EASY CONTAINER GARDENING

HOW TO GROW EDIBLES IN POTS AND PLANTERS

by Maya Whitman

Container gardening offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned green thumbs. Growing vegetables, flowers and herbs in pots can be cost-effective, inspiring and tailored for any urban balcony or country patio.

The perks of planting in pots include a reduced risk of disease spreading from one crop to another, fewer critters helping themselves to a free lunch, and less weeding and overall work. For urban garden expert Mark Ridsdill Smith, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, tending to plants has provided a sense of community. “When I lived in London, I knew almost no one on my street after 10 years, but when I started growing food by the front door, I was constantly chatting to passersby as I tended my tomatoes and squash,” says the author of The Vertical Veg Guide to Container Gardening, who also enjoys the practical side of making connections: swapping seeds, gifting produce and exchanging advice.

Fertile Foundations

Vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, radishes and beans are ideal for container gardens, and with a little know-how, other crops like watermelon and muskmelon can also thrive. “Many types of vegetables can be grown in pots if they are large enough to accommodate the root system, even potatoes,” says Lisa Hilgenberg, horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s four-acre Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, in Glencoe, Illinois. Choosing pots with the right size and materials is an investment worth making, she notes. “Peppers and tomatoes prefer terra cotta pots. Many herbs thrive when root-bound and do well in smallish pots or grouped together in shallow bowls. Plants needing to climb can be trained to grow on a trellis placed in a container.”

Melinda Myers, the Milwaukee-based author of Small Space Gardening and more than 20 gardening books, encourages gardeners to think outside the box. “Repurposing items is another way to add fun and plantable space. I have seen old teapots, coffee makers, washtubs, coolers and more converted into planters.” For the wellmeaning, but sometimes absent-minded gardener, she recommends self-watering pots to reduce maintenance. “These containers have a water reservoir you keep filled. Water moves from the reservoir into the soil, so you need to water less often.”

Generational Nourishment

Using high-quality potting soil is paramount and can be store-bought or made at home for less by combining pH-fostering

peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Plants started from seed are more nourishing for both people and the planet.

“Some seeds thrive most when sown directly in the soil, and cilantro is one of them, as are all root vegetables, as well as beans and peas. Other seeds, like tomato and ground cherry, are best started indoors. Some seeds, like kale and basil, thrive either way,” explains Petra PageMann, co-owner of Fruition Seeds, an organic seed company in Naples, New York, that specializes in open-pollinated heirlooms and offers free online tutorials. Seeds can easily be saved for future plantings from crops such as beans, peas, cilantro, dill, sunflower and cosmos. “No one can save seeds better adapted to your garden than you,” she says.

Children are prime candidates for container gardening, especially in cities. Smith muses, “Children get to smell and feel the whole plant—the extraordinary smell of tomato leaves, the bristles on zucchini— and they love getting their hands into the compost. I’ve witnessed children who rarely eat salad demolish a whole tray of fresh pea shoots in minutes!” For young gardeners, he recommends growing “pea shoots, new potatoes (they love digging them up), herbs like mint (to play with and make drinks and potions), alpine strawberries and sorrel.”

Even gardeners with conventional suburban or country plots may find that container crops come in handy. “For those with plenty of garden space, it is a way to bring the garden to your back or front door,” says Myers. “Keeping pots of herbs and veggies close to the house makes harvesting and using fresh herbs and vegetables easier. I have 11 acres, but still use containers to test new plants and bring the garden to my front and back doors.”

Page-Mann attests to willingness and possibility when she says, “Seeds, again and again, remind me that our imagination is the limit, that regional adaptation is the language of resilience and that we can grow so much more than we think possible.”

Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

Mothering the World

by Marlaina Donato

All that is brought to fruition has someone behind the scenes tending to its innate potential. The quality of nurturing permeates both the human and the natural world and goes much deeper than raising beloved offspring. Whether it be a well-balanced child, a verdant backyard garden or the premiere performance of a symphony, tending to what we love can yield great things. Equally rewarding, nourishing what we find challenging or uncomfortable can deepen our human experience.

“Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘Grow, grow,’” states the Talmud, and we, too, can be angels. Whether or not we are inborn nourishers, every day we have simple opportunities to refine this beautiful impulse. We flex the “mother muscle” whenever we acknowledge someone else’s accomplishments, welcome a new neighbor or heat a bowl of soup for a loved one after a long day. We can nourish community when we pick up trash along a hiking trail, whip up a sweet treat for the local bake sale, invite friends for a potluck supper or offer a helping hand at a local food pantry. The smallest gestures—smiling at a stranger, giving or asking someone for a hug or saying “I’m sorry”—don’t require time, money or effort, yet exemplify spiritual generosity which is the nucleus of all nurturing.

We also cannot forget ourselves. Too often, we place our most fervent callings last, shuffling our sources of joy to the back of the line because there aren’t enough hours in the day. When we starve our talents and interests, lock down our emotions and neglect our spiritual needs, we become energetically malnourished, and from this famished core, have little from which to draw. Sometimes we are so invested in mothering the well-being of others that we forget to do the same for ourselves. It is not selfish to tend to our own potential to thrive. It is a beautiful necessity, and we are worth it.

Marlaina Donato is a mind-body-spirit author, composer and artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAHudson.com to request our media kit.

DENTIST

LOUIS STEINBERG, DDS, MS

6050 Boulevard E, Ste LE, West New York, NJ 201-662-2020 • DrLMSteinberg.com Biological dentist offering mercury-safe dentistry, Biocompatible Restorative Dentistry and TMJ analysis and treatment. See ad on page 9.

HEALTHY FOODS

BUSY BEE ORGANICS

451 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 201-656-5065 BusyBeeOrganics.com Chef Michelle Berckes and her team make up Busy Bee Organics, which serves nutritious, immuneboosting eats to the local community. This healthsupportive, local eatery offers instore specials, a brand-new cafe menu & limited outdoor seating. With choices to accommodate every dietary restriction and allergy, you can expect to find delicious options for everyone - organic, plant based, customizable & 100% gluten-free.

BWÈ KAFE

1002 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ 1401 Adams St., Hoboken, NJ 140 River Dr. S, Jersey City, NJ 201-683-0045 • bwekafe.com

All three locations serve drink and food menus with several fun and fresh seasonal items. Offering fresh lemonade, housemade lavender coldbrew lattes, green water detox drinks, salads and toasts, bwé kafe is always thinking of creative and tasty drinks to satisfy your health and pallet. They also source and roast their own coffee beans. Order at the door, ahead of time online, or have them deliver right to your home.

CAFE PEANUT

586 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 201-721-6270 CafePeanut.com

Funky cafe dedicated to quality foods using locally grown, natural and organic produce. Menu selections include delicious salads, sandwiches, soups, pastries, and artisan coffees & teas. GREEN PEAR CAFÉ

93 Grand Street, Hoboken, NJ 201-659-0940 93 Franklin Street, Jersey City, NJ 201-968-7151 GreenPearGroup.com Green Pear Cafe is Hoboken’s healthy and innovative eating destination offering gluten free dishes, house made soups, nut milks and smoothies.Recently opened Jersey City Heights location completed their menu with European classic cuisine featuring Austro- Hungarian goulash dishes, wide variety of pickles, linzer desserts and much more. For more information, please visit greenpeargroup.com.

KEY FRESH AND NATURAL

574 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 201-204-4200

Local grocer offering huge selection of healthy products and quality brand names for the entire family. Fresh produce with many organic options, quality meats and poultry, organic baby food, grain-free and natural pet foods, non-toxic cleaning products and much more. Save time shopping in one location and get all your grocery needs met at Key Fresh and Natural. Hablamos Espanol. See ad on back cover.

PLANT BASE JC

370 Pacific Ave, Jersey City, NJ 551-256-3868 • PlantBaseMarket.com An ethical, vegan, zero-waste market and restaurant offering a full-vegan, all-day food menu, bulk groceries, organic produce, homeopathic wellness products, body care products and household products. Plant Base is also a strong community hub,known as “the living room for the hood”, where neighbors come together to share knowledge and ideas.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ANCHOR THERAPY

223 Bloomfield St, Ste. 121, Hoboken, NJ 201-565-2275 • AnchorTherapy.org Therapy is the anchor that holds life together through choppy waters. Anchor Therapy specializes in helping teens and adults through these times. Their experience and professional skills help clients feel better sooner. Call for a free consultation. 1321 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 201-708-8577 • AcupunctureAtelier.com Acupuncture Atelier offers undivided personalized attention during each and every session. Sara and Samia pride themselves on being unique and adaptable. Treatments may include acupuncture, reiki, aromatherapy, moxibustion, cupping, auricular therapy, as well as ancient Shamanic healing methods.

BABY STEPS PEDIATRICS

Dr. Carmen H. Lebron 75 Montgomery Street, Ste. 401 Jersey City, NJ 201-600-4306 • LebronPeds@gmail.com BabyStepsPediatrics.com Carmen Lebron is a fun-loving and creative pediatrician in downtown Jersey City. Our clinical approach is holistic, giving attention not just to medical issues, but integrating all aspects of the social and family environment. Dr. Lebron is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is a clinical homeopath.

FOOT AND ANKLE PREMIER SPECIALISTS

Dr. Juliana Paternina 70 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 201-659-5222 • FootandAnklePS.com Dr. Juliana Paternina, is a board- certified Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgeon. She provides compassionate and comprehensive care for both adult and pediatric patients with any type of foot and ankle needs. She is well known for being thorough and for having a holistic approach. Specialties include dermatologic foot conditions, any foot and ankle deformities including bunions and hammertoes, chronic nerve pain, sports-related injuries including heel pain, fractures, sprains, and treatment of diabetic foot complications.

HOBOKEN CHIROPRACTIC + WELLNESS

Dr. Laura Brayton/Dr. Olga Alvarez 113 Monroe Street, Hoboken, NJ 201-792-3544 • HobokenChiro.com

Family wellness practice, specializing in pediatrics and maternity, that strongly believe in the body’s innate intelligence and ability to heal itself when blockages to the healing process are removed. Utilizing chiropractic, soft tissue techniques, allergy elimination, nutrition/ supplements, and massage, health is restored and maintained for optimal wellness.

JacquieBirdWellness.com Jacquie Bird, Spiritual Wellness offers products and services that, support, guide and empower the individual. She is the author of the 7 Daily Thoughts & Mantras 4 Mindfulness eBook series; the Creator/Practitioner of Stress Busters Guided Meditations; she creates guided meditation as well as meditation music called SoundSoulVibin’ and is the Owner/Creator of the handmade wellness brand MODAL VISIONS, which is rooted in the energetically dynamic properties of gemstones, crystals and copper. Jacquie is also the Creator and host of the podcast Roll With Peace, In Mind. Her entire platform and intent is in mindfulness, personal growth, stress relief and stress management – in essence, how we can live more calm, centered, grounded and meaningful lives.

LEAH CRESCENZO

917-525-3477 • HeyLeahC.com Transformative healer who utilizes the powerful tools of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and Hypnotherapy to improve everything from emotional to physical conditions.

MIND BODY HOBOKEN

51 Newark Street, Ste. 402, Hoboken, NJ 201-994-3500 • MindBodyHoboken.com Mind Body Hoboken works with individuals, corporate teams and small business owners to find balance in their personal and professional life. Finding the calm and peace in life is essential to balancing out the “fight or flight” response caused by stress. Founder/practitioner Jennifer Araneo utilizes neurolinguistic programming, hypnosis, meditation and reiki to help clients find the Zen in their lives.

MINDFUL PLAY YOGA

646-552-2982 • MindfulPlayYoga@gmail.com

Mindful Play Yoga brings out the kid in all of us by working with children, adults & caregivers through mindfulness, play & yoga to see the best in everyone. MPY is committed to inspiring children ages 3 -15 & families to be curious life-long learners.

OLEVIA METRY, MD

Family Medicine 108 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 201-656-5688 • Linktr.ee/Dr_Olevia

Dr. Olevia Metry is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician who grew up in Florida and has made Hoboken home for 3 years. She’s passionate about preventative medicine, lifestyle medicine, women’s health and diabetes. Kelly Bonell West New York Kelly@YouWillRise.co • YouWillRise.co Serving ambitious professionals who strivie to live their best life, but sometimes get weighed down with stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and that ‘stuck’ feeling. RISE helps clients to close the gap between stagnation and success by expanding what their mind sees as possible, helping them release limiting beliefs, and accelerating their growth. Kelly Bonell is a trained life coach who provides her clients a non-judgmental, inclusive, and trauma informed space to empower them to rise to new heights. Virtual sessions available.

SALVATION WELLNESS

30 Provost St, Jersey City, NJ 551-689-0763 • SalvationWellness.com

Salvation Wellness is a multiservice wellness center that offers services such as massage, meditation, yoga classes and sauna sessions. It also sells a variety of personal care products, including CBD bath and body items. Co-founders Celia and Andres Pender have lived in Jersey City for more than a decade. They both have been dedicated to holistic health studies and deductive, science-based, natural healing for more than two decades.

THE GREEN ROOM

109 14th St, Hoboken, NJ 64 Newark Street, Hoboken, NJ 512 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ TheGreenRoomNJ.com

Newly added Jersey City location. Hoboken and Montclair’s first CBD shops that provide both in-person and online shopping. Owner Darek Michael offers education and high-quality products. The Green Room is open Sunday through Thursday 11am-8pm and Fri and Sat 11am-10pm in Jersey City and Monclair.

VICTORIA REED MASSAGE THERAPY

Victoria Radzinski, LMT, CPT 80 River St., 3E-2, Hoboken 201-551-7154 • VictoriaReed.Info@gmail.com ReedWellness.com

As a licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga instructor, Victoria’s healing and relaxing services reverse the effects of daily stress by repairing damaged muscle tissue to eliminate aches and pains throughout the body. Improve circulation, detoxify your body, and increase mental alertness as you decompress with her carefully designed massages. Victoria’s drive behind her work stems from her observations on today’s lifestyle/living. See ad, page 6. Roger Dubin 917-699-6492 • Instagram @MrNaturalNYC MrNaturalNYC@gmail.com

My mission is to connect people with the beauty and health benefits of hiking and nature. I share this in my Instagram and practice it by supervising over 60 miles of trails in Harriman State Park and being a hike leader and naturist for the Nature Place Day Camp. I am also the Marketing Director for Natural Awakenings where I help people and businesses further healthy living on a healthy planet. Email me for hiking tips and route suggestions. Find Hikes: NYNJTC.org. Expose your kids to Nature: TheNaturePlace.com.

PETS

GALLA WELLNESS

Florentina Galla, Rdh.MS GallaWellness.com

Florentina has been using holistic care and reiki healing for decades and now is providing that for pets. She provides pet healing and holistic pet nutrition. She’s using gentle touching if an area is in pain after trauma and to reduce the healing time; she offers customized nutrition and supplement needs to manage stress and weight gain based on the pets need. She is a regular volunteer at North Star Animal Rescue and is the author of Confessions of a Holistic Hygienist in a New Era of Wellness.

HOLISTIC PET CARE

125 Paterson Avenue, Little Falls, NJ 973-256-3899 HolisticPetCareNJ.com

Holistic Pet Care of Little Falls provides guidance on optimum diet and environment, and how to minimizing negative elements/toxins to keep your pet healthier and living longer. Holistic and complementary modalities include acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, homeopathy, bach flow remedies, herbal therapies (western, chinese & ayurvedic), nutritional therapy, ozone therapy, cold laser therapy, and reiki for addressing problems and for preventive care.

The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May. ~Edwin Way Teale

Healing Meditation, Restorative Yoga and Reiki

– The Healing Center is a favorite space to experience healing through connection, meditation, and movement. They offer guided meditations, yin yoga, mat-based experiences, rhythm-based cycling and expansive workshops to support your healing journey. The Healing Center, 80 River St, Ste 5A, Hoboken. 973-216-2492. TheHealingCenterHoboken.com. Recovery Meetings – RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program offers emotional support services, education and communitybased resources for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a variety of virtual services, this program aims to assist those impacted by the pandemic to better adjust to their new reality, mitigate stress, review options, develop coping strategies, and, if needed, find linkages to agencies, programs, and other resources in their community. All Recovery virtual meetings provide social support for those seeking or maintaining recovery, as well as family members, friends and supporters of those who have been influenced by substance use. See website for a list of meetings and registration info. RWJBH. org/treatment-care/institute-for-prevention-and-recovery/ programs/hope-and-healing/ SUNDAY, MAY 1

Main Street Pops Artisan Market – Sun through Aug 14. 11-4pm. Shop small and local at this outdoor market with artisanal foods, jewelry. home goods, fashion & accessories, beauty, fine art, photography, kid’s stuff, pet products and more! A variety of other attractions like live music, arts and crafts projects and special themed holiday activities. Under 14th Street Viaduct, 1401 Adams St, Hoboken.

MONDAY, MAY 2

Baby & Me Yoga – 10:30am. Carolyn Brush presents Baby & Me Yoga. Join on Zoom for stories, songs, and simple poses for you and your little one. Register online. Zoom links will be sent out 30 minutes prior to story time. Free; space is limited - register to secure your spot. For any questions, please email Valerie.Coughlin@ hoboken.bccls.org. BCCLS.LibCal.com/Calendar. Healthcare Team (Diabetes Support Group) – 121pm. Join this virtual support group once a month to discuss issues you are having living with diabetes – with other people living with diabetes. Utilizing peer group problem-solving (asking questions, listening to responses and having a group discussion) we will come up with personalized solutions for you. Seize the opportunity to meet others living with diabetes and talk about your personal challenges as you would talk to a friend. Register online DiabetesFoundationInc.org. Historic Farmer’s Market – Mon. & Thur. through May. 4-8pm. The Historic Downtown Jersey City farmers’ market features various NJ vendors and local Jersey City vendors. Operating for over a decade, the Historic Downtown Jersey City Farmers Market, conveniently located by the PATH Train station and Grove Street bus stop in the heart of the historic downtown, it’s the place to get your groceries and treats! Come out and support NJ farms and businesses and get your fresh produce, pies, cookies, flowers and more. 201-547-3554. JCDowntown.org. Crossword Club – 5-6pm. Join on Zoom to do a crossword puzzle every Monday! Test your puzzle skills! Geared for children in grades 4 to 12. NBPL. org/Event/Crossword-Club. Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe: A Book Club Discussion – 5:30-7pm. Things Fall Apart is the first of three novels in Chinua Achebe›s critically acclaimed African Trilogy. It is a classic narrative about Africa›s cataclysmic encounter with Europe as it establishes a colonial presence on the continent. Told through the fictional experiences of Okonkwo, a wealthy and fearless Igbo warrior of Umuofia in the late 1800s, Things Fall Apart explores one man›s futile resistance to the devaluing of his Igbo traditions by British political and religious forces and his despair as his community capitulates to the powerful new order. Free; register online. Amelia’s Bistro, 187 Warren St, Jersey City. Meetup.com/JC-BookClub/. TUESDAY, MAY 3

Kids Art Classes – Through May. 10am-1pm. Museum Kids Art Classes take place three days a week – Tues, Thurs, Fri – for fun art making in the Museum walkway. Recommended for ages 2-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Art materials are provided; adults must wear masks and maintain social distance. Seating available first-come, firstserved. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201-656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org. Silver Lining for All Recovery Wellness – Tues. 10am. All Recovery virtual meetings provide social support for those seeking or maintaining recovery, as well as family members, friends and supporters of those who have been influenced by substance use. RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program Daily All Recovery Meetings offers emotional support services, education and community-based resources for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a variety of virtual services, this program aims to assist those impacted by the pandemic to better adjust to their new reality, mitigate stress, review options, develop coping strategies, and, if needed, find linkages to agencies, programs, and other resources in their community. RWJBH.org. Zoom Meeting ID: 921 8005 4325 Passcode: healing. Tour of Mana Contemporary – Tue and Thu through May. 3-4:30pm. Mana Contemporary’s long-term and special exhibitions are currently on view by appointment, through engaging themed tours. Tours conclude with a visit to the current special exhibition. Mana Contemporary, 888 Newark Ave, Jersey City. ManaContemporary.com Shamanic Sound Journey – 7:30-9pm. In studio & livestream. Leigh Higgins leads a sound immersion for the soul, using vocals and a variety of ancient instruments to shift our inner and outer perspective, helping discover our spirit guides and soul’s path. At the core of this path are experiential practices that lead to a deeper understanding of who we are. By exploring these practices personally and as a community, we learn to access the wisdom of spirit and make changes that enable us to feel fully connected. $25/livestream, $35/in studio. Urban Souls Yoga, 100 Hudson St, Fourth Fl, Hoboken. To register: 201-683-4002. UrbanSoulsYoga.com. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

The Burdens by Matt Schatz – Wed-Sun through May 22. Wed to Sat 8pm; Sun 3pm. Mordy is a struggling musician living in Los Angeles. His older sister Jane is a successful attorney in New Jersey. But when their widowed mother’s life becomes emotionally and financially taxed by her terrible, centenarian father, these two adult siblings are drawn together into an elaborate plot to relieve their mother’s burden and their own. Told almost entirely via text messages, The Burdens is a dark, family comedy about how technology helps keep us close, while still enabling us to keep our distance. It’s sometimes easier to type something than it is to say it face to face. But please, be careful of autocorrect. It can be murder. $30-$45; student with ID $24-$36. Mile Square Theatre, 1400 Clinton St, Hoboken. 201-683-7014. MileSquareTheatre.org. Yarn Crafts – Weds, 7-9pm. Fun conversation and working together by Zoom on fiber crafts! Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, spinning, weaving or whatever craft you’re enjoying at the moment. Register online for the event and you’ll be sent the meeting invite which includes the Zoom code as well as the weekly Theme of the Week. ShopYarnia.com. THURSDAY, MAY 5

Hoboken Talks! – May 5, 12, 19, 26. 7-8pm. The Hoboken Museum offers a live-streamed program - Hoboken Talks! - streamed live on YouTube, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Viewers can submit questions using the chat feature. YouTube.com/ User/HobokenMuseum. See the website for other social media links to bookmark your preferred channel. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201-656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org. FRIDAY, MAY 6

Friday Storytime at the Museum – Fridays 10:3011:45am. Hoboken Historical Museum staff and other guest readers share stories, rhymes and singalongs with children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. The program is open to all on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. $5 donation appreciated. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201-656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org. Yoga for Beginners – Fri through May. 12:301:30pm. This class is suitable for those who are beginners - with little or no experience, or for those simply looking for a gentle yoga class. The class consists of yoga postures (asanas) breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. Instructor Komal Majmundar. $20. Roots Yoga, 2983 John F. Kennedy, Jersey City. RootsYogaStudioJC.com. SATURDAY, MAY 7

Pre-NLN Preparation Course – Sat through May 28. 9am-1pm. The NLN Pre-Admission Exam evaluates the academic ability of nursing majors to identify the most qualified candidates among those seeking admittance into nursing schools nationwide. This course assists students in preparing for the exam by mastering the subject matter covered in the math and science portions. Students will also learn test-taking strategies that will help them achieve a high composite score. $229. Hudson County Community College, 161 Newkirk St, Jersey City. To register: 201-360-4246. HCCC.edu/ ContinuingEducation. Musical Cooking Class – Sat through May. 1pm. Learn some colorful home cooking. Get ready for an entertaining experience with One Great Vegan, aka

the singing chef, Gabrielle Reyes in a live-streaming musical cooking class where you’ll learn to make colorful and flavorful treats you can create easily in your own kitchen. Be sure to log in and learn live how to cook quick, vegan recipes full of flavor and fun. Free virtual event. OneGreatVegan.com/Great-Events. TUESDAY, MAY 10

Sound Bath Energy Healing (In Studio) – 7:309pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. The Sound Bath was created to be a self-care experience to aid in the strengthening and healing of the mind-body connection. The Sound Bath experience targets the physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual components of the mind-body connection by utilizing the amazing healing powers of sound vibrations. These vibrations allow us to release energy blockages and let go of unhealthy patterns. As we shift our vibrations away from harmful lower frequencies, we allow ourselves to transform into the best version of ourself. $35 in studio. Urban Souls Yoga, 100 Hudson St, Fourth Fl, Hoboken. To register: 201-683-4002. UrbanSoulsYoga.com.

mark your calendar

Sustainable JC’s Trees & Trash Action Campaign

The campaign is an environmental stewardship initiative to mobilize action to care for existing trees better and to attend to all the trash, including catch basins, to prevent flooding. As a part of this campaign, volunteers will be helping trees thrive by visiting local planting sites and adding healthy soil amendments after clearing debris from the planting site and surrounding sidewalks and streets. Neighborhood Walkabouts – The first three campaign event dates and locations are (you don’t need to live in these neighborhoods to participate; training and supplies will be provided):

Saturday May 7, 10am,

Downtown near Hamilton Park

Saturday May 14, 10am,

Greenville near Columbia Park

Saturday May 21, 10am,

The Heights near Pershing Field Park. For this campaign, SJC is welcoming contributions from the community towards the purchase of supplies like hand tools, work gloves, and watering equipment. Any contributions to this campaign are greatly appreciated and will support work this season.

Information and registration online:

EventBrite.com/E/SJC-Trees-Trash-ActionCampaign-Training-Info-Session-EventsTickets-321251681427. THURSDAY, MAY 12

Basic Life Support Training Certification(BLS)

– May 12, 24, Jun 16, 29. 9:30am-1:30pm. BLS for Healthcare Providers uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problemsolving skills that drive better outcomes for adult, child, and infant patients. Topics include: choking, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and teamwork and many more. Hudson County Community College, 161 Newkirk St, Jersey City. To register: 201-360-4246. Time, details: HCCC. edu/ContinuingEducation. HOHA Run – Thursdays, 7:40pm. The Hoboken Harriers Running Club, a diverse group of runners/ joggers, welcomes runners of all abilities for a 5.2-mile run. 6th Street & Washington, Hoboken. Libations: Moran’s Pub. Info: HOHA.net.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

CFA’s 5K Run/Walk Fighting Hunger One Step

at a Time – 7:30am-12pm. Center for Food Action’s event will be a family-friendly CFA’s 5K Run/ Walk - Fighting Hunger One Step at Time is a great family-friendly or corporate team-building outdoor event. Whether you run or walk, it will be a morning filled with fun and exercise for a great cause. We will even feature a 1-mile course for children under 12. Lace-up your sneakers and meet us at Overpeck Park on May 14, 2022 to help us meet our goal of $50,000. Overpeck Park, Ridgefield, NJ. Household Hazardous Waste Collection – 9am1pm. Household hazardous waste, computers and tire recycling. Includes tire amnesty program and computer-only recycling collection. Residents must remain in their vehicle and place their materials in their trunk. Jersey City Municipal Service Complex, 13-15 Linden Ave East, and Kearny DPW, 357 Bergen Ave.

Star Wars: A New Hope in concert w/New Jersey

Symphony – 8pm. Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy, as he leaves his home planet, battles the evil Empire and learns the ways of the Force. Don’t missStar Wars: A New Hopewith the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the complete film. Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor. $35-$110. New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Prudential Hall Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St, Newark. 888-696-5722. NJPAC.org. SUNDAY, MAY 15

Coneflower Native Plant Day – 10am-2pm. A family-friendly, fun and educational event featuring walks and talks about native plants, kid’s activities and more. Presented by the Bergen County Audubon Society and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. Free. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Contact: Don at Greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983. TUESDAY, MAY 17

The Awesome – 7:30-9pm. This experience pairs ancient practices with modern science to improve and maintain your vital energy flow. The Awesome revitalizes and relaxes by combining QiGong, vigorous breathing, body tapping, and energy flow mediation. The Awesome! allows you to maximize your innate healing abilities as well as release deeply held stress and stagnant energy through a super-fun practice of easy, flowing movements. Join us in the studio or on line this month for a transformative experience that will leave your energy flowing and your heart invigorated! $35 in studio. Urban Souls Yoga, 100 Hudson St, Fourth Fl, Hoboken. To register: 201-683-4002. UrbanSoulsYoga.com. JDK Social Station – 6pm. JDK Social Station, LLC is a specialized multi-sensory inclusion program that enhances learning, social, and communication skills of children with social deficits. Early treatment is essential for growth and learning. The program is individualized based on each child’s needs to reach their maximum potential. JDK Social Station, LLC, 780 Post Place. Secaucus. 833-5351212. BergenResourceNet.org/News-Events. THURSDAY, MAY 26

Tree Sparrow Nature Walk – 10am-12pm. Keep your eyes peeled for swallows, shorebird sparrows and more with the Bergen County Audubon Society at this great place for bird watching. Mill Creek Marsh, Secaucus. Park behind Bob’s Furniture store, 3 Mill Creek Drive. Contact: Don at Greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983. SUNDAY, MAY 29

Harrier Meadow Special Nature Walk – 9am-12pm. Join the Bergen County Audubon Society for this walk thru Harrier Meadow, a fabulous nature reserve normally closed to the public. Free. Harrier Meadow is located on Disposal Road off Schuyler Avenue in North Arlington. Park opposite entrance off Disposal Road. Contact: Don at Greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983.