Do It for the Delaware
The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) has announced a collaborative river cleanup event on Saturday, September 20. In partnership with the NJ Clean Communities programs in Hunterdon, Mercer, and Sussex County along with the NJ Park Service, volunteers will come together to tackle litter along the shores of the Delaware River, which was named as Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year.
After a busy summer season of boating, tubing, and picnicking the banks of the river are in need of cleanup. This year’s cleanup will cover areas along the river, stretching from the Delaware Water Gap, NJ, to Duck Island at the Abbott Marshlands in Hamilton. Volunteers are invited to remove trash from along the shoreline or join an on-water boating cleanup on the Delaware River leaving from the Giving Pond launch in Bucks County.
Last year’s cleanup saw more than 300 dedicated volunteers gathered at 21 locations along the Delaware River. Plastic bottles and other drink containers are the most common item found but volunteers have also found televisions, snorkeling apparatuses, construction debris, boats, and many lone flips-flops.
All are invited to join this vital effort to protect and preserve the natural environment. Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome (children must have adult supervision).
The Delaware River Cleanup is held annually in conjunction with Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day, which is celebrated on the third Saturday in September. “This cleanup effort tackles debris in and around the Delaware River and prevents it from traveling further downstream and into our oceans,” said JoAnn Gemenden, executive director of the NJ Clean Communities Council. “This program grows in size and effort each year and is a testament to all the state, county, and local agencies who work together to make a difference. It’s amazing to know that similar cleanup efforts are taking place all around the world on the same day. Kudos to all of the volunteers and families who take the time to make a real impact in cleaning up their local waterways.”
Registration is required, and he deadline to register is Wednesday, September 10. The registration page is linked from www.delawarerivergreenwaypartnership.org. To register, click on a site, and additional information about each site will be provided along with the required waiver form.
Registered volunteers should bring insect repellent and water. Comfortable clothing, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Participants will be provided with trash bags, grabbers, and gloves. A complimentary cleanup tee shirt will be provided.
If you see someone dumping or involved in illegal activities at any State Park, call the NJDEP at 1-877-927-6337 (1-877-WARN DEP).
Artists ages 7 to 13 are invited to participate in the 2025 Youth Art Contest as part of River Fest 2025 taking place Saturday, September 13, at Trenton Thunder Stadium.
Young artists are invited to design a poster celebrating the Delaware River and inspired by one of the following facts:
1. The Delaware River is the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi River.
2. The Delaware River is an important breeding and spawning ground for migratory fish such as the threatened American Shad.
3. The Delaware River Basin provides habitat for many birds including Bald Eagles.
4. The Delaware River provides drinking water to approximately 14.2 million people.
5. The Delaware River supported agriculture, fishing, and hunting practices for the Lenape People.
Only one poster per contest will be accepted. Artwork must be done on a standard size 22” x 28” poster board with the artist’s name printed on the back and “River Fest 2025” written across the top of the front of the poster. Entries will be accepted at River Fest between 11 a.m. and noon, and all entries will be on display during the event. The winning entry will be announced at 1 p.m.
The winning artwork receives a $100 gift card for dinner for a family of four, four baseball game tickets, and a chance to throw the opening pitch in the 2026 Thunder season.
All entrants must complete the 2025 Youth Art Contest Entry Form available at riverfestnj.com and attach it to the back of the artwork.
Call for Dancers
Roxey Ballet invites dancers ages 4 and up to audition for its annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, September 13th. Participants gain valuable stage experience, work alongside professional dancers and choreographers, and become part of a vibrant and supportive dance community.
Auditions take place at the Mill Ballet School, 46 North Sugan Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Auditions start at noon for ages 4 to 6; 12:45 p.m. for ages 7 to 10; 1:30 p.m. for ages 11 to 13; and 2:30 p.m. for ages 14 and up. All dancers must pre-register online by noon on Friday, September 12.
Please fill out the registration form and pay the $40 audition fee by visiting www.roxeyballet.org/auditions. There is a $330 participation fee for those accepted to the cast.
The first day of rehearsals and parent meeting will be on Saturday, September 20, at 2 p.m. After this rehearsals run on Fridays, typically 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, typically 2 to 8 p.m.
Performances are scheduled for November 29 and 30 and December 5, 6, and 7 at Villa Victoria Theater in Ewing. Certain cast members will be called for the Nutcracker Tea Party on November 16 and December 9, 10, or 11.
