downtowner Trenton’s City Paper
February 2024 | communitynews.org
Hip Hop on Stage Trenton’s Poor Righteous Teachers reflect on hip hop history ahead of the ‘Ghetto Gods in Divineland’ premiere. Page 4 TDA offers its vision for 2024, page 2; Trenton artists past and present fill galleries, page 6.
STATe oF THe CiTY Trenton Downtown Association’s vision for 2024 Bryan Evans, chair of the TDA, sent the following letter to the community outlining the nonprofits goals and plans for the new year.
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s we enter a new year, we are passionate and steadfast in our commitment to revitalizing downtown Trenton. Our vision is to craft a cleaner, safer, and incredibly inviting downtown for all community members. We fully understand the enormity of this task, and we recognize that the challenges ahead are complex and impact everyone who lives, works, and plays downtown. Achieving this transformative journey requires meticulous planning, collaborative spirit, unwavering support, innovative ideas, and, above all, empathy. While these words may sound familiar, let’s celebrate the many tangible actions that brought a significant and positive change in the past year. The Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) poured its heart and soul into empowering the TDA “Clean Team” with the necessary resources and support to carry out its mission. We’ve expanded the team and
Bryan Evans is chairman of the Trenton Downtown Association’s board. brought on board an experienced inhouse operations manager to enhance their efforts. This is fantastic news for our diligent Clean Team, who dedicated over 6,500 service hours, collected more than 17,000 trash bags, and performed more than 18,000 public amenity cleanings within our Special Improvement District. If you happen to cross paths with a member of the TDA Clean Team in your neighborhood, please extend a warm greeting and take a moment to admire their smart new TDA-branded uniforms. Last year, we disseminated informa-
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Extension of Mercer Coun- exists in Hamilton, Ewing, Lawrence, New Jersey has created a guaranteed Battling food insecurity with Cooperative ty, co-facilitates and staffs the Mercer East Windsor, Hightstown, Princeton, minimum benefit of $95/month for parthe right tools: How Trenton County Food Stakeholders (MCFS), a and beyond. ticipants in the Supplemental Nutrition Program (or SNAP) and has THT has supported our MCFS partcollaborative of more than 50 organizaHealth Team is doing its part tions, from food safety net providers to ners and others in making better in- Assistance established the Office of the Food Securi-
s Virginia Woolf wrote, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food security - having reliable access to nutritious foods - is one of the most fundamental human needs. The U.N. Committee on World Food Security describes this as having the “physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets [people’s] dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” Yet, according to Feeding America, the nation’s largest network of food banks, one in 11 New Jerseyans face food insecurity, a number that likely underestimates the total impact. These gaps in food security are not experienced equally across the state. They are higher in places like Trenton, where more residents face physical, social, and economic challenges that inhibit their ability to afford and access nutritious food. Since 2019, Trenton Health Team (THT), one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs (RHHs), has been working to increase food security in the Trenton area. THT, in partnership with Rutgers
local farmers, that supports our region’s formed strategic and programmatic deciresponse to food insecurity through re- sions on emergency food services, food source mobilization, service coordina- access, and the common geographic or socioeconomic barriers that impact food tion, and data analytics and mapping. Together with MCFS, THT created the security. During the pandemic, MCFS was a Mercer County Food Insecurity Index critical mechanism (MCFII), an online for coordinating tool that documents emergency rethe prevalence and Gaps in food security are sponse and relief distribution of food not experienced equally efforts. The need insecurity across for food was high the county. We across the state. They and the community also developed the responded with reFree Food Finder are higher in places like sources to support web app. Geared to Trenton, where more those whose income residents seeking was disrupted. But, food, it is available residents face physical, while the pandemic through any interhas waned, the denet browser and social, and economic mand for food ascan be filtered by challenges that inhibit sistance is actually type of food/sertoday than vice, location, hours their ability to afford and greater it was at the height of operation, and acaccess nutritious food. of the pandemic. cessibility, making Living costs have it easy for people to risen and affordfind the resources able housing is scarce, leading more inthat meet their needs. Through this work, we have identified dividuals to rely on supplemental food. areas with high likelihood of food insecu- Our partners like the Trenton Area Soup rity and limited food resources, bringing Kitchen (TASK) and HomeFront have a data-driven approach to defining the reported some of their highest numbers realities we and our partners see in our ever of people coming to them for food. Thankfully, the State of New Jersey day to day work. Food insecurity is not just a challenge in Trenton — the need is leading the way to address this need.
ty Advocate (OFSA), the first of its kind in the country. OFSA has recognized THT for their multisector convening work and use of community informed data, and the entities are partnering together to bring the innovations developed in Mercer County to other areas of the State. The time to act is now. Several of our partners, including TASK, HomeFront, the Rescue Mission, Arm in Arm, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and Mercer Street Friends, are committed to working with OFSA and coordinating their efforts to best serve the community. They laid out their commitment in an op ed in November 2023. We are actively supporting and engaged in their efforts. As we remembered the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s service to the nation on Monday, January 15th, it’s important to note that food insecurity exists every day, not just on holidays. If preparing to join your friends and families in important acts of service over the coming days, please think about your neighbors in need and how you might support them tomorrow and each day after that.
tion across all TDA platforms in our relentless pursuit of reducing illegal dumping and improving trash and recycling management. This was, and continues to be, part of our broader strategy to keep the front of businesses free from unsightly refuse. The aesthetic appeal of downtown Trenton received a delightful facelift with the introduction of new spring and fall plantings, festive holiday decorations, pole banners, and upgraded façades for several businesses. In 2023, we breathed new life into the TDA Grant Façade Program, now offering eligible businesses up to $5,000 for façade and signage improvements. If you’re curious about this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. As of January 2024, there’s still up to $20,000 in available funding. We recently introduced the TDA Start-Up Grant, a valuable resource for budding businesses in our district. The goal is to reduce the burden of start-up costs and reduce retail vacancies in our district by providing up to $5,000 per applicant for eligible start-up costs. Learn more about this exciting opportunity by contacting us or visiting our website.
Our communication efforts have expanded, aiming to keep stakeholders and community members well-informed about crucial topics: downtown developments, available funding and application procedures, new business ventures, TDA services, additional resources, and accessible avenues. We’ve utilized flyers, postcards, and newsletters and are actively engaged through our social media platforms and website. Our communication endeavors will continue to grow in the coming year with the exciting addition of a new digital platform. We are thrilled to announce the installation of innovative digital wayfinding kiosks thoughtfully placed throughout the district in early January. Each kiosk includes a district map with critical attractions marked, an events calendar, a news feed, and a space for announcements. What makes these digital signs truly special is their 100% solar-powered nature and ease of updating. TDA’s commitment to promoting local artists and nurturing our vibrant creative community remains unwavering. Last spring we installed nine Seward Johnson Atelier sculptures, followed by
a successful, docent-led walking tour. Looking ahead to 2024, we’re gearing up for a new public art installation. Stay tuned for more exciting developments! What’s more, we’re delighted to share our plans for acquiring a dedicated vehicle for the Clean Team, which will enhance their mobility and equipment transport capabilities. We are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of several new businesses in 2024, including Trenton’s first official cannabis dispensary and a new coffee shop and cafe, both located on South Warren Street. While we savor the vibrancy on South Warren, we acknowledge the pressing need to ignite positive change in other parts of the district, particularly the vicinity of State and Broad Streets. TDA remains firmly committed to partnering with the City of Trenton and various nonprofit organizations, including those focused on mental health. Our aim is not only to seek compassionate solutions to complex problems but also to secure the resources needed for their success. We are fully aware of the challenges in making these spaces safe and inviting, but we view this as the corner-
stone of revitalizing and rejuvenating our entire district. Through our supplemental police program, we’ve enlisted an additional offduty police officer to provide robust support for our businesses, and we’ve also installed security cameras to enhance safety measures. None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication and passionate support of our engaged Board members. Join me in welcoming our newest members: Dr. Gonzalo Perez, Quayshaun Williams, and Rob Willborn. With these collective endeavors and an unshakable resolve, I am confident that 2024 will be a year of transformation for downtown Trenton, bringing us closer to our vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community that benefits one and all. As we embark on this exciting journey, I extend my warmest wishes for a Happy New Year, filled with positive transformations. For more information on the Trenton Downtown Association, visit www.trenton-downtown.com.
The Trenton Health Team, a nonprofit partnership focused on the health and wellbeing of Trenton residents, composed the following editorial.
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For more information, please reach out to Matthew Broad, Senior Program Manager for Trenton Health Team at mbroad@trentonhealthteam.org. Visit www.trentonhealthteam.org.
Februar y 2024 | Trenton Downtowner3
Passage show celebrates the hip hop artistry of Poor Righteous Teachers By Dan Aubrey
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assage Theater in Trenton has been marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of hip hop by developing a new stage work based on the artistry of Trenton’s own hip hop trio, Poor Righteous Teachers. The group featuring Wise Intelligence (aka Timothy Grimes), Culture Freedom (Kerry Williams), and Father Shaheed (Scott Phillips) formed in 1989. The first of their socially conscious albums was the 1990 “Holy Intellect,” which also included one of their most noted songs, “Rock Dis Funky Joint.” They followed with three additional albums: “Pure Poverty” (1991), “Black Business”(1993), and “New World Order” (1996). According to Star-Ledger music critic Tris McCall, Poor Righteous Teachers was part of the early ’90s New Jersey hiphop explosion, a period when “it was possible for a parochial fan to imagine that the Garden State was becoming the center of the rap universe.” The trio toured nationally and internationally with listings up to 2009. Then, Father Shaheed died in a motorcycle accident in 2014. The Passage project, called “Ghetto Gods in Divineland,” is set to debut from February 8 to 25, the project started in late August when Wise Intelligence and Culture Freedom came to the Mill Hill Theater in Trenton to have a public discussion with Trenton community activist Darren Freedom Green about their art and hip hop. The following excerpts are based on the conversation and have been edited for flow and brevity. Green: Growing up in Trenton what inspired your creativity? Culture: I’d like to start with my mother, food, and music. She was a chef to me, and I would enjoy her cuisine. She had vast record collection of soul and jazz. She would connect ourselves through music. She would sing lyrics. She was subconsciously passing things in our mind. The kitchen was one of the places I felt connected to her. Whenever I’m in the kitchen, I feel connected to her. Wise: My inspiration was (the DJS), at the block parties. We’d stand next to the speakers. Trenton has been my inspiration from the beginning — on every level. Green: How has hip hop changed? Wise: Hip hop hasn’t changed. It still delivers and is relevant as it is today. What is only allowed now is what mainstream media dictates it is. Mainstream media that has pushed a particular narrative on the public: Sex, murder, is that
narrative. Whatever happens to mainstream is in the bloodstream. But hip hop is still pushing those positive narratives and popping up with these themes. Culture: When people think of hip hop, they think of rap. But rap is the language and hip hop is the culture. Once you removed the pillars, the building will collapse. Environments shape reality, reality shapes the expression. Rap is a creative outlet. Michelangelo said a creative world is one where art is more acceptable. The art will create an environment that is better for young people for expression. B-boying, DJ-ing, and art. Hip hop hasn’t changed, but the media controls us. Wise: When hip hop began it was a (violence) prevention movement. That part is dropped from discussion, (the) love, peace, having fun message. The (early) crews were gang-affiliated, but they moved (to) let’s battle (with) rap, resolve conflicts without violence, move the young to positive lifestyles. Hip hop has always been positive. Hip hop has been at the front of political action. Hip hop artist do extraordinary work in the community. You have these movements in every part of the U.S. That hasn’t changed at all. Hip hop’s DNA has been to speak truth to power. We have to teach kids to control the intellectual process. Rappers should do more to bring back resources to the community that created this culture. Culture: Draw attention to social issues — women’s rights, pushing positive messages — using our voice to communicate and speak to issues. Other people realize rap and hip hop start trends. Then, you have others that make this happen, and you have the protectors of the culture. Wise: (There is also) the diversity of attitudes, lifestyles, and views. I am in this lane, but I appreciate your view. That is the diversity. As long as you love your
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Above left, Wise, left, Culture, and Darren Green on the Passage Theater stage. Right, the cover of PRT’s ‘Pure Poverty’ album. neighbor. Once you take (the diversity of hip hop) and make it one thing, you destroy the culture. Green asks about addressing trauma and social problems. Culture: I tell them what I tell my own daughter. I treat others like family members. Parents are the most important people in their lives. I want to impact my daughter by how I treat her mother. I tried to lead by setting an example. Whatever you want to be seen as, you have to model it. The number one thing I learned is being a good listener. As fathers we want to be a super hero for our daughter, but what they want is for us to listen and give them space. If you listen, you may be able to apply wisdom. Wise: We can’t gloss over environment. The parent has to be the first teacher in the child’s life. The family has to be the first school, church. If the family is systemically broken, how much can we rely on accountability and respectability? (Growing up at Donnelly Hall), I knew all these kids’ mothers, but not fathers. I didn’t know any of my friends’ fathers. Broken family, (and) the policy that broke family. Building communities of poverty. I moved in 2015 (back to) Trenton. I got pulled over (by the police) five times a month. It is because of the concentration of poverty. What can a parent do? The family is broke, what can I say to a child? Poor Righteous Teachers were lucky. We found something that we loved enough. Do what you love until it can do something for you. Culture: There is a thing in the African American people, it takes a village to raise a child. It takes a community … Green: What legacy would you like to leave? Culture: I would like my life to reflect
what grace and mercy could do. Every child has some kind of talent. Something they could use to elevate themselves. I never went to culinary school, but I was head chef at a university. We didn’t take any music programs, but we took our passions to move forth. I didn’t have my father, but I’ve been married for 35 years. I didn’t go to college, but my children did. When you see me, you see grace and mercy. As a group, you see unity. You can’t teach people about unity if you don’t demonstrate it. We never talk bad about another. Wise: I try to be the best human being I can be. Give back at least as much I have taken. I’m not a legacy guy. In terms of the music, I’m documenting the time (when it was created). When you find our music, I want you to say that “this” was happening at this time, it wasn’t just partying bullshit. So you should say, “These guys gave us what we needed.” Green: Final words? Wise: Hip hop has saved thousands of youths from depravity. The Bronx had to be the birth of hip hop. The youth had to learn to improvise. Hip hop should be preserved for its ability to preserve the people. It isn’t about rapping and DJing; it has been about innovation. People came and needed technologies to support what we wanted to do. Hip hop as innovation doesn’t get spoken about enough Graffiti art is on $13,000 bags. Hip hop influences potato chips. Kids don’t have to be rappers but embrace the hurdles in the lane. You don’t have to be the rappers. You can be the engineer. You can create platforms. Ghetto Gods in Divineland, Passage Theater at the Mill Hill Playhouse, February 8 through 25. $33. www.passagetheatre.org.
RWJUH Hamilton February Healthy Living / Community Education Programs Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study, KIDS IN THE KITCHEN - LOVE YOUR HEART FROM THE START whose findings represent a paradigm
emotional eating. We offer a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Fee: $5 per person
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: DISPARITIES IN WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH
Thursday, Feb. 1; 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP Monday, Feb. 5; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Tuesday, Feb. 6; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetables are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! You can attend the in-person program at the center or watch from the comfort of your own home.
“RESILIENCE: THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS AND THE SCIENCE OF HOPE” FILM SCREENING & PANEL DISCUSSION Tuesday, Feb. 6; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
How do early childhood experiences affect one’s health decades later? Join us for a screening and discussion of this documentary on the Adverse
shift in human understanding of the origins of physical, social, mental, and societal health and well-being. This ongoing series acknowledges our shared experiences during the pandemic and begins to rebuild connection with an emphasis on what heals. Panelists Dara Whalen, NP; Tracey Post, LCSW
BOOK ART: DISCOVERING THE INTERNAL LIGHT Tuesday, Feb. 6; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Make a beautiful piece of art from a recycled book. Explore how we contend with the seasonal darkness of winter, developing our own internal light using inspirational poems and meaningful discussion of darkness transitioning to light. Rochelle Stern, The Expressive Librarian. Fee: $15, materials included.
Monday, Feb. 12; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Introducing our “Monthly Health Focus” open to all and dedicated to helping you prevent and identify illness early, know your treatment options, and live your best life with the knowledge to do so. RWJ Barnabas Health believes we are Better Together and this month join Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, A-GNP-C, Director of Disease Management and Stroke Coordinator for this informational session about heart disease.
WHAT’S EATING YOU?
Monday, Feb. 12; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 16; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome, no experience required.
ASK THE DIETITIAN
Over 60 million women in the US are living with some form of heart disease. Women and their symptoms are often undertreated when compared to men. Marie Bernardo, MD, FACC, from Hamilton Cardiology Associates, will teach you the facts, so you can help take steps to protect your health and seek proper treatment if you need it. Dinner provided.
Monday, Feb. 19; 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
BRAIN HEALTH-LEARN PROVEN WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN YOUNG
This natural phase in a woman’s life brings about significant physical and mental changes along with health risks such as heart disease, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. We will discuss the role hormones play in our bodies as well as mindset and habit changes that need to be embraced for a smoother transition. Kathleen McDermott, MSN, RN Certified Menopause Wellness Coach.
Wednesday, Feb. 14; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
With so much information out today HEART MATTERS-PRIORITIZE on brain health what methods really YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH work? Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. Wednesday, Feb. 7; 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
DANCE IT OUT!
to learn more about how to keep your brain young and turn back the clock on your aging brain.
SACRED BREATHWORK
Thursday, Feb. 15; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Join Kim Huston, Reiki Master and Certified Breathwork facilitator is passionate about sharing this modality with anyone looking for true healing. Sacred Breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Bring a yoga mat and blanket, Chairs will be available. Fee: $15
Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for a 30-minute,1 on 1 Q&A session. Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Must preregister to schedule an appointment time.
PERI-MENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE MADE EASIER Monday, Feb. 19; 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP Tuesday, Feb. 20; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS Wednesday, Feb. 21; 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Meditation has been shown to quiet
Support group for people experiencing
your restless mind and help your entire body to relax. Come experience what all the buzz is about. Beginners welcome. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.
HEART & SOUL: SLIDE INTO BETTER HEALTH Thursday, Feb. 22; 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for Line Dancing, Live DJ, Zumba, Refreshments, Health Screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, Heart Health Resources. $5 per person (collected at the door)
SAMBA: DANCE & DRUM FUSION Tuesday, Feb. 27; 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.
SAMBA dance fuses upbeat drumming with dance and concludes with their signature smoothie SAMBUCHA, leaving participants refreshed and rejuvenated after a hard workout. Brought to you by Avalon Rehab.
DON’T LET SHOULDER PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN Thursday, Feb. 29; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Shoulder pain can affect up to 70% of people. Let Michael Duch, MD guide you through the diagnosis and treatment of the different types of shoulder ailments. Dinner included. *All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old TAI CHI CLASSES Thursday, Feb. 1, 15, & 29; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Feb. 6 & 20, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES Tuesday; Feb. 6 & 20; 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
NEW - CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Feb. 6 & 20; 12:00 -12:45 p.m.
Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.
*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, is introducing Chair Yoga to our Better Health Program. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!
A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 14, 21, & 28; 10:00 11:00 a.m.
Join our ongoing program and gather in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe-zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives. Please feel free to attend one or all.
YOUR HEART, BUILDING THIS MUSCLE ONE PUMP AT A TIME Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
The heart is the most incredible muscle in the body, beating about 100,000 times to send 3,600 gallons of blood through 75,000 miles of blood vessels each day. Anthony Notaroberto, Personal Training Manager at RWJ Fitness & Wellness, will discuss how to improve cardio vascular function by building this important muscle.
D.A.S.H. TOWARD BETTER HEALTH Wednesday, Feb. 21; 1:00 - 2:00p.m.
Delicious foods can also be nutritious! Join us this American Heart Month as we discuss Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (the D.A.S.H. diet) and learn how better food choices can encourage heart health. Enjoy a live cooking demo of a D.A.S.H. friendly dish by Taryn Krietzman, RDN.
GFS- BEYOND THE LIMITS WORKSHOP-EXCLUSIVE TO 1ST TIME PARTICIPANTS Wednesday, Feb. 28; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
If you have never attended a Better Health – GFS Program this is your opportunity to participate. When faced with finding tough solutions, we are often told to “think outside the box.” What if all you have to work with is what’s inside the box? Sharp thinking and breakthrough ideas are
honed in this studio workshop. Teams collaborate on a themed sculpture using limited time, materials, and resources in a way that empowers innovation. Location: Grounds for Sculptor, 80 Sculptors Way.
GFS- BEYOND THE LIMITS WORKSHOP Thursday, Feb. 29; 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.
When faced with finding tough solutions, we are often told to “think outside the box.” What if all you have to work with is what’s inside the box? Sharp thinking and breakthrough ideas are honed in this studio workshop. Teams collaborate on a themed sculpture using limited time, materials, and resources in a way that empowers innovation. Location: Grounds for Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more Februar y 2024 | Trenton Downtowner5
Trenton KiOSK Trenton makes art
Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. Open Tuesdays through Satrtworks Trenton is exhibiting “Freda urdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.artworkWilliams: A Retrospective” through strenton.org. March 16 in its main and community galleries. An opening reception takes place new exhibit at the State Museum in Friday, February 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Trenton explores the work of a littleSelf-taught artist Mabel “Freda” Wil- known New Jersey photographer from liams has been a resident of the Trenton the turn of the 20th century. area and Ewing Township for more than “Discovering Grant Castner: The Lost 70 years. A native of North Carolina, she Archive of a New Jersey Photographer” has been expressing her love of art since opens Saturday, February 3, and is on the age of 10. view through September 15, featuring She attended Rider College (now Rider a recently discovered archive of photoUniversity) and retired after serving 20 graphic negatives that once belonged to years in the steel industry as manager of a prolific local photographer. employment and 25 years as manager of The exhibit celebrates one New Jerseyaffirmative action with the State Depart- an’s passion for photography — from the ment of Education. 1890s through the 1910s — and is curated Throughout her career, her art was from the museum’s extensive collection primarily for personal and creative ex- of the photographer’s original negatives. pression, to balance the intensity of proIn 2019, the NJSM received a donation fessional life. When contemplating retire- of more than 1,200 glass plate negatives. ment, she decided to view it as a time for The plates preserve pinpoint moments of creative exploration. She has exhibited in everyday life in New Jersey at the turn of numerous area venues and juried exhib- the 20th century. They belonged to Grant its and served on the Ewing Township Castner (1863-1941), an amateur photogArts Commission. She also organized a rapher born in Warren County who later senior art ministry for members and non- lived and worked in Trenton and is buried members of her church. in Greenwood Cemetery. This retrospective offers a variety of The 200 images featured in the exhibistyles and themes, including florals, poli- tion reflect Caster’s artistic talent and iltics, African American history, Trenton lustrate numerous aspects of New Jersey historical sites, southern themes, land- history, from close-up portraits of family scapes and cityscapes; also included is and friends to the marvels of turn-of-thethe, “To The Left Series,”( a personal jour- century transportation, to the flurry of ney). Williams’ work is heavily inspired excitement and activity at the famed Inby African American history, which is an ter-state fair in Hamilton Township. attempt to remind people of the imporOther photography subjects include tance of history. faces of New Jersey; railroads and canals; “Most people enjoy seeing things that the shore; leisure and recreation; adults are familiar to them and give them a at work and children at school; famous sense of community and fond memories landmarks; floods, fires, and other disasof a time gone by,” Williams says. Her ters; and nature. paintings reflect her love of color, and New Jersey State Museum, 205 West are vivid images of nostalgic memories, cultural experiences, and political impres- State Street, Trenton. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 609sions. 292-6464. www.nj.gov/state/museum.
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ork by longtime Trenton artist Khalilah Sabree — now based in Columbus, New Jersey — features in “Reciting Women: Alia Bensliman & Khalilah Sabree,” on view at Princeton University’s Art@Bainbridge gallery through March 31. An opening reception takes place Saturday, February 3, at 2 p.m., and a conversation with the artists follows on Thursday, February 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the Friend Center at the corner of William and Olden streets in Princeton. Materials from the museum describe the exhibit as follows: “Alia Bensliman (born Tunis, Tunisia) and Khalilah Sabree (born Macon, GA) deliberately disrupt conventional divides between tradition and modernity and the sacred and the secular. As Muslim-American artists and educators deeply rooted in the Trenton community, their imagery grapples with human rights struggles and the challenges of cultural belonging. “Sabree’s painting suite turns a photograph taken during Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, into a meditation on loss and the devastations of war.” As noted in a 2021 interview with Community News Service, Sabree has deep connections to the capital city. “I’ve been in Trenton since I was five years old. My mother (from Macon, Georgia) was a single mother with five children,” she said in the interview. She added that most of her development as an artist “came from wonderful art teachers in Trenton schools: Jacob Davis in Junior Three and Carl Overton in Trenton Central High School. “They were my mentors, and they always encouraged me. I’d tell Mr. Davis that I was going to come back and take his job, and I became an art teacher — 27 years in Lawrence Township Public Schools.” About her art skill, she said, “It just
Grant Castner’s 1915 photograph believed to be of either Lanning School in Ewing or Carroll Robbins School in Trenton. came naturally. It was a natural ability, even as a child. It was a passion. It’s a vocabulary. It’s how I speak. I can’t sing or write well. But I can say what I need to say visually.” She received a degree in art education from The College of New Jersey, then was working at Lawrence Middle School when, she said, “I was told of a program to get your masters, but you needed a studio, so I needed to get a studio.” At the same time she had been taking classes offered at Artworks, and one of her teachers who had a studio at Artworks mentioned he was leaving. She took the opportunity, entered a graduate program at the University of the Arts in Pennsylvania, and has been at Artworks for more than 20 years. Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton. Open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. artmuseum.princeton.edu/artbainbridge.
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oming soon to the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie is “Music to My Eyes,” an exhibit curated by Joan Perkes, president of the Trenton Museum Society Board of Trustees, and Carol Cruickshanks, executive director of New Hope Arts. The show celebrating the visual and performing arts together opens with a reception on Friday, February 16, and continues through April 7. Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, Cadwalader Park. Open Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. www.ellarslie.org.
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Advances in AFib Management and Stroke Prevention Thursday, February 29, 2024 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting Learn about the latest advancements in the management of atrial fibrillation (AFib) as well as medications and non-drug options for stroke prevention among patients with atrial fibrillation. Join DR. ROY SAUBERMAN, a board certified and fellowship trained cardiac electrophysiologist from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, for a discussion that will also include information on the Watchman implant, an FDA-approved device proven to reduce stroke risk in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Februar y 2024 | Trenton Downtowner7
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8Trenton Downtowner | Februar y 2024