Guava De Art and GROW Antigua

While visiting Antigua 🇦🇬 Barbuda I spent some time in the capital St. John's. 

Here are two businesses I'd like to highlight;

Grow Antigua 

GROW (Antigua & Barbuda) Limited is an Antiguan & Barbudan registered vertically integrated seed to sale Medical Cannabis Company. We are a unique calibration and a first for the Cannabis industry. We are a partnership of Private, Rastafari and Public ownership.

https://www.growantiguaandbarbuda.com/

Located next door to the Dispensary is Guava De Artist! More on this later....

He and his Empress are both Creators of various sorts. Some of the works include "upcycled" furniture, sound, fashion and sculptures.

Bright cozy, comfortable to SHOP not hang out. Offerings of various price 

points. Attention to detail is noticable.

Comissions are available!

https://www.guavadeart.com/

Google Maps GROW Antigua, Guava De Art

Repurposing As Art

April 2015

Repurposing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repurposing

A few years ago when I was the Executive Director of Urban Mission Cabinet Inc., and managing the Bethany Presbyterian Church facility, I was introduced to Holly McAndrew.

Holly is Artist with a focus on fashion and lifestyle.  She introduced me to the term “repurpose.”  Holly and a number of others have made repurposing a way of life by finding new ways to use items or to bring new life to a product.  We partnered for the event “Rust Bucket Resurrection” that was part fashion show, pop up store and art opening.

https://youtu.be/A2Ocso6rPIw

Holly has taken her talents from New Hope PA., to Philadelphia PA for a position with an international fashion manufacturer.  We stay connected via electronically and she is doing fine!  Miss you Holly thank you and keep up the good work!

Earlier this spring I had the pleasure to spend some time with the owners of “Don’t Toss it” a creative reuse marketplace in Lambertville NJ. 

http://www.donttossit.com

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/dont-toss-it-pamela-and-sara

The growing trend of people thinking about the “footprint” they are leaving for the next generation is growing and will continue to do so.  The people who are conscious about the environment are the trendsetters and the market will eventually catch up and then the laws etc. will follow behind. 

Thank you to Pamela and Sara for making the investment in this business venture!

Amish Outlaws Band - Havana New Hope PA.

 Havana New Hope - Amish Outlaws

I haven’t been to Havana in New Hope Pa for a show in several years.  Havana was a regular stop for food, music and good times.  My crew would see Bigger Thomas whenever they performed here.  The “fried mozzarella & garlic” in a cast iron skillet with toasted bread was amazing!  The scratch kitchen has plenty of offerings for various tastes.  Decent craft beer selection and multiple bars inside and outside.  If you have questions, ask one of the many staff members and they will surely assist.  On this visit Jordan was our server and did a good job.  We had chicken tacos which were very big and plenty for one person.  And the cowboy shrimp, both were very good. 

My most recent visit was to meet and see the performance of The Amish Outlaws! I learned about the Amish Outlaws while researching artists for future gigs and interviews to promote the diversity in the performing arts scene in the region.  A cover band is an easy way to describe the Amish Outlaws.  However, that is a disservice!

Like a seasoned team of entertainers the Amish Outlaws understand the whole process of performing and entertaining the audience.  Besides the various tracks from various genres and generations, the outlaws are fully engaged with those coming to see them.  From being available prior and during the set break to talk to the attendees.

Stay tuned for more from the Amish Outlaws!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vsyYgTfrKM5bWqjW9

#VisitNewHope #VisitPA #VisitBucksCounty #Trenton365performingarts #coverband #AmishCulture #AmishOutlaws #NewHopePA #HavanaNewHope #livemusic #musicvenue 

Green Gathering 2024 Mercer County Sustainability Task Force

https://www.sustainablejersey.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SustainableJersey/ www.ForTheGenerations.org https://www.facebook.com/TrentonGreenTeam https://www.facebook.com/HopewellValleyGreenTeam https://sustainablelawrence.org/home/ https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/planning/sustainability

More on this later.

Big Up to the Mercer County Sustainability Coalition on the 2024 #GreenGathering at Cooper's Riverview.

I'm looking forward to recording conversations with the various #GreenTeam orgs. in Mercer County, New Jersey.

As well as conducting events to gather and share information with the diverse communities in Trenton regarding environmental well being, #MCSC hosted its Green Gathering in January, with dozens of green team members, local officials, and sustainability-minded organizations coming together to discuss 2024 goals and ideas for collaboration. 

Trenton 365 was on the scene, podcasting live. Newly elected Mercer County Executive #DanBenson sat down to discuss his sustainability plans for the next few years. 

 https://youtu.be/_Vab2IXVyJk?feature=share 

Photo gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/gmGNdxsGGmGadEMv9 (📷 credit to Trenton 365)

#SustainablePrinceton #SolarLandscape #NJCleanEnergy #SustainableLawrence #MercerCountyNewJersey

#leadpaintremoval #leadpaint

#asbestos #asbestosremoval #wastewater #cleanwater #urbanenvironment #urbanagriculture #shadetree #bikable #walkable #greeninitiative

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV extended review

Big and little at the same time! I'm a fan of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. 

The appearance of this vehicle is striking! Not because of boldness but the refined, confident, strong vibes it gives off. It is clearly a MAZDA! 

My test vehicle secured via DriveShop NYC arrived in the "pearl white" color. The CX-90 PHEV is a 7 passenger vehicle but handles and drives much smaller. 

At slow speeds it can feel tankish, however the performance is there to quickly move you along. Multiple driving modes (Sport, Normal, EV, Off-Road) are noticeable when engaged. The majority of the time was spent in normal mode and the functionality was fine. 

I enjoyed the seating surfaces, they were firm and comfortable. The rear "Captain chairs" were a big hit with the passengers. The drivers side is equipped with lumbar support and multifunctional/positional features. 

Lots of cup holders of various sizes suitable for beverage types for the 7 passengers. 

The CX-90 PHEV ergonomics make it easy for the driver to navigate the technology and preparing the vehicle for the road. 

The infotainment cluster is good, with lots of options. The connectivity with the Bluetooth was a bit wonky. Once connected there was a lengthy delay in making changes from station to station. Possibly a wifi issue but it happened on multiple occasions in different locations. 

I found the cameras to be very good and the birdseye/above the vehicle view is a fantastic addition especially when parallel parking. This along with the vehicles outward site lines, large windows and technology assists in making the CX-90 PHEV feel smaller, and the driver to feel safe and secure. 

The moon roof is a big hit for me. The functionality and operation were simple. The aerodynamics of the CX-90 PHEV are on display when the moon roof is is open. Hearing and communication with passengers was easy and comfortable.

On the road and at home charging options for EV's is growing.  EV's have some charging accessories included.  A large aftermarket network is available for those who do not want OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) products.  BE CAUTIOUS IN WHAT YOU CHOOSE.

Charging stations are being installed in various areas and more big box retailers are installing multiple units in parking lots.  Some lots are offering premium parking spaces for EV charging.  As the infrastructure continues to develop we will see more and more vehicles and charging stations to accommodate the progress.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FpKJe3LYJ4Ze2Qoz7

Hot Rod Culture

May 2015

When I think of “Hot Rods” I am taken back to my days as a young boy hearing my Uncles, Brothers and Cousins talk about “souped-up” referring to the process of making a car go faster by modifying or adding of parts.  In those days I was introduced to the terminology headers, cams, manifolds, intakes and a host of others that became normal conversation growing up in the then rural Ewing Township NJ. 

I spent a great deal of time at 2 local drag strips; Englishtown New Jersey’s “Raceway Park” and Atco New Jersey’s “Atco Dragway” or “Dragstrip.”  Many a weekend was spent listening to conversations about cars, dragsters and dragbikes all in the context of speed and how fast these vehicles could travel a ¼ of a mile.  The smell of the burning rubber, oil and gasoline will perk me up and take me back to the 70’s with the quickness!

Recently one of my childhood hero’s Don “Snake” Prudhomme celebrated his 74^th birthday, (I am still waiting to hear back from his camp about an interview.) and I remember meeting him as a young boy in the “pits” at the annual Englishtown Summer Nationals.  He was very cordial, friendly and a nice guy.  He chatted with my Uncles about some technical stuff and gave me some time as I asked just general questions and showed interest in his craft.  He was probably my first 1 on 1 encounter with a celebrity and it went very good, so much so that he is an all time favorite.

http://www.snakeracing.com

Fast forward to the current Hot Rod or Hot Rodz scene, please except my invitation to meet my friend Betty Barbagallo, a Mom, Wife, Model (Scarlett Raye), Entrepreneur (Dead Rodz Revival) and self described “unapologetically honest and real woman.”

http://publicize.me/Scarlett_Raye

http://www.modelmayhem.com/3127730

We met a few years ago at Artworks Trenton and stayed in touch via social media.  We reconnected in person a few weeks back at an event she coordinated through her business Dead Rodz Revival, have a listen to our “on location” chat.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/dead-rodz-revival-barry-betty

In June, Dead Rodz Revival will be a part of another event showcasing and sharing the passion she and Husband John as well as many friends have for “Hot Rods” I hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/685184388294985/

24 Volvo S60 T8 Recharge extended review

Simple in appearance, refined, excellent comfort, performance in a non-flashy way!

Some thoughts about the 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge. 

My vehicle arrived in Thunder Gray and I so like this colorway.  Reminds me of a Battleship Gray but modernized. 

Immediate thoughts are how simple and clean the vehicle looks, nothing ostentatious here.

My reviews focus on the practicality and ease of use.  The Volvo S60 Recharge immediately made me feel comfortable and connected.  The varying seating positions are a big help in this area. I prefer driving with a feeling of being elevated in the cockpit. The S60 quickly allowed me to get into a comfortable position that worked for a 6 hour round trip highway drive.  The seating surfaces are firm but comfortable for me.  Seating space in the rear is fine for most adults, however I wouldn't expect 6' plus passengers to enjoy the space for long-term rides.

The Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system works nicely, provides wonderful clarity and the speakers have a nice look to them.

The interior mimic the style of the exterior.  Attention to detail and functionality are at the forefront.  Steering wheel controls are easy to find and utilize.  Google Assistant, Maps and Play are built-in and function well. The large screen acts a simple command center in addition to steering wheel mounted controls.  Connecting via Bluetooth was simple.  My test vehicle needed an software update which also went very smoothly with simple, clear and concise instructions. 

Safety and technology are very good, providing various camera views, automatic braking, Lane monitoring assistance etc.

Suggested prices begin at $43,095 for the CORE, $46,045 for the PLUS and $50,845 ULTIMATE.

Performance was plentiful and more than most people will need for regular use. If you do need to move quickly this vehicle will do it with ease.

MPG 40

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXPs8xy2CA2KEbbY8

Like a page in a book...Bags for Books

Keep the theme Time, Talents, Treasures, in mind when thinking about me.

This term was shared to me many years ago and has become something I think about regularly. 

In short we all have time, talents and some form of treasures. I've come to understand that what works for me is to think about MY time, talents and treasures.  Which leads me to conduct myself in a certain manner.

Being in this state being often has seemingly impossible things happen to me on a regular basis.  So much so that I live expectantly, eager for what is happening next or soon trusting that the probability that it is going to be something awesome!

As I was about to leave the office HUB-13 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/t6cR4htj9CgrUSXQ9

Yolanda L. Robinson asked if I would join her on a ride to the office Wanda McNeill via the Mercer County Parks Commission.

During the ride Landy mentioned that she was securing bags to be filled with books that would be given to children for the holidays.  She went on to mention that Wanda Webster Stansbury had initiated her participation. 

Wanda Webster Stansbury and I have collaborated in the past on literacy efforts.  Via my relationship with www.MagazineLiteracy.org I was able to secure copies of Highlights Magazine for students at the Gregory School.  Followed by the Gregory Schools adoption of an LBOT - Library Boxes of Trenton.

http://trenton365.blogspot.com/2016/06/library-boxes-of-trenton-nj.html

I was then able to connect with Danielle Miller Winrow of Sprout U School of The Arts

https://www.sproutuschoolofthearts.org/

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NfHteXvVRxF5EPhg6