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Methodists celebrate 250 years in Pennington

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HoVal XC stars turn to winter track

BY JOE EMANSKI

BY RICH FISHER Claire Dumont and Elsie Rey-de-Castro come from distance-running families, and the Hopewell Valley Central High duo are keeping the family tradition alive. Both are jogging their way into the winter track season on a treadmill of confidence after qualifying for the NJSIAA Cross Country Meet of Champions as wild cards. Each plan on doing the onemile and two-mile races and possibly the 800, and coach Aaron Oldfield is hoping to put together some strong relays in the distance medley and 4x800 to help increase their base entering the spring season. While they now focus on track, they can also look back on outstanding cross country seasons that provided a strong foundation for moving forward. Then again, the whole distance running thing took root with them before this. “They fill all those boxes of great athletes,” coach Aaron Oldfield said. “They’re commitSee XC, Page 14

Outgoing Hopewell Borough Council president Charles Schuyler “Sky” Morehouse and outgoing borough mayor Paul Anzano in borough hall, Dec. 1, 2023. (Staﬀ photo by Joe Emanski.)

End of an era in Hopewell Boro how far would Two long-serving serving as mayor or on council. hand, was in the running in time, Anzano served November for an eighth straight you goInifthat they public oﬃcials are one term on council and four as term on the council where, were mayor. sick?Morehouse, meanwhile, despite being the lone Republimoving on in 2024 served seven consecutive terms can among six members, he had on council, starting in 2003. served as president in 2023. In Anzano’s case, the deparHowever, after all the votes The first council meeting of ture has been planned for some had been counted, Morehouse 2024 might feel a little strange to time. He announced early last had received the third most, some in Hopewell Borough. year that he would not run again behind Democratic candidates It will be the first meeting to for mayor, though he says he Sheri Hook and Heidi Wilenius. be held since 2004 in which nei- had known for a while that his Only two seats were in play. toterm Capital Health. ther Paul Anzano norWelcome Charles fourth would be his last. By no means does that mean See BOROUGH, Page 8 Schuyler “Sky” Morehouse is Morehouse, on the other When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.

BY JOE EMANSKI

They say that a Pennington man named Jonathan Bunn left a Methodist Society Meeting in Trenton in 1772 believing that he needed to bring Methodism closer to home. Within two years, he had begun what today is known as the Pennington United Methodist Church, which for 250 years has been either at the literal or the figurative heart of Pennington Borough, if not both. This month, the church’s leadership, including Pastor Joseph Jueng, and its members will begin celebrating what might be called the church’s semiquincentennial, if that were not such a mouthful. “It’s the 250-year anniversary not of the church building, but of a Methodist presence in Pennington,” Jueng says. “We didn’t set the stake in the sand on that. Our forebears decided to celebrate 200 years in 1974. So now that it’s 2024, we celebrate 250 years.” Methodist fervor was sweeping the land at the time that Bunn got caught up in it. “MethSee PUMC, Page 5

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Pennington police show students how to L.E.A.D. The L.E.A.D., or Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence program, began for 43 students in the fourth grade at Toll Gate Grammar School last month. L.E.A.D. is a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence. Pennington Borough Police Department officer Dan D’Ascoli has been trained by L.E.A.D. to teach the program’s proven effective curriculum. And now, he’s educating the fourth graders in Pennington about the dangers of drugs and violence as well as how to build skills surrounding effective communication, conflict resolution and social and emotional competency, for instance. “L.E.A.D.’s curriculum is developed in a way to teach children the social and emotional skills that today’s youth needs,” D’Ascoli said in a media release.

“The fourth graders that I’m instructing are learning strategies that’ll help them to build character and avoid succumbing to peer pressure, for instance.” D’Ascoli said that interacting with kids on a more personal level is helping him to connect with other members of the Pennington community. He believes that the L.E.A.D. program will help to form a stronger bond between the police officers at Pennington Borough Police Department and people in the town. “The motto that we stand by at Pennington Borough Police Department is ‘personalized police service,’ and L.E.A.D. has been a great help in allowing us to continue delivering it. As the program goes on, I look forward to seeing how the relationship with our police officers and the people in our community keeps progressing,” D’Ascoli said.

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hopewell Express is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. EDitor Joe Emanski (Ext. 120) ContriBUtinG WritEr Rich Fisher ContriBUtinG CoLUmnist Robin Schore AD LAYoUt AnD ProDUCtion Stacey Micallef ACCoUnt EXECUtiVE Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

to ADVErtisE

call Christine storie (609) 396-1511, ext. 115 or e-mail cstorie@communitynews.org

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: jemanski@communitynews.org Website: hopewellexpress.com Facebook: facebook.com/hopewellexpress twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace 11,000 copies of the Hopewell Express are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Pennington, Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough 12 times a year.

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2  Hopewell Express | Januar y 2024

Co-PUBLisHEr Jamie Griswold

Co-PUBLisHEr Tom Valeri

mAnAGinG EDitor, mEtro DiVision Sara Hastings AssoCiAtE PUBLisHEr Thomas Fritts

ProDUCtion mAnAGEr Stacey Micallef DirECtor oF DiGitAL initiAtiVEs Joe Emanski

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P E N N I N GTO N B U S I N E S S & P R O F E S S I O N A L S A S S O C I AT I O N

39 thAnnual

Holiday Walk

Thanks to our generous supporters! DIAMOND SNOWFLAKE SPONSORS ($1,000+) Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty GOLD SNOWFLAKE ($500) Bank of Princeton • Blackwell Memorial Home • First Bank • Northfield Bank SAX Wealth Advisors • The Pennington School • Weidel Real Estate/Susan Thompson SILVER SNOWFLAKE ($250) A & E Construction • BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors/Michelle Needham • Capelli Salon • Creative Media Works Inc. Delis Landscaping, Inc. • DeSimone Orthodontics • First Steps Financial • Andrew Hamlin & Kathleen Deignan Erwin Harbat • Hopewell Valley YMCA • Orion Jewelry • Pennington CrossFit • Pennington Montessori School Pennington Quality Market • Pixie Salon • Poppy Boutique • Regent Flooring • Jeremy & Meghan Rhen Stellitano Heating & Air Conditioning • The Front Porch • Vito’s Pizza BRONZE SNOWFLAKE ($100) Alisandra Carnevale, Esq. • Hopewell Valley Fitness • Carole & John Jackson • Emily’s Cafe and Catering Jazzercize Pennington Fitness Center • Mark McDonough, DMD Orthodontist • McCabe Electric Kollevoll & Associates, LLC • Jason and Tracy Meyer • Patchwork Bear • Road Runner Cleaners Sumo Sushi • The Enrollment Management Association • The MAX Challenge of Lawrenceville The Pennington Studio for Dance • Walsh Senior Solutions INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR ($50) Amber Spa • Kara & Jonathon Hart • Lily Counseling and Art Therapy, LLC Guy & Jane McPhail • Chris Murphy & Jon Butler • The Kelsey Family • Kim Waters, Zoe Graphics MENORAH CANDLE ($250) Bank of Princeton • Butrym & Cassavell, P.C. • DeSimone Orthodontics • First Bank Andrew Hamlin & Kathleen Deignan • Erwin Harbat • Knox Grove Financial, LLC • Meyer Business Law Pennington Presbyterian Church • Pennington United Methodist Church Pennington Quality Market • Nadine Stern • Har Sinai Temple • The Front Porch ENTERTAINMENT Caroling by the Hopewell Valley Girl Scouts The Pennington Studio of Dance

SPECIAL THANKS TO PB&PA HOLIDAY FrontRoom Images/Heather Raub WALK COMMITTEE: Hartel Timber Services/Brian Hartel Marie Bardzilowski Hopewell Emergency Services Dawn Cargiulo Berman FOOD & REFRESHMENTS Hopewell Valley YMCA Youth Activity Center Nathalie Cassion Erwin Harbat Pennington Fire Company Kit Chandler Pennington AG Church Pennington Flower Market Andy Hamlin Pennington Bagel Pennington Library and Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo Erwin Harbatt Pennington Police Department Pennington Fire Department Larissa Kelsey Pennington Public Works Pennington Presbyterian Church Alisa McCabe Pretium Property Mgt. LLC/Howe Commons Jason Meyer Pennington Quality Market Santa’s Elves Sierra Mitchell & Alex Rosiejka Chris Murphy Pennington United Methodist Church Greeters at Santa’s Workshop-Maddi Blauth, Michelle Needham Uncle Ed’s Creamery Marie Bardzilowski, Ella Bardzilowski & Nathalie Cassion Jeremy Rhen Town pictures taken by Patricia Totaro, Local Resident Brit West Zoe Graphics/Kim Waters Special Thanks to Candle Sponsors, Snowflake Sponsors, Volunteers and Friends that made this event possible! Thanks to the Vinci Family for lighting up 1 N Main and making it Santa’s home for the event! SPECIAL THANKS TO HEATHER RAUB, FRONTROOM IMAGES FOR TAKING PHOTOS WITH SANTA!

4  Hopewell Express | Januar y 2024

PUMC continued from Page 1 odism began as a renewal movement out of the Church of England,” says Jueng, who joined the congregation in 2020. “The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, wanted to renew the faith life of folks in England, and this movement grew legs and not only spread in England, but across to the American colonies at the time.” The Methodism movement led to the start of a new denomination, Jueng says. “There weren’t enough pastors in the American colonies to meet the spiritual needs of the people of faith. People were waiting a year or more to receive communion or be baptized. So these folks who were appointed supervisors — now they are called bishops, but back then they were people who were superintending the work here — decided to ordain people into ministry because of those needs.” And with that, churches like the Pennington United Methodist Church came to be. A yearlong celebration is planned for 2024, with the first event, a 250th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. The event will feature worship, music and singing with a reception to follow. On Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m., the church plans to host a Hym Festival presented by the American Guild of Organ-

Pennington United Methodist Church, at night, Jan. 4, 2011. (Photo by Bert Wolfe.) ists, who will play variations on themes of Methodist hymns. A reception will follow on this occasion as well. A Historic Cemetery Tour of Old Methodist Cemetery on Pennington-Titusville

Road is scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at noon. Historian Jack Davis will lead the tour and share the history of the cemetery. On Sunday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m., the church plans to hold a Missions’ Celebration, honoring the many missions the church undertakes in cooperation with nonprofit partners throughout the state. Partners set to be recognized include the REscue Mission of Trenton, the Neighborhood Center of Camden, Turning Point United Methodist Church, Mercer Street Friends, Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry, Urban Grace and SURJ-NJ. A barbecue is set to follow that event. On Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m., the church plans to host a benefit concert featuring internationally known opera singer Emily Newton, with a reception to follow. A Trenton Children’s Choir Concert is scheduled for November, with date and details to be decided later this year. The yearlong celebration is set to conclude on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. with a Holiday Walk and PUMC Open House. The final event is set to include Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and cookies, and Christmas crafts for kids. Those missions that are to be celebrated in July are “in the Methodist DNA,” Jueng says. See PUMC, Page 6

12/07/23.

Januar y 2024 | Hopewell Express5

PUMC continued from Page 5 “We commit to that here,” he says. “There’s been a long legacy of service. Many of the members of this church were pillars of the now disbanded First Aid Squad in Pennington. We actively support five food pantries each month. We undertake to serve breakfast at a United Methodist church in Trenton. That faith community is what spawned this community — the first Methodist societies in the area met in Trenton — and so how fitting that we’re going to back to serve the people of Trenton.” In its heyday, the church had more than 300 people in its membership rolls. Today, Jueng says, there are around 150 members, 50 or 60 of whom are actively connected with the church. Church member Julie Aberger says that Jueng deserves the credit for the fact that many current members feel energized by their church ties in recent years. “Joe has been here three years, and he is an exceptional person. He just feeds us • Cataract surgery with or without laser spiritually,” Aberger says. “There’s been • Glaucoma, Dry Eyes, Macular Degenera�on a real revival of spirituality, and he’s got a great bible study group. It is amazing how • Uvei�s (Ocular Inﬂamma�on) much he knows about the bible and theology and of course, the church. Every • General Eye Exams message (in his sermons) that comes from scripture or the Old Testament is always applied to how it relates to us in lives. It’s not just abstract and theo609.480.6698 • MostafaviEyePrinceton.com our logical, it’s about us. He brings faith alive, 300 Witherspoon Street, Suite 203, Princeton, NJ he really does. And he’s so much fun and he’s got such a great sense of humor.” The Hopewell Express met with Jueng David Mostafavi MD Board Certiﬁed Ophthalmologist and a number of members one Thursday morning in December, the day of the week in which a regular group typically volunteers time to help with church upkeep or to prepare food or items for 609.480.6698 • MostafaviEyePrinceton.com upcoming mission-related events. That 300 Witherspoon Street, Suite 203, Princeton, NJ morning, the crew scrambled 36 dozen eggs before settling down to enjoy some refreshment and conversation. “One of the advantages we have of being a smller church is that everyone knows each other,” Jueng said. “And we OUT WITH THE OLD do have opportunities during the week in

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our small group sessions, where we really get to find out what’s going on in our lives. This Thursday group is nominally about doing maintenance and yardwork, but mostly it’s an opportunity to come together, have coffee and donuts, and share whats going on in our lives.” Aberger said she liked what Jueng says about missions and the church. “[Jueng] said that missions drive our church, and I think people are attracted to our church because of our boots-on-the-ground missions. We’re not just giving money. We’re giving service,” she said. Those missions, Jueng said, underscore just how the church has been an active presence in the community over the years. “It’s hosted so many different groups. We’re hosting a community Blue Christmas service for those for whom this season is not particularly joyful,” he said. “I joke that half the town has a key to our church, because so many outside groups use it. This is the way we service our community: by making the church available, by making ourselves available.” Pennington Methodists have had three churches over the years: a stone church on Pennington Titusville Road, near the Pennington United Methodist Church Burial Ground, which may have burned down around 1826; a second church, built around the same time at 145 S. Main St., which is now a private residence; and the current church, which was erected in 1847 and expanded in 1876. While new members join all the time, some have been members for most of their lives, including lay pastor Dan Boone and member Joan Scharzwalder Hess, who said she first moved to the area when she was 7 years old. Her parents enrolled her in the church’s elementary school and Sunday school, and she has been a member ever since — 70 years in all. “I’m still here, and what keeps me here is the spirituality of the place,” she said. “There’s faith in action here, there really is. People like to help each other, and they do it gracefully.” On the web: pumcnj.com.

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RWJUH Hamilton January Healthy Living / Community Education Programs GOT STRESS?

Wednesday, Jan. 3; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

When you experience stress, your body produces physical and mental responses. Gain valuable insight about how others deal with similar situations.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Wednesday, Jan. 3; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Supportive discussion group for those caring for a loved one who is aging or has a chronic illness-shared experiences can be healing.

GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays, Jan. 4 and Jan 18; 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

If you have lost a loved one or been separated from your support system, you can find comfort and begin to cope better by interacting with others.

KIDS IN THE KITCHENFROSTED WONDERLAND

Thursday, Jan. 4; 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Monday, Jan. 8 and 22; 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 8: Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress Jan. 22: Importance of a Medical Living Will

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS Monday, Jan. 8 and 22; 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 8: Balancing Caregiving, Family & Work

Jan. 22: Strategies for Keeping Your Loved Ones Engaged

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP Monday, Jan. 8; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5; 1:00 – 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.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER Tuesday, Jan. 9; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

This support group explores how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood.

DIZZINESS? VERTIGO? – UNDERSTANDING WHY MANY ADULTS DEVELOP DIZZINESS Wednesday, Jan. 10; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Dizziness and imbalance are amongst the most common complaints in older people, and are a concern as it puts you at a higher risk of falling. Although the causes of dizziness in older people are multifactorial, peripheral vestibular dysfunction is one of the most frequent causes. Join Audiologist, Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D.to understand more about the causes and treatments of dizziness.

WHAT’S EATING YOU?

Monday, Jan. 15; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. We offer a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP Tuesday, Jan. 16; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

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

WHAT’S IN STORE IN 24 VISION BOARD WORKSHOP Tuesday. Jan. 16; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Create a vision board for the year ahead of what you would like to manifest in 2024. Please bring scissors, all other materials will be provided.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Wednesday, Jan. 17; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

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

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Thursday, Jan. 18; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn about this life threatening response to infections with our Chairman Dept. of Emergency Services and a Medical Staff Officer, Lasanta S. Horana, MD, RWJUH Hamilton.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH Monday, Jan. 22; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Sound healing uses instruments like singing bowls, gongs, drums & chimes to create an atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system re-balancing, & emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body & spirit. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow to make yourself comfortable. Adriana Hansen, RYT200, SHA1. Fee: $15 per person.

CREATING HABITS THAT STICKA JOURNEY TO SELF-LOVE Tuesday, Jan. 23; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Join Erin Bogdan, trauma-informed authenticity & confidence coach, for an interactive & engaging workshop to learn how to pour into you so that you can create a life of alignment, purpose, & impact.

Support and information for family and

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Jan. 17; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

For those Certified in Reiki (at any level) to share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow.

Wednesday, Jan. 17: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

TAKE HOME COLORECTAL SCREEN friends of people with Alzheimer’s. Monday, Jan. 15; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE Learn about ways to keep your colon healthy and possibly prevent colorectal cancer. You will be given a test to do at home and mail back.

reliever. Drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS,CMP $15

Drum your cares away with our Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress

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

WISE WOMEN

Thursday, Jan. 25; 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.

DANCE IT OUT!

Friday, Jan. 29; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Don’t let the winter blues leave you out in the cold. Warm up and feel energized through body movements. Never miss a chance to dance! All ages welcome, no experience required.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, Jan. 31; 9:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Join the Red Cross as they host a blood drive to save lives. Donations made during this blood drive will automatically enter you in the Red Cross Super Bowl LVIII giveaway. The winner will receive a trip to SB LVIII for you & a guest. Prize includes travel, hotel, $1,000 gift card, pre-game activities & more! Scan the QR Code to schedule your appointment to make a life saving blood donation. *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 A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31; 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

TAI CHI CLASS

Thursday, Jan. 4 and 18; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

A MATTER OF BALANCE: A 4-WEEK SERIES

Mondays & Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; 1:00 to 3:00 pm

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Jan. 9 and 23; 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Jan. 9 and 23; 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

NEW - CHAIR YOGA 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

Tuesday, Jan. 9; Noon to 12:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, is introducing Chair Yoga to our Better Health Program. 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, recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties.

SOCRATES CAFÉ,

SETH D. ROSENBAUM, MD, MMM, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, RWJUH HAMILTON ON COLDS VS. FLU

Thursday, Jan. 18; 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Specializes in Infectious Disease. January brings cold symptoms and Dr. Rosenbaum will thoroughly review differences between the multitudes of winter illnesses.

RULES OF THE ROAD: INVESTING IN RETIREMENT Tuesday, Jan.16; 10:00 to 11:00 am

Edward Jones’ 10 Rules of the Road to investing. Investing strategies to help reach their long-term goals. What they can do now to enjoy retirement. Ty Robinson, Edward Jones

Thursday, Jan. 16; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

MEN’S HEALTH, LUNCH & LEARN WITH DEEP TRIVEDI, MD Thursday, Jan. 25; 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

GAME TIME

DR. ALI HOSTS A “JEOPARDY PARTY” LUNCH Friday, Jan. 19; Noon to 1:30 p.m.

A new Jeopardy focused on Innovations in Medicine. Tables will compete as teams as we test your knowledge. Don’t panic, this will be fun and interactive and there will even be prizes along with lunch.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY Tuesday, Jan. 23; Noon to 1:00 p.m.

A spill, a slip, a hospital trip. Learn the do’s and don’ts in wintry weather with physical therapist Chris Robinson, PT, DPT.

Join us for a frank conversation led by Deep Trivedi, MD, Board-Certified in Urology with a special interest in multiple urologic areas including stone disease, benign prostate hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction/low T, incontinence, cancer and sexual/reproductive health. Men and Women are welcomed.

IT’S FREEZING OUT! LET’S BREAK THE ICE! Tuesday, Jan. 30; 2:00 to 3:00 pm

A new year marks a wonderful opportunity to make new acquaintances! Join together with new and familiar friends and participate in activities that will help us get to know each other better. Registration is required.

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 Januar y 2024 | Hopewell Express7

BOROUGH continued from Page 1 “That really changed the character of the that Morehouse has moved on from life as town,” Anzano said. “Not just for residents, an elected official: he remains a fire com- but for visitors as well. People may step on missioner, a role he has held since 1990, it everyday and not notice, but that’s one and one in which he says he intends to of the things I’m most proud of. The other 1310 BEAR TAVERN RD TITUSVILLE, NJ continue. thing is playgrounds.” Though Anzano, a Democrat, and In 2009, the state mandated that Morehouse have represented differ- Hopewell’s playgrounds be dismantled ent parties through the years, they were for failure to meet modern safety stanalways united in their dedication to serv- dards. “We were looking at how Public ing the people who had elected them. Works could put in new parks and a group They sat down with the Express at bor- of women — Michelle Brennan, Rachel ough hall for a few hours in early Decem- Webster and Annette Murphy — came ber to chat about their time in office. to us and said they were going to take “In my 16 years as mayor, it was always charge of this effort,” Anzano said. Break Horse Camp Winter 2023! Break Horse Camp 2023! about doing what was best for the borThe borough helped raise the funds ough,” Anzano said. “I always said to peoneeded to get the project started, while rogram 12/26-12/31 Program Dates: 12/26-12/31 Horse Camp 2023! ve atDates: Duncraven Equestrian Center. Participants will learnWinter safetyBreak on around horses pleand that we were elected, andand by electing the women helped to assemble a volunPony Camp 2023 us, people were trusting ushelp to manage the teer squad to install the new facilities. hniques, riding skills, andand other primary horsemanship competencies. Sessions aim to START YEAR TEAM! Embrace questrianyour Center. horse Participants love at Duncraven willYOUR learnEquestrian safety onNEW Center. around Participants horses, will learnWITH safety on and OUR around horses, Program Dates: 12/26-12/31 affairs of the borough properly.” “In seven days in June of 2009, we had ooming d primary techniques, horsemanship. basic riding Sessions skills, aim and to help primary develop horsemanship. confidence Sessions and aim to help develop confidence and and motor coordination providing a supportive and fun environment for everyone! Boarding,while lessons, training & sales Morehouse said that this mandate 500 volunteers build two playgrounds,” aotor-coordination supportive and fun skills environment while providing for theaparticipants supportive and as well fun as environment social for the participants as well as social Embrace your horse love at Duncraven Equestrian Center. Participants will learn safety on and around horses, The perfect preparation for eager, and aspiring equestrians. We full-service equestrian andyoung training facility that oﬀers year-round The perfect fit interaction for are eager,ayoung, between aspiring them. The Equestrians. perfect fit for center eager, young, aspiring Equestrians. requires council andaimthe to Anzano said. “As a result of that, people grooming techniques, basic riding skills, and primary horsemanship. Sessions to helpmayor develop confidence and riding and lessons for all ages and levels. We alsomotor-coordination have a gorgeous, newly skills while providing a supportive and fun environment for the participants well as came social to the town and people stayed in think critically about the issues thatas are Program Dates: perfect fit before for eager,them. young, aspiring Equestrians. renovated clubhouse available for your next event!interaction between them. Thebrought town. The playgrounds were not only benormation, contact Pam @ 602.736.9043 For more information, contact Pam @ 602.736.9043 “I can’t help it. I’m an engineer. With eficial to their children, they were also a Summer Sessions (Monday - Friday) For more information: Contact Pam @ 602-736-9043 or scan the QR For Code more information, contact Pam @mind, 602.736.9043 an engineering you think in terms nice attraction for people who might want Program Dates: 12/26-12/31 of, all problems have constants and vari- to move here.” 7/10 - 7/14 | 7/17 - 7/21 | 7/24 - 7/28 ables. I don’t see that there’s any problem “At the end of the day, it cost the bor7/31 - 8/4 | 8/7 - 8/11 | 8/14 - 8/18 can come beforeParticipants this board that can’t Morehouse Embrace your horse love at Duncraven that Equestrian Center. will learnough safety nothing,” on and around horses, added. be solved with critical thinking about “Between the fundraising and the volungrooming techniques, basic riding skills, and primary horsemanship. Sessions aim to help develop confidence and Contact: those components,” he said. teer labor, all of our costs were covered.” motor-coordination skills while providing aAsupportive fun environment for the Another participants as milestone well as social major focusand for both mayor and counmajor for the borPam@Duncravenec.com cil in recent years has been in making ough during Anzano’s and Morehouse’s interaction between them. The perfect fit for eager, young, aspiring Equestrians. 609-281-7181 the borough more walkable and more tenure was the move to the current borInclusion Training attractive. They saw deterioration of the oughSports hall inPerformance 2009, relocating the municiWinter Break Horse Camp 2023! pavement and sidewalks along Broad pal government from itsTraining prior Training home on Inclusion SportsSports Performance Inclusion Performance For more information, contact Pam @ 602.736.9043 Street and felt that it made the town less Columbia Inclusion SportsAvenue. Performance Training Program Dates: 12/26-12/31 appealing. The former Masonic temple at 88 E. Anzano, a former counsel to the state Broad St. turned out to be the ideal new your horse love at Duncraven Equestrian Center. Participants will learn safety on and around horses, Senate and a former deputy commis- home. “This building was important,” echniques, basic riding skills, and primary horsemanship. Sessions aim to help develop confidence and sioner of the Department of Banking and Anzano said. “It provided more of an idendination skills while providing a supportive and fun environment for the participants as well as social we make possibilities Finance, was able to use his ins at the tity for the borough. The oldlimitless borough hall interaction between them. The perfect fit for eager, young, aspiring Equestrians. weIt make possibilities limitless we make possibilities limitless state to help secure $900,000 in funding to was terrible. was above the firehouse, address the issues. it West wasBroad not we ADA compliant,” he said. “If make possibilities limitless 47 St, Hopewell, NJ 08525 For more information, contact Pam @ 602.736.9043 “Your connection to the state was vital 47 someone hadHopewell, a St, stroller, they couldn’t inclusionsportspt.com West Broad NJ 08525 47 WestSt,Broad Hopewell, NJ 08525 to the borough,” Morehouse said to Anz- bring the stroller up. 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HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS

January 2024

Respect In the Hopewell Valley Regional District Schools, a regard for others is a fundamental component of our practices. For our winter issue we have chosen to share some of the ways that respect is taught, observed and practiced, such as: • openly discussing and exhibiting respect • respecting ourselves by choosing healthy pursuits • honoring those who have come before us • paying tribute to those who’ve served • demonstrating compassion and generosity in our community • piloting a Service Learning Pathway which embodies respect into action.

hOnORing OuR veteRans: As part of their Veterans Day Programs, our schools recognized those who have served, are actively serving and who are a part of their school communities. We are grateful for the opportunities to acknowledge and thank them for their sacrifice and service. • At Timberlane Middle School, veterans with a connection to Timberlane were honored for their service and sacrifice. After a brief ceremony, a small reception was held which provided an opportunity for Veterans to interact with each other and with the students with whom they are connected. • At the Stony Brook Elementary ceremony, the veteran family members of their Stony Brook All Stars were recognized, as were All Star Family members on active duty. There was also a slideshow as well as letters sent to any veterans unable to attend. • At Bear Tavern Elementary School a whole-school meeting was held to recognize their veterans. The ceremony was followed by a reception for veterans and families.

Week OF Respect: In New Jersey, The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act stipulates that the week beginning with the first Monday in October of each year be designated as the Week of Respect. New Jersey’s Week of Respect coincides with National Bullying Prevention Month which is annually observed in October. The Hopewell Valley Regional School District recognizes the importance of developing and maintaining positive school climates, providing students with a safe and supportive school environment and encouraging academic success along with promoting kindness and inclusion. At Central High School, respect for our history was embodied by a session for the freshman. The Coalition of Natives and Allies held a discussion with students regarding the use of Native American mascots in sports, schools and institutions. Students were given time in small groups to research and discuss these topics on their own and investigate ways to honor indigenous people. At Timberlane Middle School, the student leaders, “Timberleaders” focused their messages on respect toward other students. The school held “Red Ribbon Week”, part of a nation-wide drugfree campaign, which spotlights “Respecting Oneself: Making Healthy Choices.” At the elementary school level, students participated in age-appropriate activities and instruction focused on character development and respect for others. Among other activities, they also wore clothing that reflected messages such as unity, unique abilities and respect.

HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS | Hopewell Express9

Respecting OuRselves thROugh healthy puRsuits Healthy choices include a range of activities for our students. We are fortunate that they value not only academics but athletics and the arts. Participation in any form: choir, club, ensemble, orchestra, project, intramural or on a team - provides our students with opportunities to work together and to appreciate one another’s contributions. Participating in these healthy, positive activities are also a form of respect for oneself. Hopewell Elementary held their first school-wide ride, during which students met up at designated locations and were chaperoned on their bikes to school. The event proved to be very popular - and the responses from those who either participated in or observed it were overwhelmingly positive. At Bear Tavern Elementary School,

10Hopewell Express | HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS

students participated in programs such as Girls on the Run and Let Me Run which help to build self-esteem along with training for a 5k. Stony Brook Elementary School held a Walk/Bike/Roll to school during which Principal Gianfredi, staff and even some local police officers joined the students on weekly trips to school. Another favorite event at Stony Brook is the annual Color Run, during which participants are covered in fun colored powders while completing the race. The Toll Gate Green Team invited students to Walk, Bike, or Roll to School in December as part of its initiative to help create a healthier environment. We are pleased to see our students seek out so many positive ways to connect with their classmates and school communities.

SIX09 ARTS > FOOD > CULTURE

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thesix09.com JANUARY 2024

HOW AN “OFF THE CUFF” WRITING CONTEST CONNECTS TO HEALING

PRINCETON UNIVERSIT Y CONCERTS AND SULEIKA JAOUAD, CREATOR OF THE ISOLATION JOURNALS, LAUNCH THE “IMPROMPTU CHALLENGE” WITH A WRITING PROMPT RECOGNIZING

MUSIC’S ABILIT Y TO RESTORE, PAGE 2.

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On the Cover Journaling the Journey to Wellness with PUC’s “Impromptu Challenge” BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER

Music is a language of its own, one that every person feels a different connection to. Some are reborn in the chords or chorus of a triumphant melody, while others seek rhythmic clarity, release, or comfort. It is an entirely personal experience to love a piece down to its every note—an intimate diary entry of what truly listening to music can mean for its audience. But Princeton University Concerts sings a new tune this year by combining its annual “Creative Reactions” and “Audience Voices” competitions into a new creative writing project encouraging writers across the globe to express their unique bonds with music in journal responses thematically related to past and future PUC “Healing with Music” series events. The 2023–24 “Impromptu Challenge” is the result of a partnership between PUC and The Isolation Journals, described on its website as “an artist-led community and publishing platform” that shares its weekly journaling prompt newsletter with over 100,000 participants worldwide.

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Since writer and Princeton University alum Suleika Jaouad founded The Isolation Journals during the pandemic, the group has grown into “a living archive of human creativity to document an unforgettable era” under the belief that “creative expression” can “edify, heal, and unite,” according to theisolationjournals.com. The Impromptu Challenge encompasses both the 2023–24 “Creative Reactions” contest, which connects Princeton University students to the performing arts and classical music, as well as “Audience Voices,” a writing and drawing contest for patrons that began last season. The journaling-styled competition began on December 3 with the announcement of its first prompt and will continue with one new topic each month in January and February 2024. Jaouad had just graduated from Princeton University when she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010. Throughout her cancer treatments, she wrote the New York Times column “Life, Interrupted,” largely from her hospital room. Now, after receiving an Emmy for the video series adaptation of those times and publishing the bestselling memoir

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Grammy-winning musician and composer Jon Batiste, left, with wife Suleika Jaouad, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of “The Isolation Journals,” middle, at the Princeton University Concerts’ sold-out “Healing with Music” event on November 15, above.

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“Between Two Kingdoms,” Jaouad returns to PUC on the heels of a sold-out November 15 “Healing with Music” event with her husband, Grammy-winning musician and composer Jon Batiste, “The Beat Goes On: Healing from Cancer through Music.” The idea for the inaugural month’s “Impromptu Challenge” takes inspiration from that day, which doubled as a bone marrow donor drive on campus held in conjunction with Princeton’s Office of Community and Regional Affairs and the National Marrow Donor Program’s “Be The Match” donor registry. According to the Be the Match website, “ethnically diverse” patients diagnosed with blood cancers and disorders must navigate a longer, more challenging process to find unrelated donors for blood stem cells and marrow transplants due to lower donation rates—a barrier that is even greater for people of mixed ethnicities like Jaouad. Jaouad and Batiste’s tale of love, survival, and creativity was the subject of the biographical documentary “American Symphony,” which debuted on Netflix in late November and follows many of the ideas discussed at the couple’s November “Healing with Music” event. Director Matthew Heineman’s film captures how, just as Batiste is recognized with 11 Grammy nominations—five of which he would win—and an Oscar for co-writing the score for Pixar’s “Soul,” Jaouad’s cancer returns after being in remission for almost a decade. Batiste sits on the cusp of composing

and practicing for the biggest one-night orchestral performance of his life at Carnegie Hall as Jaouad encourages him to continue, resuming her fight against leukemia while undergoing another bone marrow transplant. Despite being in contrasting circumstances, the couple’s story depicts creativity as an expression of love and a cathartic, restorative force that ultimately strengthens their bond. It is fitting, then, that Jaouad issued the following prompt: “Write about a time when music served as a healing force in your life or in the lives of those around you.” To enter, participants must answer one of the three prompts by Friday, March 22, 2024, with separate categories for members of the general public and Princeton University students. All entries must be submitted in PDF or Word document format with no reference to the author’s identity in the titles for anonymous evaluation by a panel of judges, as the PUC website continued, “from across the Princeton University campus and town community.” Princeton University Concerts will feature all winners in online and print media publications, yet prize recipients who do not want to disclose their identities can be published anonymously. While there are no submission limits for virtually all writers, anyone who has previously won the “Creative Reactions” or “Audience Voices” prizes must wait two years before registering again. According to the PUC page for the challenge, which includes the submission portal, concerts.princeton.edu/impromptu-

The “Impromptu Challenge” winners will be announced at the ﬁnal “Healing with Music” event of the 23-24 season, “Anxiety, Depression, and Music,” described as “an intimate concert-conversation” featuring live performances by pianist Jonathan Biss, right, and excerpts from writer Adam Haslett’s 2016 novel, “Imagine Me Gone,” left and middle, on Wednesday, April 24, in the Richardson Auditorium’s Alexander Hall. Images, from left to right, courtesy of Annette Hornischer, PUC, and Benjamin Ealovega.

challenge, winners will receive the following prizes: an autographed concert poster signed by both Jaouad and Batiste; an original piece by Diana Weymar, founder of the Interwoven Stories project, featuring an embroidered excerpt from the submission; a copy of the Princeton University Press’ “Ways of Hearing: Reﬂections on Music in 26 Pieces” 2021 anthology; and more. For additional information or inquiries, contact the Princeton University Concerts office at 609-258-2800 or pucmail@princeton.edu. Future prompts will be directly related to topics raised in the final iterations of the 2023–24 “Healing with Music” series, such as the Sunday, March 3, “Dance for PD® (Parkinson’s Disease)” event, a Mark Morris Dance Group program that invites participants from local chapters of American Repertor y Ballet’s “Dance for Parkinson’s” initiatives to perform adapted choreography together in an onstage concert collaboration and panel discussion. (For more information, see the November 2023 Six09 cover story, “Dance for Parkinson’s at ARB Leads a Choreography of Change” by Rebekah Schroeder). Winners will also be announced at the last “Healing with Music” event of the season, “Anxiety, Depression, and Music,” featuring pianist Jonathan Biss and writer Adam Haslett on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the Richardson Auditorium’s Alexander Hall. The program is described as “an intimate concert-conversation” with live performances of piano works by Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann, excerpts from Haslett’s 2016 novel, “Imagine Me Gone,”

and a Q&A. Tickets are $25 for the general public, $10 for students, and free for Princeton University students through the Passport to the Performing Arts program. For more information, see the PUC website at concerts.princeton.edu/ events/23-24-jonathan-biss-adam-haslett. This event marks Biss’ return to the stage after appearing earlier in the month for PUC’s “Concert Classics” series alongside classical pianist and conductor Mitsuko Uchida on April 3. Biss and Uchida are the co-artistic directors of the Marlboro Music Festival, a retreat where participants of all experience levels come to classically train, collaborate, rehearse, and eventually perform chamber music works together live in concert. The duo’s debut show is already sold out, but the PUC website promises a “rare joint recital” focusing yet again on the work of Austrian composer Schubert, who was known for his “piano four hands” pieces where two musicians play one piano at the same time. According to his biography, Biss concluded a “decade-long project recording all of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas” before the third-generation professional musician— the son of violinist Miriam Fried and violist-violinist Paul Biss, as well as the grandson of cellist Raya Garbousova— ”took the rare step of publicly confronting a subject often considered taboo within the performing arts.” In his memoir “Unquiet: My Life with Beethoven,” published in 2021 as part of Audible’s Words + Music series, Biss “described his struggles with crippling

anxiety and the severe effects that a solitary performing career had on his mental health.” Through his poignant examination of life as a pianist and Beethoven interpreter, Biss, as the website continued, “gave voice to the ways in which Beethoven—and music, in general—helped him heal from his anxiety as much as he had contributed to it.” Haslett is a two-time Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist with three fiction books to his name, as well as prior journalism experience covering culture and politics for papers like the New Yorker, Esquire, and more. According to his PUC bio, “Imagine Me Gone” was described by Pulitzer Prize judges as “’the quiet and compassionate saga of a family whose world is shaped by mental illness and the challenges and joys of caring for each other.’” “Drawing on his father’s suicide, Imagine Me Gone is the most personal book he has written—in his words, an attempt to ‘put the reader as far into the mind of someone with anxiety and depression as I can, and let them take from that what they will,’” the website continued.

*** Jaouad recorded her own response to the first “Impromptu Challenge” prompt on the Isolation Journals’ Substack page, theisolationjournals.substack.com, on December 3. But before answering, she reflected on the experience of watching “American Symphony” with over 150 staff from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she underwent cancer treatments,

as well as two of the nurses who had supported her when she was diagnosed “with leukemia at 22 and then again at 33.” “It was such a full-circle moment to watch this film with the people who had walked through the valley with me. Illness usually has a clear beginning: the onset of symptoms, the diagnosis, the first day of treatment. But so often, the end of things is harder to pinpoint. This feels especially true for me this second time around, given the fact that I will be in treatment indefinitely. Spending the evening with these compassionate and dedicated humans felt like a culmination—like the most acute phase, the scariest phase, had come to an end.” That same night was also when the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center announced its own partnership with Be the Match, titled “Join the Symphony,” which Jaouad explained as “a campaign to make the registry look like the orchestra in American Symphony—to reflect the beautifully diverse tapestry of these United States.” “When I decided to take part in this documentary, my hope was that it might help others who are also facing great uncertainty. But as someone who has had two bone marrow transplants, I’ve also made it part of my mission to help expand and diversify the bone marrow registry. Currently the registry is marked by huge racial disparities: whereas a white person has a 79% chance of finding a match, a Black person has only a 29% chance, and statistics for people of mixed ethnicity like me are even lower,” she continued. “My doctors did search the registry for a non-relative match this time, fearing that if my brother Adam was my donor again, I’d be more likely to relapse—but there wasn’t one. I’m fortunate that Adam was willing and able to donate again and that so far, the leukemia is at bay. But I’ve known too many people whose hope for a cure ended when they couldn’t find a match. And it’s with them in mind that I’m asking you to spread the word—to ask others to Join the Symphony.” According to Be the Match, anyone ages 18 to 40 can donate blood stem cells with just a swab of the cheek. To join, donate, or learn more about the initiative, see the website at bethematchfoundation.org/site/ SPageNavigator/JointheSymphony. Jaouad then leads into her essay, which references the Princeton University Concerts program and reinforces its mission of expression: “A few weeks ago, Jon and I had the honor of taking part in the “Healing through Music” concert series at my alma

See IMPROMPTU, Page 6

Januar y 2024 | SIX095

winter wellness The more often a patient can meet with their dentist, the better care that doctor can provide. The frequency of appointments is determined by each New Year, New Smile dentist and usually coincides with a hygienist visit, usually every 6 months or twice a year. A recurring Smile, it’s a new year! A time that for many 6 month recall to your dentist is so important to means resolutions, and a renewed commitment to supporting oral and overall bodily health, that many health and improvement. A healthy smile is a big insurance companies outright cover many of recall part of that, and now you can care for your and your services included in the visit! family’s teeth all in one place. When families come The basic components of the preventive dental to HDA, they are happy because they can take appointment consist of: care of their own dental needs while everyone in • Review and update medical and dental history their family’s oral health is being looked after at the • Blood pressure screening same time. “It’s a win-win,” commented Dr. Irving • Oral cancer examination Djeng, pediatric dentist, “kids get attentive, gentle •Examination of the teeth and periodontal treatment by a dedicated, specialist team that works tissues (i.e. gum tissue and supporting bone). This only with kids, while parents and adult patients are includes a visual examination for signs of dental cared for by our experienced adult staff right down caries (cavities), other problems with the teeth the hall.” Dr. Lauren Levine, pediatric dentist, also (chips, broken fillings, etc.), looking for signs of commented, “We go to great lengths to make the Recall, but what does that mean? A “recall” or inflammation and infection, and periodontal probing, children feel comfortable because we know that “dental recall” visit is a regularly scheduled checkup which measures the depth of the gum pocket. teaching children good oral hygiene at a very young appointment to help dentists have an ongoing • Radiographic exam. The content and timing of age prepares them for a lifetime of healthy smiles.” knowledge of the status of their patients’ oral health. dental x-rays can vary and are customized to the You may have heard the term 6-Month Dental These visits are vital to both practice and patients. needs and disease susceptibility of the patient. The

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From IMPROMPTU, Page 5 mater, Princeton University. That night, we talked about the many ways art sustains us through the hardest things, and I shared a story about Jon writing lullabies for me during my second bone marrow transplant. I often think of what Jon said in his Grammy acceptance speech a couple of years ago—about the special power of a song to reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most. That’s what I wrote about, and what I’m inviting you to consider today.

Prompt 272. Lullabies The winter of 2022, I lived a more intense version of isolation than I’d ever experienced. I was undergoing my second bone marrow transplant to treat a relapse of leukemia, and the chemo I had done to prepare for it had obliterated my immune system, leaving me with literally zero white blood cells. In such a circumstance, being sequestered in a hospital bubble is a given. However, my transplant occurred during the covid omicron surge, so hospital restrictions were higher than normal and visitors were extremely limited. Not only could I not leave the eighth floor of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, but I also couldn’t see many of my beloveds. For a period of time, this included my husband Jon. He had work obligations,

6SIX09 | Januar y 2024

Jaouad and Batiste star in Matthew Heineman’s 2023 documentary, “American Symphony,” now streaming on Netflix. Image courtesy of Netflix. and he could not avoid being exposed to all kinds of pathogens—from covid to the common cold—that could have killed me. That he continued to work was a choice we’d made together months earlier, back when we learned my leukemia returned. We had many discussions about whether he would pull out of his obligations to be with me, and I had insisted he continue. He had worked tirelessly from the time he was a teenager to get to that point, and the idea that he would miss out on this big moment because of my relapse was com-

pletely unacceptable to me. Being apart was difficult for both of us, though in some ways, I believe it was even more difficult for Jon. He had to put on his professional face and move about the world when both his head and his heart wanted to be there at my bedside. But instead of wallowing in loneliness and despair, he came up with a creative solution. He connected a small keyboard to his computer, and he began composing lullabies and sending them to me. They were improvised, raw, and beautiful. (One of

them evolved to become “Butterfly,” one of my favorite songs on World Music Radio— which, no big deal, was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year.) Lullaby. It comes from the words “lull,” as in “to soothe,” and “by,” meaning “near.” Lullabies are often written in triple meter, which is a swaying or rocking rhythm that mimics what a baby feels in the womb as its mother moves. Jon’s melodies provided that sort of comfort, that sense of security. There was a week where I was in the most pain I’ve ever experienced, as close to the veil as I’ve ever been, suffering from three simultaneous infections—two in my bloodstream—and the whole time I played those gentle, mellifluous songs on loop, for hours and hours. Hospitals are noisy places, with the constant beeping of monitors, the wheezing of respirators, the blaring alarms on IV poles. Jon’s songs were a welcome counterpoint to that soundtrack. But more than that, Jon found solace in the making of those lullabies, and I found so much in listening to them. I could feel his tenderness, his love, and his support. He wasn’t physically there, but he was present with me.”

*** For more on Princeton University Concerts’ and the Isolation Journals’ “Impromptu Challenge,” see the contest page on the PUC website, concerts.princeton.edu/impromptu-challenge.

winter wellness dental team weighs risk vs. benefits when taking dental x-rays, keeping radiation exposure to a minimum •An actual prophylaxis (cleaning) to mechanically remove any build up or plaque from tooth surfaces. •Application of a topical fluoride agent, when indicated. Usually at the end of the appointment, the dentist will review all the findings and radiographs, make any necessary diagnoses, and recommend treatment, if indicated. Hamilton Dental Associates (HDA) has been serving Hamilton and the Greater Central New Jersey area for over 50 years. While HDA’s roots are in pediatric dentistry, they also specialize in adult and cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, and endodontics. Patients are treated by specialists in their field. For example, orthodontic treatment is done by an orthodontic specialist, and patients requiring a root canal will be treated by an endodontist — a dentist who specializes in root canals. It’s all done under one roof which is time saving and eliminates the need for multiple referrals. Come see what all the smiling is about! To request an appointment, call 609-586-6603 or visit HamiltonDental. com. Locations are 2929 Klockner Road and 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton, New Jersey. Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing your smile! See ad, page 12.

his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Jefferson Health. He then went on to complete his Fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Jefferson Introducing Dr. Maulik Shah Health, where he was honored to Premier Gastroenterology of be selected as Chief Fellow. He is Hamilton prides itself on providing Board Certified in Internal Medicine exceptional care for advanced and Gastroenterology. He is an active digestive health in its beautiful office member of the American College conveniently located on Route 33 in of Gastroenterology, American Hamilton Township. Gastroenterological Association At Premier GI, compassionate and and the American Society for state of the art care will be provided Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. for a wide range of gastrointestinal Dr. Shah caters to a spectrum of problems such as abdominal medical needs, including (but not pain, colon polyps, colon cancer limited to) nausea and vomiting, screening, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, stomach pain, pancreatic ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and biliary diseases, liver disease, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux diarrhea, IBD and IBS. He is an Dr. Maulik Shah disease, Barrett’s esophagus, difficulty expert in general gastroenterology with swallowing, peptic ulcer, GI bleed, procedures as well as advanced positive and fulfilling lifestyle. blood loss anemia, celiac disease, Outside of work he enjoys traveling, endoscopic procedures such as IBS, Women’s digestive health, gas hiking, cooking, golf, and spending ERCP, endoscopic luminal stenting, and bloating, hepatitis, cirrhosis, time with his family. and EMR. He has a strong passion for gallstone disease, pancreatic cysts, Call 609-917-9917 for an teaching and routinely gives lectures and pancreatic cancer. appointment. Locations are 2271 Rt to the community on a variety of The doctors and staff of Premier GI gastroenterology disorders. Dr. Shah 33, Suite 110 Hamilton, NJ 08690 and bring high tech, high-touch approach 601 Ewing St, Suite C7, Princeton, is committed to providing the highest to patient care. The advantage of a NJ 08540, 609-921-7620. quality of care to his patients to small practice is that the physicians See ad, page 11. ensure their longevity and to provide a and staff of Premier GI will get to know you personally and treat you like friends and family. They will work hard Call us Tis the every day to earn your trust and to before our winter season to make Premier GI, the practice of your promotions choice for advanced digestive health. feel better are all gone Among the exceptional, caring doctors of Premier GI is Dr. Maulik Shah, who obtained his medical Happy Holidays from all of us at Aquatic Performance Training! degree from Rowan-Virtua SOM Weight Loss in New Jersey. He completed Achieve Your ¥Health and Fitness Goals with

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Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy Pain. It gnaws at you. It drains you. It becomes the focus of your life. Experiencing a few pain-free moments can be euphoric; it makes you realize how long you’ve been living with aches and pain. You might wonder how you can find a solution to relieve the pain and regain your freedom from discomfort. Dr. Ronak Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute wants you to know there are two new revolutionary answers to pain relief. Both platelet-rich therapy otherwise known as PRP - and stem cell therapy give patients new hope by using the body’s powerful healing power to accelerate the battle against pain. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success implementing these cuttingedge treatments on hundreds of patients suffering from pain-related issues.

So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline. • Osteoarthritis • Rotator cuff tear • Back pain • Meniscus tears • Tennis elbow • Disc herniations • Tendonitis • Neck pain Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures. Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable. PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage. So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small

vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered. Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years. Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress

Dr. Ronak Patel MD inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue. And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost! Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an appointment and learn more. See ad, page 3.

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Mini Dental Implants (MDIs) have changed the face of implant dentistry. Unlike traditional implant placement, where multiple dental visits are often required, MDIs can eliminate the need for extensive surgery. The most common use for MDIs is the stabilization of dentures and overdentures. MDIs firmly anchor the dental prosthesis, which means there is no longer a need to suffer with ill-fitting, loose and ANNOYING dentures! MDIs are designed to eliminate elaborate bone grafting and to expedite treatment. Traditional implants may require significant bone grafting and a longer recovery period. The latent period allows the anchor of the implant to properly embed itself into the jawbone. The smaller size of MDIs means that no recovery period is possible, and the denture can be fitted the same day. What are the advantages of MDI placement? MDIs are a true innovation for people who are reluctant to have invasive dental surgery and who are suffering denture wearers. One significant advantage MDIs have over traditional implants is that they offer a viable treatment choice for patients who have experienced extensive bone loss. Depending on the quality and density of jawbone available at the implant site, four or more of these mini implants may be implanted at one time. The most common use for MDIs is to stabilize a lower denture, however they can be placed anywhere in the mouth. Other advantages associated with MDIs may include: • Better smelling breath • More self-esteem • Clearer speech • Easier chewing and biting • Easier cleaning • Firmer denture fit • Good success rate • Less denture discomfort • No cutting or sutures • No need for adhesives or messy bonding agents • No rotting food beneath the

Dr. Kevin Mosmen denture • No slipping or wobbling • Quick treatment time • Reduced costs How are mini dental implants placed? The whole mini dental implant placement procedure takes approximately one hour. Generally, in the case of lower jaw implants, four to six MDIs will be placed about 5mm apart. Prior to inserting MDIs, Dr. Mosmen will use many diagnostic and planning tools to find the optimal location to implant them. After placement, a denture will be modified and affixed to the MDIs. The rubber O-ring on each MDI snaps into the designated spot on the denture, and the denture then rests snugly on the gum tissue. MDIs hold the denture comfortably in a tight-fitting way for the lifetime of that implant. In almost all cases, no stitching is required, and no real discomfort is felt after the procedure. When the denture placement procedure is complete, light eating can be resumed. The denture can be removed and cleaned at will. MDIs enhance the natural beauty of the smile and restore full functionality to the teeth. If you have any questions about mini dental implants, please call Dr. Kevin Mosmen for a FREE consultation appointment to see if you’re a candidate for this procedure or traditional implants. The Dental Difference – 2131 Route 33, Suite A, Hamilton, NJ 08690. 609-445-3577. www. thedentaldifference.com. See ad, page 8.

WINTER WELLNESS Our office also provides stateAllCure Spine and of-the-art modalities to assist each provider in getting patients back to 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.

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

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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. 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

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

Dr Maulik Shah is an expert in general gastroenterology procedures as well as advanced endoscopic procedures such as ERCP, endoscopic luminal stenting, and EMR. He has a strong passion for teaching and routinely gives lectures to the community on a variety of gastroenterology disorders. 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. See ad, page 12.

Areas of expertise include: GERD • Peptic Ulcer Disease • GI Bleeding Celiac Disease • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • IBS Abdonimal Pain • Diarrhea • Constipation Women’s Digestive Health • Colon Cancer Screening Diverticular Disease • Gallstones • Hepatitis Liver Function Abnormalities Pancreatic Cysts and Cancer 2271 Rt 33, Suite 110 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Ph: 609-917-9917 601 Ewing St, Suite C7 Princeton, NJ 08540 Ph: 609-921-7620 A DIVISION OF GANJ

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WINTER WELLNESS that’s group fitness for the individual. The ethos of Rumble Boxing revolves around authenticity and a departure from the clichés often associated with group workouts. It champions the celebration of A New Fitness Haven individual uniqueness while fostering Lands in Town a collective environment where everyone fights for shared fitness If you’ve been in the Whole Foods goals. complex recently, you’ve seen the Rumble Boxing’s dedication to new gym that’ now open. Rumble authenticity doesn’t mean sacrificing Boxing, renowned for its immersive style or grace. On the contrary, it workouts that seamlessly blend the melds an edgy vibe with a touch of sweet science of boxing with the elegance, mirroring the multifaceted transformative power of strength nature of its workouts — raw, training, has expanded its domain, powerful, yet executed with finesse. bringing its unique brand of fitness The spirit of Rumble Boxing to the Mercer County area. Rumble Princeton is echoed through the Boxing has quickly become a stories shared by its members. They buzzworthy destination for fitness celebrate their individual fitness enthusiasts seeking a thrilling, yet journeys while acknowledging the challenging, workout experience. collective support that fuels their What sets Rumble Boxing progress. This celebration of unity Princeton apart isn’t just its and individuality within a fitness exceptional workout regimen; it’s community marks Rumble Boxing as a the philosophy that underpins every standout in Princeton’s fitness scene. jab, hook, and squat within its walls. At the core of Rumble’s appeal Emphasizing the power of collective lies its high-octane 10-round fight effort while celebrating individuality, Rumble Boxing curates an experience concept. This distinctive approach offers No matter what your "IT" may be!an authentic blend of High-

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Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), metabolic conditioning (MetCon), and the full benefits of cardio in a single, seamless class. Each round symbolizes a distinct challenge, weaving together boxing-inspired movements and targeted strength training exercises. From jab-cross combinations to bodyweight circuits, participants engage in a fusion of disciplines that elevate heart rates while sculpting and toning muscles, making each session a complete, full-body workout. The inclusive nature of Rumble Boxing’s community is evident in its diverse clientele. Novices and seasoned athletes find their place within the gym’s welcoming embrace, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement. As Rumble Boxing becomes a fixture in Princeton’s fitness landscape, its ability to seamlessly merge the art of boxing with the science of HIIT, MetCon, and cardio solidifies its status as a revolutionary fitness destination. With each round symbolizing a step closer to personal

triumph, Rumble Boxing Princeton beckons individuals to step into the ring, embrace the challenge, and emerge stronger, fitter, and more empowered than ever before. Rumble Boxing Princeton, 3495 Route 1, Suite 120B, Windsor Green Shopping Center. 609-4648722. www.rumbleboxinggym.com/ princeton. See ad, page 13.

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Women’s Nutritional Services Pelvic Floor or weight loss goals through an approach that is anything but “cookie Our Nutrition Experts, RDN’s,are the ONLY medical Physical TherapySERVICES cutter”. NUTRITIONAL professionals qualiﬁed to give you nutrition advice. We don’t believe Caruso PTRDwith offersyour a unique, patient-centered physical therapy on the field, back at the office, or back to running around • Surgery/ Post Op Recovery approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor children or grandkids! Treating pain is only ALL the first step! Achieve your body composition, sport’s performance, • Concussion AGES: 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

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Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Many people who could benefit from bariatric surgery don’t consider it because of widespread misconceptions About 30 percent of U.S. adults qualify as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bariatric (weight loss) surgery, which involves modifying the stomach to restrict the amount of food it can hold, could provide health benefits for many of those people— including reduction of medication, improvement of diabetes, a cure for obstructive sleep apnea and more. Nonetheless, people who are candidates for the surgery often don’t see it as an option because of widespread misconceptions, says Ragui W. Sadek, MD, Chief of Bariatrics for RWJ Barnabas Health. Here are some of the most common: MYTH #1: “You have to be several hundred pounds overweight to

consider weight loss surgery.” FACT: “People think that’s the case because of TV shows like My 600-lb Life,” says Dr. Sadek. “In fact, most of the patients I operate on are in the 250-to-300-pound range. They are surgery candidates because their obesity is causing other health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. After surgery, they see improvement in these conditions and can reduce or eliminate multiple medications.” MYTH #2: “Weight loss surgery is risky.” FACT: The risk of fatality during bariatric surgery is just 0.1 percent, Dr. Sadek says—lower than the risks of many common surgeries. MYTH #3: “Weight loss surgery is for people who don’t want to diet and exercise.” FACT: “Obesity is not about being lazy or not having willpower,” Dr. Sadek says. “We are getting more and more data that shows that people who are morbidly obese have certain genetic profiles that lead to obesity.” Besides, a healthy diet and exercise are a key part of the post-

surgery success, he notes. “At RWJUH Hamilton, weight loss surgery is more than just surgery—it’s a comprehensive program, including diet modifications, physical activity and making support available postsurgery.” MYTH #4: “Most people regain weight after bariatric surgery.” FACT: “Research shows that bariatric surgery is the most effective means of achieving long-term weight loss,” says Dr. Sadek. “The standard for failure of the surgery has been defined as a case in which the patient regains 50 percent or more of their excess body weight post-surgery. However, most patients keep off the majority of the weight they lose.” MYTH #5: “Weight loss surgery is a last resort.” FACT: On the contrary, obese patients and their physicians should consider it sooner, Dr. Sadek says. “Morbid obesity is a disease that should be dealt with as early as possible,” he says. “If you wait until you are taking multiple medications for related health problems, you may not be eligible for surgery because of those problems. The earlier you do it,

the better your potential outcome.” The Bariatric Surgery Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is certified for Bariatric Surgery by The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Call RWJUH Hamilton’s Bariatric Program Coordinator at 609-2497510. Visit rwjbh.org/weightloss See ad, page 9.

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giving Back tO OuR cOmmunity We are proud of and grateful for the many ways that members of our school community are responsive to the needs of others in the community. Bear Tavern students participating in a service learning project with “The Bag Project”. This provides children in shelters or foster care with a high-quality, ageappropriate bag filled with basic necessities and comfort items In addition, the Bear Tavern School community generously supported the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Hopewell Elementary School community provided food for 27 families in need to assist the Chubby’s Project in Hopewell Borough. The staff raised over $900 to cover the cost of turkeys, while the students provided other food donations. In addition to meal donations, the HES community donated 31 pot pies and 23 fruit pies to accompany the meals. Fifth grade students personally delivered these items to Chubby’s. In addition, the HES school community collected new or gently used items for the East Trenton Center Gift Drive.The

Stony Brook community donated and delivered 26 bags of food and gift cards to The Millhill Child and Family Development Center as part of their Student Council Food Drive. Millhill empowers children, youth, and families through individualized and educational and behavioral health services. For the 38th year, Toll Gate students, staff and their families held a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). They collected canned goods and turkeys, and continued the beloved TG tradition of baking sweet potato pies in the Toll Gate cafeteria. Timberlane Middle School students and their families generously donated 86 boxes of food to the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry as well as 500 bags to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. The CHS Choirs Program partnered with CHS Thespian Troupe 7964 to collect canned goods and non-perishable food donations to benefit Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat! - a nationwide community service initiative to collect food for the hungry.

HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS | Hopewell Express11

events OF nOte: Recent anD upcOming • Central High School National Merit Recognition: Twenty-five students earned recognition as Commended Scholars, and two students earned recognition as National Merit Semi-Finalists. In addition, two students were named as College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars, and two students were named as College Board National African-American Recognition Program Scholars. • Winter Performances - a December series featured: HVCHS Choir Concert , HVCHS Orchestra Concert, HVCHS Band Concert and a Winter Dance Festival • Madrigal Dinner: The Chamber Singers served as both wait staff and entertainment during this hilarious evening of song. • The Central High School play: Peter and the Starcatcher was an adventure-filled, heartwarming production! • Timberlane Middle School Fall Concert, a night of music by our talented 6th Grade ensembles, featuring Band, Choir and Orchestra! • Winter Concerts in the Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center which featured performances from the 4th and 5th grade choirs (these include all students in 4th and 5th grade) as well as the orchestras, band, and Festival Ensembles! • The Bear Tavern Elementary School Singers, The Treble Makers, were guests of honor at the Hopewell Township annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. • Stony Brook Elementary School hosted accomplished musicians/artists/teachers for an interactive, participatory interdisciplinary program with a theme of collaboration and inspiration.

the hvchs seRvice leaRning pathWay The HVCHS Service Learning Pathway is open to all students, and allows for an opportunity to extend their education beyond school and into the community. Students help to meet community needs through individual service hours, and develop and implement a culminating project during senior year with a local nonprofit organization. In addition, students take a service learning focused elective to broaden their understanding of local needs. This inclusive pathway provides both social-emotional and academic benefits for the student participants, reflecting Dr. Martin Luther King’s belief that “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Currently, over 50 students are enrolled in the Service Learning Pathway. Each student has been paired with a faculty mentor, who supports and monitors their service efforts. So far this year, students have participated in service initiatives with organizations such as the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry, Special Olympics, Chubby’s Project, FoHVOS, and elementary school PTOs. We are proud to provide these opportunities for our students to support the surrounding community. Patricia Riley Principal, Hopewell Valley Central High School

• HV CHS Alumni “Mic Drop” Thurs. Jan 4th: A Reunion of Song, Hopewell Valley Vineyards 5:30-9pm, An evening with friends and family celebrating CHS musical talent from over the years. CHS Alumni - soloists & ensembles are invited to perform! No Cover charge; donations requested to benefit the HV Music Parent Association. • Salute to Service Ice Hockey Game, Sat. Jan. 13th at 6:15pm, Tsai Fieldhouse, Lawrenceville School. Please save the date for the ice hockey team’s annual Salute to Service game during which the Varsity Hockey team will be honoring local veterans. • Winter Athletics: There are over 330 student-athletes participating in our winter athletic season! Please come out to support our student-athletes as they compete in wrestling, cheerleading, basketball (boys, girls, AND Unified!), swimming, diving, track, and ice hockey. The winter athletic schedule for HVCHS and Timberlane MS can be found on the HVCHS website.

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 259 Pennington-Titusville Road Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4003 (609) 737-1581 Fax Principal: Patricia Riley

TIMBERLANE MIDDLE SCHOOL 51 S. Timberlane Drive Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4004 (609) 737-2718 Fax Principal: Nicole Gianfredi

12Hopewell Express | HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS

BEAR TAVERN SCHOOL 1162 Bear Tavern Road Titusville, NJ 08560 (609) 737-4005 (609) 737-7351Fax Principal: Christopher Turnbull

HOPEWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 35 Princeton Avenue Hopewell, NJ 08525 (609) 737-4007 (609) 466-8095 FAX Principal: David Friedrich

STONY BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20 Stephenson Road Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4006 (609) 730-3888 Fax Principal: Steven Wilfing

TOLL GATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL 275 South Main Street Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4008 (609) 737-7348 Fax Principal: Jane Ellen Lennon

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 425 South Main Street Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4000 (609) 737-1418 Fax

BOROUGH continued from Page 8 the fact that they have a borough hall that looks like a borough hall.” Morehouse said that Anzano deserved credit for his leadership in helping bring all three of the above projects to fruition. “What’s really interesting about all three of these components was, the deliverable was grand and the cost was low,” Morehouse said. “Through Paul’s work securing the federal grant for the streetscape, we were able to address what was a true need at minimal cost. “On the Masonic lodge, the Masons wanted to sell. They wanted to get out of the building because it was not being maintained. But the thing that made this building the beauty that it is, is that we had an anonymous benefactor in the town that produced a substantial donation that allowed us to purchase this building and do what we were trying to do. It was money that was extremely well spent. “The playgrounds, as Paul alluded to — the value added to that was almost infinite because the costs were so miniscule. These folks went out, they found the money, they solicited the company that provided the playground and all provided all of the labor. It was one of the most remarkable community-building experiences that I’ve lived with.” *** Anzano and his wife Christine moved to Hopewell from Trenton. “My youngest was born in 1999, and Christine was getting out more with the baby. She would come here for the children’s theater when Bob Thick was running it, and that’s how she got familiar with the borough,” he said. “When we decided to move out of Trenton, I said, ‘Christine, if we have city water and sewer, I’ll live anywhere,’ and she said, ‘I think Hopewell is nice.’ And that’s how we got here.” Anzano said spending his career working for and with the state gave him an advantage when he decided to run for office. “For my entire working career, I’ve been involved with elected officials and government. It was easy for me to be mayor in that regard. I wasn’t walking into a strange environment. I also knew what I didn’t want to do,” he said. “I’ve been around good politicians and bad politicians, and you had to see that to learn it.” Anzano said retiring from public office is the first step in a retirement plan. “My wife and I spoke about it. I’m 68, she’s 58 and we’re both talking about retiring. She still has a lot of professional work time in her, but my first step is to stop all the volunteer stuff. I’ve been talking about not running again for four years. One of the reasons I did run is I wanted to be involved in government while my kids were in school, but now my youngest is graduated. “Once I jettison the volunteer stuff, I

can focus on fixing up the other stuff that would permit me to retire.” Morehouse, who was born in Mendham, settled in Hopewell in 1986 with wife Liza. In 1990, he founded Morehouse Engineering, and first ran for fire commissioner around the same time. “I grew up in a family where it was expected of you, if you were able, to get involved. It is an obligation — we are very fortunate to have what we’ve got, and if you don’t give back, you don’t have any appreciation for what’s in front of you,” he said. “This is a very good community. Both of my children grew up in this community. It’s the longest I’ve lived in any one place.” Morehouse has spent many years chairing the fire commission, which keeps him deeply involved with Hopewell’s emergency medical and fire community. “In our town, it is a regional fire and emergency medical group and we, with the township and Pennington, work toegether to provide these services. That is a very delicate task, because we’re not dealing with paid people. These are volunteers who wake up in the middle of the night and do their thing. “One of the things I’m sort of disappointed about (not being re-elected) is that council is going to lose the voice for emergency medical services and fire. Across the State of New Jersey, emergency medical service is in jeopardy — it’s much bigger than (Hopewell Borough). We talk about things like, if the volunteers in our area disappeared, our budget for emergency medical services would go from $600k to about $2.5million.” He has no plans to step away from his role on the fire commission, and in fact on the day we met, he and Anzano had come from Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, where they had taken part in an informal breakfast session with a number of community stakeholders, including a new council member, a sitting council member, the chair of the Hopewell Library and a member of the fire department. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “My wife sits as chair of the board for Morven, which has just been selected as one of four primary sites in New Jersey to recognize the 250th anniversary of American independence.” Morehouse said the community should be excited about the new elected officials coming in, Sheri Hook and Heidi Wilenius. ”Sheri Hook and I talked about it not being a political job. I looked her square in the eye and I said, ‘There’s only a few things you have to remember as an elected official: one is, it’s not your money. It’s just that simple. Whether you’re looking at your budget or bonding or capital projects or capital reserve, ego

has nothing to do with it. Everyone that has served on this council for the years I’ve been involved with it has been completely unself-serving. “I don’t mean to be blowing our own horn but at the end of the day it’s the only council I could live with. If we were living with disinformation and squabble and personal things, I would have given up long ago. We have our arguments and disagreements, but it’s true governance.” *** Succeeding Anzano this month as mayor will be former council member Ryan Kennedy, who got to know both Anzano and Morehouse well during his time on council. “We’re losing some height diversity with both Paul and Sky leaving council,” Kennedy joked in a phone conversation with the Express. (To illustrate his point, see the photo on the cover.) “Paul’s service and guidance to the borough for these past 16 years as mayor and longer still before that as councilperson — we can’t replace that. His dedication to our town shows up in a lot of different ways that maybe everyone didn’t see all the time,” he said. Kennedy cited the example of the game of Hope-opoly, an Anzano-led project to create a Hopewell Borough-themed Monopoly-type game to raise funds for

the Hopewell Public Library. “Using community members to design it, getting sponsors and having the proceeds support the library — it’s amazing to see what he was able to do, and it was just one of many examples. I know he will continue to support our community, but he will be missed in this role.” Kennedy said Morehouse’s experience and knowledge of the town is “not replaceable.” “Hopewell Borough is a very progressive, and, if you look at the numbers, very democratic town,” he said. “But Sky Morehouse is a person that earned everyone’s respect and appreciation regardless of party. I’m disappointed by the prospect of not having him next to me at the dais, but I know that he’s going to remain a fixture in this community, whether it’s his work for our fire department and first responders or any one of the many other charities and community efforts he supports. “In government and in life, there are a few people you come across that are true gentlemen, and Sky is the epitome of that. He always listened, always lent his knowledge, is very generous with his time, and his approach to leadership and governance with a steady hand brought everyone to the table and made them feel heard.”

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XC continued from Page 1 ted, they’re dedicated, they’re focused, they make sacrifices. And the unique thing with both of them is Elsie’s mom was a very good runner and Claire had a brother and sister who were both very good runners.” Rey-de-Castro grew up watching her mom, Jessica, go on recreational runs and compete in 5K races after running distance at Middlebury College. “I wanted to go with her, and when I was eight years old I convinced her to let me run with her and that’s how it started,” the HVCHS freshman said. “I had my first 5K when I was nine. It went pretty good. I just remember hurting a lot in the last mile. I think I got 37th place.” Dumont, a junior, watched elder brother and sister Alexander and Paige both reach the Meet of Champions. “Growing up my family always did 5Ks and different races,” she said. “I guess I’m following my family’s lead. Both my sister and brother were distance runners, so I ended up being a distance runner.” Dumont ran strictly track until last year, when she decided to run cross country after playing soccer. Returning as the team’s top runner, she was appreciative to have Rey-de-Castro and Sydney Young, another freshman, join her as heads of the pack.

“It was amazing, we used each other helped a lot,” Dumont said. “It was super through the races and practices,” Dumont exciting being (at the MOC). To be honest said. “We had other teammates still com- I never thought I could necessarily get to ing out to support us, which is awesome that point, but this year once I started droptoo. We definitely helped each other a lot.” ping more times it became a possibility.” In the end, her goal was Elsie was glad to find met. “I just wanted to finClaire there when she ish strong,” she said. “I arrived. was really happy with how I “I think she really helped raced. Halfway through the me with pacing; she’s a race, I heard people saying really good pacer,” Rey-de‘You’re 50 You’re 50!’ so that Castro said. “From followkind of became my goal to ing her, she runs very evenly push and finish in that top during races. Whenever I 50.” follow her we pass a lot of Rey-de-Castro finished 17 people together. She’s really spots behind. She hoped to a quiet leader. You learn by latch on to Dumont as she watching her.” Dumont had done most of the seaDumont laid a strong founson, but with the massive dation during the regular seaamount of runners, she lost son, finishing third in the Battle at Ocean County Park in a PR of 19:15, her in the crowd. “in other meets it really eighth in the Shore Coaches Invitational helped just following her,” Elsie said. “In at Holmdel and fifth in the CVC Divisional that meet I couldn’t find her.” It was a stellar first season, nonetheless. championships. In the post-season she took 11th in the Mercer County champion- In the Shore Coaches Freshman meet, ships, then dropped her times in all three Rey-de-Castro finished second overall in races at Holmdel by finishing 12th in Cen- 13:54 (on a two-mile course), while Young tral Jersey Group III (20:24), 25th in Group was first in 13:06 in helping Hopewell to III states (20:22) and 47th in the Meet of second as a team. Elsie was fourth in the Battle at Ocean County (13:06), 12th in the Champions (19:56). “Those early races were definitely a MCT (20:07), 11th in CJ III groups (20:26) big confidence booster. Coming off them and 21st in Group III (20:14) “I was hoping to get to Groups,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d get to Meet of Champs and I thought if I did, it would be because the team got in and other people pulled the weight. I was really just happy to be there.” She said she did not go hard enough in the first two miles, before pouring it on in the final third. “A lot of people passed me, and then I passed them in the last mile,” she said. Oldfield noted that Young, who finished seventh in the sectionals, had some health issues in the state meet that held her back. But he predicted a big future for the freshman. “She has no idea how good she’s going to be,” Oldfield said. As for Dumont and Rey-de-Castro,

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the coach noted: “We knew with Claire returning, she was gonna be up there and be one of our better runners. We knew about Elsie and Sydney because we would watch Timberlane’s races. We knew there was a good freshman class. But to pencil in they’re gonna be in the Meet of Champions, that’s kind of hard to predict, especially the freshmen. Elsie’s not only a freshman, but you throw Holmdel in there, that’s not your typical course. It can be mentally and physically difficult.” Both runners, however, find joy in running distances, no matter what turf their legs are pounding over. It’s part of their success. “It’s a great escape from my school work, and just any stress. I think happy thoughts, being able to be outside and running and with the team and everything,” Dumont said. Rey-de-Castro added: “I really don’t think about anything. I reflect on my day and plan the future. When I run, it is my only time to be truly disconnected from stressors like school and technology. I feel way more connected to my body and mind when I run. It’s similar to meditating.” Now it’s time to meditate on moving inside, where both athletes will try and hone their races for the spring season. “We don’t always run our fastest times in winter track,” Dumont said. “But since I improved so much my cross country season, I feel like it’s a good time to just keep improving those times a bit. I’ll just focus on running the races to make sure I’m ready for spring track.” Rey-de-Castro isn’t looking to set the world on fire this winter. She just wants to light the fuse. “I think winter track is training,” she said. “I think I’m gonna get faster times in spring track because it’s later in the year and it’s not an indoor track. They are notorious for slower times. The air in there is hard to breathe in. I never ran it myself, but that’s what I heard, that it’s hard to breathe.” But Rey-de-Castro and Dumont are a breath of fresh air in the overall HVCHS distance running picture.

Jan: 2, 16, 30 Jul: 2, 16, 30 Jan: 6, 15, 29 Jul: 1, 15, 29 Jan: 9, 23 Jul: 9, 23 Aug: 13, 27 Feb: 12, 26 Aug: 12, 26 Feb: 6, 20 Aug: 6, 20 Feb: 13, 27 Sep: 10, 24 Mar: 12, 26 Sep: 7, 16, 30 Mar: 11, 25 Sep: 9, 23 Sep: 3, 17 Mar: 5, 19 Apr: 9, 23 Oct: 8, 22 Oct: 7, 21 Apr: 2, 16, 30 Oct: 1, 15, 29 Apr: 8, 22 Apr: 1, 15, 29 Oct: 14, 28 Nov: 5, 19 May: 14,28 May: 6, 20 Nov: 4, 18 May: 13 Nov: 12, 26 May: 7, 21 Nov: 11, 25 Dec: 3, 17, 31 Dec: 2, 16, 30 Jun: 11, 25 Jun: 3, 17 Jun: 1, 10, 24 Dec: 9, 23 Dec: 10, 24 Jun: 4, 18

Jan: 8, 22 Feb: 5, 19 Mar: 4, 18

Jul: 8, 22 Aug: 5, 19

Jan: 3, 17, 31 Feb: 14,28 Mar: 13, 27

Jul: 3, 17, 31 Aug: 14, 28

Apr: 10, 24 May: 8, 22 Jun: 5, 19,

Sep: 11, 25 Oct: 9, 23 Nov: 6, 20 Dec: 4, 18

Jan: 11, 25 Jul: 11, 25 Jan: 4, 18 Jan: 10, 24 Jul: 6, 18 Jul: 10, 24 Aug: 8, 22 Feb: 1, 15, 29 Aug: 1, 15, 29 Feb: 8, 22 Feb: 7, 21 Aug: 7, 21 Sep: 5, 19 Mar: 7, 21 Sep: 4, 18 Mar: 14, 28 Sep: 12, 26 Mar: 6, 20 Apr: 4, 18 Oct: 3, 17, 31 Oct: 2, 16, 30 Apr: 11, 25 Apr: 3, 17 Oct: 10, 24 May: 2, 16, 30 Nov: 14, 30 May: 1, 15, 29 Nov: 13, 27 May: 9, 23 Nov: 7, 21 Jun: 13, 27 Dec: 12, 26 Jun: 6, 20 Jun: 12, 26 Dec: 5, 19 Dec: 11, 28

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The art and science of getting happier Lisa Wolff HAPPY VALLEY

Welcome to Happy Valley. (Thanks to readers for suggesting column names!) In general, I’ll focus on positive happenings in the Valley. Yet, for January 2024, I’ll focus on the “Happy” part. It appears I am in good company. At the end of 2023, Oprah released a book titled, Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier. Now just to ensure that you don’t view me as an Oprah copycat, I’ll point out that my annual New Year’s resolution/ intention is to bring more happiness into the world both for myself and others. I call it an intention to send it out to the universe while avoiding the stressful expectations of a resolution. The first time I shared this publicly was five years ago, when I posted, “Get Your Happy On! 10 Science-Backed Ways to be Happier” (fohvos.info/2019happy.) Back then I proposed some obvious recommendations like exercise and sleep more, and some lesser-known suggestions including move closer to work and practice gratitude.

My January 2020 follow-up, “Connect in 2020!” suggested that connecting with others on the activities I advised in 2019 was key to happiness, with a bonus for getting outside in nature. Since Oprah’s book release happily (!) coincides with my new chapter and new column, I want to revisit this subject with some fresh guidance and a few actions to avoid that may impede your happiness. A few months after my January 2020 post, my advice appeared prescient: Covid restrictions contributed to feelings of isolation and sadness. The negative effects of endless news loops amplified by social media are welldocumented, which brings me to my first recommendation. Reduce media consumption. Social media can help you stay connected and news media can help you stay informed. But going down rabbit holes, chasing likes, viewing toxic content, or just reinforcing your own political echo chambers can stoke fear and be divisive. That said, sometimes it takes real effort to walk away. Don’t believe the media or me, simply check in with yourself. Be self aware enough to ask, “How do I feel?” If you

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are engaged in polarity and hateful discourse, you know it’s not healthy. Yet somehow, it’s hard to quit. Group suffering can be addictive. Revisiting my 2020 advice, I realize that it takes some effort to prioritize meaningful connections. I am not proud to confess that I’ve blown off a get-together because I was binging on a good show. Better to focus on in-person relationships instead of scrolling through media content from keyboard warrior trolls intent on escalating negative emotions. Hopefully, your friends and family are a kinder lot, yet there are no guarantees. So, rule two: Minimize your time with negative people. At the risk of sounding a little too new age-y, the energy you put out in the world tends to multiply. I really love the concept of paying it forward. When I do nice things for others, I try to be creative and avoid overdone actions that don’t necessarily help. For example, I remember when it was popular to go to a drive-thru and pay for the order of the person behind you. Originally, I’m sure the person with the comped order felt great by the surprise. Today, I’m thinking that the person in line at your local Starbucks can probably afford their order more than the person serving everyone, so maybe you’re better off just doubling the tip. Further, this craze has resulted in chains, which may become a stressful obligation for the recipient and add a tracking headache for the cashier. This brings me to rule three: Avoid unintended consequences. If a wellmeaning gesture becomes work for someone else or can be misinterpreted as having strings, skip it. Bring happiness

by considering the best ways to encourage others or bringing pure joy. Now for a few things you can do. Visit actionforhappiness.org for daily actions you can take to build your own joy and add positivity to our world. I particularly like how they break up these positive actions into 10 key areas such as giving (doing kind things for others), relating (connecting with others) and meaning (being a part of something bigger.) What I like about setting an intention to maximize happiness is understanding that it is an ongoing process and the setbacks make the advances feel all the more meaningful. You may recall that the most popular class in Yale University’s 300-year history was their course teaching happiness. A little-known fact is that Professor Laurie Santos, who designed the course, and whose “Happiness Lab” podcast has been downloaded over 65 million times, took a sabbatical during the 2022-2023 school year. She needed to take her own advice and address her own feelings of burnout. All this to say, stay positive, keep it simple, realize it’s a process, and make an extra effort to be kind to yourself and others. In both of my former posts, I included a Flora Edwards quote that I’m certain Oprah would endorse and I’ll go ahead and end with it here: “In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” Lisa Wolff Lisa Wolff is the co-founder of the Outdoor Equity Alliance and an enthusiast for all things inspiring, generous, and local. Email: lwolffhome@gmail.com

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Shirley Turner, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, will provide a new venue for concerts, presentations, and other community events at Woolsey Park. Please also join me in welcoming our newest neighbors and community members to Hopewell Township who are residents of the Hopewell Parc neighborhood on Scotch Road. While only the first few units currently are occupied, more will slowly join them over the course of the year, and we look forward to the contributions our new neighbors will bring to our community. *** Finally, our community partner BeiGene is nearing completion of their flagship U.S. manufacturing and clinical research and development center at the Princeton Innovation West Campus in the township, on Pennington-Rocky Hill Road. They are anticipating a ribbon cutting in mid- 2024, bringing hundreds of high-paid jobs to the Hopewell Valley. BeiGene also will bring much-needed commercial revenue to the township, which has been a long-term goal of the township committee. BeiGene’s mission is to create effective cancer treatments that are more accessible and affordable to people around the world. We are proud that Hopewell Township will be a part of bringing that mission to life. Stay tuned for more news on all of these exciting developments as we move through 2024. Frequent updates can be found on all Hopewell Township social media channels.

There is a lot to look forward to in Hopewell Township in 2024. First, after years of planning and anticipation, the Hopewell Valley Senior and Community Center is scheduled to break ground in 2024. Currently, the architectural firm Spiezle, hired by the township in October, is in the process of developing bid-ready final design plans. The center’s design will reflect the extensive community input collected by Spiezle and the township, with formal outreach conducted with four core stakeholder groups: seniors, recreation, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District and other community groups. Lennar, who is building a new inclusionary housing neighborhood behind the Pennington circle, is on-track to finish connecting all of the necessary utilities to the site, such as electricity, water, gas, stormwater management, and sewer. Finally, the Hopewell Valley YMCA announced in October that they have closed on the purchase of 14 acres of land that adjoin the Zaitz Tract off of Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, near the Pennington Circle, that will provide additional space for the center as well as an important secondary access route. The new center will include two indoor pools, fitness space, a kitchen and space for the Senior lunch program, classrooms, and more. *** On the theme of bringing the community together, the Bandshell at Woolsey Park is nearing completion. It will be ready to host concerts and other commu- Courtney Peters-Manning is a member of the Hopewell Township Committee, which nity events come spring. The bandshell, funded completely provided this content.

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Rain on my parade—please Robin Schore

dozens of handlers. Many years ago,

Invariably, what I’m watching is not balloons, not there was a shortage of helium; perhaps it was being used to manufacture nuclear marching bands, but commercials selling toys to weapons. Consequently, the balloons children and lethal, must-have medications to adults. hung limply and pathetically from cranes.

SCHORE TO PLEASE

Even though it’s been more than a month, I’m still irritated by this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. I first attended the Thanksgiving parade in the late 1940s, post-war, pretelevision. I must have been around age four because I was pre-literate and impressed that another kid in the car could read the word “garage.” Those were the days when you could drive into Manhattan, find a parking spot easily, and walk to the parade route. My earliest memories of parade celebrities are restricted to Hopalong Cassidy riding his white horse, Topper, and Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys, mounted on his golden palomino, Trigger, which was later stuffed, exhibited in a museum and ultimately sold at auction. This year, there were no horses, not even mounted by the police. Presumably, the Department of Sanitation crews were tired of cleaning up after horses. The last time that I actually went to

the parade was with my little daughter in 1991. The only thing that I remember was watching some huge man with glasses, in a suit, clearly a gangster, carrying a small child and plowing through the crowd, running over anyone who got between him and the curb for the best possible view of clowns cavorting on Central Park West. Since then, I’ve only watched the parade on television, faithfully, and perpetually annoyed. Invariably, what I’m watching is not floats, not balloons, not marching bands, but commercials selling dreadful must-have toys to children and lethal, must-have medications to adults. (Side effects may include death, slow death, painful death or all three.) Blatant exploitation of the innocents. This year, for the first televised half hour, there was no parade, only ads along with effusive praise of the announcers by the announcers as they pointed out VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS

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with great elation, “Look, a [brand name] truck, hamburger or flameless fire pit.” Early in the program, President Biden appeared, wishing the audience a Happy Thanksgiving. In response, the TV announcer wished him a “Happy Birthday.” Was that a subtle bit of campaign dirty tricks, of sneakily drawing attention to Biden’s age? Once they actually started televising the parade, it was essentially all commercials with the exception of a float bearing Wampanoags, indigenous folks encouraging ecological consciousness. Then there was everything else which included performances of bits of Broadway musicals. I somehow expect they’re just out there trying to sell tickets. You’d think that the selections would be displays of professional talent, but the performers lip-synced their songs, some with slightly off-color lyrics (Hey, this is a family show). I was amazed at how they coordinated their lip syncing with a full orchestra even though there wasn’t a single instrument in sight. In anti-musical tradition, 11 cacophonous marching bands, each seemingly comprised of 76 out-of-tune trombones, played vaguely recognizable tunes while accompanied by frozen cheerleaders wearing frozen smiles. In contrast, It was heart-warming to see the inimitable Rockettes with their inimitable kickline that has been part of the parade since 1958. The best part of the parade, and what makes it unique, are the enormous balloons floating over the heads of

So disappointing. This year’s airborne lineup included thirteen kiddie cartoon characters, two toys, four sales promotions, an acorn, a pumpkin, an ice cream cone,and Smokey the Bear. At least three of the balloons were injured: The Wimpy Kid had a deflated hand, the Uncle Dan Duck (who?) had a collapsed wing, and Geoffrey the Giraffe (also, who?) had its neck hanging at right angles to its body. In the wickedness of my childhood mind, I used to hope that some errant wind would take a balloon out of the control of its handlers and do something cataclysmically unexpected. In later years, such instances did occur when gusts drove balloons into buildings, trees, and lamp posts and even wound up injuring parade watchers. According to the New York Times, major precautions were taken this year to prevent just such catastrophes. The highly anticipated climax of the parade was not Santa, but the one and only Cher (without Sonny). At age 77 she was gorgeous, svelte, and with an unlined face. How does she do it? Sadly missing from the parade were my favorite balloons, including the Trump balloon, a howling, naked orange blimp of an infant, and the Chris Christie balloon (life-size) enjoying the Jersey Shore in his folding chair while the public had to stay off the beaches due to a state government shutdown. If you haven’t had a chance to see these fabulous floaters, just look them up online. Happy New Year anyway. Robin Schore lives in Hopewell Borough.

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