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Soup kitchen keeps cooking
New leader, same mission for TASK
by MICheLe aLPerIn
Amy Flynn, the new chief executive officer of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, grew up poor on a dairy farm in rural Ohio, with early memories of an absence of heat during the cold winters.
She remembers “going to bed at night and my mom stacking blanket after blanket on top of me and waking up in the morning and seeing my breath.”
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Flynn says that the big meals her grandmother cooked for everyone at harvest time are reminiscent of TASK’s mission and the critical involvement of volunteers in realizing it. Not only does TASK provide food for the hungry six days a week at its Escher Street home, no questions asked, it also gives more than 4,000 volunteers a year a chance to give back to their community.
“TASK has a doctrine of radical hospitality. It takes me back to growing up— neighbors helping neighbors,” Flynn says.
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how far would you go if they were sick?
But an ethic of communal sharing trumped poverty in her farming community. “Even though our family didn’t have a lot, we never had so little that we didn’t have something to give back,” Flynn recalls. “We canned all summer to have food for the winter and shared some of that food with others who had less.”
This commitment to communal sharing was exemplified for Flynn by her grandmother, “a person of service, who was always giving back to the community.”
Flynn, a resident of Ewing Township, started as the new CEO of TASK on Jan. 21 after being named to the position by the nonprofit’s board of trustees earlier in the month. She replaces Joyce Campbell, who announced her plans to retire last summer after more than eight years at the helm.
Welcome to Capital Health.
Flynn’s career in fund development and leadership at mission-driven organizations has given her many varied opportunities to carry forth the tradition
See TASK, Page 6
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.
New look Bulldogs finding their footing on the basketball court
by rICh FISher
After losing four key seniors from a 21-6 team — including co-CVC Player of the Year JM Vlasac — it looked like the Hopewell Valley Central High boys basketball team might slide back into anonymity this season.
But looks can be deceiving. Through the season’s first
month, the Bulldogs looked good as ever with a 10-3 record that included a nine-game winning streak. Their three losses were to talented West WindsorPlainsboro North, Freehold Boro and Notre Dame — all by three points. The WWPN loss came on a buzzer beater that traveled three-fourths of the court.
“Horrible,” is how senior cen-
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ter Ethan Rich described the feeling after WWPN. “It’s like it happens in slow motion. You’re sitting there, the kid releases the ball, there’s just no way, and then ‘Oh my God!’ I wouldn’t wish that one on my worst enemy.”
That was followed by the Freehold loss, but it was only a temporary stub of the toe as the
See B-BALL, Page 8
With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment.
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Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.
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Are you happy with your child’s grades? your child’s grades?
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Jude Berman (left) takes on a defender and Ethan Rich (right) shoots against Lawrence in the John Molinelli Holiday Classic final held Dec. 28, 2024. (Photos by Mike Schwartz/mssphoto.com.)
Flynn
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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 WrIterS
Rich Fisher, Bill Sanservino
ContrIbutInG CoLuMnIStS
Robin Schore, Lisa Wolff
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
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Community news Service
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Phone: (609) 396-1511
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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.
aroUnd toWn Waterworks installs new equipment to combat DBP’s
As part of its capital improvement program, Trenton Water Works has installed an automatic flushing assembly in Hopewell Township on Pennington and Denow Roads, at a dead-end section of its distribution system.
Using flushing assemblies to flush the distribution system of aged water is a key component of the TWW’s plan to reduce the concentration of disinfection byproducts. DBPs are contaminants that form when chlorine interacts with organic materials in raw water sources such as rivers, lakes, and streams.
TWW tests for DBPs monthly at nine sites in its system, including Hopewell Township. The sampling site at 800 Denow Road recently exceeded the Locational Running Annual Average limit of 80 for Total Trihalomethanes, a type of disinfection byproduct, with an average of 80.7. To calculate the LRAA, TWW averages sample results from its nine DBP testing sites taken over the previous 12 months.
TWW says that the other eight test sites in its service area are within Safe Drinking Water Act regulations for DBPs, and water quality is high, supported by TWW’s hourly water testing at its water filtration plant on Route 29 South in Trenton and other data reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The flushing assembly is one of 144 that TWW has installed systemwide, said Sean Semple, director of the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works. It operates automatically overnight for approximately one hour to discharge water from a Hopewell Township section of the water utility’s distribution system to keep it fresh. TWW says the $15,000 upgrade will improve water quality and system reliability and maintain adequate hydraulics.
BOGO: Union Boil Co. closes, but 2 restaurants open in its place
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Fans of New England clambake-style dining might be sad to know that the short-lived Union Boil Co. concept in Pennington has closed.
Seafood restaurants traditionally struggle this far inland, and Union Boil proved to be no different. Its eponymous dish — originally, a tableful of shellfish (but no
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Pennytown Pub is one of two restaurants to replace the former Union Boil Co., which closed in January.
lobster), corn, potatoes and sausage for $250 and meant to serve eight people — might have been a bridge too far even for the area’s most conspicuous consumers. By the time the restaurant shut down, the Union Boil platter was down to $80, and served “up to three.”
Never ones to sit idly by, Gretalia Hospitality Group — co-creators of the Union Boil concept in partnership with the Martin Food Group — have already converted the space into two new restaurants. PJ’s Pancake House is one. The long-time Nassau Street haunt is familiar to most these days, having been expanded by to Ewing, Lawrence, Robbinsville and West Windsor in recent years. It is one of several restaurant brands now under the auspices of Gretalia.
The other is Pennytown Pub, a new concept described on Instagram as a “watering hole serving classic pub fare, great beer and strong cocktails.”
Both restaurants are already open and located in the former TJ’s Trattoria space in Pennington Shopping Center. Aperitivo Bar, an upscale Italian restaurant that opened alongside Union Boil in early 2024, remains open.
Because all three are technically a single restaurant with three concepts, they can share a single liquor license, meaning that all three feature bar service.
In other restaurant news, WPST.com’s Chris Rollins reports that Gretalia has shelved long-standing plans to open a See NEWS, Page 4
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Use Virtual Care During Cold and Flu Season
Capital Health Virtual Care, part of Capital Health Medical Group, offers telehealth services to individuals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (ages 16 and older) who wish to receive support in managing common health issues from the comfort of their home or anywhere in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Capital Health’s team of more than 50 virtual primary care providers can address a wide range of health conditions, including (but not limited to) symptoms of COVID-19, sinus problems, upper respiratory infection, sore throat, urinary tract infection, cough, flu, rash, common cold, eye infection, and more.
To learn more or to request an appointment, visit capitalvirtualcare.org or scan the QR code to complete the online form.
WHAT WE CAN TREAT DURING A VIRTUAL CARE VISIT
During virtual care visits with patients who aren’t feeling well, our clinicians address symptoms of numerous health conditions and issues, including but not limited to:
… COVID-19
… Sinusitis
… Upper respiratory infection
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… Cough
… Influenza (Flu)
… Rash
… Common cold
… Yeast infection
… Allergies
… Eye infection
… Insect bites
… Nausea
… Back pain
… Tick bites
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PJ’s Pancake House in Hamilton. PJ’s was expected to open in the location of the old Fame restaurant.
Web: getforky.com.
FoHVOS preserves 28 more acres for Mount Rose Preserve
The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space have announced the preservation of 28-acre tract of forest in the Mount Rose Ridge.
The property, located off of Cleveland Road, expands upon the 387-acre Mount Rose Preserve, creating a total of 415 acres of contiguous permanently preserved open space in Hopewell Valley.
The heart of the Mount Rose Preserve was purchased by New Jersey Conservation Foundation, FoHVOS, Hopewell Township and Mercer County in 2015. Preservation partners have continued to expand the public preserve since then.
The Giardino tract is entirely wooded; FoHVOS says that its includes forested wetlands and upland forest on a diabase ridge. The forest provides breeding habitat for songbirds, including veery and Northern parula, wetland forest vital to salamanders and frogs, and a safe harbor for rare plant species such as wild comfrey.
According to FoHVOS executive director Jenn Rogers, the cost of the acquisi-
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tion was $400,000. FoHVOS applied for and received funding from NJDEP Green Acres, Mercer County Open Space Trust Fund and Hopewell Township to make this acquisition possible.
“I am proud to have initiated this acquisition for FoHVOS and thank the Giardino family for making it happen,” said Daniel Pace, FoHVOS trustee and chair of land preservation.
FoHVOS says that in the future, the land will be accessible for hiking, birdwatching and passive enjoyment by way of a foot trail that will connect to a proposed section of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail.
“In addition to being a preserve with excellent conservation quality, it too, will become a public asset for our community. My hope is that we will be able to create a permanently protected land connection from Mount Rose Preserve to ‘Princeton’s Emerald Necklace’ in the future,” Rogers said.
FoHVOS also announced that it is receiving two grants totaling $101,250 from the Princeton Area Community Foundation’s Bunbury Grant program and from the Open Space Institute and Land Trust Alliance’s Land and Climate Program.
Both grants will support the expansion of the nonprofit’s community partnerships in the conservation of privately owned land, in addition to its continuing stewardship of FoHVOS owned and managed lands.
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teachers: (front row) Eve Ambriz, Isabella Boguslawski, Sam Weiss, Alex Detherage and (back row) principal Chris Turnbull, Arik Arnesen, Vedika Sawant, Ethan King, Samantha Riceand Dillon Horvath.
RWJUH Hamilton February Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
YOUR HEART MATTERS
Tuesday, Feb. 4; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, A-GNP-C, Administrative Director, Patient CareCardiovascular Services & Healthy Lives Program, and Ann Mancuso, CNS, RN, CHFN, Heart Failure Program Coordinator, Healthy Lives Program, RWJUH Hamilton, for an engaging lecture on maintaining a strong healthy heart.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Feb. 4; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Presented by The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. An oncology nurse navigator and certified oncology social worker will offer participants an opportunity to share personal experiences and helpful resources. Please call 609.584.2836 to confirm attendance.
THINGS EVERY CONSUMER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEARING LOSS
Wednesday, Feb. 5; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
After age 60, roughly two-thirds of people experience age-related hearing loss. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., audiologist at RWJUH Hamilton’s Balance & Hearing Center, to learn all you need to know about living with hearing loss and helping friends and family members with hearing loss.
PAPER CRAFT CLASS
Wednesday, Feb 5; 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us to make a creative project using paper and other materials. No craft experience needed; please bring a pair of scissors.
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YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Feb. 4 & 18; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, Feb. 4 & 18; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, Feb. 4 & 18; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
HOW SOUND HEALS: THE SCIENCE OF SOUND HEALING
Tuesday, Feb. 11; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In this workshop we will discuss the science behind sound and vibration and show you how and why certain sounds can help you sleep better, improve your mood, improve body function, and even reduce pain! The program requires a fee of $15, payable upon registration.
THE BASICS OF MEDICARE
Wednesday, Feb. 12; 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Join a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare and ACA for a discussion on Medicare. Learn the different parts of Medicare, how to avoid penalties, and when to apply for Medicare benefits. Light refreshments provided.
COLORECTAL LECTURE AND TAKE-HOME KIT
Thursday, Feb. 13; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The incidence of colon cancer is on the rise. Learn ways to help mitigate your risk and receive a test kit to take at home and mail back.
DANCE IT OUT!
Monday, Feb. 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Boost your well-being through the joy of dance. Whether you are a beginner or experienced dancer, this activity will lift your spirits and reduce stress. No experience required; all ages welcome.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Feb. 18; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others
A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 12, 19, & 26; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in lifechanging conversations, listening, learning, and exploring for this time in our lives. Topics created for you by you. Every week is new and something different. Join us on all three dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New folks are always welcome.
HEALING ART WORKSHOP-DEFINING HOPE
Thursday, Feb 6; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Create your own piece of art using a variety of materials to express your own personal journey with hope.
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affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
GYNECOLOGIC CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Feb. 18; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This group brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, education, and empowerment they need to move along the path to recovery. Topics discussed include coping with the emotional impact of cancer, adjusting to changes during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. For more information or to register call 609-584-6680. This program is located at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Rd.
AN EVENING OF YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION
Tuesday, Feb 18; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This practice guides brain waves into optimal states for relaxation, rejuvenation, and better sleep. Join us and learn why 45 minutes of Yoga Nidra and feel like 3 hours of sleep! Bring a yoga mat, blankets, and anything else that makes you comfortable. Chairs also available. The program requires a fee of $15, payable upon registration.
“WII” ARE POWERED GAME TIME
Tuesday, Feb. 19; 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join RWJ Rehabilitation, RWJUH Hamilton, for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is leveling up your real-life stats. Play smart, move like a pro, and stay in the game longer!
DIABETES CARE & SELF-MANAGEMENT
BREAKFAST: FROM INPATIENT TO OUTPATIENT
Friday, Feb. 7; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Please join our expert, Shesha Desai. Pharm D. Rph.BC-ADM, Diabetes Program Coordinator and Medication Safety Pharmacist, to learn how best to manage your diabetes and the resources available to all diabetics.
LUNCH & LEARN WITH JUSTIN FOX, MD: CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY
Monday, Feb. 10; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join Justin Fox, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, Chair of the Department of Cardiology at RWJUH Hamilton, and member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates, for an in-depth conversation on the advancements and minimally invasive techniques available to diagnose and manage cardiovascular pathology to improve heart health.
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MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday, Feb 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind. No experience necessary.
HEART & SOUL: SLIDE INTO BETTER
HEALTH
Thursday, Feb. 20; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us and pump up your heart and soul for group line dancing, Zumba, refreshments, health screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, heart health resources, and more. Don’t miss this fun, heart-healthy evening of dance. $10 per person collected at the door.
ORTHO 101: THE SPINE
Tuesday, Feb. 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join Orthopedic Program Coordinator, Denise Berdecia, MSN, RN, ONC, and Lead Physical and Occupational Therapists, Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, and Sarah Masco, OTD, for an in-depth discussion on common spine disorders. These experts will explain preventative treatment, how to determine if surgery is right for you, and what to expect during your surgery and recovery.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Feb.25; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us for the return of the Stroke Support Group at RWJUH Hamilton, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists.
REIKI SHARE
Wednesday, Feb 26; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
For folks who have been Reiki certified (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.
WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP: CHANGING PRIORITIES
Thursday, Feb 27; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: ATRIAL
FIBRILLATION
Thursday, Feb. 27; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Zaw Win Tun, MD, RWJUH Hamilton, member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates, and an expert in cardiac electrophysiology, to explore the complexities of Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib), one of the most common heart rhythm disorders. Learn how minimally invasive alternatives offer stroke prevention. This discussion will cover the causes and symptoms of A Fib, current treatment options, and how devices are transforming patient outcomes. Dinner will be provided.
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
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GAME TIME!
Friday, Feb. 7 & 28; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD & SCAMS TARGETING OLDER ADULTS
Thursday, Feb. 13; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join Sergeant Michael Rosati from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of New Jersey as he discusses the alarming rise in fraud and scams targeting older adults and provides insights into how these deceptive tactics work. Learn strategies to help you safeguard your finances and personal information, empowering you with the knowledge needed to recognize and prevent falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, Feb. 13 & 27; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the
NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Friday, Feb. 14; 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Have some fun while learning recipes that can help fuel your brain.
LUNCH & LEARN: COMBATING HEALTH EQUITY FOR BLACK WOMEN IN THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Friday, Feb. 21; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This sensitive and insightful discussion will be facilitated by Andrew Thomas, Vice President of Health Equity at RWJBarnabas Health, and Meika Neblett, MD, MS, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Quality Officer and Chief Academic Officer at Community Medical Center in Toms River, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and will explore health care challenges with a focus on how to best improve and advocate for better health care for Black women.
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of communal support to improve the lives of families.
For both staff and volunteers, she says, “you have the opportunity to make that kind of impact every day, to go to the fringe where people are in need, meet them there, support them there, and, at best, provide opportunities for them to move forward.”
But Flynn’s career actually started in education, not development. It took a while until “the planets aligned, and I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.”
Only in her late 30s, while living in Cochocton, Ohio and working as an art and religious education teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School did Flynn have two experiences that moved her from education to fund development.
The first grew out of her efforts to move her school art program from “a stark basement” to “a bright space where the kids could be creative.” To make this happen, she reached out to parents and to community members to raise money or get donated services.
“I didn’t know there was a word for that—development—and I didn’t understand that as a career path,” Flynn says.
Soon a critical set of events involving the Pomerene Center for the Arts in Coshocton, where she gave art lessons
to students after school and summers, changed her career goals entirely.
When the head of a local family foundation died and his more progressive and forward-thinking son took over, he brought in the Indiana School of Philanthropy for a two-week intensive training and required all the organizations his foundation funded to come with two employees as a prerequisite for funding renewal.
The art center’s executive director, its only employee, invited Flynn to be the second attendee. “That’s where I met professional fundraisers, for whom philanthropy was their career,” Flynn says. “It clicked for me; I really wanted to do this. When you work in a nonprofit, you get to see the fruits of your labor every day and how it impacts lives.”
Also important for Flynn’s professional growth was the opportunity while at the YWCA of Yakima, Yashington, to be part of a regional group of other YWCA leaders throughout the northwestern region.
“Those women were profoundly influential as I was learning and growing into the role of executive director,” she says.
Faced for the first time with an entire organization’s budget, she asked another executive director whether she should take finance classes.
“She gave me the best advice ever: ‘You do what you do best and surround your-
Trent Jewelers
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landlords were unwilling to risk a tenant without a history of renting, the YWCA worked with many landlords in the area to create a master lease program whereby the YWCA held leases for a year and then transferred them to the individual women in their own names.
Flynn also had an opportunity to start a social enterprise, a thrift store named Persimmon, managed by domestic violence advocates (woman who in most cases were survivors who had come out the other side and helped others to “get their feet under them”). The shop carried a working woman’s wardrobe, and any woman referred and returning to work could get five full outfits.
self with people who have expertise in the areas you do not.’”
At the YWCA Flynn also learned about creativity and innovation, “being able to think outside the box.”
When she saw that women faced significant resistance from landlords when it was time for them to leave the shelter, she came up with a workaround. Because the
Just as important, the shop provided a soft launch into the work force for women in the shelter who may not have been ready for a regular job, dealing as they were with worries of abusers showing up, depression, or not having childcare. Working in the shop taught them the soft skills they would need, like how to handle conflict, work as a team, and write a resume.
For Flynn, the shop held yet another lesson—the importance of diversified funding streams.
“No nonprofit should be heavily reliant on government funding or grants,” she says, explaining that they need to investi-
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cash PaID for GOLD SILVER • DIAMONDS
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Trenton Area Soup Kitchen staff serve up holiday meals. (Facebook photo.)
Flynn next became the director of major gifts for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, where she headed the individual giving team. What was different from her previous work was the size of the development group—22 people—and the opportunity to work together with other teams.
“It was amazing because you had so much support you had more bandwidth and a farther reach; you could cover all the bases because you had help. I loved that,” Flynn recalls.
In February 2020, after four and a half years at Habitat and a couple at Olive Crest of Los Angeles, where she ran her own development program, Flynn and her husband moved back to Ohio, where their son, one of eight children in their blended family, had two small children and was working on his doctorate.
Flynn worked as executive director of Modcon Living, a nonprofit focused on keeping people in their homes longer, with dignity and independence.
Four years later, Flynn and her husband decided to move closer to their two daughters in New Jersey. Having worked closely with Meals on Wheels in Ohio, Flynn became chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels of Mercer County.
A year after joining Meals on Wheels, Flynn learned that TASK was looking for an executive director. “I decided at the last minute to throw my name in the hat. It’s such an amazing local organization,” she says.
In fact, Flynn already had a connection with Joyce Campbell, who retired as TASK’s executive director on Dec. 31. When Flynn came to town, Campbell, she says, “got me connected to the right people and helped me learn about the nonprofit landscape here.”
Michelle Wexler, TASK’s chief development officer, said that Campbell’s eight years as executive director was a period that included accelerated growth brought on by COVID. She also shared some challenges that the nonprofit will face under Flynn’s leadership.
TASK’s cornerstone program, meal service, involves preparing and serving over 11,000 meals weekly from its Escher Street kitchen. About a third of these meals are served in the Escher Street dining room, with lunch provided six days a week and dinner five days a week.
The remainder of meals are distributed to more than 40 community meal sites, both public (e.g., churches or community centers) and private (e.g., after school programs). Several of the sites are served by food trucks.
The need is significant: over the last fiscal year TASK has served 596,000 meals.
Driving people to soup kitchens are skyrocketing food prices and rent increases that have outpaced rises in wages (in January average monthly rent in Trenton for a studio is $1,000 and $1,400 for a one bedroom).
Anecdotally, Wexler says, “we hear that food ends up being a flexible expense. People will forego meals to pay rent, keep a car or pay a bill.”
But, Wexler says, “the inability to access food can be really detrimental and stressful; it has a negative impact physically and mentally—not knowing where your next meal is coming from.”
“Our goal is to provide additional access,” Wexler says, but there are a number of potential barriers to service: lack of transport, stigma (the discomfort of coming to a soup kitchen, which they try to counter with their “no questions asked” policy), and even hours of operation.
TASK also has programs and services meant to address some of the underlying causes of food insecurity: case management; advocacy; education; creative arts; job search assistance; and patron services (providing, e.g., warm winter gear, a place for mail delivery, eyeglasses, and hygiene products).
“Going forward, our biggest opportunity but also our biggest challenge is space,” Wexler says. “Often, we can’t comfortably serve all the people who come at once. We had to go to one in, one out, to make sure flow is there and everyone can relax a bit. We are using every available inch.”
TASK is also looking for ways to bring in additional revenue through social entrepreneurship, for example, using food trucks for private events or catering—in order to maintain sustainability as expenses continue to increase. Today TASK is almost exclusively funded through individuals and businesses via fundraising and philanthropy.
Looking toward her new job, Flynn says she wants to take such challenges head on, and to preserve and build on Campbell’s “incredible legacy of impact.”
“I know I am going to be standing on her shoulders; I know she has great team; and I’m just looking forward to continuing with that tradition of service,” she says.
As the interview closes, Flynn had two more things to say. First, she urges readers to volunteer at TASK or Meals on Wheels. Helping to feed the hungry, she says, “is incredibly rewarding.”
And, finally, she reemphasizes that her grandmother was the person who influenced her the most. “She has a lot of responsibility for the trajectory of my life. I think about her every day.”
Web: trentonsoupkitchen.org.
For a longer version of this story, visit our website, communitynews.org.
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B-BALL continued from Page 1
Bulldogs rebounded in style. They won the final John Molinelli Tournament and stood at 4-0 in the CVC’s Valley Division through their first 12 games.
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“Losing four seniors last year and another starter who transferred to Hun, there were a lot of positions open,” coach Matt Stein said. “The rising seniors took it among themselves and stepped up in a big way. What’s special about them is they all bring something you need to the team.”
The coach added that the aggressive tone set by Vlasac has carried over this year. Having several players from the highly successful football team also helps in toughness and confidence.
“They’re taking the mindset of last year and building off that,” Stein said. “Everybody knows JM was one heck of a fighter. The guys who don’t play football also have a winning mentality.
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“The JV guys only lost two games in the past two years. They know they can win there and they wanted to do it on the varsity level. They wanted to make sure people knew last year wasn’t just a one-year thing and they’re trying to keep it going here at Hopewell.”
Rich felt that because last year’s reserves practiced against the starters, it only made them better this season.
“I always had confidence in our team,” Rich said. “Last year in practice, with how successful our (starters) were, we would still keep it competitive and every day we would battle at practice.
“I didn’t have the biggest role ever last year but just being around it helped. JM and all of them showed how badly they wanted to win. They put their body on the line, anything it took to win, and that definitely rubbed off on everyone culturewise. Everyone wants to win no matter what.”
Stein chuckled when thinking of the way Rich and Vlasac would battle.
“He and JM would go at it last year for sure,” the coach said. “You gotta keep those two away from each other. But JM
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Hopewell Valley’s Jude Berman lines up a free throw at the John Molinelli Holiday Classic basketball tournament, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Mike Schwartz/ mssphoto.com.)
definitely rubbed off on them.”
The 6-foot-6 Rich was HoVal’s leading scorer (11.6 points per game) and rebounder (7.5) through Jan. 17; emerging as a strong inside presence.
“He understood we lost some height from last year and he’s stepping up scoring and rebounding,” Stein said. “The biggest thing that has been massive about him for us has been his vocal leadership.”
As for on-the-floor leadership, junior Jude Berman is back doing a stellar job at point guard. His role is fairly important as Hopewell had to mesh new varsity starters along with football players who came in late due to state playoffs.
Berman, who was second-team AllCVC last year, leads the Bulldogs in assists and was third in scoring through 12 games with a 9.2 average.
“Having a strong returning point guard is definitely beneficial,” Stein said. “Point
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At the other forward is sophomore Cooper Briehler, who’s among the team leaders in assists, rebounds and steals.
“He hasn’t scored as many points as he wants to, but defense and rebounding are areas where he’s helped us out,” Stein said. “Hopefully we can get him going because he can knock down shots anywhere on the court.”
Every team needs a key sixth man and the Bulldogs have theirs in senior Dean Mantuano. If Hopewell is off to a sluggish start, he lights a fire. If things are going well, he keeps it that way.
“He’s been a huge spark plug for us off the bench,” Stein said. “He’s been scoring a lot recently but the biggest thing is his defensive presence. When he comes in everything just goes up to another level. He’s diving on the court all over the place. In our game PDS in the last minute, he dove three times in one possession trying to get the ball.”
And yet, despite strong individual play, Hopewell’s biggest attribute is that it plays as a team. There were five different leading scorers through the first 12 games, which Stein said “makes us a unique team.”
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guard has almost been an Achilles heel on certain teams I’ve had. When we haven’t had one, teams pressed us all the time but Jude definitely helps us out. He settles us down, makes the correct pass. He gets us in our offense and he does it on the defensive side as well.”
Rich credited Berman with making him a better offensive player.
“It’s perfect having him,” the center said. “I said earlier in the season, he’s the shiftiest guy in New Jersey and I still stand by that. He gets by everyone. A lot of my work around the rim is because of him. He breaks a guy down and it’s a two-on-one. This year he’s been selfless dumping the ball off to me. All our guards have, and Jude especially.”
Senior Milan Desai, the CVC’s Player of the Year in football, has been stellar at off guard. By mid-season he was averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 25 three-pointers.
“He brings a little something whether it’s attacking the basket or an outside shot,” Stein said. “He’s another person who brings physicality. It’s hard to defend him especially when he gets going downhill.”
After seeing some time last season, junior Kyle Yadamiec has provided a toughness at forward and has had a few big scoring games.
“He’s played huge for us,” Stein said. “He does all those little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.”
“Everyone definitely bought into the fact, we don’t have a Milo De Los Santos who is gonna score 22 points a game,” He added. “Our guys know if you’re not making shots you can count on somebody else so start finding them. We’ve had two games so far where we haven’t hit a threepointer in the game. Knowing we’re not making threes, we went down to the big man, he had almost half our points in two games this year.”
And the “big man” wants nothing more than for Hopewell to turn around its closebut-no-cigar woes from last year when the Bulldogs came within a win of a division and Mercer County Tournament championship, and two wins from a sectional title.
“That’s the goal,” Rich said. “We said at the beginning of the season, one big goal is to get something on a banner, whether it’s division, conference, sectional, whatever it is. All we have is the division in 2005 and 2008.
“Last year we had all these chances and didn’t get it done. So there’s definitely a chip on our shoulder. It was right there, we weer so close, everyone was working so hard. Everyone wants to get it done this year.”
And Rich knows nothing is decided in mid-January, but hopes the progress continues into the post-season.
“We’re all just trying to stay humble,” he said. “We’re getting better as the season goes on. We’re starting to click with each other. The football guys have gotten back into the flow of basketball. Every day we just kind of figure each other out a little more.”
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Hopewell Valley’s Ethan Rich bangs inside against Lawrence at the John Molinelli Holiday Classic, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Mike Schwartz/mssphoto.com.)
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Robert A. Wilson, Founder NJ Lic #2520
609-737-1498
Cromwell Memorial Home
R. Asher Wilson, Manager NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766 609-466-0233
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Wilson-Apple Funeral Home
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Calendar of events
For a complete list of February events, visit our website, communitynews.org.
Saturday, February 1
James & the Giant Peach Presented by Spirit Players, Kelsey Theatre. 1 and 4 p.m. Presented by Spirit Players. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com. tap the Sugar Maples, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. howellfarm.org.
Sunday, February 2
Valentine’s brunch, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 11 a.m. Valentine’s Day Brunch Buffet. Reserve online or call 609-737-4465. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com.
FrIday, February 14
Guess Who’s Coming to dinner, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by the MTM Players. Special Guest Director Diane L. Parker. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
Saturday, February 15
R. Asher Wilson, Manager, Owner NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766 609-737-1498
James & the Giant Peach Presented by Spirit Players, Kelsey Theatre. 1 and 4 p.m. Presented by Spirit Players. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com. nurtured in nature Winter edition: a Women’s retreat with Sophia & Kati, Sault Haus. 10 a.m. 155 Hopewell Princeton Road, Hopewell. eventbrite.com/e/nurtured-in-nature-winter-edition-a-womens-retreat-with-sophia-kati-tickets-1110261374659.
Monday, February 3
Voices Chorale nJ Spring auditions, Music Together. 7:15 p.m. All voice parts welcome, especially tenors and basses. Auditions before rehearsals. Music Together, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Road, Hopewell. voiceschoralenj.org.
WedneSday, February 5
Family Story time, Pennington Public Library. 10:30 a.m. In children’s area for stories, music and more. No registration required. 30 North Main St, Pennington. penningtonlibrary.org.
thurSday, February 6
disney on Ice presents Frozen & encanto, CURE Insurance Arena. 7 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.
James & the Giant Peach Presented by Spirit Players, Kelsey Theatre. special daytime show for groups at 10 a.m. Presented by Spirit Players. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
FrIday, February 7
Comedian eric Potts, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton. Shows Every Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.
Saturday, February 8
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all Mozart with orli Shaham at Richardson Auditorium. 8 p.m. Gérard Korsten leads the PSO in this all-Mozart program. Princeton. princetonsymphony.org.
disney on Ice presents Frozen & encanto, CURE Insurance Arena. 11 a.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.
Sunday, February 9
all Mozart with orli Shaham at Richardson Auditorium, 4 p.m. Gérard Korsten leads the PSO in this all-Mozart program. Princeton. princetonsymphony.org.
disney on Ice presents Frozen & encanto, CURE Insurance Arena. 11 a.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.
James & the Giant Peach Presented by Spirit Players, Kelsey Theatre. 1 and 4 p.m. Presented by Spirit Players. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
Guess Who’s Coming to dinner, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by the MTM Players. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
Maple Sugaring, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 70 Woodens Ln, Hopewell. howellfarm.org/page-1075308 Meshell ndegeocello - no More Water: the Gospel of James baldwin, McCarter Theatre. 7:30 p.m. 91 University Place, Princeton. mccarter.org.
old-Fashioned Valentine’s day, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. howellfarm.org. red, White & brew Fest, CURE Insurance Arena. Noon. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton. cureinsurancearena.com.
Sunday, February 16
Guess Who’s Coming to dinner, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Presented by the MTM Players. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.org.
FrIday, February 21
Chris Smither at Princeton Folk Music Society, Christ Congregation Church. 8 p.m. The Princeton Folk Music Society presents singer, guitarist and songwriter Chris Smither, a “towering figure in American acoustic blues.” 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton. princetonfolk.org.
east Coast Indoor dirt nationals, CURE Insurance Arena. 6 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton. cureinsurancearena.com.
Guess Who’s Coming to dinner, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by the MTM Players. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
Saturday, February 22
east Coast Indoor dirt nationals, CURE Insurance Arena. 4 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton. cureinsurancearena.com.
Guess Who’s Coming to dinner, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by the MTM Players. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
Sunday, February 23
Guess Who’s Coming to dinner, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Presented by the MTM Players. Special Guest Director Diane L. Parker. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.com.
FrIday, February 28
harlem Globetrotters 2025 World tour Presented by Jersey Mikes Subs, CURE Insurance Arena. 7 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton. cureinsurancearena.com.
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No
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disease.
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Love letters to Hopewell Valley
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It’s February and love is in the air with Valentine’s Day right around the corner.
Our Happy Valley column is a valentine to the folks that make Hopewell Valley outstanding. Since I couldn’t poll all of our dedicated readers, I asked 10 community influencers to write a short love letter expressing why they love our Valley.
The majority responded without hesitation, and many even thanked me for the opportunity to participate. Their enthusiasm to help make things happen—from crowdsourcing this little column to addressing large substantive issues—demonstrate their commitment to contributing.
Each person quoted below has stepped up on a mission to improve the lives of others in Hopewell Valley and beyond. They named celebrated Valley qualities. Email me with any they missed!
Hopewell Borough Mayor Ryan Kennedy is the only one who literally wrote a love letter to Hopewell Valley. Ryan keeps us smiling. He also holds leadership roles on several nonprofit boards.
Dear Hopewell Valley, Ryan wrote: “I love your beautiful open spaces, your revolutionary history, walkable streets, shopping and quirky lunch places. Your people care for each other but don’t back down when pushed. You welcome new neighbors, and honor what your past has done: George Washington, the Frog War, HI Ribs — especially that last one.”
Lyn Farrugia owns Aunt Chubby’s. Their commitment to community goes beyond being a welcoming and amazing restaurant. Lyn walks the nonprofit walk by supporting local businesses, suppliers, and nonprofits. Bonus: Chubby’s has a food pantry on its back patio.
“There are so many wonderful things about Hopewell, but it’s the people I love.
I am fortunate that I get to meet amazing people who are always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. This makes us a strong and vibrant community.”
Leslie Kuchinski is an unsung hero. Often in shadow of her well-known husband, Kevin, Leslie is the operations director at FoHVOS. She supports all people and activities that blanket our Valley with green, open spaces.
“I love Hopewell Valley because it’s the perfect ‘package deal’. It’s big enough for beautiful open spaces, shops and restaurants lining the boro streets, historical sites, and local arts programs. It’s small enough not to hassle with travel and city crowds. As Goldilocks might say, our Valley is ‘just right.’”
Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning not only leads the Hopewell Township Committee, but is also the President of the Mercer County Federation of Democratic Women. Courtney also chaired and founded the local Democratic club.
“I love that Hopewell Township is where George Washington landed when he crossed the Delaware River on his way to the Battle of Trenton on Christmas night 1776. Living where this pivotal moment for our Democracy happened is powerful. It is a reminder that we all have a stake and a responsibility in our
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government and freedom.”
Police Chief James Rosso keeps of our Valley safe and leads with a steady hand in turbulent times. Starting as a patrol office with township police over 22 years ago, Jim is a role model to all.
“Hopewell Valley is a community where safety, relationships and service come together. That, partnered with the rich history of George Washington, as symbolized on our police patch, the excellent schools and a caring, engaged community make it an incredible township that I have the pleasure of working for.”
Kim Janel founded Mercer, Bucks, Central Jersey Eateries on Facebook during the pandemic to draw positive attention to struggling, local restaurants hit hard by the pandemic. Today, her page still advocates for local restaurants, and has amassed 32,000 members.
“What I love most about Hopewell Valley: its residents, stunning natural beauty, thriving agriculture, diverse dining options, and rich cultural heritage, which all come together to create a vibrant community.”
Adam Sawicki is the longest serving HVRSD school board member this century! Adam was vice president and in leadership roles on every committee. Among the smartest people I know, Adam took part in everything good coming from our schools.
“My wife Michele and I moved into Hopewell Valley back in 1997 to start our family, having fallen in love with its small-town neighborhoods and beautiful countryside. We’re very grateful for its excellent schools, where the district staff and community volunteers served our children so well.”
Nadine Stern just began her second term on the Pennington Borough Council and is its newly elected president. Nadine is a thoughtful, caring, environmentalist working to ensure a great future for her
grandkids and yours.
“I love the friendly, caring, and active people, the ample opportunities for volunteering such as the Hopewell Valley Food pantry, community commitments to open space and protecting the environment, recreational opportunities such as the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, convenience to shopping, and access to excellent medical care and education.”
Anne Nixon-Ellery owns Glenmore Farm and 519 Design. Anne was born in Hemel Hempstead, England, but chose to raise her family in Hopewell Valley and has generously donated both her venue and design services to many deserving local causes. Bonus: Anne designed the Happy Valley picture displayed with our online column.
“I’ve lived in many places, but Hopewell Valley feels most like home. It’s where I can be unapologetically myself, surrounded by nature and a community blending art, kindness, and sincerity. Perfectly located between NYC and Philadelphia, it’s a haven of balance, creativity, and people who inspire me to do better.”
Joe Emanski is the Editor of the Hopewell Express and a pleasure to work with. I suspect that Joe prefers reporting the news to being the subject of it. He is a good friend, fun to chat with, and a reason I’ve done this for eight years.
“What I love about Hopewell Valley is the way it has a little patch of almost everything: forests, farms, small towns, old factories, railroads, quarries-turnedswimming-holes, fast food and fine dining. Parks you can hike in, shops you can get lost in. And yet, always all uniquely Hopewell Valley.”
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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Lisa Wolff HAPPY VALLEY
Pushing utilities to do better: JCP&L, Trenton Water Works
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Courtney Peters-Manning
From tHE townsHiP
Local government oversees a lot of things that impact the daily lives of residents. From road paving, plowing, and maintenance to police protection, health services, environmental protection, and building code enforcement, local government has direct oversight of many critical areas.
While the local governing body may not have direct authority over utility companies, there are ways we can and do hold them accountable. Two examples where the Hopewell Township Committee has done just that are with service issues at JCP&L and with the multiple ongoing issues at Trenton Water Works.
JCP&L
In an ongoing effort to address the continuing issues faced by Hopewell residents impacted by Jersey Central Power & Light power outages, the committee has long advocated for improvements at the utility. Township residents deserve a stronger and more reliable power grid.
The township committee held a public meeting in March 2024 where JCP&L representatives heard from the community and answered questions. In May, I met with representatives from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to address the problems with JCP&L’s service reliability.
The committee is pleased to announce that JCP&L has committed $2.7 million to enhance the reliability of electrical service in the township, which should reduce both the frequency and duration of service interruptions. This investment is in response to township and resident concerns, and it underscores JCP&L’s commitment to improving service.
The JCP&L Reliability Project will
include several key upgrades:
Reconducting two miles of circuits. This effort will help to improve redundancy, ensuring that if one circuit experiences an issue, another can quickly take over to maintain service.
Installing auto-resetting circuit breakers. Upgraded circuit breakers will help to immediately restore power when interruptions occur, reducing downtime and ensuring quicker recovery.
Real-time monitoring. The project will introduce advanced real-time monitoring systems that will allow dispatchers to be notified immediately when circuits are interrupted. This quick notification will shorten the response time of service crews, leading to faster resolution of outages.
Tree trimming along Route 29 and adjacent roads. Fallen trees and tree limbs often cause outages, especially during storms. Trimming trees along critical roadways will help to prevent interruptions.
The project is anticipated to be completed by June 2025.
Trenton Water Works
The issues at Trenton Water Works are both consistent and severe, which is unacceptable for its customers. From recurrent violations on disinfection byproducts, to employees falsifying data, to the January plant shutdown due to ice, it is clear that there needs to be a fundamental change at the utility.
In the latest failure, last month frazil ice—a collection of ice crystals suspended in water—accumulated in the Delaware River, obstructing the utility’s water intake screens. The Delaware is the sole source of raw water for TWW, so this blockage prevented the utility from drawing any water into its filtration plant and caused the entire plant to be shut down for several days. This required an emergency connection to New Jersey
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American Water and prompted officials to advise customers to limit water usage. This happened despite TWW having invested $9 million in capital improvements designed to prevent such issues, including the installation of advanced screens that remove obstructions using compressed air.
In December, it came to light that a TWW employee was falsifying drinking water data for 14 months before being caught and terminated. This a serious breach of public trust and raises serious concerns about TWW’s ability to ensure the safety of the system’s drinking water.
Further, there are new violations in Hopewell Township, where drinking water has yet again exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level for disinfection byproducts. A good first step was the installation of a new flusher at the Stop & Shop to address this problem, but it is not enough. Systemic change in how TWW is managed is urgently needed.
Since 2022, I have been advocating for a direct operational takeover of TWW by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection due to the City of Trenton’s inadequate oversight of the water system.
The addition of DEP oversight two years
ago, while short of a direct takeover, was a welcome change. However, the falsification of data, DBP exceedances in Hopewell Township yet again, and a full plant shutdown due to ice, shows that more must be done. Nothing short of a wholesale change of operational control will prevent future lapses.
We are working closely with other Mercer County partners to advocate for the DEP to take away control and operations of TWW from the City of Trenton. A report issued in December 2024 highlighted that TWW has more customers who do not live in the City of Trenton than those who do. Another DEP report is expected early this year, and there is hope that will provide an opportunity for real change for the first time.
There have been too many failures over too many years to continue to put the health and safety of TWW drinking water customers at risk. We will keep pushing for this change and will not stop until it comes.
Courtney Peters-manning is a member of the Hopewell Township Committee, which provided this content.
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How to cope well in Hopewell
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Robin Schore
sCHorE to PLEAsE
So perhaps you hoped, but not well enough. The convicted criminal got elected, and the perpetrators of the attempted putsch have been pardoned. Your pre-election anxiety has been replaced by post-election depression to such a degree that some of your friends have required anti-anxiety prescriptions.
So what are you going to do?
The first obvious choice is to drink heavily. However, with recent warnings that alcohol might have some unpleasant side effects, like cancer and cardiomyopathy, that might not be a good choice.
You could try to distract yourself with crossword puzzles or, even better, 2,000piece jigsaw puzzles with fragments so small they require tweezers to pick them up.
You could read a good book. Now’s a good time for escapist literature. Fantasy and science fiction make the most sense with reality being so totally unbearable. Can’t concentrate enough to read? Try
escapist movies. The good guys always win in Marvel comics based films where the invulnerable Avengers and X-Men triumph over even the most vicious, unstoppable villains.
And when, on occasion, the superheroes are killed, they come back. Never give up hope.
You could turn off the screen and go for a walk on the beach. Even on the bleakest days of winter when you’re the only one foolish enough to shiver on the shore, there’s always the company of gorgeous diving ducks ducking under after fish in the surf.
Few sights are so uplifting as the striking black and white contrast of a hooded merganser riding the waves. Quite uplifting as long as you don’t connect that stark contrast to the polarization of current politics.
Speaking of politics, oh yeah, that’s what we’ve been doing, did you stop watching MSNBC for having provided the false hope that things would turn out differently from what actually happened? Is it time to go back and cultivate hope once again? Hope against all hope?
You could turn on Fox and rail at the
DESTRIBATS CAMPBELL STAUB & SCHROTH, LLC
TV. Talk about a waste of time. * * *
How about seeking the peace and solitude of SCUBA diving or the fine focus of collecting beer cans or start making dozens of doctors appointments.
What about taking up a musical instrument, like the drums? Of course, that just might alienate your closest friends and family members.
Haven’t you always aspired to be an opera singer? If you choose this option, please consider moving at least ten miles away from me before you sign up for lessons and begin practicing.
Open-minded and even tempered as I am, my tolerance goes just so far. Have you thought of taking up whistling? Have those closest to you thought of taking up violence?
Eating has been known to provide solace. Consuming enormous amounts of French fries and chocolate ice cream is both satisfying and surprisingly unhealthy.
Like eating, shopping provides comfort to so many. You could go on a spree at Target or go online and order everything you always wanted but have been putting off: electric socks, a new teddy bear, a custom-made bowling ball. You can always return everything if you regret your selections.
* * *
Travel is so broadening. You could take yourself to someplace where conditions are so awful (North Korea, Sudan, Switzerland) that most anywhere else will look better, even your kitchen with the
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Anthony J. Destribats
Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.
Raymond C. Staub
David P. Schroth
Kimberly A. Greenberg
Anthony J. Destribats
Adam Lipps
Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.
Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)
Raymond C. Staub
David P. Schroth
Kimberly A. Greenberg
John Ferner ••• Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)
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news playing on the radio.
Have you looked at your old stamp collection that you set aside in early adolescence? So what if it’s not worth anything. So what if no one uses stamps anymore. Is it time to be creative and work with your hands? You could begin some satisfying assembly line construction of birdhouses. So many birds are homeless these days. You could be the one to make the difference.
Do you have a pet? If not, how about a dog, a snake or a rat. You could name the rat after your least favorite political figure. To really fit into today’s national scene, why not become a millionaire. All you have to do is take all your available cash, liquidate everything you own, take that stash to Atlantic City, and put it all on red. You have an absolute 50-50 chance of doubling your money.
* * *
But if that last ploy doesn’t work out, you could join an ascetic cult where speaking is prohibited and diet is restricted to warm water and brussels sprouts. Your only concern will be to keep from passing out.
Moping is an option and an art. However, it does tend to put off even your closest friends.
You could consider sleeping, sleeping a lot. Perhaps, you’ll wake up and discover it’s all been a bad dream. Or you might try hibernating—for four years. However, you might wake up really cranky. Some of us are already really cranky.
Borough.
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robin schore lives in Hopewell
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HELP WANTED
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REAL ESTATE
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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
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WANTED TO BUY
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Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609581-8290, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com
HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .
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Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, and other requirements apply. A $5 deposit is required to open the account. At least 1 Direct Deposit, ACH credit, ACH payment or bill pay transaction(s) is required each monthly qualification cycle. Enrollment and agreement to receive e-statements and at least 12 PIN- based / signature-based debit card purchases are conditions of this account each qualification cycle. When your monthly Kasasa Cash account qualifications are met, daily balances up to and including $25,000 in your Kasasa Cash account earn a dividend rate of 5.98% resulting in an APY of 6.00%; and daily balances over $25,000 earn a dividend rate of 0.75% on the portion of the daily balance over $25,000, resulting in a range from 6.00% to 1.80% APY depending on the account’s daily balance. When your Kasasa Cash qualifications are not met, the dividend rate earned on the account’s entire daily balance will be 0.01% resulting in an annual percentage yield of 0.01% and ATM withdrawal fees are not refunded. You will receive reimbursements up to an aggregate total of $25 for nationwide foreign ATM withdrawal fees incurred within your Kasasa Cash account during each monthly qualification cycle when qualifications are met. A foreign ATM fee reimbursement cap of up to $4.99 per transaction applies when qualifications are met. Limit of one account per member. Terms subject to change at any time. APY effective date 9/01/2023.
Membership restrictions may apply. Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, logons and other requirements apply. A $5 deposit is required to open the account. At least 1 Direct Deposit, ACH credit, ACH payment or bill pay transaction(s) is required each monthly qualification cycle. Enrollment and agreement to receive e-statements and at least 12 PIN-based / signature-based debit card purchases are conditions