Special celebratory event set for Thursday, April 17
The staff of the New Jersey State Museum was all set to host a 125th anniversary celebration in 2020 when the pandemic put the kibosh on those plans.
And since “126th anniversary” or “127th anniversary” just doesn’t have much of a ring, executive director Margaret O’Reilly and her staff had to be content to wait until another round number came along — which is why the museum is finally celebrating this month with a party marking its 130 years in existence.
On Thursday, April 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., the New Jersey State Museum Foundation plans to commemorate the museum’s anniversary with a celebration that will include an exclusive preview of the museum’s newest exhibition, “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey.”
At this fundraising event, former museum trustees Karen S. Ali, Larry Conti, Gabrielle Deen, Sally Lane and Dolores Yazujian, as well as former foundation executive director Nicole Jannotte Stubbs, will receive the
Museum Legacy Award.
The event takes place at the museum at 205 West State Street, Trenton. Tickets are $125 and must be reserved by Thursday, April 10. Visit givebutter.com/LPxIm8 to register.
The exhibition, which will be on view from April 19 through March 15, 2026, takes visitors through each of New Jersey’s major ecosystems: Skylands, Piedmont, Pinelands, Delaware River, Delaware Bay and Atlantic Coast.
The exhibition highlights the threatened and endangered wildlife that are native to each region, from bobcats in the Skylands to piping plovers along the coast. There are more than 2,000 plant species native to the state as well.
The exhibition also details the threats that our wildlife and habitats face, as well as what residents can do to help protect them. The exhibits also provide examples of research underway that may offer hope for the future of biodiversity in the state.
O’Reilly has worked at the museum for 36 years, serving as the executive director since 2015. She says the new exhibition makes sense now because
See NJSM, Page 6
Estafan helps Pirates enjoy breakout basketball season
By JUsTin FeiL
The High School South girls soccer team and girls basketball team enjoyed some of their best seasons in recent history during this school year.
The Pirates junior is moving now into the spring season and hopes to help the South girls lacrosse team also reach great heights.
“A lot of the girls I play with
Sophia Latif Estafan was one of the common reasons for their success.
in certain sports, I’ll see in a different sport, especially a lot of my basketball teammates,” Latif Estafan said. “I see them more than one season so relationships like that definitely help. You’re not going onto the court with a See ESTAFAN, Page 15
WW-P High School South junior Sophia Latif Estafan looks to make a pass during a recent game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For folks who have been Reiki certified (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a 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
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
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.
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
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!
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.
REGISTRATION!
CAMPS
• Biology Blast & Life Science*
• Car Camp*
• Coding and Robotics Programming
• Computer Game Creation
• Culinary Arts Camp*
• Fitness & Games**
• Graphic Arts and Crafts*
• Police & Detective Camp
*Session 1 Only
**Session 2 Only
DESCRIPTIONS &
We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The West Windsor and Plainsboro News 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.
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People of all ages and diverse backgrounds are invited to join us to celebrate
and HolyWeek Easter
NJSM continued from Page 1
climate change is a topic that is front and center.
First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck
154 South Mill Road • West Windsor, NJ 08550
609-799-0712
www.dutchneckpresbyterian.com
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
All Services In Person and Virtually on Zoom Zoom with Closed Captioning. For Zoom access to these services emailpastor@dutchneckpresbyterian.com
“We try to do programs that relate to what some of the schools are doing, because fully 40 percent of our visitors are students,” O’Reilly says. “We are all talking about climate in New Jersey right now. Climate change is an important topic in New Jersey because we’re right up against the ocean and feeling and seeing the effects of it.”
The New Jersey State Museum has four main areas of focus: archaeology and ethnography; cultural history; fine art; and natural history. O’Reilly says that when coming up with new ideas for feature exhibitions, she and her staff look to rotate through those main subjects, though there is no specific pattern to how they rotate.
The most recent feature exhibition at the museum focused on the work of a single artist, Robert Duran. Duran, well known in New York art circles in the 1970’s and 80’s, dropped out of sight when the gallery that represented him closed.
He moved to New Jersey and continued painting, but never again sought representation. “He had been in big shows and reviewed by big critics, but after the 1980’s he never showed again,” says
O’Reilly, who was the museum’s curator of fine art before becoming executive director. “After he died, a gallery in New York got his estate from the family and saw the work he had been producing. He became a New Jersey artist after moving here, so I’m really proud that we reintroduced this artist to the world.”
When a curator has an idea for a possible future exhibition, the first thing O’Reilly and her staff do is think about how the idea might be executed. They consider how would it look, what it would cost, whether there would be adequate space to display it.
“Once an idea jells, our curators develop an exhibition idea, they reveal it to the entire exhibition committee and we talk about budget and that kind of thing. If we can figure out a budget, or know we can fundraise for it, we put it on the schedule.”
Three staff members took the lead on bringing Ecosystems at Risk to life. Dana Ehret, the museum’s curator of natural history; Julie Vastano, assistant curator of natural history; and Devra Hock-Reid, assistant curator for science education, ran point, with other staff members providing advice and expertise as needed. Museum staff worked closely with members of the Department of Environmental Protection as well.
First Home Made Possible.
Jersey’s
ecosystems. “I hope visitors to the ‘Ecosystems at Risk’ exhibition take away a greater appreciation for New Jersey’s natural areas and the rich diversity of wildlife that shares our great state,” Ehret says. “I also hope our visitors learn about some of the wonderful work the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife staff do to protect our environment.”
Shortly after Ecosystems at Risk opens to the public, it will serve as the centerpiece for another event, this one coinciding with Earth Day. On April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum will host a variety of activities including urban birdwatching, water health talk, a discussion on tidal marshlands and a planetarium show, “We Are Guardians,” that offers perspective on ecosystems worldwide.
Ehret had the original inspiration for the exhibition. Ehret grew up in the state, making regular visits to the beach and taking hikes in state and local parks with his family. He studied marine biology at Stockton University and worked at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor during college.
He says these experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the diversity of New
The feature exhibition is just one of many things that visitors will be able to see on the four floors of the New Jersey State Museum at any given time. Anyone who grew up in New Jersey can probably tell you what is on display there from the school field trips they took there as children. Fossils, Native American artifacts, colonial home furnishings, flags of the Civil War era.
The pieces on display may change, but many standing exhibitions have been
See NJSM, Page 8
RECYCLE:
RECYCLE:
Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.
Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.
to
DUMPSTER ITEMS: Broken Items, Wood Fencing, Outdoor Play Toys, Outdoor Furniture, Small Furniture, Area Rugs NO Mattresses, NO Paints, NO Construction/Demo Debris
Donate your unwanted bike. NJ Bike Exchange will fix it up and give it new life. Let your bike ride on!
WHAT NOT TOBRING:
Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions. DUMPSTER ITEMS: Broken Items, Wood Fencing, Outdoor Play Toys, Outdoor Furniture, Small Furniture, Area Rugs NO Mattresses, NO Paints, NO Construction/Demo Debris GOODWILL Accepting Donations: Books, Movies, Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles, Housewares, Shoes, Clean Clothing & Accessories, Working Small Appliances & Electronics NO BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)
GOODWILL Accepting Donations: Books, Movies, Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles, Housewares, Shoes, Clean Clothing & Accessories, Working Small Appliances & Electronics
NO BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)
An eastern box turtle, one of more than 3,700 animal species native to New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey State Museum.)
active for years. “Almost any museum you go to, there are things that have to be on view — things that visitors expect,” O’Reilly says. “If you go to the Louvre and the Mona Lisa’s not on view, that’s a problem. Forty percent of our attendance is school groups, and those teachers are teaching the same things every year.
“Some things can’t stay on view for long — photographs, textiles, things that start to break down if on display for any length of time. So that quilt you saw three months ago might not still be on view, but another quilt might be.”
O’Reilly and the museum’s curators are always looking for ways to ensure that the standing exhibitions stay fresh, even after decades on view. “The way we evolve as humans, we learn differently (over time). Our educators are always thinking about that in terms of the programs they do, working with the curators in terms of making the exhibitions understandable to the general public,” O’Reilly says. “We look at exhibitions now and again and say, this needs to be changed completely, or this needs to be updated.”
As a state agency, the museum receives an annual appropriation to cover operations. The appropriation does not always allow for the budgeting of everything on
funded partially or entirely by grants and donations.
The museum was established by the New Jersey Legislature in 1895 during the term of Gov. George T. Werts. It began as a collection of display cases on the third floor of the State House. After the State House Annex opened in 1929, the museum took up residence in a wing of the new building.
Then in 1965, the museum moved to its current, standalone space, a Mid-Century Modern building whose architecture has fallen out and then back into style over the past 60 years. The museum, along with the New Jersey State Planetarium that connects to the main building’s lower level, has been serving the people of New Jersey since 1965.
The main building underwent significant renovations between 2004 and 2008, but for the most part, remains much the same as it was when it first opened. O’Reilly says it has generally held up well.
the agenda, which is where the New Jersey State Museum Foundation comes in.
Formerly known as the Friends of the State Museum, the nonprofit foundation serves as a major fundraising entity for
the museum, hosting events such as the 130th anniversary celebration. The foundation also helps the museum secure grants that are only open to nonprofit organizations. Some exhibitions are
“Of course, every museum will tell you they need more space,” she says. “None of us shows the majority of their collection. Museums worldwide show somewhere between 8 and 12% of their inventory full time. We would love more space for teaching, for exhibits, but it works for where we are right now.”
Web: nj.gov/state/museum.
The New Jersey State Museum in its original location, the New Jersey State House, circa 1902. (Photo courtesy of the New Jersey State Museum.)
RWJBarnabas Health has the most complete cardiac care in New Jersey, including the state’s only heart transplant program, which combines unparalleled expertise with a full range of diagnostic, treatment and support services for adults facing all stages of heart failure. To date, we’ve performed more than 1350 heart transplants. Our dedicated advanced heart failure and transplant team has more than three decades of experience and reflects the diversity of our patient population. In our hands, your heart’s in the right place. Make a plan at
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Important Notice to Voters from the Office of the Mercer County Clerk
Paula Sollami Covello, 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
The sky’s the limit at the N.J. state planetarium
By Joe Emanski
The planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum is one of the capital city’s most prominent landmarks. Its bright white dome rises like an alien spaceship along Route 29, which skirts the back of the Capitol Complex where the planetarium resides.
Modern planetariums (planetaria?) are movie theaters, first and foremost. Yes, visitors to the New Jersey State Museum also get to enjoy the stars of the night sky projected onto the ceiling of that dome, accompanied by a “sky talk” presented by planetarium staff. But these sky talks are merely a prelude to the main attraction: a high-definition motion picture short that has been specially formatted for planetarium viewing.
The planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum. (Facebook photo.)
tems across the earth.
“I really want the shows here to tell people something new, something that they haven’t heard before,” Hamer says. “I really want the shows to instill a sense of wonder. I don’t want them to just be dry lists of information. It’s important to me that they’re visually stunning.”
The movies have proven to be successful in entertaining visitors at planetariums across the nation. Schoolchildren arrive by the busload during weekday field trips, followed by tourists in their SUVs on weekends. NJSM has a catalog of show licenses stretching back to the early 2000s, many of which are still in the regular rotation today.
But the planetarium is also always adding new shows into the mix, such as “Spark: the Universe in Us” and “We Are Guardians,” two 2023 short films that have had their NJSM premieres this year.
Films like these may fill out the majority of the planetarium schedule, but they are not the only attractions. Since joining the NJSM two years ago, Hamer has instituted a free monthly lecture series called “Science Under the Stars,” that features area scientists and researchers.
The shows both tie in to the museum’s upcoming feature exhibition, “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey.” (See story, page 1.)
“I think it’s really special to connect the public directly with scientists,” Hamer says. “I’ve started to have a really dedicated audience of people who come every month.”
Jacob Hamer is the curator of the planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum. Hamer, an astrophysicist by training, says his very first experience in astronomy was in a planetarium. “I did a senior year internship in a planetarium, and now I’m hosting a senior in high school doing an internship with me,” Hamer says. “Things have kind of come full circle.”
Hamer says that “We Are Guardians,” a story about deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and the impact it is having in global climate stability, is geared toward younger audiences. “Spark: The Universe in Us,” meanwhile, is perhaps more appropriate for older viewers.
In the March lecture, Philippe Yao, a graduate research fellow in astrophysics at Princeton University, discussed black holes and their surrounding environments. April’s lecture, “From Beginning to End: The Story of Our Universe,” scheduled for 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, is set to feature Dr. Cyril Creque-Sarbinowski from the Center for Computational Astrophysics.
Creque-Sarbinowski will present on what we know about the origins of the universe — and what it might be like in the distant future. To attend, register online at nj.gov/state/museum/eventscalendar.shtml.
“Spark,” narrated by Diego Luna, looks to connect the air we breathe and the carbon we are made of to exploding stars millions of light years away and billions of years in the past. This interconnectedness of all the elements in the universe and all life on earth is symbolic of the interconnectedness of the fragile ecosys-
The planetarium is also available to be reserved for private viewings on weekend mornings. Those reserving private viewings can invite up to 40 people for a fee, and choose a show from the planetarium’s catalog, presented by planetarium staff. For more information email njsm. reservations@sos.nj.gov.
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 the needs of students in the U.S.
Summer family fun
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.
High School South Latif Estafan girls’ basketball player jumps to make shot at the basket during a game against Lawrence High School.
ESTAFAN continued from Page 1
new face that you don’t know. You already have that chemistry from an old sport, and now you’re just moving on to a different place, it’s like the communication is there so you don’t have to worry about that.”
Latif Estafan has been a bigger part of her Pirate teams this year. She gave the South basketball team an inside presence as she had the year before, but in her second varsity season she was a lot more assertive.
“I definitely came into this season really excited,” said Latif Estafan. “It was my second full year on varsity, so I was really excited to see what it was going to be like. We had a new JV coach who definitely was just a coach who has more experience with the position I play. So it was really good to get tips on that and it really improved me. It clearly showed and it really improved how I played. I think I was also a lot more confident on
the court. I just I got significantly more rebounds than points this year.”
It started with the first game of the year when she faced off against Hightstown’s center, a 6-foot-3 Howard University commit. Latif Estafan is strong, but only 5-foot-10 and that’s with the boost of sneakers. She came up big when she finished a point away from a double-double with nine points to go with 17 rebounds.
“She really kind of set the tone for her season that she was going to be out there ready to compete and go against some of the best of the best in the CVC that we’re going to be playing in that forward position,” said Pirates head coach Zak Kumor. “She showed that she was ready to be one of those players and be that for us.”
Latif Estafan worked on developing her skillset with JV coach Scott Kallens, and the Pirates repeatedly expressed their confidence in her to move from being the pass-first player she was as a sophomore
to more aggressive as a scorer as well. The result was more than 200 points scored this season, and Latif Estafan ranked among the best rebounders in the CVC at 11.3 rebounds per game. She hauled in 20 rebounds in a win over rival High School North, and she snared 19 boards in a win over Delran. Her season total of 259 rebounds was historic for the program.
“It is the most since at least 2010,” Kumor said. “There are no like true record books for the years prior. I know they had some really good teams for the girls side in the ‘90s and early 2000s. But I believe since 2000 she might have the most rebounds, which is a pretty significant deal.”
Latif Estafan’s confidence built through the season. The Pirates had a good core of seniors, and Kumor still encouraged her to contribute more offensively. He wanted the offense to run through her, giving her the option to pass or score. She responded, scoring in double figures in four of the final five games of the year.
“Just having a coach that really showed he cared and that he really did think I was a good player and I deserved that spot on the team, it definitely helped,” Latif Estafan said. “If I made a mistake, I wasn’t worried about, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m gonna have to run,’ or ‘what is coach gonna think?’ I just know that now we’re gonna fix this in practice, how would he want me to go about this, how can I fix it in the game? I wouldn’t keep thinking about it. I wouldn’t let it ruin my game. I’d just go to the next play and help my team out.”
It was the second straight season that she had to adjust to a significant increase in her role. This fall was her first year as a starting goalkeeper for the girls soccer team. She made 125 saves on the year, including a couple of games with 17 saves as the South girls finished 9-6-2 and 6-0 in the Valley Division of the Colonial Valley Conference.
“There were some aspects from basketball that were included from soccer,” Latif Estafan said. “Last year I would dive to the ground a lot for the ball, but this year that just like skyrocketed. I was always on the ground and I think that was definitely the goalie in me that was kind of coming out. I would go for those loose balls, just knowing how to dive properly now was definitely something that helped me.”
over three years ago eyeing this season with high potential.
“We returned quite a bit from the previous season, essentially our starting five returned outside of Bella Ruiz, who tore her ACL so she wasn’t able to play this year,” he said. “But all those other key contributors were really back and that was the big three seniors of Shaili (Holden), Rachel (Joseph) and Ellie Black, and then Sophia in the middle for us. And she took the exact jump that I thought she was going to take in terms of kind of making her name known in the CVC.”
The season has given her confidence for next year. The Pirates will graduate a chunk of their starters, and that will put Latif Estafan in an even bigger role. She’s never been afraid to take on more responsibility. Latif Estafan this year became an NJSIAA student ambassador.
“I was excited to see people from North/South and other parts of Central Jersey, just all over and how sports are run,” she said. “It was exciting to see how the breakdown works for states and playoffs and stuff like that. I really enjoyed it. I love sports, so I was glad I could incorporate another thing like that.”
Latif Estafan also participates in South’s Women in Sports Club that encourages opportunities for girls to support and join athletic programs. Outside of athletics, Latif Estafan shares her passion for STEM. She volunteers in the summer with the township’s National Inventors Hall of Fame rec program.
“I volunteer with little kids and I help them,” she said. “I love working with kids. It’s really fun.”
She is interested in becoming a pediatric doctor. That’s still years away. First is the spring lacrosse season and then a whole senior year where she will be asked to again step up her game even more.
“I’m really excited for basketball,” Latif Estafan said. “I’ve learned a lot of moves towards the end of the season that I’m excited to use next year and then especially since we lost a bunch of our starters this year, I’m excited to see how next year pans out and just what my role really will be like.”
It’s not just basketball. Each season has increased her confidence and allowed her to handle more.
Latif Estafan did suffer a wrist injury that cut into some of her soccer season and worried her for basketball, but she recovered fine. An improved and more confident Latif Estafan and her basketball teammates finished 11-12 overall and 5-3 in the CVC Valley Division, a big jump from the year before when they lost 18 games and won just twice in the CVC Colonial Division. But Kumor had taken
“Soccer, same thing. I’m excited for my second year,” Latif Estafan said. “I did like it this year, so I’m excited to do it again and hopefully just be better. Obviously with my first season, there’s definitely some things to fix. So I’m excited to see how that goes. And then lacrosse, this season is just about to start, but I’m excited again next year for my final season. So hopefully that will be it will be a good season too.”
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.
Tuesday, april 1
Plainsboro Art Group Meet-Up, Community Room, Plainsboro Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting for artists to share their work and ideas. Ages 18 and up. plainsborolibrary.org. 9 Van Doren St., Plainsboro.
Wednesday, april 2
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. No registration required. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.
MCCC Gallery Student Show Opening Reception, Mercer County Community College. 5:30 p.m. mccc.edu. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Princeton University Concerts presents Martin Fröst, Alexander Hall. 7:30 p.m. Clarinetist Fröst, violist Antoine Tamestit, pianist Shai Wosner., 68 Nassau St, Princeton.
Thursday, april 3
Gary Cavico, Working Dog Winery. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.
Night Ranger, State Theater New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. The heavy-hitting rock legends’ hits include “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “(You Can Still) Rock in America.” $39 to $214. stnj.org. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick.
Friday, april 4
Early Bird Walk, Roebling Park at Watson
HAPPENING
House Parking Lot. 8 a.m. Casual hike. This is a Mercer County Park Commission Program. Registration required at mercercounty.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Jan Kraybill in Concert, Princeton University. 7:30 p.m. Grammy-nominated organist Jan Kraybill on chapel’s Skinner/Mander organ. princeton.edu.
Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Comedythriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
saTurday, april 5
Lambing Day, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Ln, Hopewell.
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.
sunday, april 6
Easter Bunny Brunch, Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. 11 a.m. Buffet. Make reservations at lambertvillestation.com. 11 Bridge St., Lambertville.
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.
Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Comedythriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
Monday, april 7
Monet: A Life Extraordinaire. Online, Prince-
ton 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.
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.
The Mysteries of the 1777 Battle of Navesink Webinar, New Jersey State Library. 12 p.m. Presented by historian Rick Geffken. Register online at njstatelib.org.
Joan Scott and Ian Lustick discuss Amy Kaplan’s Our American Israel, Labyrinth Books. 6 p.m. 122 Nassau St., Princeton.
Thursday, april 10
Cash Bingo, Congregation Beth Chaim. 6 p.m. Open to ages 18+. Entry fee $5. 329 Village Road East, West Windsor.
Princeton University Concerts presents Jess Gillam, Saxophone, with Thomas Weaver, Piano, Alexander Hall. 7:30 p.m. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.
Friday, april 11
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
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event” June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market ‘Spring See EVENTS, Page 18
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event”
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event”
Township of West Windsor
June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event”
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event” June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event” June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event” June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event” June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event” June 14, 2025 8AM – 12PM
June 8AM – 12PM
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents
only
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only account numbers, confidential/sensitive personal documents
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards.
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards.
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards
No need to remove paper clips, staples or circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin *LIMIT 8 boxes 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes.
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!
TO THIS EVENT**
**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**
*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned! **ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**
TO THIS EVENT**
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
**ADDITION TO THIS
Send Hunger Packing
and
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
FOOD DRIVE
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
Food donations are
items most in
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
support
Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
programs. Shelf
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent.
: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
EVENTS continued from Page 17 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.
Potato Planting, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Make a Donation Become A Member. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.
Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 2 and 8 p.m. Comedy-thriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
Screening: A Thousand and One Berber Nights, Q&A with Hisham Aidi, Arts Council of Princeton. 4 p.m. A celebration of North African and Amazigh cultures through film and an art exhibition with Trenton-based artist Alia Bensliman. artscouncilofprinceton.org. 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton.
Drama & Irony: Rossini, Mozart and Beethoven, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. 7:30 p.m. Capital Philharmonic of NJ. capitalphilhar-
monic.org. 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.
sunday, april 13
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. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton. Spring Beekeeping & Gardening, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Meet honeybees and find out what they do for us around the farm and in the gardens. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.
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.
Deathtrap presented by Maurer Productions OnStage, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Comedythriller. kelseyatmccc.com 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.
Monday april 14
Author Talk: Priya Vulchi and Ruha Benjamin, Princeton Public Library. 7 to 8 p.m. The author is joined in conversation by Princeton Professor Ruha Benjamin to discuss her latest book, “Good Friends: Bonds that Change Us and the World.” Register. princetonlibrary.org. 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton.
Tuesday, april 15
Bourbon & Blues, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 6 p.m. washingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA.
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.
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. No registration required. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.
Morning Mushroom Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 9 a.m. Learn more about mushrooms and more on a guided hike. Registration required at mercercounty.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Henhouse Visits, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.
Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 7:30 p.m. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.
Blippi: Join The Band Tour, Trenton War Memorial. 6 p.m. Live show. cureinsurancearena.com. 1 Memorial Dr, Trenton
Thursday, april 24
April Business After Business, Eden Autism. 5 p.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce networking event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 2 Merwick Road, Princeton.
Cash Bingo, Congregation Beth Chaim. 6 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Entry fee $5. Village Road West Wesr, West Windsor.
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
Anti-virus Protection
I.T. Managed Services
sunday, april 20
Family Sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free, naturalistguided program geared towards kids and families. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Monday, april 21
Monthly Meeting, Women’s College Club of Princeton. 1 to 3 p.m. “Women in Baseball” presented by Cathy Kreyche, an independent editor and writer who specializes in memoirs and organizational histories. wccpnj.org. Stockton Education Center, Morven Museum, 55 Stockton Street.
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.
Wednesday, april 23
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. No registration required. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.
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. 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.
Tuesday Night Folk Dance, Princeton Folk Dance. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. No partner necessary. $5. princetonfolkdance.org. Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton.
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.
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.
“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
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.
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.
travel talk with Caryn and Aron exploring the world by river
In March the annual river cruise expo was held in Vienna Austria. This was an opportunity for me to strengthen my relationship with the various cruise lines, while attending classes, touring the various ships across all the different brands fleets, and experiencing the food and entertainment that is offered.
One of the first steps in picking which cruise is right for you is to take a quick look at the different river options and experiences possible.
Once you have decided on a river, then I can match up which line is best suited to your vacation needs and experiences.
Danube River
• Climb the spiral of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for amazing views.
• Catch the twinkling lights of the Hungarian Parliament building at night.
• Tour Melk Abbey, one of the most famous baroque churches in Europe.
Rhine River
• Stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets of Mannheim.
• Explore Rüdesheim, a fairytale town with colorful wine taverns.
• Enjoy the Alsatian café culture in Strasbourg.
Seine River
• Pay a visit to the Eiffel Tower.
• Visit famous D-Day sites in Normandy.
• View the Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, a medieval castle built by Richard the Lionheart.
Douro River
• Taste port at an elegant estate in Pinhão.
• Visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval fortress.
• Visit Spain’s oldest college town, Salamanca, right with scholarly history.
Mekong River
• Visit Angkor Wat, a HinduBuddhist temple in Cambodia.
• See the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum in Phnom Penh.
• Take a tuk tuk ride through Phnom Penh.
Mississippi River
• See the site of the Civil War’s most pivotal battle in Vicksburg.
• Tour the oldest city on the Mississippi River, Natchez.
• Eat Creole cuisine while you listen to jazz in New Orleans.
Nile River
• Visit Petra in Jordan and walk the narrow canyon called Al Siq
• See the Valley of the Kings and explore the burial chamber of King Tut
• Ride a camel overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza
Contact me when you are ready to sail the river.
Now is the time to start planning your winter break getaway. And don’t forget to purchase travel insurance.
Contact us today at 609-7500807 or cberla@cruiseplanners. com to discuss your travel plans. At Cruise Planners we are Luxury Travel Specialists. Visit us at www. makingvacationmemories.net to register for either our regular or for our Luxury newsletter to be delivered directly to your inbox and follow us at www.facebook.com/ familycruising.
Revisiting an airport in West Windsor
PAUL LIGETI
WEST WINDSOR CHRONICLES
Did you know that West Windsor used to host an airport off Route 1?
This is the tale of the “Nassau Airpark.” Longtime readers may recall that in the July 12, 2013 edition of this very newspaper, Dick Snedeker—author of numerous “Looking Back” columns starting that year— wrote about his personal recollections of the Airpark.
In 2025, we re-engage with this tale of how optimism for the “Air Age” fueled this airport for a generation.
Following World War II, the personal aviation industry saw a significant boom. A surplus of military aircraft, an influx of trained pilots fresh out of the war, and advancements in aircraft design led to a rise in small, accessible planes manufactured by companies like Piper, Cessna, and Beechcraft. Moreover, the G.I. Bill of 1944 enabled veterans to pursue pilot training at the government’s expense.
Amid this environment, Public Flyers, Inc., an air freight company headed
by Captain J. Cameron Goodwin of American Airlines, established the “Nassau Airpark” in West Windsor around 1940.
This small airport, consisting of two perpendicular unpaved turf airstrips (one about 2100 feet long; the other about 1900 feet) was located on the northwest side of Route 1, between the presentday MarketFair shopping center and Princeton Country Club.
Public Flyers advertised “governmentapproved airplane instructions” with a free car service to shuttle students to the property. It also provided passenger services, flying customers to anywhere (within reason) on their “luxurious twin-engined Beechcraft to anywhere YOU desire.”
part, also stressed opportunities for “those interested to study mechanics, meteorology, navigation and instrument techniques.”
Despite lofty plans, Public Flyers, Inc. soon went bankrupt.
The May 10, 1946 edition of the Princeton Herald called the Nassau Airpark “one of the largest privately owned airports in the east, with a number of privately owned planes in its hangars.” Its earliest manager was John LeBailley, and instructions were led by Earl H. Williams and George Christensen. The airport was also an official dealer for Aeronca Champions and Chiefs (plane models).
stunt pilots, speeches by government and industry representatives, parachute performances, clowns, model aircraft, helicopters, and more rounded out this event. “The Air Age is Here!” exclaimed one advertisement.
There was much hope for this facility in these early years, as demonstrated in a speech by Police Commissioner Joseph J. Redding: “In this air age a community without an airport will be as much at a disadvantage as a community without a railroad ... what you see here are the first steps in the creation of a real park in the true meaning of the world ... the air park will be a natural asset to the beauty of our country side ... and when at last the plans are turned into reality, you people ... will find on the lawns of Nassau Airpark your grandstand seat at the greatest show of all - the coming Air Age.”
The airpark also hosted the “Princeton Flying Club”—a group of personal aircraft owners and enthusiasts, established in 1946 and associated with Princeton University. The Club, for its
The Nassau Airpark was formally dedicated on July 14, 1946 at a fourhour air show, sponsored by the Princeton Lions Club. According to contemporaneous newspapers, over 5,000 people attended, and proceeds were donated to the Princeton Hospital. Daring acrobatics by nationally-known
id in
Did you know that homes listed in the spring typically sell faster and for more money than any other season? With more daylight for showings, peak curb appeal, and families looking to move before school starts, demand is at its highest
However, despite these lofty plans, Public Flyers, Inc. soon went bankrupt. In 1947, the Nassau Airpark was purchased by Harry Gordon of Clark, New Jersey.
Harry also headed the company operating the Westfield Airport in Rahway. His plans for the Nassau Airpark
focused on minor repairs, installation of a lighting system on the field for night flying, and the installation of fifteen more individual hangers. However, by the next year, the airport had been marked as out-of-use.
The following year (1949), another aviation enthusiast named Thomas Whit Savidge, and his wife, “Dottie,” restarted operations of the Nassau Airpark. Savidge, a former Army instructor, offered lessons, hosted a parachuting club, and generally managed the airpark in a more controlled fashion. He also opened a golf driving range on the property - a portent of things to come. Around 1959/60, the Nassau Airpark closed after about a generation of operations. Thereafter, several different facilities were constructed in its place over the years. Much of the site was converted into the Princeton Country Club, which in 1965 became part of
the Mercer County Parks commission (and, which, despite its name, is in West Windsor). The rest have long been developed into various shopping centers and apartments.
If you hear the buzz of a personal plane in the sky, look up! This was the sight that an aviation enthusiast at the Nassau Airpark may have seen, all those many years ago, during the great “Air Age” of the mid-20th century.
The Historical Society is an allvolunteer nonprofit; all our volunteers donate their free time to document and promote our Township’s history.
There is a lot to celebrate, but we can’t do it without your support. Please consider volunteering and/or donating to help us grow and expand our impact. To learn more, visit: westwindsorhistory.com
Paul Ligeti is the president of the Historical Society of West Windsor.
Princeton Nassau Airpark, ca. 1940s.
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. communitynews community news
VACATION RENTAL
Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Dates are still available 1 br condo on beach. Call for details @ 609-577-8244.
MUSIC SERVICES
with all your questions 640-466-1378.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.
Scan the QR code above to create your Community News classified ad in just minutes.
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.
JOBS WANTED
Communications Coaching & Critique 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!
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
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 .
AT YOUR SERVICE
Advertise for $69 a month. For more information call
We Buy Old Books, Rare Books Also Buying Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Old Postcards, Sports Cards, Pottery, Prints, Paintings, Old Toys, Coins, Stamps, Etc. Appraisals Available. Downsizing/Moving? Call Us!
Larry Feldman (609)658-5213
LarryFeldman51@gmail.com
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
