7-24 EO

EHS softball notches its best record in five years

BY JUSTIN FEIL

Ameerah Brown-McMullen and Valeria Velez were part of the Ewing High School softball team’s steady improvement over their four years.

The senior starters graduated and will continue playing in college after helping the Blue Devils go 14-10 this spring, their best

record since 2019. Ewing won 11 games last year, 10 games in 2022 and six games in 2021 as freshmen. Their season didn’t end until a Central Jersey, Group 3 quarterfinal loss to Middletown North on May 28.

“The year went well,” said Brown-McMullen. “I feel like we’ve definitely grown as a team since we all played together last

year. This year we just developed and we all learned how to play together better. And I’ve grown stronger and I know my team has grown stronger and we made progress. It didn’t end how we wanted it to, but we definitely made progress.”

Ewing graduates only the two along with Courtney Wen-

See SOFTBALL, Page 10

Interim Bernstein named TCNJ’s 17th president

BY LIZ CIOCHER

Michael Bernstein, a veteran of five higher-education institutions, has been named as The College of New Jersey’s 17th president.

TCNJ, based in Ewing Township, was in search of a new president since last June, when preceding President Kathryn Foster resigned.

At that time, Bernstein was brought on for a two-year interim term, and over the past year was able to make a case for himself and his initiatives to TCNJ’s Board of Trustees. The result was his permanent appointment to the president’s job by the Board in June.

“I’m very grateful to the Board for their vote of confidence, which also comes with a set of expectations, which I am eager to embrace and will strive to fulfill,” Bernstein said.

“Dr. Bernstein is an extremely accomplished educator and a transformational leader,” said Rebecca Ostrov, chair of the TCNJ Board of Trustees. “Over the past year, he has mobilized our community to think cre-

atively about how we innovate and extend an unparalleled TCNJ education to new audiences.”

An east-coast native, Bernstein was born in New York and spent most of his grade school education in Long Island. He finished high school in Connecticut. For the last several years, he has lived in California, but has now come full circle with his new TCNJ position.

The students of TCNJ are familiar with Bernstein and his initiatives—during his time as interim, he has been communicated his plans through a number of monthly e-mails.

He has also talked to many of the students directly and has been a frequent interviewee by the college’s student-run newspaper, The Signal.

In an interview with the Observer, Bernstein said that now the position is permanent, the initiatives that he pursued as interim are continuing to thrive and expand.

The biggest of these—the LIONS Plan—is set to balance a sustainable budget and strategize for the continued evolution

See TCNJ, Page 4

CHILDREN & ADULTS

Blue Devils softball players Ameerah Brown-McMullen (left) and Valeria Velez.

RWJUH Hamilton July Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

Monday, July 8; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.

ESTATE PLANNING FOR ALL AGES

Tuesday, July 9; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

There are all kinds of unfortunate things that can happen, and estate planning not only preserves your assets, but it also protects your family. Presentation will cover topics such as children’s guardianship, planning for children with disabilities, making financial or health care decisions if you should become incapacitated, wills and beneficiaries, unmarried couple rights when one dies and more.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, July 9; 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery or are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our free monthly support group meetings. Family, friends and support persons are also invited to attend. Our meetings focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. Meetings subject to cancellation during inclement weather.

BROWN BAG MEDICATION REVIEW

Wednesday, July 10; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Come review your medications with our pharmacist, Shesha Desai, PharmD, Rph.BC-ADM. Put all your medications and supplements in a bag and bring them with you for our clinicians to review. Discuss how you are taking your medications and whether you are taking them correctly.

OSTEOPOROSIS

SCREENING

Thursday, July 11; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information related to your results. Appointment required.

DANCE IT OUT!

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

Monday, July 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome; no experience required.

A great way to get your kids out and active during these summer days off from school.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, July 16; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION

Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun, but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun-filled trivia hour and learn how to protect

yourself and others from the heat.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH

Tuesday, July 16; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sound healing uses special instruments to create a therapeutic atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything that makes you comfortable. Adriana Hansen, RYT200, SHA1 of The Learning Cooperative. Fee: $15

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Wednesday, July 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Quieting your mind, even just for a short while, can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience necessary.

M3 KIDS MONEY CLUB

Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Credit Union of New Jersey Kids

Money Club is a fun and interactive children’s workshop. Kids will learn about the fundamentals of saving, which will include games and quick facts. This is an opportunity for children, ages 8-12, to learn about the importance of savings.

WOMEN AND MONEY

Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Familiarize and empower yourself with financial fundamentals that can assist with personal aspects of various life stages: merging finances,

children, caring for parents, divorce, widowhood.

MEMORY SCREENING

Tuesday, July 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Are you concerned about “senior moments”? The Mini-Mental State exam is a quick assessment to discern normal aging versus potential problems. In addition, you will learn ways to improve your memory. Must arrive 20-30 minutes early to receive the exam.

EXPRESSIVE ART: NATURE BECOMES US

Tuesday, July 23; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Let’s take some time to relax and find our way back to nature. We will use short guided meditation with writing prompts and then move on to making a nature window box. Please gather some pebbles, sticks, pine needles, and/or dried leaves. You may also bring in a piece of nature that that speaks to you, such as flowers, gems, and crystals. All other materials supplied. Facilitated by Rochelle Stern, expressive arts facilitator. Fee: $15

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, July 24; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow. Restricted to those certified in Reiki.

DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: HEALTHY BONES MATTER

Monday, July 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of two people in the U.S. aged 18 and over. Join Michael Duch,

MD, from The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton for a discussion on common bone and joint disorders. Hear from this bone-a-fied orthopedic surgeon about how to keep your body healthy. Dinner provided.

HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE

Wednesday, July 31; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Drum your cares away with our monthly Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Beginners welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee: $15 CLEAN LIVING IN A TOXIC WORLD

Wednesday, Aug. 7; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Toxins are all around us: in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat. Learn what these toxins can do to our bodies and ways to avoid them and live a cleaner life with Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.

WOMEN’S SUMMER BOOK CLUB: WHEN WOMEN WERE DRAGONS BY KELLY BARNHILL

Thursday, Aug 22; 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

A Goodreads Best Book of the Year. A fiery feminist fantasy tale set in 1950’s America, where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman’s place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they really are.

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

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

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

*Registration and free membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Please join us for our ongoing program, “A Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will lead this meditation class focusing on reducing stress and bringing inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be teaching Chair Yoga. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!

THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION

Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun filled trivia hour and learn how to protect yourself and others from the heat.

GAME TIME

Thursday, July 11 + 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for game time, snacks and some wholesome fun. A variety of board games will be available or you are welcome to bring your own.

SKINCARE MADE EASY

Wednesday, July 17; 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Luba Dziubas, the owner of Radiance Spa located in our Center, will teach us simple techniques and ingredients to improve our skin. Join us to get your glow back. Q & A.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, July 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs, and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

Community Forum

Filling the generation gaps at Ewing High School

On June 13 at Ewing High School, Sue Westerberg and Armond Innocenzi represented the Class of 1962 in presenting five scholarships to this year’s graduates bound for higher levels of education. The two “winning” scholarships were $3,500 each and the three “runner-up” scholarships were each for $1,500. To round things off, $62 was added to each scholarship to represent the donating class.

Almost four years ago at the beginning of the pandemic, EHS’s Class of ’62 started a monthly Zoom call that has been open to all classmates, with over a dozen classmates showing up for at least 90 minutes every month. Last year, discussion arose about college costs today and the difficulty for families to pay such costs. A small amount of money had been left over many years ago from a Class of ’62 reunion. A decisionw as made to add to those funds and provide a scholarship for a merit- and need-worthy EHS student. The idea of a class-sponsored scholarship grew, and a class committee was organized to pursue this.

Working with EHS counselors and

staff, a call for scholarship applications went out. The result was over 13 fully completed applications. A class sub-committee was then named to review the applications. This became a challenge as the quality of applications was extraordinarily high from these students. Frustrated, the scholarship sub-committee members went to their classmates with a plea for more money to provide more scholarships to partially address the difficulty in selecting from the high quality of the applications, which included transcripts, student leadership, community service records, essays, recommendation letters, etc.

Proud of what had been accomplished as a win-win event, other EHS classes and the Ewing community at large are now being encouraged to organize and support similar efforts, both for this year’s graduates and subsequent EHS classes.

Noted is the gap—three generations— between the Class of ‘62 graduates and this year’s EHS graduates. This venue provided a wonderful demonstration of how generation gaps can be filled right here in the local Trenton area community.

Scott Holcombe EHS Class of 1962

of the college. LIONS stands for “Linking Innovation with Operational Nimbleness and Sustainability,” and was prompted by financial hardships the institution has been facing in recent years.

For example, the college had been overly optimistic in its financial forecasting, Bernstein said in an October 2023 budget update on the college’s website.

“Tuition, fee and housing revenue fell short of projections,” he said. “We also inaccurately estimated the amount the college could expect to be reimbursed by the state for employee fringe benefits. All totaled, this revenue shortfall amounted to $20 million, or approximately 7% of our budget.”

To address the situation, the school reduced operating costs by $11 million, which included salary savings from a hiring freeze and making cuts across all divisions. It also reduced the physical plant asset renewal budget by $4 million. Another $5 million was taken from reserves.

after Hurricane Katrina.

In addition, Bernstein also helped Long Island’s Stony Brook University through the COVID-19 pandemic as interim president in 2020.

Bernstein believes the sum of his experience, which also includes stints at Princeton University and the University of California San Diego (where he was dean of arts and humanities from 2005-2007), will help him secure the college’s finances.

A former professor of history and economics who began his teaching career at Princeton, Bernstein has served at all levels of higher education administration, including department chair, dean, provost and interim president.

TCNJ’s fiscal uncertainty will present a challenge for Bernstein to overcome, but the Yale alumnus has served academic leadership in times of trouble before.

Bernstein earned four degrees from Yale University, including a bachelor’s, doctorate and two master’s degrees, all in economics. While ‘minors’ for subjects of interests for students were not officially available at the time of his enrollment, Bernstein did spend a lot of time learning about history and authored two history textbooks.

As the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs of Tulane University from 2007 to 2016, he served as part of the New Orleans institution’s rebuild team

Adding to his busy schedule, Bernstein will be travelling for both personal and business reasons. His interim contract included airfare compensation for visits to his family, which is still on the West Coast.

“I do have some personal commitments that will bring me back to California from

Ewing

Observer

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

EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Justin Feil, Liz Ciocher

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Donnie Black, Helen Kull

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stephanie Jeronis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org

Website: ewingobserver.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ewingobserver

Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

17,000 copies of the Ewing Observer are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Ewing 12 times a year.

TO AdVErTISE

call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

time to time, but home base at this point is Ewing,” Bernstein said.

He also expects that he will be traveling to raise funds, attract alumni and interact with elected officials on behalf of TCNJ.

Bernstein says his appointment as permanent president will be helpful in that regard. “Having the so-called ‘permanent’ title enables me to pursue engagement with alumni and elected officials on a different level because they know I’m going to be around for a while.

“When you’re interim, alumni and elected officials might say, ‘Well, that’s great, it’s nice to meet you, but how long are you going to be around? How much time and energy should I be investing in this relationship?’ That all goes away now.”

Bernstein said the titular change helps on campus as well. He feels that students and staff will be more willing to engage with him on ongoing projects and initiatives. These include the LIONS plan, which will begin its second phase this summer. The first phase, which was conducted over the course of the last year, involved examining budgetary goals.

One of the first initiatives in the first phase included the hiring freeze. According to Bernstein, this second phase will focus on student housing.

Freshman housing is generally contained in two 10-story towers that were built in 1971, and there have been a number of complaints and concerns reported to the college in recent years. TCNJ also has an affiliated residency for upperclassmen called Campus Town—a 2015 project with apartment-style living over commercial/ retail uses on the ground floors.

The project has been somewhat controversial due to the high cost to live there, but Bernstein sees the project as a “great amenity” based on the quality of living for the students and the connection between the Ewing community and campus that the ground floor businesses have contributed.

Bernstein said he plans to evaluate a strategy to improve freshman living conditions, whether that be renovation or destruction of the 1971 buildings, or something entirely different. He believes that improving living conditions for students would not only improve student life but could also help on the financial end due to its ability to help attract potential students.

But the newly appointed president said he intends to do more to attract revenue and students than improving housing.

In an “opportunity to serve a wider array of students,” TCNJ plans to open a new school of graduate, professional and online education under Bernstein’s instruction. TCNJ has a large number of undergrad students, and while Bernstein also plans to improve their needs, the inclusion of students looking for other types of degrees will expand TCNJ’s campus and revenue.

“I think this is a chance for the college to broaden its mission in the region and in the state, with the added benefit for us that it will generate increasing amounts of revenue for us. What we do and do well is expensive, so resources are always welcome,” he said.

The LIONS plan also had teams of working groups under Bernstein’s instruction that compiled reports with some of their ideas. The president says another goal this summer is to analyze and digest all the reports and eventually communicate their findings to the students and faculty of TCNJ.

When asked about his primary economic initiatives, Bernstein mentioned “stabilizing our budget, ensuring that it is sustainable in the long term and being in a position to always innovate and strategically access the opportunities ahead of [the college].”

While there have not been many final decisions made to implement these initiatives yet, the president said he is confident about the future of the institution.

The “prime directive” of the school, in Bernstein’s eyes, is “anticipating the interests, needs and goals of our students” with high-quality degrees on a consistent basis. He has expressed great pride in the institution’s community and the challenges it has overcome.

But, overall, Bernstein’s favorite thing about his newly appointed position seems to be the ability to continue to advocate for TCNJ. “This past year, as I neared the sort of mid-year mark, I felt we were making progress, but I also felt concerned about how to maintain this momentum,” he said. “I think now, with my appointment, we can maintain that momentum, because I don’t have a stopwatch on, which is great. I am very excited about that and focused on the work at hand.”

Ewing High School Class of 2024 top 10 seniors

Nicholas Benedetti

North Carolina Chapel Hill, Environmental Studies and Political Science

GPA: 4.9545

Career plans: TBD

Planned college activities: Student government, student affairs, environmental advocacy work.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: President of Student Council, Board of Education Student Representative, President of Inter-

national Thespian Society, member of the Environmental Club, Key Club, Newspaper Club, Drama Club and track.

Inspirational person: I would not be half the person I am without the people I am so lucky to call my friends. Every day they continue to inspire me, support me, and make me want to be a better person. They’ve made all the difference and kept me grounded during the best and worst times. I owe them so many memories, my sanity, and my happiness.

Favorite quote: “Bow Bow Bow”

Best high school memory: Every single pep

rally. Getting to create these memories for other people while experiencing them realtime is the highlight of high school.

Liam Ta

Rutgers University - New Brunswick, Computer Science

GPA: 4.9018

Career plans: Challenging Mark Zuckerberg to a duel

Inspirational person: My parents, because they have made innumerable sacrifices in order for me to have the most success possible.

Favorite quote: “And if you follow your feelings, you follow your dreams, you might find the forest there in the trees.” – Tom Petty, Wake Up Time

Best high school memory: Playing in the musical pit band for “Between the Lines.” I will remember the feeling of elation that creating music and sharing that joy brought forever.

Daniel Armstrong

Planned college activities: Club tennis, Asian-American cultural club, various service and leadership opportunities, programming/computer club, assist with a research group, internships.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: National Honor Society, Student Council, Rotary Interact Club, Key Club, Environmental Club, Peer Tutoring, Varsity Boys Tennis, Orchestra/ Honors Symphony, and Peer Leadership.

Inspirational person: My mother and father have had a profound impact on my life due to their unwavering support in both academics and life as a whole.

Favorite quote: “Live, laugh, love.”

Best high school memory: The Peer Leadership retreat to the Poconos Environmental Educational Center during the summer before our senior year.

Alan Chausse

University of Maine, Forestry

GPA: 4.8152

Career plans: Forester

Planned college activities: University of Maine Pulp and Paper Program, intramural softball, choir, and jazz band.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: Baseball, the Blue Devil Players, Environmental Club, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Peer Leadership, Peer Tutoring, Robotics Club, Rotary Interact Club, Technology Student Association, president of Culinary Club, secretary and treasurer of Drama Club, secretary of International Thespian Society and section leader in Mastersingers.

Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering

GPA: 4.8071

Career plans: Engineer

Planned college activities: Working with middle and high school students as a math tutor. Join research groups that explore the safety measures in cars and find solutions to save people’s lives. Club soccer. Clubs/sports teams at EHS: Soccer for four years and was varsity captain junior and senior years. National Honor Society, Key Club, Yearbook Club, Peer Tutoring and Peer Leadership.

Inspirational person: My loving family has been with me every step of the way, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their constant love and support. They inspire me to be the best person I can be.

Favorite quote: “To be young, gifted, and black.” – Nina Simone

Best high school memory: In my sophomore year, I scored a penalty in the first win of the soccer season.

Thomas Davison

Rochester Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering

GPA: 4.8045

Career plans: Professional engineer, potentially in the automotive industry.

Nicholas Benedetti Liam Ta Alan Chausse

Daniel Armstrong

Thomas Davison

Planned college activities: Intramural volleyball, the F1 project team and a research group.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: Key Club, Environmental Club and varsity soccer.

Inspirational person: My grandfather, as he made something from nothing, and even built his own house. He was a strong courageous man that I plan to be in the future.

Favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Best high school memory: The Dorney Park trip junior year.

Julianna Medina

Fordham University Lincoln Center, Theatre (Design and Production)

GPA: 4.7464

Career plans: Becoming a stage manager and working in theater.

Planned college activities: Extracurricular theater program.

Club/sports teams at EHS: Theater/Musical, Student Council, Key Club, National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Drama Club, Newspaper Club, Peer Leadership

Inspirational person: My Mother has made a huge difference in my life this year, and I owe her the credit of causing me to pursue a career path that I am passionate about.

Favorite quote: “Take the moment and taste it, you’ve got no reason to be afraid. You’re on your own kid. Yeah, you can face this” – Taylor Swift

Best high school memory: Working as an assistant stage manager on “Between the Lines” this year.

Sarah Ashenfelter

University of Miami, Biochemistry and Nutrition (Pre-med)

GPA: 4.6786

Career plans: Cardiothoracic surgeon

Planned college activities: Club swim team, getting my EMT certification and becoming a volunteer EMT.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: Swimming, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, National Honor Society, Sports Medicine club, FBLA

Inspirational person: My parents, because they have let me become the person I have become.

Best high school memory: Participating in my many athletic activities and having fun with my teammates.

Madison Hill

Penn State - University Park, Psychology

GPA: 4.6616

Career plans: Physical Therapist

Planned college activities: Dance team and other clubs.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: Cheer (captain), Key Club, Dance Captain for the play, National Honor Society.

Inspirational person: My mom, because she works very hard and is still extremely kind and caring.

Favorite quote: “You only live once.”

Best high school memory: Senior Homecoming and senior night for cheer.

Jayla Green

Howard University, Nursing

GPA: 4.6295

Career plans: Nurse practitioner.

Planned college activities NAACP, Intramural Flag Football.

Club/sports teams at EHS: Bridge to Employment, Black Student Alliance, Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Flag Football.

Inspirational person: My mom, because she is the strongest, hardest working person I know. I aspire to make her proud and assure her that all her sacrifices were worth it.

Favorite quote: “What it meant to be, will be” – Lauryn Hill

Best high school memory: Dorney Park and the Peer Leadership Retreat

Franc Romanowski

The College of New Jersey, Journalism

GPA: 4.6205

Career plans: Broadcast journalism

Planned college activities: School newspaper, television station, and hopefully the radio station.

Clubs/sports teams at EHS: Newspaper club, Jazz Band, Marching Band.

Inspirational person: It’s impossible for me to name just one person. There have so many people along the way, from my family to my teachers and friends, who have put the drive within me to persevere through my challenges to get where I am today.

Favorite quote: “Always be a little kinder than necessary.” – from a quote calendar Best high school memory: Ms. Monaco’s English II Honors class when we got to run around the school for our “1984” scavenger hunt.

Julianna Medina Sarah Ashenfelter Madison Hill Jayla Green Franc Romanowski

On the Cover

Plenty of ways to celebrate this Independence Day

By Joe Emanski

With fireworks increasingly accessible in the Garden State these days, some people see celebratory holidays like Independence Day as an opportunity to fire off a few or a few hundred red and glaring rockets at home, right there in the driveway.

But for those who have dogs or who remain concerned about potential serious bodily harm related to exploding things in their yards, Community News is happy to report that the tradition of the community fireworks show is still very much alive and well. Below is your guide to this year’s celebrations.

We start out by mentioning that Lawrence Township plans to hold its annual Independence Day Fireworks on Friday, June 28 at Rider University, with a rain date of Saturday, June 29. Both dates are before our publishing date for July, but we mention

them here so that readers don’t wonder why we did not include them.

Also kicking off before press time is the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s

June 29 An Evening Under the Stars fireworks display and classic car exhibition in Hopewell Township’s Woolsey Park.

Now for the events that readers can actually attend!

Hamilton Township has had Fourth of July fireworks in Veterans Park pretty

much since the park opened to the public, and this year it will host more of the same.

The Hamilton Independence Day Concert and Fireworks show is set to take place on Monday, July 1, with a rain date of Tuesday, July 2. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Kuser Road entrance,

Joe

Jennifer

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org

Website: communitynews.org

Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

Six09 is inserted into each of Community News Service’s nine hyperlocal monthly publications. Over 125,000 copies are distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.

TO ADVERTISE

call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

A proud member

fireworks from the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s september 2023 show. (facebook photos.)

Pure Petty, a tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, is scheduled to take the stage at l.e.A.d. fest on thursday, July 4 at the Mercer county Park fairgrounds. (Photo by Phillip lebowski.)

2206 Kuser Road.

Festivities are set to begin at 6 p.m. with food available from a variety of vendors. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Heartbeats. The South Jersey-based group bills itself as “America’s Party Band.” Fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.

Ewing Township will join in the fun on Wednesday, July 3 with the Ewing Independence Day Fireworks Celebration.

Ewing’s event is set to feature rides, face painting, sand art, a balloon man, a dunk tank, food vendors and giveaways. DJ Dan Murphy will provide musical entertainment, and the First NJ Volunteers Colonial Reenactors will also be on hand.

Gates are set to open at 6 p.m at The College of New Jersey’s Green Lane soccer fields. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to park in the TCNJ parking garage on Metzger Drive.

Also set for July 3 is the Bordentown Fireworks at the Park, a joint production between the township and the nonprofit Foundation for Bordentown Traditions, which helped reinstate an annual Bordentown show after budget cuts brought that tradition to an end.

This year’s edition is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. in Joseph Lawrence Park on Ward Avenue. Festivities are set to include games, music and food trucks, with fireworks set to start around 9 p.m.

Anyone who completely forgot to go to any fireworks shows on the Fourth of July or in the week leading up to it will be

relieved to learn that East Windsor Township will host its fireworks show on Saturday, July 6 at dusk.

East Windsor’s celebration is scheduled to take place at Etra Lake Park on Disbrow Hill Road in the Twin Rivers section of the township.

* * *

Also taking place the week of Independence Day is the L.E.A.D. Fest in the Mercer County Park fairgrounds, with a fireworks show just one part of the scheduled entertainment.

L.E.A.D., or Law Enforcement Against Drugs, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to protecting youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drugrelated crimes and peer-to-peer cyberbullying and violence.

The annual L.E.A.D. Fest started on June 28 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, July 7. The festival features carnival rides, food vendors, racing pigs, a circus show, a craft fair and nightly live musical entertainment.

On Thursday, July 4, L.E.A.D. Fest will also host a fireworks show to start at dusk. Paid admission is technically required to attend, although we all know that the fireworks will be visible from outside the fairgrounds area.

Prior to the fireworks show, Philly-based band Pure Petty will take the stage at 7 p.m. performing the songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The Trenton Thunder are also planning to host a fireworks show on July 4 at Arm and Hammer Park after their 7 p.m. game with the Frederick Keys. But that is hardly unusual, as the Thunder have already hosted four postgame fireworks nights this season, and plan to do 10 more after July 4.

The Trenton Thunder, home to team in the Double-A Eastern League from 1994 to 2019, have belonged to the six-team MLB Draft League since 2021, after Major League Baseball took over and scrambled the minor league baseball landscape. The Thunder play a two-part, 80-game schedule half of which is contested by collegiate amateurs, and half contested by undrafted professionals after the annual Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft is held.

Other scheduled fireworks dates for the Thunder are July 18, July 20, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 17, Aug. 29 and Aug. 31. All dates are Thursdays or Saturdays. A ticket purchase is required to attend.

* * *

Those looking for a more Princeton take on Independence Day may want to plan a trip to Morven Museum and Garden on Thursday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Jubilee.

Morven, of course, has been selected as a local host for 2026’s Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of

the Declaration of Independence. But that is down the road. This year’s Jubilee is set to feature family-friendly activies and crafts “inspired by themes of history, civics and service” as well as tours of Morven’s gardens and live music from the Vintage Vibe Tribe and face painting with Maya B. the Facepaint Fairy. Food will be for sale from Oink and Moo BBQ, The Empanada Guy and Kona Ice. No noisy or polluting fireworks are planned.

One could say that Morven has been hosting Independence Day celebrations since 1783, when it hosted several congressional delegates to mark the occasion. For many years, it served as the New Jersey governor’s mansion.

The Jubilee is part of Civic Season, a national program of activities designed to connect Juneteenth and July 4. Web:morven.org.

Morven Museum and Garden will host its annual Jubilee on thursday, July 4. (facebook photo.)

Sourland Mountain Festival to return July 13

The Sourland Mountain Festival is set for Saturday, July 13, rain or shine, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at New Jersey’s premier Unionville Vineyard in Hunterdon County.

Unionville’s home vineyard on Rocktown Road in Ringoes, with its iconic red barn, serves as the backdrop for a summer afternoon filled with music, food, family-friendly activities, shopping, presentations and more.

Live musical entertainment will be provided by headliners the Matt O’Ree Band along with the Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz, Tony and the Trees and the Adventures of Matt Black.

After an opening blessing of the mountain by the Lenape Nation, guests may then partake in family-friendly activities, from guided hikes with educators from the Raritan Headwaters Association to a lesson on foraging from Wildspawn Mushrooms, henna and face painting, a walk-through balloon and photo experience with the ReMax balloon.

Tabby’s Place, the Ringoes-based cat rescue sanctuary, will be on hand with information and taking donations for their rescues in need. Titusville native plant center My Backyard at Nectars will be available with an assortment of native plants for pur-

chase. Merchants from around the region such as Freitag Arts, Ed Field Stained Glass and Rooted Remedies and more will be on hand with unique gifts for purchase.

The Ryland Inn and Chef Chris Albrecht will provide catering under the tented patio in the shadow of the red barn. Draft beer will be provided by Lone Eagle Brewing. Also offering food and refreshments will be AMA Pizza, Thai Cha Chak, and Cas Pierogi.

Proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of Central Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region and is made possible by the generous support of business partners and sponsors who share in the vision of Supporting the Sourlands.

The Sourland Mountain Festival is planned and run by a dedicated group of volunteers. East Amwell’s local volunteer rescue squad will be on hand for guest safety and will be selling lemonade and baked goods to benefit their squad.

Tickets are on sale now at sourlandmountainfest.org/tickets and guests may also purchase a limited edition 20-ounce tumbler. Visit sourlandmountainfest.org for more details.

the Matt o’ree Band is among the musical performers expected to take the stage at the sourland Mountain festival on July 13.

Mercer Eats

South Olden’s Encanto spotlights Colombian cuisine

By Joe Emanski

Encanto is a great name for a restaurant. Especially a restaurant that specializes in Colombian cuisine.

Since 2021, the Spanish word meaning “charm” has been inextricably linked with the 2021 Disney animated film of that name — a film that, of course, tells the magical story of the Madrigals, a multigenerational family living in Colombia.

Colombian food has taken a back seat to other Latin American cuisines in the area, especially Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine. Even Tomatello’s Latin Cuisine in Hopewell, which is owned by a Colombian family, started out focused largely on burritos before gradually adding Colombian specialties to its menu.

empanadas at encanto colombiano restaurant.

Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, which opened on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton in April, has been zeroed in on Colombian cuisine from the get go. Among the restaurant’s best sellers is Bandeja Paisa ($27.50), a Colombian specialty of rice, beans, beef, chicharrón, chorizo, sweet potato, plantain, fried egg, blood sausage and avocado.

This heaping dish is accompanied, as per tradition, with an arepa, a type of ground

corn flatbread that is popular throughout South America, but especially in Colombia. Also popular at Encanto since its opening has been its Colombian-style mini-empanadas, or empanaditas ($10.50). Where many empanadas are made with flour, these are made with corn, and come stuffed with beef and potatoes.

Specialties of the house include Salmon con Camarones al Ajillo, or salmon and shrimp with garlic, $26.25; Chuleta de cerdo con agridulce de pimenton, or roasted pork chop spiced with sweet and sour paprika, $23.10; and carne de res al vino tinto, or beef cooked in red wine demiglace with mushrooms, $23.10).

Encanto has a full bar serving everything from martinis to mojitos as well as special house cocktails, all of which feature Colombian aguardiente, typically an aniseflavored liqueur made from sugarcane. The La Bandera cocktail, made with aguardiente, vodka, gin, passion fruit liqueur, blue curacao and Grenadine syrup, is $15. Colombian beers such as Poker Lager and Águila are also available.

Anthony J. Destribats

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg John Ferner

Seafood specialties include ceviche de pulpo (octopus) and mango, $21, and encocado de camarones , or shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, $23.10.

Another traditional Colombian dish featured on the menu is Ajiaco ($21), a hearty soup of chicken, three kinds of potatoes, corn, and guasca, a Colombian herb. Mondongo ($21), a soup of pork, potato, plantain, cassava, carrot, cilantro, onion, garlic and bell pepper, is also on the menu.

Appropriately for a restaurant that opens at 9 a.m., Encanto also serves breakfast. including Calentado Paisa, or rice and beans with chorizo, scrambled eggs and arepa; Calentado Encanto, or rice with beans with sweet potatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, beef or chicken; and assorted omelettes, including omelette ranchero, served with baby corn, sausage, onion, tomato and mozzarella.

As one might expect, Colombian coffee is on the menu. Encanto also serves a variety of fruit juices.

Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, Bar and Panedería. 2217 S. Olden Ave., Hamilton. Phone: (609) 940-9924. Web: encantocolombianonj.com. Open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Mondays.

encanto has a full bar serving colombian specialty drinks made with aguardiente. (Photo courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)

left: ceviche de pulpo (octopus) con mango. center: encocado de camarones (shrimp). right: colombian-style

(Photos courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)

From state-of-the-art technology to the most specialized team in New Jersey, our network offers the most complete heart and vascular care. Whether you have hypertension, heart disease or a child with a heart issue, our team of nurses, cardiologists and heart surgeons deliver comprehensive, compassionate care. Our highly coordinated approach to patient care ensures that you can focus on improved health and wellness – and get your heart off your mind. Make a plan at rwjbh.org/heart

Hamilton Dental Associates

The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children

Growing up makes for a constantly evolving experience for children. Every year they change and grow into the person they are destined to become, and that extends to their oral health. From the first baby tooth to their adult teeth coming in later in their lives, managing your child’s dental health presents unique challenges for parents. With those challenges come a few myths involving childhood tooth development that can impact how you treat your child’s dental health.

Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths

. When you start looking for a pediatric dentist in Hamilton, you want to find one that knows how intensive taking care of your child’s teeth should be. Taking a proactive approach to their dental health can help them avoid more involved procedures down the road — one of

Health & Wellness

the most common myths that lead to your child’s teeth suffering in the long run.

Common Myth #1: Childhood Teeth Will Straighten Out Over Time

One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally straighten themselves with time. The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.

Common Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic

While most people associate orthodontic treatments with getting braces as a teenager, that procedure does much more than merely straighten teeth to help you look better. Getting your jaw and teeth back into proper alignment has a cascading effect on your oral health. It helps improve your biting, chewing, and even speaking ability.

Common Myth #3: There Is a Right Age for Orthodontic Care

Many parents believes there is a specific age at which it’s appropriate to bring their children in for orthodontic care. The perceived minimum age for a child to receive orthodontic care is around 12-13 or right when they reach high school. However, getting your child such care earlier can help avoid getting braces and fixing issues before they worsen.

In reality, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your children should get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. Once they hit that age, their mouth will have a nice balance between their baby and permanent teeth. This window of time allows for an accurate orthodontic evaluation to

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine

Personalized Solutions to Your Pain Concerns

At AllCure, we understand that the summer can come with a lot of fun and activity. Often, we experience that patients will put off their pain concerns until the summer is over and plan to address them in the fall.

At AllCure, we will do assessments to see where each person can benefit from our level of care. We offer chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture services to provide high-level of conservative care to the community.

Our office also provides stateof-the-art modalities to assist each provider in getting patients back to a higher quality of life. We also have X-ray on site to help diagnose the patients pain and discomfort. We

offer 10 minute free consultations for anyone interested to make sure they feel comfortable and to ensure that we can help.

We take pride in what we do and we make sure that each patient gets a high level of attention and care on each one of their visits. We make our plans specifically to fit each individual person‘s needs and do not offer blanket treatments for similar patient complaints.

We have offices conveniently located in Monroe, Hamilton, and Somerset, NJ. Please visit our website or give us a call today to come in for a free consult, and get back to the quality of life you deserve.

AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. 350 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. 732-521-9222. 1101 Randolph Road, Somerset. 732-823-9392. www. allcurespineandsports.com.

determine where preventative care is enough or if additional action is required.

Where Do Orthodontic Issues

Come From? In most cases, a child’s orthodontic problems stem from their genetics — these issues are inherited from their parents. Additionally, some problems can develop over time based on poor oral hygiene habits they learned from a young age.

Some of these acquired oral health issues include:

• Sucking Their Thumbs

• Mouth Breathing

• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns

• Poor Dental Hygiene

• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth

• Poor Nutritional Habits

However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You

can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.

Finding a

Child Orthodontic

You Can Trust. Trusting your child’s teeth and their beautiful smile to a pediatric dentistry practice is something that every parent must come to grips with. Figuring out which childhood orthodontic makes the most sense for your child and their future dental visits becomes critically important. For parents and their children in Hamilton, Hamilton Dental Associates provides them with the experienced pediatric dentists they need to prioritize their oral health as they mature.

Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and schedule your first appointment today!

Visit www.hamiltondental.com.

RWJUH Hamilton

A Guide to Help Maintain Your Health and Wellnes

The summer season is a good time to reflect on health and wellness. “Summer is a great time to focus on preventive measures, embracing lifestyle changes that can have lasting benefits,” says Aditi Shrivastava, MD, Internal Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton).

With the heat comes the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. The increased temperatures and outdoor activities lead to higher rates of perspiration, making it vital to replenish lost fluids. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider incorporating hydrating and vitamin-rich foods like watermelon, fruit and cucumbers into your diet.

Nutrition also plays a role in overall health, especially in the summer when fresh produce is abundant. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Berries, tomatoes, zucchini, and leafy greens are at their peak in

Women’s

Pelvic Floor

July and offer a wealth of nutrients that support immune function, skin health and energy levels. A balanced diet rich in these foods can help mitigate the risks associated with summer heat and exertion.

While sunshine has its benefits, such as boosting vitamin D levels and improving mood, overexposure can be harmful. Skin cancer remains a significant concern, and proper sun protection is essential. Use a broadspectrum tsunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapply every two hours, and wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. Additionally, try to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun intensity hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Exercise is integral to maintaining health and wellness. Try to engage in outdoor exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming to enhance heart and vascular health, improve mood through the release of endorphins, and help with weight management. Be mindful of the heat and try to exercise during the cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed to prevent heat exhaustion. Summer is often a time of relaxation and socialization, both of which are important for mental health.

Engaging with family and friends can strengthen social bonds and reduce stress. These interactions can significantly boost your emotional well-being.

However, if you find yourself struggling with your mental health, it’s important to have an honest discussion with your primary care provider. Your primary care provider will be able to provide you with the best treatment options for your condition. RWJBarnabas Health is proud to be a leader in providing you with expert mental health services for all ages and seasons of life. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ behavioralhealth.

July is a good time for a mid-year health check. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a routine check-up. Regular screenings and examinations can detect potential health issues early, making treatment more effective. Discuss any new health concerns, review your current medications and consider getting vaccinations if needed, especially if you’re planning to travel.

Remember, take the time to prioritize yourself and your health and wellness! “It’s important to incorporate health and wellness practices not just during the summer but all year round,”

adds Dr. Shrivastava.

Dr. Shrivastava sees patients at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. For more information about Dr. Shrivastava, please call 609-2457389. Or to find a RWJBarnabas Health primary care provider in your area, visit rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare.

Let’s be healthy together. See ad, page 5

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

DR. RICHARD C. IRACE PT, DPT RIRACE@CARUSOPTRD.COM

• Urinary Incontinence and Urgency

Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Overactive Bladder

DR. ADRIANNA L. BOUCHER PT, DPT ABOUCHER@CARUSOPTRD.COM

• Constipation

• Pelvic Pain

• Low Back Pain

• Hip Pain

Registered Dietitian MICHELE WROBLEWSKI RDN, AFAA CERT. MWROBLEWSKI@CARUSOPTRD.COM

• Dyspareunia

• Vaginismus

• Vulvodynia

Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor TAMMY CAMPBELL

• Scar Tissue

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Caruso PTRD offers a unique, patient-centered physical therapy approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We want you to get back to being you; whether it’s getting you back on the field, back at the office, or back to running around with your children or grandkids! Treating pain is only the first step!

Caruso PTRD offers a unique, patient-centered physical therapy approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Our therapists' main goals are to listen to each of your needs and provide individualized care to treat your condition. We want you to get back to being you; whether it's getting you back on the field, back at the office, or back to running around with your children or grandkids! Treating pain is only the first step!

SERVICES

ALL AGES: Achieve your body composition, sport’s performance, or weight loss goals through an approach that is anything but “cookie cutter”. Our Nutrition Experts, RDN’s,are the ONLY medical professionals qualified to give you nutrition advice. We don’t believe in quick fixes or the latest craze. We believe in life long change without having to sacrifice ANYTHING that makes your life unique!

ATTENTION ALL AGES: Achieve your body composition, sport's performance, nutrition or weight loss goals through an approach that is anything but "cookie cutter". We take the time to learn about you, any medical conditions you may have and tailor to your individual needs. Our Nutrition Experts, RDN's,are the ONLY medical professionals qualified to give you nutrition advice. We don't believe in quick fixes or the latest craze. We believe in life long change without having to sacrifice ANYTHING that makes your life unique!

The most recognized and effective form of safe and successful exercise. Pilates can be tailored to the specific needs of the client to provide injury prevention, rehabilitation and muscle stability work. We offer Private and Semi Private Sessions.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

The most recognized and effective form of safe and successful exercise. Pilates can be tailored to the specific needs of the client to provide injury prevention, rehabilitation and muscle stability work. We offer private and semi private sessions.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques. I want to empower females to take back their lives, one Pelvic PT session at a time.

Relax and unplug in our new Salt Room! Offering numerous health benefits such as; providing relief for respiratory and skin conditions, and promoting overall mental wellness and stress relief. Breathe, relax and unwind!

Aditi Shrivastava, MD, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group

Drs. Alex & Dawn Rockwell DMD

Natasha Rockwell

Caruso Physical Therapy & Nutrition

Empowering Each Individual to Reach Their Boundless Potential

At Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, they had a vision for a place where they could practice what they preached. This clinic is the result of that. Now, the clinic’s amazing team is committed to carrying out that vision by guiding others in establishing and achieving their own health goals so they can look and feel their best!

These services aren’t offered in the area separately, nor are they offered together in a single practice.

However, combined, these things make a huge difference. That’s why we offer both, giving you the advantage of physical therapy and registered dietitians in the same clinic!

Our services are provided by boardcertified physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and board-certified registered dietitians.

We’re focused on providing education, prevention, treatment, and wellness services that enhance our patients’ overall health and deter the onset of more costly pathology.

Rockwell Dentistry

Where Dentistry Is a Family and Community Affair

It’s our goal to provide our patients with the best physical therapy and nutrition services in our community.

The newest form of Physical Therapy we offer is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, which is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques.

Women’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can assist with problems such as: urinary incontinence and urgency; overactive bladder; constipation; pelvic pain; low back pain; hip pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; scar tissue and pelvic organ prolapse.

We also offer Sports PT for those recovering from injury or concussion to help them return safely to the field of play.

At Caruso’s our mission is to empower each individual to realize their boundless potential.

Contact us or visit our website to start your journey towards a healthier you!

Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, 1278 Yardville Allentown Road, Allentown. 609-738-3143. caruso@carusoptrd.com. carusoptrd. com.

In the heart of our community lies a dental practice unlike any other. Rockwell Dentistry was established close to three decades ago. Drs. Dawn and Alex Rockwell opened their practice in 1996, shortly after their twins, Eric and Natasha, were born. They envisioned a dental office that was not only a place for topnotch dental care but a staple in the community.

From the beginning their practice thrived on the principles of compassion, quality care, and a personal touch.

Patients became more than clients; they became friends. This ethos set the foundation for a thriving practice that continues to grow year after year. Drs. Rockwell have trated many generations of the same families. It is commonplace for patients to run into their own family members and neighbors in the waiting room.

Drs. Dawn and Alex always “dreamed” that their twins Eric and Natasha would follow in their footsteps and continue the Rockwell Dentistry legacy in Mercer County.

As Eric and Natasha grew older, they both

pursued undergraduate degrees in biology and decided to apply to dental school. After eight years Natasha graduated from Temple Dental School in May 2023 and Eric in May 2024. This marks a new chapter for the family and the practice, bringing fresh perspective and the latest in dental technology and techniques.

Dr. Natasha Rockwell has developed a keen interest in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. Her innovative approach to smile makeovers, orthodontic treatments, and scanning technology has brought a new level of expertise to the practice. Her vibrant personality and gentle approach have already made an impact on her patients.

Dr. Eric Rockwell’s passion lies with integrating the latest technologies to address complicated restorative cases more efficiently and accurately.

Rockwell Dentistry’s core vision was one office for all your dental care needs. With the addition of Natasha and Eric, Rockwell Dentistry will be a blend of experience and innovation that ensures patients receive the best possible care in a warm, family-oriented environment for many years to come. More information: www.rockwelldentistry.com.

The Rockwell Dentistry family: Alex, Natasha, Eric, and Dawn Rockwell.

Hamilton Township Division of Health

Safe & Healthy Summer Tips

The Hamilton Township Division of Health wants you and your family to have a safe and fun summer! Whether you choose to enjoy your time outside at one of Hamilton’s great parks, go for a dip in the pool or head to the beach it is important to keep in mind some safety tips to protect your health.

Here are some quick safety tips to help you have a safe and healthy summer:

• Check for ticks! Ticks are the most active in the warmer months (April-September). Infected ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme

disease. Prevent tick bites by wearing insect repellent, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks, remove ticks quickly and seek medical help if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease (including fever, headache, fatigue and rash).

• Beat the heat! Extreme heat can lead to heat related illness. People ages 65+, children under two and people with chronic diseases and mental illness are at highest risk. Remember to keep your cool! Stay in air conditioning as much as possible, stay hydrated, check on neighbors or family who are high risk, wear loose and lightweight clothing and NEVER leave children or pets in cars. Cooling centers for residents include the Hamilton Township Public Library and the Hamilton Senior Center.

• Sun Safety! Most skin cancers

are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Protect yourself and others from the sun when outdoors by seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, hats and clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Choose a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, reapply often and check those expiration dates!

• Eat your fruits and veggies! Healthy eating can help adults and children live a healthy life and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Summer is a great time for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables including strawberries, watermelon, zucchini and fresh Jersey tomatoes!

• Water safety! Swimming is a fun summer activity to help cool off, but should be done safely. If you go

swimming this summer remember to learn to swim and know your limits, never leave children unattended, wear life jackets when doing water activities, don’t swim alone even if you are a strong swimmer, and never dive into shallow water — if you don’t know how deep it is, don’t dive!

For more information on these topics and other summer safety tips visit www.cdc.gov

The Hamilton Township Division of Health is located at 2100 Greenwood Ave and provides residents with various services including public health nursing, health education, environmental inspections, vital statistics and animal sheltering and control — contact us at 609-890-3828, HamHealth@HamiltonNJ.com or www.HamiltonNJ.com/Health.

Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com

sjeronis@communitynews.org.

SERVICES

F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-3855701 Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-5392894, www.sweetbeginnings.info.

LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609799-4674, 609-721-4358.

FOR SALE

Double depth cemetery plot location Princeton memorial Park- Gordon Road Robbinsville. Call 609-259-7710

FOR RENT

One furnished room with private bath in Ewing High area by 72-yr old, quiet male. Call Scott 609-883-8443

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.

Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-581-8290, E-mail: lenny1944x@ gmail.com

Happy Heroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports

cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-6193480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com.

Autos Wanted

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Health & Fitness

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-5261060 www.dental50plus. com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-477-9045

Home Services

Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

fessional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 8/25/24. Call 1-844-501-3208

Expanding Territory

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Expanding Territory

Community News Service, LLC, publishers of US1, Hamilton Post, Ewing Observer, Lawrence Gazette, Bordentown Current, Hopewell Express, WWP News, Princeton Echo,Trenton Downtowner & Robbinsville Advance, has a NEW position to fill:

Community News Service, LLC, publishers of US1, Hamilton Post, Ewing Observer, Lawrence Gazette, Bordentown Current, Hopewell Express, WWP News, Princeton Echo, Trenton Downtowner & Robbinsville Advance, has a NEW position to fill:

Current, Hopewell Express, WWP News, Princeton Echo, Trenton Downtowner & Robbinsville Advance, has

Advertising Sales Representative

Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & pro-

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595

Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951

MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936

Full/Part-time display advertising sales rep needed. Established account list provided plus cold calls required. Sales experience a must. Candidate must be self-motivated, energetic, outgoing and customer-service oriented.

Full/Part-time display advertising sales rep needed. Established account list provided plus cold calls required. Sales experience a must. Candidate must be self-motivated, energetic, outgoing and customer-service oriented.

e-mail resume as well as references and salary expectations to: Thomas Fritts, Community News Service

e-mail resume as well as references and salary expectations to: Thomas Fritts, Community News Service

E-mail: tfritts@communitynews.org

E-mail: tfritts@communitynews.org

EOE

EOE

Friday, June 28 through Sunday, July 7, 2024

Monday – Friday 5 PM – 11 PM

Saturday/Sunday/July 4 th 3 PM – 11 PM

Tickets on sale noW!

Mercer county Park We S t Wind S or to W n S hi P, n J

diSCountEd PrE-SalE MEGa PaSSES

aVailaBlE onlinE at WWW.thElEadFESt.CoM until noon Friday, JunE 28th For $25, inCludinG GatE adMiSSion.

FREE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT

a ll S ho WS S tart at 7:00PM

6/28 Erni E Whit E Band

6/29 tE quila r o SE

6/30 thE l atin Ex PE ri E n CE

7/1 Sid EWayS Willi E

7/2 lo VE li G ht

7/3 Shorty lon G & th E J E r SE y h orn S

7/4 Pur E P E tty

7/5 t h E S E n S ational Soul Crui SE r S

7/6 South E rn St EE l

7/7 Kindr E d S P irit

ticketS on S ale noW at:

JUNE 28 aNd JUly 4

JUNE 28 aNd JUly 4 FREE Parking!

The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) brings cancer trials and care delivery studies to people in their communities. Now as an NCORP affiliate site, Capital Health can give patients of our Cancer Center access to clinical trials and treatment delivery studies from top institutions around the world, bringing the latest state-of-the-art treatments to patients right here in our communities. It’s the advanced care you deserve close to home.

NORTH 25 HOUSING

• Newly Renovated Apartments

• On Site Laundry Facility

• 24-Hour Security

• 24-Hour Maintenance

• Senior Transportation and daily activities held

tzel, the senior who scored a pair of runs in their sectional opening 11-0 win over Somerville. Most of the other standouts are expected to return along with the raised expectations that have produced better results.

“We just had positive energy all around and we just created a really strong team out of that,” Velez said. “This year, we focused more on teamwork and really uplifting each other up when mistakes were made. We were just always having each other’s backs.”

Even the mistakes and losses were different than in the recent past. There were far fewer mistakes in general, and games that Ewing lost came against top competition with only one coming via the mercy rule all season. Even those sort of defeats were memorable for Velez because it showed how much more competitive the team had become.

“Playing those really tight games against, like Allentown, Notre Dame, we played full seven-inning games, and we haven’t done that in the four years that I’ve played,” she said. “Robbinsville too. We played really well against them. So those are some of my highlights.”

While Ewing is excited about building on this season next year, Brown-McMullen and Velez have been key members

that will be critical to replace if the Blue Devils are to take another step. Ewing will have to replace the right side of the infield with Brown-McMullen having played first and Velez second base. They brought important strengths to the team that was coached by Katie Schuh.

“Ameerah brings a ton of positivity,” said the second-year head coach. “She’s got a good bat and she is one of those people that you can just depend on to uplift the girls. She struggled at the plate this year more than she would have liked, but defensively she was a huge piece to the puzzle in the infield. She saved a lot of balls at first base when we made bad throws. Losing her is going to hurt just because she’s one of those welcoming people that makes you feel important and has your back no matter what.”

Brown-McMullen was a career .303 hitter for the Blue Devils. She still had 20 hits this year, just in the middle of her 19 hits as a freshman and 21 as a sophomore and trailing the 24 hits she had as a junior. Brown-McMullen also had a power surge this year with the first three home runs of her career.

“I’ve definitely gotten stronger mentally and physically,” she said. “During the summer I tried to just lock in at the gym and just try to get stronger and I’ve also gotten a hitting coach, so he’s helped me a lot

and I’ve changed my swing completely. So I was trying something new this year, and it ended up paying off. It didn’t end how I wanted it to, but it did end up paying off. I felt way stronger.”

Brown-McMullen has proven versatile in the field through her career. She began as an outfielder for the Blue Devils as a freshman, and she enjoyed it. She felt a move to shortstop her sophomore year was difficult, but the new position challenged her in a different way.

“I’ve tried new positions,” she said. “I’ve tried things that I never tried before, so I really am thankful for that and then going into my junior year, there were freshmen coming up that played the outfield so I tried first base and it ended up working well for me because I danced and I was already kind of flexible so it worked. I started hitting splits and stuff on first base and so she put me there and she kept me there. And I can honestly say I’ve grown so much as a first baseman and I just love first base. Now I don’t even want to go back in the outfield anymore.”

Velez enjoyed her best season at the plate yet. She hit a career-best .353 with a new high of 10 RBI, eight walks and four stolen bases with 20 runs scored.

238 Scotch Road

609-406-9000

Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-8pm PRIMOHOAGIES.COM

To: 484-270-4000 to

“She is a utility player,” Schuh said. “She could play the outfield. She could play the infield, she can slap, she’s got speed. EWING, NJ

Download our App on the iTunes or Google Play Store

So losing her, we’re going to need to find somebody to replace her as a slapper with speed on the bases next year.”

Velez didn’t need much convincing to go from being a conventional hitter to a slap hitter from the left side. She combined two of her strengths to continue to develop her slapping. She got more comfortable with that style with each at bat.

“I was down for it,” Velez said. “Really I just wanted something new. That was kind of beneficial since I had the skill and the speed. I just went right into it and I didn’t find it as hard as I thought it would have been. I just kind of worked my way into it and it became really fun after learning everything. It came in clutch a lot of the time.”

The two were strong fielders for a defense that returned its battery combination of top pitcher Abby Singer and catcher Emily Gamboa Ordini. Singer finished with an ERA of 3.35 while No. 2 pitcher sophomore Morgan Dwyer was excellent as well with an ERA of 3.17. At the plate, Abbie Mahan paced the attack with a .429 batting average, Singer hit .415 and Amonnie Wertz Panniel hit .398.

“Last year was my first season with them and I came into the season trying to get them to see how good they really were and have that confidence level,” Schuh said. “It was like my major goal in year one. And then this past season, I think they finally started to believe in themselves and see that they could really compete with other teams out there, so that I finally got them to buy in and increase their skill level and get that mentality right.”

Schuh has a solid core back to continue to build that confidence. Meanwhile, Brown-McMullen and Velez will be trying to help their new teams. Both are taking their

games to southern schools, with Brown-McMullen heading to Clark Atlanta University in Georgia to play and be a business major and Velez playing for South Carolina Sumter (with a great Fire Ants nickname) and majoring in psychology.

“I’m excited for the competitiveness,” Brown-McMullen said. “I’m excited to just play on another level and play with new people and just adjust to the new environment. That’s what I’m excited for. I’m going to be out of my comfort zone so I’m going to try to adapt and hopefully it works in my favor.”

Both are continuing to play through the summer to stay ready for the next level. They are ready for another step in their softball careers.

“A lot of conditioning for sure,” Velez said. “I’m still playing with the Ewing Edge whenever they need me or they want me to guest play, and I’m joining in their practices, just trying to keep up so I don’t fall behind on anything.”

Both will be rooting on the Blue Devils from afar next year. They anticipate Ewing being good again after they replace the duo.

“I’m going to miss literally everything,” BrownMcMullen said. “I’m going to miss my team. I’m going to just miss the bond that I have with my team and the relationships that I’ve grown with, not only the players, but also the coaches. They were great, even though I only had them for two years. They were great. And then my teammates, we’ve known each other since T-ball so growing up with them and playing with them for so many years, I’m definitely going to miss that.”

Said Velez: “I just think that they have a really great group of players for the future.”

Four ways for golfers to prevent injuries

Ask The Doctor

“modern golf swing,” keeping their hips stationary, twisting their upper body and following through forcefully.

See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7

While it may make a golf ball travel farther, “The thoracic and lumbar spine can’t absorb that kind of force regularly, especially if you’re over age 50,” Dr. Levine says.

For golfers this summer, sand traps aren’t the only hazards to avoid.

“Low back pain is common, especially in golfers over 50,” says Marc J. Levine, MD, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Spine Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Most low-back injuries in golfers, Dr. Levine says, stem from stress on the spine associated with swinging a golf club. “Often, pain remains localized to the lower back, but occasionally it can become sciatic and radiate down one or both legs,” he says.

He offers these tips for warding off back injuries on the links: Don’t emulate the pros. Many professional golfers today use the

A safer approach is to use a swing that’s comfortable for you and to have realistic expectations about how far you can drive a golf ball.

Keep your swing consistent. “Your body likes predictability,”

Dr. Levine says. “Every time you jerk or move unexpectedly, it creates more strain on your back.”

Dr. Levine recommends meeting with a golf pro at least once a year to evaluate your swing. Ask for tips to improve your mechanics and ergonomics.

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

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

Dr. Marc J. Levine

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

Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh. org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information call (609) 584-5900.”

WEdNESdAy, JuLy 10

Brown bag medication review. 1 to 2p.m. Come review your medications with RWJUH Hamilton’s pharmacist, Shesha Desai, PharmD, Rph.BC-ADM. Put all your medications and supplements in a bag and bring them with you for our clinicians to review. Shesha will discuss how you are taking your medications and whether you are taking them correctly.

ThurSdAy, JuLy 11

Osteoporosis screening. 10a.m. to noon. Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information. Appointment is required. Please call 609-584-5900 to register and schedule your appointment.

ThurSdAy, JuLy 18

Stay physically fit. A regular exercise routine can strengthen core muscles, including those in your abdomen and back. “Also, do stretching exercises for at least five to 10 minutes before you start

Dr. Levine sees patients at The Orthopedic & Spine Institute located at RWJUH Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton Township, NJ. Call 609689-7031 to make an appointment.

Tai Chi classes (Better Health Program). 1-2 p.m. Tai Chi is helpful for seniors (folks 65+ years old) because it can improve balance, strengthen muscles in the legs, and increase flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.

TuESdAy, JuLy 23

Learn more at rwjbh.org/ortho Require rehabilitation or physical therapy, visit rwjbh.org/rehab to book an appointment and find a location near you.

Let’s be healthy together.

Programs at RWJU Hamilton this month

Yoga class (Better Health Program). 10-11 a.m. Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome.

mONdAy, JuLy 29

The following programs are open to all and registration is required. Programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health/Community Education and Better Health Program, a free membership program for anyone 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100

Dinner with a doctor: Healthy bonbes matter. 6-7:30 p.m. Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of two people in the U.S. age 18 and over. Join Michael Duch, MD, The Orthopedic and Spine Institute, RWJUH Hamilton, for a discussion on common bone and joint disorders. Hear from Dr. Duch about how you can help keep your body healthy. Dinner provided. Registration is required, space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Join us on July 10 to learn more.

Our H2Open Forums empower you with knowledge about your drinking water and provide direct access to water utility leadership for any questions. The town -hall style discussions cover vital topics such as water quality, lead service lines, smart meters, operations, and capital projects, all of which support the well-being of our service-area communities.

Wednesday, July 10  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Hollowbrook Community Center

320 Hollowbrook Drive

Ewing Township

Senior Corner

July 2024

ALL PROGRAMS HELD AT HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER, 320 HOLLOWBROOK DRIVE

MONDAYS

10 a.m. Exercise - Karen Martin

Noon Tech/Trends For Seniors 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month

1 p.m. Jewelry/Craft-Anne’s

TUESDAYS

10 a.m. Exercise - Karen Martin

12:30 p.m. Bible Study (Hiatus)

12:30 p.m. Bingo

WEDNESDAYS

9 a.m. Chair Yoga- Lisa Caruso (July, August Hiatus)

9:30 a.m. Knitting/Crochet

1 p.m. Mexican Train/5-Crown Cards

10:30 p.m. Water Color - Ally Lyons Mercer County Library – Ewing Branch

2 p.m. Mahjongg - Christine Kamph

THURSDAYS

10 a.m. Exercise - Karen Martin

1 p.m. Pinochle - Mercer County Library - Ewing Branch

1 p.m. Rummikub

1 p.m. Balance Class - Bob Kirby

1 p.m. Bid Whist

FRIDAYS

9:30 a.m. Line Dancing – Joanne Keephart

12:30 p.m. Tai Chi – Liz Allen

2 p.m. Circuit Training– Jeff Prunetti (July, August Hiatus.)

SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION (SCAC): (Hiatus in July, August.)

Third Thursday of the month. General Body 10 a.m. Meeting is open to the public.

CLUBS: (All held in Room #201-202) (Hiatus in July, August.)

Live Wires—11 a.m. ( 2ND Thursday of the month)

Busy C’s—11 a.m. ( 3RD Tuesday of the month)

Club D—11 a.m. (1st Thursday of the month)

HB Seniors—1 p.m. (2ND Friday of the month)

EVENT HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER

July 19th, 1-3 p.m. ( Community Rm ). Ice Cream Social (Treat yourself to Something Sweet). Come and join the fun an afternoon full of socialization, games and music. Must sign up senior office no later than 7/12/2024.

MERCER COUNTY NUTRITION: Seniors 60 and older or anyone married to a person 60 and older is welcome to participate in the nutrition program. The program is located at Hollowbrook Community Center. A person is asked to donate a $1. Your donation is confidential. A delicious balance meal is served.

REGISTER FOR ALL PROGRAMS AGES 60 AND OLDER

EWING RESIDENTS: HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER

2nd Floor Rm# 207 Senior Office QUESTIONS: 609-883-1776 Senior Corner is paid content by Ewing Township.

Jersey Shore memories

DONNIE BLACK BETTING ON BLACK

I’m a Jersey boy through and through. I love my state! I especially love the Jersey Shore! When I was super young, my parents used to pack our minivan up and we would head down to Island Beach State Park. I can still taste the ham and cheese sandwiches that hit different when you were down the shore. My parents then became friends with Kathy and Greg Brown. They had 3 daughters—Jen, Katie and Sara. Our families would take day trips to Island Beach just about every weekend in the summer.

When I got older, I used to go to the Seaside boardwalk with my best friend DJ and his family. Thank you Momma Donna for all of the dollar bills you gave me and your son so we could win all of the cool wrestling posters. Momma Donna and Uncle John would buy us big pizza slices at 3 Brothers or Maruca’s or we would get the sausage sandwich from Midway with the freshly squeezed lemonade.

We would play the Lucky Leo arcades for hours to win prizes we would never use. How does 17,000 tickets get you a Chinese finger trap and a slinky? I call BS! A few years later my parents started to rent a house for a week in LBI. My other best friend Karl would come on these trips with us and it was the highlight of our summer. Karl and I at 14 years old would go to Fantasy Island, the mini theme park/arcade on the island or head to Bay Village and go to the teen club called The Tide.

My buddy Beaston and his family had a house in Spray Beach in LBI and he brought his best friend Tom aka Biff with him. We

got lucky that our weeks matched up so Karl and I would meet up with them and troll Fantasy Island looking for girls.

Two years later, we were 16 and my parents rented another house in LBI and all of my boys came down for a couple nights. Myself, Karl, DJ, Merlin, Beaston and Biff were all at my parents beach house and we wanted to pick up girls. Fantasy Island was not the spot anymore, but my brother who was 4 years older told us about a club that was under 21.

Merlin was the first to get his license so we packed six guys into a black Acura Integra and rode the 15 minutes from Brant Beach to Beach Haven. The club was called The Ketch and we had a blast. Pushing forward to being legal to drink, the Jersey Shore became a tad different.

I just graduated from college and so did my buddies and we were looking to party at this legendary place they called the Jersey Shore. I found out instantly that there is no party like a Jersey Shore party. The show “Jersey Shore” came out in 2009 and made my area of the Jersey Shore famous. Me and my boys were doing what they were doing, but now the clubs/bars were on national TV. I’ve been to the Southern beaches in Jersey, and it’s a really good time, but it does not come close to the beach towns that I grew up going to. I can’t explain why it’s better, it just is. It’s my second home.

Let me roll thru my favorite spots at the Jersey Shore (some no longer exist): Jenks and Tiki in Point Pleasant. Osprey and Leggets in Squan. Parker House in Spring Lake. Bar A, Connolly Station, 509, and Djais in Belmar. Karma, Beachcomber, and Spicy’s in Seaside. Donovan’s in Sea Bright, Avenue in Long Branch. I can’t forget Headliners in Neptune. Those are just the bars, I can’t forget about the restaurants. There are too many to name! I love the Jersey Shore and I will always love it. My wife Michelle is smitten with it as well. She went to school at Monmouth which is literally on the Jersey Shore. She loves this place probably more than me.

She and I have vacationed in LBI and Point Pleasant together and we both agree that our summer home is at the Jersey Shore. My party days have pretty much parted ways but I still love to watch the younger generation enjoy the Jersey Shore like me, my boys, and my wife did in our early days. Like Larry Bird said about the NBA. Leave the game better than you found it. So to all my younger people, leave the Jersey Shore better than how you found it.

donnie Black was born and grew up in Ewing Township. He currently works at radio station XTU in Philadelphia as a producer, on air personality and promotions director.

Ewing Recreation

July 2024

The Ewing Recreation and Community Affairs Departments are now located back at ESCC, 999 Lower Ferry Road. The offices are in a trailer next to the pool. The office hours are 8:00am – 4:00pm, weekdays.

The Ewing Recreation Summer Camp will run from June 24 - August 23 for grades K – 5 and is held on the grounds of the Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC. The rain location is Fisher School. Hours are from 8:30 – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Early hours are from 7:30-8: 30am and late hours are from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Online registration is required at communitypass.net. Teen Travel will be for grades 6 – 8 and run from July 5 – August 11.

The Ewing Community Pools System offers two pools for seasonal members and daily patrons. The Hollowbrook Pool located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive, is open. Operating hours are Sunday – Friday 12:00pm – 8:00pm. ESCC Pool, 999 Lower Ferry Rd is open daily 12-8pm.

Ewing Pickleball group plays at Banchoff Park on Tuesday mornings 8:30 – 10:30am, Wednesday evenings 5:30 – 7:30pm. To join group, go to

Team Reach app group E08638.

Ewing Recreation Department is taking applications for picnic area permits at the following parks, John Watson on Upper Ferry Rd., Banchoff on Mt. Vie Rd., Higgs Park on Summerset St., Betor Park behind the Municipal building. Email Nancy at npappano@ewingnj.org or contact the office for more information or to reserve a date. The ESCC camp picnic area will be closed for use this season.

The ESCC, 883-1776x2 and Hollowbrook Community Center, 883-1199 have rooms available for rent for small groups to large parties. Kitchen facilities are available.

For more information on these or any other programs you can contact the Recreation Office at (609) 8831776, online at www.ewingnj.org/ communityaffairs. The Recreation Office is located at Hollowbrook CC and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

Office is located at Hollowbrook CC and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

The Ewing Recreation column is paid content provided by Ewing Township.