3-23 RA

Page 38

BY RICH FISHER

Evan Bunnell was never really a down-in-the-dirt guy until he got to Robbinsville High School and was coerced into joining the Agriculture Club with some of his basketball teammates. Bunnell lives on the east side of Route 130, where open space and farmland is prevalent.

“Some of the upperclassmen in the program and I started to think about the Agriculture Club. Recently we decided we wanted to pick things up. We’re considering a school garden, now we just have to get it by the administration.”

One thing is certain. If Bunnell can get that garden to grow in the same way he has gotten his game to grow, the Agriculture Club will have a veritable Longwood Gardens on its hands.

See BUNNELL, Page 17

Jordan Baker (left), Black Culture Club President Lebron Rose and Nana Appiah celebrate Black History Month at Robbinsville High School.

Mayor Dave Fried

BY BILL SANSERVINO

For the first time in the history of the township, Robbinsville residents rejected a request by the township to increase funds for open space acquisition.

EDITED BY BILL SANSERVINO

High School senior, is one example.

Wright spoke about Berry during a research presentation at the school’s Black History Month Festival, noting Berry’s significant contributions to public health and civil rights in the 20th century.

figures in the fields of education, politics, art, music, business and medicine.

Wright said the school’s festival, held on Feb. 2, shined light on Black culture for the broader Robbinsville community.

The 18-year-old was among numerous students who showcased their research on Black historical

“Black culture is excellence. Black culture is intelligence. Black

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In the past, Robbinsville open space tax referendums have been approved by a comfortable margin.

By comparison, voters approved a 1.5-cent open space tax increase by a vote of 4,609 to 2,457. The purpose of that referendum was help

See OPEN SPACE, Page 9

Bunnell grows into a top scorer RHS holds annual Black History Month festival Complete Dentistry for the Whole Family See our ad on page 9

Advance Advance Robbinsvill e MARCH 2023 FREE COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG See AROUND TOWN, Page 4
talks about the town’s plans for open space following referendum failure
The future of open space CHILDREN & ADULTS Academy Dental AcademyDentalNJ.com Currently Open for Emergency Dental Care
Dr. Leonidas Harris Berry was a Black physician who pioneered gastroenterology, the branch of medicine concerned with the digestive system, whose tireless work has inspired generations of African American students.
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March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance3

culture is power,” Wright said. “There’s so many definitions to Black culture. It’s hard to define it as just one thing. I think that’s really the beauty of Black culture.”

Held every February, Black History Month is an annual opportunity to reflect on the history of the African American experience and to celebrate the achievements and promise of Black people throughout the country.

Members of the school’s Black Culture Club organized the festival. The club is an open space for Black and non-Black students to learn about Black culture and its history.

In addition to the research presentations, local and regional Black-owned businesses sold arts and crafts and served soul food like collard greens, candied yams, chicken and macaroni and cheese. There was also a DJ and the school’s jazz band performed.

Club members helped decorate the festival space and served as greeters, while Wright sold products from his own clothing brand, “Stay True.”

The club provides educational opportunities for all students to explore Black culture and its history throughout the year. Last year, club members traveled to Montclair State University to see an art exhibit and visited the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The club plans to visit the Apollo

Theater in New York City later this year.

The club’s 75 members also held a day of service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by inviting kids served through the HomeFront social services agency to the school, where group members and their guests ate pizza and played games.

This was the festival’s first year and organizers say they intend to make it an annual event.

“Black History Month is important because it highlights the significance of Black culture, contributions by Black people, inventors and creators,” Black Culture Club co-advisor Donald Estrada said. “It’s a very important part of the year for us.”

Students who attended the festival said they appreciated how it fostered a sense of togetherness. Senior Sahil Patil, who is of Indian ethnicity, said he was drawn to the gathering to learn about another culture and to spend time with friends.

“It’s a really good learning experience to diversify myself,” Patil said. “Going to these events, you can understand your friends more and connect with them at a deeper level.”

To be sure, the festival has pedagogical utility: Teacher Cameron Williams, who coadvises the club, said the process of organizing the event shows students the value of planning, following that plan and seeing it come to fruition.

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But more importantly, Williams said, the festival was simply a way to celebrate community.

“It was an event of love, showing how we love each other,” Williams said.

Betze reports on the state of Robbinsville Schools

The “State of the Schools” is strong, said Robbinsville Schools Superintendent Brian Betze during a recent report to the community about the school district’s priorities and focus for the future.

Betze detailed the ongoing growth of the suburban school district, which had only served students in grades K-8 prior to 2004. The district’s population now includes prekindergarten students through 12th grade, as the three Robbinsville schools continue to grow and evolve, reflecting the changing demographics of the township.

Over the past 12 years, total enrollment has increased by 310 students to 3,092 for the 2022-23 school year. The largest class size is the Class of ’23, with 273 students. The lowest class is kindergarten, with 144 students.

The Robbinsville schools now have 430 employees, of whom 296 are certified staff, 41 are instructional assistants and the remainder comprise the administration, assistants and other individuals who make

the district run efficiently, such as bus drivers and maintenance staff.

Betze said school officials are most pleased with student performance, as the Robbinsville schools rank among the top 20% in the state in terms of standardized testing. The high school has a 97.5% graduation rate, with 96% of students enrolling in college, while others are attending technical school or entering the workforce.

“The focus of the Robbinsville schools is all about college and career readiness,” Betze said, noting the high school features 17 advanced placement courses, robotics and technology offerings and a dual enrollment program with Mercer County Community College, where Robbinsville has the only high school students on the West Windsor campus.

Per-pupil spending for the 2021-22 school year was $14,836 for the Robbinsville schools, compared with the state average of $18,208.

Betze said the school district also offers a nurturing staff, with counselors and clinicians focused on social and emotional learning, mental health and a gifted and talented program. There are also numerous educational and transitional services for students with disabilities, such as the SOAR program that provides real-life job training both on and offsite.

See AROUND TOWN, Page 7

Advance Advance Robbinsvill e

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Robbinsville Advance 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

Rich Fisher

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

***** SENIOR CITIZENS *****

Weekday Savings at e Barber Shop of Hamilton, from 9am until 1pm weekdays (Monday through Friday) receive our February-March savings promotion. Book through Booksy or call 609-586-6029 to schedule your appointment service or walk in between 9am and 1pm. From now to March 15th take $5.00 OFF your Senior Haircut Service at e Barber Shop of Hamilton

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AROUND TOWN cont. from Page 1 An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC. © Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect Community News Ser-
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You’re only 45. You still need a colon cancer screening.

Along with eating healthy and regular exercise, your best bet for good colon health is to get a colon cancer screening. Individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45. Individuals at higher risk should speak to their doctor about getting screened sooner. Regular screening can detect and prevent colorectal cancer in its earliest stages, which is when the cancer is most treatable. Should your screening indicate the need for treatment, we offer the latest options, from complex surgical procedures and radiation therapy to clinical trials and precision medicine. The best screening is the one that gets completed, so schedule yours now at rwjbh.org/colonscreening

Let’s beat cancer together. Let’s beat cancer together.

6  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023
NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Community Forum Robbinsville to host robotics competition

County history will be made this March as our very own Robbinsville High School hosts a FIRST Robotics Competition District Event. This inaugural event is especially monumental for FRC Team 2590, Nemesis. We are all students of RHS who dedicate numerous nights and weekends to create an award-winning robot while using our resources to make a positive impact on our community.

We have several smaller teams within our two main subteams, build and business, who work on specialized tasks, but everyone has the same goal in mind: success at competitions. This nearly seventy people team, not including our devoted mentors, sponsors and parents, cannot function without each and every subteam.

Within the last FRC competition season alone, Nemesis won the Seneca District Event and the FIRST MidAtlantic Regional event. Our team also had the honor of being awarded with the Engineering Award at the district and regional levels. A moment that we will surely never forget was winning the

AROUND TOWN cont. from Page 4

“Extracurricular activities also provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom,” Betze said. “We offer students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, which is all part of a well-rounded education.”

He noted that 677 students participate in high school clubs, such as the robotics program that is hosting a national competition in March, extensive performing arts and visual arts offerings and athletic programs that continually win league and state championships.

Looking forward, the school district has launched a five-year strategic plan process, to be completed by June, involving 109 community volunteers in a series of meetings. The first meeting, comprising parents, residents, school staff and 10 students, held its first meeting on January 31.

There are also capital improvement needs that will be addressed, such as classroom upgrades, new security features, parking lot paving, energy-efficient upgrades, HVAC repairs, high school auditorium updates and even changing the logo on the high school football field.

“In closing, I am very proud to say the

Entrepreneurship Award in Houston, Texas at the FIRST Worlds Competition.

On March 18-19, the team will display not only our hometown team’s progress, but also of the efforts, design, and creativity of many teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region. You have the opportunity to partake in this historical event, not only as a spectator, but as a volunteer! It takes the help of many allies including judges, field assembly/disassembly helpers, referees and many other positions for volunteers.

By briefly visiting our team’s website (frc2590.org) or our social pages (@ frc2590) you can find flyers with further information on the event itself and on how to sign up to volunteer.

In Robbinsville, the high school robotics team continues to foster and encourage STEM opportunities for our youth and are excited to participate in this new way with the FIRST community. Nemesis is incredibly proud of being part of this land-mark event and hopes to see you at the event!

state of our schools is very, very strong,” Betze said. “By continuing to work together, we will make the Robbinsville Public Schools the preeminent school system our children—and this community —deserves.”

During the “State of the Schools,” the superintendent also highlighted the recipients of the Superintendent’s Leadership Awards, presented at school board meetings to students, staff and community leaders who continually serve as role models. In addition, student council and executive council leaders were celebrated.

Robbinsville High School to presents ‘Pippin’

The entire community is invited to see Pippin, presented by the music department at Robbinsville High School.

Shows are set at RHS for Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. The school is located at 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road.

Tickets are $8 for students, $12 for adults and $8 for seniors. It is the two-hour show, with a 15-minute intermission. Buy tickets online at tinyurl.com/pippin123.

March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance7
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fund the purchase and preservation of two properties encompassing more than 400 acres.

Robbinsville Advance editor Bill Sanservino recently sat down with Mayor Dave Fried to discuss issues impacting the township as it moves forward into the new year, including the future of the township’s open space program.

An edited version of that open space discussion is printed below. Other topics will be printed in future issues of the Advance.

Robbinsville Advance: What are your thoughts on why the open space referendum results turned out the way they did?

Mayor Dave Fried: So, you know, I frankly take a lot of responsibility for that on myself. We have passed our open space questions. They’ve easily passed. But, we’ve always identified property and there’s always been a property associated with that, and it’s difficult to get people to want to increase their taxes.

Typically if you’re going to have people want to reach into their wallet and increase their taxes, which is sort of a counter intuitive move, you need to give them a reason. And we really did not do a good job giving them a reason.

We did not identify which spaces we were looking at. We did not do a really good job explaining why those spaces would become residential, and we really didn’t do a good job of explaining why over time it actually saves you money.

I should have done a much better job of communicating exactly what spaces we were looking at and also the return on investment on that.

In the last election (prior to 2022) there was a group who was fighting us, so there was an ample opportunity for me to be constantly responding to and talking about the information that they were putting out there and why it wasn’t correct.

This year was very quiet. No one really understood what it was for, why it was happening, which spaces it included—so we needed to do a much better job of informing the residents and really explaining to them why this was a good idea.

I take full responsibility for that one. I should have really, really done a much better job communicating what we were doing and why we were doing it.

RA: Do you think the economic climate had anything to do it?

DF: 100%. You know, inflation is affecting everyone. Anybody who’s been to the store knows what’s going on. I mean, look, eggs are becoming more of a luxury item. If you’d told me that two years ago, I would have laughed at you. I mean, you’re really seeing people who are affected by the economy for sure.

I think 2 cents was probably also too much. We probably should have gone out for 1 penny, especially since I didn’t have the second property really ready for open space. It was more of a want than a need for the Lavender Farm.

Right now it’s an absolute need. We have gotten a petition together, and we’ve got a number of signatures from residents that would like us to go out again. We’ve also gotten a commitment from the county that they’ll actually commit to 40% of the purchase, which will bring the purchase price way down.

We could probably do this purchase, you know, for a penny. So I think we may consider going back out again. We’ve got to talk to the council about whether or not that makes sense, but I think we may go back out and ask the voters to do it again with a very specific piece of property in mind, knowing that the county is going to contribute.

And now when they realize that this property is in such proximity of so many other neighborhoods, this really is the center of quite a number of neighborhoods. I do think people will look at it a little bit in a different light.

RA: Would this be a referendum question next November or could you hold a special election?

DF: I always like to do it in November, because I feel like you get the largest portion of voters.

When you’re asking a question like this, I never take these things personally, even though I’ll take responsibility for not doing a good job communicating.

At the end of the day, it’s everyone else’s town. It’s really everyone’s decision whether we decide to do open space. It’s not something we have to do. It’s something we want to do. It’s a choice. So I don’t ever like to make those decisions willy nilly.

I really kind of want to get a feel for how everyone is feeling, and from that you get an answer. Whether this is or isn’t something that everyone wants to invest in. As it is now, Robbinsville has the highest open space tax in the county. However, we also have the most open space preserved of any town in the county, so you can see the direct correlation of that.

I also think we did a bad job explaining to people that we buy working farms and we rent them, which then creates income for the town. Our average payback on a piece of property is about five years, which if you think about that in terms of making your normal investment, it’s about a 20% return on your investment.

So for most people, if I said to them, Hey, you could you get a 20% return on your investment, most people would invest. And I didn’t do a good job really explaining that to the residents.

March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance9
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OPEN SPACE continued from Page 9

RA: What’s the specific property that you’re looking at right now?

DF: Right now I think our number one target would be the Lavender Farm on Tindall Road. I think now once the sign went up, people realized, oh, wait a minute, this is this is a property that really is in the middle of town.

It does affect everyone. It does touch quite a number of neighborhoods. It’s one of the last working larger farms that we have left. That and Wittenborn Farm (located on Robbinsville-Allentown Road, near the border with Allentown) are really the last two farms.

I know Ostrich Nursery (located on Pond Road) is also up for sale, so we may take a look at that as well. If we decide to go back out, we may look at the Lavender Farm and maybe Ostrich, which is also sort of in a close proximity of everyone else

in town. I do believe we might be able to do both if the county is willing to to work with us.

RA: As currently zoned, about how many houses would could get developed on that?

DF: About 10 houses, depending on the infrastructure and environmental issues? Probably about 20 kids (added to the school district).

RA: I’m not even sure what the cost to the school district per pupil is these days...

DF: Almost $15,000.

state, and they had to really work hard to make people realize that they’re putting the money out now, but in the long run it’s going to save millions of dollars, and you’re eliminating X number of schools kids from the district in perpetuity. Off the top of my head, I’m not sure what the math is in this case.

DF: At $15,000 for 20 kids, you’re looking at about $300,000 per year, give or take. And the property is about $1.5 million to purchase, which would be paid off in about 5 years. So you can quickly do the math. It really does make sense.

And then you take a look at all the soft costs, right? I don’t need to do trash collection. I don’t need to do policing. You just take in all the other things that we really never need to do and then you factor in the fact that we lease these properties back. Now they really make sense. And then add in the 40% contribution from the county, and now it really, really makes sense. So it takes our ROI sometimes down to three and a half years.

RA: And the landowner, or whoever, will continue to farm the property?

DF: Correct. And we have no shortage of farmers. Look, I mean we have vastly more farmers looking for property than there is property, and part of that is because there’s just so little of it left.

When you start thinking that through— and again, we talked earlier about food prices—the less farms we have, the more food prices we’re going to have. So, I mean, the fact that we still have these working farms are actually a benefit for everyone, right?

What we’re doing—growing soybeans— that’s what feeds the animals, which ultimately winds up coming back into our food supply. So all of this stuff is connected. The more working farms we have, the better off we’re going to be.

No farmer at this day and age can go out and buy a farm to actually do farming in Robbinsville, there’s just no way. There’s no set of economics where a farmer could make it buying land as valuable as it is in Robertsville. So without these open space programs, these farms for farmers would not exist.

alone that weren’t added to the school district every year.

DF: There is absolutely, positively no question that had we not been as aggressive as we’ve been with open space, we would have had to build another school.

If we had to build another school, you’d be looking at another $30 million in debt just to build the school and then you have to staff it. I mean, when you really start thinking that one through, there is no set of economics that doesn’t show that we have saved millions of dollars with our open space program. And the fact that we actually have farms is an added benefit, right? Because once they’re gone, they never come back.

RA: And I think farm activity and farmland areas help, in general, to raise the raise the housing values to some extent because you don’t have just an entire town with just houses.

DF: My background is in business, and when I look at an open space purchase, you hear me talk about ROI. I want to know what the payback is, why it makes sense. Show me the economics.

When I look at any business I always look at shareholder value. Am I returning value back to the shareholders. In a town that’s difficult to do, because everyone’s a stakeholder, but they’re really not shareholders.

However, you can look at—in a certain way—in home values. I know I’m doing a job well when people want to move in here, and when people want to move here, the home values are increasing.

When I took over as mayor, we had probably flat to stagnant home values. We had some of the fastest growing property taxes, but our home values were absolutely flat. We were one of the worst in the county. Today, as we sit here, only Princeton has the same return on property values as we have.

We used to benchmark ourselves against literally anyone in the county. Then we started with East Windsor. Then we started with Hopewell. Then West Windsor.

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RA: Yeah, they’d all be developed.

DF: Correct 100 percent.

RA: In general, how many houses do you think you stopped from being built through the open space tax?

DF: Oh, gosh. Since I’ve been mayor? Hundreds. For example, there would have around 300 just on Miry Run alone. We might be pushing a thousand by the time you take a look at, you know, what we’ve done out in Windsor—the Windsor farm.

RA: So you’re talking several thousand kids that weren’t added to the school district. That’s around $10 million in per pupil costs on that property

We have now exceeded Hopewell. We’ve exceeded West Windsor, and the only town in Mercer County that we now can benchmark ourselves to is Princeton. So if you really think that through, where we were to where we are now, it’s incredible that Princeton—which was light years ahead of us— is really now the town that we benchmark ourselves against.

RA: It always seemed to me that there’s a lot of residents who say, “We don’t want development in town anymore. We don’t want any more houses.” It seems to me like it’s only fair to say to them, “Okay, if you don’t want any more houses, then put your wallet where your mouth is.” Because

10  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023
RA: So it’s $15,000 multiplied by 20 kids. And that number never goes down, unlike the unlike the open space tax, which will go doen eventually. I covered West Windsor as a reporter back in the 1990s when they implemented what might have been one of the first open space taxes in the 2222 Route 33 Hamilton Township, NJ 08690 (609) 586-0062
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landowners do have a right to develop their properties So if you don’t want them to develop it and you can help pay for it.

DF: I call that the drawbridge mentality, right? You move in and then you’d like to pull up the drawbridge right after you moved in and then make sure that nobody else can.

So, yes, of course, people want that. But, you know, when you think about it, there’s two things that people really don’t like. One, they don’t like development.

The second thing that people instinctively hate are taxes, so asking them to try and do one thing that you hate to avoid the other thing you hate is really hard. It’s an emotional issue when you ask people, because in New Jersey, taxes are high. I mean, there’s just no getting around that.

So asking people to pay more when they already feel like they’re paying too much is difficult. You really do have to touch their emotions and say, “Okay, well, yes, we’re doing something we don’t like to avoid something we don’t like more,” but for me, it’s a resource.

Once this land is developed, we never get it back. We never get to do a mulligan. We never get to have a do

over. There’s no givebacks. Once the land is gone, it’s gone. I think generations from now, people are going to be really, really pleased with the decisions that we made here.

To think how much open space we have here in Robbinsville will be unusual compared to so many of our surrounding towns. I think it will continue to increase our property values and continue to make this one of the most desirable places to live.

Robbinsville Land Preservation Q&A

The following is an excerpt from a frequently asked questions statement released by Robbinsville Township regarding the situation with the open space tax and property acquisition as it stands in early 2023.

In an effort to better address some of the many questions surrounding the potential sale of Serenity Farms of Robbinsville (aka the Gafgen Family Farm; aka the Lavender Farm) please review the following Q&A.

Q: Why did the Township ask the voters to increase the Open Space Tax on the November 8, 2022 ballot?

A: The township asked for the 2-cent increase per every $100 of assessed value because it encourages community participation regarding these decisions.

This is not a municipal necessity, unlike public safety, trash collection and plowing streets. Robbinsville has the highest open space tax in Mercer County, but it also has preserved more open space than any other municipality since 2005. Robbinsville kept the municipal portion of your tax bill flat, or reduced it, in nine of the past 10 years, so raising taxes is obviously something it does not take lightly.

Q: Was Serenity Farms and the Wittenborn Farm candidates to be preserved as open space had the Nov. 8 ballot question passed?

A: Yes.

Q: Can these parcels still be preserved without passage of another open space ballot question?

A: Not by the township.

Q: How much do these parcels cost?

A: As appraised, the development rights for Serenity Farms is $1.85

March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance11
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million, while an outright purchase would cost $2.45 million as of Jan. 10, 2022. The Wittenborn Farm was appraised at approximately $2.6 million.

Q: Why wasn’t preserving those particular farms specifically mentioned in the wording on the open space ballot question?

A: Legally, the township could not name specific parcels.

Q: What is so important about Serenity Farms?

A: The farm has a rich history, sits in the middle of town and touches quite a few neighborhoods. Also, there are simply not that many parcels of this size remaining in Robbinsville to preserve.

Q: How many houses can be built if Serenity Farms is sold and developed?

A: After wetlands and infrastructure on those 12.34 acres is considered, the township estimates 8-10 houses. It is estimated that each single-family home generates an average of 2.5 children, and it costs roughly $14,500 dollars to educate each child annually. Using those numbers, that farm will pay for itself in five years or less.

Q: Why is there so much momentum to preserving Serenity Farms before the Wittenborn Farm?

A: The Gafgen family has agreed to be part of the open space preservation program. The Wittenborn Family have not yet decided on its inclusion.

Q: Would the Township need help from Mercer County to purchase and preserve Serenity Farms

A: Yes, and any county assistance would depend heavily on how many of Robbinsville’s registered voters sign the petition currently circulating.

Q: Can residents get the open space question back on the November, 2023 election ballot?

A: Yes. The statute allows for a petition with the required number of signatures of registered township voters to be presented to Township Council. The governing body would then be required to approve the new ballot question. The number of required signatures is 15 percent of the votes cast locally in the last preceding general election, which is 732 signatures.

What does the Robbinsville School District budget and teacher contract negotiations/salaries have to do with open space and preserving farms?

The Robbinsville school district and Robbinsville Township government are two completely distinct and autonomous bodies. Open Space funds raised and designated to preserve land are not accessible to the school district.

12  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023
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On the Cover

Marching to the Arts

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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AM Burlington County Library 5 Pioneer Lane Westhampton, NJ Anthony J. Destribats Bernard A. Campbell, Jr. Raymond C. Staub David P. Schroth Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps ••• Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015) Phone (609) 585-2443 • www.destribatslaw.com criminal law • municipal court law • wills & estates medical malpractice • personal injury • general litigation employment • workers compensation • corporate/tax law real Estate • real estate tax appeals • family law DESTRIBATS CAMPBELL STAUB & SCHROTH, LLC established 1972 795 Parkway Avenue, Suite A3 Ewing, NJ 08618 criminal law • municipal court law wills & estates • medical malpractice personal injury • general litigation employment • workers compensation corporate/tax law • real Estate real estate tax appeals • family law 247 White Horse Ave • Hamilton • NJ • 08610 Anthony J. Destribats Bernard A. Campbell, Jr. Raymond C. Staub David P. Schroth Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps ••• Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015) (609) 585-2443 • www.destribatslaw.com
@ 10:30

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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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-

March 2023 | SIX093
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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

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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

March 2023 | SIX095
See
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ARTS, Page 4

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

6  SIX09 | March 2023
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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.

March 2023 | SIX097
BRIAN’S TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SPECIAL Stacking available for an additional charge $240 A cord / $450 2 cords Seasoned Premium Hardwoods Split & Delivered Offer good while supplies last 609-915-2969 Locally Owned & Operated for over 25 years! 1666 Hamilton Ave. Hamilton, NJ 08629 Printers | Shredders |Mailing Solutions |Facsimile Rentals | Free Estimates |Authorized Technicians YEARS ANNIVERSARY Tony Nami Owner/President 609-584-5252 www.priornami.com ( aluable roducts)
FREE TAX FILING WE HAVE A TAX SITE IN YOUR TOWN: CALL 2-1-1 CALL 2-1-1 FOR LOCATIONS, DATES & TIMES DO YOU MAKE LESS THAN $65,000? If yes, you can get your taxes done for FREE! The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) benefit is for working (full or part time) families or individuals based on your income. To get EITC and other tax credits you MUST FILE a 2022 Tax Return. Social Security cards or ITINS and photo IDs are required. Must earn less than $65,000/year to qualify for a free tax filing EITC does not count as income for TANF, Food Stamps, SSI, Medicaid or public housing.

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.

8  SIX09 | March 2023
Outdoor Pool - Skatepark - Archery - Boating - FREE Daily Trip Options Campers/Staff from Around the Globe - Ropes Courses - Nature Program Affordable Rates - Horseback Riding - Arts & Crafts - Much, Much More! . information@campmason.org 908.362.8217 YMCA CAMP MASON Register today at campmason.org Located in NW New Jersey, adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap PHONE FREE FUN! MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS BE PART OF A COMMUNITY BUILD CONFIDENCE DISCOVER ADVENTURE TO ENROLL TODAY FOR FALL! Ages 3 and up Beginning thru advanced! Boys and Girls! Ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary and acting! THE CENTRAL NJ Ballet
The Central NJ Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker 2017! A traditional holiday ballet for all ages! December 8th @ 7pm Villa Victoria Academy Theater, Ewing, NJ Tickets $20 adults, $15 kids December 10th @ 2pm Carslake Community Center, Bordentown, NJ Sponsored by Bordentown Home for Funerals A Special Community Show! TO ENROLL TODAY FOR FALL! Ages 3 and up Beginning thru advanced! Boys and Girls! Ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary and acting! THE CENTRAL NJ Ballet
The Central NJ Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker 2017! A traditional holiday ballet for all ages! December 8th @ 7pm Villa Victoria Academy Theater, Ewing, NJ Tickets $20 adults, $15 kids December 10th @ 2pm Carslake Community Center, Bordentown, NJ Sponsored by Bordentown Home for Funerals A Special Community Show! Group tickets available though Central NJ Ballet Theatre or Donations at the door! Proceeds of the 50/50 will go towards "Fill Father Matthew's Truck" food donation P: 609.424.3192 • W: www.cnjballet.com • 221 Broad St, Florence, NJ 08518 Mini Camp 1 • Jul 10 - Jul 14 5:30pm to 8:30pm Mini Camp 2 • Jul 17 - Jul 21 5:30pm to 8:30pm Mini Camp 3 • Jul 24 - Jul 28 5:30pm to 8:30pm Technique Week 1 • Jul 10 - Jul 14 9am to 11am Technique Week 2 • Jul 17 - Jul 21 9am to 11am Technique Week 3 • Jul 24 - Jul 28 9am to 11am
Theatre
Theatre
Camps:
Camps:
Level 1 Summer Intensive Jul 24 - Jul 28 9am to 3pm Competition Intensive Week 1 Aug 14 - Aug 18 9am to 1pm Competition Intensive Week 2 Aug 21 - Aug 25 9am to 1pm Int. & Advanced Summer Intensive Aug 7 - Aug 18 3pm to 9pm
Musical Theater Performance Aug 7 - Aug 18 9am to 3pm

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

March 2023 | SIX099
Road •
(located off I-95 exit 3)
Scotch
Scotch Road Plaza, Ewing
glenrocdanceshoppe.com

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

10  SIX09 | March 2023
Saturday Games Friday Night Red Bull Training 2023 SOCCER Lawrence hamnett soccer association Registration Link www.lawrencehamnett.com More Information recinfo@lawrencehamnett.com Saturday Games Friday Night Red Bull Training 2023 SPRING REC SOCCER 15 APRIL - 10 JUNE Boys and Girls born between 1/1/2004 and 12/31/20019
Lawrence hamnett soccer association Registration Link www.lawrencehamnett.com More Information recinfo@lawrencehamnett.com
Friday Nights - Footwork exercises $100/per child Discounts for multiple children
Friday Nights - Skills & ball techniques
Saturday - Fun competitive games
Saturday - Team work & team building Lots of FUN and making friends!!!

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

March 2023 | SIX0911 We are having 2 SPRING OPEN HOUSES, join us for a chance to score FREE CAMP! June 26–September 1 7:45 am to 5:45 pm Get more information or reserve your spot, by calling one of our Membership Offices. 609.695.6060 or 609.392.3191 Select Option ‘0’. Spend the Summer with Us! 2 LOCATIONS Lawrence and Trenton REGISTER ONLINE bgcmercer.org/summercamp
• BusTransportation • Lunch + Snacks • Making New Friends • Turtles Pre-Schoolers • Teen Leadership PARENTS ™ OUTDOORS + SCREEN FREE! LIMITED AVAILABILITY LIBERTY LAKE DAY CAMP LibertyLakeDayCamp.com

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

12  SIX09 | March 2023 At Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Summer Camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. Offering 50 acres of outdoor space, the largest pool in Mercer County, and fun activities ranging from Sports to STEM!
Register by 3/31 and SAVE $20 per week!* Check out our in-house experiences, theme weeks & special events! *CAMP20 coupon code will automatically be applied to your cart. Coupon code does not apply for CIT, Speciality Camps and Swim Lessons Mar Camp Community News (9.375x5.125).qxp_Layout 1 2/22/23 1:35 PM Page 1
FindYourADVENTURE!

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

March 2023 | SIX0913
sylvanlearning.com 3635 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton 609-588-9037 (directly across from Princeton BMW) Looking for more information about camps? COMMUNITYNEWS communitynews.org COMMUNITYNEWS COMMUNITYNEWS COMMUNITYNEWS Visit our website communitynews.org/mercercamps to get updates about the camps in your area
14  SIX09 | March 2023 Advertise for $69 a month. For more information call 609-396-1511 at your service 1 2 Community News 3/23 Very-Easy Sudoku PuzzleJunction.com Copyright ©2023 PuzzleJunction.com To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Community News 3/23 Easy Sudoku PuzzleJunction.com Copyright ©2023 PuzzleJunction.com To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 5 4 3 5 9 9 63 2 9 6 8 2 3 94 5 7 9 15 6 32 4 1 soduku To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzle solutions on pg 15 PERSONAL HOME AIDE Skilled – Consistent – Reliable AM & PM shi s available Call Nana Murphy in Ewing Township Certi ed Home Health Aide 215-626-3943 Assist with Errands, Chores and Projects JOHN S. PAVLOVSKY, JR. 609.298.8229 Certified Public Accountant • Public School Accountant Chartered Global Management Accountant Tax Compliance and Planning Services Payroll Services • Bookkeeping Audit, Review and Compilation Services www.pavlovskycpa.com • john@pavlovskycpa.com P S J Serving Mercer County & Surrounding Areas JAMES MACKAY - OWNER INSURED FREE ESTIMATES Mackay’s Tree Service (609) 466-2294 Trimming • Removal Hedge Trimming • Stump Removal Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com We Buy Old Books, Rare Books Also Buying Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Old Postcards, Sports Cards, Pottery, Prints, Paintings, Old Toys, Coins, Stamps, Etc. Appraisals Available. Downsizing/Moving? Call Us! I BUY HOUSES and INVESTMENT PROPERTIES Your Local Investor® “Over 700 satisfied sellers since 1993” Fair Prices • Any Condition • 10 dAy CAsh Closings CALL: 609-581-2207 609-538-8045 &Licensed Insured •Renovations •Remodeling •Decks •Kitchens/Baths •Drywall •Siding •Repairs •Snow Plowing Free Estimates! nj lic# 13vh01790800 609-672-4145 www.twobrothersmasons.com • Mason Restoration • Brick Pointing • Chimney Repair • Foundations & Steps • Waterproofing • Powerwashing •Painting Two Bro T hers r es T oraT ion D. Smith Electric LLC RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL 609•499•4774 609•883•3009 Fax: 609•499•8322 DAVID M. SMITH NJ LIC# 12736 Screen Repair 908-247-1994 Call Text Remove. Repair. Install. HAMILTON Resident QUALITY Kitchens • Baths • Windows Doors & More Complete Home Improvements Licensed & Insured NJ # 13VH02464300 PIANO LESSONS Bordentown 215-872-8798 mohave123@aol.com

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

Health & Fitness

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

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

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home

standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176 Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936

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March 2023 | SIX0915 classified
Community News 3/23 Easy Sudoku Sudoku Solution To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 5 4 3 5 9 9 63 2 9 6 8 2 3 94 5 7 9 15 6 32 1 6579 421 38 3827 516 49 4918 635 72 9 6 8 4 2 7 3 1 5 7453 198 26 2136 857 94 5 7 4 1 9 6 2 8 3 1295 384 67 8362 749 51 Sudoku Solution Copyright ©2023 PuzzleJunction.com To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
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16  SIX09 | March 2023

DINE & DONATE DAY

In

1973

YEARS

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

UPCOMING CHARITABLE EVENTS:

2023

APRIL 16: Unity Tour

MAY 21: Miracle League

JUNE 11: NJ Autism

JULY 9: Joeys Little Angels

AUGUST 6: Whats My Name

1973

SEPTEMBER 10: Ryans Quest

OCTOBER 8: I Believe in Pink

NOVEMBER 12: Shine & Inspire

DECEMBER 10: OneProjectNJ & Mobile Meals of Hamilton

YEARS

DOUGH RAISED:

JAN. 15: Sea Girt Polar Plunge $4,733.56

FEB.19: Deborah Heart & Lung $3,680.33

2023

Please

March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance13 CENTRAL JERSEY BEER FESTIVAL cjbeerfest.com Visit these websites for information about our other Carannante Family brands: NJ WEDDINGS AND EVENTS njweddingsandevents.com BLEND BAR & BISTRO blendbar.com brotherspizza33.com
charity.
Sunday
month
to
community! BRINGING FAMILY & FRIENDS TOGETHER SINCE 197 3
honor of our 50th Anniversary, Brother's Pizza on Rt. 33 will host a "Dine and Donate Day" for a local
We have chosen one
per
to donate 50% of our sales to a featured 501c organization. Please support our cause to give back
our
BRINGING FAMILY & FRIENDS TOGETHER SINCE 197 3 RISTORANTE & PIZZA 1973 2023 YEARS BRINGING FAMILY & FRIENDS TOGETHER SINCE 197 3
PIZZA
consider visiting the websites of these organizations for additional donation opportunities!
RISTORANTE &
SUNDAY, MARCH 12 50% OF OUR SALES SUPPORTS
LETS RAISE SOME DOUGH!
$8,413.89 DOUGH RAISED
14  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023 2330 Route 33, Suite 101, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 O ce: 609-259-1414 375 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown NJ 08505 O ce: 609-298-9888 smiresandassociates.com denise fattori NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 James Traynham NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Gold Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Sal Bua NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Platinum Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 KEVIN KERINS NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Michele Garzio NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Terry Parliaros NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 DEWEY NAMI NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Richard Lynch NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Rosa “Marlene” Flesch NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Michele Gore NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Dominic Marchetti Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 William “bill” perilli Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Sruti Desai Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Donna Fera Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Joyce Jones Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Jon Sciortino Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Stacey Vannozzi Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Bart DiNola Leadership Club 2022 Michael Brayton Leadership Club 2022 Matt Dellaira Leadership Club 2022
March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance15 2022 AWARD WINNERS congratulations MARIA POLCARI NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Annie Parisi NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Linda lemay-kelly NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 JUSTIN REED NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Joan Martinez NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Silver Level NJ REALTORS® Quarter Century Club Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Joseph Perilli NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 beverly “bev” petix NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 terrisa svecz NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Bronze Level NJ REALTORS® Quarter Century Club Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Gail Dellaira Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Dino Colarocco Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 joan sander Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Joseph Pizzillo Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Craig Ruyak Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Theresa Pica Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Michael Pintinalli Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Jill Materia Leadership Club 2022 Paul Olhovsky Leadership Club 2022 Joseph Pugliese Leadership Club 2022 Edward smires NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award 2022 Gold Level Presidents Club 2022 Leadership Club 2022 Maureen Kelly Leadership Club 2022
16  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023 Genius® 3D Mammograms Now at Windsor Radiology 300A Princeton Hightstown Road, East Windsor, NJ Genius® 3D Mammograms provide arti cial intelligence as another layer of assurance that nothing is missed. They also provide shorter exam times and greater comfort, reducing our “squeeze” time by 75%. To schedule, call 609-426-9200 or go to WindsorRadiology.com rance shouldn’t be w ht Whether your needs ar nghaminsurance.com Peace of Mind. Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products W ith over 100 years of experience, we work et the right coverage at an af on what is impor tant We Make dental health part of your overall health, and contact us today to help you plan your new smile! A legacy of smiles in NJ hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ Make dental health part of your overall health, and contact us today to help you plan your New Year smile! Pediatric | Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry | Orthodontic Services hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ Dr. Irving Djeng • Dr. Lauren Levine • Dr. Michael DeLuca • Dr. Matthew Etter • Dr. Kevin Collins • Dr. Deolinda Reverendo  hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ Dr. Irving Djeng • Dr. Lauren Levine • Dr. Michael DeLuca • Dr. Matthew Etter • Dr. Kevin Collins • Dr. Deolinda Reverendo  Make dental health part of your overall health, and contact us today to help you plan your New Year smile! Pediatric | Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry | Orthodontic Services hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ Dr. Irving Djeng • Dr. Lauren Levine • Dr. Michael DeLuca • Dr. Matthew Etter • Dr. Kevin Collins • Dr. Deolinda Reverendo  hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ Dr. Irving Djeng • Dr. Lauren Levine • Dr. Michael DeLuca • Dr. Matthew Etter • Dr. Kevin Collins • Dr. Deolinda Reverendo  Make dental health part of your overall health, and contact us today to help you plan your New Year smile! Pediatric | Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry | Orthodontic Services hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years A legacy of smiles in NJ Make dental health part of your overall health, and contact us today to help you plan your New Year smile! Pediatric | Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry | Orthodontic Services hamiltondental.com NJ’s trusted family dental practice for over 50 years Pediatric | Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontic Services

The Ravens junior has been one of the Colonial Valley Conference’s most improved players this year, and that’s not by accident.

“I love basketball,” Bunnell said. “I play all summer, I’m working all the time.” And it shows.

Entering Robbinsville’s Feb. 20 state tournament game with Allentown, Bunnell was the team’s leading scorer with a 13.1 average, was second to Pat Kapp in rebounds (119) and second to Tyler Handy in 3-pointers (22) and assists (43). Compare those numbers to a year ago and it’s easy to see the progress. As a sophomore, Bunnell averaged 6.5 points with 72 rebounds, 19 assists and just three 3-pointers. That last stat is telling, for it’s Bunnell’s ability to shoot the ball that has opened up other opportunities for him.

“Since his eighth grade year he’s just made big strides,” coach Conor Hayes said. “He’s always had great footwork, he added his attack to the basket last year, and this summer moving forward he added the outside shot. It’s been a huge game-changer for him.

“I feel he could throw it up even more. I keep trying to push him to, because he’s the most consistent guy when we’re on the shooting machine shooting threes.

But he’s got that downhill, aggressive mentality. I don’t want to take that away from him either.”

Bunnell does enjoy going to the hoop.

WE

OUR

But as a student of the game – his father coached him and several Ravens teammates in the Robbinsville Travel League – Evan knew that man does not live by

penetration alone.

“What I noticed last year is I could drive, I could play down low, but really it was limited to that,” Bunnell said. “I realized a few things I had to work on was getting my shot better, so I could pump fake, drive, and have more lanes. And working on my left hand, which I still have to improve a lot. But so far this season the jump shot has made my game a lot easier.”

In assessing how his J became more lethal, Bunnell feels it has been mental as much as physical.

“I’ve always practiced my shot but the biggest thing is confidence,” he said. “Last year I had a decent shot, and I ended the season with three 3-pointers. I was never confident in my jump shot. This year I just decided I’m gonna have to go in and think every shot’s going in the basket.”

Hayes noted that there were no major adjustments in the shot, but that Bunnell just massaged it a little at a time.

“From his freshman year to sophomore year he tweaked his shot a little bit,” the coach said. “This last off-season he tweaked it a little bit more, which just helped him become more consistent in his motion. You can tweak little things that help you be more consistent—so

See BUNNELL, Page 18

NAMED A 2022–23

NAMED A 2022–23

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

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.

March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance17
thelandingofhamilton.com | 609-241-9538 1750 Yardville-Hamilton Square Rd | Hamilton, NJ 08690
WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY. The experts do, too.
thelandingofhamilton.com | 609-241-9538 1750 Yardville-Hamilton Square Rd | Hamilton, NJ 08690
LOVE
COMMUNITY. The experts do, too.
BUNNELL continued from Page 1
Evan Bunnell has been the RHS boys’ basketball team’s leading scorer and was second in rebounds, assists and three-point shots. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

those adjustments to make his motion more consistent was a huge difference for him.”

That’s not to say Bunnell lost his desire to take it to the rack. With Robbinsville’s slick passing game and philosophy of getting everyone the ball, he often finds himself underneath on the receiving end of a pass from Handy or Luke Billings.

Other times, he will give a head fake as if ready to shoot. Because defenders must defend that, Evan gets them in the air and takes off for the basket.

The thing is, he doesn’t exactly look conventional in doing it.

“When he does attack the basket he has that really good inside footwork,” Hayes said. “So when he does dribble penetration and gets in and gets cut off, he can step one way or another to throw you off. Coaches are screaming for traveling. But you look at his feet, they’re both on the ground, it’s just unorthodox with his footwork and it’s really effective.”

Bunnell feels it lulls defenders to sleep sometimes.

“It could be beneficial for me because some people may not expect me to come and drive all the way to the basket and finish on top of that,” he said. “At the end of the day all that matters is the ball

going through the hoop.”

Bunnell is symbolic of the Ravens program and how it has risen to prominence. His dad got him started in the game when he entered elementary school. He grew up as one of the big men in his league, shooting up to 6-foot-2. But suddenly, the growth stopped.

“I’ve been 6-2 for years so it’s been a process from thinking I’m gonna be a big man at 6-6 to going down to being a wing player,” he said with a laugh.

After travel ball Evan joined the AAU South Jersey Titans, which he credits for improving his game due to the tough competition they play. He is also a fan of RHS going to the Hamilton Park League in Jersey City each summer.

“That Jersey City league is tough,” he said. “It’s an hour away and we have two one-hour long games in a row, with no break. You never know who’s gonna be there with us. Plus it’s outside in the summer.

“It’s one of those things that really makes our team bond and it builds our chemistry a ton. The biggest thing is the physicality. The teams there are all like that. They’re huge, they’re physical, they toughen us up for the season.”

Bunnell is ready for the challenge of knocking bodies around as he has been hitting the weight room to the point where Hayes calls him “a physical

specimen.”

“He just works hard at everything,” the coach said. “It’s a huge testament to him, not just on the basketball court and in the weight room, but in school also. He’s in clubs, things like that. He’s just motivated to always do his best. It definitely rubs off on his teammates.”

Which is a good sign for the future, as the Ravens will return every regular next year except for Kapp. Bunnell is happy to have another season, but after that he’s unsure where his path will lead.

“The future’s a scary thing for me; I have a lot of interests, it’s hard for me to decide what I want to do with my career,” he said. “I’m interested in math, I like calculus. I like to solve Rubik’s cubes. I like agriculture. Any type of management. Being a captain this year, taking a leadership role definitely translates into management for a career.”

Fortunately for Bunnell, he has another year to figure it all out. Which is good news for Hayes as well, since he loves having him on the team.

“He’s just been a pleasure to coach,” Hayes said. “He’s got a great attitude, a great personality. It’s fun to be around him every day. His growth has been huge for this program.”

Bunnell can only hope his garden grows the same way.

18  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023 73 ROUTE 130 • BORDENTOWN, NJ 08620 10% OFF Check Any Eat In Dining Room Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. With coupon only. Expires: 3/31/23 Ristorante & Pizzeria 609-298-9000 Order online or delivery thru the SLICE App View our menus online at villamannino.com Follow us on
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PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

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AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is pleased to announce their new program for treating Peripheral Neuropathy, which includes a combination of advanced FDA-cleared treatments with breakthrough technology that aids in healing the damaged nerves. The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. This treatment restores, stabilizes, and rebuilds the nerves in your extremities. Treatment has also been effective in addressing painful symptoms of arthritis, MS, and other forms of chronic pain. Patients generally feel relief physically throughout the treatment period and even feel better emotionally after experiencing a reduction in pain.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE NERVE DAMAGE?

Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence of damage to your peripheral nerves. There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or neuropathies – some are the result of a disease like diabetes, while others can be triggered by a viral infection. Still others are the result of an injury or compression on the nerves. No matter where the problems begin, it is imperative nerve disorders are resolved as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that their symptoms may be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Symptoms start gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations and sharp, electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small assortment of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help.

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March 2023 | Robbinsville Advance19
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Screening can prevent colorectal cancer or detect it at a treatable stage

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.

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.

M onday, 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.

20  Robbinsville Advance | March 2023
thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund, visit rwjbh.org/heroes And please, for them, stay home and safe. RWJ-104 Heroes Work Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 4/17/20 1:21 PM
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Dr. Malini Patel
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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.

@capitalhealthnj
@capitalhealthnj

RYANS COMMERCIAL

Still few answers in Mercer County election debacle

We also know that Uber drivers and rental trucks were used to transport ballots on Nov. 8.

We have said since even before polls closed on November 8, 2022 that we will not stop until fundamental change is made in how Mercer County runs its elections.

Robbinsville Township is living up to its word with representatives attending multiple election-related meetings since November.

ONE

INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING

On Feb. 14, Councilwoman Chris Ciaccio and I attended the Board of Elections meeting in Lawrence and what we learned was concerning. What we didn’t learn was even more troubling.

We still do not know why, more than three months later, hundreds of Robbinsville ballots went missing; nor have we been assured it will not happen again. Hundreds of voters were disenfranchised, and we still have no viable explanation.

Voters in Robbinsville who arrived in the early morning (polls opened at 6 a.m.) were told by the poll workers to vote provisional after signing in because the machines were not properly scanning ballots.

All of those who followed those instructions had their votes thrown out because the prevailing “wisdom” was because they signed the book, which all voters do upon arriving at the polling station. Because they signed that book, Mercer County and the Board of Elections decided those residents surely must have voted using one of the Dominion machines. Hint: They didn’t.

So, because those now-disenfranchised individuals followed directions despite being inconvenienced very early in the morning on Election Day, their votes were thrown out because the Board of Elections concluded they submitted two ballots—one provisional and one on the machine.

We learned on the chain of custody of the ballots was shoddy, at best. What this means is we have no idea who sealed the bags, or if they remained sealed on their way to the Board of Elections office.

We learned bags containing ballots arrived at the Board of Elections office opened. This means anyone could have added ballots or taken ballots out. Those bags are supposed to be sealed.

Despite learning Dominion admitted making a mistake with the programming of their machines, we know that many voters had zero privacy during this most private of events. Many of these ballots were exposed to others in the room. We also learned there is no real plan to replace the Dominion machines.

I’ve been in this game a long time, and never in my wildest nightmares did I foresee people voting with Sharpies. With no privacy and using machines that have failed two years in a row, one would expect a better result.

The fact the Board of Elections scheduled this last meeting for 10 a.m., on Valentine’s Day, and didn’t insist that Superintendent of Elections Nathaniel Walker attend, tells you they did not want the public to come. Yet, the meeting was packed with many Robbinsville residents showing up to voice their continued displeasure. Kudos to you.

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello was there. She stood in the back because, technically, it was not her meeting, but she did answer questions, nonetheless. The county clerk took some heat, but I felt she answered many of those questions honestly, and she has pledged a considerable amount of money to address the Dominion machine issues. I respect her for doing that.

Voting is our right. It is what keeps our nation free. If you care about Democracy, and I know you do, please email Lucylle Walter, chair of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners (formerly Freeholders), and ask her to please put money in the county budget to replace the Dominion machines. Her email is: lwalter@mercercounty.org.

The next meeting is March 9, at 6:45 p.m., and it is my understanding it will be a joint meeting at the McDade Administration Building in Trenton featuring the Board of Elections and the Commissioners.

The next Board of Elections meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 14 (10 a.m.) at 930 Spruce Street in Lawrence.

Please continue to make your voices heard.

22 DAVE FRIED MAYOR’S COLUMN
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Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville Township
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