This Thursday's monthly meeting for the Advisory Council of Office on Aging was especially interesting as Martin DeNero, Director of Mercer County TRADE Transportation, delivered an eye-opening look at the dynamics and challenges facing transportation providers in NJ's present economic climate.
Director DeNero announced that there is a hearing on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 2:00pm, at the offices of TRADE, 300 Scotch Road, Building 1, Trenton, NJ 08628, located at the Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. This hearing is an opportunity for residents and users of TRADE services to provide input and comment on present services in order for TRADE to apply for funding under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program...
A question from an Office on Aging Board Member, concerning the outlook for service demands in the future, was answered by Mr. DeNero who estimated that TRADE can presently manage only about 30 percent of projected future customers.
This means that elders and disabled users of these transportation services have to let New Jersey Transit and the Mercer County Coalition for Coodinated Transportation know how much we need TRADE.
We applaud these efforts to serve the community. TRADE is taken for granted and every year they have to fight for funding. Being able to serve only 30 percent of future riders means that everyone will suffer.
Right now TRADE takes the disabled to work and provides rides for seniors to go to nutrition centers. It also is a dependable means for seniors to go to the mall shopping or to that eye doctor appointment. The demand for services comes from persons who can no longer drive themselves, but are not in medical categories which would be served by Logisticare, and is growing due to the sheer numbers of baby boomers.
TRADE is barely handling the traffic now. Reservations are best made up to 14 days in advance and the good old days of a ride within 24 hours are but a memory. If the situation is not helped with funding, this worthwhile endeavor will suffer even more service lag.
In summary: write that email, mail that note, or better yet, go to the Tuesday meeting at 2 pm and make your voice heard. These folks deserve your support and....even a donation. The suggested dollar donation per ride brought in approximately $27,000 last year...the costof gas for only one month of rides.
Seniors Rock!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Artful Success for Trenton
Art All Night has gone into the record books for 2012. Final numbers are not in but it was a resounding success.
From artists to foodies, from musicians to videographers, this year streamed with excitement for everyone who came into our city for this annual celebration.
This was my fourth year as a volunteer and I guess I looked like I was having fun. Most of my friends asked how they could:
Get involved.
Get a cool T shirt.
Get involved.
Learn to paint.
Get involved.
Get lessons for their kids... So,of course, I suggested that they "Get involved."
Art Works has been around for years...and yet when I moved to Trenton it was a big mystery, part of the city urban grit that I was not able to deal with, part of an alien life style to this country mouse. I used to drive miles to attend workshops with the Willingboro Art Alliance because I did not realize that Art Works even existed.
Getting involved today is as easy as going to the Art Works website. Who knows, maybe I will see you there next year.
This entry is going to be short, my arm is a bit sore from hand stamping visitors during my volunteer shift (M'Lord there were thousands yesterday!) and I am still processing the impressions from the show.
Just one more thing: Artfull Codger sold a painting.
Yep, that's right. I sold my entry in this year's show. I have no idea who is going to take it home, or who did take it home already, but this Friday's Art Works reception is supposed to match the buyers with the producers.
I can hardly wait.
Art rocks.
From artists to foodies, from musicians to videographers, this year streamed with excitement for everyone who came into our city for this annual celebration.
This was my fourth year as a volunteer and I guess I looked like I was having fun. Most of my friends asked how they could:
Get involved.
Get a cool T shirt.
Get involved.
Learn to paint.
Get involved.
Get lessons for their kids... So,of course, I suggested that they "Get involved."
Art Works has been around for years...and yet when I moved to Trenton it was a big mystery, part of the city urban grit that I was not able to deal with, part of an alien life style to this country mouse. I used to drive miles to attend workshops with the Willingboro Art Alliance because I did not realize that Art Works even existed.
Getting involved today is as easy as going to the Art Works website. Who knows, maybe I will see you there next year.
This entry is going to be short, my arm is a bit sore from hand stamping visitors during my volunteer shift (M'Lord there were thousands yesterday!) and I am still processing the impressions from the show.
Just one more thing: Artfull Codger sold a painting.
Yep, that's right. I sold my entry in this year's show. I have no idea who is going to take it home, or who did take it home already, but this Friday's Art Works reception is supposed to match the buyers with the producers.
I can hardly wait.
Art rocks.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Art All Night 2012
You don't want to miss this!
Artworks' Art All Night explodes on the scene June 16 and 17 at the Roebling Wire Works building on Dye Street and South Clinton Avenue. This 24 hour art and music venue again celebrates the best of New Jersey's creative energy.
Over 900 artists and 15,000 visitors are expected to flood city streets and Chambersburg in what has become the area's most surprising and rewarding event.
Artist works of all ages,from seniors' water colors to kid's refrigerator art, are exhibited with the best of area professionals. There are drawings, oil paintings, sculpture and handicrafts. Artworks show committee has been screening films for a film gallery. There is interactive art where anyone can become part of the picture.
Combine that with 24 hours of music and bands, food to die for, a thrilling night time iron pour, and you feel for a time that we are in the same league as the really big cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York who subsidize and promote their art scenes for tourist dollars.
Rubbing elbows with noted artists creates a synergy, that is best viewed at night, when the ancient brick building fairly glows from the activity within.
It is worth noting thatTrenton Artworks success depends on a slim professional staff and many enthusiastic volunteers who keep coming back year after year. Each year's event starts planning "next year" the day after cleanup from the current event. The year of preparation and planning shows well in the smooth flow of attractions and low number of bumps in the road. Kudos to all the planners and sponsors who contribute so generously of their time.
The following is a sample of what visitors can expect:
Indoor Stage.
Astronaut Jones-acoustic rock.
Eddie West-folk music and instrumentalist Marty Rifkin
Kelly Carvin-endorsed by American Idol and Apollo Theater, nominated for Best Female Acoustic Act at Asbury Park
Jim Gavin-soloist/song writer who runs program at ARC for disabled adults
Edna's Kin-American bluegrass band
The Renagades-Jazz band lead Barry Wilcox
Rebop-jazz standards from WestWindsor-Plainsboro school district
Wakah Chan-Jazz funk ensemble
Dale J. Gordon-White Trash Jazz album offerings, sketch and skits
Drop Dead Sparrow-alternative rock band high energy
DJ Ms. Sue-community DJ of the year out of home base WTSR
Trenton House Society-DJ promoters Steve Hype and Fake Brit
DJ Tangency-Philly University of the Arts influenced electronic remix
Anker-Woodstock influenced solo acoustic singer/songwriter
Matt Wong-is Matt "right", a teenage guitar player with innovative style
Shikantaza- ensemble rhythm section
The Rythm Kings-top Jazz musicians from Trenton/Princeton area, 6 piece swing band
Outdoor Stage.
Lipstick and Cigarettes-music of 80's rocking with today alternative "vibes"
The Constant-New York City rock band of 90's style
The Jah Guide Reggae Band-8 piece band mostly from Jamaica, play Trenton, NY, Conn, Princeton...
Chalk and The Beige Americans-smooth, eclectic, soul-hop w. guitar
Machucco's Trabuco-Puerto Rican percussion and island melody, reggae, salsa, calypso, jazz, merengue, kompa
Paul Plumeri-blues guitarist and singer
Downbound City-Party with acoustic guitars and rock and roll
Honah Lee-powerpop-punk noted for music and mayhem
Cryptkeeper Five-American punk rock band from Trenton now down to five members
SweetEureka-"garage band living in garage land" Ok
Cynthia White-Trenton gospel singer working on another album.Wrote "I'm a Survivor" for breast cancer. You go girl.
Kim Yarson-singer/songwriter from Chambersburg w. country touch
The Tone Rangers-a mix from Elvis to Allman Brothers...with blues thrown in
World Food Court Vendors:
Stewart's Root Beer-root beer floats, hot dogs, more
The Green Empanada-Empanadas
Fresh NetiBoo-fruit smoothies
Blossom's Catering-Caribbean Food featuring Jerk Chicken
Zizi's- Vegetarian Vegan Fare
SOCIAL-famous fish tacos, margaritas, martinis, mojitos
Stace's Cakes-Gourmet Cupcakes (apologies if incorrect name)
Sumo Sushi-Asian noodles, gelato and sushi
Trenton Kebab House-freshly made Gyros
Everything About Crepes-Gourmet Crepes
Taking Tea in Style-Freshly brewed tea
Buzzetta's- Sausage peppers onions and French fries
Magma Pizza-Falafel
Aunt Martha's Funnel Cakes-funnel cakes and deep fried oreos
Kiss the Chef-BBQ and pulled pork sandwiches
Italian Ice by Edwin-Italian ices
Keifer's Kettle Korn-Blue Moon-infused kettle corn
Now if only Blossom throws in cowfoot stew w. pimentos....
Art All Night puts Trenton on the map!
Trenton Rocks.
Artworks' Art All Night explodes on the scene June 16 and 17 at the Roebling Wire Works building on Dye Street and South Clinton Avenue. This 24 hour art and music venue again celebrates the best of New Jersey's creative energy.
Over 900 artists and 15,000 visitors are expected to flood city streets and Chambersburg in what has become the area's most surprising and rewarding event.
Artist works of all ages,from seniors' water colors to kid's refrigerator art, are exhibited with the best of area professionals. There are drawings, oil paintings, sculpture and handicrafts. Artworks show committee has been screening films for a film gallery. There is interactive art where anyone can become part of the picture.
Combine that with 24 hours of music and bands, food to die for, a thrilling night time iron pour, and you feel for a time that we are in the same league as the really big cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York who subsidize and promote their art scenes for tourist dollars.
Rubbing elbows with noted artists creates a synergy, that is best viewed at night, when the ancient brick building fairly glows from the activity within.
It is worth noting thatTrenton Artworks success depends on a slim professional staff and many enthusiastic volunteers who keep coming back year after year. Each year's event starts planning "next year" the day after cleanup from the current event. The year of preparation and planning shows well in the smooth flow of attractions and low number of bumps in the road. Kudos to all the planners and sponsors who contribute so generously of their time.
The following is a sample of what visitors can expect:
Indoor Stage.
Astronaut Jones-acoustic rock.
Eddie West-folk music and instrumentalist Marty Rifkin
Kelly Carvin-endorsed by American Idol and Apollo Theater, nominated for Best Female Acoustic Act at Asbury Park
Jim Gavin-soloist/song writer who runs program at ARC for disabled adults
Edna's Kin-American bluegrass band
The Renagades-Jazz band lead Barry Wilcox
Rebop-jazz standards from WestWindsor-Plainsboro school district
Wakah Chan-Jazz funk ensemble
Dale J. Gordon-White Trash Jazz album offerings, sketch and skits
Drop Dead Sparrow-alternative rock band high energy
DJ Ms. Sue-community DJ of the year out of home base WTSR
Trenton House Society-DJ promoters Steve Hype and Fake Brit
DJ Tangency-Philly University of the Arts influenced electronic remix
Anker-Woodstock influenced solo acoustic singer/songwriter
Matt Wong-is Matt "right", a teenage guitar player with innovative style
Shikantaza- ensemble rhythm section
The Rythm Kings-top Jazz musicians from Trenton/Princeton area, 6 piece swing band
Outdoor Stage.
Lipstick and Cigarettes-music of 80's rocking with today alternative "vibes"
The Constant-New York City rock band of 90's style
The Jah Guide Reggae Band-8 piece band mostly from Jamaica, play Trenton, NY, Conn, Princeton...
Chalk and The Beige Americans-smooth, eclectic, soul-hop w. guitar
Machucco's Trabuco-Puerto Rican percussion and island melody, reggae, salsa, calypso, jazz, merengue, kompa
Paul Plumeri-blues guitarist and singer
Downbound City-Party with acoustic guitars and rock and roll
Honah Lee-powerpop-punk noted for music and mayhem
Cryptkeeper Five-American punk rock band from Trenton now down to five members
SweetEureka-"garage band living in garage land" Ok
Cynthia White-Trenton gospel singer working on another album.Wrote "I'm a Survivor" for breast cancer. You go girl.
Kim Yarson-singer/songwriter from Chambersburg w. country touch
The Tone Rangers-a mix from Elvis to Allman Brothers...with blues thrown in
World Food Court Vendors:
Stewart's Root Beer-root beer floats, hot dogs, more
The Green Empanada-Empanadas
Fresh NetiBoo-fruit smoothies
Blossom's Catering-Caribbean Food featuring Jerk Chicken
Zizi's- Vegetarian Vegan Fare
SOCIAL-famous fish tacos, margaritas, martinis, mojitos
Stace's Cakes-Gourmet Cupcakes (apologies if incorrect name)
Sumo Sushi-Asian noodles, gelato and sushi
Trenton Kebab House-freshly made Gyros
Everything About Crepes-Gourmet Crepes
Taking Tea in Style-Freshly brewed tea
Buzzetta's- Sausage peppers onions and French fries
Magma Pizza-Falafel
Aunt Martha's Funnel Cakes-funnel cakes and deep fried oreos
Kiss the Chef-BBQ and pulled pork sandwiches
Italian Ice by Edwin-Italian ices
Keifer's Kettle Korn-Blue Moon-infused kettle corn
Now if only Blossom throws in cowfoot stew w. pimentos....
Art All Night puts Trenton on the map!
Trenton Rocks.
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