4-25 RA by Community News Service

Advance Advance

Movin’ on up

Municipal

services consolidation in Investors Bank building targeted for the end 2025

BY BILL SANSERVINO

Robbinsville’s Town Hall is getting a major facelift—by moving out altogether. Municipal operations will be relocating to the former Roma Bank/Citizens Bank building, which officials believe will be a big improvement over the current facility.

The move, says Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried, doesn’t only offer more space. It also will centralize government functions, bring the Robbinsville and Hightstown police departments under one roof, and offer much-needed public meeting space—all while saving money.

Instead of constructing a new police station, the township is opting for a long-term lease, a decision the mayor believes is both financially prudent and forward-thinking.

The bank building, which is the centerpiece commercial structure in the Robbinsville

See MOVE, Page 10

Gonser brews playmaking power and positivity for RHS girls LAX

BY RICH FISHER

Being called a coffee bean doesn’t seem too flattering for a high school girl. Or anybody, for that matter.

But in the outside-the-box world that is Robbinsville High girls lacrosse, it’s quite the compliment, and Morgan Gonser is happy to be dubbed a coffee bean in the water. Even if she wasn’t quite sure what it meant at first.

“I was definitely not faithful to that, I was like ‘What is she saying?’” Gonser recalled with a laugh.

The notion, of course, comes from Ravens coach Jennamarie Colicchia—who wears a “Be a coffee bean” bracelet at practice. Always willing to send new and varied inspirational messages to her players, Colicchia was impressed by the public speaking of a former football player

who overcame several years of adversity.

“He was told during a tough time that he could be an egg going in the water and become hard to the world,” the coach explained. “Or he could be a carrot going in the water that would be soft and crumble. Or he could be a coffee bean that would cause ripples in the water and change its surroundings.

See GONSER, Page 18

End of an era

Mayor Dave Fried announces he won’t seek re-election in November

BY BILL SANSERVINO

After 25 years as a public official, Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried is calling it a career. Fried announced on Monday, March 30, in a written statement that he has decided not to run for reelection when his four-year term is up this November. His term officially ends on Dec. 31, 2025.

“I have long said the most difficult and rewarding thing anyone can do is put their name on an election ballot,” Fried said. “This November, for the first time in almost a quarter century, my name will not be on that ballot.”

The full text of his announcement can be read on page 6.

Fried, 57, has served as mayor of Robbinsville Township since 2005, becoming the first to hold the office under the township’s current mayor-council form of government.

Sometime after his retirement at the end of the year, Fried is See FRIED, Page 6

Robbinsville High School lacrosse player Morgan Gonser. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

RWJUH Hamilton April Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, Apr. 2; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Mondays, Apr. 7 & Apr. 21; 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS

Mondays, Apr. 7 & Apr. 21; 5:30 p.m.7:00 p.m.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tuesday, Apr. 8; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Apr. 15; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, Apr. 16; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Apr. 1; 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.

THE AARP DRIVING COURSE

Monday, Apr. 7; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Be a safer, better driver. Most insurance companies will lower your premium with a completion certiﬁcate. Bring your NJ or PA driver’s license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card;

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Apr. 8 & 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Apr. 8 & 22; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Apr. 8 & 22; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

TAI CHI

Tuesday, Apr. 3 & 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$25 for nonmembers. Bring cash (exact change) or check (payable to “AARP”) with you on the day of the class. “WII” ARE POWERED GAME TIME

Thursday, Apr. 10; 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Join RWJ Rehabilitation, RWJUH Hamilton, for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is leveling up your real-life stats. Play smart, move like a pro, and stay in the game longer!

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Apr. 14; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 22; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, and 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 sessions will occur the 2nd Monday (daytime) and 4th Tuesday (evening) monthly.

MISCONCEPTIONS VS. LIFESAVING REALITIES OF ORGAN DONATION

Tuesday, Apr. 15; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Did you know one organ donor can save eight lives and help 75 more by donating tissue and corneas? Adults 18 and older can register to be organ and tissue donors, regardless of medical history or age. Join the NJ Sharing Network and Tim Ryan, MSN, RN, CEN, Nursing Professional Development

Practitioner, CPDIR, RWJUH Hamilton, for this informative talk.

GYNECOLOGIC CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Apr. 15; 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. To register, call 609-584-6680. This program takes place at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ.

CAN OTC HEARING AIDS WORK FOR ME?

Wednesday, Apr. 16; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

To increase the public’s access to hearing aids and improve hearing, the FDA established a new category of Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults 18 years of age and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., audiologist at RWJUH Hamilton’s Balance & Hearing Center, as she talks about the availability of OTC hearing aids and who can beneﬁt from them.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, Apr. 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind. No experience necessary.

LUNCH & LEARN: TREATING COMPLEX GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS

Thursday, Apr. 10; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; 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 the dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New members are always welcome.

Learn about advanced gastrointestinal care and the latest specialized techniques and equipment being used to diagnose and treat complex GI conditions from our experts, Christopher Chum, DO, Board Certiﬁed in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, and Imran Fayyaz, MD, Board Certiﬁed in Gastroenterology, President, RWJUH Hamilton Medical Staff and RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group member.

NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

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

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

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Apr. 22; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This group is 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 RWJUH Hamilton Rehab experts, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, & Allyson PanikowskiBerry, Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

HERBS TO HELP PROMOTE RESTFUL SLEEP

Tuesday, Apr. 22; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Explore how herbs can support your mind and body to ease into restful sleep. You’ll learn about seven herbs that promote sleep and how to incorporate them into your nightly routine. Sample a tasty oxymel (a sweet-sour herbal syrup) and make a sleep oxymel to take home. Fee: $20

HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION

Wednesday, Apr. 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join our bimonthly nutrition education class about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition, learn tips for meal planning and preparation, and explore recipes.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Apr. 23; 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

BREAKFAST & LEARN: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN HEALTH CARE WITH KENNEDY GANTI, MD

Thursday, Apr. 17; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Artiﬁcial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming health care. Join Kennedy Ganti, MD, FAAFP, FHELA, Regional VP of Health Informatics, RWJBarnabas Health, and Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, for a discussion about AI and how it can improve your health.

A BETTER HEALTH PROGRAM: GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK, RWJUH HAMILTON

Wednesday, Apr. 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 25; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grounds for Sculpture welcomes us for their Wellness Walk! Whether you are a fast or slower walker, there will be a group for you. Join us to

session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.

SPRING SMOOTHIE

Tuesday, Apr. 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Learn how to make quick, delicious, and nutritious smoothies. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing breakfast, quick meal, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert, smoothies are a fantastic option.

HEARING AND BALANCE SCREENINGS

Wednesday, Apr. 30; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join us for these free screenings. These 15-minute appointments are designed to help assess your hearing health or your balance health/fall risk. To schedule your required appointment, call 609-245-7390. Location: RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ.

SPEAK, LISTEN, CONNECT: THE KEYS TO MEANINGFUL & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Wednesday, Apr. 30; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to express yourself with clarity, listen with empathy, and navigate tough conversations with conﬁdence. Whether in love, friendships, or work, discover practical tools to build deeper, more meaningful connections. Walk away with communication skills that transform the way you relate to others. Fee: $15

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

boost your energy, connect with nature, explore art and meet new people. Member attendees are invited to enjoy GFS for the remainder of the day. Please only register for one date.

BREAKFAST & LEARN: SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOUR RETIREMENT

Thursday, Apr. 24; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Learn strategies to help you maximize your Social Security beneﬁts.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THOSE GOLDEN YEARS WITH NAMI MERCER

Tuesday, Apr. 29; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Reaching our “golden years” brings a myriad of life changes – some joyous and some challenging. Janet Haag, Executive Director, NAMI Mercer, will lead this discussion on aging. Aging well isn’t about defying time – it’s about embracing it with grace and gusto. Together, let’s explore the landscape of mental wellbeing in later life.

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

frOM THe eDiTOr Subscribe for a chance to win a Trenton Thunder ‘Pic-a-Plan’

BILL SANSERVINO

FROM THE EDITOR

Did you know that we update our website, communitynews.org, on a regular basis? What we publish in the newspaper is just a portion of the news that we bring to the community each week.

Here are some headlines from the past month that didn’t appear in print:

• Hamilton, Mercer County to host job fair Friday

• Fatal shooting in Trenton under investigation

• After years of vacancy, Patel Brothers revives Risoldi’s iconic space

• Lawrence voters approve $94.9 million school referendum

We can’t always fit all the news in the paper, which is one reason that we have our website. Although you can read all the stories we publish there too.

But you don’t have to remember to log

Robbinsvill e

in to our website on a daily basis. That’s where our email newsletters come in.

Scan the QR code to the right to be taken to our weekly newsletter sign-up page. Just drop your email address in the box and you’re done.

And subscribers to our newsletters are always eligible to win prizes, just for being subscribed. This month’s giveaway is a Trenton Thunder 1-game “Pic-a-Plan” ticket package. One lucky winner will have a chance to win tickets to 10 Thunder games plus four free Thunder hats.

So subscribe today. Or if you are already subscribed, keep an eye out for an email from us, in case you are the winner!

Advance Advance

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

EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rich Fisher

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113)

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

Website: robbinsvilleadvance.com Facebook: facebook.com/CommunityNewsService

X: x.com/_CommunityNews_

8,000 copies of the Robbinsville Advance are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Robbinsville 12 times a year.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

expected to move to Florida. He is currently in the process of building a home in the St. Petersburg.

A dedicated public servant, Fried’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to community, innovation in public service, and steady fiscal stewardship.

A graduate of Rowan University, Fried began his public service on the Washington Township Committee—now the Robbinsville Township Council—before being elected mayor.

Fried’s statement

The following is the full text of Fried’s announcement:

The opportunity to both serve and raise a family in what I consider the greatest, most kind-hearted town in New Jersey has been a privilege and the greatest honor of my life.

Come January 15, 2026, for the first time since being selected to fill an unexpired term in 2000 under the prior Township Committee form of government, I will not be your mayor.

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He was re-elected in 2009, 2013, and 2017, and ran unopposed in his most recent campaign. His long-standing leadership has made him a central figure in the township’s transformation over the past two decades.

Outside of government, Fried is the CEO of Payday, a Robbinsville-based HR, payroll, and benefits company. He previously led TriCore Human Capital Management, a two-time recipient of the Inc. 500/5000 award recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.

Throughout his time in office, Fried has championed causes that reflect his deep care for Robbinsville residents. In 2015, he reimagined the State of the Township address as the annual Pay-it-Forward charitable event, raising more than $500,000 for individuals and organizations in need.

That effort has supported everything from accessible transportation for disabled children to critical home modifications for residents facing debilitating illnesses, and community-wide campaigns to aid families facing sudden tragedies.

His administration played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing more than 20,000 units of PPE, providing testing sites, and encouraging vaccinations. His swift response helped protect public health during a time of uncertainty.

During his time as mayor, Robbinsville preserved more than 1,200 acres of open space. He is hoping to keep municipal taxes flat again this year when he presents his 2025 budget on April 10, which would mark the 11th flat or reduced tax rate in the last 14 years.

Under his leadership, the township acquired the 149-unit Mercer Mobile Home Park in 2019. The deal became a major component of the township’s plans to provide state-mandated affordable housing and helped Robbinsville fulfill its obligation through 2025.

Fried is currently seeing to completion a plan to consolidate the township’s municipal offices, court, and police department into the former Investors/Roma Bank building.

For more on the project, see the story starting on page 1.

Fried lives in Robbinsville with his wife, Kathryn. Their two children, Brett and Ashley, both attended Robbinsville schools.

I have long said the most difficult and rewarding thing anyone can do is put their name on an election ballot. This November, for the first time in almost a quarter century, my name will not be on that ballot. While endlessly proud of what we have accomplished together, the time has come to step aside and allow a new leader to chart his/ her own course for Robbinsville’s future. Hopefully, the roads we have paved together throughout this diverse town so rich in history and possibilities will help guide your next mayor to even greater success.

I want to thank my wife, Kitt, and children Ashley and Brett, for their unconditional love, understanding and unwavering support throughout the years. Having our children grow up surrounded by friendship, activities, and educational opportunities in Robbinsville, and then watching them flourish as young adults, fills me with more pride than I could ever put into words.

Any success I have experienced these past 25 years could not have been accomplished without a staff which, year-in and year-out, I would put up against any in the country. To every Township Council member, department head, police officer, firefighter, non-profit organization, Robbinsville business, and every citizen who has volunteered their time to serve on our many boards, commissions, and committees, thank you for your service and for helping me navigate these waters in times of both frightening uncertainty and fragile calm.

The current Council, led by its incomparable president Mike Todd, is a government body you can trust and has nothing but your best interests at heart. They will continue to serve you well.

To my many mentors, friends and peers throughout the local mayoral and legislative community, your wisdom, advice, and guidance not only helped me govern, but it will undoubtedly shape my life outside the public eye.

Finally, to the residents of Robbinsville and Windsor. Thank you.

Thank you for your support. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for your generosity and for your enormous hearts.

Thank you for 25 unforgettable years as your leader.

May God bless you all.

News briefs

Robbinsville set to take over EMS operations April 7

Robbinsville Township township will begin operating its own emergency medical services (EMS) in-house starting on Monday, April 7.

The move marks a significant change in how EMS services are provided to residents, previously handled by Capital Health for the past 15 years.

“Having our own full-time EMS staff is a positive development that took a great deal of effort to establish,” said Mayor Dave Fried, who is also director of public safety. “This will undoubtedly improve the quality of service to township residents.”

The Robbinsville Township Fire Department will employ eight full-time emergency medical technicians along with a few per-diem staff to ensure the township’s ambulance is fully staffed starting April 7 at 7 a.m.

These new EMS workers began their employment on March 24, undergoing two weeks of orientation training. The

EMTs, though not firefighters, will work alongside RTFD personnel under the supervision of Fire Chief Dan Schaffener.

“All fire department personnel are EMTs and routinely assist with providing care during medical emergencies,” Schaffener explained. “This change will accomplish the goal of providing the highest level of care to Robbinsville Township residents.”

The ambulance will continue operating from the fire station on Route 130. The cost of providing in-house EMS services will largely be offset through medical billing to insurance providers, and township residents will not be billed directly for services.

Robbinsville’s policy of not billing residents for any uncovered EMS expenses, or those without insurance, will remain unchanged.

The township will also continue to pro-

See EMS, Page 8

vide EMS services to Hightstown Borough under a multi-year shared service agreement.

binsville’s high educational standards.”

Education Foundation awards $11K in grants

The Robbinsville Education Foundation has awarded more than $11,000 in innovation grants to educators in the Robbinsville Public School District.

The grants will help teachers implement creative lessons that will enrich the learning experience for students across all three district schools.

The REF, a nonprofit organization that supports Sharon Elementary, Pond Road Middle School, and Robbinsville High School, focuses on fostering innovative educational programs. The grants will fund projects designed by teachers to enhance classroom engagement and provide unique learning opportunities.

“The Robbinsville Public Schools are enormously grateful for our partnership with the REF to ensure our students receive the best learning experiences possible,” said Robbinsville Superintendent Patrick Pizzo.

“We are pleased to have such a well-supported organization working in partnership with the schools to help maintain Rob-

The foundation’s grants are part of a broader effort to improve education in the district through community-driven fundraising. These funds support creative programs that go beyond the scope of traditional instruction.

“We are thrilled to award more than $11,000 in innovative grants to the Robbinsville schools,” said Carlos Comella, president of the REF. “These funds will directly benefit students by supporting unique and enriching educational initiatives that go beyond traditional learning.”

Key programs supported by the REF include:

Innovation Grants: Providing teachers with the resources needed to implement creative learning experiences;

STEM & Arts Program: Offering funding for science, technology, engineering, math, and artistic enrichment; and

Fundraising Events: Engaging in community events to generate funds that enhance educational initiatives.

Comella expressed gratitude for the support of local businesses and community members who made these grants possible, noting that the REF’s fundraising efforts continue. He encouraged further donations to help expand these initiatives.

To learn more or make a donation, visit refkids.org.

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Town Center, is some 47,000 square feet, compared to the current municipal building (also on Route 33), which is only 15,000 square feet. The one-story building was built by the township in 2016, but only houses some township offices. Both the recreation and police departments are in other locations.

The three-story bank building, constructed in 2005, was originally occupied by Roma Bank. The location continued to serve as a banking facility following the acquisition of Roma by Investors Bank in 2013. In 2021, Investors Bank sold the property to Realty Management Systems for $20 million and subsequently leased it back on a long-term basis.

The township had originally planned to build a separate police/court building on Route 130 for Robbinsville and Hightstown, but rising construction costs and plummeting commercial office rents after the COVID-19 pandemic caused Fried to reconsider his options. Ultimately he and township council decided that the move to the bank building was the best plan.

Last November, Robbinsville Township signed a 10-year sublease agreement to relocate almost all municipal operations to the building.

Mayor Fried recently sat down with Rob-

Your

binsville Advance editor Bill Sanservino to talk about a number of issues facing the township in 2025.

Over the next few months, The Advance will run excerpts from the interview in Q&A format. In this month’s article, Fried talks about the ambitious municipal building project.

Robbinsville Advance: Let’s talk about the plan to move the municipal offices into the old Investors/Roma Bank building on, and how you’re going to integrate the Robbinsville and Hightstown police departments into the building.

Dave Fried: First of all, I’m excited about this. I think being able to have both sides of the government, police, everybody in one place—is really going to be good for us from a public safety standpoint and also from a public standpoint.

Our whole mission, when you think about it, is that Robbinsville is trying to be customer service-oriented and trying to instill in everybody that they’re not taxpayers, they’re not ratepayers—they’re customers. They have choices, and just like anything else, you can choose where you’re going to live. In order for us to convince people that they want to choose Robbinsville; it has to be a great place to live. I’ve always thought of residents as kind of like shareholders, and as CEO of my

company, my ultimate value is how well I can increase the stock price of my company. That’s kind of like the, if you will, the report card that I get as CEO. A home value is sort of the report card that I get as mayor.

If I’m raising your property values, it’s because people want to live in Robbinsville. And demand creates higher home prices, and higher home prices for our residents become a good return on investment, because for most people, their home is the largest investment they’re ever going to make.

So, it’s kind of always the way that I’m thinking about those things. Open space is a big priority, making sure that we keep inventory under control, but also customer service.

When you look at our current municipal building, it was set up primarily so the public can do business with us in an easy fashion. You walk through that central hallway and you can hit every window with absolutely no error. You should be able to get your permit, pay your bills, pay your taxes and do everything from that one sort of central venue—except policing and court.

After we move, people will literally be able to do a one-stop shop. And from my perspective, if you’re having a challenge, I can pull everybody into a meeting relatively quickly. In terms of meeting space,

I can have multiple meetings happening at the same time, like public meetings.

The schools are getting beat to hell because there’s no public space for them. So, we’ll have a couple of rooms.

And then, lastly, bringing our recreation department back to the municipal building is going to create more meeting space over where the rec department is currently.

Right now, the fire department building is also getting overused, because there’s not enough meeting space in town. So, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts—everybody wants to have meeting space, and it’s either the firehouse or the schools right now. We need to create some more space to allow these things to happen.

It’s really not ideal for us, and from a safety point of view, also, to have the public constantly in the firehouse, because they’re living there and they have their own stuff going on. So, I’ve always got that little bit of conflict happening when I have a crisis and at the same time, the public is in the firehouse.

So, those are sort of what we’re thinking about on the macro level. It’s going to make us more efficient financially. It’s going to give us space for the next 20 years. We probably will never outgrow that building.

As we think about what we want to be able to do on a financial standpoint—building a new police station, which we would

First Home Made Possible.

have had to do, would have wound up costing more than this entire building.

RA: This is more cost-effective than building a separate police/court building?

DF: The numbers that were coming in to build the police station were in the $20 million range, which is more than we’re going to spend with this. And if you just take a look at what’s happening in Hamilton and what they’re spending on their new building, you can get an idea of what I’m talking about. From a financial standpoint, this is going to set us up for a long period of time.

Also, no community in Mercer County has ever shared a police station and court with another town, so, the idea that we can share this with Hightstown has been a win for Hightstown and a win for Robbinsville.

We’re sharing those expenses. You know, I would imagine at some point we’re going to continue to share more resources. We’re already sharing fire services, and we’re going to be sharing a police station and court.

I imagine dispatch at some point is going to be very much on the table. And then, we go from there. Look at where we can continue to pool resources to save both communities money. So that’s the thought process behind it. And if we can do it, that means other towns can do it.

So, I think you’ll start seeing some of that consolidation.

Who knows, maybe we can provide senior leadership for policing one day. We’re already doing automotive, so it’s just going to lead to more shared services that I think is going to continue to save us money.

We’re right on budget, which is amazing. And then once we get in, we’re going to find out, I think very quickly, that there’s going to be a very high demand for the building that we’re in now, which we own.

RA: Can you explain what’s going to happen with your current municipal building?

We’re going to be able to then sell the old municipal building, and that’s a much smaller, much easier-to-consume building than the building that we’re taking, which we’ve proven over the last few years nobody wanted.

Our current building, I think, is going to have a multitude of uses. But probably the fastest and best use is going to be medical. You know, we’ve already got a lot of interest. So, if we can sell our building and then reduce those bonds, this thing is going to wind up— between Hightstown in there sharing the cost and then us being able to sell our own building—we’re going to wind up saving a lot of money from where we would have been before.

See MOVE, Page 12

RA: Why lease the building instead of buying it?

in there? And, what’s the process?

DF: It’s a great question. It’s a lease right now for 10 years. We couldn’t acquire the building, because originally, we were going to use condemnation. And if you use condemnation, the current lease that the bank had would have immediately expired and the town could have been liable for the delta between the value of that lease and what we were paying.

DF: I think we’ll be in by the end of the year. I really do. It’s aggressive, but I think we can pull it off. And then we’ll slowly move out of our current building. This will definitely be the crown jewel for the next mayor.

RA: Who is crafting the plans for the configuration of the building? Did you hire an outside consultant?

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What ended up happening was the bank—originally, not the current bank— so Roma Bank ended up selling the building for a lot of money, and they were able to get a lot of money from the building because they inflated the price of the lease. So, they had a very, very high lease—at least twice what we’re paying.

Under our deal, the bank is actually absorbing the delta between our lease payments and what they’re actually paying the property owner. So, we’re only paying literally less than half of the actual value of the lease. That’s going to ultimately save our taxpayers money. Now, at the end of the lease, the mortgage will also be paid off.

Then we can condemn the building, and there’ll be no lease that we’ll be interfering with. I was afraid that we would get into tortious interference with the current owner, and we could be liable.

DF: We have an outside engineering firm and an outside architect. And believe it or not, Paul (Paul Renaud, township attorney), internally has really been doing a fantastic job of leading that process. He and Bruce (Bruce Darvas, township business administrator) have really done a good job making sure that we’re on track.

RA: It sounds like it’s coming together.

DF: Again, this is one of those firsts. It’s the first time two towns are going to share a municipal building, court, police station—permanently. Right? If it works, I’m a genius. If this thing turns into something else, it’ll be horrible.

RA: I guess as they say, “You pays your money and you takes your chances.”

DF: Yeah. In this day and age. That’s what you have be able to save money.

RA: And think outside the box.

SUMMER CAMP

Attention students in 6th, 7th, & 8th grade! Join us for either or both of our twoweek Career Exploration Camps at Mercer County Technical Schools. Camp runs daily from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

So, at the end of the deal, we’ll pay whatever the value is of the building. The true value. Appraised value. We’ll buy the building, and that person will no longer have a lease, so there will be no lease for us to interfere with, and we should be able to buy the building forever.

RA: Makes sense. I guess that the high lease cost affects the value of the building?

DF: Exactly. We couldn’t make it work.

RA: And I suppose it also gives you an out if it’s not working out after 10 years.

DF: Yes. We can walk away.

RA: Not that you’d want to. I’m sure there’s going to be a pretty large capital investment to convert part of it for the police station.

DF: Yes. Right now, we’re doing some stuff in renovation, but the reno for the building is so much less expensive than building a new police station. And it gives us space for quite some time. The generator that they originally built there is enormous. It’s literally like the size of a room. So, if there were ever an emergency, I’d be able to provide power for quite a number of people. The power center will be able to also provide internet service, because we’ll be up and running. So, there’s so many things we will be able to do by having that be our hub if, God forbid, anything ever really went wrong.

RA: What’s the timeline for getting

DF: Yeah. I mean, listen—if you think about it, all of a sudden, finally, after at least in my 20 years in office, balancing a budget has become in fashion again.

RA: Would you be able to—or would you want to— lease some of those offices to another company if there’s some unused portion of that building?

DF: I don’t think it would be practical at this point. You know, we have so many community groups that need space, and the schools are being so overused that if I had extra space, I’d create more meeting rooms. And then secondarily, from a security standpoint—now that we have police in there—we’ve really got to manage where the public can go. So having another business there would be very, very murky.

RA: I got to say, it’s a nice building, probably one of the nicest municipal buildings I have ever seen.

DF: We are very blessed. You know, we would never have been able to build a building like that. And that building was so well built. And then, B, if you would come to me 10 years ago and said, “Hey Dave, warehousing is going to be more valuable than office space, including A+ office space,” I would have laughed you out of the room. But this is where we are. Right? Warehouses leases are where offices used to be in terms of value at $300 a foot. And offices are now down to $100 a foot.

Summer family fun

Tomato Patch at Kelsey Theater

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/artist.

Now in its 25th 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.

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

Session 1: Grades 8-12, minimum age 13. June 30 through July 24; no Tomato Patch on July 4. Only $1,175.

Session 2: Grades 4-7, minimum age 10. July 28 through August 14. Only $1,100.

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

Tomato Patch Workshops culminate in The Festival 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!

A Master Class is available for advanced theater students. There are two sessions, same price at Tomato Patch.

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

For more information and to view class schedules visit www. tomatopatch.org or call 609-570-3566.

Bob Smith Soccer Academy

Soccer camps for ages 5 to 14

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

The first camp takes places outdoors at The Robbinsville Community Park from July 7 through 11 and August 11 through 15.

The second, is at their new location, an indoor, air conditioned turf field, 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 are designed to improve soccer skills to players of beginner, intermediate and travel levels.

They offer free before and aftercare, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Bob Smith, A United States Soccer Hall of Fame member since 2006,

played internationally and in the USA for 11 years.

After he retired, he passed on his love of the game to the young players of New Jersey at his soccer camps held at Mercer County Park. He always has the most qualified, professional staff by his side, His soccer academy was founded at the Robbinsville Fieldhouse, where his skilled staff and manager Joe Donigan, provided training for players ages 4-15, hundreds of youth travel teams, and many men’s leagues.

Operations have since relocated to Multisport 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 internationally, helps run the academy and is the director of coaching for Freehold Soccer.

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

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 family fun

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.

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GONSER continued from Page 1

“I always use that as a symbol to the girls of how you can change your environment. Have a ripple effect anywhere you go. Morgan is the epitome of someone who does that. If she’s having a good day, everyone’s having a good day. When she’s absent, everyone feels she’s not there.”

It’s easy to see why, as the sharp witted senior midfielder has an infectious personality that can transfer to whoever she talks with. When it comes to being on the field, last year she collected 62 draw controls, 30 goals and 40 assists. That caused 40 ripples that flowed into goals for others.

Which makes her a proud coffee bean.

“As she explained it more, I just realized that it’s true,” Gonser said. “It’s what you take out of things and what you put into it for the outcome. So it’s really whatever you’re gonna do is what you’re gonna get back.”

It took a while for Gonser to grasp the notion. As a freshman, Colicchia noted she lacked some discipline “and was a little goofy.”

“Now,” the coach continued, “she’s used that as almost a super power, where she knows when to goof around and have fun and also knows when to turn it on and be serious. I think that makes the kids want to be like her. It’s one thing to come out here and work hard and be miserable working hard, it’s another thing to come out and want to be here. She’s shown a lot of that over the years.

“I think she bought into the program and what we stand for and now she’s a big part of what makes our culture tick.”

Gonser confessed that her ninth-grade year caused some growing pains that led to her behavior. Despite a lifetime of lacrosse experience, insecurity got the best of her on a varsity squad with 12 seniors. She wondered where she fit in, but “tried to squeeze my way in, doing what I know best and mak-

ing connections on and off the field.”

Her statistics belied her doubts, as Gonser had 20 goals, four assists and won 11 draw controls as a freshman, and followed with 37 goals, 13 assists and draw controls. But still. . .

“I was less disciplined freshman year; and sophomore year I was very insecure, I was having a rough year so it was hard for me to put it all out there on the field and it wasn’t enough,” Gonser said. “But last year I was able to be a leader and also know what I’m good at.”

Scoring 40 goals was impressive considering seniors Cora Butler and Kendall Franke combined for 121. There weren’t many more goals to go around. But what revealed Gonser’s growth so vividly was the 30 assists.

“She just understood she had talented girls who could score,” Colicchia said. “She had an eye for reading the cutters and being in the right place at the right time. I always told her she has the ability to change the whole game when she’s on, and we got to see a lot of that last year.

“She also received a lot of feeds in the 8-meter (to score goals). She was more of a threat in a lot of ways last year than in the past. That comes with experience and to take what we do in practice into games. She’s always been a smart and calculated player. A lot of it comes naturally to her.”

Gonser’s junior year was a product of her maturation process. She understood Robbinsville would thrive if Butler and Franke got the ball, so she gave it to them. Her ability to facilitate helped Robbinsville to a 15-6 record and the most wins in program history.

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“I always liked feeding,” Gonser said. “Previously we had more drivers. Last year we were getting more creative with our offense so I felt like it was easier to find opportunities thanks to my vision at midfield.”

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That vision has been honed by years of playing. She signed up in kindergarten and was encouraged by cousin Alyssa Leale, who was a senior teammate in Gonser’s freshman year. Her dad coached her through elementary and middle school, with Morgan saying “He didn’t play but he thought it would be fun to start helping me.”

Counselor

Gonser spent five years in club lacrosse and played two years of soccer followed by two years of field hockey at RHS. She also ran winter track.

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

When things get sticky, she harkens back to those formative years.

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Cell: (609) 337-2366

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Cell: (609) 337-2366

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Cell: (609) 337-2366

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Cell: (609) 337-2366

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“Every time I’m having a tough time out there, I think about when I was little and how much fun I used to have,” she said. “I bring those memories out here and it helps.”

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As a midfielder, Gonser is constantly running from offense to defense and Colicchia praises her scoring by saying “It’s hard to score a lot of goals when you’re playing

the entire field and she was a threat at both ends.”

One of the things that helps Gonser is her awareness. She sees the entire field and has good instincts about when and where a pass should go.

“I’ve always had a pretty good vision of the field from watching other people,” Gonser said. “I’m a visual learner so seeing what people are doing at their position and seeing their success, I try to use that in my own play. I see what works for other people and see what I can make out of that. I was able to see what Cora and Kendall can do and now I’m gonna try and do some of the same stuff.”

With the two dynamic scorers gone there will be a need for others to step up. Gonser has shown she can score, but Colicchia would be happy if she played the same role as last season.

“I don’t think she necessarily needs to score more goals,” the coach said. “If she stays consistent we’ve got a lot of kids who are also stepping up. By her doing what she’s been doing, maybe she’ll have some more, maybe she won’t. But with other kids contributing I think it will even out.”

Colicchia is also hoping Gonser continues to gain possession for the Ravens.

“She’s great for us on the draw, very scrappy,” she said. “In big games where it’s 50-50 draws, you can count on her to come

up big in the draw circle. In past years we downplayed the importance of that with her and after last year we realized it’s one of the main things we need and she’s been very consistent there.”

Gonser’s quickness and strong shot aids the offense, along with her feel for the game.

“She knows what we need on the attack,” Colicchia said. “She’s good at picking out what the other team is doing and she analyzes it a lot, like a little coach out there.”

Her lacrosse smarts should come as no surprise since Gonser sports a 3.8 grade point average. She is a member of the RHS Agricultural Club—and no, they don’t grow coffee beans—and was formerly in the Ski Club and Red Cross Club.

As for the future, Gonser wants to major in hospitality at either Penn State or Indiana universities.

“I’ve always been a people person,” she said. “I like organization, setting up stuff, being creative.”

Those abilities suit her well as a playmaker.

“I’m always making connections,” she said. “I’m trying to make the assist or get the ground ball to set someone else up, or sliding on defense. Anything I can do to help someone else out I’ll try to do so that other people feel good and they can do the same.”

Sounds a lot like the ripple effect a coffee bean in the water can create.

People of all ages and diverse backgrounds are invited to join us to celebrate

and HolyWeek

Easter

First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck

Palm Sunday, April 13th - 9:30AM

Maundy ursday, April 17th

Community Dinner at 6:00PM Holy Communion and Tenebrae Service 7:30PM

Good Friday, April 18th - 12:00 Noon- 3:00PM Sanctuary open for re ection with Passion readings at the top of each hour.

Easter Sunday, April 20th - 9:30AM 154 South Mill Road • West Windsor, NJ

All Services In Person and Virtually on Zoom Zoom with Closed Captioning. For Zoom access to these services emailpastor@dutchneckpresbyterian.com

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

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

Wednesday, april 2

MCCC Gallery Student Show Opening Reception, Mercer County Community College. 5:30 p.m. mccc.edu. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Babytime, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. Children ages 6 - 24 months, accompanied by an adult, are invited to come enjoy songs and rhymes with Miss Cathy. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

STEAM Lab, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 6 p.m. Children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to a program focusing on the elements of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

HAPPENING

Thursday, april 3

Storytime with Tulpehaking Nature Center, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. With Kelly Rypkema from the Tulpehaking Nature Center. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Art Basics for Little Kids, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. Ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Basic art skills with glue, scissors, paint and more. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Lego Club, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 6 p.m. Children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to come and build with Miss Cathy. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Friday, april 4

Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Comedythriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sing Along with Miss Kim, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10:30 a.m. Children, of

all ages, are invited to come sing and dance with Miss Kim. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Monday, april 7

Babytime, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. (See April 2 listing).

saTurday,

april 5

Read to Chloe, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Ages 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Practice reading to a therapy dog. Registration is required; call the library at (609) 259-2150 to register. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Robbinsville Then and Now, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 2 p.m. Discover the 400 plus years of Robbinsville History with township archivist Ellie Calcagno. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Mamma Mia Movie Sing-Along, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. Feel-good singalong and play-along screening of Mamma Mia. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Comedythriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Little Explorers, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. Ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Hands on STEAM activities. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville..

Monet: A Life Extraordinaire. Online, Princeton University. 7 p.m. Presented by Jeanne Johnson, docent at the Princeton University Art Museum as well as Morven Museum and Gardens. princeton. edu.

Tuesday, april 8

Elaine Pagels in conversation with Eliza Griswold, Labyrinth Books. 6 p.m. National Book Award-winning scholar on her extraordinary new account of the life of Jesus. Princeton.

All About Home Buying, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 6:30 p.m. Realtor Pritti Duta, member of the National and New Jersey Association of Realtors, and a licensed financial services professional. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Building Character & Community

Wednesday, april 9

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. No registration required. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. Babytime, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. (See April 2 listing).

Thursday, april 10

Princeton University Concerts presents Jess Gillam, Saxophone, with Thomas Weaver, Piano, Alexander Hall. 7:30 p.m. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.

Storytime, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Storytime, songs, and a craft. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Art Basics for Little Kids, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. (See April 3 listing).

Friday, april 11

Big Blocks for Little Kids, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Children ages 2 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to come and build with Miss Cathy. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Member Show Opening Reception 2025, West Windsor Arts. 7 p.m. Award winners to be announced.Juror: Maria Lupo. westwindsorarts.org. 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

Mamma Mia Movie Sing-Along, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. Feel-good singalong and play-along screening of Mamma Mia. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

saTurday, april 12

New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market ‘Spring Fling’, CURE Insurance Arena. 10 a.m. DIY craft fair and cultural celebration featuring more than 500 vendors. Ticketed event. punkmarket.com. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

Make a Paper Circuit CaRoad, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 2:30 p.m. Children ages 9 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to make a paper circuit card. This program combines a fun craft with a lesson on electricity. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 2 and 8 p.m. Comedy-thriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Monday, april 14

Babytime, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. (See April 2 listing).

Little Explorers, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. *See April 7 listing).

See EVENTS, Page 22

Scheduled appointments and same day sick visits are available weekdays, evenings, and Saturday mornings.

Alon Baker, DO, FAAP, FACOP • Sonya Boor, MD, FAAP Laura Brandspiegel, MD, FAAP • Stefanie Fiderer, DO, FAAP

Thursday, april 17

Peace of Mind.

Monet: A Life Extraordinaire. Online, Princeton University. 7 p.m. Presented by Jeanne Johnson, docent at the Princeton University Art Museum as well as Morven Museum and Gardens. princeton. edu.

Tuesday, april 15

Bourbon & Blues, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 6 p.m. washingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA.

Twyla Tharp Dance, McCarter Theatre. 7:30 p.m. 60th Anniversary Tour. mccarter.org. 91 University Place, Princeton.

saTurday, april 19

Mini Golf, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Children of all ages, accompanied by an adult, are invited to join us for mini golf at the library. Please register here . 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

ABC What Can I Be, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Children ages 2 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to come and learn a different letter of the alphabet each week with songs, stories and crafts. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Romp and Stomp, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 11 a.m. Children ages 2 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to a music and movement program. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Wednesday, april 16

April Business Before Business, Nassau Club. 8 a.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce hosts networking over a morning coffee. princetonmercerchamber.org. 6 Mercer St, Princeton.

Knit & Stitch Club, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 2:30 p.m. With Meeta Jairam. Beginners to experts. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 7:30 p.m. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.

Monday, april 21

Mini Golf, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. All ages accompanied by an adult. Please register here . 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Tuesday, april 22

Princeton Sound Kitchen presents Dance Collaboration, Princeton University. 8 p.m. Choreographer-dancers Aaron Choate and Morgan Clune create a host of new short dance works in collaboration with Princeton University graduate student composers. princetonsoundkitchen.org.

Imaginary Universes Book Club: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeires by Heather Fawcett, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 6:30 p.m. discuss this 2023 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fantasy. Presented by Jamie Clay, Reference Librarian. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Wednesday, april 23

Mini Golf, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. Children of all ages, accompanied by an adult, are invited to join us for mini golf at the library. Please register. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Blippi: Join The Band Tour, Trenton War Memorial. 6 p.m. Live show. cureinsurancearena.com. 1 Memorial Dr, Trenton

Thursday, april 24

Mini Golf, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 10 a.m. (See April 23 listing).

Adult Crafting Hour: Pressed Flower Paper Lanterns, Mercer County Library: Robbinsville Branch. 1:30 p.m. Come and make your own unique art using paper lanterns, pressed flowers and mod podge. Presented by Jamie Clay, Reference Librarian. 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville.

Friday, april 25

Tully’s Tales, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. Nature-themed story and play time. No registration required. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Anything Goes, MCCC Academic Theater and Dance Programs, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Musical. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

saTurday, april 26

Wellness at Bat: A free health fair and family

fun day, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 10 a.m. Obstacle course, relay races, dance classes, demonstrations and more. Every registration gets a lunch and access to all of our amazing activities. trentonthunder.com. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

Spring Plowing & Field Work, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Make a Donation Become A Member. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

2025 Spring Arts Festival, Weeden Park. Noon. Street fair-style event with over 150 artists, crafters and vendors plus live music. lawrencevillemainstreet.com. 2611 Main St, Lawrence.

Yo-Yo Ma, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. mccarter.org. 91 University Place, Princeton.

sunday, april 27

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

Anything Goes, MCCC Academic Theater and Dance Programs, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Musical. kelseyatmccc.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Tuesday, april 29

Princeton Sound Kitchen presents Forbidden Oracles, Princeton University. 8 p.m. Elijah Daniel Smith’s ‘Forbidden Oracles’ is a 30-minute work that draws inspiration from the mysterious gospel of the Lots of St. Mary. Performed by Sō Percussion and ~Nois saxophone quartet. princetonsoundkitchen.org.

Wednesday, april 30

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

VOTE BY MAIL NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualiﬁed and registered voter of New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the Primary Election to be held on June 10, 2025, the following applies:

• You must be registered as a Democrat or Republican by no later than June 3, 2025 to be able to receive a mail-in ballot.

• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

• No person may serve as an authorized messenger

or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.

• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future

elections will, after their initial request and without further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.

• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must ﬁrst opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may ﬁnd a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.

Dated: April 8, 2025, Paula Sollami Covello, Mercer County Clerk, 209 S. Broad St., Election Dept., P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650, 609-989-6495

BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

Accomplished Breast Surgeons Join Cancer Specialists at Capital Health

Dr. Yi Huang and Dr. Jenna Mancinelli, fellowship trained breast surgeons who specialize in surgical care for benign and malignant breast diseases, have joined Capital Health as part of its Cancer Center and Center for Comprehensive Breast Care. As part of Capital Health Cancer Center and Capital Health Surgical Group – Breast Surgery, they offer office appointments in Pennington, New Jersey and Newtown, Pennsylvania and offer advanced treatments for breast cancer, skin-sparing/nipple-sparing mastectomies, and oncoplastic and hidden scar procedures.

oncology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where she trained with national leaders in the field of breast surgery. As medical director of Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care, she leads a multidisciplinary team to create personalized care plans for each patient.

“Capital Health is known for providing women in our region the best possible treatment for breast cancer and other breast health conditions,” said DR. YI HUANG, who joins as medical director of the Center for Comprehensive Breast Care. “Our nationally accredited program is designed to inspire confidence in our patients, and I’m excited to work with Dr. Mancinelli and lead an expansive team that includes radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists, rehabilitation services, and other support services.”

Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Huang was a breast surgeon and director of the breast program at Jefferson Health – Northeast in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After finishing her general surgery residency at Northwell North Shore – Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Manhasset, New York, where she served as Chief Resident, Dr. Huang completed her fellowship in breast surgical

DR. JENNA MANCINELLI completed her general surgery residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed breast surgical oncology fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Outside the clinical setting, Dr. Mancinelli was Academic Chief Resident for General Surgery at PCOM, where she developed a new curriculum for the general surgery residency program that incorporated the fundamentals of surgical training, simulation, wellness, professional development, and research education.

Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care, part of Capital Health Cancer Center, offers a complete range of personalized breast care programs and services — from advanced genetic and diagnostic testing to leading edge surgical, medical and radiation oncologic care — all at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. To make an office appointment with Dr. Huang or Dr. Mancinelli in Pennington or Newtown, call 609.537.6700 or visit capitalhealthcancer.org/appointment.

Capital Health Meets International Standards for Surgical Excellence

Eleven surgeons and five areas of focus at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell have achieved accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) for their high standards and commitment to the delivery of quality patient care and safety across a range of surgical specialties.

Capital Health physicians received the SRC Surgeon of Excellence designation in five areas of specialization, including:

Colorectal Surgery

Ashlee Godshalk Ruggles, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Hernia Surgery

… Joseph DellaCroce, MD, FACS

… Michael Kalina, DO, FACOS, FACS

Minimally Invasive Gynecology

… Robert Berk, MD, FACOG

… Donald DeBrakeleer, DO

… Meghan Patel, MD, FACOG

Kira Przybylko, MD, FACOG

… Audrey Tashjian, MD, FACOG

… Joyce Varughese, MD, FACOG

… Anne Walker, MD, FACOG

Minimally Invasive Surgery

… Jooyeun Chung,MD

… Donald DeBrakeleer, DO

… Joseph DellaCroce, MD, FACS

Ashlee Godshalk Ruggles, MD, FACS, FASCRS

… Michael Kalina, DO, FACOS, FACS

… Kira Przybylko, MD, FACOG

… Audrey Tashjian, MD, FACOG

… Joyce Varughese, MD, FACOG

Anne Walker, MD, FACOG

Robotic Surgery

… Jooyeun Chung, MD

… Joseph DellaCroce, MD, FACS

… Ashlee Godshalk Ruggles, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Joyce Varughese, MD, FACOG

… Anne Walker, MD, FACOG

Programs at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell that received SRC’s Center of Excellence accreditation include Colorectal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Robotic Surgery.

“Being accredited by the SRC means that our qualifying surgeons, programs, and centers meet national and international standards for surgical excellence,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, chief physician executive of Capital Health. “We have spent years recruiting and building high quality programs in a number of

specialties, and this recognition lets our community know about the advanced expertise and high quality that Capital Health is devoted to providing.”

Established in 2003, Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons and health professionals worldwide that meet proven standards.

To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org.

Grants from Capital Health’s Trenton Neighborhood Initiative Support Improvements to Local Businesses

As part of its effort to invest in the community surrounding Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) on Brunswick Avenue in Trenton, Capital Health has awarded grants totaling nearly $50,000 to seven local small businesses through its Trenton Neighborhood Initiative (TNI). Recognizing the power of local businesses and their vital role in the community served by Capital Health, the TNI Thrives Business Grant Program supports and promotes the growth and success of entrepreneurs in North Trenton.

The inaugural recipients of TNI Thrives Business Grants are MBM Fashion Variety, Mendez Auto Repair, Seafood #1, New Way Deli, New Religion Barber Shop, Ronnie’s Room LLC, and Stylez from the Heart. Business owners will apply their respective grants to fund important needs like employee training, equipment upgrades, expansion, and repairs, all of which promote local growth as well as a safer and more prosperous community.

“Trenton has been Capital Health’s home for more than 125 years, so we believe our responsibility to the community extends beyond the walls of our hospitals and medical offices,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Our day-to-day work focuses on delivering services that are critical to the health of our patients, but we know good health requires a holistic approach.

TNI focuses on delivering innovative programs like the TNI Thrives Business Grants to help local businesses flourish and create safer and healthier environments for the residents they serve.”

“As someone who grew up here, our commitment to the neighborhoods surrounding Capital Health Regional Medical

Center and the broader Trenton community is especially meaningful to me,” said Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., Chairman, Board of Trustees, Capital Healthcare Inc. “By investing in the future of Trenton and its residents, TNI programs like this will have a lasting positive impact on the community and the city as a whole.”

Capital Health launched the Trenton Neighborhood Initiative in 2021. With implementation partner Trenton Health Team, and many other community partners, TNI works to address the social determinants that influence the health of Trenton residents. The TNI Thrives Business Grant Program is a key part of the initiative’s Work pillar, which also includes scholarship programs, workshops to connect local entrepreneurs to educational resources, and networking opportunities for business owners.

In addition to Capital Health’s significant investment, TNI’s $10 million investment in Trenton is generously supported by Allied Universal, Bank of America, the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Investors Bank, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Labcorp Foundation, Citizens Bank Philanthropic Foundation, the George H. Sands and Estelle M. Sands Foundation, Sodexo, the Wawa Foundation, PSEG Foundation, OceanFirst Foundation, Church and Dwight Employee Fund, and many other corporate and private foundation partners.

Capital Health’s Trenton Neighborhood Initiative seeks to advance neighborhood revitalization and support residents in realizing their vision for a healthier, more equitable Trenton. For more details, visit tnitrenton.org.

Capital Health First in Mercer and Bucks Counties to Offer Minimally Invasive Treatment Option for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Capital Health Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health is the first and only practice in Mercer County, New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania to offer Bulkamid, a safe and effective minimally invasive option for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Capital Health has been designated as a Bulkamid Center of Excellence in recognition of their staff’s experience, expertise with the procedure, the quality of positive patient outcomes, and their commitment to improving the patient experience.

bowel dysfunction. To help alleviate SUI symptoms, the team at Capital Health Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health inject a soft, water-based gel, into the urethral wall to support the urethra’s closing mechanism and provide better control of urination.

“One in three women experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as they age, often during or after pregnancy,” said DR. DONALD DEBRAKELEER, director of Urogynecology at Capital Health. “Weakness in the pelvic floor prevents the urethra from closing fully, which can allow urine to leak during everyday activities such as coughing, laughing, or lifting an object. Bulkamid is an exciting minimally invasive approach that has the potential to improve the long-term quality of life for patients who were not helped by previous surgical treatment options.”

Bulkamid is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and manufactured by Axonics, Inc., a medical technology company that develops minimally invasive products to treat bladder and

Administering the gel is a simple process involving just three to four small injections that take about 15 minutes to complete. It is all performed under local anesthesia or light sedation, and as with any minimally invasive procedures, most patients experience a fairly short recovery time with less risk of serious complications than surgery. The long-lasting Bulkamid gel is clinically proven to provide safe and effective symptom relief for at least seven years.

Capital Health Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health follows national guidelines and state-of-the-art best practices to accurately diagnose and treat conditions and help patients experiencing bladder, bowel, pelvic pain or sexual health issues. With office locations in Lawrenceville, NJ and Newtown, PA, the multidisciplinary team of clinicians—including specialists in urogynecology, gynecology, urology, colorectal health, physical therapy and behavioral health—all work closely to carefully coordinate care and develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored specifically to each patient. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/pelvichealth or call 609-303-4474 to schedule an appointment.

Achieve More with a Healthy Pelvic Floor

Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Are you experiencing pain in your pelvic area during sex, personal care, or urination/bowel movements? It’s time to advocate for yourself! Join Kathie Olson, nurse practitioner and program director for Capital Health’s Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health, to learn strategies for living your life without pelvic pain. Kathie will be joined by Rachel Hannum-Grinstead, a licensed pelvic health therapist, who will discuss the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy. All genders are welcome! Register for this event at capitalhealth.org/events.

Robbinsville schools face budget gap amid rising costs and state aid cuts

Dr. Patrick Pizzo

SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER

In developing the proposed 2025-’26 school budget for the Robbinsville Public Schools, our leadership team established clear objectives.

The spending plan should meet the community’s educational expectations, focus on maximizing available resources and develop short- and long-term costneutral, grant-funded, low-cost plans to expand student opportunities.

In achieving these vital objectives, difficult decisions are being made.

Adding to the difficulty is a $303,000 cut in K-12 state aid; it remains a consistent struggle to secure adequate state support.

With fixed costs rising, in line with 3.57% in inflation, compounded by decreases in state aid and a restrictive levy, the district’s financial team faced steep challenges matching revenues to expenses.

The school district faces a $2.855 million increase in unavoidable costs, such as $1.1 mil-lion more in health benefits, $1.1 million more in contractual salary increases, and a $203,000 contractual increase for out-of-district tuition for students with special needs.

steady increase in pre-school aid each year as part of the state’s commitment to universal pre-K. Currently, we receive $2.8 million; that number will jump to $3.9 million in the coming school year. We are pleased that many experienced staff members can be shifted to fill these positions, ensuring we retain these talented professionals for the coming year.

Capital improvements will be continued to ensure our buildings remain safe and comfortable places to learn, without any further impact on our taxpayers. The planned projects are to be funded through existing resources; there is no need to borrow money.

These improvements include an extensive HVAC replacement project at Pond Road Middle School and Sharon Elementary School at a cost of $3.9 million. We also need to spend $400,000 on replacing doors at Robbinsville High School, as well as other needed upgrades.

‘Our expenses continue to outpace revenues and that we cannot rely on the state to cover the deficit.’

In total, we are proposing a $52.6 million spending plan for the 2025-26 school year, an in-crease of 3.39% from the current school year budget. Of that number, $46.8 million will support the general fund, while $5.7 million is allocated to pay debt from previous capital improvements.

To cover the recurring structural deficit and balance the budget, the school district must in-crease the tax levy by the full allowable limit, which produces $902,000 in revenue. Even with this additional money, it is still lower than what the school district is facing in rising health insurance premiums, a challenge in every annual school budget.

With the need to further tighten our belts, there will also be a shift in staffing to match student needs and resources, with an unavoidable net reduction in employees.

This staffing realignment comes at a time when we are expecting a reduction of 88 general education students in grades 1-8 for the 2025-26 school year, while we are expanding our pre-school enrollment to 270 students, increasing the program by four classrooms. This offset was factored into our analysis, effectively preserving programs for students.

While our traditional state aid was reduced, the school district is seeing a

Through this budget process, it remains clear that our expenses continue to outpace revenues and that we cannot rely on the state to cover the deficit. Our partnership with this great community is vital for us to chart the best path forward for our students.

We need to make the hard decisions to reduce staff through natural attrition without affecting the educational quality of the school district. We will also be focusing on new ways to increase revenue, such as seeking grants, improving efficiency, and eliminating all waste in Robbinsville Public Schools.

Creating budgets without the adequate financial resources is a challenge. But we remain committed to ensuring that each and every decision will not impact the educational quality in the classroom, as well as the robust extracurricular offerings that create opportunities for all Robbinsville students.

Dr. Patrick Pizzo is the superintendent of Robbinsville Public Schools.

Ask The Doctor

stationary, twisting their upper body and following through forcefully.

See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7

For golfers this spring, sand traps aren’t the only hazards to avoid. “Low back pain is common, especially in golfers over 50,” says Marc J. Levine, MD, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Spine Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University (RWJUH) Hamilton, a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Most low-back injuries in golfers, Dr. Levine says, stem from stress on the spine associated with swinging a golf club. “Often, pain remains localized to the lower back, but occasionally it can become sciatic and radiate down one or both legs,” he says.

He offers these 4 tips for warding off back injuries on the links:

• Don’t emulate the pros. Many professional golfers today use the “modern golf swing,” keeping their hips

While it may make a golf ball travel farther, “The thoracic and lumbar spine can’t absorb that kind of force regularly, especially if you’re over age 50,” Dr. Levine says. A safer approach is to use a swing that’s comfortable for you and to have realistic expectations about how far you can drive a golf ball.

• Keep your swing consistent. “Your body likes predictability,” Dr. Levine says. “Every time you jerk or move unexpectedly, it creates more strain on your back.” Dr. Levine recommends meeting with a golf pro at least once a year to evaluate your swing. Ask for tips to improve your mechanics and ergonomics.

• Use the right equipment. “Choose shoes that will help you stabilize your feet, so you don’t lose traction,” Dr. Levine says. If you’re thinking about new clubs, look for ones with less rigidity in the shaft. “That will absorb some of the energy when you take a backswing and may create less force on your spine,” Dr. Levine says.

If you feel a twinge of back pain after a round of golf, Dr. Levine recommends rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (aspirin, ibuprofen) as a first line of treatment.

See a doctor if pain continues for four to six weeks. “If you experience any numbness, tingling or weakness, get evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon,” Dr. Levine says. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ortho

RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, and Christopher Chum, MD, Gastroenterology, who will share advanced gastrointestinal (GI) care and the latest specialized techniques and equipment being used to diagnose and treat complex GI conditions.

Monday, a pril 14

The Power of Food: Nutrition Strategies for Diabetes (Community Health). 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. and Tuesday, April 22; 6 -7 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 occur the 2nd Monday (daytime) and 4th Tuesday (evening) each month.

Tuesday, a pril 15

• Stay physically fit. A regular exercise routine can strengthen core muscles, including those in your abdomen and back. “Also, do stretching exercises for at least five to 10 minutes before you start each round of golf,” Dr. Levine says.

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, NJ 08619--unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend programs.

Thursday, a pril 10

Lunch & Learn: Treating Complex Gastrointestinal Conditions with Advanced Gastroenterology. Noon-1:30 p.m. Join a discussion presented by Imran Fayyaz, MD, Gastroenterology, President of Medical Staff Leadership, RWJUH Hamilton, and member of

Misconceptions vs. Life-Saving Realities of Organ Donation (Community Health). 1-2 p.m. Did you know one organ donor can save eight lives and help 75 more by donating tissue and corneas? Adults 18 and older can register to be organ and tissue donors, regardless of medical history or age. Join the NJ Sharing Network and Tim Ryan, MSN, RN, CEN, Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, CPDIR, RWJUH Hamilton, for this informative talk.

Thursday, a pril

Let’s Talk About Those Golden Years (Better Health). 10-11 a.m. Reaching our “golden years” brings a myriad of life changes. Janet Haag, executive director, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mercer, will lead this discussion on aging. This program will explore the landscape of mental well-being in later life.

Wednesday, a pril 30

Hearing and Balance Screenings (Community Health). 9 a.m. -Noon. Join us for free screenings on the last Wednesday of every month! These 15-minute appointments are designed to help assess your hearing health or your balance health/fall risk. For more information or to reserve your required appointment, call 609-245-7390. Note: This program will take place at the RWJUH Hamilton Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ.

Dr. Marc S. Levine

CLAssifieD

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

JOBS WANTED

Communications Coaching & Critique

WANTED TO BUY

Scan the QR code above to create your Community News classified ad in just minutes.

VACATION RENTAL

Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Dates are still available 1 br condo on beach. Call for details @ 609-577-8244.

HELP WANTED

LUNCH COOK wanted for Camelot Preschool in Pennington, NJ. Preparation of children’s lunch from 10-2, MTRF. $18 -$22 per hour depending upon skill. Call or text David 609-577-5584.

Work At Home Learn how You and Your Family can Generate up to $5000 or More per Month in 4-6 weeks. All Our Aﬀiliates do is, Direct People on where to go to get Information and they create their own schedule.Work just 1-4 Hours per day, 3-5 Days per week. All Questions will be answered on Our Zoom Presentation. Call 1-640-202-0791.

Looking for expert communications support? I oﬀer proofreading, editing, presentation preparation, and public speaking practice to elevate your work. Let me help you craft clear, compelling content and deliver conﬁdent presentations. Contact me @your. chief.editor@outlook.com for professional assistance!

MUSIC SERVICES

ROCK N ROLL BAND, 5 PIECE, AVAILABLE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT, DITCH THE DJ AND HIRE A REAL BAND, WE PLAY FROM THE LATE 50’S THRU THE 80’S DANCEABLE TUNES, THE HIT & RUN BAND, CONTACT RICH @ 609-222-2570.

SERVICES

F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.

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

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, oﬀice - 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.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

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

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 .

Esq.

Under NJ Law, Voters who have not voted by mail in 4 years will be removed from the automatic ballot mailing list.

This will not affect voter registration status and you can still vote early or at the polls.

If you would like to vote by mail, please submit a new application by visiting mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk

For assistance, please contact our office at (609) 989-6494 or email mercervotes@mercercounty.org.

for Voting!

for by the State of NJ