User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), NJ chapter

Summertime, and the livin' is easy. Fellow UXers, it's time to come out and socialize with others who are enthusiastic about improving other people's lives. We'll be meeting outdoors again, enjoying the summertime vibes at nighttime, when the temperatures are comfortable.

We'll be congregating at Tavern on George, at its outdoor spot right on George Street, practicing what we preach--deep hanging out! At this casual spot, we'll be listening to each other and also some awesome music, jazz, to be be specific.

Regarding the music: An emerging artist during the first set will followed in the second set with an open jam session. The music schedule is as follows--we'll be socializing throughout the evening:

7:00 pm Emerging Artist Session

8:30 pm Open Jam Session

10:00 pm Closing

Before the fall semester starts, we have yet another great opportunity to chill out, and enjoy a great selection of drinks and pub-style food, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Note: Please plan on purchasing something to eat or drink if you attend, so that UXPA NJ can continue to support local eateries like this one that sponsor our events. Also, please consider donating to the operations of our chapter by clicking the button on the main page.

Parking: There is on-the-street, metered parking, which is free after 8 pm. Meters take credit cards and coins. There is additional paid hourly parking in the lot between Church Street and Paterson Street. You probably can find good free parking on Bayard Street, Paterson Street, or Church Street, which are all one-way streets. There is no parking on George Street.

Here's a link to the Tavern on George website, which includes a copy of the menu. Selections include appetizers, burgers, wraps, and other pub fare, including a full bar. There are house made donuts, a special treat if you have room for dessert. Cash and credit cards accepted.

https://www.tavernongeorge.com/

Animal lovers, note: You can bring your leashed dog. They have dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Any questions at the last minute? Put a comment in the discussion area.

We have a very interesting social event planned. You'll have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Highland Park in the summertime, plus meet fellow UXPA NJ members, and more. Here's the rundown:

This year's Highland Park Outdoor Movie Theater, now in its 12th year, is featuring DEFCON, a documentary about the annual hacker convention in Las Vegas NV. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEF_CON The movie, which is 1 hour and 50 minutes long, will be followed by live questions and answers with director Jason Scott.

Free popcorn is provided by our town, and ample folding chairs as well, though you are welcome to bring your own, or even a blanket. Local teens staff the concession table, and the taco truck might even be open. The tacos are vegetarian, and great. Alternately, the famous Pad Thai restaurant is open until 9:00 pm. Here's their website: https://www.pad-thai.com/. They are literally across the street (Route 27) from the municipal lot where the movie is held. Their Pad Thai costs $15.95, and their Chicken Satay appetizer costs $9.95, as examples.

At 7:30 pm, look for our UXPA NJ tent card on one of the picnic tables under the pavillion. Around 9:00 pm, after the cartoons are over, we'll find ourselves some of the free folding chairs provided, and watch the movie together.

You can bring your own supper if you prefer--or avail yourself of one of the above options. There are a number of picnic tables under the pavilion.

If you need transportation to and from the New Brunswick train station, email Josephine to arrange in advance at josephinegiaimo@gmail.com. You can also call her (no texts, please), at (732) 501-6312. Rain and electricity don't get along, so if the weather is bad, the event will be postponed.

How is the summer treating you? This year, I harvested my garlic in June, and planted my tomato plants which I bought from the Farmer's Market. The dill is doing well, and the cucumbers are growing, too. Lots of kale, lettuce, and other veggies.