10-22 BC

Shooting star

By Joe EMaNsKi

Top soccer players know that if they want to become the best they can be — and stay that way — they must train, day after day.

When 10-year-old Allie Fasanella decided last year that she was going to compete in the Elks’ National Soccer Shoot Grid Goal Contest, she knew she would need to train like the pros. So she did, and the work certainly paid off — as Fasanella finished with the best score in the nation.

Started in 1997, the Elks’ National Soccer Shoot Grid Goal Contest is an annual nationwide event. Local Elks lodges invite youth contestants in various age groups to compete to make shots into a regular soccer goal that is divided into sections.

Shots made in some sections worth more than others. Shots made in the upper right and left hand corners of the goal, for instance, score the most points, while shots that enter the net along the ground score the fewest. After each contestant takes all their allotted shots, the scores are

See SHOOTOUT, Page 11

City moves into new digs

thing that ever has.”

Though Mead’s name always appears with the quote, there’s no indication she ever uttered those words, or wrote them in a study. Rather, the quote attributed to her appeared in a book four years after her death with no citation.

organizations came together to ink an historic agreement, which in part, now means the City of Bordentown has a new municipal building.

5 township candidates running for 3 school board seats

By Joe EMaNsKi

Township voters will have a chance to elect three people to the Bordentown Regional School District Board of Education this fall.

Mail-in ballots should have been sent out in the last week of September to those voting that way, while Election Day is on Nov. 8, for those still planning to vote the old-fashioned way. Oct. 18 is the deadline to register to vote in New Jersey.

The school board race features five candidates for the three available seats. Incumbents Stephen Heberling and Larry Braasch are running, but current board member Erika Worthy is not. Also running are candidates Laura Papp and Joann Holman.

By SUe Ferrara

Anthropologist Margaret Mead supposedly said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only

But whether or not the anthropologist deserves credit for those words, we often see evidence of small groups of people making big changes. In fact, in late 2020, while we were locked down due to the pandemic, leaders from four

On Dec. 18, 2020, Bordentown City, the State of New Jersey, and D&R Greenway Land Trust closed on the purchase of acreage at 101 Park St. that the Divine Word Missionaries had owned for 81 years. This was also the remaining piece of property once owned by the exiled King of Spain, Joseph

See CITY HALL, Page 12

No seats for Bordentown City or Fieldsboro are up for election this year.

As is our tradition, the Bordentown Current sent questionnaires to all of the school board candidates in advance of this year’s election.

Their responses to our questions can be found starting on page 14.

Bordentown City’s new municipal complex, tucked away at the end of the long drive at 101 Park St., was formerly owned by Divine Word Missionaries. (Photo by E. M. Hume.)

Township soccer player, 10, wins Elks’ National Shootout Championship

Historic Bordentown’s new municipal complex has a rich history of its own

John Zara 4th

AroUnD toWn

Bordentown Thespians to present ‘Puffs’ on Oct. 21-22

The comedic play Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox will be presented on Oct. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center. The production will be performed by the award-winning theatre students of Bordentown Regional High School.

Puffs aims to give audiences a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their journey reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Featured in the cast are Bordentown Regional High School seniors Candace Farrell as Leanne, Defnenur Gumus as Sally Perks, Ray Hollopeter as a Cer-

tain Potions Teacher, Clay Hubbard as Ernie Mac, Ryan Kaufman as Wayne, Anna Madden as the Narrator, Olivia McGlone as Hannah and Xavia, and Jake Sfraga as Cedric; juniors Aidan Bramley as Oliver, Sal Carr as J Finch, Jaida Hitt as Megan, sophomores Genevieve Schenone as Ginny, Sierra Struck as Rita Scooter, and freshmen Brynn Bowyer as Mr. Voldy, Sika Brenya as Susie Bones, Rylie Evans as the Headmaster, Ceilidh Manigrasso as Professor Sproutty, Atlas Planas-Borgstrom as Harry, and Gracie Tyler as Blondo Malfoy.

Over the past decade, the Greater Philadelphia Cappie Awards have honored BRHS Theatre performances with 60 nominations and seventeen awards. The theatrical performances of BRHS have also been honored with awards and nominations from the New Jersey State Thespian Festival and the New Jersey Theatre Night Awards. Bordentown Regional

Current Bordentown

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Bordentown Current 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.

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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

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MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION

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Joe Emanski

A proud member of:

High School is home to International Thespian Society Troupe 6803.

The Bordentown Performing Arts Cen ter is attached to Bordentown Regional High School, and is located at 318 Ward Ave. in Bordentown. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and stu dents, and can be purchased in advance at seatyourself.biz/brhs. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

For more information on the perform ing arts at Bordentown Regional High School, visit bordentown.k12.nj.us, email bordentowntheatre@yahoo.com or call (609) 496-1452.

Pegasus season to open with ‘Carnage’

Pegasus Theatre Company returns to live stage productions this month after a forced Covid hiatus with with Yasmina Reza’s comedy God of Carnage, with opening night set for Oct. 7 and shows running through Oct. 23.

Reza, known for cleverly turning mun dane social situations into riotous come dies, quickly strips away all social niceties in God of Carnage to expose two couples trapped in the chaos of marriage and par enthood. Peter Bisgaier directs Christo pher Hampton’s translation of this exami nation of parenting and marriage.

In God of Carnage, two sets of parents meet to discuss how to handle a play ground physical altercation between their sons. Over the course of the afternoon,

tensions rise, biases are revealed, and the parents’ true humanity (or lack thereof) rises to the surface, resulting in what The New York Times called “90 minutes of

laughter that comes from the gut.”

“This is the perfect show to open our residency in Bordentown. It’s quick, sharp, and will show off what we do as a company,” says director Peter Bisgaier.

“God of Carnage is the kind of play we see our friends and neighbors reflected in, but not ourselves. Definitely not ourselves.”

The quartet of actors in this production include:

Righteous Jolly (Michael Novak), an alumnus of Circle in the Square Theatre School who has been acting and perform ing for over 20 years. God of Carnage marks his Pegasus debut. In addition to acting, Jolly is a vocalist and singer-song writer who has fronted the bands Syrrah and The Jolly Tinkers. He will have his first solo album out in spring 2023.

Mary Tomson (Veronica Novak) is making her Pegasus debut. Most recently she appeared as Jo March in Lit tle Women with Riverwards Theater Com pany. Other previous roles include Mar got Frank (The Diary of Anne Frank), the Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), and a delightful stint as a gender-bent Hamlet. As a vocalist, she has performed every thing from big bands to sacred music.

David Nikolas (Alan Raleigh) is a Philadelphia-based actor, last seen on the

See NEWS, Page 6

The Cast of “Puffs,” to be presented by the Bordentown Thespians: (front row) Jake Sfraga; (middle row) Anna Madden, Olivia McGlone, Ryan Kaufman, Candace Farrell, Defnenur Gumus, Aidan Bramley, Jaida Hitt, Rylie Evans, Sika Brenya, Atlas Planas-Borgstrom; (back row) Ray Hollopeter, Brynn Bowyer, Sal Carr, Clay Hubbard, Genevieve Schenone, Sierra Struck, Gracie Tyler and Ceilidh Manigrasso.

NEWS continued from Page 5

Pegasus stage in their 2017 production of Yasmina Reza’s Art. Also in 2017, Nikolas made his off-Broadway debut in the lead role of Fran in a revival of Gemini (The atre Row). On screen, he co-produced, wrote, and directed In His Pocket, which took home several laurels on the 2021 film festival circuit.

Jennifer Nasta Zefutie (Annette Raleigh) is also the company’s manag ing artistic director. An award-winning actress, Zefutie has appeared in plays, independent films, and corporate vid eos and industrials across the country. Favorite past roles include Linda in Fic tion (Pegasus Theatre Company), Claire in Proof (Hudson Theatre Company and Pegasus The atre Company), Anne Sul livan in The Miracle Worker, Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Jo in A Few Good Men, and the title role in Tom Stoppard’s Hapgood.

God of Carnage features scenic design by Borden town City resident Jennifer Szeto; costume design by Bordentown City resident Chrissy Johnson; light ing design by Robert Rutt; and sound design by Darren Sussman. Bordentown City resident Jonathan Martin serves as dramaturge, and the stage manager is Victoria Kaiser.

Pegasus Theatre Company is a nonprofit, professional theatre company in its fifth season, making its Bordentown debut. Pegasus’s mission is to illuminate and elevate human experiences through courageous and imaginative theatrical storytelling.

Shows will take place Oct. 7–23; Fri days and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Pegasus Theatre at St. Mary’s School, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown, NJ. Tickets are $24-28 and can be pur chased online at pegasustheatrenj.org or by calling (609) 759-0045.

County offering free flu shots through January

With the start of the seasonal flu sea son fast approaching and the danger of overlapping infections of influenza and Covid-19, Burlington County health offi cials are encouraging residents to obtain their seasonal flu vaccine.

The Burlington County Health Depart ment will once again offer seasonal flu vaccines on Thursdays through Jan. 3 at clinics throughout the county.

“We’ve spoken a lot of about the need for residents to get vaccinated and boosted to help guard against Covid-19 but it’s imperative they also get their sea

sonal flu shot as well,” said Dr. Herb Con away, director of the Burlington County Health Department. “Influenza typically sends thousands of people to hospitals annually and can be a danger to anyone, but especially seniors, young children and others with weakened immune sys tems or other health conditions. Getting a seasonal flu shot is the best way to pro tect yourself and your loved ones.”

All 20 flu clinics will be walk-up and open to any individual who is 6 months or older. The vaccines are available free of charge to county residents, but donations are accepted. Residents 6 months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated, but health officials stressed the shot is espe cially important for people who live or work in a nursing home, long-term care facil ity or health care setting and those who live with or take care of elderly residents or young children or who have chronic health problems. Pregnant women are also advised to get a flu shot.

Countries in the southern hemisphere have reported significant increases in flu cases this year, so the Cen ters for Disease Control and Prevention is warning more flu transmission is likely. Health officials are also concerned about the potential for some people to suffer overlapping infec tions of influenza and Covid-19.

“Both the flu shot and the Covid-19 vac cines and boosters are proven to be safe and effective protection against serious illness,” Conaway said. “With Covid vari ants still active and flu season approaching, there’s a danger of overlapping infections, so it’s important to get both types of shots.”

The schedule for upcoming flu clinics is as follows:

Oct. 13: Wrightstown Volunteer Fire Co., 21 Saylors Pond Rd, Wrightstown, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Keegan Center, 522 Wood St., Burlington City, 3 to 5 p.m.

Oct. 20 : Evesham Fire Department, 26 E. Main St., Evesham, 9 to 11 a.m.; Pal myra Cove Nature Center, 1335 Route 73 South, Palmyra, 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: Palmyra Community Center, 30 W. Broad St., Palmyra, 10 a.m. to noon; Florence Municipal Building, 711 Broad St., Florence, 3 to 5 p.m.

Oct. 29: Burlington Township Munici pal Building, 851 Old York Road, Burling ton Township, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nov. 3: Shamong Township Municipal Building, 105 Willow Grove Road, Sham ong, 10 a.m. to noon.

Nov. 10: Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks St., Bordentown, 10 a.m. to noon; Medford Township Municipal Building, 49 Union St, Medford, 2 to 4 p.m.

Zefutie

HEADLINES

@capitalhealthnj

TRENTON SENIORS GET IN STEP

with Capital Health’s Vascular Rehabilitation Program

Trenton residents Clara Boatwright and Alice Wells have a lot in common—including being schoolmates in their younger days— and after reuniting as patients in the Vascular Rehabilitation Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, they’re happy to be together again on the path to better health.

The Vascular Rehabilitation Program is for people experiencing mild or severe pain in the legs due to lower-extremity peripheral artery disease or similar symptoms that are still present following vascular procedures.

“I thought I was having muscle troubles,” said Alice. “My primary care doctor sent me to Dr. Lotto, who confirmed I had poor circulation.” Dr. Christine Lotto, a board certified, fellowship trained general and vascular surgeon at Capital Health Surgical Group, referred Alice to the program.

“I was having pain in my calves when walking,” said Clara. “I told my heart doctor (Dr. Kristopher Young, Capital Health – Heart Care Specialists) what was going on, and tests showed that the circulation was bad in my legs. My specialist (also Dr. Lotto) recommended vascular rehab at Capital Health.”

Capital Health’s team of physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians work closely with referring physicians to help program participants achieve their rehab goals through personalized exercise, nutrition counseling, risk factor management guidance, and psychological support all aimed at helping participants meet their health goals.

“The program helped me a lot. When I first started, I had a lot of stiffness because I wasn’t very active,” said Clara. “We watched videos that helped us understand the things we were experiencing, and the exercise helped me get all the kinks out. The nutritionist also gave me a lot of insight on how to eat better.”

“They really keep you informed so you’re not in the dark after the program is done,” said Alice. “I got a lot of good handouts about

exercising, healthy eating, and stopping smoking. I enjoyed my time there, but more importantly, it still helps me!”

If you’re experiencing mild or severe cramping pain in the legs with walking as the result of lower-extremity peripheral artery disease or lower-extremity revascularization procedures, call Capital Health’s Vascular Rehabilitation Program at 609.537.6420 to schedule an appointment, or visit capitalheartandvascular.org for more information.

From left, Clara Boatwright and Alice Wells on the path to better health with Capital Health’s Vascular Rehabilitation Program.

Capital Health Employee Education Program Awards

Four Full Tuition Scholarships to Rider University

Capital Health has announced four winners of full-tuition scholarships to Rider University as part of an employee education benefits partnership with the university. The scholarship winners are immediate family members of Capital Health employees and include Rachel Burnett (education), Andrew Coates (communication studies), Gloria Owusu (accounting), and Johannah Stevenson (STEM). In order to be eligible for the scholarships, candidates or their immediate family members must be full-time, non-union employees of Capital Health for at least one year and meet additional eligibility requirements. Capital Health’s partnership with Rider launched in 2020 when Capital Health Medical Group began overseeing the university’s Student Health Center and providing primary care health services to students and employees.

“On behalf of Capital Health, I’m pleased to congratulate the inaugural winners of our full-tuition scholarships to Rider University” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “As our relationship with Rider grows, we’ll offer similar scholarship opportunities annually as part of a broader education benefits program for our employees and their families. Two of the four scholarships awarded this year went to students whose annual family incomes were under $100,000, and we look forward to helping more members of our Capital Health family reach their education goals in the years to come.”

RACHEL BURNETT of Morrisville, Pennsylvania is a graduate of Pennsbury High School. Daughter of Elizabeth De La Portilla-Stout, assistant nurse manager in Hemodialysis at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Rachel is an education major in Rider’s College of Education and Human Services, which is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

ANDREW COATES of Levittown, Pennsylvania is the son of Kim Coates, a registered nurse and practice lead at Capital Health Occupational Health Center. Andrew is a graduate of Calvary Christian Academy of Philadelphia and his major is communication studies, with a minor in broadcast journalism. He intends to pursue a career in media.

GLORIA OWUSU of Hamilton, New Jersey is the daughter of Samuel Acheaw, Care Management nurse at Capital Health Medical

Center – Hopewell. Gloria is a graduate of Hamilton High School West and is an accounting major in Rider’s Department of Accounting, which is one of only 2% of programs worldwide with accreditation from the AACSB International.

JOHANNA STEVENSON of Lumberton, New Jersey is a graduate of Rancocas Valley Regional High School. Daughter of Robert Stevenson, tech specialist at the Sleep Center at Capital Health – Hamilton, Johanna plans to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in order to pursue a career as a secondary STEM teacher (grades 9 12) in a “high need” school district.

Undergraduate students (including those transferring to Rider University or enrolling in a continuing studies program) are eligible to receive these scholarships, which are awarded for four consecutive years or until completion of the academic program. Scholarship recipients must be full-time students, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and be students in good standing with Rider University at all times during the course of their enrollment. Full-tuition scholarships do not include room, board, or other related costs, such as textbooks.

Capital Health’s employee education benefits program also features a 50% tuition discount agreement with Rider University for nonunion employees and their immediate family members (cannot be combined with full-tuition scholarships). Other Rider education benefits for Capital Health employees include an application fee waiver; free, unofficial evaluation of transfer credits prior to applying; and a Rider academic advisor to help plan their schedule. Graduate student applicants can request a free evaluation of transfer credits as well as course and GMAT/GRE waivers and exclusive certificate programs for Capital Health employees are currently in development.

Winners left to right: Rachel Burnett, Andrew Coates, Gloria Owusu, and Johannah Stevenson

THREE EXPERIENCED PULMONOLOGISTS

Join Capital Health Medical Group

Drs. Akbar Obaray, Syed Asghar and Nasir Malik have joined Capital Health – Pulmonology Specialists, part of Capital Health Medical Group. These three experienced, board certified pulmonologists join colleagues Drs. Irene Hao, Diana Kolman, Naresh Nagella and Dolly Patel in providing care for patients in Mercer and Bucks counties with conditions that affect the lungs and respiratory system.

“Capital Health – Pulmonology Specialists launched four years ago to meet the needs of people in our community who are living with a variety of lung and respiratory conditions,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, chief medical officer of the Capital Health Medical Group. “The addition of these qualified and experienced pulmonologists to our

already talented group of providers expands patient access to the best possible pulmonary care in the Mercer/Bucks region.”

DR. AKBAR OBARAY is a board certified pulmonologist with extensive experience in all aspects of pulmonary medicine, including respiratory intensive care, fiber optic bronchoscopy, transbronchial biopsies and pulmonary functional testing as well as the management of asthma, COPD, lung cancer and interstitial lung disease. Prior to joining Capital Health, Dr. Obaray was in private practice in Hamilton, New Jersey for more than 30 years.

DR. SYED ASGHAR is board certified in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. He sees patients with all types of pulmonary disease and has extensive experience in performing bronchoscopies. Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Asghar spent many years in private practice and as a hospitalist, attending physician, and in leadership roles at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and other hospitals in Mercer and Bucks counties.

Are you having a difficult time with lingering breathing issues and other long-term effects of a COVID-19 infection? Join DR. DIANA KOLMAN, a board certified and fellowship trained interventional pulmonologist, to discuss lung issues related to the coronavirus and treatment options available for those suffering from long COVID-19. DR. KRISTINA MCGUIRE, a licensed clinical psychologist, will discuss the psychological symptoms associated with long COVID-19, coping strategies and behavioral health treatments.

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. 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.

DR. NASIR MALIK is board certified in pulmonary diseases and internal medicine. His areas of interest include asthma, COPD, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis and pulmonary hypertension. Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Malik served as a pulmonologist/critical care attending physician with Wellspan Healthcare in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Capital Health – Pulmonology Specialists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the lungs and respiratory system. They have office locations in Hopewell Township (Two Capital Way, Suite 487, Pennington, NJ 08534), Newtown (3 Penns Trail, 2nd floor, Newtown, PA 18940) and Hamilton (1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 111, Hamilton, NJ 08619).

Appointments are now available by calling 609.815.7390 or visit capitalhealth.org/pulmonology for more information.

Capital Health Welcomes New Director of Comprehensive Headache Center

Capital Health recently welcomed DR. DWAYNE BROWN, a board certified and fellowship trained neurologist, to its Capital Institute for Neurosciences as director of its Comprehensive Headache Center. In his new role, Dr. Brown leads the Center’s multidisciplinary approach to patients and offers a variety of services to treat migraine headache, tension headache, cluster headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalgia, CSF leak headache, high-pressure headache, facial pain and various secondary headache conditions. In addition, Dr. Brown offers procedures such as Botox for migraine, trigger point injections and nerve blocks.

“Over the past few years, Capital Health has steadily added new specialists to its broader neurosciences program,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, chief medical officer of Capital Health Medical Group. “We welcome Dr. Brown’s significant expertise to our Capital Institute for Neurosciences and making specialized care for those who are suffering from headache conditions available here in a very convenient environment.”

Board certified in neurology, Dr. Brown completed his headache and facial pain fellowship training at Yale University School of Medicine

in New Haven, Connecticut. He earned his medical degree from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia and completed his residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, where he served as chief neurology resident. He also earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in pharmacology from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C.

“I am extremely pleased to join Capital Health and Capital Institute for Neurosciences,” said Dr. Brown. “Capital Health has a reputation for providing a very high level of neuroscience care, and I look forward to being a part of its continued growth.”

Dr. Brown’s research has been published in national and international publications, including Neurology, Neurotoxicity Research, The Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Neuroscience Letters and Neurochemistry International. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Society for Neuroscience, American Association of Neurology and the American Headache Society.

Dr. Brown is now seeing patients in the Capital Institute for Neurosciences office in the medical office building attached to Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell (Suite 456). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brown, call 609.537.7300 or visit capitalneuro.org for more information.

UPDATE AND THE MIND EATING PLAN

Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Meeting

Join DR. DANIELLE CARCIA, a board certified family medicine physician with fellowship training in geriatrics, to discuss the latest research, treatments, and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Registered Dietitian MINDY KOMOSINSKY will discuss the MIND eating plan, which promotes the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of certain foods that may help lower the risk of dementia and slow the loss of brain function that can occur with aging.

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. 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.

added up, with one winner named for each age bracket.

Fasanella was the winner of the U10 girls bracket last September when the Bordentown Elks Lodge’s held its local Grid Goal contest at Friendship Field, That sent her through to the district com petition, held in New Egypt in October.

District winners were invited to com pete in the state championship held in January in Manasquan, where Fasanella won again. That advancing her to the regional championship, held in York, Pennsylvania in March — on her 10th birthday, as it happened.

Again she finished with the best score and was named champion of the MidAtlantic region. Then finally in July, after scores from the champions of all the regional contests were tabulated and compared, Fasanella learned that she had the best score in the country — not just for the U10 age group, but in fact across all girls’ groups, from U8 to U16.

Last year was not the first time that Fasanella had entered the contest. She also competed the year before, but did not advance past the local competition.

She says failing to win on her first try motivated her to work harder with the goal of entering the contest again. This work involved regularly taking shots

into a net that her dad, Anthony, set up in the family’s Bordentown Township backyard.

Fasanella estimates that she averaged a hundred practice shots a day, with the aim of getting at least 50 shots a day into

those high-value top corners. “I remem ber one day, I hit the top corners like 60 times,” she says.

When she is not winning national tro phies, she plays travel soccer with two teams at Bordentown FC (formerly Bor

dentown Community Soccer Associa tion): the 2011 Renegades, a boys team (Fasanella is the only girl on the team), and the 2010 Lightning, a girls team. Born in 2012, Fasanella is playing up for both teams.

She says she tends to be more aggres sive playing against boys than against girls. She plays as a central midfielder or forward for both teams.

In the summer, she was also selected to compete in the South Jersey Summer Select 2012 girls team, where she also played in central midfield and was the team’s leading scorer.

A student at Peter Muschal Elemen tary School, Allie comes from a Borden town family through and through: her parents, Pam and Anthony, both grew up here, and her grandparents and greatgrandparents still live locally. She has a younger brother, AJ, 8, who also plays soccer for Bordentown FC.

She says she wants to be a profes sional soccer player when she grows up. But as for looking to repeat as National Soccer Shoot Grid Goal Contest cham pion again, she says she’s not sure if she will make another run at a title.

“Maybe I will do it again,” she says. “It was just so stressful and so much work. I think I might do it again, but I don’t really know.”

Elks Soccer Shootout national champion Allie Fasanella, of Bordentown, with an array of the trophies she was won so far in her young career.

Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, and was known as Point Breeze.

The acquisition story began in Feb ruary 2020. Bordentown Commissioner James Lynch, a lifelong Bordentown res ident who has served as a local elected official since 1989, ran into Rev. Harrison Poole of Divine Word Missionaries while running errands.

Shortly thereafter, in early March, the two sat outside under a gazebo at Divine Word Missionaries—due to Covid—and talked.

Poole told Lynch that The Society of the Divine Word, the missionary’s parent organization, had decided to sell Point Breeze, a property it had purchased in 1941 from Harris Hammond. Hammond, a financier from California, had lost his wealth, and thus his estate, in the 1929 stock market crash. Since that time, the location has served as a seminary and then a religious retirement community.

Since childhood, Lynch has had a long connection to the Park Street property and the waterways it overlooks. The property sits above the confluence of the Delaware River and Crosswicks Creek, which articulates with the Abbott Marsh lands to the north.

Lynch’s love for the river developed in 1968, when he was 12 years old and his

dad died. Lynch needed an outlet, he said, and that outlet was the Delaware River where his uncle would take him fishing.

Lynch’s connection to the land came shortly thereafter. He attended the Bor dentown Military Institute, located at 70 Park St., about a mile away from the Mis

sionaries property.

Lynch played on the BMI basketball team, until BMI closed in 1972. As a BMI freshman, Lynch played his first game against the team of Divine Word high school seminarians at the gym which is still on the property.

The news from Poole about the upcom ing sale of the property troubled Lynch.

“We had lost some significant, his torical properties here in Bordentown,” Lynch said. He noted several buildings were destroyed by fires; but one of the biggest losses, he believes, was the old Bordentown railroad terminal, which was torn down. Lynch said the terminal could have been saved.

Lynch was also concerned about the potential impact of high density devel opment on the property, including the potential for polluting the creek and the river. The river provides drinking water to 15 million people in the area.

Lynch grew even more concerned when he heard about the proposed build ing of warehouses on the site which would have seen 300 tractor trailers com ing and going from the location.

“I knew I couldn’t let this [property] go on my watch,” Lynch said. “It was my mission to preserve this property as best I could on the city side.”

In its prime, young men from around

City commissioner Jim Lynch at Bordentown Yacht Club on Crosswicks Creek, circa 1980’s.

Saturday, October 8th 12pm

what’s happening

Celebrate spooky season

BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER

October’s chilling start is a welcome relief this year, and with it comes the perfect time to fall under the spell of these thrilling Halloween marches, movies, and main events.

Parades

Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest, Robbinsville Town Center Gazebo, Lake Drive. Saturday, October 29.

Saturday’s start to Halloween weekend is for Robbinsville residents to walk beside their wagging neighborhood pets in a Halloween parade and costume contest held at the Town Center Gazebo on Lake Drive. This outside, free event is organized by Robbinsville Recreation & Parks, with a $10 fee per furry participant.

Online registration is preferred and closes at noon on October 28, with walk-in registration available the day of the event from 9:30 a.m. robbinsville-twp.org/departments/ recreation_division.

Hometown Halloween Parade, Arts Council of Princeton, Palmer Square Green, Princeton. Friday, October 28.

The local community of costumed Princetonians can gather on the Palmer Square Green at 5:15 p.m. for the Arts Council of Princeton’s free “Hometown Halloween Parade,” where the Princeton University Band will be playing live.

The parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m. and ends at the Princeton Family YMCA. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Screenings

Princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street, Princeton. October 3 through 31.

The Princeton Garden Theatre has a bewitching lineup that, as programming coordinator Shannon Quinty describes, is sure to satisfy appetites for both “the slightly spooky (like ‘Labyrinth’ & ‘Beetlejuice’) to full-on terrifying (‘Halloween’ & ‘Ganja & Hess’).”

“We feel there is no better way to cel-

HALLOWEEN,

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Dr. Ronak Patel

We are a center of excellence that delivers the most up to date care in the field of comprehensive pain management. We are committed to helping you regain your life. Our focus will be on developing individualized patient treatment plans and increasing patient functionality.

NJpaindoc.com

Stop Your Pain. Start Your Life.

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute

Taking the Fight Against Chronic Pain to New Levels

27 different therapies available to patients, Dr. Patel offers a range of treatments, often combined to attack highly specific causes of pain. Among the most promising and innovative treatments:

Botox

for migraines. Stem cell injections to regenerate tissue and organs. Gummy Bears infused with THC. Platelet-Rich Plasma to treat conditions from sports injuries and wounds to hair loss from chemotherapy. These are just a few of the cutting-edge therapies used by Dr. Ronak Patel, the founder and medical director of Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute in Plainsboro.

“Many of these treatments may come as a surprise to patients suffering from chronic pain, especially those who think that their pain — and poor quality of life — is something they have to endure,” Dr. Patel notes. A double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Dr. Patel focuses on treating pain in the back, neck, face, and joints as well as pain related to cancer and chemotherapy.

With so many different pain-causing illnesses, injuries, and conditions, treatments must be carefully customized to fit the needs of each individual patient. Dr. Patel partners with orthopedists, physical and occupational therapists, and chiropractors to provide a variety of approaches and treatments. With

Regenerative Medicine/ Stem Cell Therapy. Regenerative medicine is a fastgrowing, highly developed treatment that helps the body heal or rebuild itself. Dr. Patel uses stem cell therapy to treat ailments, particularly low back or neck pain, caused by degenerative vertebral discs or joint pain in the shoulders, hips, or knees caused by osteoarthritis. The patient’s stem cells are removed, purified, concentrated, and injected into the injured or weakened tissue. Stem cell therapy can also speed recovery and help avoid surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). A favorite treatment for sports injuries, PRP uses the patient’s blood to produce a platelet-rich plasma that targets a host of chronic and acute pain conditions, including muscle strain, arthritis, tendinosis, cartilage injuries, joint inflammation, and wound care. The treatment is also used in orthopedic and plastic surgery. By synthesizing platelets and releasing proteins, PRP can aid in generating new tissue. And it has helped chemotherapy patients grow back hair faster and thicker.

Cannabis Therapy. The legalization of medical marijuana has brought new treatment options. “We are very excited by the potential of cannabis-based treatments and we comply fully with New Jersey’s evolving regulations,” says Dr. Patel. He uses a local dispensary to provide treatments, which include edibles such as gummy bears and cannabis-based rubbing and vaping oils.

Minimally Invasive Therapy. Dr. Patel offers a wide variety of minimally invasive therapies. These include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation for patients suffering from chronic neck and back pain stemming from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. His goal is to help his patients avoid surgery and at the same time regain functionality.

Thanks to these and other game-changing treatments, pain levels can be greatly reduced or eliminated and quality of life enhanced. Says Dr. Patel, “Stop your pain. Start your life.”

Spine and Pain

ebrate ‘Spooky Season’ than by watching scary movies in a theater with an enthusiastic audience. Hearing the gasps and jumps from the crowd is what makes these scary movies great. It is an experience that cannot be properly replicated at home,” Quinty says via email.

Movies are listed in date order are “Ganja & Hess” (1973), October 3; “Labyrinth” (1986), October 6; “The Birds” (1963), October 12; “Delicatessen” (1991) — part of their ‘Food on Film’ series with cheese plates sold by Lawrenceville’s Cherry Grove Farm — October 19; “The Lost Boys” (1987 - 35th Anniversary Screening), October 20; “Beetlejuice” (1988), October 26; “The Thing” (1982 - 40th Anniversary Screening), October 27; and “Halloween” (1978 - a Halloween Night Screening).

All show times are at 7 p.m. except for Halloween, which starts fittingly on October 31 at 7:30 p.m. princetongardentheatre.org

Halloween Fright Fest and Family Fright Fest, Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell. Wednesday through Sunday, October 26 through 30.

Silver screen scares come in two editions at the Hopewell Theater, starting

with the Halloween Fright Fest’s showing of “Dracula” (1931), October 26; two chances to see Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960), October 27 and 30 and a “twinning” pair of times to see Stanley Kubrick’s” The Shining” (1980), October 27 and 29.

For the Family Fright Fest, though, catch weekend matinee times closer to the date of the holiday, with “The Goonies” (1985) at 2 p.m. and “Beetlejuice” (1988) at 4:30 p.m. on October 29; and the original “Ghostbusters” (1984) on October 30 at 6 p.m.

Anyone who comes in costume receives a free small popcorn or bottled water from concessions, and for the Family Fright Fest, children 12 and under get free admission — as long as a ticket is reserved and at least one adult (18+) accompanies the child. www. hopewelltheater.com

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‘Wine and Paint’ and ‘Rocky Horror Movie’ Nights, White Hill Mansion, 217 West Burlington Street, Fieldsboro. Saturday, October 8, and Friday, October 14.

The Friends of White Hill Mansion coordinate tours and events in the historically “haunted” setting of White Hill Mansion, but even ghosts need to do the time warp. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), a horror-musical referred to as “the original cult classic,” will be screened for free starting just after sunset on October 8.

Attendees must arrive by 7 p.m. and bring chairs and/or blankets, with refreshments and props available for sale.

Then, on October 14, White Hill Mansion is hosting a “Wine & Paint Night” with supplies and instructions from partner Village Arts. Attendees will be painting a 16” x 20” rendition of a “Vintage Jack O’ Lantern.” Snacks and refreshments included, wine BYOB. whitehill-

Robbinsville’s pets hit the promenade in a costume contest at the Town Center Gazebo, organized by the township’s Division of Recreation & Parks, on Saturday, October 29.

Trunk or Treats

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat, Dragonfly Farms, 966 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Festival October 1 through 30; Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 29.

Dragonfly Farms may regard itself as “Hamilton’s best kept secret,” but the garden center and home decor shop on Kuser Road’s family attractions might have just let the black cat out of the bag.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all of October, the family-run business invites guests to jump around in a moon bounce, see animals in their petting zoo, and explore a hay maze. The farm’s pumpkins are available for purchase and can either be painted or bowled with. Food trucks will also be present throughout the month.

Weekend tickets are $10 for one adult and child each, with $4 per additional adult and child. Weekday tickets are $8 for one adult and child each, with $2 per each additional adult and child. Children 2 and under are free.

On Saturday, October 29, there will also be a trunk or treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. dragonflyfarms-nj.com.

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All Around Town Scarecrow Scavenger

Hunt/Contest and Trunk or Treat, Ewing Senior & Community Center, 999 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing. October 1 to 27 and Saturday, October 29.

Under watchful eyes and stuffed straw, scarecrows throughout town are waiting to be noticed by the scavengers of Ewing

— who, if they successfully find all of the decoys on display, have a chance to win $200. Track the clues to new designs from participating residents, as well as vote for the “People’s Choice” award for the scarecrow with the most star power.

The contest ends on Thursday, Octo-

ber 27, at 4:30 p.m. The winners will be declared two days later during the township’s “Trunk Or Treat” event, which serves as a “safe alternative” to the tradition for children from the ages of toddler to eighth grade.

Candy must be pre-packaged, and the event requires pre-registration for participating vehicles ahead of the 3 p.m. event. Cars will be set up in the parking lot of the Ewing Senior & Community Center. ewingnj.org/ community-programs

Other Spooky Fun

Field of Terror, Kyle Family Farm, 831 Windsor-Perrineville Road, East Windsor. Fridays & Saturdays: 6:45 to 10:45 p.m. Thursdays, Sundays and Halloween Monday: 6:45 to 9:45 p.m.

For those looking to take their feelings of fright to the ultimate level, East Windsor’s Field of Terror has spent 20 scary years transforming from the daytime setting of Kyle Family Farm into what their website calls the state’s “premier haunted attraction farm.”

There are five attractions to pick from, with the newest addition to the repertoire, the Kornfield of Karnage, joining

The Arts Council of Princeton’s annual Hometown Halloween Parade is a spirited tradition that starts on the Palmer Square Green on the evening of Friday, October 28 .

ens Lane, Lambertville.

Enjoy the results of happy husking with the Howell Living History Farm’s famous corn maze, known as “the lon gest-running” in the state, as it takes a trip to the amusement park in a new design on Fridays, Saturdays and Sun days in October.

At a short distance from the main farm at 17 Valley Road in Lambert ville, this year’s inspiration came from a “circa-1930s traveling carousel that was recently donated to Howell Farm,” according to their press release, which has “pathways cut in the shape of an oldfashioned” merry-go-round.

Whirl around the four-acre field of puzzles and trivia, then stop by the pumpkin patch or hayride for more. The cost of admission comes in three rates: $12 for ages 13 and older, $10 for ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and under. howellfarm.org.

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Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

Terhune Orchards’ Fall Family Fun Weekends pick up from September and run through October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. With farm festivities and fresh produce abound, Terhune continues another tra dition, the “Personality Pumpkin Con

test,” which will feature its winners on display through October 30.

No carving is permitted in this chal lenge where participants “decorate, paint [and create] gourds that are equally as gorgeous on the inside. Sub missions are due by October 27, and winners will be announced on October

28 for their presentation during the final weekend of the season. Pumpkins with the “winning personalities” will receive a $75 Terhune gift card.

General admission tickets (ages 3+) are $15, with other packages including pumpkin picking, wine and food avail able online at terhuneorchards.com.

Prices are lower during the last weekend of October, with general admission tick ets sold for $12 per person. www.terhu neorchards.com

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The Princeton Tour Company fea tures their ‘Princeton Ghost Tour/ Hunt & Cemetery Visits’ once again on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 14 to 29. Tours are approximately two hours and start at 7 or 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and rated PG-13. Guests are sup plied with equipment in the hopes, once trained by tour guides, to grab a moment with a ghostly figure. princetontour company.com

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Halloween 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk, HomeFront, Carnegie Center, West Wind sor. Sunday, October 30.

HomeFront’s Halloween 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk on Sunday, October 30, remains a hybrid way to “change the lives of local homeless children” with the Mercer County nonprofit organization. Participants are able to run on the inperson themed course at the Carnegie Center or attend virtually.

The “Preschooler Pumpkin Dash” starts at 9 a.m., and the main race starts at 10 a.m. There will also be live music and a costume contest. homefrontnj. org

Little Friends

Certified Staff

18 Months to 5 Years

Hours: 7am - 6pm (COVID-19 hours: 7am - 5:30pm)

Emphasis

Experiences

Music

Yoga

Summer Camp: 18 months to 11 years

Connection

Date:

Howell Living History Farm’s ‘longest-running’ corn maze is a merry-go-to spot this year with a classic carousel design to explore on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton

Let’s Be Healthy Together*

AtRobert Wood Johnson Univer sity Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, we do more than treat injuries and ill nesses, we provide our community with resources and services that help people live longer and healthier. Our preventive care and wellness pro grams focus on educating patients on ways they can improve their health and avoid serious medical complica tions. We take a holistic approach to healing, and strive to help patients feel better physically, mentally, and emo tionally.

Your Annual Wellness Visit

Meeting with your primary care physician once a year is an important step that keeps you aware of your body’s current condition and what you can do in the future to avoid health risks. Since this is a general health visit, this is your chance to discuss any medical questions or concerns you have with your doctor.

Let them know about any changes you’ve experienced in the past year, and make sure the check your blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and other “numbers” that are important for your overall health and wellness.

You should also discuss any health screenings you may need going forward. Depending on your age and your family’s medical history, you could have an increased risk for certain types of diseases and cancer. While you can’t always reduce risk factors, you can plan out a screening schedule so that your doctor can diagnose these conditions in the early stages and start treatment before it becomes a major complication.

Our Health & Wellness Services

We are committed to making our local community a happier, healthier place for all. Our health and wellness services promote healthy lifestyles and provide you and your family with easy access to medical resources.

You do not have to figure out the ins-and-outs of healthy living alone. Learning more about health and wellness can often feel overwhelming or even discouraging, but with trusted, knowledgeable medical professionals helping you navigate all the information, you can create a wellness plan that suits your lifestyle and personal preferences.

We’ve got Hamilton and the surrounding areas covered with a

network of primary care providers who are partners you can trust to not only treat you when you are sick, but guide you towards improved health and wellness. Our primary care locations are located in Hamilton, Lawrenceville Mercerville, Robbinsville, and Pennington, NJ.

Call 1-888-724-723 or visit rwjbh. org/medgroupprimarycare today to schedule your annual wellness visit or learn more about our wellness services and events.

*Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton is a proud sponsor and exhibitor of Hamilton Township’s Oktoberfest, October 16, 2022, 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Veteran’s Park, South Side. Stop by “Hamilton Healthcare Place” and check out the Wellness and Wheels (WOW) bus, receive educational, fun and healthy giveaways, walk through a giant inflatable colon or hop up into an EMS ambulance. For more information visit https://www. hamiltonnj.com/oktoberfest.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call 609586-7900.

See ad, page 11.

Aura Dermatology Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer

by Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States with over 5 million new cases every year. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. The majority of skin cancers are associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure (sunlight or tanning bed use), especially in those with blistering sunburns and early childhood/adolescent sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation leads to DNA damage and mutations in skin cells, which causes them to multiply rapidly and form cancers. Most skin cancers are preventable with the daily use of sunscreen (preferably zinc oxide-based physical sunscreens) and sun protection/avoidance measures beginning in childhood.

The main types of skin cancer are 1) Basal cell carcinoma, 2) Squamous cell carcinoma, 3) Melanoma, and 4) Merkel cell carcinoma. These often occur in sun exposed areas like the

scalp, face, neck, upper chest, back, arms, and hands. The back of the legs is a common site for melanoma in women who have a history of sunbathing. Skin cancers can have many different faces — they can look like pink or brown bumps, scaly patches, or nodules that are changing in size/shape/color, bleeding or nonhealing.

With regular visits to your boardcertified dermatologist, it is possible to diagnose skin cancer very early on. In-office treatments can be performed with very high cure rates. Many times, your dermatologist will provide treatment for precancerous lesions before they become malignant. Please make your appointment today for a full skin evaluation, especially if you are unsure of the last one you had!

What are some things you can do to help prevent skin cancer?

• Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen that covers UVA/UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher (zinc oxide based sunscreen is preferred). Reapply sunscreen every 1.5-2 hours when outdoors and always after water exposure (even if the sunscreen says “water resistant”). Did you know that most people don’t apply enough

sunscreen? Apply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen per application to attain the SPF listed on the bottle. Avoid sunscreen use in infants younger than 6 months due to increased systemic absorption in this age group. Sun protective clothing/sun avoidance measures are extremely important even if you have sunscreen on.

• Use sun protective clothing (widebrimmed hats, sunglasses, UV shirts, UV sleeves, etc), try to seek shade when possible, and avoid mid-day exposure between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Avoid getting a tan or a sunburn (naturally or with tanning beds)!

Tanned skin is damaged skin and it increases your risk of skin cancer and wrinkles!

• Perform monthly self-skin exams looking for any new or changing spots (changing in size, shape, color, elevation, bleeding, non-healing).

Any spots/moles/growths that are changing or concerning to you should be brought up with your boardcertified dermatologist. Remember, skin cancer does not have to be symptomatic! If you are not sure, make an appointment.

• Make an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist for regular skin screenings and to

A basal cell carcinoma

evaluate any abnormal lesions.

Aura Dermatology at Robbinsville, 17 Main Street, Suite 304, Robbinsville. 609-415-DERM (3376). www.auraderm.com. See ad, page 12

Dr. Irving Djeng • Dr. Lauren Levine • Dr. Michael DeLuca • Dr. Matthew Etter • Dr. Kevin Collins • Dr. Deolinda Reverendo

You don’t feel a lump, swelling or tenderness. You still need a mammogram.

At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer the latest in comprehensive breast health services including mammograms, 3D mammograms, breast MRI, genetic testing, breast surgery and more — like peace of mind.

NCI

And with breast health centers conveniently located throughout New Jersey, finding us is simple, too.

Schedule your mammogram at rwjbh.org/mammo

Let’s beat breast cancer together.

Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

Hamilton Dental Associates

Halloween Scares and Oral Care all in one month!

By Senta C Johnson

Halloween is just around the corner; a scary time for kids, and a scarier time for their dentists. Your friends at Hamilton Dental Associates suggest, It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan. Here’s what families can do to keep their teeth healthy during the spooky season. October is also National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month so here is a plan to help oral care during the scare season!

Sticky Situations. Chocolate is one of the most common candies during Halloween. Fortunately, chocolate washes off your teeth easily, and darker chocolates have less sugar. For the stickier treats, however, stay picky. Candy like taffy, gummy bears, and hard candies stay in your mouth much longer than chocolate, which gives cavitycausing, tooth-decaying bacteria more time to work. It’s tempting to

keep that candy around, but your dentists will thank you for limiting your stash.

Free Trade. Always inspect the loot after trick-or-treating for anything unsafe (allergens, tampered wrappers, choking hazards, etc.). We also recommend proposing trades for downsizing the children’s sugary stashes. For sticky candies, especially, try trading them for new toys, movie tickets, or your pieces of chocolate. Family fun and health are

not mutually exclusive here.

Blowing Bubbles. Chewing gum might be your best friend this Halloween. Find your favorite sugarfree gum and keep it handy. Gum stimulates saliva production, naturally rinsing the mouth and preventing plaque. Chew after each meal or snack for optimized oral health.

Favoring Fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities and tooth decay, especially in early development. It can be found in

toothpastes and most bottled water. For additional supplements, talk to us at Hamilton Dental Associates about fluoride mouthwash, tablets, or gels. Increasing your children’s fluoride intake can help combat any sweet tooth this season.

Practice Makes Perfect. With all of the pumpkin flavoring and sweet treats, it’s hard to think about oral hygiene.

For the best long-term outcomes, though, it is necessary to establish a strict, consistent routine. This means brushing and mouthwash at least twice a day, cleaning in-between teeth, limiting sugary beverages and snacks, and drinking plenty of water. Have the kids pick out their favorite toothbrush and 3-minute tune for a family-fun, tooth-brushing time.

If you are looking for a partner to help with your child’s oral care or looking for a long term plan, contact Hamilton Dental Associates to set up an appointment today!

Hamilton Dental Associates, 2929 Klockner Road, Hamilton Square; 609-359-0063. 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton; 609-403-3217. www. hamiltondental.com. See ad, page 10.

Radiology Affiliates Imaging

Here for You for More Than Half a Century

Radiology Affiliates Imaging has been here for you for over 50 years, and we will continue to be here for you when you need us most. Today more than ever before, we know health should never be taken for granted. Screening exams are an important part of keeping you and your family members healthy. Early detection has always been and remains key to diagnosis, treatment, and survival. Delayed diagnosis leads to the identification of disease at later stages. With more advanced diseases, the prognosis usually is not as good, and the care needed is more expensive and disruptive to patients’ lives. Radiologists, who identify and diagnose diseases, are helping to remind patients about how important it is to schedule wellvisits, screenings, and follow-up appointments.

RAI offers several screening studies to referring physicians and their patients. These include

Coronary Calcium Score, CT Lung Cancer Screening, 3D Mammography, and Bone Density (DEXA). Preventative screening can provide physicians with valuable information before symptoms are present, which can then allow them the ability to successfully identify or control health issues. Annual screening studies can also turn worry into peace of mind for many patients, especially those who are high risk or have a family history of disease.

RAI offers expertise in all areas of imaging for all members of your family. Our board-certified subspecialty radiologists offer expertise in women’s imaging, interventional radiology, musculoskeletal and diagnostic radiology. Whether you need an MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Mammogram, or X-Ray we offer the latest in imaging technology and interpretation. In the last 50 years, RAI has earned our place amongst the largest and most respected radiology groups in our area.

Continuing with our long-standing traditions, RAI will strive to provide the most up-to-date imaging technology and highest level of quality and service to our patients. One area where we closely monitor

innovations is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is still in the early stages of development. As technology matures, it will continue to enhance the radiologist’s reading capabilities, help them obtain better patient histories, and automate our processes. We will continue to help all of the medical professionals with whom we work improve the quality and value of the care that we provide the community. Our demonstrated commitment to elevating the level of care available close to patients’ homes remains as strong as ever.

RAI continues to follow expert guidelines regarding COVID-19, including the American College of Radiology (ACR) and CDC recommendations, regarding infection control procedures.

Radiology Affiliates Imaging, 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton. 3120 Princeton Pike, Floor 1A, Lawrenceville. 609585-8800. www.4rai.com. See ad, page 14.

Dr. Eric Bosworth, president of Radiology Affiliates Imaging

NJ

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute

Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

Pain.

It gnaws at you. It drains you. It becomes the focus of your life.

Experiencing a few pain-free moments can be euphoric; it makes you realize how long you’ve been living with aches and pain. You might wonder how you can find a solution to relieve the pain and regain your freedom from discomfort.

Dr. Ronak Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute wants you to know there are two new revolutionary answers to pain relief.

Both platelet-rich therapy — otherwise known as PRP — and stem cell therapy give patients new hope by using the body’s powerful healing power to accelerate the battle against pain. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success implementing these cuttingedge treatments on hundreds of patients suffering from pain-related issues.

So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline.

• Osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff tear

• Back pain

• Meniscus tears

• Tennis elbow

• Disc herniations

• Tendonitis

• Neck pain

Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures.

Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable.

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to stimulate the faster growth of new

healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage.

So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered.

Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery.

Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.

Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease.

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue.

And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost!

Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an appointment and learn more. See ad, page 3

Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition

Does your Bladder Control Your Life? WE CAN HELP!

Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition is happy to introduce Pelvic Health Physical Therapy!

Do you have pelvic pain? Do you have difficulty being intimate with your partner because of the pain? Do you experience leakage when you laugh, sneeze or jump? Do you find it difficult to exercise because of these reasons? Have you been told that many of these symptoms are “normal after childbirth” or “this happens as you age”? These issues can be quite difficult to discuss and are often embarrassing. I know they were for me.

However, once I discovered that I was not alone, I sought out solutions.

I’m here to tell you that pelvic pain and leakage are NOT normal and can be successfully treated! Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is a small subset of traditional PT in that it focuses on pelvic wellness using exercises and manual techniques to reduce pain and leakage.

Did you know that small changes to your nutrition can help with bladder control? Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a type of bladder pain condition that commonly occurs along with endometriosis or other forms of pelvic pain. In general, following an antiinflammatory diet will be helpful for IC.

Small changes can yield big

results. Do you feel the urge to have to go to the bathroom more often than others, yet when you go you feel like you aren’t fully emptying? Does this have you up multiple times a night? Do you struggle with the urge to go when it is less than convenient, such as in the middle seat on an airplane?

On a rollercoaster? When you are in the middle of an activity in which a bathroom is not easily accessible?

Let our nutrition expert share that you don’t have to suffer in silence! You don’t have to just accept that your body is “just like that”. Your bladder does not have to control your life.

Saving money for the holidays?

Nutritional Counseling is covered by most insurance companies, which takes the financial burden right off your shoulders! With flexible hours,

you are able to make a time that is convenient for you. Virtual and in-person appointments are available. You can find a sense of relief from pelvic pain and leakage through nutrition and pelvic therapy. We are here to help! Come meet us!

Yours in pelvic health, Danielle L Liegl, PT, MPT

Michele WroblewskiPflug, RDN, AFAA Group Ex. Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, LLC, 1278 Yardville Allentown Road #3, Allentown. 609-738-3143. www.carusoptrd.com.

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine

Personalized Solutions to Your Pain Concerns

At AllCure, we understand that the summer can come with a lot of fun and activity. Often, we experience that patients will put off their pain concerns until the summer is over and plan to address them in the fall.

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the world arrived at the Divine Word Mis sionaries as they committed to entering the priesthood. According to The Divine Word alumni website, the organization’s Bordentown program changed some time in the mid-to-late 1940s, and became a four-year seminary high school, also known as a minor seminary. A residence hall had been constructed for students.

The priests lived in Hammond’s man sion until February 1983, when it burned to the ground. The high school closed three months later, in May 1983. The seminarians who wanted to finish their studies were invited to attend St. Joseph’s Seminary High School in Princeton.

Hammond’s mansion was razed the fol lowing year. The history on the alumni website noted:

“The Society used the insurance money it received after the fire to transform the former high school classroom build ing into a residence for active and semiretired Divine Word Missionaries. The structure was remodeled to add 32 pri vate rooms, a chapel, conference room, laundry and a large living room. In the years following the fire, the community also hosted private tours of the grounds, retreats, education conferences, sympo siums and other events upon request.”

As of 2020, only four retired priests remained, including Rev. Martin H. Pado vani who, at the time of the sale, had lived at the Bordentown missionary for 60 years. In a video made for D&R Gre enway, the 92-year-old priest spoke about arriving in Bordentown on a rainy day in 1961 and not being very impressed with his new home. But when the sun rose the next morning, and he walked the prop erty, he was overcome by the beauty before him.

“I always felt we had a responsibility to this land that was given to us, and that we had a responsibility to take care of it,” Padavoni said. He worked the gardens on the grounds alongside those who came to Divine Word to study.

Many of the ornamental trees and flowering bushes on the property were planted by Bonaparte. The exiled king also created walking paths which tra versed the property. Enhancing his property was something Bonaparte was well-prepared to do. According to a Dec. 3, 1885 article from the Trenton Times, when Bonaparte was King of Spain, he “studied landscape gardening” in Madrid.

Padavoni noted that he consistently told his colleagues that “this property belonged to the people of New Jersey and it must be preserved, and it must be taken care of. And, if it’s ever sold, it should be sold back to the people of New Jersey.”

Father Padavoni said, “I felt it was a moral responsibility,”

While there was interest in the property from near and far, interests which would have brought development, Lynch rep resenting the City of Bordentown, Linda Mead, the president and CEO of D&R Gre enway, and representatives from the State of New Jersey Green Acres, worked with Father Poole to forge an agreement which would preserve the property forever.

Indeed, Divine Word Missionaries could have commanded many millions; but it was that moral responsibility to see the land returned to the people of New Jersey, as well the responsibility to pro tect Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River that helped close the deal.

The state bought the 60-acre prop erty for $4.6 million, and then made the City of Bordentown and D&R Greenway third-party owners. The sale had to be approved by Pope Francis, and the only contingency required The Society of the Divine Word to donate $250,000 to help build an orphanage in Madagascar.

As a third party, D&R Greenway bought an acre of land for just under $300,000. That acre includes Bonaparte’s Gardener’s House which sits in the origi nal location on the property. A garden with heirloom plantings has been added. The organization intends to turn its hold ing into a Discovery Center.

The City of Bordentown purchased 5.5 acres for $1.6 million. That purchase included buying two buildings on the property—the gymnasium and a former retirement residence—which became the municipality’s new offices. On July 25, city personnel moved in, and the city reopened for business on Aug. 1.

Eventually, residents doing business at the new municipal building will be able to see historical relics, including a spe cial document. Lynch hopes to frame the email from Rome which approved the sale.

The city will add a sallyport to the back of the building for the Bordentown City Police department. Sixteen city officers will relocate operations in about eight months time, Lynch said. The old City Hall at 324 Farnsworth Ave. will be sold.

Lynch still marvels at how quickly everything came together in about nine months time, but acknowledged all those involved were committed to the task. In addition to Lynch, Mead and Father Poole, others involved included Robin Madden and Fawn McGee from DEP, and Jenny Felton of New Jersey Parks. Mead, of D&R Greenway, said in a video pre sentation: “preserving this property was paramount; the preservation story is one that is a perfect example of what can hap pen when a community works together.”

For more on the history of Bordentown City Halls, turn to Doug Kiovsky’s Bend in the River column starting on page 20.

to

who have fought and won the

against

of those who are

right now.

ElEction 2022

Q&A: Bordentown Regional school board candidates

The Bordentown Current sent question naires to all four candidates who are run ning for the Bordentown Regional School District Board of Education this fall: two incumbents and three first-time candidates. Their answers to our questions are below, edited only for typographical errors.

Larry Braasch, 49, is a licensed clini cal social worker. He works for the State of New Jersey as deputy director of the Division of Family Development, which is responsible for food and economic assis tance programs. He has lived in Borden town Township since 2012.

Braasch is a former board member for the One Project, and a former clerk for the peace and social justice committee of his Quaker Meeting. He currently serves on the Executive Advisory Committees for the America Association of SNAP Direc tors and for the National Association of State TANF Administrators. Appointed to an open seat on the board, he has never run for elected office before.

Braasch received an undergradu ate degree from the University of Valley Forge and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He has two children who graduated from BRHS, one in 2018 and one in 2020. He attended less than 50% of school board meetings in the past year.

Stephen Heberling, 56, has lived in Bordentown for about 50 years. He is an insurance agent and owner of R. H. Aaronson and Son, Inc. in Bordentown. Heberling has been a member of the board of education since 2013, and has served as both president and vice presi dent of the board.

Heberling attended Bordentown schools through eighth grade. He has a bachelors degree in business administra tion from the College of Insurance (now part of St. John’s University Peter Tobin College of Business. He has two children who graduated from Bordentown public schools in 2017 and 2018.

Joanne Holman, 64, has lived in Bor dentown for 3 and a half years. She works part time as an office manger for a local commercial plumbing contractor. Hol man is retired from a New Jersey School district where she was employed for 25 years as the office manager in the Board of Education office.

She volunteers through the Unitarian church and prepare meals for the home less families living in local hotels. For the past 25 years I have taught religious edu

Braasch Heberling Holman

cation to grades K-8 in Catholic church. In her previous hometown of New Egypt, she was a Girl Scout leader and coached recreation softball, soccer and cheerlead ing. She has not held any elected official positions.

Holman has an associates degree in accounting from Mercer County Com munity College and a bachelors degree in accounting from Thomas Edison State University. She is a certified school busi ness administrator.

Holman has three grandsons who attend Peter Muschal Elementary School. She has attended less than 50% of board meetings in the past year.

Laura Papp, 44, has lived in Borden town for 29 years. She is an accounting and human resource manager as well as secretary for the Class of 2023 Booster Club and a volunteer mentor for LifeTies, Inc. She served as PTA and PTO board secretary from 2011 to 2019.

A 1996 graduate of Bordentown Regional High School, Papp has associ ates degrees from Burlington County College (now Rowan College at Burling ton County) in business management and accounting. She has a child who is a senior at BRHS this year. She has attended between 50 and 90% of school board meetings in the past year.

Richard Shenowski, 41, has lived in Bordentown for 17 years. He is vice presi dent of operations for a local manufac turer. He is active within a local church and a member of a local lodge. This is his first time running for elected office.

Shenowski has an associate degree in electrical engineering from Burlington County College (Rowan College at Bur lington County). He has a first grader at Peter Muschal Elementary School. He has attended between 90 and 99% of

school board meetings in the past year.

Name two issues that are of vital importance to the district right now.

Braasch: Two areas that are vitally important to the district are our students and our teachers and staff. It has been a rough couple of years for everyone. Our students have had to endure so much more than we did, and we need to ensure that our schools are supporting students as they strive to grow/develop despite this adversity.

Teaching is a challenging task on any given day, and our teachers have been on the front lines for years. They have cared for and taught our kids through crisis, while carrying the burden of managing their own lives. Providing as much sup port as we can to our students and teach ers to help them cope, adapt and thrive is vitally important for our schools and community.

Heberling: The most immediate need is to address the learning loss from Covid and remote learning. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to help students get back to pre-Covid lev els, particularly with reading and math, while also with developing and redevel oping much-needed socialization skills. As board members, we must support every initiative by the Superintendent to address this problem.

An urgent need is to address and improve the career readiness options for students who aren’t planning to move on to secondary education. We have taken great strides on the past 6-8 years to make sure our college-bound students are ready to move on, however, we are still struggling to provide outlets to those whose plans do not include college.

Currently, without a solid, compre

hensive tech education option or strong connections to our military branches, we are not yet meeting the needs of these students.

Holman: I feel the two most critical issues facing the schools currently are the shortage of staff and the problems arising from the loss of education and social skills caused by the pandemic and virtual learning.

Since I am retired, I have time to research and investigate appropriate options to help alleviate some of these issues. In addition, I have experience and would be able to provide some insight in to options to help improve the district’s position to hire necessary staff and sub stitutes. As a former board of education employee, I am familiar with the many aspects and responsibilities of the board of education.

Papp: Two issues important to the district are learning loss recovery and fiscal responsibility. The pandemic took a toll on our children. By approving addi tional resources for teachers to identify students who need additional academic, social and behavioral help, and provid ing training on methods to recap previous lessons while still teaching the current curriculum, we can start correcting the learning loss.

The board has a responsibility to tax payers to ensure funds are spent on the education of students, not on overhead and other non-educational expenses. Making budget cuts is never easy. but will be needed to ensure the financial health of the district. I will work to keep a bal anced budget that still provides for our district’s educational goals.

Shenowski: The top two issues that our district must focus on are recover ing from the learning loss caused by the

Papp Shenowski

pandemic shutdowns and the impend ing budget deficit that is currently pro jected to come to fruition in the 2023-2024 school year. I believe the solution to both problems is best articulated in a number, $18,939. That is the projected cost per pupil for the 22-23 school year.

As a board member, I will support the administration’s efforts in this regard and encourage policies that ensure every dol lar spent goes toward teaching academ ics, life skills, and all possible career or education paths a student may pursue after graduation.

The board of education is a nonpar tisan body. But in recent years, politi cal rhetoric has become a part of meetings as well as candidates’ cam paigns. Please tell us: are you run ning for school board more to help provide the best education for our children? Or are you running more because you would like to bring your political point of view to the board?

Heberling: Political agendas have no real place in the school board process. Excluding one recent member, I would say that in my nine years on the board, I have not seen partisanship rear its ugly head with any board issue until the recent sex ed curriculum issue.

With that issue behind us, I expect things to return to back to normal. I would go as far as to say I have been impressed with how well the eight mem bers continue to work and listen to each other with mutual respect. As for myself, I believe my actions over the years have proven repeatedly that I have remained committed to doing what is best for stu dents, parents and taxpayers.

Holman: I am running for the board solely to help provide the best education to children. I have no political connec tions or issues to bring to the table. My children are either grown and married or going off to college, and I have a lot of extra time to fill. I loved working for the board of education and feel I have much to offer the children in Bordentown.

Papp: I feel very strongly that politics do not belong on our school board. My goal as a board member will be to make the best decisions for our students, our district, and our community, regardless of my personal feelings or political ide ologies. Our school board should focus on achieving district goals related to improved curriculum, accelerated stu dent achievement, fiscal accountabil ity, school safety, and maintenance of updated and accurate district policies. By focusing on these items, the district is insuring the needs of the students and community are being met.

My political views are not relevant to achieving these goals, and ethically I must actively remove any personal opin

ions from the decisions I make as a mem ber of the school board.

Shenowski: There is no place on the board, or in our schools, for political agendas or ideologies. I believe that the only mission, for every person involved in the operation of our schools, should be ensuring that our children are safe and that they leave the school system pre pared to compete in the world regardless of their chosen path.

Furthermore, I do not believe that the school should show favor over, or influ ence students to adopt any value system or political affiliation.

Our students should simply be encour aged to live by “the golden rule” and show each other respect regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability.

Braasch: I am a social worker and a public servant. My intentions are simply to offer my skills and experience in ser vice to the students of the district that served my family so well, I am interested in assisting the school administration in carrying out the duties of providing a comprehensive education in a safe envi ronment while representing the commu nity to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability is maintained.

As a school board member, will you work to make Bordentown schools a welcoming and safe place for all stu dents, regardless of race, culture, religion, gender or sexual prefer ence? Tell us how important this is to you on a scale of 1 to 10.

Holman: As a mother of two adopted daughters from China, I have experi enced several issues with inter racial fam ilies and minority problems. I will work to provide a safe and welcoming envi ronment for all children. I believe this is extremely important, because in order for children to learn, they must feel wel comed, accepted and safe.

Papp: I understand the importance of ensuring our schools are welcoming and safe for all students. As a youth mentor, I have witnessed the emotional battle going to school can be for students labeled “dif ferent.” I am passionate about the preven tion of bullying, frequently speaking out at board meetings and working directly with the superintendent on our HIB poli cies, and trying to improve both the pre vention and reporting processes.

As a board member, I will continue to advocate for our students to ensure Bor dentown Regional is a welcoming district for all students.

Shenowski: Absolutely as I believe that this is vital to both student safety and learning. It’s a 10 out of 10 for me. One way I feel we can facilitate this is by set ting the focus on our similarities, not our

Coming this

differences. I believe that it’s OK to not agree on everything, as long as everyone is shown respect and kindness.

Braasch: I would have to rate this in the 8-10 range. As a board member, I would work to ensure that the district operates from a position of compassion, humanity and empathy. When we talk about safe schools, we need to be focused on living this out and ensuring that our students are physically, emotionally and intellectually safe. All elements are nec essary to ensure that students can grow and develop into their best selves.

Heberling: I don’t believe I have to “work” for this because by all evidence I have seen, BRSD is already committed to this. Obviously, I score this a 10 because the primary goal of every school should be being “safe and welcoming,” no mat ter what qualifier you add after it. This is much harder than it sounds, but BRSD is making their best efforts.

Do you believe in the mission of Bordentown’s public schools? Are Bordentown’s schools a good place for children to get an education?

Papp: When our current mission statement was updated, I was an active community participant in the process. I believe strongly in our district’s mission to provide a safe space for all students to learn, regardless of their backgrounds, learning styles, experiences, and educa tional needs. Bordentown Regional offers a wide selection of classes and learning paths to help students achieve their high est potential.

From our special education programs, our award-winning music programs, our selection of AP classes, and everything in between, our district has a lot to offer. One area in which our educational pro grams would be strengthened is by pro viding introductory instruction to trade careers. By adding these classes, we would be offering an education that pro vides opportunities to all.

Shenowski: I do agree with the mis sion, however I believe that we need to be careful to preserve the parental involvement portion of the mission state ment. There have been several recent legislations that, if implemented or imple mented poorly, could infringe on parental rights. I believe it is the board’s duty to protect parental rights.

I do believe that our schools are a good place for children to receive a quality education, but as with anything, there is always room for improvement. Outside of the learning loss recovery, another area I would like to see us improve on is pro viding more options and support for stu dents choosing not to go the traditional college route.

Braasch: I do believe in the mission of the District. Education is part of the trin ity of issues that I believe strongly in as a means of improving the world around us. The schools in this district served my children very well over the years, and provided both academic and extra curricular opportunities for my children to grow and find themselves. I’m inter ested in maintaining and, where possible, improving our public schools to increase educational, vocational and extracurricu lar opportunities for all of our students.

Heberling: I absolutely believe in the mission of BRSD. I was in the room when 50+ students, parents, faculty and admin istrators agonized and debated over every single word of it during a strategic planning session. It was truly inspiring to watch this process unfold.

I also believe BRSD is a very good place to get an education with the stipu lation that you will only get out of it what you put into it. It takes students, parents, and staff all working together. I know there are some who may disagree, but I would challenge them to show any instance where a request for assistance was ignored by our faculty or staff.

Holman: I do believe in the mission of Bordentown public schools to offer a

safe nurturing learning environment of all students. This board of education and administration does a wonderful job ful filling their mission.

During virtual learning at the begin ning of the pandemic, I supported my two grandsons. They stayed at my house and I observed the online education of a kin dergarten and third grader. I cannot say enough about how great the districted reacted to these uncharted waters and how the teachers provided the best edu cation and support to our children.

Since school has reopened, I am involved in dropping off and picking up my grandsons. I attend most extracurric ular activities and find this district to be a wonderful learning environment for our children.

In your opinion, does the district do enough to advocate for and sup port students’ mental health?

Shenowski: When identified, I believe our district is doing a decent job support ing students with mental health concerns. As with all aspects of caring for our youth, I feel this is best handled in collaboration with the parents or guardians. In addition to our in-school counseling resources, our district has partnered with Care Sol ace for additional support and will be pro viding Lifelines Suicide Prevention train ing to staff during the Oct. 10 in-service training. As a board member I will con tinue to support programs like these.

Braasch: As a clinical social worker, I am very interested in meeting the mental health needs of people. I believe the dis trict is committed to supporting and serv ing the mental health needs of students, and I believe that they are currently doing a good job in this space.

With that said, as with anything in life, we should not be content and should always be evaluating and looking for opportunities to improve.

Heberling: I am not qualified to judge what constitutes “enough.” In my opin ion, BRSD has made great strides in addressing mental health concerns and is constantly finding new ways to improve in this area. This area is definitely not being ignored.

Holman: I know very little about what services are being provided for the men tal health and support of our students. What I do know is this district has always provided support and help for the stu dents in all aspects of their lives to ensure their educational success.

Papp: I feel our district advocates for and supports our students’ mental health. Our guidance counselors and teach ers are provided training resources and support to stay current on the mental health needs of our students and families.

Outside of school, district emails often include resources to parents for opportu

nities to attend educational seminars and programs and links to resources for emo tional support and counseling programs. Guidance counselors are available to stu dents in need of emotional support and do a fantastic job of keeping the commu nication lines open between the student, the teacher(s), and the student’s family.

Tell us why voters should vote for you in this year’s school board election.

Braasch: I am a dedicated public ser vant seeking to support our kids, school administration and our community. I have years of experience in executive leader ship of major public programs, public policy and managing major budget initia tives. I believe in, and fully support, the idea of eduction as “the great equalizer” and will work to support providing a first class education to all our students.

Heberling: More than anything, as the longest-serving member of the board I bring stability, common sense and histori cal perspective to the table. I have helped hire the last two superintendents, worked on every budget, and every contract negotiation for the last nine years. In two years, when all the Covid funding is set to disappear, you are going to want and need my experience to address the finan cial issues that seem unavoidable.

Holman: If elected, I have many years of experience and knowledge working with a board of education to offer the cur rent board. I believe my experience as the supervisor of transportation and cafeteria functions, assisting with grants and bud gets and providing services to students as the homeless liaison in district, will be an asset to this board. I have time to devote to this position and my love of chil dren will make me a good board member.

Papp: As an active Bordentown Town ship resident, BRHS graduate, parent, and working business professional, I feel I am uniquely qualified to bring a differ ent but needed perspective to the board of education. I will serve our community to the best of my ability ensuring all stu dents can learn in a safe and nurturing environment, work tirelessly to ensure fiscal responsibility, and will continually advocate for the needs of our district and our community.

Shenowski: I am running on a plat form of truth and transparency, fiscal responsibility, and foundational curricu lum. Transparency for the parents and taxpayers in curriculum, finances, oper ations, and policies of the district. Fis cal responsibility to keep property taxes down and avoid, or at least be prepared, for the financial cliff. Foundational cur riculum to address the learning loss and protect parental rights. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure our district is up to those standards.

Local farmhands give Bonaparte Garden the royal treatment

By Patricia A. Taylor

“It’s been a tough year to start a gar den,” D&R Greenway Garden Steward Lara Periard readily admits.

As gardeners and farmers through out the region are keenly aware, it was a spring of cold, unrelenting rain and a sum mer of searing, dry heat. But thanks to the effort of historians, architects, and dozens of volunteers, the Bonaparte Garden at Point Breeze in Bordentown is thriving.

The garden produces vegetables grown at the time when Napoleon’s older brother Joseph, former king of Naples and Spain, was known as King Joseph of Point Breeze. After his broth er’s Waterloo defeat, Joseph made his way to America and in 1816 he bought and eventually created an estate in Bordentown.

It was this history and magnificent setting that led to the property being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. And then, it more or less sat there.

Enter the D&R Greenway. Working with the City of Bordentown and partner ing with the state Department of Envi ronmental Protection, D&R Greenway acquired the remaining 60 acres of the estate in late 2020. That, alas, was at the height of the Covid years.

With the pandemic settling in, it was decided that creating a garden was the best way to move forward. Throughout 2021, there was much planning activ ity. Val Sassaman, a member of the Bor dentown Historical Society, got to work and put together a list of crops grown at Bonaparte’s estate. Bill Flemer, retired D&R site manager, volunteered to till the land for the 90-foot-by-40-foot garden.

By early 2022, with preliminary plan ning accomplished, a garden steward needed to be found. Lara Periard is excited to be that steward, signing on last April. A Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in science and technology in society, she had worked at Pennington’s Chickadee Creek organic farm for the past five years, managing field crops and irrigation.

The Hunterdon County resident does not do it all alone. “Once the rain finally stopped, Bill Flemer towed a tractor all the way from Hopewell to till the ground. With that done, D&R land steward Rich Allen joined Seiler in building the fence. They

worked at the height of summer’s heat wave,” she notes, “and it was not an easy job to be out there in the 90-degree weather.”

Sassaman alerted her to McMahon’s American Garden Calendar, published in Philadelphia in 1830. “Luckily,” Peri ard explains, “McMahon kept detailed records of popular varieties. Using that list, I scoured heirloom seed websites to find vegetables such as scarlet runner beans that are still around today.”

Periard says the most successful crops have been the beans and sum mer squashes. But as with every garden, it was not all successes. “We lost the fen nel to the brutal heat wave. Some particularly hungry armyworm caterpillars destroyed the kale and cab bage crops.”

Periard emphasizes the importance of volun teers and how wonderful they have been in making the garden a reality. She cites Becca Flemer, Ber nie Miller, Destyne White, Ericka Taylor, Judy Craig, Kevin Borah, Mona Watnick, and Val and Dean Sassaman. “Their help was and is invaluable in getting the garden started and keeping it flourishing into fall.”

While the produce in Bonaparte’s gar den was used to feed wealthy elite, today it nourishes those who are hungry and in need. The vegetable harvests are donated to Bordentown’s Christ Church. There, under the supervision of Reverend Mat thew Tucker, known to all as Father Matt, and his wife Huynh, the food is distrib uted to local people.

Periard is already doing research for next year’s crops. Next year the planted area will increase and artichokes, aspara gus, cucumbers, eggplants, onions, and peas will be planted. “Should any wonder at the absence of tomatoes,” she explains, “these vegetables were considered poi sonous during Bonaparte’s time and did not become part of American cuisine until shortly before the Civil War.”

“It is my hope,” Periard says, “that in connecting to the history of this place, from the Lenni Lenape people who were here first, to Bonaparte’s time, to the present, people will feel a relationship not only to this area but also to its ecosys tem. And thus be inspired to become — or continue to be — active in supporting conservation and restoration efforts.”

“This project,” she concludes, “is unique.”

Periard

Thiel grows into role of team leader for Scotties’ soccer

By Rich Fisher

It didn’t take long for Austin Thiel to understand the significance of play ing varsity soccer as a 5-foot, 2-inch freshman.

“I remember in the Shawnee Tourna ment, it was my first varsity game and my mom took a picture of me next to a guy with a full grown beard,” the Bordentown High junior recalls with a laugh. “She was on the sideline and I just matched up against this full-grown man. She sent me the picture after the game and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’

“It hit me that the level went up imme diately. I’m up there playing with people with three more years of experience than me.”

And while mom’s photo put it all in perspective, it did not intimidate Thiel, whose father, Kevin, and uncle Mike also played for the Scotties.

“He started pretty much every game as a freshman,” coach Jason Zablow said. “Each year, we take one or two that can make an impact, but not necessarily start. He came on and he was playing midfield as a 5-2 freshman because of his ability, because of his talent and awareness. He knew what to do to handle playing against a 6-1 kid.”

Zablow felt that Thiel’s desire to play with his future teammates before even entering high school helped make a difference.

“We have summer sessions where we

invite all the incoming freshmen in with the guys coming back,” the coach said. “He went to all the sessions, so com ing in he got to adapt a little bit quicker. He got to play against all the return ing guys and that helped him get up to speed as opposed to being in shock in the preseason.”

It didn’t hurt that the older Scotties welcomed him.

“Brandon Valeri was a senior, he took me under his wing and helped me with everything,” Thiel said. “I got to know the guys better, so that helped a lot.”

Thiel didn’t exactly fill the stat sheet that year, as he collected just one assist. But he had other ways of helping, thanks in part to his slight size.

“I used to get a lot of calls going up for a 50-50 ball,” he said. “I’d get knocked down and there was nothing I could do. I wasn’t able to hold up with the opponent. (Assistant coach Mike) Brennan would always laugh, he always said it was per fect and we got a free kick from it.”

The midfielder became a bigger pres ence as a sophomore, collecting two goals and three assists. This season, he had four assists through the Scotties 4-2

start. Although only a junior, Thiel is a team leader.

“When we walk through something, and we go through patterns, he’s the first kid that once we start playing or scrim maging after that, he’s seeing the run, seeing the things we talked about, help ing other guys,” Zablow said. “We have backs and senior leaders that help do that but when you have a junior doing that it’s big, and the guys listen to him. They understand he knows what he’s talking about and he’s right in the things he says. He’s smart.”

That intelligence comes from a lifetime of playing soccer. Kevin introduced his son to the game at age 3, when he started in Pee Wee ball at Friendship Field. He advanced to the Bordentown United and Liverpool F.C., and was looking to play PDA, but stuck with Liverpool when his friend did not make the team.

Back in his earliest days, Austin was adept at finding the back of the net, but slowly evolved.

“When I was younger I was a striker and I scored goals,” he said. “When I got on better teams, playmaking was my priority. My job is to give people

opportunities.”

He is able to do that by having the Godgiven gift of seeing the field and knowing where everyone is.

“It’s something I think I have an advan tage with over other people,” Thiel said. “I just see things. I don’t know how it hap pens. I just see people open and I get the ball to them, and good things have hap pened so far.”

Austin’s talents have allowed Zablow to play him at outside mid, defensive mid and attacking mid. At one point this year, he even played outside back.

“He doesn’t complain,” the coach said. “The kid will just put his head down and go to work. As he’s gotten older and more athletic, he’s been able to be more versa tile; now he can handle some guys when they’re a little bigger, a little faster, and he’s smart enough to take on those roles. He’s now a focal point.

Thiel has grown to 5-foot-7, which still puts him on the smaller side. But at least he’s farther from the ground than he was two years ago. And he uses that (lack of) size to his advantage.

“I can’t change that, so just adapted to it,” he said. “I feel like it makes me lower to the ball, and I guess that makes me a little better.”

As a creator, Thiel has a choice of sev eral scoring threats he can distribute the ball to. Jay Beyers, Julien DeLorenzo and Patrick Redwood all had over 10 goals last year, and combined for 37.

“He can create, and he’s great on

As a creator, Austin Thiel is able to distribute his passes to several scoring threats: Jay Beyers, Julien DeLorenzo and Patrick Redwood combined for 37 goals last year.

set pieces, so that gives him an added weapon,” Zablow said. “And he can hit a ball. He’s got a lot of weapons around him, and I would suspect he’ll get a lot of assists this year.”

That’s not to say Thiel does not have the ability to score goals.

“He’s good on the ball,” Zablow said. “He strikes a great ball, hits it super clean. We try to show the younger guys you don’t have to be the biggest, strongest guy to hit a ball well. Just commit time to getting better at it and getting those extra 10 to 15 yards. Now he’s on free kicks from midfield, he’s on our set pieces, on our corners. He does all that stuff.”

Along with practicing and playing with teammates, Thiel also works at home with his sister Alexis, who is on the Scotties’ girls varsity as a freshman. Austin also puts time in time with his dog Maui, who was given that name after the family had a trip to Hawaii cancelled due to Covid. Basically, if they couldn’t go to

Maui, they would bring Maui to them. Thus, a new practice partner.

“Sometimes I’ll knock a ball around with my dog,” Thiel said. “He’ll attack the ball, so I try to keep it away.”

Maui is one opponent who, Thiel does have a size advantage over. But as Zablow points out, that diminutive stature is not causing problems.

“In our games against Holy Cross and Burlington Township, they were bigger teams, and he’s in the box at 5-7 winning headers for us,” the coach noted. “As coaches we’re like ‘All right, Austin wants to get it done,’ and we say to the other guys, ‘If he can get it done, and you’re bigger and more athletic, then you should get it done.’ We kind of hold the other guys accountable.

“That’s just Austin. He’s still not the biggest guy but he can hang against bigger guys who are physically imposing. He’s not afraid, he won’t back down.”

Just ask the guy with the beard from three years ago.

Junior Austin Thiel has grown in stature — physically and in terms of ability — since joining Bordentown’s varsity soccer team as a freshman. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

Doug Kiovsky

Like many small towns, industrializa tion didn’t take effect until the arrival of transportation means like the Camden and Amboy Railroad and the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company. Now people and freight could reach their destinations further and faster, allowing for places to grow and expand.

In 1849, an act of New Jersey state legislature approved for Bordentown to become a borough, thus separating from surrounding Chesterfield Township. This was followed in 1852 when the legis lature approved to scale back the bound aries of Chesterfield Township for the incorporation of Bordentown Township which also wrapped around the borough of Fieldsboro. According to the US Cen sus of 1850, Bordentown had a population of 2,700 residents. By then, local govern ment matters were held in a town hall that was a decade old.

Positioned in the middle of Walnut Street, this two story structure was quite an oddity as carriages drove around it. The first floor had an open archway on each of its four sides that viewed the food markets primarily on Main Street (Farn sworth Avenue).

The second floor was divided by a room in the front and a room in the back. The room in the front was where general public meetings and elections were held. The room in the back warranted its own special ambiance. It was a small jail cell where a prisoner was held until trial or transferred to another prison. Although

Bordentown’s City Hall since 1964, the former Bell Telephone building on Farnsworth Avenue has been replaced by the new municipal complex at 101 Park Ave.

its condition was stark and unsanitary, the cell did have an open window with bars that looked onto Walnut Street.

On any given day, it was rather com mon to watch people on the street engage in a loud conversation or a yelling match with the prisoner. The same could be said by throwing rocks or other objects at the cell window. If the prisoner had a calm demeanor and a sturdy string, then he was rewarded with a bottle of liquor that a caring citizen would tie around the neck so the prisoner could hoist it up to the win dow. In essence, the jailors didn’t enforce harsh treatment unless they needed to.

By 1857, Bordentown had persistent

problems with vagabonds. Many found their way on to train cars, canal boats, and even steamships from other locations, only to disembark at the landing and wan der into town. Those that stayed often became public nuisances.

To remedy the situation, members of the town’s Common Council decided to transform the second floor of the town hall into sleeping quarters where those that couldn’t afford a suitable room for the night, could sleep on the floor.

Although this humanitarian gesture had good intensions, the abundance of trash, filthy blankets, and stench emanating from the area forced council members

to hold their monthly meetings at the nearby American House Hotel.

The sleeping quarters were eventu ally removed. As renovations continued, the archways were filled in with brick and mortar, two jail cells were built on the first floor, and the mayor’s office was refurbished.

In 1867, an act was passed authorizing the establishment of a city government that included nine council members. One of their principle responsibilities was to levy taxes without the consent of local resi dents. In light of a major economic decline in manufacturing, shipping, and rail trans portation caused by the devastation of the Civil War, the lack of growth within society had to adapt to necessary changes.

Bordentown City’s first mayor, Dr. Leo DeLange, was elected in 1868. DeLange urged council members to amend the city’s charter. In 1872, this arduous task was completed. It read: “It shall and may be lawful for Common Council of the City of Bordentown and they shall have full power and authority to redeem from all municipal taxation all manufactories hereto after to be established therein, where the actual capital invested exceeds the sum of $10,000 for a term of years not exceeding 10.”

The economic doldrums that plagued most of the 1870s were far-reaching. But, like every cycle, many communi ties asserted their optimism and bounced back stronger than ever. Bordentown was able to do the same.

Before the end of the decade, the Downs and Finch Shirt Company on Park Street was able to hire 500 workers for steady employment. In 1891, the factory was sold to the Springfield Worsted Mill

Company, which expanded its facilities and workforce.

Across the railroad siding on Ann Street, a sister factory, the Eagle Shirt Factory, employed 350 women for the princely sum of $3 a week to operate the machinery for sewing silk, cotton, and flannel shirts. Even before these large factories existed, many other industries boosted the city’s population to roughly 4,300 residents by 1880.

With this increase, businessmen and citizens alike strongly urged city offi cials to find a centralized location for a new city hall that would meet the needs of its people. After much debate, scrutiny, and heated arguments, it was voted upon that the site for a new city hall would be located on Crosswicks Street.

Completed in 1888, the opulence of the two-storied structure was a jewel to behold. It contained city offices, a court room and judge’s chambers, a police station and jail, and a fire house under one roof. Its Romanesque architecture was defined by columns of grooved pilasters topped by ornately carved leaf motifs. The curved fanlight over the multi-paneled entrance doors and adjacent vaulted archway lead ing into the bay of the Delaware Fire Com pany No. 2 defied visual splendor.

However, the most dramatic feature was a Seth Thomas clock encased within its clock tower. Considered one of the finest mechanisms in existence, it was made in the clock-making factory town of Thomaston, Connecticut. With speed controlled by a 100-pound pendulum, the clock could hoist an 800-pound striking weight and a 150-pound striking weight from the basement to the tower using steel cables manufactured by the John A. Roebling’s Sons Company in Trenton, and later, in Roebling. The decorative weathervane at the peak of the tower was not part of the original design, but rather introduced as an afterthought.

A year after the municipal complex opened, the former town hall was lifted from its foundation on Walnut Street and

transported by teams of horses to its new home next to a harness shop on Cross wicks Street. Facing opposite its gleam ing replacement, its worn stucco frame was rife with cracks and unsightly blem ishes. Ironically, its last years were spent as a furniture repair shop.

The new city hall served a vital role in local government as it held court trials, council meetings, a polling place (elec tions), a draft board registration center for young men during World War II, and a guidance center for youth groups.

Decades passed and by 1964, the pop ulation of Bordentown City swelled to 5,000 residents. It was an island in a swirl ing sea of asphalt road systems that sur rounded it. The age of the automobile now made it possible for anyone to reach their destination quicker.

Simply put, technological advances of the 20th century made the old city hall obsolete. It was time to relocate city gov ernment once more. This time, the city was able to purchase the brick Bell Tele phone Company building on Farnsworth Avenue, after the system became all num ber dialing.

Thankfully, the old city hall did not become a causality of modern progress and survives as a symbol of historic preservation.

At the end of 2020, the torch of govern ment passed once more as the former administration building for Divine Word Missionaries on Park Street was desig nated as the site of a new city municipal center. A unique blend of man and nature, the building and its former gymnasium is within a beautiful state park consisting of vast greenery, wooded trails, trees over two centuries old, and a picturesque view of Crosswicks Creek.

The site represents more than a gov ernment of the people. It needs to be nur tured and cherished for the people — and for our future as well.

Doug Kiovsky is the vice president of the Bordentown Historical Society.

When should you go to the emergency department?

The Doctor

High fever. Elevated body temperature, especially if it’s accompanied by shaking and chills, could be a sign of infection that has moved to the bloodstream. “We treat this very aggressively,” Dr. Horana says. For children especially, go to the ED if fever is accompanied by severe headache, rash, lethargy or other unusual behavior.

other drug overdoses, monitor vital signs, administer fluid and connect people with counselors and recovery rehab services,” Dr. Horana says.

People often put off going to the Emergency Department (ED) or commonly termed Emergency Room when they shouldn’t wait. “They think their health issue will turn out to be nothing serious,” says Lasanta Horana, MD, Emergency Department Chair and a Medical Staff Officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton). “But with many emergencies, including heart attack or stroke, time is very important. Waiting too long after symptoms start can limit our ability to give effective treatment.” Are your symptoms nothing to worry about—or do you need a trip to the ED?

Warning signs that deserve to be checked right away include these common areas of concern:

Chest pain, especially if the pain is a type you haven’t had before, makes you anxious or is associated with shortness of breath or sweating. “We’re here to determine if anything life threatening can be causing your symptoms,” Dr. Horana says. “Come in so we can do appropriate tests.” Very often, if you go to an urgent care with this complaint, you will likely be referred to come to the ED so that we can perform the necessary evaluation including labs, imaging, or seeing a cardiologist.

Breathing problems. Any time you have serious breathing problems, especially if you have a chronic respiratory issue such as asthma or COPD, call 911. Emergency responders can help stabilize you with medication and oxygen even before you get to the ED.

Abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, is localized in one area of the abdomen or is accompanied by severe vomiting or diarrhea. “Gastrointestinal concerns such as appendicitis and bowel obstruction are emergencies that may require surgery,” Dr. Horana says. If there is a serious issue, we have the appropriate surgeons and the GI physicians on staff that can respond quickly after we identify the source of the problem.

A head injury, especially if you were stunned or lost consciousness; are taking blood thinners; are elderly; or have symptoms such as weakness, numbness, confusion, lethargy, or change in their mentation or vision problems.

Stroke or neurological symptoms. If new and different neurological symptoms occur, such as weakness or numbness in any part of your body, unsteady gait, dizziness, asymmetric smile, or a change in speech or vision, call 911 and get to the ED as quickly as you can. If identified quickly we can often treat a stroke and provide a consult with a neurologist rapidly in the ED that can potentially lead to a better outcome with a stroke.

Behavioral crisis. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or are suffering from a narcotic or alcohol overdose, call 911. “We can give reversal agents for certain narcotic or

Don’t be embarrassed if a worrisome symptom turns out to be nothing. “We’re here to assess these issues,” Dr. Horana says. “We’re happy if chest pain turns out to be acid reflux and not a heart attack. But getting checked out ensures we don’t miss serious cases.”

“I was in the Emergency Room for a foot related injury, and I want to thank the nurses. They were so nice and took such good care of me. To show my appreciation I came back and brought them bagels, donuts and muffins. I appreciate all you do as essential workers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you,” shared Rob A., a patient who shared this public message on Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Facebook Page after a recent visit to the Emergency Department.

Follow us on our social channels: Facebook, @RWJHamilton; LinkedIn, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton; Twitter, @RWJHamilton; and Instagram. RWJUH_Hamilton.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call (609) 586-7900.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

MONdAY, OCTOBER 3

Chakras 101: Understanding Your Energetic Anatomy. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This workshop explores the chakras, energy centers within the body that interact with physical and emotional well-being. You will come away with an understanding of this energy system and the ways it can help you lead your best life! Michelle Gerdes, RYT-200 of Princeton Doula Center. $15

TUESdAY, OCTOBER 4

Tinnitus Sound Therapy – How Does It Work? 11 a.m. to noon. Many people suffer from noises they hear in their ears/head that no one else can hear. Join us as we demystify the problem of tinnitus and discuss if sound therapy is for you. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D.

THURSdAY, OCTOBER 6

Chronic Lung Problems Post Covid. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Are you still experiencing a cough, tightness in your chest, fatigue, or shortness

of breath? Are you wondering if your symp toms are related to having had Covid-19? Pulmonologist, Anthony Ricketti, MD, and Infectious Disease Specialist, Seth Rosen baum, MD, MMM, will address the phar macotherapy, vaccine, and issues around “Long Covid.”

TUESdAY, OCTOBER 11

Antiques on the Road with Thomas Petrino of Time Travelers Antiques. 1 to 3 p.m. to noon. Bring two items to have appraised and perhaps learn some history about your treasures. Find out what’s hot and not in the antique and collectables market. Thomas Petrino is a full-time personal property ap praiser certified by the Appraisers Guild of America. He also does appraisals for the NJ Treasury, consults with banks, attorneys and insurance companies to authenticate and appraise estates. Registration required. Seating very limited.

WEdNESdAY, OCTOBER 12

Wisdom for Your Bosom. Wed., October 12; 6 to 7 p.m. Matthew J. Lynch, MD is widely rec ognized as one of New Jersey’s top breast surgeons for cosmetic, reconstructive, aug mentation, and reduction procedures. Join Dr. Lynch for a discussion on these topics.

THURSdAY, OCTOBER 13

“You Are Not Alone” Book Signing. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Author Dr. Ken Duckworth, will be here to discuss and sign his book “You Are Not Alone”. The book is a guide to navigating mental health, and the discussion that eve ning will include a panel of individuals who have hands on experience in navigating the world of mental health.

MONdAY, OCTOBER 17

The Specialty of Family Medicine. 10 to 11 a.m. Likhitha Musunuru, MD, a RWJ Barn abas Health Medical Group provider, spe cializes in family medicine ages 4 and up. Connect with Dr. Musunuru as she discusses the importance of establishing a good rela tionship with your primary care provider.

THURSdAY, OCTOBER 20

Breast Cancer: Facts and Myths. 5 to 6 p.m. Are you unsure of what is a fact and what is a myth when it comes to breast cancer? Find the truth and debunk those myths with Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS. Dr. “Ela dou” brings high quality care and clinical trial opportunities from Rutgers Cancer In stitute of New Jersey and has special inter est in breast cancer.

WEdNESdAY, OCTOBER 26

Soundtrack of Your Life. 2 to 3 p.m. Shelli Mo nacchio, CDP, HSAC, ADLS, Senior Vice Presi dent, Angelion Mobility & Singer/Songwriter is sharing her expertise on creating our own personal soundtrack. A song can take you back to a time and place. Imagine creating an entire soundtrack of your life to bring you smiles and comfort when needed most.

SUNdAY, OCTOBER 30

Festive & Frightful VIRTUAL. 2 to 3 p.m. Learn new ways to keep the spirit in Halloween and support your health with a little more green! Focusing fruit as fun isn’t as hard as it may seem. Only one way to find out…come on and see! Alyssa Luning, RD, CSOWM.

Dr. Horana

a spacious eat-in-kitchen with plenty of bright natural light entering through the kitchen window and patio doors leading to the back yard.

UNDER CONTRACT

FOR SALE

ROEBLING | $479,000

Nature lover’s paradise. Wildlife abounds in this lovely brick rancher on almost a full acre that backs up to a creek in a quiet section of Roebling. The home features 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths, one off the master bedroom, an eat-in kitchen, living room with gas fireplace, a den with a ventless gas fireplace, and a full unfinished walk-out basement with a woodburning fireplace.

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

FLORENCE | $200,000

Lovely home! Won’t last on the market long!! This 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home has a full basement which is Partially finished. Close to major highways, bridges and light rail for easy commute to NY, Phila and the Jersey Shore. Must see home.

ROEBLING | $289,999

This home features 4 bedrooms, 1 full bath and the partially finished basement gives you more living space as well. Spacious open backyard with a side deck, extralarge 1 car garage and more! Close to major highways, bridges and light rail for easy commute to NY, Phila and the Jersey Shore.

ROEBLING | $425,000

ATTENTION INVESTORS: 41-43 Main Street Roebling offers a great opportunity to expand your portfolios. Priced right, this property is more specifically described as being the end of a two story, all brick building that served as the original General Store of Roebling Village.