VOL. 49, NO. 11
Friday, June 1, 2018
thelawrenceledger.com
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Schools continue search for new superintendent By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Wanted: One superintendent of schools. Must be able to create a positive and professional climate of mutual trust and respect, and who can recruit and keep effective teachers in the school district. Has to be able to set a culture of high expectations for students and staff, and be highly visible throughout the school district and the community. That’s what administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, students and community members want in the next superintendent of schools in the Lawrence Township Public School District, based on an online survey and focus groups conducted in April
and May. Nearly 500 people responded to the online survey, including administrators, community members, parents, students, support staff and teachers, according to a report compiled by consultant Hazard Young Attea & Associates. The consultant is leading the search for a new superintendent of schools to replace Crystal Edwards, who retired in March. Andrew Zuckerman, the director of curriculum and instruction, has been appointed interim superintendent of schools. Of the 485 respondents to the online survey, the majority, 226, were parents. The other respondents included 131 teachers, 31 administrators, 48 community members, 35 support staff and 14
students. Breaking down the results, the survey showed nearly every respondent agreed the new superintendent has to be someone who can create a climate of trust and respect among faculty, staff and administrators. Community members, parents, students, support staff and teachers reached consensus that the superintendent needs to be someone who can recruit and keep effective personnel in the district. Parents and community members agreed the new superintendent must be someone who sets a culture of high expectations for students, while students, support staff and teachers reached consensus that the superintendent must be a visible presence in the
school district. During the process, consultant Judith Ferguson of Hazard Young Attea & Associates sat down with 68 participants in focus groups and personal interviews. The meetings included administrators, school board members, community members, students and teachers. The results of the focus groups and personal interviews revealed general agreement that the school district is well run, safe and educationally sound. “Students enjoy a strong academic program and a wide range of age-appropriate extra-curricular opportunities. Teachers are described as well prepared, skilled and caring,” Ferguson wrote in the report. Participants in the focus
groups and personal interviews agreed that one of the school district’s strengths is its cultural, racially and economically diverse student body. It is a source of pride, Ferguson wrote. While students, staff and parents are generally satisfied, “many acknowledged the need to promote and market the district to others who live in Lawrence Township and to the greater community. Improving the image and reputation of the school district is a need,” she wrote. The survey results will be used by Hazard Young Attea & Associates to find someone who has most of the skills and character traits to meet the needs of the district, Ferguson wrote.
Memorial Day events remember the fallen By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Lawrence Township residents turned out to honor and remember the soldiers, sailors and airmen, many of whom lived in the township, who died in military conflicts that began with the Revolutionary War and continue to this day, at the annual Memorial Day observance on the morning of May 26. Marchers that included the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, antique military Jeeps, Col. William Hand of Revolutionary War fame, and assorted youth groups marched down Princeton Pike to Darrah Lane, Birchwood Knoll and Oaklynn Terrace and into Veterans Park. The marchers passed the reviewing stand, with U.S. Navy (Ret.) Commander Andrew Tunnard, the parade grand marshal, and Mayor Christopher Bobbitt. They saluted as the American flag passed by the reviewing stand. Tunnard lives in Lawrence and served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1989 to 2012. He participated in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and in subsequent conflicts. Marching bands from Lawrence High School and Princeton University, along with the Washington Memorial Pipe Band, provided music along the route for marchers and spectators. More music in Veterans Park was provided by the Lawrence Community Band. Veterans were encouraged to stand when the band played tunes associated with their branch of the military - Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. Retired U.S. Army Col. Robert Watson, who is the commander of the 112th Field Artillery Association, presented the winners of the Memorial Day essay contest - first place, Eva Stoev, second place, Nishka Desai, and third place, Elizabeth Ochtay. All are students at the Lawrence Intermediate School. In his remarks, Bobbitt reminded the attendees Memorial Day is a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice - servicemen who were killed in combat - for the values of the United States. Memorial Day is not a day to thank veterans who survived the military conflicts for their service. That is reserved for Veterans Day, he said. Bobbitt said he recently attended the funeral of his fa-
ther-in-law, Retired U.S. Army Major Raymond Smith, at Arlington National Cemetery. One of Smith’s friends recalled his dedication to service, even after retirement. “The second memory I have (of the funeral) is just the feeling of being in a field full of those who have served in the defense of our nation, and an embodiment of our nation’s motto, ‘E pluribus unum,’ one out of many,” Bobbitt said. Tunnard, the parade grand marshal, drew his remarks from a comment he heard in an interview with James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, which is that “the United States does not have any natural enemies.” Reciting a list of countries against which the United States has fought - Vietnam, North Korea, Germany, Japan and Italy Tunnard said this country is at peace with those nations now. Why? Because American servicemen started the peace process even as they battled the North Vietnamese, North Koreans, Germans, Japanese and Italians, Tunnard said. When the fighting is done, Americans work hard to build real peace, he said. “The Cold War. World War I. The Spanish-American War. The Civil War. We are reluctant to go to war, but we are not afraid. There is a difference,” he said. “What is most important is that when the fighting is done, we work just as hard to reach real peace,” Tunnard said. “We don’t, perhaps we can’t, stay enemies with others. That is what it means when we say, ‘The United States does not have natural enemies.’ “ “When we have to, our country will stand up for what is right, but we do not hold grudges. We have changed the world in this respect, and it is changed for the better. We should be proud of that,” he said. “But let us never forget our fallen comrades have made that happen, and this weekend we remember and thank them for that legacy.” Following Tunnard’s remarks, the commanders of American Legion Post 414 and the 112th Field Artillery Association read the names of members who died during the past year. Then, Tunnard, Bobbitt and representatives of American Legion Post 414 and the 112th Field Artillery Association placed a wreath at the memorial in Veterans Park.
Photo by Scott Jacobs
All fired up
Notre Dame High School’s Tatem Levins was pumped up after getting an extra base hit which drove in the go ahead run on his 19th birthday during a game against Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft on May 29. Notre Dame High School went on to win the game 4-1.
Voters to pick party nominees when polls open for the June 5 primaries By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Lawrence Township voters will go to the polls next week to nominate candidates for an assortment of offices in the Democratic and Republican primary elections. Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 5. There is no municipal election in Lawrence Township, but voters will be asked to choose from among candidates for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Assembly and the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Democrats and Republicans will choose between two candidates for their party’s nomination
for U.S. Senate. The seat is held by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez. Menendez is being challenged in the Democratic primary by Lisa A. McCormick of the Democrats for Change Party. Menendez is running on the regular Democratic Party ticket. On the Republican side, two men are seeking their party’s nomination to run for U.S. Senate - Bob Hugin, who is running on the regular Republican Party ticket, and Brian D. Goldberg, who is running on the Mercer County MAGA Republicans ticket. In the 12th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman is running unopposed in the Democratic primary for her party’s nomination, and Daryl
Call us
Index Calendar........................2A Classified...................C/D/E Lifestyle........................9B
Kipnis is running unopposed for the Republican nomination. Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson is seeking the Democratic Party nomination to run for an unexpired Assembly term in the 15th Legislative District. Tracy R. Sinatra is seeking the Republican Party nomination to run for the Assembly seat. At the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders, incumbent freeholders Ann M. Cannon, Pat Colavita Jr. and Samuel T. Frisby Sr. are running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, Michael Silvestri, Mary R. Walker and Andrew Curcio are seeking their party’s nomination to run for the three freeholder seats.
Movie Times....................11B The State We’re In..............4A Mercer County Notes...........5A
News: (609) 924-3244 Classified: (609) 924-3250 Advertising: (609) 924-3244 To subscribe: (732) 254-7004 Ext. 8451
2A The Lawrence Ledger
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Friday, June 1, 2018
WHAT’S GOING ON June 1-15
Drum Circle: Summer Series, 4:30 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Bring your own drum or use one of ours. Registration is suggested. Call 609989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
June 1; 15-29
Meditation Circle, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Slow down and join Reference Librarian Ann Kerr and reduce stress using meditation. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email Ann Kerr at lawprogs@mcl.org. Posture & Dance Exercises, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Reference Librarian Ann Kerr will share some simple exercises to improve your posture and increase your flexibility. Registration is suggested. Call 609989-6920 or email Ann Kerr at lawprogs@mcl.org.
June 1 through Sept. 7
Sunset, Sips and Sounds, 5-8 p.m., Terhune Orchards winery, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. Wine, light fare, relaxing music and friend-filled evenings every Friday this summer. Grab a glass of one of Terhune’s awardwinning wines, sit back, relax, and enjoy live music from local artists each week. Styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock. Wine and light fare including cheese platters and chips and homemade salsa are available. Rain or shine event, no admission fee. Individual glasses of wine can be purchased. Families are welcome. Please, no outside food. Music Schedule: June 1 – Jerry Steele June 8 – James Popik June 15 – Victor Tarasso June 22 – Michaela McClain June 29 – Christine Havrilla Mon., June 4, 11 and 18 Yoga, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Sunita Yadav teaches this series of yoga classes. All levels of experience are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Class is limited to 30 participants. Participants must register online for each individual class date. Go to mcl.org, click on the program tab at the top of the page to access EventKeeper.
Tues. June 5
Read & Pick Program: Strawberries, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Terhune Orchards winery, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. Read & Pick is a program that combines picking fruit with your young child and listening to a story highlighting the fruit. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8 years) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about strawberries. Two books will be read highlighting strawberries followed by an educational component. Then everyone will pick his or her own container of strawberries. Farm staff will explain how strawberries grow and how they should be picked. The cost is $8 per child and includes the container of strawberries. Registration is requested. There are two sessions: 9:30 am and 11:00 am. For more information call 609-924-2310 or visit www.terhuneorchards.com. Current Events Discussion Club, 7 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. 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 609989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Wed., June 6, 20
Knitting Circle, 7-8:30 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. 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 609-9896920 or email lawprogs@ mcl.org.
June 7-8
Blueberry Bash, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Terhune Orchards winery, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. Wander through Terhune’s pick-your-pwn blueberry bushes; relax on a wagon ride around the farm. Pony rides, music and lots of tasty blueberry treats – blueberry muffins, blueberry cobbler, and blueberry salsa! Adults can visit the tasting room for a sample of our award winning Harvest Blues wine. Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre will perform both days. Enter your favorite recipe in the juried Blueberry Bash
Bake-off on Sunday. Contest rules will be available at the farm store. The prize winners will receive Terhune Orchards Gift Certificate good for any purchase in the Farm Store. Admission costs $8. No admission fee to farm store or winery. Parking is at the farm. For more information call 609-924-2310 or visit www.terhuneorchards.com.
Sat. June 9 & Tues., June 12
Registration is now open for the Princeton Festival’s popular Music That Tells a Story, a free introduction to opera that includes an interactive workshop led by professional singer and educator Dr. Rochelle Ellis plus admission to a fullystaged performance of the Puccini favorite Madama Butterfly. More information and an online enrollment form is available at https://princetonfestival. o rg / e v e n t / 2 0 1 8 - o p e r a workshop-music-tells-story/. Participants have a choice of workshop sessions: Princeton on June 6 at 6:30 p.m.; Trenton on June 9 at 10 a.m.; or Lawrenceville on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. The opera performance takes place at McCarter Theatre in Princeton on June 14 at 7 p.m.
Sat., June 9
Laffcon 3: The World’s Only Science Fiction Convention Devoted To R. A. Lafferty, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System will be hosting the world’s only science fiction convention devoted to the work of legendary author R. A. Lafferty. The library will have panels on three of Lafferty’s novels: “Not to Mention Camels,” “Past Master,” and “Okla Hannali.” We will have an art show and free refreshments. Registration suggested online through EventKeeper. For more information, go to www.mcl. org or call 609-989-6920.
Sun., June 10
The HomeFront “Rock & Roll for Hope” 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk, rain or shine, will benefit HomeFront’s summer camp and year-round children’s enrichment programming for local homeless and atrisk kids. Register to run or walk at 9 a.m., the ETS Campus, 660 Rosedale Road, Princeton, or preregister at homefrontnj.org. There will be live music and a “rock star” costume
contest. Games, food and awards will also be featured.
June 11, June 25
Off the Page, 7 p.m. Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. 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. Library staff 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.
Mon., June 11
Movie Matinee: “Marshall,” 2 p.m. Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. In 1940 Connecticut, Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, defends a black chauffeur accused of rape. 118 min. PG-13. Registration is suggested. Call 609-989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.
Wed., June 13
“19th Century New Jersey Photographers: Mercer County,” 7 p.m. Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Lecture by Gary D. Saretzky, Monmouth County Archivist and renowned photographer. Of the approximately 3,000 different photographers who were active in New Jersey before 1900, more than 250 lived or worked in Mercer County, most of them in Trenton. In a slide lecture, Saretzky will profile these pioneers, including Edward H. Stokes who lived in what is now the William Trent House, and discuss them within the larger context of New Jersey photography in the 19th century. As seen in the slides, these photographers documented the people and places of their times but, in addition, their individual histories provide insight into social conditions of their era. For more information, go to www.mcl.org or call 609-989-6920.
Tues. June 19
Read & Pick Program: Cherries, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Terhune Orchards winery, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. Read & Pick is a program that combines picking fruit
with your young child and listening to a story highlighting the fruit. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8 years) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about cherries. Two books will be read highlighting cherries followed by an educational component. Then everyone will pick his or her own container of cherries. Farm staff will explain how cherries grow and how they should be picked. The cost is $8 per child and includes the container of cherries. Registration is requested. There are two sessions: 9:30 am and 11:00 am. For more information call 609-924-2310 or visit www.terhuneorchards.com.
Sun., June 24
Firefly Festival, 4- 9 p.m., Terhune Orchards winery, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. Fireflies are an “electrifying” part of summer. To celebrate this exciting free event, enjoy an evening of nature, music, wagon rides, and outdoor fun. Celebrate fireflies by making your own wings and antenna. There will be a $5 charge for the crafts activities. Enjoy live music by Miss Amy and her Big Kids Band while you wait for the fireflies to come out. Circus Place, New Jersey’s premier circus training facility, will showcase their Youth Circus Performance Troupe at Firefly Festival. Watch the students perform aerials, acrobatics and juggling. Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops and learn to juggle, spin a plate, balance feathers, and walk a tight wire. Food will be available at Pam’s Firefly Tent: grilled chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, pie, apple cider, donuts, cookies, apples and more! Pony rides, face painting and wagon rides through the farm and orchards will be available all evening. Adults can enjoy Terhune’s own wine to sample or by the glass in the tasting room. For more, go to www.terhuneorchards. com or call 609-924-2310.
Tues., June 26
The Princeton PC Users Group, 7 p.m., Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Talk titled “What’s a Router and Why Do I Want One?” by Gabe Goldberg. The electronic box connected between your ISP’s wall connection and your home network is almost certainly a router (providing Ethernet ports and WiFi access), or perhaps it’s a router with added capabilities (e.g., modem converting ISP connectivity to
6/30/18
Ethernet). You’re hardly alone if you haven’t given it much thought, since it likely “just works”, year after year. But routers are complex devices: in fact, they’re computers running operating systems and applications! They’re therefore worth informed decisions about selection and configuration, and need occasional software updating or replacement to fix problems, improve performance, and (especially) close security exposures. This presentation will answer the question posed above and help understand and exploit router features. For more information, go to ppcug-nj.apcug.org.
Fri., June 29
“Rabbi’s Tisch,” Adath Israel, 1958 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville. Rabbi Benjamin Adler of Adath Israel Congregation will hold a “Rabbi’s Tisch,” an old Chasidic custom t gather around a Rabbi’s table for celebration, words of Torah and Fellowship. Following services, stay for an extended Oneg Shabbat, jokes, songs and stories shared by everyone at the table. The evening service will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Rabbi’s Tisch will follow at 8:30 p.m. For more information, go to www. adathisraelnj.org or call 609-896-4977.
Tues., July 10
Read & Pick Program: Blueberries, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Terhune Orchards winery, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. Read & Pick is a program that combines picking fruit with your young child and listening to a story highlighting the fruit. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8 years) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about blueberries. Two books will be read highlighting blueberries followed by an educational component. Then everyone will pick his or her own container of blueberries. Farm staff will explain how blueberries grow and how they should be picked. The cost is $8 per child and includes the container of cherries. Registration is requested. There are two sessions: 9:30 am and 11:00 am. For more information call 609-924-2310 or visit www.terhuneorchards.com.
If you or your organization have an event you’d like featured in the What’s Going On section, send your information to amartins@centraljersey.com. Submissions must be made by 2 p.m., Tuesday.
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Friday, June 1, 2018
The Lawrence Ledger 3A
Lawrence National Trails Weekend offers full slate of activities By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Aiming to acquaint residents and visitors alike with its history and its trails, Lawrence Township is celebrating Lawrence National Trails Weekend with a series of events June 2-3. The celebration, “Making Township Connections to Our History and Trails,” coincides with National Trail Day and the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System, said Paul Larson, chairman of the Lawrence Township Trails,
Open Space and Stewardship Advisory Committee. The National Trails System Act of 1968 created several categories of trails, including National Scenic Trails, National Historic Trails, National Recreation Trails and a subset of recreation trails called rail trails. Lawrence Township has examples of three types of trails - the National Historic Trail, the National Recreation Trail and a rail trail, according to municipal officials. Some of those trails cross through preserved open space in the township. Lawrence National
Trails Weekend kicks off June 2 at 8:45 a.m. at the municipal building on Route 206. The kickoff event will offer brief coverage of the parks and trails in Lawrence Township. Visitors will learn about the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, which passes in front of the municipal building. Just down Meadow Road from the Brearley House, visitors can explore the Princessville Cemetery and the Princessville Inn historic sites, starting at 12:30 p.m. The cemetery
holds the graves of four African-American men who fought in the Civil War. The Princessville Inn was a stopping point on the stagecoach road between New York City and Philadelphia. It was on the Princeton-Kingston Branch Turnpike, known today as Princeton Pike. At 2 p.m., there will be a walking tour of the Lawrence Township-owned Maidenhead Meadows Park on Princeton Pike, which is opposite the Joseph H. Maher Jr. Ecological Center. Visitors can see the remnants of an old tree
nursery and the meadows. Across town, at 4:30 p.m., visitors can explore Colonial Lake Park, off Brunswick Pike and across from the Lawrence Shopping Center. It is one of the township’s oldest parks, whose focal point is a manmade lake. Walkers can stroll along a path around the perimeter of Colonial Lake. The weekend events continue on June 3, when visitors can walk the trails in the Loveless Nature Preserve and Central Park, off Eggerts Crossing Road, starting at 8 a.m.
A walking path along the roadbed of the former Johnson Trolley Line, a designated rail trail, is nearby. The Johnson Trolley Line connected Princeton and Trenton. The weekend wraps up with a walk along the trail in the Mercer Countyowned Mercer Meadows Park, off Cold Soil and Keefe roads, starting at 12:30 p.m. The walk begins in Village Park, at the end of Gordon Avenue in the Society Hill of Lawrenceville development.
Nonprofit organization HomeFront asks community for diapers donations By Lea Kahn Staff Writer
With two weeks left in its month-long “Diaper Challenge,” HomeFront has collected 44,000 disposable diapers and baby wipes - almost half of its goal to collect 100,000 diapers and wipes. The “Diaper Challenge” began on Mother’s Day and HomeFront wants to meet its goal by June 13. HomeFront is a Lawrence
Township-based nonprofit organization that helps the homeless and the working poor. Diapers of any size and any shape may be dropped off at HomeFront’s main office at 1880 Princeton Avenue, near the Brunswick Circle, Lawrence Township, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. On Saturday, diapers may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and noon. With 100,000 diapers in
hand, HomeFront will open its Diaper Resource Center. It will provide diapers to Mercer County families that need them and cannot afford to keep enough diapers on hand. Disposable diapers are expensive, said Sarah Steward, HomeFront’s chief operating officer. It costs about $70 to $80 per month to keep a baby in diapers. While there are state and federal programs that provide financial assis-
tance for food and housing, there are none for diapers, she said. “If you live in Trenton and you don’t have a car, you have to go to the local bodega to buy diapers. They will charge $1 per diaper. That’s a sin,” Steward said. Citing the National Diaper Bank Network, HomeFront officials said about one in three families experience “diaper need,” not having enough diapers on
hand to keep a baby clean and dry. Some parents may stretch the amount of time between diaper changes. But it’s more than having enough diapers to keep a baby clean and dry, HomeFront officials said. Without diapers, a baby cannot take part in early childhood education programs, and without child care, parents cannot hold down a job. While donors can drop off the diapers and baby
wipes at HomeFront’s office, diapers can be purchased online and shipped to HomeFront. This may be accomplished by visiting www.homefrontjn.org and visiting the Diaper Challenge wish list. Financial contributions are welcome, too. “We would be delighted to have delivery of large boxes of diapers and wipes to our warehouse,” said Dale Brown, the warehouse manager for HomeFront.
HOPEWELL VALLEY
Three-day event inspires area residents to unplug, take in nature By Samantha Brandbergh Correspondent
Hopewell and Pennington residents of all ages will be encouraged to step away from their screens and enjoy the great outdoors through Hopewell Valley Come Outside and Play (HVCOP) from June 7 to 9. This year, HVCOP has partnered with over a dozen organizations to bring interactive activities for community members to enjoy, allowing them to explore the creeks, ponds, mountains and trails that the area has to offer. Organized by the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance and Hopewell Valley’s Backyard, HVCOP has been a yearly event since 2010, and allows schools and local organizations to come together and discuss the importance of nature and spending time outside. Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance coordinator and HVCOP main organizer Heidi Kahme said that the event was partially inspired by literature. In 2009, students in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District (HVRSD) read Richard Louv’s book entitled “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit
Disorder.” The messages within the book, Kahme said, rang true to people today. “It discusses the benefits of kids being outside, and how — with screens and video games and the fear of ‘stranger danger’ — kids can’t play freely outside anymore,” she said. The HVRSD staff invited the Municipal Alliance to assist in planning the event, Kahme said. The Alliance organizes similar events such as Hopewell Valley Night Off — a night in March where no homework is given, no meetings are planned and family time is recommended. “When I was brought into the conversation, they said, ‘Heidi, you guys do Hopewell Valley Night Off, what if we did one day where the whole community just got outside?’ And I thought, ‘Oh, that’s kind of cool,’” she said. Before HVCOP officially begins on Thursday, June 7, three preview activities will be provided to the community on Saturday, June 2 — National Trails Day — and Sunday, June 3. These previews, such as hiking in Mercer Meadows, yoga in the Thompson Preserve and “rejuvenating” the trails on Baldpate Moun-
tain, will center around the trails that wind through the Hopewell-Pennington area. The activities on Thursday, June 7 range from seeing the homes of wild animals at the Mercer County Wildlife Center to examining organisms at the Washington Crossing State Park pond. Residents could also opt for a fun weekend with the Adventure Guides Family Cabin Camp at Camp Mason in Hardwick, New Jersey, which runs from Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10. Community members can participate in boating, an outdoor climbing tower, archery lessons, hiking, apple cider making, pretzel making and more. The community can expect to be transported back to the 1860s during the Old Time Baseball game taking place on Saturday, June 9. The event will aim to replicate a 19th century baseball game, complete with a reproduction of the uniforms and equipment of that time. After the professional old time game, members of the public are also welcome to participate in a game from 1 to 3 p.m., which will include the sport’s early rules. Howell Living History Farm, a facility of the Mer-
cer County Park Commis- happened in the past,” he bats and bags of flour will replace the bases. sion, is the sponsor for the said. “It’s the kind of stuff According to Watson, event, and Director Pete Watson said the game will the farm has been organiz- you’d have if you had a give the public a feel for ing the Old Time Baseball pick-up game out in the how baseball has evolved games for 32 years; the two country,” Watson said. teams involve the farm’s over the years. For a full list of activities, “It’s a lot of fun, every- interns and volunteers — visit https://bit.ly/2INRT4E. one gets to do something The Hogs — and members Registration is required for that they wouldn’t nor- of the public — The Bulls. some activities; most activiIn this vintage version, ties are at no cost and open mally do, which is being involved in 00256889.0217.03x10.18.BeckerNose&Sinus.indd something that broomsticks will replace to all ages unless specified.
TOWN FORUM
Lawrence Ledger
THE STATE WE’RE IN
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By Michele S. Byers
Say cheese! Remote cameras aid wildlife research A dozen years ago, wildlife experts were sure that the fisher – a member of the weasel family – was long gone from New Jersey. But a biologist using a motion-triggered camera proved them wrong. Believing fishers were back, the late Charlie Kontos, an adjunct professor and Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers, set up a camera along a trail in Stokes State Forest in Sus-
sex County. The image captured by the “trail cam” in October 2006 clearly showed a fisher, its eyes glowing from the flash, climbing a tree at night. It was the first indisputable evidence of fishers in New Jersey in more than a century! Kontos was one of the first New Jersey scientists to successfully use trail cams to document the existence and location of rare
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BETTER ORAL HYGIENE IMPROVES DIABETIC OUTCOMES
If you have type-2 diabetes, you have all the more reason to take good care of your teeth and gums by flossing and brushing regularly and getting regular dental checkups. It is also important to undergo “scaling” and “root planing” (non-surgical forms of “deep-cleaning” teeth above and below the gums) as needed. According to recent research, by treating and eliminating oral bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, people with type-2 diabetes can better manage their blood glucose levels. Previous research has shown that oral bacteria may play an important role in diabetes. Those with type-2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing gum disease, and gum disease may increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Although gum disease is caused by oral bacteria, other factors can increase the risk, severity, and speed of their development.
These factors include disease, medications, smoking, poorly fitting bridges, defective restorations, poor diet, pregnancy, impacted food, and bad habits. If you are new to the Skillman area and haven’t found the right dentist yet for your family, we invite you to call 609-924-8300 to set up an appointment at Montgomery Knoll, 192 Tamarack Circle, Skillman. “Our commitment is to relationships of partnership, respect, and appreciation.” “We offer cosmetic and family dentistry as well as Zoom!® and Invisalign®.”
species. Since then, digital technology has improved and costs have come down. Remote cameras are now an increasingly important research tool for studying wildlife, especially secretive and nocturnal species. Take the bobcat, for instance. These native wildcats, endangered in New Jersey, are among the state’s shyest species. A wildlife biologist could spend an entire career in the field without ever catching a glimpse of a bobcat! “They’re really elusive and seeing them in person is practically impossible,” said naturalist Tyler Christensen, who has made a specialty of photographing bobcats with remote cameras. “It would be pure luck.” Tyler’s photography has shown that the range of bobcats in New Jersey is greater than originally thought. He’s used motionsensor cameras to not only document the presence of bobcats in various parts of New Jersey, but also study their behaviors and capture
high-quality photos. “I’ve found bobcats in places where they haven’t been seen before, and observed really interesting behaviors that you wouldn’t see otherwise,” he said. For example, he’s seen bobcats carrying food in their mouths, cheek rubbing (“just like housecats”) to leave their scent on trees and rocks, marking their territory with urine and feces, and male bobcats following females. Tyler began four years ago with basic trail cams, which detect motion and record still photos or videos, day or night. However, the infrared images produced at night – when most of New Jersey’s native wildlife is active – are grainy black-and-white shots. Wanting better images, Tyler started experimenting with “camera traps,” motion-activated digital single lens reflex cameras that take high-quality color photos. He now uses a combination of trail cams and camera traps to stalk his quarry.
GUEST COLUMN
around your home at night, try a trail cam! They’re readily available online and at outdoor and hunting supply retailers. To see some of Tyler’s best photos, check out his Instagram page atwww. instagram.com/njnaturalist /. And if you click on the #cameratrap or #trailcam hashtags on his photos, you can view more camera trap and trail cam photography from around the world! Remote photography is a great example of how technology helps with the study and understanding of wildlife – and the preservation of the places most important to their long-term survival! For information about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation. org or contact me at info@ njconservation.org.
Michele S. Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in Morristown.
Valeria Torres-Oliveras
A conversation is needed after Cinco de Mayo Everyone living in Princeton should be consciously aware of the fact that our community is very much a part of the culture and system that perpetuates discrimination, racism, and overall, white supremacy. Many of us would like to believe that we are not a part of this problem. We see ourselves as someone who can be a part of the solution, or as someone who generally does not influence either side. We give ourselves a pat on the back for reading the news, posting a few social media rants on the current hot-button issue, or for walking in a few protests or marches, because nothing says “woke” like a cis straight white girl taking a dozen photos with pride flags proceeding then to plaster it all over social media. Nothing says “woke” like a cis straight white girl proclaiming to be a feminist and an ally, when in actuality the only issues ever cared about only affect cis straight white women. Nothing says “woke” like proclaiming to be racially literate, and then proceeding to participate actively or be a bystander to a party revolving around cultural appropriation. As Cinco de Mayo arrives each year, I mentally prepare myself for the “Drinko de Mayo” parties hosted and attended mostly by white people, white people being patrons to not-so-authentic chain “Mexican” restaurants, pictures of white people in stereotypical Mexican costumes, and all of it being proudly displayed over various social media plat-
forms. I have yet to be disappointed every year by the amount of white people who “celebrate” Cinco de Mayo for me in a disrespectful and inappropriate manner. The worst part is that it seems to grow every year. Unless you live in Puebla, the town where the battle occurred, not many people celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Mexico. However, if you are going to celebrate, there are ways to do so in a respectful manner. A few great ways of doing so are supporting local Mexican businesses, getting involved and volunteering at local organizations to help immigrants, donating to said organizations, or becoming culturally literate on what Cinco de Mayo really is about. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the 1862 defeat of the powerful invading French army by an ill-equipped Mexican army, consisting of a mix of soldiers and peasants. Due to its historical importance, not just for Mexico but also for the United States, in 2005, the 109th U.S. Congress issued Resolution 44 to recognize Cinco de Mayo as a national celebration. H.Con.Res.44 concludes: “Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that Congress recognizes the historical struggle for independence and freedom of the Mexican people and requests the President to issue a proclamation recognizing that struggle and calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies
Please e-mail your questions or comments to: drjamescally@yahoo.com
P.S. Type-2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90-95 percent of all cases among 30.3 million diabetics in the United States.
Today, Tyler has what may be the best collection of wild New Jersey bobcat photos - stunning images of wildcats playing in the snow, climbing on rocks, eating animal carcasses or stretched out on tree limbs. His camera traps have snapped images of many other species, including coyotes, possums, foxes, raccoons, bears, deer – and even an otter! With trail cam prices coming down, Tyler encourages nature enthusiasts to try them out near their homes to see what wildlife shows up. Tyler lives in Somerset, just outside New Brunswick, and is constantly amazed at the wildlife that exists in in a park next to his suburban neighborhood. “We live a lot closer to wildlife than we might think,” he said. “Wildlife is surprisingly abundant in many places, and really good at avoiding people. Most of our wildlife is nocturnal.” If you’re curious about what animals are creeping
and activities.” The resolution also issues a reminder: “ . . . Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that the foundation of the United States is built by people from many nations and diverse cultures who are willing to fight and die for freedom.” In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is then a celebration of Mexican American identity and culture linked by deep historical roots in the quest of freedom in both countries. This year, a group of Princeton High School seniors and juniors threw a Cinco de Mayo-themed party. There were fake mustaches, sombreros, and chili pepper necklaces passed around for photo opportunities. This “celebration” of Cinco de Mayo not only is an example of cultural appropriation, but an example of how the Mexican-American identity and community is hurt through harmful stereotypes or shows of disrespect. Many of these students are recognized as leaders by the school, some of the students being teenpep and peer group leaders. One of the students involved in the party was even given the Senior Superlative of “social justice warrior.” To my knowledge, there was a discussion prior to the students moving forward with the theme, on whether or not the theme would hurt anyone or come off as questionable. After this alleged discussion, the students proceeded to move forward with the party, being fully aware that they could hurt people. I felt that the same students,
white and of color, who sat in my Latin American class, my history classes, and my school, decided to take an entire country, its people, and its beautiful culture, and turn it into a funny-looking costume. I felt that the same students who knew better, turned my heritage into a costume for their entertainment. I felt that the same students who claim to be socially aware or politically correct turned me into a costume. Within the days that followed, three other Hispanic girls and I contacted the administration to see what could be done. Our goal, to educate, not to punish. We came up with the idea of having the students involved come into school with at least one parent to sit down and participate in a racial literacy class or lesson on the negative impact of cultural appropriation This way not only the student is educated, but so is the parent that raised them. In no way did we want to get these students in trouble for underage drinking or anything else, all we wanted to do was to show them and others why their actions had been unacceptable. We told the school about how the incident had affected us, why it was wrong, and why the school needed to take action and educate its students. We were met with a mixed response. The school has done a great job on keeping us updated on its progress, and has given us the platform for us to voice what we felt needed to be done. They decided to meet with
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MERCER COUNTY NOTES Commission to host trail days
Celebrate National Trails Day with the Mercer County Park Commission’s Naturalist Department on Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3. The following programs are suitable for all age groups and encourage participants to enjoy the outdoor opportunities in the county parks. Sensory Hike for Families will lead participants through the trails of Mercer Meadows where hikers will search for different clues to utilize a number of senses. The hike will begin at the newly renovated Historic Hunt Barn where members can pick up a map for a self-guided, familyfriendly sensory hike. This program will take place Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; no registration required. Give Back to the Trails will be held at Baldpate Mountain on Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Get in a hike, some exercise and handson fun led by the Park Commission’s Land Steward while maintaining the trail system. The program will begin at the Pleasant Valley parking lot where basic instructions, hand tools and gloves will be provided. Participants should wear durable footwear, thornresistant clothing and bring plenty of water. Give Back to the Trails is a free program appropriate for ages 12 and over; those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, call the Nature Programs, call 609888-3218. The Mercer County Naturalist Department offers a variety of programs and activities for adults, children and families. Offerings include hikes, birdwatching, hands-on programming and visits to wetlands, grasslands, streams, lakes and more. For information on the Nature Programs, please visit www.mercercountyparks. org.
Brews and Foods at Mercer County Park
Mark your calendar for the first festival of its kind
at Mercer County Park. The New Jersey Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival will debut on Saturday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The afternoon will feature beer from New Jersey’s own craft breweries on tap including Screamin’ Hill Brewery, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Bolero Snort Brewery, Jughandle Brewing Company, Backward Flag Brewing, River Horse Brewing, Brotherton Brewing, Demented Brewing and more. Proceeds from beers on tap will go toward Arms2Artisans (A2A), a paid fellowship program to support veterans with job placement and peer support. Attendees will also have 15 food trucks to choose from including a variety of hot meals and dessert options to purchase throughout the day. The Flying Pie Guy, Mexi-Flip Taco Truck, Jersey Devil BBQ, Dan’s Waffles, Buzzetta Mama’s Meatballs, Star of the Sea Seafood, Carolina Blue, Cajun Jax and others will be on site. Musical entertainment will be provided by Mario & the Slyders. For the younger visitors, a Kids Zone will be available with a bounce house, face paintings and craft activities to get involved in. Tickets for the New Jersey Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival will be sold at the gate upon entry; there will be no advance tickets sold for this event. General admission will cost $7 for those 21 and up; $5 for those under 21, who must be accompanied by a fullpaying adult. Admission for children 12 and under is free. Craft beer is sold separately and is not included in the price of admission. There will be a $5 parking charge per car. For more information, go to www. newjerseycraftbeerevents. com.
of Chosen Freeholders will present the eighth annual Cultural Festival & Food Truck Rally on Saturday, June 16, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. The festival, to be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will celebrate diverse cultures through live music and traditional dance performances, food trucks and biergarten, art demonstrations, heritage crafters, American Indians with handmade tepees, and pony rides and other activities for children. The entertainment schedule is as follows: Cultural Bands 11:30 a.m. – Nagara Group, Sikh 1:30 p.m. – Broken Shillelaghs, Irish 2:45 p.m. – Polkadelphia, Polish 4:30 p.m. – Swing Sabroso, Puerto Rican 6:15 p.m. – Kombo Latino, Latin Dance Performances 12 p.m. – Shishya School, Indian dance 12:15 p.m. – Recordando Mi Tierra, Costa Rican 12:40 p.m. – Trenton Greek Terpsichorians 1:00 p.m. – Shen Yun, Chinese Lion Dancers 2:15 p.m. – Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble 3:30 p.m. – Gypsy Funk Squad, Middle Eastern 4:00 p.m. – Gruppo Folklorico San Jose de Newark, Ecuadorian 5:15 p.m. – Janosik Polish Dance, Polish 5:30 p.m. – Nos Pes de Ouro, Brazilian & Capoeira Admission and parking are free. For more information, email the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage at culturalfestival@mercercounty.org or call 609-278-2712.
County announces photo project
Mercer County’s 12 municipalities are home to citizens of many ethnicities and countries of origin. In celebration of this, County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Board
Mercer County invites you to submit your digital images to help the County create a collection of recent photographs that illustrate living, working and playing within its 12 municipalities. The county is looking for images that illustrate area heritage, economic vibrancy and cultural diver-
worry about it!” When mentioning cultural appropriation in the pre-prom meetings, I heard from a peer that it was touched upon for two seconds as a part of the choices we make regarding social media. I personally heard no mention of “cultural appropriation” during my pre-prom meeting. During our meeting with the administration, we were met with comments concerning how the school did not want to make the students involved in the incident feel shame. The best way to prevent the shame the school brought up was to keep all of this under wraps. Because celebrating a people’s holiday while disrespecting the people whom it belongs to apparently warrants no shame. Telling others what happened and why it was wrong is a vital part of educating the greater community. Hiding the school response allows for these students to get away with all of it, as they have for the past 12 years of their schooling. Every time I would hear jokes about a Hispanic stu-
dent leaving a classroom to “go back across the border”, or every time I would see students giving dirty looks to the ESL students in the back of the room, or every time I would hear a comment directed either at me or at a Hispanic peer regarding the occupation of our parents, and if they enjoyed cleaning their houses and taking care of their lawns, they were never held accountable by the school or the community. While small things like that may not seem to have a great effect, in actuality, microaggressions build up and breed the space which allows for blatant racism and discrimination to exist and persist. Time and time again incidents like this happen, and will continue to happen. It’s not surprising. When one incident or issue pops up, the administration or the community quickly works to patch it up in order to appease those who wish to speak out. But that’s just it. We put a patch or a band-aid over it. Rather than work actively to try and prevent incidents through education, such as this one from occurring,
Cultural Festival Scheduled for June 16
sity and that include public buildings, historic sites, parks and events with or without people using those places. “This is a way for talented amateur photographers to help us spotlight the many great things that Mercer County and its vibrant communities have to offer,” said County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “If you enjoy taking photos, we invite you to show us Mercer County through your lens.” This is not a contest but an opportunity for amateur photographers who seek a broader audience for their work. The images could be used in editorial and commercial digital and print media promoting the County. The photographer’s credit line would appear in the media in which they appear, whenever possible. The county would have exclusive rights of the images and will not sell them. Participants must complete an agreement before submitting images. Instructions and requirements can be found online at ciephoto. com/PhotogDirex.pdf.
ing the proper way to retire an American flag,” Mr. Hughes said. “The flag of the United States symbolizes the values we hold dear and seek to defend, such as liberty, equality, opportunity, democracy and inclusion. It deserves a special sendoff.” Individuals and organizations wishing to have an American flag properly disposed of should bring the flag to any Mercer County office, including County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton; Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence; McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad St., Trenton; and Mercer County Veterans Home, 2280 Hamilton Ave., Hamilton. The flag decommissioning ceremony will take place Thursday, June 14, at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park (Klockner Road entrance). Rain date is Friday, June 15. For more information, contact Mercer County Veteran Services at 609989-6120.
County seeks flags to decommission
Hazardous waste disposal day
Do you have an American flag that is tattered, soiled or otherwise unserviceable? If so, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes encourages you to dispose of it properly at the County’s annual flag decommissioning ceremony scheduled for Flag Day, June 14, at Veterans Park in Hamilton. Each year, the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services partners with local veterans from the American Legion Post 31 and the Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee to hold the time-honored decommissioning, also known as “flag retirement.” American flags that are no longer fit for display will be burned in a dignified manner in a large pit during the ceremony and the flames will be doused by firefighters from the Nottingham Fire Company of Hamilton. “One way we celebrate Flag Day is by demonstrat-
The Mercer County Improvement Authority will host a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Disposal Day, Sat., June 2, for county residents who would like to recycle common residential chemical wastes or used electronics. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John T. Dempster Fire School at 350 Lawrence Road in Lawrence, rain or shine. While no registration is necessary, please note that 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. For additional information, click here. The Electronic Waste Management Act, which took effect in 2011, bans disposal of televisions and all personal or portable computers — including desktop, notebook and lap-
we as a community wait and react to difficult situations often in a problematic way. We need to embrace a more effective attitude to deal with these types of situations. Instead of ostracizing or not listening to
the “guilty” or “controversial” party, it is time that we allow for both sides to be heard. A healthy dialogue could help for both sides to see each other’s points, and hopefully for either side to embrace their shortcomings or wrong-
top computers, as well as computer monitors — in the regular waste stream. These items must be recycled, and County residents can do so June 2 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. on Aging at 609-9896661.
Nature Center plans monthly Scout days
The Tulpehaking Nature Center will open its doors for Cub and Girl Scouts through June. Ambitious Scouts looking to fulfill their badge requirements can do so through fun, hands-on activities provided by the Park Commission. The last Cub Scout programs will be offered June 2 and the last Girl Scout program will be offered June 3. Both programs will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.; participants are encouraged to bring a snack. Workshops cost $8 per Scout for county residents and $10 per Scout for noncounty residents. All materials will be provided by the nature center staff with the exception of the badge. Registration is required; email Brian Boyer at tnc@ mercercounty.org or call 609-888-3218. To register online, visit the calendar page at www.mercercountyparks.org. The Tulpehaking Nature Center is located at 157 Westcott Ave., Hamilton. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
Cinco Continued from Page 4A
parents and students oneon-one, throughout the following week. An idea that came from the school as a way to introduce the problems with cultural appropriation to students was to mention it at the pre-prom meetings. We were also given the opportunity to help fill up a time block on the senior day in hopes of reaching the entire senior class. While all of this sounds great, in practice it wasn’t as impressive. Later during that week, a conversation was overheard between some of the students involved in the incident. During the conversation, some students mentioned that their parents were not interested in attending these meetings with the school. Keep in mind that some of these parents are seen as influential or established members of our community. So when the time came to go to their meetings, these students simply told the administration that their parents could not make it, and where met
doings. It is time for our community to take responsibility and move forward together.
Valeria Torres-Olivares is a member of Princeton High School’s class of 2018.
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