2018-05-04 Hillsborough Beacon

VOL. 62, NO. 17

Friday, May 4, 2018

hillsboroughbeacon.com

School district approves $129.8 million budget By Andrew Martins Managing Editor

A unanimous vote in favor of the Hillsborough Township Public School District’s $129.8 million budget set the potential for increased school taxes for Hillsborough and Millstone residents in stone for the 2018-19 school year. Following the public hearing and final vote during the school board meeting Monday night, the newly approved budget marks a $1.4 million increase over the 2017-18 budget of $128.3 million. In order to support the budget, just over $97 million will be col-

lected from Hillsborough taxpayers. The proposed tax levy marks a 3.62 percent increase from last year’s total of $93.6 million. Taxpayers in Millstone who send their children to the Hillsborough Township School District will also see an increase in their school tax levy from $937,312 for the 2017-18 school year to $973,336 for 2018-19, marking a 3.84 percent increase. Just as in previous years, Superintendent Dr. Jorden Schiff said the proposed increases generally stemmed from a number of areas, including expected salary increases, healthcare costs, special education and transportation

costs. Schiff said the district was able to manage those rising costs through greater healthcare contributions from employees, entering into purchasing agreements with outside entities, internal revenue generation efforts and the use of federal revenue used for tech purchases called “e-rate.” As a result of the aforementioned rising costs, the school tax rate in Hillsborough will go from $1.605 per $100 of assessed property value for the 2017-18 school year to $1.607 per $100 of assessed property value for the 2018-19 school year. If a household’s value was set

at $400,000 for both years, a homeowner would have paid $6,420 for the 2017-18 school year and $6,428 for the 2018-19 school tax rate. The average home in Hillsborough is assessed at $389,303. If the home’s assessed value was the same last year, that homeowner would see their school tax bill increase from $6,248 for the 2017-18 school year to $6,256 for the 2018-19 school year. The tax rate in Millstone will also see an increase, going from $1.750 per $100 of assessed property for 2017-18 to a proposed $1.826 per $100 of assessed property for 2018-19.

If a home in Millstone is assessed at $400,000 for both years, a homeowner could expect to pay $7,000 in the 2017-18 school year and $7,304 for the 2018-19 school budget, marking an increase of $304. Along with the increase in tax revenue, Schiff is also asking the board to consider taking the healthcare waiver, covering $1.7 million. According to the budget, the district’s general fund would increase by $2.5 million, from $122.6 million in 2017-18 to $125.2 million in 2018-19, while the district’s grants and entitle-

See BUDGET, Page 3A

Rotary marks Arbor Day by planting 35 trees in park By Andrew Martins Managing Editor

Conditions at Village Green Park recently became a little greener, thanks to an environmentally-fueled afternoon by the Rotary Club of Hillsborough. A team of volunteers, led by site supervisor Mike Teeple, planted 16 Kwanzan Flowering Cherry trees, nine River Birch trees, four Sycamore trees, three Pin Oaks and three Red Maples along the walkways and future picnic area at the Brooks Boulevard park. With help from long-time Rotary member and Central Jersey Nurseries owner Vince Lipani, 35 new trees were planted in celebration of Arbor Day. Arbor Day can trace its roots back to 1854, when a journalist named Julius Sterling Morton purchased 160 acres of land in Nebraska City, Nebraska and planted a large amount of trees and shrubbery there. After becoming the editor of the Nebraska City News, Morton would regularly share information about trees and their importance to the world with his readers. It wasn’t until January 1872 when he proposed that Arbor Day be created to encourage the widespread planting of trees. Rotary Club of Hillsborough President Anthony Franchini said the work stemmed from the organization’s mission of giving back to the community at large.

“Our club is always looking for new and meaningful ways in which to contribute to our community,” Franchini said. “When we were approached to join this international Rotary effort, we were more than happy to do our part in improving our local environment.” In his May 2018 message to the international organization of Rotary clubs, Rotary President Ian H.S. Riseley urged local Rotary clubs to plant trees in their community for Arbor Day. Riseley said he hoped that “by planting trees, Rotarians will renew their interest in, and attention to, an issue that we must put back on the Rotary agenda: the state of our planet.” The park, which had once been the home of two of the township’s early baseball and softball fields, should begin seeing blossoms almost immediately on most of the new trees. Officials said the trees should be in full bloom in time for a dedication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, June 2. A permanent plaque will be unveiled at the ceremony to commemorate the new additions to the park. The Rotary Club of Hillsborough has more than 40 active members from Hillsborough and the surrounding communities who “provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and help build goodwill and peace in the world.”

Courtesy photos

The Rotary Club of Hillsborough spent Arbor Day planting 35 trees along walkways and near a future picnic area at Village Green Park. A variety of species, like the Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree pictured above, were planted by a group of volunteers. Workers from Central Jersey Nurseries, pictured right, helped plant and deliver the trees.

Assemblymen seek higher age to purchase rifles, shotguns By Philip Sean Curran Staﬀ Writer

New Jersey would keep young adults from buying rifles and shotguns by raising the age at which they could legally purchase such weapons, according to a bill introduced in the state Legislature by two lawmakers who represent Princeton.

Assemblymen Andrew Zwicker and Roy Freiman (DMercer, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Somerset) want to increase the purchase age from 18 to 21. Their bill would allow individuals under 21 to possess such a weapon to hunt, as long as they have a hunting license, to use in a competition, or if they fall within one of the other exceptions carved out in their legislation. “To me, this is a data-oriented bill on steps we can take to help prevent gun violence,” said Freiman, who is a gun owner, on April 30. Freiman said the state already has “common sense” gun control measures on the books and he said New Jersey has not seen the type of mass shootings witnessed in other parts of the United States. The proposal would bring the minimum age requirement to buy shotguns and rifles into line with the regulation the state already has to buy a handgun, 21.

“To me, it’s common sense,” said Princeton Councilwoman Heather H. Howard, who is a former state Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, about the bill. She said the measure would mirror what officials in Florida recently did. “It’s also a recognition that 18- to 20-year-olds commit gun violence at a higher rate,” said Howard, who is a member of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium that will advise policy makers in New Jersey, New York, four other states and Puerto Rico. “If we know younger people are more likely to commit gun-related violence, then we should be limiting access to guns.” “Medical research does show us teenagers have a different decision process,” Freiman said. “Medical research also indicates teenagers use a different part of the brain to make decisions that are more emotionally based than those of (people in their) 20’s and

as we get older as a part of our decision process.” He said the bill would not change hunting rules. The measure would grandfather in anyone between the ages of 18 to 20 who already has an identification card to buy a firearm. There would also be an exemption for members of law enforcement or the military. Violators would face a fourth-degree offense. Freiman said there is a companion bill in the state Senate. Legislation was introduced there by state Sen. Joseph P. Cryan (D-Union County) and state Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union, Somerset and Middlesex). “I feel confident we will get the support necessary behind it,” Freiman said. “And I feel highly confident that, should this come across the governor’s desk, he will sign it.” Zwicker did not respond to a text message or a message left at his legislative office seeking

See BILL, Page 3A

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comment. According to the state’s Uniform Crime Report for 2015, rifles were used in 0.8 percent of all murders that year. Out of 369 such offenses, three involved a shotgun and 263 involved a handgun. The same report found the most frequent perpetrators and victims of murder were black men between the ages of 20 and 24. This week, the National Rifle Association reacted to the Freiman-Zwicker bill by suggesting it would violate the Constitution. “The focus should be on proposals that prevent violent criminals and dangerously mentally ill people from acquiring firearms,” NRA spokesman Lars Dalseide said by email April 30. “Legislation that prevents an 18- to 20-year-old from purchasing a shotgun for hunting or a single mother from buying the most effective self-defense rifle on the

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CALENDAR “Calendar Girls” production Until May 6 - The next production of the Somerset Valley Players, Hillsborough’s award-winning, nonprofit community theatre, is the comedy Calendar Girls, opening on Friday, April 20. Directed by Darren Nye, Calendar Girls is based on

the true story of small town British housewives who posed naked for a pin up calendar to raise money to support families of cancer patients. In the process, they became international media sensations. The play, written by Tim Firth, is an adaptation of the 2003 hit film of the same name. Produced by Michael A. Muller, stage managed by CJ Miller, the show is sponsored by the Robert W. Pittenger Family. Calendar Girls runs April 20 – May 6, at the Somerset Valley Players theater on 689 Amwell Road (Rout 514) in Hillsborough. The theater is air conditioned, barrier free and wheelchair accessible. For tickets and show times go to www.svptheatre.org.

Clover Hill Reformed Church Sun. May 6 - The Clover Hill Reformed Church Worship and Sunday School will be at 10 a.m., on Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 6. Our sermon will be based upon Acts 10:4448 and 1 John 5:1-6. The Clover Hill Reformed Church is located at 890 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, in the historic village of Clover Hill. Since 1834 we have been providing worship, education, fellowship and mission opportunities for individuals and families in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. For more information, please call 908-369-8451 or visit our website at cloverhillchurch.org.

Canning in glass jars Wed. May 7 - If you haven’t canned for a while or have never canned before, Family & Community Health Sciences (FCHS) invites you to attend its Home Preservation: Canning in Glass Jars Workshop on Tuesday, May 15 at 1-1:30 p.m. or 6:30-9 p.m. at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office, 310 Milltown Road in Bridgewater. In this workshop participants will learn safe home canning methods for jams, fruit, vegetables and pickles. Participants will make pickled green beans and take home a jar. Cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Register online at goo. gl/vL773M. Payment must be in advance and sent to Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office by May 7, 2018. For more information call 908-526-6295.

Slavic dinner Wed. May 9 - St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church will sponsor its Slavic Dinner on Wednesday, May 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. The dinner will be held in the St. Mary Parish Center, 1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough. The cost is $15 for adults (ages 9 and up) and $5 for children (8 and under) and includes all you can eat pirohi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert and beverage. Each month a special entrée will be specially selected and prepared by St. Mary’s chef John Pagano. Dinners are held on the second Wednesday of every

month throughout the year. Orders to go are available. For more information contact St. Mary’s at 908725-0615. The May dinner will be held on Wednesday, June 13.

Credit union community day Fri. May 11 - The Hillsborough Branch of Affinity Federal Credit Union will be hosting a Community Day to encourage township residents to open a new checking and savings account. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held in Conference Room A at the Peter J. Biondi Building located in the Hillsborough Municipal Complex at 379 South Branch Road. Any residents who sign up for a new checking and savings account during the Community Day will be eligible to receive up to $225 in welcome bonus deposits after meeting new account requirements.

Neshanic Garden Club Thurs. May 17 The Neshanic Garden Club will hold its regular monthly meeting at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the Station House on Olive Street in Neshanic Station. The program this month will be a Gardening Roundtable and Plant Auction. Bring your gardening questions where someone will be sure to have the answer. This will be followed by our fabulous, fun plant auction. Be sure to bring cash or check and get ready to bid. A light luncheon will be provided at 12 p.m. Prospective members are en-

couraged to attend. For further information about club meetings, please contact either club co president, Cathy Heuschkel at 908359-6881 or Kathy Herrington at 908-359-6835. For more information regarding the club, you can visit us at www.neshanicgardenclub.org and like us on Facebook.

Historical talk

Sun. May 27 - This year, the nation recognizes the 100th anniversary of the ending of the first World War in Europe. To commemorate this historic event, the Somerset County Historical Society is pleased to announce the third in a series of free historical talks at the Van Veghten House, their headquarters on 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater. Come out on Sunday May 27 at 2 p.m. to hear Dr. Richard Veit, North American historical archaeologist and anthropology teacher at Monmouth University, tell us about World War I monuments in New Jersey. C Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for refreshments, great conversation and tours of the historic Van Veghten House (circa 1725). As space is limited, please RSVP to 732425-2751 or email pr@ somersethistorynj.org to reserve a seat.

Annual Rotary fair

Aug. 14-19 - The Rotary Club of Hillsborough will once again provide local businesses with multiple opportunities to showcase their services and connect

See CALENDAR, Page 3A

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Friday, May 4, 2018

Budget Continued from Page 1A ments fund could tentatively see a 14.8 percent reduction from $1.98 million to nearly $1.7 million. The budget also sees a 21 percent reduction to the district’s repayment of the debt fund, going from $3.7 million to $2.9 million in the new budget. Earlier this month, the district received $25 million in state aid, staying relatively consistent with previous budgets. “Since the 2012-13 school year, we have remained relatively flat [in state aid] while costs continue to increase,” Schiff said. “This is an unsustainable path, especially when you have a 2 percent property tax cap without having your state aid grow by at least 2 percent.” “This puts pressure on taxpayers and it also puts pressure on our own budget

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OUR SYLVAN STEM CAMP! as well,” he continued. Schiff said the budget will provide new materials for social studies, additional supplies and curriculum writing and training, among other things. In addition, the district will also budget for additional security investments to the tune of $50,000, though how that money will be spent has not yet been determined. Schiff said the district will defer to experts for suggestions. Schiff also outlined additional personnel covered in the current budget that will transition into the next budget: two special education teachers, a half-time preschool teacher, nine full-time equivalent instructional assistants and a half-time school nurse. The addition of a new American Sign Language position will also be included in the new budget, but was made possible due to

a reduction in the district’s World Languages department. “We are very fortunate that we added American Sign Language this past year at the high school and it was an overwhelming success,” Schiff said. “We have a great deal intent for our high schoolers to move ahead with their American Sign Language.” A handful of newly budgeted positions are included in the 2018-19 budget: one special education teacher, one and a half instructional assistants, one student assistance counselor and one HVAC maintenance specialist. Regarding the new HVAC maintenance specialist position, Schiff said the new hire will help alleviate some of the budgetary stresses that have cropped up from previous incidents where failing heat and air conditioning systems cre-

ated difficult situations for students, staff and teachers. “We anticipate that this will actually save us money, by providing additional preventative maintenance and help service from our employee, rather than paying a contractor to come on and do the work that our new position will do for us,” Schiff said. That being said, the district will lose four teachers at Hillsborough High School and one transitional primary teacher. The superintendent said he hoped that the district would be able to make those reductions through attrition. “We looked at average class sizes in order to make a decision about where to reduce. At the high school, some of those class sizes are smallest in the district, so these are areas that we feel have the minimal impact on students and student learning,” Schiff said.

at a high school in Parkland, Fla., in February, New Jersey lawmakers have passed a series of gun control bills. One such measure that passed the Assembly would require background checks of all private gun sales.

“In New Jersey, we’re doing what we can, but there’s only so much we can do given the fact that, obviously, our borders are porous,” Howard said. “States like Virginia have much more lax laws, and

so guns are brought in from other states.” She said longer term, New Jersey’s officials need to “think about even bigger answers because there’s only so much we can do within our own borders.”

June 25th – August 31st 9:00AM - 2:30 PM Stem Camp 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Academic Camp When school is out, Sylvan (and STEM) is in! Please come and join us for these fun-filled days of Robotics, Engineering, Coding, and Science! Our STEM campers will have the opportunity to work on several projects in which they become mad scientists, bold builders and programmers, and cool coders! Themes Week 1: Amusement Park Week 2: Simple Machines Week 3: Journey into Space Week: 4 Coding/Web Design Week 5: Mad Science Week 6: Ocean Explorer Week 7: Creative Inventors Week 8: Engineering Week 9: Crazy Contraptions Week: 10 Olympics Price $59 per day $285 for 1 week ($10 savings) $560 for 2 weeks ($30 savings) $835 for 3 weeks ($50 savings) $1,100 for 4 weeks ($80 savings) *A free pizza lunch will be provided every Friday* *A minimum of 4 students required per camp day*

411 Towne Center Drive, Hillsborough NJ 08844 908-359-2400 Hillsborough.nj@sylvanlearning.com www.sylvanlearning.com

Bill

Continued from Page 1A market deprives these lawabiding individuals of their constitutional right to selfprotection.” In the wake of the shooting that left 14 people dead

Calendar

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directly with customers at its 11th annual Rotary Fair, scheduled this year for August 14 – 19. Over 15,000 attendees from Hillsborough and surrounding communities are expected to visit the weeklong family event held at Athe Hillsborough Prome-

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nade, 315 Route 206 (adjacent to the Lowe’s parking lot). Businesses have the option of purchasing a $300 sign displayed at the fair throughout the week, or a $600 tented space that provides an opportunity to meet and talk with the fair’s 15,000 attendees.

Tent availability is limited. Orders will be handled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on the upcoming Hillsborough Rotary Fair or how to participate as a sign sponsor or tent vendor, please contact Ken Genco at 908229- 5045, kgenco@att.

net, or Anthony Franchini at 908-334- 9304, anthony. franchini@td.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Doors open at 8:00 am and will close at 2:00 pm. Coffee and baked goods will be sold from 8:00 am on.

Send items to amartins@centraljersey.com or fax to 609-924-3842. The Bag sale from deadline for submissions 1:00 to 2:00 pm for $4.00 each week is 3 p.m. on Friday. For details, call 609874-2163. 00256889.0217.03x10.18.BeckerNose&Sinus.indd

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HILLSBOROUGH SENIOR CORNER CHAPTER A At our June 7 meeting, Hillsborough Police Chief Darren Powell and an assisting officer will speak to us on community policing with an emphasis on the protection of seniors. Trips & Programs Tues., May 8 – Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. in the Senior Activity Room. We invite others to join us. We are a book chat group with attendees sharing a report of their latest reading. Wed., May 16 – Broadway matinee of “A Bronx Tale” with lunch at Casa di Napoli is filled. Depart Lowes at 9:45 a.m. Sat., May 19 – Dance to the Music. Dance with a DJ from 1:30- 4:30 p.m. in the Hillsborough Municipal Bldg. Multi-Purpose Rm. Open to all area seniors. Light refreshments. Cost $5 per person at the door. Fri., May 25 – Pizza and a movie “Field of Dreams”. Noon pizza lunch in senior activity room with movie at 1 p.m. Cost $5 for lunch; movie is free. Tue., June 5 – New York Botanical Gardens. Bus, admission, free tram tour, lunch voucher, special display featuring Georgia O’Keeffe paintings. Depart Lowes at 8:30 a.m. Limited seats are available.

Thurs., July 26 – NYC River Cruise on Bateaux. Narrated site-seeing of New York Harbor with pianist entertainment, plated lunch on board. Depart Lowes at 9:45 a.m. Cost $95. Thurs. Aug 16 – Sight & Sound “Jesus.” Bus, admission, lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord, Depart Lowes 9:45 a.m. Cost $129. For information on any of our upcoming trips, call Diana Reinhardt at 908-369-4362. News & Notes All Hillsborough seniors age 60 and older are invited to join Chapter A. Younger spouses of seniors are also eligible for membership. Dues are $5 a year and new members may join at any meeting. Call Dorrie Guarniero at 908-334-8091 with questions. General meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month unless otherwise announced. Executive Board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month, unless otherwise noted. On meeting days, doors open at 11:30 a.m., allowing time to review upcoming events and make reservations. Refreshments are available when doors open and after the meeting. Help our Food Bank by bringing an item to each meetManvilleNews.2.736x4.5.StaffBox.indd ing. The suggestion box is available at each meeting.

Legal Notices Public Notice Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing the sale for Harley Davidson 1984 FXRS, VIN 1HD1EBL36EY117743, and Chevrolet 1992 C/K 1500, VIN 1GCDC14HXNZ124147. Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017 HB, 3x, 4/27/18, 5/4/18, 5/11/18, Fee: $27.90 Affidavit: $15.00 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Take notice that on May 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at 236 Dukes Parkway East, Hillsborough, NJ, the undersigned, being the secured party of Evelyn O. Bothers, will sell all of her membership interest in 236 Dukes Parkway Holdings LLC (being a one-third interest). Said LLC owns, free and clear, land and building at 236 Dukes Parkway East (lot 67.02, block 58), Hillsborough, NJ. Be advised that the secured party may also bid at the sale. All bidders, other than the secured party, are required to pay, immediately after being the successful bidder, by cashier’s check, a minimum of 10% of the successful bid. The balance of the bid must be paid in full within 10 days after the date of sale, at which time title to the membership interest of Evelyn O. Bothers in 236 Dukes Parkway Holdings LLC will be transferred to the successful bidder. All questions should be addressed to the undersigned’s attorneys, Sauer & Fitzpatrick, whose telephone number is (908) 298-0300.

HILLSBOROUGH BEACON centraljersey.com

www.hillsboroughbeacon.com 421 Route 206 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Bernard Kilgore, Group Publisher 1955-1967 Mary Louise Kilgore Beilman, Board Chairman 1967-2005 James B. Kilgore, Publisher, 1980-2016

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Yaroslaw Chelak HB, 4x, 4/27/18, 5/4/18, 5/11/18, 5/18/18, Fee: $78.12 Affidavit: $15.00 LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE 2018-03

Michele Nesbihal General Manager

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An Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING CERTAIN MONIES HELD BY THE TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH, COUNTY OF SOMERSET, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE RESURFACING OF BEEKMAN LANE PHASE 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF $540,000.00, IN AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH”.

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was introduced at a Meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of Hillsborough, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey held on March 27, 2018 and was passed and approved by the said Township Committee at a regular and duly convened meeting held on April 24, 2018.

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Visit us at www.HillsboroughSeniorsChapterA.webs. com. — Gene Reinhardt Publicity Chairperson

CHAPTER B

Check out Hillsborough’s Senior Club Chapter B’s website for the latest up-to-the-minute information at hsccb.webs.com. Contact Ralph Fariello with additional items at the next club meeting. The next monthly meeting will be held May 10, which will feature our Spring Luncheon starting at noon. Tickets must be bought in advance. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for members to buy tickets for future trips and other events. You can bring a bag lunch if you want. Coffee and tea will be provided. Tickets for all special events will only be sold at monthly meetings before the event. They include the following: spring luncheon, June celebration, June anniversary (every five years), fall luncheon and holiday party. The next bingo will be held May 17. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $3 for one double card, $5 for two; this includes lunch with two hot dogs, chips, a drink, and a dessert, along with prizes and surprises. If you have a new email address or want to be added to Club B’s email list, see Ralph Fariello at the next meeting. Activities and Trips Ocean City, Md - May 6-8 Philadelphia Liberty Tour, Penn. - June 6 Ligreci’s Staten Island theme: Happy Days - July 18 Hunterdon Hills Playhouse - Aug 15 Long Island 4 days/3 nights - Sept 4-7 If you want to bring a friend on any overnight trip, they do not have to be a club member. If any trips are sold out, you may call to add your name to a waiting list. On all trips, you should bring photo ID and health insurance card(s). Community Events Keep in mind the township’s Mr. Fix-It program, run by the Social Services Department. Minor home repairs can be arranged on Wednesdays between 8 and 11 a.m. for Hillsborough seniors 60 and older. Call 908-369-3880 for details. Free exercise classes for all ability levels are available to all Hillsborough seniors in the municipal building Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 45 minutes — right where we hold our meetings. Certified instructors lead classes. Free transportation is available. Call 908-3693880 for details. — Chickie Haines Call 908-874-3231

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AT THE LIBRARY The Hillsborough Library’s schedule is as follows: Monday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Through the month of May, view the collections of Patt Mihailoff and Professor Yi-Zhi Huang. Please note that the SCLSNJ Hillsborough Library branch will open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 due to the Township Memorial Day Parade, and will be closed on Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day. The library is looking for reliable teen volunteers to help out at various programs. Community service hours will be awarded to all volunteers at the end of the school year for their atten-

dance and space is limited. Visit SCLSNJ.org or call 908-369-2200 for information or to register. Program dates and times are subject to change. All programs are free and registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Adult programs (registration required): • English Conversation Group - Practice speaking English in a friendly setting. Basic English skills required. Hosted by Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County. Mon. May 7, 14, 21; 7-8:30 p.m.; Wed. May 9, 16, 23; 10-11:30 a.m. • Fitness and Menopause - Margo Myer will address the hormonal aspects of women’s fitness, teaching you how to take a holistic approach to health. Mon. May 7, 7-8

p.m. • New Dog Ownership 101 - Learn how to go about choosing the correct new “best friend” for your family and how to properly integrate him or her into your life. Presented by New Jersey dog trainer Gail Kulur of Make Sit Happen. For adults, teens and tweens. Tues. May 8, 7-8 p.m. • Friends of Hillsborough Library Book Discussion - “Hillbilly Elegy” by J. D. Vance. Tues. May 8, 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Spanish Conversation Group - Native Spanish speakers Rosa Maria Merlo and Alicia Fontana will lead a new Spanish conversation group. Basic knowledge of Spanish is preferable, but all are welSee LIBRARY, Page 6A

This Mother’s Day

surprise her with the Gift of Dance

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come. Wed. May 9, 6:30-8 p.m. • Small-Scale Berry Farming - Michael Brown from Pitspone Farm will talk about growing an assortment of berries on a small acreage. Wed. May 9, 7-8 p.m. • Introduction to Finding Grants: Foundation Center Course - Are you new to the field of grantseeking? Discover what funders look for in grant applicants and how to find potential funders. Thurs. May 10, 10-11 a.m. Youth programs (registration required): • Reading Buddy - Your child will increase their love of reading while reading aloud with a reading buddy volunteer. Grades

TODAY!

Time - Build brain power with 20 minutes of nursery rhyme fun. Ages birth - 24 months. Tues. May 8, 10:30-10:50 a.m. • Crafts for Kids Children will create a craft for Mother’s Day. Grades 3-5. Tues. May 8, 5:15-6 p.m. • Storytime - Drop into the Hillsborough Library for 20 minutes of stories with Ms. Jenn. All ages. Thurs. May 10, 1-1:20 p.m. • Leadership Academy (Formally Teen Advisory Board) - Learn leadership skills as you coplan and corun teen/tween programs with the teen librarian. Community service hours will be awarded at the end of the school year. Grades 9-12. Thurs. May 10, 6-7 p.m.

K-4. Sat. May 5, 2-4 p.m. • Scrubby Bear: Hand Washing Program - Discover how germs are spread, how to prevent the spread of disease, and how to properly wash your hands. Presented by the Hillsborough High School Red Cross Club. Ages 3-6. Sat. May 5, 3-4 p.m. • Monday Morning Playtime - A social interactive time with literacy resources and activities for you and your child. For parents/caregivers with children up to 36 months. Mon. May 7, 10-10:45 a.m. • Storytime: Toddler Time - Introduce the pleasure of books to your child through stories, songs, and a simple activity. Ages 1836 months. Tues. May 8, 9:30-10:15 a.m. • Storytime: Rhyme

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to advertise, contact Tracey Lucas 732.358.5200 Ext. 8319 | tlucas@newspapermediagroup.com

Dawn Buxton Monsport Realtor/Sales Associate Office: 609-987-8889

Cell: 609-462-8333 | Email: dawnmonsport@verizon.net

Where did you grow up? A. My home town is Lawrenceville, New Jersey. I attended the Lawrence School system K-10, studying my last two years and graduating from the Hun School of Princeton. The Buxton side of my family came to Lawrenceville in the late-1800’s and operated a dairy farm on LawrencevillePennington Road. The dairy branched to Buxton’s Country Shops a chain of 32 restaurants, known for the best ice cream in the area. The Coleman (mother) side of my family came to Mercer County in the mid/late-1600’s, they came to America with Henry Hudson. My grandfather’s farm was on Quakerbridge Road across from the Mall.

What do you like most about living in this area? A. I find Mercer and Bucks counties to be amazing areas to introduce buyers to. Our towns have small town, historic charm and original farmlands. We are an hour from NYC by train and 45 minutes to Philadelphia by car. You can reach the Jersey shore in less than an hour and be in the Poconos in less than two. We have some of the best public and private schools in the state and country. Our communities get together and celebrate events and our residents look out for one another. I have always enjoyed living here and raising my two sons here.

What did you do before Real Estate? A. My restaurant career began with dipping ice cream at Buxton’s at 16. After graduating from Rollins College, I worked as a General Manager for Rusty Scupper & JB Winberie in Atlanta

and north Jersey. I finished my hospitality career in 2000 as Asst. General Manager responsible for the operation of 25 food and beverage establishments in Terminal C at Newark Airport.

How long have you worked in Real Estate? A. 18 years. I moved back to Lawrenceville in 2000 with my husband John and year old son Thomas. We purchased a family home. While on maternity leave that year for our second son Justin, I went to school for my real estate license and started a new career. A decision I have embraced and have truly enjoyed. The last nine years of my real estate career have been with Keller Williams.

$475,000

Nestled on a premium lot on a cul-de-sac street this four bedroom Colonial features a master suite w/ full bath, dressing room and balcony. Large kitchen w/ granite countertops & breakfast room. Finished basement with full bathroom. Family room w/ fireplace and sliding doors to deck. Deep, landscaped back yard. Whole house generator. Listed by Dawn Buxton-Monsport Broker Associate

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? A. Family time is very important. We enjoy travelling – skiing in the Berkshires in the winter and beaches or cruises in the summer. I am also very involved in community organizations and events which support my family and town – on the board of Lawrence Twp. Education Foundation, kitchen coordinator for LOGOS program at the Presbyterian Church, scholarship committee for the Woman’s Club of Lawrenceville and former board member for Lawrenceville Main Street. I look forward to the challenges, fun and new experiences each season and new year. 2018 Buxton Monsport Real Estate Team – Mark Cutaneo, Dawn Buxton Monsport & John Monsport

$365,000

LAWRENCEVILLE

$585,000

1 Ashwood Court OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 5/6 1-4pm

Spacious four bedroom Colonial in the desired Nassau II neighborhood. Large lot of .61 acres, rich with mature landscaping & deep back yard. Hardwood floors. Updated kitchen w/ breakfast room. Family room w/ gas fireplace. Main floor laundry. Master bedroom suite. Don’t miss it!

Rare opportunity to own in Woodfield Estates. Four large bedrooms, including a large, updated master suite with beautifully appointed master bath. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Spacious kitchen w/ granite countertops & lots of cabinets. Finished basement. Magnificent deck off the family room, overlooking the fenced & landscaped back yard. Make it yours!

609-987-8889

$769,000

Mercer County Top Producers Association Member

12 Rosalind Drive OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 5/6 1-3pm

Cell: 609-462-8333 www.buxtonmonsport.com Top Producer 100 Canal Pointe Blvd. Suite 120 Licensed in NJ & PA Princeton, NJ #0019129

609-987-8889

MONTGOMERY TWP

LAWRENCEVILLE

Listed by Dawn Buxton-Monsport Broker Associate

Cell: 609-462-8333 www.buxtonmonsport.com Top Producer 100 Canal Pointe Blvd. Suite 120 Licensed in NJ & PA Princeton, NJ #0019129

April 18, 2015 – attended Lawrenceville Fire Company 100th anniversary gala with my father, Gordon Buxton and brother Darren Buxton. My dad was honored as a former chief and his 70+ years of service and membership

Keller Williams Princeton 100 Canal Pointe Blvd., Princeton, NJ

LAWRENCEVILLE

in Celebrating Just April 14, 2018 r Patrol Ai vil Ci e th as ard Monsport’s aw NJ of e at st e ar for th Cadet of the Ye

Listed by Dawn Buxton-Monsport Broker Associate

Cell: 609-462-8333 www.buxtonmonsport.com Top Producer 100 Canal Pointe Blvd. Suite 120 Licensed in NJ & PA Princeton, NJ #0019129

609-987-8889

SPRINGFIELD TWP., BUCKS COUNTY, PA

$700,000

Just Listed

59 Millers Grove Road OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 5/6 1-3:30pm Meticulously maintained 4 BRs, 3.5 BAs in a tranquil & quiet location overlooking the woods in sought after Miller’s Grove neighborhood. This bright home offers sprawling 1st floor layout w/2 wood-burning frplces, high ceilings, large windows & plenty of natural light. Woods facing master suite features his and her WI closets & peaceful bath including Jacuzzi tub, 2 large vanities & standup shower. With newer granite counters throughout, roof and gutters (’13), A/C (‘14) & HWH replaced (‘16) with new landscaping & paved driveway (‘18). This beautiful, private estate is move-in ready. Just unpack & enjoy!

100 Canal Pointe Blvd. Suite 120 Princeton, NJ

609-987-8889

Listed by Daniel Kim Sales Representative

Cell: 609-334-9097 iykim0627@gmail.com

Seasons View has breathtaking views that match a stunning remodeled stone bank barn, circa 1870s. Open floor plan of main level has oak flooring & ceilings w/hand hewn beams. Wall of glass windows & doors is backdrop for a central sitting area between graciously sized LR & DR. Wood burning stone frplce. Large kit has wrap-around counter & island, pantry closet, some & Viking 5-burner cooktop. Entry foyer w/2 closets & powder room. Exposed original walls are features with the vaulted ceiling, slider door to balcony & partial open wall w/leaded window accent & view downstairs. Master bath w/skylight, soaking tub, sep shower. 2 large BRs w/ architectural features, are on opposite side of center area. Lower is at grade w/sep propane heater, laundry area, storage, rear entry/exit, & entrance to oversized car gar. 1300 SF unfin. addition 2-level area that is framed out, has electricity, skylights & large windows. Exterior amenities include a walled courtyard ent into gar & spacious rear wood deck. Stone, cedar & Hardie Plank siding, newer windows, central vac & air, sec sys,. Location is close to the amenities of Bucks County & Lehigh Valley.

6319 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 18938 215-862-3385 Ext. 8409

Listed by Jim Briggs Associate Broker

Cell: 215-518-6977

Jim.Briggs@FoxRoach.com Licensed in PA and NJ

www.hillsboroughbeacon.com

Friday, May 4, 2018

real estate HOPEWELL TWP.

Hillsborough Beacon 9A

real estate

$569,900

Great opportunity in Brandon Farms. Updated 2,462 SQFT model. This home features a 2-Story Foyer w/hrdwd flrs, upgraded trim package, and 9’ ceilings. First Level features a FLR & DR. Bright & sunny kit overlooks yard. Kit features Granite Counters, Double SS Sink, Range, Dishwasher, Bow Window, French Doors to Deck & Center Island. laundry Room located off Kitchen. Fam Rm w/wood-burning Frple & Built In Cabs. The Master Suite boasts (2) Walk In Closets & Bow Window that overlooks Yard. Mast bath features a corner Garden Tub & Stall Shower. 3 addt’ BRs, Full Finished W-O Bsmnt w/full size windows, Double Door to Yard, Recessed Lights, Bar Area & Wine Room. A Wonderful Place to Call Home!!

Listed by Dawn Petrozzini Broker-Owner

Cell: 732-501-0686

dawn@housesbydawn.com

08540

609-951-8600 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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Condo for Sale

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER Non-smoker with driver's license. Clean record and references. Princeton. 609-721-3691

Value of Life

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL Over 55 Community, million dollar view, sunny, two bedrooms, two full baths, split. View of Thompson River and Ballen Isles Golf Course. 1200 square feet. Located in between turnpike and 95. Quiet cul-de-sac. $210,000. 609-462-4440.

SEASONAL OUTDOOR SALES Looking for retired or semi-retired with sales experience, willing to work weekdays and weekends. Professional and friendly personality. No-Pressure sales. Call for interview: 732-303-0747

Whosoever killed a human being (unjustly), except as a punishment for murder or for spreading disorder in the land, it would be as if he had killed all humankind. And whosoever saved the life of one, it would be as if he had saved the life of all humankind. (Quran 5:32)

Garage Sale

HOPEWELL Saturday, May 5 Sunday, May 6 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Partial contents of an early home, Antique and Vintage Furniture, Quilts, Artwork, Coin Silver, Jewelry, Rugs, Ephemera, Stoneware, Books, Samplers, and much more! For Photos: visit evelyngordonestatesales.com . 11 East Broad Street

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CENTRAL JERSEY’S GUIDE TO THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT May 4th – May 13th, 2018

Laughing at ‘The Nerd’

George Street Playhouse wraps up its season with a comedy favorite

May 4th – May 13th, 2018

ON STAGE by Keith Loria

McCarter to Debut New Durang Play

COVER STORY Magic and Lunacy in ‘The Nerd.’

George Street Playhouse roars with laughter during Larry Shue’s comedy about an unexpected guest.

IN CONCERT Celebrate with Kool & the Gang.

THINGS TO DO CROSSWORD PUZZLE

10 11

LIFESTYLE Anthony Stoeckert, TimeOFF editor The Princeton Packet, P.O. Box 350, Princeton, NJ 08542-0350 PHONE 609-874-2159 FAX 609-924-3842 astoeckert@centraljersey.com

To be considered for inclusion in TimeOFF’s “Things to Do” calendar of events, information should arrive at least two weeks prior to the issue in which the announcement is to appear. Submission by email to timeoffevents@ centraljersey.com is prefferred.

ON THE COVER: Ann Harada, Stephen Wallem and Jonathan Kite in Larry Shue's comedy, "The Nerd," at George Street Playhouse. See review on Page 3. Photo by T. Charles Erickson

hristopher Durang had big success with his play, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” when it premiered at the McCarter Theatre Center in 2012. That comedy about three siblings (with a cast including Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce) went on to a Broadway run that culminated in a Tony for Best Play. Durang is returning to McCarter with his third world-premiere commission for the theater, “Turning Off the Morning News,” which will run in Princeton, May 4-June 3. The play explores the chaos of family life in a time of alternative facts, social media saturation, and a news cycle that never ceases. “Turning Off the Morning News” stars Durang favorite Kristine Nielsen (who was in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”), as well as Jenn Harris, Rachel Nicks, Nicholas Podany, Robert Sella and John Pankow. “When Chris Durang calls an actor, it’s like Peter Luger Steakhouse calling a carnivore,” Pankow says. “I had worked with Chris before — [in] “Why Torture is Wrong, and The People Who Love Them” at the Public [Theater in New York] a few years back, so I was thrilled when he called about his new work.” The actor knew from his first read of the dark comedy that this was something he was going to enjoy working on. “Chris is so amazing because he can be hilarious and deeply disturbing and it’s a great combo because his writing hits you on so many levels,” Pankow says. “I read it and was dying laughing, and I couldn’t wait to say yes.” Pankow was particularly excited that he would get to re-team with Nielsen, who had played opposite him in 2009 during his first Durang show and is one of the writer’s goto actresses. “It’s an incredible cast, headed by Kristine Nielsen, who we have seen this extraordinary marriage of writer and actor with,” Pankow says. “I was there for one of them and so gracious to have a backseat and watch this thing unfold with her in this

part. The whole cast is an outstanding ensemble.” “Turning Off the Morning News” introduces Durang’s newest group of eccentric characters — a set of across-the-street neighbors: normal suburbanites Cliff and Salena and stark-raving mad couple Jimmy and Polly. Pankow plays Jimmy, and he describes his character as being “unemployed and very frustrated.” “He’s angry, very unhappily married, funny without trying to be, and is really dark,” he says. “You have to play it that way because the thing about Durang, if it’s played with a wink and a nod, it’s like a cake that doesn’t get the yeast and can fall flat really fast. I love the challenge of that.” Many people may know Pankow for his seven-year run as Ira on the 1990s sitcom “Mad About You,” but his acting resume includes more than 30 years of movies, TV and New York theater. “The thing I love about the theater is that it’s the closest thing I will ever experience to being in a band,” he says. “You look at the six of us in this play. We play our ‘set’ every night, and it might the same each night, but it’s also different because of the audience, the amount of energy we have, and how we bring our days in order to play together. You rely on each other just like a band relies on the other players. It’s the same in every play I have ever done.” He’s grateful that the phone keeps ringing with calls from people like Durang. “The beauty of what we do is that we can keep going at any age,” he says. “As long as you can turn the double-play, which in our case is memorizing lines, you’re good. It took about five years before I stopped being neurotic about the calls and wondering if it was over. You just have to have faith and it’s been a thrilling, phenomenal ride.”

“Turning Off the Morning News” is being performed at McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, May 4 through June 3. For tickets and information, go to www. mccarter.org or call 609-258-2787.

May 4th – May 13th, 2018

COVER STORY - STAGE REVIEW by Bob Brown

Magic and Lunacy in ‘The Nerd’ S

George Street Playhouse roars with laughter during Larry Shue's comedy about an unexpected guest

ome shows let your mind go on vacation while your funny bone works overtime. That’s Larry Shue’s fiendishly funny “The Nerd,” playing through May 20 at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. In the course of his brief life, Shue wrote several comedies before his death at age 39. Had he lived longer, the canon of American farce would have been greatly enriched. He was a writer in an actor’s body, so his characters were often types he himself yearned to play. “The Nerd” is set in Terre Haute, Indiana, around Halloween, 1979. On his 34th birthday, Willum Cubbert (Colin Hanlon), an architect, is fretting over a hotel design he’s preparing for local businessman Warnock Waldgrave (Stephen Wallem). Willum’s longtime friend Axel (Zach Shaffer) and Willum’s girlfriend Tansy (Kate Reinders) have set a birthday surprise for him. It’s bittersweet, since Tansy is embarking on a career in Washington, D.C., as a TV meteorologist. However, Willum is preoccupied with hosting Waldgrave and his family for dinner. When the imposing Waldgrave arrives with his diminutive wife Clelia (Ann Harada) and live-wire son Thor (Hayden Bercy), things go downhill fast — Thor pops the party balloons and disrupts the equilibrium, while Clelia calms her nerves by smashing borrowed crockery with a hammer she keeps in her purse. An unanticipated guest is Rick Steadman (Jonathan Kite), who saved Willum’s life in in Vietnam. Despite this, Willum has never met Rick, having been unconscious on the fateful day. Rick’s arrival in costume-party garb terrifies Thor, who locks himself away in another room. Peeled like a shrimp from his costume, Rick is dressed in high-nerd — big glasses, plaid bell-bottoms and suspenders. He’s an 11 on the scale of social ineptitude, oblivious to his offensive remarks and inappropriate behavior — whether it’s about food, or a childhood girlfriend, or party games. The worst is “Shoes and Socks,” an elaborate game Rick insists that everyone play. The Waldgraves leave in a huff with their soaked footwear in a bag. As Rick lingers well past Halloween, Willum and his friends wonder how they can eject the house guest from hell without hurting his feelings. The lunacy ratchets up as they conjure bizarre rituals to frighten him, climaxing in a hilarious performance that plays on Rick’s severe swinophobia (fear of pigs). The denouement comes completely out of left field and caps a Looney Tunes ride through Bizarro-land. Shue’s comedy goes incident by incident, rather than

Photo by T. Charles Erickson

Jonathan Kite (left) and Colin Hanlon in “The Nerd,” at George Street Playhouse. tight plotting. The silliness ascends a steep slope until you’re helpless with laughter. As George Street’s Artistic Director David Saint says, this play depends on having the funniest actors you can find. Saint obviously knows where to find them. The ensemble cast, directed by Broadway and film veteran Kevin Cahoon, is loose and inspired. As the everharried but well-meaning Willum, Hanlon works up quite a sweat of worry. His pig-breakdown is a wonder (I worried about his sanity). Reinders’ Tansy is a woman who can smile and offer character-building advice while the world is collapsing around her. Intimidating in the role of Waldgrave, Wallem keeps a stern grip on his family and his sanity to the extent that’s possible while wearing a headful of cottage cheese. As Clelia, Harada is all sweetness and light — bottling it all up until it’s plate-smashing time. Young Bercy as Thor is a pint-size terror (don’t let him near my house). The two who get the best lines are Shaffer, as the perfectly sardonic theater critic Axel, who has never stayed past the first half of any play (a little joke for opening nights), and Kite, the laugh-engine who makes the whole thing run. His performance as the Nerd, a nasal-voiced bundle of undulating limbs and pure ickiness (to use the scientific term) is a joy to behold. Kudos also to set designer David L. Arsenault for creating a substantial period-perfect living-room in the compact

space, and Leon Dobkowski for costumes that make you glad we don’t live in the ’70s anymore. In fact, all the production crew in this temporary venue have done a fabulous job of making magic happen. Lunacy aside, Shue’s play has a warm heart and a message about the importance of basic human decency by helping others and following through on your dreams. It’s a fitting way to ring down the curtain on George Street’s first season in its temporary home at College Farm Road — with a laugh riot. Speaking of ringing down curtains, with this review I am, regretfully, ringing down my own as a theater reviewer for TimeOff. It’s been a wonderful ride and I’m grateful to the paper for the opportunity these past years. Because of it, I’m all the more aware of how important regional theater is to New Jersey, thanks to the talent and dedication of people like David Saint at George Street, and of others throughout central Jersey and beyond. We’re lucky to have them. So without further ado, I will exit stage left, hopefully not pursued by a bear. “The Nerd” is being performed at George Street Theatre’s temporary theater at 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, through May 20. For tickets and information, go to www.georgestreetplayhouse.org or call 732-246-7717.

May 4th – May 13th, 2018

IN CONCERT by Mike Morsch

Celebrate with Kool & the Gang Ronald Bell was sitting at the piano one day when his brother Robert “Kool” Bell walked in. “You got anything for me?” Ronald Bell asked. “Yeah, I got two things for you,” said Robert Bell. “Hanging out. And ladies night.” “A lot of people hang out,” Robert said. “But ladies night, man there’s one of those everywhere in the world. That’s gotta be a hit.” The brothers and other founding members of Kool & the Gang had experienced some success with the group’s fourth studio album, “Wild and Peaceful,” in 1973. The album produced the band’s first three Top 10 singles — “Jungle Boogie,” which got to No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts; “Funky Stuff,” which made it to No. 5 on the R&B chart and No. 29 on the singles chart; and “Hollywood Swinging,” which topped the Billboard Soul Singles chart and reached No. 6 on the pop chart. The album itself would go to No. 6 on the R&B chart and No. 33 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. But from 1974 through 1978, Kool & the Gang hadn’t been able to really capitalize on that success, and the band’s

Kool & the Gang will perform during the State Theatre’s gala. label, De-Lite Records, was looking for more hits from the group. “Initially there was pressure to make a hit,” Ronald Bell says. “But what is a hit? We had no clue. Not really. We understood we had to make a commercial record. We were familiar with the whole commercial part of it. But we were See IN CONCERT, Page 5B

May 4th – May 13th, 2018

IN CONCERT Continued from Page 4B in it now, so let’s make something happen.” It would take a reality check, though, to help the band back on the road to the top of the charts. That happened at an in-store promotion in Jersey City in the late 1970s. Only one person showed up to the store to see Kool & the Gang and she was less than impressed. She referred to the band as “old hat.” “Old hat? Oh, no, no,” Bell says. “I took that so personally.” Some changes needed to be made. Kool & the Gang had started as an instrumentaldriven jazz and funk band that featured a lot of street hollering and chants, but hadn’t to that point in the late 1970s featured a dominant lead singer. The band needed a lead singer along the lines of Lionel Richie of the Commodores or Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire. So they hired James “J.T.” Taylor to handle the lead vocals and went to work on trying to write hit singles. “We were in pursuance of doing something really great,” Bell says. “We didn’t

have a lead singer, we were doing some experimentation at the time and disco was alive. We had to come up with something that worked.” So when Robert “Kool” Bell mentioned the phrase “ladies night” to Ronald Bell that day, something clicked for the songwriters. “We all made the connection, and we went in hard and came up with the song ‘Ladies Night.’ That was a peak moment, that album with a new lead singer,” Robert Bell says. The “Ladies Night” album was released in September 1979 and featured two Billboard Top 10 hits: the title track made it to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 8 on the Hot 100 singles chart; and “Too Hot,” written by George Brown and Kool & the Gang, made it to No. 3 on the R&B chart and No. 5 on the singles chart. The album itself was No. 1 on R&B chart and No. 13 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. And the single “Ladies Night” would lead to the band’s next hit, which would become its signature song.

See IN CONCERT, Page 6B

May 4th – May 13th, 2018

IN CONCERT Continued from Page 5B

128th Anniversary Concert Sunday May 20th, 2018 3:00PM Photo credit: Steve Mekler

Hopewell Valley Central High School 259 Pennington-Titusville Road Pennington, New Jersey 08534

FREE ADMISSION Reception with Refreshments and Dixieland Music follows concert Dr. Jerry Rife, Conductor and Music Director

www.Blawenburgband.org

In “Ladies Night,” the female background vocalists can be heard singing, “Come on, let’s all celebrate.” And the pressure was even more intense from the record company for the group to follow up “Ladies Night” with another hit single. Ronald Bell had been reading scripture about humans being created and the angels celebrating the creator for doing so. And he still had the line “Come on, let’s all celebrate” from “Ladies Night” fresh in his head. Those two ideas combined to create “Celebration,” which would be the lead single from the band’s next album, “Celebrate!” released in September 1980. It ran up the charts to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, U.S. Cash Box chart and the U.S. Record World chart. “I don’t care where we are in the world, people respond to that song,” Bell says. “It’s a beautiful thing to see that, where everybody is just dancing and celebrating to

that song. We can’t play a song after that one.” It’s exactly that type of celebrating Kool & the Gang hopes to inspire as the featured performers at the State Theatre’s 2018 Benefit Gala Saturday, May 12, at the theater in New Brunswick. The gala festivities begin at 5 p.m. at The Heldrich Hotel and the performance by Kool & the Gang will begin at 6 p.m. at the theater. In addition to the show, the event will feature a pre-performance cocktail reception, post-performance dinner dance with an open bar, auctions, and live entertainment from The Jersey Joint. The benefit, State Theatre New Jersey’s biggest annual event, underwrites the State Theatre’s programming and education programs. A portion of each ticket price represents a taxdeductible contribution to the State Theatre.

The State Theatre is located at 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Tickets for the Kool & the Gang concert only cost $35$75. Benefit Gala tickets cost $700. For more information, go to www.stnj.org or call 732-246-7469.

May 4th – May 13th, 2018

THINGS TO DO STAGE “A Little Night Music,” ActorsNET of Bucks County, The Heritage Center Theatre, 635 North Delmorr Ave., Morrisville, Pennsylvania. In Sweden circa 1900, the romantic entanglements of actress Desiree Armfeldt and others are revealed through Hugh Wheeler’s book and Stephen Sondheim’s lilting score, through May 6. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $20, $17 seniors; www.actorsnetbucks.org; 215-295-3694. “Calendar Girls,” Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. Adapted from the 2003 movie and based on the true story, the play tells the story of small town British housewives who posed naked for a pin up calendar to raise money to support families of cancer patients, through May 6; www.svptheatre.org. The Nerd, George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick. Comedy about Willum (played by Colin Hanlon) who is celebrating a birthday, and is joined by Rick Steadman (Jonathan

Kite), a fellow ex-soldier who saved Willum’s life, stops by for a visit that lasts way too long, through May 20; www.georgestreetplayhouse.org; 732-246-7717. “Caged,” Passage Theatre, 205 E. Front St., Trenton. The voices of incarcerated men speak out in writings by current and former inmates, through May 20; passagetheatre.org; 609-392-0766. “Turning Off the Morning News,” McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton. World premiere comedy by Tony-winning author Christopher Durang that takes a dark look at today’s world, May 4 through June 3; www.mccarter.org; 609-258-2787. “The Producers,” Music Mountain Theatre, Route 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Musical based on Mel Brooks’ comedy classic about producer Max Bialystock and accountant Leo Bloom, who realize they can make more money with a flop show than a hit, May 4-20. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Tickets cost $22; www.musicmountaintheatre.org; 609See THINGS TO DO, Page 8B

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May 4th – May 13th, 2018

THINGS TO DO

Continued from Page 7B 397-3337. “Sylvia,” Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. A.R. Gurney’s romantic comedy about marriage… and a dog. Empty nesters Greg and Kate have moved back to Manhattan after years in the suburbs. As Kate tells Greg: “The dog phase of my life is definitely over.” But life has a way of giving you what you think you don’t want. Greg finds Sylvia, a street-smart Labradoodle, and brings her home, May 11-20. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $18, $16 seniors, $14 students/children; www.kelseytheatre.net; 609-570-3333. DANCE Mercer Dance Ensemble, Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College,1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Program titled “Escapades” featuring features current students, dance alumni and MCCC dance faculty, May 5, 8 p.m., May 6, 2 p.m., $18, $16 seniors, $14 students/children; www.kelseytheatre.net; 609-570-3333. CHILDREN’S THEATRE “101 Dalmatians Kids,” Music Mountain Theatre, Route 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Pet owners Roger and Anita live happily in London with their Dalmatians,

Pongo and Perdita. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat, May 12-26. Performances are Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $8; www.musicmountaintheatre.org.

MUSIC

CLASSICAL MUSIC Tesla String Quartet, The Pennington School, 112 W. Delaware Ave., Pennington. Music for two violins, viola, and cello. The Quartet will be the ensemble-in-residence at the School from May 1 through May 4. The concert will be in honor of “Star Wars Day,” May 4, 7 p.m. www.pennington.org; 609-737-1838.

JAZZ, CABARET, ROCK, FOLK, ETC. The Sweetback Sisters, Hopewell Theater, 5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell. Country artists from Brooklyn, May 4, 8 p.m. hopewelltheater.com. Patti LuPone, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Concert titled “Don’t Monkey with Broadway” featuring the Tony winner exploring her love of Broadway with interpretations of classic show tunes by Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Charles Strouse, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin, May 6, 4 p.m. $35-$98; www.stnj. org; 732-246-7469. Dharmasoul, Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Road, Princeton (GPS address: 600 Mercer St.), Rock-funk duo Jonah Tolchin and Kevin Clifford will mark the release of their new album, “Lightning Kid,” May 12, 8 p.m. $15; www.dharmasoulband.com. The Temptations and The Four Tops, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. The iconic Motown groups will perform their tops hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “I

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE “WHERE HAVE YOU GONE?” By PAM AMICK KLAWITTER

91 “Mansplain” was added to it in Jan. 2018 92 Reward units ACROSS 93 Knee-socks, essentially 1 Hogwarts’ Mrs. Norris is one 96 Jupiter’s locale 4 Long-dist. threat 98 Bad in Barcelona 8 Night vision? 99 Boring 13 Bed covering 100 Wide companion 17 Wearer of hot pants? 101 Cafés and such 19 Milhous : Nixon :: __ : 106 K, to Kay Garfield 110 Tried to sink, maybe 21 Goosebump-inducing 113 Adventurous Centennial 22 Big wind State motto? 23 One of the British? 116 Greek love god 24 Progressive rival 117 All together 25 Common sights on Roman 119 “That’s really spiffy!” roads 120 Long journey 26 Louisiane, par exemple 121 __ noire 27 Soil expert’s observations? 122 Barbie’s original bestie 30 Fully enjoys 123 Rx 32 Alaska’s __ Peninsula 124 Ward of “Sisters” 33 Kid’s backyard apparatus 125 Spa sounds 35 “What’s the __?” 126 __ corps 36 Pixar clownfish 127 Detective Dick’s love 39 Grafton’s “__ for Outlaw” 128 King of Spain 40 Tiny shape-shifters 44 Contest where anglers DOWN compete while jogging on 1 Select from a menu, with the shore? “on” 49 Musical array 2 Divider of rows 51 Tokyo sash 3 Prey grabber 52 Debtor’s list 4 Scheming Shakespearean 53 Highlands group soldier 54 Sumatran swingers 5 Trucker, often 56 It might be square 6 Overflows (with) 57 Sudoku box fillers: Abbr. 7 Rain forest 58 Tennis garb parrot 60 Penetrating wind 8 Clears of 61 Steffi’s tennis-playing spouse condensation 62 In the know 9 Bit 64 Show eager anticipation attachments 66 In vogue, with “the” 10 Clean the slate 68 Where all the Aberdeen lads 11 Island in the get together? stream 72 Logo on many sneakers 12 Barracks break 74 __ roll 13 Paul’s “Ebony 75 Prepare to ride, in a way and Ivory” 79 Coral Sea sight partner 80 She plays Hermione in 14 Like the studio “Harry Potter” films forced to quit 83 Big-headed club making 007 85 Rocket end? movies? 86 Spanish muralist 15 Strong support 87 Vegas table postings 16 Bodybuilder’s 89 It feels like forever pride 90 IRS enforcers 18 Tiny stingers

20 28 29 31 34 37 38 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 55 56 58 59 61 63 65 67 69 70 71 72 73 76

Formal proposal Feudal land Architect Jones Bothersome goings-on Ugli, for one Doctored drinks Nobel Institute city TV Drs. Isles and Quincy Pull the plug Web destination Barrett of S Club 7 Outback bounders Force out of office Basic finish? Singer’s cue You might pick one up in a bar See 95-Down Aviator __ Garros, French Open stadium namesake Knock follower? Diner perch To make sure Shed __ Pipe fastener Eduardo’s eye Storehouse Percussionist who worked with Prince Fable lesson Terse “__ Magnolias”: 1989 film How some insects get their news? Floor model

77 78 79 81 82 84 87 88 90 92 94 95

Popular jeans Seaside glider Beginning Fr. title Start to print? Altar exchange Top at Starbucks Glass fragment Stymies Muck partner “War of the Worlds” invaders With 50-Down, “Double

Fantasy” artist Big name in pharaohs Wild fights Residence Ice bucket accessory Walking tall __ tactic More valuable, in some cases 108 One-named singer 109 Wine from Hungary 110 Portrayer of the first female 97 98 102 103 104 105 107

Colonel Sanders, familiarly 111 Geometry figure 112 Needing a little more drying time 114 Publisher Chandler 115 Prunes 118 Title for Elton

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

THINGS TO DO

Continued from Page 8B Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” and more, May 12, 7 p.m. $45-$95; www.stnj.org; 732-246-7469. Jazz at Princeton University, Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall on the Princeton University Campus. Concert by the Creative Large Ensemble, including compositions and arrangements by Slide Hampton, Renee Rosnes, Maria Schneider, and Sherisse Rogers, May 12, 8 p.m. $15, $5 students; music.princeton.edu; 609-2589220.

MUSEUMS Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, Cadwalader Park, Parkside Avenue, Trenton. Ellarslie Open 35. Annual juried exhibit continues a tradition of supporting area artists and bringing the finest in visual art to patrons and visitors. Juried by Heather Campbell Coyle, May 5 through July 1. VIP Night: preview art for sale, meet and great artists, May 4, 6-9 p.m., $15, $10 at door. Opening reception, May 5, 6-8 p.m. Hours: Wed.-Sat. noon to 4 p.m. Sun. 1-4 p.m. www.ellarslie.org; 609-9893632. Princeton University Art Museum, on the campus of

Princeton University, Princeton. “Frank Stella Unbound: Literature and Printmaking,” Between 1984 and 1999, the American artist Frank Stella executed four print series, each of which was named after a literary work that had a distinctive narrative structure, May 19 through Sept. 23; Hours: Tues.-Wed., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Admission is free; artmuseum. princeton.edu; 609-258-3788. Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton. “A Gentleman’s Pursuit: The Commodore’s Greenhouse,” about one of the state’s earleist greenhouses, through June 3. Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10, $8 seniors/students; morven.org; 609-924-8144.

LIFESTYLE  Packet Publication

LOOSE ENDS

ia Ma  

Pam Hersh

Dancing the night away, for good causes

When I turned 57 — once upon a time — I did what many people do when they get to “the age” of psychological liberation, and that was to make a lifestylechanging decision. In my case, it was a grumpy-old-lady decision to attend no more fundraiser galas. I would donate money to local causes, but would refuse to be forced to wear shoes that kill my feet, put on makeup that only accentuated my wrinkles, eat way too much way too close to bedtime, feel inadequate for being too poor to bid on a luxurious trip to a French Riviera villa, lose my voice talking over the obnoxiously loud music, lose my hearing seated next to the obnoxiously loud music, be unable to have a conversation with people I liked because of the obnoxiously loud music, and unearth no one willing to “dance the night away” with me to the obnoxiously loud music. Two weeks ago, I broke my no-gala resolution, because of a desire to support two classy and inspiring community leaders, whose lifestyle-changing decisions reflected an upbeat approach to life, instead of my rather deadbeat approach. Jianping Wang, president of Mercer County Community College (MCCC), and Carol Golden, the chair of MCCC’s board, both decided to dance to their own beat at public events, in order to raise money for educational causes. On the week-

end of April 20, they put their feet where their mouths were. West Windsor resident Dr. Wang entertained hundreds of MCCC supporters with two spectacular dance routines at the MCCC Foundation’s “Spring into Student Success” Scholarship Fundraiser on April 20. She danced the waltz and rumba to promote the MCCC mission of “student success through affordable quality education,” as well as to celebrate renowned New Jersey educator Dr. George Pruitt. Pruitt recently retired from the presidency of Thomas Edison State University, where he served for 35 years. Princeton resident Carol Golden, wearing her MCCC board chair hat, attended the MCCC benefit April 20, but put on her dancing shoes and glittery attire the following night for the Young Audiences Dazzle: Mad Hot Ballroom 45th Anniversary Gala. Modeled after the reality television program “Dancing with the Stars,” Dazzle featured local community leaders as the “Stars.” Golden, an attorney, who also serves without compensation as chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton, was one of the four “stars,” who competed with flashy dance routines for votes to win the coveted YA Disco Ball Trophy. Young Audiences New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania is an artsin-education resource, providing high-quality performances and artist-in-residence programs to

Jianping Wang, president of Mercer County Community College, was on the dance floor during the college’s “Spring into Student Success” event. schools in all 21 counties of New Jersey and the seven eastern most counties of Pennsylvania. I was able to follow these two community movers and shakers as they progressed to being skilled dancing movers and shakers, because of my longtime role as a Mercer County Community College board member. I was particularly curious as to 1) what moved the MCCC college president and board chair to pursue the avocation of dancing for charity; and 2) how they navigated the challenges on the road of their

personal dancing journey. Apparently, the desire to dance had nothing to do with something in MCCC’s bottled water. Golden said that she got involved, because of her friend Barbara Coe. “Barbara participated [and won the YA trophy] several years ago,” Golden said. “She told me it was the most fun thing she ever had done. I agreed to be a YA star, because . . . it was for a good cause and it seemed like the right thing to do.” She added she also thought it would be good to do something out of her comfort zone. Golden did not win the YA contest, but she did win emotionally for herself and fiscally for Young Audiences by generating a lot of donations for the charity. The trophy went to Jeannine Cimino (senior vice president and regional operations leader, Berkshire Bank) — who competed against Golden — plus Tom Sullivan, (chief executive officer, Princeton Partners), and Jeff Vega (president and chief executive officer, Princeton Area Community Foundation). Golden described the journey as an “emotional roller coaster.” “I don’t think I realized how uncomfortable it is to be outside one’s comfort zone,” she said. “Many of my fears and inhibitions were activated . . . hence the discomfort. I was afraid of people’s judgments of me; I was afraid I would look silly or inappropriate; I was afraid I couldn’t learn the

routine. I forgot to be afraid that I might hurt myself — and that of course is what I did. About midway through the preparation I aggravated an old knee injury, a torn and never-repaired ACL. “After some rest and some physical therapy, I got back to the dancing, and wore a knee brace for practice, but I was always a little nervous about re-injuring it. And that, coupled with my slower-than- I-would-have-liked dancing progress, made the whole thing pretty stressful for me. So much of my head space was taken up with ‘Can I actually do this?’” Golden acknowledged that the whole experience has given her a better understanding of, and more confidence in, herself. “I do feel like a better person for having spent time with Ilya Abdullin and the other professional dancers at the Fred Astaire Studio,” she said, referring to each “star” dancer teaming up with a professional from Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Princeton, practicing for three months to prepare for the Dazzle debut. “They got me through to the place I am today — happy that I pushed through all the fears and did it! I feel lucky to have gotten to know them.” For Wang, her journey into dancing for charity was motivated by her moving personal and professional journey that started in communist China, where educa-

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Loose Ends Continued from Page 11B tion was a privilege bestowed only a select few. “It has been a very long journey with many twists and turns from an unwanted girl from China to the sixth president of Mercer County Community College,” Wang said in the address she made at her MCCC presidential inauguration in 2015. “However, no one succeeds alone, as I am standing on the shoulders of many unsung heroes.” Her journey involved challenging the policies of the Maoist government, gaining admission to one of China’s premier universities, and eventually immigrating to the United States, where she pursued her advanced degrees and achieved her dream of becoming an educator. “I took up dance many years ago,” she said. “It was originally intended to reduce stress in a fun and healthy way. Indeed, I find myself enjoying it so much. For a long time, I kept my dance hobby as a secret, al-

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though I did feel very comfortable on dance floor. I simply wanted to enjoy myself and make it my time and my space. “I was inspired to go public [in performance mode] with my dance, because I believe it could be a great way to raise scholarship money. I will do whatever [it takes] to raise scholarship money. To do something fun for a great cause is definitely a win-win endeavor. “As I grow older, I find dancing to be a great way to stay healthy physically and mentally. I highly recommend it to everyone who is trying to find a good way to cope with stress. Whenever I am on a dance floor, my stress leaves my body and my mind clears up. The only thing I can hear is music and my body just wants to follow the music.” Sounds like a journey I should take. The trip just might transform me from a grumpy old lady to a funky-styled Ginger Rogers willing to go to fundraisers — once in a while.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Dr. Corine Williams, Ph.D.

What to know about young adults and opioids It may start with a prescription to manage pain after a sports injury or a car accident, or even after the time-honored, teenage rite of passage of having wisdom teeth pulled. But while opioid prescription medications can be effective in treating pain, they can also pose a significant danger, especially for young adults. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, young adults ages 18 to 25 are the biggest abusers of prescription opioid pain relievers in the United States. And they are suffering the consequences. To help stem the rising tide of opioid addiction and overdoses, Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health offers a Young Adult Program that provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored for people ages 18 through their mid-20s struggling with the combined issues of substance abuse and behavioral health issues, such as anxiety or depression. Starts in the medicine cabinet There is no question that opioid addiction is an epidemic in the United States, one that has reached crisis proportions and shows little sign of abating. Consider that a report released last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that from 2015 to 2016 opioid overdose death rates increased by more

than 27 percent among all demographics, including young adults. But how does opioid addiction start? Most people need to look no further than their own medicine cabinet for the answer. Recent research published by Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America indicates that the most common source of opioids available for misuse is the unused portions of postoperative prescriptions. According to the study, 80 percent of high school seniors who reported nonmedical use of prescription opioids previously had legitimate prescriptions, but recreationally used leftover doses. What starts as recreation can quickly and easily turn into dependence and addiction. As the study notes, 34 percent of people who have taken prescription opioids for at least two months became addicted to, or physically dependent on, the medications. For some people, it can be even quicker. Opioids work by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors throughout the body and reducing the perception of pain. Though opioids can be safe and effective for reducing pain when used correctly, when misused — whether for recreation or self-medication in people with a history of trauma, depression, anxiety or other mood disorder — they can cause changes in the structure of the brain that lead to

uncontrollable cravings for the drug. It doesn’t take long before the body needs the drugs just to feel well and stave off symptoms of withdrawal like extreme nausea, vomiting, pain, and shaking. Moreover, as tolerance builds, the body needs more to achieve the high and pain relief the drugs produce. And when it comes to young adults, their still-developing brains are particularly susceptible to chemical addiction. Over time, what starts out as misuse of prescription painkillers from the medicine cabinet can escalate to using heroin because heroin is easier and cheaper to buy. As the NIH reports, nearly half of young people who inject heroin report having abused prescription opioids first. Red flags The consequences of addiction can reach into all areas of life — social, legal and financial. Red flags that may indicate a young person is struggling with addiction include: • Changes in grades or study habits • Loss of job • Fighting with family and friends • Increased irritability • Abnormal sleep patterns • Lack of appetite • Weight loss • Wearing long-sleeve shirts, even in warm environments, to cover track marks • Stealing • Missing pills or pre-

scription bottles If you notice these signs or suspect that someone you know may be abusing drugs, talk to them about your concerns and encourage them to get treatment before they spiral further into the abyss of addiction. The road to recovery Research shows that young adults tend to have better recovery outcomes in programs tailored to their unique needs because of common life experiences and stressors that are different from those facing older individuals. The Young Adult Program at Princeton House helps young adults ages 18 through the mid-20s who are struggling with addiction by offering a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approach that includes: • A thorough evaluation by a board certified psychiatrist or advanced practice nurse • Individual assessments and sessions • Group therapy that features coping and life skills training • Family group sessions • Creative arts therapy • Medication monitoring The program helps young adults struggling with addiction navigate the perils of staying sober and learn how to make good life choices by: • Building self-esteem and confidence • Developing healthy, adaptive coping skills in response to triggers • Creating life goals and fostering independence

• Maintaining medication therapy • Seeking connections to mental health and social supports, such as 12-step programs • Interacting positively with family Studies indicate that when a person is actively participating in treatment, the likelihood of long-term sobriety increases. Depending on needs, treatment options include a

partial hospitalization program from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. five days per week or an intensive outpatient program from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. three days per week. Princeton House also provides a medical detoxification program for chemically addicted patients. For more information, go to princetonhouse.org or call 888-437-1610.

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