Bordentown Little League softball 12-year-old all-stars are (back row) Ruby Floyd, Ava Santoro, Toryn Fiasco and Kenzie Weckenbrock; (third row) Amber Kirkpatrick, Aine Smillie, Natalie Katz and Leah Martinez; and (second row) Haven O’Connor, Emily Militch, Emma Stefani and Madison Vaughn. In the front row are lead instructors Erin Hoppe, Alison Hoppe and Brianna Fischer. Coaches are (from left to right) manager Michael O’Connor, assistant Matt Shaffer and assistant Rob Smillie.
Bordentown Little League to host Section 3 softball tournament
BY JUSTIN FEIL
The road to the New Jersey State Little League Softball Tournament and beyond goes through Bordentown this summer.
The Bordentown Little League’s bid to host the Section 3 Tournament was
accepted, giving the 12-year-old all-star team a chance to host the five district qualifiers starting July 2 for the opportunity to go to the state tournament in Clifton. The District 12 winner is scheduled to play at the Groveville Road field 6 p.m. on July 3, and Bordentown is hoping that it is the one represent-
ing District 12.
Getting to play in the section tournament on their home field has been incentive all spring.
“When we got out in the beginning of this season early on in February and March and we put our names in the hat to be able to host, I took it as an opportunity to See SOFTBALL, Page 8
Sculpture Foundation brings public art to Bordentown City
BY JOE eMANSKI
Heather and Vincent Schino like to travel. And when they travel, they enjoy taking in the public art that can be found in many major cities around the world.
But not only major cities. They noticed that places like Haddonfield, in Camden County — a small town not unlike Bordentown — also had prominent displays of public art in and around its main street.
So the Bordentown City residents wondered: if public art could beautify cities and towns like the ones they had visited, why not here?
They spoke with Stuart Harting, founder and chair of the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust, who suggested that they start a nonprofit organization of their own.
So they did: and just like that, the Bordentown Sculpture Foundation was born.
Of course, incorporating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was only one hurdle that faced the team, which included Heather, Vincent, Vincent’s brother Nicholas, and Jill Skipper. But 18 months after getting the foundation off the
ground, they are excited to be able to say that the first fruits of that year and a half of labor are ready for the public.
This month, the Bordentown Sculpture Foundation, in collaboration with the Seward Johnson Atelier in Hamilton, will see three sculpture pieces installed in and around Bordentown City on July 2 for one-year loan, the first of what the founders hope will be many such installations.
All three sculptures were created by atelier founder Seward Johnson (1930-2020), whose works can be found in cities throughout the area and throughout the world.
One of the sculptures, “Inner World, Outer World,” will be on display at 137 Farnsworth Ave. The sculpture may feel familiar to those who know Seward Johnson’s work: it is a figure on a bench reading a newspaper, a motif in Johnson’s work.
Eagle-eyed observers, however, will notice that the newspaper in Bordentown’s sculpture has been customized to the city.
“Weekend Painter,” to be on display at Smires Realty, 375 Farnsworth Ave., is a life-sized
Page 6
RWJUH Hamilton July Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP
Monday, July 8; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.
ESTATE PLANNING FOR ALL AGES
Tuesday, July 9; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
There are all kinds of unfortunate things that can happen, and estate planning not only preserves your assets, but it also protects your family. Presentation will cover topics such as children’s guardianship, planning for children with disabilities, making financial or health care decisions if you should become incapacitated, wills and beneficiaries, unmarried couple rights when one dies and more.
BARIATRIC
WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, July 9; 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
If you are considering surgery or are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our free monthly support group meetings. Family, friends and support persons are also invited to attend. Our meetings focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. Meetings subject to cancellation during inclement weather.
BROWN BAG MEDICATION REVIEW
Wednesday, July 10; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Come review your medications with our pharmacist, Shesha Desai, PharmD, Rph.BC-ADM. Put all your medications and supplements in a bag and bring them with you for our clinicians to review. Discuss how you are taking your medications and whether you are taking them correctly.
OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING
Thursday, July 11; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information related to your results. Appointment required.
DANCE IT OUT!
Friday, July 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome; no experience required. A great way to get your kids out and active during these summer days off from school.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, July 16; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION
Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun, but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun-filled trivia hour and learn how to protect
yourself and others from the heat.
CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH
Tuesday, July 16; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sound healing uses special instruments to create a therapeutic atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything that makes you comfortable. Adriana Hansen, RYT200, SHA1 of The Learning Cooperative. Fee: $15
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Wednesday, July 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Quieting your mind, even just for a short while, can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience necessary.
M3 KIDS MONEY CLUB
Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Credit Union of New Jersey Kids Money Club is a fun and interactive children’s workshop. Kids will learn about the fundamentals of saving, which will include games and quick facts. This is an opportunity for children, ages 8-12, to learn about the importance of savings.
WOMEN AND MONEY
Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Familiarize and empower yourself with financial fundamentals that can assist with personal aspects of various life stages: merging finances,
children, caring for parents, divorce, widowhood.
MEMORY SCREENING
Tuesday, July 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Are you concerned about “senior moments”? The Mini-Mental State exam is a quick assessment to discern normal aging versus potential problems. In addition, you will learn ways to improve your memory. Must arrive 20-30 minutes early to receive the exam.
EXPRESSIVE ART: NATURE BECOMES US
Tuesday, July 23; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Let’s take some time to relax and find our way back to nature. We will use short guided meditation with writing prompts and then move on to making a nature window box. Please gather some pebbles, sticks, pine needles, and/or dried leaves. You may also bring in a piece of nature that that speaks to you, such as flowers, gems, and crystals. All other materials supplied. Facilitated by Rochelle Stern, expressive arts facilitator. Fee: $15
REIKI SHARE
Wednesday, July 24; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow. Restricted to those certified in Reiki.
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: HEALTHY BONES MATTER
Monday, July 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of two people in the U.S. aged 18 and over. Join Michael Duch,
MD, from The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton for a discussion on common bone and joint disorders. Hear from this bone-a-fied orthopedic surgeon about how to keep your body healthy. Dinner provided.
HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE
Wednesday, July 31; 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. Beginners welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee: $15 CLEAN LIVING IN A TOXIC WORLD
Wednesday, Aug. 7; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Toxins are all around us: in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat. Learn what these toxins can do to our bodies and ways to avoid them and live a cleaner life with Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.
WOMEN’S SUMMER BOOK CLUB: WHEN WOMEN WERE DRAGONS BY KELLY BARNHILL
Thursday, Aug 22; 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
A Goodreads Best Book of the Year. A fiery feminist fantasy tale set in 1950’s America, where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman’s place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they really are
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old
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, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Please join us for our ongoing program, “A Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst 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. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome. Must register.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will lead this meditation class focusing on reducing stress and bringing inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be teaching Chair Yoga. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!
THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION
Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun filled trivia hour and learn how to protect yourself and others from the heat.
GAME TIME
Thursday, July 11 + 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us for game time, snacks and some wholesome fun. A variety of board games will be available or you are welcome to bring your own.
SKINCARE MADE EASY
Wednesday, July 17; 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Luba Dziubas, the owner of Radiance Spa located in our Center, will teach us simple techniques and ingredients to improve our skin. Join us to get your glow back. Q & A.
Thursday, July 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs, and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.
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
TAI CHI CLASSES
BORDENTOWN Home for Funerals
AROUND TOWN
BRHS sophomore Brynn Bowyer wins outstanding actress award
Bordentown Regional High School sophomore Brynn Bowyer was awarded the 2024 Cappie Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical at this year’s annual Greater Philadelphia Cappie Award Gala.
Bowyer won for her portrayal of Morticia Addams in the school’s winter production of The Addams Family.
Bowyer also received the 2024 Greater Philadelphia Cappies Spirit Award for Bordentown Regional High School. The gala, held June 2 at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, Pennsylvania, honored high school theatre productions from the 2023-2024 season.
ber of the gala.
The Addams Family and the BRHS Theatre program were nominated for seven Cappie Awards, including Outstanding Musical. Senior Aidan Bramley was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for his performance as Gomez Addams. He and the BRHS Stage Crew were honored with the nomination for Outstanding Set.
Sophomore Planas-Borgstrom, who played the role of Wednesday Addams, was nominated for Outstanding Female Vocalist. Seniors Sal Carr and Seren Dagli and junior Sierra Struck were nominated for their work in the category of Outstanding Hair and Makeup.
The cast of The Addams Family performed the song “One Normal Night” at the ceremony. Atlas PlanasBorgstrom, Jenna Schenone and Bowyer also performed in the opening num-
The BRHS pit orchestra received a nomination in the category of Outstanding Orchestra.
Current Bordentown
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
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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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A
Bowyer
The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) brings cancer trials and care delivery studies to people in their communities. Now as an NCORP affiliate site, Capital Health can give patients of our Cancer Center access to clinical trials and treatment delivery studies from top institutions around the world, bringing the latest state-of-the-art treatments to patients right here in our communities. It’s the advanced care you deserve close to home.
sculpture of a painter at work. A similar sculpture stands in Haddonfield. Of the sculpture, Seward Johnson once said: “I’ve chosen to sculpt “real life” because in our busy society — filled with so much technology and idle distraction…. the human spirit triumphs, if only for moments in a day. I try to have my work call attention to those moments.”
Johnson took this concept even further with the third sculpture on display in Bordentown, “Monet, Our Visiting Artist,” which is a life-sized piece depicting the French artist at work on a painting in his impressionist style. Once again the sculpture will be customized for Bordentown — this time in terms of the scene in the painting Monet is meant to be working on. The sculpture will be in Hilltop Park.
“I’m a big fan of Grounds For Sculpture (the Hamilton sculpture garden founded by Johnson),” Vincent Schino said in a phone call with the Current. “This mutual connection, Stuart, he made an introduction, and we started discussing how we could bring pieces to town.”
There were, however, a number of things that had to be done before that would be possible — things that took about 18 months to accomplish.
One of these things was incorporating
“Bailarines,” sculpture by José Almanzor. On public display at 346 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown.
the nonprofit organization. Another was fundraising, which Schino observes can be a challenge for many organizations, but not so much for the Bordentown
Sculpture Foundation.
“In our opinion, raising the money was one of the easiest things,” said Schino, who is founder and president of
Schino Property Management. “Because we know a lot of people in town, and everybody loves Bordentown so much. As soon as I mentioned what we were doing, everyone was like, ‘How much (money) do you need?’”
The foundation tapped a number of sponsors for the current Seward Johnson exhibition. In addition to members of their own families, they also received support from Angelo’s Trattoria, Joe Malone, Old Town Pub, Smires Realty, the Barrett family, the Paul Ciarrocca family and Toscano Ristorante.
Another key figure of support has been Sen. Troy Singleton, whose office helped the foundation get a state grant to help get things off and running.
“There are so many aspects of town that are killing it right now — great people, great restaurants — and this was one thing that was missing,” Vincent said. “In terms of public art, there wasn’t a lot there. If you go to Haddonfield or New Hope or Princeton, it’s all over the place. We just kept saying, ‘Why can’t we do this?’”
Another piece of the picture was that the foundation needed to be able to demonstrate to the city’s board of commissioners that the foundation’s intentions were not only within the law, but also that they would be tasteful and
On the Cover
Plenty of ways to celebrate this Independence Day
By Joe Emanski
With fireworks increasingly accessible in the Garden State these days, some people see celebratory holidays like Independence Day as an opportunity to fire off a few or a few hundred red and glaring rockets at home, right there in the driveway.
But for those who have dogs or who remain concerned about potential serious bodily harm related to exploding things in their yards, Community News is happy to report that the tradition of the community fireworks show is still very much alive and well. Below is your guide to this year’s celebrations.
We start out by mentioning that Lawrence Township plans to hold its annual Independence Day Fireworks on Friday, June 28 at Rider University, with a rain date of Saturday, June 29. Both dates are before our publishing date for July, but we mention
them here so that readers don’t wonder why we did not include them.
Also kicking off before press time is the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s
June 29 An Evening Under the Stars fireworks display and classic car exhibition in Hopewell Township’s Woolsey Park.
Now for the events that readers can actually attend!
Hamilton Township has had Fourth of July fireworks in Veterans Park pretty
much since the park opened to the public, and this year it will host more of the same.
The Hamilton Independence Day Concert and Fireworks show is set to take place on Monday, July 1, with a rain date of Tuesday, July 2. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Kuser Road entrance,
Joe
Jennifer
Community News Service
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fireworks from the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s september 2023 show. (facebook photos.)
Pure Petty, a tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, is scheduled to take the stage at l.e.A.d. fest on thursday, July 4 at the Mercer county Park fairgrounds. (Photo by Phillip lebowski.)
2206 Kuser Road.
Festivities are set to begin at 6 p.m. with food available from a variety of vendors. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Heartbeats. The South Jersey-based group bills itself as “America’s Party Band.” Fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.
Ewing Township will join in the fun on Wednesday, July 3 with the Ewing Independence Day Fireworks Celebration.
Ewing’s event is set to feature rides, face painting, sand art, a balloon man, a dunk tank, food vendors and giveaways. DJ Dan Murphy will provide musical entertainment, and the First NJ Volunteers Colonial Reenactors will also be on hand.
Gates are set to open at 6 p.m at The College of New Jersey’s Green Lane soccer fields. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to park in the TCNJ parking garage on Metzger Drive.
Also set for July 3 is the Bordentown Fireworks at the Park, a joint production between the township and the nonprofit Foundation for Bordentown Traditions, which helped reinstate an annual Bordentown show after budget cuts brought that tradition to an end.
This year’s edition is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. in Joseph Lawrence Park on Ward Avenue. Festivities are set to include games, music and food trucks, with fireworks set to start around 9 p.m.
Anyone who completely forgot to go to any fireworks shows on the Fourth of July or in the week leading up to it will be
relieved to learn that East Windsor Township will host its fireworks show on Saturday, July 6 at dusk.
East Windsor’s celebration is scheduled to take place at Etra Lake Park on Disbrow Hill Road in the Twin Rivers section of the township.
* * *
Also taking place the week of Independence Day is the L.E.A.D. Fest in the Mercer County Park fairgrounds, with a fireworks show just one part of the scheduled entertainment.
L.E.A.D., or Law Enforcement Against Drugs, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to protecting youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drugrelated crimes and peer-to-peer cyberbullying and violence.
The annual L.E.A.D. Fest started on June 28 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, July 7. The festival features carnival rides, food vendors, racing pigs, a circus show, a craft fair and nightly live musical entertainment.
On Thursday, July 4, L.E.A.D. Fest will also host a fireworks show to start at dusk. Paid admission is technically required to attend, although we all know that the fireworks will be visible from outside the fairgrounds area.
Prior to the fireworks show, Philly-based band Pure Petty will take the stage at 7 p.m. performing the songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
The Trenton Thunder are also planning to host a fireworks show on July 4 at Arm and Hammer Park after their 7 p.m. game with the Frederick Keys. But that is hardly unusual, as the Thunder have already hosted four postgame fireworks nights this season, and plan to do 10 more after July 4.
The Trenton Thunder, home to team in the Double-A Eastern League from 1994 to 2019, have belonged to the six-team MLB Draft League since 2021, after Major League Baseball took over and scrambled the minor league baseball landscape. The Thunder play a two-part, 80-game schedule half of which is contested by collegiate amateurs, and half contested by undrafted professionals after the annual Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft is held.
Other scheduled fireworks dates for the Thunder are July 18, July 20, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 17, Aug. 29 and Aug. 31. All dates are Thursdays or Saturdays. A ticket purchase is required to attend.
* * *
Those looking for a more Princeton take on Independence Day may want to plan a trip to Morven Museum and Garden on Thursday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Jubilee.
Morven, of course, has been selected as a local host for 2026’s Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of
the Declaration of Independence. But that is down the road. This year’s Jubilee is set to feature family-friendly activies and crafts “inspired by themes of history, civics and service” as well as tours of Morven’s gardens and live music from the Vintage Vibe Tribe and face painting with Maya B. the Facepaint Fairy. Food will be for sale from Oink and Moo BBQ, The Empanada Guy and Kona Ice. No noisy or polluting fireworks are planned.
One could say that Morven has been hosting Independence Day celebrations since 1783, when it hosted several congressional delegates to mark the occasion. For many years, it served as the New Jersey governor’s mansion.
The Jubilee is part of Civic Season, a national program of activities designed to connect Juneteenth and July 4. Web:morven.org.
Morven Museum and Garden will host its annual Jubilee on thursday, July 4. (facebook photo.)
Sourland Mountain Festival to return July 13
The Sourland Mountain Festival is set for Saturday, July 13, rain or shine, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at New Jersey’s premier Unionville Vineyard in Hunterdon County.
Unionville’s home vineyard on Rocktown Road in Ringoes, with its iconic red barn, serves as the backdrop for a summer afternoon filled with music, food, family-friendly activities, shopping, presentations and more.
Live musical entertainment will be provided by headliners the Matt O’Ree Band along with the Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz, Tony and the Trees and the Adventures of Matt Black.
After an opening blessing of the mountain by the Lenape Nation, guests may then partake in family-friendly activities, from guided hikes with educators from the Raritan Headwaters Association to a lesson on foraging from Wildspawn Mushrooms, henna and face painting, a walk-through balloon and photo experience with the ReMax balloon.
Tabby’s Place, the Ringoes-based cat rescue sanctuary, will be on hand with information and taking donations for their rescues in need. Titusville native plant center My Backyard at Nectars will be available with an assortment of native plants for pur-
chase. Merchants from around the region such as Freitag Arts, Ed Field Stained Glass and Rooted Remedies and more will be on hand with unique gifts for purchase.
The Ryland Inn and Chef Chris Albrecht will provide catering under the tented patio in the shadow of the red barn. Draft beer will be provided by Lone Eagle Brewing. Also offering food and refreshments will be AMA Pizza, Thai Cha Chak, and Cas Pierogi.
Proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of Central Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region and is made possible by the generous support of business partners and sponsors who share in the vision of Supporting the Sourlands.
The Sourland Mountain Festival is planned and run by a dedicated group of volunteers. East Amwell’s local volunteer rescue squad will be on hand for guest safety and will be selling lemonade and baked goods to benefit their squad.
Tickets are on sale now at sourlandmountainfest.org/tickets and guests may also purchase a limited edition 20-ounce tumbler. Visit sourlandmountainfest.org for more details.
the Matt o’ree Band is among the musical performers expected to take the stage at the sourland Mountain festival on July 13.
Mercer Eats
South Olden’s Encanto spotlights Colombian cuisine
By Joe Emanski
Encanto is a great name for a restaurant. Especially a restaurant that specializes in Colombian cuisine.
Since 2021, the Spanish word meaning “charm” has been inextricably linked with the 2021 Disney animated film of that name — a film that, of course, tells the magical story of the Madrigals, a multigenerational family living in Colombia.
Colombian food has taken a back seat to other Latin American cuisines in the area, especially Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine. Even Tomatello’s Latin Cuisine in Hopewell, which is owned by a Colombian family, started out focused largely on burritos before gradually adding Colombian specialties to its menu.
empanadas at encanto colombiano restaurant.
Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, which opened on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton in April, has been zeroed in on Colombian cuisine from the get go. Among the restaurant’s best sellers is Bandeja Paisa ($27.50), a Colombian specialty of rice, beans, beef, chicharrón, chorizo, sweet potato, plantain, fried egg, blood sausage and avocado.
This heaping dish is accompanied, as per tradition, with an arepa, a type of ground
corn flatbread that is popular throughout South America, but especially in Colombia. Also popular at Encanto since its opening has been its Colombian-style mini-empanadas, or empanaditas ($10.50). Where many empanadas are made with flour, these are made with corn, and come stuffed with beef and potatoes.
Specialties of the house include Salmon con Camarones al Ajillo, or salmon and shrimp with garlic, $26.25; Chuleta de cerdo con agridulce de pimenton, or roasted pork chop spiced with sweet and sour paprika, $23.10; and carne de res al vino tinto, or beef cooked in red wine demiglace with mushrooms, $23.10).
Encanto has a full bar serving everything from martinis to mojitos as well as special house cocktails, all of which feature Colombian aguardiente, typically an aniseflavored liqueur made from sugarcane. The La Bandera cocktail, made with aguardiente, vodka, gin, passion fruit liqueur, blue curacao and Grenadine syrup, is $15. Colombian beers such as Poker Lager and Águila are also available.
Anthony J. Destribats
Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.
Raymond C. Staub
David P. Schroth
Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps
Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.
Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)
Raymond C. Staub
David P. Schroth
Kimberly A. Greenberg John Ferner
Seafood specialties include ceviche de pulpo (octopus) and mango, $21, and encocado de camarones , or shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, $23.10.
Another traditional Colombian dish featured on the menu is Ajiaco ($21), a hearty soup of chicken, three kinds of potatoes, corn, and guasca, a Colombian herb. Mondongo ($21), a soup of pork, potato, plantain, cassava, carrot, cilantro, onion, garlic and bell pepper, is also on the menu.
Appropriately for a restaurant that opens at 9 a.m., Encanto also serves breakfast. including Calentado Paisa, or rice and beans with chorizo, scrambled eggs and arepa; Calentado Encanto, or rice with beans with sweet potatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, beef or chicken; and assorted omelettes, including omelette ranchero, served with baby corn, sausage, onion, tomato and mozzarella.
As one might expect, Colombian coffee is on the menu. Encanto also serves a variety of fruit juices.
Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, Bar and Panedería. 2217 S. Olden Ave., Hamilton. Phone: (609) 940-9924. Web: encantocolombianonj.com. Open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Mondays.
encanto has a full bar serving colombian specialty drinks made with aguardiente. (Photo courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)
left: ceviche de pulpo (octopus) con mango. center: encocado de camarones (shrimp). right: colombian-style
(Photos courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)
From state-of-the-art technology to the most specialized team in New Jersey, our network offers the most complete heart and vascular care. Whether you have hypertension, heart disease or a child with a heart issue, our team of nurses, cardiologists and heart surgeons deliver comprehensive, compassionate care. Our highly coordinated approach to patient care ensures that you can focus on improved health and wellness – and get your heart off your mind. Make a plan at rwjbh.org/heart
Hamilton Dental Associates
The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children
Growing up makes for a constantly evolving experience for children. Every year they change and grow into the person they are destined to become, and that extends to their oral health. From the first baby tooth to their adult teeth coming in later in their lives, managing your child’s dental health presents unique challenges for parents. With those challenges come a few myths involving childhood tooth development that can impact how you treat your child’s dental health.
Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths
. When you start looking for a pediatric dentist in Hamilton, you want to find one that knows how intensive taking care of your child’s teeth should be. Taking a proactive approach to their dental health can help them avoid more involved procedures down the road — one of
Health & Wellness
the most common myths that lead to your child’s teeth suffering in the long run.
Common Myth #1: Childhood Teeth Will Straighten Out Over Time
One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally straighten themselves with time. The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.
Common Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic
While most people associate orthodontic treatments with getting braces as a teenager, that procedure does much more than merely straighten teeth to help you look better. Getting your jaw and teeth back into proper alignment has a cascading effect on your oral health. It helps improve your biting, chewing, and even speaking ability.
Common Myth #3: There Is a Right Age for Orthodontic Care
Many parents believes there is a specific age at which it’s appropriate to bring their children in for orthodontic care. The perceived minimum age for a child to receive orthodontic care is around 12-13 or right when they reach high school. However, getting your child such care earlier can help avoid getting braces and fixing issues before they worsen.
In reality, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your children should get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. Once they hit that age, their mouth will have a nice balance between their baby and permanent teeth. This window of time allows for an accurate orthodontic evaluation to
AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine
Personalized Solutions to Your Pain Concerns
At AllCure, we understand that the summer can come with a lot of fun and activity. Often, we experience that patients will put off their pain concerns until the summer is over and plan to address them in the fall.
At AllCure, we will do assessments to see where each person can benefit from our level of care. We offer chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture services to provide high-level of conservative care to the community.
Our office also provides stateof-the-art modalities to assist each provider in getting patients back to a higher quality of life. We also have X-ray on site to help diagnose the patients pain and discomfort. We
offer 10 minute free consultations for anyone interested to make sure they feel comfortable and to ensure that we can help.
We take pride in what we do and we make sure that each patient gets a high level of attention and care on each one of their visits. We make our plans specifically to fit each individual person‘s needs and do not offer blanket treatments for similar patient complaints.
We have offices conveniently located in Monroe, Hamilton, and Somerset, NJ. Please visit our website or give us a call today to come in for a free consult, and get back to the quality of life you deserve.
AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. 350 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. 732-521-9222. 1101 Randolph Road, Somerset. 732-823-9392. www. allcurespineandsports.com.
determine where preventative care is enough or if additional action is required.
Where Do Orthodontic Issues
Come From? In most cases, a child’s orthodontic problems stem from their genetics — these issues are inherited from their parents. Additionally, some problems can develop over time based on poor oral hygiene habits they learned from a young age.
Some of these acquired oral health issues include:
• Sucking Their Thumbs
• Mouth Breathing
• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns
• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth
• Poor Nutritional Habits
However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You
can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.
Finding a
Child Orthodontic
You Can Trust. Trusting your child’s teeth and their beautiful smile to a pediatric dentistry practice is something that every parent must come to grips with. Figuring out which childhood orthodontic makes the most sense for your child and their future dental visits becomes critically important. For parents and their children in Hamilton, Hamilton Dental Associates provides them with the experienced pediatric dentists they need to prioritize their oral health as they mature.
Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and schedule your first appointment today!
Visit www.hamiltondental.com.
RWJUH Hamilton
A Guide to Help Maintain Your Health and Wellnes
The summer season is a good time to reflect on health and wellness. “Summer is a great time to focus on preventive measures, embracing lifestyle changes that can have lasting benefits,” says Aditi Shrivastava, MD, Internal Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton).
With the heat comes the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. The increased temperatures and outdoor activities lead to higher rates of perspiration, making it vital to replenish lost fluids. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider incorporating hydrating and vitamin-rich foods like watermelon, fruit and cucumbers into your diet.
Nutrition also plays a role in overall health, especially in the summer when fresh produce is abundant. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Berries, tomatoes, zucchini, and leafy greens are at their peak in
Women’s
Pelvic Floor
July and offer a wealth of nutrients that support immune function, skin health and energy levels. A balanced diet rich in these foods can help mitigate the risks associated with summer heat and exertion.
While sunshine has its benefits, such as boosting vitamin D levels and improving mood, overexposure can be harmful. Skin cancer remains a significant concern, and proper sun protection is essential. Use a broadspectrum tsunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapply every two hours, and wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. Additionally, try to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun intensity hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Exercise is integral to maintaining health and wellness. Try to engage in outdoor exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming to enhance heart and vascular health, improve mood through the release of endorphins, and help with weight management. Be mindful of the heat and try to exercise during the cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed to prevent heat exhaustion. Summer is often a time of relaxation and socialization, both of which are important for mental health.
Engaging with family and friends can strengthen social bonds and reduce stress. These interactions can significantly boost your emotional well-being.
However, if you find yourself struggling with your mental health, it’s important to have an honest discussion with your primary care provider. Your primary care provider will be able to provide you with the best treatment options for your condition. RWJBarnabas Health is proud to be a leader in providing you with expert mental health services for all ages and seasons of life. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ behavioralhealth.
July is a good time for a mid-year health check. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a routine check-up. Regular screenings and examinations can detect potential health issues early, making treatment more effective. Discuss any new health concerns, review your current medications and consider getting vaccinations if needed, especially if you’re planning to travel.
Remember, take the time to prioritize yourself and your health and wellness! “It’s important to incorporate health and wellness practices not just during the summer but all year round,”
adds Dr. Shrivastava.
Dr. Shrivastava sees patients at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. For more information about Dr. Shrivastava, please call 609-2457389. Or to find a RWJBarnabas Health primary care provider in your area, visit rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare.
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Caruso PTRD offers a unique, patient-centered physical therapy approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Our therapists' main goals are to listen to each of your needs and provide individualized care to treat your condition. We want you to get back to being you; whether it's getting you back on the field, back at the office, or back to running around with your children or grandkids! Treating pain is only the first step!
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The most recognized and effective form of safe and successful exercise. Pilates can be tailored to the specific needs of the client to provide injury prevention, rehabilitation and muscle stability work. We offer Private and Semi Private Sessions.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
The most recognized and effective form of safe and successful exercise. Pilates can be tailored to the specific needs of the client to provide injury prevention, rehabilitation and muscle stability work. We offer private and semi private sessions.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques. I want to empower females to take back their lives, one Pelvic PT session at a time.
Relax and unplug in our new Salt Room! Offering numerous health benefits such as; providing relief for respiratory and skin conditions, and promoting overall mental wellness and stress relief. Breathe, relax and unwind!
Aditi Shrivastava, MD, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Drs. Alex & Dawn Rockwell DMD
Natasha Rockwell
Caruso Physical Therapy & Nutrition
Empowering Each Individual to Reach Their Boundless Potential
At Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, they had a vision for a place where they could practice what they preached. This clinic is the result of that. Now, the clinic’s amazing team is committed to carrying out that vision by guiding others in establishing and achieving their own health goals so they can look and feel their best!
These services aren’t offered in the area separately, nor are they offered together in a single practice.
However, combined, these things make a huge difference. That’s why we offer both, giving you the advantage of physical therapy and registered dietitians in the same clinic!
Our services are provided by boardcertified physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and board-certified registered dietitians.
We’re focused on providing education, prevention, treatment, and wellness services that enhance our patients’ overall health and deter the onset of more costly pathology.
Rockwell Dentistry
Where Dentistry Is a Family and Community Affair
It’s our goal to provide our patients with the best physical therapy and nutrition services in our community.
The newest form of Physical Therapy we offer is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, which is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques.
Women’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can assist with problems such as: urinary incontinence and urgency; overactive bladder; constipation; pelvic pain; low back pain; hip pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; scar tissue and pelvic organ prolapse.
We also offer Sports PT for those recovering from injury or concussion to help them return safely to the field of play.
At Caruso’s our mission is to empower each individual to realize their boundless potential.
Contact us or visit our website to start your journey towards a healthier you!
In the heart of our community lies a dental practice unlike any other. Rockwell Dentistry was established close to three decades ago. Drs. Dawn and Alex Rockwell opened their practice in 1996, shortly after their twins, Eric and Natasha, were born. They envisioned a dental office that was not only a place for topnotch dental care but a staple in the community.
From the beginning their practice thrived on the principles of compassion, quality care, and a personal touch.
Patients became more than clients; they became friends. This ethos set the foundation for a thriving practice that continues to grow year after year. Drs. Rockwell have trated many generations of the same families. It is commonplace for patients to run into their own family members and neighbors in the waiting room.
Drs. Dawn and Alex always “dreamed” that their twins Eric and Natasha would follow in their footsteps and continue the Rockwell Dentistry legacy in Mercer County.
As Eric and Natasha grew older, they both
pursued undergraduate degrees in biology and decided to apply to dental school. After eight years Natasha graduated from Temple Dental School in May 2023 and Eric in May 2024. This marks a new chapter for the family and the practice, bringing fresh perspective and the latest in dental technology and techniques.
Dr. Natasha Rockwell has developed a keen interest in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. Her innovative approach to smile makeovers, orthodontic treatments, and scanning technology has brought a new level of expertise to the practice. Her vibrant personality and gentle approach have already made an impact on her patients.
Dr. Eric Rockwell’s passion lies with integrating the latest technologies to address complicated restorative cases more efficiently and accurately.
Rockwell Dentistry’s core vision was one office for all your dental care needs. With the addition of Natasha and Eric, Rockwell Dentistry will be a blend of experience and innovation that ensures patients receive the best possible care in a warm, family-oriented environment for many years to come. More information: www.rockwelldentistry.com.
The Rockwell Dentistry family: Alex, Natasha, Eric, and Dawn Rockwell.
Hamilton Township Division of Health
Safe & Healthy Summer Tips
The Hamilton Township Division of Health wants you and your family to have a safe and fun summer! Whether you choose to enjoy your time outside at one of Hamilton’s great parks, go for a dip in the pool or head to the beach it is important to keep in mind some safety tips to protect your health.
Here are some quick safety tips to help you have a safe and healthy summer:
• Check for ticks! Ticks are the most active in the warmer months (April-September). Infected ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme
disease. Prevent tick bites by wearing insect repellent, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks, remove ticks quickly and seek medical help if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease (including fever, headache, fatigue and rash).
• Beat the heat! Extreme heat can lead to heat related illness. People ages 65+, children under two and people with chronic diseases and mental illness are at highest risk. Remember to keep your cool! Stay in air conditioning as much as possible, stay hydrated, check on neighbors or family who are high risk, wear loose and lightweight clothing and NEVER leave children or pets in cars. Cooling centers for residents include the Hamilton Township Public Library and the Hamilton Senior Center.
• Sun Safety! Most skin cancers
are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Protect yourself and others from the sun when outdoors by seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, hats and clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Choose a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, reapply often and check those expiration dates!
• Eat your fruits and veggies! Healthy eating can help adults and children live a healthy life and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Summer is a great time for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables including strawberries, watermelon, zucchini and fresh Jersey tomatoes!
• Water safety! Swimming is a fun summer activity to help cool off, but should be done safely. If you go
swimming this summer remember to learn to swim and know your limits, never leave children unattended, wear life jackets when doing water activities, don’t swim alone even if you are a strong swimmer, and never dive into shallow water — if you don’t know how deep it is, don’t dive!
For more information on these topics and other summer safety tips visit www.cdc.gov
The Hamilton Township Division of Health is located at 2100 Greenwood Ave and provides residents with various services including public health nursing, health education, environmental inspections, vital statistics and animal sheltering and control — contact us at 609-890-3828, HamHealth@HamiltonNJ.com or www.HamiltonNJ.com/Health.
Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com
sjeronis@communitynews.org.
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that public art installations could have in the city.
“Bailarines,” a sculpture by José Almanzor, has been on display at 346 Farnsworth Ave., in the courtyard of a private residence. And “Venus de Nuts,” by artist Max Smouzh, can be seen at 200 Farnsworth Ave., next to the entrance to the Old Book Shop.
Heather said the sculptures have proven popular with the public.
“Sometimes we walk by and see people posing with ‘Bailarines,’ pretending to be ballerinas,” she said. “It’s become an interactive sculpture, which a lot of Seward Johnson sculptures also are.”
Vincent said that installing the pieces on private property enabled them to show the board of commissioners that their ideas could work.
‘The proof is in the pudding. When I went to the commissioners to get approvals, I was like, ‘It’s been here. We’re doing it.’”
respectful of the community.
One way the Schinos went about this was to acquire and display a few sculptures in town that would be on private property, but on public display — works that could demonstrate the effect
With all approvals out of the way, and the Seward Johnson exhibition now on display, they can turn their attention to the next project.
“I live in town, I work in town, and I’m from the area. I say I’m ‘stick’ in this city and I want to make it something that everybody enjoys,” Vincent said. Web: bordentownsculpturefoundation.com.
“Venus de Nuts,” sculpture by Max Smouzh. On public display at 200 Farnsworth Ave. in Bordentown.
maybe push the girls a little bit more,” said Bordentown manager Mike O’Connor. “It was like, ‘you’ve got to get through this, sections on our home turf this year. You guys have to fight just as hard, if not harder this year.’ It’s a great opportunity if we make it through districts.”
Unlike years ago, when the host team automatically would have the chance to play, only the district winner earns that right. “You have to win to be able to get to that next stage,” said O’Connor. He went into the district tournament held at Robbinsville expecting plenty of community support from Bordentown. It’s just the sort of thing to alleviate some of the pressure of having to win.
“We’re bringing everybody — Grandma, Grandpa, everybody — right into Robbinsville,” O’Connor said. “You’re going to think it’s a Bordentown home game at that point.”
The Bordentown group brings confidence into the summer tournament season. They have had previous success, and that gives them a lift.
“I have probably the 12 most competitive girls in the tri-state area,” said O’Connor. “We practice a lot. We have four- or five-hour practices. And they never quit. The fight is very tough with this particular group of girls.”
Bordentown has a balanced group of players with a blend of four older 12-yearold players in their final year of eligibility with Little League softball, plus eight players who are eligible to return next season. But they don’t want to wait until next year to make a big summer run.
“When we get through districts, the whole roster will move to sectionals,” O’Connor said. “And when we get through there hopefully we get an opportunity to play at regions, where we go to Connecticut and play on ESPN. So hopefully we win there and then we move on to the World Series and go down to North Carolina. We want to try to keep this group of 12 Little League girls together playing all through the summer.”
The Bordentown roster consists of: infielder/catcher Toryn Fiasco, outfielder/catcher Ruby Floyd, infielder/ outfielder Natalie Katz, outfielder/ pitcher Amber Kirkpatrick, outfielder/ infielder Leah Martinez, outfielder/ infielder Emily Militch, catcher/infielder Haven O’Connor, infielder Ava Santoro, pitcher/infielder Aine Smillie, infielder Emma Stefani, catcher/infielder Madison Vaughn and pitcher/infielder Kenzie Weckenbrock, Assisting O’Connor with coaching are Matt Shaffer and Rob Smillie.
“We’ve gotten a lot better over the years
at becoming a team and playing together as a team,” the elder O’Connor said. “Unlike one-on-one sports, in softball you could have a great all-star, but they’re only going to get one or two chances to bat. And they only maybe see the ball in the field one or two plays a game. You really have to take the game and change it to a complete team sport and realize that now there are nine players on the field, and three kids that are going to be in the dugout.
“That dugout atmosphere, you got to be out there cheering. You gotta be out there seeing things that your teammates need you to be looking at. That’s teamwork. That teamwork needs to be there.”
On top of that message from the coaching staff, the players are also getting expert advice from lead instructors Erin Hoppe, Alison Hoppe and Brianna Fischer. The former Bordentown softball players have been helping to mold the team’s skills and strategies.
“Bordentown softball is a great organization,” O’Connor said. “And we have three college students that are DI softball players that are currently helping us practice. You don’t really get that in a lot of other towns, but Bordentown softball is like a family.”
the first-year 12s that will be playing next year that play that small ball game and score those runs and advance those base runners. It’s a team. We can’t just depend on one hitter hitting home runs. It’s only one run. You got to depend on 12 players playing together to score as many runs as we possibly can.”
The offense doesn’t have to score a lot if the defense can play its best. Bordentown also has a lot of confidence in its pitching and defense.
“Our pitching is very good,” O’Connor said. “We are led by Aine Smillie, who has been the starting pitcher for two years now. She led us in districts for our first two years and she’s looking to do that again. There’s isn’t anybody more competitive than that girl.”
It’s not all Smillie though.
“We have eight girls behind her,” said O’Connor. “We have a great center fielder in Amber Kirkpatrick. We have another older person at shortstop, Ava Santoro, and second base is another second-year 12-year-old, Natalie Katz.
“First base is going to be Emma Stefani, and each one of those older girls are leaders and show the younger girls how to play and don’t give up. Our defense is very good this year, probably one of the best defenses that I’ve had the opportunity to coach.”
The trio is inspiring a group that already has proven it can play at a high level. They have twice advanced out of district tournaments in the past to make the section tournament. And they can score runs a variety of ways to win.
“We do have quite a few big hitters on the team,” O’Connor said. “But we also play a lot of small ball. If the big hitter gets on second base, we also have to get that girl over to third and score her home, so we choose strategically to play that small ball game a lot and it causes a lot of chaos when there’s people running around the bases and a lot of things going on.”
The range of player skills becomes important for the team’s success. They use each player to aid the offense in a different way.
“We have a very good group of older 12s that will be there last year in Little League that are that are the big hitters that put the ball to the outfield and hit doubles and triples,” O’Connor said. “But we have that core group of girls that are
The Bordentown group is a strong representative of the area. The district pinned them up against a couple of townships that have had to combine forces to make teams. Florence and Lawrence have combined to make a Florence team. Robbinsville and West Windsor have combined to make a Robbinsville all-star team.
“We’re quite aware of the rivalries,” O’Connor said. “We’ve played several games against them in the interleague in the regular season. It’s always a battle.”
The district tournament is the only route to sections. Knowing that could add pressure to the district tournament, but Bordentown has tried to alleviate some of that but keeping the focus on each step, not the big picture.
“Obviously too much pressure and that’s not going to go well,” O’Connor said. “So we take it one game at a time. Our next game is the beginning of districts, so we play Florence on Monday
(June) 24 so our eyes are on that game. Obviously they’re kind of maybe thinking about, all right, well, we have to do good here to be in sectionals, but I haven’t really talked about it as much because I don’t want them to focus on sectionals. I think that putting that on the back burner and focusing on our next component is the way to take some of that pressure off.”
There is a target on the Bordentown team. They’ve won districts twice to earn that high regard. They’ve already been
to a pair of Section 3 tournaments, falling just short of extending their season in both of the last two seasons.
This year, they want to go a bit further, passing through districts, through Bordentown and onto states regardless of the teams and conditions in their way.
“These girls are battle tested,” O’Connor said. “They know what it’s like to compete at high levels and they know what it’s like to play in 100 degree weather and come out on top.”
Troop 13 conquers rapids on whitewater rafting trip
Troop 13 Scouts Patrick Dziegielewski, Luke Williams, Ryan Brovak, Michael Kelly, Griffin Pendleton, Sam Williams, Henry Huber, Lucas Schwartz and Troop Committee Member Vaughan Williams on a May whitewater rafting trip.
Adventure and camaraderie were the order of the day as Bordentown Scouts Troop 13 embarked on a whitewater rafting trip in May.
The outing to the Upper Lehigh River saw the scouts navigate nine miles of class 3 rapids under the guidance of Whitewater Challengers (whitewaterchallengers.com). With water temperatures of 54 degrees, wet-suited scouts had the opportunity to learn lessons in safety, leadership and cooperation.
“We had an incredible time on the water,” scoutmaster Rich Dziegielewski said. “The scouts faced the challenges head-on and worked together beautifully. It’s trips like these that really highlight the benefits of scouting.”
Troop 13 is always welcoming new members. Parents and guardians interested in learning more about joining Bordentown Scouts Troop 13 can email committee chair Kate Schwartz at troop13cc@ gmail.com for more information.
50 Years of
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A summer to remember
Eric Orange BURLINGTON HISTORY
Imagine having a summer barbeque with friends only to discover that an additional 20,000 “guests” were on the way. Well, that was the situation in northern Burlington County in June of 1778. The British Army occupied Philadelphia in September 1777, thinking that would end the colonists’ rebellion.
However, with several victories in hand, the French were impressed by the resilience of American forces and joined the cause as an ally, making Philadelphia untenable. With no options available, British troops were ordered to retreat for the relative safety of New York.
And that meant 20,000 soldiers and camp followers marching through the countryside of Burlington County.
After crossing the Delaware River over several days at the beginning of June, it was time to start the march in earnest on June 18. On that day, the army set out in two columns from Haddonfield.
One column marched to Moorestown, while the second marched to Evesham. The two columns reunited on June 20 in
Mount Holly, where they spent 2 days recuperating from the dreadful heat. Capt. Johann Ewald says in his diary that many men fell from the heat.
On June 22, the British Army marched in a long line through Springfield and into Mansfield and Bordentown. The tiny village of Blackhorse (Columbus) was now occupied by the British. The left flank of the army camped on the heights overlooking Mill Lane, along present day Sheffield Drive. The right flank of the army occupied the east end of town along Mount Pleasant Road. Craft’s Creek, just to the north, made this position fairly secure, at least for one night.
It was also on June 22 that the British hanged one of their own men for desertion. Private Fischer, a drummer, was captured near Evesham. His lifeless corpse swung from a tree branch high above the main marching route as a harsh reminder towards other soldiers who might be inclined to walk away.
On June 23, the army split into two columns again, with part going towards Bordentown, and the other going towards Crosswicks. Both towns had bridges spanning the Crosswicks Creek. The two bridges were necessary for
wagonloads of supplies and munitions to cross the waterway.
At Crosswicks, the British met heavy resistance while the Americans worked to destroy the bridge. Following repairs, they were attacked again by American forces. In Bordentown, it was the same story. Capt. Ewald says a party of men tried to entice the army to cross the drawbridge, but then resorted to fire upon them with leveled muskets and cannon blasts when the British refused to accept the ruse.
On June 24, the long line of the British Army moved into what is today Mercer and Monmouth Counties pursued by a
small contingent of American soldiers. Gen. George Washington was now doggedly on the hunt.
After vacating Valley Forge days earlier, the Americans marched on uneasy terrain parallel to the British forces, trying to cut them off from New York. Due to the patriotic efforts of those brave men in Burlington County, the British march was slowed just enough for Washington to catch up to the invaders at Monmouth Court House.
Eric Orange is a historian with Burlington County Parks.
County announces second round of local history grant recipients
The Burlington County Commissioners approved distribution of $19,150 in local history grants to three organizations preserving and promoting the county’s history and historic sites.
Among the second round grant recipients, the Bordentown Historical Society plans to use its $6,510 grant to restore and display an 1856 Thomas Hurley map of Bordentown City.
The Bordentown Historical Society, the Westampton-based National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey and the Pemberton Township Historical Society were selected to receive grants under the second round of the county’s history grants program.
The three awards are in addition to the $58,711 in funding awarded to nine Burlington County organizations during the first round of grants announced earlier this year.
The county says that the grants are made possible by the New Jersey Historical Commission’s County History Partnership Program to assist existing and emerging local history organizations and other nonprofits. Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including general operations, development of museum exhibits and support for specific history projects.
The National Society of Colonial Dames will receive $2,640 to support publication of an updated brochure booklet series on Henry Burr and his heirs, who owned the Peachfield estate in Westampton for more than 200 years before bequeathing it to the New Jersey society; and the life of John Skene, a Scottish Quaker who founded the Peachfield estate; and Old Schoolhouse in Mount Holly, which was built in 1759 and is believed to be the oldest surviving oneroom schoolhouse in New Jersey.
The Pemberton Township Historic Trust will receive $10,000 to assist the organization with the preservation and archiving of materials, including hiring a part-time archivist. The grant will also support the preservation of an 1851 survey map of Jonathan R. Smith’s plantation in the Birmingham section of Pemberton Township.
4 top ways to prevent golf injuries
Ask The Doctor
See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7
For golfers this summer, sand traps aren’t the only hazards to avoid.
“Low back pain is common, especially in golfers over 50,” says Marc J. Levine, MD, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Spine Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Most low-back injuries in golfers, Dr. Levine says, stem from stress on the spine associated with swinging a golf club. “Often, pain remains localized to the lower back, but occasionally it can become sciatic and radiate down one or both legs,” he says.
Keep your swing consistent. “Your body likes predictability,” Dr. Levine says. “Every time you jerk or move unexpectedly, it creates more strain on your back.” Dr. Levine recommends meeting with a golf pro at least once a year to evaluate your swing. Ask for tips to improve your mechanics and ergonomics.
Stay physically fit. A regular exercise routine can strengthen core muscles, including those in your abdomen and back. “Also, do stretching exercises for at least five to 10 minutes before you start each round of golf,” Dr. Levine says.
Use the right equipment. “Choose shoes that will help you stabilize your feet, so you don’t lose traction,” Dr. Levine says. If you’re thinking about new clubs, look for ones with less rigidity in the shaft. “That will absorb some of the energy when you take a backswing and may create less force on your spine,” Dr. Levine says.
appointment and find a location near you. Let’s be healthy together.
Programs at RWJU Hamilton this month
The following programs are open to all and registration is required. Programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health/Community Education and Better Health Program, a free membership program for anyone 65+ years old.
All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh. org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information call (609) 584-5900.
WedneSdAy, JuLy 10
Brown bag medication review. 1 to 2p.m. Come review your medications with RWJUH Hamilton’s pharmacist, Shesha Desai, PharmD, Rph.BC-ADM. Put all your medications and supplements in a bag and bring them with you for our clinicians to review. Shesha will discuss taking your medications and whether you are taking them correctly.
ThurSdAy, JuLy 11
Osteoporosis screening. 10 a.m. to noon. Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information. Appointment required. Call 609-584-5900 to register and schedule your appointment.
ThurSdAy, JuLy 18
Tai Chi classes (Better Health Program). 1-2 p.m. Tai Chi is helpful for folks 65+ years old because it can improve balance, strengthen muscles in the legs, and increase flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.
TueSdAy, JuLy 23
Yoga class (Better Health Program). 10-11 a.m. Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome.
mOndAy, JuLy 29
Dinner with a doctor: Healthy bonbes matter. 6-7:30 p.m. Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of two people in the U.S. age 18 and over. Join Michael Duch, MD, The Orthopedic and Spine Institute, RWJUH Hamilton, for a discussion on common bone and joint disorders. Hear from Dr. Duch about how you can help keep your body
He offers these tips for warding off back injuries on the links:
Don’t emulate the pros. Many professional golfers today use the “modern golf swing,” keeping their hips stationary, twisting their upper body and following through forcefully.
While it may make a golf ball travel farther, “The thoracic and lumbar spine can’t absorb that kind of force regularly, especially if you’re over age 50,” Dr. Levine says.
A safer approach is to use a swing that’s comfortable for you and to have realistic expectations about how far you can drive a golf ball.
If you feel a twinge of back pain after a round of golf, Dr. Levine recommends rest, ice and over-the-counter antiinflammatory medicines (aspirin, ibuprofen) as a first line of treatment.
See a doctor if pain continues for four to six weeks. “If you experience any numbness, tingling or weakness, get evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon,” Dr. Levine says.
Dr. Levine sees patients at The Orthopedic & Spine Institute located at RWJUH Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton Township, NJ. Call 609689-7031 to make an appointment.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/ortho
Require rehabilitation or physical therapy, visit rwjbh.org/rehab to book an
