3-25 LG

SUMMER CAMPS STARTS

Relentless work ethic fuels Lawrence’s Ham on the mat

how far would you go if they were sick?

BY RICH FISHER

After a strong eighth-grade campaign at Lawrence Middle School, Steven Ham III came into high school wrestling thinking he was the man. That attitude got knocked out of him real quick.

“I remember thinking I was the baddest guy alive and I’d beat everyone,” the Lawrence High junior recalled. “My first match I got pinned (by Plainfield’s David Broadway in the Mike Dessino Invitational).

Welcome to Capital Health.

I was like ‘Damn!” This was against some buffed senior. I

When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.

was like ‘Holy crap, I don’t know what to do.’ So it was like ‘OK, that didn’t work.’ I knew I had to keep getting my technique better.”

Ham quickly recovered from that early eye-opener as he responded with a 16-second

$94.9M school bond referendum set for March 11 vote

BY BILL SANSERVINO

Lawrence Township voters will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum on Tuesday, March 11, that would fund a variety of improvements to school facilities.

The Lawrence Township Public School District is asking voters to okay $94.9 million in bonds. If approved, the measure would increase annual school taxes by less than $350 for a home with the township’s average assessed value of about $285,000.

Proposed improvements and additions include a two-story addition at Lawrence Middle School, featuring an elevator; new specialized learning spaces for science, art, and life skills; designated special education spaces; and dedicated support spaces for the nurse, child study team, and guidance suites. There would also be renovations to the technology, life skills, and music classrooms.

Security and safety upgrades include a new secure visitor entrance and vestibule, a traffic drop-off lane at LMS, increased student parking on campus, additional parking for building

and event access, and revisions to traffic circulation.

Capital maintenance improvements would include roof replacements, bathroom renovations, asbestos abatement, kitchen and cafeteria renovations, parking lot repaving, and upgrades to existing restrooms, including new finishes, fixtures, and partitions.

Proposed auditorium renovations at LMS include a new audio/visual system, a new lighting and controls system, new theatrical curtains and rigging, and refreshed interior finishes and seating.

For the sports program at the LMS/RHS campus, proposed projects include a gymnasium and fields addition, a full-size court with provisions for both basketball and volleyball, builtin bleachers to accommodate 900 spectators, a local audio system for large assemblies, a multi-purpose synthetic turf field, and a maintenance building/concessions stand at the high school stadium.

Lawrence Gazette editor Bill Sanservino recently interviewed LTPS Superintendent Robyn Klim and Business Administra-

See SCHOOLS, Page 7

With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment.

Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.

& ADULTS

Lawrence High School wrestler Steven Ham III shakes hands with an opponent before a match.

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

Thursday, Mar. 13; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or Wednesday, Mar. 26; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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.

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

Peripheral Endovascular Interventions at Newark

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

Hamilton, why and how his team works to provide you the best possible care around the clock. The Visiting 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

$100 prize in email newsletter contest from Community

Shirley Solarski, center, a resident of Bordentown, was the winner in Community News’ Email Newsletter Sign-Up Gift Card Giveaway. By signing up for our email newsletters, Shirley entered our contest with a chance to win the grand prize: a $100 gift card to Rossi’s Bar and Grill in Hamilton. With Shirley are Jennifer Steffen, senior account executive for Community News, and Hal Rose, Rossi’s owner. Sign up for our e-newsletters at communitynews.org/newsletter.

LAWRENCE GAZETTE

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

EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rich Fisher

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org

WebsiEldridge: lawrencegazette.com

Facebook: facebook.com/CommunityNewsService X: x.com/_CommunityNews_

15,000 copies of the Lawrence Gazette are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Lawrence 12 times a year.

tO AdVertISe call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

proud

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

Group opposes referendum COmmunity FOrum

Taxed Enough Already Lawrence (TEAL) is a citizen group that has been organized to provide critical analysis of local government spending proposals affecting Lawrence Township taxpayers.

We have done an analysis (no-to-referendum.com) showing that the proposed $98.9 million school bond referendum could cost Lawrence taxpayers significantly more than the school board’s estimates suggest. The referendum, scheduled for March 11, would increase property taxes by up to $2.38 per $1,000 of assessed home value — nearly double the school board’s projected rate of $1.15.

Our analysis identified substantial financial risks that aren’t reflected in the Lawrence Township Public Schools’ proposal. For a home assessed at $650,000, this could mean an additional tax burden of up to $1,547 annually for the next 25 years, rather than the $757 annual increase projected by the school board.

Key findings from TEAL’s analysis include: The proposal relies heavily on uncertain state funding, with $737,755 in annual debt service aid at risk; the district assumes $4 million in annual state funding for preschool operations, which could be reduced or eliminated by future state administrations; no budget allocation for maintenance and repairs, which typically cost 2.5% of capital investment annually ($2.45 million per year); and the expansion would add 400 new preschool students at a time when U.S. Census data shows Lawrence’s population has declined by 4% since 2020.

The referendum would fund a major realignment of elementary and middle schools, including a significant expansion of the district’s preschool program. While the school board projects a 7% increase in school taxes, TEAL’s analysis

suggests the total impact could reach 14% when accounting for maintenance costs and potential loss of state funding. For a $650,000 home, this represents a potential cost of up to $38,675 over the 25-year bond term.

These are significant numbers that every Lawrence homeowner needs to consider carefully. The financial exposure from uncertain state funding for both capital costs and preschool operations presents a substantial risk to taxpayers.

TEAL’s analysis also indicates that capital spending in high-performing districts like Lawrence historically shows no positive impact on property values, contrary to claims made by bond supporters.

We’ll also note recent announcements from the Murphy administration about decreases in education funding due to state budget cutbacks. In particular this puts the aid for the construction project at risk and the approximately $4 million a year the Lawrence school district expects to get from the state to pay for the preschool expansion that was the impetus for the need to expand the school’s capacity. In short they’’ll be building capacity and then not have the money to operate it.

We’re suggesting that rather than embark on a spending spree, the district retrench and figure out how it will maintain existing programs and renovate existing structures within the/ current budget. They can do this because bonds from the previous high shcool building will be paid off soon and free up money to renovate the most critical things.

TEAL recommends voters carefully consider the full financial implications before the March 11 vote.

Dan Dodson, Hilary Jersey, Ken Keirnan and Rob Pluta

The above are members TEAL.

tor Thomas Eldridge about the referendum and why they believe it is necessary.

The Gazette has also printed a letter on page 5 from a recently created group called Taxed Enough Already Lawrence (TEAL), which opposes the referendum. Klim and Eldridge’s responses to TEAL’s position can be found on page TK.

An edited Q&A from the interview with Klim and Eldridge appears below. * * *

Lawrence LG: Is there any particular piece of the project you’d like to highlight?

Robyn Klim: I think one of the pieces of the project that I personally want to highlight—because when people are looking at a vote, they’re viewing it from the lens of “What’s in it for me?”—is that there’s a part of our population, like our senior population and people who want to have community events, but they’re no longer part of our school district.

For a good period of time, due to school security concerns, we’ve lessened the number of facility requests. Well, this project lends itself to a large, 900-person seated gym, which will allow lockout features. So that will essentially be a separate entity and not allow entry into the school building.

You’ve got the safety mechanism in place, but it allows for more partnerships— the rec department, our senior population, and people who no longer have students here, and they can enjoy this part of the footprint that we’re building.

LG: It’s a difficult economic climate to talk to people about a project that will impact school finances. First of all, is there a tax impact from the referendum. If so, what is it?

Thomas Eldridge: The average tax impact, based on the average assessed house, is roughly $350. It’s actually a little less than that. And so, we’re going to bond roughly $94 million, and that mortgage will be stretched out over 25 years.

LG: Does the referendum depend on any grant money that could be jeopardized by poliy decisions coming out of the federal government?

Eldridge: It’s unlikely because the funds we receive from state aid are instatute through the state of New Jersey. In fact, just this week, we received our final eligible cost letters, which put down in writing and codify what we’ll receive aid on. And it’s not contingent on the federal government. There are very few things we rely on federal money for.

LG: Why should a person like you mentioned—seniors, or people in the township who don’t have children in the school district—vote in favor of the referendum? They could say,

“This doesn’t benefit me, why should I approve this?”

Klim: Well, I think for under a dollar a day, as Mr. Eldridge said, for the average assessed home, what we’re looking at is investing in our future. When you have thriving schools, you typically have thriving communities, which drives up home values.

We definitely want to stay competitive within Mercer County. I would think that’s a pride thing for members of our township to be able to say, “Our homes are thriving, people take pride in our neighborhoods and community.”

Schools are the number-one factor when it comes to the resale value of your house. I would think that contributing to the future education of the youngsters who typically come back and serve us—is important.

We just celebrated the retirement of our police chief, who matriculated all the way through our school system since preschool. The idea about Lawrence is that we’re very tied into our community, and oftentimes, the kids we instruct come back to serve. I would think that pride is something we’d want to continue.

LG: Right. And it’s probably one of the first questions—or one of the first things, in my experience—that people ask when looking to buy a home: “How’s the school district?”

Klim: Right, and the ratings of the school district. And I’m proud to plug that we were the number-one academically achieving middle school in Mercer County. It was all over the news in the fall. Again, we want to keep that grade level and continue to compete. These are adolescents and teenagers, and I feel very proud of the fact that our 7-8 building was the number one in Mercer County. We’d like to continue that trajectory of excellence.

LG: Can you highlight for me just some of the projects and why the projects are needed?

Eldridge: So, we have a variety of reasons, but I like to lead with the program. First things first, we’re doing this to make sure our spaces are the right spaces for delivering instruction.

I’m going to take one step back. What we’re doing is concentrating our expertise of our teachers in the grade levels where we can get the maximum efficiency and delivery of instruction.

What I mean by that is we’re regrouping our kids according to their readiness to receive instruction, and we’re deploying our staff in places where that expertise is concentrated.

So, we’re moving sixth grade up to the middle school, and we need to build appropriate learning spaces for those sixth graders. But we’re not just bring-

ing them up for that; we’re bringing them up because it’s their level of readiness for their personal development. As you might know, sixth grade is when students start changing classes. Before that, they’re together in a more elementary setting. So, we’re bringing sixth grade up to experience subject-area mastery and grouping them with teachers who specialize in that.

That same idea applies to the middle school. Third grade looks a lot more like fourth grade than it does like second grade, so the intermediate school becoming a 3-4-5 school makes sense. When we do that, we also need to reflect that change in our buildings.

So, you’ll see us investing in things for two main reasons: first, to support the program, and second, to address capital maintenance and renovation needs. We’re creating science rooms and small group instruction rooms.

If you look at the floor plans, you’ll also see other necessary updates, like our auditoriums, kitchens and electrical panels. Things you’d update in your own home. These projects align with creating the appropriate spaces for students, supporting the program’s delivery and addressing the physical condition of the buildings.

For example, right now, if a student needs occupational or physical therapy

in the middle school, they might have to find a spot in the library, because we don’t have a dedicated space.

We make it work, but we want to create spaces designed for these needs, in a private setting, so teachers can provide services when students are ready for them. Right now, it doesn’t align perfectly. We make it happen through a great deal of effort, but if we’re going to take the next step, we need to be ready for it.

These programs are also coupled with capital maintenance projects, so things like roofs and electrical upgrades will happen, and by doing it now, we’ll receive state aid. By bundling the program with the capital maintenance, we’re making the most of the opportunity.

LG: Education is always evolving, and technology is moving at an even faster pace. How is this referendum addressing that?

Klim: I think we have designed it with that in mind, we’re being future-ready. What I mean by that is we’ve got partitions in classrooms set up with the headers so that if we need to divide classrooms for small group instruction.

We have a STEAM program that we want to build with an outdoor courtyard, which will centrally enclose where the addition is put in.

See SCHOOLS, Page 10

NOTICE TO VOTERS LAWRENCE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

N.J.S.A 19:12 -7

A LAWRENCE SCHOOL ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 11th, 2024, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6:00 A.M. AND 8:00 P.M. FOR THE ELECTION OF:

PUBLIC BOND QUESTION

The Board of Education of the Township of Lawrence, in the County of Mercer, New Jersey ("School District"), is authorized to: (a) undertake for lawful school purposes a capital improvement program consisting of: (i) the construction of three (3) building additions in the total approximate size of 81,550 square feet to house art, science, general and small group classrooms, a gymnasium, nurse’s offices and related support and administrative space with security vestibule, and an expansion of the existing cafeteria at the Lawrence Township Middle School, together with various renovations and alterations, including, but not limited to, renovations to the existing auditorium and stage area, cafeteria and kitchen areas, classrooms and lavatories, replacement of roof and emergency generator, electrical and plumbing upgrades, alterations to existing offices, classrooms, locker rooms and lavatories, driveway alterations, site parking lot and drainage improvements and other related site work, and; (ii) the construction of various renovations, upgrades and site improvements to the athletic facilities at the Lawrence Township High School, including the installation of new synthetic turf, a concession stand with lavatories and maintenance garage, security gates, shot putt and javelin throwing fields, additional netting, a parking lot, site and drainage improvements, driveway alterations, and other related items; and (iii) the completion of such other work and improvements, and acquisition of furniture, fixtures and equipment as may be necessary therefor or related to the completion of the projects set forth above; (b) expend for all the foregoing an amount not to exceed $98,900,000 (of which $34,422,618 represents eligible costs ("Final Eligible Costs") , as determined by the Commissioner of Education); (c) utilize $4,000,000 of capital reserve for said projects; and (d) issue bonds of the School District for said projects in an amount not to exceed $94,900,000, in which event the State will pay approximately 40% of the debt service (principal and interest) of the school bonds issued to finance the Final Eligible Costs; and (e) transfer unexpended bond proceeds between said school facility projects. This school facilities project includes $64,477,382 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facility efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or that are not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g).

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

If the voters approve the Proposal, the School District will be authorized to undertake multiple projects at the School District's facilities and to fund said projects through the issuance of its school bonds in an amount not to exceed $94,900,000, along with $4,000,000 from its capital reserve account. The State is expected to pay a portion of the principal and interest on the bonds as debt service aid.

2025 LAWRENCE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION POLLING LOCATIONS

Tuesday, March 11th, 2025

Polling Locations will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M.

Lawrenceville Fire Co, 64 Phillips Ave. - District 1,4,7,15,20

Slackwood Fire House, 21 Slack Ave. - District 2,9

Lawrence Road Fire Co, 1252 Lawrence Rd. - District 3,6,8,11

Project Freedom at Lawrence, 1 Freedom Blvd - District 5

Lawrence Senior Center, 30 Darrah Ln East - District 12,13,14,19

Lawrence Square Village Clubhouse, 1 Reed Ct - District 16

Lawrence Twp. Muni Bldg., 2207 Lawrence Rd - District 10,17,18

2025 LAWRENCE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION BALLOT DROP BOX LOCATIONS

Lawrence Municipal Building

2207 Lawrenceville Road, (Rt 206) Lawrence, NJ 08648 (North Side-Right Side of the Municipal Building)

Mercer County Board of Elections 930 Spruce St, Lawrence, NJ 08648

County Clerk’s Office

Courthouse Annex- 209 S. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ, 08608 (in front of building)

NOTICE TO VOTERS

LAWRENCE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

N.J.S.A 19:12 -7

PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF THE VOTING ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED ACT OF 1984, A TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR THE DEAF (TDD) IS MAINTAINED AT THE ELECTION DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. PERSONS WISHING TO UTILIZE THIS SERVICE TO OBTAIN GENERAL VOTER INFORMATION MAY DO SO BY DIALING 1-800-292-0039.

ALL POLLING PLACES IN MERCER COUNTY WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH AUDIO VOTING FOR THE BLIND. VOTERS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY VOTING DUE TO BLINDNESS, DISABILITY, OR AN INABILITY TO READ OR WRITE MAY BRING A PERSON TO ASSIST THEM AT THE POLLS OR MAY ASK FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE POLL WORKERS.

SAMPLE BALLOTS ARE MAILED TO EVERY REGISTERED VOTER THE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ELECTION LISTING THE OFFICES, CANDIDATES AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS TO BE VOTED UPON ALONG WITH YOUR ELECTION VOTING DISTRICTS NUMBER AND POLLING LOCATION.

VOTING INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED IN EACH POLLING SITE LISTING PROCEDURES ON:

VOTING BY VOTING MACHINE; PROVISIONAL BALLOTS AND MAIL-IN BALLOTS; IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST TIME REGISTRANTS BY MAIL ONLY; THE CHALLENGE PROCESS IN THE POLLING PLACE AND DO'S AND DON'TS FOR CHALLENGERS; EXIT POLLING; ELECTION OFFENSES: ELECTIONEERING, FRADULENT VOTING AND CONSPIRACY; AVAILABILITY OF VOTER COMPLAINT FORMS AT THE POLLING SITE.

UNDER NEW JERSEY LAW YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN PRIVACY, TO HAVE A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO VOTE, TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT BALLOT IF YOU SPOIL THE FIRST TWO.

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| Lawrence

What I’m trying to articulate is that every learner and future need was kept in mind when the leadership team looked at the beginning design plan. There are flexible spaces. We looked at accommodations for all of our kiddos. Any child that’s medically impacted, we’re moving the nurse’s station up. We’re outfitting spaces to attend to the needs in a more private way, in a way that feels like children’s needs are being met to the fullest extent. As for technology, when we start running wires and getting down to the nitty gritty and looking at the sound system in the gymnasium and talking about the details of the auditorium, let’s say, we will make sure that these spaces are designed to be dual-purpose, that they will outlive some of the changes that we anticipate coming down the pike.

We’ve had experts come in, looking at our security infrastructure, our traffic pattern, and our wiring in our systems of how we’re even setting up these rooms. We designed this footprint to set us up for the next 75 years with flexibility, with sort of that growth mindset that the space can change and adapt to a change in curriculum or a mandate that comes down that now we have to deliver in a different way. We’re so used to pivoting, quite frankly, post-COVID. I think we all had that mind-

set going into the footprint of this project.

Eldridge: The things that Robyn described are things that help us not become antiquated. So when we designed these things, we gave the architect marching orders to make sure that it’s ready for the future, and not the future that we see, but to make sure that we can roll out the technology and make the spaces more of an open floor plan so that they can be used for other things that we can’t see coming.

And we’ve laid the groundwork for that in any number of ways. That is exciting and we began that process in the last referendum. So, this isn’t new. We did things with the last referendum, getting ready for this referendum. We’ve been looking at for quite a long time. Now, it’s just a matter of, “Okay, when are we ready?

Who has the vision?”

Klim: I just want to add, we asked every leader that came in to look at these plans, including our two architects, to really learn Lawrence and what we were asking for, for a great deal of psychological flexibility. We asked them to dream. We asked them to envision the future. We asked them to look at the space so that we can change, pivot and adjust for whatever comes down the pike.

Eldridge: You go into our auditorium—it’s a prime example. The audito-

rium, as we’ve drawn it up, is no longer laid out like just a performance area. Of course, it’s going to be a performance area, but we’ve taken out rows so that we can open it up for classrooms and use it functionally for that.

It has its own (computer) network all to itself. We have redundancies in the building, not redundancies by way of making it more expensive, but just redundancies for ourselves for all sorts of reasons, security and otherwise.

I don’t know how long we’ll all be here, but we’re going to leave the next people with options.

Klim: To Tom’s point, we have so much historical knowledge now that we used to look at these plans. We have had people’s eyes on this plan that have been here for 20 and 30 years.

LG: You mentioned the leadership team. Who was on that team?

Klim: The full leadership team includes every principal, every vice principal, every supervisor in the district. We have two directors now and our entire central office team in coordination with the board.

parents, to weigh in and drive up that excitement for when we reconfigure and decide exactly how that all is going to look and unfold.

LG: What about communicating with the students?

Klim: Jen Baldassari, our communications manager, ran a referendum art project that went out to the entire school community. We got around 100 submissions from across the district, all grade levels, for them to get excited about the referendum and start to discuss space.

As for our high school, we have the student council. We have a student representative to the school board. He is great at taking knowledge back to the student body, letting them know the updates and gathering input.

Eldridge: During our community conversations, nobody knows our kids better than their parents. When we say what we’re doing and you look at the parents and you see the parents go, “Yeah, that’s going to get my kid excited.” That’s the winner, because all the parents want is the most for their kids. The parents know that their kids’ buy-in is proportionate to their excitement.

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The school board has been through several renditions of our dreams and plans around this project and what we were going to include. For countless hours they have supported us to make sure that we nailed down the project to the essentials, but yet also the flexibleminded future that we need so desperately here to build.

Our principals are the leaders in their buildings, but they have absolutely also had teachers’ eyes on it. We’ve involved assistants and facilities and our technology team and many, many layers of renditions.

LG: You have been holding public sessions to talk to residents about the plan. Talk to me about the importance of having involved the members of the public in the creation process and now of informing them about the plan.

Klim: Seeing our kids get excited and asking questions about the floor plans when we have had them out at events, I’ll never forget it. Things like when a kid turns to their parent and says, “Mom, this might be my new area by the time I get there,” or “Look, they’re going to add this piece of performing arts for the gymnasium,” or “Athletics are going to increase. That’s so exciting because by the time I get to sixth grade, maybe I’ll get to compete with the middle school.”

It’s exciting to hear. And then the parents are literally stepping back and listening. That’s been my experience. At swim meets, fairs, community events, music in the park. We’ve been in everything. In all, our only strategy was just, “Come and ask questions and get curious with us.” It’s been really tremendous.

LG: Do you think that the parents and kids see schools in other highly performing districts in the county and compare them to what’s in Lawrence? Do you think they have a sense of competitive pride in their own facilities? Robbinsville High School, for example, is not a new building, but it’s one of the newer high schools.

Klim: We’ve held many community conversations all across the district in every building, PTO meetings, you name it. We also have a structured setting. We meet quarterly. It’s called Direct Link. We get our community constituents, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA—the people who aren’t at the table with us every single day in daily operation—to get their ideas, lean into their desires and their wants. We also did a huge district survey—I think we got 600-plus responses.

Klim: It’s a pretty darn nice facility.

LG: Right. Do you think they see a school like that and they say, “We want our schools to be like that too?”

That’s all incorporated into the plans. We have tried to be absolutely transparent every single step of the way. Gathering input, adjusting, making changes. When we get down to the nitty-gritty of the design, we want our community, our

Klim: So, when you feel good about the space you’re in, whether it’s a field, a classroom, an auditorium, or a cafeteria, you feel better in your day, right? Your sense of self-efficacy is increased. You’re likely to do more academically. It’s designed for you. The lighting is geared

towards your ability to focus and lean in, and there’s no distractions and noise.

LG: Security is always a major concern. How will this referendum help increase security in schools?

Klim: While we won’t be talking about the nitty-gritty of our infrastructure, one of the biggest ticket items that will change is simply bringing the buildings to be forward-facing. So, getting that middle school entrance off Princeton Pike, doing drop-off and pick-up lanes, building out more spaces for parking so that our kids aren’t lining up in areas where we don’t have cameras.

Right now, some of them park so far away in the surrounding neighborhoods. The idea is to bring them into the footprint where we have eyes on them, where we can draw in a security camera and make sure that they’re actually navigating to school safely and that there’s enough parking spots for them to do so.

We had a traffic engineer study our footprint, because we know we’re tight, but it’s not undoable. And there were some things just from a safety perspective— ADA accessibility, etc. There were things that just didn’t feel good—like having our parents feel jammed up in the morning. If you’ve ever driven on Princeton Pike during those times, it’s a little stressful. And safety is our number one concern. Chang-

ing that forward-facing door to face the high school door and making some decisions about how cameras are going to be accessible in our parking lots is really a big ticket item for us.

Eldridge: You have a more single point of supervision and all within our campus in a single line of sight. This goes to what we talked about—Consolidating the expertise for student readiness, for learning. We’re doing the same thing with respect to safety. And we’ve already begun that. We began that in about 2018. This will put us on steroids for that.

LG: How long has the board and administration been looking at this as saying, “We’re going to start making a list of the things that we really need to do so we can get them done all at once in the most cost-effective way. It’s better to address everything at one time rather than piece it out over X number of years?”

Eldridge: I can probably document for you renderings all the way back that look similar to the renderings we have today to about 2002. The additions for this initiative are very similar to that initiative. The spaces inside are different, but the idea was there.

We’ve been looking for a long time to change and consolidate and bring over the sixth grade. And what we needed

1-7,

more than anything was time and the vision. I think Robyn has brought that vision, and the board has adopted those goals. In prior referendums, everything we’ve done has been to prepare for that eventuality in our minds. We can show you what we did in the 2018 referendum, which was focused mostly on safety and HVAC, and show you things we did to get ready for this referendum.

All of those things are leading us to this point. And prior to us moving into this referendum, we had begun an initiative that’s on file now already for the auditorium renovation. So, this has never been far from the forefront of our minds.

Once we adopted the goals and Robyn was brought on as the superintendent, we strategically moved forward and held ourselves accountable to making this change in program, and following that, of course, is the change in the facilities.

Klim: And the change of the program is driven by academic achievement. We are diving into our data. We know the pockets of readiness and rigor that we need to reassign and make sure that expertise is deployed accordingly.

It is so hard to talk about this project in silos, because we know that we’re responding just to some academic needs post-COVID. We know that we had this idea in mind to reconfigure, and that 4-6

Princeton’s annual celebration of our vibrant

model is kind of a tough position to be in because, it’s an upper elementary schedule alongside a sixth-grade schedule. Coming out of COVID, our sixth graders are socially, emotionally and academically ready to be up with that grade level band of six-eight.

Eldridge: It’s been since 2001 that we had a referendum focused on the program. It’s been that long.

Klim: This has just been so intentionally designed—I can’t emphasize that enough—to make sure that our learners have the right spaces and that all students belong. So, on a pivot and a shift, if we need to add more classrooms, add more space, look at the medical needs of a more impacted population, there is a spot for these children to matriculate all the way through without a concern that we don’t have the facilities to support.

LG: Is this plan forward-looking enough so that based on the demographic projections you’re seeing, the district is going to provide enough classroom space so that you wouldn’t have to increase classroom sizes beyond a certain point. That this plan you will be able to accommodate the district’s projected future student population.

Klim: I would say the answer is yes, because we’ve even projected our pre-

See SCHOOLS, Page 12

school kiddos coming into that plan, right? So the answer would be yes. So, any three- or four year old in Lawrence Township under universal preschool will get that programming starting at three years old.

Again, we’ve built out with that population also in mind and including some spaces for students to possibly return to district, because we maybe in the past we could not program for them prior, because we didn’t have the appropriate space or facility or access.

Eldridge: Appropriateness is huge. Support services use space, and I think we all wrestle with that. So, providing appropriate space for those services is important. It doesn’t have to be a big space, but you need to have a place where you address speech. You can’t do it in an echoey hallway. You can, but you’re not going to do it well.

You need to have a place where a child study team can meet the teachers. The faculty room is not the place where you want to do that, when you have somebody coming in to get their lunch. There are 100 other ideas that are similar to those examples that we can give you. But yeah, that answers your question.

LG: One question people might ask is, “Why should we do this, for this amount,

now, as opposed to kicking the can down the road?”

Klim: There’s two different “why nows?” I want Tom to answer the financial “why now?” and then there’s the “why now” for student achievement. Tom, do you want to talk about the finances first?

Eldridge: I’d rather follow you, if that’s okay. Because my heart tells me I believe in what you’re going to say, and I always, just by sequence, believe the program comes first.

Klim: So why now? Our kids need more. We need to lay a footprint for academic achievement so that we are putting them in the right spaces with deployment of our supervisory team, instructional coaches and data team to be able to utilize and emphasize their expertise.

For example, in grades pre-K to 2, they’re learning to read. By 3 to 5 they’re reading to learn. The deployment of curriculum, supervisory support, principal and VP infrastructure operationally is two different sets of expertise. When you start to look at these age categories, it lends itself to a design that is necessary now.

We’re looking at our student achievement. We have our test scores. We know the areas that we need to bolster and lean in and provide different support. I want to get the spaces in place in the district, reconfigure to finally address all of those areas.

LG: So, are students being limited by the current situation?

Klim: Why would we not want to maximize instructional time and deployment of services? Think about it. Right now, you’ve got 4 or 5 elementary buildings that have to conduct state testing versus one building. Can you imagine? Instruction carries on in all the pre-K to 2 buildings, and then testing can start in third grade instead of testing in five schools.

So, making these strategic decisions allows us to run building schedules and also meet the state mandates without losing vital instructional time during their developmental years. To me, that’s a great example of why.

When we have space and facilities, we can do the kinds of cool things that I have alluded at our community conversation. We’re developing a public service academy where it’s not just college ready, it’s career and college ready. When you have space, you can do some really cool things and design electives, even starting at the middle school for kids to get exposure in a different way.

Our life skills classrooms having kitchen areas and science rooms that lend themselves to more design thinking. You start to put those components into the curriculum in live time in a physical space that lends itself to be able to do these projects. You’re forward balancing our future graduates. So, the high school is going to be in receipt of these kids that have the skills and innovation simply because they have had access in a space that was designed for them.

This is just about as much about the investment in early childhood education and early intervening as it is about getting middle school infrastructure in place for the grade levels. And also, building public service academy, because we need prerequisites to get them ready for high school.

This entire design is unique because it’s pre-K through 12-plus. And when I say 12-plus, that is our extended learners, special education who stay with us 18 to 21. We’re starting a transitional space for them now at the middle school so that by the time they get to the high school, they have flexible life skills training, and we can get them out into the community doing more sooner.

LG: And the financial side?

Eldridge: If you were to take the question and flip it on its head, then why not sooner as opposed to why now? One, I go back to program. (In the past) We didn’t have a mission that went up and down the grade levels like we do today. So that’s the first reason.

The second reason is that we were waiting and biding time, developing the mission. At the same time, we were waiting

for some of our existing mortgages to expire. That began the year before last, and they’re still falling off as we talk. So financially we weren’t ready. We had begun to save, and we were getting ready. We started putting money away in our capital reserve, building up for this. Now we have $6 million in our capital reserve. We’re taking $4 million out and we’re buying down the cost of this referendum with that $4 million.

We have been planning for it, and we have been looking at it. There’s been a great number of people, and not just new people. There are those who have been here a long time that have been laying the groundwork for these things.

LG: And construction costs don’t generally get cheaper, right?

Eldridge: Interest rates are falling and have they started stabilizing six months ago and getting better. But I don’t think the cost of materials is any cheaper now.

LG: I’d like you to address the Taxed Enough Already Lawrence group (see page 5), which was formed primarily by resident Don Dodson. The group has released a white paper in opposition of the referendum and challenging some of the numbers the district has released.

Eldridge: Our projections have been proven at least two times over. The assumptions built into his white paper are inaccurate for a number of reasons, some of which I can’t really put my finger on, because he has never spoken to me and asked me for figures.

He originally went on to say that our estimates were incorrect. Then we put an amortization schedule up on the website from our financial advisers—that I also approved separately, which wasn’t difficult—to show that our tax impact calculations were correct. Since then, he kind of attenuated his statements of, “They’re not correct” to, “Did you know that it could cost you this amount of money?” So, he’s changed that.

I think I know what he was doing incorrectly, but I don’t know for sure, because we haven’t talked about it. He has never asked, and I would have been very happy to give him everything and anything. In fact, without ever talking to him and never saying anything, I intentionally laid out the amortization schedule and made totals in different places so that people who were trying to calculate it themselves had a better chance to figure it out. And so, the question comes up as to why we didn’t do that to begin with. Well, we can’t put out information that would answer everyone’s questions, because we don’t know what everyone’s questions will be. As far as I recall, I don’t know of anyone else in the four or five bond refSee SCHOOLS, Page 14

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erendums that we’ve had over the years who has ever tried to calculate the tax impact outside of us. And if anyone asked, we wouldn’t cover anything up.

He has also made accusations that we have understated our operating costs, and he goes on to say that they should be $2.5 million. I can’t get into someone’s head who I have not spoken to. So, I decided to take his estimate of $2.5 million for capital maintenance and maintenance for an 83,000-square-foot addition and apply it to the rest of the district.

If that’s the case, then we would be spending $20 million a year for our 650,000 square feet. Well, we actually spend $7 million. Our audit shows that we spent $7 million, and it also shows that we spent about that for the last 10 years or so.

There have been people who have contacted us and said, “We’d like that information,” and we actually put it on the website.” It’s our practice that if you asked us for information, if something new comes up, we proactively mail it to you. We send it to them directly.

He has done some other things that are interesting. He says, “Here’s what it could cost you,” and bring out the referendum cost. But, for whatever reason he completely misses the concept of preschool. And he published that white paper after being at our community conversation where we told him that preschool pays for itself 100%. But he still tells people that, “You might be on the hook for that too,” in his paper.

So, they he the tax impact of the bond principal and interest payments and then adds it to the cost of preschool. Then he adds the $2.5 million in what he thinks our operating costs should be. And he says, “This is what your liability is.” Well, that’s incorrect. Not just because of his logic in adding things up, but he also presupposes that we would always do the same things if anything did happen.

He makes a lot of assumptions. For example, he says in this paper that Lawrence is contributing $500,000 to preschool. That’s true. We are. We have been since maybe 2000 or before, because even though the preschool is going to be upwards of $4 million in total cash flow in and out for that program, the $500,000 we’re contributing is for students with special needs that we’re federally obligated to contribute. This isn’t an enterprise where we’re kicking in $500,000. But he doesn’t show tha. And he seemingly has no curiosity to understand those things. I don’t know what to tell you.

Klim: I see him as a disruptor. There’s no end game where he’s truly seeking the answers for his constituents. So no response will be good enough, because

it’ll be a different spin.

LG: Jonathan Swift said, “You cannot reason someone out of a position they did not reason themselves into.”

Klim: Quite frankly, I take his remarks to be someone that is intending to gaslight, intending to disrupt, not intending to be truthful to his constituents. And to be honest with you, I don’t think he’s gained much traction.

LG: Bottom line—how confident are you in the tax impact projections and the cost projections that you have put together in this proposal? And how vetted have they been?

Eldridge: I am confident in our architects to give us adequate estimates with contingencies. I can never tell you what the economy is going to do for material prices or labor coming down the road. I believe, yes, the estimates are right. And we’ve planned for those types of things. Yeah, we may struggle, but we’ll deploy the expertise to find our way through. Construction is not tidy. It is difficult. And we are going to have to make decisions as we move through the design.

But I am confident that after having gone through bond attorney review, having gone through our financial consultants’ reviews, having done my own proofing back of their numbers, that we look good. I have done this now for—I have got to say this is probably my fourth referendum. And having built a school from the ground up before, having done renovations all across this district, that I’m confident that what we’re doing is along the lines of what must be done.

The other thing regarding tax impact that people don’t know is that these are conservative estimates that we give people. I told you $350 on average, knowing in the back of my mind it was $326. I know what it is, but I feel better about $350. These are estimates right now.

We held property values flat and included no ratable growth in our projection. It’s not going to happen. We’re going to have ratable growth, which means the tax impact isn’t going to be as much as we say, because that tax impact is going to be spread out in other places.

LG: How confident are you that you’re proposing a project that’s going to have as little impact on residents’ wallets as you possibly can while still providing a high level of service to the township’s kids?

Klim: I feel wholeheartedly confident that we are being strategic, fiscally sound and reasonably minded to put a project forth that continues the footprint of excellence here in this district that has been led for a number of years. Times are changing. We would like to be able to adjust to that and give our kids something different. And our teachers.

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.

Register for this and other events at capitalhealth.org/events.

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.

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“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.”

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

the Lown Hospital Index are based

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 making lifelong friends.

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.

“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: Ages 13-18

June 30 through July 24. No Tomato Patch July 4 and 5. Only $1,175.

Session 2: Ages 10-12

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 Evening of the Arts!

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.

There’s no better place to explore the performing arts this summer than NJPAC! Connect with accomplished faculty and other young artists in a variety of programming.

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 boys and girls 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.

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

Building Character & Community

Pele, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, and countless pioneers of 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

pin in a Dessino consolation match. He went on to take third place in the Mercer County Tournament at 120 pounds and finish 23-8 with 16 pins. He fell in the first round of districts, but showed his potential that first year.

“He was just starting to learn that season,” Cardinals coach Chris Lynne said. “We had to get him under control. I have to break them and get them set straight.”

Ham has moved straight up the ladder each year.

He came back with a strong sophomore season, going 28-10 with 19 pins; and finishing second in the county tournament and District 21 tournament before losing a two-point decision in the Region 6 first round.

“At regions I basically passed out,” Ham said. “Sophomore year I did very good, I beat a couple state qualifiers. I felt like I could have made it to the states as well. I was winning in my region match but I feel like I wasn’t hydrated enough. I just gave out.”

Ham went from 126 during the season to 120 for districts and he felt cutting weight had an impact. Nonetheless, it was a nice season.

“I actually got really strong my sophomore year,” Ham said. “My arm bars got really good, that was my bread and butter.”

He was definitely improving, but something was missing.

“For those first two years he relied more on his athleticism than his abilities,” Lynne said. “He was just trying to outphysical everybody, but he had to learn to use his talent and use his opponent’s momentum against them. He learned that and now he’s a much better wrestler. He’s much more confident.”

Working on his mindset was also important.

“You almost have to learn to lose before you learn how to win,” Lynn continued. “He was very emotional his first two years. He had issues with his weight control and his emotions. He’d get very hyper. If he had a loss, he couldn’t recover from it. It would take him a long time.”

Over the summer, everything seemed to fall into place for Ham. He stayed with his father, Steven Ham, Jr., in Roselle on weekends and trained at Myland Academy. He worked with a personal coach, competed in the Virginia duals tournament and became a polished wrestler.

Entering the districts, which began Feb. 21, Ham was 28-6 with 10 pins and 14 technical falls. He won the Blue Devil Classic in Ewing and finished second at 132 pounds in the Colonial Valley Conference meet.

PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP OF MERCER COUNTY

You are hereby advised of the following Challenge and Compliant procedures to be used for the Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 Lawrence School Board Election.

(1). Any person attempting to vote may be challenged by a candidate, by the duly authorized challenger for a candidate, a political party, a public question, and/or because the challenger has good cause to believe that the voter is not entitled to vote; (2). Members of the district board and all duly authorized challengers are prohibited from challenging, delaying or preventing the right to vote of any person because of that person’s race, color, origin of nationality, expected manner of casting a vote or residence in a particular ward, housing complex or section of a municipality or county;

(3). A person who is challenged may seek to establish his or her right to vote by swearing out and signing an affidavit attesting to the voter ’s qualifications and/or providing a suitable identifying document for inspection, which may be -but is not limited to- the following: A New Jersey Driver ’s License, a sample ballot with the voter’s name and address, an official Federal, State, County, or Municipal document, an utility or telephone bill or tax or rent receipt dated, or a piece of mail postmarked on or after the 30th day before election; a copy of the affidavit shall be given to the challenged voter; the district board shall determine the validity of the challenge by voting on it or pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19: 15-24;

(4). Any person who is challenged by a duly authorized challenger may seek to establish his or her right to vote by swearing out and signing the affidavit and/or providing the proof described in Paragraph (3) above; the district board shall determine the validity of the challenge by voting on it pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19: 15-24;

(5). Any challenger who succeeds in denying a voter the right to vote must sign an affidavit stating the reason why the voter is not entitled to vote and must furnish a copy of the affidavit to the challenged voter; (6). Any person who is denied the right to vote by reason of a successful challenge made at the polls may seek permission to vote by going before the Superior Court in Trenton, New Jersey to seek a court order allowing the person to vote; the applicant should take copies of any affidavits given to him or to her at the polls and any proof submitted at the polls in support of the person’s right to vote;

(7). Forms to register complaints about the conduct at an election shall be available at each polling place in the Township of Lawrence.

This notice is published in accordance with requirements set forth by Title 19:12 -9, N.J. State Election Law.

Further information can be obtained from the Superintendent of Elections, 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08650.

Mercer County Superintendent of Elections Office

Walker Worthy, Superintendent of Elections Phone: (609) 989-6750; Email: wworthy@mercercounty.org

Mercer County Board of Elections Office

Jill Moyer, Chair Martin J Jennings Jr. Esq, Board Secretary Charles Farina, Commissioner Mary Corrigan, Commissioner Phone: (609) 989-6522

“He’s worked very hard to improve his wrestling talent,” Lynne said. “Now when you combine his strength and athleticism with his refined talent, you see he’s having a tremendous year.”

And his emotions are under control.

“This year he’s mature, he’s a team leader, he’s telling other kids how to handle losses and how to go after wins,” Lynne said. “He loves to teach in the room. He’s one of our captains too.”

In looking at how his season has gone, Ham feels a few factors have helped his improvement.

“I just trained the whole summer, I promise you that,” he said. “This year it feels like there’s just been changes all around. I had to change my style of wrestling. I had to tweak my craft. I run every day now and I’ve been keeping my weight in order, working on my technique.”

In tweaking himself, Ham now takes the match to his opponent rather than letting it come to him.

“I only used to be a defensive wrestler, I always used to counter people,” he said. “This year I’ve been working on my attack, my slide-bys and my strengths. I used to just go off other people’s moves.”

There is a reason Ham’s pin totals are down this year, and that is because his technical-fall wins are up. Now that takedowns are worth three points and back-

points are good for four, Ham has a set strategy.

“I’ve just been cutting everyone, I dominate everyone in the neutral position,” he said. “As long as you can’t get to my legs and I have you tied up I feel like I’m unstoppable. I’ve been taking people down and just letting them back up. I love neutral. Any time coach says ‘What position do you want?’ I say neutral. Its worked.”

Ham’s mind was in neutral when it first came to wrestling. He had no thoughts of entering the sport but Steven Jr., a former boxer, thought it might help him with Pop Warner football.

“I was going into Mitey Mite and putting the pads on for the first time,” he said. “I didn’t know how to hit people. I was afraid. My dad threw me into wrestling to get me better at it.”

Wrestling initially “felt like a chore,” but soon “it felt like I was doing it my whole life. I was having fun with it.”

It served its purpose as Ham became a harder hitter and better player in football. But he never thought about being an actual wrestler in high school. His dad, however, became enamored watching his son compete.

“It reminded him of when he used to be a boxer and he fell in love with it,” Ham

See HAM, Page 28

THE BUXTON-MONSPORT TEAM SELLS LAWRENCE!

Dawn Monsport: 609.462.8333

Mark Cutaneo: 609.658.1127

Catherine Taeffner: 609.506.6037

Office: 609.987.8889

dawnmonsport@verizon.net mcutaneo5@gmail.com ctaeffner@gmail.com

What You Need To Know:

HAM continued from Page 27

said. “I started out below average, I didn’t know what I was doing. I was a little kid just running around. But my dad was paying attention to these little kids who were like state qualifiers (in youth tournaments). He talked to the parents and asked them what they did to train. That’s when I started doing club wrestling.”

Ham started in the Robbinsville rec program, then went to CJA in Milltown, Elite in Jackson, Rhino in Morganville and SEPA in Levittown, Pa. before landing at Myland. While at Rhino, Ham went against Anthony Knox, now a St. John Vianney senior attempting to become a four-time state champion.

“He wasn’t the biggest name back when he was just a kid,” Ham said, adding with a laugh, “If I had known he would be this good I would have trained with Anthony every day.”

For a while Ham loved all the wrestling, but soon it became a bit too much.

“I got too overstimulated half of my life, I was being pushed too much and I wanted to take a break,” he said. “It was a little before Covid happened. I just got sick of it. I took a little break in sixth and seventh grade and just didn’t wrestle.”

It was exactly what he needed, as Ham came back invigorated.

“In eighth grade I won almost every match just using the skills I had when I was a kid,” he said. “I just knew more than anyone else. I went into eighth grade and just signed myself up. I thought ‘Hmm, I was really good when I was a kid, let me come back and see how I do.’ I really did miss wrestling.”

He realized upon reaching high school that he didn’t know more than anyone

else, and slowly but surely adopted a work ethic that matched his natural ability.

“Over the summer after I almost passed out at regions, I started thinking differently,” he said. “I thought I’ll get better at cutting weight and I’ll eat better. Myland was really what got me to this point. My coach took all my fine points and made me better at them. This year I’m using my athleticism and I’ve started being smarter.”

Lynne considers Ham a physical wrestler. He likes using a “slide by” in which he takes the momentum of the wrestler coming at him, shifts weight and pulls them by and takes them down.

“On the mat he’s very tough with his bars and half-nelsons; his pinning combinations,” the coach said.

As the districts were approaching, both the coach and wrestler felt Ham had the potential to advance beyond regions and reach the state meet in Atlantic City.

“He definitely has the talent to make regions,” Lynne said. “The question is, can he make the next step? Talent-wise, he has it. Is he mentally ready for that? We’ll find out.”

Ham, who noted he “wouldn’t be anywhere in wrestling” without the aid of his dad, felt he was ready.

“I believe so, with all the hard work I’ve been putting in,” he said. “I feel like I can do it as long as I stay focused and don’t slack off from training and don’t get overweight. People underestimate me, they’ll say ‘Oh he didn’t go to states, I got this.’ But I’ve pinned state qualifiers and they don’t even know. They’re like ‘Oh shoot, I didn’t think he was this good.’”

He has spent a strong junior season proving just how good he is.

LHS wrestler Steven Hamm (left) shows off his medal aftoer taking seconde place in this year’s Colonial Valley Conference Tournament.

LHS Field Hockey Wins

Mercer County Tournament!

MARCH 2025

Inves�ng in Educa�on, Strengthening Our Community

LHS Field Hockey Wins

LHS Field Hockey Wins

Mercer County Tournament!

Mercer County Tournament!

On March 11, Lawrence Township residents have a critical opportunity to shape the future of our community by voting in the upcoming referendum. is initiative directly impacts our schools, neighborhoods, and the strength of our local economy.

A strong school system bene ts everyone, not just families with children. High-quality schools enhance property values, attract families and businesses, and create a thriving community. e referendum will address essential facility upgrades, ensuring our schools remain competitive and prepared for 21st-century learning. A key component of this plan is renovating and expanding the aging 75-year old Lawrence Middle School, preparing it to welcome future 6th graders, aligning Lawrence Township with the DOE’s recommended model and the model followed by most middle schools. Research supports the grade 6-8 middle school model as the best t for students’ academic and social emotional needs.

Golden Heart Week at SWS

Golden Heart Week at SWS

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!

Beyond improving academic spaces, this referendum includes upgrades to facilities used by the entire community, such as a modernized auditorium, gymnasium, playing elds, and handicapped-accessible restrooms and parking. Additionally, the expansion allows more special education students to receive services in-district, ensuring they thrive in their home schools.

Fiscal Responsibility and Cost Savings

Senior freshman the tie-breaking goal.

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!

is plan has been cra ed with nancial prudence in mind. By waiting until past debts were paid o , the district has minimized taxpayer impact. Nearly 12% of project costs will be reimbursed through state aid, and repayment will not begin until summer 2026. Lawrence Township is a net contributor to state education funds—approving this referendum ensures we receive our fair share instead of sending our tax dollars to other districts.

Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!

Transparency and community engagement remain top priorities. Residents are encouraged to visit www.ltps. org/referendum for details.

Let’s build a stronger future together. Vote on March 11. e polls will be open (all times and locations) as expected during any election.

Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one

shaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Why a Referendum?

• Academic Excellence: Designed with educator-input, new grade-level structure aligns with best practices in helping our students meet and exceed State standards.

Students learn the art of Rangoli

A Night with the NJ Devils

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

• Updated Facilities: LMS is 75 years old; much of the building has not ever been renovated.

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Discounted group tickets are $40 each -

• Community Use: Enhancing facilities used by the children, adults, and seniors in the community.

• Accessibility Improvements: Adding handicapped-accessible parking, restrooms and an additional elevator to ensure inclusivity for all residents.

Students learn the art of Rangoli

• Dedicated Sixth-Grade Wing: Establishing a nurturing environment for sixth graders to support their transition to middle school.

• Space = Opportunity: Building exible learning spaces for collaboration, small-group learning, and hands-on experiences that will grow and change along with our changing student population.

Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to visit our website to learn more about the upcoming referendum.

• Long-Term Investment: Serving multiple generations of students and residents. Setting the footprint for the next 75 years.

Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers

Also this season, history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!

Lawrence Referendum to Have Li�le to No Tax Impact on Senior Ci�zens

As a senior member of our Lawrence Township community, your voice carries incredible weight in shaping the future of our town. As you know, great schools increase property values, foster a vibrant and connected neighborhood, and ensure the next generation is well-equipped to become thoughtful, engaged citizens.

Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

Did you know that many seniors will have NO TAX IMPACT due to this referendum, under the NJ Division of Taxation’s Senior Freeze program? e NJ Senior Freeze program locks the taxable value of the senior’s home. If you are 65 or older, own your home and your 2024 income was $168,268 or less, you are eligible to be reimbursed for any property tax increase.

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Seniors that have an income below $500,000 are eligible to receive a 50% tax refund o your total tax bill. e Stay NJ program o ers property tax bene ts to eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. It reimburses applicants for 50% of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000. You can apply for all the tax relief programs in one simple application and the state will let you know all of the programs you are eligible for. More information at www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml.

Lawrence Township Public Schools Selects New Assistant

Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruc�on

At the January 2 Board of Education meeting, the Lawrence Township Board of Education approved Mr. Neel Desai as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. He will begin his new position on March 10, 2025.

LHS Field Hockey Wins Mercer County Tournament!

Desai is an accomplished educator and administrator with nearly 25 years of experience in public education. He holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Rutgers Graduate School of Education and has earned administration certi cates through the highly regarded NJEXCEL/FEA Leadership Program in New Jersey. Additionally, Mr. Desai possesses a Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and Exercise Science & Sports Studies, providing him with a well-rounded foundation in both human development and educational practice.

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!

roughout his career, Desai has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in various roles including elementary school teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and Director across multiple, diverse school districts. His leadership is de ned by his unwavering commitment to collaboration, fostering strong partnerships with all stakeholders to ensure the success of students and sta alike. His dedication to professional growth and student achievement has been integral to his success in these roles.

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!

Desai is widely recognized for his expertise in educational leadership and professional development. He regularly leads impactful workshops for prominent organizations such as the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA), the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDoE), and the New Jersey Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NJASCD). His extensive experience and insight into educational leadership allows him to be successful as a New Jersey Leader-2-Leader Mentor for new school administrators, guiding the next generation of educational leaders. Additionally, he contributes to the NJEXCEL Leadership Program as a dedicated mentor and educator, training future school leaders in best practices and cutting-edge leadership strategies.

Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!

Desai’s proven track record of success, leadership, and commitment to education and student growth has made him a highly respected gure within New Jersey’s educational community. He is thrilled to be joining the LTPS district and looks forward to engaging with all stakeholders for the bene t of every student.

recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Lawrence Boys’ Basketball Team Soars

Second-seeded Lawrence (19-5) battled through a tough bracket, securing dominant home wins over Steinert and Hightstown before edging out Notre Dame in a thrilling semi nal. eir remarkable run culminated in a hard-fought championship showdown against h-seeded Ewing in front of more than 600 passionate fans at West Windsor-Plainsboro North.

Students learn the art of Rangoli

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

ough Ewing claimed the title with a 60-52 victory, Lawrence had already made history. Under Coach Je Molinelli’s leadership, the Cardinals captured the Valley Division title and put together an incredible stretch, winning 14 of their last 15 games—including the program’s rst 10-game winning streak since the 1998-99 season.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Molinelli said. “Getting here is no easy feat, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

Next up, the team heads into the state playo s!

Former NFL Offensive Tackle Speaks to Middle and High School Students at Inspiring Assembly

On January 23, our middle and high school students had the incredible opportunity to attend a special assembly featuring Garry Gilliam Jr., a former NFL o ensive tackle who played for the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Garry shared his inspiring story of overcoming adversity, from the challenging streets of his childhood to achieving his dream of playing in the NFL. His message of resilience, determination, and self-belief le a lasting impact, empowering our students to strive to be the very best versions of themselves.

Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create

Discounted group tickets are $40 each -

Lawrence Township Public Schools Receives AI Grant Funding to Empower Students and Educators

LHS Field Hockey Wins

Mercer County Tournament!

Lawrence Township Public Schools is proud to announce that it is one of only ten school districts across the state to receive the “Arti cial Intelligence Innovation in Education Grant” to support initiatives to advance the role of AI in the classroom. is initiative underscores the district’s commitment to ensuring students and educators are prepared for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world while fostering inclusivity and equity in learning. is funding will allow the district to address the unique strengths, needs, and challenges of its community by equipping students and teachers with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in a future where AI plays an increasingly critical role. e AI initiative will kick o in early Spring of 2025 with the establishment of an AI Advisory Committee, pilot programs, and professional development workshops. By the 2025-2026 school year, new courses and AI-powered tools will be introduced district-wide, with ongoing support, data collection, and policy re nement.

Golden Heart Week at SWS

“ is grant allows us to bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to cutting-edge technology, and prepare our students to lead in an AI-powered world,” said Dr. Robyn Klim, Superintendent of Schools. “Our vision is to create a learning environment where every student, regardless of background, can access the tools and skills needed to succeed in the future.”

LTPS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, high-quality education that empowers all students. With this groundbreaking AI initiative, the district continues to lead the way in innovative educational practices, ensuring its diverse student body is future-ready.

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

LTPS Celebrates Student Ar�sts in Art Contest

Time to Register for Kindergarten

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021

Students learn the art of

Lawrence Township Public Schools recently held a referendum-themed Art Contest, showcasing the creativity and talent of its students. A total of 77 entries were submitted by students from Kindergarten through 11th grade, each o ering a unique artistic interpretation of the referendum’s theme—supporting schools, addressing the growing middle school, and investing in the future.

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

Students and their families gathered at the February 12 Board of Education meeting, where participants were honored for their contributions. e contest featured multiple rounds of judging, with art teachers and the district’s art supervisor selecting standout pieces based on creativity, artistic ability, and alignment with the theme.

“We were thrilled to see so many students participate in this initiative,” said district representatives. “Every piece was special and unique. In one way or another, every submission was a winner.”

Given the high number of submissions in the younger categories, multiple winners were chosen in the grades K-2 and 3-5 groups. e ceremony was a testament to the students’ talent and dedication, and those who missed it can view the event on the district’s website at ltps.org/ referendum under the presentations tab.

Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers

e district extends its heartfelt thanks to all student artists and their families for their participation, enthusiasm, and courage in sharing their work.

, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Mrs. Leventhal class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

Kindergarten registration for the 2025- 2026 school year will be open from March 3, 2025August 4, 2025. Students must be ve years old on or before October 1, 2025 in order to enroll in kindergarten. Registrations received a er Aug 4 are subject to bussing delays (if applicable) and have a higher likelihood of being diverted from your home school. You also don’t want to miss kindergarten orientation, so do not delay. Any questions or concerns please email registration@ltps.org or call (609) 671-5453.

Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!

LHS Teacher Receives AP CSP Female Diversity Award

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anks to Math teacher Christine Read and the hardworking educators and young women at Lawrence High School (LHS), LTPS just received the College Board Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s participation in AP Computer Science Principles.

LHS is one of only 847 schools receiving this national recognition for increasing female involvement in computer science. Congratulations, Ms. Read!

Field Hockey Wins

We are pleased to announce the selection of the following educators from Lawrence Township Public Schools for the 2024-2025 Governor’s Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Program. is NJ Department of Education (DOE)’s program recognizes our State’s best teachers and educational services professionals.

Mercer County Tournament!

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals

freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored

Congratulations to the team and coach on this well-earned win!

made

history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to

Golden Heart Week at SWS

PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Do you have a three or four-year-old and live in Lawrence Township?

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS

Students learn the art of Rangoli

Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

Robyn A. Klim, Ed.D., LCSW Superintendent of Schools

Neel Desai

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Tom Eldridge

Business Administrator/ Board Secretary

Sean M. Fry Director of Personnel

Vanessa Bekarciak

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Jennifer Baldassari

Communications & Operations Manager info@ltps.org

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

Scan the QR code or visit www.ltps.org/preschool to submit your application for the LTPS preschool lottery. Application will be open from 2/3-4/11.

Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers

Please scan the above code with your phone's camera to complete a brief survey on how well you like The Link!

workers

45 is the new 50 for colorectal cancer screening

Ask The Doctor

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 change?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

In sigmoidoscopy, the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidoscope, a flexible lighted tube

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.

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

February 02, 2025

BOARD OF ELECTIONS PROVISIONAL BALLOT REVIEW

Notice is hereby given, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10 Et. Seq., the Open Public Meetings Act. Under the Open Public Meeting Act N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b),

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

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 sur-

vivors 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

DESTRIBATS CAMPBELL STAUB & SCHROTH, LLC

Shaping the Future of Lawrence: Why Your Vote on March 11 Matters

Notes from the Board

Anthony J. Destribats

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

G. Destribats (1969-2015)

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg

John Ferner

On March 11, the Lawrence Township community will vote on a critical referendum for the Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS).

The primary focus of this referendum is the reconfiguration of Lawrence Middle School (LMS), transitioning from a 7-8 grade model to a 6-8 grade structure.

This change is designed to enhance student achievement, create improved opportunities for students as they advance to high school and maximize district resources.

As an elected member and president of the LTPS Board of Education, I want to ensure that every member of our community understands the scope and impact of the projects included in this referendum.

These projects are not just about infrastructure—they are about academic success. The proposed upgrades aim to create an optimal learning environment that meets the needs of all students in our district.

If this referendum is passed, we can ensure that future generations of Lawrence Township students have access to the best educational resources possible.

The LTPS Board of Education consists of dedicated, unpaid members who are also Lawrence Township taxpayers. While my two children graduated from LTPS in 2022 and 2024 and will not directly benefit from this reconfiguration,

I am deeply passionate about the value this project will bring to our students, teachers, and the broader community.

An informed decision is essential for the future of our students and our district. The referendum includes the addition of over 80,000 square feet to LMS, providing new and improved facilities such as increased space for science and art, general education, and small-group classrooms.

It also includes the construction of a gym, a nurse’s office, a security vestibule, and an expanded cafeteria.

Beyond these additions, critical improvements will be made to the auditorium, electrical and plumbing systems, and parking lot and improved traffic flow surrounding LMS and Lawrence High School (LHS).

Investing in our schools is an investment in the future of Lawrence Township. Several current board members no longer have children in the school system and continue to recognize the importance of maintaining strong schools for the benefit of our entire community.

Quality schools contribute to higher property values, community engagement, and overall economic stability.

I encourage all residents to take the time to learn more about this referendum and make an informed decision on March 11.

The future of our schools—and our community—depends on it. Please visit the Referendum Page on the LTPS.org website for more information.

Bowes is president of the Lawrence Township Board of Education.

Michele

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.

VACATION RENTAL

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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

PreK teacher wanted PreK teacher wanted on a temporary basis due to the current teacher leaving on an extended family leave. This can lead to permanent employment. Required hours would be from 8:30 – 1:00, M-F. Will be sharing a group with the 3-4 year-old group head teacher. Position will be open for 1 -2 months. Camelot School is a family-owned preschool in Hopewell Township. Email info@camelotschool.net or call 609-577-5584.

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OFFICE RENTALS

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LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.

Guitar, Ukulele and Drum lessons for all. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.

Cleaning Services My name is Karolina, I’m a cleaning lady. If you are looking for somebody to clean your house - I’m here! I offer one-time, monthly, biweekly, weekly who can help make your house shiny clean, give me a chance and you will be happy -Dm me with all your questions 640-466-1378.

Music Lessions Acoustix Music Studio offers customized music lessons at your home! Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Drums,

I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.

WANTED TO BUY

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

Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609658-2996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com

Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com

HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .

2025 special events