3-23 EO

Photographer’s works on exhibit in March

By Dan AUBRey

Pictures by Ewing photographer Aubrey Kauffman are being featured at an exhibition at the Trenton Free Public Library this month.

The Trenton Artists Workshop Association and the library are presenting the exhibition “Art from Art News Writers and Photojournalists” through March 25.

TAWA is a Greater Trenton nonprofit organization and has a 40-year history organizing exhibits in such venues as the New Jersey State Museum, Trenton City Museum, Artworks Trenton, Prince Street Gallery in New York City, and more.

Kauffman writes arts and photography articles for Community News Service (publisher of the Ewing Observer) and is a past photo and video journalist for New Jersey Network.

His photos focus on the urban landscape and man’s impact on the environment. He was president of TAWA from 1987 through 1996. His work is included in the collections of the NJ State Museum, Rider University, and Johnson and Johnson’s Corporate Headquarters.

Kauffman has been a longtime artistic presence in Trenton and central New Jersey.

“Urban studies have long been a major part of my photographic practice,” Kauffman says. “My work

extends from abandoned urban structures and shopping malls to building facades, parks, and ball fields.”

Kauffman says that many of his images are devoid of activity and human interaction.

“I am drawn to these unoccupied spaces because of the architecture and the visual interaction with the surrounding landscape,” he says. “I am also intrigued by the vision that takes shape in my viewfinder. My interest lies not in the portrayal of teams, sports, or players but in the visual elements of where play takes place. For me, ‘It’s not about the game.’”

In addition to exhibiting at Rider University, the New Jersey State Museum, Allentown Art Museum, Newark Museum, and 7th Street Gallery in New York City, Kauffman was a longtime photojournalist for New Jersey Network and gallery manager for Mason Gross School of the Arts Gallery in New Brunswick.

As president for TAWA, he coordinated the regionally important Trenton City Museum exhibition and publication “Trenton Takes: 24 Hours in the City.”

For that project, Kauffman coordinated a team of photographers to capture a simple day of life in the capital city.

Born in Princeton, Kauffman

See KAUFFMAN, Page 6

EHS girls’ basketball team wins second straight MCT

By RiCH FisHeR

Rhian Stokes prepared for her post-game interview while holding a substantially heavy Mercer County Tournament championship trophy. When asked if she wanted

to put the hardware down before speaking, the Ewing High junior declined.

She had no desire to let go of something that meant so much to her.

It meant the same to her team-

mates, as the Blue Devils girls basketball team won its second straight MCT title at the Cure Arena in Trenton on Feb. 16. As they did against every Colonial Valley Conference team they played

See CHAMPS, Page 11

Members of the Ewing High School girls’ basketball team celebrate their second straight Mercer County Championship on Feb. 16, 2023 by holding up two fingers. See page 11 for full team photo. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

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Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society to present March 12 talk

Local author, educator and historian William “Larry” Kidder will give a talk on the Carlisle Indian School students who came to Ewing Township and lived with families in Ewing in the years 1885-1915.

The talk will examine who the students and Ewing families were and how they both dealt with the situation.

This talk is st to take place on Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the historic 1750 Benjamin Temple House, 27 Federal City Road. Space is limited so registration is required by sending your name to info@ethps.org

The Carlisle Indian School has become well-known as a dark chapter in the history of white and Indigenous peoples in our county. One of the controversial practices of the school was to send out students for a summer, or a full year, to work on farms for white families as part of the school’s efforts to have the students take on white culture while abandoning that of their indigenous tribe or nation.

“This talk is not an effort to delve into the controversy and either prove or disprove the

morality of the Carlisle program, but rather to look at how it played out in Ewing and surrounding areas,” said a news release by the ETHPS.

Kidder is on the advisory board of the ETHPS, and many other regional historical societies and round tables. He has published several history books including: The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man: Jacob Francis 1754-1836; A People Harassed and Exhausted: Crossroads of the Revolution: Trenton 1774-1783 and Ten Crucial Days: Washington’s Vision for Victory Unfolds

Ewing Public Library March events

The following are programs for children at the Ewing Branch of the Mercer County Library in March. The library is located at 61 Scotch Road. 609-882-3130.

Painting Station. Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:30-11 a.m. Painting station for children, ages 5 and under with adult.

Toddler Storytime. Tuesdays, March 7, 14, March 21, March 28 at 10:30-10:50 a.m. Songs, rhymes, and stories. Children ages 5 and under.

See AROUND TOWN, Page 4

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

EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dan Aubrey, Rich Fisher

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Helen Kull

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stephanie Jeronis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

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TOWNSHIP OF EWING COUNTY OF MERCER

PUBLIC NOTICE – NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARDS FOR 2023

Notice is hereby given that the Township of Ewing has awarded contracts without competitive bidding as professional services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i). The contracts and the resolutions authorizing them are on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Municipal Clerk.

Awarded To: Maeve Cannon, Esq. of Stevens & Lee

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Attorney

Awarded To: Antonio Martinez, Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Public Defender

Awarded To: Connie Bentley, Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Municipal Prosecutor

Awarded To: David J. Truelove, Esq. of Hill Wallack

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Labor Negotiator

Awarded To: Paul M. Bishop, Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Special Tax Counsel

Awarded To: Alaimo Group Consulting Engineers

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Conflict Engineer

Awarded To: Peter Sockler and Sockler Realty Services Group

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals

Awarded To: Robert P. Esposti and Post Appraisal Group

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals

Awarded To: Charles Ciolino and Garden State Appraisers and Consultants

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals

Awarded To: Pamela J. Brodowski and BRB Valuation & Consulting Services

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Appraisals

Awarded To: Charles W. Latini and L & G Planning, LLC

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Planner

Awarded To: K. Wendell Bibbs and Remington & Vernick Engineers

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Engineer

Awarded To: Charles P. Allen, Jr., Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Attorney/Condemnation Board

Awarded To: Edward McManimon, III, Esq. of McManimon, Scotland and Baumann, LLC

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Bond Counsel/Special Legal Counsel

Awarded To: Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq. of Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Rent Control Attorney/Special Litigation Attorney

Awarded To: Digesh B. Patel of Mercadien, P.C.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Auditing Services

Awarded To: Wesley Bridges, Esq. of Bridges & Snell, LLC

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Conflict Attorney/Labor Negotiator

Awarded To: Frank Piazza, Jr. of Piazza & Associates, Inc.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Administrative Agent Services - COAH

Kim J. Macellaro, CMC

Toddlers Create! Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11-11:45 a.m. Toddlers will create projects with a Spring theme! Children, ages 5 and under with adult.

Messy Crafts. Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 at 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Join us for messy crafts, with different projects each week. Please dress down for messy play. Children ages 5 and under with adult.

Music and Movement. Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 23, 30 at 11–11:45 a.m. Join Miss Susan for music and movement action rhymes! Children 5 and under with adult.

Baby Time. Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 -10:45 a.m. Join Miss Chetna for rhymes and songs! Children ages birth to 18 months with adult.

Playdough Creations. Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11-11:45 a.m. Also Fridays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:30- 11 a.m. Playdough creations based on a storytime theme. Children ages 5 and under. Preschool Storytime. Fridays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:30- 11 a.m. Songs, rhymes, stories and craft. For children ages 2-5 with adult.

Little Scientist STEM Program. Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10 -10:30 a.m. Learn by doing fun experiments! Children ages 5 and under with adult.

Think Like a Scientist! Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 4:30-5 p.m. Fun science projects and experiments for schoolage children ages 6-10.

Homeschool Meet-up. Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, March 30, at 9:30 am10:20 a.m. All are invited to join Homeschool Meet-up. Some sessions will be play based, others more educational in nature. For all ages and abilities.

Chess Program for School-age Children, Ages 5-12. Sundays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 at 3-4 p.m. Join us for a game of chess! No experience necessary, and all skill levels welcome!

Celebrate Holi with Storytime and Crafts. Sunday, March 5, 1-2 p.m. The Hindi Holi Festival is celebrated as a way to welcome in Spring. Listen to a story and make a Holi Festival craft! For all ages!

Drop-in Mario Craft. March 10, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Celebrate Mario Day with a special craft!

Leprechaun Scavenger Hunts. Monday, March 13, Tuesday, March 14, Wednesday, March 15, Thursday, March 16, and Friday, March 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stop by the children’s desk to make a paper tube binocular and find the Leprechaun that is hiding in the book shelves in the children’s section. Return the sheet that shows where you found the leprechaun and receive a chocolate golden coin.

Leprechaun Snack. Tuesday. March 14, 10 a.m., ages 5 and under with adult. Make a delicious snack for leprechauns.

Drop-in Pi Day Craft. Tuesday, March

14, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Celebrate Pi Day with a special mathematical craft!

St. Patrick’s Day. Thursday, March 16, 4:30-5 p.m. Make green slime! All Ages! Paper Circuits. Sunday, March 19, 1-2 p.m. Join Miss Chetna in making paper circuits, for school-age children, ages 5-10.

New Jersey Makers Day. Visit the Ewing Branch from March 24- March 26 to pick up your catapult kit! Materials and instructions are included.

She Persisted Book Talk for SchoolAge Children, Ages 5-9. The librarians will book talk several books from the awardwinning series She Persisted, Tuesday, March 21 and Tuesday, March 28 at 4 p.m. Light Refreshments!

Programs for Adults. Registration required. Call 609-882-3148 or sign up at www.mcl.org.

Women’s History Month Movie Series at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. March 4: Frida (R), March 11: On the Basis of Sex (PG13); March 18: Hidden Figures (PG), 25: Suffragette (PG-13).

Chess Club. Monday, March 6, 6 p.m. and Wednesday, March 22, 2:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome.

Create a Red-Hot Resume. Thursday, March 9, 10 a.m. A one-on-one workshop for building a resume and conducting an effective job search. Four 30-minute individual appointments. Presented by volunteer Paul Martinetti, MD who has led numerous workshops at TCNJ’s career center.

Adult Craft: Acrylic Pouring. Thursday, March 9, 3 p.m. Acrylic pouring is a technique in which acrylic paints are mixed in a liquid medium and poured onto a canvas. This technique creates an unpredictable, vibrant, and flowing marble-like pattern.

Sons of Erin: The Irish in the American Civil War. Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m. The American Civil War is Ireland’s forgotten conflict. In 1860, about 1.5 million Irish were living in the United States. During the American Civil War, some 150,000 Irish men fought in the Union Army and about 20,000 joined and fought with the Confederacy. Join historical reenactor and lecturer Michael Jesberger for a presentation on these “Sons of Erin.”

Adult Book Discussion. Tuesday, March 28, 7 p.m. Join us to discuss Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk.

Women’s History Month Non-Fiction Book Group. Wednesday, March 30, 7 p.m. Join us to discuss 10 Women who Changed Science and the World by Catherine Whitlock and Evans Rhodri. Feel free to attend even if you have not read or finished the book.

Sunday Movie Series for ages 18 and up at 2 p.m. March 5: The Menu (R), March 12: Till (R), March 19: The Woman King (PG-13), March 26: The Fablemans (PG-13).

KAUFFMAN continued from Page 1

grew up in Lawrence Township. His father worked at U.S. Steel, and his mother was a clerical worker. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1971, took classes at Mercer County Community College, and received a degree in broadcast production from Jersey City State College.

Kauffman says that it was the broadcast curriculum that connected him to the art form for which he is known. “Photography was required, and it was a way to express myself. I had never taken any art. It was a new experience.”

Kauffman credits Mercer County Community College instructor and veteran photographer William Barksdale for opening a world to him. “He had a great influence. He was like one of the old masters. He had been teaching for years so he knew how to get a student to understand what good photography was.”

Asked to define “a good photograph,” Kauffman, in his well-known soft voice, says, “It’s a (technically) well executed print, with a well rounded idea, one that helps you see your feelings and ideas and intuitions come across in what you’re try-

ing to portray. You can look at a certain artist’s work and know it’s by that artist.”

Kauffman says that after graduating from Jersey City he attended Philadelphia College of Art, now the University of the Arts, and met Ron Walker, the eventual chairman of the photo/film department.

“He introduced me to the work of others who had accomplished what I was trying to do. In a sense, he helped me find my voice. I consider Ron my biggest influence as both a friend and teacher. We’ve kept in touch over the years. He’s now a vice president at Rider. One of my photographs is hanging in his office.”

For years Kauffman— who lives in Ewing with his wife, Michele, and has a studio in Trenton—labored to create crisp black-andwhite images that frequently celebrate structures found along New Jersey highways and roads. Recently he has carefully introduced color into his arrangement and—through the use of a Nikon D800 and its ability to capture large files—he is experimenting with print scale.

“When I came (to Mason Gross) I had access to printers 40 inches by 60 inches. You almost feel like you’re walking into the photograph. It brings out the visual elements that I emphasize: a sense of architecture, straight line, and minimalist.”

* * *

Other artists participating in the TAWA exhibition are listed below.

Ricardo Barros is an arts contributing writer to Icon magazine, Bucks County PA, and an internationally known photographer and has done artwork commissioned by Fortune 500 companies. Barros

has work in the permanent collections of several museums including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. Barros lives in Princeton.

Ilene Dube is a producer for the PBS series “State of the Arts” and a contributor to tristate media including Princeton Magazine, JerseyArts Features, and Hyperallergic. Her independently produced short documentaries have been screened at the New Jersey Film Festival, Nassau Film Festival, Trenton Film Festival, Princeton Environmental Film Festival, and at arts centers and libraries. Her art, which she considers play, has been exhibited in the Hopewell Tour des Arts, Phillips Mill, Hobart Art in the Native Landscape, Ellarslie Not Quite Open and Salon des Refuses, West Windsor Arts Council, and others. Dube lives in West Windsor.

John Gummere is an arts reviewer for The Trenton Journal. He is an award-winning artist and has exhibited at the d’Art Centre in Norfolk, Virginia, Alfa Art Gallery in New Brunswick, and Marblehead Art Association in Massachusets and is currently exhibiting in several venues in the greater Trenton area. His oil paintings on canvas use a representational style, with an emphasis on city scenes, landscapes, and interior compositions. Some of his favorite painters include Edward Hopper, John Sloan, and landscape painters of the 1800s. Gummere lives in Morrisville.

Thomas Kelly writes reviews for the Community News Service and is an awardwinning painter. Widely collected, his work has a signature style, which has its roots in Expressionism. His colorful, narrative, acrylic paintings on canvas often create a dialogue with the viewer. Kelly’s work can be seen at Walter Wickiser Gallery NYC; Bethlehem House Gallery in Pennsylvania; The Artful Deposit Gallery in Bordentown; and Beauregard Fine Art in Rumson. Kelly lives in Hamilton Township.

Janet Purcell has been an arts writer for The Times of Trenton for more than 25 years. She also contributes to Woman’s Day, Design NJ Magazine, and freelances for various magazine publications. She has written several fiction publications, including “Singer Lane,” “The Long Way Home,” and “Rooster Street-Legacy of a Runaway Slave.” She works primarily in oils and pastels. Purcell has shown her work in several venues, including Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie; Brodsky Gallery, Chauncey Conference Center; RF Gallery at Prallsville Mill, Stockton; and Jewish Community Center, Trenton. Purcell lives in Hopewell Township.

Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 609-392-7188.

Kauffman

The Ewing Public Schools

Adopt-a-Survivor Program BeginsatEwing HighSchool Teacher of the Year Recipients are Honored

Nearlysixty years since Alliedforcesliberated the Naziconcentration camps,the now elderly survivors ofthe Holocaust are turning toa new generation topreservetheir testimony about their wartime experiences for futuregenerations.

EHS Girls Varsity Basketball Team

FMS Boys Basketball Team • FMS Girls Basketball Team

Ewing Drama Qualifies for Nationals in Indiana and Has a Showcase Winner!

EHS Football StudentAthlete Standout Commits to Gannon University

Holocaust survivors are steadilydwindling in number. Manyhavemadeittheir mission toeducate the world thatanti-Semitism and racismeasilylead tomurder, and tospeak about the horrors theyand their familiessuffered. Withthe passing oftime, ithas becomeurgenttofind a new generationtocontinue the survivors’mission and telltheir stories after the survivors can nolongerdoso.

OnApril 12, the Adopt-a-Survivor(AAS) program was introducedtothe Trenton areaatEwing HighSchool. Six Holocaust survivors wereadopted bytwelveEwing Highsophomores. The adopted survivors—Moshe Gimlan, VeraGoodkin,Marion Lewin,RuthLubitz, Charles Rojer and JackZaifman— wereoriginallyfromGermany, Czechoslovakia, Polandand Belgium.

Congratulations to Ewing High School senior, Nevin Davila, who signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) on February 1st to play football for the Golden Knights at Gannon University. The Golden Knights finished the season with a record of eight wins and only three losses. Nevin is planning to make his mark next season to bolster the team’s winning streak!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOI JOHNSON!

Stellar EHS Girls Basketball Player

1,000 Points • February 5, 2023 Coaches Choice Showcase

EHS Orchestra Partakes in 2023 NJMEA High School Orchestra Festival

Congratulations to Ewing Drama’s International Thespian Society Troupe, Troupe 4883, for qualifying for Nationals in Indiana and for winning multiple awards at the NJ Thespian Festival at Robbinsville High School! Students competed in categories, including: musical theatre solo, musical theatre duet, musical theatre small group, contrasting monologues, technical theatre stage management and technical theatre knot tying and rigging. The following accolades were awarded: Troupe Awards & Special Recognition:

The AAS program pairs a survivorwithone or morestudents. The studentsembarkona joint journey withthe survivorthrough discussions about life before, duringand after the Holocaust.Participating studentswillbeabletorepresent the survivorand tellthe survivor’sstory withaccuracyand feeling in the years tocome. Inaddition, eachstudent makes a commitmenttotellthe survivor’sstory ina public venue inthe year2045, a hundred years after the liberationofAuschwitz.

Gannon University is a private Catholic university located in beautiful Erie, Pennsylvania. It also has a campus located in Ruskin, Florida. “Gannon is a community founded on honor, courage and achievement. These values carry into every aspect of life at Gannon: in athletics and academics, in our global travels, and in the communities we serve.”

Ewing

• Jayden White was the showcase winner for musical theatre solo performance for “Last Midnight” from Into the Woods

• Troupe 4883 received an Honor Troupe Silver Award

• Jayden White was the recipient for Best Oral Presentation for his honor troupe presentation

of Perestroika. His policies reopened churches, released political prisoners, and lifted bans on previously censored books.

The twelvestudent adoptersare DaveAngebranndt, Tyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz Dunham, Emily Everett, CurtisFornarotto, Vildana Hajric, Devon Jones, Jen Meade,Billy O’Callaghan,NikytaSharmaand MelysaWilson.

Nevin will join former team mate and alum, Obiefuna Ezeigbo, Ewing High School Class of 2019, on the field in the McConnell Family Stadium, at Gannon University this fall. They both might also be looking forward to meeting up on the gridiron against current Seton Hill University player, Jarel McEwen, EHS Class of 2021, who plays for the Griffins. The Golden Knights had the pleasure of securing a 21-10 win at Gannon University Homecoming 2022 game against the Griffins and are sure to be looking forward to the next meet-up.

Nevin, congratulations and good luck!

Ewing High School orchestra students had the wonderful opportunity to attend and perform at the 2023 NJMEA High School Orchestra Festival in Tenafly, New Jersey. Students received feedback and worked with clinician Adam Glaser who is currently the Music Director of the professional-caliber Juilliard Pre-College Orchestras, and Director of Orchestras and Associate Professor of Music at Hofstra University. Mr. Glaser also serves as a cover conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and was Principal Conductor of the NYU Orchestras.

• Jacob Schwartz was the recipient of the Best Thespian Award for embodying what it means to be an International Thespian Superior Awards:

• For Stage Management - Maureen Lepold

• For Musical Theatre Solo - Jayden White “Last Midnight” from Into the Woods

• For Musical Theatre Solo - Jordan Griffin “Easy as Life” from Aida

The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s presentation. The policy’smain goal was to make the Soviet economic system more efficient. Perestroika involved the transfer of control from the government to the business owners. This policy continued on page A2 continued on page A2

• For Musical Theatre Duet - Jayden White & Maddie Marsola “The Song that Goes Like This” from Spamalot

• For Musical Theatre Dance - Andrew Weir from “Dance of the Robes,” from Aida

The recipients of the 2005 Teacher of the Year Awards were honored at a luncheon on April 29th. Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County Teacher of the Year, was a guest speaker. 1st row (L to R): Joan Zuckerman, Principal Antheil; Sharon Solomon, Lore; Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County Teacher of the Year; Inetta Emery, Principal Parkway; Danielle Miller, EHS; Superintendent Ray Broach. 2nd row: Darrell Jackson, Principal FMS; Donna Andreas, Antheil; Don Barnett, FMS; Betsy Turgeon, Parkway; Rodney Logan, Principal EHS.

The Ewing Public Schools

The Ewing Schools Announce 2022-23 Educators of the Year!

It is Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Gentile’s privilege to highlight and honor the district’s hardworking teachers and educational services professionals for their dedication to their students and the profession.

Mr. Jason Ballek has been teaching Social Students at Ewing High School since 2004 and began his successful career with the Ewing Public Schools in 2003 as a substitute teacher. Mr. Ballek graduated from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology in 2000. After working for the Department of the Navy for three years, he went back to school at Rider University to get his secondary education teaching certification, which he completed in 2003. More recently, in 2018, he obtained his Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Rider University. Becoming a teacher had never been on his radar; he fell into teaching because he disliked his first job out of college and was looking for something different. Mr. Ballek commented, “I’ve grown and learned a lot in my years of teaching at Ewing High, and I’ve made plenty of connections that will last a lifetime. Becoming a teacher made me realize how much I love the process of learning, and I am grateful I get to share that process with my students. I really enjoy the classes I teach and I love the Ewing community; I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Mr. Ballek’s students voiced, “Mr. Ballek really cares about his students, and he makes learning fun, engaging and meaningful.”

Ms. Joan "Jamie" Spampinato: Fisher Middle School

Ms. Joan Spampinato, affectionately called “Jamie”, is an outstanding Special Education Math

Teacher who joined her contemporaries at Fisher Middle School in 2016. Ms. Spampinato received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education-Integrated Science and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Rider University.

Principal of Fisher Middle School, Dr. Maggy Hanna had this to share, “Jamie Spampinato is an outstanding educator, coach and student mentor. She works tirelessly in her position as a Special Education Math teacher to bring out the best in her students, en-

suring that her lessons are interactive and fun for all students. She builds movement into her activities to allow students to be mentally stimulated when they are learning. Finally, she is known to create an atmosphere of positivity where all students believe that they can achieve the goals that she sets forth.”

Mrs. Brigid O’Grady: Antheil Elementary

Mrs. Brigid O’Grady graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University with a duel Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2014. In 2018, she received her Master’s in Literacy from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She joined the Antheil School family in September 2018 with four years of experience under her belt from other states. Mrs. O’Grady inspires students daily with her cheery outlook, personal connections and how she cares about them.

Mrs. O’Grady always goes above and beyond to be the best teacher and person she can be for our students at Antheil Elementary School. She is a second grade inclusion teacher who gets pulled in a ton of different directions, always doing the best she can. Mrs. O’Grady always has a huge smile on her face as she balances sweet and loving with setting high expectations for her students.

“Mrs. O’Grady is a true asset to the Antheil Community,” stated Principal Kip Harrison. “Her driving motivation has always been the best interests of her students and she continually goes above and beyond when it comes to them and their learning styles. It is clear that she has a passion for students and seeing all of them be successful learners.”

Miss Stephanie Mamo: Lore Elementary

Miss Stephanie Mamo started her professional career as a Paraprofessional in September 2016 at Antheil Elementary School. She became a Pre-K Special Education Replacement Teacher in November 2016 and a full time Pre-K Special Education Teacher in Lore Elementary School in 2017. Miss Mamo is currently a Special Education MD K/1 Teacher at Lore Elementary School.

Miss Mamo grew up a ‘stone’s throw away’ in Hopewell Township and graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School in 2012. She then headed to Monmouth University in New Jersey for her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

and Special Education and graduated in 2016.

Miss Mamo is a dedicated, passionate, compassionate educator who has worked with children from pre-kindergarten through first grade. Miss Mamo’s balance of kindness, thoughtfulness, and academic support for her students is unparalleled. She works to differentiate instruction for every child in her class, supporting their behavioral, emotional, and academic needs at every turn. Children love entering Miss Mamo’s classroom, and they work to grow as learners, if for no other reason but to make her proud. They care that she cares.

Beyond the classroom, Miss Mamo works with the Ewing Schools’ Project Unify, a socially inclusive club where students with and without disabilities collaborate to engage in activities including sports, leadership, and volunteer opportunities. She also volunteers with the Mercer County Special Olympics each year.

Mrs. Stacey Smart: Parkway Elementary Parkway Elementary School opened their doors and welcomed Mrs. Stacey Smart as a substitute teacher in 2011. It was a perfect fit! Mrs. Smart then became a full time Parkway Elementary School teacher the following year in 2012 never letting the door close behind her. Mrs. Smart received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary/Middle Level Education from the University of Wisconsin Platteville and earned her Master of Education in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Jones International University.

Mrs. Smart began her journey as an educator halfway around the world in Singapore. Her husband was transferred there shortly after they married for work. During the six years they lived in Singapore, she primarily taught fourth grade. Mrs. Smart shared it was an amazing experience to teach so many students from different nationalities, cultures, and traditions.

Mrs. Smart embodies all of the traits and characteristics of a highly effective educator. She is passionate about the success of her students. Stacey frequently gives up her lunch time to work with struggling students who need additional support with the concepts and skills she teaches. She strives to maintain consistently high academic rigor in her classroom and holds her students to extremely high standards. Students leave Mrs. Smart’s classroom having gained deep exposure to the 4th grade content areas.

Please visit our district website to learn more about these outstanding educators.

Mr. Jason Ballek: Ewing High School

FMS Teacher Brings Wash and Learn Initiative to Ewing Children

Fisher Middle School teacher Jesse Ambriz was so inspired by the success of his first initiative and project, the FMS Holiday Book Drive, he is now bringing his second community outreach project to the children of Ewing, the Wash and Learn Initiative through Libraries Without Borders.

In honor of NEA's 'Read Across America Day', Mr. Ambriz is organizing a 'Read Across Ewing' community event at the Laundry Depot on Saturday, March 4th from 10:00AM to noon. There will be a literacy station and Mr. Abriz will be handing out over 800 books. There will also be other organizations setting up stations to educate families and provide other giveaways. There might even be a special guest reader or two!

Ewing’s First Winter Games Trip is a Blizzard of Success!

Senior Spotlight: Meet Sydney Smith

It is March of senior year, time goes by quick, what are you most looking forward to these last few months at Ewing High School? What I'm most looking forward to as our senior year quickly begins to wrap up, has to be my final spring track season, prom, and graduation. I have so many goals I have yet to accomplish, and many of them coincide with my spring track season. The job’s not quite finished yet!

I am also extremely excited for prom! Ever since I was a little girl, I always had two rules, both my prom and wedding had to be perfect! Finally, I am most excited to be able to end this long journey with some of my closest friends, and cherish memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Who is your favorite teacher or coach/music director and why? There are so many teachers, coaches and more who have played a key role in my high school career. I’d have to say that Monty (jumping coach) and Pedersen (soccer coach) have had some of the greatest impacts on me. They believed/continue to believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself.

Can you tell us a little bit about the college course you are taking this semester? For my last semester of high school, I decided to take a college course through Mercer County Community College entitled “Mass Media”. Since I want to become a publicist, a major part of the job is understanding the world of media and how it influences our society.

What awards or acknowledgements have you received in school or outside of school? I was this year's homecoming queen. During the fall of my senior year I was Ewing High’s recipient for the Mercer 33 award. I was also selected for the CVC’s second team as a forward for being one of the leading offensive players as well as was the leading Varsity soccer scorer for all four years. I was also the sectional champion for triple jump my junior year (and hope to get it this year)! I have recently been nominated for the 2023 National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NAGWS).

Who or what has impacted your life in a positive way? To say that my mother has been one of the major influences in my life, would be an understatement! Besides the fact that she gave me life, she has done nothing but support me and be there for me through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

How do you define success? What does success mean to me? Success to me means that I can reach the goals I set for myself despite the struggles and stress involved to get to that point. Looking at the situations that could have derailed me during my high school years, I was determined to push through and accomplish my goals. Being happy and at peace with my decisions and enjoying this chapter of life is success to me.

For the first time in the program’s history, Ewing’s Special Olympics program sent a team of athletes to compete in the Special Olympics of New Jersey’s Winter Games held in Vernon, New Jersey. Twelve students representing all of the schools trained throughout the winter to compete in snowshoeing events including the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, the 4 x 100 meter relay, and the 4 x 100 meter Unified relay. This was the first time the athletes even put on snowshoes but the students practiced hard and found success quickly.

What activities do you participate in school? I am the Captain of the Girls Varsity Soccer team, a leader in Spring Track and Field, and the Basketball Manager for our Girls Basketball team. I am also a member of our school's National Honor Society and am a Peer Leader. I was a part of our school's marching band, and was the Senior Drum Major, as well as a member of the high school's jazz band. Finally, I am a member of the pit orchestra for the musical.

Ewing’s athletes did not know what to expect when snowshoeing was first introduced, but after practicing hard all winter the students were ready to compete and earned many medals. This effort helped every student feel like a champion while teaching students the principles of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

Where do you see yourself in ten years from now? I’d have to say I’m a dreamer, so in ten years I see myself with a college bachelor’s degree and maybe even a Master’s degree. I see myself as a distinguished Publicist working for a lucrative firm with dreams of establishing my own. I also see myself living somewhere fairly warm, with a husky and my bird Simon.

What is your favorite quote? “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”- Maya Angelou

The Ewing Public Schools

March 2023 Schedule in Ewing Schools

Mar 1 Early Dismissal Grades Kindergarten-8th (Parent Conferences)

NO AM Integrated Preschool (Elementary Schools)

EHS - Musical Aida Senior Citizen Show @ 6pm

Antheil - PTO Spring Book Fair

Mar 2 Antheil - Literary Festival @ 6pm

Antheil - PTO Spring Book Fair

EHS - Musical Aida @ 7:30pm

Mar 3 EHS - Musical Aida @ 7:30pm

Antheil - PTO Spring Book Fair

EHS - S2 T1 Q1 Parent Progress Reports

FMS & Elementary Schools - 3rd Marking Period Progress Reports

Mar 4 EHS - Musical Aida 2pm & 3:30pm

‘Read Across Ewing’ Community Event @ The Laundry Depot 10am-12pm

Mar 6-10 Parkway - PTA Spring Book Fair

Mar 8 Athletic Office Event: Winter Sports Award Night @ 6:30pm

Antheil & Parkway - Spring Picture Day

Mar 9 Parkway - STEM Title I Family Night @ 6:30pm

Antheil - PTO Meeting @ 6:30pm

Mar 14 FMS - Parents’ Association Meeting @ 6:45pm

Mar 16 Parkway - PTA Virtual Meeting @ 7pm

Mar 20-24 Lore - LPA Spring Book Fair

Mar 20 Board of Education Meeting - 6pm @ FMS (Public Session 7pm)

Mar 23 Lore - Title I Literary Night @ 6:30pm

Mar 29 FMS - 5th Grade Parent Orientation @ 6:30pm

Mar 30 Substance Use & Youth (K-12) Counseling Event @ 6:30pm

2023 Ewing Township Board of Education

In December 2022, the Stay In To Win TCNJ Mentor Group focused on the importance of collaboration and communication. The boys worked on an activity called the “Magic Carpet.” The students had to flip over the carpet while standing on it. The boys were successful with the activity along with communicating what needed to be done and respecting all group members’ ideas. Thanks to the Ewing Public Education Foundation (EPEF), the Stay In to Win Group meets once a month and provides male middle school students with the chance to work with TCNJ Basketball players on leadership and decision-making skills.

Jennifer Citarella MA, LPC

7th Grade Counselor • 609-538-9800 X3114

These grants could not be possible without the continued generosity and support through personal donations from individuals like you as well as corporate donors. Please visit us at www.epef.org for information on how to make a donation so we can continue our mission in supporting our students in the Ewing Public Schools.

Thank you, EPEF Trustees

Mrs. Deborah A. Delutis, Mr. Michael S. Miller, President Vice President

Mr. Daniel L. Angebranndt

Dr. Channing C. Conway

Mrs. Nicole NW Harris

Ms. Sandra L. Herrington

Ms. Lisa A. McConnell

Mr. Anthony F. Messina

Mrs. Jennifer L. Miller

For questions or information, please contact the Superintendent's Office:

609-538-9800 ext. 1102 thullings@ewingboe.org

www.ewing.k12.nj.us

Design and Layout by Daniella Crescente GoodNews is an official publication of The Ewing Public Schools. ©2023 GoodNews

this season, the Devils blitzed Hightstown early and took a 53-26 victory in the finals.

On Feb. 20, top-seeded Ewing embarked on what it hopes will be a journey to its first state title since 1999 when it began NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III play against Middletown North on Feb. 20.

But for one night, at least, they wanted to enjoy making history, as it marked the first time Ewing girls basketball won back-to-back MCT titles.

“It’s ‘herstory,’ I love it,” coach Dan “Monty” Montferrat said. “These girls may not know the full history of everything that’s gone on at Ewing but they’re very aware of the tradition that is Ewing basketball. They’ve come up through it in the rec leagues, they’re involved in it, they volunteer their time with the younger kids so they see it. It’s infectious and when you can do something that special with this group, it makes you speechless. It’s really cool.” Speechless? Well, Joi Johnson, one of four junior starters on the team (along with one sophomore), wasn’t at a loss for words.

“This has never been done before in Ewing history; so for us to be so young and making history every year with

every game, it’s a very big thing for us,” Johnson said. “We take pride in winning, no matter what game, no matter where, no matter what. A win is a win and we take pride in winning every game.”

Entering the states, Ewing (24-3) had won all but three, and its losses came against state-ranked teams. If anyone

thought the Devils were apathetic about winning another MCT after doing it last year, those thoughts disappeared after Ewing ran to a 14-0 lead against Hightstown and built on it from there.

Te’Yala Delfosse earned Most Valuable Player honors after collecting 27 points and 10 rebounds in the final.

“It feels amazing,” she said while clutching the trophy. “It just shows how much I’ve been working, and makes me want to keep working to keep my confidence and boost my confidence.”

Delfosse is one of three Division I recruits in the lineup along with John-

See CHAMPS, Page 12

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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.

The Blue Devils girls’ basketball team beat Hightstown by a score of 53-26 on Feb. 16, 2023 at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton to win their second straight Mercer County Championship. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

CHAMPS continued from Page 11

son and Rhian Stokes. Those three, along with junior Shawnae Biggs, have been looking forward to this type of success for a long time.

“Our chemistry is what makes us special,” said Stokes, a New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. “We’ve been playing together for a very long time. We know each other and know how each other plays. I’m proud of us. We’re doing our thing.”

Delfosse concurred; for when asked what put this team ahead of all others, she said, “The bond. The connection we have on the court every game. Our connection just gets stronger. That’s the best thing about us.”

That connection didn’t just happen by accident. Stokes and Johnson have been together since Ewing travel ball in second grade, and Biggs and Delfosse joined them along the way. The lure of going to a non-public school was always present; but the quartet remained united.

“The four of us, we actually talked to each other in middle school, in seventh grade.” Delfosse said. “We said ‘We gotta stick together, we gotta go to the same school. This bond is too strong. We can really wreck it on the floor with this bond.”

The CVC was indeed wrecked against the Blue Devils, who outscored their conference foes by an average of 39 points in 16 games. But Monferrat knew that to get his team toughened for a state run, it had to play strong outside foes.

Ewing’s losses came to SJV, Rutgers Prep and St. Rose, ranked 1st, 3rd and 15th in New Jersey entering states. The Devils have wins over Top-20 ranked Manasquan, Union City and St. Thomas Aquinas. They entered state play ranked No. 7 in the state and were the No. 1

ranked public school team.

Despite their success over the last two years, Stokes says “We definitely live with a chip on our shoulder,” when it comes to playing other ranked teams.

Johnson backed that statement up emphatically.

“We’re always looking to better ourselves; and one thing about our team, we go into every game knowing we’re the underdog; Knowing that some people don’t know who Ewing High is,” she said. “We come into every game knowing we have something to prove. With these bigger tougher games coming up, we just want to prove ourselves even more. We want the test, that’s what we’re here for. We want to test ourselves and we want to win. So these (upcoming state) games are really important.”

Ewing definitely has the weapons to go to war with.

Delfosse has already been offered scholarships by seven Division I schools with more to come, Stokes has been offered by eight D-I programs and Johnson is starting to receive ample D-I interest. Biggs is a soccer player at heart but is always in the middle of plays that make a difference on both ends of the court.

Sophomore Kyla Durham is the fifth starter and averages 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. Malayah Miller, CeeCee Brown-U pshur and Taylor Williams provide a strong bench.

It’s a group that lives for the game, and for the MCT championships it wins.

“As a team we’ve been working so hard in these practices, day and night,” Delfosse said. “After practices, staying another hour it just feels amazing for us and our team as hard as we worked to achieve this again.”

Ewing’s work ethic is reflected at the

defensive end of the floor, where the Blue Devils take no prisoners. It was a philosophy Montferrat has lived by since playing under “Doctor” Don Hess at Hightstown High School.

“That’s just a culture thing for me,” Monty said. “Coming up and playing it was always ‘Defense, defense, defense.’ When I got into coaching it was something I always wanted to hang my hat on.

When I had a program I wanted to create that culture of defense around the clock because defense wins championships. We’ve proven that formula to be very successful so far.”

What makes it easier to instill that culture is that the players actually want to play defense. That’s sometimes hard to get a young, offensive-minded star to do.

“Defense wins games and that’s what we go by every single time,” Johnson said. “Shawnae is our defensive threat, our defense feeds off her. We come in knowing that our defense is what stops team. If we play good defense it’s a win.”

The Devils realize they must up their defensive intensity as they try to defend their sectional championship and get to the Group III state final after losing by four points to Mainland in last year’s semifinal.

“That was one of our only (two) losses the whole season,” Johnson said. “It showed us how tough a loss can be; especially when you’re in the game and it’s taken from you like that. That loss fueled us (in the off-season) and we’re coming in stronger than ever because we want that state championship after what happened last year. We’re coming for everything.”

Delfosse added that the loss “stuck with us for a long time. People remind us during practice, saying ‘Look you all gotta work hard, you all lost by four. At first we wanted to forget about it, but we said ‘You

know what, let’s use this to fuel us for states so we could dominate.’”

They have dominated for the most part, and will attempt to continue to do so as the stakes get higher. Montferrat prepared his team for the grind with a grueling non-conference schedule. He takes pride that his girls “wear that hard-working Ewing mentality every single day.”

Stokes summed up what needs to be done fairly succinctly.

“The goal is just to do us,” she said. “Everytime we come out on the court, we’re just gonna keep doing us all the time.”

And just what is “us”?

“We come out hard, we come out strong,” she said. “We just play Ewing basketball.”

And these days “Ewing basketball” is a pretty intimidating term.

Te’Yala Delfosse shows off her Mercer County Tournament MVP trophy.

Salon manager opens new shop after franchise closure

By Joe Emanski

’Twas the week before Christmas when a local salon manager learned that the shop she managed would soon be shuttered, and she and her staff let go.

The franchise owners of Great Clips in Clover Mall met with manager Corinne Dziesiuta in mid-December to let her know that they planned to close the store. Dziesiuta surprised herself by deciding to start a new business and keep the doors open, preserving three jobs in the process — including her own.

“When they told me that they were forgoing their security (deposit) and leaving everything behind, I said, ‘Can I have the landlord’s number?’ It was so spontaneous. There was no thinking process really. When the girls came in to work that morning, I told them what I was thinking.”

“The girls,” A.K.A. stylists Natalie Reszler and Linda Colon, said they were on board. That morning, they all started talking to customers to get their feedback. “They said, ‘Yeah, we come here for you guys, not because it’s a Great Clips,’” Dzie-

siuta says. “They were super supportive. So later that day, I called the landlord.”

Dziesiuta, a Trenton native and Ewing resident, came up with a name for the new business, incorporated a new limited liability corporation and agreed with the landlord on a new leasing agreement. Great Clips closed on Dec. 28, and by Jan. 2, the new Jersey Style Hair Studio was open.

She made every effort to minimize downtime because she figured that customers who stopped by while the lights were out might be lost forever. She had to erase every sign and symbol that indicated that it had been a Great Clips shop before she reopened, starting with the storefront.

She went to Future Signs on Bow Hill Avenue “in tears” to see if they could make her a new sign. “Even though it was right around the holidays, they were so supportive and accommodating,” she says. “The store closed on a Wednesday, and they made sure they were here that Thursday putting the new sign up.”

Dziesiuta enlisted friends and family to help clean, repaint and redecorate the store in preparation for reopening. She

decided to offer all the same services as before at the same prices.

Response from customers has been amazing, she says. “I was so worried, because we only had that one week to relay to customers that this was happening,” she says. “But now customers come in, they see that it’s the same staff, so they are super supportive. New customers, old

customers, the support and the love has been amazing and I can’t be more grateful for that.”

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jersey Style Hair Studio, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton. Phone: (609) 631-7474. Web: jerseystylehairstudio.com.

Linda Colon, owner Corinne Dziesiuta and Natalie Reszler of Jersey Style Hair Studio.

thanks or to support our Emergency Response

Screening can prevent colorectal cancer or detect it at a treatable

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 is colonoscopy, in which a flexible, tube 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.

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

CHRISTINE M. STORIE

“Not

cstorie@communitynews.org

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.

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

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.

MONDAYS

Senior Corner

March 2023

ALL PROGRAMS HELD AT HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER, 320 HOLLOWBROOK DRIVE

10:00 AM Exercise- Karen Martin

NOON Tech/Trends For Seniors 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month

1:00 PM Jewelry/Craft-Anne’s

TUESDAYS

10:00 AM Exercise- Karen Martin

12:30 PM Bible Study

12:30 PM Bingo

1:00 PM Senior Scholars

WEDNESDAYS

9:30 AM Knitting/Crochet

11:00 AM Chair Yoga- Lisa Caruso

1:00 PM Mexican Train

10:30-1 PM Water Color - Ally Lyons Mercer County Library– Ewing Branch

2:00 PM Mahjongg - Christine Kamph (Beginners Class Starts 3/8/23- $15 card Call Senior Dept to Register)

THURSDAYS

10:00 AM Exercise - Karen Martin

1:00 PM Pinochle - Mercer County Library– Ewing Branch

1:00 PM Rummikub

1:00 Balance Class - Bob Kirby

1:00 Bid Whist

1:30 Learn Chrome/OS

FRIDAYS

9:30 AM Line Dancing– Joanne Keephart

12:30 PM Circuit Training– Jeff Prunetti ( $5 session)

SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION (SCAC): 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, General Body 10:00 AM, Meeting is open to the public.

Live Wires—11 AM ( 2ND Thursday of the month) RM# 201-202

Busy C’s—11 AM ( 3RD Tuesday of the month) RM# 201-202

Club D—11 AM (1st Thursday of the month) RM# 201-202

HB Seniors—1 PM (2ND Friday of the month) RM# 201-202

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM (03/24 ): Featuring the taste of the “British Isle.” Noon-2:00 PM. $8 PP/$13 Couple. Tickets available Hollowbrook Community Center (M-F 8:30-4:30pm)

MERCER COUNTY NUTRITION: Seniors 60 and older or anyone married to a person 60 and older is welcome to participate in the nutrition program. The program is located at Hollowbrook Community Center. A person is asked to donate a $1. Your donation is confidential. A delicious balance meal is served. Contact Ms. Wanda (609) 883-4150.

REGISTER FOR ALL PROGRAMS: HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY

CENTER 2nd Floor Rm# 207 Senior Office

QUESTIONS: 609-883-1776

Senior Corner is paid content by Ewing Township.

Every day is now Saturday

ILENE BLACK BETTING ON BLACK

I have entered into a new galaxy. A new reality. A new step on the ladder of life. A sea change. A quantum leap. A transfiguration. A sort of remodeling. In short (and in plain English), I am officially retired.

Many people have asked me, “So what are you going to do now?” I have answered, “Oh, I’m not sure yet.” The truthful answer is actually, “Whatever the heck I want.” If I want to stay up till 2 in the morning watching funny videos on my phone, I’m gonna do that. If I want to go shopping, I’m doing it. If I want to meet friends for lunch or breakfast, guess what? I’m doing it.

I have plans to do major reorganization in our house. At the time of writing this piece, it has been 13 days since I retired. So far, I’ve cleaned out our junk drawer (everyone has one of these, right?) and purged my underwear and sock drawer. The list of things to purge and reorganize is a bit intimidating so I’m taking my time and pacing myself (Synonym: procrastinating).

I had been working from home since March 2020. Our “man cave” had to be transformed into my office. The first (productive) thing I did after I retired is to clear that room out and reorganize it. Not an easy task but so satisfying when it was done. I also have to clean out and organize my craft room. This is daunting. My craft room is frightening. Messy, little room to walk. So, THAT will be a major undertaking. I have a feeling that a column

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about this endeavor may be in my future. One of the best things about being retired is, NO MORE ALARM CLOCK! I had begun to physically despise that alarm in the morning. I would get up to turn it off, all the while rolling my eyes and sighing heavily. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my job with the presbytery. I loved the people, the work, just about everything about it. But being forced to get up early became torture for me over the past few months and I was OVER IT!

There were two things that made me decide to retire. Well, three if you consider my advanced age!

The first one is health reasons. The second one is the realization that time doesn’t wait, that things can change on a dime, and I wanted time to do what I wanted to do. I debated with myself for a short time, but in the end, I made the leap. Do I miss my job? Not yet! I’ll always miss the people. They were the best part of my job. 25-plus years ago I met my co-worker Cathie and now this woman is closer to me than a sister. We have been through so much together; graduations, weddings, family parties, funerals, grandchildren, relocating, illnesses….the list is endless. Cathie is my Number One gift from the presbytery.

If my dad was alive, he’d be thrilled that I retired. If my mom was alive she’d immediately present me with a list of places she wanted me to drive her to. My husband and our three kids are very happy. They took me out to dinner to Firkin Tavern (my choice) to celebrate and at one point, I exclaimed loudly (probably too loudly), “I can stay up late tonight!”

I can remember when my paternal grandmother retired. She worked for years at Goodall Rubber on Whitehead Road. She used to give us drumsticks from the factory. Goodall made the plastic tips. Unfortunately no one played the drums but they came in handy when I wanted to poke my brothers.

Anyway, I remember that she spent a lot of time in the kitchen making pickles and jellies and canning tomatoes and all kinds of stuff. Be assured that I will not be doing that.

I’m not sure I’m qualified to make any profound statements about retiring since it hasn’t been two weeks, but I’m going to do it anyway: Retiring is a gift that not everyone gets to unwrap. So if it’s possible for you to do it, take the leap. It’s worth it.

Ilene Black has been a resident of Ewing for most of her life and lives across the street from her childhood home. She and her husband, George, have two sons, Georgie and Donnie.

A life of grace

HELEN KULL

This month’s column was going to continue the series along the Delaware. But when I learned of the recent passing of Grace Starrett, I decided to devote this column to the life of this extraordinary life-long Ewing resident.

I first knew of Mrs. Starrett as a teacher in the Ewing School system, but I got to know her a bit more through our common involvement in the Ewing Historical Society. I then had the fortune of interviewing her for some “Then and Now” columns back in 2016, and immediately recognized the depth of her love for Ewing, and the simple yet very involved life she happily enjoyed here.

Grace Clee Starrett was born in 1931, the granddaughter of Gustave DeGrave, one of the quarry owners along the canal in the late 19th/early 20th century. They lived in the “big farmhouse” now known as “Hill’s Hollow,” on Wilburtha Road. Of living in Wilburtha, she told me:

“There were a lot of children my age in Wilburtha, and we had a wonderful time growing up together, and playing together. We each had our own special tree to climb. There were cornfields and meadows below, and we’d play Hide and Seek and all sorts of games. In the winter, the pond would freeze solid, and we would ice skate there, and the big boys would play ice hockey. We girls had our favorite dolls, and we’d play dolls together.

“We kids loved to wave to the conductors on the Belvidere and Delaware trains, both passenger and freight, that went by on the tracks along the canal (now the D&R towpath). Often in the early 30s during the Depression, men hitching a ride on the trains would come to Grandfather’s door, asking for a place in the barn to spend the night. I also recall making sandwiches for these genuinely nice men, for which they were always so grateful.

“We didn’t have running water in the house—and to this day, I don’t waste water, or anything else for that matter! When you have to hand pump all your water, you learn to use it sparingly. Out in the back we had a privy, and Mother would take care of the chamber pots in the

house. I didn’t know any differently, and didn’t feel “needy” in any way.

“All of us children had chores around the house and farm. We sold tomatoes, fresh corn and vegetables from a farm stand out front on River Road, at Nicholson’s Store in Trenton, and sometimes at a farmer’s market near where Thunder Park is today. We also had time to play—Chinese checkers, cards, puppets, rhyming games. We read books, did creative writing, and the family made music around the piano and pump organ.

“There was only one telephone in Wilburtha. It was in our house, because of Grandfather’s quarry business, which was extra income over and above that from Grandfather’s 40-plus acre farm. Any messages for Grandfather had to be run up the hill, or to wherever Grandfather was.

“We were very involved in 4-H, in the “Wilburtha Willing Workers” group. We learned sewing and canning, and I did a lot of sewing. I even made my wedding dress and my daughter’s. And my Grandmother taught me my love of plants, which gives me joy to this day.”

It will come as no surprise then that Grace was active in the West Trenton Garden Club, the Garden Club of NJ, and the Township Historic Preservation Society.

The skills learned in 4-H lasted a lifetime, and gave her pleasure in sewing, needlework and craft projects. A graduate of NJ State Teachers College (now TCNJ), she taught school children for over 30 years in Ewing, and was named “Teacher of the Year” in 1990. She served in an internship with Colonial Williamsburg, and volunteered with the Children’s Home Society of NJ.

Grace was simply a delight to spend time with and learn from. She was kind, knowledgeable, generous, creative and industrious. She was, in fact, the epitome of “grace”: full of elegance, honor, goodwill—and a blessing to all. A life supremely well lived! Thank you, Grace.

NOTE: March 12 at 2 pm, local author Larry Kidder will speak at the Temple House on the Carlisle Indian School students who lived with Ewing families between 1885 and 1915. See information elsewhere in this paper for details.

Ewing Recreation

March 2022

The Ewing Recreation Department is offering a 5% discount for all money paid on or before

Monday, April 10 for the Summer Day Camp or Teen Travel Camp and a $25 early registration discount on purchasing a seasonal pool system pass.

The Ewing Community Pools System offers two pools for seasonal members and daily patrons. The Hollowbrook Pool located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive, is scheduled to open on weekends & Memorial Day on Sunday, May 28th. Operating hours are Sunday – Friday 12:00pm – 8:00pm. Saturdays can be rented for private events, email Raquel at rince@ ewingnj.org to schedule an event. The ESCC pool will open on weekends & Memorial Day starting Saturday, May 27 and both pools will open full time starting on Monday, June 19 from 12:00 noon – 8:00pm. Swim lessons start with evaluations on Saturday, June17th and space is limited. Senior Swim and Senior Water Aerobics are offered and will start on Monday, June 19, seniors register at the Senior Office for these programs. Online registration for seasonal memberships, swim lessons and Senior Swim/Water Aerobics is required at communitypass.net.

The Ewing Recreation Summer Camp will run from June 26 – August 25 for grades K – 5 and is held on the grounds of the Fisher School and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). Hours are from 8:30 – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Early hours are from 7:30-8: 30am and late hours are from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Online registration is required at communitypass.net. Teen Travel will be for grades 6 – 8

and run from July 5 – August 11. The camp will travel 4 days a week and stay in Ewing the other day. Campers can participate in day camp on weeks Teen Travel is not being held.

Ewing Recreation Department is taking applications for picnic area permits at the following parks, John Watson on Upper Ferry Rd., Banchoff on Mt. View Rd., Higgs Park on Summerset St., Betor Park behind the Municipal building. Email Nancy at npappano@ewingnj. org or contact the office for more information or to reserve a date. The ESCC camp picnic area will be closed for use this season.

If you want to work for Ewing Recreation Department this summer go to ewingnj.org, departments, Human Resources and apply soon.

Ewing Girls’ Softball is taking online registration at ewinggirlssoftball.com.

Ewing Little League: All information about the league can be found at ewingbaseball. leagueapps.com.

Ewing Hopewell Babe Ruth Baseball, ages 13 – 15, is taking online registration at hvbsa. org.

The ESCC, 883-1776x2 and Hollowbrook Community Center, 883-1199 have rooms available for rent for small groups to large parties. Kitchen facilities are available.

For more information on these or any other programs you can contact the Recreation Office at (609) 883-1776, online at www. ewingnj.org/communityaffairs. The Recreation Office is located at Hollowbrook CC and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. The Ewing Recreation column is paid content provided by Ewing Township.

Helen Kull serves as an advisor for the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.

Grace (Starrett) was simply a delight to spend time with and learn from.