The Hopewell Valley tennis team of head coach Dave Burchell, Om Sharma, Adithya Shrikanth, Zach Weisenfeld, Danyal Rizavi, Manas Sinha, Eshaan Doshi, Kaito Mahon, Andrew Hou and assistant coach Gary Gall with the state champion plaque at Mercer County Park on June 7, 2024.
BY RICH FISHER
how far would you go if they were sick?
It was April 13 and the Hopewell Valley Central High boys tennis team had just gotten spanked, 5-0, by West WindsorPlainsboro North and then lost, 3-2, to Marlboro in the consolation match of the Moorestown Classic.
Bradley Deeds, the only senior in the starting lineup and in his fourth year as the Bull-
dogs No. 1 player, felt it was time for some inspiration on the bus ride home.
want it just as bad.’”
He liked the response.
“I said ‘This is your life, this is your tennis career, you choose how you want it to go,’” Deeds said. “‘Coach (Dave) Burchell is the most dedicated coach I know. I’ve seen so many different coaches in sports over the years and I know how badly he wants us to do this. if you’re gonna be on this team you gotta
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.
“Immediately I got answers that were pure. They genuinely wanted to do this,” Deeds continued. “Once we established that, I felt like we really got on a good track and we started getting better mentally. They were really bummed out after the loss to North but I told them one loss doesn’t affect our overall
See TENNIS, Page 6
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Behind the Scenes at Hopewell Museum’s ‘Reimagination’
BY ERIC LUBELL
For anyone walking the north side of East Broad Street in Hopewell, New Jersey, the picturesque edifice at Number 28—home to The Hopewell Museum—has been a welcoming landmark since its opening in 1922.
The storied 1877 Victorian brownstone has been bustling and brightening over the past few years, despite the necessary closing of its doors to the public in 2022.
What’s going on? Reimagination—the museum’s multistaged renovation and conservation initiative.
Like many changes that have transpired over the museum’s 100-plus years, Reimagination came about through that wonderful stroke called serendipity. In 2020, the pandemic prompted the museum to close.
But this unexpected shutdown provided a rare opportunity: to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of where the museum was, and what steps were needed to take to ensure
the museum’s vibrancy and relevance for generations to come.
Thus a vision and plan, which was dubbed Reimagination. The museum launched it in 2021 by restoring the building’s exterior; in 2022 came a rigorous assessment of archaeology objects (Delaware Indian and Early American). At the same time, we restored our eighteenth- and nineteenth-century fine clocks; and, in 2023, we catalogued our extensive ceramics collection, and appointed our first-ever executive director, Asher Lurie.
The year 2024 marks Reimagination’s next phase: the cataloguing and remediation of our 250-plus-year Hopewell Valley textiles collection.
To give these classic garments, flags, bed linens, and curtains proper stewardship, the museum went big. engaging a pioneering innovator in the discipline of preventative conservation, Wendy Jessup. Through Jessup’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Smithsonian Institution, she’s employed new techniques and nurtured fresh talent. To start the project, she brought in a graduate fellow at the Winterthur and University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, Binh-An
See MUSEUM, Page 8
Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.
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, Eric Lubell
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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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.
The 8th Annual Solstice Trail Run, hosted by The Watershed Institute, saw runners of all levels come together on June 20 for a day of outdoor adventure. The institute says that the event, held at its 950-acre reserve, raised about $30,000 to support its conservation and education initiatives.
The institute also awarded the first annual Isabella de la Houssaye award to the top female finisher in the 10K race Lucy Herring. The award is to be given every year to honor de la Houssaye, who served on the Watershed’s Trail Run Committee from 2016-2023 and ran the event each year. De la Houssaye died in December 2023, after a battle with cancer.
rado. Winners in the 10K race were Herring of Princeton and Aaron Totten Lancaster of Frenchtown. Winners in the 5K race were Meghan Bruce of Princeton and Derway Lin of Belle Mead.
Hopewell Valley Central High School graduate Shane Solack has been named the recipient of the inaugural Lily of the Valley Scholarship, established in memory of Lily Carroll, who died in April.
“The only fundraising race she ever actively helped organize was the Watershed’s annual Solstice Run,” says her husband, David Crane. “She loved the event not only because she believed passionately in the Watershed’s mission, and its contribution to land and habitat preservation and education in our area, but because it was the first race she participated in (successfully) after beginning treatment in the early spring of 2018.”
The nonprofit Lily of The Valley Foundation aims to provide financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication in co-op and work-based learning programs. Through its scholarship program, the foundation seeks to create a lasting legacy for Lily by empowering students from Hopewell Valley Central High School to pursue successful careers or businesses in vocational fields after graduation.
Two hundred fourteen runners took part in the day’s 5K, 10K, and 15K tests. Medals were awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers. The fastest female and male runners in the 15K race were Gisele Calderon of Princeton and Brandon Sloboda of Fort Collins, Colo-
Representatives of the organization say that Solack’s decision to pursue trades over traditional college paths, coupled with his interest in becoming a first responder, embodies the spirit of the $1,500 scholarship and reflects the foundation’s mission to honor Carroll’s memory.
Web: lilyofthevalleyscholarship.com.
Monday, July 8; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 5; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.
Tuesday, July 9; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
There are all kinds of unfortunate things that can happen, and estate planning not only preserves your assets, but it also protects your family. Presentation will cover topics such as children’s guardianship, planning for children with disabilities, making financial or health care decisions if you should become incapacitated, wills and beneficiaries, unmarried couple rights when one dies and more.
Tuesday, July 9; 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
If you are considering surgery or are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our free monthly support group meetings. Family, friends and support persons are also invited to attend. Our meetings focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. Meetings subject to cancellation during inclement weather.
BROWN BAG MEDICATION REVIEW
Wednesday, July 10; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Come review your medications with our pharmacist, Shesha Desai, PharmD, Rph.BC-ADM. Put all your medications and supplements in a bag and bring them with you for our clinicians to review. Discuss how you are taking your medications and whether you are taking them correctly.
OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING
Thursday, July 11; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information related to your results. Appointment required.
DANCE IT OUT!
Friday, July 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome; no experience required.
A great way to get your kids out and active during these summer days off from school.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, July 16; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION
Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun, but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun-filled trivia hour and learn how to protect
yourself and others from the heat.
CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH
Tuesday, July 16; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sound healing uses special instruments to create a therapeutic atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything that makes you comfortable. Adriana Hansen, RYT200, SHA1 of The Learning Cooperative. Fee: $15
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Wednesday, July 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Quieting your mind, even just for a short while, can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience necessary.
Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Credit Union of New Jersey Kids Money Club is a fun and interactive children’s workshop. Kids will learn about the fundamentals of saving, which will include games and quick facts. This is an opportunity for children, ages 8-12, to learn about the importance of savings.
WOMEN AND MONEY
Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Familiarize and empower yourself with financial fundamentals that can assist with personal aspects of various life stages: merging finances,
children, caring for parents, divorce, widowhood.
MEMORY SCREENING
Tuesday, July 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Are you concerned about “senior moments”? The Mini-Mental State exam is a quick assessment to discern normal aging versus potential problems. In addition, you will learn ways to improve your memory. Must arrive 20-30 minutes early to receive the exam.
EXPRESSIVE ART: NATURE BECOMES US
Tuesday, July 23; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Let’s take some time to relax and find our way back to nature. We will use short guided meditation with writing prompts and then move on to making a nature window box. Please gather some pebbles, sticks, pine needles, and/or dried leaves. You may also bring in a piece of nature that that speaks to you, such as flowers, gems, and crystals. All other materials supplied. Facilitated by Rochelle Stern, expressive arts facilitator. Fee: $15
Wednesday, July 24; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow. Restricted to those certified in Reiki.
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: HEALTHY BONES MATTER
Monday, July 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of two people in the U.S. aged 18 and over. Join Michael Duch,
MD, from The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton for a discussion on common bone and joint disorders. Hear from this bone-a-fied orthopedic surgeon about how to keep your body healthy. Dinner provided.
HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE
Wednesday, July 31; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Drum your cares away with our monthly Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Beginners welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee: $15 CLEAN LIVING IN A TOXIC WORLD
Wednesday, Aug. 7; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Toxins are all around us: in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat. Learn what these toxins can do to our bodies and ways to avoid them and live a cleaner life with Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.
WOMEN’S SUMMER BOOK CLUB: WHEN WOMEN WERE DRAGONS BY KELLY BARNHILL
Thursday, Aug 22; 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
A Goodreads Best Book of the Year. A fiery feminist fantasy tale set in 1950’s America, where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman’s place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they really are
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
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
Wednesday, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Please join us for our ongoing program, “A Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.
Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome. Must register.
Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will lead this meditation class focusing on reducing stress and bringing inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.
Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be teaching Chair Yoga. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!
Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun filled trivia hour and learn how to protect yourself and others from the heat.
Thursday, July 11 + 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us for game time, snacks and some wholesome fun. A variety of board games will be available or you are welcome to bring your own.
Wednesday, July 17; 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Luba Dziubas, the owner of Radiance Spa located in our Center, will teach us simple techniques and ingredients to improve our skin. Join us to get your glow back. Q & A.
Thursday, July 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tai
is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs, and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more
The Bulldogs fought all the way to the program’s first state title in school history. On June 7 at Mercer County Park, Hopewell defeated perennial champion Haddonfield, 4-1, in the NJSIAA Group II semifinals, and followed with a heartpounding, 3-2 win over Mendham in the championship match.
“(Athletic director) Tripp Becker came to watch the final,” Burchell said. “He couldn’t believe how stressful it was. That’s my job, to try to keep kids composed. You can’t do much coaching at that moment. The kids go in knowing what to do. We tell them before. Then it’s just keeping them from losing their composure.”
And there were definitely some nerve wracking moments.
Hopewell entered the states having won 10 of 14 after Deeds’ speech. It defeated Ocean 5-0 in the Central Jersey Group II quarterfinals but had to sweat out a 3-2 win over Holmdel in the quarterfinals. The match was tied 2-2 before Deeds prevailed to clinch it.
“Bradley won against a junior he beat previously, so we saw that one coming,” Burchell said.
Next was a 3-2 grinder over RumsonFair Haven in the CJ II finals, in which Hopewell trailed 2-0 before getting a singles win from Deeds and a second doubles triumph from Zack Weisenfeld and Om Sharma.
That left it up to the sophomore first doubles team of Andrew Hou and Kaito Mahon, who split the first two sets 7-5 and 5-7, leading to a 10-point tiebreaker.
“These are the cardiac kids,” Burchell said. “They were playing an undefeated doubles team and got down 9-6 in the super tie-break. I thought it was over and they came back and won 11-9. We were one point from not winning the sectional. They’ve been like a rock for us.”
The Bulldogs had a “breather” against Haddonfield, but the significance of the win was not lost on Burchell as Bulldawgs leader Jeff Holman is one of the winningest tennis coaches in state history. Holman’s teams have won 1,222 matches, 35 sectional titles and 11 state championships.
“That was a sweet win for me,” Burchell said. “My first 30 years of coaching were in Burlington. I got to the South Jersey sectional final and twice I lost 5-0 to Haddonfield. Jeff and I have both coached for 50 years. He’s won it many times and it took me 50 years to win one!”
But it sure wasn’t easy. The Mendham match was tied 2-2 and this time it came down to freshman third singles Danyal Rizavi. Showing the poise of a senior, Rizavi topped Arya Gorti 6-4, 6-7 (8-6).
Surprisingly, Deeds was not nervous watching the match.
“It was just exciting,” he said. “I had trust in him to bring it home and he was able to clinch it out. The kid I played at first was amazing and I couldn’t do much on my side and their second singles dominated against our singles. Rizavi stepped up to the plate.”
Burchell marveled at his freshman’s effort.
“He was like a bulldog,” the coach said. “He was one of these kids you couldn’t get a ball by. He just kept it in and that’s how he won it in the end. He came out against a big hitter and the kid thought he had him. You know how kids come out and get loud when they’re winning? This kid got quiet as the match went on.
“The last point of the match, the kid made a nice serve and he came to the net. My kid hit a lob over his head and all he could do was watch it hit the baseline.”
Which started the celebration that neither Deeds or Burchell thought might happen at the start of the season. HoVal won CJ 2 in Deeds freshman year and Burchell presented him with a goal of bookending his career with sectional titles.
Neither thought it would go further than that.
“I thought the team my freshman year would be the team that would win it all,” Deeds said. “This was surprising. But having these new teammates, they really brought the energy. They didn’t fear being under pressure. They totally could have collapsed against Rumson and Holmdel and Mendham but they didn’t.
“Before the season I didn’t know what to expect. I expected to get to the sectionals, I really didn’t expect to win them. And never would I have thought to win it all. I was just amazed by the way the other guys pulled through. As the season progressed, they really showed me they wanted it.”
Burchell added that, “I just thought it would be nice to win another sectional in Bradley’s senior year. I looked at the lineup and said ‘This is the best team we’ve had since your freshman year.’ It turned out we had a lot of depth. Bradley pushed everyone down (in the lineup) to spots where they could win.”
Burchell pointed to the brutally tough schedule Hopewell played as preparation for the state wars. He called Mercer County “a tough tennis neighborhood,” and also scheduled some strong non-conference foes. Deeds liked the strategy.
“You have to lose to win,” he said. “That was the case for our team. They had to see that there were better teams for us. They definitely thought we’d win pretty easily against some of the weaker teams. Once they saw there were other teams that had tremendous depth in the lineup and started to beat us, that’s when they started TENNIS continued from
By Joe Emanski
With fireworks increasingly accessible in the Garden State these days, some people see celebratory holidays like Independence Day as an opportunity to fire off a few or a few hundred red and glaring rockets at home, right there in the driveway.
But for those who have dogs or who remain concerned about potential serious bodily harm related to exploding things in their yards, Community News is happy to report that the tradition of the community fireworks show is still very much alive and well. Below is your guide to this year’s celebrations.
We start out by mentioning that Lawrence Township plans to hold its annual Independence Day Fireworks on Friday, June 28 at Rider University, with a rain date of Saturday, June 29. Both dates are before our publishing date for July, but we mention
them here so that readers don’t wonder why we did not include them.
Also kicking off before press time is the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s
June 29 An Evening Under the Stars fireworks display and classic car exhibition in Hopewell Township’s Woolsey Park.
Now for the events that readers can actually attend!
Hamilton Township has had Fourth of July fireworks in Veterans Park pretty
much since the park opened to the public, and this year it will host more of the same.
The Hamilton Independence Day Concert and Fireworks show is set to take place on Monday, July 1, with a rain date of Tuesday, July 2. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Kuser Road entrance,
Joe
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Pure Petty, a tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, is scheduled to take the stage at l.e.A.d. fest on thursday, July 4 at the Mercer county Park fairgrounds. (Photo by Phillip lebowski.)
2206 Kuser Road.
Festivities are set to begin at 6 p.m. with food available from a variety of vendors. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Heartbeats. The South Jersey-based group bills itself as “America’s Party Band.” Fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.
Ewing Township will join in the fun on Wednesday, July 3 with the Ewing Independence Day Fireworks Celebration.
Ewing’s event is set to feature rides, face painting, sand art, a balloon man, a dunk tank, food vendors and giveaways. DJ Dan Murphy will provide musical entertainment, and the First NJ Volunteers Colonial Reenactors will also be on hand.
Gates are set to open at 6 p.m at The College of New Jersey’s Green Lane soccer fields. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to park in the TCNJ parking garage on Metzger Drive.
Also set for July 3 is the Bordentown Fireworks at the Park, a joint production between the township and the nonprofit Foundation for Bordentown Traditions, which helped reinstate an annual Bordentown show after budget cuts brought that tradition to an end.
This year’s edition is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. in Joseph Lawrence Park on Ward Avenue. Festivities are set to include games, music and food trucks, with fireworks set to start around 9 p.m.
Anyone who completely forgot to go to any fireworks shows on the Fourth of July or in the week leading up to it will be
relieved to learn that East Windsor Township will host its fireworks show on Saturday, July 6 at dusk.
East Windsor’s celebration is scheduled to take place at Etra Lake Park on Disbrow Hill Road in the Twin Rivers section of the township.
* * *
Also taking place the week of Independence Day is the L.E.A.D. Fest in the Mercer County Park fairgrounds, with a fireworks show just one part of the scheduled entertainment.
L.E.A.D., or Law Enforcement Against Drugs, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to protecting youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drugrelated crimes and peer-to-peer cyberbullying and violence.
The annual L.E.A.D. Fest started on June 28 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, July 7. The festival features carnival rides, food vendors, racing pigs, a circus show, a craft fair and nightly live musical entertainment.
On Thursday, July 4, L.E.A.D. Fest will also host a fireworks show to start at dusk. Paid admission is technically required to attend, although we all know that the fireworks will be visible from outside the fairgrounds area.
Prior to the fireworks show, Philly-based band Pure Petty will take the stage at 7 p.m. performing the songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
The Trenton Thunder are also planning to host a fireworks show on July 4 at Arm and Hammer Park after their 7 p.m. game with the Frederick Keys. But that is hardly unusual, as the Thunder have already hosted four postgame fireworks nights this season, and plan to do 10 more after July 4.
The Trenton Thunder, home to team in the Double-A Eastern League from 1994 to 2019, have belonged to the six-team MLB Draft League since 2021, after Major League Baseball took over and scrambled the minor league baseball landscape. The Thunder play a two-part, 80-game schedule half of which is contested by collegiate amateurs, and half contested by undrafted professionals after the annual Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft is held.
Other scheduled fireworks dates for the Thunder are July 18, July 20, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 17, Aug. 29 and Aug. 31. All dates are Thursdays or Saturdays. A ticket purchase is required to attend.
* * *
Those looking for a more Princeton take on Independence Day may want to plan a trip to Morven Museum and Garden on Thursday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Jubilee.
Morven, of course, has been selected as a local host for 2026’s Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of
the Declaration of Independence. But that is down the road. This year’s Jubilee is set to feature family-friendly activies and crafts “inspired by themes of history, civics and service” as well as tours of Morven’s gardens and live music from the Vintage Vibe Tribe and face painting with Maya B. the Facepaint Fairy. Food will be for sale from Oink and Moo BBQ, The Empanada Guy and Kona Ice. No noisy or polluting fireworks are planned.
One could say that Morven has been hosting Independence Day celebrations since 1783, when it hosted several congressional delegates to mark the occasion. For many years, it served as the New Jersey governor’s mansion.
The Jubilee is part of Civic Season, a national program of activities designed to connect Juneteenth and July 4. Web:morven.org.
The Sourland Mountain Festival is set for Saturday, July 13, rain or shine, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at New Jersey’s premier Unionville Vineyard in Hunterdon County.
Unionville’s home vineyard on Rocktown Road in Ringoes, with its iconic red barn, serves as the backdrop for a summer afternoon filled with music, food, family-friendly activities, shopping, presentations and more.
Live musical entertainment will be provided by headliners the Matt O’Ree Band along with the Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz, Tony and the Trees and the Adventures of Matt Black.
After an opening blessing of the mountain by the Lenape Nation, guests may then partake in family-friendly activities, from guided hikes with educators from the Raritan Headwaters Association to a lesson on foraging from Wildspawn Mushrooms, henna and face painting, a walk-through balloon and photo experience with the ReMax balloon.
Tabby’s Place, the Ringoes-based cat rescue sanctuary, will be on hand with information and taking donations for their rescues in need. Titusville native plant center My Backyard at Nectars will be available with an assortment of native plants for pur-
chase. Merchants from around the region such as Freitag Arts, Ed Field Stained Glass and Rooted Remedies and more will be on hand with unique gifts for purchase.
The Ryland Inn and Chef Chris Albrecht will provide catering under the tented patio in the shadow of the red barn. Draft beer will be provided by Lone Eagle Brewing. Also offering food and refreshments will be AMA Pizza, Thai Cha Chak, and Cas Pierogi.
Proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of Central Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region and is made possible by the generous support of business partners and sponsors who share in the vision of Supporting the Sourlands.
The Sourland Mountain Festival is planned and run by a dedicated group of volunteers. East Amwell’s local volunteer rescue squad will be on hand for guest safety and will be selling lemonade and baked goods to benefit their squad.
Tickets are on sale now at sourlandmountainfest.org/tickets and guests may also purchase a limited edition 20-ounce tumbler. Visit sourlandmountainfest.org for more details.
By Joe Emanski
Encanto is a great name for a restaurant. Especially a restaurant that specializes in Colombian cuisine.
Since 2021, the Spanish word meaning “charm” has been inextricably linked with the 2021 Disney animated film of that name — a film that, of course, tells the magical story of the Madrigals, a multigenerational family living in Colombia.
Colombian food has taken a back seat to other Latin American cuisines in the area, especially Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine. Even Tomatello’s Latin Cuisine in Hopewell, which is owned by a Colombian family, started out focused largely on burritos before gradually adding Colombian specialties to its menu.
empanadas at encanto colombiano restaurant.
Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, which opened on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton in April, has been zeroed in on Colombian cuisine from the get go. Among the restaurant’s best sellers is Bandeja Paisa ($27.50), a Colombian specialty of rice, beans, beef, chicharrón, chorizo, sweet potato, plantain, fried egg, blood sausage and avocado.
This heaping dish is accompanied, as per tradition, with an arepa, a type of ground
corn flatbread that is popular throughout South America, but especially in Colombia. Also popular at Encanto since its opening has been its Colombian-style mini-empanadas, or empanaditas ($10.50). Where many empanadas are made with flour, these are made with corn, and come stuffed with beef and potatoes.
Specialties of the house include Salmon con Camarones al Ajillo, or salmon and shrimp with garlic, $26.25; Chuleta de cerdo con agridulce de pimenton, or roasted pork chop spiced with sweet and sour paprika, $23.10; and carne de res al vino tinto, or beef cooked in red wine demiglace with mushrooms, $23.10).
Encanto has a full bar serving everything from martinis to mojitos as well as special house cocktails, all of which feature Colombian aguardiente, typically an aniseflavored liqueur made from sugarcane. The La Bandera cocktail, made with aguardiente, vodka, gin, passion fruit liqueur, blue curacao and Grenadine syrup, is $15. Colombian beers such as Poker Lager and Águila are also available.
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Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.
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Seafood specialties include ceviche de pulpo (octopus) and mango, $21, and encocado de camarones , or shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, $23.10.
Another traditional Colombian dish featured on the menu is Ajiaco ($21), a hearty soup of chicken, three kinds of potatoes, corn, and guasca, a Colombian herb. Mondongo ($21), a soup of pork, potato, plantain, cassava, carrot, cilantro, onion, garlic and bell pepper, is also on the menu.
Appropriately for a restaurant that opens at 9 a.m., Encanto also serves breakfast. including Calentado Paisa, or rice and beans with chorizo, scrambled eggs and arepa; Calentado Encanto, or rice with beans with sweet potatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, beef or chicken; and assorted omelettes, including omelette ranchero, served with baby corn, sausage, onion, tomato and mozzarella.
As one might expect, Colombian coffee is on the menu. Encanto also serves a variety of fruit juices.
Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, Bar and Panedería. 2217 S. Olden Ave., Hamilton. Phone: (609) 940-9924. Web: encantocolombianonj.com. Open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Mondays.
encanto has a full bar serving colombian specialty drinks made with aguardiente. (Photo courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)
From state-of-the-art technology to the most specialized team in New Jersey, our network offers the most complete heart and vascular care. Whether you have hypertension, heart disease or a child with a heart issue, our team of nurses, cardiologists and heart surgeons deliver comprehensive, compassionate care. Our highly coordinated approach to patient care ensures that you can focus on improved health and wellness – and get your heart off your mind. Make a plan at rwjbh.org/heart
Growing up makes for a constantly evolving experience for children. Every year they change and grow into the person they are destined to become, and that extends to their oral health. From the first baby tooth to their adult teeth coming in later in their lives, managing your child’s dental health presents unique challenges for parents. With those challenges come a few myths involving childhood tooth development that can impact how you treat your child’s dental health.
. When you start looking for a pediatric dentist in Hamilton, you want to find one that knows how intensive taking care of your child’s teeth should be. Taking a proactive approach to their dental health can help them avoid more involved procedures down the road — one of
the most common myths that lead to your child’s teeth suffering in the long run.
One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally straighten themselves with time. The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.
While most people associate orthodontic treatments with getting braces as a teenager, that procedure does much more than merely straighten teeth to help you look better. Getting your jaw and teeth back into proper alignment has a cascading effect on your oral health. It helps improve your biting, chewing, and even speaking ability.
Many parents believes there is a specific age at which it’s appropriate to bring their children in for orthodontic care. The perceived minimum age for a child to receive orthodontic care is around 12-13 or right when they reach high school. However, getting your child such care earlier can help avoid getting braces and fixing issues before they worsen.
In reality, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your children should get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. Once they hit that age, their mouth will have a nice balance between their baby and permanent teeth. This window of time allows for an accurate orthodontic evaluation to
At AllCure, we understand that the summer can come with a lot of fun and activity. Often, we experience that patients will put off their pain concerns until the summer is over and plan to address them in the fall.
At AllCure, we will do assessments to see where each person can benefit from our level of care. We offer chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture services to provide high-level of conservative care to the community.
Our office also provides stateof-the-art modalities to assist each provider in getting patients back to a higher quality of life. We also have X-ray on site to help diagnose the patients pain and discomfort. We
offer 10 minute free consultations for anyone interested to make sure they feel comfortable and to ensure that we can help.
We take pride in what we do and we make sure that each patient gets a high level of attention and care on each one of their visits. We make our plans specifically to fit each individual person‘s needs and do not offer blanket treatments for similar patient complaints.
We have offices conveniently located in Monroe, Hamilton, and Somerset, NJ. Please visit our website or give us a call today to come in for a free consult, and get back to the quality of life you deserve.
AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. 350 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. 732-521-9222. 1101 Randolph Road, Somerset. 732-823-9392. www. allcurespineandsports.com.
determine where preventative care is enough or if additional action is required.
Come From? In most cases, a child’s orthodontic problems stem from their genetics — these issues are inherited from their parents. Additionally, some problems can develop over time based on poor oral hygiene habits they learned from a young age.
Some of these acquired oral health issues include:
• Sucking Their Thumbs
• Mouth Breathing
• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns
• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth
• Poor Nutritional Habits
However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You
can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.
Finding a
You Can Trust. Trusting your child’s teeth and their beautiful smile to a pediatric dentistry practice is something that every parent must come to grips with. Figuring out which childhood orthodontic makes the most sense for your child and their future dental visits becomes critically important. For parents and their children in Hamilton, Hamilton Dental Associates provides them with the experienced pediatric dentists they need to prioritize their oral health as they mature.
Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and schedule your first appointment today!
Visit www.hamiltondental.com.
The summer season is a good time to reflect on health and wellness. “Summer is a great time to focus on preventive measures, embracing lifestyle changes that can have lasting benefits,” says Aditi Shrivastava, MD, Internal Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton).
With the heat comes the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. The increased temperatures and outdoor activities lead to higher rates of perspiration, making it vital to replenish lost fluids. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider incorporating hydrating and vitamin-rich foods like watermelon, fruit and cucumbers into your diet.
Nutrition also plays a role in overall health, especially in the summer when fresh produce is abundant. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Berries, tomatoes, zucchini, and leafy greens are at their peak in
Women’s
Pelvic Floor
July and offer a wealth of nutrients that support immune function, skin health and energy levels. A balanced diet rich in these foods can help mitigate the risks associated with summer heat and exertion.
While sunshine has its benefits, such as boosting vitamin D levels and improving mood, overexposure can be harmful. Skin cancer remains a significant concern, and proper sun protection is essential. Use a broadspectrum tsunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapply every two hours, and wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. Additionally, try to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun intensity hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Exercise is integral to maintaining health and wellness. Try to engage in outdoor exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming to enhance heart and vascular health, improve mood through the release of endorphins, and help with weight management. Be mindful of the heat and try to exercise during the cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed to prevent heat exhaustion. Summer is often a time of relaxation and socialization, both of which are important for mental health.
Engaging with family and friends can strengthen social bonds and reduce stress. These interactions can significantly boost your emotional well-being.
However, if you find yourself struggling with your mental health, it’s important to have an honest discussion with your primary care provider. Your primary care provider will be able to provide you with the best treatment options for your condition. RWJBarnabas Health is proud to be a leader in providing you with expert mental health services for all ages and seasons of life. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ behavioralhealth.
July is a good time for a mid-year health check. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a routine check-up. Regular screenings and examinations can detect potential health issues early, making treatment more effective. Discuss any new health concerns, review your current medications and consider getting vaccinations if needed, especially if you’re planning to travel.
Remember, take the time to prioritize yourself and your health and wellness! “It’s important to incorporate health and wellness practices not just during the summer but all year round,”
adds Dr. Shrivastava.
Dr. Shrivastava sees patients at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. For more information about Dr. Shrivastava, please call 609-2457389. Or to find a RWJBarnabas Health primary care provider in your area, visit rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare.
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Caruso PTRD offers a unique, patient-centered physical therapy approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We want you to get back to being you; whether it’s getting you back on the field, back at the office, or back to running around with your children or grandkids! Treating pain is only the first step!
Caruso PTRD offers a unique, patient-centered physical therapy approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Our therapists' main goals are to listen to each of your needs and provide individualized care to treat your condition. We want you to get back to being you; whether it's getting you back on the field, back at the office, or back to running around with your children or grandkids! Treating pain is only the first step!
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ATTENTION ALL AGES: Achieve your body composition, sport's performance, nutrition or weight loss goals through an approach that is anything but "cookie cutter". We take the time to learn about you, any medical conditions you may have and tailor to your individual needs. Our Nutrition Experts, RDN's,are the ONLY medical professionals qualified to give you nutrition advice. We don't believe in quick fixes or the latest craze. We believe in life long change without having to sacrifice ANYTHING that makes your life unique!
The most recognized and effective form of safe and successful exercise. Pilates can be tailored to the specific needs of the client to provide injury prevention, rehabilitation and muscle stability work. We offer Private and Semi Private Sessions.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
The most recognized and effective form of safe and successful exercise. Pilates can be tailored to the specific needs of the client to provide injury prevention, rehabilitation and muscle stability work. We offer private and semi private sessions.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques. I want to empower females to take back their lives, one Pelvic PT session at a time.
Relax and unplug in our new Salt Room! Offering numerous health benefits such as; providing relief for respiratory and skin conditions, and promoting overall mental wellness and stress relief. Breathe, relax and unwind!
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.
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It’s our goal to provide our patients with the best physical therapy and nutrition services in our community.
The newest form of Physical Therapy we offer is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, which is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques.
Women’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can assist with problems such as: urinary incontinence and urgency; overactive bladder; constipation; pelvic pain; low back pain; hip pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; scar tissue and pelvic organ prolapse.
We also offer Sports PT for those recovering from injury or concussion to help them return safely to the field of play.
At Caruso’s our mission is to empower each individual to realize their boundless potential.
Contact us or visit our website to start your journey towards a healthier you!
Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, 1278 Yardville Allentown Road, Allentown. 609-738-3143. caruso@carusoptrd.com. carusoptrd. com.
In the heart of our community lies a dental practice unlike any other. Rockwell Dentistry was established close to three decades ago. Drs. Dawn and Alex Rockwell opened their practice in 1996, shortly after their twins, Eric and Natasha, were born. They envisioned a dental office that was not only a place for topnotch dental care but a staple in the community.
From the beginning their practice thrived on the principles of compassion, quality care, and a personal touch.
Patients became more than clients; they became friends. This ethos set the foundation for a thriving practice that continues to grow year after year. Drs. Rockwell have trated many generations of the same families. It is commonplace for patients to run into their own family members and neighbors in the waiting room.
Drs. Dawn and Alex always “dreamed” that their twins Eric and Natasha would follow in their footsteps and continue the Rockwell Dentistry legacy in Mercer County.
As Eric and Natasha grew older, they both
pursued undergraduate degrees in biology and decided to apply to dental school. After eight years Natasha graduated from Temple Dental School in May 2023 and Eric in May 2024. This marks a new chapter for the family and the practice, bringing fresh perspective and the latest in dental technology and techniques.
Dr. Natasha Rockwell has developed a keen interest in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. Her innovative approach to smile makeovers, orthodontic treatments, and scanning technology has brought a new level of expertise to the practice. Her vibrant personality and gentle approach have already made an impact on her patients.
Dr. Eric Rockwell’s passion lies with integrating the latest technologies to address complicated restorative cases more efficiently and accurately.
Rockwell Dentistry’s core vision was one office for all your dental care needs. With the addition of Natasha and Eric, Rockwell Dentistry will be a blend of experience and innovation that ensures patients receive the best possible care in a warm, family-oriented environment for many years to come. More information: www.rockwelldentistry.com.
The Rockwell Dentistry family: Alex, Natasha, Eric, and Dawn Rockwell.
The Hamilton Township Division of Health wants you and your family to have a safe and fun summer! Whether you choose to enjoy your time outside at one of Hamilton’s great parks, go for a dip in the pool or head to the beach it is important to keep in mind some safety tips to protect your health.
Here are some quick safety tips to help you have a safe and healthy summer:
• Check for ticks! Ticks are the most active in the warmer months (April-September). Infected ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme
disease. Prevent tick bites by wearing insect repellent, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks, remove ticks quickly and seek medical help if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease (including fever, headache, fatigue and rash).
• Beat the heat! Extreme heat can lead to heat related illness. People ages 65+, children under two and people with chronic diseases and mental illness are at highest risk. Remember to keep your cool! Stay in air conditioning as much as possible, stay hydrated, check on neighbors or family who are high risk, wear loose and lightweight clothing and NEVER leave children or pets in cars. Cooling centers for residents include the Hamilton Township Public Library and the Hamilton Senior Center.
• Sun Safety! Most skin cancers
are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Protect yourself and others from the sun when outdoors by seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, hats and clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Choose a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, reapply often and check those expiration dates!
• Eat your fruits and veggies! Healthy eating can help adults and children live a healthy life and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Summer is a great time for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables including strawberries, watermelon, zucchini and fresh Jersey tomatoes!
• Water safety! Swimming is a fun summer activity to help cool off, but should be done safely. If you go
swimming this summer remember to learn to swim and know your limits, never leave children unattended, wear life jackets when doing water activities, don’t swim alone even if you are a strong swimmer, and never dive into shallow water — if you don’t know how deep it is, don’t dive!
For more information on these topics and other summer safety tips visit www.cdc.gov
The Hamilton Township Division of Health is located at 2100 Greenwood Ave and provides residents with various services including public health nursing, health education, environmental inspections, vital statistics and animal sheltering and control — contact us at 609-890-3828, HamHealth@HamiltonNJ.com or www.HamiltonNJ.com/Health.
Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com
sjeronis@communitynews.org.
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I told him ‘Everybody below you is better because you’re there above them taking on the tougher guys.’ He really helped us.”
“He won a lot of close matches for us. He keeps the ball in play, you think you’re gonna out-hit him and then he outsmarts you. Consistency is important and he’s got it. He always got his serves in. He just lays it in there and the other kid says ‘Well he’s hitting a soft serve should I come in?’ When he comes in he hits it past him or lobs it over his head.”
to take it more seriously. If we didn’t play those stronger teams, we wouldn’t have had the outcome we had at the end.”
Another key was the knowledge contributed by assistant coach Gary Gall, a former NJSIAA referee who Burchell says “is invaluable. He knows every rule. Having someone you think is knowledgeable is what makes the kids feel secure.”
In assessing his historic lineup that finally brought a boys state tennis title to HVCHS, Burchell had the following analysis of each flight.
“In 50 years, he’s the best player I ever coached. He’s the winningest player in Hopewell history and has been our team MVP all four years. He’s won more matches against tough competition, been a seeded player in state singles every year and is going to play at The College of New Jersey. The best part is he’s the nicest kid, he gets along with his opponent, he doesn’t have anything bad to say about anybody.
“Two years ago, his mother passed away suddenly. It was a great shock to everyone and very tragic. But he continued to win, he stayed with it. He’s one of the best defensive players. You think you got the ball by him, he comes floating back to you. He can hit groundstrokes with top spin, he could lob. He’s just smart. He became our number one when he walked in the door.”
“Eshaan is a big hitter, very tall. He was in a tough spot, you play number two in Mercer County and you play a lot of good players. He had a good season and just got better every match. He took a lot of tough losses and was a little discouraged.
“They just came together as a combination and got better and better. When they’re serving well they can beat anybody. They took a lot of tough losses. They don’t get angry at each other and point fingers. They look at what it was that made them lose and they turn that into an opportunity to use that (knowledge) the next match.”
“They played so many tiebreakers. Sometimes they lost, but they had the teamwork and fortitude to say we’re gonna do better next time. They were both smart players. Zach was a lefty, Om was a big hitting righty. They were compatible and worked well together.”
* * *
Deeds felt the entire team became compatible as the season went on.
“The closer you are, the better,” he said. “At the beginning of the season we didn’t have a lot of cheering because we didn’t know each other too well. Once we got closer we started cheering more. The energy was there, the bus rides were better, they were talking strategy against opponents. You 100 percent need that bond for success.”
It all added up to a 19-8 season — the most successful in program history. Both Deeds and the first doubles team qualified for the state individual tournament and, most importantly to Burchell, his team played with class and excelled in class.
“I’ve got good players coming in all the time,” the coach said. “In the end these kids are scholar-athletes. They go to school, they’re excellent athletes. They don’t just play tennis, they do other things. I’ve been praised by our opponents for our guys being good sportsmen. There’s nothing better than to hear your kid played a good game and is a good person.”
Nguyen, a rising expert in the field. And the museum recruited two interns: a preprogram textile conservator, Anamaria Cuevas, and an aspiring digital media and graphic designer, Jack Kremer. At the beginning of June, the team delved in. At the time of this writing, it the textile project was in just day two Project. What we’ve observed so far is something few of us have ever glimpsed, yet what every museum in the world does routinely to protect and preserve its collections: the painstaking, exacting work of the museum conservator.
It’s one thing to maintain garments and
furniture, dolls and documents, in a dark and cool storage space. But if a community wishes to see, study and savor its cultural heritage manifest in its museum’s artifacts—their craft, beauty and historical significance—then these all must be displayed.
Light, pollutants, insects, temperature changes, humidity, water, etc.—these variables can wreak havoc on a museum’s collection, i.e., the community’s invaluable, irreplaceable cultural property.
Have you ever lifted a garment from a box in the attic, only for it to disintegrate in your hands, or to find it riddled with holes? That’s just an inkling of what
museums are up against.
Within the brief time Jessup and Nguyen have done their garment-bygarment scrutiny, they have catalogued (with measurements and condition assessment) some 20 “rare gems” (as Jessup put it).
These historic textiles, and others, are irreplaceable, yet they can be damaged by pests, such as moths. Avoiding harsh chemical treatments, the optimal pestprevention is freezing the garments in low temperatures (more than minus 30 degrees Celsius), then vacuuming them through a low-suction high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA)—key steps in preserving their integrity and extending their lives.
“Sometime around 1860,” Jessup opined as she gently lifted an item, “a mother or grandmother—a seamstress, who probably was female—hand sewed this two-colored blouse. This is a very sweet piece. Its collar has hook-and-eye fasteners; the buttons are metal. And its material…” She feels it, bringing it close to her magnifier, then nods her head, “Silk! It’s just gorgeous.”
After completing the assessment, and filing a digital record, she and Nguyen together—with the care of lifting a sleeping child—removed another gem from its box.
“Let’s see what surprises we have here,” Jessup said. “Ah—a child’s cape. Victorian. Look at the intricate cross-stitching.”
As the two deliberated—identifying the material, the era, the sewing technique, and condition—Jessup provided continuous, enthusiastic, eye-opening commentary:
“This museum contains a cultural heritage, embodied in each of its objects. They tell a story, many individual stories, about the community’s historic talents and values. Which is why we, as conservators, have to be hypercognizant of the interests of Hopewell as seen through the value of these materials.
“It’s really important to remember that
museums are holding collections in the public trust. We must be very aware of what’s important to the cultures that lived here and their family backgrounds.”
What may be most exciting about Reimagination is discovering how these textiles—and all the museum’s holdings—provide snapshots into the lives of Hopewell residents, in every decade since the early 1800s and sometimes earlier. Charming, sometimes wondrous, sometimes perplexing, these lively “ghosts of the past” contain stories we all want to be told more about.
When the Hopewell Museum begins renovating its interior in 2025, and with its planned reopening in 2026, our visitors will be engaged by the fascinating stories of our Hopewell Valley forebears, through a one-of-a-kind collection that has been preserved and made accessible for many years to come.
For more information, including how to support the conservation efforts, visit hopewellmuseum.org.
The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) brings cancer trials and care delivery studies to people in their communities. Now as an NCORP affiliate site, Capital Health can give patients of our Cancer Center access to clinical trials and treatment delivery studies from top institutions around the world, bringing the latest state-of-the-art treatments to patients right here in our communities. It’s the advanced care you deserve close to home.
Lisa Wolff HAPPY VALLEY
On June 10, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters celebrated 8 individuals for advancing conservation efforts throughout New Jersey. Among them was Renata Barnes, who received a Changemaker Award for her work as the director of engagement and programs for the Outdoor Equity Alliance.
As relative newcomers, OEA and Renata Barnes bring a fresh perspective to the conservation space compared to seasoned recipients that included Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, Cindy Ehrenclou of the Raritan Headwater Association, Carleton Montgomery of Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Julia Somers of NJ Highlands Coalition, and Wyatt Earp of IBEW. Outdoor Equity Alliance strives to ensure that everybody has access to nature and its associated health, wellness, and economic benefits.
“Being a woman of color in the environmental sector is important. Hearing the voices, experiences, and history from people who have traditionally been
disenfranchised from the environment is imperative if we are to move forward in addressing these issues, (by) creating the reality of equity and equality in the environmental space,” Barnes says.
As its name suggests, the Outdoor Equity Alliance is able to maximize their impact through its’ extensive network and alliances. OEA collaborates with educational institutions, nonprofits, and likeminded government agencies, businesses, and individuals,
“Receiving this award is a great opportunity for me to highlight the work of the Outdoor Equity Alliance,” Barnes adds. “We’ve got great partnerships with people all over the state.”
This recognition is even more impressive since the Outdoor Equity Alliance has only been an independent nonprofit for less than a year. Prior to that time, OEA was fiscally sponsored by Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space. Since becoming its own nonprofit, the OEA has seen a tremendous increase in its community impact, infrastructure, staffing, funding, and statewide visibility. Origin story. In 2019, Aaron Watson, Executive Director of the Mercer County Park Commission and I, Lisa Wolff, executive director of FOHVOS convened
a group of stakeholders to discuss how we could expand the reach and impact of our public green spaces. What started as a sleepy grassroots coalition picked up steam during Covid as awareness of the importance of both the outdoors and equity initiative became mainstream.
A FoHVOS paid internship project, which teamed Hopewell high schoolers with Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County students to partner to fight climate change by learning conservation and land stewardship methods, was the inspiration for OEA’s flagship workforce development programs. Renata Barnes became the first dedicated OEA staff member and expanded outreach and partnered programming.
OEA completed a 3-year strategic plan, secured seed money from the Princeton Area Community Foundation Bunbury Fund, completed bylaws and policy, and brought on an interim Executive Director. By mid-2023, before OEA became its own entity, its 7-person board included Alex Rivera, Damon Missouri, Eleanor Horne, Julio Badel, and Karen Andrada-Mims, as well as Aaron and me.
community impact.
Since becoming an independent nonprofit, OEA added the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ, REI, and the Kentfield Foundation as major funders in addition to PACF-Bunbury Fund. The OEA team has tripled its permanent staff and also employs contract personnel. In addition to NJLCV recognition, Renata Barnes has been a local keynote speaker. William Wilson, the permanent executive director, has propelled OEA as its leader. Elizabeth Reyes provides support to every part of the OEA.
OEA is a partner in $1.3 million federal grant to plant over 1,000 trees throughout Trenton. Federal Regional Greenhouse Grant Initiative funding is administered through the NJ-DEP. NJCF submitted the application and City of Trenton, Isles, the New Jersey Tree Foundation, and the Watershed Institute are also partner. OEA’s responsibility is focused solely on community engagement including implementing a third year of the successful Careers in Conservation internship. Graduates are offered paid work as Tree Ambassadors to promote the tree planting throughout Trenton.
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The Hopewell connection. While the OEA concept and funding originated under Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, the vision was always for it to become an independent organization whose leadership more closely resembled the population it serves. Yet even with a single-minded focus of leaving the nest, OEA leaned into its relationship with Hopewell Valley and were embraced by schools and the community. HVRSD students participated in the first internship programs. HVRSD teachers and students, led by Carolyn McGrath, worked with OEA to provide exposure and funds through their Green Week activities. HVRSD Superintendent Rosetta Treece was essential to the OEA Advisory Committee and was integral to the OEA’s formative strategic plan.
FoHVOS staff actively nurtured OEA growth and FoHVOS board members Dan Rubenstein, Ryan Kennedy, Rob Flory, Jaquan Levons, Jeffrey Osborn, Tomia MacQueen, and Mimi Turi all made personal efforts to foster its progression. Celebrated community members including Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills attended all of our fundraisers and many Valley residents generously donated time and money.
Extraordinary growth. In less than a year, Outdoor Equity Alliance bolstered its powerful foundation to accelerate their growth in all areas from infrastructure to programming and
Mercer County Community College students, as well as Upward Bound high schoolers, participate in both tree ambassador and OEA’s Agrihood internships. Agrihood graduated its third cohort on June 8. Final projects for the Agrihood relied on its Hopewell Valley roots. Projects took place at D&R Greenway’s St. Michaels Preserve, Howell Living Farm and Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum True Farmstead.
OEA has also partnered to bring the Juneteenth Freedom Day Ride since its inception four years ago for cyclists from all over the tri-state area come together to celebrate the Juneteenth Holiday with a ride through seven Mercer County towns, while viewing historical African American sites in the area.
As of today, the OEA board has grown to include HVRSD superintendent Rosetta Treece, Watershed Institute executive director Jim Waltman, NOFA executive director Devin Cornia, Outdoors On Purpose founder Tenisha Malcolm.
Congratulations to Renata Barnes and the entire OEA team. Watch for even more success and community impacts as its star continues to rise.
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
I was driving on Route 31 in Pennington when I passed the sign “Recreational Dispensary.“ Really? Is that the same thing as a Marijuana market? Weed Warehouse? Grass is Us? Or Dope Shop?
Should a bar be redesignated as a medical or recreational alcohol dispensary serving Medical beer? Pharmaceutical wine? Palliative cognac?
Isn’t it time to stop the euphemisms and restore a little honesty to the language? Isn’t it time to say what you really mean?
What comes to mind when you pass dwellings titled Pheasant Run, Fox Run, Hopewell Hunt, Hopewell Parc. Do you immediately identify these locations as Victorian estates inhabited by effete noblemen (and women) riding to the hounds? Of course you don’t. Call them what they are: McMansions ‘R’ Us or, for a European flair “Developments Ordinaire,” or if it’s appropriate, Condo, Condo, Condo—yes, just dance along.
I will gracefully concede that mass housing designated as “Farms” may well reflect the agricultural origins of the acreage and thus have a certain historical preservation value.
Anyone dying these days? Are they the late or the dearly departed. Have they passed away, are no longer with us, gone to the great beyond, a better world or their final reward.? Nope, they’re dead.
Then there are the deniers: science deniers, climate change deniers, vaccination deniers, election deniers. Let’s be more efficient in our designations. Can’t these all be combined under the more accurate umbrella: Reality deniers?
Incidentally, climate change really means planet destruction. Science deniers means no education past second grade. And election deniers are just gullible folks who will believe any lie no matter how far-fetched if it fits their insidious inclinations..
Are “pro-lifers” really pro-life? Nah, these fanatics are anti-abortion, anti-women. The only thing they are Pro about is invasion of privacy.
Consequently, shouldn’t they be required to allow public attendance at their next colonoscopy?
Do Supreme Court justices get a pass when they claim to be Originalists or Strict Constructionists.? No, they have just found some weaselly, highfalutin terms to disguise their objections to laws they don’t like including those allowing people of color to vote, those restricting the ultra rich from buying elections, or any laws preventing every deranged gun nut from owning a gun.
Alas, the current court firmly reinforces Dickens’ line in Oliver Twist, “the law is an ass.”
What do xenophobes really mean when they say they are opposed to illegal immigration? Guess they are merely too shy to say, “I hate foreigners and I need someone to blame for everything that I don’t like. Furthermore, I have a deep need to feel better than someone. And those ‘illegals’ might be smarter than I am and work harder and make me look like the jerk that I am. Also they doesn’t speak English as good as me.”
And those who object to government spending and give-aways. What do they really mean? Answer: I don’t care if children are starving, if people can’t pay for doctors, if . . . Really, I hate the poor.”
Perhaps it’s time to stop using alphabetical labels like the “A” word or the “B” word. Even the NY Times which, decades ago, infamously used the euphemism “barnyard epithet” in place of bovine manure, now prints all the bad words.
Of course, this raises the question, is the appearance of profane language in the august newspaper of record a rejection of euphemistic speech and an expression of enlightened honesty or is it a reflection of the coarsening of the culture?
And speaking of coarsening the culture, we know which orange menace is largely responsible for that coarsening. (“Orange menace?” Is that another euphemism for a convicted felon? Nah, I just can’t stand to say his name.)
And as for MAGA, it’s time to substitute the more accurate four-letter political label. Hint: the first letter is “N.” and the third letter is Z.
