VOL. 49, NO. 2
Friday, March 30, 2018
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Westminster Choir College ownership transfer delayed By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer
The sale of Westminster Choir College by Rider University to a Chinese company will take longer than Rider had envisioned, such that the university will continue operating the school in the next academic year. Rider had aimed to transfer ownership to Beijing Kaiwen Educational Technology Co. Ltd. by the end of June, in a deal worth $40 million. But in a message Monday, university President
Gregory G. Dell’Omo said the transition is moving “forward” but not on that timeline anymore. “When we initially started this process last year, we had hoped that the transition could begin this summer. As we progressed, it became clear that Rider will continue to operate Westminster after August 31, 2018,” he said in a letter to the university community. Rider spokeswoman Kristine A. Brown said Tuesday that although both sides “are moving this along as fast as possible, it
‘Toy-A-Palooza’
is extremely complicated (and) complex.” “So while a tremendous amount of work has been done and progress has been made,” Brown said, “it’s just clear that it’s not going to happen by June 30.” Asked when is the revised timeline for the transfer to take place, she said, “It’s an ongoing timeline.” There is no firm date for the transfer to take place. “As soon as possible is what both entities want,” she said. “But
in order to get to that, certain things have to happen.” Kaiwen has to get all its necessary accreditation and licensure to operate Westminster. For instance, she said Kaiwen is “moving toward the new entity” getting accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. “There are certain things that (Kaiwen) can’t do until they have licensure and accreditation,” Brown said. She said the company has consultants “helping them with that process.”
While that plays out, Westminster will continue to move along. Brown said student scholarships and financial aid “will not change for the next academic year.” “We’re recruiting a freshman class for next year, she said. “We want to make it very well known Westminster is open and continuing on.” Layoff notices, issued to Westminster faculty last year, have been withdrawn, Rider announced.
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STEM Academy event educational, fun for all By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Noah Bino raised his fists in the air as the marble rolled down the gray foam rubber tube. “Yay,” the 4-year-old boy shouted as his brother, Nathaniel, watched. The marble picked up speed as it came down the tube, until it stopped in a paper cup at the bottom of the tube. The exhibit, titled “Don’t Lose Your Marbles,” was one of many on display at the Lawrence High School STEM Academy’s “ToyA-Palooza” last weekend. It was held in the Lawrence High School Commons. Lawrence High School students Adam Kosiba and Aluen Tomat-Kelly compared the tube and marble exhibit to a roller coaster ride. They said it demonstrated some basic physics concepts - kinetic energy, potential energy and inertia. Kinetic energy describes the marble’s descent down the chute and into the cup. The higher the chute, the more speed or velocity it picks up. A roller coaster works the same way. The roller coaster cars gain speed as they descend down the track. A couple of tables over, some children played with a wooden train set at the “Magnets - Invisible Forces” exhibit. There was a small magnet on each end of the railroad cars - a south magnet and a north magnet. Lawrence High School student Neil Chopra explained that “north” and “south” magnets are attracted to each other, while two “north” magnets or two “south” magnets would repel each other if they were too close. And at yet another table, chil-
dren could see the inside of a golf ball, a baseball and assorted toys that had been taken apart so their “innards” would show. Baseballs bounce, but golf balls do not - and the reason is that a golf ball is solid and a baseball is not. But perhaps the most intriguing exhibit was the one that invited children to take apart a computer and other electronic devices. Several children put on plastic goggles and banged away at the computer, whose cover had been removed. “You can take it apart the right way or the wrong way. They are learning how it works,” said Maurice Crosby Sr., as he watched his two children - Maurice Jr. and Janel - pounding away at the computer. And that is exactly what Lawrence High School science teachers Gwenn Andahazy and Kathy Buck sought to achieve - to pique children’s curiosity about the world around them and how things work. At the same time, “Toy-APalooza” offered the high school students a chance to share what they had learned in their STEM Academy classes, said Andahazy and Buck, who are the co-advisers to the Science Technology Engineering and Math Academy. “It helps my students to teach the concepts they have learned. They are having as much fun as the younger children,” said Buck, who teaches biology and environmental science. The event also offered high school students an opportunity to inspire the younger generation to become scientists, engineers or computer programmers, said AnSee STEM, Page 2A
Photo by Lea Kahn
Noah Bino, 4, watches as a marble rockets its way down a track and into a styrofoam cup during the Lawrence High School STEM Academy’s “Toy-A-Palooza” event last weekend.
Former school chief has engineered a successful career By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Ask Superintendent of Schools Crystal Edwards to describe what would bring a smile to her face, and she’ll answer that it’s the students - their growth and their potential to leave their mark on the world. It could be something as simple as preparing food baskets for HomeFront’s food pantry for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service project, or a classroom of elementary school students leaving “welcome” cards on a new classmate’s desk. “I like to think that I had
something to do with it,” said Dr. Edwards, whose last day in the Lawrence Township Public Schools was March 30. She left the district to become the superintendent of schools in the Lynchburg (Va.) City School District. Dr. Edwards nearly missed the chance to make her own impact on the students and, by extension, on the world around them. She did not set out to become an educator, but rather began college as a chemical engineering major. Midway through her sophomore year at The Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Edwards realized that her calling was education - not chemical engineering.
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She had helped to tutor students, and found that she liked it. “I didn’t think I could spend the rest of my life on that job. Chemical engineering did not fulfill me the way teaching would. I really wanted to be a teacher, and I haven’t looked back,” she said. Upon graduation, Dr. Edwards embarked on a career as a high school science teacher. She was content to follow that path, until she asked some of her high school chemistry class students to take part in her daughter’s elementary school class. “That was my first opportunity
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Outgoing Superintendent of Schools Crystal Edwards ran the Lawrence Township Public School District since 2011.
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Edwards Continued from Page 1A to supervise,” she said. “My supervisor said I would be great at supervising (adult) teachers. I was reluctant, but he said, ‘Look at how many more students you could have an impact on (by becoming a science supervisor).’” So she did. She became the director of math and science in the Highland Park (N.J.) public school district. Soon, Dr. Edwards was
College
Continued from Page 1A “Based on the current transaction status and progress, however, we have concluded that a transition to Kaiwen Education’s ownership will not occur before the end of this current academic year, therefore the notice we issued to faculty has been rescinded,” Dell’Omo wrote. He said layoff notices “likely” would be re-issued at the start of the next academic year. “We understand that when this occurs, Westminster faculty will also receive a conditional offer of employment at Westminster, contingent upon several factors such as a successful completion of the transaction,” he wrote. The Rider chapter of the American Association of University Professors, critical of the university leadership, has been fighting Rider over the sale. A union representative could not be reached for comment. Westminster has been a part of Rider since 1992, a relationship Rider wants to end. The deal with Kaiwen
encouraged to apply for the position of assistant superintendent for instructional services in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. It was a big jump for her, and she thought that’s where she would remain. She never aspired to become the superintendent of schools. But when then-Superintendent of Schools Philip Meara announced his plans to retire in 2011, he encouraged Dr. Edwards to apply
would mean Westminster would stay in Princeton, its home since the early 1930s. In February, Rider announced it has signed a non-binding term sheet with Kaiwen, which operates k-12 schools in China, to acquire Westminster. The sale, though, is being challenged in court. A lawyer for some of the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit reacted Tuesday to the latest development. “Rider’s announcement is very helpful because it tells the music community and the Westminster community that Westminster will be resuming normal operations,” said Bruce I. Afran, a lawyer for a group of alumni, donors and ex-Westminster board members suing to block the sale. “And the faculty are now reassured that Westminster is now status quo again, as it should be. And my clients believe this is a very helpful step by Rider in restoring confidence in Westminster.”
for the top administrative post. It was a tough decision, she said, because she did not believe that she was ready to move up on the career ladder. The school board thought otherwise, and offered her the job. During Dr. Edwards’ tenure in the Lawrence Township Public Schools, the district earned the distinction of being named a National District of Character, based on the district’s
character education program. She continued to lead the Community Conversations, which was begun by Meara, the former superintendent of schools. The conversations allow the district to share with the community what has occurred in the district, and also solicit feedback from residents. Dr. Edwards also led the planning effort to install turf athletic fields in the
district, and to enroll the school district in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. All seven schools have earned bronze certification from Sustainable Jersey for Schools. Dr. Edwards admitted to having mixed emotions about leaving the Lawrence school district for the Lynchburg City Schools. “I loved Lawrence and I loved what I was doing here. I’m spoiled. I worked with some awesome peo-
ple. To leave that and go to another place (is daunting).
It took awhile to realize there are other possibilities out there,” she said.
“You have to get out of your own way if you are going to grow, develop and
learn new things. I still en-
joy what I do after 31 years, and I still feel like I have so
much to give,” Dr. Edwards said.
Photo by Lea Kahn
Students work on building a computer during the Lawrence High School STEM Academy’s “Toy-A-Palooza” last weekend.
STEM Continued from Page 1A dahazy, who teaches chemistry and environmental science. Using the toys as props, the older students can explain the science behind the toys, Andahazy said.
They can share what they have learned in school in a way that makes sense to the younger children. “A young child can look at a toy and say, ‘I know how that works.’ That’s very powerful,” she said. Buck agreed, adding
that all children have toys and they are curious about how they work. Parents buy toys for their children, but they do not want them to take the toys apart. But at “Toy-A-Palooza,” they could do just that. “I find that if you catch
them early, they are hooked
for life. If you can get chil-
dren to ask questions at an early age, they won’t stop. They need to be encouraged to ask ‘why,’” Buck said.
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Panera restaurant under renovation after fatal shooting By Philip Sean Curran Staff Writer
A Nassau Street restaurant where a fatal police shooting took place last week is being renovated, with an inspection by the municipal Health Department clearing the eatery to reopen. Signs posted on the entrance to the Panera say the eatery is “closed for remodel.” The windows were concealed, so no one from the outside can look in where a 56-year-old armed man was shot and killed by law enforcement after a five-hour standoff March 20. State Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal’s office is investigating the case and so far is refusing to disclose why deadly force had to be used against Scott L. Mielentz, formerly of Lawrenceville, or what law enforcement agency fired the fatal shot. Two sources, including one who worked in the building, said a sniper took out Mielentz, who had been battling physical and mental health problems. Peter Aseltine, a spokesman for Grewal, did not respond to an email Monday
when asked to confirm or deny that it was a sniper. Armed with an undisclosed type of gun, Mielentz entered the eatery a little past 10 a.m., Grewal’s office has said. Customers and restaurant staff were able to get out, while authorities tried through the day to negotiate with him to give himself up, the office said. Authorities said that a little before 3 p.m., Mielentz was shot dead. “We are not reporting anything new at this point. The initial investigation is ongoing,” Aseltine said by email Monday. Mayor Liz Lempert, at her press conference Monday, called the incident a “tragedy.” “I think the community is still reeling from what happened,” she said. “We are fortunate to live in a town like Princeton where this is shocking and an extremely rare occurrence for us, thankfully.” While Grewal’s office has not said what agency fired the shot that killed Mielentz, Mayor Lempert said the AG’s office investigates police deadly force incidents when a county,
state or federal law enforcement officer is involved. She declined to elaborate. State Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-3) has a bill that would require the AG’s office to investigate all police-involved fatalities, when officers are on duty. Sweeney’s office issued a news release saying his bill would apply to police or any law enforcement officer, as opposed to having the county prosecutor’s office handle cases involving local police. As part of his bill, if an officer is indicted, the case would have to be moved to a county different from the one where the incident took place. “Independent investigations that are not associated with the county in which the death occurred will have more trust and credibility and will help remove any conflict of interest,” Sweeney said Monday in a statement after the Senate approved the measure 25-11. As for the future of the restaurant, a Panera corporate representative could not be reached for comment. Jan Weinberg, man-
Photo by Pam Hersh
The Panera Bread restaurant on Nassau Street in Princeton was covered with signs after the “March for Our Lives” rally Saturday in Princeton. The restaurant is currently closed for renovations after an armed man was shot and killed by law enforcement after a five-hour standoff March 20. ager of the building where Panera is located, declined to be interviewed. Property tax records show the building is owned by Dexgas LLC. Mayor Lempert said the health department had in-
spected the Panera and that the restaurant is “clear to open.” “They happen to be the location of a horrible tragedy,” she said, “but you would hope that they could reopen.”
Someone had put on a store window a piece of paper reading “NEVER AGAIN.” After a gun control rally in town Saturday, some demonstrators left their signs outside the restaurant.
Canal walk will take participants off the beaten path By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
The Delaware and Raritan Canal Watch group is offering a walk off the beaten path - a 2.6-milelong section of the towpath that runs alongside of the canal in the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. The nonprofit group, which helps to promote and preserve the state park, has arranged for a walking tour on April 14 at 10 a.m. that starts at the turning basin on Alexander Road in Princeton and ends at the bridge tender’s house in Port Mercer in Lawrence Township.
Participants should meet at the Princeton Turning Basin Park on Alexander Road in Princeton. The park is located between the narrow steel truss bridge over Stony Brook and the bridge over the canal. Carpools will be provided to take walkers back to the starting point. Led by Delaware and Raritan Canal Watch member Frank Allen, the walkers will explore the historic aspects of the canal between the turning basin in Princeton and the bridge tender’s house at Port Mercer in Lawrence Township. The bridge tender looked
after the bridge that was built across the canal. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built in the 1830s to provide a safe and short waterway between Philadelphia and New York City. There were no highways, railroads were just getting under way and rivers were not easy to navigate. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built to carry goods - farm products, coal, furniture and clothing - between two cities on muledrawn barges. The mules walked along the towpath and pulled the barges in the canal.
Bridges were built across the canal to allow people to cross from one side of the canal to the other side. But someone had to be available to open the bridge when barges and pleasure boats approached, and then to close it after they had passed. A bridge tender was hired to live next to the bridge, and a house was built for him. The Port Mercer bridge
tender’s house was one of many that were built along the canal in the 1830s, when the canal opened for business. The last bridge tender to live in Port Mercer was John Arrowsmith, who lived in the house with his family from 1900 to 1934, when the Delaware and Raritan Canal closed for lack of business. Arrowsmith and his wife lived in the house
at Port Mercer with their eight children. Mrs. Arrowsmith cooked the family’s meals in the fireplace in the basement of the house. A kitchen was added to the first floor around 1900. For more information about the April 14 tour, contact Delaware and Raritan Canal Watch member Frank Allen at 579-2349945 or fallen1947@yahoo.com.
School district OKs tentative budget with no tax increase By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
With no comment, the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education approved the school district’s tentative operating budget of $72.2 million for 2018-19 at a special meeting Monday night. The budget, which must be reviewed by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools, increased by $1.2 million over the 201718 spending plan. A public hearing and final action on
the budget is set for April 25. The tentative budget requires $66.5 million to be raised in property taxes to support the 2018-19 budget, or $1.6 million more than last year. Other sources of revenue include $70,000 in tuition payments, $117,000 in miscellaneous revenue and $3.9 million in state aid. But an increase in the township’s ratable base means the property tax rate will remain unchanged at $1.48 per $100 of assessed
value. The owner of a house assessed at the township average of $282,093 will pay $4,187.03 in school district property taxes. The main cost drivers in the 2018-19 budget are salaries and benefits, which increased by $483,479 over the 2018-19 budget, and $766,801 more in out-ofdistrict tuition for special education students who cannot be taught within the school district. And transportation costs are expected to increase by $306,000.
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WHAT’S GOING ON 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 609-9896920 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 609-989-6920 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 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@ mcl.org. Project Graduation is holding a Mr. LHS fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Scoops & Swirls frozen yogurt and ice cream shop at The Manors Corner Shopping Center, 160 Lawrenceville-Pennington Road. Proceeds will go toward Project Graduation, which is a series of events that provides Lawrence High School seniors with a drug- and alcohol-free way to celebrate graduation. 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 609989-6920 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. Reg-
istration 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. 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 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
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 18thcentury 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 cosponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 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.
Sat., April 14
Celebrate Earth Day and help keep Colonial Lake clean with a stream cleanup in Lawrence from 9 to 11 a.m. at Colonial Lake Park on Lake Drive. The event, sponsored by the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association and the Township of Lawrence, will be held rain or shine. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants and boots. Gloves will be provided. Children must be accompanied by and adult. Register large groups with eniedergang@thewatershed.org.
Sun., April 15
The Greater Princeton Steinway Society will present a musicale by pianist Sylvie Webb at 3 p.m. in the Recital Hall at Jacobs Music, 2540 Brunswick Pike (U.S. Route 1), Lawrenceville, NJ. A social hour with refreshments and conversation with the performer will follow the performance. The program will feature works by Bach, Brahms and Granados. Webb holds a Gold Medal in piano from the Conservatoire 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 609-989-6920 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 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Wed., April 18
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 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org. Melting in the Pot at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Raj Vora, author of the “Melting in the Pot” blog, will lead a discussion group to share relevant tips, strategies and information to help immigrants adjust more easily to life in the United States. Registration suggested. Call 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@ mcl.org.
Thurs., April 19
Crochet Corner from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Law-
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MERCER COUNTY NOTES Most county offices closed on Good Friday
Most Mercer County offices and facilities will be closed Friday, March 30, in observance of Good Friday. The following county offices and facilities will be closed to the public and will reopen for business Monday, April 2: McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad St.; Criminal Courthouse, 400 South Warren St.; Office of the Mercer County Clerk, 240 West State St.; Civil Courthouse and Office of the County Surrogate, 175 South Broad St.; Board of Social Services, 200 Woolverton St.; and One-Stop Career Center, 26 Yard Ave. Mercer County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton, will be closed Good Friday but will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All branches of the Mercer County Library System will be closed Friday, but will be open Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will close again Easter Sunday, April 1. The following county offices and facilities will remain open all weekend: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communications Center. Howell Living History Farm, which is operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, will be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday but will be open for programming Saturday. The Equestrian Center will be open Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be closed Sunday. Park Commission administrative offices will be closed Friday. The Mercer County Tennis Center, County golf courses, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Wildlife Center will have regular hours Friday through Sunday. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
Chemical, electronic waste disposal day scheduled
The Mercer County Improvement Authority will host a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Disposal Day on Saturday, April 7, for county residents who would like to recycle common residential chemical wastes or used electronics. The event will take place at the John T. Dempster Fire School at 350 Lawrence Road in Lawrence, rain or shine. While no registration is necessary, the event is open to Mercer County residents only, and attendees will need to show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license. No commercial or industrial waste will be accepted. The Electronic Waste Management Act, which took effect in 2011, bans disposal of televisions and all personal or portable computers – including desktop, notebook and laptop computers, as well as computer monitors – in the regular waste stream. These items must be recycled, and county residents can do so April 7 at the Dempster facility. Acceptable household items include: aerosol cans, used motor oil, propane gas tanks, pesticides and herbicides, car batteries, paint thinner, oil-based paint, stains and varnishes, gasoline, anti-freeze, driveway sealer, insect repellents, mercury and fluorescent/CFL bulbs.
Acceptable used electronic items include: computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, stereos, televisions and microwaves. Additional Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Disposal Days in 2018 are planned for June 2 and Sept. 29. For more information, individuals should call (609) 278-8086 or visit www.mcianj.org.
by this county initiative. Venison is a valuable resource to those in need, offering a high-protein food source to populations with limited access to nutrition. The Deer Management Program is held annually to improve the health of forest ecosystems within the parks and in coordination with regional efforts to reduce the overpopulation of white-tailed deer in central New Jersey. The program complies with all hunting regulations set by the State of New Jersey.
Mercer County agricultural agent Meredith Melendez will present a program, “Planning, Planting and Caring for Your Vegetables to Maximize Your Harvest,” on Saturday, April 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton. This program is sponsored by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Tulphaking Nature Center and the Mercer County Park Commission. The talk will focus on garden planning and practices to minimize post-harvest losses, how to extend shelf life of vegetables and proper harvesting techniques. Many postharvest diseases are caused by poor planning and growingseason problems. Melendez will help attendees plan the best ways to get “more veggies with less work” this growing season. The Tulpehaking Nature Center is at 157 Westcott Ave. in Hamilton. Off-street parking is available in front of the Watson House with easy access to the nature center’s main entrance on the side of the building opposite the gazebo. Registration is recommended for this program; please email programs@mgofmc.org. The nature center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and discover the many cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands. It is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, go to www.mercercountyparks.org.
Park Commission accepting picnic reservations
Agricultural agent to give talk on growing vegetables
Commission accepts venison donations for HHH program
The Mercer County Park Commission cooperated with its hunters this season to obtain venison donations to Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH), a non-profit organization that works with butchers, hunters and food banks. This first year’s initiative resulted in the donation of 14 deer harvested by the end of the hunting season. The Naturalist Department provided drop-off donation days to licensed county hunters in the Deer Management Program at both Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain during hunting season. Donated deer were taken to the Farmers’ Butcher Shop in Pennington where the venison was processed, picked up by HHH and distributed to charities throughout New Jersey and to America’s Second Harvest Food Banks statewide. The Park Commission paid the additional processing fees not covered by the HHH program. Approximately 518 pounds of venison were provided to the program, translating to 2,072 servings of protein
The Mercer County Park Commission is now accepting reservations for the five county-owned picnic areas for the 2018 season. These include the West and East Picnic Areas in Mercer County Park, Rosedale Picnic Area in Mercer Meadows, Princeton Country Club Picnic Area in West Windsor, and Valley Road Picnic Area in Hopewell Township. For a link to the online Community Pass reservation system, visit the Park Commission website at http://mercercountyparks.org/facilities/picnic-areas. Interested parties should have either a MasterCard or Visa card ready to make a reservation. Reservations will be made automatically on a first-come, first-served basis. For those residents without an Internet connection, reservations also can be made over the phone or in-person at the Recreation Center at 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550. For more information, call the Recreation and Events Center at (609) 443-8560 or visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
Jewish peer leadership program now accepting applications
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County is currently accepting 11th and 12th grade teens (as of the 2018-2019 school year) to participate in Gesher LeKesher, a Jewish peer leadership program. As Gesher “Madrichim” (peer leaders), teens lead a group of 7th - 9th grade “Talmidim” (learners) in outreaches addressing trending topics from a Jewish perspective including friendships, the impact of social media, peer pressure, healthy dating relationships and addressing antiSemitism on campus. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills which can be used in college and beyond while meeting and working with other Jewish 11th and 12th graders in the Greater Princeton Mercer Bucks area. Last year’s peer leaders represented nine area high schools. Gesher LeKesher meets six hours each month - two Monday night trainings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and an additional outreach time either Monday/Wednesday night or Sunday morning. For more information, visit www.jfcsonline.org/gesher-lekesher/ or contact Celeste Albert at 609-987-8100 x210 or celestea@jfcsonline.org.
Calendar Continued from Page 4A rence 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 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@ mcl.org. Classical Indian Dance Demonstration at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Students from The Shishya School of Performing Arts, Lawrenceville, will perform classical Indian dances. The School is a local performing arts school specializing in educating children and adults in Indian classical arts, especially dance. Registration is suggested. Email lawprogs@mcl.org or call 609-989-6920.
Fri., April 20
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. Fiction Writing Workshop: The Business and
from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Join us as self-published author and public relations expert Simone Mets shares her knowledge. Learn how to be successful-from knowing your readership, to writing and book design, marketing, and venues. Registration suggested. Call 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@ mcl.org.
Sat., April 21
Trashed Art Reception at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. A reception will be held to honor the winners and the participants of the eighth annual Trashed Art Contest. The public is welcome to attend, and refreshments will be served. Registration suggested. Call 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@ mcl.org. Adult, Child & Infant CPR from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. The Family & Friends CPR program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health teaches you how to perform CPR and how to help someone who is choking. An infant is defined as a child 1 year of age or younger. This course is designed for family members, friends and members of the general community who want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card. Registration is required and is limited to
25. Participants who are more than 15 minutes late will need to reschedule for another CPR course. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org. Computer Classes: Excel 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. Learn the basics of this spreadsheet program. See how easy it is to input and edit data. Strong mouse skills are essential.
Mon., April 23
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 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Thurs., April 26
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. This meeting will be the group’s open house, which will be to help promote the
club. 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.
Fri., April 27
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 609989-6920 or email Ann
Kerr at lawprogs@mcl.org.
information.
Sat., April 28
Fri., May 4
10th Annual OneAct PlayFest from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, N.J. This annual free festival provides an entertaining evening for the audience and a venue for local playwrights and actors to showcase their talent. Local actors will perform the staged script-in-hand readings of the one-act plays selected for performance at the library. Seating is limited and registration is required online beginning Monday, April 9, 9:30 am. Call 609-989-6920 or email jdamron@mcl.org for more
Project Graduation will have the Mr. LHS Talent Show and Pageant a 7 p.m. at Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. Project Graduation is a series of events designed to provide Lawrence High Sschool seniors with safe, drug- and alcohol-free ways to celebrate their accomplishments at this most exciting time in their lives. Since 1989, the parents of LHS students and the Lawrence Township community have sponsored Project Graduation.
6A The Lawrence Ledger
www.thelawrenceledger.com
Friday, March 30, 2018