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Saul to lead Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce
Laurence Saul has been named the next president and CEO of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Saul will work alongside current President and CEO Hal English in June before English retires at the end of the month, the chamber announced.
“The Chamber conducted an extensive search for our next leader, and we believe Laurence is the ideal executive to lead the organization at this important time,” said Patrick L. Ryan, chair of the chamber board of directors. “He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, strategic perspective, and operational expertise that will help continue the Chamber’s positive momentum.”
Saul is a business executive with more than three decades of leadership experience guiding organiza-tions through growth, transformation, and operational change across consumer products, food, retail, and service sectors.
His career has included work with entrepreneurial ventures, private equity-backed companies, and glob-al enterprises, with leadership responsibilities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Most recently, Saul served as CEO of a legacy food business, where he led a transformation effort fo-cused on strengthening operations, rebuilding commercial strategy, and expanding customer relation-ships. He previously served as CEO of a cold salad and hot side entrée company during its transition from family ownership to private equity ownership. Earlier in his career, Saul held senior leadership posi-tions with Aramark, Dawn Foods, Domino’s Pizza, and The Coca-Cola Company. His work has included global operations, international market development, commercial strategy, and organizational transfor-mation.
He previously served as president and treasurer of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Nether-lands and remains active with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He also has held lead-ership roles supporting community and advocacy organizations, including the Crohn’s & Colitis Founda-tion, and has been involved with youth athletics in the Mercer County region.
Saul earned his MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and his undergraduate de-gree from Cornell University.
“What attracted me to this opportunity is the Chamber’s strong regional position and its ability to con-nect major institutions, entrepreneurial businesses, and civic leadership across Mercer County,” Saul said. “I look forward to meeting the members, engaging with sponsors, and becoming part of the PMRC community.”
Middlesex Leaders to Speak At Alliance For Action
The New Jersey Alliance for Action will hold a Middlesex County Chapter meeting on Tuesday, June 16, in Edison.
Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the program scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. The meeting will be held in the third-floor conference room at Raritan Center Plaza II, 91 Fieldcrest Ave., Edison.
The Middlesex County Chapter is co-chaired by Ronald Rios, director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners; Robert Davis, president of the Middlesex County Building & Construction Trades Council; and Anthony Coscia, head partner at Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf LLP.
According to event materials, speakers will include Rios; John Carroll, director of public and governmental affairs for Middlesex County; Joe Cryan, executive director of the Middlesex County Utilities Authority; Glenn Skarzynski, administrator of the Borough of Sayreville; and Garrett Blitz, senior project manager at DEVCO.
The New Jersey Alliance for Action is a statewide organization focused on infrastructure investment, economic development and public-private cooperation.
Tickets are $150 for members and $450 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities are available. More information is available at allianceforaction.com.
ACM Planning Meeting Set
The Princeton ACM / IEEE Computer Society will hold its annual elections and planning meeting on Thursday, June 11.
The meeting is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. in a hybrid format, with in-person participation at the home of Dennis Mancl, 108 Brokaw Court, Bridgewater, and online participation available by Zoom.
The annual meeting is used to review the chapter’s activities, present the treasurer’s report, elect officers for the 2026-27 season and discuss topics and speakers for meetings beginning in October. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas for future programs and help plan the next season of Princeton ACM / IEEE Computer Society meetings.
The meeting is open to the public, including students and parents. There is no admission charge, and refreshments will be served for in-person attendees. Online registration information is available by emailing PrincetonACM@gmail.com. More information is available at princetonacm.acm.org.
NJDOT Commissioner To Discuss Infrastructure
New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain will discuss transportation infrastructure, investment and project opportunities during a New Jersey Alliance for Action program on Thursday, June 11.
The event, “The Inside Scoop with NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain,” is scheduled from 8 to 11 a.m. at Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township.
Jain is expected to discuss what is ahead for transportation infrastructure in New Jersey and how the state is approaching investment in the systems people and businesses rely on throughout the region. She was appointed commissioner of the DOT by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Jain is a civil engineer and infrastructure executive with experience in public-sector transportation and private-sector project delivery. She has worked on major infrastructure, environmental and transportation projects and brings engineering and management experience to the state’s transportation network.
The discussion comes as transportation agencies continue to balance major capital needs with concerns about congestion, freight movement, transit reliability, road and bridge conditions, and long-term funding. For business leaders, contractors, engineers and local officials, NJDOT decisions can affect project pipelines, development timelines, commuting patterns and the movement of goods throughout New Jersey.
Tickets are $125 for Alliance members and $350 for nonmembers. Sponsorships are available.More information is available at allianceforaction.com.
How One Band Recreates the Magic of Queen
In February 2027, it will be 50 years since this reporter saw British rock legends Queen in concert, at the old Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center.
Tickets were General Admission, which meant the venue opened its doors and we all ran like heck to get as near to the stage as possible. We ended up close for sure, but all squished together.
When lead singer Freddie Mercury greeted us between songs, he said something like, “My darlings, you all look very nice, but a bit like sardines.”
Meanwhile, I was curious about their signature song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” How would they do the “opera” section, I wondered? You know, when the song shifts into all those insane vocals?
Well, Queen left the stage, spotlighted a huge mirrored disco ball, while a tape played all those “Galileos” and Figaros.” The group returned to the stage for the song’s rollicking finale, and it was wild.
When I told this to Mike McManus, guitarist for Queen Nation, he stated that their group, a note-for-note tribute to Queen, does not leave the stage for the opera part of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” no sir.
“We turn it into this big karaoke session,” he says, speaking by phone from California. “We play the music, then point to the audience, and they take it from there. It’s an awesome heart-pumping wall of cacophony. Expect to lose your voice.”
Queen Nation will play Saturday night, June 13 at the Performance Pavilion at Morven Museum and Garden, with such smash hits as “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love,” and yes, “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the program.
But, perhaps there will be some deep cuts from earlier albums, as well?
“Sure, we play the big songs, but we’ll also take a lesser-known song from this or that album,” McManus says. “It keeps things fresh for us, as well as the people who have seen us many, many times.”
“There are two sides of Queen,” he says. “There’s their massive production and studio skills, and then there’s Queen live, just four guys in a rock band. With Queen Nation, we take the studio sound and incorporate it into the show. So it’s kind of half live and half studio, true to what people remember about Queen’s arrangements.”
One of the big differences between Queen Nation and other tribute bands, who base the shows around a star lead singer performing as Freddie Mercury, is that all four members are performing as the guys from Queen.
“We have Greg Finsley as Freddie, but we also dress up like the other members of Queen,” McManus says. “It’s really like you’re going to see Queen around 1980.”
In addition to his guitar work and stage moves, McManus’ garb of black clothes and white vest (or vice versa), his lanky frame and mane of curly black hair help him to really resemble Queen guitarist Brian May.
Although, May’s hair has gone silver and white, so much so that he resembles Isaac Newton. (Technically, we should say “Sir Brian May,” who was knighted by King Charles III in 2023.)
Lead vocalist and keyboardist Gregory Finsley has an impressive range, and after 22 years sounds so much like Mercury, he might be channeling the late singer from the other side.
Drummer Pete Burke has the same circa-1980 blonde hair and powerhouse chops as Roger Taylor. Bassist Parker Combs allows Queen fans to kind of see John Deacon again who, in reality, retired from the group and the music industry in 1997.
Queen Nation was formed in 2004 by David Hewitt of Southern California-based DMH Enterprises. Since then, the band has performed more than 1,750 shows over the last 20-plus years, across the United States and internationally. In fact, McManus said Queen Nation had just returned from a private concert in Costa Rica when we spoke.
“We play anywhere we’re invited, even bar mitzvahs,” McManus says. “We do a rock and romance cruise, a ‘70s cruise – and we’ll be there with real bands from that time period, like Cheap Trick, Air Supply, America, Kansas, Don Felder, etc.”
Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston and loving his dad’s Beatles albums from an early age, McManus could sing every song on “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by age six.
It was through this and other classic albums that he acquired a taste for melodic ‘70s arena rock bands such as Queen and Cheap Trick.
“My dad had all this great music, records by Crosby, Stills and Nash, Mamas and Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, all the cool stuff,” McManus says. “I’m a little kid, and my brain is infused with some of the best music ever written, filled with melodies and harmonies. It’s always stuck with me.”
The first time McManus heard Queen, it was on his father’s car radio. He was doing his homework in the house when his dad called from the driveway, “Come down to the car and listen to these guitars and harmonies.” (But imagine this said with a Boston Irish accent, as he tells it.)
“The song was ‘Killer Queen,’” he recalls. “Then my dad heard ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ went out and bought ‘A Night at the Opera,’ and we listened to the album from beginning to end.”
McManus says his dad also took him and his brother to see Queen in 1980 and ’82.
“That first concert, we had 20th row seats on the floor, and they cost something like $7 a piece,” he says.
After high school, McManus enrolled in the Berklee College of Music in Boston, then went to and graduated from University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He left Boston for Los Angeles, to pursue a professional music career.
Although all four members love the band, McManus is the only one to have encountered an original member in person. He had the good fortune to meet May when the musician and author (who also has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics) had a book signing in Hollywood.
“I thought, ‘I’ve waited 35 years to meet this guy, what do I say to him?’” McManus says.
He was afraid the line was too long and May was growing weary of nutty fans expressing their love with too much enthusiasm and goofiness.
“Brian was really worn out, and I thought they were going to close things down before I got to meet him,” he says. “Finally, I got him to sign my book, and I said ‘thank you for being the guy who is the reason I play guitar and write music.’”
A true fan who loves the deep cuts and early albums, McManus enthused about the recently remixed “Queen II.”
“I put my headphones on and listened from beginning to end,” he says. “Queen went back and took the original tapes and tweaked them, and the result is phenomenal. This is what ‘Queen II’ would have sounded like if they’d had today’s technology.”
When the nascent Queen Nation tapped him to complete the band’s line-up, McManus buckled down and began learning all of May’s guitar parts as well as transcribing the band’s harmonies, which was not an easy task.
“I didn’t think I could gain any more respect for Brian May and Queen than I already had,” he says. “My respect for them doubled when I sat down to learn these songs.”
Queen Nation, at the Performance Pavilion at Morven, Princeton, Saturday, June 13, 7 p.m. Tickets cost: $50-$135, half price for youths 5-17. (609) 497-0020. www.princetonsymphony.org/festival. Queen Nation on the Web: www.queennation.com.
Fight in the Museum: Spotlight on Latarsha Burke
Latarsha Burke is a leader. She is an organizer who has endless energy for her community. She spends many hours behind the scenes to help create festivals, celebrations and memorable events.
Along with her team of the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, she teaches health, history, arts, culture and learning to young and not so young of the area. Her passion is infectious, and her serenity is professional.
The Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at Mercer County Park.
How did you become interested in volunteering and working in the community?
My commitment to volunteerism grew out of my career in juvenile justice and social services. After graduating from The College of New Jersey, my first professional role was with the Mercer County Juvenile Detention Center, where I served as a youth worker. It was there that I formed a deep connection with young people impacted by generational trauma.
Through counseling and honest conversations, I listened to their needs, their journeys, their strengths, their fears, and the challenges they were navigating. That experience led me deeper into social services. I worked with nonprofit organizations and eventually joined the Division of Children and Families as a caseworker, supporting children and families throughout Mercer County and across the state.
Through those experiences, I saw firsthand that many families were carrying not only hardship, but also a sadness rooted in limited opportunity and disconnection. For some, life felt confined to the same four or five blocks of their neighborhood, without access to the broader possibilities around them. I also saw how many people had never been taught the greatness of their own lineage and history. They did not fully know the contributions, resilience, and global impact of African Americans and people of color. That realization stayed with me. I wanted to be part of something that would bring history, culture, and education directly into the community, something that would help people reconnect with who they are, understand where they come from, and feel pride in their identity.
Most importantly, I wanted to help create spaces where individuals and families could see their own value, recognize their power, and believe in the impact they can have on the world.
What was the genesis of the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County?
The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County traces its roots back to 2011, when the Trenton African American Pride Festival was founded under the leadership of L.A. Parker. The festival was created to celebrate African-American culture, honor community pride, and provide a space where residents could come together in unity and celebration.
In 2013, I became executive director of the Trenton African American Pride Festival. In 2014, under my leadership as CEO and Executive Director, the organization evolved into the Trenton African American Cultural Festival, expanding its mission and creating broader opportunities to celebrate African American history, arts, and community throughout the city of Trenton. By 2016, the leadership recognized the need to expand beyond city borders and serve families and communities across the wider Mercer County region. Since that time, the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County has continued to provide meaningful programming and resources to residents throughout Trenton and Mercer County, creating spaces where culture is celebrated, history is honored, families are connected, and community is empowered for generations to come.
How did the Collab team come together and more importantly stay together?
Through shared passion, purpose, and a deep love for the Trenton and Mercer County community. These are individuals who live and work in Trenton and recognized the importance of creating and sustaining meaningful events that bring people together in celebration, fellowship, and unity.
Many of our team members have been committed to supporting the African American Cultural Collaborative since 2014, and some have been part of this journey even longer. One of our longtime leaders, Regina M. Jackson, began serving alongside me as a volunteer in 2011 and has remained a dedicated and valued part of this work ever since.
We are truly blessed to have a team of volunteers willing to dedicate countless hours with one shared objective: to create spaces where people in our community can come together, build fellowship, celebrate culture, learn about our history, and feel empowered. The work is rooted in service, but it is also rooted in love—for our people, for our community, and for the generations that will come after us.
That shared commitment continues to be the foundation of the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County.
What is the theme of this year’s Juneteenth Festival?
Honoring the Past: recognizing our ancestors, Juneteenth history, resilience, and the generations that paved the way.
Celebrating the Present: uplifting Black culture, artistry, businesses, wellness, and the joy of gathering together as a community right now.
Inspiring the Future: investing in youth, education, health, leadership, and the legacy we’re creating for generations to come.
Who are some of the long-time sponsors and partners you have worked with?
The event is proudly presented in partnership with New Jersey Legislative District 15—including Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli—and with the support of Dan Benson, Mercer County Executive. Over the years, the celebration has also been hosted in the City of Trenton with the support of Mayor Reed Gusciora and on the campus of Thomas Edison State University.
The growth and continued success of Juneteenth in Mercer County has also been made possible through the support of generous sponsors and community partners, including Capital Health System, St. Francis Medical Center, Wells Fargo, PSE&G, Comcast, The Watershed Institute, the Delaware River Basin Commission, First Bank, Thomas Edison State University, IBEW Local 269, Trenton Thunder, the Mercer County Education Association, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and many more.
Who are some of your influences and mentors?
Some of the earliest and most impactful influences include Ivey Avery, Jocelyn White, and Carolyn Sapp-Raines, all retired educators from the Trenton Public School system. Their commitment to education, community, and preserving our history has been inspiring.
Ivey Avery, who is also a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, has especially been an example of leadership rooted in service, culture, and education.
One of the most significant people in my journey has been Brenda Evans Jackson. When I first began volunteering, Brenda believed in me at a time when I did not fully believe in myself. She helped me navigate the Trenton and Mercer County community landscape and supported me at every turn.
When L.A. Parker resigned in 2013 and our shared goal was to keep the celebration of African American culture alive, Brenda stood beside me with encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support in ways that are difficult to fully express. Her belief in me helped strengthen my confidence and my commitment to continue this work.
In addition to those mentors, the African American Cultural Collaborative has also been blessed with advisors whose support has been instrumental to both the internal and organizational development of the Collaborative. Their wisdom, leadership, and guidance have helped strengthen our foundation and continue to shape our growth.
That support includes Rev. Gerald Trueheart, Gene Bouie, Judge Marc McKithen, and Rev. Thaddeus Taylor. Historically, I am also deeply inspired by my ancestors, those who fought the good fight to ensure equity, justice, and the rights of African Americans, while also advancing freedom and opportunity for all people. Their sacrifices, resilience, and determination continue to guide and motivate me.
I am inspired by the grassroots organizing and community-centered action demonstrated by the Black Panther Party, and by leaders such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Their courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to remind me of the power of community, the importance of speaking truth, and the responsibility we each have to continue building a better future.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding putting on the events that you do?
One of the greatest challenges the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County has faced since becoming a nonprofit has been securing the funding needed to sustain and grow this work.
Since 2014, all of the Collaborative’s events have been offered free to the community, and from 2011 through 2013, when the organization operated as the Trenton African American Pride Festival, those events were also free to the public. We have remained committed to ensuring that our community has access to quality cultural programming without cost to attend, because we believe access to culture, education, and community celebration should be available to everyone.
At the same time, hosting free events comes with very real expenses. There are costs connected to programming, logistics, permits, supplies, entertainment, marketing, equipment, and creating experiences that are both meaningful and professionally organized. Because of that, fundraising remains a year-round effort. Beyond fundraising itself, there has also been the ongoing work of understanding the nonprofit landscape including learning the full scope of development, grant writing, donor engagement, and how to position and package the organization to compete for larger funding opportunities.
Volunteer engagement continues to be another challenge. The Collaborative has no paid staff, and everyone serving on the team contributes their time on a volunteer basis. That level of commitment is powerful, but it can also be difficult because many people understandably need paid opportunities and may not be able to commit the time needed in a volunteer capacity. We are always looking for volunteers who believe in the mission and are willing to help build with us.
Training, coaching, and leadership development are also important needs. Like many grassroots nonprofits, there is a constant learning curve in understanding what it takes to operate and grow a strong organization while also continuing to deliver programming to the community. Greater access to nonprofit training and organizational development resources would strengthen the ability of grassroots organizations like ours to compete for larger grants and secure the long-term support needed to sustain and expand our mission.
We remain incredibly grateful. We have been blessed to continue this work and provide consistent programming to the Trenton and Mercer County community. Through dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to our mission, we have continued to move forward.
Tell us about the latest programs on the horizon.
One of our newest initiatives is the addition of Third Fridays, which will create another opportunity to engage the community while supporting businesses within the Trenton Urban Enterprise Zone. This initiative is designed to bring residents and visitors together in a meaningful way while highlighting local businesses, culture, and community connection in the heart of the city.
We are also looking ahead to an important community initiative this fall: Aging While Black, a summit being planned in partnership with New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well and Sankofa Educational Consulting LLC. This summit will be hosted in Mercer County and focus on support, education, and resources for our aging population, while centering on the unique experiences, needs, and voices of Black elders in our community.
In addition, the Collaborative remains committed to continuing several of our signature programs and annual events, including the African American History Bowl, our Women’s History Month programming, and of course our annual Juneteenth Celebration, which continues to bring thousands of residents and families together each year in celebration of culture, history, and community.
How does today’s outlook differ from 10-15 years ago?
I am truly grateful for each one of our incredible team members, committee members, and board members. Patrick Hall, Sheila Garvin Glover, Regina M. Jackson, Shirl Thomas, Andrea Norcott, Katie Onitiri, Bernice Fynn, Timothy Robinson, and Lawrence Graves each bring their own talents, expertise, and commitment to this work, and they make serving through the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County a pleasure.
What I appreciate most is their investment in growing this organization and their commitment to ensuring that we are building a legacy that will continue well beyond any one individual or team. Currently, one of our highest priorities is organizational development. With the support and guidance of our resolute advisors Gene Bouie, Judge Marc McKithen, and Rev. Thaddeus Taylor, we are focused on becoming an even stronger and more sustainable organization. That includes strengthening our internal structure, building long-term systems and strategy, and taking an intentional look at how we continue to present ourselves to the community and to the world.
I am incredibly excited about the future of the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County. For many years, I have done this work while also working full time, balancing my professional responsibilities with my commitment to this mission. As I am preparing to retire this June, I am excited to invest even more deeply into the mission and vision of the Collaborative.
The future is bright for the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County. We have a strong foundation, a dedicated team, and a community-centered vision that continues to grow. We will continue to build. We will continue to serve. We will continue creating legacy. And with faith, partnership, and purpose, we believe the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County will continue to be a force in Mercer County, throughout New Jersey, and hopefully in the future, in multiple states.
Online: taacf.org.
On Ramp
Business & Career
Summer Workshops For Entrepreneurs. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center continues offering workshops for startups, entrepreneurs and established business owners throughout June and July.
The statewide organization provides practical training and consulting to help businesses launch, grow and adapt to changing market conditions.
Upcoming programs include New Tax Changes for Small Businesses on June 18, AI Unlocked: Empowering Small Business in the Age of Intelligence on June 25, Loan Ready or Not on July 2, Navigating Your Cash Flow on July 9, the Entrepreneur Certificate Program beginning July 11, a Smart Business Plan Workshop on July 17 and Government Contracting Opportunities in New Jersey on July 22. Most programs are offered virtually and are accessible to businesses throughout the state.
The workshops cover financing, taxes, government contracts, artificial intelligence, cash flow management, business planning and other topics commonly cited as challenges by small business owners. Participants can register for individual programs or build a customized summer curriculum.
For entrepreneurs considering a startup, the workshops provide a low-cost way to gain practical business knowledge. For established owners, the programs offer opportunities to strengthen operations, improve financial management and explore new technologies. njsbdc.com.
AI Workshop For Small Businesses. Artificial intelligence remains one of the most talked-about developments in business, and the New Jersey Small Business Development Center is offering a full-day workshop designed to help owners understand how the technology can be applied in practical ways.
The June 25 program at Middlesex College in Edison will focus on real-world uses for AI in marketing, customer service, administration, content creation and business operations. Organizers say the workshop is geared toward business owners rather than technology specialists.
Participants will hear from experts, learn about emerging tools and explore ways AI can increase efficiency without requiring extensive technical knowledge or large investments. njsbdc.com.
Arts & Creativity
Auditions Planned For Wonderland. Playful Theatre Productions and Kelsey Theatre are seeking performers for the New Jersey premiere of “Wonderland,” the Frank Wildhorn musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic stories.
The production follows a modern-day Alice who finds herself transported into a transformed Wonderland while struggling to balance family and career responsibilities. The musical features familiar characters from the original stories reimagined for a contemporary audience.
Auditions will take place June 10 and 11 from 7 to 10 p.m., with callbacks scheduled for June 13. All roles are open regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or body type.
Performances are scheduled for Sept. 18 through 27 at Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College. kelsey.mccc.edu.
Little Women Casting Call Opens. Off-Centre Stages is seeking performers for its fall production of “Little Women,” the musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel.
The production follows the lives of the March sisters as they navigate family, ambition, love and personal growth during the Civil War era. The show offers opportunities for performers of various ages and experience levels.
Auditions are scheduled for June 14 and 15, with callbacks planned for June 20. Performances will run Oct. 2 through 11 at Kelsey Theatre. Community theater performers from throughout the region are encouraged to audition. kelsey.mccc.edu.
Robin Hood Heads To Hillsborough. Somerset Valley Players is holding auditions for “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood,” a comedic adaptation of the legendary outlaw story.
Director Emily M. Muller is seeking performers ages 16 and older for a production that combines physical comedy, audience interaction and contemporary humor with familiar characters and storylines.
Auditions will be held June 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. and June 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Somerset Valley Playhouse. Rehearsals begin June 22 and performances are scheduled for Sept. 11 through 27.
The production includes a large cast and numerous opportunities for both experienced and first-time performers. svptheatre.org.
Film & Media
Environmental Film Festival Seeks Submissions. Filmmakers exploring environmental issues, sustainability and conservation topics are invited to submit work for consideration by the Princeton Environmental Film Festival.
Presented by Princeton Public Library, the festival features films and filmmaker presentations that examine environmental challenges and solutions from local, regional and international perspectives.
The festival has become one of the region’s better-known environmental film events and regularly attracts documentary filmmakers, educators, environmental advocates and community members interested in sustainability.
Submissions are currently being accepted for future programming. princetonlibrary.org.
Youth & Family
Summer Theater Camp Registration Continues. ActorsNET of Bucks County is accepting registrations for Summer Stars, a four-week theater day camp designed for students ages 7 to 17.
Participants receive instruction in acting, singing, improvisation, movement and stage performance while preparing for a final showcase. The camp is designed to serve both beginners and students with previous theater experience.
The program runs Aug. 3 through 27, culminating in a public performance Aug. 29. Tuition is $600, with scholarship opportunities and family discounts available. actorsnetbucks.org.
Teen Conservatory Returns To Bucks County Playhouse. Bucks County Playhouse is accepting applications for its Playhouse Institute Summer Conservatory, an intensive theater-training experience for students ages 13 to 18. This year’s conservatory, titled “No Map Home,” is inspired by Homer’s “Odyssey” and combines acting, movement, music and devised-theater techniques to create an original performance piece.
The five-week program runs July 6 through Aug. 7 and provides students with professional-level instruction from theater artists while encouraging collaboration and creative experimentation.
Need-based financial assistance is available. bcptheater.org.
Teen Volunteers Sought For Summer Reading. The Mercer County Library System is seeking volunteers ages 14 to 17 to assist with summer reading activities at library branches throughout the county. Volunteers help support children’s programs, assist library staff and earn community service hours while gaining experience in a public-service environment. Applications are due June 11. mcl.org.
Summer Reading Begins At Mercer Libraries. The Mercer County Library System’s annual summer reading program begins June 15 and continues through Aug. 8. The program is open to children, teens and adults and encourages participants to track reading while taking part in special events and activities offered at branches throughout the county.
Summer reading programs have long been used by libraries to encourage literacy, lifelong learning and family participation during the school break. mcl.org.
Kintsugi Workshop Planned In Yardley. Artists of Yardley will offer “Beautifully Broken: Kintsugi Golden Joinery Workshop” on July 25.
Participants will learn the Japanese-inspired art of repairing broken objects using decorative gold-colored joinery. The workshop combines traditional craft techniques with lessons about restoration and creative expression.
The program is intended for adults and older teens interested in learning a unique artistic practice with both practical and symbolic significance. aoyarts.org.
(Next section: Community Connections, Learning & Lifestyle, and Ongoing Access.)
Community Connections
Volunteer Opp ortunities Available Across Middlesex County. Middlesex County is encouraging residents to get involved through a wide range of volunteer opportunities supporting conservation, community services, public safety and the arts.
The county has launched a centralized volunteer webpage to help residents find programs that match their interests, schedules and skills. Volunteer categories include nature and conservation, community support, public safety and arts programming.
Nature and conservation opportunities include Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, the Middlesex County Conservation Corps and Trail Patrol. Volunteers can help grow and harvest produce, mentor youth, support environmental stewardship projects, assist with planting and restoration, and help monitor trail conditions in county parks.
Community-support opportunities include REPLENISH, the county’s hunger-eradication program; the Senior Meals Program; survivor support programs; sexual-assault prevention outreach; and county advisory boards and councils. Public-safety
Foundation gives a future to retired Standardbred racehorses
By Jane Meggitt
A horse once headed for slaughter surged through traffic, scaffolding and parked cars on a Manhattan street, carrying a New York City mounted police officer in pursuit of a woman accused of stealing a purse.
The horse was Kelly, formerly known as EP Great Drive, a registered Standardbred rescued in 2020 by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.
That moment, captured on video April 19, showed exactly what Judy Bokman has spent decades trying to prove: Retired Standardbreds are not throwaway horses. They are smart, steady and capable of remarkable second acts.
SRF saved Kelly from a Pennsylvania “kill pen.” After being given time to rehabilitate and heal, he was adopted by the New York City Police Department and given the name Kelly, after a Staten Island police narcotics officer killed in the line of duty.
The chase took the officer and horse around West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, through traffic, sidewalk scaffolding and parked cars before the woman was apprehended with help from a witness, according to media reports.
The moment stood out because NYPD mounted officers are typically deployed for crowd control or observation, not arrests, according to media reports. Kelly, however, stayed calm and responsive as Officer Kyle McLaughlin rode him through the noise and confusion.
As SRF noted at the time, “His trusted partner stood quietly in the street, composed, as if it were just another day on the job. The officer’s brave and stellar capture was one that deserves every accolade.”
As a result of the arrest, McLaughlin was promoted to special detective.
“When I need a lift during the day, I’ll just play that video, because it’s such a tremendous video of courage and bravery and a good level head on board and a really terrific police officer,” said Bokman, founder and executive director of the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.
Over the past 37 years, the Standardbred Retirement Foundation has helped more than 6,000 horses, many of which were at risk of slaughter.
Millstone resident Judith Bokman was 30 when she founded SRF, an organization dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming retired harness racehorses. Today, SRF is headquartered at Walnridge Farm in Cream Ridge, with about 80 horses on-site.
Active in 30 states, SRF is the largest adoption program dedicated to Standardbred horses in the United States. It has satellite farms in Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The Standardbred is an American breed used in harness racing, where horses pull a driver in a sulky. The breed traces its roots to the English thoroughbred Messenger, brought to the United States in 1788, and all Standardbreds descend from his great-grandson, Hambletonian 10.
The term Standardbred refers to the requirement that a horse run a 2-minute, 30-second mile to qualify for the breed’s registry, which was established in 1879. Standardbreds can reach racing speeds of 25 to 35 mph.
When Bokman started SRF, few Standardbreds had a career beyond racing or the breeding shed, other than becoming Amish transportation. Many ended up at low-end auctions, where they were often sold for slaughter.
Horse people outside the Standardbred industry did not consider the animals suitable as riding horses. Today, the generally calm temperament of the Standardbred has won many fans, and the horses are considered versatile family and trail horses.
SRF played an important role in establishing the Standardbred as a suitable riding and pleasure driving horse. Their unflappable nature makes them a good choice for mounted police units across the country.
Other Standardbreds rescued by SRF have gone on to mounted police units in cities including New York, Newark and Miami. Others have appeared in films, competed in show jumping and lived out their lives in therapeutic or traditional riding programs.
Bokman promotes the versatility of Standardbreds, emphasizing their easy-to-work-with nature and excellent manners. She dubbed them “the Brainiac breed.”
The horses are usually good with children and a favorite of older riders seeking safe horses for the trail. For those who enjoy showing, there are Standardbred divisions at many local shows.
The National Standardbred Show, held each September at the Horse Park of New Jersey, features riders and drivers from across the country competing in a variety of disciplines, from Western to English and dressage to driving.
Bokman got started in harness racing by owning horses with her uncle. She met her husband, equine veterinarian Steve Bokman, at the racetrack when he was working for the veterinarian she used.
At the time, she was a flight attendant and traveled constantly. She felt her frequent absences were not good for her dog, and Steve offered to take him because he had recently had to put his own dog down.
The rest is Standardbred history. Perhaps not surprisingly, the couple is also involved in dog rescue.
As an owner, Bokman got a view of racing from different angles. She saw that many Standardbred racehorses eventually ended up at slaughter. That led her to start SRF in 1989, along with Paula Campbell, wife of Harness Racing Hall of Fame driver John Campbell.
Its mission statement reads, “Our heartfelt mission is to rescue horses from the threat of slaughter, secure loving homes with the distinctive commitment to lifelong follow up and guardianship. We tirelessly promote a universal understanding that horses require a lifetime commitment of enduring care.”
There is no typical day at SRF for Bokman. An ordinary day consists of checking on 80 equines, organizing volunteers and showing horses to potential adopters.
Every week, she estimates SRF rescues six to eight horses, although sometimes there are as many as 12.
“We have to communicate with the pens where these horses are being held by slaughter brokers. We frantically must raise funds to purchase the horse so it doesn’t ship to slaughter. We are always reaching out for support and donations. Our social media is very important to help these animals,” she said.
Transportation between the pens and a quarantine facility must be arranged.
“Most of them go right to a vet, because you can’t really count on what the pen is telling you about their condition,” she said.
While Dr. Bokman is not usually at the SRF facility because he has his own busy practice, he is available to consult by phone almost daily.
If there is a situation with a horse, whether in New Jersey or as far afield as Oklahoma, SRF gets photos to him and descriptions of what is going on. They lean on him for advice about treatment or whether the horse needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
While Judy Bokman did not start SRF as a partnership with her husband, in many ways it has become that.
Another memory close to her heart involves her son Brett, who now lives in Montana. Brett has always been a cowboy at heart, partial to quarter horses. He is also interested in Civil War history and participates in reenactments.
One day, he planned to go to a reenactment with a friend who did not have a horse available. Brett let the friend ride his quarter horse, and he borrowed an SRF horse to ride.
When he came home, he could not stop saying how perfect the Standardbred had been.
“Next weekend, he’s coming back from Montana, and three SRF horses are going to a Civil War reenactment in Virginia,” she said.
SRF relies heavily on individual donations, as it receives no funding from organizations like the ASPCA, according to Bokman. The need for fundraising is continuous.
SRF does not own a farm but pays for boarding and leased locations throughout the United States. Donations provide most of the organization’s funding, with additional support coming from casino nights, golf outings, harness racing organizations, grants and merchandise sales.
The organization currently houses 487 horses across sanctuaries in several states and needs a farm of its own to better manage its sanctuaries.
Those wanting to adopt a horse must fill out the application available online and pay a $20 application processing fee. They must send photos of their farm or boarding facility. The adopter must agree to having their veterinarian complete SRF’s veterinarian follow-up form semiannually, generally combined with spring and fall inoculations.
An SRF representative will call to review the application and gain more insight into the adopter’s horse experience and the type of horse they are seeking.
Once approved, the adopter can select a horse appropriate for their needs. SRF asks for a donation of between $1,000 and $4,000, based on the individual horse and its abilities. Companion horses unsuitable for riding do not require an adoption donation.
An SRF horse can never be bred, used for embryo transfer, raced, sold, used for commercial purposes or given away. SRF looks for lifetime homes.
If for some unforeseen reason an adopter can no longer provide good care for the horse, the adopter is required to find another loving home that must first be approved by SRF. If they cannot find such a home, the horse must be returned to SRF.
SRF is also in search of foster or companion homes for horses no longer able to do any riding or driving. Under the Companion Horse Assistance Program, known as CHAPS, SRF provides up to a $350 annual reimbursement for preapproved veterinary care performed by a licensed veterinarian.
Volunteers are always needed. For more information on donating, volunteering or adopting, visit adoptahorse.org.
Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Walnridge Farm, Cream Ridge. 609-738-3255.
Ivy on Main blooms with flowers, gifts and events
Step inside Ivy on Main and it quickly becomes clear that the shop is more than a place to buy flowers.
Part floral studio, part boutique and part gathering place, Ivy on Main was built by Angela D’Andrea and Toni Perilli from a shared love of flowers, a leap away from corporate careers and a belief that floral design could become something deeply personal for local families.
What began in D’Andrea’s garage after the birth of her twins in 2014 has grown into a floral studio and boutique with locations in Allentown and Hamilton. Ivy on Main now offers wedding and event flowers, local floral delivery, sympathy arrangements, curated gifts, clothing, workshops and holiday decor.
D’Andrea spent about 10 years in legal operations at Bristol-Myers Squibb before deciding not to return to her corporate job after having her twins. She had always enjoyed creating flowers for family parties and small gatherings. She started the business in her garage and it began to grow from there.
Perilli had a similar path. She worked in surgical device sales, including time with Johnson & Johnson, while also doing floral work on the side. She had taken floral design classes and enjoyed the creative work. When D’Andrea needed help with a wedding, Perilli joined her in the garage.
“Angela was getting really busy working in her garage, and I thought it’d be cool to see how it would be to set up a wedding. She needed an extra set of hands, and after that I never stopped going to the garage. We have worked together pretty much every day since then,” Perilli said.
The two Allentown residents were acquaintances before becoming business partners. Their shared work ethic, creative instincts and background in demanding corporate fields helped shape Ivy on Main into a business known for both design and service.
The business operated for a short time from a small office in town, mainly to meet brides and clients. In 2018, Ivy on Main moved into the second floor of The Old Mill, a space that gave D’Andrea and Perilli more exposure and room to hold workshops.
“It was perfect for us,” D’Andrea said.
They later expanded into a first-floor space at The Mill. Shortly after that move, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the young business to rethink its model almost overnight. Weddings were canceled or rescheduled, and the duo had to find new ways to keep serving customers. That difficult period became a turning point.
“When COVID hit, all of our weddings were canceled or were rescheduled,” D’Andrea said. “We had nothing coming in, but we still had to do things like pay the rent, other expenses, and pay ourselves.”
They pivoted and began offering wreaths, hand towels, candles, flowers for pickup and delivery, and virtual wreath-making and floral-arranging workshops. Customers from Allentown, Cream Ridge, Millstone and surrounding communities responded quickly, helping the business survive while in-person events were on hold.
The pandemic also pushed Ivy on Main to build its website and expand its boutique offerings. What started as a floral business became a more complete shopping destination, with gifts, clothing, candles, soaps, skin care items and curated gift boxes or baskets that can be paired with flowers.
“We were very fortunate to have such a great community,” D’Andrea said.
Company vice president Kari Lee joined Ivy on Main just before the pandemic and helped the business expand its services. Lee, who grew up in Allentown and now lives in Chesterfield, brought years of floral experience to the shop.
“I started doing flowers when I was in high school,” Lee said. “I went to Allentown High School and then I joined the horticulture programs there and loved it. Started working in our local florist in town when I was 16.”
Lee said Ivy on Main has changed significantly since she joined the business.
“Ivy has come a really long way,” Lee said. “We do a ton of weddings, a ton of parties and lots of events. It’s more full service than when we started.”
The business has also expanded to a second location.
In addition to its Main Street shop in Allentown, Ivy on Main opened a second store on Route 33 in Hamilton, where D’Andrea and Perilli both grew up. The Hamilton shop has been open for about three years.
“Hamilton’s a different vibe, but I feel like we are building there with people,” Lee said.
Ivy on Main serves customers across a wide range of occasions.
“We also do installations for businesses. On the inside,” Perilli said. “For example, you walk into a restaurant, and they want to do something with a wall that’s plain and boring them. We do a lot of that, like holiday decorating for businesses and homes.”
Weddings remain a central part of the business. Ivy on Main has become a preferred floral vendor for local venues, such as Jasna Polana in Princeton, and they continue to work closely with brides and families planning major celebrations.
May, June and July are especially busy, with prom, wedding, graduation and communion season all overlapping.
“But we really don’t have any downtime,” D’Andrea said. “But now we have been busy since this is prom, wedding, and communion season.”
Many customers come to Ivy on Main for one milestone and return for others, from proms and weddings to baby showers and sympathy arrangements.
“I feel like we create a lot of relationships in this business,” Lee said. “There are so many different brides that we talk to throughout a year’s time.”
Ivy on Main also handles online and out-of-town orders, often from people in other states sending flowers to loved ones in the area. Even when orders are placed online, the staff often follows up by phone or email to confirm details and make sure the order is right.
That human connection is part of what makes the business different from larger online flower services. Ivy on Main emphasizes personal attention, local knowledge and relationships built over time.
“Our biggest compliment is a positive Google review, because we are such a local, organic business,” Perilli said.
Its community role extends beyond the shops. The business donates to local causes, schools and sports programs, but its most important nonprofit partnership is with Miracle League, a baseball league for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.
“Miracle League is a huge part of our lives, we’re there often, we work on events there,” D’Andrea said.
The Allentown location also includes a separate bookstore — Friends to Bookends — operated by local school moms who wanted to open their own business. D’Andrea, Perilli and Lee made room for the bookstore inside Ivy on Main, creating a partnership that adds another community-focused element to the shop.
“They thought about being in Allentown and of course we wanted them here,” D’Andrea said. “We kind of said, ‘we’ll make room for you guys to try it out and see what how it goes.’ It’s been amazing, and it has been a great partnership.”
Workshops also remain part of Ivy on Main’s business, especially during the holidays.
“One of the most popular things that we’ve done throughout the years for workshops is wreath-making,” Lee said.
For customers, Ivy on Main has become more than a flower shop. From a garage startup to two local storefronts, the business has grown through creativity, resilience and community support, offering flowers, gifts, workshops, custom wreaths, business decorating, weddings and personal pieces for some of life’s major moments.
D’Andrea, Perilli and Lee said they continue to focus on the work that built the business: creativity, service and the personal relationships that keep customers coming back.
Ivy on Main’s Allentown and Hamilton shops are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and closed Sundays. Hours may vary around holidays.
Ivy on Main, 28 S. Main St., Allentown. 609-477-4587. Hamilton info: The Shoppes at Nottingham Pointe, 4611 Nottingham Way. 609-245-8507. ivyonmain.com.