Our Community USA - Central Jersey Vol 3

THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY Vol. 3

SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule

TABLE OF CON TENT S See this issue online at

ourcommunityusa.com/CentralJersey3

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LGBT Good For Business Article

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Bar Guide

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Restaurant Guide

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LGBTQ Organizations & Attractions

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Events Schedule

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Business Directory

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GOOD FOR BSINESS U S I NESS GOOD FOR BU Protecting LGBTQ Americans from Discrimination is Good for Business Business leaders know that protecting every American from discrimination is good for the economy.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults have a combined buying power of $884 billon dollars, and business leaders know that today’s generation of consumers prefer to shop at businesses that support gay and transgender people.

Business leaders across the nation are leading the charge to secure nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people.

Fairness for All Hardworking Americans • Gay and transgender people are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family.

Hardworking Americans deserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law.

Sadly, too many hardworking Americans are facing discrimination in areas like employment, housing and public accommodations, just because they are gay or transgender.

• America is a land of opportunity and freedom, where people who work hard and meet their responsibilities have the chance to get ahead. Everyone deserves the freedom to achieve the American Dream, including gay and transgender citizens.

Respecting Our Coworkers and Getting the Job Done • What’s most important is focusing on what we have in common, taking pride in our work, respecting our coworkers, serving customers, and getting the job done.

• Employees should be judged on their qualifications, experience, and the job they do – nothing more, nothing less.

Non-Discrimination Protections Are Good for Business • Business leaders across the nation, including conservative leaders, agree: Discrimination is bad for business. Today’s top job creators seek states and communities that are welcoming to everyone, including their families, employees and customers.

• When every American is given the opportunity to work hard and earn a living, our economy, communities and nation succeed.

To download a PDF version of this resource, go online and visit: freedomforallamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/BusinessBackgrounderFFAA.pdf

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Excerpt from freedomforallamericans.org

RESTAURANT GUI DE Vincenzo’s

Josanna’s Italian Take-Out

Masala Bay

Ferraro’s Pizzeria & Pub

White-tablecloth Italian spot with wines by the glass & traditional meat & pasta entrées.

665 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ

Family-run place serving hearty portions of Italian food in a casual environment.

409 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex, NJ

Counter-serve Indian eatery with buildyour own naan wraps & bowls, and vegan options.

1135 Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ

Great food, very friendly staff and good selection of quality craft beers.

275 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex, NJ Roxana’s Pupuseria

Great food and friendly atmosphere 621 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex, NJ

Hong Kong Garden

Sit-down eatery for familiar Chinese dishes, from chow fun to sesame shrimp.

1760 Easton Avenue # 4, Somerset, NJ

Seafood Boil

No frills atmosphere with flavorful seafood.

201 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ

Taco King

Erini Restaurant

Great Mexican cuisine that won’t disappoint.

586 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ This steakhouse is a local ‘hidden gem.’

624 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex, NJ

Mainstay for Mediterranean-inspired meals using area-sourced products, with a bar & outdoor patio.

29, 1140 River Rd, Ewing Township, NJ

House of Thai

Enzo’s La Piccola Cucina

Steakhouse 85 Restaurant

Ganesh Divine

Cahoot’s

Curries, rice dishes & vegetarian Thai entrées served in a casual eatery with vibrant decor.

319 Route 22, Green Brook Township, NJ

Plates of pasta & other Italian staples served in an old-school space with live jazz monthly.

1906 Princeton Ave, Lawrence Township, NJ

Steakhouse with a surf ‘n’ turf menu in an upscale space with live jazz on some nights.

85 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ

Great Indian cuisine and friendly atmosphere.

619 Bound Brook Rd, Middlesex, NJ Girasole

Family-run BYOB restaurant serving

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BAR GU ID E pub grub & a patio.

248 Nassau Street Princeton, NJ

Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse

Rocking nightclub with a rockabilly vibe hosting burlesque shows, live music & open jam nights.

745 Bound Brook Road Dunellen, NJ

Blend Bar & Bistro

Maggie Murray’s Pub House

119 N Washington Avenue Dunellen, NJ

Unfussy, industrial-chic spot featuring local craft beers, cocktails & late-night bar fare.

911 NJ-33 Hamilton Township, NJ

Club Feathers

The Dinky Bar & Kitchen

Buzzing gay nightclub featuring DJs, dancing & drag shows, plus go-go boys & basic bar food.

77 Kinderkamack Road River Edge, NJ

A onetime train station offering beer, cocktails & small & large American plates amid rustic decor.

94 University Place Princeton, NJ

Tir na nOg - Trenton’s Reel Irish Pub

Championship Sports Bar & Grill

Easygoing and festive watering hole with regular live music performances, including Irish artists.

1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton, NJ

Lively, laid-back hangout offering basic pub grub, billiards & regular live music.

931, 3705, Chambers Street Trenton, NJ Glo

Swanky hangout for specialty cocktails, premium bottle service, bar snacks & small plates.

367 George Street New Brunswick, NJ

HOB Tavern

Old-school corner pub serving up beer, wine, spirits & traditional American meals in cozy surrounds.

146 2nd Street Bordentown, NJ

Golden Rail Pub

Neighborhood standby decked with LED lights & TVs offering happy hour specials & karaoke.

66 Easton Avenue New Brunswick, NJ

Alchemist & Barrister

Quaint restaurant offering up standard American bar food in a rustic interior & on a patio.

28 Witherspoon Street Princeton, NJ

Fire and Ice

Exotic bi-level lounge with hookahs, a Middle Eastern menu, dance floor &

Ivy Inn

Enduring, laid-back watering hole featuring DJs, live music & karaoke, with

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2019 EVENT SCH E DULE August

This family-friendly event features: Two stages with no shortage of your NJ artist favorites, Food and beverages provided

by Palmer Square vendors, Retail offerings and activity tables! Learn more at jerseyfamilyfun.com.

AUG 17 11:00AM STREET FAIR & CRAFT SHOW The Absolute Best Way to Sell your Goods and Services, or simply advertise your business face to face with customers. Artists, Crafters, Vendors, Delicious Food, Kids’ Rides, Games, Live Bands, DJ, , Dance and Martial Arts Performances & much more for the Entire Family! Free admission for spectators. For details, find us on Facebook.

SEP 22 RARITAN RIVER FESTIVAL Enjoy a celebration of our local environment and community featuring live music, vendors, the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market, activities for children, cardboard canoe races and much more. And do not miss The Beez Foundation’s annual Rubber Duck Race Drop into the Raritan River, with prices for the winners. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

AUG 23 WINE & CHEESE PAINTING PARTY Join artist/author Gina Cannone and for this special 2-hour workshop. Enjoy a creative art social experience and paint your own wine glass with guided instruction. No painting experience necessary! Relax and simply follow along and have fun! You can also book your own group event! JUST BYOB! We supply all materials and a cheese platter! Visit funnewjersey.com for details.

SEP 28 BRANCHBURG COUNTY FAIR The Branchburg Country Fair is an annual event in Branchburg, NJ that brings the community together for entertainment, food, contests, and more. The 22nd Annual Branchburg Country Fair will be held on Saturday, September 28 (Rain Date, Sept 29) and includes entertainment, contests, food, activities, fireworks and much more.

AUG 29 7:05PM-10:05PM PATRIOTS VS BARNSTORMERS Come out and enjoy Somerset Patriots Baseball followed by the Best FIREWORKS Show In New Jersey! The game features Scout Night with the Somerset Patriots. Bring your Scout Group out to the ballpark to enjoy an evening of fun. Scouts will participate in a pre-game parade and arc the infield for the National Anthem. Details at visitprinceton.org.

There will also be vintage baseball games . This free event brings thousands of families each year for a day of community fun. The fair runs from 11 am, ending with fireworks at dusk.

Details at branchburgcountryfair.org.

SEP 29 3:00PM-9:30PM ITALIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL The 20th Anniversary of New Jersey’s number one Italian American Festival returns to Mercer County Park.

September

Named one of New Jersey’s Best Fall Festivals by CBS New York, this annual celebration of Italian and Italian American culture features a Food Piazza with Beer & Wine Gardens, national and regional entertainment, an Italian Market with contemporary and traditional Italian merchandise, a

SEP 15 MUSIC FEST PRINCETON Pack a chair or a blanket and settle in for a day of eclectic, non-stop music, food, drink and good times! Enjoy a rockin’ Sunday outside eating, drinking and taking in all the town has to offer!

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2019 EVENT SCH E DULE OCT 27 11:00AM CORAZON LATINO FESTIVAL Enjoy our carnival themed adventure showcasing rich Latino and Caribbean culture filled with traditional cultural dances, music, visual arts displays and much more. Learn more online at eventbrite.com.

Heritage Pavilion with local memorabilia and cultural presentations, amusement rides, children’s activities, fireworks, bocce and more! The festival is a rain or shine event with plenty of covered areas for guests’ comfort. Learn more at jerseybites.com.

October

OCT 31 SOMERVILLE SPOOKTACULAR Community event presented by Somerville Recreation. Enjoy music, activities, and entertainment on Division Street, Main Street, and at Borough Hall. Participating merchants will be handing out candy to trick or treaters!

Free parking in lots 1, 2, and 4 as a treat for parents. Rain or shine. Learn more at downtownsomerville.com.

OCT 13 FALL FESTIVAL Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly day in the Gardens! Explore the many different areas in the gardens by taking part in the scavenger hunt, play lawn games in the Evergreen Garden with members of the honors/service fraternity Alpha Zeta or stop by the School of Rock “Instrument Petting Zoo” for a chance to pet a real live instrument.

November

Tour the student farm to see what is growing and visit the animals from the Cook Animal Farm who will be visiting the Gardens for the day. Be sure to visit the Log Cabin area where you can meet the Youth Programs staff. While there you can paint a pumpkin ($4), check out the food and plant discovery tables and create fall crafts. Learn more at rutgersgardens.edu.

NOV 1 RANDY RAINBOW LIVE State Theatre New Jersey presents comedian, writer, singer, actor, and satirist Randy Rainbow! A viral internet sensation, Rainbow is best known for his series of political spoofs and musical parodies, including “Desperate Cheeto” and “A Very Stable Genius.” His videos have garnered international acclaim and over a hundred million views.

OCT 26 12:00PM-5:00PM HAUNTED DOWNTOWN Join us (if you dare!) for a spooktakular day of fun, frights and Halloween festivities all through Downtown!

Wear your Halloween costume and visit all your favorite businesses, enjoy Halloween music, play some great games on this very special Haunted Downtown!

He’s been called “the best thing about the 2016 GOP race” by Dan Savage and his musical tribute to the first presidential debate of 2016 (“BRAGGADOCIOUS!”) received 28 million views in its first two days. He’s been seen as a talking head on VH1 and has been heard regularly as both a guest and co-host on Sirius XM Radio.

This is a Haunted Downtown festival and not a trick or treating event, we encourage you to come out and enjoy Downtown Metuchen as our retailers get festive for this fun day! Details atdowntownmetuchen.org.

He is also the creator and star of the long-running BroadwayWorld.com web series Chewing the Scenery with Randy Rainbow and Last Minute with Randy Rainbow. Don’t miss this show. Learn more at stnj.org.

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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

Hudson Pride Connection Center LGBT community center providing support, services and resources. www.hudsonpride.org 32 Jones Street, Jersey City, NJ

North Jersey Gay Lesbian Bowling LGBT Sponsored Bowling League. www.njglb.net 291 Bloomfield Ave #2, Nutley, NJ 07110 Phone: (201) 452-4216 The Pride Center Serving the LGBTIQQA community 25 years as a resource and service center. www.pridecenter.org 85 Raritan Ave #100, Highland Park, NJ Phone: 732-846-2232

GAAMC Not-for-profit volunteer-run organization that provides social, educational, and outreach programs. www.gaamc.org Garden State Equality New Jersey’s largest LGBT organization Headquarters - 1408 Main Street, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712 North Jersey Office - 40 S Fullerton Avenue Montclair, New Jersey 07042 www.gardenstateequality.org

North Jersey Pride LGBT events and activities to promote inclusivity, equality, awareness. www.northjerseypride.org Phone: 124 Dunnell Rd, Maplewood, NJ Qspot LGBT Community Center Providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach. www.qspot.org 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ Phone: (732) 455-3373

Newark LGBTQ Community Center Community center providing safe space, programs, and services that support the well-being of the LGBTQ community. www. newarklgbtqcenter.org Location: 11 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ Phone: 973-424-9555

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2019-20 EVENT SCHEDULE December

NOV 15-17 10:00AM SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL Join us at the NJ Convention & Expo Center for a weekend of holiday shopping & family-friendly fun. Aisle after aisle of handmade arts & crafts await you & your friends. Gifts, jewelry, clothing & accessories, home décor, art, & more!

DEC 7 UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY MUSICAL You will be sure to experience the old-fashioned ice cream shoppe with a twist! Our waiters who are your performers will sing and perform an upbeat BROADWAY REVUE for all our guests while you enjoy our sweet and tasty sundae creations. This is family entertainment for all ages. Details at themusicman.com.

Find something special & meet 300+ talented artisans! Plus, enjoy live art demos, FREE Learn to Paint classes, & dress up theater especially for the kids.

Dazzle your taste buds and get ready for holiday entertaining with dozens of well-stocked specialty food booths.

Learn more at eventbrite.com.

DEC 7 HOLLY BALL Come celebrate the holidays with us and attend our biennial Holly Ball! You’ll enjoy connecting with friends, near and far while listening and dancing to the sounds of the renowned Warren Daniels band! Details at eventbrite.com.

NOV 15 HUMOR IN HEELS The best female comics from NYC come to Avenel for a weeklong comedy festival. For full line up, schedule and tickets, visit patch.com.

DEC 13 NUTCRACKER Our annual seasonal favorite enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, live orchestra, eyepopping special effects and a touch of holiday magic. Details available at mayoarts.org.

NOV 24 5:00PM HOLIDAY JUBILEE It’s a magical time of the year in Downtown Somerville: there’s festive music in the air, a warm glow from shop windows, and the delicious aroma of the area’s best cuisine. Best of all, Santa is on his way to the Downtown Somerville Holiday Jubilee! Details at downtownsomerville.com.

January JAN 1 11:00AM RESOLUTION RUN & WALK 5K How about welcoming the New Year with a new commitment to fitness? Our 3.1 mile race is walker friendly and is a great way to start off the year. Join us on New Year’s Day, 2020! The Resolution Run 5K is held in Hillsborough Township (Somerset County), New Jersey. It’s a fun celebration of the New Year for all levels of runners and walkers. Details at runsignup.com.

NOV 28 SOMERVILLE 5K TURKEY TROT Somerville Recreation is excited to host the 4th Annual 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning to benefit Recreation Programming. We will be accepting non-perishable food items to donate to the food pantry. Please visit our Facebook page for details atfacebook.com/SomervilleTurkeyTrot.

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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY Business & Franchise Law Kelly M. Brown Counselor at Law............................. 9

Marina Green Cove Marina................................................... 5

Catering Constellation Culinary Group................................... 9 The Grove............................................................... 6-7

Mobile & Home Telephone Comcast- Freedom Region............back outside cover Non-Profit Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey............... 15

Estate Planning Anna Mae Perillo, Esq............................................. 15 Kelly M. Brown Counselor at Law............................. 9

Personal Injury Anna Mae Perillo, Esq............................................. 15

Family Mediation Anna Mae Perillo, Esq............................................. 15

Primary Care New Jersey Primary Care Association Inc.................. 5

Financial Planning Wells Fargo Advisors............................................... 11

Social Services Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey............... 15

Financial Services The Jess Marshall Agency....................................... 11

Tree Service Bartlett Tree Experts Lebanon NJ Office.................... 3

Home Security & Automation Comcast- Freedom Region............back outside cover

TV & Internet Services Comcast- Freedom Region............back outside cover

Insurance Escobar Insurance & Financial Services Inc..... cover, 1 The Jess Marshall Agency....................................... 11

Wealth Management Wells Fargo Advisors............................................... 11

Jewelry Neves Jewelers................................front inside cover

Wedding & Event Venue The Grove............................................................... 6-7

Landscaping AEV Landscaping.................................................... 15

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