VOL. 49, NO. 1
Friday, March 23, 2018
thelawrenceledger.com
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Lawrenceville man killed in police standoff By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer
The Panera gunman shot and killed by police on Tuesday had battled depression and PTSD, according to federal court records. Scott L. Mielentz, 56, held law enforcement at bay for about five hours, after he entered the restaurant on Nassau Street around 10 a.m. He was armed with a gun, but the type of weapon has not been disclosed. Officials tried, ultimately in vain, to negotiate with him to surrender, said the state Attorney General’s Office in a news release after the shooting. Authorities, saying they would not release further information because of an investigation into the case, have not disclosed why lethal force was necessary. The law enforcement agency
Historian talks Millham’s secession in 1882
that shot him shortly before 3 p.m. also has not been disclosed. A Mielentz family member on Wednesday said the family was grieving, and then hung up the phone. Court and other records, though, provide some insight into Mielentz, who was living in Lawrenceville but previously lived in Newton, Pennsylvania, and parts of New Jersey and Florida. The federal government went after him for $29,562 in Social Security disability benefits they claimed he had obtained starting in 2014, but allegedly failed to inform the government of earnings he had received when he was getting those benefits. He disputed that fraud allegation. Mielentz, who filed for bankPhoto by Scott Jacobs ruptcy protection, eventually settled last year through an agree- A law enforcement officer takes cover behind a car during a standoff with a gunman Tuesday at the See STANDOFF, Page 7A Panera restaurant on Nassau Street in Princeton.
By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
If at first you don’t succeed then secede. That’s what the folks of Millham Township did when they broke away from Lawrence Township in 1882 to form their own short-lived township which was soon absorbed by the City of Trenton. So where exactly was Millham Township, and what led to the secession? The answer to the first question is easy, but the answer to the second one is a little more complex - and former Township Historian Dennis Waters did his best to explain in his talk recently at the Lawrence Historical Society’s annual meeting. Millham was made up of what is today’s Top Road and East Trenton neighborhoods in the City of Trenton, Waters said. Top Road is south of the Brunswick Circle, between Brunswick Pike, the Trenton Freeway and Olden Avenue. East Trenton is east of the Top Road neighborhood - south of Strawberry Street, between the Trenton Freeway and the Assunpink Creek. Millham “grew up” around the Assunpink Creek, Waters said. It was part of Mahlon Stacy’s landholdings, acquired in 1676. Over time, the land was sold off to other settlers. Those settlers recognized that the Assunpink Creek was suitable for grist mills and saw mills. By the end of the 1700s, several millers were operating grist mills and saw mills along the creek, Waters said. “It was in the early 1800s that the area first took on ‘Millham’ as a place name, because it was a settlement known for its mills,” he said. “Its first appearance on a map was in 1828. After that, ‘Millham’ became the generally accepted name for the place.”
Photo by Lea Kahn
Attendees at the Mercer County Sustainability Coalition’s Green Fest browse vendors’ wares from throughout the region last Saturday.
Green scene
Sustainability the theme of Mercer Green Fest By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Belinda Silver has gone to every “green fair” in Lawrence Township since the first one was held a dozen years ago, and she did not want to break her streak. That’s why she joined hundreds of Mercer County residents who turned out for the Mercer County Sustainability Coalition’s Mercer Green Fest - appropriately held on St. Patrick’s Day, where the color of the day is green. “I want to protect the earth for my children and grandchildren,” said Silver, who lives in Lawrence Township. “It starts with one person,” Silver said. “You lead by example. My family has changed their habits. We don’t use plastic drinking straws because they are bad for the environment.” While Silver is a veteran fairgoer, there were also some “newbies” at the Mercer Green Fest, See HISTORIAN, Page 6A held at Rider University.
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This was Melinda Garay’s second time attending the sustainability-themed fair. She was inspired to attend last year’s fair by her mother-in-law, who is interested in all things sustainable. “We recently got solar panels for our house,” said Garay, who lives in Ewing Township. She said she wants to learn more about sustainability and to do whatever she can that will be better for the environment. Silver and Garay came to the right place, because there were about 100 exhibitors who had set up shop at Rider University’s Student Recreation Center. Visitors could find information on everything from solar panels to energy-efficient windows. They could pick up brochures that explained the state Board of Public Utilities’ New Jersey Clean Energy Program. They could learn about Organic Hogwash spray, which deodorizes anything that stinks - around the house and in the workplace -
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and that does not leave behind a perfume-like odor that many commercial products do. Visitors could check out the Cherry Valley Cooperative and its community supported agriculture program, which entitles members to pick up organically grown fruits and vegetables at the farm in Montgomery Township. They could also learn more about Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrence Township, which is a diversified, sustainable dairy farm and creamery. There is a farm store, which sells handmade cheese and other products. Among the other vendors at the Mercer Green Fest was GoofyFoot, which offered clothing - primarily shirts - that were mostly made from recycled plastic water bottles. The fair also provided a platform for community groups to get out their message - from Womanspace, which helps victims of domestic violence, to HomeFront, which helps the homeless and the working poor. Keeping in mind that the Mercer Green Fest is a family event, there was entertainment for the younger set that ranged from facepainting to a performance by children’s musician Miss Amy and a wildlife animal show. Outside, there was a line-up
of more than 20 electric cars - everything from Teslas to Chevrolet Bolt and Volt models, and BMW i3 electric cars. Nissan and Honda also showed off their electric cars to visitors. Perry Jones, who drives a Nissan Leaf, was happy to talk about his electric car that was on display. Electric cars are “surprisingly affordable” and offer a great driving experience, in addition to making a dent in one’s carbon footprint, said Jones, who lives in Princeton. Jones said his car is “very smooth, zippy and quiet.” It has a range of about 100 miles before the battery needs to be recharged overnight at home, and then possibly during the day if the commute is more than 50 percent of the car’s range. “I love the way my Leaf drives, and I have preferred it over regular cars from the moment I experienced it,” Jones said. At the end of the day, Pam Mount, who chairs Sustainable Lawrence, said she was pleased with the turnout. About 2,000 people passed through the doors to wander up and down the aisles and look at the exhibits. “People were totally engaged in learning what they could do to help become more sustainable,” Mount said.
2A The Lawrence Ledger
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Friday, March 23, 2018
Township council bans selling of commercially bred animals By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Prospective pet owners can be assured that any puppy or kitten they acquire from one of the three pet shops in Lawrence Township did not come from a commercial puppy mill or kitten mill. That’s because township council has adopted an ordinance banning pet stores from acquiring and selling puppies and kittens that were bred in large-
scale commercial breeding facilities - also known as puppy mills or kitten mills. The issue was brought to township officials’ attention by Janice and David Fisher, coordinators for the Friends of Animals United New Jersey/New York’s puppy mill awareness campaign. A significant number of puppies and kittens sold in pet stores are sourced from puppy and kitten mills, where the health and welfare of the animals is not provided for, the ordinance
said. It is estimated that the approximately 15,000 mills produce more than 2.4 million puppies a year, nationwide. The inhumane conditions in the puppy and kitten mills - over-breeding, inbreeding, scant veterinary care and inadequate food, water and shelter - often lead to health and behavioral issues that are not discovered until the pet has been brought home, the ordinance said. Township council adopted the ordinance
to prevent would-be pet owners from acquiring a puppy or kitten that is ill, in order to avoid “exorbitant financial and emotional costs on consumers” that may be imposed by the extra care required for an unhealthy puppy or kitten. Instead, the ordinance allows and encourages pet shops to sell or offer for adoption puppies and kittens that come from animal shelters and animal rescue organizations, both of which rescue dogs and
cats with the goal of finding a permanent home for them. The ordinance states that more than 20,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in New Jersey animal shelters annually. If pet shops are restricted to offering puppies and kittens that come from animal shelters and animal rescue organizations, it will likely reduce pet overpopulation. There are three pet shops in Lawrence Township, but none of them offer puppies or kittens for sale that come
from commercial breeding mills, Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski said. The Pet Value store, in the Lawrence Shopping Center, does not offer dogs or cats for sale or adoption. Its focus, like that of Petco and Pets Plus. However, Petco, which is at the Mercer Mall, and Pets Plus, which is on Lawrence Road near the Brunswick Circle, provide adoption days for dogs and cats that come from animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Mercer County Police Academy graduates 18th class of officers Mercer County dignitaries and law enforcement officials from around the County gathered March 9 to celebrate the graduation of the 18th basic class of police officers from the Mercer Police Academy. An audience of several hundred family members, friends, and members of a number of law enforcement agencies saw the class of 45 cadets receive graduation certificates to officially make them police officers. The commencement was held inside the gymnasium at Mercer County Community College (MCCC). The graduates endured 22 weeks of training at the Garage Sale
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academy in all aspects of law enforcement and will now serve in many different Police Departments within Mercer County and elsewhere. The cadets are the 18th police class of the academy, which was created in October 2006 and provides a facility and resources to train law enforcement recruits in Mercer County. The academy is on the grounds of MCCC. Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes congratulated the graduates and assured them they would have the full support of their communities. “As you join the ranks of your fellow police officers wherever you will serve, do so with the full understanding that your commitment and sacrifice is appreciated by each and every one of us here,” he said. Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler asked the graduates to hold dearly the importance of returning home safely to their families each night. “In return,” he said, “the communities you serve will ask you to continue your
daily commitment to public safety and to remain steady in your role – no matter what obstacles or threats are placed in front of you.” Peter Buchanan, who will join the West Windsor Police Department and was chosen by his fellow graduates as class speaker, saluted his classmates for their perseverance during their time at the academy. “These weren’t an easy 22 weeks for us,” he said. “We sweated, we hurt and we were tested mentally and physically time and time again. We have failed, we have fallen and we’ve been knocked down. Yet the men and women of this class have always found a way to get back up and come together as a team.” Also addressing the class were Police Academy Director Martin P. Masseroni; Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; Hopewell Township Police Chief Lance Maloney, president of the Mercer County Chiefs of Police Association; and Dr. Jianping Wang, MCCC president. Also in attendance were Freeholders Ann Cannon,
John Cimino, Pasquale Colavita and Samuel T. Frisby Sr. During training, the class studied in disciplines such as use of force, firearms, vehicle pursuit, hostage negotiation, advanced crime scene processing, and domestic violence prevention, among others. Several cadets received awards at the graduation ceremony for their excellence in training. Michael Tilton, who is joining the Trenton Police Department, was chosen by his classmates to receive the Certificate of Merit awarded by the N.J. Police Training Commission to the best allaround graduate. Peter Buchanan, West Windsor Police Department, received the academic award; Kyle McGuire, Ewing Police Department, earned the firearms qualification award with a perfect score; Christian Crawford, West Windsor Police Department, received the physical training award; and Adam Joyce, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, received the emergency vehicle operations
Courtesy photo
Certificates are presented to graduates of the Mercer Police Academy’s 18th basic class of police officers on March 9 at Mercer County Community College. award. The Mercer Police Academy consists of two classrooms specially designed for the needs of law enforcement training, and recruits use MCCC grounds, its library and its gymnasium for training purposes. The campus includes a padded training room that is used for “defensive tactics” classes. A shooting range in Hopewell Township operated by the prosecutor’s office is part of the academy as well. The following is a list of
the graduates and the law enforcement agency each will join: Bordentown Township Police Department: Michael Moloney. Bridgewater Police Department: Kristofer Grimm. Ewing Township Police Department: Kyle McGuire, Matthew Wherley and Charles Wyckoff. Florence Police Department: Korey Linico. Hamilton Police Department: Denita Allen and Al-
See ACADEMY, Page 3A
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Friday, March 23, 2018
The Lawrence Ledger 3A
School board honors outgoing superintendent By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
It was a bittersweet moment for Superintendent of Schools Crystal Edwards as she attended her last school board meeting as the top administrator for the Lawrence Township Public Schools last week. Dr. Edwards, who is leaving the Lawrence school district at the end of this month for another job in Virginia, listened as she was lauded for her 12 years in the district - first, as the
assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and then as the superintendent of schools. In a resolution honoring Dr. Edwards, the Lawrence Township Board of Education commended her for demonstrating “an uncommon level of knowledge, commitment and creativity through her 12 years of service to the students, staff and residents of Lawrence Township.” The school board, in its resolution, said Dr. Edwards had been proactive
in “providing staff with the tools to ensure students receive the best educational experience possible” through professional development programs for teachers. She also spearheaded the diversification of staff so that it represents the makeup of the student body and the township population, the resolution said. Dr. Edwards “created an atmosphere of transparency and open communication” through such measures as taking the school board
meetings to different parts of the township, and by holding periodic public “Community Conversations” that helped to shape the district’s goals and priorities. Township Councilman Michael Powers also commended Dr. Edwards and thanked her for her service to the township and the school district. She has been a role model, he said, adding that “Lawrence’s loss is Lynchburg’s gain.” Teresita BastidesHeron, the president of
the Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association (GEPNA), presented Dr. Edwards with a bowl to acknowledge her selection as the group’s “Woman of Excellence” for 2018. “Dr. Edwards is an allaround remarkable woman,” Bastides-Heron said. Acknowledging that she is generally not at a loss for words, except for now, Dr. Edwards said she was “truly grateful and thankful” for the opportunity that the school district had given her.
Dr. Edwards said it was former Superintendent of Schools Phil Meara who started the Community Conversation, and she just continued it. She said she was happy to have had the chance to work with so many “amazing people who do amazing things.” Dr. Edwards said she had met so many wonderful people in Lawrence that it just became like a home. “It’s hard to leave home,” she said.
ed periodicals. Although Hazard Young Attea and Associates is capable of conducting a nationwide search for a new superintendent, the school board is focusing on finding candidates from within New Jersey. If a suitable candidate cannot be found, the search may be expanded. Asked about the time frame for finding a new superintendent, school board president Kevin VanHise said that “it is too early to say now. The focus is on finding the best candidate.”
Dr. Edwards’ last day in the district is March 30. Andrew Zuckerman, the school district’s director of curriculum and instruction, has been appointed as the interim superintendent. Dr. Edwards’ contract was set to expire on June 30, 2020, but she decided to take an early retirement from the district. She will moving to Lynchburg, Va., to take over as the superintendent of schools for the Lynchburg City Schools. The Virginia school district has 11 elemen-
tary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, compared to the four elementary schools and one intermediate school, one middle school and one
high school in the Lawrence Township school district. Dr. Edwards came to the Lawrence Township Public Schools in 2006 as the assistant superintendent for
instructional services. She
Search firm hired to find new superintendent of schools
By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Lawrence Township school district officials have hired a consultant to help find a new superintendent of schools to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Superintendent of Schools Crystal Edwards. The Lawrence Township Board of Education awarded a contract for $22,900 to Hazard Young Attea and Associates to find a replacement for Dr. Edwards. It will advertise the position on its website and in select-
BONDED BONDED BONDED BONDED BONDED & INSURED & INSURED & INSURED & INSURED & INSURED
exander Zuzzio. Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office: David Gaughan. Mercer County Sheriff’s Office: Garrett Bezek, Marvin Deleon, Adam Joyce, Brandon Kent and Jason Magrelli. Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office: Chantel Church, Jeffrey Dominguez, Victor Hojasbravo, Jose Malave, Robert Massa and Steven
Sabo. New Jersey State Park Police: Carolyn Edwards. Princeton Police Department: Ryan McDermott and Adam Santos. Somerset County Sheriff’s Office: Christofer Aboosamara and Samuel Marton. Trenton Police Department: Manuel Acosta, Dariel Bacilio, Christopher Bustamante, Anthony Ca-
tive post in 2011 when thenSuperintendent of Schools Philip Meara retired.
FAMILY OPERATED FAMILY OPE FAMILY OP FAMILY OPERATED FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1960 SINC SIN SINCE1960 1960 SINCE
Larry’s Larry Larry’s Larry
Academy Continued from Page 2A
assumed the top administra-
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riola, Walter Deleon, Julio Estrada, Nicholas Hogan, Cornell Huff, Anthony Kubish, Lukasz Kulis, Corey McNair, Lizmary Rivera, Vishan Singh, Hector Solares, Michael Tilton, Derick Tosado, Tamar Williams and Gregory Woods. West Windsor Police Department: Peter Buchanan and Christian Crawford.
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4A The Lawrence Ledger
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Friday, March 23, 2018
WHAT’S GOING ON Sat., March 24
The Lawrence Township Police Department’s third annual Egg Hunt will be held at 11 a.m. at the Central Park baseball fields. All children 12 or younger are invited to participate. The event will be held rain or shine. Mon., April 2 Friends of the Lawrence Library Meeting at 7 p.m. at the library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Tues., April 3 Current Events Discussion Club at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Join librarian Matthew Latta for a monthly open and informal discussion of events in the news. We will consider social, political and cultural issues from around the nation and around the world. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl. org.
Wed., April 4
Active Aging Fitness: Winter Series at 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. The health benefits of regular exercise for older adults are both physical and mental. Get moving with certified Senior Fitness Specialist Bob Kirby, and add some life to your years. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org. Knitting Circle from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Knitters who already know the basics are invited to drop in to socialize with other knitters and work on a project of their choice. Experienced knitter Helene Plank will be available to assist individuals. Registration is suggested. Call 609989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Thurs., April 5
Crochet Corner from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Needle crafters who already know the basic crochet stitches are invited to drop in to socialize and work on a project of their choice. Experienced needle crafter Margaret Woo will be available to assist individuals. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Fri., April 6
Meditation Circle from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Slow down and join Reference Librarian Ann Kerr and reduce stress using meditation. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email Ann Kerr at lawprogs@mcl.org. Posture & Dance Exercises from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Reference Librarian Ann Kerr will share some simple exercises to improve your posture and increase your flexibility. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email Ann Kerr at lawprogs@mcl.org. Drum Circle: Spring Series, at 4:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Bring your own drum or use one of ours. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Mon., April 9
Movie Matinee “Victoria and Abdul” (2017) at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul. With Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Tim Pigott-Smith, Adeel Akhtar; 112 min. PG-13. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org. Off the Page at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Try out your acting chops (or indulge your secret passion) playing one of the great characters from dramatic literature or contemporary comedy — without the threat of performing in front of a live audience. We will “cast” and read a play aloud, around a table, as actors and production teams typically do at the first rehearsal of a play. Registration suggested. Call 609989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
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Thurs., April 12
Sorber’s Motivators Toastmasters meetings will be held on from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the Lawrence Community Center, 295 Eggerts Crossing Road, just off Route 206 near Rider University, Lawrence, NJ. For directions and information, go to: http://sorbersmotivators.toastmastersclubs.org. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communications and leadership development with over 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. For more information: www.toastmasters.org. CookTalks Revolutionary Tea: An 18th Century Tea Experience at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Why was tea so important in the lives of 18th-century people? Did Great Britain lose her American Colonies over “the cup that cheers?” Through a discussion and demonstration led by costumed scholar Stacy Roth, participants can find out more about tea lore, history, songs, and poetry in this unique session. This program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is suggested. Call 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org. Poetry Circle: William Carlos Williams at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. William Carlos Williams (1883–1963), was one of the principal poets of the Imagist movement, and a local New Jersey doctor for more than forty years. He sought to invent an entirely fresh — and singularly American — poetic, whose subject matter was centered on the everyday circumstances of life and the lives of common people. Long recognized as a masterpiece of modern American poetry, his epic poetry collection Paterson is one man’s testament and vision, a humanist manifesto enacted in five books, a grammar to help us live. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
toire National de St.Germain en Laye in France. Among her solo and chamber music performances, she has appeared as soloist with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, the Westminster Community Orchestra, and the Manalapan-Battleground Symphony. In 2007, she made her debut as soloist at the Grand Theater in Shanghai. On the faculty of Westminster Conservatory since 1993, she maintains a private studio in Princeton. Founded in 1989, the Steinway Society is dedicated to developing the talent of young piano students. All proceeds from the Musicale ticket sales help fund scholarship awards for aspiring young pianists. For more information, visit www.steinwaysocietyprinceton.org.
Mon., April 16
Morning Book Club, “Emma” by Jane Austen, at 10 a.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. “Emma,” first published in 1815, is a novel about youthful hubris and the perils of misconstrued romance. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England and also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters. Registration is suggested. Call 609989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Tues., April 17
Science Fiction Book Club, “Hominids” by Robert J. Sawyer, at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. “Hominids” examines two unique species of people. We are one of those species; the other is the Neanderthals of a parallel world where they became the dominant intelligence. Winner of the 2003 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Next sci-fi book title is Falling Free by James S.A. Corey. Registration is suggested. Call 609Sat., April 14 Celebrate Earth Day and help keep Colonial Lake 989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org. clean with a stream cleanup in Lawrence from 9 to 11 a.m. at Colonial Lake Park on Lake Drive. The event, sponsored Wed., April 18 by the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association and Knitting Circle from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lawrence the Township of Lawrence, will be held rain or shine. Vol- Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library Sysunteers are asked to wear long pants and boots. Gloves will tem, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Knitters be provided. Children must be accompanied by and adult. who already know the basics are invited to drop in to soRegister large groups with eniedergang@thewatershed. cialize with other knitters and work on a project of their org. choice. Experienced knitter Helene Plank will be available to assist individuals. Registration is suggested. Call 609Sun., April 15 989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org. The Greater Princeton Steinway Society will present Melting in the Pot at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquara musicale by pianist Sylvie Webb at 3 p.m. in the Recital ters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Hall at Jacobs Music, 2540 Brunswick Pike (U.S. Route 1), Lawrenceville, NJ. A social hour with refreshments Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Raj Vora, author of and conversation with the performer will follow the per- the “Melting in the Pot” blog, will lead a discussion group to share relevant tips, strategies and information to help formance. The program will feature works by Bach, Brahms and immigrants adjust more easily to life in the United States. Registration suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawGranados. Webb holds a Gold Medal in piano from the Conserva- progs@mcl.org.
Friday, March 23, 2018
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The Lawrence Ledger 5A
6A The Lawrence Ledger
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Friday, March 23, 2018
Historian Continued from Page 1A By 1835, Millham was a small village of several buildings on the Assunpink Creek, he said. There was a woolen mill and a blacksmith shop. The first general store opened for business around that time, too. The opening of the Delaware and Raritan Canal in 1838, combined with the new Camden & Amboy Railroad that ran alongside of the canal, spurred industrial development in Millham. There was a brass foundry, as well as factories that manufactured pottery and rubber products. There was even a distillery, which later was converted to a pottery factory. During this period, part of Millham - which had not yet become its own municipality - was partly in the City of Trenton and partly in Lawrence Township. In 1844, the East Trenton piece of Millham was annexed by Lawrence. Residential development began in earnest in 1850. And then as now, residential development meant more children. By the 1880s, there were more than 500 school-aged children in Millham - more than in the rest of Lawrence Township. “In the almost 20-year period between the end of the Civil War and Millham’s secession in 1882, Millham became a boom town that attracted immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland who were looking for work in the pottery factories,” Waters said. “This surge of immigrant population into Lawrence led to political uneasiness,” Waters said. In the 1800s, voting for
Lawrence Township government officials took place at the annual town meeting, which was held in the Village of Lawrenceville. Although it is only about seven or eight miles, it was quite a distance for Millham residents to travel. “For all practical purposes, the voters of Millham were disenfranchised by distance,” Waters said. A review of those who served on Lawrence Township Committee - and their occupations - confirmed that Millham residents were being left out. Between 1844 and 1881, 41 men served on Lawrence Township Committee. Of those 41 men, 29 listed their occupation as farmer, which would be expected in the largely agricultural township. Just five of those 41 elected officials lived in Millham, which was industrial. None of those five were elected until the 1870s. The only reason those five Millham residents were elected is due to an action of the State Legislature. In 1874, it divided Lawrence into two election districts - one that was south of the Shabakunk Creek (near Notre Dame High School) and one that was north of the Shabakunk Creek. No one really knows what led to Millham’s secession from Lawrence a few years later in 1882, Waters said. There is no formal record of any conversations about it, and it is not clear whose idea it was - Millham’s or Lawrence’s. It would seem to have been Millham’s idea, he speculated. The underlying reason was probably cultural, Waters said. Millham accounted for less than 10
Dennis Waters
percent of the total land area in Lawrence, but more than 50 percent of its population. It was an urban, industrialized community whose residents were immigrants who worked in factories. The rest of Lawrence Township had not changed from its rural, agricultural origins, and it remained under the control of the descendants of the original founding families, Waters said. And although no one knows for certain, one of the motivations for the split may have been public safety - the lack of fire hydrants and fire protection, he said. There were frequent fires in the factories, but by the time the Trenton Fire Department arrived, it was too late. “Discontent had been brewing for a few years, with rumors that Millham might either become independent or join Trenton,” Waters said. Finally, in January 1882, the State Legislature approved a measure that separated Millham from Lawrence, creating an independent Millham Township. “But as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for, because you may get it,” Waters said. While independence looked like a good idea at the time, it lasted for six years. Millham
See HISTORIAN, Page 7A
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Friday, March 23, 2018
Standoff Continued from Page 1A ment for him to pay $25,000 back out of the original amount. His attorney in the matter, Patricia Mayer, could not be reached for comment. In records that are part of that case, Mielentz indicated he had been treated for PTSD and depression and back pain. During a deposition in the case, he indicated he had been in a psychiatric ward for a time as well. Another record revealed that he had served as an Army Ranger, involved in covert operations during
The Lawrence Ledger 7A
Historian the Vietnam/post Vietnam era. He later earned a bachelor’s, over the Internet, in information technology, and worked in IT jobs, records showed. Tuesday’s incident happened the same day as a school shooting in Maryland. In response to the standoff at Panera, all public schools in Princeton sheltered in place, while the Princeton Public Library was on shelter in place and then on lockdown for part of the day. Patrons could enter the library, but they could not leave during the time the building was locked down.
Later in the day, Superintendent of Schools Stephen C. Cochrane thanked police and other law enforcement that had responded to the crisis. “We talk about safety and security,” he said. “We think that it will never happen in a community like ours.” Mayor Liz Lempert acknowledged the first responders and other authorities for their part in “preventing what could have been an even worse tragedy.”
Continued from Page 6A Township was absorbed into the City of Trenton, apparently without any controversy, he said. Since Millham’s secession, “the S-word” was only mentioned a couple of times, Waters said. It was raised in 1950, when some residents opposed the creation of the Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority and threatened to secede. A few years later, in 1955, some residents wanted the Village of Lawrenceville
to become its own municipality and become like the former Princeton Borough - the hole inside a larger doughnut, he said. But the idea gained no traction. And it was raised once more, in 1964, when a community survey by the Lawrence Township Junior Chamber of Commerce asked whether Lawrence should be annexed to Trenton, Waters said. Of course, that suggestion did not fly and was politely rejected. “We could conclude that
the Millham secession set
the stage for 140 years of
periodic misunderstandings
between South Lawrence
and North Lawrence - usversus-them disputes about
zoning, sewers, affordable housing, public schools and taxes,” Waters said. “But it all started with
Millham and it ended with Millham. Nothing since has led to anything as dramatic as secession, so it seems we
are stuck with each other,” Waters said.
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Friday, March 23, 2018