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Passage Bio helping to revitalize old BMS site Biological research firm one of several in Hopewell pursuing advances in gene therapy By SUe Ferrara

Birthday treats available from Pennington-based Dana Does Desserts.

Dana Does Desserts: Former teacher unleashes baking passion By Jack DeeGaN Ever since she was little, Pennington resident Dana Moss has been passionate about baking and cooking. She’s spent her life doing it with her family, and despite that passion, it wasn’t until recent years that she was able to turn it into a business and live out her dreams of owning her own creative business. Always con-

sidering herself an artist, she wanted to pursue a career where she could own her own creative business. “I started probably about 10 years ago, just making it for my own kids or family members. I would make things just for fun, I’m an artist as well, not only do I bake but I really take the time to do fun colors and just make my products fun,” she said. Before she started her new

dream business, she worked as a teacher. It wasn’t until she moved to Pennington from Florida during the pandemic, that she took a chance to pursue the career she had always dreamed of and opened up “Dana Does Desserts” from her own home. Since 2020, Moss, 43, has been pursuing her dream career of running her own business baking and cooking deserts See DESSERTS, Page 17

According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office study, close to 30 million Americans wrestle daily with the consequences of one of 7,000 rare diseases. Half of those suffering from rare diseases are children who often don’t live beyond the age of 5-years-old; many die in infancy. And nearly 75% of these 7,000 rare diseases are caused by genetic mutations. Rare diseases are defined by the National Institutes of Health as “a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people.” These diseases are also referred to as orphan diseases because drug companies have shown little interest in research and development for these conditions. In 1983, Congress tried to encourage pharmaceutical R&D for these conditions when it enacted the Orphan Drug Act. But traditional drug regimens usually treat symptoms which can extend a patient’s life as

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opposed to providing a cure. Now though, horizons look brighter for the millions of people with rare diseases thanks to advances in genetic research. Gene therapy provides new hope for those with rare diseases that they might live longer, and healthier, lives. And some of that very important gene therapy research and development is being done in Hopewell under the leadership of Pennington resident Bruce Goldsmith. Goldsmith is the president and chief executive officer of Passage Bio, a gene therapy company based in Philadelphia which has opened a satellite location on the old Bristol Myers-Squibb Hopewell campus, now called Princeton West Innovation Campus. Like many biotech firms, Passage Bio is connected to a university research lab; in this case, the affiliation is with UPenn’s Gene Therapy program. While he now resides in Pennington, Goldsmith grew up with his brother and parents in Woodstock, New York, attending schools next door in the town of Saugerties. And no, as an aside, the famous concert did not happen in his hometown; it happened in Bethel, New York, about 90 minutes southwest of Woodstock. See PASSAGE, Page 10

HEALTH

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The Federal Aviation Administration has given Mercer County the green light to move forward with the design and construction of a new passenger terminal at Trenton-Mercer Airport, the county announced in March. The agency issued the Finding of No Significant Impacts and Record of Decision for the Environmental Assessment for the proposed new passenger facility at the nearly century-old airport in Ewing Township. “This is great news for Trenton-Mercer Airport and the many thousands of travelers who pass through our passenger facility,” county executive Brian M. Hughes said in a statement. “We appreciate the FAA’s diligence in its review of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed new airport terminal, and we’re pleased that we have the go-ahead to advance this important project.” A FONSI documents the FAA determination that a proposed action does not

have the potential for significant environmental impacts. A FONSI does not represent the FAA’s decision to implement the proposed action. A ROD is issued prior to a proposed action to explain why the FAA approved or did not approve it. Mercer County proposes replacing the old terminal, which was built in the 1970s, with a modern four-aircraft-gate terminal to be located adjacent to the existing terminal. The purpose of a new terminal is to better accommodate current airport users and to meet forecasted demand to the year 2035. The county says that a new terminal would address the needs of all aspects of airport functions such as baggage handling, Transportation Security Administration checkpoint and baggage screening, airline operations, and improved customer comforts such as concessions, waiting areas and rest rooms. There is no plan or proposal for new or longer runways, and the airport size would remain

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hopewell Express is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staﬀ sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. EDITOR Joe Emanski (Ext. 120) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jack Deegan, Sue Ferrara CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST Lisa Wolﬀ AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef

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exactly as it is today. who came to the region with the Rev. “The existing terminal at Trenton-Mer- Oliver Hart from South Carolina when cer Airport is about one-third the size it he was a 13-year-old boy. The stone will should be for the number of travelers honor where Truehart lived, worked and currently using it,” Hughes said. “As we worshiped in the Hopewell region. emerge from the coronavirus crisis, we At public installation ceremonies, stuexpect an increasing demand for leisure dents, faculty members, administrators, travel, and nationwide and at Trenton- historians, public officials, local clergy Mercer, we are seeing airlines adding and the community are able to rememnew flights and reviving old ber and honor the forgotten ones.” through music, poetry, oraThe EA process, govtion and reflection. erned by the FAA, included The project’s stated hope data collection, developis that the students’ work ment and analysis of alterand the public memorinatives, identification and als inspire communities to analysis of environmental learn their true history, disimpacts of the proposed termantle current inequities minal, and a public participaand build a just future. tion. The purpose of the EA The project and event will is to evaluate the potential be completed and organized direct, indirect and cumulain conjunction with the Newport tive impacts of the terminal Stoutsburg Sourland Afriproject, and to look for ways can American Museum and to minimize or avoid potenfounders Elaine Buck and tial environmental impacts. Beverly Mills. The county says that the development Timberlane Middle School will be the of the proposed new terminal was arrived first school in the state to undertake a at by analyzing several terminal building Witness Stones Project. alternatives along with a no-action alternative as they relate to environmental, ‘Religion Today’ subject social and economic impacts. of Brown Bag Lunch The FONSI/ROD notification will be made public along with copies of the EA. Program in April Gallup senior scientist Frank Newport The posting of the notification and EA documents upon receipt by the FAA will will speak about “Ten Things You Should be posted on the terminal project web- Know About Religion in the U.S. Today” site, ttnterminal.com. The FONSI/ROD at 1 p.m., Friday, April 22 at Pennington notification will be posted on social media Presbyterian Church. The talk is part of the Brown Bag Lunch and the Mercer County website, mercerProgram administered by the Older Adult county.org. Ministry Team of the church, and is open Timberlane students to adults of all ages. The presentation will be live at the church and also on Zoom. to take part in historic See NEWS, Page 5

Witness Stones ceremony

Timberlane Middle School is planning to hold the first Witness Stones ceremony on Thursday, April 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Old School Baptist Meeting House, 46-48 W. Broad St., Hopewell. Due to the size of the location, the event is by invitation only. The Witness Stones Project, Inc., based in Guilford, Connecticut, seeks to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build communities. The project provides research assistance, teacher development and curriculum support to help middle school students study the history of slavery in their own communities. Students explore the lives of enslaved individuals through primary source documents. In Hopewell, students will together place a Witness Stone (a permanent brass marker) to memorialize an enslaved individual, Friday Truehart,

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Lose more than just weight. Lose your Type 2 diabetes. The Center for Weight Loss at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, instead of emphasizing short-term goals like reducing the size of your waist, we focus on long-term benefits like reducing your risk of diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. Beginning with a nurse navigator, every aspect of the program, including bariatric surgery, will be clearly presented so you can make the right choice.

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NEWS continued from Page 3 To obtain the Zoom link, send an e-mail to office@pennpres.org or call 609-737-1221 x10. Newport, a local resident, is a social scientist and an outspoken advocate for the value of the collective wisdom of the people. He was Gallup editor in chief from 1990-2018, and served as the 2010-2011 president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, the nation’s largest and oldest professional association for survey researchers and pollsters. Newport is the author of God Is Alive and Well: The Future of Religion in America (2012). He was also founder and cohost of “Objective Religion,” a podcast focused on religion and society, during the 2020 election year.

Lake house photo wins contest

net at Wilde Gutenburg. Instructor Larry Mansier is a retired English teacher and drama director. The final offering, “Jungle Nama: Who Will Save Us From Our Greed?” begins on Thursday, April 14 at 10 a.m. and will continue in that time slot for four weeks. Gopa Khandwala, an Indian environmentalist, will lead the class from Mumbai, India. Jungle Nama, by Amitav Ghosh, is available for purchase on the internet. Students who bring a copy to the opening meeting will be reimbursed. Registration closes April 5. Course fees are $40 for one course and $20 for each additional course. Checks should be made payable to the Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation. Send name, address, phone number, e-mail address, name of courses and check to: Ed Gainsborg, Treasurer, Hopewell Valley Senior FounExplorations program dation, PO Box 567, Pennington, NJ Zooms into spring 08534. For more information, contact Explorations, a program of daytime Larry Mansier at 609-737-0863 or manlearning experiences for seniors in Brian Jacoppo was named the winner of the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space sier@comcast.net. Hopewell Valley (and beyond), has three photo contest with his photograph of the lakehouse at Baldpate Mountain. exciting classes lined up for the 2022 Sankofa Collaborative spring semester. All classes are on Zoom The second offering, “Oscar Wilde: celebrates 5 years The instructors are Lesley Cohen Lee, a and run for up to two hours. The Sankofa Collaborative, a coaliThe first, “Philosophy of our Constitu- retired philosophy professor, and Mad- Three Plays and Much More,” begins tion: Individual Rights v. the Public Good” eleine Mansier, a retired attorney who on Tuesday, April 12 at 1 p.m. and con- tion of five New Jersey cultural and hisbegins on Monday, April 11 at 1 p.m. and has argued and won a case in the U.S. tinues in that time slot for six weeks. All torical organizations — 1804 Consultants, See NEWS, Page 8 texts are available for free on the Intercontinues in that time slot for six weeks. Supreme Court.

April 2022 | Hopewell Express5

Public Notice

Trenton Water Works’ Public Notice Water-Main Flushing Program

Trenton Water Works’ Water-Main Flushing Program

APRIL 4, 2022 – JUNE 15, 2022

What You Need to Know We are committed to continuously supplying residences and businesses in our service area with water thatNeed meets exceeds federal and state regulatory requirements. To that What You toand Know end, TWW technicians will be working in your neighborhoods at different intervals to flush water mains, on April 4, 2022, and ending on June 15,and 2022. This work occur inarea the We arestarting committed to continuously supplying residences businesses in will our service evening 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., through requirements. Friday, to minimize with waterbetween that meets and exceeds federal andMonday state regulatory To that inconvenience to our will service-area Our water-system technicians willto operate end, TWW technicians be workingresidents. in your neighborhoods at different intervals flush water valves, open fireonhydrants, and use specialized to flush water mains of aged mains, starting April 4, 2022, and ending on equipment June 15, 2022. This work will occur inwater. the Service-area residents pressure andFriday, see brown water at the tap, a evening between 8:00may p.m.experience and 12:00 lower a.m., water Monday through to minimize condition remedied by running a coldresidents. tap until the water runs clear.technicians We do not cut the water inconvenience to our service-area Our water-system will off operate supply to customers during this standard water-industry practice. To learn more, please

valves, open fire hydrants, and use specialized equipment to flush water mains of aged water.

call TWW's Office of Communications and Community Relations at (609) 989-3033.

Service-area residents may experience lower water pressure and see brown water at the tap, a condition remedied by running a cold tap until the water runs clear. We do not cut off the water supply to customers during this standard water-industry practice. To learn W. more, please Reed Gusciora, Mayor call TWW's Office of Communications and Community Relations at (609) 989-3033.

6  Hopewell Express | April 2022

Service-Area Municipalities and Streets TWW water-system techniciansand willStreets be working on the following streets at different Service-Area Municipalities intervals throughout the program: TWW water-system technicians will be working on the following streets at different City of Trenton Hamilton Township Ewing Township Hopewell Township intervals throughout the program: Aftonof Avenue City Trenton Brunswick Avenue Chambers Street Afton Avenue Chase Street Brunswick Avenue Colonial Avenue Chambers Street Delawareview Chase Street Avenue Eastfield Avenue Avenue Colonial Escher Street Avenue Delawareview Hamilton Avenue Avenue Eastfield W. Ingham Avenue Escher Street Kelsey Avenue Hamilton Avenue N. Olden Avenue W. Ingham Avenue Newell Avenue Kelsey Avenue N. Olden Overbrook Avenue N. Avenue Perdicaris Place Newell Avenue Pine Street N. Overbrook Avenue Plum Street Perdicaris Place RiverStreet Road Pine Riverside Avenue Plum Street Sanhican River RoadDrive Southard Street Riverside Avenue Sylvester Street Sanhican Drive Tyler Street Southard Street Vine Street Sylvester Street W. State Street Tyler Street Westfield Vine StreetAvenue W. State Street Westfield Avenue

Allen Street Hamilton Township Atlantic Avenue Chambers Allen StreetStreet Church Street Atlantic Avenue Coleridge ChambersAvenue Street Darcy Avenue Church Street Francis Avenue Coleridge Avenue Gropp Avenue Darcy Avenue HamiltonAvenue Avenue Francis Hempstead Road Gropp Avenue Homestead Avenue Hamilton Avenue Klockner Road Hempstead Road Kuser Road Homestead Avenue Lacy Avenue Klockner Road Lake Avenue Kuser Road Leonard Avenue Lacy Avenue Main Avenue Street Lake Maple Shade Avenue Leonard Avenue Murray Avenue Main Street New Jersey Maple Shade156 Avenue Pilgrim Way Murray Avenue S. Broad Street New Jersey 156 S. Olden Avenue Pilgrim Way Samuel S. BroadStreet Street Sunnybrae Boulevard S. Olden Avenue Tampa Avenue Samuel Street U.S. 130 Sunnybrae Boulevard Whitehorse Hamilton Tampa Avenue Square U.S. 130Road Woodside Avenue Whitehorse Hamilton Yardville-Groveville Square Road Road Woodside Avenue Zelley Avenue Yardville-Groveville

Bear Tavern Road Ewing Township Cardinal Way Hillside Avenue Bear Tavern Road Nursery Road Cardinal Way ParkwayAvenue Avenue Hillside ParkwayRoad Avenue Nursery Scotch Road Parkway Avenue Washington Parkway Avenue Pennsylvania Scotch Road Road Westwood Drive Washington Pennsylvania Road Lawrence Township Westwood Drive Allen Lane Township Lawrence Brunswick Avenue Brunswick Allen Lane Pike Darrah Lane Brunswick Avenue Lawrenceville Brunswick PikeRoad Pine Street Darrah Lane Princeton PikeRoad Lawrenceville Pine Street Princeton Pike

Ashford Drive Hopewell Township Blackwell Road BrandonDrive Road West Ashford Carey Street Blackwell Road Coburn Road Brandon Road West DenowStreet Road Carey Diverty Road Coburn Road Fanning Way Denow Road GrangeRoad Road Diverty Larchmont Court Fanning Way Lawrenceville Grange Road Pennington Road Larchmont Court Manley Road Lawrenceville Pennington Road Road Pennington RumsonRoad Court Manley StephensonRoad Road Pennington Sutton Court Rumson Court Van Brunt Road Stephenson Road Watkins Road Sutton Court Wellington Drive Van Brunt Road Watkins Road Wellington Drive

Road Zelley Avenue OCCR-820

Public Notice: Trenton Water Works’ Water-Main Flushing Program

Public Water System Identification Number NJ1111001

OCCR-820

Public Notice: Trenton Water Works’ Water-Main Flushing Program

Public Water System Identification Number NJ1111001

April 2022 | Hopewell Express7

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NEWS continued from Page 5 Grounds For Sculpture, New Jersey Historical Society, Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and William Trent House Museum — is celebrating five years of programming designed to help individuals in schools, museums, libraries, and civic groups research, present, and discuss African-American history. During that time, the Collaborative has hosted 14 in-person and virtual events attended by nearly 900 participants, built an on-line following of nearly 1,000, and circulated hundreds of educational resources through its website and weekly emails. The beginning of the collaborative emerged from 2016 conversations between Linda Caldwell Epps, CEO of 1804 Consultants, and Elaine Buck, historian and founding board member of SSAAM, and among Buck, Beverly Mills, (also a founder of SSAAM) and Sam Stephens, trustee for the William Trent House Museum. Those four individuals then organized what was intended to be a one-time invitational meeting for January 2017. Based on the interest expressed then, they decided to organize workshops open to the public. In seeking a venue, SSAAM board member, Bruce Daniels, connected the team with Gary Garrido Schneider, executive director of the Grounds For Sculpture, who generously offered its facilities for this event. At that point, with the addition of GFS and the New Jersey Historical Society, the Sankofa Collaborative was formally born. Linda Caldwell Epps remembers the founding this way: “Although none of the founding partners have had formal training as intellectual historians or culturalists, we bonded over our belief that we are all a product of our history and culture and if we as a society are to one day truly live up to the ideals put forth in our formal ruling and historical documents, we have to make accessible to the public the history and culture that is New Jersey and that is the United States. Much to our surprise, professionals as well as non-professionals follow every talk we deliver, every document we write, every resource we make available. Our popularity confirmed our belief that learning is contagious and opportunities to learn would be appreciated.” Funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the New Jersey Historical Commission enabled the Collaborative to meet demand with two additional programs in 2017, “Exploring African American History in New Jersey” and “Presenting and Discussing Difficult Topics in African American History.” These events drew capacity audiences and participants asked for more in-depth examination of African American history and ways to share ideas beyond the workshops. Since 2017, the Collaborative contin-

ued to present workshops and panels to a growing audience. The programs are noted for the expertise of its facilitators and panelists and for the quality of the dialogue among participants. The Collaborative also launched a website, sankofacollaborative.org, to share materials from the programs as well as a host of other educational resources. When the Covid-19 pandemic caused a national shutdown in 2020, the Collaborative pivoted to virtual programming and launched a weekly email publication to share news and resources related to African American history and experience. During 2021 the Collaborative hosted virtual programs, including a three-part panel series on health as a civil right funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Patient First; a virtual workshop on African American cemeteries, monuments, and markers supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission; and a June 1st panel commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. In 2021, the Collaborative broadened its work to compile an inventory of more than 400 sites in New Jersey that are connected with African American history. The project, funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission, includes historic homes, cemeteries, markers, and more. Sara Cureton, director of the Commission, commented, “I am delighted to salute the Sankofa Collaborative on its fi fth anniversary! The impact of this creative, dedicated organization on the New Jersey history community is remarkable. Through thoughtful, engaging programs and an ongoing flow of information and resources, the Sankofa Collaborative has led the way to a richer, far more inclusive understanding of our past.” Collaborative co-founder and SSAAM historian Elaine Buck agrees> “Looking back at the accomplishments of the past five years, I am excited to move forward with future programming and workshops examining African American history.” In 2022, the Sankofa Collaborative is preparing to host two workshops and hopes that they can be in-person events.

First Miles for Malcolm 5K set for April 23 Hundreds of runners and walkers are expected to join together for the first annual Miles for Malcolm Walk/Run on April 23 at Pennington Montessori (4 Tree Farm Road), in Hopewell. Hosted by Tara and Kim Wildszewski in honor of their son Malcolm, the event will offer the choice of a 5K or 5-mile route, a kids’ fun run, and other activities for children. Race day will begin at 8 a.m. on April 23.

The art photography of John Stritzinger (“Forest Harmony,” left) and Philip “Dutch” Bagley (“The Road to There,” right) will be on exhibit in the show “An Environmental Experience” at Gallery 14 in Hopewell April 2 through May 1, 2022. At 9 a.m., kids 10 and under are invited to a fun run around the parking lot. At 9:30, walkers, joggers, shufflers, stroller pushers, and runners will be welcome to join for the 5K or 5-mile routes. Registration is $35 (no registration for the fun run) and trophies will be awarded. Proceeds will benefit the SUDC Foundation’s mission to promote awareness, advocate for research, and support those affected by sudden unexplained death in childhood. In May 2020, the Wildszewskis’ world fell apart. On Mother’s Day, Malcolm had a slight cold and low-grade fever. Nothing out of the ordinary. But by the next morning the once thriving, strong, acrobatic 2-yearold couldn’t stand. Later that day, hours into an ER stay, he seized unexpectedly. On Tuesday, he was removed from life support. Malcolm loved to dance, loved to run, loved to be pushed in the stroller by one of his moms running while he chanted: “go Mama go! go Mommy go!” Pennington Montessori was one of Malcolm’s favorite places. In addition to their ongoing support, the school has offered the use of the school grounds to start and end the run/walk in Malcolm’s honor. Kathleen Hannah, School Director said, “Pennington Montessori school is honored to host Miles for Malcolm. We wouldn’t think of having this event anywhere else. Everyone loved and misses Malcolm and his sweet spirit. His joyful nature lives on within the school.” Tara and Kim are hoping all runners, walkers, and cheerers in the community will come out to raise money and awareness for this important cause that gets very little attention. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/NJ/ Pennington/MilesforMalcolm2022.

Artists to provide ‘An Environmental Experience’ at Gallery 14

Two Gallery 14 artists will share their ways of experiencing the world around them with their dual exhibition this month at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell. In “The Warp of Time,” Philip “Dutch” Bagley explores his view of a world always in motion. John Stritzinger takes a closer look at the world he enjoys exploring in “Tree Talk.” The shared exhibition will be at Gallery 14 starting April 2 and running until May 1, 2022. The gallery is closed on April 16 and 17 for Easter. Stritzinger is a mostly self-taught photographer living in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. He is an active participant in the area’s photography community. His work has won awards while being shown in more than 60 group shows and being published in books and magazines. More of his images are available for viewing on his website, johnstritzingerphotos.com. Bagley also lives in Elkins Park and has been actively involved in photography for years and works with many organizations around the area, including the Princeton Photography Club and Phillips Mill Photo Exhibition. His images are online at photographsbydutch.net. Gallery 14 is located at 14 Mercer St. in Hopewell, and is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The exhibition can also be viewed at the gallery by making an appointment at galleryfourteen@ yahoo.com. On the web: gallery14.org.

April 2022 | Hopewell Express9

PASSAGE continued from Page 1 “My mother stayed at home with me and my brother,’’ Goldsmith says. “We had German Shepherds. I’m a dog person.” He currently has two dogs — Coco, a miniature Australian shepherd, and Blue, a miniature poodle. They often go for walks in the Mercer Meadows and the Rosedale Park areas. Goldsmith moved to Pennington with his wife, two college-aged children, and pets, which also includes a cat, in 2013, although the family has lived in the area since 1999. Goldsmith’s father, an engineer by training, worked for IBM in Kingston, New York. Goldsmith said his father’s career evolved over time and he went from being an engineer to becoming a project adviser. As a project adviser, Goldsmith continued, his Dad learned to use tactical and strategic approaches to projects. The elder Goldsmith’s career transition became a model for his son. “That’s how I view myself,” Goldsmith said. “I have had many tactical roles in science and biotech companies. I view myself as someone who can float from the very tactical to the very strategic. And I think I got that from my father.” Goldsmith did his senior year of high school at a local community college because he had run out of high school

Pennington resident Bruce Goldsmith is the chief executive of Passage Bio, which moved into the former Bristol Myers-Squibb campus in Hopewell last year. AP courses to take. Working with his high school guidance counselor, he found his next academic home at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, a

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May 6th, 7th and 8th Lure Coursing Ability Tests (near the Dog Park)

Mercer County Park, West Windsor NJ 10  Hopewell Express | April 2022

small town about 50 miles southeast of Syracuse. After graduating in 1987, Goldsmith thought he would teach at a private school, but that changed when he was accepted to UPenn to study neuroscience. After securing his Ph.D., Goldsmith followed his wife to Durham, North Carolina where she went to grad school and he worked as a postdoc. Next, the couple were off to Kobe, Japan where she worked for Procter & Gamble, and Goldsmith worked with Novartis. Goldsmith toiled as a research fellow in the neurodegeneration drug discovery group. It was then and there that he was introduced to the business side of the pharmaceutical industry. He discovered he enjoyed wedding the ability to think scientifically with the financing of research. So when the couple returned to the United States, Goldsmith went to Columbia University to earn an MBA. From Columbia University Goldsmith went to Johnson & Johnson, where he held a number of positions during his nearly twelve years with the company. Goldsmith then worked with four more scientific operations before being hired to lead Passage Bio in January 2020. And now, he has entered the world of gene therapy which is rapidly appearing in headlines, as researchers try to override genetic mutations with various genetic therapies in order to restore a patient to health. ***

The story of Passage Bio is an interesting one. According to a 2019 piece in the Chemical and Engineering News, the story begins when Stephen Squinto; who at the time was a venture partner in Orbi Med; visited the research home of Dr. James Wilson, the director of UPenn’s Gene Therapy Program, as well as the director of the Orphan Disease Center. Wilson is also an interesting story having weathered one of the worst moments a physician-researcher could ever experience–the death of a patient he was trying to save with an experimental protocol. In this case, it was gene therapy. And the moment was not only a gut punch for Wilson, but a gut punch for the entire gene therapy community. In 2019, writer Meir Rinde, of the Science History Institute in Philadelphia, interviewed Jennifer Doudna, who, along with Emmanuelle Charpentier, won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on CRISPR. Doudna remembered well the impact of the event. “We were all very much aware of what happened there and what a tragedy that was,” she told the writer. “That made the whole field of gene therapy go away, mostly, for at least a decade.” Wilson almost gave up on gene therapy until his graduate school mentor, who had become a good friend and colleague, told Wilson he had to find out what had gone wrong. And that’s exactly what Wilson did. From the crucible of the patient’s death came knowledge that would change Wilson as a physician-researcher, and help to restore efforts to cure diseases using gene therapy. Without this rite-ofpassage, Passage Bio might not exist. Wilson has been committed to curing so-called orphan diseases for four decades, and is overjoyed to see his research, and the research of colleagues, leading to potential cures, as he recently explained in an interview for an internal Penn Medicine publication. “I feel strongly that academia, when possible, should do everything it can to assure the translation of research and discovery into treatments that will help people. Yet, academic institutions are not in the business of developing drugs, so we need strong partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry in order to accomplish that. Penn is a real leader in partnering with the pharmaceutical industry, which is appropriate, and allows physicians and scientists to see their research evolve into treatments.” Wilson said. In February 2019, Wilson and Squinto created Passage Bio with $115.5M in investment capital. Seven months later, another $110M was raised. By December 31, 2021, Passage Bio had $316M in

funding, enough to take the company to the end of the year 2023. On March 15 of this year, the company announced it would reduce its workforce by 13% in order to extend the use of funding to the second quarter of 2024. Squinto remained as CEO of Passage Bio until Goldsmith was hired. When Goldsmith came on board as CEO, he tweaked the research responsibilities between UPenn and Passage Bio to further ensure research translated into viable therapies for clinical trials with patients. “There are generally two areas of research in gene and cell therapy which are both necessary for success,” Goldsmith said. “One involves researching the scientific evidence and support for the therapeutic benefit the gene therapy may offer to patients.” That first part of the process, done at UPenn, formulates and lab tests the actual gene therapy to be used in clinical trials. “The second [part of the process] is research and efforts to show that the product itself is manufactured appropriately, ‘’ Goldsmith added. “For Passage Bio, this second type of research effort had typically started with UPenn, but Passage Bio is participating more and more in this work, which is why the

Hopewell labs in the Princeton West Innovation Center are so important to our company.” Essentially, “UPenn does design and conducts the initial research to ensure the programs have the scientific evidence and the required regulatory studies,” Goldsmith wrote. “Passage Bio closely collaborates with UPenn, but now conducts its own research on the manufacturing side to ensure the product also meets the regulatory requirements in the U.S. and globally.” Goldsmith has a high regard for Wilson and his decades of research in gene therapy. Wilson is considered one of the pioneers of this science and someone who is dedicated to patient well-being. Goldsmith told me in an interview. “We err on the side of being careful with patients.” That attention to patient needs clearly keeps Goldsmith, and therefore Passage Bio, focused because Goldsmith knows he is making decisions in a space that is still not well-defined, but it’s a space he doesn’t mind dancing in. “One of the things I love doing is making decisions constantly in areas of uncertainty,” Goldsmith said. Passage Bio has licensed nine options, out of an initial 17 potential ones, for gene therapies which are connected to research out of UPenn’s Gene Therapy

Program. All the options involve the treatment of genetic disorders of the Central Nervous System, genetic disorders which are considered rare diseases. Five of the licensed options address pediatric disorders; the four remaining options deal with adult-onset issues. A lay person might think tinkering with the CNS, which includes the brain and spinal column, would be the last place to begin doing gene therapy. As it turns out, it seems to be one of the best places to start. In a presentation at the 2019 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy’s Annual Meeting, Steven Gray, a gene therapy researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, explained why gene therapy in the CNS could have great potential. “The simplest disease to treat conceptually is going to be something where you have a localized delivery, ‘’ he noted. “The delivery is easy and you don’t have to target every cell.” Goldsmith described the method Passage Bio uses which is localized to the CNS. “We are first directing the gene therapy into the central nervous system, which is the area of target for the diseases we are studying,” Goldsmith wrote in an

email followup. “For Passage Bio’s three programs in clinical studies this means delivery directly into the cerebral spinal fluid, the fluid around the brain, using a specialized technique called intracisterna magna delivery.” The genetic material gets to its intended destination thanks to–believe it or not given our pandemic adventures– a virus which is used as a transport system. Viruses, by definition, are a piece of DNA code encapsulated in a protein shell called a capsid. A virus eventually dies off unless it can hijack a functioning cell. That’s why people wash their hands and clean surfaces, to wipe out potential viruses before they can enter the body. So, the superpower of a virus is its ability to get inside a cell and replicate. Gene therapies harness that superpower to hopefully invade cells in need of repair. But, instead of carrying the usual viral genetic code causing illness, the virus capsids ferry genes specifically designed to rewrite the genetic codes of a patient’s damaged genes. The genetic therapies used by Passage Bio rely on a very specific virus which is called an Adeno-associated virus, or AAV. When used as a delivery system in gene therapy, the AAV is called a vector. AAVs are small; they only carry a single strand See PASSAGE, Page 12

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PASSAGE continued from Page 11 of DNA. The capsid is quite sturdy. AAVs are not known to cause serious illness in humans which is why they get selected for these therapies. There are nine AAV variants. Passage Bio is using its own novel AAV in two studies; a third study relies on the use of a AAV1. *** So how is the vector created? In email correspondence with Gray, I ask if he could explain how researchers take the AAV virus and strip it of its slightly infectious DNA in order to create the gene therapy. I also asked if he could explain it on a 5th grade level. Gray, also a very busy scientist doing much the same kind of research as Wilson does at UPenn, wrote back: “It would take a bit of time to try to provide background and explain good answers to your questions for a ‘5th grade’ audience. My short answer to your questions about AAV production is ‘magic.’” I come to realize it’s also proprietary magic, much like drug companies have proprietary formulas for the medications we swallow. Suffice it to say, the AAV capsids, containing the genetic material designed to cure, are created in labs. For Passage Bio, the company charged with creating the “magic” is a global company called Catalent, which is

12  Hopewell Express | April 2022

Passage Bio moved into the Princeton West Innovation Campus — formerly Bristol Myers-Squibb — in Hopewell last year. headquartered in Somerset. Currently Passage Bio has two global clinical trials for what Goldsmith calls “catastrophic pediatric diseases,” GM1 gangliosidosis and Krabbe disease. Several participants (infants) have already been enrolled in those trials and additional participants are being sought. A third clinical trial which has opened

and needs participants will address frontotemporal dementia in adults. Passage Bio has other projects in its pipeline. However, before clinical research begins with patients, the company must complete pre-clinical research and an array of paperwork for federal regulatory agencies. Currently, that process is being completed in order to begin a clinical

trial for Metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, another rare nervous system disorder. The company expects to submit an investigational new drug application with the FDA by mid-2022. Passage Bio also intends to expand its workforce at its Hopewell site from 30 employees to 50. “We are in a synergy moment,” Goldsmith said in an interview. He talked about the growing excitement not only in the field of gene therapeutics, but also about the revitalization of the BMS site into what he called an ecosystem, much like the one in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he worked as an interim CEO for Civetta Therapeutics. And he credits part of this building excitement and synergy to the growing presence of biotech companies in Hopewell and the surrounding area. “There has never been a time when so many potential therapies are being explored,” Goldsmith said. “I am focused on the objectives that we have which is to treat patients. The rest will fall into place. I think we are in really good shape.” And that’s just the kind of enthusiasm and vision those in the rare disease community want to hear. Any readers interested in enrolling in a clinical trial should contact the company’s patient services email at patientservices@ passagebio.com.

SIX09 Arts > food > culture

thesix09.com | April 2022

April is for the ARTS

With programs like Porchfest and the Piano Project, Princeton looks to replace Communiversity with a whole month of events celebrating the creative community. Page 2

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There is a plethora of porches and pianos for Princeton this April as the Arts Council of Princeton, with support from Princeton University, launches a month-long series of festivities honoring local artists. Through initiatives like the “Princeton Piano Project” and the first-ever “Princeton Porchfest” musical event, the ACP is unveiling “April ARTS” just in time for the spring season. April ARTS is a spiritual successor to ACP’s former arts festival, Communiversity, which was canceled in 2020 due to COVID before reaching its 50th year in operation. Prior to being known as Communiversity, the gathering was referred to as “The Art People’s Party,” which later inspired the current concept of a month’s observance of events. Adam Welch, the executive director ofthe Arts Council of Princeton, estimated that over 40,000 guests had made Communiverity an annual success. But as the pandemic showed no signs of stopping, Welch and his team needed to

SIX09

EDITOR Jamie Griswold ARTS EDITOR Dan Aubrey CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rebekah Schroeder AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113)

2SIX09 | April 2022

explore new options. The sheer size of such an event would have been dangerous because of the virus, so after speaking with the mayor, council and university staff, April ARTS was born. With a decentralized event system, ACP hopes to not only recognize the talents throughout Princeton, but highlight them in a socially distanced, outside environment. For additional information, and to see what else the ACP has in store for the month of April, the April ARTS community calendar on their website, artscouncilofprinceton.org/aprilarts, will be updated frequently. Princeton Porchfest is on Saturday, April 23 from noon to 6 p.m. Princeton residents “donate” their front porches or stoops for the occasion, giving musicians a stage for free, family-friendly live performances. The inaugural concert will adhere to all ongoing COVID-19 precautions and will carry on rain or shine. Attendees can walk or bike across the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, as See ARTS, Page 4

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ARTS continued from Page 2 well as Nassau Street by the central business district, to appreciate the rotating sets of bands. “All the performers will play in their respective locations simultaneously,” Welch said. “Essentially, there will be 55 musicians, easily found by the printed and online map letting you know where they’re playing and when.” While the concepts of both Porchfest and Piano Project originated in New York, Asbury Park has been regularly hosting the Asbury Park Porchfest for several years. Following in the footsteps of Asbury Park, the ACP asked the bands performing first to lend sound equipment to subsequent performers, creating a friendly, collaborative atmosphere and eliminating the time between acts. “What we’ve decided to do is [choose] sites that are within walking distance, but not within earshot, so that you’ll be able to easily walk in between set breaks to different locations,” Welch continued, one of their concerns being to eliminate sound pollution. Taking in the architecture and talents of Princeton, Welch said, is a welcome experience they want to facilitate, with chatty neighbors and music abounding as the front yards transform into community spaces. ACP suggests that attendees

Marlon “7ove Child” Davila paints a piano for the Princeton Piano Project.

indulge in Princeton’s culinary experiences as well, citing the countless lunch and dinner options mere steps away from the porchfront stages. Another key part of April ARTS is the Princeton Piano Project. Using pianos donated from Princeton residents, ACP commissioned local creatives to paint the seven instruments, which will be placed

around Princeton and remain available for anyone to play. “What we’re going to be doing is creating a public art piece and a performance space,” Welch said. Specific performances will be coordinated, likely on weekends, during the month. The piano artists include Leon Rainbow, Ronah Harris, Albelardo Montano,

Susan DeConcini and Lisa Walsh, Marlon 7oveChild Davila and Stephanie and Naomi Nazario. Leon Rainbow is a Trenton-based artist whose work, most notably his colorful murals, are inspired by graffiti and street art. The theme for his piano, the “Touch of a Master’s Hand,” is brought to life with a mixed-media approach of spray paint, acrylics and paint markers. As of press time, Rainbow had almost completed his piano, its design showing a spray can on one side, while the other portrays a gifted hand playing the piano. “Music or art is the touch of a master’s hand, it’s not really the instrument or the supplies. It’s just the creativity, and the amount of work that it takes to get to a certain point with it, that really makes a difference from great art or music from mediocre,” he said. “It’s the first time I painted a piano, so it was an interesting surface to work with,” Rainbow continued. “I feel like it’s gonna have a different life once it’s out in the community.” He does not know where his piano will go just yet, but he is looking forward to “somebody playing it and giving it a new life,” rather than seeing it go unused. “Now, they’re getting a new life, and hopefully people will be able to enjoy it.” Marlon Davila, also known as “7ove

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Child,” is a lifelong Princeton resident embracing both nature and his “inner child” through symbolic artwork. His name comes from being a self-described “love child” himself, aiming to lessen the stigma by signing his paintings as such. Davila became involved with the Piano Project via a connection from his previous residency with ACP in 2019, where a mural, titled “Journey,” was created at John Street and Leigh Avenue. Inspired by the ornate designs and intricate woodwork of his piano, Davila said that he “let the art flow in” for the project. A spring scene blossomed up on the instrument’s surface, the artist painting his piano with flowers and femininity as his muse. Davila grew up around women, calling the “enchanted piano” a way to honor figures like Frida Kahlo and his mother. Davila expressed hope, as an active artist in the Princeton community, that April ARTS and the Piano Project would continue in the future. “I would love for this whole thing to keep going, because art is healing,” he said. “The whole goal is for people to be able to see that art is really limitless, and anyone can partake by just sitting there, playing the piano and feeling that energy.” Other programs on the schedule for

April ARTS are the Cabernet Cabaret 10th Anniversary Extravaganza, artist Joe Kossow’s “Still Lives from a (Mostly) Stilled Life” opening reception, a spoken word celebration in honor of Paul Robeson’s 124th birthday and “Story & Verse: A Storytelling and Poetic Open Mic.” To commence the “thirty days of creativity,” April ARTS begins with a Kick-Off Happy Hour on April 1 at 5:30 p.m. Held at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, guests are encouraged to toast with Prosecco or cider as a way of welcoming the month’s engagements. Also featured will be musical performances on the painted piano in front of the ACP building. Welch expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make April ARTS possible, thanking P rinceton University, the municipal officials, Mayor Mark Freda, council members, community sponsors and more. “What we’re hoping, and what we’re anticipating, is that people will be able to see, other than the pianos and Porchfest…just how full our town is, our community is, with arts and cultural activities,” Welch said. April ARTS, Arts Council of Princeton and Princeton University, April 1 to 30. Princeton Porchfest, April 23, noon to 6 p.m. Free. More information and a full calendar of events are available at ACP’s website, artscouncilofprinceton.org.

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Tír na nOg welcomes 100th Whiskey Ambassador to the club By Rebekah Schroeder

With a basting brush of whiskey and water, Todd Faulkner informally blessed his patrons, most of whom were there to celebrate a non-denominational “communion” as part of the Irish pub Tír na nOg’s successful ‘Whiskey Ambassador Club.’ Each person walked out the back door, then used the alley to come back around through the front, ringing a bell to signal their victory over 32 types of carefully-curated Irish whiskeys. Faulkner’s mixture of “holy water” wished the ambassadors a safe St. Patrick’s Day at the March 6 event, where just shy of 50 attendees helped commemorate the club’s milestone.

6SIX09 | April 2022

Faulkner presented each person with a token, the ceremony itself a tongue-in-cheek, symbolic representation of an Irish Catholic custom close to his heart. As the pub erupted into a party at the Trenton bar, customers completed additional tiers of the liquor lineups, even piquing the interest of newcomers who joined in on the celebration. The 102nd ambassador was honored, the number leaps and bounds over the March edition of Six09, where Faulkner said that 91 customers had officially become ambassadors—in less than a month since, though, more than 100 have risen to the challenge. “It’s created a lot of new customers, and it’s been a fantastic

Tír na Nog Whiskey Ambassadors at a March 6, 2022 celebratory event marking the hundredth member of the Irish bar’s club.

run. I hope to keep it going,” Faulkner said of the initiative. “I’m beaming with pride.”

Faulkner and his wife, Maureen, have owned Tír na nOg since 2012. The gathering was

a timely culmination of the program’s accomplishments, and a sign that the idea, which had been fully realized during the pandemic, was a worthy investment. The earliest stages of the club’s concept started about five or six years ago, back when Faulkner, browsing the liquor section of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, came across a whiskey trail highlighting four Scottish distilleries. He thought that a similar idea could work for the country behind his own business, but set in America instead. Tír na nOg’s tastings would have been a way to give customers a true taste of Ireland, yet Faulkner waited until the timing felt right. Faulkner renovated the bar

area when Tír na nOg was closed from March to late September in 2020. In November, they were finally ready to begin the long-awaited program, elevating a collection of 10 whiskeys to the final 32. The number is not insignificant or random, but a nod to the number of counties in Ireland. For Faulkner, who is always “shooting from the hip,” as he maintained, the name for members of the club came from a representative of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey that helped run an event at Tír na nOg. The pub took on the title with their signature Irish flair, debuting the ‘Tír na nOg Irish Whiskey Ambassador Club.’ Those who finish receive the title of ‘Tír na nOg Irish Whiskey Ambassador,’ as well as a Carhartt hoodie bearing a logo specifically designed for the club— both the honor and the apparel can only be attained through earning them,

because Faulkner is unwavering on not making the “prize at the end of the rainbow” available for purchase. The high supply and demand, Faulkner remarked, meant he almost could not keep up with the interest in the coveted club. As of press time, nearly 400 people have signed up. It did so well, Faulkner continued, that they had to add multiple tiers with other incentives, such as badges for the hoodies. The second tier is the ‘Chief Whiskey Officer Club,’ which includes eight more whiskeys of Irish and American origin. The third tier is the ‘Bourbon Brigade,’ comprising eight kinds of the namesake liquor. Both tiers are given corresponding C.W.O and B.B. badges. The fourth tier, expected to be available for eligible ambassadors sometime in April, will be a ‘Pacific Whiskey See WHISKEY, Page 8

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WHISKEY continued from Page 7 Fleet’ featuring Japanese and Taiwanese whiskeys. Victorious customers will collect the ‘Tír na nOg Pacific Whiskey Fleet Challenge coin’ to mark their accomplishments. On the anniversary of the first official inductees in 2021, New Jersey recognized Nov. 13 as ‘Tír na nOg Irish Whiskey Ambassador Day,’ naming every inaugural member in a statewide proclamation. The document acknowledged Tír na nOg for “navigating through the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic” with a true Irish spirit. While there are lingering requests for a club centered around other liquors like scotch and tequila, at the moment, Faulkner is focused on preparing the ‘Whiskey Hall of Fame,’ a system of the highest honor where two members will be inducted each year. After finishing three tiers, customers earn a “ballot” and a Midleton whiskey. At a later date, Tír na nOg plans to announce the two people who received the most votes, giving the winners ‘Hall of Fame’ jackets resembling that of professional sports stars. Rather than just the physical incentives, Faulkner is proud of the environment the club has created at Tír na nOg, whether patrons are playfully egging

each other on or talking about whiskey preferences with fellow connoisseurs. “People now know each other in the bar intimately,” he said. “They might have had a common ground coming into the pub, but they have an even more common ground next to each other like ‘hey, that’s an ambassador.’ It brings them together.” “Now I have relationships with every single one of these people,” Faulkner explained. “You’re serving them all the time, you have more and more of these conversations, so it means a lot to me. I think we have created a family within a family.” Peter Gallagher, a resident of Hamilton, met Faulkner at a local Irish festival. Gallagher was intrigued at his proposition of the whiskey club, as Gallagher confessed that he always has about seven or eight bottles of whiskey in his home liquor cabinet. “I only drink one at a time. I like to really taste it and enjoy it,” Gallagher said. “Even when I was doing the 32, I would do two at a time, generally, just because I wanted to taste it. For me, it was all part of just being with everyone and the banter, the camaraderie that everyone shares there. I think that’s what made it really fun.” His personal favorite from the selection was a Jameson Caskmates Stout edi-

Neal Feeley and Earl McDannell hold up the state proclamation naming Nov. 13, 2021 ‘Tír na nOg Irish Whiskey Ambassador Day’ with a frame they made out of Midleton whiskey crates.

tion, which he immediately purchased for his own collection. At the party, Gallagher’s daughter added her name to the list, the elaborate tasting process attracting people of all age groups. “I leave there happy every time, I really

do,” Gallagher said. Katie and Ray Gallagher (no relation to Peter) are husband and wife who currently live in West Windsor. One of their old traditions was to attend the Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day parade, then head off to Tír na nOg with their children for a night of Irish music. “It’s such a family atmosphere,” Katie Gallagher said. Since the business was one of the few places open in late 2020, the couple started going more frequently, eventually joining the whiskey club. Katie Gallagher’s favorite is the Connemara, which she says is notable “because everyone else in the bar hates it,” leaving more for her to enjoy. Ray Gallagher, who prefers a Midleton whiskey, said that the “friendly competition” has turned the quiet spot from years ago into a formidable force in the neighborhood. “It’s a special place to us, and it always will be,” he continued. They are not the only people who feel that way. The bar was named the number one Irish bar in the state of New Jersey by NJ.com on March 16, one day before St. Patrick’s Day. Tír na nOg, 1324 Hamilton Ave., Trenton. Open 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; noon to 2 a.m. Sunday.

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8SIX09 | April 2022

mercercamps Princeton Ballet School

Tryouts between April 11-14 go to h�ps://www.hamiltonwildcatsfc.com

Nurturing Dancers of All Ages Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, nurtures dancers of all ages, providing them opportunity to develop their technique and artistry in a rewarding environment. The Princeton Ballet School Summer Intensive (ages 13 and up) attracts students from all over the globe to study with distinguished and inspiring faculty. Princeton Ballet School holds auditions throughout the United States and accepts video auditions from national and international students for the advanced program. Students in the Advanced Intensive are also considered for the school’s year-round Trainee program, the direct feeder into American Repertory Ballet’s second company, ARB2, which is also ideal for post–highschool students looking to launch their professional careers. As an educational institution certified to provide F-1 visas, Princeton Ballet School has the ability to accept international students from nearly anywhere in the world for its Summer intensive, Trainee program, and ARB2. The Summer Intensive Intermediates program, for ages 11 and up, is modeled after Princeton Ballet School’s acclaimed Advanced Summer Intensive and offers the same personalized ballet training, alongside jazz and new choreography. The Summer Intensive Juniors program is for children ages 9-11,with

Hamilton Wildcats Where it all Begins! Morgan Hart: 2x State Champ, Regional Finalist, Mercer 33, Steinert Defensive MVP, NJGSCA Top 20 Team, 1st Team all Conference, Widener University Student Athlete

The Wildcats are an travel soccer focused trainingon and player TheHamilton Hamilton Wildcats areall-female an all-female travelclub soccer clubon focused partnership with the Hamilton Girls Soccer Club and NJ Rush, the Wildcats provide a comp training and player development! In partnership with the Hamilton experience for girls ages 5 to 19. a focus on musicality, basic technique; building strength and flexibility; increasing coordination; and dynamics of movement — all while having fun with friends! Princeton Ballet School also offers fun and rewarding Children’s Summer Courses, beginning with Hand-inHand classes for 3-year olds to explore the world of rhythm and dance. All levels of classes for children ages 4-12 are offered throughout the Summer, no previous dance experience required! Not sure which program is the best match? Give Princeton Ballet School a call at 609-921-7758 or email princetonballetschool@arballet.org and we would be happy to schedule a free trial class and answer any of your questions. See ad, page 12.

SUMMER DEBATE CAMP LEARN capitoldebate.com PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATE 800 450 5012

Girls Soccer Club and NJ Rush, the Wildcats provide a complete soccer

We are looking for girls ready for the travel challenge from birth year 2015-2004 to form n experienceestablished for girls ages 5 to 19. supplement teams

We are looking for girls ready for the travel challenge from birth year 2015-2004 to form new teams and supplement established teams

Little Friends School SERVING CHILDREN FOR OVER 35 YEARS

TODDLER, PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN* & SUMMER CAMP FOR 2022 • Certified Staﬀ • 18 Months to 5 Years •School Hours: 7am - 6pm (COVID-19 hours: 7am - 5:30pm) • Strong Emphasis on Literacy & Mathematical Reasoning • Integrated Experiences in Science & Social Studies • Music & Art • Yoga • Soccer Program • Summer Camp: 18 months to 11 years • Holiday Care Available • We accept Childcare Connection * Kindergarten Cut Oﬀ Date: 12/31 REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR & SUMMER CAMP 2022

609-890-9164 I www.littlefriendsschool.com 221 Edinburg Road, Mercerville, NJ 08619 I Like us on F April 2022 | SIX099

Hamilton Area YMCA A Summer Full of Fun At Y camp, kids can enjoy a summer full of fun, friends and new adventures while they develop skills, confidence and a greater sense of purpose. With 50 acres of outdoor space, the largest pool in Mercer County, fun activities ranging from Sports to STEM, energetic staff and daily special events the Sawmill Day Camp is the ideal environment for campers to find their spark, find their sense of wonder, find their adventure, find their friends and FIND THEIR FUN 2022! • Find Their Spark. Y camp is a place where kids can develop skills, confidence and new friendships. While camp is a summer rite of passage for kids to play outdoors and learn to swim, they are unknowingly rewarded with personal development skills by participating in their favorite activities and by trying activities they have never tried before. In general, they will leave camp with a stronger sense of identity and a better idea of what they love, which

may help them in the classroom, in their relationships and to choose a career path in the future. • Find Their Sense of Wonder. Kids get to discover all the wonders of the outdoors while making friends and forming memories that will last a lifetime. A recent UK study commissioned by the National Trust found that children spend 50% less time playing outside that their parents did. Kids say they aren’t interested, they lack access and are uncomfortable outside (bugs, heat, etc.). Indoors, they’re growing more and more attached to a digital

existence and further detached from the natural world. Camp provides kids the perfect opportunity to see what they’ve been missing in the great outdoors. • Find Their Adventure. Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination. At Y summer day camp, every day is a new adventure! Creativity can’t be stifled at camp because campers don’t have to worry about getting a failing grade. By limiting this kind of restriction, kids can let their creativity flow.

T H E C E N TR AL N J

TH E CEN TR AL NJ

Ballet Theatre

Ballet Theatre PRESENTS

SUMMER MUSICAL THEATRE TO SHOW! ENROLL L SING, ACTTODAY DANCE FUN SHOW! FOR FALL! August 1 - 12 Monday - Friday, 9 am to 3pm EARN HOW TO

AND

SUMMER 2022! TO

ENROLL TODAY FOR FALL!

SUMMER Ages 3 andINTENSIVE up Beginning thru advanced!

Boys and Girls! Ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, MASTER TEACHERS! AUGUST 1-19contemporary and acting!

Week 1: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Week 2: 5:30 to 8:30 pm Thepm Central NJ Ballet Theatre presents Week 3: 9:00 am to 2:00pm The Nutcracker 2017! A traditional holiday ballet for all ages! Ages 9 and up! Intermediate to Advanced. Ballet, Contemporary, Pointe, and more. December 8th @ 7pm Villa Victoria Academy Theater, Ewing, NJ Tickets $20 adults, $15 kids

BEGINNER DANCE CAMP

AND BE IN A

• Find Their Friends and Fun. At Y day camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. Camp is a social center away from home and school where kids learn to work with each other and adult mentors, build relationships and manage conflict. Children look at camp as a fun way to spend the summer in the sun and splashing in the pool, but parents understand that camp allows kids to reap many life benefits that will follow them through their lives long after the sun has set on their summer camp days. We have worked hard to plan an exciting summer full of arts and crafts, music, sing-a-longs, science lab and dance to soccer, basketball, gaga, volleyball, swimming, fun special events and so much more! Our Coordinators are college graduates who are working professionals in the fields of education and child development. And, our counselors are second to none, having had extensive training to welcome your children for the summer. For more information, visit hamiltonymca.org/ camp. See ad, page 11.

JULY 18-29, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (1 or 2 week options!)

Ages 6 and up! Ages 6 and up! Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Boys and Girls! Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Arts & Crafts & more. A Special Community Show! 3 and up Sibling Discount! No Ages experience required! Ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, December 10th @ 2pm Video audition May 15TH for leading Roles. Beginning thrubyadvanced! Sibling Discount! Call Today!

contemporary and acting! Carslake Community Center, Bordentown, NJ Sponsored by Bordentown Home for Funerals P: 609.424.3192 • W: www.cnjballet.com • 221 Broad St, Florence, NJ 08518 Group tickets available though Central NJ Ballet Theatre or Donations at the door!

The Central NJ Ballet Theatre presents

10SIX09 | April 2022

v2 Camp Guide Community News (8.75x5.55).qxp_Layout 1 3/16/22 10:04 AM Page 1

FIND YOUR FUN. FIND YOUR Y. At Y day camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. Offering 50 acres of outdoor space, the largest pool in Mercer County, and fun activities ranging from Sports to STEM! For a better us.

Save up to $50 per week! When you register online & use code EARLY through April 10!

FIND YOUR Y AT THE HAMILTON AREA YMCA

609.581.9622 hamiltonymca.org

April 2022 | SIX0911

The Watershed Institute Watershed Academy offers high school students field experience The Watershed Academy for High Schools Students offers five-day sessions of intensive study. The sessions explore a different environmental issue including stream science, clean water, green architecture, climate change and more! Academy students learn from experts in various subjects to help design solutions to real-world problems. Students gain valuable field experience and have the opportunity to try out different careers. In this summer’s Stream Science and Clean Water sessions, our Watershed scientists and educators will lead the students through a variety of lessons on water quality as well as explore current threats to clean water. The students will conduct field research and present their findings in a presentation or poster session. During our Green Architecture week, students will learn from awardwinning architects Michael Farewell

and Jason Kliwinski. Students will design their own environmentally friendly structures for a hypothetical client. They will study the features of the Watershed Institute’s LEED-Platinum certified building and visit a sustainably designed building in Lambertville. Our Environmental Advocacy session and Water and Climate session are new options this summer. During the Environmental Advocacy session, students will explore a local climate issue and advocate for policies that address climate change. They will meet with policy makers and find out how

decisions are made at the local and state levels. The students will design an advocacy campaign on an issue they are passionate about to create a possible solution. Our Water and Climate Academy will be presented in collaboration with Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI). Students will meet with Princeton University researchers and learn about their efforts in fields of climate resilience and clean water. The week includes a visit to the labs at HMEI. All of the Academy sessions are

open to high school students in grades 9 -12. They take place at The Watershed Institute in Pennington and use our Watershed Center and 950acre Watershed Reserve as a living laboratory. Each session includes at least one off-site trip. Please visit our website https:// thewatershed.org/academy/ for more information and to register. We have a limited number of scholarships available for qualified students. Also coming up are several events for all ages including: Flashlight Egg Hunt Friday April 8, 7:30 p.m. – Join us after dark, bring your flashlight and search the field for over 1000 colored eggs. Arrive at 7:30 for photos with the bunny and heady out to the field for the 8 p.m. start. Bring your boots! H2O Quest: Alien Invaders May 14, 10 a.m. – All of the scientists have left the lab. They left a mysterious message claiming aliens are taking over the Watershed Reserve. We need children to help track down scientists and learn what is happening. Part treasure hunt, part nature hike and plenty of imaginative fun. Learn more and find more great events and programs at thewatershed. org. See ad, page 11.

The Official School of American Repertory Ballet

BEGINNING JUNE 27,2022

SUMMER INTENSIVE ARBALLET.ORG | 609.921.7758

PRINCETONBALLETSCHOOL@ARBALLET.ORG 12SIX09 | April 2022

crossword

unity News Service 4/22

Across

1 13

1 Elec. unit 17 18 4 Veneration 7 Hairpiece, to 21 some 25 10 ET transport 31 32 13 Eggs 14 India’s smallest 35 state 40 41 15 Biblical judge 45 46 16 Tuck’s partner 17 Craft fairs 49 50 19 Northern 56 seabirds 61 62 21 Norse deity 22 Fast 65 66 24 Personal quirk 71 70 25 Adolescent 75 74 26 Abominable snowmen 28 Wails 31 Plummet 65 Caribbean 33 Film part island 34 Small combo 68 Tickler of the 35 Conifer ivories 37 Cool! 70 Lyric poem 39 Senate vote 71 Droop 40 Tightwads 72 Via 43 Pressure 73 Consumed 45 PC linkup 74 Spoiled 46 Noggin 75 Pres. Lincoln 48 Tree juice 76 Delicious 49 Kennel noises 77 Tartan cap 51 Composes 53 Linear units Down 56 Hawaiian ﬁre goddess 1 Man of steel? 57 Medicinal plant 2 Dodged 59 Trot or canter 3 More slothful 61 Everything 4 ___ Khan 63 Study 5 Verbose 64 Creme cookie 6 Cushier

PuzzleJunction.com

38 43

39 44

48 52

53 58

63 67

34 37

CLEAN ENERGY

SUMMIT

19 22

MERCER COUNTY

64 68

7 8 9 10 11 12 18 20 23 27 29 30 32 36 38 40 41

Turtles, e.g. Eskimo knife Present Symbols of purity Flipper Saturn’s wife Chafes Pugilist’s weapon Berkshire school Reservations Slant Kind of sauce Chick’s sound Enfolds Streetcar Foal’s mother Like a sore throat

42 Cheapest ship accommodations 44 Copycat 45 Napkin’s place 47 Fem. sufﬁx 50 Ward of “Sisters” 52 Dapper 54 Rodeo rope 55 Sonora snooze 58 Gallic goodbye 60 Clan emblem 62 Actress Eichhorn 65 Employment 66 Nabokov novel 67 Taxi 69 Branch

Puzzle solutions on pg 14

hideous hoMes WANTed FOR TELEVISION PROGRAM IN THIS AREA

We need 30 ugly homes with ugly kitchens, bathrooms, siding, windows, etc., inside or outside that need fixing or remodeling. We will repair and remodel them and shoot video for training film and future TV show on home remodeling work. MUST SIGN RELEASE for purpose of filming job! This must be a complete remodeling job, not just patch up work. This remodeling is to be specially priced out work, with compensation back to the homeowner for signed release.

Join us April 26, 2022, 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake for an event with representatives from the State of New Jersey to discuss the sustainability and cost-saving opportunities for your Mercer County business. Please contact the Mercer County Office of Economic Development at businessadvocate@mercercounty.org OR (609) 989-6555 for registration and program details. Light refreshments to be served.

CALL 833-375-1472

Ask for TV Project Department, for job evaluation & estimate of cost & compensations!

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14SIX09 | April 2022

E T O N

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To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to mdurelli@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 105.

classified HELP WANTED Dog walker wanted. 2 times a day. Small dogs walk together. Live in west Windsor. Pls call 609-4779863. Dog sitter wanted for different days and times. TRAVEL SALES - Earn valuable commissions selling travel as outside agent. Training provided. Diamond Cruise & Travel. 609-426-1200, www. cruisediamond.com. SERVICES F,D,Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900. Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info. WANTED TO BUY Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4thelovofcards, 908-5960976. allstar115@verizon. net. Looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s

Illustrated, Signed books, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy DrewJudy Bolton- Dana girls, The Happy Hollisters, ect WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), old postcards, non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks (also Avon,Popular Library, Dell, Ace, BEACON, Monarch, Midwood pbs) old COSMOPOLITAN 1920’s-1940’s. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com. Cash paid for World War II military items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models. 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net VACATION RENTALS Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609577-8244 for further information COMMERCIAL SPACE MERCER COUNTY, Ewing, NJ. 10,000 SF OFFICE. FREE RENT. 201-4884000/609-883-7900. Hamilton/ Allentown Border- Commercial end unit for lease- Approx

1090sf, Ideal for medical/ professional offices, services, studio & retail store. Highly traveled visible location . Easy access to NJTP, Rt.130, I95. $2,400/month. DiDonato Realty 609-586-2344/ Marian Conte BR 609-9474222. BUSINESS FOR SALE Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to sell. Relocating out of state. Large space, great potential. Call 609-4620188. BURIAL PLOTS CEMETERY PLOT FOR SALE Cremation Niche with second rights in Greenwood Cemetery. In the sunlit hall of the new mausoleum. Section 1700, Tier 3 (eye level). $6,000 or best reasonable offer. Price includes transfer fees to cemetery. Call 609 577-1158 Education Train online to do medical billing! Become a Medical Office Professional at CTI! Get trained & certified to work in months! 888572-6790. The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical.edu/ consumer-information. (M-F 8-6 ET) Health & Fitness Dental insurance Physicians Mutual

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Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www. dental50plus.com/58 #6258 Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587 Miscellaneous Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-844-334-8353 Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-9952490

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To attend virtually register online at: http://bsnevents.com/1289 http://bsnevents.com/1289 To attend virtually To register attend virtually online at: ToToattend virtually http://bsnevents.com/1289 Or use your smartphone virtually Or useattend your smartphone registerregister onlinetoonline at:register. camera to register. at: camera Or use your smartphone register online http://bsnevents.com/1289 register onlineat:at: http://bsnevents.com/1289 camera to register. http://bsnevents.com/1289 To attend virtually

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HEALTH @capitalhealthnj

APRIL 2022

HEADLINES

B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H

CAPITAL HEALTH EARNS MAGNET ® DESIGNATION FOR

FIFTH CONSECUTIVE TIME

Capital Health attained Magnet recognition again in February, a testament to its continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.

underscores the foundation of excellence and values that drive our entire staff to strive harder each day to meet the health care needs of the people we serve.”

Receiving Magnet recognition for the fifth time is a great achievement for Capital Health, as it continues to proudly belong to the global community of Magnet-recognized organizations. Only 34 organizations worldwide have received Magnet status five times or more.

To achieve initial Magnet recognition and re-designation, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application with supporting evidence of 94 standards to include written supporting patient care documentation, an on-site visit appraiser visit, and a final review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

“We’re proud to be the most honored Magnet organization in our region and excited to continue a journey that began more than 20 years ago,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Earning Magnet recognition isn’t about checking boxes—it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting the highest standards in nursing care and our dedication to providing our community with the best possible care. This is what helped us earn Magnet recognition in the first place, and it’s what motivates us as we continue to maintain Magnet status.” “Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to this community,” said Deborah Mican, PhD, MHA, BSN, RN, CNOR, Chief Nursing Officer at Capital Health. “To earn Magnet recognition once was a great accomplishment and an incredible source of pride for our nurses. Our repeated achievement of this credential

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a factor when the public judges health care organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, including structural empowerment, transformational leadership, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovations and improvements all focused on the measurement of empirical patient outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence. The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

April 2022 | Hopewell Express13

Capital Health Neurosurgeon Contributes to Developing NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC BRAIN TUMORS DR. NAVID REDJAL, director of Neurosurgical Oncology at Capital Health’s Center for NeuroOncology, recently co-authored “Treatment for Brain Metastases: ASCO-SNO-ASTRO Guideline,” to provide direction for clinicians who treat patients with brain metastases. Dr. Redjal collaborated with a multidisciplinary panel of national and international brain tumor specialists to develop the new guidelines, with contributions from members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Society of Neuro-Oncology, and the American Society of Radiation Oncology. “At Capital Health, we are committed to advancing care in order to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Redjal. “I’m excited to be part of this collaboration with experts from across the country and around the world that provides leadership to the broader medical community and takes care to the next level for patients with brain tumors.”

The guideline, which is available in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Neuro-Oncology, will have wide application in informing clinical practice. Treatment options include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole brain radiation therapy, systemic targeted therapy/chemotherapy, or a combination of these options. Capital Health’s Center for Neuro-Oncology, part of Capital Institute for Neurosciences and Capital Health Cancer Center, is the region’s leader in diagnosing and treating tumors of the brain and central nervous system. The Center approaches the treatment of brain cancer in a personalized, comprehensive, multidisciplinary manner in which patients are treated by a team that includes neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support staff. The Center for Neuro-Oncology also participates in and develops numerous research studies and clinical trials to help provide greater understanding of these conditions and establish new methods to diagnose and treat them. For more information about Dr. Redjal and Capital Health’s Center for Neuro-Oncology, visit capitalhealth.org/neurooncology.

A Growing Team of PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS at Capital Health DR. OLEKSIY (ALEX) LELYANOV, a board certified and fellowship trained pain management specialist, recently joined Capital Health’s Center for Pain Management, part of Capital Institute for Neurosciences. Providers at the Center focus on managing pain that originates with cancer, headaches, head and facial pain, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, nerve damage or disease, and pain from trauma or injuries. Dr. Lelyanov is board certified in pain medicine and anesthesiology. He received his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey and completed an internal medicine internship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. This was followed by an anesthesiology residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where Dr. Lelyanov also completed fellowship training in pain management.

14  Hopewell Express | April 2022

“Patients are referred to us from a broad spectrum of disciplines, so understanding the source of one’s pain and getting an accurate diagnosis are critical first steps in effective treatment,” said Dr. Jorge Alvarez, director of Interventional Pain Management at Capital Health’s Center for Pain Management. “Dr. Lelyanov brings a wealth of training and experience to our Center, so patients can be confident they’re receiving personalized treatment that is meticulously coordinated with all of the physicians involved in their care.” “Capital Institute for Neurosciences is known as a regional leader for providing the most advanced neurological care,” said Dr. Lelyanov. “I’m excited to join the Pain Management team and continue this tradition for patients in Mercer County and nearby communities.” Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Lelyanov was in private practice as a pain medicine physician in Toms River, New Jersey. He is a member of the Spine Intervention Society and the North American Neuromodulation Society. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lelyanov, call 267.802.1002 or visit capitalneuro.org for more information.

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell Meets INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AS A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell recently earned accreditation as Mercer County’s first Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) for providing the highest quality of care and patient safety. This accreditation means that Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has met internationally recognized standards and completed a rigorous inspection process. In addition to the hospital accreditation, Dr. Joyce Varughese (Capital Health Surgical Group – Gynecologic Oncology) and Dr. Daniel Small (Capital Health OB/GYN – Lawrenceville) received designation from SRC as Surgeons of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. Both surgeons are part of Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 physicians and other clinicians who offer primary and specialty care and hospital-based services to patients throughout Central New Jersey and Lower Bucks County in Pennsylvania. “Capital Health is known as a regional leader in women’s health, and this designation continues to validate our reputation, as well as our ongoing investments in talent and technology,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, Chief Medical Officer of Capital Health Medical Group. “Women who need the services of experienced surgeons like Dr. Varughese and Dr. Small can feel confident that they are getting the highest quality care and access to the latest surgical techniques that help ensure better outcomes.” Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci surgical system, is an alternative to traditional surgery at Capital Health for appropriate patients. Under the guidance of specially trained surgeons like Dr. Varughese and Dr. Small, complex surgical procedures can now be performed through small incisions using precise tools, cameras, and lights. Minimally invasive surgery is known for its many benefits, including less pain, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. Health care facilities and surgeons that seek SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure they meet SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education, and continuous quality assessment. The inspection involves all staff working with the surgeons in the accredited program. Inspectors educate staff on best practices to help their organization improve its care and services.

“We’re proud to recognize Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.” DR. DANIEL SMALL attended Cornell University, where he completed degrees in anthropology and international nutrition, and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. He has been board certified since 1988 and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. To make an appointment with Dr. Small, call 609.537.7200 or visit capitalhealthobgyn.org. DR. JOYCE VARUGHESE is a board certified, fellowship trained gynecologic oncology surgeon who specializes in performing traditional and minimally invasive procedures using the da Vinci robotic surgery system. Dr. Varughese completed her fellowship training in gynecologic oncology and residency in obstetrics and gynecology, serving as administrative chief resident, at Yale University. She received her medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in Bronx, New York and her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard University. To make an appointment with Dr. Varughese, call 609.537.6000 or visit capitalhealth.org/gynonc.

April 2022 | Hopewell Express15

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS @capitalhealthnj

Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Update: Latest Treatment Options Thursday, April 7, 2022 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting If you or a loved one are living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, new treatment options are available to help manage your condition. Join DR. ANIL BALANI, a board certified, fellowship trained gastroenterologist, to find out what options may be best for you and learn how to optimize currently available treatments as well.

Holistic Exercise Sampler Thursday, April 28, 2022 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting Mind/body exercise techniques are beneficial for everyone. Join MARIA FIERSZT, Capital Health Wellness Center Manager, as she discusses how these holistic practices help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase stamina. She will be joined by yoga instructor MAUREEN KAELBLEIN and tai chi instructor ROBERT LANGLEY from the Capital Health Wellness Center for virtual demonstrations of both practices, which coordinate the muscles, bones, heart and mind to provide a sense of well-being and calm.

ADDITIONAL FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS: HOME SWEET HOME: OUTPATIENT JOINT REPLACEMENT AT CAPITAL HEALTH Wednesday, April 13, 2022 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting

16  Hopewell Express | April 2022

PROPER NUTRITION AND EXERCISE FOR SENIORS 60 AND OVER Monday, May 2, 2022 | 10 a.m. Zoom Meeting

STROKE: PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE, BEATABLE Thursday, May 5, 2022 | 6 p.m. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell NJ PURE Conference Center One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534

DESSERTS continued from Page 1 from her own home. Customers can order from her online menu or call her to set up an order. Moss fully specializes these cakes, cookies, chocolates and more in any way that her customers would like, even able to work with vegan and gluten-free substitutes. Since she is working from her own home, she is baking every day, making treats to satisfy her customers. “When I moved to New Jersey a couple of years ago, I couldn’t move with my job so I was unemployed. And of course, it was Covid, so I said to myself, I always bake and I love what I do this is a passion of mine, maybe I could start advertising,” she said. One of the things that makes Moss’ business unusual is that she started this business right out of her own home. She is lucky enough that her home actually has a side apartment with a kitchen, so she was able to turn that into her own personal studio to work out of. It makes everything very convenient for her since she’s able to work late without worrying about a commute. The only negative part about working from home, for Moss, is not having a physical store to operate from, and that’s something she’s working toward. “It would be nice if I had a storefront, unless I advertise nobody is going to know my business is here,” she said, adding, “If I had a small bakery, they would see it in town. Maybe people would want to stop in to get something and get that random business from a good location.” Moss has an ever-changing featured menu with each holiday. She makes sure to theme her desserts to each event in very fun ways. For holiday treats, she goes all out and makes sure that everything from the dessert’s design to the packaging itself fits the theme. Take Easter, for example: her Cake Pops will be chick cake pops, and she’ll make a cake with peeps around it, the plain silver packaging replaced with an Easter basket. She likes to make

Baker Dana Moss of Dana Does Desserts breaks out the special recipes for holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day. the dessert fun, and that includes the packaging. “Whenever there’s a holiday, I always do special treats. I’m open year-round and just because I’m posting a special holiday treat, I can still do anything else you need to be made. But for the holiday, I like to do something fun!”

Something that Dana prides herself in is her ability to customize the desserts to people’s liking. She looks to be flexible in terms of what she can make. With any of the desserts on her website, if she can customize it for a customer, she will. A Nestle Crunch cake can easily turn into an M&M cake, if that’s what the customer

would prefer. Something she has a lot of experience with are vegan and gluten-free options, as she grew up with a gluten-free brother and vegetarian mother, so she knows how to work with substitutions. “If you see something on the website I can make that using other vegan and gluten-free options as well,” she said, adding that “I’ve even had to do both vegan and gluten-free, and he said it was amazing!” Moss said she has been thinking of innovative ways to get her business out there while helping people at the same time, and one of those ways has been with fundraising. She sells her desserts with 20% of all the profits going towards the PTO. It’s a way to get her business out there while also helping other people, which is very important to her. “I even started doing fundraising, recently there were a couple of school events I helped out with the PTO. I give a percentage of the sale back to the school and it also helps my business, I’m trying to think of creative ways to help other people and get the word out about my business,” she said. Moss is originally from Massachusetts. She has two daughters, Bella and Ava, who both love to dance, run track, play tennis, and of course bake with their mom. She is married to her husband, Adam, and when she isn’t baking, she’s tutoring students online. She also enjoys art and painting and running marathons. While she’s working towards opening up her own physical bakery, another goal she is trying to achieve is to work with bigger businesses for her. She said she’d “also love to grow my business more for people and events and businesses, I’d like to get into that some more.” If you are interested in contacting Dana or ordering some of her delicious desserts, the best way to reach her is by calling her at 845-826-4585. She has a website with her current featured items and more information about it all which is at danadoesdesserts.com.

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April 2022 | Hopewell Express17

An expert’s perspective on the residential real estate market By Rebekah Schroeder Understanding the central New Jersey residential market as it continues to fluctuate, more so than before because of the Covid-19 pandemic, is no small task. But for professionals like Judson Henderson, the broker of record and managing member at Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, that comprehension comes easier due to his years of experience. Henderson has been active in the world of real estate since first receiving his license at the age of 18, becoming a full-time professional four years later. His agency is based in Princeton, but their reach and exposure go beyond to help all central New Jersey residents meet their match in the perfect home—even when the process of doing so has been complicated by outside factors like coronavirus and a temperamental economy. Translating it for the rest of the world, Henderson shared his views on what to expect for the market, which has gone from dramatic highs to lows on a rollercoaster of property values. “I can speak to not just what’s going on in Princeton or not just what’s going on in West Windsor, but look a little bit more broadly, in terms of our area of expertise, which is that central New Jersey segment overall,” Henderson said. “The markets are generally starved for inventory, and that is certainly a theme in our area.” Inventory refers to new listings on the market, meaning that if houses are not being consistently put up for sale, potential buyers have fewer plots or buildings to choose from. “It’s no secret there, it’s expensive to live in this area. Part of that is high property taxes, high state income taxes, all those things,” Henderson continued. “But as a result of that, we don’t have a ton of our rental inventory.” According to New Jersey Realtors “Local Market Update for January 2022,” the inventory of homes for sale has dropped dramatically across single family homes (-25.1%), townhouse-condo properties (-27.4%) and adult community homes (-31.8%). This is paired with an increase of median sales prices, and a whopping decrease in new listings from the year prior, specifically in terms of adult community homes (-61.1%). Using Princeton as an example, Henderson recalls that people initially faced with difficulties in selling their homes began renting them out to others as a

18  Hopewell Express | April 2022

fallback. “Over the last year or two, that’s no longer an issue,” Henderson said, the nowprofitable sales rapidly depleting rental inventories. “[There’s] so much additional pressure on people that are coming here to buy a house or to rent a home, because even [with] the choices from a rental standpoint, there’s not a lot of plan b’s for people right now. There’s no part of this market that hasn’t been completely turned around.” To appeal to a range of prospective owners, structures and designs of the properties vary across condos, townhomes, single-family homes on smaller, postage stamp lots, and large estates with equestrian facilities. “It really is a much more diverse housing stock than people realize, so it’s hard to generalize in this market, in our area, what’s going on across the board, because it’s very specific to individual counties, and even certain products, within those municipalities,” Henderson explained. If a house is in “great turnkey condition” that requires little to no work, Henderson adds, it’s likely priced at a premium. Due to the pandemic’s supply issues and inevitable delays, people are more willing to pay a higher amount for an abode that does not have, or need, renovations for functionality. The reverse of that means that residents who are able to make those enhancements have the fixer-upper-hand, because any successfully completed projects are likely to increase the financial worth of the property. “There are values out there for people that are willing to take that work on because there are fewer people that are in that position,” Henderson adds. Outside of the pandemic and in a “normal” market, he said, trends vary over time. “Some of those are desirable and some of those are not,” Henderson said, illustrating his point with details on the 2008 recession. According to Henderson, after the economic crash, people started to prefer smaller, efficient homes with minimal walking distances to town. “We are in a post-pandemic world where they say they’re still desirable, but there’s been a renaissance for properties that have a little more breathing room and a little more lifestyle at your fingertips,” he remarks. With the possibility of being “stuck” at or working from home more relevant

Jud Henderson is an agent with Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty. than ever before, the pandemic has changed not only what homeowners tend to value, but even minute details such as “floor plan changes that have revealed themselves” in the last few years. At the beginning of the lockdown, Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, alongside others in the world of real estate, watched as everything came to a standstill. Then, an explosion of interest revitalized the housing market, creating a startling, yet appreciated, new reality for the field. “We were completely idle for a couple of months, not knowing what was gonna happen, and then all of a sudden, real estate almost did a complete 180°, where we’re as busy, if not bigger, than we’ve ever been,” Henderson said. The business was then tasked with navigating both the perils of a pandemic and the constant risk of Covid-19 exposures. Kiplinger’s Daniel Bortz reported that 2021 had “record-low mortgage rates” riding off the high of stimulus checks and rising wages, causing the market to flourish. “That surge in demand, coupled with the lowest home supply in more than two decades, sent U.S. home sale prices to stratospheric highs,” Bortz wrote in a Feb. 23 article from this year.

But now, there are higher sale prices than ever, making the current market tailored to sellers rather than buyers. According to estimates from the website Redfin, as of Feb. 2022, there was a roughly 10-point increase in homes sold above the list price to 48.3%, but a steep, 16.4% decrease in the number of homes for sale to 26,723. Only 6,936 homes were actually sold with Redfin, resulting in a 17.1% decrease. While the majority of 2022 is yet to come, early predictions maintain that this year is unlikely to simulate the springtime renaissance of 2021, where the market, newly revitalized, took on a life of its own. Going forward, Henderson finds that some market changes will be non-negotiable. “Affordability is always the key,” he maintains. “When we have real estate prices rising to the extent that they are, the biggest thing that’s going to influence the upcoming year is what happens with affordability in interest rates.” “It really starts to have an impact on what people can afford, and that’s going to be the key to anything that happens this year,” Henderson said. “Last year, when interest rates were so low and the market was in a rising environment, people were there to afford these homes or at least people were there to pay higher prices.” Henderson gave his overview of the future at the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s 2022 “Central NJ Real Estate Forecast” event on March 4, sharing his predictions with an audience, peers and fellow speakers. His projections ultimately revolved around what New Jersey renters and homeowners are willing to tolerate. “How much more price appreciation and rising interest rates can people actually stomach?” he asked about the trends. “People are going to chase affordability. They’ll find what they want from a housing standpoint and then move to a municipality of a secondary nature.” Henderson’s takeaway is that these traditional boundaries may no longer be as important as they were in the past, with residents feeling more inclined to relocate for their evolving needs—this would mean the markets could change based mostly on movement. “If people don’t like what they see in one municipality, then they’re going to venture out to a municipality that is more affordable,” he said, envisioning one of the conceivable changes.

Mercer County Sustainability Coali�on Presents

Greening Together 2022

A week long environmental celebra�on April 23-30 * FREE April 23: Saturday Water Ways Clean Up

registra�onh�ps://thewatershed.org/streamscleanup Hosted by Watershed ins�tute, Lawrence public works, Friends of Colonial Lake 9:00 am - Lawrence Colonial Lake 9:00 am - Drexel Woods Shabakunk Stream 10:00 am - Ewing Township Earth Day Community Park Clean Up at Moody Park (rain date Sunday, April 24th) All day -West Windsor family Friendly bike rides Trolly Line Trail

April 24: Sunday 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Hilltop Park in Princeton. Help remove trash, Enjoy the open space! Register with The Watershed.

Sunday 3—5pm Virtual Climate Change And Health Kathleen Biggins president of C-Change Conversa�ons. Will present the climate impacts on Health with a mul�media presenta�on

April 27: Water Wednesday 7 PM Plant Power Virtual Discussion in person and virtual of issues associated with stormwater

runoﬀ and ﬂooding. Learn how, when used plants can manage and prevent water problems in your yard and neighborhood. Presented by the Watershed Ins�tute and Lawrence Green team

April 28: Thursday 7pm Virtual Energy tools for the Home Owner, Electriﬁca�on and renewables, solar energy and storage, PSEG

residen�al energy eﬃciency program, Electric Vehicles and charging, heat pumps for hea�ng, cooling and hot water. Hosted by Hopewell Green Team and Lawrence Green Team.

April 29: Friday Arbor Day Tree Plan�ng in Many Mercer Towns 3pm Lawrence Nature Center -Ed Cohen NJ Extension service discussion on Lantern ﬂy problems and how to demonstra�on building a Lantern Fly Trap

Virtual George Diferdinando Physician professor at Rutgers , chair board of health Princeton, speaking and modera�ng a discussion on climate change and health ‘local impacts Hosted by Lawrence green team

4pm Lawrence nature Center- Tree Plan�ng and Meadow walk around Meet the birds of Colonial Lake Park in person 9:30-11:00 am Washington Crossing Audubon Society

April 25: Virtual Monday 7pm Landscape Tips for Rewilding Your Backyard, by Nick D’Amato Environmental Designer,

April 30 Saturday 10am-2pm Green Get Together & Bike Rodeo Outdoors Lawrence High School Parking lot—Children bring your

owner of Gino’s Nursery. Plant a tree, rip out some lawn, install a rain garden, the op�ons are plen�ful. Welcoming nature back to your own backyard. Hosted by Ewing Green Team

April 26: Tuesday 8:30 am In Person Mercer County Business Clean Energy Summit Boathouse at Mercer Park

West Windsor, includes breakfast. PSE&G clean energy program for small business discussion. Now is the perfect �me to upgrade to new energy eﬃcient equipment, hea�ng, cooling, ligh�ng, and other more comprehensive solu�ons. •New Jersey Board of Public U�lity Programs: Ariane Benrey, NJBPU •PSE&G Energy Saver Programs: Chris�ne N. Leary, Gary Finger and Roger Kliemisch, DNV Energy Systems •New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry Gina Gambacorto, NJDEP

bikes, receive a new well-ﬁ�ng helmet from Capital Health Safe Kids Program. Learn how to ride your bike safely on the Rodeo trail, Lawrence Police and MCTMA have fun!!

Cover the parking lot with your crea�ve pictures using colorful chalk. Electric Car and Electric bike MEETUP –hear about all the latest models and talk with sustainable vendors ,compost program, na�ve plant pickup, tree seedlings, clothing repair demonstra�on, PSE&G clean energy program, community solar, and much more

All Week

Bike Ride/ walk map through Lawrence Earth day Instagram Bingo Rider Eco-club prize awarded April 30th at the Bike Rodeo Reusable Bag Giveaway full of informa�on

For informa�on about events got to mercersustainabilitycoali�on.org April 2022 | Hopewell Express19

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Expires: 4-30-22

Sprinter Garcia-Beltran blazing new trails for HoVal By Rich Fisher It was a simple game of tag during a middle school gym class in Maryland. You know, “Tag, you’re it!” But Lucia Garcia-Beltran was never “it.” No one could catch her to tag her. She was a member of the school band, and her band director happened to notice this. He pulled her aside with the gym teacher for a life-changing conversation. “They had a lecture with me and said, ‘We need you to promise you’re going to join track in high school.’ So I joined it,” Lucia said. “Also, in middle school, we had this field day where we did different events. I always won the 40 meters, so it gave me the assurance to try out.” She needed that assurance, for this was a girl who never knew what track was. Garcia-Beltran lived in Spain until age 9, when her dad’s pharmaceutical job moved the family to America. She painted, sketched, knitted, danced and baked. Anything that sparked creativity. But she had never done a sport. Unfortunately for her would-be Maryland high school, it never got her services as the family moved to Hopewell her freshman year. She still listened to her former band director and gave running a shot at Hopewell Valley Central High School. Four years later, she is a top sprinter for the Bulldogs, and will run Division I track at Rutgers next year. That’s something 9-year-old Lucia would have never expected. “I didn’t even know track existed until I was a lot older,” she said, still with a trace of Spanish in her accent. “I was never really exposed to that in Spain. We don’t have a lot of sports complexes or facilities there.” In fact, when she went back to visit family recently, Garcia-Beltran had to pay a fee to run on one of the few public tracks available. Not that it slowed her down. In the 55-meter sprint this past winter, she took gold in the Mercer County, Central Jersey Group III and NJSIAA Group III championships. She claimed fifth in the Meet of Champions, 13th in the Nike Nationals and 22nd in the New Balance Nationals. But the result that made her happiest was a fifth-place finish in the U.S. Army

Eastern States at the Armory in New York, when she ran a personal record of 7.17 (she finished eighth in the finals). It was the fourth best indoor time in New Jersey this year. In Garcia-Beltran’s world, places don’t matter. The only person she is running against on earth is herself. “Yeah, pretty much,” she said with a laugh. “I compete against myself instead of other athletes. I could be number one or number five, as long as I do better than I did last time I’m happy. If I place it’s a bonus but it’s more about getting my times better.” Other runners have that same mindset, of course. It’s what keeps them improving. But some get satisfaction from placing in the MOC, even if they don’t get a career best time. Not Lucia. “Actually I wasn’t too happy with what I did at the Meet of Champs because my PR (personal record) is a little faster than that,” she said. “If I don’t PR in a meet I’m not usually content with it. I loved the result, placing was nice, but I wasn’t really satisfied.” That is something Bulldogs sprints coach Rick Smith is trying to change. He loves that she is always striving to be better, and doesn’t want to tamper with that mindset. But he would like to see her enjoy the rewards her desire provides. “She’s personally accountable instead of trying to pick up wins and medals,” Smith said. “She’s never happy. She’s always got her eye on the next goal, so I’m trying to bring some positivity. Sometimes you have to accept, maybe not the result you were looking for, but if you win. . . She won a lot of different championships this year so you gotta accept the positives when you’re unhappy about your times. But she’s always looking for that next best time.” Which is the mark of a great runner and a hungry runner. Lucia is both. Her natural skills were evident to the band director; but once she started track Garcia-Beltran knew that raw skill would only go so far. “It’s natural speed but also a lot of form over the years,” she said. “Once you get to the point where your natural speed is at its height, you need to start relying on your form. I’m still learning a lot.” She’s had some good teachers over the

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Hopewell Valley senior sprinter Lucia Garcia-Beltran will run track at Rutgers university starting next school year. (Photo by Rich Fisher.) years, including former Hopewell coach Danny Johnson along with the Trenton Track Club’s Curtis Whittle, who helped turn his son and Nottingham senior Shamali into a national champion. Smith worked with sprinters at three previous schools before coming to Hopewell. “She’s worked hard for a long time with a lot of different coaches and this is my first season working directly with her; so it was nice to have a leader on the team that’s accountable,” Smith said. “You always trust that she’s gonna do what she needs to do. She never cuts corners. She does everything the right way.” Garcia-Beltran enters the spring with PRs of 12.49 in the 100 and 25.98 in the 200. Her goal is to break the decade-old school records of 12.22 and 24.89; but she wants to go even lower than that. “My goal for the 100 is to go anywhere from 11.7 to 12.1,” she said. “And in the 200 I’d like to go low 24s.” Smith may also put her in the long jump, saying “With all that speed and power, as long as she can get up in the air a little bit I think she can be a pretty good jumper too.” As far as sprints go, Smith and his run-

ner are working to improve her starts. “She gets out of the blocks well, but she’ll tell you that’s an area she can improve,” the coach said. “But her explosion or power is what sets her apart. She’s got excellent footspeed.” Lucia confirmed Smith’s comments, saying “the hardest thing has been my start, that’s the one thing I’m still trying to perfect. I don’t have it down yet.” With her work ethic, she will likely get it down. As for life outside of track, GarciaBarnes is currently a permanent United States resident but is in the process of becoming naturalized. She still considers herself more Spanish than American, saying “I think I’m both, but I like to think I’m more Spanish.” She admitted there was a culture shock upon arriving in America; but has adapted nicely. “The values in the two countries are really different,” Lucia said. “The American culture is very unique. It’s not negative or positive, it’s just unique. I find positives in both places.” With the biggest positive of all being a game of tag in eighth grade.

April 2022 | Hopewell Express21

A tale of two programs LISA WOLFF

NATURE IN THE VALLEY

As a perpetual student of the latest management theories, I’m a believer that almost nothing, no matter how great, is sustainable without intentional effort or change. Technology makers know this, hence, the annual iPhone release. Yet others don’t realize the impact of apathy and watch as many perfectly implemented ideas, programs, and products decline over time. This is especially true in the realm of conservation where oftentimes folks subscribe to the “If it ain’t broke” theory and let what was once a good idea wane to its breakpoint — with possible catastrophic consequences. It reminds me of the community that fished a single species at their lake. Over time, they kept fishing and resisted suggestions to change… until the fish went extinct. Of course, most conservation issues are not as clear-cut as extinction of a species. A good example is the global and local challenge of trash abatement. In the

late 1800s, trash incinerators seemed like a great solution. Subsequently, burying or shipping our garbage to other countries became popular. None of these options are very palatable today. While I won’t provide the world’s global trash solution in this column, I will share a couple of local trash abatement programs that did well in their time

An anonymous donor has agreed to match hourly donations bringing the effective rate to $13 an hour for the April 9th Clean-Up Day. and may have potential to thrive into the future with some fresh effort. The first is Hopewell Township’s Clean Communities program. Last January, I lauded it for hitting an amazing milestone — exceeding $100,000 in donations to local nonprofits in its long history. The concept is very clever. The 2002 Clean Communities Act provided for a state level dedicated tax on businesses that generate litter. Most of that tax money

Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Pennington, Titusville, Blawenburg and Princeton.

22  Hopewell Express | April 2022

goes to municipalities and is restricted to use for litter abatement programs. Payment to school or nonprofit groups for cleanup work is a permitted cost. Community members work to clean up local streets and public areas and designate an eligible school or nonprofit group to receive payment. Since 2002, the Township has paid these groups $8

per hour of work by people over age 13. The beauty of the program is that it is a win-win all around. The town gets clean. The community not only gets educated but also participates in the process. The cherry on the sundae is that all “the work” benefits the community twice: once in an educated, cleaner community; and second, in the social good from the associated philanthropic donation! So, why you may ask, would this model not be sustainable? Well back in 2002, $8 an hour was a lot of money, and people felt great about their positive impact. In 2022, the number of hours worked has drastically dropped. Some, like the scouts, still come out to contribute to the greater good. However, others feel undervalued to work for a wage that has stagnated for 20 years. Fortunately, the solution to improving the situation is not difficult. FoHVOS, the administrator of the Hopewell Township Clean Communities program, has advocated for people to be paid minimum wage to clean garbage off of our streets. The good news is that Hopewell Township has agreed to raise the pay to $11 an hour. An anonymous donor wanting to test my theory has agreed to match hourly donations by $2 an hour for the April 9th Clean-Up Day. This brings the effective rate to $13 an hour for age 13+ and $10 an hour for workers 12 and under. Visit fohvos.org to register to raise money for your favorite nonprofit. The second program will be a bit more complex to fix, namely the HVRSD Textile Collection bins. It started out with the best intentions. In 2010, I walked around New York City and noticed farmers markets with textile collections advertised as a way to reuse and keep used clothing out of our landfills. Upon further research, I learned that the agency collecting the textiles would pay a few cents

a pound as well. So not only could we keep stuff out of the landfills, we could also raise a little money in the process. With the permission of then-Superintendent Tom Smith and HVRSD Facilities Director Norm Torkelson, we hosted our first textile collection drive. We advertised it well and the community came out in droves and Michelle Schragger, Jeanine Vaccarino, Margaret Van Vuuren, and Heidi Wilenius worked all day and into the evening to collect textiles and drop them off to a school district truck. In the end, we collected 8,000 pounds of textiles in a day, raised a little money for the PTO, and District facilities staff drove the textiles to North Jersey for processing. We received a letter from thenGov. Chris Christie lauding our efforts. Eventually, we streamlined the process. Heidi Wilenius and I co-chaired the program and we moved from a laborintensive annual drive to collection boxes at every school with the textile collection agency doing the processing. Much less volunteer work and the PTOs received regular payments. Some people had questions about the real-world impact of the textile drive. While we still had the benefit of keeping textiles out of landfills, the reason the forprofit vendor could pay us was that they processed our textiles to sell and ship our overseas. Still, we could rationalize that despite the climate and carbon cost of travel, the clothing was being reused and kept from landfills. The next challenge arose as education against the dangers of “fast fashion” began. The explanation was simple. Too many people were buying cheap, trendy, and disposable clothing. We had a crisis of confidence in the relative good we were achieving. Were our textile bins actually encouraging guilt-free consumption for people believing that fast fashion is not waste if it’s being reused? With our motivation waning and other more impactful projects on the horizon, Heidi dropped out as textile chair. Then Covid hit, and the world shut down. Our vendor could no longer ship textiles overseas and while they continued picking up the textiles, the vendor stopped sending payments in February 2020. Last month HVRSD, removed the textile boxes. The PTOs are considering alternatives. Time will tell if they can transform an idea past its prime into a successful solution. Lisa Wolff is the executive director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space. Email: lwolff@fohvos.org.

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April 2022 | Hopewell Express23

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24  Hopewell Express | April 2022