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DUFFY'S CULTURAL COUTURE
Sunday, 9 August 2015
FREE Bike Ride Event
Topic: COMMUNITY INTEREST

 

 

 

FREE EVENT 
 
 

LAWRENCE HOPEWELL TRAIL & MERCER COUNTY PARKS COMMISSION TO HOST

 

2nd ANNUAL FULL MOON RIDE




Nighttime bike ride set for Sunday, August 29, at Mercer Meadows

 What:                  FULL MOON BIKE RIDE

When:                 Saturday, August 29.  Check in and ride at 9 p.m.

Where:               Start and end at the parking lot at Rosedale Lake in Mercer Meadows, Hopewell

Charge:              The only “charge” is to have fun, although donations are welcome to support LHT activities

 

(Hopewell, N.J.) – After the sun sets on Saturday, August 29, a full moon will provide illumination as bicyclists ride along Rosedale Lake, through meadows and under the tree canopy in wooded sections of Mercer Meadows in Hopewell Township. They will be participating in the second annual Super Moon Bike Ride at Mercer Meadows, sponsored by the Lawrence Hopewell Trail and Mercer County Park Commission.

All riders aged 12 and up are invited to participate in the six-mile loop along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, the Maidenhead Trail and the Twin Pines Trail. The ride, expected to take about 45 minutes, is free to all, although donations are greatly appreciated. Advanced registration for every rider in the family is highly recommended at www.lhtrail.org.

 

Go to this link below to Register for this FREE event

 

 http://lhtrail.org/2015/08/lawrence-hopewell-trail-mercer-county-parks-commission-to-host-2nd-annual-full-moon-ride/

 


Posted by tammyduffy at 10:52 AM EDT
Updated: Sunday, 9 August 2015 10:55 AM EDT
Saturday, 8 August 2015
It's Time For The Talk


 

 

 


 

 
 “I’m glad my daughter is dead.”

 

 

This was the statement made by a parent at a grief support meeting. His voice was calm and steady as he explains what sounds so terrible coming from the mouth of a parent, but everyone listening to him in a small multi-purpose room at a high school in Bristol Township.

 

 

This parent loved his daughter, just as the other parents in the room loved their daughters and their sons. But his child was gone long before she died. He is not glad for the death of the little gymnast who flipped fearlessly across a balance beam, he’s glad the 34-year-old drug addict she became isn’t struggling anymore. He’s glad that, because she’s dead, he doesn’t have to spend any more days fearing she’ll die.

 

 

He’s telling his story to members of GRASP — Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing — a twice monthly meeting of grieving family in the Pro-Act offices on Veterans Highway.

 

It's time you spoke to you kids about heroin,  don't ignore this epidemic.

 

 


Posted by tammyduffy at 6:19 PM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 8 August 2015 6:21 PM EDT
Retired Hamilton Police Officer Kidnaps Dogs
Topic: COMMUNITY INTEREST

 
By Tammy Duffy 
 

photo by Regina Zimmer 
 
 
 
It's summertime and most Americans dream of taking a relaxing vacation.  The families with pets must find a safe environment for their pets to stay if they cannot take them on vacation with them. You want your pets and home safe while you are away.
 
 
Recently the Zimmer family in Hamilton, N.J., (Mercer County), lived through a vacation nightmare due to a dog sitting service they hired while they were away on vacation.  
 
All five of of the Zimmer's dogs (seen in photo above) were stolen by another Hamilton resident, David Bannister.  It was shared with DCC that Bannister is a retired Hamilton police officer.  The irony of this is George Zimmer, who is the dog's furdaddy, we were also told , is also a retired Hamilton police officer. 
 
 
The dog sitters boyfriend (David Bannister of Hamilton NJ) stole the keys to the home and kidnapped all the dogs.  When the owners and others realized what was going on, they called the police. Upon calling the police, Bannister, returned 4 of the 5 dogs, but kept one.  It was believed that he either lost the one dog or was playing games. He would not return Sprocket, an 11 year old grey Italian greyhound.
 

Sprocket during happier times 
 
 
The owners of these beautiful dogs were disgusted, heartbroken and terrified of what this retired Hamilton police officer was doing to their dogs. When Sprocket was not returned they feared that he was dead. This is a nightmare that no pet owner should ever live through.  
 
The dognapper, Bannister, did not have permission to enter the home.  He broke in with the keys that he stole from his girlfirend. Evidently he had a fight with his girlfriend, Sher, (who has been watching the Zimmer's dogs for over a year) and this was his way of getting back with her, to steal the dogs. 
 
The traumatized dogs have all since been returned to the Zimmers. These furbabies, owned by the Zimmer's will get lots of love and warmth, to make them feel safe and loved again.
 
There are lessons to be learned here for all pet owners. 
 
As pet owners, we never want anything to happen to our pets while we are away. We have to trust people with them. The Zimmer's used this particular pet sitter for over a year, but one never knows what can happen. Many of these pet sitting services have no bonding, no insurance, no nothing. You may chose to use a neighbor, but still, there are no guranatees. Many of the services you can hire have no process to ensure that things like this cannot happen. The pet sitters never say,"We keep your keys in a safe so no one has access to them but me." 
 
I highly recommend the following before you hire these types of pet sitting services or have a neighbor watch your furbabies. Do not take anything for granted. These are your kids, part of the family. 
 
1.  Insist on visiting the dog sitters home. See how they live.
 
2.  See where and how they will keep your keys when you are away. If they are just thrown on a pile. Do not hire them. 
 
If the prospective dog sitter will not do this. Do not hire them. Seeing their home will help you see how clean they are and whether or not they will keep your home clean and safe.  Also look to see whether or not they have a lockbox for the keys.  Ensure that they are actually using the lockbox.
 
3.  Ask them questions about their personal life. Share this story about Sprocket and they when ask, "Why are you asking me this?"  , ensure them you just do not want this to happen to you.  If they do not have a stable homelife (I am rather confident this probably was not the first horrific thing Bannister has done) this could effect your pets. 
 
4.  Many of these businesses hire someone locally to be the actually sitter and its not the owner of the business doing the sitting. If they are sending someone else, get the background check (ask to see a copy of it)they did that person. If they do not have it, do not hire them. 
 
5.  Set up security cameras so you can watch them while you are away on your smart phone or mobile device. You can buy a camera, they are wireless,not too expensive,and very easy to set up.  This will give you a piece of mind as well. The cameras can be set up to ping you with a sound on your mobile device when there is something going on. 
 
Remember these are your kids, part of your family. Do not cut corners and remember we live in a very different world these days.  
 
Those of you who know me, know that I am very picky when it comes to my furry kids. They are my world. I recently rescued 3 dogs from horrific situations.
 
For more than twenty five years I have used Windy Hill Kennels in Allentown, NJ. I have never had an issue, ever. EVER!!
 
My fur babies are kept safe, comfortable, fed, warm or cool (depending on the season), played with, get their meds, and just plain loved. I have a piece of mind that when I have to leave them, they are always safe and loved. My one gal, Ginger used to have to get lots of medicine every day before she crossed the rainbow bridge. I knew that the team at Windy Hill would never fail me and take wonderful care of my baby Ginger when I had to travel.
 
I highly recommend using Windy Hill. Their prices are reasonable and they have a wonderful groomer as well on staff.  They can coiff up your kids upon your return from your trip.  Here is a link to their site below. Make sure your pets are all up to date with their shots and bordetella and you are on your way to a safe and pleasurable vacation, with a piece of mind your kids are safe.
 
 http://www.windyhillnj.com/
 
 
One can only hope that the Zimmer's are not influenced or convinced by anyone to not file charges against this dognapper. The tempation is there, a cop always supports another cop. If the town leadership and police departments allow for this kind of behavior to flourish, this is a town that is set to surpass the crime levels of Camden, NJ.  If anyone comes into your home, unwanted and steals your pets, there should be no question, but to send that person to jail for a long time. They should be considered a danger to society. What would stop him from using this same "logic" towards a person. People who abuse animals are found in many cases to be dangers to society. We hope the Zimmer's do the right thing and file a complaint and have this man arrested. Doing anything else would just be submitting to peer pressure from the police department and the towns leadership. 
 

Posted by tammyduffy at 8:09 AM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 8 August 2015 6:55 PM EDT
New Doors for the Princeton Art Museum
Topic: ART NEWS

 

New Doors for the Princeton Art Museum

 


 

 

The Museum’s front lawn has been home to a number of compelling works of art, from Pablo Picasso’s Head of a Woman to Magdalena Abakanowicz’s Big Figures to such short-term installations as Doug Aitken’s migration (empire) and, most recently, two remarkable sculptures by Alexander Calder. Now the lawn is poised to receive a new commission designed especially for the site by Doug and Mike Starn. Working from their studio in Beacon, New York, the Starns—twin brothers who are among the most powerful sculptors working today—have designed a monumental glass and steel sculpture in response to Princeton’s arboretum-like campus. Featuring eighteen-foot-tall panels of extraordinary color made in a new glass-dyeing technique pioneered in Germany, the work is scheduled for an early summer installation. Watch the Museum’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed for progress. 

This important new commission will join Princeton’s landmark collection of public art and has been made possible by the exceptional generosity of Shelly Belfer Malkin, Class of 1986, and Anthony E. Malkin, and by the John B. Putnam Jr. Memorial Fund. 

 


 


Posted by tammyduffy at 6:50 AM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 8 August 2015 6:51 AM EDT
Friday, 7 August 2015
Hunterdon Art Museum Social
Topic: ART NEWS


 

Hunterdon Art Museum: GREAT NEW EVENT!  FREE 
 
 
 Looking to get out of the house, meet new people and treat yourself to a fun night out?
 
 
The Hunterdon Art Museum is forming a new social group and is celebrating with a free wine-and-cheese event on its terrace Friday, August 14.
 
Everyone is welcome to attend the HAM Friends’ first-ever gathering, which begins at 7 p.m., and help plan future events for this new organization. Possible activities currently under consideration include a tango on the terrace night, a meditation and yoga event, and a film viewing followed by a discussion.
 
No reservations are necessary. For more information, contact the Museum at 908-735-8415.
 
 
The Museum is at 7 Lower Center St. in Clinton, New Jersey, 08809.
 
 
 
 
 


Posted by tammyduffy at 2:22 PM EDT
Thursday, 6 August 2015
What is Victoria Secret's Real Secret?
Topic: FASHION NEWS

 

What is Victoria Secret's Real Secret? 

 

 


 

 

 

Almost every woman and man has gone lingerie shopping. They buy for themselves, their lovers, a new romantic interest, etc. It's quite enjoyable to see men trying to negotiate their way around huge displays of pink and champagne-hued lace, or make awkward eye contact with the provocatively dressed sales girls.  

 

The feeling of embarrassment and fear in equal parts, while being utterly incongruous, is palpable. Even the frothy Frenchness of the word – ‘lingerie’ – seems designed to keep all decent men a good 15 feet away from the windows, lest they be accused of being risque.

 

It was the universal certainty that most men would rather be in a war zone than a women’s underwear store that led Californian native, Roy Raymond to set up Victoria’s Secret back in 1977. A Stanford business graduate, Raymond hit on the idea when he tried to buy some underwear for his wife and was left feeling like he was about to be put on some sort of register. What if there was a nice place that men could feel comfortable in; a shop where they could browse at their leisure without having to manically flash their wedding bands?

 

He opened his first store in Palo Alto, now famous for breeding 27-year-old trillionaires, but then just a suburb of a California suburb. The shop was the quintessential American vision of an English boudoir. The brand was called Victoria’s Secret after Queen Victoria - the figurehead of a notoriously repressed era. The name suggested a veil of respectability pulled over ‘secrets’ hidden underneath.

Raymond’s homage to the boudoir was all about seduction, with dark wood and red velvet sofas and silk drapes featuring heavily in the décor. However, the real genius in his idea was not the marketing to men – that actually proved the business’s downfall, more of which later – but the attempt to provide something in the middle of either joyless, functional underwear and pieces only fit for a wedding night.

 

At the time, such a compromise did not exist and Victoria’s Secret changed that, bringing flirty bras and delicate lace thongs in a rainbow of colours to a newly sexually liberated generation who were more than happy to invest in fun, pretty pieces that only a few people (you would hope) would ever see.

Raymond launched a Victoria’s Secret catalogue, which in pre-Internet days went down very well, and allowed the brand to reach customers across America. By 1982, he had opened another three stores in the Bay Area and the company was making more than $4m in annual sales.

And yet he was reportedly nearing bankruptcy. In marketing only to men, Raymond forgot the basic principle that most of a women’s underwear drawer will be purchased by her and not her other half. And as has been proved time and time again, men will never completely understand such female items, like when Dolce and Gabbana expressed their confusion at women's refusal to wear shape-correcting corsets all the time. (Dolce also added that: 'For me, it is impossible to see a woman in flat shoes' – try running in them, Domenico…). Alienating the main consumers of women’s underwear, i.e. women, was probably not the most sensible idea, and in 1982, Raymond sold the company to sportswear mogul Leslie Wexner for around $1m.

Wexner quickly set about correcting the mistake, while keeping the ‘English’ vibe that always goes down well over the pond (even setting up the home address as No. 10 Margaret Street – despite the headquarters being located in Ohio). His aim was to bring a touch of Anglo-Saxon class to the underwear drawers of the average American women. He toned down the catalogue so that it appealed to women as much as it did to their husbands, and cleansed the stores of the dark woods and plush sofas, replacing them with chintzy floral prints, gilded perfume bottles and neatly hung pieces in soft, flattering lighting.

 

Wexner’s hunch paid off. By 1995 when the brand launched its now iconic catwalk shows, featuring supermodels including Helena Christiansen and Tyra Banks, Victoria’s Secret had become a $1.9bn company, with 670 stores across the US. Today the brand control a huge 35pc of America’s lingerie market (according to Forbes), with sales over $6.6bn in 2013.

Sadly, despite his original foresight, Raymond did not share in this success. After staying on as president for a year, he left to form another retail and catalogue company, this time in children’s clothes. His brand My Child’s Destiny was declared bankrupt within two years, leaving Raymond personally liable for its debts.

 

 The Raymonds lost two homes and their cars. In 1993, after another failed business attempt – this time a children's bookshop – the couple divorced. In August that year, Roy Raymond jumped to his death from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. 

 

As far as Victoria's Secret went, Raymond’s instinct was spot on, but his implementation lacked the understanding of his successor, leaving him to become a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs. However, his legacy lives on: thanks to Raymond, right now there are several of the world’s highest paid supermodel’s preparing to strut down a catwalk in little more than feathers and Swarovski crystals alongside Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande in a televised production that draws in almost 10 million viewers globally.

 

 In 2017, it will mark the 40th anniversary for Victoria Secrets. One can only hope they create a new line that has RR initialed in it somewhere to bring homage to the man who started it all in 1977, Roy Raymond.  

 

 

 


 


Posted by tammyduffy at 6:24 AM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 6 August 2015 6:24 AM EDT
Sunday, 2 August 2015
STOP Heroin USE
Topic: COMMUNITY INTEREST

 

By Tammy Duffy

 

 

 

 The State of NJ is looking for a creative way to address the drug epidemic in NJ. DUFFY has created these two. 

 

Please send us your thoughts?

 


 


 

 


 


Posted by tammyduffy at 10:04 AM EDT
Updated: Sunday, 2 August 2015 10:05 AM EDT
Your Brain on Drugs
Topic: COMMUNITY INTEREST


 


Posted by tammyduffy at 9:03 AM EDT
Saturday, 1 August 2015
Mercer County Community College Announces New Season
Topic: COMMUNITY INTEREST


 


 

 
 
Mercer County Community College is excited to announce a season of adventure at Kelsey Theatre in 2015-16.  The journey begins with “Little Women – The Musical” from Sept. 11-20. Subscription packages are now on sale, with individual ticket sales to follow starting Aug. 20.  Also see the attached photo of the dedicated Kelsey Theatre staff – the photo cap is located at the end of the release and also pasted below.

 

Kelsey Theatre continues to be a high quality, inexpensive and convenient way to experience live theater and enjoy some of our region’s terrifically talented actors live on stage.  The Kelsey Kids Series gives families an opportunity to share the joys of theater with their children; most of the productions are presented by professional traveling troupes and are a real treat!

 

 

The 2015-2016 season at Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) Kelsey Theatre promises to be one of adventures that span history and continents!  Nineteen full-length dramas and musical productions come to the Kelsey stage, along with eight shows offered through the Kelsey Kids Series.   “Little Women – The Musical” (Pierrot Productions) kicks off the season Sept. 11 to 20.

Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.  Orders are now being taken for discounted series packages; subscribers receive over 45 percent off regular ticket prices.  Subscriptions are also available for the Kelsey Kids Series.  Current subscribers must renew by Aug. 10 to receive priority seating.  New subscriber orders will be filled after Aug. 15.  Tickets for all single shows go on sale Aug. 20. 

 

 

In addition to “Little Women - The Musical,” the fall schedule includes: “The Fantasticks” (PinnWorth Productions) Sept. 25-Oct. 4; “Around The World In 80 Days” (Maurer Productions) Oct. 9-18; Neil Simon’s “Rumors” (The Yardley Players) Oct. 23-Nov. 1; and “Violet – A Musical” (The Pennington Players) Nov. 6-15.

Kelsey Theatre will be a wonderful place to make holiday memories.  M&M Stage presents “It’s A Wonderful Life” Nov. 20-29, followed by a Forté Dramatic Productions’ premiere of “A Very Kelsey Christmas” Dec. 11-13.  Children and their grown-ups will enjoy “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” from Dec. 4-6 (The Kelsey Players) and a special abridged, fully-narrated version of “The Nutcracker” (The New Jersey Youth Ballet) Dec. 18-20.

Family themes take center stage in the new year with “August: Osage County” (PinnWorth Productions) Jan. 8-17, followed by a decidedly lighter look at family dysfunction in “Arsenic And Old Lace” (M&M Productions) Jan. 22-31.  Three comedies continue to keep the mood light: “Zombie Prom – The Musical” (The Kelsey Players and Tomato Patch Workshops) Feb. 5-7; “Room Service” Feb. 12-21; and “The Addams Family” (Playful Theatre Productions) Feb. 26-March 6.

 

 

Other spring shows include: “The Diary Of Anne Frank” (The Pennington Players) March 11-20; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (MCCC Theatre, Dance and Entertainment Technology programs) April 1-10; “Disney’s Mary Poppins” (The Yardley Players) April 22-May 1; “City Of Angels” (Maurer Productions OnStage) May 6-15; “Dancer Diaries” (Mercer Dance Ensemble) May 21-22; “Hamlet” (Shakespeare ’70) June 3-12; and “Bonnie & Clyde – The Musical” June 17-26. 

Kelsey Theatre also offers productions for children and their grown-ups.  Presented by professional traveling troupes, the 2015-16 Kelsey Kids Series includes: “Alice In Wonderland” (Kaleidoscope Theatre) Sept. 19; “Curious George & The Golden Meatball” (TheatreWorks/USA) Oct. 3; “Hiawatha” (Theatre IV) Nov. 14; “T- Bone’s Camp Muckalucka” (Tom Stankus) March 5; “Little Red Riding Hood” (Kaleidoscope Theatre) May 14; and “Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide To School” (TheatreWorks/USA) June 4.

Ticket prices for full-length musicals are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students/children; non-musicals are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students/children. Ticket prices for the Kelsey Kids Series are $10 for children and seniors, and $12 for adults.  (“Mary Poppins” is $20 for all.)

 

 

Discounted subscriber packages include premium seating, exchanges for performances of the same show, special "add-a-show" rates, advance sales of single tickets, and as much as 45 percent off regular ticket prices. Group discounts are also available; daytime performances are available for select shows.

Patrons may purchase a subscriber series or tickets to individual shows by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333.  Tickets for all shows go on sale Aug. 20 and may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net.  

 

Tickets may also be purchased by mail with checks payable to MCCC/Kelsey Theatre, P.O. Box 17202, Trenton NJ 08690, or by ordering in person at the box office.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon; and one hour before show time. Gift certificates are available in any amount. To request a print copy of the 2015-16 season brochure, email kelsey@mccc.edu or call the box office.

Kelsey Theatre has open auditions for many of its productions and welcomes assistance from community volunteers to usher and work behind the scenes. The theater gratefully accepts donations. Call 609-570-3581 or visit the website for more information. 

 

 

The theater has free, lighted parking and is wheelchair accessible. Funding for performances is made possible in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through funding from the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.

 

 


Posted by tammyduffy at 12:13 PM EDT
Tuesday, 28 July 2015

 
By Tammy Duffy 
 


 

 

Last Wednesday night, we got to experience Nightscape— a light and sound experience that made its debut along with the new Beer Garden at Longwood Gardens.

With the exception of Christmastime, when the trees throughout the Gardens are decorated with thousands of tiny twinkle lights, the Gardens have always been quiet after dark. With Nightscape, guests can enjoy wandering the Gardens after dark because the trees and flowers are transformed by light and sound. It’s quite enchanting.

 

 

They use projectors to cast lights on the trees and flowers, and the music is coordinated with the movement of the lights… or visa versa. We tried to capture a bit of it on Periscope, but my camera phone was having a hard time picking it all up. To really get the idea, watch this 35-second trailer they created.

 

https://youtu.be/PtY-nRxWzhA

 

We enjoyed a media reception with dessert and wine before the Nightscape display started at 9:30, where the director of Longwood Gardens and the creator the Nightscape experience, Ricardo Rivera, shared a little bit about the process and inspiration behind the project. In true Longwood form, the drinks and desserts were artfully displayed among flowers and other natural decor. It was stunning.

 


 

 


 

After the reception, we wandered the Gardens and took in Nightscape. There are 9 different displays in all, and I think we saw 3 or 4 of them. My favorite was the Garden Walk. I think it will be even more enjoyable when it’s not so crowded and you can really get lost in the experience. Nightscape will run through October 31st, at which time I’m assuming the holiday displays start up again.

I enjoyed Nightscape, but the biggest draw for guests was actually the new Beer Garden. Designed after the beer gardens in Europe, I predict this new attraction will go a long way to making Longwood Gardens relevant to the younger crowd. What makes the Beer Garden super cool is this little hut they built from an old tree they had to cut down in the Gardens. Typical of Longwood, the attention to detail is impeccable.  There were long lines at the new Beer Garden, it is already a smashing success.

Because Longwood is committed to sourcing their food and drink locally, they partnered with Victory Brewing Company to provide three beers on tap, including a signature brew called Longwood Seasons: Summer Zest, a Saison beer brewed using lemons grown in the Gardens. Then to compliment that, their chefs created a special Beer Garden menu featuring tasty pub fare. Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than that!

 

 


Each Thursday, regional artists perform live in the Beer Garden from 7-10 pm. Check longwoodgardens.org for the performance schedule. You can bring your own chairs and lounge on the lawn, take in the gorgeous scenery, and enjoy the live music. When we were there, a bluegrass band was performing. We wanted to spread out a quilt and sit there all night, but we had to get on over to the dessert reception. We will definitely come back sometime.

 

Throughout Nightscape, Longwood will offer a variety of special programs and activities for guests to enjoy including live music, Family Nights, and a new Artist & Friends speaker series.  A Nightscape ticket is required for admission to the programs and Beer Garden. Due to the overwhelming popularity of these two new attractions, I’d advise waiting a few weeks to try them out, but whenever you go, you’re definitely in for a good time.


Posted by tammyduffy at 7:20 PM EDT

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