Posts tagged Trenton NJ
A New Era of Skateboarding by Misha Meyer

A new era of skateboarding is upon us, spurred by the serendipitous intersection of the pandemic and

the popular skater girl aesthetic on TikTok. COVID-19 has isolated people, made them restless at

home, and decreased the average family’s income, causing people to crave the active, low-investment

solo-sport that is skateboarding. Compared to a bike or canoe, the skateboard is an apparatus that

even people living in more compact, urban housing can store. And for the first time, skateboarding is

qualified as a sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With all these factors leading to a new dawn for the

sport, it's a wonder that Trenton—the vibrant New Jersey capital—has yet to contain a single

skatepark. 

In the past couple of years, Trenton has seen a rise in skateboard-related events and groups (as well as an influx of skaters simply riding around town), proving that there would be demand for a skatepark. Some of these events have included Freedom NJ weekly skate sessions, pop-up skating and skateboard donation events, and the creation and support for Friends of Amtico Square—an organization that has spearheaded the discussion for a permanent skatepark in Trenton and held free weekly skateboarding lessons open to anyone. Friends of Amtico Square was co-founded by Jacque Howard and Marc Leckington and has only gathered momentum.

Howard and Leckington have big dreams for Trenton’s hypothetical first skatepark, Amtico Square park. Not only will it have a regular skateboarding section, it will also have covered skate ramps for inclement weather, and courts that support tennis, bike polo, “papi” soccer, and more. They envision it becoming a regional attraction that will unite the Trentonian skaters in addition to pulling in other Jersey athletes from neighboring towns. Anyone would agree that the vision for the park is more than ideal—luckily, the plans for the park are also extremely organized, researched, and plausible.

Amtico Square is currently an abandoned dumping lot, but it’s location and attributes give it the great potential to be something better. It’s situated on top of a flood plain where other types of buildings cannot be built, and is next to Assunpink park, placing it in lush green scenery. The square even already contains a concrete base, which is a popular foundation for skateparks. In conclusion, the skatepark is not only the addition of a community center to the city, but the cleansing and removal of an old dirty space.

In June of 2021, the proposal for the skatepark as well as projected images were presented to the Trenton City Council, and met with majority support. You too can become a Friend of Amtico Square and get the project approved by spreading the word, liking the official Facebook page, showing up to local skateboarding events, and reaching out to the Trenton Council to show your interest. With your support.

Guest UserJacque Howard, Marc Leckington, Skateboarding, Skatepark, Amtico Square, Trenton NJ
Trenton 365 Show Musician Tony Jackson
Written by Vont Leak
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSiaLvSlWmMfoR5-S6Y8jOA

On November 20th 2018, I witnessed Jacque Howard interview author, fashion designer and musician, Tony Jackson on an episode of Trenton 365. Tony and Jacque have been friends for years and go all the way back to their days in high school together. As the interview continued, they began to discuss their religious views. Tony explains how he has been in church all of his life and it’s been his “safe haven”. His friends were in the church as well so it was easy for him to cross his two worlds over because they were all heavily invested in it together. Tony then talks about his appreciation for music and how he uses music to connect with God. As a child who didn’t understand much about scriptures in the bible, he used christian music and hymns to understand and talk to God. Jacque brought up Tony’s musical abilities and how he’s used that gift while growing up as well. Tony and his friends actually put together a musical group called “Devoted”. Tony and the other members of the group traveled the world while blessing others with their songs of worship. Jacque dives deeper into the background of Devoted’s experience and more personally, Tony portraying his faith to people as a young man.


Jacque transitions the interview to talk about their love for fashion. Tony and a bunch of guys used to actually get dressed up every single Friday in high school in suit and ties. Tony’s mom was a seamstress with a love for clothes designing too. She worked at two clothing stores in Trenton, NJ so everyone knew who she was. The interview ends with Tony talking about his clothingline “Trust”. “Trust” is a brand of Christian apparel and accessories made for everyone. With different logos and quotes, “Trust” is made for anyone and everyone to be able to rock. The line is available online at www.trusttk.com.


Trenton 365Devoted band, Musician, Tony Jackson, Trenton NJ, Trust by Tony and Keisha, wimg1300
Take My Tour Of Trenton
Trenton NJ is my hometown, where I was born and where I currently reside.  As the Capital City of New Jersey I can comfortably say we have our challenges like any other "post industrial city" but we are full of many positives a few of which I will share in this post.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-industrial_society

Plenty of people in multiple sectors have eyes fixed on Trenton NJ, this includes the speculators, investors, business owners, 1st time homeowners, current residents and business owners alike.  Because of this our Elected Officials have some challenging times ahead, more on that later.

Today I gave a tour to an investor looking at Trenton as a potential "niche market" for a fast growing segment.  My apologies for the vagueness however our current marketplace dictates that we should be cogneceinent of IP - Intellectual Property.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niche_market

Our tour began with a walk in the "Downtown Area" where I highlighted several potential development sites including some that are vacant and abandoned as well as the thriving areas where people can be seen throughout the day and night.  I focused quite a bit on the Tourist/Historical Sites with hyper focus on my personal connections the "Arts and Non-Profits."

We continued the tour via automobile visiting each of the 4 Wards chatting about the demographics, what is happening in the neighborhoods and what I know about the "Master / Comprehensive Plan" which was well received.

http://trenton250.org

Throughout the tour it came up as to why Trenton is in the current state that it is.  I am asked this question often and my reply is the same.
  1. We do not know who or how many people are here
  2. We have a disenfranchised population of Blacks/African Americans
  3. We have a rapidly growing population of Latino Hispanics from various Countries and the communications between them is not great
  4. We have a growing population of people from the Caribbean, Asia, Eastern Europe and the African Continent who are not encouraged to be civically engaged
  5. We have a growing negative opinion about ourselves 
  6. Our largest print media outlets are more focused on the negative than the positive
  7. We lack a Benefactor
  8. The perception of safety 
  9. The tax rate
  10. The educational system
Now a few of the positives.
  1. Our historical significance in the founding of our nation
  2. Our location between NYC and Philadelphia
  3. We are located on a major body of water
  4. Our diverse population
  5. Our County and State are considered very wealthy
  6. We are a bikeable and walkable city
  7. We have a strong housing stock
  8. We have easy access to mass regional, national and international transportation outlets
A few images from a November 2017 Tour

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JVha8qgLKJuq8Uec9

A few images from a September 2018 Tour
























Trenton 365#TakeMyTourofTrenton, Trenton NJ, niche market, trenton 250
Levitt Amp Trenton week 1 Derrick Hodge
Levitt Amp Trenton 2017

On Thursday June 29th 2017 the latest version of the Levitt Amp Trenton Concert Series kicked off in a new location and with a new time.

The 10 FREE family friendly concerts are held every Thursday from 5-8p in Mill Hill Park located in Historic Downtown Trenton NJ.

To lead this year’s events the TDA-Trenton Downtown Association has contracted the talents of Joseph Kuzemka of The Rockhopper Creative to coordinate the events. 

Kuzemka is a Trenton native and Creative Director of the Artworks Trenton 24 hour event Art All Night as well as the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market.

A quote from Kuzemka
“From Grammy award-winning musicians to an international act from Mexico, we have an amazing lineup in store that will also focus on the incredible, local talent that is so active within the City of Trenton. Pairing that with shining a spotlight on some of the most active arts and cultural groups the City of Trenton has to offer is a perfect match and makes for an exciting Thursday evening in the Capital City.”

In addition to talented musical offerings, many downtown businesses will be open extended hours, local Artists will be on site painting murals, and a local food vendor and food trucks will be on site as well.

Keeping with the Levitt Amp theme of community building, each week a Trenton non-profit organization will be highlighted.

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“From My Perspective Levitt Amp Trenton week 1 Derrick Hodge” by Jacque Pierre Howard

When I was asked to be the Host/Emcee of the 2017 version of the Levitt Amp Trenton Outdoor Concert Series I knew the fit would be perfect.  As the Creator and Host of a privately syndicated radio and TV program immediately I thought of how I could impact the event by sharing my perspective with my audience.

The weather was perfect for an outdoor event such as the Levitt Amp Trenton Concert Series.  The sun shined with a light breeze and the few clouds mingled nicely to make the venue comfortable.

After connecting with my teammates and receiving instructions it was time to go to work!  In my role as an Ambassador I aim to meet as many people as possible and to help set the mood.  My focus of “Building a Better Community through Civic Engagement” fits into the Levitt Amp theme perfectly.
As I walked around welcoming the vendors and early arrivals I noticed an obvious buzz, the musicians, attendees, vendors and staff were all very excited!

The positioning of the stage fit nicely into the natural amphitheater and provided great site lines, views of the manicured park as well as multiple areas for the visitor’s to enjoy the event in comfort.

After taking the stage for some “housekeeping” announcements I introduced Mayor Eric Jackson who welcomed the audience and local opening act Downright Down.

Self described as a Blues, Funk, Soul band playing a combination of covers and original music, Downright Down had the audience smiling, singing along and dancing.

Between acts local non-profit organization Artworks Trenton came to the stage represented by Board President Lehze Flax who shared a bit about “Trenton’s Visual Arts Center” including Art All Night, Gallery Exhibits, Educational offerings and more.

It was now time for headliner Derrick Hodge to take the stage.  This Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Bass Virtuoso from Willingboro NJ mentioned “This feeling like a homecoming” and jumped right into a lively set of his compositions.

The ~500 people were encouraged to document the experience via social media using the #musicmoves.

On Thursday July 6th we welcome Headliner Sotomayor from Mexico with opening act Agudos Clef  

Opening act Agudos Clef is a Trenton-based Latin Hip Hop duo and Headliner Sotomayor is billed as “Latin Electronic.”

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The Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series comes through a competitive grant award from the private Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation designed to help “communities to transform neglected public spaces into welcoming destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.” The acronym “AMP” stands for Amplify Music Places.
Trenton was one of only 15 American cities to receive a 2017 $25,000 Levitt AMP Grant. The project is also supported by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group — which matched the grant — and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
TDA Executive Director Tom Gilmour says the series provides “opportunities for visitors to come back to the city.”
For more information on schedules, parking, and directions to the park, visit www.levittamp.org/trenton.
Levitt Amp Concert Series Press Conference
https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/levitt-amp-trenton-press

A few images 










































































































Trenton 365Agudos Clef, Derrick Hodge, Downright Down, Joseph Kuzemka, Levitt Foundation, NJ Council on The Arts, NJM Ins, Sotomayor, The Rockhopper Creative, Tom Gilmour, Trenton Downtown Association, Trenton NJ
CCFA at the Gregory School "Read To Achieve!" Book Festival

On Friday June 2, 2017 Wanda Webster Stansbury, Founder and Executive Director of CCFA-Center For Child and Family Achievement invited me to the Gregory School for a Book Festival.

Wanda has been a guest on the Trenton 365 Show in the past sharing about her non-profit organization, have a listen to our chat.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/wanda-webster-stansbury-center

In addition CCFA and the Gregory School has adopted one of the Library Boxes of Trenton #lbot designed by Artist Lori Johannson.

On this visit like others in the past I delivered Highlights Magazines donated by Magazine Literacy.Org.  This international organization based out of Trenton NJ distributes various reading materials including magazines and periodicals.  Founder and Executive Director John Mennell has been a wonderful partner in my efforts to address literacy in New Jersey's Capital City.

http://magazineliteracy.org/?s=jacque+howard

Have a look at a previous blogpost with CCFA that took place at PJ Hill School in Trenton NJ.

/trenton365/2016/08/esy-pj-hill-school-trenton-nj_18.html



















Trenton 365Center for Child and Family Achievement, Gregory School, Highlights Magazine, Jacque Pierre Howard, John Mennell, Literacy, Magazine Literacy.org, Mill One, Read To Achieve, Trenton NJ, Wanda Webster Stansbury
Trenton NJ Youth Stat Meeting Oct 2016
Ayana Abdul-Raheem, Trenton NJ Youth Stat Coordinator invited me to this public event held at the Trenton Board of Education Main Office located at 108 North Clinton Avenue.

Like many other communities throughout the USA, Trenton has an issue with the illegal activities of the youth.  These actions are categorized as Runaways/Missing, Assaults, Weapon Offenses, Curfew Violations and others.

One could point to any number of reasons for this, some of those include a lack of services and programming due to budgetary cuts, reduction in staffing/person power, lack of financial resources in the home, mental and physical health issues, these and many more are effecting the lives of these individuals and the communities where they live.

Approximately 100 people mainly Law Enforcement, Educators and Service Program professionals were in attendance.  After a brief introduction, Ayana delivered a power point presentation describing the program, organizational structure, partners and the very alarming statistics.

Speakers included Juvenile Officers Arlene Miranda and Steve Smith, Aneisha Walker and Armstead Johnson of Mercer Street Friends, Terrence Stokes of the Trenton Board of Education and Detective Sargeant Bethesda Stokes.  In their own words through personal experiences, each expressed the importance for this to be addressed immediately and that a lack of focus would have drastic effects on the lives of so many youth, the communities in which they live and society as a whole.

As a person of faith I am often looking for spiritual references to help with my own understanding of a situation.  I think about the body and the need for it to function as a whole.  The legs without a torso are of little use likewise no oxygen means no life.  In this reference discarding any youth will prove catastrophic to the structure of society here in Trenton and if that progresses then beyond the less than 7.5 sq. mi. city limits.  Law Enforcement will tell you "spill over" has been happening in surrounding communities for many years, (going both ways might I add) therefore this is now a regional problem if not worse.

Details regarding the costs of the program were not discussed however in the past this has been an area of concern as documented in 2013.

http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/05/trenton_officials_trying_to_ra.html

Ayana made it clear that the efforts of the current Youth Stat Administration were operating under very specific guidelines and I encourage you to contact her for the details and to answer any questions.

Ayana Abdul-Raheem
Youth Stat Coordinator

Trenton Police Department
Youth Services Division - 3rd Floor
225 North Clinton Avenue

609-989-4097
aabdulraheem@trentonpolice.net

Have listen to our brief chat after the event.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/ayana-abdul-raheem-youth-stat

In closing, I left with a strong sense that this is not a Law Enforcement problem, this is a societal problem and all members of society need to respond.  I understand that one size doesn't and will not fit all, but we as members of society need to do our individual parts to seek out how we can build a better community.

If you would like to discuss my efforts please email me: trenton365show@gmail.com





















Trenton 365Arlene Miranda, Armstead Johnson, Ayana Abdul-Raheem, Community Initiative, Juvenile Programs, Law Enforcement, Mercer Street Friends, Steve Smith, Trenton NJ, Trenton Police, Youth Services, Youth Stat
Capital City Farm Trenton NJ September 2016
It is well documented that I grew up in a village in Ewing Township NJ.  There I learned so many valuable life lessons from my parents, 6 siblings, Great Aunt, Maternal Grandparents as well as Aunts, Uncles, Nephews, Nieces and extended family and friends.

One of the lessons I am so proud of is the love of nature and food.  Of course we all appreciate food and recognize it's importance to life.

I remember the garden in my Grandparents backyard.  I looked forward to getting dirty and fell in love with the feeling of the soil under my fingernails, so much so that now I consider that a form of therapy.  A vivid memory is sitting on the back steps with Lula my Grandmother eating "our" cucumbers and tomatoes and walking a few hundred yards into the "hole" with my cousins to pick blackberries that "Grandmom" would use to make "blackberry pie" completely from scratch!

So when I heard that Trenton would have a farm I was stoked!  I recall a invite to a planning meeting conducted by the D & R Greenway Land Trust where we discussed the ongoing negotiations for the purchase of the property and potential site remediations.  I was fascinated to learn of the history of the land located next to the Trenton Police Department and adjacent to TASK - Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and the Rescue Mission, I was on board.

After negotiations and the subsequent finalized purchase, I met with Allegra Lovejoy who would be a key leader in the Capital City Farm, have a listen to our chat.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/allegra-lovejoy-dnrgreenway-land-trust

Recently I visited the Capital City Farm, made some new friends and took in the efforts of the various partners to inspire me and others.

Have a listen to my chat with Andrew Blackwell, a locally born and raised young man who is excited about what the Capital City Farm means to his city.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/capital-city-farm-trenton-nj 

Going forward expect to hear more from the Capital City Farm and other agriculture projects and initiatives through Trenton 365, in the interim have a look at some recent images.

Capital City Farm images from September 2016
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipNxtnOuaJw6EGGIjxdfrZhg3FVT7I8WystzP8_i












































Trenton 365Allegra Lovejoy, Andrew Blackwell, Capital City Farm Trenton NJ, D&R Greenway Land Trust, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Trenton NJ, Trenton Rescue Mission, Urban Agriculture, Urban Farm
Trenton Cycling Revolution 2016

Trenton Cycling Revolution is a local Trenton organization dedicated to creating a safe and healthy environment for bicyclists and pedestrians in the greater Trenton area through education, advocacy and promotion. www.trentoncycling.org



2016 marked the 20th Anniversary of the TCR - Trenton Cycling Revolution Bike Tour of Trenton, aka Tour de Trenton.

This annual event was the idea of several people including Lisa Kasabach.  The inaugural ride had a theme of TREES.

Chair Wills Kinsley and other committee members thought it would be good to revisit the orgs. history and theme this years ride around trees as well.

This year marked the first time the Tour de Trenton started and ended in the Fredrick Law Olmstead designed Franklin Park, located in the Capital City's South Ward.

This family friendly event attracted ~100 people from Trenton and beyond including some new friends from NYC.

The morning began with a welcome announcement and free coffee from Abdul Qadir of Trenton Coffeehouse and Roaster

The ride was escorted by several Trenton Police Officers on ATV's, bicycles and in traditional vehicles as well as TCR Ride Marshals.  The leisurely paced ride of ~15 miles gave riders many different views of the City including Riverview Cemetery,  Route #29 Deck Park several neighborhoods, trails and the D & R Canal State Park Path.

SAG - Support and Gear was provided by Knapps Cyclery.  Since 1944 Knapp's has been a fixture and staple as an elite bicycle retail and service shop.

The midway rest stop took place at Cadwalader Park, another Olmstead designed park in Trenton NJ.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadwalader_Park

Returning to Franklin Park, riders and park visitors were met by Saeed's Food Truck owned and operated by Trenton resident Saeed Farraj and his family.

Sticking with the theme of the ride we planted a Blue Spruce tree provided by the Isles Inc. a community development and environment organization based in Trenton NJ and the City of Trenton.

Biking in the Trenton NJ Region is growing and TCR has ambitious plans to keep the momentum going!

Have a listen to several of my chats with members of the biking community in the Trenton NJ Region.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/sets/biking-in-trenton-nj












































































Trenton 365Bike Ride, Bike tour, Franklin Park Trenton, Knapps Cyclery, Trenton Cycling Revolution, Trenton NJ, bikes, biking
Bethany House of Hospitality visit August 2016

Since I was a little person I remember gardening.  The feeling of having my hands in the soil and the grit under my fingernails still excites me.

The most basic of human needs - FOOD is often taken for granted.  Thank you to my family for teaching me how to plant and grow my own food.  In addition to sharing this with my daughter I have been fortunate enough to share this passion with others in the Trenton NJ region.

One of those people is Landscape Architect David Byers.  David and I have built several gardens in the Trenton area including the Community/Share Garden of the Bethany House of Hospitality.

Like most of my efforts, the garden at BHOH was the culmination of several partners looking to build a better community.

Recently I stopped by the former home of the Senior Paster of the Bethany Presbyterian Church to deliver some books to the #lbot Library Box and chatted with BHOH residents, David and Linda Konrad-Byers as they worked on expanding the garden.

Bethany House of Hospitality video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-In-A7LOnY

Bethany House of Hospitality Blogpost
https://bethanyhoh.wordpress.com/about/

Crisis Minstry of Mercer County Hanover Street Garden
http://www.trenton365.com/blog/2013/09/crisis-ministry-hanover-street-garden.html

Press
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/08/bethany_presbyterian_church_pa.html

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Destination-Trenton-Newsletter---Aug--15-31st.html?soid=1103001796315&aid=025fO7GNBEI

 http://www.iamtrenton.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/I-Am-Trenton-2012-Funding-Announcement-Press-Release.pdf


A few images of a recent visit to the BHOH









Trenton 365Bethany House of Hospitality, Community Garden, David Byers, Landscape Architect, New Brunswick Presbytery, Trenton NJ, Urban Agriculture
Henry J. Austin Health Center Intro


Portions of this post were taken from the Henry J. Austin Health Center Website www.henryjaustin.org

Earlier today I visited the Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton NJ located at 321 North Warren Street, across from the Trenton Battle Monument Park for an interview with Chief Executive & Medical Officer Dr. Kemi Alli and Executive Director of Development Raj Vora

The HJAHC is named after Dr. Henry J. Austin, an African-American, Princeton resident, who came to Trenton to practice medicine since Jim Crow laws prohibited this in his own home town.  Austin was born on February 23, 1888 in Tallahassee, Florida and was brought to Princeton as a young boy.  He attended Howard University Medical School and graduated in 1918 and completed his internship at Freeman’s Hospital (now Howard University Hospital) in Washington, D.C.  Some historians credit Dr. Austin with helping to integrate Trenton schools. 

Growing up in this region I thought of HJAHC as a “clinic” and with that I had some negative connotations.  Today those thoughts were changed!  The Henry J. Austin Health Center offers several Integrated Services such as:
  • ·      Adult Medicine
  • ·      Family Medicine
  • ·      Gynecological Services
  • ·      Pediatrics
  • ·      HIV Counseling & Testing
  • ·      Project ACCESS
  • ·      Dental Care
  • ·      Mental and Behavior Health
  • ·      Social Services
  • ·      Eye Care and Podiatry
  • ·      Pharmacy Services

And under the banner of Integrated Services, Adult Medicine provides:
  • ·      Preventative care including annual check-ups, immunizations and screening.
  • ·      Diagnose and treat acute illnesses and diseases.
  • ·      Provide care for chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Asthma and high blood pressure.
  • ·      Refer patients to specialists and facilities as required.
  • ·      As part of integrated care, all HJAHC patients are screened annually for substance abuse as part of the new “Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment” (SBIRT) program.
  • ·      Same Day or Next Day visits are accommodated.


Most forms of health insurance including Medicare and Medicaid are accepted and there is sliding fee scale for the uninsured.  Henry J. Austin Health Center provides care to approximately 13,000 individuals annually generating more than 50,000 visits from four locations.

Trenton 365 will be on location for the event on Tuesday August 9, 2016 and I hope to see you there, in the interim have a listen to our chat.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/henry-j-austin-health-center-dr-kemi-alli-raj-vora








Trenton 365Dr Kemi Alli, Health Care, Henry J Austin health Center, Henry J Austin, Integrated Services, Raj Vora, Trenton NJ
Pork Roll Festivals Trenton NJ

What is Pork Roll?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork_roll


My earliest memories of pork roll go back to my childhood growing up in Ewing Twp. NJ.  I remember the smell of sweet smokiness filling the air as my Mom, Dad or siblings fried the German Sausage in the black cast iron pan.  I remember asking why 3 to 4 small slices were placed around the perimeter.  “That’s to prevent the slice from bubbling.” In those days my sandwich was on white Wonder Bread with ketchup.

As I grew in age and responsibility my cooking efforts of pork roll included the addition of sautéed onions, peppers, carrots, topped with cheese on wheat bread.  This is what my Mom enjoyed.  I now call this the “Phoebe Lee.”

In college pork roll was a staple and enjoyed throughout the day; breakfast with eggs, lunch as a sandwich, dinner on a plate with sides and of course late night snacks making up any and all options.

2016 marks the 3rd Edition of pork roll festival(s) in New Jersey’s Capital City of Trenton.  During one of our many chats, brainstorming sessions etc., Scott Miller, Owner of Exit 7A Studios told me he was thinking of having a Pork Roll festival.  I thought the idea was awesome and encouraged him to move ahead with planning.  He did and held the 1st Pork Roll Festival at TC Nelson’s location Trenton Social.  The first event was very well attended and probably a bit overwhelming for all involved.

After the event Scott decided he wanted to take the event in another direction.  This led to a series of actions by both parties and now we have 2 Pork Roll Festivals.  That history is very public and easily accessible via an Internet search, if you have interest.

Scott Miller’s – The Original Pork Roll Festival (registered trademark)
http://www.porkrollfestival.com/

TC Nelson’s – Trenton Pork Roll Festival
http://www.trentonporkrollfestival.com/

Each festival offers plenty to see, do and enjoy, they are also quite distinct in styles.  I suggest you visit the websites of each festival for details. 

In the interim here are a few items I would like to highlight.

The Original Pork Roll Festival
  • ·      Located in a public park, which can easily accommodate 1000’s of visitors.  The park layout offers lots of space for attendees to walk around the location of the Battles of Trenton
  • ·      Pork Roll Queen competition
  • ·      Pork Roll Recipe Contest


The Trenton Pork Festival
  • ·      Takes place at Trenton Social, a thriving brick & mortar business that has become a hub for live music, art and various gatherings in Trenton NJ. 
  • ·      The Pork Roll Out Bike Tour
  • ·      VIP Area

I suggested and would like to see(n) a friendly competition between the businessmen where Pork Roll became(becomes) the official meat of Trenton NJ.  Think of Philadelphia and the cheesesteak competition between Pat’s and Gino’s.  I can see it now, “Pork Roll Purveyor’s Case and Taylor’s to decide which festival they will sponsor.”  “Pork Roll Festival Creators to announce this years theme at the Annual Pork Roll Event Announcement and Block Party.


In closing I consider Scott and TC my friends, I support the efforts of both men and know they want to have thriving businesses in Trenton NJ.  We have lots to see, do and explore in the Capital City of Trenton NJ and I encourage you to visit.  If you would like, get in touch and I will personally help you with the coordination.

trenton365show@gmail.com

























































































































































































Trenton 365Food Festival, Jacque Pierre Howard, Lifestyle By Amans Brindled, Pork Roll Festivals, Pork Roll Queen, Pork Roll, Scott Miller, TC Nelson, Trenton 365, Trenton NJ
Last Poet Standing by Neisha Kelly
Last Poet Standing

Neisha Kelly

Capital City Book Fair took place on Saturday, May 14, 2016; it was beautiful day that seemed to envelope the city with an illustrious mixture of sunshine, love, and support.


On Warren Street it was busy and bustling with authors sharing their work with the capital city. It was a book fair and tables were surrounded with books and people. Authors had a platform to showcase their talent, network with other authors and various movers and shakers in the industry. Good food and the trolley served as an amazing back drop.


The arts are really thriving in our community. Trenton is ready to take the world by storm whether musically, lyrically, and any other artistic ability we possess.


There was also Trenton’s 2nd Annual Poetry Slam taking place on Warren Street. The weather seemed to want to pour on our heads but the rain stayed away as poets left their all on stage. Todd Evans hosted this event with his lovely co-host Latrice Marianno. The judges were Shakur Towns, Marvin Lewis, Marisa Benson, and Marion Parish. The time-keepers were Yolanda “Landy” Robinson and Gregory Bell, Sr. (affectionately known as Ice).


The participants were, in no particular order, Janae Stewart, Stacey Williams, Margaret Brown, Ada Ugoma Opara, Raul “Polo” Cortes, Jr., Neisha Kelly, Logic Johnson, and last but certainly not least Judith “Aunt Judy” McKnight. Special guests included: Janelle T. Harvey, Unknown Poet and Queen, and Afro. They each shared a piece of themselves with us beautiful songs and verses soon followed.  Afro ended it with making you contemplate on the raisin in the sun and its fate.


It was quite the line-up yet it never felt like a competition. There were no big I’s and little U’s. We each cheered one another on. We are a tight knit family with an unbreakable bond. The 1 st round gave the audience a chance to wet their palette for a delicious variety of poetry. Each poet had a unique and innovative style that kept the audience informed, engaged, and of course entertained.


Up first was Aunt Judy with Christian values and wisdom. Next, there was a socially-conscious and very much aware Polo.  Then, there was me the quiet and unassuming poet. Ada tore the stage up with her special brand of love. Logic made you pause while his words permeated into your brain and made you reflect and also think of his interesting take on life. Stacey was reflective and his testimony was inspiring and uplifting.  Margaret was full of wisdom and her words not only resonated with you but they made you do some serious introspection.


As the rounds went on we started to become smaller in number. Although the group of competitors was decreasing the audience presence grew. In the end, three remained Stacey Williams, Raul “Polo” Cortes, Jr., and me. Stacey and I gracefully bowed out and applauded Polo on his win.


The top prize was $150 gift card and studio time with Exit 7A Studios. This is the second year Todd Evans has put on this remarkable event but each year the bar will be set even higher than the last. I anticipate next year I will see all of you there to see who is the Last Poet Standing?

Some audio captured during the Capital City Book Fair

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/chad-leisse-author-billy-bear


The following images were captured by Amans Brindled during the Capital City Book Fair 2016




















Trenton 365Capital City Book Fair, Last poet Standing Trenton NJ, Neisha Kelly, Poets, Spoken Word Artists, Todd Evans, Trenton NJ
McCarter Theater Center for Education presents - Unrelenting Voices Read-In


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Unrelenting Voices Read-In
A Celebration of Freedom, Justice, Mandela and More


On Thursday January 8, 2015 the McCarter Theatre Center for Education held a “read –in” event.  Approximately 50 people gathered at the newly renovated Trenton Free Public Library for this event.  The group was a cross section of Trentonians past & present, students and “seasoned” individuals with multiple languages and ethnic backgrounds represented.
The mission statement for the 80 plus year old Princeton, NJ Theater Company states “McCarter’s education and engagement programs are designed to facilitate discovery, develop agency, and build community.”
The multi-cultural/multi generational readers passionately read the pre-chosen pieces.  The Free Trenton Library provided a wonderful space for the event.  The upgrades to the facility are well appointed and well crafted.

I am thankful to have been chosen as a reader of passages by Desmond Tutu and Cornell West.  During the closing comments I shared the emotions I felt from reading and hearing others read the numerous passages and left with this statement, “Well done to all involved, I hope, pray, expect and encourage US to act on the hearings from this event.


http://www.mccarter.org/Education/edudefault.aspx?page_id=268

http://www.trentonlib.org/






















Trenton 365Jacque Howard, McCarter Theatre center for Education, Trenton 365, Trenton NJ, Unrelenting Voices Read-In
A Social, Cypher or a Meet and Greet?
Trenton365
A Social, Cypher or a Meet and Greet?


Social-
An informal social gathering, esp. one organized by the members of a particular club or group.

Cypher-
The process of tapping into your subconscious.  A state of mind where thoughts and actions flow from your mind rather than being instrumented. Clearly shown in freestyle/beatbox circles and breakdancing.

Meet and Greet
An organized event during which a celebrity, politician, or other well-known figure meets and talks to the public.


This post is about all of the above.  Trenton has long been know for it’s slogan ‘Trenton Makes The World Takes," shortened if you ask some folks and like many other post-industrial cities many will ask, what do we/they make now?

Many people will reply the usual negative items, drugs, gangs, corruption, a class of poor people and so on.  Well the Trenton365 will continue to work counter to the naysayers and general print media to showcase the positives.


Event #1
The Mill Hill section of Trenton held a "meet and greet" to introduce the new and “less new” neighbors to each other.  The event was held at the Trenton Social 


Peter Hobday & Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson


























Since it's opening "Social" has become a thriving bar, restaurant, venue, art gallery and meeting place. Being just a short stroll fromTrenton Mill Hill it only makes sense that Peter Hobday would choose this as the location.

 




Jacque Howard,
The Mill Hill Meet & Greet your neighbors was a huge success. It proves, people need a mid-week relaxing break in their hectic lives. Living in Mill Hill since 1985 and then purchasing my home in 1987 I have seen many changes in the neighborhood. Once vacant lots are now rows of grand multi level townhomes. Mill Hill has always prided itself on many levels but one of it's special traits is it's neighbor friendly reputation.
Neighbors talk and look out for one another in this neighborhood. The Mill Hill Meet & Greet is just another occasion to bring people together, a time to meet and greet your new neighbors.
Joe Fyz and I (Pete Hobday) would love to thank the neighbors who participated in this event and also a special thank you to TC Nelson the owner of Trenton Social for accommodating our group and providing a delicious assortment of food.  
Pete Hobday 














 
                             
Event #2
I was having a conversation with a friend "LTC" who asked what I knew about Cyphers. During the brief conversation we brainstormed several versions that would make her event EPIC!  A few weeks later at the Pretty Business Tuesdays networking event by founder Ericka Pressley, I was introduced to Neisha Kelly writer of the blog, Loverzquarrel   Many thanks to Will "Deshair" Foskey for the introduction.



At a later brainstorming session we organized a starter event where the subject would be relationships. During this cypher several topics were discussed, one of the attendees sent me this note.

TRENTON-- So, it's a Thursday night and I'm on Facebook running through the news feed that never seems to stop and I stumble across a relationship blog cipher happening at the Trenton Social in just 30 minutes. I hop in the car and head right over because I recognize that despite feeling like I have a firm grasp of what it is to be in a quality relationship, I understand that sometimes feeling like you know something doesn't necessarily mean you really do. Indeed, relationships at times can be hard work. I don't have to tell you this, we hear it all the time at the barber shop or at the hair salon, around the water cooler at work, at the church, in school, in the news, you name it, the issues surrounding relationships are all around us. But being a African American male, the issues in Black Relationships trouble me in particular. New York Daily News Columnist Ralph Richard Banks reported in 2011 that roughly 7 in 10 black children are born to unmarried partners. Conditions like this almost always lead to children being raised by one parent, which believe you me, can be a struggle and a strain on families. So, I said all that to say that the more we talk about these relationship issues, the more we can begin to address to them and not deny their existence. Indeed, that's a big reason I went to the Relationship Blog Cipher hosted by Neisha Kelly, a relationship blogger. I wanted to hear some thoughts and feedback on what's happening in our relationships. I wanted to receive some insight on some of the dysfunction plaguing our partnerships. And after going, I can definitely say my expectations were met. During the Cipher, we talked about a whole host of issues and topics. The subject matter ranged anywhere from whether it was necessary to have a 'checklist' of things you want from a relationship to whether relationships should be liberating or restrictive.  
The discussion was on the one hand refreshing because it truly felt like a sigh of relief to get some things out in the open and clear the air about relationship concerns yet at the same time our exchange was somewhat challenging to the extent it got me to give careful to my ways in relationships. The Relationship Blog Cipher is a conversation that needs to be continued and from speaking to the show's host Neisha Kelly, there is more yet to come...  


Event #3 
The First Friday Flamingo Social took place in the Hiltonia Association section.  Community Activist, Artist-Elise Mannella invited me to the event and shared the below image, more are available on the link for the Hiltonia Association. 





Trenton 365Deshair, Ericka Pressley, Hiltonia Association, Mill Hill, Peter Hobday, Pretty Business Tuesdays, Trenton 365 Show, Trenton NJ, Trenton Social, Will Foskey, loverzquarrel
Tamara Ramos-Prisonera
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
Trenton 36513 women, Art, Artist, Community, Culture, Fashion, Interviews, Jacque Howard, Kell Ramos, Radio, Tam Ramos, Tamara Ramos, Trenton 365 Show, Trenton NJ, activist, antiviolence, art openings, photography