Features | Urban Agenda Magazine

Landmark Hospitality Relaunches Iconic Logan Inn

The company revives the centuries-old property through history, delectable cuisine, and style.

Landmark Hospitality announces the reopening of the Logan Inn in New Hope, Pa. Established in 1727 and steeped in tradition, the Logan Inn stands as the oldest operating inn in America. After two years of construction, Landmark Hospitality completed an expansion and renovation of the property, transforming it into a boutique hotel experience and curated entertainment for travelers and locals. The revitalized inn joins Landmark Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of adaptive reuse projects across the tri-state area. more

Jasper Johns: “Mind/Mirror” Joint Exhibition

Flag, 1954–55, by Jasper Johns (American, born 1930) (The Museum of Modern Art, New York: Gift of Philip Johnson in honor of Alfred H. Barr, Jr., 106.1973) © Jasper Johns/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

From September 29 through February 13, 2022, patrons and art lovers will have the opportunity to see, in-person, a 65-year survey of the artist Jasper Johns’ works of contemporary art at both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. more

New York City Wine and Food Festival is Back

The Food Network and Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF), presented by Capital One, will be held this year on October 14-17. The four-day annual event showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, culinary personalities, and America’s most beloved television chefs while raising critical funds to support New Yorkers affected by severe illness and food poverty. Proceeds will benefit Food Bank for New York City and God’s Love We Deliver. more

Montclair State Awarded $1.4M to Address Impacts of COVID-19

State grants will increase student engagement and support academic progress.

Montclair State University will receive more than $1.4 million from the state of New Jersey to support programs that help to address the impacts of COVID-19 on postsecondary students.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges announced the grants on July 12, with Montclair State among 35 public and public-mission private institutions receiving $30 million in state aid to implement vetted best practices that increase college completion, address barriers to student success, and develop sustainable systemic reforms. more

Guided Outdoor Family Meditation at Grounds For Sculpture

On Sunday, September 19 from 10 to 11 a.m., join Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton for a wellness workshop led by Katie O’Brien. This outdoor, guided family-centric mediation promises to provide stress relief, relaxation, self-empowerment, and focus heading into the back-to-school season. Learn the art of mediation, a life-changing tool for many, which children of all ages can learn to practice with the support of a family member.

Elements of sound, drumming, and vocal toning exercises will be incorporated with the intention to facilitate body awareness and mindfulness, followed by a fun and freeing movement meditation. This workshop is designed for children ages 5 and up and their adult caretakers. Admission is $25 for adults ($10 for members) and $15 for children ($5 for members). more

WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft

The 22nd annual Festival of Fine Craft at WheatonArts offers two days of an art and shopping experience for the entire family with more than 125 juried artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their works. Visitors will also partake in special artist demonstrations, hands-on family art activities, a Beer and Wine Garden, Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser, live music, and more.

This year’s event will be held on October 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WheatonArts is located on 45 wooded acres at 1000 Village Drive in Millville, New Jersey (GPS address). This historic organization is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Fellowship Program, New Jersey’s largest Folklife Program, Artist Studios (hot glass, pottery, and flameworking), Museum Stores, and nature trails. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (62+), and $7 for students. Members and children under age 5 are free. more

LBI ChowderMonth 2021

Typically, the annual Long Beach Island (LBI) Chowderfest signifies the end of the summer season on the Jersey Shore. To extend the festivities this year, Chowderfest is becoming ChowderMonth, a month-long celebration of delicious chowders and seafood stews in Ocean County, New Jersey. Dine at participating restaurants from September 4 through October 2, then vote online for your favorite chowder dish and restaurant!

To participate, first go to chowderfest.com to download a pass. You will instantly receive your pass via text and email. Your pass can also be saved to your home screen on your smartphone for easy, one-tap access. When you arrive at your destination, simply click “check in,” then allow GPS to validate your current location. The final step is to vote for your favorite chowder in Red, White, and Creative categories at any participating restaurant. Voting closes at 11:55 p.m. on October 2. more

Trenton Music Makers Orchestra is Growing

There’s nothing like drawing in an even larger group of your community’s kids because of your community’s own generosity.

Trenton Music Makers was honored to learn that it would be part of the cohort of grantees supported by the Trenton Arts Endowment Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The Fund will support the live 2021-22 opening of the after-school orchestra’s “Open Strings” project, begun online during the earliest days of the pandemic lockdown. more

Urban Insider: Back to School

Yale University

Be prepared for whatever the new school year brings with these fun and fitting gifts and accessories.

Drew University Announces New Cybersecurity, Statistics Majors; Dual-Degree with NYU

As of August 2021, Drew University in Madison, N.J., has announced the addition of new majors in cybersecurity and statistics, as well as a dual-degree cybersecurity program with New York University. These new majors join an already robust selection of concentrations from the liberal arts college.

The new major in cybersecurity will be available in fall 2021. The program will offer a liberal arts approach with flexibility through elective offerings for students to choose emphases in software, systems, or interdisciplinary contexts.

Undergraduate degrees in cybersecurity are a rarity in higher education and the program’s liberal arts emphasis will further separate it from the few contemporary programs offered in the U.S. more

Asbury Park Fall Bazaar 2021

The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar returns on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Asbury Park Convention Hall. Come celebrate local makers, musicians, and artists living and working in Asbury Park. This year’s event will include shopping from the best local and regional artisans along with DIY craft workshops, vintage photo booth trailers, live DJs, handmade selfie walls, and delicious food and libations from The Anchor’s Bend and Asbury Oyster Bar. more

Experience the Benefits of Cryotherapy at 4 Elements Wellness Center

Escape from daily life at 4 Elements Wellness Center in Princeton. Whether you have 5 minutes or several hours, 4 Elements is a place where nature and cutting-edge science are combined for improved health and positivity.

Designed to embrace your curiosity and lift your spirits from the moment you enter their doors, 4 Elements offers a wealth of rejuvenating services. One of the most cutting-edge is Cryotherapy. 4 Elements offers full-body, localized, and Cryo facial therapy. Their Pagani Cryo T-Shock has been used in Europe since 2014 to kill fat cells, reduce cellulite, tighten loose skin, and slow the overall signs of aging. more

Dino Safari at Westfield Garden State Plaza

Now through September 6, grab a prehistoric passport and join over 40 giant moving dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, a completely drive-thru dino adventure for the whole family at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus.

Get up-close-and-personal with the most fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. Rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus from Africa while you learn how dinosaurs evolved over time, where on earth they lived, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. more

Virtual Discovery Day at Stuart Country Day School

Discover the Stuart advantage at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart’s Virtual Discovery Day on Tuesday, August 17 at 6 p.m. This event will provide prospective families and students with the opportunity to engage with current teachers, administrators, and students. Register online at https://www.stuartschool.org/admissions/register-for-an-open-classroom. For questions regarding the admissions application process, email Director of Admissions Joe Petitto at jpetitto@stuartschool.org.

As the only all-girls school in Princeton, Stuart has been educating girls for lives of exceptional leadership and service since 1963. Situated on 55 acres in the Princeton Ridge, Stuart provides an environment where girls put academics first and are willing to explore and take risks. The challenging curriculum includes the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as the arts, humanities, and athletics. Stuart enrolls girls in JK-12 and has a co-ed Early Childhood Program. more

New Telemedicine Services at Penn Medicine

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Penn Medicine is offering telemedicine appointments and consultations for a variety of specialties and services. These remote services include coronavirus screenings, new patient appointments, and follow-up care. More than 9,000 members of the Penn Medicine clinical staff are trained to provide telemedicine visits and participate in more than 7,000 appointments per day across the Penn Medicine system. The following Penn Medicine departments currently offer telemedicine appointments for new patients, with services being continually added: cancer, heart and vascular, bariatric surgery, orthopaedics, primary care, transplant, neurosciences, and neurosurgery. If you are already a Penn Medicine patient, contact your doctor to see if telemedicine appointments would work for you. more

New Jersey’s Brown’s Best Raw Pet Food Features Farm Fresh Ingredients

Crafted right in New Jersey, Brown’s Best Premium Raw Pet Food is chef-created and nutrient packed for your favorite dog.

Using restaurant-quality, farm fresh ingredients like grade A beef, chicken, turkey, and more, Brown’s delivers superior nutritional benefits. The result is healthier, happier dogs, and reduced health concerns such as red eyes, dry skin, allergies, loose stools, low energy, and excessive shedding. Brown’s ships across New Jersey and is manufactured in Bergen County’s Harrington Park. Their website and 24/7 customer service phone line will answer all of your questions about transitioning your dog to a raw food diet. You can also visit their physical store at 68 Schraalenburgh Road in Harrington Park. more

Fantastic Fungi and How to Draw Them

Did you know that September is National Fungus Month?

Join Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve of Bucks County virtually to celebrate these fascinating organisms by learning the basics of mushroom foraging and documenting fungi using a sketchbook. This multi-week course runs from Tuesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. through Tuesday, September 28 at 8:30 p.m. Develop your drawing skills by depicting mushrooms in graphite. Go on to create a pleasing composition and design a watercolor painting. These virtual lessons are suitable for all age levels. more

Urban Insider: New Arrivals From J.McLaughlin

Image Source: www.jmclaughlin.com

The August Edit includes earth tones, easy silhouettes, lots of layering and covetable accessories.

Identify Birds You See or Hear with Merlin Bird ID

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recently launched a free birding app, called Merlin Bird ID, which enables users to identify the birds they see or hear, anywhere, at any time.

The Bird ID Wizard asks users to answer three simple questions about the bird they are trying to identify, and Merlin will reply with a list of possible matches. Merlin offers quick and accurate identification for all levels of bird watchers to help them learn about birds across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. Sample questions may include, “What size was the bird?” “What were the main colors?” and “What was the bird doing?” more

Poets at the Princeton Public Library, August 16

On August 16, from 7 to 8 p.m., Princeton Public Library presents a virtual Poets at the Library featuring readers Catherine Doty and John David Muth. Each reader will share their work for 20 minutes followed by an open mic session. Poets who sign-up in advance may share one poem during open mic. To sign-up via crowdcast to attend this virtual event, or to reserve a spot during open mic, visit https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/5414024.

Doty is a poet, cartoonist, and educator from Paterson. She is the author of Wonderama and Momentum, volumes of poems from CavanKerry Press and Just Kidding, a collection of cartoons from Avocet Press. She is the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as an Academy of American Poets Prize and fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts. more

Pick-Your-Own Sunflowers at Alan’s Flower Farm

Sunflower season is here and what better way to enjoy these beautiful blooms than to take a trip to Alan’s Flower Farm in Allentown.

From sunflowers to hydrangeas, lavender, dahlias, peonies, mixed bouquets, and summer annuals, Alan’s bucolic fields contain a wide variety of blooms. In season now, sunflowers are harvested from July to October. These regal blooms are an instant pick-me-up and look wonderful as a table setting or dried and added to a hanging wreath. more

Enroll Now for the 2021 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon

Runners rejoice!

The HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon will offer in-person and virtual race options on Sunday, November 14. There will also be special youth run options for the youngest athletes.

The live half-marathon is currently 50 percent full. Register today at https://bit.ly/3ymJ6R7.

For all in-person runners, the start gun will go off at 7 a.m. at Paul Robeson Place. The field is currently limited to 1,200 participants. The beautiful course will carry runners through the heart of historic Princeton, as well as the Princeton Battlefield, Institute for Advanced Study, past the home of Albert Einstein, Princeton University, the Princeton Boathouse on Lake Carnegie, Westminster Choir College, Mount Lucas, and Herrontown Woods. more

Urban Insider: Natural Beauty Products

Pamper yourself with these earth-inspired treatments that will leave you feeling utterly revitalized.

14th Annual Hopewell Tour Des Arts

The annual Hopewell Tour des Arts returns this fall on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For 14 years, this event has showcased the heart and soul of Hopewell’s artist community. With the opportunity to showcase their live work, the event allows patrons to step inside artists’ studios and study them and their craft. From painting to drawing, sculpture and photography, the tour delivers a wide range of artistic skill and techniques. A self-guided tour map can be accessed at https://www.hopewelltourdesarts.com/map-2021. The tour begins at Hopewell Train Station, 2 Railroad Place in Hopewell. more

Rochambeau at Morven: A Virtual Evening with Historian Bob Selig

Comte de Rochambeau from “Galerie des Batailles” in the Chateau de Versailles in France.

On Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m., join Morven Museum for a virtual event exploring the history of Rochambeau’s French officers and soldiers in Princeton in August 1781. The talk will be led by historian and author Robert A. Selig, PhD, as he presents this unique talk just for Morven Museum’s audience.

Marshal Jean-Baptists Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, led the French expeditionary forces through Princeton in August 1781 to help the Continental Army capture Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. Rochambeau’s army included 5,000 men stationed on the grounds of Morven between August 29-31. Leading his troops from Phillipsburg, N.Y. to central N.J. on separate routes, the allied forces united just north of Princeton, following the encampment of Rochambeau’s men at the site of Morven. 2021 marks the 240th anniversary of this march. There is also a little-known monument to Rochambeau’s encampment on the grounds of Trinity Church in Princeton. more

Peddie School Alum Inducted into NJ Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Rich D’Andrea ’01 (second from right) is inducted into the NJ Lacrosse Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster on July 19. Pictured with D’Andrea is his father, Dan; mother, Darcy; and wife, Ericka Kapp ’98.

Rich D’Andrea ’01, already a Peddie Sports Hall of Fame member (2021), was inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame on July 19.

A three-year starter in goal at Peddie, D’Andrea helped the Falcons to a 44-5 record and two NJISAA Prep A Championships. He was a three-time First Team All-State Selection (’99, ’00, ’01), a two-time All-American (’00, ’01), and was twice the recipient of the Dietrich von Schwerdtner New Jersey Goalie of the Year Award (’00, ’01). In his senior campaign, the Falcons went undefeated (16-0) and earned a Top 15 national ranking. more

Watershed Butterfly Festival 2021

Join The Watershed Institute in Pennington on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 21st annual Watershed Butterfly Festival, an in-person celebration of the beauty and joy of nature. This family-friendly event is perfect for children and adults of all ages.

The day begins with tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House and the Insect Zoo. Live music and entertainment will be provided by the Trenton Circus Squad and Eyes of the Wild (an exotic animal rescue show). Kids will delight in participating in the famous Butterfly and Bug Parade led by Lady Monarch, Ms. Allison. more

Urban Insider: Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout. And, since you stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon. Shop these amazing paddle boards from REI for a memorable summer in the sun.

Robert Beck (b. 1950), Sunday Morning, 1996. Oil on panel. 24 x 18 inches. James A. Michener Art Museum.

The Michener Art Museum presents “It’s Personal: The Art of Robert Beck,” opening July 30. The exhibition focuses on Robert Beck's place in the storied world of the New Hope-Lambertville arts community. Beck has played an important role in advancing and expanding the region's traditions of Impressionism and Urban Realism, with distinctive oil paintings of the people, places, and occupations of our time. He is well known for documentary paintings, as he refers to his paintings done on site in one go. Whether single works or multi-image “visual essays,” these distinct paintings record his world much like the Pennsylvania Impressionists recorded theirs in their time. Unlike those images, Beck describes a world that contemporary audiences recognize as their own. Viewers respond to his keen perspective on the storefronts, street corners, bars, restaurants, carnivals, basketball games, funeral homes, and parades, of their here and now. While New York, Bucks County, and the villages along the upper coast of Maine, present subjects and contrast for his examinations, the exhibit includes work from series he created in the American West, Europe, and Africa. It is a remarkable story of a contemporary artist establishing a voice, becoming part of a community, and creating a body of work that will resonate in Bucks County and well beyond for many years. more

The Splashiest of Summer Getaways at Longwood Gardens

Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/LongwoodGardens

Now through September 26, 2021, escape the everyday routine at Longwood Gardens in Brandywine Valley. Fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden and Open Air Theatre take place daily. Illuminated Fountain Performances are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Live Music in the Beer Garden takes place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Admission tickets are required. more