posted at VOTE411.org and at lwvprinceton.org and will be rebroadcast by Princeton Community TV. See lwvprinceton.org for up-to-date information and broadcast times. 

The deadline to register for the June 8 Primary Election is May 18. Voters may apply for a Mail-In Ballot by mail up to 7 days prior to the election. Please note: citizens who are on parole or probation may now vote, but they must register or re-register if they had registered before incarceration.

The League of Women Voters encourages civic engagement. Board (poll) workers are needed for the Primary Election and for the General Election, when early voting will require many more board workers. Students aged 16-17 may work half-days if their parents and school give permission. Shifts are 6:00AM-1:00PM and 1:00-8:15PM, with a 30 minute break and compensation of $100. Students aged 18 and adults registered to vote may work half-days 5:15AM-1:00PM and 1:00-8:15PM at $100 with no break or full days at $200 with an hour break. Contact your county board of elections for an application. Students should ask whether a special student application is required.

 

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Two Morris County Horses Test Positive For Equine Herpes Virus

 

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has quarantined a property in Morris County after two horses developed the highly infectious equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM).  Both horses, 17-year-old and 20-year-old Quarter Horse geldings, developed clinical signs on April 18, 2021. The horses were administered prompt treatment and have improved clinically. EHM is the often-deadly neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection.  Other horses on the premises are under quarantine as temperatures are also being taken twice daily on all quarantined horses to monitor for sickness. The NJDA is tracing and notifying the appropriate parties regarding recent horse movement.

“The Department took swift action in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading to other horses by enacting a quarantine, which stops movement of horses in and out of the properties and puts in place preventive measures to contain the virus,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher said.

The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and the neurologic form of the virus can result in death.  The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days. Clinical signs include respiratory disease, fever, nasal discharge, depression, cough, lack of appetite, and/or enlarged lymph nodes. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs typically include mild incoordination, hind end weakness/paralysis, loss of bladder and tail function, and loss of sensation to the skin in the hind end. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials. While highly infectious, the virus does not persist in the environment for an extended period and is neutralized by hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sunlight. The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, except for llamas and alpacas.

Concerned owners should consult with their veterinarian prior to taking any action as the clinical signs of infection with the neurological form of EHV-1 (EHM) are common to many other diseases. EHM is a reportable disease in New Jersey.  If an owner has a horse exhibiting neurologic signs or suspects Equine Herpes, they are directed to call their veterinarian immediately.

 

The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist veterinarians with the EHV-1 testing. For contact information, please visit the lab website at www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov.

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Stream Cleanup - Volunteers Wanted!

Annual stream cleanup in cooperation between the Montgomery Twp. Environmental Commission / Sustainable Montgomery and the Watershed, Pennington, NJ.

Saturday April 24, 9-11AM
Hobler Park (1645 Great Road, Skillman)

Pre-registration is required – please pick your time:

9-10AM:
https://thewatershed.doubleknot.com/event/montgomery-stream-cleanup-9am-start/2794024

10-11AM:
https://thewatershed.doubleknot.com/event/montgomery-stream-cleanup-10am-start/2794025

Limited to 25 participants. T-shirts will be provided to participants.

Social distancing will be observed during this outdoor event.

Event held rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, and long pants. Bring water and your own snack. Bring your own gloves, if you have a pair, or gloves will be provided. Masks must be worn. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions? Contact Erin Stretz: estretz@thewatershed.org

The Watershed Institute also has suggestions on how to clean up litter from your yard & your neighborhood (safely): https://thewatershed.org/stream-cleanups/

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Virtual Town Halls to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is hosting two free virtual town halls aimed at addressing facts, fears and myths related to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Registration is required for both. When participants register, they can submit questions that they would like addressed during the town hall.

The first, "Saving Lives with the COVID-19 Vaccine in NJ Asian-American Communities," takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 20. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/39EjPYt. The town hall will be moderated by Janine Llamzon, a nurse with St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, and will feature Dr. Hafeza Shaikh, Cherry Hill Free Clinic and cofounder of CommUNITY SJP; and Dr. Naveen Merohtra, pediatrician and adjunct faculty member, Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

A second "Saving Lives with the COVID-19 Vaccine" town hall, for the general public, will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 27. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3rRLrPX.

This town hall, moderated by Dr. Meg Fisher, special adviser to NJDOH Commissioner Judith Persichilli, will feature Dr. Irini Daskalaki, a pediatric infectious disease physician, medical epidemiologist and Medical Lead, COVID-19 Response, Princeton University Health Services; Dr. Hafeza Shaikh, Cherry Hill Free Clinic and co-founder of CommUNITY SJP; and Dr. Tamara Green, a board-certified emergency medicine physician.

Three earlier town halls focused on the Black and Caribbean, and Latinx communities (in English/Spanish) and are on the NJDOH YouTube Channel.

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Mercer County Park Commission to Conduct Prescribed Burn at Baldplate Mountain

The Mercer County Park Commission has approved a prescribed burn plan to be implemented by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) at Baldpate Mountain. The Forest Fire Service has worked in collaboration with the Park Commission's Stewardship Department in recent months to develop the plan, which is tailored to improve the ecological condition of the Park Commission-managed natural area.

The primary goal of this prescribed burn is to perform large-scale invasive species management in forest blocks that have high ash tree composition. The Park Commission is planning to restore the forest areas affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect. In some parts of the forest on Baldpate Mountain, ash is one-quarter of the forest's canopy, and in small areas, up to 75 percent of the canopy. Prescribed fire will assist in the preparation of these sites for future reforestation efforts by controlling non-native invasive understory plants and promoting regeneration of native species. A prescribed burn is planned for approximately 126 acres of the park.

The fire will be lit, monitored and managed by the Forest Fire Service officials who have undergone rigorous training and are experienced in conducting safe and effective prescribed burns. All appropriate safety measures and precautions will be taken by those performing the burn. Specific conditions must be met to burn, including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction. The NJFFS estimates one to two days of prescribed burning at Baldpate Mountain.

The burn will take place either prior to May 1, 2021 or after Oct. 1, 2021. Once the Section Warden determines conditions fall within safe range, the Park Commission, township and emergency response officials will be notified 48 hours before the burn. Baldpate will be closed to the public during and after the burn.

Closures will be posted at all entrances, crossings and trailheads, as well as on the Park Commission website and social media pages. The park will remain closed until the NJFFS determines the location safe to reopen.

Due to the high number of dead ash trees in the burn blocks, heavy smoldering and falling trees are anticipated for several days after the burn. It is normal for standing dead trees and downed logs to smolder and produce smoke after the prescribed burn. Upon reopening of the park to the public, park users are REQUIRED to remain on marked trails while visiting the park.

Fire encourages native seed germination, reduces invasive plant pressure, and cycles nutrients into the soil; these effects all aid in increasing habitat quality and diversity, while promoting forest regeneration and understory establishment. In recent years, land managers throughout the state have increasingly been using this management tool for its ecological benefits and to reduce the chance of forest fires. 

For more information on the Baldpate Mountain prescribed burns, including frequently asked questions, maps and resources, please visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

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Mercer, Penn Princeton Health to Partner on COVID-19 Vaccination Program

The County of Mercer and Penn Medicine Princeton Health are partnering to expand the availability of COVID-19 vaccination opportunities in Mercer County, announced Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. "This public-private partnership will provide convenient and free vaccinations to our residents, and we are excited to have Princeton Health come onboard to help us meet the needs of the community during this pandemic," Mr. Hughes said.

Beginning May 6, Princeton Health will manage the second of Mercer County's fixed-base vaccination sites, located at the lounge at Mercer County Park's rink. In addition, Princeton Health will provide staff to operate Mercer County's new mobile unit, which will schedule community-based vaccination clinics at locations throughout the county to vaccinate underserved and hard-to-reach populations, such as the elderly or those without transportation. The other vaccination clinic, in collaboration with Capital Health, is at CURE Arena in the City of Trenton.

"COVID-19 is the greatest public health challenge in our lifetime, and vaccinating as many members of our community as possible is a crucial step forward," said Princeton Health CEO James Demetriades. "We are excited to work with Mercer County to build on our efforts to date, which have included administering more than 25,000 vaccines to community members and our staff.  This initiative has included providing pop-up clinics at more than a dozen locations across Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties, where we administered 2,300 vaccines to educators and school employees."

The next phase of the community-based vaccination program will include deploying the new mobile unit to locations on the eastern side of Mercer County, where there is a large older adult population and community diversity. "Among my priorities is ensuring equitable access to vaccinations, and just as FEMA was able to target high-need communities in Trenton, which was hit particularly hard by the virus, we must ensure that all residents have ease of access and availability to the vaccine. We are grateful to our newest health partner, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, for this important collaboration," Mr. Hughes added.

For the past couple of months, Mercer County has operated a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the gymnasium of Mercer County Community College's West Windsor Campus in conjunction with the college and municipal health departments. The site has relied heavily on MCCC nursing students and volunteers to administer vaccine to residents. With nursing students preparing to leave at the end of the spring semester in early May, the County is transitioning its MCCC vaccination site to the lounge area in the skating center, which is in proximity to the previous site, is a county-owned venue, and has space and parking convenient for elderly residents and individuals with disabilities.

At the fixed sites, vaccination appointments will be required and individuals must be registered in the New Jersey Vaccination Scheduling System (NJVSS). Go to https://covidvaccine.nj.gov to register for a vaccine appointment.

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The Jewish Center Participates in The Daffodil Project

 

Members of The Jewish Center gathered outside the building this past Sunday for a memorial ceremony to remember the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust. Over 250 daffodils were planted back in October in their honor along the side of the building.

The Daffodil Project is a worldwide effort to remember the children of the Holocaust by planting 1.5 million daffodils around the world, one for each child who died, as well as to remember the children who are suffering from humanitarian crises taking place in the world today.

Daffodils were chosen because of their yellow bell that resembles the Star of David, the symbol of Judaism, as well as the yellow stars the Jewish people were required to wear during the Holocaust. Yellow is also the color of remembrance and hope.

The Jewish Center is one of over 266 locations that participated in The Daffodil Project around the globe. The project was created by Am Yisrael Chai, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia.

At The Jewish Center, people who came in attendance were given small daffodil cut outs on their jackets with the name of a child who died in the Holocaust written on it. The memorial started with an introduction from Pamela Zaifman, the leader of The Daffodil Project at The Jewish Center, who shared that both of her parents were Holocaust survivors.

She was then followed by 6 children, one for every million people who were killed in the Holocaust, who each read a poem from a child that was in a concentration camp or ghetto. Rabbi Elliot Schoenberg then spoke after the children before the plaque dedicated to The Daffodil Project was unveiled against the outer wall of the building.

"This experience has been very meaningful not only to the ladies who helped initiate The Daffodil Project here, but to everyone at the synagogue. The memorial felt even more symbolic with the bright flowers against the gloomy day" stated Joel Berger, Executive Director of The Jewish Center.

For more information, please contact info@thejewishcenter.com, call (609)-921-0100 or visit thejewishcenter.org. 

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Spring Planting Volunteer Opportunity

Join the Stewardship team in a spring planting at Rosedale Park with a focus on beautifying areas next to the Lawrence Hopewell Trail extension. The goal will be to install over 1,500 native trees and shrubs this spring, and to make this effort happen we are seeking help from volunteers. The large planting project is a yearlong effort that involves planting, fence installation, and invasive species management. This effort will make Rosedale Lake, the Stony Brook, and Rosedale Park an even better place to recreate and enjoy nature.

Click here to register

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County to Rsurface Section of Whitehead Road in Hamilton

Due to deteriorated pavement surface conditions, Whitehead Road (County Route 616) between East State Street (CR 535) and 3rd Street in Hamilton Township is scheduled for milling and resurfacing by the Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Work is expected to begin Monday, April 26, with an anticipated completion time of approximately two weeks, weather permitting.


During construction, Whitehead Road will be closed to through traffic from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Motorists will be directed to use Sweetbriar Avenue, Sloan Avenue, Klockner Road and East State Street; however, access will be permitted for local residents, businesses, and service and emergency vehicles. Normal traffic conditions will resume at all other times.

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Mercer County Announces Installation of Electric Car Chargers

Ownership of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is growing by the year, and with an eye toward that trend, Mercer County is committed to the inclusion of sustainable practices such as the support of EVs. To meet the growing need for vehicle charging stations, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announces that Mercer County has been awarded a grant of $88,000 to install EV charging stations at close to a dozen county-owned locations.

The funding comes through the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection's Pay$ to Plug In Program, which was designed to expand the state's growing network of electric vehicle infrastructure, allowing residents, businesses and government agencies to purchase and drive electric vehicles.

"Studies show that range anxiety, the fear that the car will somehow run out of power, is a fear that keeps consumers from investing in electric vehicles, and our goal is to expand the opportunities to charge a vehicle and further educate consumers on the environmental benefits of gasoline alternatives," Mr. Hughes said.

The transportation sector accounts for 46 percent of the New Jersey's net greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest emissions source in the state, according to drivegreen.nj.gov. By installing EV charging stations on county property, Mercer County can help to slow climate change and reduce air pollution while providing an essential service for the growing number of EV drivers in the region, Mr. Hughes added.  Additionally, the number of EVs will likely increase due to the initiatives from the New Jersey State government to promote the purchasing of electric vehicles. 

On recommendation of the Mercer County Planning Department, the new charging stations will be installed at:

• Mercer County Administration Building, 640 South Broad St., Trenton
• Mercer Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing
• Hopewell Valley Golf Course, 114 Pennington-Hopewell Road, Hopewell
• Mercer County Improvement Authority, 80 Hamilton Ave., Trenton
• Mercer County Boathouse, 334 South Post Road, West Windsor
• Mercer Oaks Golf Course, 725 Village Road West, West Windsor
• Mountain View Golf Course, 850 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing
• Princeton Country Club, Wheeler Way, West Windsor
• Mercer Meadows (Hunt House), 197 Blackwell Road, Pennington
• Mercer County Technical Schools Assunpink Center, 1085 Old Trenton Road, Hamilton
• Mercer County Technical Schools Sypek Center, 129 Bull Run Road, Ewing

It Pay$ to Plug In provides grants to purchase, install and maintain EV charging stations in New Jersey.  Eligible costs include those necessary for and directly related to, the acquisition, installation, operation and maintenance of new EV charging stations.

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Free at-Home Saliva Test for COVID-19

Mercer County has arranged for a free at-home saliva test for COVID-19 in partnership with Vault Health Services. The saliva test is available to County residents 14 years or older and anyone employed as a first responder or health care worker in Mercer County. Details on the at-home testing program, along with a list of COVID-19 testing locations in Mercer County, can be found on the COVID-19 Testing page on the County website.

Testing Information

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Trenton Thunder to Host Triple-A Buffalo Bisons During the 2021 Baseball Season

 

TRENTON -- The Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, along with County Executive Brian M. Hughes are excited to announce that they will host the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. "After 27 years serving as the Double-A home of the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, we are excited to welcome the highest level of Minor League Baseball to New Jersey," said Jeff Hurley, GM & COO, Trenton Thunder. "We look forward to working with the Bisons, Blue Jays, and Major League Baseball to make this a successful season start." "Mercer County and everyone at the Thunder are proud to welcome the Buffalo Bisons to one of the top ballparks in America," said Joe Plumeri, Owner, Trenton Thunder. "Our family of fans will be able to root for future Blue Jays big leaguers against the top prospects from the Phillies, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Nationals, while enjoying the beautiful setting along the banks of the Delaware. GO THUNDER!" Mercer County has made this a top-rated facility year after year, so it was a welcome home for the Bisons to start the season. "This is terrific news for Mercer County, our Capital City and baseball fans throughout the region who are eager to root for the Thunder again this season," said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. "The county's investments in the stadium in conjunction with Thunder management have ensured that it remains a first-rate facility for players and fans alike, and we look forward to another exciting summer at the ballpark." Over the years, Mercer County has continued to make improvements around the ballpark to keep up with Major League standards. Some larger projects include updating ballpark lighting, new stadium seats, new infield grass, and new wall pads along the lower level of the outfield wall to ensure player safety. The Thunder are proud to support Triple-A baseball this season as well as the MLB Draft League. Additional details will be announced shortly as they look to continue this multi-faceted partnership with Major League Baseball. GAME TICKETS

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Primary Election June 8

TRENTON - Some voters expressed a desire to be able to vote in a voting machine last year when the Coronavirus and the State of NJ required an exclusively vote-by-mail election. This year, voting will return to normal. For the upcoming Primary Election on June 8, New Jersey will be returning to a traditional election where voters can choose to vote at the polls or by mail. This means that voters will not receive a vote-by-mail ballot in the mail unless they apply for one, or if they have requested to always receive a vote by mail ballot “for all future elections.”

Voters who remain concerned about contracting Covid-19, or who cannot otherwise get to the polls, are encouraged to apply to vote by mail for the upcoming June 8 Primary Election. In New Jersey, any registered voter can vote by mail for any reason. Voters do not have to be sick, working, or out of town to request a ballot, so this remains a viable option for those who prefer to vote from home.

On the ballot this June are races for offices ranging from Governor of New Jersey, to the entire State legislature, to Mercer County, and local municipal races as well as for partisan State Committee seats.

The voter registration deadline for this election is May 18. A registered voter may apply for a ballot by completing and mailing an easy Vote-By-Mail application by June 1. The deadline for walk-in voters is June 7 at 3 p.m.

We will also offer extended hours to walk into the County Clerk’s office to pick up a ballot and vote by mail. Those hours are Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The address of the Mercer County Clerk’s Office is 209 South Broad Street, Trenton, N.J. 08608.

Also new this year, the Mercer County Clerk’s Office is offering vote by mail instructions in many languages including: English, Spanish, Hindi, Gujarati, Chinese, Polish, Urdu, and Haitian Creole!

Just check our website or call the Office at 609-989-6494, or email us with your address, MercerVotes@MercerCounty.org, and we will send them to you.

To request a Vote-by-Mail application, voters can call 609-989-6494 or the email above. Vote-by-Mail applications also are available on the web at www.mercercounty.org/countyclerk on the Elections page. The State Division of Elections website also offers vote-by-mail ballots in five languages. That website is http://www.njelections.org/voting-information-vote-by-mail.html. The ballots will be mailed out to you once they are printed.

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United Way Offers Free Financial Coaching

United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) has partnered with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a nonprofit organization, to provide financial coaching and debt management services free of cost to families in Mercer County struggling to make ends meet amid COVID-19. To access the financial coaching service, visit www.uwgmc.org/financialcoaching. Information is also available in Spanish.

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