Urban Agenda Magazine, Spring 2018 by Witherspoon Media Group

URBAN AGENDA MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

Patrick Kennedy is at home in New Jersey

Spring 2018

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CONTENTS

16 Patrick Kennedy Is At Home In New Jersey BY TAYLOR SMITH

Spring Awakening: How Does Your Garden Grow? BY WENDY GREENBERG

Landscaping Programs For The Everyday Dabbler BY WILLIAM UHL

The Road To Freedom: Tracing the Underground Railroad in New Jersey BY DOUG WALLACK

SPRING 2018

The Power Of Music And Dance: The Leonard Bernstein And Jerome Robbins Centennials BY DONALD H. SANBORN III

Color is Back! Spring Trends In Home Decor

BY LAURIE PELLICHERO

Fashion & Design: A Well-Designed Life 52

On the Cover: Patrick Kennedy photographed by Tom Grimes.

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SPRING 2018

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Patrick Kennedy I S AT H O M E I N N E W J E R S E Y BY TAYLOR SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GRIMES

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SPRING 2018

The youngest son of Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy and Virginia Joan Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy has put down roots in Brigantine, New Jersey with his wife, Amy, and four children, Harper, Owen, Nora, and Nell. Amy is expecting their fifth child in May. A New Jersey native, Amy has more than 15 years’ experience working in New Jersey public schools and is the education director of The Kennedy Forum. Patrick lovingly refers to Amy as his “Jersey girl,” who grew up in a neighboring shore town. Located on the bayside of the Jersey Shore, a stone’s throw from Atlantic City, the Kennedy’s waterfront home is centered around family and the beauty of the natural setting. On the day of Princeton Magazine’s visit, seagulls were dive-bombing around Patrick’s boat and fine grains of sand blew across the roadway. Former congressman (D-Rhode Island), founder of The Kennedy Forum, co-founder of One Mind, and commissioner of the President’s Commission mis issssio siiio on on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, Ken Kennedy en e nned ne n e y c ed cont continues ont on o nt ntinu nue nu es es to fight to end discrimination against mental al il al iillness, lllne ne n ess, ss, ss s a ad addiction, dd dic iic ctio ttiio ion, on n,, and an nd n d ot o other ther he er brain diseases. He may be best known as the he llead ead ad ssp ad sponsor po on ons ns nsor or of of the th he h e Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Ac Act A Act, ct, w c which hiic hic hi ch w was as as passed in 2008 during George W. Bush’s pre p presidency. re esid sid den enc e n ncy. y. The law requires most health insurance pl pla p plans lan nss tto o provide coverage for mental illness and addiction dic di icttio ic io on in the same way that diseases of the body y are arre a e treated. Founded in 2013, The Kennedy Forum is s a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead d a national dialogue on transforming mental health lth th and addiction care delivery. The Forum also aims s to to achieve health equity by advancing evidence-based ase sed se practices, policies, and programming in mental h health ea eal alltth a h and substance use. The co-founder of One Mind, Kennedy hopes tto o p pi pioneer ione ione on on ne ee err a greater global investment in cures for diseases of the he e b br brain. rain in. C in Current urr u rrrrent ent nt initiatives are exploring treatments and cures for post-traumatic attiic a c sst str stress ttress ss ss

and nd ttr nd traumatic raum raum aum au m brain injury. One Mind also addresses diagnostic research and an nd n d tr treatment reatme ea eat e a t me me for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, ad add addiction, dd d dict ctio ct ion ion ion, n, a and nd dd de depression. e In Inspired nssp spi pirred re ed b ed by y hi h his is political work and family history, in 2015 Kennedy co coco-authored o--aut o au a u utth ho hor o orred ed tthe th h New York Times bestseller, A Common Struggle: A P Personal errrssona e ers on o na n al J al Journey o Through the Past and Future of Mental Il IIll Illness llllnes ne n esss a e and nd A nd Ad Addiction. d In the book, Kennedy detailed his ow own o wn w n st sstruggles tru rrug ug ugg with bipolar disorder and drug abuse. He w He wr wri writes, rrii tes te e s “I grew up among people who were es geniuses gen g ge en niu iius iu usses u es about a not talking about things.” In n 2017, 20 2 01 Kennedy was appointed to serve on th tthe he h e P Pr President’s re esi es si sid Commission on Combating Drug Ad Add Addiction dd d dict ict ction iio on a on and the Opioid Crisis, which is chaired by by ffo for former ormer mer me m e err N Ne New e Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The Com C Commission om omm mii ssio mis io ion on sstudies ways to combat and treat the imp im impact mp m pa act ctt of c of dr d drug ru ug g a addiction in the U.S. In a final report of o f recommendations rec rre ec e comm om m m end mm en e nda nd ati at tti o to President Donald Trump, Kennedy Ke Ken K en e n ne ned ed e dy focused dy focu oc o cused cu used se ed on on the the declaration of a federal emergency. th Kennedy Ke K en nne ne ed dy y spoke spo po p ok ke e with wiiitth Princeton w wit Prriin Pri P Magazine about his continued work wo wor w o orrk and and nd leadership lea ea e ade der d e ssh shi hiip in h in mental health advocacy, brain research, addiction treatment, trre tr tre eatm atm at tme entt and his life in New Jersey. en

SPRING 2018

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Howdoes doesaffordability affordabilitywithin withinthe thestate stateofofNew New How Jersey relate to mental health care and addiction Jersey relate to mental health care and addiction treatment? treatment? Affordabilityis,is,ofofcourse, course, importantaspect aspecttotoeffective effectivemental mentalhealth health Affordability ananimportant andaddiction addictiontreatment. treatment.However, However,I think I thinkthe thereal realissue issueis isnot notsosomuch much and thecost costofofhealth healthinsurance, insurance,but butwhat whathappens happenswhen whenyou youhave havehealth health the insuranceand andstill stillcannot cannotget getadequate adequatecare carebecause becauseyour yourinsurance insurance insurance plan refuses to cover treatment or forces you out of an inpatient facility plan refuses to cover treatment or forces you out of an inpatient facility aftera avery verylimited limitedstay. stay.Additionally, Additionally,many manyinsurance insuranceplans plansonly onlycover cover after oneofofthe thethree threeFDA-approved FDA-approvedmedications medicationsfor fortreatment treatmentofofopioid opioiduse use one disorder. What ends up happening is that people are paying for these disorder. What ends up happening is that people are paying for these healthinsurance insurancepolicies—thinking policies—thinkingthey theyare arecovered—but covered—butwhen whenthe the health rubbermeets meetsthe theroad, road,they theyfeel feelhung hungout outtotodry. dry.That's That'swhy whywe wehave havetoto rubber enforcethe theFederal FederalParity ParityLaw, Law,sosothat thatindividuals individualsand andsmall smallbusiness business enforce owners actually get what they pay for when they purchase insurance. owners actually get what they pay for when they purchase insurance. TheKennedy KennedyForum Forumcreated createda awebsite websitecalled calledParity ParityTrack, Track,where where The consumersand andpolicymakers policymakerscan cantrack tracklegislative, legislative,regulatory, regulatory,and andlegal legal consumers parityactivities activitiesininallall5050states statesand andatatthe thefederal federallevel leveltotomonitor monitor parity implementationand andbest bestpractices. practices.I encourage I encourageeveryone everyonetotoget getinvolved involved implementation and get educated on parity. It is critical to improving access to mental and get educated on parity. It is critical to improving access to mental health care and addiction treatment, New Jersey and nationwide. health care and addiction treatment, inin New Jersey and nationwide.

Whatisisthe thecurrent currentstate stateofofthe theopioid opioidcrisis crisisinin What NewJersey Jerseyand andhow howisisititdifferent differentfrom from(or (orsimilar similar New to) other states? to) other states? NewJersey Jerseyalone, alone,one oneperson persondies diesevery every4848hours hoursfrom fromananopioid opioid InInNew overdose. We are taking an aggressive approach to fighting the opioid overdose. We are taking an aggressive approach to fighting the opioid epidemic—oneofofthe thestrongest strongestininthe thenation. nation.That’s That’sbecause becauseNew NewJersey Jersey epidemic—one utilizinga awide widearray arrayofofevidence-based evidence-basedsolutions. solutions.This Thisdiffers differsgreatly greatly is isutilizing from the ineffective one-size-fits-all approach that some states are from the ineffective one-size-fits-all approach that some states are taking. taking.

Thankfully,Governor GovernorChristie Christierecognized recognizedthe theopioid opioidepidemic epidemicasasa adire dire Thankfully, public health crisis and acted accordingly. The state dedicated $200 public health crisis and acted accordingly. The state dedicated $200 millionininnew newdollars dollarstotofight fightthe thecrisis crisislate latelast lastyear. year.I am I amconfident confidentthat that million GovernorMurphy Murphywill willbuild buildupon uponthe thestrong strongfoundation foundationofofsupport supportleft left Governor by Governor Christie. by Governor Christie. fact,Governor GovernorMurphy’s Murphy’sHealthcare HealthcareCommittee, Committee,ofofwhich whichI Iam ama a InInfact, member,has hasalready alreadyrecommended recommendeda aseries seriesofofkey keyactions actionstotokeep keepNew New member, Jerseymoving movingforward. forward.We Wecalled calledfor forcomprehensive comprehensivepublic publiceducation education Jersey campaigns—targeting users, users, prescribers, prescribers, caregivers, caregivers, and and drug drug campaigns—targeting courts—designed to address death risks, needle exchange programs, courts—designed to address death risks, needle exchange programs, prescriptionmonitoring monitoringefforts, efforts,medication-assisted medication-assistedtreatment, treatment,and and prescription more. Often, New Jersey’s regulatory systems unnecessarily frustrate the more. Often, New Jersey’s regulatory systems unnecessarily frustrate the implementation of integrated clinical care, leading to a real shortage implementation of integrated clinical care, leading to a real shortage ofof appropriatecare carefor forthose thoseinincrisis, crisis,and andfor forthose thosewhom whomcrisis crisiscould couldbebe appropriate avoided.This Thiscould couldbebeaddressed addressedthrough througha aplan plantotoclear clearapplications applications avoided. forintegrated integratedbehavioral behavioralcare carewithin withinsix sixmonths; months;a alistening listeningtour tourtoto for behavioral health regulatory reform with advocates, caregivers, explore explore behavioral health regulatory reform with advocates, caregivers, consumers, and community health organizations; dedicated workgroup consumers, and community health organizations; aa dedicated workgroup update and rationalize payment and licensing policy; and inventory toto update and rationalize payment and licensing policy; and anan inventory serviceproviders providersfrom fromacute acutedetox detoxtotocommunity communitysupport supporttotofacilitate facilitate ofofservice referrals and planning, including for hard-to-reach groups suchasas referrals and planning, including for hard-to-reach groups such pregnant women and reentering prisoners. pregnant women and reentering prisoners. Medical groups our state are also making great strides combating Medical groups inin our state are also making great strides inin combating theopioid opioidcrisis. crisis.Riverside RiversideMedical MedicalGroup, Group,for forexample, example,is isusing usinga a the fully-integrated model of primary care and mental health in the same fully-integrated model of primary care and mental health in the same offices, all under one roof. They work from one shared electronic offices, all under one roof. They work from one shared electronic medicalrecord recordsystem, system,which whichmeans meansproviders providershave haveaccess accesstotohospital, hospital, medical specialty,and andprimary primarycare carerecords. records.This Thisgoes goesa along longway wayininhelping helpingtoto specialty, stopaccidental accidentalopioid opioidprescribing prescribingtotothose thosewith withsubstance substanceuse usedisorder. disorder. stop In addition, they monitor prescribing rates and conduct analysis In addition, they monitor prescribing rates and conduct analysis ofof historicalclaims claimsand andclinical clinicaldata datatotopredict predictpatients patientswith withpotential potential historical opioidabuse, abuse,use usespecial specialquestionnaires questionnairestotoscreen screenpatients patientsannually annuallyfor for opioid addictions, and use quality measures to monitor the initiation and addictions, and use quality measures to monitor the initiation and engagementofofalcohol alcoholand andother otherdrug drugdependence dependencetreatment. treatment.All Allofof engagement these initiatives are making difference. these initiatives are making aa difference.

A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction, by Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried.

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SPRING 2018

John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy, July 1960, during John’s presidential campaign. Wikipedia.

What prompted you to write A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction, and was it a difficult book to write? I struggled with bipolar disorder and addiction for a very long time, often in the public eye. I wanted to address the elephant in the room head on. Almost every family in this country is touched by mental illness or addiction, yet no one talks about it. Why? Because people still treat mental illness and addiction like a moral failing or character flaw instead of brain diseases. That has to change. Perhaps most important, I also wanted to outline a clear path forward for a better mental health care system and the policy needed to support it. Honestly, I was sick and tired of the anti-stigma campaigns. The real way to change attitudes is to change practices. Right now, we often wait until someone has a crisis before starting treatment for mental illness or addiction. But we don't treat diabetes or cardiovascular disease that way. Full implementation of the Federal Parity Law, which requires insurers to treat illnesses of the brain, such as depression and addiction, the same way they treat illnesses of the body, such as diabetes and cancer, is absolutely critical. I didn't write this book for me. Dredging up the past doesn't serve me. I received a lot of pushback and I was ridiculed for it—all expected. The book was my attempt to advance an important cause, speak up for others who haven’t yet found their voice, and provide a road map for getting us to a better place as a nation.

How has fatherhood and your current work shaped your recovery? My work in mental health advocacy certainly helped lead me toward recovery, but my recovery is truly possible because of the strong personal connections I have in my life—especially with my beautiful wife, Amy, and our children. Being a father has strengthened my commitment to recovery for obvious reasons, but it has also strengthened my commitment to fighting for mental health equity and justice in this country. I want my children to grow up in a world where there is no more discrimination against those with mental illness or addiction, and diseases of the brain are treated just like diseases of the body. If they need help, or their children need help, I hope they can seek that help without second thought in a system built around integrated care. I want that for everyone. My long-term recovery is also shaped by the inspiring people I meet out on the road or through my work with The Kennedy Forum. The resiliency and authenticity I witness first-hand just goes to show what we are truly capable of when we choose to walk the walk in a life of recovery.

SPRING 2018

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Describethe thepurpose purpose Describe behind Quartet. behind Quartet.

Pleasecomment commenton onGovernor GovernorPhil PhilMurphy’s Murphy’svow vowtoto Please expand access to medical marijuana in New Jersey. expand access to medical marijuana in New Jersey.

Forty-twomillion millionpeople peopleininour ourcountry countrylive livewith with Forty-two co-occurring physical and mental health co-occurring physical and mental health c conditions—and60 60percent percentofofthem themreceive receivenonohelp help c conditions—and fforthe fo thelatter. latter.This Thisdisconnected disconnectedsystem systemnot notonly only ffor fo hurts h hu patients,it ithurts hurtsproviders. providers.Doctors Doctorsoften oftenhave have h hu hurts patients, to cram c complex chronic disease management into to cram c complex chronic disease management into sveen sev en appointments.Empowered Empoweredbybyprovider provider seven-minute s eseven-minute sev evnen appointments. dtata, dat da aa a,Quartet’s , Quartet’s Q innovativedigital digitalplatform platformuses usesalgorithms algorithms data, data, dat da adata, a,t,a Q innovative to t o proactively pro p ro o a ac act ct c t identify patients who are in need of carefor for to to proactively pro p ro o act act ac ct identify patients who are in need of care underlying, und d erl rl r l yin y yi n g g, , untreated mental health conditions. Quartet then underlying, und derl rrllyi yin y n g, g , untreated mental health conditions. Quartet then bdge br bri dg dge the teh he egap gap ga ga apbetween betweenphysical physicaland andmental mentalcare carebybyconnecting connecting bridges b bridges br bri dg ges eges se sthe th he ga ga ap those ttho ho h s epatients patients pa pat pa at ets tswith wi wit w mentalhealth healthproviders providersororonline onlinetherapy therapybased basedonon those ttho ho h s ese se pa pat pa at ien eien en nen tnsts wiwith wit w ithithmental their t the e i ir r unique un uni u nique ni i qu que q u ue e needs, ne n e eds ed ds d s , insurance, in i n and location. their t eir the ir unique un uni u nique niiq qu que u e needs, ue ne n eed eds dss, insurance, d in in and location. am a mso oproud proud pro pr p odud dto t obebeononQuartet’s Quartet’sboard. board.Promoting Promotingthe theuse useofof I Iam am oso pro pr p ro oro ud t oto t hh l l t improve i ourmental mentalhealth healthcare caresystem systemhas hasalways alwaysbeen beena a technology t technology to t to i improve our keypillar pillarofofmy mywork workasasananadvocate, advocate,because becauserelying relyingsolely solelyonon key face-to-facecare careis isjust justnot notrealistic. realistic.Quartet Quartetis isshining shininga amuch-needed much-needed face-to-face spotlight on what's possible when health systems and insurers prioritize spotlight on what's possible when health systems and insurers prioritize true,integrated integratedcare. care.This Thisyear, year,they theyare areembarking embarkingonona apartnership partnershipwith with true, HorizonBlue BlueCross CrossBlue BlueShield ShieldofofNew NewJersey, Jersey,one oneofofthe thelargest largesthealth health Horizon insurers the state. Great things are come. insurers inin the state. Great things are toto come.

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don’tthink thinkanyone anyoneshould shouldbebearrested arrestedfor forpossessing possessingmarijuana marijuanaand and I Idon’t saddled with a criminal record. But I also don’t think legalization saddled with a criminal record. But I also don’t think legalization oror commercializationis isthe theanswer. answer.That’s That’swhy whyI support I supportSenators SenatorsRice Riceand and commercialization Singerinintheir theirattempt attempttotodecriminalize decriminalizepossession, possession,while whilekeeping keepingsales sales Singer elixirsand andedibles ediblesillegal. illegal.We Wedon’t don’tneed needmore morestoned stoneddrivers driversororkids kids ofofelixirs using THC gummies. How would that make New Jersey stronger? I think using THC gummies. How would that make New Jersey stronger? I think we’vegotten gottencaught caughtupupininthis thisfalse falsedichotomy dichotomybetween betweenlegalization legalizationoror we’ve criminalization.That’s That’sone oneofofthe thereasons reasonsI Ihelped helpedtotostart startSmart Smart criminalization. Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) with a former Obama appointee. SAM Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) with a former Obama appointee. SAM also has a New Jersey affiliate—NJ Responsible Approaches to Marijuana also has a New Jersey affiliate—NJ Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP)—that I wholeheartedly support. Policy (NJ-RAMP)—that I wholeheartedly support. for expanding medical marijuana, we need wait and see what the AsAs for expanding medical marijuana, we need toto wait and see what the details are. We shouldn’t be in a hurry to turn Atlantic City into Venice details are. We shouldn’t be in a hurry to turn Atlantic City into Venice Beach,where where“docs “docsfor forhire” hire”sell sellpot potrecommendations recommendationstotoanyone anyonewith witha a Beach, headachefor for$100 $100cash. cash.That Thatsaid, said,I support I supportresearch researchinto intomarijuana’s marijuana’s headache medical components and following the lead the FDA. medical components and following the lead ofof the FDA. I think there will be some marijuana-based CBD medicationsapproved approved I think there will be some marijuana-based CBD medications by the FDA later this year, and that could be very helpful many by the FDA later this year, and that could be very helpful totomany people. people. I’mless lessthrilled thrilledabout aboutmedicine medicinevia viagubernatorial gubernatorialdecree, decree,but butagain, again,I I I’m think we should wait for details of the new plan. think we should wait for details of the new plan.

SPRING 2018

What is your favorite thing about living at the Jersey Shore? Sailing, taking the kids tubing or swimming in the ocean or bay, spending the day at the beach—these things make me very happy. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my love of the water with my wife and children on the beautiful Jersey Shore. We take full advantage of our surroundings. The people are friendly and good-hearted, just like the Jersey girl I married!

Describe some current personal or professional projects that you are most excited about. New Jersey holds great potential for realizing full implementation of the Federal Parity Law. Just last year, advocates pushed for a bill that made it easier for substance use disorder (SUD) patients to access care. That bill, which was passed and signed into law, specifically limits situations in which insurers may deny claims/deny coverage for outpatient and inpatient SUD benefits. The Kennedy Forum is now actively working with those advocates to build upon the bill’s success. In 2017, legislation was introduced that aimed to better regulate insurers’ compliance with the Federal Parity Law. Not only did the bill require insurance plans to submit reports to the state jurisdiction proving their compliance, but it also mandated that regulators report on their efforts to enforce existing state laws and the Federal Parity Law. This is a great step forward in making sure New Jersey residents will be able to get the care they need when they need it. The Kennedy Forum engages in similar work across the nation by introducing parity implementation legislation and providing technical assistance to state and federal regulators. We work on Capitol Hill to educate members of Congress on mental health/SUD issues and advance evidence-based policy solutions as outlined in our Guide for the 115th Congress and the final recommendations of The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and The Opioid Crisis, on which I served. Our most recent work has been focused on how to best appropriate funding to address the devastating opioid crisis, bringing SUD patient health record provisions into alignment with the rest of medicine, and bettering suicide prevention efforts among vulnerable populations. Of course, I am always excited about The Kennedy Forum’s powerful parity tools: Parity Registry and Parity Track. We are constantly refining these websites to empower individuals, families, policymakers, journalists, and others in fighting for parity rights. On Parity Registry.org, consumers can learn to file an appeal with their health plan after being denied coverage for mental health or addiction treatment services, send a complaint directly to state enforcement officials, access step-by-step appeals guidance, and more. Parity Track.org is a website where anyone can track legislative, regulatory, and legal parity activities in all 50 states and at the federal level to monitor implementation and best practices.

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Spring Awakening How Does Your Garden Grow?

BY WENDY GREENBERG

Classes online and on-site offer an array of horticultural help

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SPRING 2018

Brian Sullivan, NYBG’s vice president for landscape and glasshouses, teaches a horticulture class in the native plant garden. (Photo courtesy of New York Botanical Garden)

he air is warmer and daylight lingers longer. Lime green BOTANY, LANDSCAPE, AND ART, OH MY! leaves are painting roadside landscapes. So often spring awakens an urge to seek greener thumbs, or greener yards. NYBG’s adult education program—the largest plant-related continuing After all, it is the Garden State. education program in the country—is a way to expand horizons, jumpIf you are so inspired, you are in luck. A bounty of classes start careers, or just learn more about and programs beckons to help horticulture and related interests, says would-be plant whisperers Stevenson Swanson, NYBG’s science media find their voices. Some of the area’s most manager. respected and scenic public gardens are at Art is inspiration for many gardens (and your service with on-site and online courses, vice versa, see Georgia O’Keeffe events ranging from landscape design to wellness listed on page 21). At NYBG, a new series and therapy, to native flora, and some unusual of weekend watercolor workshops—oneofferings. day sessions dedicated to basic watercolor “People are thirsting to be in the outdoors techniques and focused on various botanical more,” said Barbara Corcoran, vice president subjects—is part of the Botanical Art and of continuing and public education at the Illustration program, the oldest botanical New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), in the art certificate program in North America. Bronx. Colorful plums, cherries, birds of paradise, Both the NYBG, and other venerable and spring tulips are topics for special gardens such as Longwood Gardens in watercolor classes this spring. Kennett Square, Pa., and the Brooklyn But look also for the certificate programs, Botanic Garden, welcome learners, as do a designed to deepen horticultural skills and few other venues. knowledge. Botanical Art and Illustration is Orchids are big this spring (and always!) The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden. one of seven certificate programs (complete and classes about growing and caring for orchids are featured during with a graduation ceremony). Others are in Landscape Design, Botany, NYBG’s annual “The Orchid Show,” on view until April 22 featuring a series Floral Design, Gardening, Horticulture, and Horticultural Therapy. of installations by acclaimed Belgian floral artist Daniel Ost. Longwood Summer intensive programs offer a way to earn in just a few weeks a Gardens concluded its “Orchid Extravaganza” but features orchids in a substantial share of the credits required for many certificate programs. free, online course, Everything About Orchids, which is open until May 6.

(left) A student draws in the Botanical Art and Illustration class at the New York Botanical Garden. (Photo courtesy of New York Botanical Garden) SPRING 2018

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A student arranges roses in a New York Botanical Garden Floral Design class. (Photo courtesy of New York Botanical Garden)

Students in the Landscape Design class at New York Botanical Garden. (Photo courtesy of New York Botanical Garden)

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SPRING 2018

The fountain at Longwood Gardens. (Photo by Sam Markey, courtesy of Longwood Gardens)

Horticultural therapy, the topic of summer intensive classes from June 11 through August 25, teaches the use of plants as a therapeutic skill. Floral design is the topic of a summer intensive program, as is gardening, with classes in Soil Science. Likewise, the summer intensive Landscape Design offers classes like Plants for Landscaping. Like fresh bouquets, summer classes in flowers—Dauntless Dahlias, Lush Peonies, and Foolproof Hydrangeas—may appeal to the senses. Imagine the creativity that can be harnessed in Bonsai for Beginners, a weekend workshop, and Container Gardens, during two Saturdays in May. The Urban Naturalist program offers seasonal intensives in spring or fall, and the Wellness track offers classes like Herbal Saturday: Reduce Your Stress.

EDUCATION IS PART OF THE MISSION The array of some 600 sessions in the catalog is the result of NYBG’s emphasis on education. “Consumer education is important at the New York Botanical Garden,” explains Corcoran. It is one of three main missions: horticulture, scientific research, and education. The Botany Certificate Program is said to be the oldest in the country. “Education is fundamental to the garden,” Corcoran says. “Horticulture education has been the mainstay for the past 75 years. We have always offered classes.” The majority are taught by top botanists and horticulturalists on staff. “We are so lucky to have amazing resources here,” she adds. The organization is also known for teaching botanical artists how to blend artistry and scientific accuracy to document plants and flowers. “Being where we are, we can draw from the top artists in the country,” says Corcoran. With their ears to the ground, so to speak, program coordinators act as advisors to the continuing education department, and receive feedback from students, who mostly request longer classes, according to Corcoran. With so many exotic offerings, what about those of us who just want to improve the look of our front or back yards? “You can’t go wrong with The Fundamentals of Gardening,” she

recommends. The four-session course, at various times of year, explores the basic principles of successful and environmentally-friendly gardening (Held on days, evenings, or Saturdays). Also for basic home gardeners is Introduction to Landscape Design, in three sessions at various times of year. Students will be introduced to the terminology, concepts, and basic principles of landscape design, recommended for students with little or no background. (Held days or evenings).

GO SOUTH FOR ANOTHER FANTASTIC GARDEN Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa., may be about an hour and a half away from Princeton, N.J., but that doesn’t stop a devoted contingent of Princeton-area residents from attending classes in floral design and ornamental horticulture, says Matthew Ross, Longwood’s director of continuing education. In addition to popular on-site courses, online classes have become popular too, such as the current orchids course; digital garden photography; and a series of courses in partnership with North Carolina State University. Longwood offers 175 courses, targeted to different audiences. It draws students from everywhere—some stay in area hotels and make a vacation out of taking a class, says Ross. Class registration covers admission to the garden for the day. “Online classes allow us to reach new audiences,” Ross says. “Anyone can connect with us and learn from the experts and experience the beauty of Longwood.”

ORCHIDS AND MORE In addition to the online orchids class, Longwood is developing another free course focused on aquatic plants and its extensive waterlily collection, for next summer. Upcoming online courses include Annuals, Perennials, and Vines (opening July 9), and Trees, Shrubs, and Conifers (opening September

SPRING 2018

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The center walk at Longwood Gardens. (Photo by Becca Mathias, courtesy of Longwood Gardens)

10). Both of these six-week courses (with registration fee) invite students to learn to identify and appreciate commonly-used plants, and include visuals from photo stories, presentation, and online fact pages. They are co-offered with North Carolina State University. A favorite course, Plant Science: Understanding Plants, is considered a stepping stone to the Ornamental Horticulture program, where students get a chance to explore the wide range of diversity of the plant kingdom, and basic nomenclature and taxonomy. It will be offered online for the first time this fall. Want a more formal education? Three programs offer a Certificate of Merit: Ornamental Horticulture, Landscape Design, and Floral Design.

UNUSUAL AND NEW CLASSES

One of these classes will allow students to build a one-of-a-kind wire tree in Sculpted Wire Tree, a fall class taught by New Orleans artist and horticulturist Taylor Williams (October 20, 8 am to noon and 2 to 6 pm ). On September 4, 6:30 to 8:30 pm , join three National Geographic Explorers as they take students on a photographic journey through the Amazon and the interconnected nature of the regional flora and culture. Learn how the indigenous people of the Amazon regard their trees, both for physical and spiritual uses, and how this reverence can protect people and their ecosystems. The evening includes a dessert reception at the waterlily pools. “For many, this is a way of treating themselves and their gardens by finding new skills that will cultivate both personal growth and success, and it can translate to a better garden as well,” says Ross. And, in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a Certificate in Horticulture and Master Composter Certificate, and courses such as Grow a Culinary Garden (April 15, 2 to 5 pm ) and other tours and events. While the Brooklyn Botanical Garden does not offer strictly online classes (although they point out that all classes are listed online), the spring-summer catalog offers new gardening classes and an extensive lineup of speakers and exhibitionrelated offerings.

For more than 60 years, Longwood has been providing innovative courses for both garden professionals and consumers of horticulture education. “Longwood encourages learning at all levels,” says Ross. “Even the experienced gardener and professional will pick up new tips and techniques.” Each year, 30 percent of the classes are completely new. “We constantly look for the top trends Lush vegitation at Longwood Gardens. (Photo by Larry Albee, courtesy of Longwood Gardens) in horticulture,” he explains. “The continuing education team holds brainstorming sessions throughout the year, and we look for rising stars and top professionals in the horticulture world as potential instructors.”

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SOME FEATURED CLASSES AND EVENTS: NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN Bronx, N.Y. 10458-5126 www.nybg.org Adult Education: 800.322.6924 (Classes are also held at Midtown Education Center, 20 W. 44th Street, New York, N.Y.) “Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawaii” May 19 through October 28 NYBG’s landmark exhibition celebrates the artist’s time spent in the Hawaiian Islands in 1939. Some of the associated events are classes, a symposium, and a flower show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory focusing on the flora and ecology of Hawaii. An art exhibition in the LuEsther T. Mertz Library and Art Gallery will feature 20 of O’Keeffe’s works, including paintings not seen together in New York since their 1940 debut. Georgia O’Keeffe: A Creative Life, An Evening with Roxana Robinson and Linda M. Grasso June 13, 6:30 to 7:30PM A symposium about the importance of landscape in O’Keeffe’s creative life, with two O’Keeffe experts. Georgia O’Keeffe and Hawaii: A Sense of Place May 18, 10:30AM A panel moderated by curator Theresa Papanikolas explores the influence of the natural environment on O’Keeffe’s art. Summer Intensive Programs A way to jump-start a career change or accelerate progress toward a certificate in Floral Design, Botanical Art, Landscape Design, Horticultural Therapy, or Gardening by completing up to half the certificate requirements in just a few weeks.

LONGWOOD GARDENS 1001 Longwood Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 www.Longwoodgardens.org 610.388.1000 There are many offerings at Longwood, online and on-site. Here are few: A Floral Portrait April 21, 9AM to 1PM Painter and educator Gerald Simcoe offers a course for more advanced painters focused on the historical approach of famous French and Dutch painters. Making a Milpa April 28, 9 to 11AM (taught in English) or 1 to 3PM (taught in Spanish) This class will be offered in both English and Spanish. Each student will take home a starter pack to begin their own milpa, which is the traditional Mesoamerican home farm/ garden plot. Cyanotype June 10, 9AM to noon or 1 to 4PM The first book printed was by English botanist and photographer Anna Atkins in 1843, who pioneered the use of the cyanotype process to capture images of botanicals. The class explores the history of the process, and hands-on exploration using plant material from Longwood. Photo Op! June 12, 6:30 to 11PM Four different photography instructors help participants capture the evening beauty of Longwood. Then get a chance to get the perfect shot of the newly revitalized Main Fountain Garden. (Photos may not be sold for commercial use.)

Everything About Orchids This new online, free program is open until May 6. Self-paced, students can learn through video lectures, discussions, and forums about Longwood’s renowned orchid collection, and how to grow the plants at home, in floral designs, or in landscapes. BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 990 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11225 www.bbg.org 718.623.7200 Certificate in Horticulture Courses toward a certificate in horticulture focus on horticulture in an urban environment. The program is designed for people interested in a career in horticulture and for highly motivated home gardeners. Courses range from Beginning Botany for Horticulturists to Urban Garden Design. Waking the Garden for Spring April 18, from 6 to 8PM (preregistration required) Explore the fundamentals of springtime garden care. Learn how and when to prepare your soil for new plantings, and get tips on how to plant seeds, transplant, and propagate. LAMBERTVILLE GOES WILD https://lambertvillegoeswild.weebly.com/ This year, Lambertville Goes Wild sponsored a three-part series, Learn to Landscape: Dream, Design and Detail at the Lambertville Public Library (now completed), but classes may be scheduled in the future. The website has resources on the National Wildlife Federation Garden for Life Wildlife Certification Program, a USDA plants database, and more information.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/ Springclasses.html Rutgers University Continuing Studies offers some gardening classes with preregistration and fees such as Shrubs for New Jersey Gardens, Container Gardening with Annuals, and other classes. RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS OF MERCER COUNTY 930 Spruce Street, Trenton, N.J. 08648 609.989.6853 Bruce Crawford: Garden Design for Beauty, Sustainability, and Pest Resistance June 2, 1 to 3PM Mercer Educational Gardens 431 A Federal City Road Pennington, N.J. 08534 Crawford is director of Rutgers Gardens, Rutgers University, and an adjunct professor in the Landscape Architecture Department at Rutgers University. HELPFUL INFORMATION The Rutgers Master Gardeners of the Cooperative Extension of Mercer County is a group of volunteers who provide horticultural information and programs to the community. They are trained by faculty and staff of Rutgers University and its New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The Master Gardeners staff a Helpline and encourage calls or an office visit with home gardening, insect or wildlife questions. 609.989.6853 March - October, Mon – Fri. 9AM to 3PM This magazine cannot guarantee space availability in classes noted. See websites for class and/or garden visitation fees.

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Longwood Gardens continuing education. (Photo by William Hill, courtesy of Longwood Gardens)

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The brick walk Longwood Gardens. (Photo by Larry Albee, courtesy of Longwood Gardens) SPRING 2018

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Landscaping Programs for the Everyday Dabbler By William Uhl

here are countless programs for landscape and garden planning available, ranging from free web apps to hundred-dollar software packages. For the average homeowner thinking of planning out a new garden or backyard pool, it can be confusing and time consuming to find an up-to-date program at a reasonable price. The following three selections are low- or no-cost options for any adventurous amateur.

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ARTIFACT INTERACTIVE’S GARDEN PLANNER Artifact Interactive’s Garden Planner is an excellent choice for the amateur landscaper who still wants to experiment, but wants to get into the nuts and bolts of their new backyard. Its top-down view is cleanly presented and accessible, 3D mode is incomplete but still a helpful addition, and its $34 price tag combined with a lengthy free trial period make it one of the best. Aesthetically, the top-down design mode is excellent. Colorful icons show hundreds of different plants in clean detail. Each iris, marigold, and chrysanthemum has a unique graphic, many of which have multiple colors. Surfaces like grass and dirt are able to naturally curve and bend seamlessly. The art style is clean, colorful, and readable: everything a landscape or garden planner needs to be. Functionally, it misses a few elements that may be important to some landscapers — such as accounting for varying elevation — but for the majority of cases, Garden Planner has everything an amateur planner needs. Resizing, recoloring, rotating, labels, vegetable garden management; Garden Planner has the tools landscape tinkerers need to tweak things to their preference without presenting overwhelming lists of tools options. The part that elevates Garden Planner from acceptable to excellent is the 3D view. Though it is still a work in progress, it’s impressive nonetheless. After laying out your garden, 3D view lets you walk about a 3D-rendered version of your landscape, complete with animated flowing water, lighting and shadows, and scaled 3D models of most of the plants and objects

SPRING 2018

Images from Artifact Interactive’s Garden Planner

Images from Gardena’s My Garden SPRING 2018

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Images from Better Home & Gardens’ Plan-A-Garden

placed in your plot. Being able to walk around a digital version of your new backyard provides a tremendous sense of scale and gives a sense of what the final product might feel like. All of these elements combined make Garden Planner one of the strongest choices available.

BETTER HOME & GARDENS’ PLAN-A-GARDEN Better Home & Gardens’ Plan-A-Garden offers a satisfying, simple interface that trades off breadth of features for ease of use. Plan-A-Garden presents a two-dimensional canvas with a suburban backdrop that allows users to assemble arrangements of plants and decorations, as well as place lawns, dirt paths, and other textures by painting over the background picture. For the drag-and-droppable objects, Plan-A-Garden will attempt to scale things relative to the picture’s “horizon line,” though with inconsistent results. That’s as close as it gets to a 3D mode; if you want to be able to plot a garden or backyard and digitally walk through it, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Plan-A-Garden is simple enough for someone anyone to hop right in and try some ideas. Importantly, it’s free to dabble with, and only $19 to expand the number of plants available, as well as opening up other features. Notably, the feature to put a custom picture as the backdrop is behind the $19 paywall. Ultimately, Plan-A-Garden is a great tool for aesthetic decisions— deciding which kind of rhododendron looks best with bright red wax begonias, or if an old brick path should go on the left or right of the wisteria vine. When it comes to more practical concerns— estimating how much all of the plants onscreen will cost, or how far apart they need to be to coexist — Plan-A-Garden falls short.

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GARDENA’S MY GARDEN Lastly, Gardena’s My Garden provides an alternative to Garden Planner, losing the breadth of specific foliage selections and the 3D view, but bringing a stronger aesthetic presentation and several valuable new features, including an automatically-generated shopping list and an automatic sprinkler planner. The pencil-drawn art style is by far and away one of the most pleasing aesthetics in landscape planners. It scales well and gives a personal, natural feel to the landscape creation process. Save for a glitch here and there, finished projects look more like professionally-composed illustrations than computer-generated mockups. My Garden’s list of utilities are useful but inconsistent. The sprinkler planner’s automatic layout is fantastic when it works, though it will sometimes leave you high and dry, forced to manually lay out each sprinkler and manually connect them to faucets around your house. The automatic shopping list is entirely geared towards the sprinkler planner; while it will automatically create a shopping list for your sprinkler system once it’s complete, it doesn’t include anything else. Overall, My Garden may be the best-looking piece of software to plan your backyard, but the limits of its features makes it hard to place at the top. However, as a completely free program without any hidden price tags or trial periods, it stands as a fantastic tool for assembling aesthetically pleasing backyards without spending a dime.

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he Underground Railroad has long captivated the American popular imagination; as a nation in turmoil struggled to reckon with its moral realities, this network of safe houses and volunteers conveying fugitive slaves to free states and Canada was a beacon of grassroots resistance, an instance of interracial cooperation, and the setting of countless tales of individual and collective courage. New Jersey played an important role in the Eastern portion of the Underground Railroad’s operations. Its location between the Underground Railroad hubs of Philadelphia and New York City, as well as its nearness to the slave states of Maryland and Delaware, made New Jersey a crucial stretch along the northerly routes of escaped slaves.

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Tracing the routes of the Underground Railroad is often a matter of careful historical guesswork. The “station masters” or “conductors” who ran safe houses were understandably reluctant to record much information about their operations in case they were exposed. As a result, there are now both homeowners who mistakenly believe that their house’s cellar was once a hiding place for freedom-seeking runaway slaves, as well as homes, churches, and businesses whose present residents are completely unaware of the historical significance of the buildings they occupy.

FIFTEEN FUGITIVE SLAVES ARRIVING IN PHILADELPHIA ALONG THE BANKS OF THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER IN JULY 1856.

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Much what we know about the Much ofof what we know about the Underground Railroad routes New Jersey Underground Railroad routes inin New Jersey comes from William Still (1821-1902), comes from William Still (1821-1902), anan African-American abolitionist originally from African-American abolitionist originally from Burlington County, who often called “The Burlington County, who is is often called “The Father the Underground Railroad” for his Father ofof the Underground Railroad” for his efforts assisting many 800 fugitive efforts inin assisting asas many asas 800 fugitive slaves. After the Civil War, 1872, Still slaves. After the Civil War, inin 1872, Still published an account of his work as published an account of his work as anan Underground Railroad conductor entitled Underground Railroad conductor entitled The Underground Railroad Records—a rich, The Underground Railroad Records—a rich, first-hand account later used by many historians first-hand account later used by many historians understand the logistical workings the toto understand the logistical workings ofof the Underground Railroad, including, most Underground Railroad, including, most extensively, Wilbur Siebert. Siebert’s 1899 study extensively, Wilbur Siebert. Siebert’s 1899 study The Underground Railroad from Slavery The Underground Railroad from Slavery toto Freedom indicates that, while several Freedom indicates that, while several overlapping routes crossed New Jersey, the overlapping routes crossed New Jersey, the main one was what called the Philadelphia main one was what hehe called the Philadelphia Line, which lead fugitive slaves from Line, which lead fugitive slaves from Philadelphia Camden, along the Delaware Philadelphia toto Camden, along the Delaware River to Burlington and Bordentown, and then River to Burlington and Bordentown, and then northeast toward New York City along variety northeast toward New York City along aa variety paths. ofof paths. The Underground Railroad stations were The Underground Railroad stations were often homes maintained free blacks, often homes maintained byby free blacks,

Quakers, churches—particularly A.M.E. Quakers, oror churches—particularly A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) congregations. (African Methodist Episcopal) congregations. Conductors would receive fugitives; provide Conductors would receive fugitives; provide them with food, clothing, and shelter; and them with food, clothing, and shelter; and protect them from slave catchers before protect them from slave catchers before directing sometimes escorting them their directing oror sometimes escorting them toto their next stop. Fugitives typically traveled night, next stop. Fugitives typically traveled byby night, going only between stations they going only asas farfar between stations asas they could travel before daylight. Most traveled could travel before daylight. Most traveled alone—by foot, horse, wagon, boat, train, alone—by foot, horse, wagon, boat, train, oror whatever means transportation was available whatever means ofof transportation was available them. toto them. The work Underground Railroad The work ofof Underground Railroad conductors was dangerous and required high conductors was dangerous and required aa high degree secrecy. Over time, their work has degree ofof secrecy. Over time, their work has accrued number popular misconceptions. accrued aa number ofof popular misconceptions. There is little evidence, for instance, that There is little evidence, for instance, that conductors station masters hung coded conductors oror station masters hung coded quilts from the windows their homes quilts from the windows ofof their homes toto indicated their status as stations (This would indicated their status as stations (This would have been extremely risky). Likewise, the use have been extremely risky). Likewise, the use ofof code songs to indicate stations seems to be code songs to indicate stations seems to be more myth than historical fact. And while many more myth than historical fact. And while many safe houses would have had hiding places for safe houses would have had hiding places for fugitive slaves, few if any would have the fugitive slaves, few if any would have the tunnels that are commonly believed have tunnels that are commonly believed toto have

existed. Constructing tunnels would have posed existed. Constructing tunnels would have posed huge expense for station masters with clear aa huge expense for station masters with nono clear added benefit. The Underground Railroad was, added benefit. The Underground Railroad was, after neither underground nor railroad. after all,all, neither underground nor aa railroad. New Jersey was home more than New Jersey was home toto more than 8080 all-black communities that served both way all-black communities that served both asas way stations for fugitive slaves well places stations for fugitive slaves asas well asas places where many them settled down, taking where many ofof them settled down, taking comfort in their safety in numbers. Mainly the comfort in their safety in numbers. Mainly inin the Western and Southern portions the Western and Southern portions ofof the state—nearer the Quaker influence state—nearer toto the Quaker influence ofof Philadelphia—these towns included Snow Hill Philadelphia—these towns included Snow Hill (present-day Lawnside), Springtown, (present-day Lawnside), Springtown, Marshalltown, and Timbuctoo. Marshalltown, and Timbuctoo. Christopher Barton, member the Christopher Barton, aa member ofof the anthropology department the University anthropology department atat the University ofof Memphis, was the principal investigator for the Memphis, was the principal investigator for the Timbuctoo Discovery Project while completing Timbuctoo Discovery Project while completing his Ph.D. Temple. The interdisciplinary his Ph.D. atat Temple. The interdisciplinary project, which began in 2009, drew project, which began in 2009, drew onon historical records, anthropology, archaeology, historical records, anthropology, archaeology, and oral histories collected from the and oral histories collected from the descendants Timbuctoo residents. gave descendants ofof Timbuctoo residents. It It gave rise body research that forms complex rise toto aa body ofof research that forms aa complex case study the all-black village. case study ofof the all-black village.

HOUS HORN ERT "ROB THE E."E." HOUS URY ERER CENT HORN 19TH ERT THE "ROB THE ASAS , KNOW URY ETON CENT PRINC 19TH THE ININ NN STRE AU , KNOW NASS ETON 344 PRINC ININ ETET STRE AU NASS 344

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GIFT OF E. PARKER HAYDEN, JR.

ES OFTEN HID IN BOATS TO ESCAPE SLAVERY. A BOAT IN THE D&R CANAL BELOW KINGSTON. FUGITIV

A CANAL BOAT WITH A CLO THESLINE ON THE D&R CAN AL.

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Timbuctoo imb mbu buct b cto c ctoo ttoo was was as founded fo ffou o n nde nd ded circa c circ irc rca rc a 1825, 182 825 25 2 5, iin n tthe he e wake 1804 New Jersey Gradual ke of of tthe he 180 he 118 80 04 N ew J ew Je Jer errssey ey yG Gr rad adu a du d a all Abolition Act, and at its peak was home to roughly 125 residents. Barton argues that the new research on Timbuctoo complicates the conventional historical narratives of interracial harmony along the Underground Railroad. Timbuctoo was located less than two miles from Mount Holly, which Barton writes was “a Quaker community described as one of the most ardent opponents to slavery in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,” but while the residents of Timbuctoo certainly benefited from this proximity and from Quaker abolitionist efforts, they were for the most part not welcomed into the Quaker community. Free blacks and escaped slaves who applied for membership in the Religious Society of Friends (the Quaker Church) were routinely denied. What’s more, the area’s involvement in Underground Railroad activities was spearheaded and maintained principally by the black community—not the Quakers, as is commonly believed. But, as Barton notes, “History is rewritten by the victors,” so perhaps this smoothing over of historical tensions should come as no great surprise to us. Linda Caldwell Epps, a historian and former president of the New Jersey Historical Society, believes that New Jerseyans need a fuller accounting of their state’s historical relationship with slavery more broadly. We tend to be ignorant of that history or turn away from it, she says. While many people assume that, as a Northern state, antebellum

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WILLIAM STILL (1819-1902) WAS AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN ABOLITIONIST, CONDUCTOR ON AND HISTORIAN OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

New Jersey shared in the attitudes of Pennsylvania and New York, New Jersey actually had surprisingly strong Southern sympathies. New Jersey voted against Abraham Lincoln in the presidential elections of 1860 and 1864, opposed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and was the last Northern state to fully abolish slavery—an event that came to pass only with the 1865 ratification of the 13th Amendment.

GIFT OF E. PARKER HAYDEN, JR.

TWO MEN AND A BOAT NAMED "MILDRED" IN THE LOCK AT GRIGGSTOWN, D&R CANAL.

In the Civil n the tth he Gettysburg Get etty e tys tysbur yssbur burg College Co oll llege eg ge Journal Journ Jo urn ur rnal na all off th War, Emily Hawk New War Wa ar, historian hiisto h sto torri ria iian E miil m mil ily H awk aw wk argues a gue ar ue es tthat ha hat at N at Jersey’s Southern tendencies were chiefly a result of economic forces. Colonial New Jersey, she writes, lagged behind New York City and Philadelphia in fostering industry and a major urban center, and consequently focused its resources on agriculture. And though the farms of New Jersey were not as reliant on slave labor as the plantations of the Deep South, they still took advantage of it well after neighboring Northern states had moved away from the practice. It is also the case that what industry New Jersey had developed— mainly around shoes and clothing—had strong Southern markets that it was hesitant to disrupt. Collectively, this all amounts to an uncomfortably mixed record: on the one hand, operatives along the New Jersey portions of the Underground Railroad worked tirelessly to spirit away escaped slaves toward freedom, while on the other, many citizens of New Jersey supported the institution of slavery, and there were a handful of enslaved people in the state until the very conclusion of the Civil War. This defies easy categorization or succinct judgement, and perhaps that’s as it should be. New Jersey’s past is something that we should continue to grapple with and explore. To quote William Faulkner, a son of the American South, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

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THE LEONARD BERNSTEIN AND JEROME ROBBINS CENTENNIALS BY DONALD H. SANBORN III LEFT: LEONARD BERNSTEIN. PHOTO BY GORDON PARKS, NEW YORK, 1956. ABOVE: JEROME ROBBINS & DARCI KISTLER, PHOTO BY CAROLYN GEORGE.

Legendary American composer, conductor, pianist, educator, and humanitarian Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) once said, “I can’t live one day without hearing music, playing it, studying it, or thinking about it.” Audiences and museum visitors are having multiple opportunities this year to hear Bernstein’s music and think about it. In March, Princeton University’s Richardson Chamber Players presented “Bernstein and Friends: A Centennial Celebration.” Institutions such as Symphony Space and the National Museum of American Jewish History also will celebrate the maestro’s centennial. Aficionados of the work of choreographer Jerome Robbins (1918-1998) will have similar opportunities. On May 19, Symphony Space will present “Wall to Wall: Leonard Bernstein” at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, a venue located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. “I felt it appropriate to celebrate the work and life of this quintessential New Yorker,” says Andrew Byrne, the artistic director of Symphony Space. “‘Wall to Wall’ is one of those unique events that allows an in-depth exploration of a musician’s work,” Byrne continues. “Over eight hours, we will include favorites from West Side Story and other musicals, as well as lesser-known works for choir, chamber ensembles, and voice. We also will touch on his achievements as an educator and conductor, as well as his political advocacy.” Philadelphia’s National Museum of American Jewish History presents “Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music,” through September 2. Ivy Weingram, the curator of the exhibition, says, “There are about 100 objects, drawn from public and private collections, including that of the Bernstein family—his children lent family heirlooms that haven’t been seen by the public before—as well as a number of objects from the Library of Congress, which holds the Leonard Bernstein papers.”

“[We display] the tools of his trade—the pencils he used to markup scores, one of his pianos, a baton, a conducting suit—to a lot of his writings, and (marked-up) scores and scripts,” Weingram continues. “There are behind-the-scenes stories about particular shows he worked on, which allow someone to [discover] how those productions came to be, and what made them special.” To celebrate the Jerome Robbins centennial, Deborah Grace Winer is presenting A Jerome Robbins Centennial Concert on May 8 at Feinstein’s 54 Below. The event will be directed and hosted by Broadway choreographer/director Kathleen Marshall. In addition, the New York Public Library, whose Dance division is named after Robbins, is planning an exhibition that will open on September 25, and “focus on Jerry’s relation to New York,” says Allen Greenberg, a director of the Jerome Robbins Foundation. “We feel good about [the exhibition, which] will demonstrate the diversity of his artistic genius.” Greenberg was a financial advisor to Robbins, and is now a trustee of the Robbins Rights Trust.

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BERNSTEINMUSICALS MUSICALS BERNSTEIN JustasasBernstein Bernsteinoccupied occupiedthe theworlds worldsofofmusical musicaltheater theaterand andclassical classical Just music,Robbins Robbins“is“isthe theonly onlyartist artistI Ican canthink thinkofofwho whoexcelled excelledin,in,and and music, helped transform the two distinct disciplines of musical theater and helped transform the two distinct disciplines of musical theater and ballet,”Greenberg Greenbergasserts. asserts.The Thefirst firstBernstein-Robbins Bernstein-Robbinscollaboration collaborationwas was ballet,” the1944 1944ballet balletFancy FancyFree. Free.The Theidea ideaofofexpanding expandingthe theballet balletinto intoOn Onthe the the Townwas wasthat thatofofscenic scenicdesigner designerOliver OliverSmith, Smith,who whoproduced producedthe the Town musical.The Thebook bookand andlyrics lyricswere werebybyBetty BettyComden Comdenand andAdolph AdolphGreen. Green. musical. In his biography of the composer (Doubleday 1994), Humphrey Burton In his biography of the composer (Doubleday 1994), Humphrey Burton observesthat thatComden Comdenand andGreen Green“tilted “tiltedthe thecenter centerofofemotional emotionalgravity gravity observes awayfrom fromthe themen, men,who whoare arealways alwayscenter centerstage stageininFancy FancyFree, Free,toward toward away the women.” the women.” “Theexhibition exhibitionreally reallydelves delvesinto intohow howOn Onthe theTown Townbroke brokeground groundinina a “The numberofofways,” ways,”Weingram Weingramsays. says.“It“Itcast castAfrican AfricanAmericans, Americans,ethnic ethnic number Americans,and andwomen womenininroles rolesininwhich whichthey theyhad hadnot notpreviously previously Americans, appeared—asmeaningful meaningfulcharacters characterswith withstrong strongpersonalities. personalities.Peggy Peggy appeared—as Clark, who served as a stage manager for that production, will show her Clark, who served as a stage manager for that production, will show her scriptand andcostume costumeswatches. swatches.How Howdid didthe theAfrican AfricanAmerican Americanpress press script respond?They Theytook tooknote noteofofthe theintegrated integratedcast castfor forwhich whichBernstein Bernsteinand and respond? his collaborators were responsible. Everett Lee, who became the his collaborators were responsible. Everett Lee, who became the conductor awhile into the show’s run, was the first African American conductor awhile into the show’s run, was the first African American toto conduct Broadway pit orchestra.” conduct aa Broadway pit orchestra.” Withchoreography choreographybybyWallace WallaceSeibert Seibertand andAnna AnnaSokolow, Sokolow,Bernstein’s Bernstein’s With musical Candide opened in 1956. “We have his sheet music for‘I ‘IAm Am musical Candide opened in 1956. “We have his sheet music for Easily Assimilated’ from Candide,” Weingram enthuses. “At one point, Easily Assimilated’ from Candide,” Weingram enthuses. “At one point, it it wascalled called‘The ‘TheOld OldLady’s Lady’sJewish JewishTango.’ Tango.’He Hewrote wrotethat thatit itshould shouldbebe was sung‘hassidicamente.’ ‘hassidicamente.’That Thatis isa aword wordBernstein Bernsteinmade madeupuptotoreflect reflectthe the sung Klezmer/Latin beat that he was looking for in the performance of this Klezmer/Latin beat that he was looking for in the performance of this music.Bernstein Bernsteinloved lovedwords wordsand andwordplay, wordplay,and andhehemade madeupupthis thisword wordtoto music. refer that mix musical styles.” refer toto that mix ofof musical styles.”

Candidewill willbebepresented presentedbybythe theWashington WashingtonNational NationalOpera Operafrom from Candide May 5-26. Directed by Francesca Zambello, this production from the May 5-26. Directed by Francesca Zambello, this production from the Glimmerglass Festival Festival is is part part ofof the the Kennedy Kennedy Center’s Center’s “Leonard “Leonard Glimmerglass Bernsteinatat100” 100”celebration. celebration.The Themusical’s musical’soverture overturewill willbebeperformed performed Bernstein by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, under the direction Xian by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, under the direction ofofXian Zhang, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center from June 7-10. Zhang, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center from June 7-10. Conceived,directed directedand andchoreographed choreographedbyby Conceived, Robbins, West West Side Side Story Story gave gave itsits lyricist, lyricist, Robbins, Stephen Sondheim, his Broadway debut in 1957. Stephen Sondheim, his Broadway debut in 1957. The book was by Arthur Laurents, who previously The book was by Arthur Laurents, who previously hadcollaborated collaboratedwith withRobbins Robbinsononananearly earlyversion version had the1948 1948musical musicalLook LookMa, Ma,I’m I’mDancin’! Dancin’!(though (though ofofthe Laurents had subsequently left that project). West Laurents had subsequently left that project). West Side Story’s most recent Broadway revival was in 2009, Side Story’s most recent Broadway revival was in 2009, withsome someofofthe thePuerto PuertoRican Ricancharacters’ characters’lyrics lyricstranslated translated with into Spanish Hamilton composer/lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda. into Spanish byby Hamilton composer/lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda. “‘Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music’ includes a numberofof “‘Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music’ includes a number artifacts and images related to the stage production, and wehave haveclips clips artifacts and images related to the stage production, and we fromthe the1961 1961film,” film,”promises promisesWeingram. Weingram.“We “Wealso alsohave have[Bernstein’s] [Bernstein’s] from auditionnotes notes[and] [and]scene scenesketches. sketches.The Thestar starartifact artifactmay maybebeBernstein Bernstein audition and Robbins’ copy of Romeo and Juliet, which they annotated the and Robbins’ copy of Romeo and Juliet, which they annotated ininthe margins as they were starting to think about transforming it. It initially margins as they were starting to think about transforming it. It initially wasconceived conceivedasasa astory storyofofgang gangrivalry rivalrybetween betweenJewish Jewishand andCatholic Catholic was teensononthe theLower LowerEast EastSide, Side,set setononthe theeve eveofofPassover Passoverand andEaster. Easter. teens First [the characters are] at a Seder, then they’re at a drugstore. First [the characters are] at a Seder, then they’re at a drugstore. SoSo visitorswill willtruly trulyfeel feellike likethey’re they’reininthe thewriter’s writer’sroom roomasasthey theyexplore explore visitors these objects.” these objects.” “WestSide SideStory Storyis isnot notonly onlyfilled filledwith withunforgettable unforgettablemusic, music,but but “West explores issues of prejudice and racism,” Byrne observes. “The themes explores issues of prejudice and racism,” Byrne observes. “The themes ofof thismusical musicalare areasasapplicable applicabletoday todayasasthey theywere wereinin1957, 1957,when whenthe the this musical first opened.” musical first opened.”

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” CAST ON THE SHOW'S FIRST-EVER OPENING NIGHT, SEPT. 22, 1964, FEATURING ZERO MOSTEL, MARIA KARNILOVA, TANYA EVERETT, JULIA MIGENES, AND JOANNA MERLIN. (AP). “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” CAST ON THE SHOW'S FIRST-EVER OPENING NIGHT, SEPT. 22, 1964, FEATURING ZERO MOSTEL, MARIA KARNILOVA, TANYA EVERETT, JULIA MIGENES, AND JOANNA MERLIN. (AP).

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GEORGE CHAKIRIS IN “WEST SIDE STORY,” DIRECTED BY JEROME ROBBINS AND ROBERT WISE, 1961.

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CRISISOF OFFAITH FAITH CRISIS “Weknew knewthat thatBernstein’s Bernstein’scentennial centennialwas wascoming comingup, up,and andit itseemed seemedlike like “We theperfect perfectopportunity opportunityfor forus, us,asasthe theNational NationalMuseum MuseumofofAmerican American the JewishHistory, History,totoexamine examinehis hislife lifeand andwork workthrough througha alens lensthat thathasn’t hasn’t Jewish been explored in a museum exhibition before: the crisis of faith,” says been explored in a museum exhibition before: the crisis of faith,” says Weingram.“Bernstein “Bernsteinoften oftensaid saidthat thatif ifthere therewas wasone onecentral centraltheme themetoto Weingram. his body work, perhaps the most significant would the search for his body ofof work, perhaps the most significant would bebe the search for aa th solution to the 20 -century crisis of faith.” th solution to the 20 -century crisis of faith.” Bernstein’sSymphony SymphonyNo. No.1: 1:Jeremiah Jeremiahuses usestexts textsfrom fromthe theBook Bookofof Bernstein’s Lamentations. SymphonyNo. No.3:3:Kaddish, Kaddish,which whichthe thecomposer composerdedicated dedicated Lamentations. Symphony thememory memoryofofPresident PresidentKennedy, Kennedy,refers referstotothe theJewish Jewishprayer prayerthat thatis is totothe chanted for the dead. By contrast, Chichester Psalms is a choral work chanted for the dead. By contrast, Chichester Psalms is a choral work whose texts include Psalm 100’s exhortation to “Make a joyful noise whose texts include Psalm 100’s exhortation to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” unto the Lord.” ChichisterPsalms Psalmswill willbebeperformed performedbybythe theMonmouth MonmouthCivic Civic Chichister Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Ryan James Brandau, at the Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Ryan James Brandau, at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on April 21 and 22. The piece also Axelrod Performing Arts Center on April 21 and 22. The piece also willbebepresented presentedJune June2,2,inina aconcert concertthat thatwill willconclude concludeTrinity TrinityWall Wall will Street’sBernstein Bernsteincelebration, celebration,“Total “TotalEmbrace,” Embrace,”atatTrinity TrinityChurch Churchinin Street’s NewYork YorkCity. City. New “[Bernstein] wasdeeply deeplygrounded groundedininJewish Jewishtradition, tradition,and anda astrong strong “[Bernstein] was Jewishidentity. identity.But Buthehealso alsothought thoughtabout aboutfaith faithininterms termsofofthe the Jewish relationshipsbetween betweenhuman humanbeings,” beings,”Weingram Weingramcontinues. continues.“So “Sothe the relationships exhibition’s artifacts relate to specific moments or works that show him exhibition’s artifacts relate to specific moments or works that show him wrestling with faith. During conducting tour May 1948, Bernstein wrestling with faith. During aa conducting tour inin May 1948, Bernstein

wasasked askedtototake takea aside sidetrip tripfrom fromMunich Munichtotoa adisplaced displacedpersons personscamp camp was to conduct a small orchestra of Holocaust survivors. In the exhibition, to conduct a small orchestra of Holocaust survivors. In the exhibition, we’llshow showa afilm filmininwhich whichthe thesurvivors survivorsfrom fromthat thatorchestra orchestratalk talkabout about we’ll what meant for Bernstein conduct them.” what it it meant for Bernstein toto conduct them.” Mass: Theatre Piecefor forSingers, Singers,Players, Players,and andDancers Dancerswas wascomposed composed Mass: A ATheatre Piece to be part of the September 1971 opening of the John F. Kennedy Center to be part of the September 1971 opening of the John F. Kennedy Center forthe thePerforming PerformingArts. Arts.The Thelibretto librettocombined combinedthe theliturgy liturgyofofthe theRoman Roman for Mass;texts textsbybyBernstein Bernsteinand andStephen StephenSchwartz; Schwartz;and anda ashort shortverse versebyby Mass; Paul Simon. Bernstein biographer Humphrey Burton notes that the piece Paul Simon. Bernstein biographer Humphrey Burton notes that the piece expressed “Bernstein’s familiar theme concerning the difficulty of finding expressed “Bernstein’s familiar theme concerning the difficulty of finding andsustaining sustainingfaith faithininGod Godatata atime timeofofrecurring recurringwars warsand andcountless countless and instances man’s inhumanity his fellow men.” instances ofof man’s inhumanity toto his fellow men.” “Lennywanted wantedthere theretotobebea adramatic dramaticarc,” arc,”Schwartz Schwartztells tellsCarol Caroldede “Lenny Giere, author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Giere, author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartzfrom fromGodspell GodspelltotoWicked Wicked(Applause, (Applause,2008). 2008).“I “Imostly mostlyworked worked Schwartz withhim himononshaping shapingthe thedramatic dramaticstructure.” structure.”Schwartz’s Schwartz’scontribution contribution with alsoincluded includedthe thelyrics lyricsfor forsongs songssuch suchasas“A“ASimple SimpleSong” Song”and and“Things “Things also Get Broken.” Get Broken.” Byrneobserves, observes,“At “Atthe thetime, time,many manywere wereconfused confusedbybythe themixture mixtureofof Byrne popand andclassical classicalmusic, music,but buttoday todayMass Massis isregarded regardedbybymany manyasasa a pop pioneeringwork workthat thatbroke brokedown downboundaries boundariesand andanticipated anticipatedthe the pioneering postmodern music of today.” Schwartz agrees; on his website he writes, postmodern music of today.” Schwartz agrees; on his website he writes, “Whenit itfirst firstpremiered, premiered,the…use the…useofofBroadway Broadwayand andpop popstyles styleswas was “When consideredvulgar vulgarand andsomehow somehowbeneath beneath‘classical’ ‘classical’music. music.Now Nowmuch muchofof considered contemporaryclassical classicalmusic musicmakes makesuse useofofthose thosecombinations, combinations,which which contemporary seems to indicate that Lenny was ahead of his time in that regard.” seems to indicate that Lenny was ahead of his time in that regard.”

ROBBINS & WOETZEL-”FANCY FREE” BY COSTAS. ROBBINS & WOETZEL-”FANCY FREE” BY COSTAS.

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“Mass has a big moment in our exhibit, in our exploration of the ‘crisis of faith,’ including a filmic piece, as well as a number of artifacts,” adds Weingram. “I don’t know if it’s more relevant than it was in 1971, but it certainly speaks to today’s audiences in a powerful way.” In contrast to Bernstein, Robbins “was not religious. I think he clearly identified himself with the ethnic aspect of being Jewish, but I can’t say he was a religious person at all,” Greenberg offers. “He did celebrate holidays like Passover, [but] he wrote in diaries that he was uncomfortable, with his faith or with being Jewish. But working on Fiddler on the Roof clearly moved him.” Robbins directed and choreographed the 1964 musical, about a Jewish father who struggles to maintain his religious and cultural traditions, as they are threatened by external events in Czarist Russia. In 1974 “[Robbins] did a ballet, Dybbuk, that was choreographed to [original] music by Bernstein,” Greenberg continues. Based on a Yiddish play by S. Ansky, the ballet concerned the possession of a young woman by her fiancé’s ghost; a rabbinical ritual is performed to expel the spirit. Dybbuk was premiered in 1974 by the New York City Ballet, which will present the work at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater starting May 4. Fancy Free and West Side Story Suite also will be on the program. Titled “All Robbins No. 1: Bernstein Collaborations,” the event runs through May 20 and is a part of the company’s “Robbins 100” festival celebrating Robbins, the company’s co-founding choreographer. The festival will present 19 of his works created over the course of 40 years, as well as two world premiere ballets.

LEGACIES “What’s interesting is how Robbins’ works— theater or ballet—just hold up,” Greenberg says, when asked about Robbins’ artistic legacy. “His work was very integrated, with so many other aspects of his life—his photography, his art work, and his writings. I’d say in part, what keeps his work alive is its diversity, and complexity.” “In the early 21 st century, it’s perhaps [Leonard Bernstein’s] social activism that would most resonate with audiences of any age,” Weingram offers. Among his humanitarian efforts was the establishment of the Felicia Montealegre Bernstein Fund of Amnesty International USA, in honor of his late Chilean wife. “If young audiences today aren’t as familiar with his compositions, or his leadership of the New York Philharmonic, I think that it’s his role as a social activist that we all can look to, and recognize, at his centennial.” Byrne adds, “Bernstein was a protean figure who seemed to excel at everything he turned his hand to: as a conductor, a composer of Broadway musical theater and concert music, and an educator. For him, it was all about making connections and making sure that the arts played central role in people’s lives. He was the great communicator with an optimistic belief that the arts could foster understanding and tolerance, and make the world a better place. I think this is certainly something to celebrate, especially in these contentious times.”

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C A R E

The Cemetery of Choice for Family Heritage

Generations of Gracious Care

Family Plots and Special Financing Available

95 Mt. Airy Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

908.766.0522 SHMPCEMETERY.COM

SPRING 2018

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OAK KNOLL’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY FOR WOMEN Beginning this summer, area middle and high school students will have the unique opportunity to start and launch their own REAL businesses or social movements, by participating in Oak Knoll’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy for Women, or YEA. Oak Knoll’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy for Women is open to female students rising to grades 7-12. On Oak Knoll’s campus in Summit for summer 2018, the program — as seen on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and “Good Morning America,” as well as in USA Today and the New York Times — will also enable students to meet legendary entrepreneurs and learn from dynamic business leaders. Over the course of the four-week program, students will brainstorm ideas, write business plans, pitch their plans to a group of investors, obtain funding, launch their enterprise and actually sell their products or services. Along the way, they will file paperwork with the County Clerk’s office; work with business professionals to, among other things, build a brand identity and create a website; hear from local business owners; and participate in a Trade Show. Start as a Student, Graduate as a CEO Nationwide, the YEA program has transformed more than 7,000 students into CEOs of their own businesses. These students from all across the country have turned their passions, interests and ideas into business realities. The businesses range from retail products, to services, to social enterprises and reach a variety of target markets and industries. By the time students graduate, they will launch and operate legally-registered enterprises that are ready to start generating profit or making an impact on their communities! Students not only learn entrepreneurial principles, but they learn an entrepreneurial mindset that will no doubt last a lifetime! Do you have a big idea? Have you always wanted to start your own business? Do you have an invention or project that you want to take to the next level? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should apply today!

For more information, to apply or nominate a student you think would thrive in this program, visit www.oakknoll.org/ entrepreneurs or contact debi.tarowsky@ oakknoll.org or 908-522-8186. The application fee will be waived for applications received before May 4, 2018. We look forward to engaging with you, as we build a culture of innovation and foster the entrepreneurial spirit in young people in our community!

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MATTRESSES FLOORING APPAREL FOOTWEAR WORKWEAR

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SERENA & LILY

Color is Back! Spring Trends in Home Decor

BY LAURIE PELLICHERO

Spring is the season for renewal, and the perfect time to freshen up your home dÃ©cor. Luckily there are plenty of local designers who are happy to share their take on the latest trends, and offer advice on how to update any home. A few of them share their thoughts here. 46

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SERENA & LILY

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOLL & BRANCH

inda Kitson, designer and owner of MarketPlace Designs in Summit, But Kitson warns that a space should incorporate only one or two trends at said that color is a very big trend for spring. “The appetite for color a time. “Trends, by nature, build and fade,” she said. “Several trends together has been building for a while, and COLOR has definitely arrived. can easily make a space feel overwhelming or off-balance. I’m frequently asked Recent magazine covers have been showing not just color, but to rework and ‘realign’ rather than redesign spaces to convey calm, happy, strong colors—even a mix of strong colors.” personal, and peaceful qualities.” Kitson noted that some clients are open to using color with A driving philosophy of MarketPlace Designs is to plan spaces to address confidence in bold statements, such as with larger furniture pieces function beautifully. “Balancing light, proportion, colors, contour, details, and and wall coverings. “Here, in the northeastern U.S., we get beautiful clear-sky more is the magical mix of exceptional design,” she said. “I believe beauty must days and colors read as fresh and alive,” she said. “The days of grays are coming be a strong element in the design objective, even in a minimal application, to a close. Neutrals will always have a place, but color is part because utility will always take care of itself.” of personal expression unlike anything else. It plays in fashion, MarketPlace Designs offers a two-hour, no obligation in autos, and most certainly in homes. If you’re feeling colorin-home consultation, where homeowners and business hungry, now is the time to partake.” managers can get candid feedback to their design questions. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet, Call 908.273-9381 or go to www.MarketPlaceDesigns.com and Kitson has noticed the passion for purple. “Purple has for a glimpse. Kitson’s designs can also be seen in this year’s inspired home consumers more than any other color trend Bucks County Showhouse in Pipersville, Pa. from April 29 to expressed to me in a while,” she said. “I have two clients that May 27. Visit www.buckscountydesignerhouse.org. have found purple intriguing, requesting it, and we’re folding Serena & Lily, which recently opened a new design shop it into their projects. One is the refreshing of a beach house in Summit, also sees color as a trend for spring. The company, that is navy and cream; we’re adding Sherwin Williams Izmir which has locations in Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Purple (SW-6825) with the existing colors to give the space Newport Beach, Westport, and the Hamptons in New York, depth and structure. offers a fresh approach to bedding, furniture, and home. “The other project palette is based on the fabric Artik Kirsty Williams, senior vice president of design for from Scalamandre, which is a stitched stripe of strong colors Serena & Lily, said, “Pops of green and yellow against neutral on linen. The client fell in love with the fabric and it became backdrops of white and sand will brighten up any space.” our springboard to colors. We’re incorporating Threshold She also noted that, “A big trend for spring is blurring the PHOTO COURTESY OF SERENA & LILY Taupe (SW-7501) to complement the linen and accenting with lines between indoor and out with outdoor pieces that are fabulous strong stripe colors, including purple.” just as happy in your living room or backyard.” Another trend Kitson sees is accent walls being used in a number of ways. The look of Serena & Lily is “casual and coastal, relaxed yet refined. Our “One special wall, treated with color, pattern, or a finish is an excellent way to designs blend classic influences with modern lines; eclectic inspiration with incorporate some interest into a previously homogenous space,” she said. “This great American style. We love spaces that feel put together, yet livable—wellhas been seen recently with hand-painted murals, wallpaper features, color traveled with a personal point of view.” blocks, or strong colorful graphic shapes.” Another trend at Serena & Lilly is in linen bedding. “We love the year-round She also said that using an open-weave sheer with a color underneath comfort and luxury of linen sheets, warm in the fall and cool in the hot summer brings a new look to window coverings. months,” said Williams.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MIMI & HILL INTERIORS

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIMI & HILL INTERIORS PHOTO COURTESY OF DESIGN STUDIO OF SOMERVILLE

The Serena & Lily design shop is at 428 Springfield Avenue in Summit. Call 908.913.7265 or visit the website at serenaandlily.com for more spring inspiration. Speaking of bedding, Boll & Branch, also in Summit, is proud to be the largest consumer of Fair Trade organic cotton in the world today, which the company uses to create its luxurious sheets, bedding, bath, and home products. “My husband, Scott, and I founded Boll & Branch with the mission of making home textiles we feel good sharing with our families,” said Missy Tannen, cofounder and head of design. “We’re so proud to grow the company here in Summit, while having a positive global impact through our dedication to maintaining ethical and sustainable practices throughout our supply chain, starting with sourcing the finest organic cotton from India.” “Over the past four years, our offerings have grown from our classic, ultraluxe signature soft sheet sets to cozy bed quilts and extra plush bath sheets,” continued Tannen. “Every new product we introduce is meticulously crafted and thoughtfully designed for the modern home. We’re dedicated to making pieces that stand the test of time and look gorgeous in any room.” For spring, we’re excited to introduce our Sateen Stripe Sheet Sets, which feature a subtle geometric pattern in the weave. Our organic cotton is perfect as the weather starts to warm up — breathable and light but still cozy for Saturday mornings in bed.” According to the Tannens, the Boll & Branch seal means more than just meticulous craftsmanship. It means economic opportunities for the farmers and factory workers that dedicate their lives to the cultivation and manufacturing of cotton textiles. It also means that each product was made with respect for the human and environmental resources that made it possible. For more about Boll & Branch, call 800.678.3234 or visit the website at www.bollandbranch.com. Over in Westfield, Mimi & Hill Interiors, owned by Miriam Silver Verga and Hillary Kaplan, is all about finding the perfect balance in design. After careers in fashion design and interior design publishing, they started their own company to create authentic, unique spaces that speak to their clients’ individuality. They say that their approach as partners balances a room with carefully collected vintage pieces, custom items made for one’s living space by skilled artisans, and affordable, accessible items that reflect the homeowner’s style. For spring, Verga said, “We think the soft pastels we have seen will continue, along with plenty of wicker used indoors.” While color is important, she said that using black indoors is always a way to ground a room. “You need to balance cool with warmth. We are drawn to lightness, but it needs to be grounded. You need to balance light with dark to connect the space.” Verga added that floating shelves are here to stay as a functional design element, and light floors are seeing a resurgence. “Kitchens with a mix of white and oak are a fresh take on white kitchen that breathes nature into our indoor experience,” she said. Also on trend is using plants indoors in every room, including the bathroom, as a way to breathe in the outdoors all year round. “The plant movement came from California,” said Verga. “Plants like succulents and large trees such as figs are now being used indoors to bring the outside in, which is great for East Coast living. Succulents just need good light, and can be almost ignored. Plants also ground the space, and the green reminds you to breathe and take in the environment. With more and more people living in smaller spaces, it’s one more way to have that ‘outdoors-in’ feeling.”

SPRING 2018

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARKETPLACE DESIGNS PHOTO COURTESY OF MIMI & HILL INTERIORS

Verga added that some people treat plants “almost like a member of the family,” and sometimes even give them names. She said that the Mimi & Hill Interiors showroom has been carrying more and more planters. “People commit to them as pieces of art. They are very popular.” Sculptural objects that have a function are also a big draw. “The bigger, the better,” said Verga. Also on trend are things that look and feel handmade, and she said they are seeing an increased interest in textiles. “Antique soft pastels and warm soft colors speak to spring. Our clients are asking for them.” Mimi & Hill Interiors is at 227 Elmer Street in Westfield. Call 908.588.2202 or visit the website at www.mimiandhill.com. Whether you are updating a single room, decorating an entire home, or simply looking for unique gifts and stylish accessories, Design Studio of Somerville is a full-service design firm and retail boutique destination. Its 3,000-square-foot design showroom and luxury home shop are filled with a well-curated, eclectic mix of décor and furniture. “To have the room of your dreams, it has to make sense first,” said Tom Sfisco, owner and creative director of Design Studio of Somerville. “Function over form is a lifetime trend I follow. Form is the easy part, making the room work for the person or people living in it. For example, an active family has insurance on their furniture investment because they can choose washable slipcovers. They can even choose to upholster their furniture in fabric from Crypton or Sunbrella.” He added that washable slipcovers make the bold choice of white possible, providing a blank canvas for multiple accent color options. “In 2018 color is finally back,” said Sfisco. “This should help the tiresome one-layer look we’ve been seeing so much of with the grays. Our store, which I refer to as our ‘living portfolio,’ will be showcasing a world beyond gray with the addition of more pinks, oranges, and other bright colors this spring.” With almost 30 years of experience and a broad range of style perspectives, Sfisco and his team of design pros can bring your visions to life. “We strive to make the design process an enjoyable one,” he said. “Your inspiration, combined with our design expertise, results in a home that you will love to live in.” The Design Studio of Somerville flagship store is located at 67 West Main Street in downtown Somerville. Call 908.685.1921 or visit the website at www.dsosdesign.com.

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BASKING RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB By providing the most value in private membership opportunities, offering a unique, affordable and all-inclusive experience, Basking Ridge Country Club is the ideal place to explore private membership. With flexible membership packages and a superb restaurant that overlooks the club’s pristine 18th green and the rolling Somerset Hills, Basking Ridge Country Club is truly a dynamic environment for all to enjoy without monthly dues or food and beverage minimums. BRCC offers a variety of annual membership packages to best fit your budget and lifestyle. They take great pride in being voted as one of New Jersey’s top family-friendly clubs. BRCC is proud of how warm and welcoming the club is to all who visit; they strive to make it feel like a second home to their members and their guests. Whether your interest in membership is intended to afford you leisure time with friends, encourage your child to develop their golf skills at an early age, or to provide an impressive setting for entertaining business associates and clients, you will find the environment at Basking Ridge Country Club to be both friendly and flexible enough to satisfy all your needs. Basking Ridge Country Club in Basking Ridge, N.J. has had a long and storied existence, and has been a major player in the New Jersey golf scene for over 90 years. In 1986, the Mahans, the current owners, purchased the establishment and transformed it into a fully private golf and swim club. The Mahans made the club a first-class private facility, spending millions to upgrade the amenities and golf course with additional bunkers, trees, and drainage improvements, and began offering annual memberships. About 300 yards has been added to the course’s overall distance, bringing it to around 6,906 yards from the back markers and 6,423 from the members’ tees. From the very first hole, you’ll immediately commune with nature on the 257-acre property — there’s something special about playing on holes that are framed by majestic trees. The club is very family-oriented, whether you’re on the course, warming up at the practice facilities, or soaking up the sun around our 25-meter swimming pool. Membership does not require a bond, initiation fee, assessments or monthly food minimums. Members enjoy not only a great course, but also extensive practice facilities, a golf academy, and a family-friendly swim club. Both the swim club and golf academy are open to the public and do not require a golf membership to take part of. The Golf Academy at Basking Ridge offers junior and adult clinics, junior summer camp programs, and private

lessons from a PGA professional staff. The summer camps accept children between the ages of six through 18. For the 2018 season, there will be new events, both social and golf related, that will spark interest in all members, young to old and everyone in between. The restaurant, “Delicious Heights”, is also open to the public, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. It has spectacular views of the pristine 18th green and patio dining featuring a full service bar. As always, the club has many membership categories to choose from based upon age and how often one will play, with something for everyone, from beginner to avid golfer. With progressive memberships, a superb restaurant and newly renovated clubhouse that overlooks the club’s pristine fairways and the rolling Somerset Hills, Basking Ridge Country Club is truly a dynamic environment for all to enjoy. For more information on the various memberships available, or to arrange a tour of our property, contact us today at 908-766-8200 ext. 2 or email ltreich@baskingridgecc.com.

Pre-College at The College of New Jersey

Get an Edge!

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Stand Out from the Crowd Academy Series

Bonner Programs

Use the tools and techniques that professional scientists and practitioners use every day, work with TCNJ faculty.

Focus on community engagement, work with TCNJ faculty, build service portfolios for graduation requirements/college applications.

Daytime, Rising 9–11 Grade Students NSI: Natural Science Investigations June 25–29, 2018 Business Simulation June 25–29, 2018 Vitalities: Exploration of Health Professions June 25–29, 2018

Residential, Rising 10–12 Grade Students

College Readiness and Community Service June 24–June 29, 2018 residential, non-credit Bonner Summer Fellows Choose from: 20th Century U.S. History; Introduction to Sociology; and Garden State. July 8–July 20, 2018 residential, credit-bearing

precollege.tcnj.edu

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4/16/18 12:29 PM

DESIGNING WOMEN

JENNIFER POE | OWNER, RITTENHOUSE HOME Like all good things in life, my path was paved organically. While a flair for design was always in my heart, it wasn’t fully clear until I started to remodel my own homes and I realized that my true passion and talent was in fact design-driven. So, after having my first two children, I enrolled in the Art Institute of Philadelphia and, well, the rest just fell into place. I created Kayla Rae Designs in 2010, a name that was derived from my two little girls, Mikayla and Madison. Consulting from a home office quickly escalated to meetings with builders and clients outside my home and a Rolodex of engaged clients. With such growth, I decided to open a full-service design showroom in my own backyard in Newtown Borough. The design world that I been given access to on the trade side of things was just too enthralling not to share with people who also crave the latest trends and newest project materials. So, I thought I would bring the best of what I believed to be out there in a furniture and kitchen showroom to share with those who would appreciate my quest to curate the very best spaces. While I was excited, I was also terrified. What if my vision wasn’t what others wanted? How would I continue to grow while supporting what would be a large monthly investment? After all, I didn’t have any experience in accounting or business management. I’d be lying if I said that my growth came easy. There were days when I heard crickets at my office. But failure

wasn’t an option for me, and my unwavering desire to succeed and be a role model for my girls has blessed me with a thriving design business filled with projects large and small, residential and commercial. I have a talented and loyal team I could not do without. Today I manage the business and financial side myself, a task I thought I could never master. Rittenhouse Home is a one-stop destination for homeowners who want a design partner from beginning to end. Whether you’re considering building a home, remodeling your existing home, or your craving a new kitchen or the open concept that encompasses a family room, we have you covered. Truly a design destination, we can provide you with all of selections along with scaled renderings to ease the anxiety of the process. Our meetings are geared to accommodate the busy schedules of our clients, and are packed with perfectly curated selections that eliminate the need to travel from showroom to showroom to view stone, plumbing, fixtures, and such. Project management is also our strength, and we help you determine project direction based on function as well as from a budgetary perspective. In addition, we carry more than 200 lines of Rittenhouse Home furnishings, all offered at 40 percent 17 North State Street off, so budget is never a consideration Newtown, Pa. as there is always something for 215.579.0400 everyone.

SPRING 2018

www.rittenhousehome.com URBAN AGENDA MAGAZINE

A WELL-DESIGNED LIFE Gabby furniture Jackie sided table; $748; laylagrayce.com David Trubridge Navicula pendant light; $6,240; modernplanet.com White sprigs terracotta vase; $48; shopterrain.com White steel three tier stand; $38; shopterrain.com Marcona rose pillow; $98; anthropologie.com Riviera bench; $798; serenaandlily.com Fendi floral print runway mesh tote; $3,200; luisaviaroma.com City dome with oak base; $150; neimanmarcus.com Jimmy Choo Portia woven leather wedge sandals; $525; net-a-porter.com

PRODUCT SELECTION BY LYNN ADAMS SMITH

LSA International Gin cocktail set; $130; us.amara.com

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M o r r i s Co u n t y To u r i s m B u re a u 6 Co u r t St re e t | M o r r i stow n , N J 079 6 0 973 - 63 1 - 5 1 5 1