Julia Martin

1 month ago | njmonthly.com | Julia Martin

Michelle and Java Bradley run Java’s Compost, which collects food waste from residents of Morris, Essex and Union counties. Photo: Lisa White/Courtesy of Java’s CompostJava Bradley and his wife, Michelle, don’t mind getting their hands dirty. In fact, dirt is their business. In 2018, the pair started Java’s Compost, which picks up food waste from residents of a dozen towns in Morris, Essex and Union counties and delivers it to facilities that turn it into nutrient-rich compost.

1 month ago | njmonthly.com | Julia Martin

Take the Lead, a musical at the Paper Mill Playhouse, is based on the true story of Pierre Dulaine, whose organization brings ballroom dance to New York City public schools. Photo: Evan ZimmermanTake the Lead, an original musical playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse through April 27, is a crowd-pleaser, especially for young people.

2 months ago | njmonthly.com | Julia Martin

Jeff McBride of Don’t Tell Comedy Photo: Courtesy of Jeff McBrideUsed to be, you had to schlep into Manhattan to see top comedians. No longer. A new pop-up comedy-club concept called Don’t Tell Comedy brings the laughs to you. The company, based in Los Angeles, came to New Jersey early last year and now puts on as many as 16 shows each weekend throughout the state. Each features four or five comedians performing in a “secret” location announced to ticket holders the morning of the show.

2 months ago | njmonthly.com | Julia Martin

Objet d’art at GlassRoots in Newark Photo: Courtesy of GlassRoots/Mitchell CornishReady to roll up your sleeves and connect with your inner artist? Try your hand at any of these DIY artistic endeavors, no experience necessary. Bring your kids or a friend or two, and go home with a new skill and the beautiful product of your handiwork.

2 months ago | njmonthly.com | Julia Martin

The documentary short Lilac/Bez captures a family’s return to its Jewish roots in Poland. It will be screened at the Garden State Film Festival on Sunday, March 30. Photo: Piotr JaxaRoughly 80 percent of American Jews are of Polish ancestry. Yet because the Jewish population in Poland was decimated during the Holocaust—2.7 out of 3 million Jews were killed—Americans rarely return to their ancestral homes there. Laura Morowitz, a Verona resident, is an exception.