10-22 LG

Ihlefeld continues to improve in goal for Notre Dame field hockey

RICH FISHER

Addie Ihlefeld joined the Notre Dame High field hockey program as a freshman for the simple purpose of making friends. Little did she realize it would lead to making saves.

The junior from Lawrenceville and ND’s starting varsity goalie had never played the sport before

her ninth-grade year, when she landed on the Irish’s freshman team.

“We were looking for someone to play goalie,” Ihlefeld said. “I wasn’t 100 percent set on being a goalie. I told the coaches if they couldn’t find one then I would definitely do it. But if they found somebody else who wanted to be it, I’d be totally fine with just play-

ing the field. It ended up that the other girls that tried it did not like it, so I just stepped up and played it, and I just loved it.”

Well, she loved it as a freshman, when the shots being faced weren’t all that challenging.

“At the freshman level, it’s not as intense, so the balls getting hit weren’t that hard, and they weren’t

See IHLEFELD, Page 9

Seven up for three seats on LTPS board

BY BILL SANSERVINO

There might not be a contest for municipal government on the Tuesday, Nov. 8 ballot, but there’s still a hotly contested local race in which residents can cast their ballots.

A total of seven candidates are running for election to the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education.

They include three incumbents, a husband-wife team and a recent graduate of Lawrence High School.

Running for re-election to the board are Patricia “Pepper” Evans, Michelle King and Amanda Santos. Also running are Carlos Raziel Rodriguez, Thomas Figueira, Amy Gregory and Nathaniel Gregory.

The Lawrence Gazette asked each of the candidates to provide biographical information about themselves and a statement regarding why they are running for the board. Their answers are presented in alphabetical order below.

Patricia “Pepper” Evans , 65, has been a resident of Mercer County for over a half-century, 40 years in Lawrence Township.

A current member of the board, she is running on a slate with incumbents Michelle King and Amanda Santos on the “Building Tomorrow Together“ slate.

Evans says she was denied the opportunity for higher education and is largely self-taught. She says she is committed to becoming a highly-trained school board member.

Building on her Certified Board Leader certificate, she earned Master Board Member, ultimately reaching the highest level from the Board Member Academy, Certified Board Leader. Passionate about reading, she tries to meet the 100 Book Challenge each year.

Evans has launched several successful entrepreneurial enterprises and now works as an independent living consultant helping older adults age with dignity. She is also a long-time staff member of the Silver Century Foundation, a private family foundation that addresses ageism and proactive aging issues.

Evans, whose husband died in 2006, has two daughters who are now in their 20s. Both attended the LTPS and graduated from Lawrence High School.

Before her board service, Evans was the founding board president of what is now HomeFront. She served three threeyear terms on the LTPS Board, including a year as vice president and president.

She is currently vice president of the Woman’s Club of Law-

See ELECTION, Page 2

Addie Ihlefeld of Lawrence Township is the starting varsity goalie for the Notre Dame field hockey team.

renceville. Always active in the PTO in her daughters’ schools, Evans served as PTO president. Additionally, she was a Girl Scout leader and coached recreation sports teams. On the Board, she chairs the Finance Committee, chaired CIAPD for many years and served on the others as a committee person.

Evan’s statement: The number one reason I am running for another term is gratitude. My daughters attended LTPS from Toddler Town at age 3 to graduation. They are flourishing today due in large part to their years in LTPS. I want to retain the high academic standards families expect from their schools, but equally, I am wholly empathetic to the long-term effects of the pandemic: trauma and mental health.

To address this, we must stay the course with our staff trained in socialemotional learning and relationship building. Every child has an adult to turn to if needed.

I want to support the superintendent and school leaders in achieving our strategic plan, emphasizing academic excellence, emotional health and diversity.

As a long-serving chair of the Finance and Facilities committee, I have a deep knowledge of the district’s fiscal health

and its challenges in the coming years. I believe in focused spending on our buildings and grounds to preserve our investment and keep us moving forward with technology.

I’m non-partisan and a team player; I will work with others to support the experts–our teachers–to put forth science-based education in a classroom where all children are free to grow and learn as their authentic selves.

The challenges facing school districts today are vast. I believe Michelle King, Amanda Santos and I offer the best chance at meeting the challenges head-on and overcoming them, preparing every student for success. We will Build Tomorrow Together.

Thomas Figueira , 73, has lived in Lawrence Township for 35 years. He is running on a slate called “Quality–Community–Family” with Amy and Nate Gregory.

Figueira was educated at public schools in Washington Heights, New York City and Poughkeepsie, New York. His PhD was from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977, and he has also attended Fordham University, the University of Chicago, Oxford University, the American School of Classical Studies in Athens (the U.S. Archaeological

LAWRENCE GAZETTE

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Institute in Greece).

He currently is a distinguished pro fessor of classics and ancient History at Rutgers University, where he has worked since 1979. He has also taught at Pennsylvania, Stanford, Dickinson College and Princeton and has won numerous academic honors and many accomplishments in various academic categories.

He and his wife, Sarah George Figueira, have three children who were educated in LTPS schools—Elizabeth, who graduated LHS in 1998, Julie, who graduated LHS in 2001, and Charles, who was placed by Lawrence at Mid land School and finished in 2007.

Figueira has mainly been involved in groups and organizations serving the New Jersey higher educational commu nity including: many leadership posi tions in the Association of American University Professors, including Exec utive Council for six multi-year terms; the New Jersey Education Association, including Chapter Leader, Rutgers NJEA 2000-5; the American Federa tion of Teachers, including president, Rutgers-New Brunswick, AAUP/AFT, 2014-16; the Committee for Academic Freedom at Rutgers University, includ ing co-chair (1998-2005). He has also served multiple terms both as univer sity senator (representing the School of Arts and Sciences) and as New Bruns wick faculty counselor (advising the chancellor-provost).

Figueira statement: In my period as a member of our community, the stand ing of the Lawrence Township schools has declined calamitously in every eval uation, dropping from ca. 40th in the state to a level barely median (if that). This is shocking in a community that has not been socio-economically trans formed nor struck with natural or envi ronmental disaster.

The situation can only be reversed by adopting a singular focus that brings to bear both remedial measures and care ful tailoring of planning for students in a try-everything approach. At one end of the spectrum, struggling stu dents need multi-vectored intervention, which might include enhanced study halls, supervised study and tutoring; at the other pole of expectation more and more intense advanced placement options and better counseling for future educational prospects.

Responsible leadership means no more wasting resources on ideological pretention and signaling of politically correct adherence. It means focusing on educational issues based on the best practices and ditching divisive initia tives taken off partisan media and ama teur blogging, where extreme formula

tions tend to sound most loudly.

It means board members once again committed to the traditional curricula that have sustained American demo cratic society for generations. These curricula should always be in a process of modernization and expansion to fos ter a greater spirit of inclusivity, but they must never be gutted in an effort to destroy faith in essential American institutions. I was a child of lower socio economic status, whose generation was mightily advantaged by the scare that the Soviets dealt America with the launching of Sputnik. Rather than big ger scares, we need larger hearts.

Let’s return to age-appropriate sex education, firmly rooted in a health science curriculum that is sensitive to the maturational clock operating for children, and let us not fall for the lastcentury’s science fiction dolled up as “woke” thought. No kiddie porn mas querading as instructional material and zero toleration for grooming/pros elytizing. In short, science from main stream medicine instead of self-therapy from poseurs.

Let’s remember that parents are the ultimate authorities for their childrens’ emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being and their progress. Parents must be enabled to make healthcare decisions (advised by professionals of their selection) in a context of full infor mation, without anyone withholding or denying data. School boards, including our BOE, have not been given author ity (and in fact cannot legitimately be given such authority) to make medi cal decisions regarding students in our schools. Our schools are not clinics and certainly not psychiatric facilities.

Let’s avoid wasting time on extrane ous matters that have been introduced for mere political advantage. What was the rationale for our school board to conduct ill-informed inquiries into the question of “reparations?” How would any finding in this matter have an appro priate bearing on educational decisions affecting Lawrence Township students? Would a reparative system teach differ ent types of geometry or chemistry? At best, such issues are matters for legisla tive consideration.

Let’s commit to treating every child, every student, in accordance with his/ her individual skills, aptitudes and incli nations as they have actually and fairly been demonstrated, without labeling, stigmatization, or attribution of group traits. This is, in fact, what our society has traditionally always understood as basic aspirational “civil rights.” Mean while, we shall be emphasizing that such skills, aptitudes and inclinations

See ELECTION,

are not set in stone, but are subject to intervention and improvement. That policy is what our laws instruct; what decency requires.

Amy Gregory , 42, and her hus band, Nate, have lived in the township for almost 17 years. She is running on a slate called “Quality–Community–Family” with her husband and Thomas Figueira.

Gregory attended Empire Beauty School and is individually licensed by the state of New Jersey. She currently works at Chase Williams Hair Studio. She and Nate have three daughters. One has already gone through the LTPS starting in Slackwood Elementary and graduated from Lawrence High School. She said their 5-year-old just started Kindergarten at the Saint Ann’s school

in Lawrence, and “she’ll stay there until the LTPS makes significant changes.” Their two-year-old daughter is cur rently in preschool.

Amy Gregory’s statement: The current board of education has failed the parents of Lawrenceville and all oth ers committed to quality education. Our families are looking for an exceptional education for their children, and we are losing the company of neighbors, no longer prepared to raise a family here.

The current board of education seems infatuated with an extremism that disregards parents and taxpayers who seem sidelined in deciding the curriculum taught to our children and decide what is best for our families. I intend to provide full transparency to parents and offer a voice to our forgot ten families. Are they being defrauded of the access they deserve by the cur

rent dispensation?

In the midst of pursuing so-called “social justice” issues, our underserved and low-income students are falling behind and have considerable achieve ment gaps. The average test ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of pub lic schools in N.J. ranking LTPS at 339 out of 652 school districts. Our young people are suffering with an average math proficiency score of 44% and read ing proficiency at 59% when only a few short years ago these numbers were around 80%.

The Lawrence Middle School is our only above average facility, while the other six schools in the district are either average or below average. This is simply unacceptable for our children, it’s unacceptable for our community and an outrage to our taxpayers who once benefited from a vibrant excep tional school system.

As a mother of three girls and a hair stylist, I speak with many parents, guardians and grandparents every day in our community and surrounding areas. It’s clear to me that these fami lies agree that public education is going in the wrong direction.

With the ability to listen to the com munity and love for our children, I’m confident I can offer a perspective that represents the public while finding new innovative ways to afford our children an exceptional learning experience.

My professional experience offers a lengthy track record building and lead ing customer experience and opera tions functions and designing and implementing process improvement initiatives.

My expertise as a persuasive com municator and negotiator with a proven capability to nurture productive rela tions with existing and new clients

presents me the unique opportunity to assist in solving the complicated issues we’re challenged with today.

As a parent of three children and a small business owner, most of my time is spent parenting and providing excep tional services to the community.

My priorities are to return LTPS to an outstanding place for our children to learn and prepare for the future. I will facilitate curriculum transparency to assist parents in making the best deci sions for their principles and encour age public discourse so we can shape the curriculum to reflect the values of the community and traditions of sound teaching.

I will focus on the underserved and low-income students by finding ways to aid them in getting the assistance they need to succeed.

I believe parents are the stakeholders of our educational system, my intention is to restore trust between the parents and the public school system that has been eroded by poor policy decisions over the last few years.

I was not naturally inclined to seek this role. As most parents of young families, I would rather be playing with my children, teaching them to ride a bike, or how to read and being a good mother. I am not temperamentally the type of person who seeks to exercise power, and I do not have any political aspirations.

What I want is for our children to have a strong education without being indoctrinated with non-traditional radi cal prejudices that do not align with community values.

Nate Gregory , 43, is running on the “Quality–Community–Family” slate with his wife, Amy, and Thomas Figueira. He and Amy have lived in law

ELECTION continued from Page 3

Patricia “Pepper” Evans

Thomas Figueira

Amy Gregory

Nate Gregory

rence for almost 17 years,

He has been trained in the Green Futures Management Program in 2011, Construction Project Management in 2011, Leadership in Energy and Envi ronmental Design in 2011. He earned an associates degree in Computer Graphics in 2001.

He works as operations manager/ owner at Clearview Detailing and has been Health and Safety Manager at ATC Associates and Construction Fore man at ATC Associates.

He and his wife, Amy, have three daughters. One has already gone through the LTPS starting in Slack wood Elementary and graduated from Lawrence High School. She said their 5-year-old just started Kindergarten at the Saint Ann’s school in Lawrence, and he says, “she’ll stay there until the LTPS makes significant changes.” Their two-year-old daughter is currently in preschool.

Nate Gregory’s statement is essen tially the same as his wife’s. Printed below are the sections that are differ ent: As a small business owner here in Lawrenceville I talk to parents, guard ians and grandparents every day in our community, I have yet to meet anyone that approves of the direction the LTPS is taking.

I’m a growth-focused operations leader with a two- decade achievement record in small business management, construction and client relations.

I have proven to be a dedicated pro fessional with impressive communica tion, leadership and relationship-build ing skills.

With my finger on the pulse of the community and background in con struction project management I’m con fident I can offer a perspective that rep resents the taxpayers while finding new

innovative ways to afford our children an exceptional learning experience.

Michelle King , 58, has lived in Law rence Township for 24 years. She is a current member of the school board and is running on the “Building Tomor row Together“ slate with incumbents Pepper Evans and Amanda Santos.

King earned a BA in Special Educa tion from La Salle University in 1986. In 1989, she completed an master’s degree in Educational psychology from Temple University and then received her PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997

She is currently in her 20th year as an adjunct professor in the School of Education at The College of New Jer sey. She has taught courses in the ele mentary education program, the special education program and in the first year seminar program. She also supervises student teachers in local public schools.

Prior to teaching at TCNJ, she taught in Pennsylvania in special education set tings and in a vocational rehabilitation program.

King and her husband of 32 years, Charlie, have five daughters ranging in age from 17 to 28 years old. The young est daughter is currently in her senior year of high school.

Of the older daughters, one is in her second year of college and the other three are post-college, living and work ing in New York and California. Their children attended St. Paul’s School in Princeton for grades K-8 and then attended The Pennington School for high school.

For 18 years, King was involved in youth sports, coaching soccer teams through Lawrence Hamnett Soc cer Association and basketball teams through the CYO program. Currently,

her six years on the Lawrence Town ship School Board have been her pri mary community involvement.

King’s statement: Over the course of my six years of experience on the Lawrence Township School Board, I have established a strong, collegial working relationship with my fellow board members and district administra tors and we share many similar goals and positions.

I am well aware of the responsibilities and priorities of our school board and participated in the creation of our cur rent district strategic plan. The unique position I have as an active, local, edu cation professional, currently working in teacher education and a long-time township resident affords me a “big pic ture” perspective for the district.

In my time as a school board mem ber, I have been a strong advocate of our SEL objectives, specifically support ing an increase in our guidance staff at the high school, in order to decrease the size of the counselors’ case loads, bringing us in alignment with what sev eral other local school districts offer their students.

For the past three years, the district hired additional counseling support which has had a significant and posi tive impact on the emotional well-being of our students from Kindergarten through twelfth grade and I support identifying funding streams to continue to provide this valuable district-wide resource.

As the current chair of the CIAPD committee, I have been active in the exploration of the schedule changes at the high school and middle school and plan on evaluating the results of these

See ELECTION, Page 6

Michelle King

Carlos Raziel Rodriguez

Amanda Santos

changes as they unfold.

I am anxious to advocate for the ongo ing collection of data that informs us of our current achievements in curricu lum and instruction, and that will help the district implement changes to reach its goals stipulated in the strategic plan. The district’s strategic plan is bold, yet achievable.

My focus will be on seeking informa tion from our administrators to help the district monitor its progress toward goals such as ensuring that all students read at grade level by grade 3 and that all 8th grade students are prepared for algebra.

In the spring of 2019, I was the board liaison for special education while the district underwent a thorough evalua tion of special education programming resulting in a detailed and ambitious action plan.

Unfortunately, COVID undercut the district’s ability to enact that action plan, but our current strategic plan supports taking necessary measures to assess and implement changes to enhance outcomes for those students identified as having special needs. As the current board liaison to Mer cer County Vo-Tech, I am working to ensure that students have all the infor

mation and options they need to create a firm plan for post-secondary educa tion or employment.

As a member of the finance commit tee this year, I am deeply aware of the struggles inherent in the school bud get. It is not possible to fund all the expenses we desire to meet our goals. The school board and district need to carefully determine the most afford able and effective solutions to meet our goals and resolve upcoming challenges.

My own education and career high light my knowledge and skills in the area of teaching, learning and school management.

My passion is understanding the dynamics that create success between teachers and students and the nuances inherent in a large school system and then turning ideas into realities to improve education for all.

* * *

Carlos Raziel Rodriguez , 20, has lived in Lawrence Township for almost 9 years. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 2020, and is currently a sophomore at Mercer County Commu nity College, with aspirations of trans ferring to either Princeton or UPenn.

In addition to being a student, Raziel Rodriguez is an author and eCommerce entrepreneur. He has recently become

involved with Lawrence Neighbors Together, and he is a board member of the Energizing Young Voter’s Advisory Board. He is also the president of La Sede, a Latino student union at Mercer County Community College.

Raziel Rodriguez’s statement: I graduated from the Lawrence Town ship public school district in June of 2020, the same year as the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

I’m an LGBT Filipino-Puerto Rican American. My campaign has been endorsed by the Run For Something Organization and am awaiting word on Congressman Andy Kim’s decision to endorse my campaign as well.

To preface, all of my platform posi tions are interdependent and comple ment each other. Lawrence Township Schools can become a place where stu dents don’t have to dread going. Where is the ambition to innovate and become a leader in education? Not in the county, but in the State of New Jersey at the least.

A 44% student proficiency in math, 60% in reading and a ranking of 94th out of 243 N.J. school districts is not accept able to me.

What do mindfulness, opportu nity and security have to do with one another? We also know that suicide,

self-harm, adolescent drug abuse and feelings of loneliness are prevalent in young people today.

The CDC reports that in recent years: “suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.3.” We can also infer that as those trends continue, that historically disen franchised groups will disproportion ately feel the impact.

I stand on these pillars that we must innovate. We can rid the district of out moded practices in favor of superior ones and make opportunities for all stu dents. By shifting around some of our priorities, the district can be made safer and perform better—thus providing more opportunity.

Mindfulness-integrated schooling would resolve internally-originated threats before they arise. Save children in crisis, suffering silently. It would also provide students with the mental toolkit they require to matriculate at universi ties of their choosing.

No one wants to see the look of disap pointment on their talented kids’ faces when they’re rejected from Harvard or Colombia because the poor kid fizzled and burned out.

Confident, enthusiastic people per form better than anxious and depressed ones—in all disciplines, more so and–

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most critically–academics and athletics.

Imagine a school with fit, happy, mind ful students.

My solution isn’t waving a magic wand and saying that I’m doing mind fulness or mental health. I would ask school administrators about the pur pose of detention—for example— amongst other practices. In reality, it’s a relic and a drain of school resources based on antiquated conventions or tra ditional thought.

Schools can’t claim to be temples of thought and learning, and the admin istration does not confront their own preconceptions. What I coin “soft disci pline” as a tangible part of my mindful ness program encourages students to look at themselves and within.

Thirty minutes of mindful breath ing, or an hour of detention. This is not woo-woo new ageism. Mindfulness is as legitimate and empirical—according to the APA—as we know gravity to be. We know there’s a positive correlation between increasing class 3 officers or SROs and harsh discipline.

What community stands to lose the most in their formative years as recipi ents of disproportionate encounters with disciplinarians? Lawrence’s minor ity communities.

I have no current intentions of reduc

ing officers on school grounds, but I want to explore with the other board members how we can better under stand our security personnel.

Is it worth discussing student sched ules rotating every day and asking if it’s a distraction? Is it worth discuss ing changing our district’s schedule so that it’s less taxing on students? Is it worth discussing implementing robust mindfulness curriculums, practices, etc. in the interest of our student’s aca demic performance and personal wellbeing? Is it worth asking, do we really care about our students—all our stu dents—whether we care enough about their flourishing to acknowledge the trends I’ve mentioned previously and make substantive reforms in the right direction?

We ought to up-skill our teachers and build capability around teaching the whole student, through the modality of school-based mindfulness practices. Review outdated practices for more wholesome ones, re-apportioning some of our time and priorities. Building up our mental-health infrastructure and hiring student counselors, advocates and therapists.

To have only one Latino in AP (advanced placement) classes should

See ELECTION, Page 8

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strike people as an enormous red flag— and self-evidently.

For me, the question isn’t about Lati nos per se. It’s a matter of asking: in a school district as diverse as ours, why aren’t smart kids in underrepresented communities showing up in our AP classes more often?

I’d further ask, in demographic terms, how many of our underrepre sented students are matriculating at elite universities? How many students joined trades confidently and are happy with their trade? How many know what career aligns with their natures and ten dencies and know the steps they need to take? The issue I see is a lack of resources. I know from experience.

I would advocate introducing a new program for the high school on Satur days, offering an adjacent curriculum that would run like a typical school day. Rigorous and mentor-driven. I would enlist the help and expertise of organi zations that already do this i.e. reputa ble and subsidized third-party organiza tions dedicated to this purpose. Maybe it can be accomplished in partnership with other school districts.

This can all be accomplished—not via the tax-and-spend status quo—but through the intelligent crafting of ben

eficial policy. But Lawrence needs a young, dynamic voice, whose diverse identity reflects Lawrence Township, to lead that conversation.

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Amanda Santos , 39, has lived in Lawrence Township since 2017. She is currently a member of the School Board, and she is running on a slate with incumbents Pepper Evans and Michelle Kind on the “Building Tomor row Together” slate.

Santos has a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Rider University. She will graduate in December 2022 with a master’s degree in Political Science, with a concentration in Public Policy.

She currently works for the state Department of the Treasury, and she previously (and currently part-time) is a small business owner, running her own private music studio.

She and her husband, Daniel, have three children. Their oldest attends Mercer County Special Services Dis trict, their middle child is in the Law rence School District, and their young est is a toddler, but will attend Lawrence schools in two years.

Santos’ primary civic work is with the Board of Education, but she is also a member of Lawrence Neighbors

Together, the Lawrence Pride Alliance and Mercer County Moms Demand Action. She participates in community theater pro ductions and local music recitals.

Santos’ statement: I am running for reelection because after my first year of appointment to the Board of Education, I have identified areas in which our dis trict could use improvement, and I have gained the necessary experience in how to create policies to work towards these improvements.

As a parent of three children, witness ing policy-making firsthand has given me great insight as to how I can work as a board member to devise strategies that will strengthen our district and make learning and life greater for all students.

Also because of the nature of my posi tion, I have had the opportunity to hear from many members of the community about issues they are experiencing as parents and students. I believe that lis tening and responding to these diverse voices in our community is of utmost importance as a school board member.

As a parent of a child with a disabil ity, I have experienced many challenges while advocating for my child and their education. I think that by listening to and engaging with all of our community members we can work towards creating

a district where parents and students truly feel like they are represented and heard by staff and administration.

In a time when we are at odds politi cally, we must be careful not to take our divisiveness out on our children and instead focus on how we can make their time spent in the classroom more valu able, while offering a safe and healthy learning environment for all learners.

Primarily, I think our district should be focused on strengthening the aca demic achievement of our students. There was a significant loss of learning and development during the pandemic shutdown, and our district should be focused on restoring our students. We can work towards that in a few ways, but most importantly, I think that a commitment to social emotional learn ing is vital.

More than anything, our students were compromised on an emotional level during the pandemic, and repair ing that damage will take commitment from our entire community.

I also believe we should be heavily focused on celebrating our students’ differences, working towards a more unified, diverse district. By engaging and lifting up students from all back grounds, we create a stronger district across the board.

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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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:

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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.

At AllCure, we will do assessments to see where each person can benefit from our level of care. We offer chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture services to provide high-level of conservative care to the community.

Our office also provides stateof-the-art modalities to assist each provider in getting patients back to a higher quality of life. We also have X-ray on site to help diagnose the patients pain and discomfort. We offer 10 minute free consultations for anyone interested to make sure they feel comfortable and to ensure that we can help.

We take pride in what we do and we make sure that each patient gets a high level of attention and care on

each one of their visits. We make our plans specifically to fit each individual person‘s needs and do not offer blanket treatments for similar patient complaints.

We have offices conveniently located in Monroe, Hamilton, and Somerset, NJ. Please visit our

website or give us a call today to come in for a free consult, and get back to the quality of life you deserve. AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. 350 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. 732-521-9222. 1101 Randolph Road,

Brothers Anthony Alfieri, DC, left, and Victor Alfieri, DPT.

Somerset. 732-823-9392. www. allcurespineandsports.com. See ad on the back cover

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Advertising Assistant

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

SERVICES

F,D,Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-3855701 Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia.

Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4thelovofcards, 908-5960976. allstar115@verizon. net.

Looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, Signed books, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy BoltonDana girls, The Happy Hollisters, ect WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), old postcards, non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks (also Avon,Popular Library,

Dell, Ace, BEACON, Monarch, Midwood pbs) old COSMOPOLITAN 1920’s-1940’s. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail. com.

Cash paid for World War II military items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net

Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models. 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net

WANTED- QUALITY CAMERAS AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT, FOUNTAIN PENS AND OLDER WATCHES FAIR PRICES PAID CALL JAY-609-6899651.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Doctors Office Suite Turn-Key Ready in Hamilton, Mercer County NJ approx. 1405+/- SF for lease. Fully furnished. $2,550/mth. DiDonato Realty 609-5862344 Marian Conte BR 609-947-4222.

VACATION RENTALS

Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609-

577-8244 for further information

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to sell. Relocating out of state. Large space, great potential. Call 609-4620188.

National Classifieds

Health & Fitness

Dental insurancePhysicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free

LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/ mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-855364-3948

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for

free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Paying top cash for men’s sportwatches! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 833603-3236

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Originaloriginally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

Aloe Care Health medical alert system. Most advanced medical alert product on the market. Voice-activated! No wi-fi needed! Special offer w/code CARE20 for $20 off Mobile Companion. 1-855-341-5862

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing

option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877539-0299

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! Four free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-841-0737

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844394-9278

Discount air travel. Call Flight Services for best pricing on domestic & international flights inside & from the US. Serving United, Delta, American & Southwest & many more. Free quote! Have travel dates ready! 844-951-2014

When should you go to the emergency department

The Doctor

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.

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.

HIGH FEVER. Elevated body temperature, especially if it’s accompanied

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.

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.”

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

Dr. Yogarajah

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 other drug overdoses, monitor vital signs, administer

“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 whether 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

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 what’s not in the antique and collectables market. Thomas Petrino is a full-time Personal Property Appraiser and is Certified by the Appraisers Guild of America. He also serves as acting appraiser for the NJ Treasury, consults with banks, attorneys and insurance companies to authenticate and appraise estates. Registration required. Seating is very limited.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

Wisdom for Your Bosom. Wed., October 12; 6 to 7 p.m. Matthew J. Lynch, MD is widely recognized as one of New Jersey’s top breast surgeons for cosmetic, reconstructive, augmentation, 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 evening 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 Barnabas Health Medical Group provider, specializes in family medicine ages 4 and up. Connect with Dr. Musunuru as she discusses the importance of establishing a good relationship 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. “Eladou” brings high quality care and clinical trial opportunities from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and has special interest in breast cancer.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Soundtrack of Your Life. 2 to 3 p.m. Shelli Monacchio, CDP, HSAC, ADLS, Senior Vice President, 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.

HEADLINES

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.

by

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

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.

October 24, 2022 | 6 p.m.

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.

Zoom 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.

Remembering Pat Colavita

KEVIN NERWINSKI

FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK

The following are my thoughts and reflections. They are not to be considered official statements of the municipal government or the elected officials of Lawrence Township. If you have no interest in what I think, move along, and have a wonderful day!

Today, Sept. 26, 2022, Pasquale “Pat” Colavita, Jr. was laid to rest at a funeral mass at St. Ann Parish. I have known Pat pretty much my entire life.

The Colavitas from the Eldridge Park area are a family engrained in the DNA of our community, and our families have always been fondly connected through longstanding friendships.

As a life-long resident, Pat’s light shown brightly during his life as a teacher, public servant, community leader, and a warm, loving, charismatic yet humble human being.

For those who may not know him, over decades, he served his community in a variety of elected positions: Lawrence Township Board of Education, Lawrence Township Municipal Council (and as nayor), and Mercer County Freeholder (now known as Commissioner) and gave his time and talents to too many charities to mention here.

His daughter, Courtney Colavita, gave a wonderful eulogy—one of the best I have heard in the many funerals attended. She eloquently captured the “man” that proudly was her father.

Setting aside the list of his accomplishments (which were many), she focused on his human qualities that deeply connected him to so many people from so many walks of life.

Of the many characteristics of her father she talked about, the one that resonated the most with me is that when you spoke with him, he made you feel like you were the most important person in a room filled with “important” people.

He was present in the moment and made sure to personally connect with you – and just as quick, he was off speaking with someone else, giving them that same feeling! The man could work a room like no other!

From time to time, I have “difficult” conversations with residents when they call to complain about one thing or another. It is a part of the gig but

Pasquale “Pat” Colavita, Jr., a former Lawrence Township mayor and 18-year Mercer County Commissioner passed away on Sept. 26 at the age of 77.

never fun.

About two weeks ago, I had a resident call to complain about an incident that had nothing to do with municipal operations. I directed him to the utility involved and moved along with my day.

A short while later, he called back to tell me that the matter was taken care of, but he wanted me to know I was no help to him.

Quite surprisingly, and out of nowhere, the resident blurted out, “you are just like your father and just like Pat Colavita!”

Now, being an astute listener and hearing the tone in his voice, I quickly realized his comment was meant to hurt me. I further surmised he was someone that judged the character of a person by their voter registration.

I ended the call—leaned back and rubbed my eyes—readying myself for the next challenge of the day.

But as the surprise of his comment wore off, and I implemented some positive thinking strategies, a smile crossed my face, and I thought, “Okay, I am just like my Dad and Pat Colavita, huh? Not too shabby, Kevin.”

I will take that comment FOR THE WIN! God bless you and rest in peace, Pasquale. You, Sir, had a life well lived, and you did it with style and grace!

Kevin Nerwinski, a longtime resident of Lawrence, serves as Lawrence Town ship’s municipal manager.