3-23 BC

The cat’s meow for 20 years

Bordentown

transported across the world by human assistance.” And that human assistance for cats is how strays and ferals in Bordentown City find new homes, thanks to a rescue effort called Bordentown City Cats.

By SUe FerrArA

Cats have clearly been connected to humans forever. If you doubt that statement, just look up the history of the word “cat” on etymonline.com. Latin: catta, Byzantine Greek: katta, Old English: catt. Old Norse: köttr, Dutch: kat, Old High German: kazza, German: Katze, and from Late Latin: cattus.

But despite all the names, cats come from a very small genetic line. A 2007 study looked at the genomes of 979 domestic cats and concluded “cats were domesticated in the Near East, probably coincident with agricultural village development in the Fertile Crescent,” an area in the Middle East which is defined by the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile rivers.

As the study noted, today’s domestic cats “derive from at least five founders from across this region, whose descendants were

The rescue began after an observation made by Mary Ann Kieffer after she moved to Bordentown City from Princeton.

“I was surprised by the number of friendly cats roaming around Bordentown City,” Kieffer said in an interview. “They would follow me around. They weren’t ferals, but cats that had been left behind.”

Many of the cats had been abandoned at the Bordentown City Beach, Kieffer said.

After enough residents complained about the cats, Kieffer said, the police would come and round them up and take them to a shelter to be euthanized. That’s when Kieffer decided to take action.

“I put an ad in a newspaper asking if there were people interested in addressing the cat problems,” Kieffer said.

She was surprised by the response: 17 strangers stepped up to help organize a rescue operation.

Kieffer said that the name,

See CATS, Page 6

Classmates remember soldier 55 years after his death in Vietnam

By SUe FerrArA

On March 21st, Pfc. Joseph Thorn of Bordentown should be turning 73 years old. Instead, Thorn is forever 18, and never far from the thoughts of his surviving family members, and his classmates from Bordentown Regional

High School.

He is gone, but thanks to those classmates, he stands as a continued reminder of what it means to serve one’s country.

Thorn died on May 31, 1968, during a battle Vietnam war historians sometimes call “Little Tet.” And those same historians call

May 1968 the bloodiest month of a very bloody year for the American forces who were in Vietnam.

Peace talks began on May 10, 1968; but, according to scholar Ronald Spector, author of After Tet: The Bloodiest Year in Vietnam, those talks led to more

See Thorn, Page 12

Pete Reed, left, Ukraine country director for Global Outreach Doctors, provides aid to civilians in eastern Ukraine. Reed, a Bordentown High grad, posted this photo to Facebook on Jan. 20, two weeks before he was killed during an evacuation. For more on Reed, turn to page 4. (Photo by Albert Lores.)

City Cats has been rescuing, fostering and finding new homes for wayward felines for 2 decades

A hero remembered

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Bordentown man, 33, killed while giving aid in Ukraine

Pete Reed, a long-time Bordentown resident, a volunteer with the nongovernmental organization Global Outreach Doctors, was killed in Ukraine on Feb. 2. Reed, 33, was providing medical aid to Ukrainian civilians when his ambulance was hit with a anti-tank laserguided missile in Bakhmut, in the war-torn Donetsk region of the country.

“Pete was a beacon of humanitarian work — an incredible visionary, leader, compassionate care provider, and an inspiration to us all. He selflessly dedicated his life in service to others, especially those affected by disaster and war. Pete accomplished more in his 33 years than most of us in our entire lives. He leaves behind an incredible legacy,” read a statement from Global Outreach Doctors (also known as GoDocs), for whom Reed had

served as country director since January.

Reed was co-founder of another NGO, Global Response Medicine, as well as a former U.S. marine. Reed founded GRM in early 2017 in response to the Battle for Mosul.

The 2007 Bordentown Regional High School graduate married wife Alex Potter in 2022 and was weeks away from their first wedding anniversary when he was killed.

Reed’s biography on the GoDocs website highlights just some of his accomplishments. He served for two deployments to Helmand Afghanistan as a Marine Corps rifleman before traveling cross country and living in the west as a ski instructor.

He started his humanitarian career

See NEWS, Page 10

Current Bordentown

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Bordentown Current is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

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Bordentown City Cats, came from the fact that her address went on the paperwork, and she lived in Bordentown City.

For the last 20 years, Bordentown City Cats has managed the city’s feral cat population through what is called TNR: trap, neuter and release. Essentially, feral cats are trapped, taken to a vet for neutering or spaying, and then they are released back to the same area where they were found.

Board members Anne Lyon and Carol Hill both agreed, TNR “stabilizes the feral population and gradually reduces it by attrition.”

Hill said Bordentown City Cats currently manages five feral cat colonies in the area. That management mostly involves making sure the colony has food, and checking on the health of the cats in the colony.

Ferals rarely adapt to living as indoor cats. They roam at night; they hunt like wild animals. Some residents provide food and shelter for ferals in their backyard. Hill, for example, has a feral cat who lives on her property. She provides it with food and shelter.

“When we do pick up kittens,” Anne Lyon said, “we keep them until they are old enough to get them vaccinated and neutered.” Lyon added that the

organization also works in partnership with Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter, which pays the cost of neutering and spaying most of the ferals.

In 2010, Bordentown City Cats applied to become a not-for-profit organization. The IRS approved the application in 2014.

In addition to taking care of feral colonies, Bordentown City Cats rescues and cares for cats that can be rehomed. Some of those cats are pets who have been abandoned.

For example, cats Alex and Mary were abandoned in the parking lot of the former Mastoris diner along with old furniture. Bordentown City Cats took them in and the two were part of a special Valentine’s Day promotion. The organization worked to find homes for bonded pairs of cats.

Many people seek cats through the organization’s Facebook page and website. Sometimes people meet the cats at the Hamilton PetSmart.

“Last year we found homes for nearly 150 kittens and cats,” Lyon said. Additionally, the organization neutered and spayed about 100 cats who were returned to the wild.

Lyon said that Bordentown City Cats currently has about 60 volunteers who do everything from trapping feral cats for neutering and release, to fostering cats in private homes until they can be adopted out.

“Funding comes from donations,” Lyon said. “A lot of volunteers do things without getting reimbursed.” People who decide to acquire a cat through Bordentown City Cats also pay a fee which covers some of the costs the organization incurs for getting the cats vaccinated and ready for a new home.

And, according to Mary Ann Kieffer, Bordentown City Cats operates beyond

the city’s borders because of need. “It’s almost impossible to stay within the City of Bordentown,” Kieffer said.

For the last two years, the organization has been able to house and attend to adoptable cats in a building located on Route 206. Cats and kittens have been taken to the site to be attended to, and to wait for transportation to a site for neutering and spaying. Male cats can be released immediately. Female cats need to recover, and the house is also used for that purpose.

That property is for sale, so the organization needs a new home. Carol Hill said she has had discussions with various people. She hopes the organization will find a new location by Spring–one that is donated, so the organization doesn’t have to pay rent.

Mary Ann Kieffer said there have also been discussions about creating a Cat Cafe and that the organization has started to bank funds for the idea. These cafes bring together people with cats who need homes. These cafes are usually found in big cities. Kieffer said the organization has held discussions with the Burlington County Health Department which has laid out some rules for such an operation. For example, cats and people-food, and drink, cannot be in the same location. There would need to be a vet tech on site during hours of operation. Cats would need to have a place to escape to when they wanted to be left alone. Kieffer said a Cafe like this would also need to have events to help sustain it–maybe kid birthday parties, or a shop selling catrelated items.

Left: Alex and Mary, two cats abandoned in the parking lot of Mastoris Diner and rescued by Bordentown City Cats. Right: Anne Lyon, a board member of Bordentown City Cats.

Kieffer said she expects the organization’s newer, and younger, members will bring these dreams to fruition, and will continue to expand the organization’s reach.

“There were a lot of people who were not happy with what we were doing,” Kieffer said. “But in the end, we gave a voice to cats.”

And Kieffer thinks that voice for cats, provided by the organization, will still be going strong 20 years from now, Bordentown City Cats meets monthly. The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 7, at the Carslake Community Center.

BCC is always looking for purr-fect

volunteers to lighten the workload. The organization needs people to work the feeding stations for the feral colonies. Drivers are needed to take cats for neutering and spaying.

There is a need for people to foster cats until they are placed in permanent homes. Volunteers assist with events. Additionally, there are the typical 501c3 needs for fundraising and social media work.

Interested people can contact Bordentown City cats either through the Facebook page, or the organization’s website: bordentowncitycats.blogspot. com. On Facebook: facebook.com/ btowncitycats.

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Mary Ann Kieffer and Patric Mills of Bordentown City Cats.

working with Team Rubicon after Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey in 2012. In summer 2014, he assisted in the training of 33 Haitian EMTS. In late 2015 he left Jackson, Wyoming, to begin medical training operations in Northern Iraq. Eventually, he would lead medical teams with the Kurdish Peshmerga then collocate with the Iraqi Special Forces for the duration of the Battle for Mosul treating over 10,000 trauma patients in the newly formed Trauma Stabilization Points. During the battle, while still operating frontline clinics, he worked with others to found and serve as the president of Global Response Medicine.

Since 2017, Reed participated in GRM operations in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Poland. He split his time between working on an ambulance as a paramedic and in the mountains hiking and skiing. Reed considered the formation of GRM as the proudest achievement of his life.

Reed is survived by Potter; mother Candy Reed; brother Chandler Reed and his wife Bryanne and their children Anthony, Mackenzie, and Parker; his stepmother, Michelle Reed; and stepsisters Courtney Reed and Danielle Newman and her husband Gary.

“Pete’s death underscores the devastation war has on innocent civilians, and

Taking part in Burlington County’s first Downtown Business Tour in Bordentown were Bordentown City Mayor Jennifer Sciortino, Sen. Troy Singleton, Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, county administrator Eve Cullinan and Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Kristi Howell.

highlights the importance of humanitarian and medical aid for affected communities. GoDocs is committed to carrying out this work around the world in honor of Pete,” the GoDocs statement continues.

“Pete, thank you for allowing GoDocs to be part of your journey. We are incred-

County commissioners begin downtown tours

The Burlington County Commissioners kicked off their Downtown Business Tours initiative last month with a trip to Bordentown City.

The tour was led by commissioner director Felicia Hopson and featured visits to several of the city’s downtown businesses to learn about their history and importance to the local community.

Among those accompanying Hopson on the inaugural tour were Bordentown City mayor Jennifer Sciortino and Downtown Bordentown Association vice president Vincent Schino. Businesses visited by the group included Crumb, Mimosa Goods, Artful Deposit, The Candy Jar by 1892, Gail Force Winds and Toscano Ristorante and Steak House.

ibly grateful for your service, and we will miss you terribly – especially your sense of humor and quick wit.

“GoDocs leadership attended Pete’s awe inspiring memorial and remains in close contact with Pete’s family as we all grieve this immense loss.”

The tour was organized by the Commissioners in partnership with the City of Bordentown and the Downtown Bordentown Association. It was the first tour taken by the commissioners since Hopson announced the new initiative during the board’s January reorganization meeting. In addition to visiting these businesses, the commissioners said they are using the county’s social media to promote more of the city’s downtown businesses to encourage more residents to visit.

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On the Cover

Marching to the Arts

BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER AND DAN AUBREY

The month of March is the ideal time for arts enthusiasts to catch the first crop of events as they “spring” to life in music, dance, opera, and theater, so mark your calendars, Mercer County, and become a true connoisseur of the state’s creative prowess.

Editor’s Note: A number of these events ran in the winter arts preview of Community News Service’s Princeton metro area paper, U.S. 1, as “Winter Culture Calendar Forecast: Time for Shows” on January 18. The list has been edited for currency and clarity.

muSic Princeton Sound Kitchen

Princeton University’s Music Department showcases cutting-edge works by emerging composers and internationally renowned performers, which include the following acts:

~Nois is a music saxophone ensemble founded in 2016 with quartet members Hunter Bockes, János Csontos, Jordan

Lulloff, and Julian Velasco

According to the group’s website, ~Nois merges “contemporary chamber music and improvisation to connect with audiences in unique concert experiences,” such as this upcoming selection of pieces by Princeton University composers.

Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall, Princeton University. Tuesday, March 7, 8 p.m. Free.

Alarm Will Sound, a Brooklyn-based 20-piece chamber orchestra focused on contemporary music performances and recordings, will play new works by Princeton University graduate student composers

Gulli Björnsson, Dai Wei, Liam Elliot, Hope Littwin, Soo Yeon Lyuh, Christian Quiñones, Elijah Daniel Smith, Max Vinetz, and Justin Wright, with Alan Pierson as conductor.

Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Interdisciplinary tap dance artist Michael J. Love is set to join Princeton University graduate student and faculty composers Gulli Björnsson, Rudresh Mahanthappa, James Moore, Hope Littwin, Dan Trueman, and Jason Treuting to round out a program of new compositions.

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Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall, Princeton University Tuesday, March 28, 8

Candlelight Lounge

Performers appear on these Saturday afternoons from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at this Trenton bar for the area’s real-deal jazz

James Stewart, Trenton saxophonist; March 11, Dan Kostelnik, jazz organist; March 18, Aaron Graves, Philadelphia pianist; March 25, Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin singer in the Princeton University depart ment of music; April 1, and April 8, Philadelphia saxophonist

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24 Passaic Street, Trenton songwriter,

a show featuring a change in tune for the group. Rather than continue their tradition of classic rock covers, which the Reock & Roll Revue has been doing together for 15 years, the members are performing their own original music.

Founded by Hamilton-based keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and musical maestro Tom Reock, the Reock & Roll Revue fuses “great music and historical content” in their renditions of late 1960s and early ‘70s hits, according to the band’s Facebook page.

The lineup for “Songwriters” is as fol-

Musical group ~Nois will perform at the Princeton Sound Kitchen on March 7.

Sameer Patel, above right, will conduct the Princeton Symphony Orchestra with Dibyarka Chatterjee, above left, on tabla, in the world premiere of William Harvey’s “Seven Decisions of Gandhi” on March 11 and 12. The Québec City dance troupe Cirque FLIP Fabrique soars in “Muse,” at right and below, at the New Jersey State Theater on March 22.

ARTS, continued from Page 3

Ragamala Dance Company, according to the organization’s website, features choreography “rooted in the South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam.”

Founded by co-artistic directors Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, as well as their mother Ashwini, the Minneapolis-based group presents a personal journey of spirituality and movement with “Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim.”

After the death of the Ramaswamy family’s father and grandfather “away from his homeland of India four years ago,” the show was conceptualized as a tribute to the enduring strength of familial bonds from a Hindu perspective of life and death.

Per the McCarter description, his request was for his ashes to be scattered in the city of Varanasi’s Ganges River, a sacred site.

“Through images that reflect the cosmic trinity of Varanasi, India — sacred pilgrimage routes, the Ganges River, and the patron deity Shiva, heightened by the chants of Vedic priests — the choreographers imagine a metaphorical crossing place where one may leave the mundane and enter into the world of immortality,” the website continues.

“In this theatrical reimagining, we expand upon the birth-death-rebirth continuum in Hindu thought to honor immigrant experiences of life and death in the diaspora.

The 10 performers in this full-length work dance to “an original, recorded score” on a stage enhanced by Willy Cessa, a French scenic and lighting designer.

Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. $35 to

$55.

More: 609-258-2787 or www.mccarter. org

State Theatre New Jersey

15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

The Dublin Irish Dance’s new, original production, “Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration,” is a taste of Irish heritage in musical motion.

According to the State Theater, the show promises a combination of “Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos” alongside champion dancers in this cultural spectacular of family fun. Tuesday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. $29 to $59.

Cirque FLIP Fabrique’s “Muse,” a night of “breathtaking artistry and athleticism” conveyed through the “playful storytelling” of the Québec City troupe, is another opportunity to see gravity-defying dance numbers.

The acrobats, donning everything from high heels to shoulder pads, become “bodies in flight” against an original score by beatmaker Millimetric and onstage vocals by singer Flavia Nascimento Wednesday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. $29 to $59

More: www.stnj.org.

Opera Boheme Opera

“Madama Butterfly” is Giacomo Puccini’s 1904 tragic opera about a loyal young geisha whose betrayal by her American naval officer husband leads to her shame

and destruction.

Part of the company’s 34th anniversary, the performance will be directed by co-founder Joseph Pucciatti and feature the Boheme Opera chorus and orchestra, as well as original sets and costumes by Giorgio Lalov, the Maryland-based artistic director of Teatro Lirico d’Europa in Bulgaria and artistic advisor for Opera New Hampshire.

The production will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Kendall Theater, The College of New Jersey, Ewing. Friday, March 24, 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 26, 3 p.m. $15 to $75.

More: www.bohemeopera.org. ***

SymphOnic muSic Princeton Symphony Orchestra

The next concert of PSO’s season passes the baton to Sameer Patel, who conducts the world premiere of William Harvey’s “Seven Decisions of Gandhi.”

Harvey is not only the piece’s composer but also its violin soloist, and he will be joined by Dibyarka Chatterjee on the tabla, a traditional “Indian subcontinent” percussion instrument with two drums of contrasting size and pitch.

Also on the program are Alexander Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances,” from the opera “Prince Igor,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony.

Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. Saturday, March 11, 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 12, 4 p.m. $30 to $112. Youth (ages 5 to 17) pay half-price.

Princeton University Concerts

Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University

The Richardson Chamber Players present “March of the Women” at the Richardson Auditorium. The afternoon program of mixed chamber works, inspired by Ethel Smyth’s 1911 composition of the same name, will feature members of the Princeton University Glee Club.

Other performances for the faculty, guest artists, and student musicians are to follow. Sunday, March 5, 3 p.m. $20

Tenor Lawrence Brownlee and pianist Kevin J. Miller share their talents onstage in “Rise,” a program of “new settings of Harlem Renaissance texts by contemporary Black composers.” Wednesday,

March 8, 7:30 p.m. $25 to $40

The Performances Up Close series, in which small audiences are invited to sit on the Richardson stage, continues with a visit from the Chiaroscuro String Quartet, who are set to perform “a program rooted in love” with the sounds of violins and cellos.

The concert features Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95 “Serioso,” and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13. Sunday, March 26, 3 and 6 p.m. $40.

The Jupiter Ensemble presents an all-Vivaldi program starring artistic direc-

Cultural performances bring on the vibrant colors with the Ragamala Dance Company’s “Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim,” left, and Dublin Irish Dance’s “Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration,” right.

tor Thomas Dunford on lute and Lea Desandre, a mezzo-soprano, joined by fellow musicians to help make hearing Vivaldi all the more vivid. Thursday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. $25 to $40

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey

Award-winning Italian violinist Lorenzo Mazzamuto and the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey serenade audiences into

spring in a rendition of Vivaldi’s “The Seasons” at the Trenton War Memorial’s Patriots Theater.

After being chosen out of the 15 local pianists who auditioned for CPNJ’s inaugural “Youth Concerto Competition” in January, winner Angela Zhang will perform Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 3” in C minor with the orchestra that night.

Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m. $10 to $50.

More: www.capitalphilharmonic.org

TheaTer Passage Theatre

Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton

“Clean Slate,” a new musical about “radical empathy,” introduces the audience to “a group of disaffected high school students” in “a rehabilitation camp that may, or may not, also be haunted by the souls of former” missing campers.

The work by “Alien 8” creators—with a book by New Jersey playwright David Lee

White and lyrics and music by Kate Brennan—is a co-production with Passage Theatre and Rider University. Passage artistic director C. Ryanne Domingues directs, while Louis Danowsky oversees the musical direction. March 10 through 12. $33.

“

Rendition: A Night of PlayLab Readings” centers on two new works by area playwrights with a community discussion

about the development process. Saturday, April 22. $15 to $25.

More: 609-392-0766 or www.passagetheatre.org

McCarter Theatre

“Wuthering Heights” is a freewheeling and irreverent theatrical interpretation

of British novelist Emily Brontë’s famed 1847 novel of passion, love, and revenge in the wilds of Yorkshire.

Presented in association with the Berkeley Repertory Theater in California, the work featuring original music and movement was written and directed by Britain-based Emma Rice, performed by her company, Wise Child, and co-produced with the National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, and York Theatre Royal. Matthews Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton February 23 through March 12. $25 to $60.

Pegasus Theater

Old City Hall, 13 Crosswicks St., Bordentown

“Bordentown’s Dramatic Future” is an evening with David Lee White, Bordentown’s nationally produced playwright, whose new musical, “Clean Slate,” is currently having its world premiere at Trenton’s Passage Theater, and Peter Alexander, the founder and artistic director of Bordentown’s nonprofit professional Pegasus Theater Company. Dan Aubrey, U.S. 1 Newspaper editor and past theater producer, will host. Saturday, March 4, 4 p.m. Free

The Pegasus Theater then presents “Every Brilliant Thing,” directed by Bordentown theater artist Jonathan Martin and starring Peter Alexander. March 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26. Tickets $30 to $35.

Bordentown’s theater scene brings together “Clean Slate” playwright David Lee White, above left , with Pegasus Theater Company’s founder and artistic director, Peter Alexander, left , on March 4, for an event titled “Bordentown’s Dramatic Future.”

The musical “Clean Slate,” above right, is a co-production of Rider University and Passage Theater and will be performed at Trenton’s Mill Hill Playhouse from March 10 to 12.

Original Artwork by Alia Bensliman.

Boys & Girls Clubs

The Most Affordable Summer Camp in Mercer County

Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) has the most affordable Summer Camp in Mercer County! BGC provides quality curriculum, great themes and exciting trips for youth ages 5-14. Register for just one, or all ten weeks of Summer Camp. Early bird rates are available until April 29th and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Campers age 5-10 go on one trip per week and Tween Travel campers, ages 11-14, participate in three weekly trips. Campers of all ages enjoy a new theme each week, and participate in swimming, STEM, sports, art, reading, outdoor education and other fun activities onsite while combatting summer learning loss.

Two convenient locations:

212 Centre Street, Trenton

1040 Spruce Street, Lawrence

For more information or to

Summer campS 2023

Sylvan Learning

Make the Most of Summer

We get that all kids (and families!) need a break from the school year. But taking a complete break from academics this summer won’t help the fall go any better. A summer learning program can help!

Here are three reasons why adding supplemental learning to your summer schedule will make all the difference in the fall!

1. Fill In Skill Gaps While Moving at Your Child’s Pace. During the school year, teachers need to move quickly, whether your child fully understands a topic or not. Your child is constantly chasing a moving target.

strong foundation for the next grade level — or better yet, get ahead!

2. Head into Big Transition Years

With Confidence. Throughout your child’s academic journey, there are certain grade transitions that represent BIG jumps in responsibility and independence.

These big transitions include going from:

-2nd grade into 3rd grade

-Elementary to middle school

-Middle school to high school

-High school to college/university

register go to www.bgcmercer.org/ summercamp or call a membership office 609-695-6060 or 609-392-3191, and select option “0”.

See ad, page 11.

Mini

For pre-schoolers through rst grade. Features themes like Disney Princesses, Mermaids, TikTok Dances. Dancing, arts and crafts and fun! Technique

For the dancers looking to keep their skills up in ballet, jazz and contemporary.

Special Sessions With Master, Ballet & Contemporpary Teachers

Over the summer, though, your child can move at his or her own pace. There’s no chasing other students. You don’t have to worry about the class getting way ahead.

This summer your child can spend the time needed to fill in gaps in learning from the school year and build a

Why 2nd to 3rd grade, you wonder? Third grade is the year that the training wheels come off. Your child will go from learning to read, to starting to read to learn. If your child isn’t ready for that transition, he or she will have trouble making that jump with the rest of the class.

We’ve seen that virtual or hybrid school hit young students the hardest, so getting your kindergartner, 1st or 2nd grader ready for the new challenges and harder concepts will be critical.

For older kids, the transition to high school and college/university academics can be a shock, particularly the rigors of advanced-level reading and writing assignments.

With a tutor, your son or daughter will be well prepared and eliminate the risk of stumbling.

3. Raise SAT® or ACT® Scores

With Summer Help. Summer is the most popular time to get a tutor for SAT or ACT preparation!

Over the summer, your teen can focus on test-taking strategies and finetuning skills without all the stresses and distractions of school.

If you have a soon-to-be senior, your teen has likely taken the exam already. Your tutor will be able to look at the results and know exactly where focus to help your teen improve results on the next exam.

One of the subjects that we see teens struggle with on the ACT and SAT is algebra. Why? Their skills get rusty. (Use it or lose it, right?) Your tutor can make sure your teen gets an awesome refresher before the big test in the late summer or early fall.

Get

Your Child’s Confidence Up

This Summer at Sylvan. Not sure where your child really stands after this school year? We can help.

Our Sylvan Insight™ assessment will give you deep insights into your child’s strengths and skill gaps. Then, our team of experts will create a personalized plan that for your child’s exact needs.

If your child is on pace with school, he or she will get awesome skill practice to make sure skills stay sharp over the summer.

If your child is ahead, he or she will get enrichment activities, so he or she can move further and faster in the upcoming grade level.

If your child is behind, your child will get the instruction and practice to get up-to-speed.

And it’s even easier to schedule learning over the summer. We will work around your plans!

And it’s even easier to schedule our tutors over the summer (many of them are teachers who are off from school), so you can easily work around your summer plans.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if your child headed back to school with the same enthusiasm he or she had for the start of summer?

Sylvan Learning, 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton. 609-5889037. www.sylvanlearning.com. See ad, page 13

glen roc dance shoppe

Princess and Pirate Camp

July 24th - 28th

9:30am - 11:30am

Ages: 3-7

Each day your child will enter a world of imagination where story time becomes an adventure with music, art, crafting and dance.

Cost: $185.00

Pre-registration required. Last day to register: July 17th

Performance: July 28th

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL

(609) 883-8083 189

EARLY REGISTRATION

$370/wk for full-day & $230/wk for half-day

Deadline: May 1st, 2023

REGULAR RATE $385/wk

• Boys & girls, ages 7-14

• Monday-Friday camp

• Full-day ($385/wk) and half-day ($240/wk)

• Early drop-off & late pick-up options (at an additional cost)

• Technical, tactical, physical, & psychological soccer game components, in addition to fun activities & games

• Positive learning environment

CAMP DATES

Camps begin the week of July 10th and run weekly through the week of August 14th.

Registration and Information at www.wwpsa.org

Summer campS 2023

Hamilton Area YMCA

At Sawmill Summer Day Camp we have 50 acres of outdoor space, the largest pool in Mercer County, fun activities ranging from sports to crafts and STEM, special events, fun themes and new initiatives! 5 fun-filled days for campers to find their spark, find their sense of wonder, find their friends and FIND THEIR ADVENTURE!

• Find Their Spark. Y camp is a place where kids can develop skills, confidence and new friendships. While camp is a summer rite of passage for kids to play outdoors and learn to swim, they are unknowingly rewarded with personal development skills by participating in their favorite activities and by trying activities they have never tried before. In general, they will leave camp with a stronger sense of identity and a better idea of what they love, which may help them in the classroom, in their relationships and to choose a career path in the future.

• Find Their Sense of Wonder. Kids get to discover all the wonders of the outdoors while making friends and forming memories that will last a lifetime. A recent article from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia stated:

“Scheduling time to actively play outdoors sets a natural limit on the amount of time your child can spend with a device (such as TV, smartphone or video game). “It promotes active engagement with their peers and the natural environment, and helps them develop respect for the

world and consideration for others around them.” Camp provides kids the perfect opportunity to discover the outdoors and get their bodies and imaginations more active.

• Find Their Adventure. Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination. At Y summer day camp, every day is a new adventure! Creativity can’t be stifled at camp because campers don’t have to worry about getting a failing grade. By limiting this kind of restriction, kids can let their

creativity flow.

• Find Their Friends and Fun. At Y day camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. Camp is a social center away from home and school where kids learn to work with each other and adult mentors, build relationships and manage conflict.

Children look at camp as a fun way to spend the summer in the sun and splashing in the pool, but parents understand that camp allows kids to reap many life benefits that will follow them through their lives long after the sun has set on their summer camp days.

We have worked hard to plan an exciting summer full of theme weeks, special events and new experiences! Campers will be immersed in arts and crafts, music, science, dance, sports, swimming and so much more! Our counselors are second to none, having had extensive training to welcome your children for the summer. For more information, visit hamiltonymca. org/camp. See ad, page 12

Camp Mercyville

Camp Mercyville

Where Kids Meet Jesus

Where Kids Meet Jesus

June 26 - August 11 • M-F•8:30am-5pm

Register by March 31st with code EARLY to save 10%

(Early & After care available, 3 or 5 day options)

Open House DatesMarch 25 12-2pm | April 24 6-8pm | May 22 6-8pm

Push The Rock - July 24-28 8:30am-3pm

Basketball Camp for Boys & Girls, - July 24-28 Ages 9-16

Vacation Bible School - August 14-18 9 am - 12 pm

For children ages 4 yrs thru 4th grade

More details at www.gracewaybc.org/camps

1934 Klockner Road Hamilton, NJ 08619 609.586.0223

www.gracewaybc.orgoffice@gracewaybc.org

YMCA Camp Mason

Welcoming Campers to a Caring, Inclusive Community

For more than 120 years, YMCA Camp Mason has welcomed campers to be a part of our caring, inclusive community. We strive for excellence and innovation and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our proven programs and trained counselors engage and encourage young people and deliver meaningful and memorable experiences.

We offer archery, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, drama, music, a climbing tower, zipline, dance, digital photography and movie making, basketball and court sports, a skateboard park, mountain biking, hiking and countless other activities. Campers can even sign up for FREE off-site trips to explore our fantastic natural surroundings. There is something for everyone!

If you are ready for your child to thrive, develop a positive sense of self and have THE BEST SUMMER EVER, go to our website at www. campmason.org, call 908-362-8217 or email information@campmason.org to register today. See ad, page 8.

Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association

Spring Registration Is Open

Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association (LHSA) has opened up their Rec Soccer registration for the upcoming Spring season. LHSA provides a soccer environment that stresses a relaxed, fun-oriented approach to the game where we focus on basic soccer skills and provide a fun competitive approach to games with a high standard for good

sportsmanship and fair play.

The recreational soccer program is open to any child from any town ages 3 and up. The program offers Friday Night training sessions led by trainers from the New York Red Bulls along with games on the weekend. Each session is roughly 1 hour long where kids will have fun learning the game, competing in games and meeting new friends.

To register or find more information on the program or times for specific age groups, visit us at lawrencehamnett.com.

See ad, page 10

Summer campS 2023

Liberty Lake

Summer Camp is Hotter than Ever!

We’re all experiencing the effects of these difficult, post-pandemic times. Especially young people. They are navigating post-lockdown life with the intense pressures of screen-based friendships, self-esteem in the volatile hands of social media, academic demands, and more.

Many have found a great way to unplug and decompress — at Summer Camp! This year has seen unprecedented numbers of campers enrolling in Summer Camp, as parents are recognizing the need to pry their kids off their screens and regain their social skills. Many high school and college students have found a similar reprieve from the weight of worldly cares by WORKING at Summer Camp too.

In my new favorite book “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting up a Generation for Failure,” authors/researchers Greg Lukanoff and Jonathan Haidt bring to light the unintended consequences of how raising children has evolved in the past decade.

• Fragility: What doesn’t kill you makes you… weaker? Wasn’t it “What doesn’t kill you makes you STRONGER?” Young people have been taught

and encouraged of late to be risk-averse. Attending or working at Summer Camp can be super-fun and super-challenging. Research spearheaded by the American Camp Association is showing that young people attending or working at Camp come out stronger and more resilient!

• Emotional Reasoning: Always trust your feelings? We’ve all experienced negative, and even overwhelming emotions at times. To be emotionally healthy though, we need to learn how to manage these feelings — not let them rule our lives and logic. At Summer Camp, any given day can be an emotional rollercoaster. There will be winning and losing, disagreements with friends, fear of failure, and disappointments! It’s REAL LIFE in a structured setting, preparing young people for the inevitable challenges that lie ahead of them.

• Us vs. Them: That life is a battle between good and evil people. Cancel culture has become normalized by what has transpired in the news, colleges, and the workplace — causing negativity and polarization. Meanwhile, there are huge commonalities of shared beliefs between all of us. While accepting differences in others can be difficult, good Summer Camps create a training ground to practice diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It’s been a rough past few years, but a “covid silver lining” is the that families are now recognizing the significant effects on their children of increased screen time/social media, isolation, anxiety, depression, prescription drugs, and over the top parental “safetyism.” Parents are actively seeking solutions, and they have found one in Summer Camp.

Camps are filling up quicker than ever, so do your research and reserve your spot now! It’s the ultimate learning environment for young people to develop and practice the social skills essential for success in the 21st century.

Andy Pritikin is the owner/director or Liberty Lake Day Camp, and a partner at Everwood Day Camp and Camp Southwoods. He’s the Past President of the American Camp Association, NY/NJ, and the host of the Day Camp Podcast.

Liberty Lake Day Camp, 195 Florence-Columbus Road, Bordentown. 609-499-7820 www.libertylakedaycamp.com. See ad, page 11

West WindsorPlainbsoro Soccer Association

A chance for kids to develop soccer skills

Parents of soccer enthusiasts aged 7 to 14 need to mark their calendars now for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Soccer Association (WWPSA) weeklong summer soccer camps available throughout the summer beginning July 10, 2023. Experienced soccer coaches will drill boys and girls in the skills necessary to improve their soccer play. This is a chance to have skilled trainers work with you on soccer.

Our goal in the club to develop soccer skills for players at all skill levels. We have a great coaching staff for our summer camps who provide instruction with a goal of increasing skills through a variety of teaching techniques. It is an opportunity for camp participants to improve their skills — their technical and tactical soccer skills — through a variety of exercises,” said Brent Nielsen, who oversees the program for WWPSA.

Full day camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a break mid-day for lunch and an option to swim at the community pool. Half-day camps

run from 9 a.m. to noon. “All of our activities and games are structured for learning and fun,” Nielsen said. “Campers will play a game at the end of each day to solidify skills learned and engage in friendly competition.”

Campers learn and reinforce fundamental soccer skills of dribbling and mastery of the soccer ball with emphasis on agility, passing, receiving, and turning. Later in the week more advanced skills of attacking play, scoring, defensive moves, and preventing scoring are emphasized. The importance of teamwork is emphasized along with core exercises and personal fitness.

WWSPA’s goal is to provide youth and adults the opportunity to play instructional and competitive soccer at the highest level commensurate with their ability, potential, and interest.

In that light, WWPSA offers spring and fall soccer programs for pre-K through 12th grade students. Information about spring and fall programs can be found on the WWPSA website, adding additional opportunities for local youth.

West Windsor Plainsboro Soccer Association, West Windsor Community Park, Bernt Midland Boulevard, West Windsor. www. wwpsa.org. See ad, page 9

GraceWay Bible Church

Camp Mercyville Is a Community Favorite

If you are looking for a place for your family to thrive in their relationships with Jesus and each other, GraceWay is the church for you! With over 40 ministries, there is something for everyone! The best way to see if GraceWay is the church home for you is to visit us for Sunday Services at 9 or 10:45 a.m. Childcare and Sunday School is available. Visit our website (www.gracewaybc.org) for more information.

Summer is an especially busy time for children’s ministries. Our sevenweek summer day camp, Camp Mercyville (www.campmercyville. org), has been providing quality childcare for over a decade. Our full-day Vacation Bible School/ Adventure Camp is a community favorite! Push the Rock basketball camp helps children become better athletes, teammates, and grow in their relationship with Christ. Summer Family Nights includes familyfun, worship, and small groups for the whole family on Wednesday evenings. Visit our website (www. gracewaybc.org) or contact our office (609-586-0223) to find out more. See ad, page 10

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

LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609799-4674, 609-721-4358.

Senior Concierge. Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Very good references. Call Mary anne, 609-298-4456.

F,D,Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience.

Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.

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

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4thelovofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.

HappyHeroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’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-609-689-9651.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

3,500 SF OFFICE SPACE, Ewing/Mercer County, FREE RENT, 201-488-4000 or 609883-7900

Space available in the Ewing Professional Park. Comfortable suite currently used by mental health professionals. Waiting room, kitchenette and restrooms in suite. Well-lighted parking lot. Available Jan 1st. For more details, email suppsoln27@ yahoo.com or call Supportive Solutions at 609-635-3751.

Hamilton/ Allentown

Border-Highly Traveled visible location. Commercial end unit in Globus Plaza1100sf+/- can be leased entirely or subdivided. Ideal for professional/medical offices, services, studio & retail store. Highly traveled visible location . Easy access to NJTP, Rt.130, I95. Call for info. DiDonato Realty, 609-586-2344/ Marian Conte BR 609-947-4222

Office Space For Rent: Pennington ground floor office space 32 N Main Street. Share with clinical psychologist and real estate management company. Private entrance, off street parking. 305-968-7308

Princeton Commercial

Retail Spaces for Lease: Various Locations in Town. Please Contact: Weinberg Management. WMC@ collegetown. Text 609-731-1630

VACATION RENTALS

Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609-5778244 for further information

Hilton Head South Carolina Blue Water Resort 1 week w/7 day golf package free except cart, 2 Bed & 2 Baths, Sleeps 6. $1000 Call Sam 609-586-0037

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to sell. Relocating out of state. Large space, great potential. Available to share. Call 609462-0188.

SEEKING FRIENDS

Meet other music-loving singles before enjoying a concert by Chiaroscuro String Quartet at Do-Re-Meet: Find My Friends. Sunday, March 26th, 4:00 PM, Princeton University Campus, Presented by Princeton University Concerts and The Singles Group Tickets & Info: puc. princeton.edu/do-re-meet 609258-2800.

DATING

Meet other music-lovers before enjoying a concert by jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant at Do-Re-Meet: LGBTQ+ Single Mingle. Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 PM, Princeton University Campus, Presented by Princeton University Concerts and The Singles Group, Tickets & Info: puc.princeton.edu/do-re-meet, 609-258-2800

CEMETERY PLOTS

For sale double depth cemetery plot. Location Princeton memorial park, Gordon Road, Robbinsville. Call 609-259-7710.

National Classified

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FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

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.

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.

Preventing Colon Cancer: What You Should Know

Preventing Colon Cancer: What You Should Know

Maximizing Brain Health

Maximizing Brain Health

Thursday, March 30, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Thursday, March 30, 2023 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting

If you’re concerned that you are not as sharp as you used to be, there are steps you can take right now to reduce cognitive decline. DR. RAJIV VYAS from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists will share strategies to keep your brain focused and reduce memory loss.

If you’re concerned that you are not as sharp as you used to be, there are steps you can take right now to reduce cognitive decline. DR. RAJIV VYAS from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists will share strategies to keep your brain focused and reduce memory loss.

Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting

Location: Zoom Meeting

To help you take charge of your health, join DR. ASHLEE GODSHALK RUGGLES, a colorectal surgeon from Capital Health Surgical Group, and DR. MARK SAXENA from Capital Health – Gastroenterology Specialists. They’ll discuss the risk factors for colon cancer, options for screening, and how screening reduces the risk for colon cancer.

To help you take charge of your health, join DR. ASHLEE GODSHALK RUGGLES, a colorectal surgeon from Capital Health Surgical Group, and DR. MARK SAXENA from Capital Health – Gastroenterology Specialists. They’ll discuss the risk factors for colon cancer, options for screening, and how screening reduces the risk for colon cancer.

intense fighting, since the warring factions thought battlefield success would provide an upper hand for negotiations.

Thorn’s obituary ran on June 6, 1968, on page four of The Evening Times of Trenton, right next to obituaries for actress Dorothy Gish–the older sister of actress Lillian Gish; and an obituary for Randolph Churchill, the journalist son of Sir Winston Churchill. The front page headline that day told readers that Senator Robert F. Kennedy had been assassinated at a campaign event in California. Thorn’s death was announced under the headline “Two Area Privates Die in Viet War.” The second private, 19-year-old Marine Pfc Charles Danberry, was from Amwell.

According to the obituary, Thorn had last called home on May 23, 1968. His father, Albert Thorn, Sr.; then a firefighter with the Hope Hose Humane Company, told the newspaper his son had called to tell his family that he had been “named to receive the combat infantry badge on June 2.”

Thorn left for Vietnam in 1967 shortly after starting his senior year at Bordentown Regional High School. His older brother, Albert Thorn, Jr. said in an interview that his younger brother had left a note for their Dad telling him he wanted to enlist. “My brother told Dad he wanted

to be with [his] best friend, [his] brother. And that’s why he came over,” Albert Thorn remembered, “to be with me.”

Albert Thorn also graduated from the Bordentown Regional School district. In 1966, he and his fellow senior high classmates were the first graduating class out of what was then new high school on Dunns Mill Rd. Today, it is the Bordentown Regional Middle School.

“Two weeks after I graduated, I was enlisted,” Albert Thorn said. “Seven months later, I was in Vietnam.” He was stationed at Phu Loi Base Camp located about 12 miles north of Saigon. “It was a dirt air strip in the woods,” Thorn noted. “We were a small, mostly a chopper outfit.”

The two brothers never saw battle together. Albert Thorn said, at one point, they were twenty miles apart from one another. Joey didn’t have to go to Vietnam. After Basic Training, he went to Jump School. He was then stationed in Germany. He didn’t want to stay in Germany and asked to be sent to the front line. He had a week at home in Bordentown with family

before he left for Vietnam. Joey turned 18 in March of 1968.

Albert Thorn’s staff sergeant broke the news that his brother had been killed in battle.

“Next thing I knew,” Thorn said, “I was on an airplane dressed in my fatigues. I was put in a dress uniform in California and sent to Dover, Delaware.” Thorn became the military escort for his brother’s body, which was taken from Dover back to Bordentown.

Joseph Thorn was buried on June 19. Albert Thorn said his mother, who died in 1995, visited his brother’s grave almost every day. She was so devastated by the loss of her younger son that Albert was not sent back to Vietnam to finish his last nine months of service. He went to Kentucky.

When asked to describe his brother, Albert said, “Joey was quiet, but in his own way, he did his own thing. There were so many of us in our neighborhood, and Joey was always right there with us.”

The brothers grew up at 6 Spring Street in Bordentown City. Their aunt and uncle lived across the street at 7 Spring Street–two Thorn brothers married to two sisters. Each family had four children, so there were eight Thorn cousins playing in the neighborhood.

Thorn said he and his brother loved to fish, and Albert recalled a day when the two of them put their fishing poles on the side of their house in order to retrieve them in the morning. Instead of going to school, they went off to Bordentown

“Mom asked us how school was that day,” Thorn recalled. The brothers told her school was great. She in turn revealed that she already knew they hadn’t gone to

“It was a different time,” Albert Thorn

Joseph Thorn’s classmates deeply felt his loss too. Fifty-five years ago, the Class of 1968 honored Thorn, whom they also called Joey, by having a flagpole and flag installed on the athletic field. That pole also carried a name plaque. The pole and plaque deteriorated over time. And, in 2006, when the school became a middle school, high school athletic events were moved to the newly opened Bordentown Regional High School. Consequently, few people saw the tribute to Pfc. Joseph Thorn.

That changed on Feb. 23, when a new plaque was unveiled at a schoolwide assembly attended by more than 500 students in grades 6-8. Bordentown Regional Middle School principal Joseph Sprague said he hoped students took away the message that “people in your community have done amazing things for our country.” Joey’s classmate, Pat Marino, spoke with the students about his classmate’s sacrifice. Albert also shared memories.

The new plaque will hang outside of the main office of the middle school. Sprague said he and his staff consistently tell students to “take pride in what you do.” The principal added, “our kids need to see the achievements of people who come from where they come from.” Marino, his high school classmates, and the Thorn family are thrilled that this new remembrance for Joey Thorn will be in a prominent location.

Marino said he and his classmates also need to do some maintenance on the original flagpole. The pole needs painting; it needs a new flag. Marino added, flag protocol dictates that a continuously flying flag must have a light shining on it. So the class hopes to work with the Bordentown Regional School district administration to make that happen.

Any members of the BRHS Class of 1968 interested in donating to the refurbishing of the flag pole, as well as the purchasing of a new flag can send a check to Nancy Bullecks, 1 Vine Way, Bordentown, NJ 08505. Make checks out to BRHS Class of 1968.

Thorn

Bordentown photographer set for first fine art exhibition

The photos of self-taught Bordentown landscape and nature photogarpher Ann Darlington (including “Fit For a King,” above) will be on exhibit at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton in March. An artist’s reception is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the center on March 12. The photographs are meant to “highlight the beauty of Joseph Bonaparte’s Point Breeze and the Abbott Marshlands.” Web: abbottmarshlands.org.

Bulldogs win another youth football championship

By Rich Fisher

It marked the end of one outstanding era; but another great one may be on the way at the high school level.

When the Bordentown Bulldogs defeated Gloucester in the 2022 West Jersey Youth Football League 160-pound championship game late last year, it was the final contest in a Bulldogs uniform for “85 to 90 percent of the players” according to coach Thomas Lee.

It capped a remarkable run for the group, which went 58-6 and won five championships in six years since their 7th-grade season. Should that kind of success translate to the Bordentown Regional High team, coach Skip Edwards will be one happy dude.

“I went to see them play three times this season,” Edwards said. “They were well coached. They executed on offense with precision. Their defense swarmed to the football. I was able to get permission

for them to practice on our game field for two nights (prior to the playoffs, for which Lee was very grateful).

“We’re hoping we can keep the players home and not go to another school. The organization is well run and has coaches that really care about the players. We need the coaching staffs to keep organizing and getting the parents, as well as the players, to keep the commitment they have established.”

Lee’s troops were committed from the very start. Thomas took over when they were just 5-years-old, figuring he was a stop-gap until someone else came along.

“I was just volunteering,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was getting into. They needed a coach and I said, ‘OK.’ There were 18 kids. I know the game, I watched football, I played football, I bleed football so there wasn’t anything to it.”

He admits that he never expected that he would go on to coach the team for 10

years. But that is what happened.

“I just figured if nobody wanted to do it, I’ll do it. I don’t want to see the program go downhill,” he said.

He immediately saw a nucleus of youngsters with tons of potential.

“I had some dogs with me; kids who could play,” Lee continued. “I had a legit team with kids who could catch and hike the ball. That’s the hardest thing at that level. So at (age) 6 we dominated, we never lost a game. That made it easier to stay. And my son was on the team, so I wanted to stay with him.”

The group won its first playoff title (the 85-pound division) at age 7 with a 9-1 record. Over the next two years they went 22-0 in the 100-pound division. Their one “off” year” was in 2020 when they went 7-3 and lost in the 120-pound semifinals. Bordentown came back strong the next season, winning the 120 title with a 9-1 mark.

It was only fitting that the Bulldogs capped their run with one final crown this year; defeating the same team in the playoff championship game that gave them their only loss.

Gloucester took an 8-6 win in a clash of unbeaten teams in the regular-season finale. Bordentown committed three turnovers on the goal line in that game; and yet still had a chance to tie when it drove 80 yards in 1:03 to score on the game’s last play. Unfortunately, the PAT kick for two points was missed as Gloucester hung on.

“They weren’t down,” Lee said of his players. “They knew how the game went. Gloucester played their best game and only beat us by two. We knew we could beat them because we were driving and driving but each time we had momentum, we fumbled. We just had one of those games.”

He says that the game was one of the most amazing that he has ever been a part of.

“I told them, ‘God makes no mistakes, we’ll see them again.’ And lo and behold, we win (the rematch) 27-6,” he said.

Quarterback Thomas Lee, the coach’s son, threw for two touchdown passes and ran for two more in the victory. TJ Tift “had an awesome game” and Lee gave “a big shout out to our receivers, we were throwing the ball a lot to Jose Santiago and Gregory Stalnaker.”

Defensively, Tift played well at line-

backer as did Auggie Cassidy at defensive tackle. “They just tore it up, they had a blast.”

The defense, in fact, tore it up all year as they were only scored on twice in the regular season and allowed 34 points in 11 games (3.1 per game).

Defensive backs were Lee, Jumari Glover, and Stalnaker at safety. Linebackers featured Tift, Connor Bramley and Carter Stumpf, and the line had Santiago and Aidan Peters at end, and Christian Eagleton, Cassidy and Christopher “Juice” Malcolm at tackles. Gianni Jones and Michael Calderone would also rotate in defensively.

Offensively, Cassidy was at center, flanked by Calderone, Jonathan Owens, Eagleton, Malcolm and Bramley at tight end. Backing up that group were Aidan Constance, Dean Nicoloni, Pierce Peters (Aidan’s cousin) and Jadin Perez.

Lee was at quarterback with Tift and Glover the running backs. Receivers were Santiago and Stalnaker along with Alexander “Ant Man” Augustine, Jaxson Raynor, Elijah Ruff, Ivan Reyes, Elijah Hanna and fan favorite Will Buddenbaum, who is “the smallest guy on the team, but he plays hard out there.”

It is a cast of characters that have a special meaning for Lee, as they grew as players while he grew as a coach over the years. In looking back on it, he is proudest of the fact that Bordentown took on all challengers and forged a .906 winning percentage.

“It was remarkable just to see these boys dominate year after year with the target on their back,” Lee said. “When you’re at the top everybody wants to bring you down, everybody wants to play their best game against you. Everybody wants to be the team that says ‘Yes, we beat Bordentown.’ They don’t care if they make the playoffs, they don’t care if they have a winning record. They don’t care about any of that. As long as they say they beat the Bulldogs they feel they won the championship.”

Only six teams could say that in the past six seasons, as the Bulldogs lived up to their nickname. They snarled, growled and attacked. It was in their DNA.

“It’s wonderful to be the big dog because that means pressure; and pressure comes with how you’re gonna fight, how you want to be, how you want to do,”

Lee said. “Each year, each day, rain, sleet or snow, they treated every game like it was their first game.”

And the team hated losing, he said.

“They do not like that feeling. Failing was not an option, so they never got complacent. A loss taught us to be humble. They realize the other team is not

gonna lay down and realize mistakes will cost you a game. So you gotta tighten the strap, come to practice and put the work in,” he said.

And if this group stays together in high school, Edwards can’t wait to see that attitude show itself at Scotties practices. Let the new era begin.

NAMED A 2022–23

NAMED A 2022–23

BEST ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT thelandingofhamilton.com |

BEST ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.

We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY. The experts do, too.

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY. The experts do, too.

Coach Thomas Lee estimates that 85 to 90 percent of this year’s championship Bordentown Bulldogs team will be moving on to the next level of competition next year.

Screening can prevent colorectal cancer or detect it at a treatable stage

And

Ask The Doctor

Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. In recent decades, the overall rate at which people are diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease has dropped due partly to increased screening.

Yet, colorectal cancer is also becoming more common among young adults. “Knowledge can be your first line of defense against colorectal cancer,” says Malini M. Patel, MD, Director of Medical Oncology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. “Understanding colorectal cancer risks and how to reduce them can save lives.” Dr. Patel highlights key points everyone should know.

What is colorectal cancer? It’s a cancer that starts anywhere along the colon—that is, the large intestine—or rectum, both of which are in the lower portion of the digestive system. These

cancers often start as precancerous, abnormal growths called polyps that over time can transform to colorectal cancer.

Why is detecting colorectal cancer early so significant? If you’re diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its early stages, you have a high chance of being cured. Colonoscopy screening can not only detect polyps but also remove them during the same procedure and prevent them from becoming cancer in the future. So screening improves your odds of surviving cancer or avoiding it altogether.

At what age should people start colorectal screening? Men and women at average risk should begin colorectal screening at age 45. Earlier testing may be appropriate for patients who have a family member with colorectal cancer, known familial disposition to cancer, or who have other risk factors such as inflammatory bowel disease. What are options for screening? The standard screening test for colorectal cancer

INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING

with a camera is used to view the colon and rectum. It requires a laxative preparation and is performed under sedation. Results are about 95 percent accurate. A screening colonoscopy is usually repeated every 10 years. Alternatives to colonoscopy include minimally invasive CT colonography, sometimes called virtual colonoscopy, and stool-based exams in which you provide a stool sample at home and mail it to a lab. Home-based tests aren’t as accurate as a colonoscopy and must be performed once a year or every few years. If any of these tests suggest colorectal cancer, you’ll still need a colonoscopy, which is the preferred test. If a colonoscopy detects cancer, a wide range of treatment options are available.

RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide close-to-home access to the most advanced treatment options. Call 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh. org/beatcancer.

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.

TuESdAy, MARCH 7

Spring Mini Medical School: An 8-Week Series. Also March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11, 18 and 25. 6 to 7:30 p.m. A FREE community education event sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton. Led by 8 medical professionals, 8 specialty areas of medicine, the program is open to junior and senior high school students, community members, retirees and seniors, and anyone else who would like to learn more about the medical profession. This program can help those attending learn if they want to pursue a career in healthcare. Discover and explore as we welcome the following physicians and healthcare professionals. *Registrants must attend every class to be eligible for a diploma of attendance.

TuESdAy, MARCH 14

Managing Stress and diabetes. Also April 11. 3 to 4 p.m. This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

WEdNESdAy, MARCH 22

Six Signs That you Should Visit a Hearing Care Professional. 10 to 11 a.m. You might not know that hearing loss isn’t the only reason you should visit a hearing care professional. Find out the six reasons to see an audiologist.

Presented by RWJ/Barnabas audiologist Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, AuD. and Dr. Donna Grant, AuD. (Oticon Inc.)

WEdNESdAy, MARCH 22

Take Control of your Health/ Chronic disease Management. Also March 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26. 10 a.m. to noon. Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a cost effective evidence-based health promotion program for people with chronic illness. CDSMP is a six session workshop designed for people with any ongoing health condition, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and similar conditions. During the course participants will learn how to problem solve, set goals, and relaxation techniques to help manage chronic conditions. The interactive curriculum will address topics such as pain and fatigue management, dealing with difficult emotions, effective communication, medication management, physical activity, nutrition, and more. It is expected that participants will attend all 6 classes.

MONdAy, MARCH 27

Shoulder Pains-Whys, How’s & What To do Non-Surgically. Also March 27. 6 to 7 p.m. Join an informative session with Sports Medicine Specialists Adam Redlich, MD and Adam Thompson, DO. The discussion will include ways to manage shoulder pain without surgical intervention.

Better Health Programs

These complimentary programs for those ages 65+ will engage your mind, encourage you to move and help you reflect. Registration required for all programs. Call (609) 584-5900 or visit us on the web at www.rwjbh.org/events.

THuRSdAy, MARCH 9

Tai Chi Classes. Also March 23. 10 to 11 a.m. Sifu Tony Jackson, DAO Concepts leads this program. Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. A series of gentle physical exercises and stretches each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

WEdNESdAy, MARCH 15

Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group. Also March 15, 22 and 29. 10 to 11 a.m. Please join us for the launch of this program—a gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives—the ups and the challenges. This group is a partnership between RWJ University Hospital Hamilton and the PsycHealth Associates here in Hamilton. “Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group” will be facilitated by licensed social workers. This group will gather weekly. Light refreshments will be served.

THuRSdAy, MARCH 23

Nutrition and More with dr. Sara Ali and Taryn Krietzman, RdN. 1 to 2 p.m. Join Dr. Ali and Taryn Krietzman as they take us on a journey discussing nutrition and its impact on our bodies.

Dr. Malini Patel

William Powell: Diplomacy in courage

Doug Kiovsky THE BEND IN THE RIVER

After the Civil War ended in 1865, a young African American by the name of William Francis Powell (18481920) graduated from the New Jersey Collegiate Institute on Park Street in Bordentown. He was about to enter a whole new world with whole new possibilities.

Born in Troy, New York, he moved with his family to New York City, where he received his early education in the city’s school system. Then after graduating from Bordentown, he went to Lincoln University, near Oxmead,

Not one to rest on his laurels, William came back to Bordentown with wonderful memories of the institute and friendships that filled his soul. He also seized the opportunity for the next chapter in his life as school administrators offered him the position as principal of their educational facility for black children. It was known as School No. 2.

William felt quite comfortable within the confines of the small clapboard structure on Burlington Street. He not only served as a guiding hand for promising youth, but also became involved in local organizations.

He was affiliated with the Masons and joined the Woodlin Lodge, No. 30 as an officer. Within time, he was elected

Pennsylvania.

Established as the nation’s first college for African-American students, Powell was honored in being accepted, and soon immersed himself in his studies. After four years of hard work, he was humbled upon graduating with a Doctor of Laws degree.

However, it was during his time at college that he met and married the lovely Elizabeth Hughes (1848-1898) who hailed from Burlington. She encouraged many of his decisions.

As the nation slowly healed from the aftermath of war during the era of Reconstruction, Powell demonstrated that he was not afraid of challenge and boldly moved to Leesburg, Virginia with his wife in 1869 to begin his teaching career at an African-American school.

Subjected to different treatment as a citizen in the South, William quickly learned to adapt. He did rather well considering that a year later he founded and became principal of an AfricanAmerican school in Alexandria, Virginia.

As such, within the shadow of Washington, where recent Amendments were approved in changing the lives of all African-Americans, William became the first black school principal in the state. Accomplishing what he set out to do, he left the school after almost six years.

and held the post as Grand Master. His participation was equally impressive in the Holy Royal Arch, the Knights Templar, and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

However, when his obligations became excessive, by 1881 he spied the horizon for a career change. The couple moved back to the Washington area, where William worked as a bookkeeper in the Fourth Auditor’s Office of the US Treasury. As his name was becoming synonymous with responsible education, he was offered a U.S. government post in Haiti, but declined, due to his inexperience in political matters.

Three years later, he returned to New Jersey, but not to Bordentown. Missing his passion as an educator, his took on a new role as superintendent of black schools in the fourth district in the city of Camden.

Under his guidance, the student population increased, and many projects came to fruition, including a new school for industrial education. Although his accomplishments were praised by school officials, within two years he relinquished his position in order to teach at the Camden High and Training School.

It had been noted as a predominantly white school, but William broke the color

Dr. Steven Reff, DDS , Dr. Avani Patel, DMD, Dr. Pankaj Puri, DDS, Renee Brown, RDH

As the nation slowly healed from the Civil War, Powell showed that he was not afraid of challenge and moved to Virginia to begin teaching at an African-American school.

barrier by being one of the first AfricanAmericans to cross over racial lines regarding segregation. This was a major milestone that came with significant opposition and social ramifications. Despite setbacks, he raised the quality of education until his departure from the school in 1894.

In 1897, he attracted the attention of President William McKinley, who was sworn into office that year. As luck or fate would have it, he was offered a U.S. diplomatic position again.

This time, he accepted. William Powell was appointed the official titles of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Haiti and Charge d’Affaires to the Dominican Republic on the same day. Therefore he became the sixth U.S. ambassador to Haiti. All previous statesmen to the position before him were African-American, including the highly revered abolitionist and social reformer, Frederick Douglass, who served from 1889-1891.

included assassination attempts, when he narrowly escaped the wrath of gunmen on two separate occasions.

In 1903, an assassination plot that originated in the Dominican Republic was supposed to take place in Port-auPrince, but was thwarted. The prior year, William had witnessed the forced resignation of the country’s president and the placement of the provisional government that followed.

In spite of the danger that was present, Powell did find time to travel back to the United States and to his home in Camden. After the death of his wife, he met and married city native Jane Shepard (1864-1917), almost a year to the day of his wife’s passing in 1899. His second wife was referred to as the scale that kept his life balanced. During his appointment, he had seen 15 revolutions occur in Haiti.

In 1905, Powell tendered his resignation to President Theodore Roosevelt. He had grown weary of the constant fighting and

Residing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, William and his wife adjusted to their new surroundings as well as his new role. Two of his main goals were improving relationships between the two countries’ governments and encouraging American business leaders to invest their capital interests in Haiti.

That meant extracting materials and agricultural products that were favorable to the country’s geology and climate. Copper, lumber, sugar, coffee, and cotton were highly valued commodities on any market in the Western Hemisphere. He also urged the US to make Haiti a “protectorate” whereas their finances, and to a degree their sovereignty, would be under the control of the United States.

Although that idea was floated and was rejected by elected officials, a few years later at the dawn of the new century, it did transpire for almost two decades. As a former educator and advocate of Booker T. Washington, Powell urged Haiti’s government to understand and implement the same model of Tuskegee Institute that he heard about with the Manual Training and Industrial School in Bordentown.

Since the country was rife with corruption, violence and mounting insurrections, the atmosphere took its toll on William’s health. That also

riots that plagued Haiti and its people. Speaking to a reporter about his decision, he solemnly quipped: “I have attempted the fates long enough.”

Powell’s diplomatic service to his fellow man was not in vain. During the dozen years of his foreign tenure, at least 20 African-Americans were appointed consuls during the McKinley and Roosevelt administrations. Times were changing.

From bullets to bulletins, in 1909, William accepted a job as an editorial writer for an African-American newspaper known as the Philadelphia Tribune. He took his assignments in stride and did the best job that he could. He always enjoyed writing stories as opposed to being the story. Preceding his death at age 71 in 1920, he was referred to his colleagues as a “polished gentleman.”

Although William Francis Powell is largely forgotten today, his dedication to the field of education was a masterful achievement beyond bounds and beyond borders. His legacy was his unwavering devotion to the betterment of his fellow man because as we know, the spectrum of a rainbow doesn’t exist if it consists of one color.

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

In the dozen years of his tenure in foreign service, during the McKinley and Roosevelt administrations, at least 20 African Americans were appointed as consuls.