8-23 BC

Community Educa�on and Be�er Health Programs

In their own sweet way

By JOe EMANsKi

Bordentown’s annual Cranberry Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, as well as dozens of arts, crafts and food vendors. Some five years ago, one of those food vendors was 1892 Chocolates, a family-owned, South Jersey-based importer of

Ecuadorian dark chocolate.

After a few years selling his chocolates at New Jersey wineries and community fairs like the Cranberry Festival, Jose Alban decided to set up a permanent shop called The Candy Jar in Collingswood. When it came to expand the bricks-and-mortar business, he remembered his

positive times in Bordentown, and made Farnsworth Avenue the home of his second shop in 2020.

This year, Alban and his business partners expanded their footprint in Bordentown with a second shop: The Ice Cream Boutique, which opened in See BOUTIQUE, Page 12

Park Street gets walkability grant

to the former Divine Word missionary site on Park Street, also known as Point Breeze, the former Joseph Bonaparte estate.

By JOe EMANsKi

Walkability is a principal draw for many people who have chosen to live in Bordentown.

In a country that depends largely on automobiles to get around, people here take pride in being able to walk to get a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, a bottle of aspirin or a gallon of milk when they want or need it.

Sidewalks provide safe passage throughout most of the city. But there are notable exceptions where no sidewalks exist: Pine Street between Mary and Elizabeth Streets; some portions of East Chestnut Street; and, perhaps most notably, on Park Street, where the sidewalks end on both sides at Third Street as one heads northeast, away from downtown.

This last patch of ground is all the more noteworthy these days because of the recent transition of city municipal operations

located on page 2 See

There are wide shoulders on Park Street en route to the new administration office. But no sidewalks. To remedy this, the city has sought, and now has received, a grant of $475,000 from the state Department of Transportation to improve walkability along the street.

“This grant is a crucial step in our continued investment into the City of Bordentown,” Sen. Troy Singleton, chair of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, said in a media release.

The funding will be used to construct a much-needed pedestrian and bike path alongside Park Street. The path will connect the new municipal complex, the new D&R Canal State Park at historic Point Breeze, residents of Park Street Apartments, and employees who work in the area to downtown Bordentown and the NJ Transit RiverLine.

“We are incredibly grateful to the NJ Department of Transportation and to Sen. Singleton, who not only advocated for these funds, but

See SIDEWALKS, Page 13

Tina Fiallo, Jose Alban and Paula Alban at the Ice Cream Boutique by 1892 Chocolates, which opened on Farnsworth Avenue in March 2023.

Sidewalks, bike paths planned for part of downtown that, perhaps surprisingly, lacks both

Family-owned 1892 Chocolates looks to satisfy Bordentown’s sugar cravings with The Candy Jar and now, the Ice Cream Boutique

RWJUH Hamilton August Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

RAISED BED, FLAT BREAD

Fri., August 4; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Spend your ‘Pizza Friday’ celebrating fresh produce that grows right here in New Jersey! Get hands-on by personalizing your own nutritious flat-tastic masterpiece for take-out! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

THE AARP DRIVING COURSE

Tue., August 8; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Be a safer, better driver. Bring your NJ or PA driver’s license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers. Cash or check only to AARP.

OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS-FAQ-WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Tues., August 8; 10-11 a.m.

Get the facts on the latest in over-thecounter hearing aids. Learn the facts and get your questions answered by Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. A.B.A. a clinical audiologist with over 40 years of experience in the field of hearing science.

DANCE IT OUT!

Tues., August 8; 6 to 7 p.m. When in doubt, dance it out! Have fun and de-stress with this interactive program. No experience required, all ages welcome.

CREATE YOUR OWN VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Wed., August 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

What is your deepest desire for what you would like to be, do or have? Come create your own vision board to help bring your dreams to life. Please bring scissors, all other materials provided.

OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

Thurs., August 10; 10 a.m.-noon

Ultrasound of heel and personalized information. Appointment required.

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Mon., August 14; 3 – 6 p.m.

Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A. Registration is required. Taryn

Krietzman, RDN

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION?

Mon, August 14; 6-7:30 p.m.

The practice of focused concentration, known as meditation, brings yourself back to the moment over and over again. Explore the benefits of meditation in this informational session with optional demonstration. Matt Masiello, CCH, founder of Esteem Hypnocounseling, will guide the group through this practice.

PREDIABETES 101

Tue. August 15; 11 to 12 p.m. What you need to know and do if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? **VIRTUAL**

Tue., August 15th 2023; 12 - 1 p.m.

All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetable are up to this time of year and how to make them shine!

Taryn Krietzman, RDN

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wed., August 16; 1 to 2 p.m. Learn how to rest your body and quiet your mind with the simple (although not always easy) practice of meditation. No experience necessary.

TAKE HOME COLORECTAL SCREEN KIT AND LECTURE

Wed., August 16; 5 to 6 p.m. Learn how to use a simple take-home test to screen for colorectal cancer and take part in a lecture about how to reduce your risk. Registration required.

DESTROY THE CLOTS: INTERVENTIONS FOR DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Wed., August 16; 6 to7:30 p.m. Lasanta Horana, MD, Emergency Department Chair and a Medical Staff Officer at RWJUH Hamilton will discuss the importance of timely interventions when faced with “blood clots”

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUMMING CIRCLE

Wed, August 16; 7 to 8 p.m. Join our drumming circle and help drum your cares away. This evidence-based program is shown to reduce blood pressure, calm stress and increase the fun in your life. Drums provided. Fee: $15. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP

COLOR ME HOOPY! FUN AND FITNESS WITH HOOLA HOOPS!

Tues, August 22; 1 to 2:00 p.m. Yes, you can hoola-hoop. It’s much easier to find your rhythm and flow using a “grown up” size hoop. Learn skills and techniques and have a lot of fun. Hoops provided. Fee $15. Angela Ritter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit instructor.

MEET LOCAL WRITER JESSICA WILSON, AUTHOR OF HEALING JOURNEY’S.

Tues., August 22; 6 to7 p.m. Join Jessica Wilson, author of “Healing Journeys” for a book talk on toxic relationships, where we’ll delve into the different types of abuse and explore what constitutes a toxic relationship. I’ll share strategies to guide you through these challenging situations and empower you on your healing journey.

FEELING BURNED OUT AT WORK?

Tue., August 22; 6 to 7 p.m. Job burnout can affect your physical and mental health. Learn about signs of burnout and what you can do about it.

PICTURE THIS: CRAFTY CREATIONS

Thurs., August 31; 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your favorite summertime memories and a creative spark. Craft the night away with family and friends as the summer dwindles down. Fee: $5 per person

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

To learn more about these groups visit www.rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wed., August 2; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Thu., August 3, August 17; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Mon., August 7, August 21 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS

Mon., August 7, August 21st 5:30 to 7 p.m.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tue., August 8; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wed., August 16; 6 to 7 p.m.

MANAGING STRESS AND DIABETES

Wed., August 23; 3 to 4 p.m.

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thu., August 24; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wed., August 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30; 10 to 11 a.m.

Please join us for our ongoing program “Let’s Talk, 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 group is a partnership between RWJUH Hamilton and PyschHealth Associates here in Hamilton. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDSFAQ-WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org

to learn more

Tues., August 8; 10-11 a.m.

Get the facts on the latest in over-the-counter hearing aids. Learn the facts and get your questions answered by Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. A.B.A. a clinical audiologist with over 40 years of experience in the field of hearing science.

SOCRATES CAFÉ,

Wed., August 9; 2 to 3 p.m.

“Socrates Café” is about discussing a topic, sharing our thoughts, our beliefs, our ideas, and experiences. An unofficial mantra describes that we (people) learn more when we question, and question with others. This is a “safe zone” to share where all views are accepted. Come with an open mind, respect for one another, and a willingness to see where it takes us.

TAI CHI CLASS

Thu., August 10 & 24; 1 to 2 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. Beginner’s welcome.

GAME TIME

Thurs., August 10; 2 to 3:30 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

YOGA CLASSES

Tue., August 15 & 29; 10 to 11 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques offering modification of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginner’s welcome.

MEDITATION CLASSES,

Tue., August 15 and 29; 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin 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. Beginner’s welcome.

TECHNOLOGY CLASS

Wed., August 16; Noon to 1 p.m.

Frustrated navigating online registration for Better Health Programs? Can’t figure out how to text your grandkids. Back to help us with our technology challenges are our friends from “Camp Fire NJ, Teens on Fire.” Whether you have questions about your

mobile device, a laptop, or iPad, bring your device and learn how to complete simple tasks.

PREDIABETES 101

Tue. August 15; 11 to 12 p.m.

What you need to know and do if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

ANTIQUES ON THE ROAD

Thu., August 17; 2 to 3:30 p.m

We ask all attendees to arrive promptly at 2 p.m. and be ready for a fun and informative program. Each attendee can bring only ONE item to have appraised. Together we will learn some history about our treasures and find out what’s hot and what’s not in the antique and collectables market. Thomas Petrino will lead this program. He has been a full-time Personal Property Appraiser and is Certified by the Appraisers Guild of America. He also serves as acting appraiser for the NJ Treasury, consults with banks, attorneys and insurance companies to authenticate and appraise estates.

Bordentown hosts delegation from ‘sister city’ of Mortefontaine

The City of Bordentown partnered with the Bordentown Historical Society to host a ceremony on Bastille Day to cement and celebrate its new “sister city” relationship with a delegation visiting from the village of Mortefontaine, France, just north of Paris.

The event highlighted the unique place in history both Bordentown and Mortefontaine share as home to Joseph Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon and former King of both Spain and Naples. Bordentown City Mayor Jennifer Sciortino and Mortefontaine Mayor Jacques Fabre spoke about the sister cities’ commonalities, exchanged gifts, and highlighted the mutual affection that has developed between the two towns.

To honor the visiting French delegation, Bordentown decked out its historic one square mile town, adorning light posts in the downtown business district with French and American flags, affixing signs denoting the new sister city relationship to each of the existing welcome signs at the town’s entrance points, erect-

ing a mini-Eiffel Tower festooned with flowers designed by a local florist, and proclaiming “Bienvenue a Bordentown” on its electronic bulletin sign.

“I can’t thank the Bordentown Historical Society enough, particularly Director Peter Tucci, for spearheading this relationship,” said Bordentown Mayor Jennifer Sciortino. “The relationship we’re forging between our two cities is bound by so many things, including the spirit of generosity that is shared by both of our towns and the people who call them home.”

A delegation from Bordentown, including Mayor Sciortino and members of the Bordentown Historical Society, first traveled to France last October to sign a mutual cooperation agreement at the Chateau de Mortefontaine, which was purchased by Joseph Bonaparte in 1798. The mutual cooperation agreement is designed to highlight the shared history between the two municipalities and foster historical and cultural tourism, economic development, and intercontinental educa-

tional programming, paving the way for a potential student exchange program.

In 1816, Bonaparte settled in the City of Bordentown after fleeing Europe following Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, establishing an estate known as Point Breeze, which he modeled after the grounds and estate of Mortefontaine. Fittingly, the Bastille Day ceremony was held at the site of Bonaparte’s former Bordentown estate, which recently became home to a new Bordentown Municipal Complex, D&R Canal State Park, and D&R Greenway Discovery Center.

“Mortefontaine is not a typical village in France. It’s quite unique and very historic, with three castles, including Bonaparte Castle in the center of the village, and a school, which is why this is very important for us,” said Mortefontaine Mayor Jacques Fabre. “We have 1,600 pupils in a very large school, from 8 to 18 (years old). It’s really very interesting to exchange and bring people together for a better understanding and we are excited about that.

“Three years ago, when I arrived at City Hall as a new mayor, I received an email from an American (Peter Tucci) and I did not know anything about Bordentown and the story of Joseph Bonaparte in the United States. It was not easy to organize something in his castle because it’s a private castle now, but we did and it was a nice treat for all of us. May we applaud and thank Peter Tucci for igniting this whole process. When you manage a village, it’s never easy to get dedicated people. I found, in Bordentown, people are very enthusiastic about history. It’s incredible what the Historical Society has done for us every day here.”

Joining both mayors at the ceremony to celebrate this new relationship were Mortefontaine’s Deputy Mayor Chantal Malaquin, State Sen. Troy Singleton and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr., who represent Bordentown in the Legislature, Bordentown Deputy Mayor Joe Myers, Bordentown Commissioner and former Mayor James Lynch, Jr., Bordentown Historical Society director Peter Tucci

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

EDITOR

Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rich Fisher

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Doug Kiovsky

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

Community News Service

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Phone: (609) 396-1511

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A contingent from Mortefontaine, France, visit Philadelphia on July 15 during the group’s trip to the U.S. to celebrate its new “sister city” relationship with Bordentown. Pictured are Sophie Fabre, wife of Mortefontaine, France; Pierre Fabre, son of Sophie and Jacques Fabre; Chantal Malaquin, deputy mayor of Mortefontaine; Denis Malaquin (her husband) and Jacques Fabre visit Philadelphia, July 15, 2023. oto by Steven Lederman.)

and co-presidents Dr. Steve Lederman and Bonnie Goldman, and Peter Larsen of the Lawrence Historical Society, representatives from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, which owns the state park located on the site, and officials from Bordentown City’s numerous offices, boards, and committees.

The Bordentown Regional School District was also represented in full force with superintendent Trudy Atkins providing remarks in both English and French, expressing the school system’s desire to establish relations with Mortefontaine’s school. Additionally, Board of Education president Mike James and member Jan DeMott Nielsen, who represent Bordentown City, were in attendance, along with students and staff from Bordentown Regional High School.

During the Bastille Day ceremony, a cast iron sign was unveiled to mark Bordentown’s official designation as the newest spot on the Lafayette Trail, the history of which was detailed by Peter Larsen of the Lawrenceville Historical Society who worked with Bordentown Historical Society’s co-presidents to help facilitate this new designation.

After Bonaparte sold his Bordentown property and returned to Europe, it was privately owned by several prominent businessmen until it was purchased in the 1940’s by the Society of the Divine Word, a catholic missionary, which used the property as a seminary and school for

priests and, in its later years, a home for retired priests.

The property was jointly purchased from Divine Word several years ago by the City of Bordentown, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the D&R Greenway Land Trust, to be permanently preserved as a new state park, municipal complex and museum.

An archived video of the ceremony can be viewed on Bordentown City’s Facebook page.

Summer Restaurant Week scheduled to kick off on Aug. 20

The next Burlington County Restaurant Week is less than three weeks away, and the Burlington County Commissioners are encouraging restaurants to participate in what they hope will be the county’s biggest business promotion to date.

The summer celebration of Burlington County’s restaurants, taverns and eateries is scheduled for Aug. 20-26 and will once again look to showcase some of the region’s best food and drink.

Burlington breweries, distilleries and food trucks are also eligible to participate.

The weeklong event is sponsored by the Burlington County Commissioners, Sen. Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Many participating restaurants and eatSee NEWS, Page 6

eries also choose to create special menus, dishes or discounts to offer customers during the week.

“Burlington County has incredible places to eat and Restaurant Week is our way of celebrating and promoting them,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We want the upcoming Summer Restaurant Week to be our biggest yet, so we’re reminding restaurants to sign up now so we can begin promoting their participation.”

Restaurants can sign up for the Summer Restaurant Week by completing a short online form available at www. co.burlington.nj.us/1844/Summer-Restaurant-Week-2023. There’s no charge to participate, and restaurants are not required to create specials or discounts.

Burlington County Restaurant Week was created in 2019 as an economic development initiative to showcase restaurants and their importance to local communities. The county says that it quickly grew to become one of its biggest and most popular business promotions, which prompted the commissioners to expand the event and hold it twice a year.

“The first Winter Restaurant Week was held in March this year and was a giant success with more than 60 restaurants participating,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Tom Pullion. “We expect the upcoming Summer Restaurant Week to be even bigger. Residents should mark their calendars and prepare to try some fantastic food.”

Bordentown restaurants already signed up to participate include Mangia Brick Oven and Pizza and Palermo’s.

Burlington offering free wi-fi in county parks

Free public wi-fi is available as part of a new initiative to expand internet access and connectivity to all Burlington County Parks.

The Burlington County Commissioners announced that the Burlington County Fairgrounds would become the first county park to provide the free service. To log onto Burlington County’s service, turn on your device’s Wi-Fi and look for “Burlco” on the wireless network list. Select it and connect.

The service is being offered in the parks as part of the County’s “Burlington County Connects” initiative to expand free wi-fi service to all County-owned buildings and properties. Doing so allows residents and visitors to stay connected and access online services, including those who are unable to access or afford reliable internet service at home.

Burlington County’s free wi-fi network comprises more than 200 wireless

access points, and now stretches across 20 county-owned buildings, including the county administration facilities at 49 and 50 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly, the Burlington County Human Services Building and all 15 Burlington County Library System branches and member libraries.

More than 100,000 users have connected to the public wi-fi service during the past year, according to the Burlington County Department of Information Technology.

New N.J. laws intended to deter auto theft

Gov. Phil Murphy on July 7 signed a series of bills to combat auto theft in New Jersey.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a media release that more than one million vehicles are stolen across the

See NEWS, Page 11

Correction: In the July coverage of the Bordentown Regional High School top 10 graduating seniors, the profile for senior Ryan Kaufman contained several errors. Ryan’s corrected profile is below.

Ryan Kaufman

University of Central Florida

Industrial Engineering

Rank: 5 GPA: 109.46

Career plans: Industrial engineer with hopes of becoming an Imagineer.

Clubs: Theater Club & International Thespian Society (public relations Officer), Key Club (president, webmaster), Class Council (president and historian), Student Council, National Honor Society Sports: Golf.

Schools attended: Peter Muschal, MacFarland Intermediate, Bordentown Regional Middle School.

Favorite memory of school: My favorite memory of high school has been helping out in any way I can and truly making an impact on the high school whether that be doing the announcements throughout my high school career or helping run tours for incoming freshmen in the summer. A specific achievement that was my favorite was earning a Superior Medal in the Duet Acting category at the New Jersey Thespian Festival and being asked to perform the scene at the closing ceremony!

Excellence in Stroke Care

Capital Health Regional Medical Center Earns National Awards for

Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) recently received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Quality Achievement Award. This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

The American Heart Association also awarded Capital Health Regional Medical Center its Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between a patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

Capital Health Regional Medical Center earned these awards by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients also receive education on managing their health and have a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

“For many years now, our community has come to rely on Capital Health to provide the most advanced stroke care possible,” said Dr. Dustin Rochestie, director of the Stroke Program and director of Neurology and Neuro Critical Care at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. “By meeting and exceeding the standards established by the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines initiative at RMC—which is home to Capital Institute for Neurosciences and our Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center—we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring more stroke patients in Central New Jersey and Lower Bucks County can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Additionally, Capital Health Regional Medical Center received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Hospitals that qualify for this recognition ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

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.

B

Balance

—

Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?

E— Eyes

Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

—

A

Face Drooping

Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?

— Arm Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

— Speech Difficulty

Is speech slurred? Is the person is unable to speak or hard to understand? As the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

— Time to call 911

If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptom appeared.

UNDERSTANDING CLINICAL TRIALS

In the medical field, researchers are constantly looking for new information to prevent and cure diseases, treat symptoms, and provide a better quality of life to those who are suffering. One way of gathering this information is through conducting clinical trials.

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is now an NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) affiliate site. As a participating site, Capital Health Cancer Center now offers residents in the greater Mercer and Bucks County region access to new and innovative NCI-sponsored clinical trials in the cancer prevention and control, screening, care delivery, and treatment areas. DR. CATALDO DORIA, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center, leads a team that is dedicated to working with patient volunteers in order to achieve the best outcomes of the studies.

“I think the best way that we achieve the goal is to be one hundred percent honest with the patient and to describe the important details,” said Dr. Doria. “One session might not be enough. One single conversation might not be enough. Sometimes you have to give the patient the time to digest the information. You have to be in the position of giving the patient some materials that he or she can read. And then sometimes you have to follow up with another phone call or with another visit.”

People participate in clinical trials for different reasons. Patients with cancer may want to have access to the latest drugs or treatments. By doing so, they receive added care and attention by the physician and care team. Others may want to help researchers and help patients with the same disease in the future.

After a promising drug has been tested in the lab, it needs to be tested in a clinical trial. As an NCORP participating site, Capital

Health Cancer Center’s team of providers and researchers help patients gain access to clinical trials across a broad range of cancer care benchmarks, including symptom management, prevention, screening, surveillance, care delivery and quality of life.

When participants volunteer for a study, they are informed about the risks and benefits of the study. To best understand the potential risks, it’s important for participants to have a conversation with the researchers or points of contact in the study. These professionals are always open to communicating and begin by sharing what is known as clinical trial protocol, which includes:

… The goal of the study

… Who qualifies to take part in the trial

Details about tests, procedures, and treatments

… The expected length of the trial

… What information will be gathered

In addition to the clinical trial protocol, it’s crucial for volunteers to always ask questions so they have a full understanding of the study and can determine if it is a good fit for them.

To learn more about open clinical trials at Capital Health Cancer Center, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/ncorp to sign-up for email updates or call 609.537.6363 to schedule a consultation with a Cancer Center physician.

Gynecologic (GYN) Cancer Support Group

Second Tuesday of

Every

Month | 10 − 11 a.m. | Location: Zoom

Meeting

Our newest support group is designed specifically for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers (ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, vaginal). Our support group offers a safe space to share experiences, learn from one another and obtain the social support needed to develop a healthy sense of well-being. This group is open to all from diagnosis to survivorship regardless of where you are receiving your treatment. Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom.

There is no cost to participate, but pre-registration is required. To register, scan the QR code or visit capitalhealth.org/events.

@capitalhealthnj

capitalhealthcancer.org

CAPITAL HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER – HOPEWELL REDESIGNATED AS A BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL

ONE OF 13 BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITALS IN NEW JERSEY

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell in Pennington, New Jersey has again achieved the international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

Being Baby-Friendly means Capital Health meets the highest standards of care for breastfeeding parents and their babies. These standards are built on the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

“I would like to congratulate our entire team for their extraordinary commitment to our patient community. This third Baby-Friendly® designation ranks us among a select group of facilities that demonstrate an abiding commitment to ensuring every parent feels confident and comfortable feeding their new baby,” said Alexandra Nelson, divisional director of Maternal Child Health Services, Capital Health.

“From the prenatal setting, to inpatient care, and into our pediatric clinic, our teams are wholly committed to providing excellent clinical care grounded in compassion and responsiveness to each family’s unique goals,” said Melanie Miller, manager of Lactation Services at Capital Health. “We are proud to have maintained this designation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to have grown our services to include expanded in-house lactation support and increased access to human donor milk.”

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. According to the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support

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Storytelling and Voice Sound Loud at Grounds for Sculpture

BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER

If you concentrate on a story, staying mindful of its nature as a living, breathing vessel for keeping traditions alive or unpacking trauma, then you might be able to hear when the speaker, once given the chance to share without judgment and forge interpersonal connections, exhales in relief. The words used still have meaning but no longer bear their heavy weight alone, newly empowered by a mutual sense of community and revitalized by human interaction.

Everyone has the right to express themselves in their own syntax, but only a few people have the opportunity to amplify that point of view with complete control over the language used.

Reaching that loud volume, like any tale worth telling, is always better with company.

The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton presents this platform to members of New Jersey’s Indian diasporic community for “Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits,” a living exhibit that opened on the ground floor of the Domestic Arts Building on April 23, 2023, and runs

through January 7, 2024.

This project, along with “Spiral Q: The Parade” on the upper level, are the first to debut in GFS’ new “Perspectives” series, which draws from the creative practices of the artists at its helm as well as the accounts of the people who bring it to life.

Madhusmita “Madhu” Bora, a folk and traditional artist, journalist, educator, writer, and dancer, organized the exhibit in partnership with co-curators Kathleen Ogilvie Greene, the chief audience officer at GFS, and Quentin Williams, the founder and CEO of Dragon Tree Media Group, to ensure personal autonomy and authenticity.

The 15 subjects actively participated in and led the process of chronicling their lived experiences, doing so through video interviews, photography, and by choosing objects that held significance to them.

This range of deep, emotive stories maintains the vulnerabilities that make them unique without being exploited, and the exhibit leaders hope to bridge the conversational gap between individuals of different backgrounds and demonstrate the importance of dialogue.

Upstairs, “Spiral Q” conveys the creativSee Local Voices, Page 4

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From Local Voices, Page 2

ity behind activism via puppets and protests, with the Philadelphia-based group organizing processions on social issues from transgender rights to affordable housing.

Virtual walkthroughs of both exhibits are available online, with the “Local Voices”

“Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits,” on display in the Domestic Arts Building at the Grouds for Sculpture, left, is co-curated by artist Madhusmita “Madhu” Bora, a journalist and dancer, right, and runs through January 7, 2024. Installation view courtesy of Bruce M. White. Bora, pictured at the storytelling retreat, courtesy of Monica Herndon.

page on the GFS website, groundsforsculpture.org/exhibitions/local-voices-memories-stoaries-and-portraits, linking to the YouTube videos and audio-only interview segments for each storyteller.

According to the exhibit materials, Grounds for Sculpture developed this project in response to the museum’s 2021 audience demographic census, which revealed a correlation between its attendees and the

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United States Census for those who selfidentified as Asian.

To interact and engage with a specific community from that group, GFS collaborated on an exhibit in which people could

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share their stories as a look at the Indian community in New Jersey, described as “the largest ethnic group among the Asian diaspora” in the state.

According to the Indian American Impact Project, an organization that was founded to promote the voices of Indian Americans and South Asian Americans in politics, “nearly 5% of New Jersey’s population is South Asian, more than any other state in the nation.”

The website continues that “over 1 million Asians live in New Jersey, with Indian Americans making up the largest ethnic group,” particularly concentrated in Middlesex County—Edison and Iselin’s Oak Tree Road, known as “Little India,” is a bustling shopping district at the cultural center of the community.

According to a May 2022 Washington Post analysis of Census Bureau data from 2020 in “An American life: How Asian migrants built unique communities,” Mercer County itself recorded a 48.2% growth of Asian American and Pacific Islander, or AAPI, populations since 2010.

The four storytellers from the Mercer County area are Shazard Mohammed, Hamilton/Ewing; Shivani Patel, Princeton Junction/West Windsor; Yogesh Sharma, Lawrenceville; and Shoba Panoli, Pennington.

“My whole intention was to uplift and celebrate the diverse tapestry of India,” Bora said in an interview, noting that she worked alongside the GFS team, especially Greene, to identify demographic “lenses” such as age, language, religion, economic status, immigration, ability, region, caste, and sexual orientation to incorporate a wide spectrum of storytellers.

Each subject was then liberated from these labels, symbolically unchecking the boxes, as the exhibit materials explain, and prompted to recount a story that affected their life.

“Local Voices” expanded as Bora began to see the emerging pattern of personal agency in each narrative, creating a colorful mosaic of people with roots across India and the globe who collectively followed at least seven religions and spoke more than 10 languages.

After seven months of planning, the group gathered at the Grounds for Sculpture for an all-day retreat in February that included storytelling workshops and training, as well as individual photography sessions in which the subjects “were asked to arrive in clothing [that] made them feel powerful and celebrated,” according to the GFS exhibit page.

The speakers then collaborated with female BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) photographers to envision portraits capturing their most authentic selves, selecting which image would be on display.

At the end of the retreat, many of the storytellers left behind objects of significance and scheduled their respective video sessions.

Although the subjects spoke for hours at a time with Bora and photojournalist Danese Kenon, the managing editor of visuals for the Philadelphia Inquirer, the exhibit could only feature a single three- to five-minute story from each person.

Bora disclosed that the full versions would be preserved in a personal copy for the participants as well as in the archives of the exhibit partner, the South Asian American Digital Archive, or SAADA, to document the comprehensive oral histories.

“Local Voices” is a “living exhibit” focused on cultivating relationships over the program itself, but the theme of art with a pulse is familiar to Bora and a natural extension of her own craft.

Inquirer to the Tampa Bay Times

She lived in places like Washington, D.C., Iowa, and Indiana, even settling in Cape May for a three-year period where she wrote for the Press of Atlantic City.

But in 2008, Bora relocated from Florida to Philadelphia, where she has resided ever since.

While she would continue to freelance, Bora decided to experiment with her artistic inclinations and co-founded the Sattriya Dance Company with her sister-inlaw, Prerona Bhuyan, in 2009.

Sattriya is a living dance tradition that originated in the Hindu monasteries of Assam over 500 years ago.

Although the art form had been traditionally practiced by celibate monks, the Indian government recognized Sattriya as a major Indian classical dance in 2000, which led to more women “embracing” the art form, Bora said.

Now, Bora is currently an adjunct instructor at Lincoln University and has since returned to the newsroom as the managing editor of suburban coverage for WHYY, a Philadelphia public radio station.

in this world. As a trained journalist, I’m always curious about the world around me. I was raised in a household of storytellers and disruptors,” she added.

“I grew up with my grandparents in a very rural Indian town, surrounded by art and culture and discussions of politics. Both my grandfathers were freedom fighters, and so I was raised in this atmosphere where culture and stories were always part of my education in this world.”

“Then, as an immigrant living in diaspora, I’m always thinking about what it is like to be an immigrant, how important our stories are, how important identity is, [and] how important stories are in terms of also passing our experiences and wisdom to the next generation and connecting us to our habitat. Stories connect us in very, very deep ways as humans.”

“When somebody’s sharing a story with you, it has a very spiritual overtone, because it’s something very sacred that somebody’s trusting you with their vulnerabilities and their experiences,” Bora said.

“Especially when people who do not have a chance to tell their story are invited to share their story. They are transformed, and we are transformed from listening to their experiences.”

The response has been “overwhelming” from both local and Indian media, according to Bora, with the exhibit having attracted about 500 or so attendees on opening night alone.

Bora said that because of her initial focus on the practical, behind-the-scenes aspects of the project, she rarely had the time to consider the tremendous “impact and outcome” the stories might carry.

But seeing the subjects take “collective ownership” over their stories and embrace the empowerment that comes with that, she added, deeply impacted her as well.

Now, Bora noted that she takes comfort in knowing there is this extended family of people to support each other, and the resilience she has personally learned from them has been invaluable.

Originally from the Northeastern Indian state of Assam, Bora finished her undergraduate and a master’s degree at two institutions in New Delhi before continuing her studies at the Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in Illinois, where she graduated with another master’s degree.

Bora has worked in newsrooms around the country, tackling business and technology at papers from the Philadelphia

“As a practitioner of this art form, I am drawn to stories. I’m also deeply aware of what it means to not be represented in mainstream art tapestries; it is so specific and nuanced. I guess it makes me a lot more sensitive to folks who are in the margins, because I feel like I operate from the margins, too, with my art form. My journalism is a sense of inquiry and curiosity, and that training of being objective, listening to people, and asking questions is what informed and drove this project,” she explained.

“Everything I do informs how I move

“To be on this journey with them, in sharing their joy and their sorrow and their trauma and then how they overcame so many of life’s hurdles, I was on all those journeys with them, and so it’s been really, really beautiful,” she said.

“It’s important to tell your story. It’s very crucial for each one of us to record the stories of our families, of our elderly people, [and] of our own stories. Stories are magical; stories are transformative; stories help form community and allow us to really be better people,” she said, adding that everyone should tell and claim their stories, as well as place that same value on actively listening to what others share.

See Local Voices, Page 6

At its core, Bora emphasized, “Local Voices” is a “connective project.”

The 15 subjects first met at the museum retreat in February, where they took part in a series of workshops and individual photography sessions. Photo by Monica Herndon, above, from left to right: Kiran Rajagopalan, Farzana Rahman, Asha Lata Devi, and Shoba Panoli.

At its core, Bora emphasized, “Local Voices” is a “connective project.”

“It is owned by the community; it is driven by the community; and again, it’s an offering that speaks to love, loss, and resilience that connects us all as humanity,” she said. ***

Shazard Mohammed Ewing/Hamilton

Born in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Shazard Mohammed, better known by his nicknames “Todd” or “Toddy,” immigrated with his family from the town of San Juan to the Mercer County area in

Mohammed lives in Ewing but owns Roti Plus Caribbean Restaurant at 1147 South Olden Avenue in Hamilton, which he opened in 2021 after helping his uncle, Ramesh Hayban—the then-owner of Trenton’s Hot on D Spot, now under new ownership and the name of Annie’s Hot on D-Spot Roti Shop—run the Trinidadian restaurant.

In his “Local Voices” interview, Mohammed explained that he had never previously traveled outside his country before deciding to take “a page out of history” and follow in the footsteps of his “forefathers who left India to come to Trinidad to become something better and make a better life for their family. They had a 90-day journey, and I was only getting on a plane for five hours.”

As a high school dropout, Mohammed shared that he was unsure about his future in America, but after landing on a Wednes-

day, by that Monday, he “started working at a factory for eight bucks an hour.”

“By the time I left in 2009, I was making almost triple digits,” he said, but the “pressure” of the workplace began to weigh on him, with the “insults” negatively affecting his state of mind.

“Being called ‘highly paid morons’ and having to do dirty work that no one else wanted to do, I felt like I was in slavery. It was taking away from my mental health, so I decided this [was] no longer going to work for me, so I left that and had no idea what I was going to do to support my family.”

After learning through reading his trusty Home Depot books and watching videos, Mohammed took up a job as a handyman, eventually becoming a self-taught licensed contractor in the construction business.

Mohammed then expanded on the troubles of his economic situation, which included veering into the restaurant industry after making an ultimately ill-fated agreement with a family member and having to pick up the pieces himself when it fell apart.

Without this person in the picture, Mohammed “was a housing inspector for hotels and multiple dwellings,” forced to “juggle both jobs, working full-time, and coming to the restaurant afterwards,” he said, starting to get visibly upset from speaking about the toll it took on him.

“There [were] days I drove home and didn’t even know how I got home. It was just all muscle memory,” he continued, breaking again with emotion. “I told my

wife, ‘I have to choose. Either we sell the business or I give up the state job.’”

In the end, Mohammed had to forfeit his retirement plan with the state and continue investing in the business, but as Bora said in her interview for Six09, he was able to create “a place that’s home away from home for so many people,” not just the local Trinbagonian population.

“At times I want to quit. I want to give up, but then I see people come in sometimes— and I’m a humanist, and I also struggle with depression—and some days I see sadness walking in the door, and I just say a few kind words, I serve them with a smile, I ask them how their day [is] going, how’s their family, is everything okay, and by the time they leave, most of them [have] a smile on their face,” Mohammed said.

“That brings joy to me to know that I’m not just running a business; I’m running a business where someone can feel safe when they come in here.”

Some speakers in “Local Voices” were asked additional questions, such as the meaning of their names and why they chose their objects.

Shazard, for example, means “prince” in Arabic, a suggestion from his mother’s best friend, who assumed a grandmotherly role for Mohammed and remarked that he “looked like a prince” at birth.

Meanwhile, his nickname, “Toddy,” came from his older brother, who gave him the title after a young Shazard would ask for a milkshake of the same name.

“Coming to America, people just started calling me Todd. Because I was intimidated

Shazard “Todd” Mohammed, left, the owner of Roti Plus Caribbean Restaurant in Hamilton, and Shivani Patel, right, from West Windsor’s Princeton Junction district, shared what resilience means to them. Photos by Sahar Coston-Hardy and Erica Lee.

or shy to let people know my true name, which is Shazard Mohammed, after 9/11, I just carried the name Todd, so most people thought I was American when they [spoke] to me over the phone, not knowing that I was of an immigrant culture,” he said.

Mohammed’s object is a hoodie with the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago, which bears the motto “Together we aspire, together we achieve.”

When people ask what it means to him, Mohammed says that he encourages them, again, to be humanists and to tackle greater challenges as a community.

“I take that to heart, because my interpretation of it is, ‘If we unite, we can conquer; if we come together as people, we can overcome any obstacles in our way,’ so I do wear that hoodie with pride,” he said.

Shivani Patel

Princeton Junction/West Windsor

Shivani Patel, also known as “Shivu,” was born in New Jersey and spoke about her experiences as a young person with autism and epilepsy, as well as the difficulty of managing both conditions while grieving the death of her beloved “late dada” or “dadaji,” which means paternal grandfather.

“When he died, it was so tragic, and it was so sad,” Patel said, adding that it also felt “humiliating” for her because her grandmother “knew nothing” about her autism.

Without his comforting presence, Patel found it “really hard to understand everything after losing dadaji and being with only her” during visits to her grandparents’ house in London.

“But after losing him, I have learned— thank God—how to control myself, etc., how to even control my own medical issues when having a super moment, like [an] unspeakable, un-breathable type of episode

See Local Voices, Page 8

Mohammed chose to display a sweatshirt with the coat of arms of his home country, Trinidad and Tobago, because he follows the “humanist” motto of the nation he immigrated from in 2000: “Together we aspire, together we achieve.”

The red khartal, a wooden clapper consisting of blocks and jingles, above, is an ancient musical instrument that resonates with Patel.

of high blood pressure issue when something doesn’t make me feel like, ‘Okay, I’m not comfortable in this position. I need to run away,’ or ‘I need to scream my head off, and I’m about to feel like I’m going to faint.’”

“Thanks to God and Grandpa, remembering all that and praying all that, I know how to handle those issues, because Dada used to tell me when I was younger that, ‘If you don’t calm down, you’re going to have a heart attack or a seizure, try to calm down,’ and I would manage it, I would calm down,” Patel explained, adding that in the time since his passing, she has worked on remembering the techniques he taught her to cope with stressful situations.

To Six09, Bora described Patel as “a beautiful spirit” who arrived at the retreat in “her full, glorious self,” eager to embody that strength for others.

Patel’s object is the khartal, a two-piece percussion instrument from Rajasthan, India, where a pair of “wooden blocks with small dimples are held in each hand,” then “clapped together when devotional and folk songs are performed,” she said.

The sound comes from the meeting of the cymbals, typically brass plates, adorning the two parts.

Yogesh Sharma

Lawrenceville

Yogesh Sharma founded Lawrenceville’s Radha Krishna Temple, “one of the oldest Hindu religious and cultural centers in Central New Jersey,” in 2002, according to its website.

Located at 357 Lawrence Station Road, the temple provides “Hindu and Vedic services, poojas, and ceremonies,” having expanded from one room to four buildings as the years progressed.

Sharma details that while she started the sacred space to assist priests and others in need, the temple only came to be because another living being close to her needed help—after neighborhood complaints about her dog’s barking reached the courtroom, a judge ordered its euthanization.

“I started going to another temple to pray for his life,” she recalled. “There, I met a priest who was in trouble in that temple. He asked me to help him out, and after a few days, he asked me to start a new temple where he [could] get his green card or visa, but I said, ‘Well, we don’t know anything about the temple, and so therefore we cannot do it,’” she explained.

“But he tried to convince me that, no, he will ‘take care of everything’ and ‘it will be a great thing for [the community].’”

Sharma shared that she and her husband did not have the background to run a temple, but the priest insisted, beginning a pattern of broken promises from people she assumed to be “very honest and honorable people” due to their religious backgrounds.

Although they were initially shocked to encounter the opposite, the Sharmas built the place of worship together and recruited those of the faith who kept their word.

In addition to having grown the Radha Krishna Temple from these uncertain beginnings, Bora commented that Sharma “is just a force of nature and has also overcome so many challenges in her life.”

“My dog was saved with my prayers, and [the] community is very happy with that

little temple,” Sharma reflected, noting that now, “We are like one big, huge family. We all love each other in that temple and try to do the best for the community.”

Sharma stated that in the future, she hopes to bring in even more priests, particularly Indian women—a new addition for most temples—as part of her mission to keep growing the community at Radha Krishna.

Sharma’s objects are “a silk sari and figurines of Rama and Sita,” the latter being two figures from the Sanskrit epic poem “Ramayana” who are incarnations of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Lakshmi

As the most common adaptation of the story goes, Rama rescued his wife, Sita,

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Both Yogesh Sharma of Lawrenceville, above, the founder of the Radha Krishna Temple, and Shoba Panoli of Pennington, opposite page right, reflected on the transformative power of religion and love. Speaker photos by Roshni Khatari and Erica Lee.

Sharma loaned GFS a pair of figurines depicting Rama and Sita, the avatars of Hindu deities Vishnu and Lakshmi, above, while Panoli chose her prayer book and photo card of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a “central figure” in her Baha’i faith and the son of its founder, Bahá’u’lláh, pictured on the following page.

The tale is a classic testament to the triumph of light over darkness, or good over evil, as conveyed through holiday legend.

Shoba Panoli Pennington

In her interview, Shoba Panoli introduces herself as “a Malaysian American of Sri Lankan and Indian heritage” who dreamed of settling down in Australia like her aunts but would end up in the United States as the result of an unexpected romance.

“But life sometimes has surprising twists, and you end up in a different place,” she said, sharing how their paths first crossed. “One day I was bored, and I was surfing the web, trying to look up the place that my dad was visiting in India. As I was reading up on Kerala, I stumbled upon a chat room, and there were only a handful of individuals in that room.”

“A guy said hello to me, and we started a small conversation, and he was attracted to my Sri Lankan Malayali background, and he found that a bit unique since he hasn’t met anyone with that background; little did I know that this would be the guy that I would one day get married to.”

Even when Panoli moved to Switzerland, she “continued chatting every day” with him, exchanging “hundreds of emails” that the two never deleted and still treasure

See Local Voices, Page 10

today.

“After finally chatting for about two years, we decided to meet face-to-face, so I flew to New York to meet him, and as the plane was touching down, I was feeling very nervous, and I was thinking to myself, ‘What if everything that he’s told me was a big lie?’ ‘What if he was a fake?’” Panoli said. This worry escalated as she spent over an hour searching for his face among the airport crowd, unable to find the man she was supposed to meet until Panoli spotted him—dressed in the exact outfit he had described to her—and immediately recognized her future husband.

“I was in the United States for only a week, and he took me places; we saw a lot of things, and he took me to the top of the Empire State Building and asked me to

marry him,” she remembered fondly.

“I believe this was fate. If my dad wasn’t visiting India, I wouldn’t have gone online that day trying to look up the place that he was visiting, and we’ve been married for 23 years and have two wonderful boys.”

Panoli, characterized by Bora as a mother with “a very tender, sweet family,” received her name, meaning “light,” from her great-grandfather.

Panoli’s object is a prayer book and photo card of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, an important figure to her as a lifelong member of the Baha’i Faith.

“‘Abdu’l-Bahá is the master of the Baha’i faith, and he showed us how a Baha’i should live his life. I always carry that picture with me to remind myself of how a Baha’i should act,” Panoli explained in the audio interview.

Panoli added that prayer has always been an “important component” of her life, connecting her with God and guidance, and she has had this book for at least 15 to 20 years, which contains prayers for a variety of purposes and applications.

On the exhibit page for “Local Voices,” Panoli said that the following quote from the founder of the Baha’i Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, is always an inspiration for her:

“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone; let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”

***

“Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits” runs through January 7, 2024, in the Domestic Arts Building at the Grounds for Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton.

For more information, call 609-586-0616 or visit www.groundsforsculpture.org

Back to School

The Cambridge School

Where children who learn differently can thrive

Children who learn differently deserve to be educated in a school where they can thrive. For over 20 years, Cambridge School, in Pennington, NJ, has been that place, an extraordinary K-12 school that specializes in educating students with language-based learning differences. The guiding principle of the Cambridge School, since its founding, has been that every child deserves the opportunity for an excellent education.

Cambridge is committed to providing that education in a warm, nurturing and individualized learning environment for children who learn differently. Our mission is to prepare each student with the necessary academic, personal and social skills to succeed.

Students diagnosed with languagebased learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, or executive function challenges, typically struggle in traditional academic settings. Cambridge teachers are highly trained language specialists who utilize a student-centered approach to provide a personalized, yet comprehensive educational experience. When taught using research based methods that target their unique learning difference, these

bright children achieve measurable academic success. The Cambridge language curriculum is supported by the use of evidence based programs. Utilizing explicit, direct and systematic instruction, our teachers are able to scaffold and support the unique needs of each child. As educators, we believe that multisensory teaching strategies create more engaging, concrete and meaningful learning experiences. Enhanced by small classes, our approach allows each student to progress at his or her own pace. The result? Students increase their learning skills, gain confidence and self-esteem; and learn that they can thrive.

Cambridge School also has an impressive staff of highly qualified Speech and Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. For students who require these additional services our therapists design an individualized and comprehensive therapeutic program. They work with the student individually in therapy as well as collaboratively with his or her teacher to ensure that the therapy goals generalize into the academic classroom.

If you feel your child might benefit from a Cambridge School education, we invite you to come for a personal tour. Our campus is located in the Princeton, NJ area, though our students come from all over New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, particularly Bucks County. Discover how your child can thrive at thecambridgeschool.org

Back to School

Princeton Ballet School

Beyond technique: Empowering dancers

Princeton Ballet School is the official school of the American Repertory Ballet, celebrating over 65 years of excellence in dance education.

Classes are designed for all ages to build confidence, artistry, discipline, and foster students’ love of dance. Its world class faculty is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, with spacious studios, new state-of-the-art dance floors, and live music. The perfect environment to learn and grow.

What Sets the School Apart.

Founded in 1954 by Audrée Estey, Princeton Ballet School is one of the nation’s finest non-profit dance schools. Many things set Princeton Ballet School apart from the usual dance school, the most important being: its philosophy, its faculty, its affiliation with a professional ballet company, its dedication to live music in the classroom and its facilities.

The School’s Philosophy

Princeton Ballet School is known for nurturing developing dancers in a safe and progressive way. The school teaches age and developmentally appropriate ballet technique classes from a syllabus that allows younger students more time for movement exploration while providing advanced students with the tools to become professional dancers, if they so choose. As a result, all students develop self-esteem, self-discipline, and a strong fitness level that will provide a powerful edge in any future endeavor.

Outstanding Faculty. Princeton Ballet School has more than 20 specialized faculty members. Many have attained graduate degrees in dance education and have won major teaching awards. All are committed to the school’s philosophy of dance education and to helping students

St. George Preschool

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Full- 1/2 day, early morning drop off, late pick up schedules available Competitive tuition rates - secure environment indoor gym - outdoor playground - qualified educators

achieve their best. Members of the outstanding faculty have performed professionally with companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, and American Repertory Ballet.

Live Music. The school’s ballet classes have live musical accompaniment. This is particularly fun for the children’s classes, where frequent improvisational exercises provide an opportunity for students to interact and collaborate with the staff of professional musicians.

Facilities. Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton,

New Jersey. All locations are wheelchair accessible and feature sprung dance floors and marley from Harlequin Floors. The striking Princeton and Cranbury facilities were designed by the late Ralph Lerner, an internationally known architect and former Dean of the School of Architecture at Princeton University. The studios in New Brunswick are part of the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2019.

More information: arballet.org/ princeton-ballet-school/. See ad, page 12.

Angela Gering Director

“Building a foundation for a lifetime love of learning”

St. George Preschool

A Safe Place for Growth

At St. George Preschool, we believe that each child has an innate drive for exploring, discovering, communicating, and learning. Our purpose is to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for children to develop this innate drive to the fullest, and become life-long learners. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her individual interests, creativity and potential at their own pace by providing a wide variety of fun and ageappropriate activities and materials. In addition to the developmental goals in the areas of math, language, science, cognitive skills, motor skills, etc., stipulated by the state, the school aims to promote learning skills for life.

At the same time, we aim to enhance the child’s social, moral, cultural and spiritual growth through group interactions, uplifting stories, cultural events and gentle guidance. Since “a healthy mind is in a healthy body” as the Ancient Greeks said, we provide a huge indoors gym and a beautiful play ground with regular physical activities.

We offer high quality academic English programs for Preschool (3 years and potty trained) and Pre-K (must be 4 years old by October 1 of school year). Early morning care, after care, and enrichment programs are also available. We are part of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and state

licensed by the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. Our experienced staff has a passion building a foundation for a life-long love of learning. We are truly a family and we treat your children as such. For more information regarding

our program, please visit our website.

Saint George Preschool, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton. 609-586-2223. Contact director Angela Gering at director@stgeorgepreschool.org. See ad, page 11

Classes are designed for all ages to build confidence, artistry, discipline, and foster students’ love of dance. Our world class faculty is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, with spacious studios, new state-of-the-art dance floors, and live music. The perfect environment to learn and grow!

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A4930/S3390 expands criminal penalties related to the illegal use of motor vehicle master keys. Motor vehicle master keys are key fobs or computer programs that have the ability to operate the locks or start a motor vehicle.

Under the bill, individuals who knowingly possess one of these devices or programs for unlawful purposes or advertise these devices or programs knowing that such items are commonly used for unlawful purposes will be guilty of a fourth-degree crime. These provisions do not apply to law enforcement personnel, insurance organizations, or leasing business entities.

A4931/S2284 establishes the crimes of theft of a motor vehicle and receiving a stolen motor vehicle as separate statutory provisions resulting in either a second- or a third-degree crime, depending on the value of the car. Additionally, the bill provides for extended sentences for certain persistent motor vehicle offenders.

If an individual has been convicted on two or more prior, separate occasions of carjacking theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, or receiving stolen property that is a motor vehicle, then that individual may be subject to an extended term of imprisonment upon request of the prosecutor.

A5034/S3006 expands the crime of “leader of auto theft trafficking network” by amending the definition of said “leader” to include persons who conspire

with others as participants to engage for profit or to commit other criminal activity in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully take, dispose of, distribute, bring into, or transport motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts as stolen property.

The bill also establishes that the “participant in auto theft network” will result in a third-degree crime.

A5189/S3777 eliminates the presumption of pretrial release for defendants charged with certain motor vehicle theft offenses if the defendant was arrested or convicted of a prior motor vehicle theft offense within the 90-day-period preceding the charge.

Under the bill, the presumption of pretrial release would not apply to an eligible defendant charged with theft of or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or receiving stolen property where the property involved is a motor vehicle if on one or more prior and separate occasions during the 90-day-period preceding the charge, the defendant was arrested for or convicted of theft of or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; receiving stolen property where the property involved is a motor vehicle; or a crime under any statute of the U.S., this state, or any other state that is substantially equivalent to any of the crimes listed above.

Earlier this year, the governor signed a bill making it more difficult for bad actors to sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap yards and making it easier for law enforcement to identify, locate and prosecute violators.

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Police officers Andrew Addison, Patrick Carey and Christian Cardinale joined the Bordentown Township police after graduating from the Mercer County Police Academy on July 13. (Facebook photo.)

Left: Customers at the Ice Cream Boutique by 1892 Chocolates in Bordentown prepare to eat their ice cream. Second from left: servings of ice cream ready to eat at the Ice Cream Boutique by 1892 Chocolates in Bordentown. Third from left: perhaps unusually for an ice cream shop, the Ice Cream Boutique has baked empanadas for sale, as well as fresh-brewed coffee. Right: the shop on Farnsworth Avenue.

March a few blocks down from The Candy Jar.

“Here in Bordentown, people are so nice,” Alban says. “Somebody told us that the ice cream place was open for lease, and we thought about it, because we have experience with ice cream in Collingswood. In summer we have a case of ice cream there. So we basically said let’s take the opportunity and let’s open the store.”

The Ice Cream Boutique gets its artisanal ice cream from a purveyor in Virginia. The purveyor, a native of Peru, worked with Jose and family to come up with the shop’s signature flavors.

“We wanted him to make special kind of flavors but also the traditional flavors that you have here in America,” Alban

says. “We have chocolate chip, we have birthday cake. But we also have mango, we have a passion fruit, we have a strawberry. And those are all vegan and very fruit based, which gives it a very nice touch. We have dulce de leche made with caramel — it’s a very common sweet in Latin America, and we are trying to introduce new flavors like that here.”

The Ice Cream Boutique has gourmet ice pops from The Hyppo, based in Florida, as well as milkshakes, “fruity floats” (fruit ice cream plus fruit soda) and ice cream sandwiches. There is also a variety of savory snacks, like beef jerky, flavored popcorn and peanuts, and potato chips.

Aware that ice cream shops can be subject to seasonal swings, Alban has looked to incorporate a few other offerings on the menu, including fresh brewed coffee

as well as baked empanadas, which he sources from his aunt’s Hatboro, Pennsylvania-based business, Hungry Moon.

“Our aunt makes great empanadas, kind of Argentinean based,” Alban says. “But she took a step forward and she made them for American tastes, so we have classic flavors like beef and chicken, but we also have cheesesteak, pulled pork and buffalo chicken empanadas. She takes those flavors and mixes them up in the empanadas and people seem to really like it.”

Alban operates the stores along with his wife, Tina Fiallo, and sister Paula Alban. The family is originally from Quito, in Ecuador, but all have now settled in the U.S.

The family started 1892 Chocolates around five years ago, with Jose’s father running the business in the States. Jose remained in Ecuador, where he was responsible for picking out the cacao they used for their chocolates.

“I went to the farms, got the cacao, brought it to a factory, kind of like the ‘bean-to-bar’ process that everybody does right now,” says Alban, who lives in Marlton.

The 1892 Chocolates are made with cacao fino de aroma, a kind of cacao found only in Ecuador. “It’s kind of like a fruity kind of taste of cacao, it makes the chocolate not that bitter. It’s not your typical cacao that everybody uses, it’s a very specific kind from a very specific region of Ecuador, Puerto Quito — you can say it

grows in the rainforest.”

When their father became ill with cancer, Jose moved to the U.S. to help with the business stateside.

“I began to offer our bars to wineries, and that worked really well, and I went to a lot of wine festivals and markets, and that went really well. Then Covid hit,” Alban says. “But even if Covid wasn’t there, The Candy Jar (in Collingswood) started to grow, grow, grow as a business, so we decided to push all our energy to opening the new store in Bordentown, and that has led us now to the Ice Cream Boutique.”

The Candy Jar specializes in vintage candy as well as trendy candy, cotton candy and bulk chocolates, including chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate truffles and chocolate caramels.

In winter, hot cocoa made with chocolate bombs has become popular, and Alban now has them available at all the shops.

The Ice Cream Boutique, 216 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown. Open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday). Phone: (609) 400-5222. Web: theicecreamboutiqueby1892.com.

The Candy Jar, 144 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (609) 400-5528. Web: thecandyjarby1892. com.

BOUTIQUE continued from Page 1

reached out proactively to ask where the city’s needs lie and how he can help,” said city mayor Jennifer Sciortino. “In a year when funds are extremely tight, this grant is a huge win for so many people: our residents who prize walkability, the businesses that make up our downtown, commuters who rely on the light rail station, residents who call Park Street Apartments home, and of course, everyone eager to visit the new jewel at Point Breeze.”

The city received the grant in July, but Sciortino told the Current that there is still much work to be done in determining how the roadway will be reconfigured.

“Our engineers have started to initially flesh out what it would look like,” she said. “We’re looking to create a safe passage from the heart of the city out to what is becoming a crucial component of our city.”

Sciortino says improvements to Park Street were among the recommendations contained in the city’s Streetscape and

Parking Plan, which the Board of Commissioners formally approved at its July 10 meeting.

“In terms of the actual design, that’s what we still need to determine — whether the bike lane will be inside or outside and vice versa with the pedestrian area, and we’ll have to start working with the county on this because Park Street is a county road,” Sciortino said.

Sciortino added that a preliminary estimate of the financial cost of the project from the engineers came in around $100,000 higher than the grant award.

“This is definitely a welcome receipt from the state. It will cover the vast majority of the project, and hopefully we will be able to find some additional grant money to cover the remainder of the cost,” she said.

The driveway for the administration offices at 101 E. Park St. is a long, winding road, with the entrance a good deal farther down the road than the office buildings themselves.

“It’s not easy (to walk there),” Sciortino said. “You have to

either go all the way down to the main entrance, and that makes you backtrack about a quarter of a mile, or cut through the woods, which is not really passable.”

There is a disused path

through the woods closer to town — marked by two stone columns and a chain across the entrance. The path is a former entrance to Point Breeze, but opening it up for foot traffic is not

a matter of simply paving it over, Sciortino said, and doing so is not a part of the current plan.

“We’d love to, but it would require a lot of caution because it’s archaeologically sensitive,” she said. “You can still see remnants of a bridge [Bonaparte] created. Between that and the Native American history of that property, the state has a lot of very stringent requirements when it comes to digging or any other activity.”

With the streetscape plan now adopted, Sciortino said the planning board can now take a look what some of the next best steps for the city to follow in accordance with the plan.

In the near term, the city has reached an agreement with New Jersey Transit to allow use of the River Line station, at the other end of Park Street, for public parking.

“I’m actually working as we speak to get signage out there and to start marketing that, because that will be another connecting piece with this sidewalk and pedestrian bike path,” Sciortino said.

Sen. Troy Singleton and Bordentown City mayor Jennifer Sciortino with a grant check for $475,000 earmarked for walkability improvements to Park Street.

BRHS grad Baker takes leadership role for DelVal soccer

By Rich Fisher

A confident Gillian Baker has been voted by her teammates as tri-captain for this year’s Delaware Valley University women’s soccer team, and she will also be a key performer at midfield.

With that in mind, it’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, the former Bordentown High standout was ready to abandon the sport.

During her junior year — a key time for recruiting — Baker’s travel team disbanded and morphed into another squad. It was a somewhat chaotic time, and got her thinking.

“After three years of my travel team being different clubs, different girls, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I want to do this anymore,’” Baker said.

By her senior year (2020-21), which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, she had stopped reaching out to college coaches who might be interested in taking her on board at the next level.

“I said, ‘I don’t think I’m gonna do college soccer. What if all these changes happen in college? It’s a lot more serious,’” she said. “I decided I wasn’t going to play, and I applied to all the state schools around here.”

What Baker didn’t know is that she was already on the radar of Joe Nemzer, then head coach at Delaware Valley College, who had been monitoring her progress during travel soccer. Nemzer left a voicemail that changed her thinking.

“His message made me entirely reconsider,” Baker said. “My first thought was, ‘I’m not gonna do this.’ And then it was, ‘I can’t give up soccer. I can’t just join a women’s league and be happy with that. I know that I want to compete at the next level and keep going.’ So that’s what got me looking at DelVal.”

Ironically, a situation similar to her travel issues arose. DelVal was rebuild-

ing in her freshman year and, after a season building team chemistry, Nemzer left for an assistant’s job at the University of Maryland. Thus, a new coach with a new system came in, and the upheaval Baker had dreaded appeared to be happening.

One positive, however, is that Nemzer did not leave the roster a mess.

“He totally built a good base for us, and we weren’t left with unanswered questions,” Baker said. “We were left with a fully built team, which I really appreciated.”

That, however, did not prevent concern.

“It was definitely scary,” the 2021

BTHS graduate said. “My first thought was, ‘Do I need to transfer right now?’ It took a while, because they were interviewing a lot of people. During that break, I was really confused about what I was going to do.

“I absolutely loved Joe as a coach. I’d gotten comfortable with him. I liked the way he coached and his style of play. Once we met Ben (Wilson), I was still a little confused about my future path. I think a lot of our team was like that.”

But when Wilson was brought on board, the majority of women opted to stay. Baker, for one, has come to appreciate Wilson’s coaching style on and off the

field. And the coach feels the same way about the player.

“Gill, along with our other two captains (senior Marabelle Burkert, junior Jess Williamson) all received a bit over 75% of the team’s votes for captain,” Wilson said. “This definitely says a lot about Gill’s quality and investment in the program especially with her being only a junior.

“Gill is very involved with programs all over. Camps, SAAC, working in the sports information office. I think that involvement helped our program see her setting a good standard for our team alongside her academic and playing performance. She is a pretty quiet person, but only in

Bordentown’s Gillian Baker in action for Delaware Valley University. (Photo courtesy of Delaware Valley University Athletics.)

her volume of speech. She talks a lot and is always involved in group discussions, just in a quieter fashion than most. ”

Baker was “blown away” that her teammates saw her as a leader; although she did feel it was a necessary role to take last year, with a new coach coming in.

“Having two rebuild years is a struggle for everybody to define your place on the team and define what we are as a team as a whole,” she said. “How are we going to be, what are we going to play like?”

Thus she and Williamson, who is her roommate along with Burkert, discussed the direction they hoped to see the team take.

“It’s hard to rush building relationships and building team effort in the two weeks of preseason that we had,” Baker said. “It was an ongoing effort, and I think that’s another reason they voted for me. They saw me working with (Williamson) and we were able to do these things together and bring up team morale. But it was totally a team effort.”

With that taken care of, Baker is looking toward a strong year for the Aggies, and Wilson is looking for her to help lead the way. As a freshman, she started all but two games, picking up a goal and two assists from her midfield spot. Last season, starting all but one game, she tallied five goals despite being more of a defensive middie.

“She is very comfortable in possession of the ball compared to most other collegiate-level players,” Wilson said. “She has an excellent first touch and a great range of passing that really helps open up other teams’ defenses. Where she often gets highlighted most in games is on her freekick ability, especially from long-range. She scored on a couple of really great efforts last season.”

Baker said her restarts just sort of came about. During her freshman year, Nemzer asked if anyone wanted to take free kicks. The former Scottie volunteered, “and I just worked on it through last year’s off-season and kind of mastered the free kick,” she said.

As for being comfortable possessing the ball, Baker feels that has come to her by playing all over the field. Through experiencing each position, she has come to grasp each situation and knows what to do next with the ball at her feet.

“In high school, I found myself most comfortable in the middle,” she said. “I’m not just here to score a bunch of goals, I’m not just here to stop a bunch of goals. I feel like I’ve always seen the field very well and I’ve always been able to direct very well. That’s where I found myself being the holding center mid, possessing the ball, distributing the ball. That’s when I feel like I’m doing my best and when I was in high school I began to work on that and master that position more.”

Wilson agrees with that assessment, calling Gillian a “well-rounded” center midfielder. He noted that last year she was primarily in a defensive role but based on the returning personnel and incoming players he hopes to give her more freedom to attack this season.

“I enjoy being in the attack,” Baker said. “I’m not gonna lie this past year I was up there all the time. Our center mids consisted of me and Marabelle; and Jessica floated in between. Being roommates and best friends we really had good chemistry. It’s really nice to hear it’s more of a solid plan this year. We’ve already worked on it subconsciously so it will be a very good thing for all of us.”

Off the field, Baker has switched majors from Business to Media Communications. She is a part-time worker in the sports information department, and Sports Information Director Chris Elliot said “Gill is awesome. I have her helping us with a lot of graphic design work, photography, videography and broadcast production.”

Baker hopes to promote a successful women’s soccer season in 2023, as she says “I think the rebuilding is done and we’re just gonna play.”

And they will play behind her leadership.

Midfielder Gillian Baker is voted one of three captains for the Delaware Valley University soccer team. (Photo courtesy of Dealware Valley Athletics.

John V. Rice, Jr.: A genius of distinction

Doug Kiovsky

THE BEND IN THE RIVER

Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1871, John Virtue Rice, Jr. (1871-1962) was well established with the surroundings of Bordentown at an early age. He came from a prestigious family. His parents, John Rice (1833-1899) and Sarah Lowe Rice (1838-?) sent him to the Bordentown Military Institute when he was 12 years old in the hopes of formalizing his education. As a leading member of the Philadelphia and Delaware Bar Association, it was his father’s ambition to have his youngest son follow in the same career path that he and his older son achieved.

John’s brother, William Rice (18631910), was a very successful attorney in Cleveland, Ohio and his two sisters were prominent in the suffrage movement.

As a cadet in Bordentown, John didn’t always obey the rules. His discipline for one incident resulted in the grinding of India ink for his classmates as they spent a cold Saturday morning skating at the

local rink.

Frustrated, John conceived the notion of a compact device that grinded the ink for him. Not only did he complete the monotonous assignment in record time, but it also allowed him to enjoy his spare time ice skating. This invention changed the trajectory of his world by switching to the field of engineering. In addition, professional draftsmen would use his device years later.

John beamed with pride after he graduated from military school in 1893. Moving to Edgewater Park, he worked long hours in a laboratory, but somehow found the time to start a romantic relationship with a stunning Philadelphia debutante named Christine Wetherill (1878-1922), whose family had a summer home in town.

Her late father, Samuel Wetherill (18211890), was a chemist and industrialist who developed zinc oxide as a nontoxic substitute for white lead in the process of creating paint. Married in 1897, the young couple moved into her family’s opulent mansion which was near the laboratory. However, John’s compulsive and erratic behavior contributed to the

erosion of the marriage, and that led to divorce within five years. His former wife would remarry in 1908.

In 1902, John learned that a home on Bank Street in Bordentown was for sale by the Cromwell family and decided to investigate. Built as a replica of an Italian villa, complete with a belvedere, it was the former summer residence of the Waugh family, one of the country’s premiere portrait painters. Famed seascape artist Frederick Judd Waugh (1861-1940) was born in the home during the first year of the Civil War.

Fascinated by the large rooms that graced the walls and the exquisite tall windows that captured the tranquility of Crosswicks Creek, John’s enthusiasm prompted him to buy the grand estate. After some careful renovations to suite his needs, he inaugurated his efforts by throwing extravagant parties that held as many as 200 guests.

As Rice was distinguished in social realms, he found it easy to promote an elaborate list of friends for an evening of splendor and alcohol. Mailed invitations were rarely rejected. Among his friends were Thomas Edison (1847-1931) and Dr. Richard Gatling (1818-1903), the inventor of the wheat seed drill and the notorious machine gun that bore his name.

Although John found Gatling’s inventions intriguing, he toiled and tinkered in his workshop with a drill of his own design. As the 20th century ushered in the gasoline motor engine and “horseless carriage,” or automobile,

John became enamored with the subject. It was the sophistication of two-stroke engines that led him to perfect a doubleacting percussion rock drill.

Relying on only two gallons of gasoline instead of cumbersome steam hoses and boilers, the self-starting drill with reversible controls would operate consistently for eight hours. Patented in 1905, it punctuated a dramatic advancement in mining technology due to its efficiency in productivity.

Today it is considered the forerunner of the pneumatic drill that is used on many streets in cities and small towns across the globe for breaking up rock, pavement, and concrete. It’s also worthy to note that Rice invented a shock absorber that was used in early automobiles and airplanes.

By 1911, he had built and organized the Rice Gas Engine Company, which was located close to his home on the Crosswicks Creek. In the machine or boatbuilding shop were employed 50 to 60 skilled laborers that produced pleasure and racing crafts up to 60 feet in length.

On numerous occasions, these sleek and stylish vessels, fitted with Rice engines, attained speeds up to 35 knots, or 40 mph, as they rapidly churned the frothy water of the Delaware River. Sales were brisk, and the company was financially sound, with a million dollars’ worth of capital.

There was no “middle ground” for a remarkable figure like John V. Rice, Jr. When he was making a fortune from his inventions, he was a phenomenal spender, with no remorse for his actions. This was demonstrated in October 1912, when he was arrested in Trenton for exceeding the speed limit in his car while under the influence of alcohol. When arraigned before the city judge, he admitted that he was feeling “happy” at the time, but blamed faulty brakes for his reckless manner.

Stupefied by the response, the judge expressed his frustration toward Rice’s flagrant disregard for the law, especially considering that he was a person with “a position of wealth.” The judge sentenced him to a night in jail with a subsequent fine of $10.

Unable to sleep much with stark accommodations such as a wooden board, the inventor realized that the punishment was more lenient than anticipated and left his cell the following morning with a stiff back, an unkempt suit, and an agonizing frown.

In spite of his grand inventions, John

John V. Rice, Jr. (Photo courtesy of the Bordentown Historical Society.)

Did you get enough sleep last night?

Ask The Doctor

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three American adults do not get enough sleep on a regular basis.

A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep has been linked to chronic diseases and conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, depression, and heart disease.

From preventing minor mistakes at work to an increased risk of injury, good sleep is important to your health. Kevin Law, MD, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, who specializes in pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine, answers some key questions regarding sleep disorders and the first steps in determining the cause of

sleep disturbance.

What are the most common types of sleep disorders? The most common sleep disorder is sleep apnea, which affects as many as 18 million Americans. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that disrupts a person’s sleep and usually is accompanied by snoring. Men and people who are obese are at greatest risk. Restless leg syndrome is often referred to as “the most common problem you have never heard of.” It is a neurological movement disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs. Because it occurs most frequently late in the day or at night, especially when lying down, restless leg syndrome is a leading cause of sleep problems. Narcolepsy, another prevalent sleep disorder, is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by involuntary sleep attacks at inappropriate times, such as falling asleep at your desk or during a business meeting.

How can sleep disorders impact

your health?

If untreated, sleep disorders can increase a person’s risk for heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, heartburn and depression. Lack of sleep also can lead to “drowsy driving,” which is a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. In addition, sleep disorders can impact your work productivity and personal relationships.

What should I do if I suspect that I have a sleep disorder?

Talk to your doctor. “Snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are more common than you think. They can be a sign of a serious health condition and put you at risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and the inability to maintain a healthy weight,” says Dr. Law. An overnight sleep study may be needed to pinpoint the cause of your sleep disturbance. RWJUH Hamilton ‘s Sleep Center is an accredited Medical Center by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and offers a full range of services used in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of many sleep-related disorders in adults and children. The Center offers customized scheduling for your convenience and is located at 1 Union Street, West Lake Building, in Robbinsville.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call 609-586-7900.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Dance It Out! 6 to 7 p.m. When in doubt, dance it out! Have fun and destress with this interactive program. No experience required, all ages welcome.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

Create Your Own Vision Board Workshop. 6 to 8 p.m. What is your deepest desire for what you would like to be, do or have? Come create your own vision board to help bring your dreams to life. Please bring scissors, all other materials provided.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Ask the Dietitian. 3 to 6 p.m. Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-onone Q&A. Registration is required. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

What Are The Benefits Of Meditation? 6 to 7:30 p.m. The practice of focused concentration, known as meditation, brings yourself back to the moment over and over again. Explore

the benefits of meditation in this informational session with optional demonstration. Matt Masiello, CCH, founder of Esteem Hypnocounseling, will guide the group through this practice.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Prediabetes 101. 4 to 5 p.m. What you need to know and do if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Destroy The Clots: Interventions For Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. 6 to7:30 p.m. Lasanta Horana, MD, FACEP, Director of Emergency Medicine, will discuss the importance of timely interventions when faced with “blood clots”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

Healing Journeys: Discussion with Author Jessica Wilson. 6 to 7 p.m. Join Jessica Wilson, author of “Healing Journeys” for a book talk on toxic relationships, where we’ll delve into the different types of abuse and explore what constitutes a toxic relationship. I’ll share strategies to guide you through these challenging situations and empower you on your healing journey. Feel free to ask any questions in a safe and supportive environment. Let’s unravel the complexities of toxic relationships together. Free.

Feeling Burned Out at Work? 6 to 7 p.m. Job burnout can affect your physical and mental health. Learn about signs of burnout and what you can do about it.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Picture This: Crafty Creations. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your favorite summertime memories and a creative spark. Craft the night away with family and friends as the summer dwindles down. Fee: $5 per person.

Better Health Programs

Registration required for all programs. Must be a Better Health Member. Call (609) 584-5900 or go to rwjbh.org/events.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Over the Counter Hearing Aids-FAQ-What You Should Know. 10 to 11 a.m. Get the facts on the latest in over-the-counter hearing aids. Learn the facts and get your questions answered by Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. A.B.A. a clinical audiologist with over 40 years of experience in the field of hearing science.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Technology Class. Noon to 1 p.m. Frustrated navigating online registration for Better Health Programs? Can’t figure out how to text your grandkids. Back to help us with our technology challenges are our friends from “Camp Fire NJ, Teens on Fire.” Whether you have questions about your mobile device, a laptop, or iPad, bring your device and learn how to complete simple tasks.

Dr. Kevin Law

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that affects millions of Americans, commonly resulting in pain, tingling, numbness, and other painful symptoms in the hands, legs and feet. This pain changes your life and affects how you work, how you play and how you live.

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is pleased to announce their new program for treating Peripheral Neuropathy, which includes a combination of advanced FDA-cleared treatments with breakthrough technology that aids in healing the damaged nerves. The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. This treatment restores, stabilizes, and rebuilds the nerves in your extremities. Treatment has also been effective in addressing painful symptoms of arthritis, MS, and other forms of chronic pain. Patients generally feel relief physically throughout the treatment period and even feel better emotionally after experiencing a reduction in pain.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE NERVE DAMAGE?

Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence of damage to your peripheral nerves. There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or neuropathies – some are the result of a disease like diabetes, while others can be triggered by a viral infection. Still others are the result of an injury or compression on the nerves. No matter where the problems begin, it is imperative nerve disorders are resolved as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that their symptoms may be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Symptoms start gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations and sharp, electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small assortment of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help.

Healthy Nerve Cell

Damaged Nerve Cell