3-25 EO by Community News Service

Improved Carman helps young Ewing bowling win division

By JUSTin Feil

Matthew Carman is proof that practice makes perfect. Or nearly perfect.

The Ewing High School junior decided after last year to dedicate more time to his bowling.

What followed was an incredible season for him and the Blue Devil boys.

Carman bowled a 290 game, just 10 pins shy of the perfect 300, raised his average more than 30 pins per game and helped Ewing win the Lib-

erty Division of the Burlington County Scholastic League and reach the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals.

“It’s just me wanting to be better,” said Carman. “I think it’s just the mindset is a big part of

See CARMAN, Page 23

STARTS ON PG 15

Groundbreaking set for new ESCC construction

Project to officially kick oﬀ on March 5

By Bill SanSerVino

The much-anticipated construction of the new Ewing Senior and Community Center will take a significant step forward with its official groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, March 5.

Local officials, community leaders and invited residents are expected to gather on the site of the center to celebrate the start of a project, which has been in the works for several years.

Once completed, the $34 million facility will serve as a hub for seniors, families and individuals with special needs, offering a wide array of services and amenities.

In December, the Ewing Township Council voted to award a $34 million contract to Benjamin R. Harvey Co. of Ocean Township for the reconstruction of the ESCC.

Construction will begin more than two years after a cata-

strophic fire burned down a large section of the ESCC. The five-alarm blaze on Sept. 30, 2022 destroyed the gymnasium and damaged many other parts of the ESCC, rendering the facility unusable.

Since then, the ESCC—a major hub for community activity—and outdoor facilities at the center have been closed, and most of the programs and offices, including Community Affairs and Recreation and the Senior Office, have been relocated to the Hollowbrook Community Center at 320 Hollowbrook Drive.

The new facility will be larger, offering expanded amenities such as a bigger gym, a walking track, and areas for various activities.

Although the insurance payout did not fully covere the rebuilding costs, the township decided to start fresh due to the building’s extensive damage and modern code requirements.

Ewing Observer editor Bill Sanservino recently sat down with Mayor Bert Steinmann to

See ESCC, Page 10

Ewing High School bowler Matthew Carman helped lead the team to the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals.

You’re in the prime of your life. Also a prime time for a colon cancer screening.

The one place for comprehensive cancer screening and care.

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

NEWS BRIEFS

Five Mercer mayors push for plan to take over TWW

By Bill SanSerVino

The mayors of five municipalities serviced by the beleaguered Trenton Water Works are calling for the creation of an independent public utility to manage the water system, which currently serves Trenton and surrounding areas.

“We, the mayors of TWW-serviced towns, agree that the status quo is not sustainable, and we believe that creating a new public utility, with governance that allows for greater operational independence and collaboration across municipalities, is a necessary step forward,” said the mayors in a joint statement.

Issuing the statement were mayors Reed Gusciora of Trenton, Jeff Martin of Hamilton, Bert Steinmann of Ewing, Patricia Hendricks Farmer of Lawrence, and Courtney Peters-Manning of Hopewell.

They are reacting to a recently released

report by state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, which outlines critical deficiencies in TWW’s current operations and recommends creating a new utility that would be separate from the City of Trenton’s municipal government.

The report states that the utility would ensure better access to financing, improve operational efficiency, attract skilled professionals, and reduce the influence of political interference.

TWW, which is currently owned and run by the city of Trenton, supplies approximately 29 million gallons of drinking water every day to all of Trenton and Ewing, and parts of Hamilton, Hopewell and Lawrence townships.

The Trenton Water Works system, one of the oldest publicly owned water systems in the U.S., currently serves

See NEWS, Page 4

Ewing

Observer

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Ewing Observer is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Observer 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

Justin Feil, Arianna McCleod

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Donnie Black, Helen Kull

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stephanie Jeronis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

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call (609) 396-1511, ext.

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Owner/Broker

DR. KEVIN McGUIGAN Medical Director of Rehabilitation

more than 330,000 people across the five municipalities.

Despite its historic significance, TWW’s infrastructure is aging, with the water filtration plant now more than 50 years old. Though the plant can produce up to 60 million gallons of water daily, it currently only supplies 33 million gallons to meet demand.

“It is important to note that the majority of TWW’s customers—55%—reside outside of Trenton, yet the other four municipalities have no formal role in TWW’s governance or authority over its operations,” said the mayors’ statement.

They added: “This disconnect between the service area’s needs and TWW management underscores the necessity of a new governance model.”

In crafting its report and to help guide improvements, the DEP procured independent third-party assessments to objectively appraise the status of TWW and explore options for restructuring.

These assessments confirmed that the status quo is not an effective solution and a new utility entity could be successful if independent of Trenton’s municipal government.

The experts also emphasize that a new utility can meet and maintain compliance with safe drinking water standards and ensure the long-term sustainability of sys-

tem assets if its governance, management and operations are fully modernized and professionalized.

“The strain on TWW’s outdated infrastructure has resulted in the need for many costly upgrades” said the mayors’ statement. “It is important to note that New Jersey’s water systems with large multi-municipality service areas like TWW have capital projects costing millions of dollars.”

For example, TWW has proposed a $600 million capital improvement program from the early 2000’s.

The mayors said they have agreed to work together to fundamentally improve and make needed investments as part of this transformation to a new public utility entity.

The mayors’ said their key priorities for establishing the new public utility entity include:

· A complete and transparent appraisal of the new public entity-creation process;

· An accounting of the costs that will be needed to fairly compensate the City of Trenton for its asset;

· An assessment of the project’s impact on rates and fees; and

· A public campaign to announce how the new structure will impact ratepayers such as the necessary capital work, including upgrades to the water filtration plant, improvements to the distribution system,

Senior Healthcare

Personalized high-quality care, safety, security, expert staffing, kindness and love are all the things our clients, residents, and families love about Greenwood House the most! But don’t take our word for it. Hear it straight from them. Visit our website and read the many letters of thanks and appreciation at GreenwoodHouse.org/testimonials

• Stroke Rehab

• Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation Programs

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

• Long-Term Care

• Skilled Nursing • Respite Care

“After I completed my residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania, I joined the medical staff of St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and practiced there for 33 years, 27 of those years as the Medical Director. When St. Lawrence was sold to a corporation, I made the decision to move my practice, and the ONLY call I made was to Greenwood House. Throughout my many years in Mercer County, I knew that Greenwood House was a 5-star facility that was highly regarded by fellow physicians and patients in Mercer County.”

• Home Care Assistance*

• Home Health Aide

• Assisted Living

• Kosher Meals on Wheels • Hospice Care**

Fareeda Stokes

rear are Andrew Morgan (left), TySean Cousar, Nicholas Chamberlain and Nicholas Zoller. In front are Ezequiel Lopez-Bravo, Wiktoria Prejs and Ruben Vaquer.

and the creation of new positions with competitive salaries to attract and retain skilled professionals.

“The collaboration between mayors is already underway and will continue to accelerate over the next six months,” said the statement. “Together, we aim to restore the public’s faith and confidence in this this new entity.”

TWW has been plagued by a long list of problems for more than a decade. Its numerous issues have included water quality concerns, regulatory violations and operational challenges.

In 2022, the state DEP intervened in the daily operations of TWW after finding that it failed to address numerous problems in the provision of safe drinking water for many years.

In 2020, the state attorney general and DEP filed a lawsuit against TWW—which was later joined by the municipalities served by the water utility—seeking to compel the City of Trenton and the water utility to take the necessary actions after failing to comply with Administrative Con-

sent Orders to provide safe drinking water.

The state has said that TWW needs significant improvements to aging infrastructure, including its 7-acre, open-air-reservoir that stores and provides already treated water to about 70 percent of TWW’s distribution system. The reservoir is in violation of a federal requirement that all outside reservoirs be covered.

Ewing welcomes seven new police officers

Seven new officers have joined the Ewing Township Police Department after graduating from the Mercer County Police Academy (see above photo).

The officers completed 21 weeks of rigorous training as part of the class that graduated on Jan. 24., said a township news release. The graduates include officers Nicholas Chamberlain, TySean Cousar, Ezequiel Lopez-Bravo, Andrew Morgan, Wiktoria Prejs, Ruben Vaquer and Nicholas Zoller.

See NEWS, Page 7

MOBILE ALERTS Ewing’s Community & Emergency Notification System

TOWNSHIP OF EWING COUNTY OF MERCER

Public Notice – Notice of Contract Awards for 2025 Notice is hereby given that the Township of Ewing has awarded contracts without competitive bidding as professional services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i). The contracts and the resolutions authorizing them are on ﬁle and available for public inspection at the oﬃce of the Municipal Clerk.

WHAT IS RAVE? WHY SHOULD I SIGN UP?

RAVE is the official notification system that calls your phone or sends you a text message or email to alert you to important Ewing news such as delayed trash pickup, fireworks, or emergency road closures.

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Attorney

Community notifications help you to stay connected to what is happening in Ewing! If you already have an account, you may need to update it to receive NONemergency messages.

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Engineer

HOW TO SIGN UP

Awarded To: Antonio Martinez, Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Public Defender

Awarded To: Brian R. Clancy, Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Municipal Prosecutor

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Labor Negotiator

Awarded To: Paul M. Bishop, Esq.

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Special Tax Counsel

Awarded To: Alaimo Group Consulting Engineers

Duration: 12 Months

MAYOR BERT H. STEINMANN 2 JAKE GARZIO DRIVE, EWING NJ 609-883-2900 | WWW.EWINGNJ.ORG

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Conﬂict Engineer

Awarded To: Peter Sockler and Sockler Realty Services Group

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conﬂict Appraisals

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Appraisals

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Township Planner

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

Duration: 12 Months

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

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

Duration: 12 Months

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

FAMILY DENTISTRY • IMPLANTS • ORTHODONTICS

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Auditing Services

Awarded To: Wesley Bridges, Esq. of Bridges Law Group, LLC

Duration: 12 Months

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

Awarded To: William Harla, Esq. of DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Conﬂict Attorney

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

Duration: 12 Months

Nature and Type of Contract: Administrative Agent Services - COAH

Kim J. Macellaro, CMC

Ewing Municipal Clerk PAID FOR

The Ewing Township Police welcomed seven new officers to the department. Pictured at

RWJUH Hamilton March Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Mar. 4; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Presented by The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. An oncology nurse navigator and certiﬁed oncology social worker will offer participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.2836 to conﬁrm attendance.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND IMMERSION

Tuesday, Mar. 4: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sound healing uses special instruments to create a therapeutic atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything that makes you comfortable. Fee: $15

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Mar. 10; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 25; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our monthly series. Learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes. These two sessions will

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Mar. 4 & 18; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Mar. 4 & 18; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Mar. 4 & 18; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

occur the 2nd Monday (daytime) and 4th Tuesday (evening) each month.

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Mar. 11; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.

SPRING MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL

Wednesdays, Mar. 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 19, 16; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hear from a variety of RWJUH Hamilton medical professionals on different medical topics, and enhance your knowledge of different specialties and areas of study. A certiﬁcate will be provided for attending all six sessions.

FBI PRESENTS: FRAUD AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

Thursday, Mar. 13; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Special Agent Steve Rich of the FBI Newark Division will discuss how to protect yourself and the assets you have worked so hard for from scams and fraud. Learn strategies to help you safeguard your ﬁnances and personal information.

ALL THE “WRITE” STUFF

Monday, Mar. 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join a new writers’ group, a supportive and inspiring space to share stories,

explore creative expression and connect with others through the written word. We will start with a prompt and write our thoughts, sharing with others in the group. This is a safe, no judgement zone.

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH: FOOD CONNECTS US

Thursday, Mar. 17; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for recipes and tips on how to use your crock-pot to make healthy, delicious, affordable and convenient meals for you and your family.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Mar. 18; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

For those diagnosed with prediabetes, this group is for you to connect with others affected, share and explore ways to improve your lifestyle.

GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday Mar. 18; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This group brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, education, and empowerment they need to move along the path to recovery. Topics discussed include coping with the emotional impact of cancer, adjusting to changes during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. For more information or to register, call 609-584-6680. This program takes place at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ.

HOPE & PROGRESS: ADVANCES IN COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Tuesday, Mar. 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join our informative dinner lecture on colorectal cancer with Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncologist, The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton; and Rachel Perez, Patient Gastrointestinal Navigator, RWJUH Hamilton. Learn the importance of early detection, innovative treatments, and lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk. Free colorectal screening kits will be provided.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, Mar. 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind. No experience necessary. All are welcome to join.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, Mar. 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Support and information for family and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease. A caregiver specialist will conduct this interactive group.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Mar. 25; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for the Stroke Support Group, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. Share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and ﬁrsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient RWJUH Hamilton Rehab experts, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, & Allyson Panikowski-Berry,

Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH

Wednesday, Mar. 26; 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our bimonthly heart-healthy cooking class. Have some fun and learn how to cook nutritious and delicious hearthealthy meals. Explore heart-friendly ingredients and cooking techniques.

WOMAN’S BOOK CLUB: THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY BY MATT HAIG

Wednesday, Mar. 26; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please come prepared to share your thought on this month’s read.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Mar. 26; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

For folks who have been Reiki certiﬁed (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.

HOW SOUND HEALS: THE SCIENCE OF SOUND HEALING

Thursday, Mar. 27; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

In this workshop we will discuss the science behind sound and vibration and show you how and why certain sounds can help you sleep better, improve your mood, improve body function, and even reduce pain! Fee: $15

*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

COMMUNITY CPR COURSE

Peripheral Endovascular Interventions at Newark

Hamilton, why and how his

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, Mar. 5, 12, 19, & 26; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in lifechanging conversations, listening, learning, and exploring for this time in our lives. Topics created for you by you. Every week is new and something different. Join us on all three dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New folks are always welcome.

NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Friday, Mar. 7; 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Have some fun while learning recipes that can help fuel your brain.

Thursday, Mar. 13; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or Wednesday, Mar. 26; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join us for this hands-on program to gain insight into cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques. This course is for non-healthcare professionals, and those interested in learning basics of CPR. We encourage participants to wear comfortable footwear and clothing. *This program is being provided by a third party.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, Mar. 13 & 27; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

BREAKFAST & LEARN: HEART DISEASE PREVENTION, DETECTION & TREATMENT FOR WOMEN

Friday, Mar. 14; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in women? Join Edward A. Wingﬁeld, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, Associate Director

Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, for this informative program that will help you protect your precious heart.

GAME TIME!

Friday, Mar. 14 & 28; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

ORIGAMI INTRODUCTION & WORKSHOP

Friday, Mar. 21; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Learn the history of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, and create your own masterpiece to take home. All materials will be supplied.

LUNCH & LEARN: UNDERSTANDING YOUR HOSPITAL CARE & CARE UPON DISCHARGE

Monday, Mar. 24; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Have you wondered why you may not be seeing your personal physician when you are in the hospital? Learn from our lead Hospitalist, Samer Haddad, MD, Internal Medicine, Chair, Department of Medicine, RWJUH

provide you the best possible care around the

The

Nurses Association will also discuss how they can aid in your recovery and help reduce readmittance.

BREAKFAST & LEARN: CANCER AND GENETICS—WHAT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY MEANS FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES

Thursday, Mar. 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Understanding your genetic predisposition to cancer is important. If you are concerned about your personal or family cancer history, this program will provide insight into prevention and early detection. Join Sandra D’Elia, MS, Certiﬁed Genetic Counselor, Rutgers Cancer Institute, for an informative program that will explore the connection between genetics and cancer and learn what you and your family need to know about hereditary cancer syndromes.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

team works to

clock.

Visiting

“We are thrilled to welcome several new officers to the Ewing Township Police Department,” the township stated in the release. “We wish all our new officers the very best as they begin their careers serving and protecting the Ewing Township community.”

Officer Nicholas Chamberlain was recognized by the academy with the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) Award for his outstanding performance during training.

No more walk-in passport service at Mercer County Connection

Mercer County Connection in Hamilton is now only accepting customers with appointments for passport services.

According to Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami, the county has seen a large uptick in the demand for passports due to the changing Federal legal landscape. By moving to appointments only, the office we will be better able to serve constituents.

Walk-in customers will be accepted for all other services not related to passports.

Appointments can be made by calling the Office of the Mercer County Connection at 609-890-9800.

The Clerk’s Office is asking that all pass-

port applicants review the Mercer County Clerk’s passport webpage to ensure they have proper documentation to obtain a passport. Applicants are also reminded to bring in completed passport applications.

“Our staff is prohibited by Federal U.S. Department of State guidelines from assisting customers in completing these forms,” said a news release. “Also, not all agents are bi-lingual. You may visit travel.state.gov to download and complete the required forms before your appointment.

Cash payments will not be accepted. Applicants must bring a check or money order for payment. At least two checks or money orders are required for each person, so it is recommended that applicants bring multiple checks or money orders.

The passport application fees are as follows:

• $130 for adults and $100 for children under age 16.

• Passport cards cost $30 for adults and $15 for minors.

• Photos are available on site for an additional fee.

“By requiring appointments, we aim to streamline the passport application process and enhance the service experience for Mercer County residents,” said Sollami Covello. “As long as applicants come prepared with the proper documentation, the

See NEWS, Page 8

Expires 3/31/25

The Mercer County Connection is located at 957 Route 33, Hamilton Square.

Operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

For additional questions about passport applications, contact the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at (609) 989-6465 or (609) 989-6473.

HomeFront Lands $250K grant to help expand diaper access

HomeFront, a social service agency with locations in Lawrence and Ewing township, will receive $250,000 from the state to help expand the organization’s Diaper Bank.

This funding, secured through the efforts of 15th District Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, will increase access to diapers for families in need across Central New Jersey.

The Diaper Bank, which distributed over one million diapers last year, will use the funds to partner with additional community organizations, providing diapers in bulk to further support families struggling to meet basic needs.

“This is a dream come true to be able to

start this expansion here at HomeFront,” Reynolds-Jackson said. “I do a lot of work around maternal health, and the need for diapers always comes up. It’s a high cost for families to have all the things necessary when having a baby.”

HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward praised the Assemblywoman’s efforts and explained that the expansion will leverage partnerships with up to 10 new organizations in its first year.

Steward also highlighted the connection between diaper access and preventing homelessness.

“The diapers and other basic necessities we provide give room in the monthly budget for families living paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “Wherever we can create space for people to save, that’s progress on their path to providing more stability for their families.”

HomeFront is seeking additional community groups to partner in the distribution of diapers. Interested organizations can apply at bit.ly/hfdiapers2025.

The agency is also gearing up for its annual Diaper Challenge, running from March 3 to May 12, with a goal of collecting over 500,000 diapers and baby wipes.

For more information about HomeFront’s services or how to contribute, visit www.homefrontnj.org or call (609)-989-9417.

Kiwanis club honors students

The Kiwanis Club of Ewing recognized Ewing High School students Biyan Munoz and Madelyn Tackacs (above) with Student of the Month Awards on Dec.5. Pictured are Ewing Kiwanis member George Skroumbelos (left), Munoz, Tackacs and Carl Reasoner, Ewing Kiwanis president. Pictured below are January Students of the Month Olivia Picerno and Dantae Brewster (left), Reasoner and February Students of the Month Jairus Williams and Nicola Henfield.

TUESDAYS

talk about various issues currently facing the township in 2025. Segments from that interview will appear in the Observer over the next few months.

The progress on the ESCC was the topic of discussion in this month’s portion of the interview. An edited version of the Q&A appears below.

* * *

Ewing Observer: What can you tell me about the status of the Ewing Senior and Community Center and the groundbreaking in March?

Mayor Bert Steinmann: Yes, the groundbreaking is on March 5th, and the contract has been awarded to Harvey Corporation.

They received the award as the low bidder. I’m happy to report that the bid came in about 20% lower than the cost estimate.

of getting materials and equipment onsite has already begun.

There’s a lot happening right now at the site that people may not see, but by the end of March or the beginning of April, there will be visible construction taking place there.

Ewing Observer: What’s the timeline for completion of the facility?

Steinmann: We’re hoping they can still meet the timeline of June 2026.

Ewing Observer: In terms of amenities, does the project include everything that you had been looking for?

Steinmann: It includes everything except the indoor pool. People were clamoring for a pool, but the problem is that the footprint, while large, isn’t big enough to accommodate a pool that would make sense.

The estimated cost of the construction project was around $42 million when we started, but the actual bids came in at $34 million. That was the winning contract.

I have to say, we had five proposals and they were all close. One was at $37 million, but most of them were around $34 million, with some in the $34 to $35 million range.

So, we’re very happy with the results, and now we can get started. Although the groundbreaking is March 5, the process

We could have put one in, but it would only fit five or six people at a time. When you consider the space needed for the pool and the environmental requirements for filtration, it just wasn’t worth the money.

There are also opportunities for people in the area to use pools elsewhere, like at Schaefer, Capital Health, or Barnabas Hamilton Hospital. So, it’s not like there’s a lack of pool options for the community. But our focus was on providing a functional, year-round facility.

EWING RECREATION

OPEN TO CHILDREN ENTERING GRADES 1-5

Camps run from June 30 through August 22

Camp days include swimming, arts and crafts, nature, special events, entertainers, theme days, athletics, dance and drama.

is $60 and is only open to Ewing residents. Additional fees for early and late hours. Multi-child discounts are available. Financial assistance is available. Register and pay before April 10th and save 5%.

Travel 4 days a week and one day at camp. Trips to Amusement parks, beaches, aquarium, rock climbing, bowling , laser tag, skating and much more. $370/week for residents $74/day, Non-Residents: $470/week, $94/daily. Campers can attend day camp weeks of June 30 and August 22.

TEEN TRAVEL: JUNE 30 - AUGUST 16 KIDS ENTERING GRADES 6 - 8 All activities at ESCC and Fisher school, except trips.

Ewing Pool System locations, Hollowbrook Community Center (HCC) and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). Season dates are Saturday, May 24th - Labor Day. Open weekends and Memorial Day. Pools open full time starting June 16th. HCC is available Saturdays for private rentals only. Contact Raquel at rince@ewingnj. org for rentals. Splashpads are a popular feature at both pools! Pool patrons can pay daily fees or register for season passes at Communitypass.net. Register and pay before April 10th and save $25! Swim Lessons at HCC: Evaluations, Saturday, June 14th. Sessions are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Ewing Observer: I think the pool was pretty much ruled out about a year ago, the last time I talked to you.

Steinmann: Yes, that’s right. But we have made sure to incorporate everything else. The indoor track, sound studio, and black box theater are all included.

We have also made provisions for people with challenges to use the facility. Medical advancements have allowed people with certain challenges to live longer lives, but there aren’t always programs available for them.

We have considered that, and we’re moving forward with plans to accommodate them.

The gymnasium is actually one and a half gyms, which allows us to host multiple activities at once. In the old gym, we could only accommodate one activity at a time. Now, we’ll be able to hold several.

Ewing Observer: What about pool

tables?

Steinmann: There will be five or six pool tables, state-of-the-art. We have also allocated space for the Patriotic Committee, and there will be plenty of wall space for arts and exhibits.

The facility will include a cafe, and there will be a banquet hall that can accommodate 125 to 150 people. It’s going to be great. We’ll have a sliding partition so that in the spring or summer, we can open it up and create an indoor/outdoor ambiance for dining or events.

Ewing Observer: How much outside funding, in terms of grants or insurance, did you secure for the facility, and how much are you going to need to bond?

Steinmann: Well, we have received $5 million from the state, which was the initial grant.

We petitioned for more funding, and a

Stay NJ Information Session

Ewing Township is pleased to host an information session on the Stay NJ property tax relief program on April 25 beginning 10 a.m. at the Ewing Township Municipal Building, 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing. (Council Chambers).

Representatives from the New Jersey State Treasury Ofﬁce will be on hand to provide details about the program and answer questions. This is the ﬁrst in a series of free information sessions Ewing Township will offer, beginning in April. The sessions are open to all—no need to be a Ewing resident to attend.

year and a half ago, we got an additional $500,000, bringing the total to $5.5 million. We just applied for another $500,000, and we received that, so we have gotten a total of $6 million from the state.

We also got more $1.05 million from the federal government, thanks to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (a Ewing Township resident) for her efforts. Additionally, we received a $1 million loan from HUD.

This loan is spread out over time, so we won’t see any additional funding for five years. But it’s not really a loan, more of an allocation over time. We’re also actively seeking private donations, and we have received a few already.

In total, we have gotten approximately $19 million from the insurance company. So, adding everything together, we have raised about $23 million. As for the bond, I have permission from the Council to

bond up to $27 million.

However, we’re not going to borrow that full amount. We expect the final amount to be around $20 million. Any donations we receive will reduce the amount of bonding needed.

The good thing about our bonding situation is that as old bonds are paid off, we’ll take on new debt, but the overall payments to the bonding companies will stay stable over time.

We have two bonds retiring later this year and one in 2026, which will eliminate about $27 million in total debt. So, the new debt we take on won’t have any major impact.

Ewing Observer: So, as the bonds are retiring, the new financing will offset them, essentially making it tax-neutral?

Steinmann: Exactly. It won’t have any tax impact.

MAYOR BERT STEINMANN INVITES YOU TO GROW LOCAL AND GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY GARDENING IN EWING!

EWING COMMUNITY GARDENS REGISTRATION

New Jersey

Jersey

New Jersey Property

Relief

New Jersey Property

MARCH 3RD

Registration Begins for previous year plot holders @ the ofﬁce of the Clerk Ewing Municipal Building 2 Jake Garzio Drive MARCH 17TH

Registration begins for new applicants Cost - Plots are $5.00 each and you can purchase up to two (2) plots

REQUIREMENTS

• You must be a Ewing Township resident (proof of residency required) NO EXCEPTIONS!!

• You must be present to buy your plots(s).

• You must provide an email address. NO EXCEPTIONS!

PLOT INFORMATION

• Owners of plots in 2024 will have an opportunity to reserve their same plots from the prior year.

• If there are still plots available on April 15, 2025, previous and new owners may purchase additional plots(s). Please call the Clerk’s ofﬁce at (609)538-7608 to ﬁnd out if more plots are available.

ABOUT THE GARDENS

The Ewing Community Gardens are located on Whitehead Road Extension in Ewing. They are enclosed in an 8’ deer fence and water sources are available. Half of the plots are organic and no-till. Learn about the Ewing Community Gardens Association at ewingcommunitygardens.wordpress.com

The oﬃcial opening of the gardens is weather determined and announced later in the season.

Ewing Township

Ewing resident makes her mark as new county prosecutor

By Arianna McCleod

Janetta Marbrey’s path to becoming Mercer County Prosecutor began in a high school civics class.

While prosecuting her teacher, who was playing the role of “The General,” in a mock trial on the Kent State massacre, she pressed him with a question.

When he hesitated, she quipped, “Oh, General, you have trouble hearing?”—a sharp reference to the very miscommunication that led to the tragedy. The class erupted, and at that moment, Marbrey’s interest in law took hold, shaping her future in prosecution.

Growing up, Marbrey saw the meaning of hard work firsthand. Her father, a truck driver, and her mother, a kitchen supervisor at Ohio State University, poured their energy into their work, showing her that success isn’t given—it’s earned. Their determination became the foundation of her own drive, pushing her to chase her ambitions with the same relentless work ethic.

“The two of them were very hard workers, and I knew that was something that was integral in my family,” says Marbrey,

Gabrielle Marbrey (center) holds the Bible for her aunt, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, as the Hon. Thomas W. Sumners Jr., chief judge of the N.J. Superior Court Appellate Division, administers the oath of office.

now a resident of Ewing Township. “So, their work ethic became my work ethic.”

Marbrey’s relentless drive has propelled her legal career. She earned her

bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in secondary education from Spelman College before refining her legal expertise at Rutgers Law School in Cam-

den. There, she developed sharp analytical skills and a determination that continue to define her career.

She launched her career as a law clerk for Judge Edward Mennetti in Camden County before joining the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in 1983 as an assistant prosecutor under Philip Carchman. This marked the beginning of her time as a trial lawyer.

Early in her career, Marbrey learned how to handle the fast-paced world of law, often preparing one case while a jury deliberated on another. Through that experience, she learned that success in the courtroom comes down to preparation and adaptability—knowing the case inside and out, anticipating touch questions, and always being honest with the jury.

As she puts it, “You may not win with the truth, but you will never win with a lie.”

Equally important, she discovered the power of listening.

“You learn more about a situation by listening to the people involved,” she says. “Don’t come in with your mind closed to what the facts or truth might be. Some-

times what you think matters, but other times, it’s more important to understand how others feel.”

That lesson influenced her methodology as both a prosecutor and a leader, reinforcing the importance of approaching each case with impartiality and a comprehensive understanding of its impact on all parties involved.

Beyond the courtroom, Marbrey is passionate about reshaping the public’s perception of law enforcement and expanding its role in the community.

“A lot of people don’t see being in law enforcement as being an honorable profession, and it’s been a tough time for those in the field,” she acknowledges. “But it’s important, and we need young people to recognize that there’s a role for them.”

She emphasizes that whether in roles as investigators, attorneys, or victim witness advocates, the work encompasses much more than prosecution.

In terms of strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community, she encourages residents to share information about local initiatives, knowing that collaboration can lead to meaningful change.

Mabrey says she hopes that when her office is involved, the community sees them as more than just prosecutors.

“I want people to recognize us not as an occupying force, but as a support for their lifestyle,” she says. “When there’s a crime, we prosecute fairly, always mindful of the community, the law, and the safety of our officers.”

Since taking office, Marbrey has been learning how deeply the prosecutor’s office is embedded in the community. Programs like DARE and school-based initiatives have long connected law enforcement with resisdents, and she is committed to building on that foundation.

“I’ve only been here about two months, and every day I learn about another program, another community meeting, another way this office has been involved,” she says. “The previous prosecutors were very active in the community; I just want to make sure that we continue what they did and find even more opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Marbrey has two key priorities.

“Number one is staying vigilant,” she says. “Things change so much in law enforcement, so my top priority is stay vigilant to make sure that we are not only responsive and reactive, but we are proactive. Something may not be happening here yet, but if it’s affecting other counties or states, we have to be mindful of the potential impact and prepare accordingly.”

The goal is to identify and address

issues before they escalate.

Her second priority is fostering a strong, motivated team within the prosecutor’s office. From the clerical staff managing critical documents to attorneys presenting cases in courts, every role contributes to public safety and justice.

“I want them to feel appreciated and know that what they’re doing is important to the safety and happiness of the people in Mercer County,” she says.

Ensuring that everyone in the office understands their impact is central to her leadership approach.

Beyond traditional law enforcement efforts, Marbrey also focuses on programs that address broader issues affecting Mercer County, such as substance abuse and mental health crises.

Recovery Court offers an alternative path for individuals struggling with addiction, providing treatments and rehabilitation opportunities rather than immediate incarceration.

Another initiative, “Arrive Together,” pairs police officers with mental health professionals when responding to calls involving mental health. This program helps ensure that those experiencing mental health challenges receive the appropriate care and intervention, reducing unnecessary arrests and improving outcomes for those in need.

While Marbrey’s focus remains on law enforcement and community engagement, her personal experiences continue to shape her leadership and dedication to public service.

Marbrey’s path to law wasn’t a straight line— it was shaped by hard work and a deep commitment to education. After moving to Camden, she balanced teaching in an adult education program while taking night classes at Rutgers Camden.

Initially, she considered a different path, even earning admission to Brown University for a graduate degree. Ultimately, she chose Rutgers Law School, a decision that put her on the path to becoming a prosecutor.

Marbrey’s commitment to mentorship and professional development extends beyond her office and into organizations like the Association of Black Women Lawyers. She sees groups like this as a valuable resource— not just for networking, but for meaningful community engagement.

For young lawyers, Marbrey emphasizes the importance of work ethic over prestige.

“Sometimes it’s better to be a workhorse than a show horse.” She believes that showing up and working hard can be just as valuable as academic accolades. Above all, she encourages young professionals to enjoy the journey.

“Don’t forget to have fun,” she adds, recognizing that a fulfilling career isn’t just about success, but about finding joy in the work.

As Mercer County prosecutor, Marbrey leads with relentless dedication, a deep commitment to justice, and a passion for serving her community. But at the core of her success is a belief in hard work and opportunity.

“I’ve always figured I got this job because I worked hard and I was qualified,” she says. “And that’s how it should be for everyone. I hope I’m not the last of any so-called identifiable minority to hold this position, but more importantly, I believe every office should reflect the people of Mercer County. No matter their appearance or background, if they work hard to qualify, they should get the job.”

Summer campS 2025

Sawmill Summer Day Camp

Replacing Wi-Fi with Wonder

The Hamilton Area YMCA’s Sawmill Summer Day Camp, situated in the heart of Mercer County, offers your child, ages 5 – 15, an unforgettable summer experience. With 50 acres of vast outdoor space and the largest pool in Mercer County, our camp is a haven for fun, learning, and adventure. Over five exciting days packed with activities, campers are encouraged to participate in a variety of options including STEM, art, sports, games, special events, theme weeks,

and more!

Unplug. Summer camp is the perfect antidote to screen time. Your child can make genuine connections with peers, free from the distractions of technology. Engaging in unstructured outdoor play sparks kids’ creativity and energizes their bodies and imaginations.

Explore. Every day at camp presents a new adventure for kids to stretch their imaginations and embrace creativity without fear of failure. Our camp offers opportunities in arts and crafts, music, science, dance, sports, and swimming, allowing children to explore and express themselves in ways they might not be able

to elsewhere.

Grow. Our camp provides a safe, nurturing environment where kids develop essential skills, build confidence, and forge new friendships. As they engage in a variety of activities, from outdoor play to swimming lessons, they acquire valuable personal development skills. These experiences help shape their identities and passions, influencing their academic pursuits, relationships, and future career choices.

It’s not just about acquiring new skills and life lessons; it’s also about forming lifelong friendships and creating unforgettable memories. The laughter, sense of accomplishment,

and community spirit come together to create an amazing summer experience that your child will cherish forever.

Kids view camp as a fun way to enjoy their summer in the sun and play in the pool, but parents understand that camp provides children with many life benefits that will remain with them long after their summer camp days have ended.

Join us at Sawmill Summer Day Camp for a Summer where kids unplug, explore & grow! To learn more about our vibrant camp community, please visit hamiltonymca.org/summer-camp/sawmill-branch-2025.

Liberty Lake Day Camp

Summer Camp: The Antidote to Screen-Based Society

By Andy Pritikin

At a restaurant last week, I watched a family order their food, then immediately bury themselves in their phones — for the entire meal. Sadly, this isn’t surprising. In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt highlights how today’s teens spend 8-10 hours a day on screens, with constant notifications fragmenting their attention. Childhood has shifted from real-world interactions to isolated digital consumption.

Before smartphones, kids played together, watched TV as a group, and even gamed in the same room. Now, they “hang out” alone, on separate devices. This social deprivation is fueling an anxiety epidemic. Once kids get phones, their real-life friendships decline. Online interactions don’t replace the need for in-person social development. The perfect antidote? Screen-free summer camp.

Haidt suggests four solutions to counteract screen dependency, all of which align with the values of summer camp:

1. No Phones in Schools — It’s already happening! Eighteen U.S. states, plus the UK and Canada, are banning phones in schools, leading to improved test scores and happier students. At my camps, we’ve never allowed phones, and kids consistently

Summer campS 2025

thank us for it.

2. No Smartphones Until High School — Kids get smartphones because “everyone else has one,” yet it brings unnecessary stress and social pressure. Giving younger kids a flip phone is a better option. Parents are stuck in a no-win situation—until summer camp offers them a muchneeded screen detox!

3. No Social Media Until 16 — Social media, especially TikTok, is addictive and damaging, comparable to gambling. If another product harmed kids this much, we’d ban it. Yet we overprotect kids from the real world while under protecting them from the online one. Camp provides a safe,

screen-free environment where kids can be kids.

4. More Unstructured, Unsupervised Play — Kids need real-world play, risk-taking, and adventure to develop social and problem-solving skills. Society has prioritized test scores over play, but camp restores this balance.

At summer camp, kids form deep friendships, learn resilience, and build social skills — all while immersed in an encouraging, screen-free community. Haidt believes one of camp’s greatest benefits is teaching kids to take safe risks — a crucial skill for facing life’s challenges.

Encouraging children to put down

YMCA Camp Mason

Welcoming Campers for 125 Years

For 125 years, YMCA Camp Mason has welcomed campers to be a part of our community. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. We engage and encourage youth and deliver meaningful and memorable experiences.

Our campers say it best!

“I made so many friends!”

Campers can try new programs while developing confidence, gaining independence, having fun and

their screens and embrace real experiences is more than nostalgia —it’s essential for their development. Summer camp isn’t just a getaway; it’s a necessity in today’s digital world.

Andy Pritikin is the owner/director of Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown, NJ, as well as the co-owner of Everwood Day Camp in Sharon, MA, and Camp Southwoods in Paradox, NY. He’s the Past President of the American Camp Association NY/ NJ, and the host of the “Day Camp Podcast”

Liberty Lake Day Camp, 1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown. www.libertylakedaycamp.com.

making lifelong friends.

“I come to camp for all of the great activities.”

Camp offers archery, pool swimming, boating, arts/crafts, drama, music, climbing tower, zipline, movie making, field/court sports, skateboard park, mountain biking, FREE trips and countless other activities.

“At camp I can be myself.”

98% of parents report their child felt a sense of belonging at camp. We teach and live our values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

For THE BEST SUMMER EVER, register at campmason.org, call 908-362-8217 or email shani@ campmason.org.

RSM Princeton

Advance Your Child’s Math Learning This Summer!

Summer math classes at RSM Princeton are now enrolling!

RSM’s award-winning program can help your child reinforce their math skills over the summer. RSM’s program has been trusted by parents for over 25 years across 75+ locations in North America. We take pride in ensuring each student learns in an environment that is optimal for them while boosting their confidence in math and learning abilities.

About RSM. At RSM, we use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life. Our unique approach consists of a continuous K-12 curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year after year.

RSM’s curriculum is inspired by elite mathematical schools in the former Soviet Union, adapted to meet

Summer campS 2025

the needs of students in the U.S. educational system. Our curriculum has continually been perfected by our curriculum department over the past 25 years.

Why Choose RSM’s Summer Program? A Program for All Students: RSM offers summer classes for K-12 students looking to strengthen their grasp of the fundamentals, prepare for the upcoming school year, or experience additional challenges.

Prevent Summer Learning Loss: RSM’s program ensures that students retain and strengthen their math knowledge, keeping them on track when they return to school in the fall.

Talented Faculty: All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or a related field and a deep passion for the subject.

Summer Program Details: 6-Week and 3-Week Offerings. This summer, RSM Princeton is offering courses that run for six or three weeks. Our 6-Week program has two classes per week and starts in June. Class durations vary depending on the student’s grade. Our 3-Week program

has four classes per week and begins in July. Classes in our 3-Week program run for three hours per day.

Classroom Environment: Students are instructed by an expert teacher leading an interactive lesson in an in-person class environment. Who Can Join? RSM Princeton

has summer classes for students in grades K-12 and is also offering math competition classes for students looking for an additional challenge. Get Started Today! Visit our website at mathschool.com/Princeton to view the summer schedule for RSM Princeton and enroll your child today.

Summer campS 2025

Leaping Dog Art Studios

Let Your Imagination Run Wild This Summer

When you enter Leaping Dog Art Studios on 325 Farnsworth Street in downtown Bordentown City, you are immediately transported to a vibrant, creative atmosphere. Approaching the entrance, you will pass a Little Free Art Gallery welcoming anyone to share or take art. Upon entering the building, there is a colorful and welcoming mural about kindness painted by the students of Leaping Dog. Good music is usually pouring out of the studio sound system and a plethora of eye-catching paintings and clay projects sit on shelves that line almost every wall of the interior.

On their website, Leaping Dog Art Studio’s promise is to be “A place where imaginations are allowed to run wild, creative expression is the norm, and fun is had by people of all ages.” Stopping in during any class proves this to be true. Kids and adults

alike cannot wait to come to the next class and are sad when they have to leave or miss a class. Founder and director Jennifer Szeto says, “As a small business owner in these times especially, I am thankful each day to be open and booming. When classes and camps and workshops fill up,

I know that there is a need for the services we provide and I am happy that there is a community of people who, like me, value the arts and want creative activities to be a part of their lives.”

For the summer of 2025, Leaping Dog will offer nine weeks of 5 day

camps — with the exception of the week of July 4th — which is only a four-day week due to the holiday. Each week promises fun and exciting themes including the popular “Kawaii & Cartooning” week, “Sculpture & Clay” weeks, “Fashion Design” week and “Fantasy Art” week and our newer “Game Creation Week” and “We Love Music & Musicals!” Weeks. This summer, we are also happy to offer a camp for older teens interested in more serious drawing and painting experiences called “Art Portfolio Camp.”

“Camps fill up quick so I recommend registering as soon as possible,” says Jennifer, who earned a Masters in Art Teaching from the University of the Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Syracuse University and has more than 18 years of experience as an art educator and 11 years running her studio.

For more information on art classes and art camps or booking a private party or lesson, please visit www. leapingdogartstudios.com.

Summer campS 2025

Tomato Patch Summer Workshops

Reach for the Stars — Register Now!

A few weeks can last a lifetime! Find out at Tomato Patch Summer Workshops in Theater, Dance, Vocal Music, Video and Visual Arts! Students make lasting friendships and wonderful memories while becoming an accomplished performer and artist. Now in its 52nd year, Tomato Patch is the longest-running, most successful multi-disciplinary Visual and Performing Arts program in Central New Jersey. Featuring classes for all school age students, Tomato Patch is taught by a talented staff of professional artists.

Visual and performing arts wotrkshops explore arts, dance, theater, and vocal music. Session one is a four-week session for ages 13 to 18. Session two is a three-week session for ages 10 to 12. Master class is for students ages 13 to 18 who have attended Tomato Patch or had other formal theater training.

Tomato Patch Workshops is a multidisciplinary full-day Theater, Dance, Music, Visual Art and Video summer program for ages 10-18 in two sessions:

Session 1: Grades 8-12; minimum age 13.

June 30 through July 24. No Tomato Patch July 4. Only $1,175. Session 2: Grades 4-7; minimum ages 10.

July 28 through August 14. Only

$1,100.

Tomato Patch Workshops culminate in an Evening of the Arts!

Unlike every other performing arts camp, Tomato Patch allows you to major in one subject and take classes in other areas. Become a triple threat! The majors to choose from are Acting, Vocal, Dance, Visual Arts, and Video Production.

The Master Class is full-day acting intensive summer program for ages 13-18 only in two sessions:

Session 1: June 30 through July 25 – No Class July 4, 5. Only $1,175.

Session 2: July 28 through August 15. Only $1,100.

Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. with before and after care available.

The Master Class in Theater culminates in A Night of One Acts!

Hours for all programs are Mondays through Fridays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. with before and after care available. Before care starts at 7:15 a.m. and costs $50 per week. After care ends at 6 p.m. and costs $75 per week.

Still looking for something during the school year? Junior Tomatoes is 10 week-long Saturday morning theater workshops exploring creativity, movement, improvisation, and more from September through June for ages 4-12 in three sessions. All classes culminate in performances for family and friends!

Tomato Patch Workshops are conveniently located on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. Visit us online at www.tomatopatch.org or call 609-5703566 for more information.

PBS Trainees Lauren Grace Onderko, Avery Alley, and Finlay Nyce. Photo by Megan Teat Photography.

artistry, collaborating in a dynamic creative environment. They gain a deeper understanding of how ideas evolve into choreography and performance, and how the technical and artistic elements seamlessly come together.”

The Summer Intensive Advanced is an excellent way to begin Princeton Ballet School’s Trainee Program, which serves as a bridge between the student phase of training and a professional dance career. The Trainee Program is ideal for homeschool students ages 15 and up, as well as posthigh school dancers, who are looking to further extend their training as they transition

Summer campS 2025

toward professional careers. Princeton Ballet School’s Trainee Program also offers international students the opportunity to complete the twoyear program, as the school is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll nonimmigrant students on F-1 visas. Based on individual progress and performance, trainees will have the opportunity to perform in American Repertory Ballet productions. Visit www.arballet.org or call 609-921-77458 to learn more and enroll today!

Bob Smith Soccer Academy

Soccer camps for ages 5 to 14

The Bob Smith Soccer Academy has been a family-owned and operated business since the early 1990s. This summer, it offers camps at two locations for boys and girls ages 5 to 14.

The first camp takes places outdoors at Robbinsville Community Park from July 14 through 18 and August 11 through 15. The second is at the Multisport Kingdom in Manalapan from July 21 through 28, August 4 through 8, and August 18 through 22.

Full-day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and half-day camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Camps have skill stations from 9 to 11 a.m., games from 11 a.m. to noon, lunch from noon to 1 p.m., and group training and games until 3 p.m. Before and after-care are available, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bob Smith, A United States Soccer Hall of Fame member since 2006, played internationally and in the USA for nine years with the Philadelphia Atoms, Fury, and the New York Cosmos alongside the great Pele, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, and countless pioneers of

Building Character & Community

the game. He then played for the Phila Fever, the San Diego Sockers, and finally, the Montreal Manic.

After he retired he turned to passing on his love of the game to the young players of New Jersey by having soccer camps at Mercer County Park for many years. He has always had the most qualified staff by his side, Including his own four children, who served as junior trainers at the camps.

His soccer academy first moved to the Robbinsville Fieldhouse, where his skilled staff and manager Joe Donigan provided training for players ages 4-15, hundreds of youth travel teams, and men’s leagues.

Operations have since relocated to Multisports Kingdom in Manalapan, where they continue to train players of all ages and levels, host summer camps, and run travel leagues for 225 youth teams from all around the state. Bob Smith’s son Dylan, who also played in college and some internationally, helps run the academy and is the director of coaching for Freehold Soccer.

Bob Smith Soccer Academy, 150 Woodward Road, Manalapan. www.bobsmithsoccer.com email: info@bobsmithsoccer.com. Register today and get a $25 discount for early registration.

it, because if you have the mindset that you want to do better, you’re going to do better. But if you just throw it away and don’t want to put the work in, then it’s not going to show up out on the lanes.”

Carman and the Blue Devils had had what plenty of bowlers and teams would consider strong seasons the previous two years.

Ewing had posted marks of 14-4-1 and 14-5-1 and Carman had put together solid 180.43 and 181.71 averages. But standards are different at Ewing, which hasn’t lowered its standards since claiming its fi fth state title in 2014.

“Obviously the expectations I have every year are to make it to the state tournament,” said Ewing coach Dave Angebranndt. “With the way the format has changed (to head-to-head brackets), you always want at least to win a first-round matchup in the state tournament and see what happens from there. But to be able to get a bye in the first round in a really tough Central Jersey, Group 3 bracket speaks volumes to how my guys have bowled all year.”

What’s made the season and the Blue Devils’ achievements all the more impressive is they do not have a senior on the team. Carman and fellow junior Joey Reid have been the strongest juniors all season

and Sebastian Curtiss and Antonio Vargas are the top sophomores. Darrell Willis and David Hartmann are key juniors as well and freshman Kristopher Jenkins has had a good start to his career.

“The last few years it’s been a heavily concentrated girls program just because of the numbers and the abilities, but now it kind of flipped a bit,” said Angebranndt whose girls were solid in a 14-5-1 season in which they reached the CJ 2 quarterfinals.

“I have 14 guys on my roster between varsity and JV, and I don’t have a senior, so I’m hoping that within the next couple years, maybe the boys success is going to replicate what the girls have been over the last couple years. You never know. Maybe next year they take a run at the state championship,” Angebranndt said.

This year was a good stepping stone. The Ewing boys placed third in January at the highly competitive Brick Memorial Tournament behind Jackson Memorial and Delbarton.

Then in February they earned the No. 4 seed and advanced to the CJ 3 semifinals with a 2-1 quarterfinals win over Colts Neck on February 13. Carman put together a strong series of 685 with a high game of 245. Reid had the high game of the day with a 257 to push his series to 604 and help reach the semis.

“We have a good thought going into it, just making it there and coming all this way by winning all these matches,” Carman said. “It’s just really cool to think that a small school in Ewing out of everybody else can make it this far.”

The Blue Devils ran into another young, strong team in top-seeded St. Joseph’s Metuchen in the semifinals to end their season with a 2-0 loss February 19. But Ewing finished 17-2-1, including an 11-0-1 mark to win the BCSL Liberty Division.

“In the beginning of the season, I was a little iffy because we did have a senior leaving that was on the team for a couple years,” Carman said.

“But going in I had good hopes, but I think for myself personally with the season I’ve had, I didn’t think I was going to do this good,” he said. “But now that I’m here, I’m glad where we are as a team and where I’m at as a player and as a contributor to our team.”

Carman had been a contributor in each of his first two seasons. And he posted some promising results – a 241 game as a freshman and a 247 high score as a sophomore. He doubled his efforts in the offseason and saw huge improvements much to the delight of Ewing.

“His attitude has gotten so much bet-

See CARMAN, Page 24

ter, his personality has grown, he’s become a leader on the team, whereas you know in years past he hadn’t really adopted that role,” Angebranndt said. “It’s another year for him to be around the opponents, be around the coaches, and get more experience. He’s been a guy that I can rely on all year. He’s consistent. You know going in, he’s going to shoot at least a mid- to upper-200 game in a match, whether or not he shoots three or not. But he’s definitely improved on his abilities. He’s worked tirelessly.”

we have because if everybody continues to work and just do what they need to do, I feel like we have a pretty fair chance of being a top team in the state next year.”

That would make for a terrific scholastic exit for Carman, who also plays football for EHS. He aspires to bowl in college and beyond as he’s grown more dedicated to the sport. He took up bowling by the time he was 8 years old. When he started high school, he started to put more time into it.

On December 9, in the third game against Westhampton Tech, he bowled a career-high 290 game. It was nearly perfect.

“I’ve gotten really close,” Carman said. “I had a 290 this season, and I got a 280 also.”

He also placed in the top 40 out of nearly 150 at the New Jersey Singles Classic. To see his offseason work pay off has been encouraging to him and inspiring to teammates, many of whom are also dedicating more time to the sport in the offseason in hopes of seeing significant improvements.

“I have full confidence that every single one of us can improve to play our best play that we could,” Carman said. “We could be a top team in the state with who

“There’s a numerous amount of kids in the state that are phenomenal at the sport,” Carman said. “So after I saw that I just felt like I could also be one of those people to get myself out there and just take it more serious and not be one of these laid back kids that just want to take it as an unserious sport.”

Carman is looking to bowl in the Junior Gold Championships and continue competing in tournaments and leagues in the offseason. He is hoping to see the same sort of improvements again for next year.

“All he wants to do is bowl,” Angebranndt said. “He gets upset when a match gets cancelled because all he wants to do is get better. I think he realizes his potential after this year. So he’s hungry to get better. It’s definitely nice to have him next year along with the other guys coming back.”

GOODNEWS

March

June

Adopt-a-Survivor Program BeginsatEwing HighSchool

The Ewing Public Schools

Emerging EHS Artists Engaging in Competition

By EHS Art Teacher, Mr. Samuel DeCavalcante

The vibrant energy and raw talent of young artists often find their first public expression in the arena of art contests. These local and national contests provide a platform for student artists to display their work while receiving valuable feedback and recognition. These contests foster growth, encourage experimentation, and connect young artists with a wider artistic community. This year’s submissions have showcased a remarkable range of talent and creativity with students working in varying 2D, 3D, and digital mediums.

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

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

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

One standout trend this year has been the artists’ willingness to enter art contests and engage in complex thought-provoking themes. Three Ewing High School artists entered the Tidal Shift Art Competition presented by The Portland Museum of Art in Maine. The juried national competition asks students to contemplate an issue and/or a solution to a crisis facing their community resulting from climate change. Winners will be announced April 15th, 2025, having their work exhibited in the Portland, Maine area in April. We wish the BEST OF LUCK to our emerging artists!

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

Therese Hawkins Human industrialization and pollution has turned the world into a cemetery.

Folusade Olubamowo Earth: a dying planet from Human contact.

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

Safety Town

Kristhel Barillas

June 30 - July 11

Contact: Jean Conrad

Faucet with trash water coming out: pollution and water quality issues.

609-538-9800 x1302 for application

Teacher of the Year Recipients are Honored

The Ewing Art and Athletic Departments have collaborated to create a student art contest to redesign the Blue Devil Logo. Input from various administrators and art teachers have been combined to create guidelines, expectations, and a visual mood board to spark student creativity and originality for innovative designs. The deadline for submissions was February 28th, and a committee of students, artists, administrators, and teachers will select the top three designs to be voted on by the Ewing High School community.

The dedication and passion of these young artists are truly inspiring. Many have spent countless hours honing their skills, experimenting with new techniques, and pushing the boundaries of their creative expression. They are driven by an intrinsic desire to create, to communicate, and to share their unique perspectives with the world. While winning a contest can be a significant achievement, the true value lies in the journey itself. The process of creating art, refining their skills, and preparing their work for submission provides these students with invaluable experience and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Regardless of the outcome, participating in art contests empowers these young artists to grow, learn, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

Ewing High Students Attend Gorbachev Presentation

The Phillips’ Mill held its 12th annual prestigious Youth Art Exhibition, where the most talented young artists compete with one another. The exhibit hosts 24 local high schools with over 150 submissions. Each year, awards are presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in five categories, plus one “Best in Show” award. Congratulations to EHS junior, Lily Bush, a standout artist who was awarded 3rd place in the category of “Works on Paper” for her beautifully rendered charcoal piece.

Whitney Lewis, EHS Freshman

On April 18, 2005 Ms. Chiavuzzo, Mrs. Walker and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several Mercer County high school and college students, and politicians to hear a presentation given by Mikhail Gorbachev at the Sovereign Bank Arena. Gorbachev was the last communist leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. During his term he instituted various policies including his political policy of Glasnost and economic policy

EHS Senior Joel Cineus Tournament MVP!

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

Have a Happy Summer!!

GoodNews will resume with the September issue of the Observer

Ewing High School looks forward to supporting the visual and performing arts by entering the Mercer County Teen Arts Festival this upcoming spring. In the past, multiple visual and performing art pieces and performances have advanced to the state level. EHS art pieces have been selected for the New Jersey traveling showcase, where the exhibit tours the many municipalities of the state for one year. We look forward to seeing all the young artists thrive in a community that fosters creativity.

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

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

Lily Bush 2024

The Ewing Public Schools

The Ewing Public Schools Announce 2024-2025 Governor’s Educators of the Year

Ewing High School

Elandra Johnson: Teacher of the Year

“Mrs. Johnson’s student-first approach makes her the perfect candidate for this award. Mrs. Johnson has been in education for nearly 25 years and continues to seek new and innovative ways to reach our students. She understands that education is truly about the whole child and offers her students a safe, supportive environment that helps our students thrive and perform to the best of their abilities. Mrs. Johnson’s contributions to Ewing High School are not confined to the classroom. She has dedicated endless hours to coaching and mentoring as well. It has been a pleasure to get to know Mrs. Johnson and see firsthand the positive impact she has on our students.” EHS Principal, Ms. Lisa Sabo

Fisher Middle School

Jesse Yesenosky: Teacher of the Year

“Jesse Yesenosky, with 21 years of dedicated service in education, exemplifies excellence and commitment as a teacher. Recognized as Teacher of the Year, Jesse has consistently demonstrated exceptional instructional practices, achieving the highest Student Growth Percentile (SGP) score in the school for the last year—a testament to her ability to inspire and empower students to reach their fullest potential. As a team leader and co-advisor for the student council, Jesse fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes leadership and community engagement among students. Her unwavering passion for education, coupled with her strong rapport with colleagues, students, and parents, underscores her role as a cornerstone of the school community and a model of professional excellence.” FMS Principal, Dr. Maggy Hanna

Rebecca Romanko: Education Specialist of the Year

“Rebecca Romanko, our esteemed Dean of Students and Anti-Bullying Specialist, has been recognized as Educational Specialist of the Year for her unwavering dedication to the well-being and success of our students. With 17 years of experience in education, Rebecca has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment. Her ability to build meaningful relationships with students, parents, and colleagues alike sets her apart as a leader and advocate for positive change. Rebecca goes above and beyond to meet the unique needs of every student, ensuring they feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. Her passion, professionalism, and tireless

efforts have made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are proud to honor her well-deserved achievements.” FMS Principal, Dr. Maggy Hanna

Antheil Elementary School

Kelsey Pietrow: Teacher of the Year

“Ms. Pietrow’s exemplary instructional practices help students develop a growth mindset in a supportive classroom. Her data-driven approach ensures consistent growth in student performance. She fosters strong relationships built on trust, motivating students to engage deeply in learning. Beyond teaching, Ms. Pietrow is a dedicated leader, supporting the Title 1 After-School Program, tutoring, and PTO events. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, enriching Antheil’s culture. In every sense, Ms. Pietrow embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator. Her commitment to her students, innovative teaching methods, and passion for fostering a love of learning make her a true asset to Antheil Elementary School.” Antheil Principal, Mr. Clifford Harrison

Lore Elementary School

Jacqueline Duncan: Teacher of the Year

“Ms. Duncan works intentionally to make sure every student grows as a reader, writer, mathematician, and thinker, using pop-up tents and buses to provide independent working space and sharing her favorite books with students, even when those books are in Spanish! She occasionally teaches while wearing a wig, prom dress, or tiara, and every March, she dresses as the Cat in the Hat to celebrate Read Across America Week, riding her scooter throughout the school. Ms. Duncan’s determination to help every student learn and to make learning fun is one of the ways she keeps kids excited about school. Her students love her, her colleagues appreciate her, and the entire Lore School staff looks forward to laughing with and learning from her every day.” Lore Principal, Mrs. Kelly Kawalek

Parkway Elementary School

Victoria Ray: Teacher of the Year

“Tori Ray is an extraordinary educator whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication create a learning environment where students feel valued, supported, and inspired. Tori not only teaches lessons that resonate in the moment but also imparts wisdom and values that students carry with them for years to come. She understands the importance of building strong relationships with

both students and parents, fostering a sense of community and trust that enhances student success. Even in the summer, she brings students together, laying the foundation for meaningful connections before the school year even begins. Like her name suggests, Tori is a ray of sunshine. Her consistent positivity and warm presence brighten every space she enters. She approaches every challenge with optimism and grace, making her an invaluable member of the school community. Tori’s dedication and heart make her truly deserving of the Educator of the Year recognition.” Parkway Principal, Mrs. Michelle Conway

Julie Pritchard: Education Specialist of the Year

“Julie Pritchard is an exceptional school social worker who goes above and beyond to support the well-being of every student. She takes the time to truly understand each child, identifying their unique needs and the best ways to provide support. Whether helping students navigate challenges, develop coping strategies, or access essential resources, Julie’s compassionate and student-centered approach makes a lasting impact. She is a steadfast advocate for open and effective communication, ensuring families feel informed, supported, and empowered to collaborate in their child's success. Julie’s ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff fosters a positive and inclusive school environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Her unwavering dedication, patience, and commitment to student success make her an invaluable asset to the school community and a truly deserving recipient of the Educator of the Year recognition.” Parkway Principal, Mrs. Michelle Conway

O’Brien Academy

Danielle Van Wagenen: Teacher of the Year

”The Ewing Public Schools proudly recognizes Danielle Van Wagenen as the 2025 Teacher of the Year for The O'Brien Academy. A dedicated educator, Danielle has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, unwavering commitment to her students, and a passion for fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Danielle has made a lasting impact on both her students and colleagues. She is known for her innovative teaching methods, mentorship, and dedication to student success. Well respected by her peers and loved by her students, she has set herself apart as a leader in education, inspiring those around her every day.” O’Brien Academy Supervisor, Mr. David Hauserman

Please visit our district website for a full press. Congratulations to these outstanding educators!

The Ewing Public Schools

EHS Senior Spotlight: Meet Alexander Griffin FMS Soap SudS Squad

If you could use one word to describe yourself, what would that word be? OUTGOING, this word just defines me. Alex, you have an infectious smile, how do you use it to your advantage? I use my smile to lift up others. I love using my smile and the things behind my smile to make others feel better and great about themselves.

What do you feel is the most important character trait of a person? A person’s loyalty. You can act however you act, feel however you feel, or do whatever you do, but to be loyal to yourself and others is important. Those who can stay true to those around them and themselves are those who shine the brightest.

Why should students become involved in the Unified Program at Ewing High School? It’s a place to be YOU. This is a place where you can be yourself and learn more about yourself. You’ll be conscious of some things being in Unified, but you’ll find yourself at peace and happy.

You are part of the Concert Choir under the direction of Mr. Alex Miner. How does music fit into your life? To be specific I am in Chorale. Music has saved my life. I can remember as clear as day when I was a freshman, music changed everything. I normally never had time, but as time went by, I made time for music. It’s now a huge thing in my life.

What is your favorite subject? Music! All the way, music. Singing is a passion that I will never drop. I love it so, so much.

Parkway celebrated its 30th Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 8, 2025. It was a nice family event that was well attended. Everyone enjoyed their pancakes, raffle prizes, dancing, and time with friends. It’s an event that everyone looks forward to each year!

Who is your favorite teacher and why? Mr. Minter 100% is my favorite teacher. He’s more than just a teacher, he’s a mentor. He’s guided me through these four years and taken me to a whole new level as a man. He’ll forever be my favorite wherever I go. Love you Mint!

What activities do you participate in school? The musical, Chorale, Basketball (EHS), Unified Basketball, Master Singers, Coffee for the Soul, and Blue Notes.

What is your favorite memory of high school to date? Choir concert, rapping, spring of 20232024, all there is to say, LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!

What is your favorite quote or book? “Nothing starts until you take action. If you have time to worry, then run.” – Sonic the Hedgehog.

As you graduate from Ewing High School this June, what words of wisdom do you have for your brothers who also attend Ewing High School? Kevin and Kameren: don’t fear, your last name is Griffin for a reason. There is so much in life that is in store for you guys and there’s nothing you two can’t do. Twin Power is what Dad calls it, and Twin Power is what you guys are. Live life how you see fit, and not how others around you live life even if that means doing something you never could see yourself doing. Do it! Life doesn’t stop, so neither should you. Don’t be like the rest of us ahead of you — be your own person, love the life you live, and live the life you love. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next big thing! Love you guys! I’ll always be watching so don’t think I’m gone for good.

Students in Ms. Copperman’s Parkway’s 2nd grade class tried out “thin-sliced” problems created by Mrs. Schroeder during her morning PD session on Building Thinking Classrooms with Dr. Eric Milou from Rowan University. Students were randomly grouped and worked through problems together dealing with standard units of measurement for length.

Ms. Martucci’s Fisher Middle School sixth-grade Life Skills class provides real-world vocational training through their in-class laundromat. Students learn valuable skills including sorting, color-grouping, machine operation, and meticulous folding.

Students have successfully laundered costumes for the Fisher Middle School play, Special Olympics uniforms, and countless other orders. Students prioritize customer satisfaction by ensuring each order is returned neatly and punctually.

This fun, collaborative experience fosters teamwork and valuable life skills.

The Ewing Public Schools

March 2025 Schedule in Ewing Schools

Mar 3-7 Antheil - PTO Scholastic Spring Book Fair

Mar 4 Antheil - Spring Picture Day

Parkway - Spring Picture Day

Mar 5 Antheil - Literary Festival & PTO Family Book Fair Night @ 6pm

Mar 6 EARLY DISMISSAL – Full Day Preschool-8th Grade Only Parent Conferences

No Antheil Bridge Preschool Classes

No AM Integrated Preschool Classes (Antheil, Lore, & Parkway Schools)

Mar 8-9 Ewing Robotics, The Mighty Monkey Wrenches: Seneca District Event

Mar 8 FMS - Odyssey of the Mind – New Jersey Odyssey of the Mind Coastal Plains Tournament

Mar 10-14 Parkway - PTA Scholastic Spring Book Fair

Mar 11 Parkway - PTA Meeting @ 6pm FMS - FPA Virtual Meeting @ 7:15pm

Mar 13 Parkway - Title I Family Bingo Night @ 6pm Antheil - PTO Meeting @ 6:30pm

Mar 18 FMS - Title I SEL Night @ 6:30pm Lore - PTA Meeting @ 7pm

Mar 19 EHS - Into the Woods Musical Senior Citizen Show @ 6pm EHS Auditorium

Mar 20 EHS - Into the Woods Musical @ 7:30pm

Mar 21 EHS - Into the Woods Musical @ 7:30pm

Mar 22 EHS - Into the Woods Musical @ 2pm & 7:30pm

Mar 22-23 Ewing Robotics, The Mighty Monkey Wrenches: Bensalem District Event

Mar 24 EHS Counseling Department: JUNIOR Naviance/ College & Career Night @ 6pm

Mar 25 EHS - Winter Athletic Awards Night @ 6pm

Mar 26 FMS - 5th Grade Parent Orientation Night @ 6:30pm

Mar 31 SCHOOL CLOSED – Eid al-Fitr/Staff Development Day

Second-grade students at Antheil Elementary School spread love this Valentine’s Day by creating handmade cards for local senior citizens in the community. The thoughtful gesture was part of an annual tradition started by Rothkoff Law Group called, “Sharing the Love.” The project is aimed to foster intergenerational connections and brighten the seniors’ day. Teachers and students alike expressed joy at the opportunity to bring smiles to the elderly residents, many of whom were touched by the colorful, heartfelt messages.

Although Korean New Year, called Seollal, was celebrated on Wednesday, January 29th, a Lore student and her family celebrated the holiday with her classmates in February. Since Seollal is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice, students were introduced to Lunar Phases. They also learned about traditional clothing worn and games played in celebration.

Physical Education (PE) classes at Antheil Elementary School participated in a floor hockey unit this winter. Students learned and practiced the skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as learning how to play offense and defense. The unit consisted of two class periods of station activities to practice skills and then students were put onto teams playing side-line hockey games. Even students who were not able to participate due to an injury or forgot their sneakers were given the job of keeping score or blowing the whistle when a goal was scored. One fourth-grade student on crutches wore the referee jersey, alongside PE teachers Ms. Dwyer and Mrs. Schuh!

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

609-538-9800 ext. 1102 thullings@ewingboe.org www.ewing.k12.nj.us

Below is a selection of events taking place this month in our area. For even more events, go online to our website, communitynews.org/events.

Details below were believed to be accurate at time of publication. We always recommend that you confirm all necessary details when planning to attend an event.

Saturday, March 1

Winter in the Farmhouse & Orchard Care, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm. org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Kea and the Ark at The College of New Jersey, Don Evans Black Box Theater. 2 p.m. White Box Theatre—led by artist-in-residence Sebastienne Mundheim—tells true story of an artist who built a 20-ton ark in Newark to protest urban renewal policies. Tickets $25. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

Reock and Roll Revue’s John Lennon — the Solo Recordings, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sunday, March 2

Ricotta Making & Meal, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Hands-on ricotta-making class followed by freshly prepared lunch. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.

Reock and Roll Revue’s John Lennon — the Solo Recordings, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Sold out. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Princeton University Concerts presents the Richardson Chamber Players Spring Concert, Alexander Hall. 3 p.m. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.

A Masterclass with Curtis Stewart, violinist, Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall, Princeton University,. 2 and 7 p.m. Performance at 7 p.m. also features pianist Donna Weng Friedman. princeton. edu.

tueSday, March 4

Tuesday Recital, The College of New Jersey. 12:30 p.m. Department of Music weekly series featuring student performers. In the Mildred &

HAPPENING

Ernest. E. Mayo Concert Hall. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

Read to Tiny the Therapy Dog!, Pennington Public Library. 4 p.m. Young readers can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with Tiny, the Therapy Dog. Recommended for ages 5-10. Registration required. penningtonlibrary.org. 30 North Main St, Pennington.

WedneSday, March 5

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Easy walk with group. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. Free. No registration required. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

thurSday, March 6

Eduardo Cadava in conversation with Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Labyrinth Books. 6 p.m. labyrinthbooks.com. 122 Nassau St., Princeton.

Cosmic Jerry Band Grateful Dead Tribute, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Friday, March 7

Author Preity Kumar, The College of New Jersey. 12:30 p.m. “An Ordinary Landscape of Violence,” a new history of queer women in postcolonial Guyana. tcnj.edu. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

Split Decision Band, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Oklahoma!, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Saturday, March 8

Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm. org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Kombucha Workshop, Cherry Grove Farm. 2 p.m. Kombucha is a centuries old drink made by fermenting sweetened tea. End the class tasting of a variety of kombuchas with Cherry Grove’s cheeses. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.

Successful Failures, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 3 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

DJ Mighty Mike presents the Vinyl Nights Freestyle Dance Concert with electrifying performances by, Cooper’s Riverview. 6 p.m. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Oklahoma!, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sunday, March 9

Spring Cleansing Bitters, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Workshop. Learn the importance of bitters, how they affect digestion and mood. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

Oklahoma!, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College. 2 p.m. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, Windsor. Mozzarella from Scratch, Cherry Grove Farm. 2 p.m. Workshop. Leave with your fresh mozzarella. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.

WedneSday, March 12

thurSday, March 13

Lovelight Grateful Dead Tribute with Pete Tonti!, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

TCNJ Bands: Wind Ensemble & Wind Orchestra, The College of New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert chat at 7 p.m. Buy tickets at tcnj.edu. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

Friday, March 14

Ukrainian Pysanka Egg Decorating, Cherry Grove Farm. 10 a.m. Turn an ordinary egg into a work of art with Pysanky By Basia. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence. Oklahoma! at Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College. 8 p.m. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, Windsor. New Jersey Symphony: Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Alexander Hall, Princeton University. 8 p.m. princeton.edu. 68 Nassau St, Princeton. njsymphony.org

Saturday, March 15

Ukrainian Pysanka Egg Decorating, Cherry Grove Farm. 9 a.m. Turn an ordinary egg into a work of art with Pysanky By Basia. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

See EVENTS, Page 30

Workhorse Rides, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Mozzarella from Scratch, Cherry Grove Farm. 2 p.m. Workshop. Leave with your fresh mozzarella. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

The Verdict Reggae/Soca Band, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. Reggae, soca and world beats. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Oklahoma!, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sunday, March 16

Hand Made Pasta Workshop with Meal, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Chef Patrick from Patrick Makes Pasta offers hands-on pasta making experience. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

Family Sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalist-guided program geared towards kids and families. All ages. No registration required, abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Oklahoma!, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. kelseyatmccc.com. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey Spring Serenades, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. 4 p.m. Pre-concert lecture at 3 p.m. Wind musicians of the Philharmonic with Sebastian Grand, conductor. Music of Mozart, Strauss, Ibert, Dvor-

ak. Reception onstage following the concert. capitalphilharmonic.org. 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.

Monday, March 17

Irish Music for St. Patrick’s Day, Trenton Tir Na nOg. Diarmuid MacSuibhne at noon, Successful Failures at 4 p.m., Some Assembly Required at 8 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

tueSday, March 18

Sesame Street Live, CURE Insurance Arena. 6 p.m. cureinsurancearena.com. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

The Althea Ward Clark Reading Series Presents: Marilyn Hacker & Ayana Mathis, Labyrinth Books. 6 p.m. Bestselling authors Marilyn Hacker and Ayana Mathis read from their recent work. labyrinthbooks.com. 122 Nassau St., Princeton.

WedneSday, March 19

thurSday, March 20

The Fund for Irish Studies Presents A Reading by Niall Williams, Labyrinth Books. 5 p.m. Niall Williams is the author of nine novels, including “Four Letters of Love,” which will soon be a motion picture starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne. labyrinthbooks.com. 122 Nassau St., Princeton.

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Cosmic Jerry Band Grateful Dead Tribute, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Friday, March 21

Indian Farm Dinner. 6 p.m. Celebrate Holi and the Spring Equinox with a special Indian dinner. Sandeep and Nalini Agarwal of Pure Indian Foods will cook a 5-course Indian dinner. BYOB. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

Il Trovatore, The College of New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. Boheme Opera NJ production of Verdi’s tale of love, lust and revenge. At Kendall Main Stage Theater. bohemeopera.org. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

Kinky Boots | Presented by Thank You 5 Productions, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Featuring Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, and book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Saturday, March 22

Sawmilling & Horse-Drawn Road Grading, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm. org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Disney’s Tangled Animated Movie PlayAlong, Kelsey Theatre. 11 a.m. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider guide guests in a sing-along & playalong adventure. kelseyatmccc.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Mozzarella Stretch with Burrata, Cherry Grove Farm. Noon. Workshop offers hands-on experience of stretching your own mozzarella. and a cheese tasting. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

Richie Minervini, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 7:30 p.m. Stand-up comedy. catcharisingstar. com. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.

Kinky Boots, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sunday, March 23

Foraging & Feasting, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Take a walk around the farm as we identify and taste edible weeds such as chickweed, dandelion, mugwort and pine. Herbalist Tish will talk about how plants can be used as food and medicine., followed by a meal of dishes featuring the wild plants. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.

Family Sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalistguided program geared towards kids and families. All ages. No registration required, abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Kinky Boots, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

A Masterclass with Misha Amory, Viola, Taplin Auditorium. 2 p.m. The Princeton Music Department hosts Misha Amory, who will play a selection of solo works for viola. Sponsored by the Donna Weng Friedman ’80 Masterclass Series. princeton.edu. Fine Hall, Princeton University.

Il Trovatore, The College of New Jersey. 3

p.m. Boheme Opera NJ production of Verdi’s tale of love, lust and revenge. At Kendall Main Stage Theater. bohemeopera.org. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

tueSday, March 25

The C.K. Williams Reading Series Presents Sidik Fofana and Student Writers, Labyrinth Books. 6 p.m. Writer Sidik Fofana, author of Stories from the Tenants Downstairs reads from his work along with several creative writing seniors. labyrinthbooks.com. 122 Nassau St., Princeton.

WedneSday, March 26

Author Chris Hedges, Labyrinth Books. 6 p.m. Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges’ book “A Genocide Foretold” confronts the realities of life under siege in Gaza. labyrinthbooks.com. 122 Nassau St., Princeton.

Author Talk: Jennifer Weiner, Pennington Public Library. 7 p.m. Virtual event with author of “Good in Bed” and “In Her Shoes.” Register at penningtonlibrary.org.

Friday, March 28

Kinky Boots, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Dena Blizzard, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 8 p.m. Stand-up comedy. catcharisingstar.com. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.

Saturday, March 29

Ricotta Making & Meal, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Hands-on ricotta-making class followed by freshly prepared lunch. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.

Shredded Stars: Mysterious Signals from Hearts of Galaxies, New Jersey State Museum Planetarium. 4:15 p.m. Free talk with Philippe Yao, Princeton University about periodic astrophysical transients at the centers of galaxies. Reserve seats at forms.office.com/g/0vJ0yXMrBC. 205 W State St, Trenton.

Kinky Boots, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sunday, March 30

Making and Cooking with Paneer. Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Paneer-making workshop and lunch. cherrygrovefarm.com 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.

PPM Presents Carmina Burana with Roxey Ballet, TCNJ Main Stage Theater at Kendall Hall. 4 p.m. Two choruses, two grand pianos, percussion and a cast of professional ballet dancers. roxeyballet.org. 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing.

U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Capital Health on Best Hospitals for Maternity List

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell as a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

Capital Health is one of 25 hospitals in New Jersey and the only hospital in the Greater Mercer County area to earn this recognition. This is the second consecutive year that Capital Health earned a place on the U.S. News High Performing Hospitals list for Maternity Care and the third time in four years since U.S. News published its first list of Best Hospitals for Maternity. In April 2024, Capital Health was also recognized by U.S. News for achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complication among black patients.

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as severe unexpected newborn complication rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

“Being named a high performing hospital by U.S. News & World Report means a lot for everyone involved in our Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell,” said Kira Przybylko, medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Capital Health. “For the incredible teams at our Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center, it validates their dedication to providing the highest level

of care to expectant mothers. For the communities we serve, it lets them know they can count on us to help their growing families get off to the healthiest and safest start possible.”

“The hospitals recognized by U.S. News as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.”

The Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell makes up the most complete maternity facility in the area. From routine deliveries to high-risk needs, staff at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell provide a full range of prenatal, obstetrical, postpartum, and neonatal care options so newborns have the greatest chance for a healthy start. The designated Regional Perinatal Center provides neonatal care, including Mercer County’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for at-risk births.

To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/maternity.

Renowned Bucks County Surgeon Joins Capital Health, Leads Heart and Vascular Institute

DR. JOSEPH AUTERI, a board certified, fellowship trained cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of leadership and clinical experience, has been named medical director of Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute. As part of Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists, his clinical focus is on minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches to coronary artery disease, aortic and mitral valve disease, and general thoracic conditions.

Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Auteri held leadership roles in cardiothoracic surgery programs throughout the country, including serving as medical director of the Doylestown Heart Institute in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where his program earned regional and national recognition for quality. In academic settings, Dr. Auteri has served as an associate professor of Clinical Surgery at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York City and a clinical instructor in surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.

“Capital Health’s commitment to innovation and outstanding patient care has made it a health care leader in our region,” said Dr. Auteri. “I am excited to be a part of the growing Heart and Vascular Institute as we expand access to highly trained specialists and cutting edge services for patients in Mercer, Bucks, and Burlington counties.”

After completing undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dr. Auteri received his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New

York City, he completed a general surgery residency (serving as Chief Resident) and fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery. Dr. Auteri is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Chest Physicians. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps at the rank of Major.

Dr. Auteri joins Dr. Pasquale Luciano as part of Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists, a practice dedicated to surgical treatment of patients with cardiac conditions ranging from those who have recently suffered a heart attack (or are at high risk for one) to those who present with coronary artery disease, aortic and mitral valve disease, or a range of general thoracic conditions.

The practice is part of Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute, a comprehensive program with a multi specialty approach highlighted by the most up-to-date techniques and treatment options. With multiple locations throughout the greater Mercer and Bucks county region, the Institute features the most sophisticated technology guided by highly trained clinical experts in medical fields such as cardiac surgery, general and interventional cardiology, nephrology, podiatry, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and wound management and hyperbaric medicine.

To make an office appointment with Dr. Auteri in Newtown, PA or Hopewell Township, NJ, call Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists at 609.537.7277 or visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacsurgery for more information. To learn more about Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute, visit capitalheartandvascular.org.

Preventing Colon Cancer: What You Should Know

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Take charge of your health. Join DR. JOHN BERRY, a board certified colorectal cancer surgeon at Capital Health Surgical Group, who will discuss the risk factors for colon cancer, options for screening, and how screening reduces the risk for colon cancer. Melissa Phelps, a registered dietitian and board certified oncology nutrition specialist at Capital Health Cancer Center, will also share evidence-based nutrition recommendations to reduce your colon cancer risk. Register for this event at capitalhealth.org/events.

Thoracic Surgeon with Expertise in Minimally Invasive Techniques Joins Capital Health Surgical Group

DR. JAMES MCPHERSON, a board certified thoracic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, has joined Capital Health Surgical Group and is now part of the nationally accredited Capital Health Cancer Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. As director of Thoracic Surgery and co-director of the Lung Center of Excellence, Dr. McPherson focuses on minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and other thoracic (chest) diseases.

“Capital Health is known for its commitment to innovation and providing people of our region with the highest quality care,” said Dr. McPherson. “I’m thrilled to be part of Capital Health Cancer Center and a growing team of surgeons who are expanding access to the latest minimally invasive surgery options for a broader range of cancer patients. With expertise in robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System and nonsurgical lung biopsies with the Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform, we are reassuring patients that they don’t have to travel far to get the advanced treatment they need for lung cancer and benign conditions of the chest cavity.”

Dr. McPherson received his medical degree at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he also received his Master of Public Health degree. After general surgery training at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center (now Mount Sinai) in New York City, Dr. McPherson completed his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Southern California (USC) and served on the USC faculty for four years. He founded the Los Angeles Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Group, focusing on early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and minimally invasive heart valve surgery. As medical director of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, he introduced robotic assisted thoracic surgery for treatment of lung cancer. Dr. McPherson is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Dr. McPherson is part of Capital Health Surgical Group, a multispecialty surgical practice comprised of experienced surgeons who are experts in the surgical fields of acute care, bariatrics, breast, colorectal, general, gynecological oncology, hepato-pancreato-biliary, thoracic, vascular and surgical critical care.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. McPherson, call 844.303.LUNG (5864) or visit capitalhealthcancer.org for more information.

Seasonal Allergies

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting

When spring is in the air, do you experience congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, throat irritation, or other allergy symptoms? DR. RUBY ZUCKER, an internal medicine physician from Capital Health Primary Care – Mountain View, will discuss the latest treatments for seasonal allergies.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS:

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW: CONCUSSION UPDATE

Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting

FOOD, INFLAMMATION AND HEALTH

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting

WAYS TO PREVENT AND MANAGE DIABETES

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting

Capital Health Earns National Recognition for Social Responsibility

Capital Health, a leader in providing progressive, quality patient care in the central New Jersey region, recently earned national recognition from the Lown Institute as a standard-bearer of social responsibility across a range of metrics for health equity.

In the Lown Hospital Index, a report by the Institute that evaluates more than 3,100 hospitals across the nation, Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Trenton ranked first in New Jersey for racial inclusivity and received ‘A’ grades for community benefit and several other categories. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell in Pennington, New Jersey received an ‘A’ grade and ranked in the top five in the state for patient safety, also earning ‘A’ grades for racial inclusivity and other areas.

“Capital Health’s commitment to providing high-quality, equitable care to the people of Trenton and neighboring communities goes back more than 130 years,” said DR. ERIC SCHWARTZ, vice president of Community Health and Transformation and executive director of Capital Health’s Institute for Urban Care. “Having both of our hospitals receive honors from the Lown Institute validates the hard work of all our staff and reaffirms our tradition of health care excellence for residents in central New Jersey and surrounding areas.”

“Great care is only great if everyone can access it,” said Dr. Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute. “We need hospitals that are not only leaders in clinical care, but also strong community partners—and these socially responsible hospitals are showing the way.”

from the

are based on several key metrics that measure social responsibility. Among those metrics, RMC received ‘A’ grades for social responsibility, racial inclusivity, health equity, community benefit, and inclusivity. The Trenton-based hospital also ranked number one in New Jersey and among the top 10 in the nation for racial inclusivity and is a top hospital for fair share spending due to its significant efforts to improve community health through free education programs, subsidized services, improvements to the social determinants of health, and more. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is among the top 5 hospitals in New Jersey for patient safety, receiving an ‘A’ grade in that category as well as inclusivity, cost efficiency, and racial inclusivity. Hopewell is also a top hospital for fair share spending.

The Lown Institute, founded in 1973 by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Bernard Lown (developer of the defibrillator and cardioverter) is an independent, nonpartisan organization that conducts research to help bridge the gap between existing public policy solutions and improved access to care for all Americans. The Lown Hospital Index is the first ranking to assess the social responsibility of U.S. hospitals by applying unique measures such as racial inclusivity, avoidance of overuse (how well hospitals avoid unnecessary tests and procedures), and pay equity (how well hospital staff are paid compared to executives), among others. Data sources include Medicare claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, among others.

Rankings

Lown Hospital Index

Wildwood days? Nope…

it was Ravine Club days

DONNIE BLACK BETTING ON BLACK

Wow, where do I start with this place?

This place was my summer home for many years.

Let me try and explain the Ravine Club if you have no clue what I’m taking about. It was a swimming club located in West Trenton right next to the New Jersey State Police complex.

You drive down a long road and it felt like you were driving through a forest. You always had to watch out for deer crossing the road and there it was on your right.

The Ravine Club! It contained a full length pool where swim meets would occur, a shallow area for little kids, a deep end which contained a diving board and the depths of the water went to 12 feet.

I can’t forget about the baby pool and the ping pong table that greeted you when you walked in, and the delicious snack bar.

When you walked in to the “Ravine” or “the pool” as we called it, you would dodge ping pong balls while signing into the member book.

A lifeguard manned the sign-in book around a little white circular metal table with a big umbrella in the middle of it. After signing in and making sure you didn’t interfere with the intense ping pong game happening to your left, you walked into paradise. A beautiful blue pool with white and blue chaise lounges surrounding this oasis.

I think where my story started with the Ravine was when my brother George got a summer job working with his best friend Paul in the “Snack Bar.” At this point of my life, I only heard about the Ravine but my family weren’t members yet.

My best friend Karl and his family were members and Karl took me as his guest one day in the summer.

I’ve heard about this magical place so many times but I’ve never been there. I expected it to be Disney World and it was just that!

Not because there were rides and attractions, it was because all of the public school girls that I had crushes on, were at this pool. Thank you Karl, we hit the jackpot!

My parents became members of the Ravine a couple years later and now I felt

official.

Karl and I would go to the pool every day in the summer and would most likely get in trouble aka “benched.”

When you get “benched” at the Ravine, it means you were being too loud, or just plain being a pain in the you know what. The latter describes Karl and I to a T. We sat on those blue benches a lot.

Two catholic school boys sitting across the pool from eachother not able to leave our bench. Our parents seldom would come to the pool and would post up on the lawn.

“The lawn” was in the way back of the pool near the volleyball court and the field where ferocious soccer matches would take place. My parents, The Abel’s and the Kelly’s(didn’t smoke) hung out there because you could smoke and not be judged.

A few feet away was the “cool” table. The “cool table” consisted of the Fisher/ Lore kids and their families. Karl and I always made fun of the cool table because we thought we were the cool table but after a few years of being at the Ravine club and the firehouse dances, we united forces with the cool table and all became friends.

These friendships lasted for a very long time and over years, became family. I have to shout out the Zieglers, the Cameron’s, the Lazarick’s, the Chmielewski’s, and the Rutkowski’s as they let Karl and I integrate ourselves with their group.

Bringing guests who were not members of “The Pool” was a big thing during the summer.

All of my buddies wanted to come during the day and hang out. This place defined my childhood and I’m so glad Karl and his parents took me that one day.

The Ravine Club is currently closed and it makes me sad. I hope one day soon someone opens it back up so kids like me and my friends experienced what we experienced.

Life long friendships, sometimes relationships, but overall just a family atmosphere. Can the next person who owns it just pave the driveway? Those rocks ruined a ton of tires!

Donnie Black was born and grew up in Ewing Township. He currently works at radio station XTU in Philadelphia as a producer, on air personality and promotions director.

Senior Corner

March 2025

ALL PROGRAMS HELD AT HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER, 320 HOLLOWBROOK DRIVE

MONDAYS

10 a.m. Exercise - Karen Martin

12:30 p.m. Bingo

1 p.m. Mexican Train

1 p.m. Jewelry/Craft -Anne’s

TUESDAYS

10 a.m. Exercise - Karen Martin

12:30 p.m. Bible Study

12:30 p.m. Bingo

WEDNESDAYS

9:30 a.m. Knitting/Crochet

10 a.m. Chair Fitness– JoAnna Hopkins

10:30 p.m. Water Color - Ally Lyons Mercer County Library – Ewing Branch

1 p.m. 5-Crown Cards

2 p.m. Mahjongg - Christine Kamph

THURSDAYS

10 a.m. Exercise - Karen Martin

1 p.m. Pinochle - Mercer County Library - Ewing Branch

1 p.m. Rummikub

1 p.m. Balance Class - Bob Kirby

1 p.m. Bid Whist

FRIDAYS

9:30 a.m. Line Dancing – Joanne Keephart

SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION (SCAC): Third Thursday of the month. General Body 10 a.m. Meeting is open to the public.

CLUSteinmann: (All held in Room #201-202)

Live Wires—11 a.m. ( 2nd Thursday of the month)

Busy C’s—11 a.m. ( 3rd Tuesday of the month)

Club D—11 a.m. (1st Thursday of the month)

HB Seniors—1 p.m. (2nd Friday of the month)

SENIOR BRUNCH SPECIAL, Friday, March 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Voxstar Entertainment, “ Veronica.” $9pp/$14couple sign up on or before March 17.

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

REGISTER FOR ALL PROGRAMS AGES 60 AND OLDER EWING RESIDENTS: HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER 2nd Floor Rm# 207 Senior Office QUESTIONS: 609-883-1776

Senior Corner is paid content by Ewing Township

45 is the new 50 for colorectal cancer screening

Ask

The Doctor

change?

See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that people begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, rather than 50, which was the previous recommendation.

The updated guidelines consider the benefits of early detection and treatment for adults with no personal history or increased risk of the disease. Meera Yogarajah, MD, at the Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute -Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares more about this change and why it is important.

Why did the recommendation

Research shows a recent increase in colorectal cancer occurring in younger adults. These cancers may be associated with poorer outcomes, as they are diagnosed later. In response to this trend, the USPSTF, an independent volunteer group of experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, reviewed new data and concluded that screening for colorectal cancer in adults who are 45 to 49 years old can be helpful in preventing more people from dying of colorectal cancer.

with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue.

If your doctor finds polyps, they are removed and sent to a lab for further testing. Most patients receive some form of sedation during the test. The advantage of colonoscopy is removal of benign polyps will prevent these growths from turning into a cancer.

What does colorectal cancer screening entail?

Colorectal cancer screening is used to detect cancer and remove precancerous polyps. There are several types of colorectal cancer screening methods. In colonoscopy, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube

In sigmoidoscopy, the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue. During sigmoidoscopy, abnormal growths in the rectum and sigmoid colon can be removed for analysis (biopsied). People are usually not sedated for this test. However, only the last 20 percent of the colon is examined.

Both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed, and stool tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen visually.

Stop colon cancer—get screened!! Visit rwjbh.org/colonscreening to make an appointment near you.

Programs at RWJUH Hamilton this month

The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health, open to all and all ages, and Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required to attend programs. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information, call 609-584-5900.

TuESDAy, MARCh 18

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS IN

INBOX WEEKLY!

With these tests, stool samples are collected by the patient using a kit, and the samples are returned to the doctor. People who have a positive finding with these tests will need to have a colonoscopy.

Additionally, some newer stool tests rely on detection of DNA from tumors in the stool sample, increasing the accuracy beyond using detection of trace blood alone.

Why is it important to follow these guidelines?

According to the American Cancer Society in 2025, an estimated 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the US, and a total 52,900 people will die from these cancers. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the nation.

Colorectal cancer usually does not cause any symptoms until it is advanced and starts to spread through the body. Most colorectal cancers can be prevented through screening and testing at regular intervals, leading to detection and removal of polyps.

Colorectal cancer is largely preventable. This is why it is extremely important to follow the recommended guidelines and get an initial screening at 45 years of age for those at average risk or earlier for those at higher risk.

Hope & Progress: Advances in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment. 6 p.m.7:30 p.m. Join our informative dinner lecture on colorectal cancer with Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncologist, The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton; and Rachel Perez, Patient Gastrointestinal Navigator, RWJUH Hamilton. Learn the importance of early detection, innovative treatments, and lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk. Free colorectal screening kits will be provided.

TuESDAy, MARCh 25

Stroke Support Group. 4-5 p.m. Join us for the Stroke Support Group, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. Share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient RWJUH Hamilton Rehab experts, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry, Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

WEDNESDAy,

MARCh 26

Feed Your Heart: Cooking For Heart Health. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our bimonthly heart-healthy cooking class. Have some fun and learn how to cook nutritious and delicious heart healthy meals. Explore heart-friendly ingredients and cooking techniques.

ThuRSDAy,

MARCh 27

Breakfast & Learn: Cancer and Genetics— What Your Family History Means for Your Health. 10-11:30 a.m. Understanding your genetic predisposition to cancer is important. If you are concerned about your personal or family cancer history, this program will provide insight into prevention and early detection. Join Sandra D’Elia, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor, Rutgers Cancer Institute, for an informative program that will explore the connection between genetics and cancer and learn what you and your family need to know about hereditary cancer syndromes.

Dr. Meera Yogarajah

Preserving a gem

HELEN KULL EWING ThEN & NOW

The William Green Farmhouse on the campus of The College of New Jersey can easily be considered a “diamond in the rough”: a designated historic, landmark structure within Ewing Township, listed on the State and National historic registers, and home to significant moments of story and history throughout its 300+ year existence; and yet it has silently sat for decades, shuttered and empty, stabilized to prevent additional deterioration, but still at the mercy of weather, time, financial resources, and those with the ability to alter its status in a difficult situation.

But recently, that diamond sparkled at a meeting sharing steps being taken to preserve the c. 1715 structure.

Hosted by the College, the meeting invited interested parties to learn about and contribute ideas towards a future vision for the William Green Farmhouse. The “preservation plan” vision document, in preparation and presented by Trentonbased preservation specialists John Hatch and Richard Hunter, and under the direction of College Architect Maggie Greco, considers the significance, nature, and condition of a historic resource such as the Farmhouse, and determines if and how it can best be protected, improved and used.

As background, the Farmhouse was built on a large portion of land originally purchased in the very early 1700s by William Green, and occupied by several successive Green generations. The Green family was prominent in the area in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was active in the Revolution. Some historical accounts say that the Light Horse Division of Washington’s Army sheltered on the property during the Revolution. The building has distinctive features, and is the earliest known extant brick house in Mercer County.

The farm was active into the 19th and early 20th centuries, and at times engaged enslaved people to generate produce and maintain functionality. Over time the property was broken into smaller parcels, and the home and surrounding land came into the possession of the other families. In the 1960s, no longer a residence, the College purchased the property.

There have been many attempts over the decades to preserve this structure. It was an early nomination to the National

Register of Historic Places in 1973, and is also listed on the State and local historic registers. In 2006/7, the College funded the stabilization and secure protection of the building, but was unable to fund any additional work. For years, the “Friends of the William Green House” worked tirelessly to advocate for the house, seek a sustainable use, and build support for its continued preservation. Despite listing as one of NJ’s “10 Most Endangered Historic Sites” in 2015, no investor or sustainable purpose ever emerged, and the Friends eventually disbanded.

Yet, activity on the surrounding property has been significant and vibrant! Under the direction of archaeologist and professor George Leader, PhD, of the College’s Sociology and Anthropology Department, there have been recurring, valuable, ‘hands-on’ archaeological digs for students, engaging them in years of on-going research, study and analysis to further understand the history and significance of the site. It is a unique opportunity to have such a rich site available on campus to students, and it has attracted many students to attend TCNJ.

The positive points of the preservation plan shared at the meeting are that the building seems to be in relatively good condition structurally; it can be considered for matching grants from the State for further studies and work; it is able to offer additional historical information, data and opportunities; and it has been a demonstrated benefit to instruction at the College. Enthusiastic meeting attendees supported the quest to identify a sustainable, permanent use for the structure, and resources to fund the work.

A handful of possible ‘sustainable future uses’ for the building were presented, and additional suggestions are being sought and considered before the final document is submitted. One exciting possibility is a “Center for NJ Studies,” a collegiate/public space for shared research, education, study and discussion, utilizing the structure as an active homebase for NJ-centric work in varied appropriate fields.

Bottom line? This is great news, and all those involved are to be commended. Let’s help enable this gem to sparkle again! Any appropriate ideas, comments and suggestions sent to me at ewingthenandnow@gmail.com will be passed along to the individuals involved.

Ewing Recreation

March 2025

Starting this spring, the Ewing Township Recreation Department is making it easier than ever to sign up for your favorite programs! We’re switching to CivicRec, a new online registration system that’s simple, mobile-friendly, and easy to use. Whether you’re registering for a class, signing up for a camp, or booking a facility, CivicRec will make the process smoother and more convenient. We’ll share more details soon on how to set up your account—stay tuned!

Looking for a great summer job? Ewing Recreation is hiring day camp counselors, teen travel counselors, Moody Park Basketball League scorekeepers, and maintenance workers. If you’re interested in lifeguarding, reach out to American Pools at mhill@americanpool. com.

Planning a picnic? We’re now accepting applications for picnic area permits at John Watson Park (Upper Ferry Road), Higgs Park (Summerset St.), and Betor Park (behind the Municipal Building).

To reserve a date or get more info, email Nancy at npappano@ewingnj. org or contact our office.

Want to stay active? Join our Adult Co-Ed Volleyball program on Wednesday nights at Antheil School from 7 to 9:30 p.m. It’s a fun, informal program open to all skill levels. Register at www.communitypass. net.

Love chess? Our chess club meets Wednesday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church on Prospect St. Stop by and play or email Bong at bongortiz@yahoo. com for details.

Need event space? The Hollowbrook Community Center (320 Hollowbrook Drive) has rooms available for everything from small meetings to big celebrations—kitchen facilities included!

For more details on any of these programs, call us at (609) 883-1199 or visit www.ewingnj.org/communityaffairs.

The Ewing Recreation column is paid content provided by Ewing Township.

helen Kull is an Advisor with the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.

CLASSIFIED

Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Simply scan the QR code or visit www.communitynews.org/place_an_ad. Questions? Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.

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