Community Invited to Make Free Connections to the History, Culture and Geography of NJ
The Parks Program at CCM is thrilled to unveil its Spring 2024 event calendar, brimming with enriching opportunities that are both free and accessible to the public. From captivating guest speakers to an immersive art workshop and an invigorating eco-tour of the Hackensack River, this diverse schedule focuses on New Jersey in a variety of ways.
“We look forward to attendees making connections to the history, culture and geography of their state,” said Dr. Michelle Iden, Professor and Assistant Chair of the Department of Arts and Humanities at CCM.
Commencing the spring schedule will be award-winning author, instructor and public speaker, Dr. Neil. M. Maher. Passionate about environmental inequality in Newark, the discussion will be based on his upcoming book, tentatively titled, “Wasted: An Environmental Justice History of Newark, NJ,” and will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., in Sheffield Hall, Room 100. Maher’s insights promise to ignite creativity and spark meaningful dialogue among attendees. This program is co-sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Department at CCM.
Talented local artist Francesca Pelaggi will lead an enthusiastic, one-hour, acrylic painting workshop on Thursday, March 21, at 12:30 p.m. in DeMare Hall, Room 216. A brief tutorial with no-judgment critique and tips, along with light refreshments, will be provided in this hands-on discovery of natural park spaces. Space is very limited and RSVP required.
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) since 2011, will lead a presentation about the rich history of African-American baseball with a nod to Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, on Tuesday, April 23, at 4 p.m. This virtual, Q&A event is co-sponsored by the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
Wrapping up the season, an eco-cruise tour of the Hackensack River will be held on Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. and Noon. Co-Sponsored by the Hackensack Riverkeeper, participants can learn about marshes, wildlife, urbanization, the Meadowlands and the impacts we, as humans, have had on this aquatic system. Space is very limited and RSVP required. Participants must also provide their own transportation to the launch site in Secaucus.
For questions and to RSVP to any of the events, please email parksprogram@ccm.edu.
