THE CASE FOR PET VASECTOMIES

by Jorelle Baker

One of the most common questions that new pet parents ask our veterinarians is “When should I get my pet neutered?” Often they want to do the procedure early, believing it’s an easy surgery that will have minimal impact on their pet’s health. Actually, there are many consequences to neutering too early, as well as alternatives to prevent future health complications. Before making the decision to neuter, pet parents should consider the following information in order to give their pet the best chance at a long and healthy life.

Neutering vs. Vasectomy

Neutering is when a veterinarian surgically removes the animal’s testicles. The process can typically be done within a day, and it has the immediate effect of making a male completely unable to reproduce with a female. Typically, since the testicles have been completely removed and its hormones altered, the pet will have less desire to mate.

Vasectomy is a surgery where a veterinarian removes a portion of the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm to the testicles.

The testicles themselves remain intact. The pet will still have a desire to mate after the surgery but will be incapable of reproducing within a few months.

Benefits of Vasectomy

Choosing vasectomy rather than neutering comes with several health advantages. Decreased risk of obesity: Pets that keep their testicles have balanced hormones, which lowers their risk of forming unhealthy eating habits or becoming obese. Decreased risk of cancer: Proper hormonal balance lowers the risk of cancer of the heart, spleen, bones and bladder. Decreased risk of behavioral changes: A pet with more testosterone is less likely to have anxious behaviors, like fearfulness and reactivity.

Risks of Neutering

Beyond a basic understanding of the concepts and benefits of neutering and vasectomy, pet parents should also be aware of the potential risks of neutering too early. Behavioral changes: Without testicles supplying testosterone, the pet could exhibit more signs of fearfulness, clinginess and reactivity. Increased risk of disease: When the hormones are unbalanced, the pet has an increased risk of forming hormonal diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, Cushing’s and certain cancers. Increased risk of injury: Neutered pets have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament ruptures. Increased risk of obesity: Neutered pets have a higher chance of becoming overweight.

We highly recommend scheduling a pet to be neutered after 1 year of age; this will allow its body to fully mature naturally and will cause minimal disruption to its hormonal system. We encourage every pet parent to do their research and schedule a veterinary exam to discuss the healthiest option for their pet.

Jorelle Baker is the social media manager, content creator and webmaster for Holistic Pet Care, located at 125 Paterson Ave., Little Falls, NJ. For appointments or information, visit HolisticPetCareNJ.com.

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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.

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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.

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. 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.

ACUPUNCTURE ATELIER

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.

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.

JACQUIE BIRD, SPIRITUAL 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.

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.

RISE COACHING

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 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 27.

OUTDOORS

MR NATURAL NYC

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. 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.

coming in the july issue

Food Connection

Cinderella (Reimagined) – Today’s young people are leading the charge on climate change and social justice. This modern production of Cinderella, placed in a postindustrial wasteland and created in collaboration with the students, is an homage to their idealism and ferocity. Our allegorical reimagining of the beloved fairy tale eschews the traditional love story for a narrative of courage and redemption...told with a lot of incredible dancing! Cinderella (reimagined) is presented by the MST Dance Academy. Purchase the cast recordings to get access to the video recordings of Cinderella! Videos will be available for you to watch on your browser or to download and keep! $5. MileSquareTheatre.org/ Shows-Events/The-Playbill-Gallery/.

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 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. 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/. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

Knitting 101 In Studio – 10-11:30am. Join this in-person class for absolute beginners and learn to knit, purl, cast on, and cast off! We’ll also cover basic seaming, weaving in ends, color changes and how to “unknit” to fix errors. You’ll go from newbie to knitter while making your very own sampler cowl in this 3-session class.The in-person class will be held in the store, and is designed for absolute beginners who have never knit before. Masks are required for the full time, and we ask that all participants are fully vaccinated. Call for details and to reserve a seat. Yarnia, 127 Watchung Ave, Montclair. 973-572-YARN. ShopYarnia.com. Artist & Maker Market – Wed/Fri, 3-9pm; Sat, 12-6pm. The Market is an open-air bazaar featuring locally created fine art and premium hand-crafted goods. AMM connects artists and artisans with the Jersey City & metro NYC community. Their mission is to support handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and to cultivate small business and entrepreneurship by providing a thriving place for them to sell. 201-547-3554. JCDowntown.org. William D. Mcdowell Observatory – Weds, 8:3010:30pm, weather permitting. Experts will help you see the moon, planets and constellations in all their splendor. The state-of-the-art Observatory features a research-grade, Classical-Cassegrain telescope housed within a six-meter retractable dome with a 20-inch mirror and is capable of viewing objects millions of light years away. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Twenty-five people may occupy the Observatory at any one time. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in at the Science Center adjacent to the Observatory. To access the Observatory, a visitor must be able to climb 25 steps in spiral formation. The stairs have railings on either side, approximately 2 feet apart. Free. 2 De Korte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. 201-460-4619. THURSDAY, JUNE 2

Hoboken Talks! – Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 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, JUNE 3

Yoga for Beginners – Fri through Jun. 10:3011:30am. 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. 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. SATURDAY, JUNE 4

Musical Cooking Class – Sat through Jun. 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. SUNDAY, JUNE 5

Little Ferry Nature Walk, Losen Slote Creek Park – 10am-noon. Visit one of the last low-lying forested areas in the Meadowlands, where you’ll find everything from owls to orioles. The walk is led by the Audubon Society. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Little Ferry soccer field. Contact: Don at GreatAuk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983. 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, kids 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, JUNE 6

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. Diabetes Support Group – 12-1pm. 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. 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.

Cloud Cuckoo Land, Anthony Doerr: A Book

Club Discussion – 6:30-8pm. Among the most celebrated and beloved novels of 2021, Anthony Doerr’s gorgeous third novel is a triumph of imagination and compassion, a soaring story about children on the cusp of adulthood in worlds in peril, who find resilience, hope—and a book. InCloud Cuckoo Land, Doerr has created a magnificent tapestry of times and places that reflects our vast interconnectedness—with other species, with each other, with those who lived before us, and with those who will be here after we’re gone. Free; register online. Bistro La Source 85 Morris St, Jersey City. Meetup.com/JC-BookClub/. The Masked Singer – 8pm. Can you guess who’s behind the mask? If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in the live audience ofThe Masked Singer, now’s your chance. Experience the singing, dancing and surprises of the hit TV show, right at NJPAC. See your favorite characters, laugh along with the celebrity hosts and bop to brand-new performances. We’ll even reveal a top-secret mystery star. It’s a can’t-miss spectacular event for audiences of all ages, starring Natasha Bedingfield, Season 6’s Pepper. $44.75-$94.75. New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St, Newark. 888-696-5722. NJPAC.org. TUESDAY, JUNE 7

Art Classes for Kids – Through June. 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. 929-205-6099. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

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, JUNE 9

Tour of Mana Contemporary – Thu through Aug. 11am-5pm and by appointment. 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 The Twelve Theses on Attention, presented by Monira Foundation in collaboration with Friends of Attention. Working to devise, defend, recover, effect, and share forms of attention that defy commodification, the Friends seek friends (and allies) to “bring forth the astonishing reality of things and persons.” Mana Contemporary, 888 Newark Ave, Jersey City.ManaContemporary.com. Historic Farmer’s Market – Mon & Thur. through June. 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. SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Seasonal Scavenger Hunt – 1-2pm. Families will receive a set of clues to solve nature riddles along the trails. Families need to work as a team as they hike the trails to complete the hunt and receive a prize. For adults and families with children 4 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult; Inclement weather cancels the program. $3, $10/family max, $6/nonmembers, $30/family max, free/children under 2. Tenafly Nature Center, Visitor Center, 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly. 201-568-6093.TenaflyNatureCenter.org. THURSDAY, JUNE 16

Basic Life Support Training Certification (BLS)

– Jun 16, 29. 9:30am-1:30pm. BLS for Healthcare Providers uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving 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. Secaucus Nature Walk, Mill Creek Marsh – 10am12pm.Keep your eyes peeled for spring migrants and ducks on this walk led by the local Audubon Society at one of the Meadowlands’ best places for birding. Call for meetup info. Free, registration required. Meadowlands Environment Center, DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Don Torino: 201-230-4983. NJSEA.com. 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.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

7th Inning Stretch – 8pm. The 18th Annual 7th Inning Stretch! A celebration of Hoboken, baseball, and theatre all in one. Each year, 7 playwrights write 7 10-minute plays about baseball…or at least baseball is involved somehow. The plays run the gambit from heartwarming to hysterical, realistic to absurd. Whatever they are, you’ll enjoy a terrific lineup of short plays about the great American pastime. This year’s roster features new work by celebrated and up-andcoming playwrights. $30-$45. Mile Square Theatre, 1400 Clinton St, Hoboken. MileSquareTheatre.org. SUNDAY, JUNE 19

DeKorte Park Nature Walk – 10am-noon. Birds from eagles to egrets call this amazing park home. Join the Bergen County Audubon Society as they point out the spectacular avian species to be seen. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Call for meetup info. Free, registration required. Meadowlands Environment Center, DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Don Torino: 201-230-4983. NJSEA.com. TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Solstice Nature Walk – 6:30-8:30pm. Celebrate the solstice with the Bergen County Audubon Society at one of the most amazing times to see DeKorte Park. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Call for meetup info. Free, registration required. Meadowlands Environment Center, DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Don Torino: 201-230-4983. NJSEA.com. Solstice Hike – 7-9pm. Guided hike with Eric Nelsen. This hike covers about 5 miles round-trip distance in about 2 hours on moderate trails at a relatively quick pace. Hike will be held “drizzle or shine” but heavy or steady precipitation will cancel. If weather seems questionable on the morning of the hike, hikers can call 201-768-1360 ext 108 to confirm. Kearney House at Alpine Picnic Area, Palisades Alpine Approach Rd, the Alpine park entrance on U.S. Route 9W, Alpine. NJPalisades.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 24

New Jersey Fan Club: Artists and Writers Celebrate

the Garden State– 6pm. New Jersey Fan Club: Artists and Writers Celebrate the Garden State is an eclectic anthology featuring personal essays, interviews, and comics from a broad group of established and emerging writers and artists who have something to say about New Jersey. It offers a multifaceted look at the state’s history and significance, told through narrative nonfiction, photographs, and illustrations. Join us for a reading featuring contributors Brandon Harris, Caren Lissner, Raakhee Mirchandani, Kerri Sullivan, and Bob Varettoni, a Q&A with additional contributors, and signing. Free; reserve tickets on line. Mile Square Theatre, 1400 Clinton St, Hoboken. MileSquareTheatre.org.

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