Recently in a conversation someone made this statement.  “WOW what a time in which we live!” When I heard that I paused for a moment and thought, indeed I agree.

We are in unprecedented times on the national/global level when no one has any idea what each day will bring regarding President Trump and members of his administration.  I believe most people are uncertain, confused, disappointed, upset, frustrated and or scared regarding the actions at the federal level and this includes all parties involved.

We have been trained to look at elected officials with a certain amount of respect with the President having the top position.  I believe this training is now being challenged and all parties involved have no answers to the current state of affairs other than pointing to the “other people” as the problem.  These counter efforts have resulted in creating a state of ignorance among the population leading people to move into the silo’s of their own lives.  My faith as a Christian teaches that hell is separation from God.  Therefore I consider this mentality and action as putting oneself into into a hellish place.  Maybe that’s why I seek the company of other humans.  More on that at another time.

When I consider the hellish place people are putting themselves into regarding the forthcoming 2018 Trenton Elections for Mayor and Council I want to scream the loudest for them to not retreat to the silo, to not think their opinions and concerns don’t matter.  In fact they do and in the next few months the power of those opinions and concerns will be at the highest level.

I apologize if you have heard this in the past but it is so telling and revealing.  In New Jersey’s Capital City, Trenton we have a population of ~80k with ~40k eligible to vote.  In the 2014 Elections only ~10k exercised that privilege!  When we consider the current state of life in Trenton I would think this is an area that needs to be addressed.  Remember the efforts of the Civil Rights movement and what those men and women endured for the privileges we have today.  Can you comfortably think being in a “silo” is what they would have wanted and or appreciate for what they sacrificed?

As of February 11th 2018 we have over 25 people who have picked up petitions from the Trenton Clerk’s Office and publically announced they are seeking an elected position either for Mayor or Council.  I am fortunate that I know and have spent time with most of people on the list.  To the ones I have not had the pleasure of meeting I look forward to our time together.  The aforementioned people have been cordial and fair to me in person, quite helpful and informative when needed.  I expect this is how they treat everyone.  

Being a “good person” is not the only criteria one should expect of an Elected Official or a Candidate for office.  I encourage you to consider the tasks at hand and consider what position the individuals are running on, their platform.

The Candidates platform should answer many of your personal concerns, if not ask them!  Maybe they do not have an answer and if so you need to know this.  Everyone will know the “buzz words” or talking points to appease the masses.  Some of those “buzz words” or talking points will be;

Better schools, better safety, bringing in new business, quality of life issues, lowering taxes, abandoned buildings, gentrification etc.  All of these are great and I think if you ask members of this and the previous administrations they would all agree of the importance of these subjects, if so what happened?  Why are we in this current situation?  That is a question you could ask of the incumbents.  

I am conducting recorded 1 on 1 chats with all of the announced Candidates who accept my invitation.  Through a partnership with Filmmaker Will Foskey these conversations will be distributed through the Bridge The Vote Facebook Page as well as Trenton 365 and other networks.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/trenton-elections-commentary

Several years ago when I took a week long training for Community Organizing I had no idea what was going to happen.

I was always interested in the lives of others and found joy spending time with people of various backgrounds.

In Trenton NJ we have a group of citizens who are actively involved in the process of addressing areas of concern and seeking solutions through a no-blame approach.  The Trenton Civic Trust is part of the Citizens Campaign, a non-profit organization.

On August 5, 2017 we will have a statewide gathering called the Civic Summit

WE INVITE YOU TO

THE CIVIC SUMMIT

Empowering – Motivational – Educational

SATURDAY – AUGUST 5, 2017

LOCATION: Rutgers Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations Building

50 Labor Center Way – New Brunswick, NJ 08901

[Parking available on-site]

SCHEDULE: 9:00 – 10:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast

PROGRAM: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm -- - Lunch will be provided.

10:00 – 11:00 am

The Power of Citizens, School Board Members and the Superintendent

Panelists: Jonathan Busch, The Busch Law Group

Dale Caldwell, President, New Brunswick Board of Education

Nicole Okun, Former Superintendent, Old Bridge Public Schools

11:00 am - Noon

Navigating Through Political Obstacles: In depth guide to the 10 Step Problem-Solving Process

Panelists: Harry Pozycki, The Citizens Campaign

Rob Horowitz, Political Strategy Consultant

Noon – 1:00 pm

Lunch/Media Literacy: Depicting Fact from Fiction in the News

Keynote Speaker: Joe Amditis, Center for Cooperative Media

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Civic Trusts-- -Open Discussion: Collaborating on Solutions

Panelists: Harry Pozycki, The Citizens Campaign

Joel Rosa, The Citizens Campaign

RSVP: Seating is Limited! RSVP to Evelyn Torres at evelyn@thecitizenscampaign.org  

In the interim have a look at some images from past Trenton Civic Trust meetings.

3^rd Annual Latino Festival of Hightstown & East Windsor 

"Bringing our communities together through the arts!"

Rocky Brook Park, nestled in a quiet area of quaint Hightstown NJ near warehouses, historic homes and a few blocks from the Borough Center provided a nice location.  Bordered by a stream and small woods I could imagine walks to observe nature and other outdoor gatherings.

Literature distributed at the event lists several partners, sponsors, a 20+ person Festival Organizing Committee and several Exhibitors, have a look at some links.

RISE – Community Services

http://rise-community-services.org/

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

www.wellsfargo.com

LCD Cleaning Services

www.lcdcleaningservices.com

Patel Brothers

www.patelbros.com

Twin Rivers Animal Hospital

www.twinriversanimalhospital.com

Asociacion Guatemalteca – Childrens’s Futures

http://www.childrensfutures.org/

and Karen Abad of Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund, The Peddie School, Eclipse Total DJ, Yellow Taxi Cab, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and Latter Day Saints Mission.

With performances by artists from several countries including Belize, Ecudor, Peru, Spain, Guatemala, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic there was plenty to see and hear during the 12-5pm event.

I had the pleasure to chat with Miss Teen Guatemala Isabel Avila, Hamilton Township Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer and Hightstown Councilman Conner Montferrat, have a listen via the Trenton 365 archives.

Isabel Avila

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/miss-teen-guatemala-isabel

Ileana Schirmer

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/hamilton-nj-councilwoman

Conner Montferrat

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/hightstown-nj-councilman

My time at the 3^rd Annual Latino Festival of Hightstown & East Windsor NJ was delightful, with wonderful entertainment and a diverse mix of vendors and exhibitors.

I am encouraged by the continuous efforts of people who believe in making every attempt to assimilate all residents into the community to build a better community.  Kudos to all who are a part of the 3^rd Annual Latino festival of Hightstown & East Windsor.

Frequently I like to spend a few hours in a local library catching up on administrative items, researching or some quiet time reading.  The Lawrenceville NJ Branch of the Mercer County Library System is one of my favorites.

They have a decent Internet connection, the staff is very helpful, friendly and the location is usually on my route into or out of New Jersey’s capital city, Trenton.

On a recent trip my attention was captured by a piece of art.  While inspecting the sculpture I was approached by one of the staff members who explained that this piece of art was a part of the annual event, “TRASHED ART- A Contest for Creative Trash Transformation.”

The event coordinator Karen Serach was not available at the time but I was given information about the event, a tour of several pieces from previous events and asked to contact Karen with any other inquiries.  I did just that and was delighted to sit down with Karen Serach and to chat about her, and her efforts.  Have a listen to our conversation.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/karen-serach-reference

On the day of the reception I bumped into longtime Artworks Trenton supporter Glen Moore who entered a piece.  We chatted about the local art scene and of course Artworks before our recorded chat.  Have a listen to that conversation.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/thrashed-art-glen-moore-at

In addition to seeing Glen I met a new friend Marilyn Dombroski who was representing her Husband Gene Domborski and his submission.  We chatted for several minutes about mutual friends, aquaintances and of course artwork.  Have a listen to our chat.

 

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/thrashed-art-exhibit-gene

Karen Serach is a very warm spirit who is passionate about the environment, art and sustainability.  I appreciate art in most forms and encourage the efforts of people who want to incorporate more art into the lives of the general public.

April 2015

I do not consider myself to be a hard person to deal with, actually I am told by close friends that I let too much slide.  Well I have been pushed to the edge and now I must make a situation public.

On Saturday April 4, 2015 the Kiwanis Club of Trenton was leading the efforts to have a public Egg Hunt open to all children between 3-10 years of age.

As a friend of the Kiwanis, I was asked to assist with the return of this Annual event in a new location as the club looked for a fresh start with the new Trenton Administration.  I graciously accepted and began doing what I do, connect partners.

South Ward Councilman George Muschal was contacted and thought the idea was a good one, he then initiated the permitting process.  I began to share the event via social media networks to eliminate the cost of printing flyer's and the potential of more trash.

The amount of people listed on the permit had to be adjusted before the permit was paid for and issued.  

Yes a fee is charged if you want to have an event in a public space/park even if it's a non-profit serving the children of the City.

The permit dated 3/23/15 and received 3/27/15 by FPNEBA is signed by the appropriate person and with a note “AREA MUST BE CLEANED.”  

As I was planning on visiting the park on Tuesday 3/31/15 to observe the cleanup efforts that were to have taken place on Monday 3/30/15 I received a phone call from a friend who asked if the City Of Trenton “Tree Giveway” was part of the Egg Hunt.  I had no knowledge of this event and only saw it in the newspaper after it was brought to my attention.  

The “Tree Giveaway” is scheduled for the same date, time and location as the Egg Hunt.  Immediately questions came to mind as to why the city would schedule an overlapping event. 

At that time I thought I should contact Councilman Muschal. While heading to his office I went to survey the park regarding its cleanliness for the Egg Hunt.  The park was in very poor condition with downed limbs, overflowing trash receptacles, litter and debris including signs of tobacco, alcohol and drug use evident. 

I spoke to Mr. Muschal about my concerns.  He stated he had no idea about the tree giveaway and suggested I chat with someone at City Hall.

I proceeded to City Hall to inquire about the tree giveaway and became more frustrated as I was told by my contact that they had no information about it.

After several visits to the park, dozens of images captured and even more emails and texts messages read and distributed it appears that some department is going to make this right.

I was told overtime was authorized for people to work late on Thursday, after 4pm until dark, potentially come in on Friday - Good Friday Holiday and even Saturday morning before the Egg Hunt also a holiday!

I'm my opinion we have major issues with the protocol and procedures for getting an event like this done in the Capital City of New Jersey.   If the Founding President of a neighborhood civic association, Creator and Host of a privately syndicated radio and television program with an audience in over 70 countries, the South Ward Councilman, a local private University social club, a city high school Science Club and a international organization with over 100 years of service in Trenton has to jump through this many hoops to get something done that should be on the regular rotation of maintenance then I wonder about more complex issues and items. 

It appears the event will go on as planned but several questions remain like;

After a meeting with high ranking officials where we agreed about the lack of communication between the administration and the residents why did this happen?

Why is the city piggybacking on another event?

Why was an organization seeking to restart a relationship with the new administration being charged for a permit when the city was planning it's own event for that day and time?

Why is OT-overtime being offered when it has been documented that workers where not functioning appropriately during regular business hours?

Why did it take several days and multiple conversations to get this accomplished? 

And the list could go on. 

I am often confronted by people who say Trenton is a piece of "shit", the people and leadership etc. you need to get out of there asap and take your efforts where they would be appreciated. 

Recently several people within Trenton have told me "nobody knows you," "you need to be more visible," "we don't have any money," "we don't have any workers," "the equipment is broken," "it's not my job," "they are going to steal your ideas and not give you credit, " and a lot more.

This current issue is just a SMALL bump that will make me stronger and more aggressive.  My efforts and the efforts of anyone partnering with Trenton 365 will not stop. 

These issues will only make us stronger and provide more resources as the grass roots movement takes over.  Have a look at the images they were taken between 3/31/15 and 4/2/15.

Purposely no names were mentioned because this is not a individual issue it is systemic and like a disease it needs to be eradicated or it leads to death.  I am not willing to let Trenton die on my watch!

I held off on posting this until after the event to give the proper departments the opportunity to correct this problem.  Well the Kiwanis Club of Trenton "Great Egg Hunt 2015" was a success with a large turnout including dozens of families, participating children from 3-11 years of age, the Trenton Fire Department, Trenton Police Department, "Boomer" the Trenton Thunder Mascot, the Trenton Science Club, Rider University Circle K Club, Jesse Elliott and his Band and of course the Easter Bunny, South Ward Councilman George Muschal and At-Large Councilwoman Phyllis Holly-Ward.

Although the event was a success in the organizers eyes we still have questions regarding the policies, procedures and the protocol regarding our experience with this event.

In short the park is poorly maintained, the procedures for the maintenance is below average at best.


SHAME ON YOU whomever is responsible! 

Trenton 350

Tam Ramos

On Thursday June 27, 2013 I had the pleasure to interview "Tam" Ramos on the Trenton 365 Show.  Filmmaker Husband Kell came along as well.

Tam is an artist with several different irons in the fire.  Therefore you know I find her intriguing.  We share several mutual friends, believe art can and will be a major part in the revitalization of Trenton and believe in doing something about issues.

Tam has taken her personal experiences and morphed them into a form of expression that in my opinion provides therapy.

For now, Tamara expresses herself as a photographer, painter and fashion designer.

Bubi is her venture into fashion/garment industry with a planned release in September 2013

On the Trenton365 Show Tam shared a bit of her story, in short she was born in Trenton, lived in some of the more challenged areas, relational issues within her community/family etc.  Those life experiences that have become all to familiar and accepted have helped her to grow into the present day force that she is.  Force is not a strong word considering she has been recognized for her achievements internationally with trips to London and Milan.

Tam has and will not let experiences seemingly good or bad slow her down or prevent her from being a vessel that is filled and overflowing so others can benefit.  

Tam and Kell Ramos have several things planned for the rest of 2013 such as the release of the documentary "Misty Dawn", fashion launch and continuous creating but you should seek them out personally for some face time.

https://www.facebook.com/MistyDawnDocumentary

On Saturday June 29th, Tam will have an event in New York called Prisonera, see below.

http://www.couragenetwork.com/Photos::tamara_ramos.html
http://www.examiner.com/article/tamara-ramos-showcases-her-powerful-artwork-a-solo-exhibition-on-june-29
https://www.facebook.com/MistyDawnDocumentary
http://www.tamararamosphotography.com/#!tumblr-feed/cr36

Not sure if the title will accurately cover what is happening here, but we will see.

I am glad to announce that "Trenton365 The Show" is official.

Each Thursday from 11am-12pm on WIMG 1300am I will be hosting a radio program that showcases individuals and organizations in the Trenton, NJ Region....stay tuned!

Jacque