“Big Rusty” is a Thomas Dambo sculpture at the future site of Creek Turn Park in Hainesport made from recycled material found on the site, a former ceramic factory. Burlington County is inviting artists to create recycled sculptures for “Troll Trek,” a public art initiative. Artist applications are due by June 1 at burlingtoncountynj.com/formstack.com/forms/troll_trek_application.
Bordentown Regional High School softball coach Nicole O’Leary was sorting out the lineup the first couple of games as she tried to maximize the Scotties talent.
The easiest move was putting Kaci Benton in the lineup at catcher.
Benton, a senior committed to play Division I softball at Towson University, has been a mainstay in the Scotties lineup since she was a freshman. Of course, that year she played outfield before her travel coach at TNT saw potential for her to excel at catcher.
“My travel coach, he saw me throw and he was just like,
‘You have to be a catcher,’” said Benton.
Bordentown has watched Benton thrive there in the last three seasons as well as at the plate. She brings stability to a team that graduated three accomplished seniors, two of which are playing Division I softball, and has just four seniors
See KACI, Page 8
A huge and unexpected reduction in state aid to Bordentown Regional School District, announced by Gov. Phil Murphy on Feb. 29, sent the district scrambling to account for the shortfall in its preliminary 2024-25 budget.
That budget had to be submitted to the state just three weeks later, by March 20.
Faced with a $1.6-million aid cut — 16% less than the district received last year — the board of education approved a budget that called for the elimination of 30 staff members, music programs, world language programs and more.
The district has also proposed eliminating all extracurricular and sports activities at the middle school level as a result of the loss of state aid.
Both the aid cuts and the uncertainty they have caused have upset parents throughout the district, and indeed much of the state. Bordentown is just one of 140 districts that saw its funding cut for 2024-25.
The state legislature is now considering a number of bills aimed at providing aid to districts that have lost funding.
But budgets must be finalized by May 1, and those bills may not become law in time to help, if at all.
While restoration of the lost aid is the only real solution, Bordentown Township is looking to help those parents — and their children — to find activities to fill the void the budget cuts may leave behind.
The township has announced a Youth Activities Open House scheduled to take place on June 1. Organizations and businesses throughout the area that provide recreational and creative opportunities for children have been invited to take part in the open house.
The township hopes that showcasing these local organizations and businesses will give kids and their parents an opportunity to see firsthand what else is out there besides inand after-school activities.
Kelly Lozito, the newest member of the Bordentown Township Committee, is taking the lead on organizing the open house. Lozito is the township committee’s liaison to both the board of education and the parks and recreation department, which has oversight over youth
Page 6
LUNCH AND LEARN: STROKEIT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!
Wednesday, May 1; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Roughly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Yet, most aren’t aware of the F.A.S.T. warning signs and that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable. Our medical experts will discuss risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and the needs of stroke survivors. Mandy J. Binning, MD, FAANS, Chief, Division of Vascular/ Endovascular Neurosurgery and Director of Stroke Programs at Global Neurosciences Institute; Ashley Sarrol, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Speech Language Pathologist; and Sarah Masco, OTD,OTR/L, CLT-LANA, Senior Occupational Therapist.
SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP
Mondays, May 6 + June 3; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 13; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for someone living with diabetes. Learn healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside your peers and Taryn Krietzman, RDN.
CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S!
Monday, May 6; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Insomnia affects our mental and physical health, making us more prone to heart disease and other serious illnesses. Join Patti McDougall, BSN, to learn more about how we should spend a third of our lives.
ORTHO 101: TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
Monday, May 6; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Orthopedic Program Coordinator Denise Berdecia, MSN, RN, ONC, and
physical and occupational therapists for an in-depth discussion on total knee replacements. These experts will explain preventative treatment, how to decide if surgery is right for you, and recovery options available through outpatient therapy.
GOT STRESS?
Tuesdays, May 7 + June 4; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Support group about dealing with stress. Gain valuable insight about how others deal with similar situations.
SPIRITUALITY, COMPASSION AND VEGANISM
Wednesday, May 8; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Compassion is a sensitivity toward the suffering of others and responding with actions that can help. Veganism invites us to widen our circle of compassion to include all species of animals. In this talk, Michele Granberg, MA, CHT, CPLT, Mindset Coach, explores the nature of compassion and how it intersects with spirituality and veganism.
DESIGNER BAG BINGO!
Friday, May 10; 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
This event is a great way to get out with your friends for a night of fun, with many designer bags up for grabs. Admission ticket includes 12 rounds of Bingo. Tickets are $45. For more information or to purchase tickets, email Shannon.Neely@rwjbh.org.
WHAT’S EATING YOU?
Monday, May 13; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. We offer a safe space to connect with others
who are going through similar experiences.
BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, May 14; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
AN EVENING OF YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION
Tuesday, May 14; 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Experience the benefits of Yoga Nidra. Translated as yogic sleep, Michelle Gerdes (trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher and owner of Princeton Doula Center) will explain how the practice of Yoga Nidra guides brain waves into optimal states for relaxation and rejuvenation. She will lead you through this guided relaxation that has been shown to reduce stress / anxiety, promote better sleep, and foster a profound sense of joy and well-being. Bring a yoga mat and anything else you need to be comfortable in meditation.
Fee $15
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Wednesday, May 15; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Quieting your mind can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Come learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse STROKE PREVENTION, BECAUSE IT MATTERS
Thurs., May 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Stroke is the number 5 cause of death, and leading cause of disability in the U.S., and up to 80% may be prevented.
Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Director of Disease Management and
Stroke Coordinator at RWJUH Hamilton will educate you on why managing risk factors is key to reducing your chances of having a stroke. Dinner provided.
HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE
Wednesday, May 15; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Drum your cares away with our monthly Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Drums provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee $15
MENTAL HEALTH IS WEALTH
Monday, May 20; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
You are not alone. Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Certain thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, and conditions can be linked to mental illness. Join Jasmeet Mehta, MD, to discuss topics related to anxiety, depression, and ADHD in adults.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, May 21; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others.
CALMING AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS: A PARENT WORKSHOP
Tuesday, May 21; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Enhance your parenting journey with effective coping strategies from educator, author & Wings to Learning Advocacy owner, Trenna Stout, B.Ed., BCEA. Discover how to help your child self-regulate & support their emotional well-being, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges confidently. Fee: $5
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: HERBACEOUS FLAVORS
Wed., May 22; 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Fee $5 per person
REIKI SHARE
Wednesday, May 22; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For folks who have been Reiki certified to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Bring a sheet and small pillow.
2024 HEARING AID EXPOLEARN ABOUT THE LATEST IN HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY
Thursday, May 23; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., is proud to offer a presentation on today’s “computers for your ears.” Advances today in hearing aids allow us more than ever to connect to our world in an exciting way! We can now stream music, television, and more with ease! New technology offers better hearing in noise, tinnitus therapy, and helps protect our brains as we age. Learn about these new advances in technology along with a hands-on demonstration from representatives from the companies Oticon and Signia.
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100
Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.
*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs
A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP
Wednesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join us in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences among peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees, while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. Please feel free to attend one or all.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, May 2 + 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, May 7 + 21; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, May 7 + 21; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, May 7 + 21; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK
Wednesday, May 8; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 9; 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 as we feast our eyes on the beautiful art and nature. Member attendees are invited to enjoy GFS for the remainder of the day. Two dates to choose from. One registration per person.
TEA PARTY
Friday, May 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pinkies up! Let’s talk tea and try some famously tasty pairings. Hats are encouraged!
LUNCH AND LEARN WITH RWJUHH MEDICAL EXPERT PANEL
Tuesday, May 14; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Who do you see the most when you are hospitalized? That’s right, nurses.
Does caring for our aging population require additional training? You bet it does. Join nursing experts to learn how our needs change as we age and how our nurses are being trained to better serve and care for our aging population. Panel includes: Tammy Leigh, MSN, RN, Director of Emergency Services & Intensive Care; Lisa Nevius, MSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Nurse Manager; and Cynthia Russo, Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, RN-BC, APN.
LUNCH AND LEARN, SENIORS ACHIEVING GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Wednesday, May 22; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Aging can present us with challenges from the loss of loved ones, isolation, physical changes, and more. Join Dilys Ngu, M.D., RWJUH Hamilton’s new geriatric psychiatrist, for a hopeful conversation and learn ways to bring back the brightness to your days.
Friday, May 31; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
S.A.V.E. is a training program to help identify warning signs that someone is having thoughts of suicide. Heather Church-Soto, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs leads this program that provides caregivers and community members with the tools to act with care and compassion if they encounter someone who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. This is NOT exclusive to veterans.
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
Residents will have to get their spring cleaning done a little earlier this year if they want to take part in the Bordentown City Green Team’s annual Citywide Yard Sale.
The Green Team has moved this year’s event from early June to early May. The new date is Saturday, May 11.
The Citywide Yard Sale is an informal event with no official start and end times. Residents are invited to take part knowing that many of their neighbors will be doing the same. No registration is required to participate.
The Bordentown City Green Team has also advised residents that if it rains, many participants will likely set up their yard sales on Sunday, May 12 instead.
The Bordentown City Green Team, in coordination with the Bordentown Township Environmental Commission, is also hosting a paper shredding event on the same date, Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bordentown Township
Public Works facility, 266 Crosswicks Road.
The paper shredding event is open only to residents of Bordentown Township and Bordentown City. No businesses or industrial concerns are permitted to participate.
The Bordentown City Green Team and Bordentown Township Environmental Commission will also host the Bordentown Green Fair on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.
The Green Fair is set to include local food vendors selling eco-friendly goods, children’s activities and live music. The rain-or-shine event will be free to attend.
The Bordentown City Green Team is a subcommittee of the Bordentown City Environmental Commission. The Green Team meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Carslake Community Center.
We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Bordentown Current is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Current does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.
EDITOR
Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Justin Feil
CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
Eric Orange
AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION
Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)
Community News Service
9 Princess Road, Suite M
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Phone: (609) 396-1511
News: news@communitynews.org
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Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org
Website: bordentowncurrent.com
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9,000 copies of the Bordentown Current are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Bordentown 12 times a year.
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call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org
The Bordentown Historical Society has launched a new program to help Bordentown City residents connect with the unique history of their properties.
The Historic Plaque Program invites interested homeowners whose homes meet the requirements to participate.
The requirements are that the home is likely built prior to 1945 and is located within the City of Bordentown. The cost to participate will be in the form of a requested donation.
In the program, information gathered by BHS Member Volunteers will be professionally presented to participaing homeowners on BHS letterhead. The information will correspond with a database of searchable files on the BHS website.
The data will be researched and collected using various portals, including file records, old newspapers, maps and photographs, ancestry.com, library materials and archived historical deed book entries.
Participants will receive a deed history dating back to the first owner, if possible, and any interesting information discovered during the search process. The homeowner for each property researched will also be presented with a custom, handcrafted plaque to display on their homes featuring the year the home was built, with a seal from the Bordentown Historical Society.
The historical society says that the Historic House Plaque Program is designed to connect the past to the present of each individual home and its relationship to the city. Founded in 1682, Bordentown City has many historic homes with secrets yet to be uncovered.
This program also seeks to further engage and interest community residents and visitors who travel to Bordentown for the experience of a small, dynamic town rich in American History. The historical society hopes that plaques being visible from the sidewalks and roads may serve to generate enthusiasm in the program, encourage further learning and exploration and help identify architectural period styles. Web: bordentownhistory.org.
Notice some area lawns looking a little unsightly this spring? A Bordentown Township program may be the reason.
Mayor Eugene M. Fuzy sent residents a letter last month requesting that they join the township’s Low Mow program,
delaying or at least reducing the frequency of their yardwork at the start of the spring so that nature can take its best course.
“The goal of this program is to prevent destruction of hibernating creatures before they are able to escape the blades of a lawn mower. The most impact of this program will occur by residents delaying their first cut of their lawn by a week or so from when you normally start cutting your lawn,” Fuzy wrote.
Participants are encouraged not only to delay the start of their lawn mowing, but also to set lawnmower blades to the highest setting, to leave at least 10 days between cuttings, and to leave cuttings on the ground to serve as fertilizer. Cutting the lawn in temperatures of 55F or higher also gives insects the best chance of being able to fly away from onrushing mowers.
Homeowners can still take part in the program through May 8. Those who are participating are encouraged to email their name, address and phone number to e.fuzy@bordentowntownship.org with the subject line Low Mow May.
The township has also provided a poster participants can display in a door or window with the tagline, “I reduce mowing so bees can keep growing.”
The township has looked to keep track of participants so as to differentiate between eco-conscious homeowners and those who were merely neglecting their properties. It discourages homeowners from allowing grass to grow so high that it becomes a viable nesting place for mice and rats.
“The real aim of the program is (to) start the conversation about lawns and their impact as biological deserts and how to fix that,” Fuzy wrote. “These conversations hopefully inspuire others to allow their yards to be havens for native wikldlife and allow birds to have the food they need to raise their young and prevent further bird decline. Our township has a long history of passing ordinances that support this goal including replacing trees and planting only native trees and ensuring perennial vegetation is native on our properties and new construction.”
• All Faiths Welcome
• After Care Services
• Cremation and Memorial Celebration Service
• Full-Service Planning
“Our
• New Jersey Prepaid Funeral Trust Fund
• Newly Renovated Viewing Rooms and Spacious Parking Lot
ACTIVITIES continued from Page 1
sports in Bordentown.
“The expectation is that the final budget would remove all middle school sports and clubs,” Lozito told the Current. “That is what they have planned, unless they are allowed to push a solution through or apply to get grants that will make it possible to continue with these extracurricular and sports programs.”
Since so many of the clubs and sports that middle schoolers currently participate in may go away next school year, she wanted their parents in particular to know the opportunities available to their kids outside of school.
“Fingers crossed that they find some way around this, but whether the budget cuts happen or not, (the open housE) would be a good opportunity for people to learn about things that they may not be aware of that they may want to do in our town,” Lozito said. * * *
With that in mind, the township sent out a letter last month to area organizations and businesses inviting them to take part in the open house.
Invitees included the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Bordentown Field Hockey League, the Bordentown Area Basketball League, Bordentown Bulldogs Youth Football and Cheer, Bordentown soccer, Bordentown Little League,
people who are interested in what they have to offer. Some groups may be in their offseason on June 1, but should still be able to connect with kids who are potentially interested in participating in the next available season.
On the day she was sworn in as a committee member, Lozito pledged to be an advocate for youth activities in and around the township.
“It is a bad thing for the town, these budget cuts, but in a weird way, this is where I’m hopefully able to shine and show how useful I can be (as a township committee member),” Lozito said. “I’m just jumping on every opportunity I can to make sure people are aware of alternatives and help them to not feel overwhelmed by all of the change that (budget cuts) may introduce.”
Spartan Boot Camp, Harmonie Dance, Central New Jersey Ballet Studio, Rudra Dance Academy, Team 85, Leaping Dog Art Studios and Just Make It Sew — to name a few.
The list is by no means comprehensive, and Lozito hopes to invite more entities to the open house between now and June 1. Lozito asks any organization interested in taking part to email her at k.lozito@ bordentowntownship.org.
She also hopes that the open house will attract both organizations and families
from Bordentown City and Fieldsboro.
“As a parent, my daughter is a Girl Scout, I’m a Girl Scout leader,” Lozito said. “She’s also in rec field hockey in Bordentown. She’s taken classes at Leaping Dog, she’s taken classes at Just Make It Sew and she also goes to Harmonie Dance and she’s had a great experience at all of them.”
At the open house, Lozito envisions organizations setting up their own tables around the senior center and offering fliers and other takeaway material for
The governor’s office revealed the $1.6-million aid cut to BRSD on Feb. 29 while touting an overall increase of more than $900 million in state education aid.
It is true that hundreds of New Jersey school districts saw state aid increase as a result of this announcement. The problem is that while districts like Newark ($101 million) and Trenton ($40.78 million) saw large spikes in state aid, districts like Bordentown, Cherry Hill (-$6.4 million) and Lenape (-$4.69 million) saw
enormous cuts.
The fact is that Bordentown has seen its state aid reduced for three years running, with this year’s cut the worst of the three.
“For the last three years, our district, along with many others across the state, has witnessed our local taxpayers’ dollars being redirected to over 400 different school districts in New Jersey due to Senate Bill S2. This is disheartening, and it directly impacts our ability to provide for our students,” BRSD superindentent Trudy A. Atkins wrote in a letter to district families.
The fact that these cuts came three weeks before preliminary budgets were due to the state only increased anger and panic in districts that lost funding.
Yet districts that saw increases — including nearby Burlington City ($4.59 million), Burlington Township ($1.09 million) and North Hanover ($1.8 million) — will have felt differently about the Feb. 29 announcement and its impact on the next year’s budgets.
The state has been wrestling with state education aid funding inequality since the passing of Senate bill S2 in 2018. S2 itself was intended to remedy problems introduced by the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, but had failed to adequately do so as of this year.
Letting S2’s teeth sink in over a two- or
three-year period might have provided better optics in districts where cuts were mandated. On the other hand, such a moderated approach would have lessened the positive press in the 423 districts that saw additional aid pledged to next year’s budget.
It is understandable that the state would upset some districts while pleasing others in a rebalancing of any formula for state aid funding. However, the timing of the announcement left a great deal to be desired.
Democrat-sponsored bill A4161 and Republican-sponsored bill A1125, introduced before the Current’s press deadline, may yet restore lost funding to New Jersey’s 140 districts that saw state aid reduced.
But these bills will have to be fasttracked through the Legislature and signed into law by the governor to be able to be factored into the final 2024-25 school district budgets due throughout the state on May 1.
In the event that the Legislature and Gov. Murphy undo the damage and state aid is restored in 140 unlucky districts, both the politicians and school districts will likely win thanks for averting an apparent disaster of budget cuts.
Leaving open the question of whether those cuts needed to be introduced in the first place.
Saturday, June 15th
5 pm - 9 pm Rain date: June 22nd
Lucas Auto Group
• 1999 or Older Only
• Domestic or Foreign
• Stock or Modified
• Parking & Registration 2- 5:00 pm
• Registration Closes Promptly at 5 pm or when full.
• Awards 8:30 pm
• Cars Pay $20 Day of Show
Information about Cars contact Je Goldman or Shirley Littleford 609.217.7629
email: slittleford@eracentral.com
– Block
Noon to 2:30 PM - Live Music
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
DANCE PARTY – Block 200
3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
this year.
“She is a senior and she is my starting catcher hands down as well as a leader in a captain’s role,” O’Leary said. “And she’s a force in the batting lineup. She’s just an all-around really hard-working student and athlete. She comes out every day and she’s ready to play. She’s competitive, but she likes to have fun and she just works hard and she puts everything she has out there and it’s shown in her at bats and in her presence on defense.”
Defensively, Benton has been one-half of the battery for Bordentown that has gone from catching former second-team All-State pitcher Allison Hoppe, who missed all of last year due to injury, to her sister, Katelin Hoppe, who took advantage of her opportunity to pitch last year. Benton had caught Allison in travel, and feels like she’s been catching Katelin her entire life.
“Me and Kate, honestly, we’ve been playing together since that we were eight years old,” Benton said. “So like the relationship was already there, it was just about kind of her stepping into that role of being pretty much the center of attention because her sister had been starting her freshman year. So I think just being able to step into that leadership position, that was all her. She gained that confidence as we went through and I think our defense and our coaches try to reinforce just that confidence in her by backing her up. And I think she did a really great job with that and just with how she is as a pitcher. She’s very calm like. I think just her being able
to be confident and calm herself, it just works out.”
Having Benton behind the plate gives any pitcher confidence. She has become comfortable in her new role after embracing it following her freshman year of high school. Catching is a natural leadership role that she worked into after playing outfield that high school season.
“There definitely is a difference,” Benton said. “Every play is like you’re in control for the most part. Every time the ball is essentially coming to you. But I think the leadership part of it, there’s not a big difference. In center field you’re pretty much the leader of the outfield. I think with catching the biggest thing is just being big for your team and being big for your pitcher, and just knowing when there needs to be a timeout or when there needs to be a change and a change of energy and stuff.”
Benton certainly also helps at the plate as well. She was batting a career-high .514 through the first 10 games of the season, already belting four home runs (her career-high is seven in a season) to go with four doubles and a triple and 15 RBI. Benton has always been a tough out for opponents. She hit .409 in her freshman year, jumped to .443 her sophomore year and then hit .313 last year.
“My first two years I came out really hot, especially my sophomore year,” Benton said. “And then my junior year, I think it was just having to almost feel like I had to live up to my first two years and just losing the leadership that we had my sophomore year and feeling like I had to
to stay consistent.”
After 10 games, Benton was only three hits away from her 100th career hit, a milestone for any high school player. She is also seeing the team maintain its high standards. The Scotties lost a pair of games to actually start below .500 at 1-2, but then reeled off seven straight wins.
“I do believe we are on the right path now with understanding our roles as a whole team as well as having new leadership coming from our upperclassmen,” O’Leary said. “So I do believe we are now in that that good direction. And should have a successful season.”
Benton is one of the four seniors on a team with a mix of ages. Emeline Kovac, Lillian Nucera and Lauren Scharko are also seniors. They were in the program two years ago when Bordentown demolished Central Jersey Group II for the sectional crown.
Last year, they reached the sectional final before falling, 2-1, to Delran in a heartbreaker. It’s a new collection this year for the Scotties who would like another shot. They took a small measure of revenge with a 3-2 win over Delran on April 15.
do too much. I think that was the biggest thing. I got in my head a lot and wanted so badly to produce that I didn’t produce. But by the time we got to the playoff season, I came up with the bat and stuff. I think it was just me trying to do too much and obviously not getting the results that I wanted.”
“A lot of the underclassmen have done a great job just coming in and pretty much filling up any spots that were filled in the last two years,” Benton said. “Especially with the seniors from two years ago. I feel like they’ve done a really good job stepping up and showing that they’re here.”
Benton calls on her own experiences when she serves as a senior leader to them. She doesn’t want them to feel too much pressure.
This year, Benton isn’t feeling the same pressure though she’s in a big spot as a senior captain. After committing to Towson, and having already seen success as a Bordentown team, Benton has tried to enjoy this year more while remaining competitive in every aspect.
“I want them to have fun the way I had fun when I was younger,” Benton said. “Just showing them how you are supposed to be and the fact that nobody’s perfect, like I strike out, I mess up, I do things and just letting the girls know, as long as you work hard and you do what you’re supposed to do, you’re gonna be fine.”
“I have goals, like I want to get to my hundred hits this year, but I think there isn’t anything that I feel like is looming over me or I feel like I have to overachieve anything,” she said. “Even though in my junior year I felt like I had to prove so much, I think with the career with just my high school career, I just feel like I’ve like I’ve accomplished what I wanted to accomplish so far. It’s not like I have to do this and I have to be so good. I just have
Benton gets some of that attitude from O’Leary, whom she says takes each chance to compete pitch by pitch. She lives in the moment and doesn’t look too far ahead, and she encourages her team to do the same.
“Everybody is out there and they enjoy
See KACI, Page 13
HomeFront’s ArtSpace program hosts its 15th annual “ArtJam” pop-up gallery at 45 Hulfi sh Street in Princeton from Friday, May 3 to Saturday, May 18, with over 500 works on sale to raise funds for the nonprofi t organization, page 2.
THIS MONTH IN MERCER EATS:
SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 6
HomeFront ArtSpace’s “ArtJam 2024” marks the 15th iteration of the nonprofit’s free pop-up art gallery, which debuts at a new location in downtown Princeton at 45 Hulfish Street from Friday, May 3 through Saturday, May 18, with all proceeds benefiting HomeFront families.
According to a press release, over 500 works from 75 national, local, student, and “undiscovered or self-taught” HomeFront ArtSpace artists “who bravely embark on a journey to heal from poverty, abuse, or homelessness” will be on display, showcasing original paintings, sculptures, pottery, glassworks, handcrafted gifts, and handsewn items from HomeFront’s SewingSpace program.
An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, May 3, with other community dropin events, including a fashion show at the Arts Council of Princeton, art discus-
sions, live painting demonstrations, paintalongs, and musical entertainment planned throughout the two weeks; a closing reception takes place on Friday, May 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
The gallery at 45 Hulfish Street in Princeton will be open to the public during the following hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday to Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturday to Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
HomeFront is a Mercer County-based nonprofit social service organization dedicated to ending homelessness and breaking the cycle of poverty in Central New Jersey.
By addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of low-income families through supportive programs that draw on community resources, HomeFront empowers its clients to achieve self-sufficiency.
After witnessing firsthand the conditions of unhoused families living in welfare
HomeFront’s 15th annual ArtSpace ArtJam returns with a pop-up gallery at 45 Hulfish Street in downtown Princeton from Friday, May 3, to Saturday, May 18.
Above photo of a previous ArtJam event courtesy of HomeFront.
motels along Route 1 in Trenton more than three decades ago, HomeFront founder Connie Mercer mobilized a group of vol-
unteers around her kitchen table to begin
DPhone: (609) 396-1511
News: news@communitynews.org
Events: events@communitynews.org
Letters: rschroeder@communitynews.org
Website: communitynews.org
Facebook: facebook.com/mercereats
Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace
Six09
distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.
TO ADVERTISE
call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org
• Back Pain and Neck Pain
• PRP & Stem Cell Therapy
• Knee Osteoarthritis Injections
• Non-Surgical Orthopedics
• Double Board Certified Pain Management Physician
Dr. Ronak Patel
• Regenerative medicine goes beyond disease management to search for and discover therapies that support the body in repairing, regenerating and restoring itself to a state of well-being.
• What are stem cells? Stem cells are the bank cells within your body that can morph in many different types of cell depending on what your body needs them for. Stem cells are your body’s repair systems.
• What is PRP? PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. PRP is created from a sample of your own blood, which is drawn from the patient and then put into a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of your blood.
• Am I a candidate for PRP or stem cell therapy? If you have pain due to injury, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or any other condition, you are a candidate for cell-based therapy. Whether you are looking to heal from a traumatic injury, or regenerate older or diseased tissues, PRP or cell-based therapy could be something to help you heal and restore lost function and mobility.
“Mermaid” and “Feeling Blue” by HomeFront ArtSpace’s Kimberly L., above and at right, are two pieces are included in HomeFront ArtSpace’s 2024 ArtJam. Photos courtesy of Ruthann Traylor and HomeFront.
From ART JAM, Page 2
providing what would become thousands of meals over the years.
In September 2022, Mercer stepped up to become the CEO of the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness and advocate for legislative reform on similar systemic issues, passing the torch to current CEO Sarah Steward as the nonprofit continues to expand.
HomeFront’s ArtSpace, the nonprofit’s
therapeutic art program, is based both at the Lawrence headquarters and the Family Campus in Ewing, with the former also turning a “formerly empty warehouse space” into a fabric arts studio for SewingSpace, which teaches clients how to sew, stitch, and even sell an array functional and stylish products—bags, hats, pillows, and more—fashioned from recycled materials.
Created by HomeFront’s ArtSpace and SewingSpace director Ruthann Traylor in 2007, the visual therapy programs help clients “work through trauma, find new entre-
preneurial skills, and discover themselves as artists,” the press release continues.
According to the HomeFront ArtSpace website, the annual ArtJam “directly underwrites HomeFront’s innovative therapeutic art programs—bringing hope, healing, and for many, a newly found creative outlet.”
“ArtJam 2024 brings together so many people who want to support the creativity of our HomeFront families. It is important that our clients have the opportunity to build valuable skills. Prior to the show, our volunteer curators look close to home and
beyond to find new and established artists of all genres,” Traylor says in a quote.
“This year, HomeFront put out an open invitation for artists wanting to join its efforts. As a result, several wonderful new artists are participating in the show.”
“ArtJam is an amazing experience,” HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward explains. “It serves as an important reminder of the creative spirit of both our client families and the community that comes together to support our work.”
“The arts can lift spirits; they empower
our artists and enhance their self-esteem. We continue to be very grateful for the community support of ArtJam, the many local businesses, community members, our volunteers, and artists who contribute their works, and for all the support we get for Mercer County families in need,” she adds.
Artists participating in this year’s event were able to submit up to 10 pieces and will receive half of the proceeds from each sale.
The constant flow of pieces through the pop-up’s pipeline—rotated and replaced daily by curators over the course of the twoweek event—makes the gallery a dynamic experience.
Participants in SewingSpace, the sister program to HomeFront’s ArtSpace initiative, will also have the chance to showcase their stylish creations with a fashion show at the Arts Council of Princeton, Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon
Street in Princeton, on Saturday, May 11, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., while a reception follows around the corner at ArtJam 2024’s 45 Hulfish Street gallery from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
According to an April press release, parents can also paint with their children at a drop-in table from 10 a.m. to noon on the Sunday of Mother’s Day, May 12, as part of the month’s ArtJam festivities. ***
To view a list of the featured ArtJam 2024 artists, see the digital “ArtJam 2024 Artist Bio Book” of artist and artisan statements, as well as biographical information, at homefront-artspace.com/artjam-2024
For more information, contact ArtSpace/ SewingSpace director Ruthann Traylor at (609) 883-7500 ext. 316 or ruthannT@homefrontnj.org
For more on HomeFront, visit homefrontnj.org or call (609) 989-9417, Ext. 107.
What does it take for a restaurant to be considered a hidden gem? It must start with the part about being hidden, right?
And it must be a gem.
Louie’s by Chef Jason, the Robbinsville restaurant from Jason Dilts and Dominic Maglione, has certainly proved itself to be a gem.
Dilts’ cooking has garnered raves wherever he has worked. At 31, he has already developed a loyal following among area gourmands.
Maglione is even younger, at 23. But he and his front-of-house staff have wasted little time in winning over regulars with their congenial hospitality.
The gushing posts from freshly satisfied Louie’s diners on Facebook foodie groups just hit different compared to those for most restaurants.
But it’s the first part, the “hidden,” where Louie’s might not quite be up to the title.
Sure, it’s located in a small white building in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it plot on Route 130 that, for decades, was the home of Shrimp King, a seafood shop.
Still, Dilts and Maglione have done everything they can to turn their utilitarian space into the kind of destination many remember from the heyday of Trenton’s largely Italian-American Chambersburg neighborhood.
Walking into the dining room back then felt like stepping into someone’s home. Louie’s by Chef Jason clearly aims for a similar vibe.
With each passing month, the BYOB feels less like a hidden gem, and more like one of Mercer County’s few true must-try dining experiences.
Dilts calls his food “redefined American cuisine.” It draws heavily on his time working in Italian-American restaurant kitchens and from growing up eating in the same Chambersburg restaurants that his restaurant now harkens back to.
He has fond memories too of growing up eating Sunday dinners with his part-ItalianAmerican family. He savors the tradition of gathering with loved ones at the dinner table for a comforting feast.
Those memories inspire him to share his love of food and, where possible, impart that love through his cooking.
The Louie’s menu has a modern feel, mixing comfort classics like chicken parm and short rib macaroni and cheese with tra-
ditionally upscale dishes like Chilean sea bass, twin lobster tails and rack of lamb.
Dilts also puts a chef’s twist on familiar Italian classics. There’s cherry pepperglazed calamari, poached pear sacchettoni with cranberries, and linguine with fermented black garlic and smoked pork belly. And Italian-style desserts like limoncello, tiramisu and cheesecake are house made.
In Maglione, Dilts has found a partner whose background complements his own. Like Dilts, Maglione comes from a family where food was always important.
Dominic Louis “Louie” Maglione grew up in Hamilton, but he also grew up working in dad Brian’s Lawrence pizzeria, Fedelo’s, on Route 206.
When Brian was hospitalized with Covid19 during the pandemic, it fell to Dominic, still a teen, to run the restaurant.
Once Brian had recovered, he discovered that his son had enjoyed that taste of management and felt ready to break out on his own. The task then became to find the perfect opportunity for him to do so.
***
Jason Dilts grew up in Robbinsville, but his chef’s journey began at DiMattia’s, in Allentown, when he was 14.
There, the son of Ken and Mary Dilts started as a busboy and, given a chance, proved himself a capable cook.
He graduated from Robbinsville High in 2011 and continued to hone his skills in kitchens while attending Virginia Radford University. After college, he worked at FunniBonz BBQ, then LoLa Restaurant in
Robbinsville, where he rose to the position of chef-partner with owner Mark Longo.
He left LoLa to work as head chef at Zinna’s Bistro in Cranbury and later, at the popular Revere Ristorante Italiano on River Road in Ewing. It was while he was at Revere that he first met Brian Maglione, who became one of Dilts’ best customers.
During the pandemic, Dilts had no choice but to learn how to work in a kitchen that was only making food for takeout. The experience was eye opening.
“People still wanted to support restaurants. We were busy. People were getting takeout food created the same way as eating there, except maybe we couldn’t have things like calamari on the menu, because it would never taste good by the time you got it home.”
He says that Revere did double the business on Mothers Day 2020 that it did the year before, when there was no pandemic. That kind of success inspired him to leave Revere to open his own restaurant, Chef Jason’s 1275, in the former Zinna’s space, with Zinna’s having moved to a new location.
He opened in October 2020 for take-out only. “My own ideas, my own new concept. All the pieces came together when I didn’t have to worry about anyone telling me what I was doing.”
Chef Jason 1275 eventually opened its dining room when the state permitted it, and continued to thrive until closing abruptly in May 2022. Dilts wrote on Facebook that he had closed the restaurant because the landlord was selling the building. Once again he
Louie’s by Chef Jason chef Jason Dilts and owner Dominic Maglione outside of the restaurant on Route 130 in Robbinsville.
Photo courtesy of Louie’s By Chef Jason.
found himself between jobs.
It was not long before a new opportunity cropped up for Dilts — and it came from loyal customer Brian Maglione, who had a proposal to make.
“He called me up and said, ‘Jay, my son wants to run a restaurant. I think you guys would be perfect together,’” Dilts says.
The pair hit it off, and went about finding a location in which to open their new joint venture. They settled on the former Shrimp King and named it Louie’s by Chef Jason. After extensive interior renovations, they opened in December 2022 for lunch and dinner.
The lunch menu skews toward salads, like the shaved Brussels sprouts salad and the chicken Caesar salad, and sandwiches including the Louie Burger, the Italian chicken, the Just-in-Case-You’re-a-Vegatarian Wrap (that’s what it’s called) and a braised short rib sandwich.
Dinner service is split into first courses, mains and desserts, filled with popular dishes from Dilts’ previous stops, like pretzel-encrusted chicken and “boom boom
chicken,” a combination of vodka rigatoni and chicken parm. There’s also a variety of old and new dishes like steak “Don,” pork osso bucco, shrimp fra diavolo and pumpkin ravioli.
Although some items on the menu may change seasonally, Dilts has learned that customers expect some dishes, like the Brussels sprouts salad and the pretzel encrusted chicken, to always be there.
“They say, ‘Don’t touch my boom boom chicken,’” Dilts says with a laugh.
Dilts says he loves having a hands-on partner like Dominic. “I did the silent partner thing with 1275. At the time I thought it might be better to have a hands-on guy. Somebody to be the face of the restaurant, somebody to shake your hand and welcome you to the restaurant.”
Which is not to say that Dilts avoids his customers, not at all. Dilts makes it clear that he cherishes the relationships that he builds with regulars, and Maglione will usually tell him if there are familiar faces in the dining room.
Dilts was also a instrumental in creating Louie’s Chef’s Social events. On the first Monday of each month, Louie’s goes reservations only for the night. Guests sit at shared tables and eat a prix-fixe, five-toseven course meal of seasonal cuisine, with the menu inspired by the ingredients that are available and what Dilts feels like mak-
ing. (Guests with allergies and aversions are accommodated, of course.)
It’s a setting in which diners put their trust in Dilts to make them dishes they will enjoy. Dilts, in turn, joins them in the dining room each course to explain each dish and the inspiration behind the dish.
“Dom asked me if I was going to tell people what’s on the menu, I said ‘No,’” Dilts says. “The whole idea was that I didn’t even know what I was cooking before that day. I go to the market, get fresh things, and I design a menu so that I get to interact with the guests. It’s something that is fun for me, gives us a busy Monday and is kind of an exclusive kind of thing.”
Louie’s held its first Chef’s Social in August and drew nine people, two of whom were Maglione’s parents.
April’s Chef’s Social, on the other hand, attracted 40 guests, many of them repeat customers. The word, it seems, is getting out.
“The coolest thing about it is the social aspect,” Maglione says. “After month two or three, we had people call us up and say, if So-and-So is going to be there, can we be put with them?’
“Last month I put a table of 10 together, five couples at one table. I go back two courses later, and there’s a guy, he didn’t know anyone at the table at the start of the night, and now he’s sharing a story with the
Join us in our mission to support those who wish to age in place!
Set your own schedule. Volunteer opportunities include:
• Rides to the Doctor
• Grocery Shopping Assistance
• Friendly Visits
A little time can make a big difference to a neighbor in need!
Volunteer Today 609-393-9922 www.icgmc.org
whole table. People enter as strangers, but they open their bottle of wine, start eating, start sharing stories and before you know it, they’re leaving as friends.”
Louie’s has also established a tradition of being open on holidays, even Christmas Day. For special occasions, the restaurant offers special menus both for dining in and for family-style takeout. The restaurant will be offering both options for Mother’s Day; check out the website at louiesbychefjason. com for details.
If there is one thing that Dilts and Maglione might say could be better about Louie’s, it would probably be the building, which in addition to being bland and nonhandicapped-accessible, is just a space that they have had to make work, rather than a space that was designed to be the kind of restaurant that they want to operate.
They have made the best of the situation
by painting the interiors in soothing colors and decorating the walls with homey, touches like black-and-white family photos and pictures of restaurants where they have worked.
But they were happy to tell me that they do have an agreement in place with their landlord to move into a newly built space sometime in the next couple of years.
While the duo would not share any details about the location for publication, they did say that the restaurant would remain in Robbinsville and that they are hopeful of opening sometime before the 2025 holiday season.
Louie’s By Chef Jason. 1111 U.S. 130, Robbinsville NJ 08691. Open 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations recommended for weekends and holidays. To make a reservation for the next Chef’s Social, call (609) 208-3685.
month long
AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is a multidisciplinary family practice that has been in business for over 10 years. Over the past decade, the senior community has been a big portion of our patient demographic.
We hear many different complaints week to week, but one of the biggest complaints we see with our seniors is balance and gait dysfunction. As our bodies get older, degenerative changes take place, which can lead to a host of symptoms taking away from your quality of life. This can lead to loss of balance, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, trouble with gait mechanics, and much more.
Here at AllCure, we provide the proper imaging and testing to help us diagnose these common complaints before they become debilitating. We always say that a small problem will remain small if it’s treated early
enough. We strive to get ahead of each patient’s chief complaints and provide a comprehensive plan of care. One of the major issues seniors face is getting a proper diagnosis early enough to find effective treatments. In many cases we see that patients are given a prescription for medication that will only treat the symptoms, but not the root cause.
This will lead to worsening symptoms over time and keep patients from an active and independent lifestyle.
We pride ourselves in making tailored treatment plans to fit each patient’s individual needs and impairments. There is no one-size-fitsall approach to healthcare and each patient should be treated with that mindset.
We strongly feel that a multidisciplinary approach is the best way to get patients the care they need and the relief they deserve in a safe, fast, and efficient manner.
Our experienced team of providers consisting of chiropractors, physical therapists and acupuncturists collaborate on each case to get the patient the best plan possible to achieve their goals.
We do accept Medicare! We find that most of our Medicare patients don’t have to pay a dime out of their pocket, rather just commit the time and effort.
Please give us a call today and we would be happy to hold a free 10 minute consultation for you or a family member to make sure that you are comfortable and get the correct information to make an important decision for improving your health and quality of life. We look forward to hearing from you!
AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. www. allcurespineandsports.com. See ad, page 12.
For children and young adults in our inpatient programs, care goes far beyond treating a specific illness or injury. We work with each child and their family to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses their immediate medical needs, emotional health and long-term wellbeing. As the nation’s leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation care, we provide a full range of rehabilitative services:
• Brain Injury Program
• Burn & Wound Care
• Chronic Illness Management
• Chronic Pain Management
• Diabetes Management Program
• Infant Toddler Rehabilitation
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Program
• Spinal Cord Injury Program
We also offer outpatient therapy services for needs both special and complex. Learn more at rwjbh.org/cshinpatient
• Multi-Complicated Trauma
• Neuromuscular and Genetic Disorders
• Post-Surgical Orthopedics
Premier Gastroenterology of Hamilton prides itself on providing exceptional care for advanced digestive health in its beautiful office conveniently located on Route 33 in Hamilton Township.
At Premier GI, compassionate and state of the art care will be provided for a wide range of gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, colon polyps, colon cancer screening, constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, difficulty with swallowing, peptic ulcer, GI bleed, blood loss anemia, celiac disease, IBS, Women’s digestive health, gas and bloating, hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstone disease, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer.
The doctors and staff of Premier GI bring high tech, high-touch approach to patient care. The advantage of a
Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy
Pain.
It gnaws at you. It drains you. It becomes the focus of your life.
Experiencing a few pain-free moments can be euphoric; it makes you realize how long you’ve been living with aches and pain. You might wonder how you can find a solution to relieve the pain and regain your freedom from discomfort.
Dr. Ronak Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute wants you to know there are two new revolutionary answers to pain relief.
Both platelet-rich therapy — otherwise known as PRP — and stem cell therapy give patients new hope by using the body’s powerful healing power to accelerate the battle against pain. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success implementing these cuttingedge treatments on hundreds of patients suffering from pain-related issues.
So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline.
small practice is that the physicians and staff of Premier GI will get to know you personally and treat you like friends and family. They will work hard every day to earn your trust and to make Premier GI, the practice of your choice for advanced digestive health.
Among the exceptional, caring doctors of Premier GI is Dr. Maulik Shah, who obtained his medical degree from Rowan-Virtua SOM in New Jersey. He completed his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Jefferson Health. He then went on to complete his Fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Jefferson Health, where he was honored to be selected as Chief Fellow. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Dr. Shah caters to a spectrum of medical needs, including (but not limited to) nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach pain, pancreatic and biliary diseases, liver disease, diarrhea, IBD and IBS. He is an expert in
• Osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tear
• Back pain
• Meniscus tears
• Tennis elbow
• Disc herniations
• Tendonitis
• Neck pain
Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures.
Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable.
PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to
general gastroenterology procedures as well as advanced endoscopic procedures such as ERCP, endoscopic luminal stenting, and EMR. He has a strong passion for teaching and routinely gives lectures to the community on a variety of gastroenterology disorders. Dr. Shah is committed to providing the highest quality of care to his patients to ensure their longevity and to provide a positive and fulfilling lifestyle.
Outside of work he enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, golf, and spending time with his family.
Call 609-917-9917 for an appointment. Locations are 2271 Rt 33, Suite 110 Hamilton, NJ 08690 and 601 Ewing St, Suite C7, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-921-7620.
Your child’s oral health is a complex issue for parents to deal with throughout childhood. Finding a pediatric dentist for your child’s ongoing oral health needs requires careful consideration before committing. If you make a good choice in your child’s pediatric dentist, you can help set the tone for your child’s relationship with their dental health for the rest of their life.
Knowing what to look for when selecting a pediatric dentistry practice can make a difference in your child’s oral health. Here are some of the most important factors to consider before making your child’s first appointment.
Know the Difference Between a Pediatric and Family Dentist
When picking a dentist for your child’s first dental checkup, you might do a
a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.
stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage. So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered. Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike
Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease.
For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue.
And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost!
Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an an appointment and learn more. See ad, page 3
quick Google search and find a nearby family dentistry practice and call it a day. However, did you know that while a family dentist can treat patients of all ages, they might not have the same level of training as a pediatric dentist?
Not every dentist can practice on children. Dentists have to undergo years of extra training before diagnosing and treating children. Children’s oral health presents unique challenges that adult dentists don’t have to deal with, so pediatric dentists must undergo specialist training to deal with these factors. Additionally, the training helps pediatric dentists learn how to better communicate with their young patients and have them feel as comfortable as possible in what can be an overwhelming situation.
* * *
A Kid-Friendly Atmosphere. For many people, going to the dentist can spark feelings of anxiety and unease from the moment you step through the door. These feelings can get magnified in a child’s mind with their wild imaginations and distrust of new experiences. So when you’re deciding on a pediatric dental office to bring your child to for their next checkup, check out how the vibe of the website and office feels.
If you look online and in the actual building and you’re seeing a healthy dose of kids, bright colors, and a general sense that kids can come in and not
feel overwhelmed by the office, it’s generally a good sign. A warm, open, and happy environment can do a lot of good for your child’s experience at our kid’s dentist’s office in Hamilton, NJ.
* * *
Initial Consultations. Building a good rapport between your child and their dentist remains a vital component of their dental experience. You want your child to be able to trust their dentist and feel comfortable in the chair during the examination. Having an initial consultation sets up a low-stakes atmosphere where the dentist gets the chance to examine your child’s teeth, begin to build a rapport
with them, and show that the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be a scary place. Your child also gets the chance to experience the new environment and have a positive experience while you ask the dentist crucial questions.
* * *
Prioritize Preventative Treatment. The best way to protect their oral health for most children is through preventative treatments instead of waiting for problems to crop up. An excellent pediatric dentist knows the available preventive techniques to help protect your child’s teeth from needing to fill cavities near Mercer County, NJ, and other issues before they start.
* * *
Choose Hamilton Dental Associates for Your Pediatric Dentistry Needs!
Hamilton Dental Associates has the perfect mix of a welcoming atmosphere and expertly trained pediatric dentists to help your child’s ongoing oral health needs. We take the time to ensure your child feels as comfortable as possible throughout their dental visit and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Contact our team to schedule your child’s first dental care consultation today!
Hamilton Dental Associates, 2929 Klockner Road, Hamilton Square; 609-359-0063. 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton; 609-403-3217. www. hamiltondental.com. See ad below
COMMON COMPLAINTS WITH LOWER BACK PAIN:
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BENDING, TWISTING, LIFTING, STANDING, WALKING
COME USE OUR NEW SPINAL DECOMPRESION TABLE!
In every generation, women often do the work of caring for themselves and their families, raising children, and attending to aging parents.
RWJBarnabas Health has long recognized women’s complex role of nurturing others while tending to their own health needs, from reproductive care and breast health to menopause and heart care. RWJBarnabas Health is a leader in the region in women’s health, offering a multitude of programs and services tailored to the unique needs of women.
Our women’s health programs and services are backed by the largest healthcare network in New Jersey, making sure women have access to the highest level of care, the most state-of-the-art technology and the most experienced doctors and specialists. The breadth of our services for women empowers mothers, daughters and grandmothers to take the crucial preventive steps they need to chart a path of wellness through the life cycle.
example, unprotected sex, sexually transmitted disease or use of drugs with needles).
Heart Health
• Blood pressure test: Get one at least every two years if not at your annual checkup.
• Cholesterol panel: Establish your total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides in your 20s. Discuss follow-up with your provider in subsequent years.
problems or catch them earlier, and stay healthier longer,” say
Vice President of Women’s Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “Main also key to living healthy.”
Diabetes
Here are vital steps to take—and details on when to take them—
General Health
• Blood glucose or A1C test: Get screened if you have sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80, take medicine for high blood pressure or are at risk of developing diabetes.
• Full checkup: See a primary care provider yearly.
• Sleep habits: Discuss at your annual exam. • Thyroid (TSH) test: Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Skin Health
• HIV screening: Get tested if you are at risk for HIV infectio disease or use of drugs with needles).
• Skin exam: Do a self-exam of skin and moles monthly and as part of a routine full checkup.
Heart Health
Oral Health
• Blood pressure test: Get one at least every two years if not
• Dental cleaning and exam: See your dentist twice yearly.
• Cholesterol panel: Establish your total, LDL, HDL and triglyc subsequent years.
SHOOTING, BURNING, STABBING SENSATION
Women’s health concerns often focus on milestones such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. But day-to-day and year-to-year health maintenance and preventive measures are also critical to wellbeing throughout life. “Getting recommended exams, screenings and immunizations are some of the most important things you can do to prevent problems or catch them earlier, and stay healthier longer,” says Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, RNCOB, C-ONQS, Senior Vice President of Women’s Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “Maintaining a healthy weight throughout the life span is also key to living healthy.”
Here are vital steps to take—and details on when to take them— throughout a woman’s life.
General Health
• Full checkup: See a primary care provider yearly.
• Sleep habits: Discuss at your annual exam.
• Thyroid (TSH) test: Discuss with your healthcare provider.
• HIV screening: Get tested if you are at risk for HIV infection (due to, for
Mental Health
Diabetes
• Behavioral health screening: Talk with your provider about whether this would be helpful.
• Blood glucose or A1C test: Get screened if you have sustained high blood pressure or are at risk of developing diabetes.
Skin Health
In each decade working with your healthcare provider to keep on top of regular tests and practices throughout life can have long-term benefits by detecting or monitoring chronic conditions that, left unchecked, often snowball into potentially serious problems. To find an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group primary care provider right for you, call 855-5712500.
• Skin exam: Do a self‐exam of skin and moles monthly and as pa
Oral Health
• Dental cleaning and exam: See your dentist twice yearly.
Mental Health
• Behavioral health screening: Talk with your provider about wh
In each decade working with your healthcare provider to keep on have long‐term benefits by detecting or monitoring chronic cond potentially serious problems. To find an RWJBarnabas Health Med 855‐571‐2500.
SCAN THIS CODE TO DOWNLOAD A DETAILED, DECADEBY-DECADE BREAKDOWN OF WOMEN’S HEALTH GUIDELINES.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/ womenshealth. Let’s be healthy together. See ad, page 9
Dr. Gianna Bigliani, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, owner and founder of Fluid Physio is excited to help people move more comfortably.
“The first thing you need to know about Fluid Physio is that we can get fast results. We are different than any other physical therapy practice because of our approach: a full hour of one-on-one specialized manual therapy treatment that will return you to pain-free optimal performance and function much faster than others.”
Dr. Gianna graduated from Temple University in 2003 and became a certified strength and conditioning specialist, then later completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and an orthopedic PT residency. She worked with athletes of all ages (including children) and abilities (including at a professional level), specializing in helping those with chronic conditions. She spoke at the 2023 New Jersey Conference for Women and has presented at private corporate events and conducting community educational talks.
Her team also includes physical therapists Dr. Easton Reedenmeyer and Dr. Ayesha Mustafa, as well as office manager Caterina Bigliani, Dr. Gianna’s younger sister.
The emphasis at Fluid Physio is not on machines,Dr. Gianna says. There are exercise balls, bands, and a giant mirror, among other therapy tools, but the primary treatment is manual therapy, including manipulating joints, soft tissue (muscles and ligaments), and nerves. “Manual therapy is followed by movement re-education,” says Dr. Gianna. “The body needs to learn how to move without the restrictions it
previously had so that the effect of the therapy is lasting.”
“Every patient is an athlete at Fluid Physio,” she says. “Our goal is to maximize your performance in the activities you love, whether they are on the water, on the road, on the field, or on the floor.”
“I often treat hips and backs in the winter when people slip and fall on snow or ice. Also, they can hurt their backs raking leaves or shoveling snow. Another condition I often treat is foot pain.”
She gives her clients “homework,” “Each patient gets specific exercises and movements to do at home according to their needs and goals.”
“We’re not created to be sedentary. It’s good to be physically active. I chose the name Fluid Physio because ‘fluid’ is how movement should be. Physio is how the rest of the world refers to physical therapy. I also like water and how the water moves, so I thought fluid physio was quite appropriate.”
Fluid Physio, 160 Lawrenceville Pennington Road, Suite 16, Lawrence. 609-436-0366. Fluidphysio. com. See ad, page 11
HELP WANTED
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WELLNESS
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“When it comes to treating stroke, we always say ‘time is brain,’ which means that the sooner we can treat you, the better chance we have at a successful outcome,” said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of the Stroke Program at Capital Health. “At Capital Health, we have procedures in place to make sure you get the immediate, lifesaving stroke care that you need.”
The Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at the Capital Institute for Neurosciences is a major referral center for the treatment of all types of neurovascular diseases, including (but not limited to) cerebral aneurysms, strokes, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), intracranial stenosis as well as Moyamoya disease.
The only certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region, Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Trenton provides safe emergency stroke and neurovascular services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“As soon as you call 911, our prehospital alert system allows our team in the hospital to prepare for your arrival, saving valuable time to treatment,” said Dr. Rochestie. “Your call activates basic and advanced life support service to provide safe, immediate care at your location before you even arrive at the hospital.”
There are steps you can take right away to lower your risk. Get started by talking to your primary care doctor to learn about stroke screenings and how you can treat or manage controllable risk factors such as:
…
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Heart/blood vessel disease
Cigarette smoking
Physical inactivity/obesity/poor diet
Diabetes mellitus
Atrial fibrillation
Sickle cell disease
Visit capitalneuro.org to learn more. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, call 911.
Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, B-E F-A-S-T to know the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately.
Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?
Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and check the time so you’ll know when the first symptom appeared.
Brain tumors, while relatively rare, do not discriminate, affecting men, women, and children across all age groups and ethnicities. And because the brain is the critical organ that controls all others, it’s important to recognize the signs that may suggest a brain tumor and discuss them with your health care team.
“The many parts of the brain control different body functions, so symptoms will vary depending on tumor location, type, and size,” said DR. NAVID REDJAL, director of Neurosurgical Oncology at the Capital Health Center for Neuro-Oncology. “However, there are some common symptoms to watch for which, if ongoing, may indicate the presence of a brain tumor. Anyone experiencing one or more of them over an extended period of time should see their doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.”
“At the Center for Neuro-Oncology, our advanced technological resources and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment are just as important as the compassionate and individualized care we provide,” said Dr. Redjal. “If a person experiences new symptoms or changes to existing ones, talking to your doctor is an important first step.”
The Center for Neuro-Oncology, part of Capital Institute for Neurosciences and Capital Health Cancer Center, is a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer involving the brain and spine. The Center is housed in state-of-the-art facilities where patients have access to an experienced and caring team of physicians, nurses and staff who work closely with referring physicians to facilitate rapid and thorough evaluations and recommendations for patients and their families. In addition to providing advanced neuro-oncologic and neuroscience care, the Center participates in clinical trials to help fight and find cures for cancer.
To learn more about Capital Health’s Center for Neuro-Oncology, visit capitalhealth.org/neurooncology.
HEADACHES:
A persistent, progressive pain that is different from a migraine, does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication (like aspirin or ibuprofen), gets worse when laying down, and may be accompanied by vomiting or changes in vision.
SEIZURES:
In some cases, a seizure may be the first indication that a person has a brain tumor.
FOCAL PROGRESSIVE SYMPTOMS:
Localized symptoms—such as hearing problems, difficulty walking or speaking, or feeling clumsy—can often help identify the location of the tumor.
MASS EFFECT:
Occurs when a brain tumor presses on surrounding normal tissue, causing nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, vision problems, headaches, and behavior changes.
SUDDEN PERSONALITY CHANGES, COGNITIVE CHANGES, MEMORY LOSS:
A tumor may cause disruptions in normal brain function that lead to changes in a patient’s behavior and ability to reason, remember, and learn.
Heart valve disease is the general name for several conditions that affect how blood moves through the heart and supports the body. The four chambers of the heart each have a valve that keeps blood flowing in the right direction. When someone has heart valve disease, the flaps of a valve aren’t working properly and the heart can’t move enough blood to keep the rest of the body functioning as it should. Left untreated, heart valve disease can lead to serious complications such as heart rhythm abnormalities, blood clots, heart failure, and stroke.
Someone with mild to moderate heart valve disease can go for years without knowing they have it, but the risk for damage can still be serious. Symptoms can develop gradually over time or very quickly if the condition becomes severe, so it’s important to understand your risk factors and recognize symptoms when they occur.
The risk for heart valve disease increases as we age, but it’s also more likely if you’ve had a heart attack or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other conditions that can affect your heart health. Physical signs of heart valve disease can include:
Irregular heartbeat.
… Shortness of breath.
… Fatigue or inability to maintain your normal activity.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
… Swollen abdomen, ankles, or feet.
Severe aortic stenosis is one form of heart valve disease in which narrowing of the aortic valve opening occurs due to thick or stiff valve flaps. As a result, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body, which in turn can limit your daily activity. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive treatment option at Capital Health for patients with severe aortic stenosis or those with a failing surgical aortic valve who are at greater risk for complications during open surgery.
“Heart valve disease symptoms don’t necessarily tell the whole story about how serious a person’s condition is,” said DR. DAVID DRUCKER , medical director of Capital Health’s Structural Heart Program and board certified, fellowship trained interventional cardiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “This is why it’s important to talk to your cardiologist any time you notice anything out of the ordinary that could indicate heart valve disease or other cardiac conditions. Getting a specific diagnosis as soon as possible is more likely to lead to a better outcome.”
Dr. Drucker leads a team of experts at Capital Health’s Structural Heart Program to perform minimally invasive procedures like TAVR to manage and treat heart valve conditions and other structural issues of the heart. With TAVR, an artificial valve is delivered to the heart through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted into one of several possible access routes and placed into the diseased valve. The procedure usually takes one hour or less to complete, and many TAVR patients start feeling better as soon as their new valve is placed. Patients usually begin walking the same day as their TAVR procedure and are typically discharged within one or two days and ready to return to their normal activities.
To make an appointment at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists or to find an office near you, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.
Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Class size is limited. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Join Mindy Komosinsky, registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, to learn ways to build solid nutrition habits that can pave the way for a healthier brain and body as you age. Topics include nutrition for maintaining cognitive health, promoting strong bones, preserving muscle mass, and preventing or managing some chronic conditions.
Thursday, May 16, 2024 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Do you have a family history of stroke, or have you experienced a stroke and want to learn how to prevent another one in the future? Get the latest information from registered nurses and Stroke Program Coordinators Maria Gilli and Pamela Esher, who will discuss stroke signs and symptoms, types of strokes, individual risk factors, and treatment options.
the game of softball,” O’Leary said. “They want to stay competitive. They know Bordentown softball has traditionally been a good program and everyone wants to continue to keep up with that and live up to that and they just come out every day and work hard. They work on the little things. They know when they’re struggling with something, they ask the questions, they put in the extra work. And they just as a whole enjoy playing together, which makes the atmosphere enjoyable and makes them want to come out every day and work hard.”
There’s no relaxing with the competitive schedule that Bordentown plays. The Scotties are in the Liberty Division of the Burlington County Scholastic League with the likes of Northern Burlington, Cinnaminson, Burlington Township and Delran.
“Three out of the five of us were in the sectional championships and the other ones were right up in there in those final semifinal games, which is great,” O’Leary said. “It’s good to have that competition all season long. So that makes you just even more prepared when you get into those long playoff rounds.”
Benton will be trying to go out on top with the Scotties before she shifts gears
to preparing for the next level. Playing collegiately wasn’t necessarily a realistic goal until schools started calling her at the start of her junior year. That interest sparked her to continue to work at the game and earned an incoming spot at Towson.
“I feel like my biggest thing is just I’m want to help Towson out however I can,” Benton said. “I was recruited as a catcher. But they talked to me about outfield and catching. So honestly, I’m there for whatever they need me to be.”
Benton is looking forward to the opportunity that she sees as a challenge, one that she wants to see just what she can accomplish. Making up a lineup without Kaci Benton in it isn’t something that O’Leary wants to consider, but she is excited to see her star continue to shine as she has at Bordentown.
“She’s a very versatile player,” O’Leary said. “She’s going to play wherever a coach asks her to play, no questions asked. She’s going to work hard to be the best at that position and that’s just something that she has, that that drive to be successful and work hard and play. And I think taking that to Towson will be of value and an asset to them, having someone that is just going to work hard, play hard, listen and be coachable.”
See our ads in
section pgs 5 and 7
National Hospital Week is May 12-18, 2024, and Seth D. Rosenbaum, MD, MMM, SVP and Chief Medical Officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, answers questions about how RWJUH Hamilton in Hamilton Township serves its community.
Cardiovascular diseases remain prevalent in the U.S. Can you tell us about your heart and vascular care program at RWJUH Hamilton?
We are part of one of the largest cardiac care programs in New Jersey and provide essential heart and vascular care such as cardiac catheterizations and angioplasty to
clear blocked arteries, as well as nonemergent angioplasty procedures. We are currently constructing a new 5,500-square-foot Cath lab scheduled to open in January 2025. Also available right here inside the hospital is our Cardiac Rehab Program, an individualized, medicalsupervised health and fitness program designed to benefit people who have been treated for a heart attack or heart failure, have received a coronary stent, or have undergone cardiac surgery such as a bypass or valve procedure.
What differentiates the Cancer Center at RWUH Hamilton from others?
Our expert multidisciplinary team at the RWJUH Hamilton Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options with individualized care. Through our partnership with Rutgers
Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer InstituteDesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients benefit from access to innovative clinical trials, complex surgical procedures, precision medicine, immunotherapy and advanced radiation therapy techniques.
RWJUH Hamilton specialists work with our patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their medical, emotional, and educational needs, with dedicated oncology social workers and nurse navigators supporting the patient and their loved ones at every step.
What is The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton?
who begin their health journey here have access to the most comprehensive healthcare system in the state and are able to tap into the latest resources to receive the most advanced, high-quality care.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/hamilton.
For more information, call (609) 5845900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.
The Orthopedic & Spine Institute (OSI) located inside the hospital, is comprised of a highly skilled team, members of RWJBarnabas Medical Group, and offers early diagnosis and sophisticated techniques to treat and/or manage conditions caused by arthritis and degenerative joint disease, injuries, congenital issues, and general wear and tear—all with the goal of alleviating pain and helping patients enjoy life on their terms. RWJUH Hamilton is nationally certified in hip and knee replacement and spine surgery by The Joint Commission and performs minimally invasive surgery with advanced technologies like the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery and now Globus Medical’s ExcelsiusGPS® for robotic spine surgery.
Healthy Lives Hamilton Program. At RWJUH Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. The Healthy Lives Program at Hamilton is designed to help individuals and their loved ones understand what’s needed to help them live their best life and manage Heart Failure. This unique approach to heart failure care is designed to support proper monitoring and lifestyle choices to improve patient outcomes and quality of live for those living with heart failure. Participation in Healthy Lives may begin during an inpatient stay at RWJUH Hamilton; or, your physician may refer you to Healthy Lives Hamilton on an outpatient basis. From symptom monitoring and management to lifestyle education, a multidisciplinary team of experts guides you towards living a healthy life. Start here by calling 609-203-4326.
Breast Cancer Support Group. First Tuesday of Each Month; 6-7:30 p.m. At the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Road, Hamilton. This Support Group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. Meetings are held in the lobby of The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. The group is led by an Oncology Nurse Navigator and Certified Oncology Social Worker. It offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. For more information, call Patty Hutman Parker, BSN, RN, OCN, at 609584-2836 or Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, at 609-584-6680.
What would you like community members to always remember about RWJUH Hamilton?
RWJUH Hamilton provides worldclass care, is nationally awarded and recognized, and allows its patients access to New Jersey’s largest health care system and the state’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—and it’s all right here for our community members.
How does being part of the largest academic health system in New Jersey benefit your patients?
The benefits are immense. Patients
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. Third Tuesday of Every Month; 2-3:30 p.m. At the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Road, Hamilton. This Group meets on the third Tuesday of every month in the conference room at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. It 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. This program is facilitated by Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSWC, Certified Oncology Social Worker. For more information, please call 609-584-6680.
Eric Orange
When I was a kid, The Wonderful World of Disney was on TV every Sunday night. One movie in particular caught my attention, and made me a lifelong student of history.
That movie was Johnny Tremain, which was released in theaters in 1957. When I first saw it in the early 70’s, the nation was preparing for the Bicentennial celebration in 1976.
The story follows a young man from Boston, and his eventual participation in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Johnny is inspired by a local group of men known as The Sons of Liberty. In one crucial scene when the older men are debating why they should fight the mighty British Empire, it’s Johnny who exclaims “We fight for our rights…”
Of course, Disney’s audience was children, so it was no surprise when Johnny took his place alongside the older men to be one of the heroes. But to me, it was as if the young had taken their rightful place at the vanguard for the fight for Independence.
It made me feel like young people had a voice. But that was just the movies, right?
The closer that we look at the American Revolution, the better we understand that it was a war fought by relatively young people. Many of the members of The Sons of Liberty were in their 30’s.
The founding fathers were also young.
Thomas Jefferson was 33 years old and his compatriot, John Adams, was 39 years old when the first shots of the Revolution were fired. Dr. Samuel Prescott, who brought the news of the advancing British to Concord on April 19, 1775, was still in his 20’s. Indeed, the youngest person to lose his life on that fateful day was Edward Barber, who was only 14 years old.
Our very own Israel Shreve, from Mansfield Township, was only 35 when the Revolution started. Col. Shreve would lead men much younger than himself, including his 13-year-old son John, into New England and eventually Canada in his efforts to secure independence.
When Samuel Griffin was in Mount Holly preparing for the Battle of Petticoat Bridge, a spy described his command
this way: “Their number is not above 800 nearly half of them boys…”
Anxiety in the history community has been mostly debated about the involvement of our youth. And to some extent, that anxiousness might be justified. School, sports, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs keep our young people constantly engaged.
Then life after college is pressured with the prospects of seeking meaningful careers and starting families of their own.
But I am not discouraged. Every year, The Rev War Alliance of Burlington County travels to different venues speaking about the American Revolution and how important the county was in its fight for independence. Suffice to say, young minds never disappoint me.
Whether our presence is felt at
community efforts like Springfield Township Day, historic sites like White Hill Mansion in Fieldsboro, the everpopular annual Farm Fair in July, or in front of classrooms from the Northern Burlington school district, our outreach in educating young men and women about our nation’s early history remains strong. Therefore, as a torch bearer, I feel confident that our future is in good hands with the next generation of historians and researchers.
Who knows what stories and artifacts on the American Revolution will be revealed under the earth in northern Burlington County. After all, history holds no bounds.
Eric Orange is a historian with Burlington County Parks.
Step back in time as the Bordentown Historical Society guides guests on a visual journey through two tumultuous periods: Reconstruction and the Gilded Age.
The program is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Old City Hall, 11 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. It will be presented by Ulysses Grant Dietz, chief curator emeritus at the Newark Museum of Art (decorative arts director for 37 years) and the great-great grandson of Civil War general and U.S. president, Ulysses Simpson Grant.
In his presentation, Dietz will explore stories about his famous family during
their occupation the White House; his fascination with the Gilded Age; and noted events leading up to Grant’s passing in 1885.
Guest speakers are set to include include Reese and Linda Gilder- Palmer.
Reese is the great grandson of Richard Watson Gilder, a Bordentown native who rose to prominence as the editor of Century Magazine. Revered by the Grant family as the initial contact for publishing Grant’s memoirs, Gilder was also a gifted poet whose recital of “The Dead Comrade” was given at the president’s funeral. Reese’s rendition of the poem will conclude the program.
This will be the first time in 139 years that members from these two prominent families will come together. A booksigning ceremony will follow the lecture. Light refreshments will also be served. The event will be open to the public. An admission fee will be charged. Organizers say that all proceeds from donations and souvenirs will benefit programs and projects associated with the Bordentown Historical Society, a nonprofit organization.
Register for this program on the Bordentown Historical Society website, bordentownhistory.org, or by calling (609) 298-1740.
