9-21-2022 6:29pm

ART AND SCIENCE TO TAKE CENTER STAGE THIS OCTOBER AT BRIDGEWATER COMMONS

Donnella Tilery Editor

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (Sept. 21, 2022): A double set of weekend-long special events focused on taking in unique art and science experiences will kick off Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination’s October special event series.

For the first time ever, Bridgewater Commons, located along the I-287 corridor at the intersection of Routes 22 and 202/206, will host Raritan Valley Science and Technology Showcase (RVSTS), one of the largest robotics events in the tri-state area, plus bring its community members an unforgettable taste of Southeast Asian culture with its A Journey Through Asia Exhibit and Dance special event.

“Along with great shopping and dining options, Bridgewater Commons takes great pride in offering unique and special experiences throughout the year that celebrate culture, diversity and education for everyone in the family,” said Marketing Director Tom Kovacic. “Community has always been at our core and we’re ready to not only excite and surprise our guests, but awe, teach and inspire too. Both the Raritan Valley Science and Technology Showcase and A Journey Through Asia Exhibit and Dance weekend happenings will prove fun and valuable experiences for all.”

Raritan Valley Science and Technology Showcase (RVSTS): Saturday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 2

Curious about robots?

In partnership with Bridgewater Commons, Johnson & Johnson, and Nokia Bell Labs, Raritan Valley Science and Technology Showcase (RVSTS), developed and produced by four local FIRST® High School Robotics Teams, promises to encourage K-12 students to develop science, technology, engineering and math skills needed to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

Free for the public to attend, entertaining along with learning and informational activities will be scheduled Saturday from 11am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm in Center Court, Community Hub on Main Level and in the center’s Common Areas. Happenings include:

Lower Level

Live, large-scale robot competitions in Center Court
Interactive robot workspaces to get up close and learn more about how robots work
FIRST® LEGO® Robots
Sensory-friendly STEM activities
Public Robot Driving

Main Level

STEM activities and seminars held in Community Hub on Main Level
Public Robot Driving and STEM Organizations

With the goal to foster STEM interest in the next generation and reach a diverse demographic community not generally exposed to robotics and STEM events, RVSTS was developed by the following FIRST® High School Robotics teams:

R.O.B.B.E., Team 56, Bound Brook High School, Bound Brook N.J.
RoboRaiders, Team 75, Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough N.J.
The Gearheads, Team 102, Somerville High School, Somerville N.J.
The Daleks, Team 3637, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington N.J.

“We’re excited to bring the first-ever RVSTS to Bridgewater Commons not only to showcase the work of current students but inspire others in the community to pursue interests in science and technology. Bridgewater Commons has been instrumental in helping us succeed in the last year and we look forward to engaging the public with robotics and science in interactive ways,” said Gregg Talewsky, 9-Year Team 56 Mentor from Bound Brook High School.

A Journey Through Asia Exhibit and Dance: Friday, Oct. 7 – Sunday, Oct. 9

Partnering with The Rural Painter, a N.J.-based art curator offering artists from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal opportunities to showcase their work, Bridgewater Commons will offer visitors the opportunity to experience Southeast Asian Culture as they take in an original art exhibit and workshops at Community Hub on Main Level along with three days of lively dance performances in Center Court. What’s more, a portion of paintings sold at the art exhibit will benefit The Pink Foundation which supports orphaned and vulnerable girls in India. Event activities follow:

The Rural Painter Art Exhibit, Community Hub on Main Level, next to Verizon Wireless:

Friday, Oct. 7: 12pm – 5pm
Saturday, Oct. 8: 12pm – 7pm
Sunday, Oct. 9: 12pm – 5pm

Asian Dance at Center Court:

Friday, Oct. 7, 5:30pm – 6pm: Suang Budaya Dance to perform Kalimantan, Javanese and Jakartan dance forms. Post dance instruction to be offered to public following the performance.
Saturday, Oct. 8: 1pm – 2pm and 3pm – 4pm: Satrangi School of Fusion to perform fusion Bollywood dances. Post dance instruction to be offered to public following the performances.
Sunday, Oct. 9, 1pm – 2pm – Chinese Culture & Arts Association to perform Tibetan and Mongolian dance forms and Satrangi School of Fusion to perform additional Tibetan dance forms.

For more information including Bridgewater Commons’ directory, upcoming special events calendar, operating hours, driving directions and more, visit www.bridgewatercommons.com.

About FIRST

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (Pre K-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. An international not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3)) founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest and skill-building well beyond high school. Alumni of FIRST programs gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships and other opportunities that create connections and open pathways to a wide variety of careers. Over $80M in scholarship opportunities are available to FIRST participants.

About Bridgewater Commons

Located along the I-287 corridor at the intersection of Routes 22 and 202/206 in Bridgewater, N.J., Bridgewater Commons is a more than 1.2 million square foot shopping center serving the Northern N.J. region. The cornerstone of its community’s commercial sector since 1988 and boasting an array of over 150 leading retailers, premiere restaurants and convenient service brands, Bridgewater Commons is home to anchor department stores Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s; iconic retailers including Apple, J. Crew, Lucky Brand Jeans, lulelemon athletica, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma; along with a collection of restaurants, eateries and entertainment venues such as Seasons 52, The Cheesecake Factory, Redstone American Grill and AMC Dine-In Theatres, among many more. Further enhancing the property is The Village at Bridgewater Commons, a unique, open-air shopping district with over 10 retailers and food and beverage locations including Banana Republic, LOFT, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Shake Shack and Starbucks for visitors to explore and enjoy. Bridgewater Commons is an IREM® Certified Sustainable Property. For more information including a full store directory, operating hours, driving directions and more, please visit www.bridgewatercommons.com.

About Trademark Property Company

Trademark Property Company is a full-service real estate firm focused on investments, development, and institutional services of retail, multifamily, office and mixed-use properties. Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has invested in, developed, or redeveloped 21 million square feet of mixed-use, multifamily, and retail assets worth $4.5 billion. Trademark’s experienced team of more than 141 employees is currently responsible for a 16-property portfolio totaling approximately 8.8 million square feet of mixed-use and retail projects across the country. A three-decade leader in navigating the changing mixed-use real estate landscape, Trademark’s purpose is to be extraordinary stewards, enhance communities and enrich lives. For more information, visit www.trademarkproperty.com or interact on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.