9-24 HE

Stanford-bound Briehler focuses on senior season for Hun football

By RICh FIsher

Kole Briehler only has to focus on football and academics during his senior year at the Hun School this school year. If that doesn’t sound like much, take into consideration what the Pennington resident had to go through before verbally committing to Stanford recently.

“People don’t understand how much there is with recruiting,” Briehler said. “Just getting calls every day, texts, stuff in the mail. You’ve got coaches telling you this, telling you that. It kind of just really stresses you out. I’m really happy I can just focus on football now.”

That ability to focus did not come easy, but such is the price of talent.

Beginning last summer, coaches came courting and Briehler began a whirlwind tour around the country. His campus visits included Boston College, Penn State, Rutgers, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio State, Michigan, Oklahoma and Stanford. Asked if he could do any sightseeing off-campus, he said: “Not really. You’d be surprised how See BRIEHLER, Page 34

County seeks Election Day poll workers

By LIZ CIoCher

As Mercer County gears up for this year’s elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, a pressing need has emerged for poll workers.

Mercer County residents can help play a crucial role in the election process by volunteering to work at the polls on Election Day.

“The biggest issue is that we want people to come out and vote, but if we don’t have the workers, how are they going to vote?” said Jill Moyer, Mercer County Board of Elections chairwoman.

The number of poll workers is not only low in Mercer County—it’s a nation-wide problem. According to estimates from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, about one million poll workers are needed to staff approximately 100,000 polling places across the country this November.

The prerequisites to become a poll worker include several hours of training prior to the date of the election to educate them on the process. This includes lessons on how to operate machinery, common voting procedures and verifying the voters as residents of the town where they are voting.

Although the position of poll worker is a volunteer role,

financial compensation is provided. Workers can earn $150 for a half-day shift or $300 for a full-day.

Moyer attributes the low number of volunteers in part to changes introduced in Mercer County in August 2021, including updated voting technology. The new systems, which feature a paper backup, were implemented in response to public demand for greater security and reliability.

However, the new technology has led to some reluctance among potential poll workers, particularly older individuals who may find the new systems intimidating. “I think that is one of the reasons we have lost quite a few workers, it can be intimidating,” Moyer said.

The Board of Elections is particularly keen on attracting younger volunteers. Moyer noted that they are often more adept with technology, which could help mitigate the challenges posed by the new voting machines.

“We’ve been sending letters to colleges to try and get their students to come on board. They seem to pick up the lingo and tech stuff easier,” she said.

Mike Sherr, a Ewing Township resident and recent graduate of The College of New Jer-

Kole Briehler in action for The Hun School’s Raiders football team as a junior in 2023.

INBOX Readers weigh in on Sept. 17 school district referendum

For more than a decade, HVRSD has regularly transferred millions of its annual surplus to collect in its Capital Reserve. Capital Reserve, as the name implies, is reserved for capital projects. Legally it may not be used for general operations such as paying staff.

Capital projects are literally the exact type of projects presented in the current referendum.

Consider that during Covid, HVRSD ran multimillion-dollar surpluses on transportation and facilities costs, since the district needed to budget for a regular school year, but realistically used far less fuel, utilities, and maintenance on district owned buses and facilities.

As a result, HVRSD transferred much of that surplus to capital reserve and on June 30, 2021, they hit a record Capital Reserve audited balance that exceeded $10 million, in addition to the $6 million in their audited general operating

surplus.

All New Jersey public school districts submit a User-Friendly Budget to the state with audited balances taken on June 30 year end. According to the most recent UFBs filed, HVRSD holds more audited surplus and reserves both absolutely ($15M+) and as a percentage of total budget (17%) than all like sized districts in Mercer County, which average $8.8M and 10% respectively.

Like sized districts are those with one high school. Although it is worth noting that HVRSD’s audited surplus plus reserves sum to 17% of its total budget and that eclipses even the large Mercer County districts percentages whose operating surplus plus capital reserves average 9.3% of their total budget.

A rainy-day fund is fine, but when perpupil cost and reserve holdings exceed all others in Mercer County, it’s time to See INBOX, Page 4

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

eDitor

Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)

ContriBUtinG writer

Liz Ciocher, Rich Fisher

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

Community news service

9 Princess Road, Suite M

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

phone: (609) 396-1511

news: news@communitynews.org

events: events@communitynews.org

sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org website: hopewellexpress.com

Facebook: facebook.com/hopewellexpress twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

11,000 copies of the Hopewell Express are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Pennington, Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough 12 times a year.

RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

Tuesday, Sept 3; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Monday, Sept 9; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct 7; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For anyone with diabetes or caring for someone 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.

DANCE IT OUT!

Friday, Sept 6; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday, Sept 30; 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.

WHAT’S EATING YOU?

Monday, Sept 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. Connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

THE BASICS OF MEDICARE

Monday, Sept 9; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join Gina Rega, 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.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tuesday, Sept 10; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Explore how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood. An Oaks Integrated

Care specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive experience.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Sept 10; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.

EXPERIENCE THE ENERGY OF YOUR CHAKRAS

Wednesday, Sept 11; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join this discussion and meditation to gain a fuller understanding of your Chakras and yourself! Learn how the Chakra system works, how its energy can benefit physical and emotional well-being and gain tools to build better relationships. Suitable for those who are brand new to Chakra meditation and those that are well practiced. Michelle Gerdes, RYT 200, yoga and meditation teacher, Reiki Master, and self-care educator. $15.

THE PHARMACY CLUB: WHAT IS POLYPHARMACY?

Monday, Sept 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for an informative session on polypharmacy, designed to help patients and caregivers understand the complexities of managing multiple medications. This event will

cover essential topics, including an introduction to polypharmacy and risks associated with polypharmacy.

TOURNAMENT TIMEYOU BOWL, WII BOWL

Monday, Sept 16; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join Rehabilitative Services to show off your bowling skills! Learn about safe movements while having fun during this video game time. Physical Therapy will guide you through proper stretches and body mechanics while video bowling.

THE HOT SEAT: CHAIR DANCING

Wednesday, Sept 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

chair dance Exercise is a great way to incorporate cardio exercise into your day. You will also tone your core and learn a variety of dance moves! Keep your body moving and heart pumping. No experience required.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Wednesday, Sept 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Quieting your mind can have profound effects on your body and mind. Learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience necessary.

HEALTHRHYTHMS DRUM® CIRCLE

Wednesday, Sept 18; 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 are welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP $15.

CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S

Thursday, Sept 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Insomnia affects mental as well as physical health, making us more prone

to heart disease and other serious illnesses. Join Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Health Nurse, to learn more about how we should spend a third of our lives!

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Sept 24; 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.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Sept 25; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

For folks who have been Reiki certified to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.

WISE WOMEN

Thursday, Sept 26; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

SACRED BREATHWORK EXPERIENCE

Thursday, Sept 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join Kim Huston, Reiki Master and Certified Breathwork facilitator to learn about how this modality can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. $15.

HEARING PROBLEMS? THE BRAIN CONNECTOR

Monday, Sept 30; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

If you have normal hearing but have difficulty understanding words/speech in group or noisy settings you may have an Auditory Processing Disorder. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., to learn

how to get tested for APD and the latest treatments to train the brain!

AARP DRIVING COURSE

Monday, Oct 7; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Be a safer, better driver. Most insurance companies will lower your premium with a completion certificate. Bring your NJ or PA drivers license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers.

AUTUMN BOOK ART

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

Reflect upon art with poetry, art and by making a fun, decorative pumpkin and or/turkey centerpiece by recycling discarded books. All materials included. Led by Rochelle Stern, Expressive Art Facilitator. $15.

MEDICARE CHANGES FOR 2025

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

Be prepared for the upcoming year with changes to Medicare Part B, premiums and deductibles. Gina Rega, licensed insurance agent, specializing in Medicare and ACA will discuss changes you will be seeing for prescriptions, along with any other differences.

Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today!

A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, Sept 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEN’S GROUP

Wednesday, Sept 4; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct 9; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov 13; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Who said men don’t talk? Men need a safe space to share thoughts and feelings too. That’s why this is a women-free zone just for men to talk about whatever is on their minds. This program will be led by Ted Taylor, Director, Spiritual Care and Volunteerism, and Coordinator, Palliative Care and Bioethics.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, Sept 5 + 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Sept 10 + 24; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Sept 10 + 24; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Sept 10 + 24; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

SNACK & LEARN WITH SARA ALI, MD

Monday, Sept 16; 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Are you taking multiple medications? Join Dr. Ali to learn how much is too much, the risks associated, and how some medications work against each other. This is a deep dive into learning the risks associated with being over medicated.

FALL HEALTH FAIR – ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE WELCOME!

Tuesday, Sept 17; 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Our team will provide information on exercises to improve balance, medications that increase fall risks, balance screenings, blood pressure

screenings, and so much more! At 11 a.m., our speakers, Sara Ali, MD; Sarah Masco, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, Senior Occupational Therapist; and Caitlin Yesis, AuD, CCC-A, will talk about great ways to prevent falls and common causes.

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK

Wednesday, Sept 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, Sept 19; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

ART THERAPY & HISTORY

Thursday, Sept 19; 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Tapping into your creative side is a great way to de-stress, improve mental outlook, and simply have some fun. This program combines art history with an art project based on the works of artist, Georgia O’Keeffe. Using pastels, you will draw your own oversized flower and learn the techniques to layer and blend the pastels.

LUNCH & LEARN: IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR SENIORS THROUGH ROBOTIC ASSISTED ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Thursday, Sept 26; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join us for this fascinating cutting-edge technology talk led by Michael Duch, MD, from The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton. Dr. Duch will share how we are improving outcomes for our seniors with robotic assisted surgery. Jennifer Pirozzi, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, Director of Perioperative Services, RWJUH Hamilton, will share insight on proper preparation and post-surgery protocols that improve overall outcomes.

*All programs

registration

held

RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

repay some of the excess to taxpayers. I will follow the bipartisan suggestion of former mayors John Hart and Vanessa Sandom, and Vote no on the HVRSD referendum until the district applies existing taxpayer funding on capital projects to reduce their capital request for additional taxpayer referendum funding.

Peter Sandford Pennington

Spot quiz: Q. How does a school district need an $87.5 million building referendum? A. Good old fashioned deferred maintenance by kicking the can down the road. Q. How does that school district expect to shove a mammoth school tax bill down the throats of the taxpayers? A. Good old-fashioned voter suppression.

The facts are clear. The Hopewell Valley Regional School District Board of Education scheduled a special referendum vote for its $87.5 million school building referendum on Sept. 17. All voting costs money to conduct. 2024 is a presidential election year. Traditionally, the highest voter turnout occurs during presidential elections. By piggy-backing their referendum with the presidential election, the Board of Education could save taxpayer dollars and increase voter turnout.

Unless, of course, the Board does not want a large voter turnout for their referendum. Then you go it alone a short seven weeks before the presidential election and waste taxpayer dollars, just like here.

Expect the board to deny, deny, deny and come up with one or more flimsy explanations for their failure to take

advantage of the obvious. Voters have to want to vote. I have no doubt that supporters of the referendum would move heaven and earth to vote. Inconvenienced voters usually do not show up to vote. In my view, the Board of Education is counting on that. Hopefully, angry inconvenienced voters will show up to vote “No” on the referendum and send a message to the board.

Harvey Lester

Titusville

Harvey Lester is a former mayor of Hopewell Township.

Support for Uma Purandare

Like many Valley residents, I enjoy living in Hopewell Township for various reasons: great schools; abundant open space with beautiful walking and biking trails; rich history; in a diverse community. But what makes me most pleased to call it home is our strong, engaged community.

That’s why I am proud to support Uma Purandare for re-election to Hopewell Township Committee this November. In the two years she has served on the Committee - most recently as Deputy Mayor - Uma has focused on ways to improve our everyday life by strengthening the services and ties that unite our community.

Her work on the Green Team, the Board of Health, the Planning Board and the LHT helps safeguard our community resources, our environment and our collective health. Uma has also spearheaded myriad community outreach initiatives, such as Hopewell Valley Food Pantry Drive and the Women’s History Month Financial

Planning Workshop. And as the driving force behind the Township’s first Multicultural Festival this past April, Uma brought the whole community together to celebrate the growing diversity that makes our town a wonderful place to live. She is dedicated to fostering unity because she knows first-hand that when everyone feels welcome, it has a positive ripple effect across Hopewell Township.

Uma understands that embracing our diversity makes our community stronger and more inclusive. This knowledge makes her an impactful leader and a compassionate and powerful advocate for us all.

Linda Rogers

Hopewell

Township

I strongly support Uma Purandare for reelection to the Hopewell Township Committee. Her dedication to community health and environmental sustainability is evident through her efforts as liaison to the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, particularly the segments in Hopewell Township. Uma plays an important role advancing this important project, which provides a safe community asset for walking, biking, running, and enjoying the outdoors.

The trail not only encourages healthy lifestyles but also connects people and communities, fostering a sense of togetherness. Her leadership has ensured that the LHT remains a priority, contributing to the quality of life in our area.

Ron Lagman Hopewell Township

Have something to say? Want to make your voice heard? Send your letter to the editor to jemanski@communitynews.org. Letters not appearing in print will be posted to communitynews.org. The deadline for the next issue is Sept. 20.

Summer reading program engages more than 3K readers

More than 3,100 children and teens participated in the Mercer County Library System’s eight-week summer reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”

Participants earned prizes, including free books, and read a total of more than 1.5 million minutes. Teens played a pivotal role in the success of the Summer Reading Program. Along with participating and earning prizes, more than 95 teen volunteers contributed more than 3,000

hours of service at various branches. These volunteers helped distribute prizes and assisted with the preparation of library events, all while gaining valuable skills and experience.

The Summer Reading Program wasn’t just for kids—221 adults also joined in on the fun, collectively reading over 1,000 books. Adult participants had the chance to win great prizes through raffles at each of the branches, including gift certificates to local businesses.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Pennington Students Shine in Video Contest Encouraging Teens to Reduce Screen Time

Students from Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, New Jersey were among the winners of Capital Health’s recent Teens Off Screens public service announcement (PSA) video contest. Eleanor Carlton and MiMi Purtuc (and teacher/moderators

Ms. Aidan Sheehan and Dr. Barbara McCarty) represented Timberlane in the “Most Creative” category and were one of the four winning teams in the contest for students in grades six through eight from middle schools in Mercer and Bucks counties.

As part of the newly formed Capital Healthy Students initiative, the Teens Off Screens campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of excessive screen time while promoting healthier alternatives and digital mindfulness. Capital Health received more than 200 entries from 23 middle schools in the region, with prizes awarded in four categories, including Most Creative, Most Impactful, Best Messaging, and Honorable Mention. Winning schools like Timberlane each received $2,000 for their respective school/parent organizations. Rebecca Kelly, director of Strategic Partnerships for Capital Health, presented award certificates to winning students and their teachers. She leads the Capital Healthy Students initiative, which includes campaigns focused on AntiVaping, Teens Off Screens, and the upcoming Wellness Warriors.

“We were thrilled with the amount of incredible videos we received, which made the judging process really tough this year,” said Kelly. “The effort and thoughtfulness that went into each video

was not only impressive, but heartwarming, too. Special thanks to everyone who entered, as well as to the dedicated teachers who assisted these talented students.”

Other winners of the Teens Off Screens PSA contest include Newtown Middle School in Newtown, Pennsylvania (Most Impactful); Charles Boehm Middle School in Yardley, Pennsylvania (Best Messaging); Lawrence Middle School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey (Honorable Mention).

Capital Healthy Students is an innovative campaign developed by Capital Health to empower kids to become advocates for preventive health, adopt healthy habits early in life, and raise awareness to turn these habits into lifelong ones. In fall 2024, Capital Healthy Students will launch Wellness Warriors, another middle school PSA contest in which students will create and submit short videos demonstrating how they stay healthy and sharing tips for living a balanced and active lifestyle.

To learn more about Capital Healthy Students, visit capitalhealth.org/healthystudents, or contact Rebecca Kelly at rkelly2@capitalhealth.org.

Rebecca Kelly, director of Strategic Partnerships, with contest winners from Timberlane Middle School.

Capital Health Offers New Minimally Invasive Procedure to Map Severe Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders in the United States, but it can be challenging to manage due to the wide range of seizure types, causes, and patient responses to treatment. For patients with medically refractory epilepsy (seizures not responding to two or more medications), physicians at Capital Institute for Neurosciences performed their first stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), a minimally invasive procedure that can pinpoint areas deep in the brain where difficult-to-treat seizures start. By identifying these locations, neurologists are better equipped to determine the best course of treatment to relieve seizures.

Capital Institute for Neurosciences is the only level 3 epilepsy center in the greater Mercer, Lower Bucks and Northern Burlington county region accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. DR. SIDRAH MAHMUD, medical director of the Epilepsy Center, oversees the medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial services needed to treat patients, including neuro diagnostic evaluations and surgical services like SEEG.

“Capital Health is known for a commitment to neurological innovation that is driven by patient-centered care,” said Dr. Mahmud, a board certified neurologist and epileptologist. “Each patient has a unique story, so their care journey is guided by a highly skilled team of neurologists, epileptologists, neuosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and neuropsychologists who conduct a range of comprehensive testing. After a thorough review of the patient’s epilepsy history, the data collected from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photon emission tomography (PET scans), cognitive testing, and other assessments is used to understand precisely where their seizures are coming from and determine a plan for surgery. With SEEG, patients have an elegant and minimally invasive option that allows us to provide personalized treatment so they can better manage their conditions and see an improved quality of life.”

Neurosurgeons like DR. NAVID REDJAL, director of Neurosurgical Oncology, work with a multidisciplinary team to perform SEEG to reach and monitor deeper areas of the brain and target specific locations where difficult-totreat seizures originate.

“Before surgery, we use advanced imaging software to plan the exact placement of small, thin wires (called stereotactic depth electrodes) in the brain,” said Dr. Redjal, a board certified, Harvard-trained neurosurgeon. “During surgery, a personalized 3D stereotactic platform is used to place the electrodes into the brain with pinpoint precision so we can obtain important information that provides insight into where seizures may begin. The procedure typically takes several hours to complete, followed by a hospital stay that lasts about a week. During this time, Dr. Mahmud and her team monitor the patient’s seizures.”

By monitoring seizures the patient has while the leads are in place, clinicians at the Epilepsy Center can precisely identify areas of concern to determine the appropriate next step in treatment, which may include surgery, responsive neurostimulation, or other therapies. Patients experience no bleeding during surgery and the wires are removed under local anesthesia when testing is complete.

“This is a major advance for our neurosciences team and a great example of the patientcentered collaboration that frequently occurs among clinicians in our various programs,” said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of Neurology and Neuro Critical Care and director of the Stroke Program at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. “Now that we offer SEEG, physicians from our Epilepsy Program, Neurosurgery, Neuro Critical Care, and Neurophysiology teams work closely together to provide care for complex conditions and deliver treatment afterward that will help ensure the best possible outcome.”

The Epilepsy Center at Capital Institute for Neurosciences offers acute services for hospital patients as well as those who require long-term follow up by a personally dedicated care team. A range of treatment options are available, including medical or surgical approaches tailored to each patient’s specific needs and a team of epilepsy specialists trained to care for those with more complicated conditions.

To schedule an appointment at Capital Institute for Neurosciences, call 609-537-7300 or visit capitalhealth.org/epilepsy for more information.

Stop the Bleed

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Class size is limited. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Location: Capital Health EMS – Education

Mercer Professional Building at Pennington 2480 Pennington Road, Suite 107, Pennington, NJ 08534

When someone is severely bleeding, every second counts! Join instructors from Capital Health’s Emergency Medical Services team for a free class designed for coaches, doctors, nurses, EMS providers, and anyone interested in learning how to control a bleed, an important skill that can save the lives of people who experience serious injuries.

Cancers in Women + Focusing on Self-Care

Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Learning about cancers of the female reproductive system may reduce your risk and help you identify ways to prevent them, so it’s important to be proactive about your health. DR. MONA SALEH, a fellowship trained gynecologic oncologist at the Capital Health Cancer Center, will lead a discussion of the programs available at Capital Health for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancers and related health challenges. Maureen Kaelblein, a health coach for Capital Healthy Living who leads yoga classes at the Capital Health Wellness Center, will close the program with a demonstration of gentle yoga stretches.

Capital Health First in Region to Offer Minimally Invasive Option for Complex Aortic Repair

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, and diseases or injury to the aorta can be life threatening. Offering the latest advance in minimally invasive surgery to restore function to damaged aortas, vascular surgeons at Capital Health recently performed the region’s first branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (branched TEVAR). This procedure is now available at Capital Health for patients diagnosed with aortic disease or injury.

Capital Health and fellowship trained vascular surgeon. “Our vascular surgery team is particularly successful in these types of endeavors because of our synergy at every step of the patient’s care, from the meticulous preoperative planning, through the procedure, to taking care of the patient after.”

“People with aortic disease may not know they have it, so it is often diagnosed on medical testing for something else,” said DR. CHRISTINE LOTTO, a board certified, fellowship trained vascular surgeon who recently led Capital Health’s first branched TEVAR procedure. “Whether it is caught fortuitously or diagnosed as the result of trauma or a sudden onset of symptoms (such as pain in the chest and upper extremities), this new minimally invasive procedure can repair the damaged aorta through a small entry in the femoral artery. This means a faster recovery and decreased risk for complications related to surgery.”

The branched TEVAR procedure requires several specially trained vascular surgeons working in unison to safely place the stent. For Capital Health’s first TEVAR, Dr. Lotto was joined by Dr. Kogulan Nadesakumaran and Dr. Jillian Walsh, surgeons from Capital Health Surgical Group – Vascular Surgery.

“Working in careful coordination with a team of surgeons has enormous safety benefits. Having more eyes on the patient and bringing a variety of skill sets into the room helps lead us to better outcomes,” said DR. JOSHUA EISENBERG, Chief Physician Executive at

The branched TEVAR device is the first of its kind approved by the Food and Drug Administration to allow treatment of aortic arch issues without the need for incisions or open surgery. The procedure offers patients the benefits of a minimally invasive approach, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a lower risk for complications of surgery. Most patients who have a TEVAR and have no other serious medical conditions can go home the next day, followed by physical exams and imaging soon after to evaluate the repair. Regular follow-ups then occur at one month, six months, and annually after the procedure.

The fellowship trained surgeons at Capital Health Surgical Group – Vascular Surgery perform complex open vascular procedures and minimally invasive surgical treatments for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions as well as minimally invasive and office-based procedures for the treatment of a range of venous diseases. The practice includes Drs. Joshua Eisenberg, Christine Lotto, Jillian Walsh, Kogulan Nadesakumaran, and Anil Deshpande, as well as a team of highly skilled advanced practice providers who bring additional experience to the team. The practice has offices in Newtown, Pennsylvania and Hopewell Township, New Jersey.

To schedule an appointment at Capital Health Surgical Group – Vascular Surgery, call 609.537.5600 or visit capitalsurgical.org/vascularsurgery for more information.

AROUND TOWN

Tour Des Arts returns with expanded lineup, Arts Council partnership

The Hopewell Tour Des Arts, a weekend dedicated to showcasing the local art community, returns for its 17th year with an even more impressive lineup.

The tour is to take place rain or shine on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support the tour.

The self-guided tour offers art lovers a unique opportunity to choose a route, visit various venues, meet artists, and witness them working in their studios. In addition to individual studios, the tour includes several group locations, including at Highland Design Farm, Hopewell Train Station Freight Shed, Ottoburger, and Calvary Baptist Church of Hopewell.

These creative hubs host multiple artists, giving visitors the chance to experience a range of artistic works in one stop. The event also offers visitors a chance to purchase local art at various price points.

This year, the tour will feature more than 60 local artists, nearly double the number of previous years.

Founded in 2007 by fine jewelry designer Beth Judge, gallery owner Ruth Morpeth and designer Sean Mannix — owner of Highland Design Farm — the event aims to unify the artist community and foster a culture of creativity and engagement.

This is the first year Hopewell Tour Des Arts and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council are teaming together to present the Tour. As part of this collaboration, the Tour will operate under the HV Arts Council’s oversight, providing event and marketing support, and enabling patrons to support the tour with tax-deductible donations.

A complete list of participating artists is online at hopewelltourdesarts.com.

Lawrence Hopewell Trail gets $148k design grant

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation has received a $148,505 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

The grant is earmarked for the design the Cleveland Road section, the final segment of the 20-mile Lawrence Hopewell Trail. With four other projects already underway, the LHTC aims to complete the trail loop by the end of 2026.

The Cleveland Road segment in Hopewell Township will stretch for about a half mile, linking segments in Hopewell and Lawrence Townships. This project will improve safety for all trail users by

Arbor Barber

creating a multi-use path separated from vehicle traffic on Cleveland Road suitable for walkers, runners, and bicyclists.

As ongoing projects advance on either side, the LHT will extend from the Mount Rose Preserve on Carter Road to the existing connection on Province Line Road.

The LHTC will work with the property owner and the two municipalities to develop a request for proposal (RFP) for publication in the fall of 2024. Bid requirements include ensuring a cohesive design that enhances the LHT user experience and connectivity. Preliminary designs are on file.

The goal is to complete the Cleveland Road design phase by early 2025, followed by regulatory review and construction. If sufficient funding is secured, construction of the Cleveland Road segment could be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.

The LHTC has a long history of working collaboratively to develop the LHT with multiple community interests and partners.

“We are immensely grateful to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for this grant, showing their continuing commitment to our project,” said

David Sandahl, board chair of the LHTC. “Thanks to their support, an inspired idea has evolved as a treasured community asset that benefits thousands each year.”

For more information about the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation and its ongoing projects, visit lhtrail.org or contact info@lhtrail.org.

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, funded almost entirely by private donations and grants.

The 20-mile multi-use trail connects various points of interest in Lawrence and Hopewell Townships, New Jersey. The LHTC is a member of the Circuit Trails, a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails.

Opera concert to celebrate PUMC 250th anniversary

The Pennington United Methodist Church continues its year-long celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Methodism in its community with a concert recital featuring Emily Newton, a renowned European opera singer and a close family friend of one of the church’s

Join us on September 11 to learn more.

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

Wednesday, September 11  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Stony Brook Elementary School 20 Stephenson Road Pennington

members.

In 2016, she gave a concert there at thebehest of her friend, honoring the community and the church. Newton returns to Pennington UMC on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. with pianist Joshua Rupley, a fellow colleague at the University ofAugsburg, Germany. The church says that the recital will benefit the church’s many mission projects with a free-will offering. A reception for Newton and Rupley is to follow the recital. The event is open to the public.

Newton grew up along the rural Texas coast. Later, she studied jazz arranging and aspired to be a jazz singer. However, after hearing her voice, her professors at North Texas State University soon convinced her to sing opera instead, and she has never looked back.

When the American soprano sang a Mozart operatic role with the New Jersey Opera Theater in Princeton years ago, her name was not widely known. But she certainly created a sensation in Germany when she starred in continental Europe’s premiere of the opera Anna Nicole. She is now very much a household name in her adopted city, where she is a member of the city’s Nuremberg State Theater.

Newton has covered lead Wagnerian roles for New York’s Metropolitan

Opera and Germany’s Bayreuth Festival, and has sung major roles at Vienna State Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Lisbon’s Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, Opera New Jersey, and Opera in the Heights, just to name-drop a few venues. And on the concert stage, she has performed soprano solos in Verdi’s Requiem, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Brahms’ Requiem, and Mendelson’s Elijah, and was a winner of the New York District Metropolitan Opera Competition in 2006.

Newton also teaches voice at the University of Augsburg. She has given workshops and master classes to students at Boston University, University of Miami, Rice University, SUNY Fredonia, and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria.

Annual Harvest Fair set to return Sept. 21

The Harvest Fair returns again to the grounds of Hopewell Elementary School on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date will be Sept. 28.

Lead sponsors of the 2024 fair are Morehouse Engineering and Provident Bank, providing the tent and live music for the event.

Web: hopewellharvestfair.org.

Back to school sPEcIal

Back to school for all ages: You’re never too old to learn

While back to school season places the focus on kids moving into new grades, new schools, and new classes, education is not just a young person’s game. Learning can be a life-long endeavor, and several programs in the region offer adult learners the opportunity to explore new subjects, revisit old interests, or enhance their professional credentials.

Princeton Adult School

Founded in 1939, the Princeton Adult School offers a wide range of online and in-person courses for ages 18 and up. All are welcome; there are no residency requirements to enroll. Most inperson classes are held at Princeton High School, 151 Moore Street, Princeton. Cost per course varies based on the number and duration of sessions.

of health and wellness, programs range from the very active — dance and bicycling — to courses on astrology, emotional healing, and nutrition.

It’s not all health food, though. Chefs from the region all present courses on chocolate, Latin American cuisine, cupcake making, Indian food, cheese making, and more.

PAS hosts courses for English language learners as well as classes in American Sign Language and in Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian for various skill levels.

Classes on offer for the fall semester include practical topics in business,

“Our goal is to meet the learning interests and needs of the area’s diverse adult community in pursuing intellectual growth, workplace skills, job opportunities, and personal and civic well-being in a convenient and enjoyable education experience,” PAS states as its mission.

technology, and personal finance, such as estate planning and learning to use Microsoft Office. Others cover gardening, home decor, and making your house more energy efficient. In the field

Classes also cover more traditional academic subjects, including art, writing, literature, history, music, astronomy, and more. PAS also offers a handful of limited lecture series on a variety of subject matters. Topics for this fall semester are “International Hot Spots: Crisis in Context,” “El Camino de Santiago,” “Blood, Guts and Betrayal — A

See LEARNING, Page 24

All for Dance

Celebrating 20 Years

All for Dance has seen a lot of numbers over its 20 years in Robbinsville.

When they opened their doors in September, 2004, they had two studios and three teachers.

Two decades later, there are four studios and 20 teachers.

More than 3,000 families — from right in Robbinsville as well as from towns much farther away areas — have entrusted owners Cynthia Coolidge and Holly Yablonowitz and their staff for dance instruction.

The smiles, those are countless, but a huge part of All for Dance.

“If I sum it up in just a few words, it's just gratitude,” Yablonowitz said. “And excitement that we got to share our love of dance within this amazing dance community for the last 20 years and excitement to continue for many years to come.”

All for Dance has been able to expand its location at The Shoppes at Foxmoor over the years in response to its growing demands. They offer instruction in nine different dance styles – ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, modern, musical theatre, pointe and tap. More than 650 students ages 2 to almost 80 attend the more than 100 classes offered Monday through Saturday. All for Dance also offers a competitive team for those most intensely driven. The

faculty that includes Coolidge and Yablonowitz has hundreds of years of combined teaching experience. Former and current students have taken on leadership roles for less experienced dancers.

Yablonowitz says that people choose dance for a variety of reasons. Some are drawn by the art of dance and the freedom of expression. Others enjoy the exercise. Some love the sense of community. Others just want a break from the stresses of life and school. All for Dance prides itself on being a welcoming dance home to students no matter what the motivation.

“I really feel like every person can get something different out of dance,”

she said. “And those things that they embrace at our studio, then they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Underlying lessons from dance such as commitment, perseverance and patience also last a lifetime. All for Dance looks beyond its instruction. Two years ago, All for Dance became a chapter sponsor of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts to recognize student dancers that achieve a high level of academic excellence on top of their passion and dedication to the art of dance. All for Dance also seeks out and supports worthy community service projects, something that goes hand in hand with positively impacting the lives of

those in its community.

“Our staff makes a difference in our students’ lives every day and dance brings joy in our studio that is hard to describe,” Yablonowitz said. “Spreading that joy with the community around us and making a difference in people’s lives outside of our walls is a big part of our studio mission. We have a very strong dance community that loves dance, supports each other and loves to support the communities around us. It is really special.”

All for Dance’s 21st season begins September 5. Classes run from September through May. All for Dance opens enrollment in March each year, and they take on new students until the end of October if space permits.

In June, Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried and Robbinsville Township Council presented All for Dance with a proclamation to recognize their 20th year as an impactful and respected business in the community. The gesture was particularly meaningful for Coolidge and Yablonowitz, who have felt at home since the first day their studio opened Robbinsville.

“To be able to build a community like this who just all love to be together and dance has just been amazing.”

For more information, visit allfordancestudio.com, call 609426-4050 or email questions@ allfordancestudio.com.

Back-to-school checklist

The start of the new school year is right around the corner. Parents can ease the big change and alleviate stress by using this back-to-school readiness checklist from the RWJBarnabas Health Children’s Health network and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group:

Fill out any forms your school has sent home, such as emergency contact and health information forms before school starts.

Be sure your child has a sturdy backpack with padded shoulder straps and avoid overloading it.

Schedule an appointment

Inform the school nurse and teachers about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Coordinate with the school nurse to administer medications your child might need.

Stay up to date with flu and recommended childhood vaccines. Children 12 and over may also be vaccinated for COVID-19; ask your primary care provider for more information.

To schedule an appointment with an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, please visit rwjbh.org/medicalgroup or call 1-888-724-7123

Pack a healthy, balanced lunch with a mix of protein, grains, fruit and vegetables, if possible.

Let teachers know about conditions that may affect your child’s ability to learn. For example, children with ADHD should be seated in the front of the classroom and children with vision problems should sit near the board.

Establish a bedtime routine at least one week before school starts.

Your insurance accepted RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers accept most major insurances. Medical insurance varies by provider, please call your insurance carrier to verify coverage.

Kelsey Theatre at MCCC

A Community Resource for the Arts

The Kelsey Theatre at MCCC is your community resource for the arts in Central New Jersey, now in its 52nd year.

Conveniently located on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, The Kelsey Theatre’s mission is to enrich and uplift local residents through affordable, high-quality theater productions, arts education programs, and performance opportunities. We design these programs to support and entertain from cradle to career and beyond so that interest in the arts may evolve into a life-long passion. Featuring the work of 10 different resident semi-professional theater companies, plus a student company, we put together a season featuring something for everyone, from musicals to comedies and dramas, from classics to contemporary, from

Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN

family fare to offerings that are a tad more risqué. Keeping the price affordable for the average person is very important to Kelsey Theatre, so no ticket price is over $30.

All of our musicals utilize live orchestras, which in the upcoming season include “Groundhog Day,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Disney’s Beauty & The Beast,” “Tarzan,” “Oklahoma!,”

“Kinky Boots,” “Anything Goes,” “1776,” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

Our season also includes comedies, dramas, and holiday shows: “Steel Magnolias,” “Blithe Spirit,” “The Best Time of the Year,” “The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza,” “The Clean House,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “Deathtrap,” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

And for our younger audience members we have “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “The Nutcracker,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Ballad of Mulan,” and “The Magical Library of Miss Miriam Habersham!” Rounding out the season will be Reock & Roll Revue’s “John Lennon — The Solo Recordings” and our Sing-Along Play-Along to the Movie events — “White Christmas,” “Mamma Mia,” and Disney’s “Tangled.”

Season subscriptions now available! More information is available online at www. kelseytheatre.org or call 609-5703333.

The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is also home to Tomato Patch Workshops — multi-disciplinary summer workshops, as well as Tomato Patch Jr., which is now open for registration. These10-week-long Saturday morning theater workshops explore creativity, movement, improvisation, and start September 21 for ages 4 to 14.

Visit www.tomatopatch.org for more information.

RSM Princeton

Building Powerful Minds Through Mathematics

What is the Russian School of Mathematics? RSM is an award-winning after school math enrichment program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 75+ locations in North America. Our unique approach consists of a continuous kindergarten to high-school curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year over year. K-12 students can choose from various classes to prepare them for the school year, math competition courses for additional challenge, or test prep courses. Fall math classes now enrolling at RSM Princeton! There is no better time to join RSM than in Fall! Get started by scheduling a free math evaluation for your child or visit our website to see the Fall schedule of classes: www.mathschool.com/ locations/princeton. For any questions you might have, please feel free to call us at 732-708-4905 or email us at princeton@mathschool.com.

An award-winning math program. Featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked “among the top schools in the world” by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math

foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. As Masha Gershman, the VP of Marketing at RSM, states in her Ted talk “Uncertain Times Call for Certain Math”, advanced mathematics is not only within the grasp of every child but is also a crucial skill for achieving success in any field.

Our program is built around how a child’s mind works. Designed as a continuous program from K-12, our curriculum was developed by our team of academics specializing in mathematics, education, and child development. Our curriculum has continually been perfected by our curriculum department over the last two decades. Three levels for every grade allow us to meet children where they are and place them in an environment

suited to them. This ensures that students can begin our program at any time and be challenged appropriately in an environment of peers.

Talented faculty. All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or related field and a deep passion for the subject. Our extensive training program prepares our teachers to teach according to our specific methodology. Our teachers guide students to think about mathematics logically and conceptually, building deep connections between concepts, all in a classroom environment that keeps children consistently challenged.

How do I enroll my child?

For every interested student, we offer a free 30-minute math evaluation which is the best way to learn more about our program. An evaluation is an informal conversation with the potential student and his/ her family in order to understand what gradeappropriate math skills the student has before entering RSM. Our principal will walk you through our curriculum, and methodology, and answer any questions you may have.

RSM Princeton, 231 Clarksville Road, West Windsor. 732-708-4905. princeton@mathschool. com. www.mathschool.com/locations/princeton.

Coming in September: RSM Edison, 3840 Park Avenue, Unit 208D, Edison. 908-263-8763. edison@mathschool.com. www.mathschool.com/ locations/edison.

St. George Preschool

A Safe Place for Growth

At St. George Preschool, we believe that each child has an innate drive for exploring, discovering, communicating, and learning.

Our purpose is to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for children to develop this innate drive to the fullest, and become life-long learners. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her individual interests, creativity and potential at their own pace by providing a wide variety of fun and age-appropriate activities and materials.

In addition to the developmental goals in the areas of math, language, science, cognitive skills, motor skills, etc., stipulated by the state, the school aims to promote learning skills for life.

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

Back to school

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

a passion building a foundation for a life-long love of learning.

We are truly a family and we treat your children as such. For more information regarding our program, please visit our website: stgeorgepreschool.org.

Saint George Preschool, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton. 609-5862223. Contact director Angela Gering at director@stgeorgepreschool.org.

Princeton Ballet School

Now Enrolling for Fall!

Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, is now enrolling for Fall 2024 for ages 3 through adult!

With locations in Princeton, Cranbury, and New Brunswick, Princeton Ballet School offers classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, hiphop, character, and more. What sets Princeton Ballet School apart from the usual dance school are its affiliation with a professional ballet company, its renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, dedication to live music in the classroom, and philosophy to nurture developing dancers in a safe and progressive way.

Princeton Ballet School has gained an international reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by Audrée Estey. Under the current direction of Aydmara Cabrera, the school also provides performance opportunities, including participation in American Repertory Ballet’s celebrated annual production of The Nutcracker!

St. George Preschool

Enroll now for the 2024-2025 school year

Classes for 3 year olds and 4 year olds

Potty trained

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

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 www.stgeorgepreschool.org

Angela Gering Director

Excellence in Early Education

Back to school

Call 609-921-7758 or visit www. arballet.org for more information, and to enroll now!

Studios: 301 North Harrison Street,

Princeton; 29 North Main Street, Cranbury; New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 60 Bayard Street, New Brunswick.

UNSTOPPABLE Curiosity

Back to school sPEcIal

Princeton Day School

Experience Excellence

Experience the excellence of Princeton Day School at our Open Campus Day on Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Explore our expansive 106-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art STEAM centers,

new athletic facilities, innovative arts spaces and a full garden and apiary. Join us to see firsthand how Princeton Day School fosters discovery, exploration and innovation in students PreK-12. Don’t miss this chance to be part of our community. Register today to secure your spot at pds.org/ admission! Applications for the 20242025 school year open on September 3.

Hamilton Dental Associates

The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children

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

Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths.

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

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

One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case. If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally straighten them-

selves with time.

The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.

Common

Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic

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

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

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

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

Where Do Orthodontic Issues Come From?

Front & Center Dance Studio

Discover the Joy of Dance

Discover the JOY of dance at Front & Center Dance Studio in Hamilton, NJ, where every step brings you closer to the spotlight! Our studio is more than just a place to learn dance — it’s a community where creativity, expression, and personal growth are nurtured.

At Front & Center, we believe that dance is for everyone, whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technique. Our classes are designed to meet each dancer at their level, with small class sizes that ensure personalized attention and a strong teacher-to-student connection. This personalized approach ensures that every student feels valued and receives the instruction necessary to grow and shine in their own way.

Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN

Our studio director, Miss Lauren, and her staff bring years of professional experience and a deep love for teaching to every class. Their approach is both supportive and challenging, encouraging dancers to push their boundaries while feeling safe and supported. Under Miss Lauren’s guidance, students not only learn the technical aspects of dance but also gain confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the studio. Our studio offers a wide range of classes, from ballet and jazz to

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

• Sucking Their Thumbs

• Mouth Breathing

• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns

• Poor Dental Hygiene

• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth

• Poor Nutritional Habits

However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.

Finding a Child Orthodontic You Can Trust.

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

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

To request an appointment, call 609-586-6603 or visit HamiltonDental.com. Locations are 2929 Klockner Road and 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton, New Jersey.

contemporary and hip-hop, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Each class is thoughtfully structured to develop skills progressively, with a focus on technique, artistry, and

performance. Whether your child dreams of becoming a professional dancer or simply wants to explore a fun and healthy activity, Front & Center provides the perfect environment to foster their passion.

At Front & Center, we’re more than just a dance studio — we’re a family. Our dancers form lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and learn the importance of teamwork and dedication. We host yearly performances, giving our students the opportunity to showcase their talents and share their progress with friends and family. These events are a highlight of the year, filled with joy, excitement, and pride for all involved. Whether you’re looking to enroll your child in their first dance class or your experienced dancer is looking for a new place to blossom, Front & Center is the place for you! Join us and experience the difference that a supportive, personalized approach to dance education can make. Here, every child is front and center, and every moment in the studio is a step toward becoming the best version of themselves. Come dance with us at Front & Center Dance — where passion meets performance, and every dancer has a chance to shine! Front & Center Dance Studio, Suite #5, 1905 Route 33, Hamilton. frontandcenterdancestudio.com.

ACCESS ALL OF THIS MONTH'S COUPONS

Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

Holistic Leadership and Wellness: Stuart Launches Center for Empowering Today’s Girls

When students return to Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton, NJ, they will be greeted by a groundbreaking addition that embodies the school’s unwavering commitment to holistic education: The Cor Cordis Center for Exceptional Leadership. The Center is an interconnected student services hub located at the heart of the school that will integrate learning services, wellness services, and student success support, creating a holistic approach to education that prioritizes the well-being of every student.

“The Cor Cordis Center boldly represents our mission in action, with the well-being of our girls front and center,” says Julia Wall, Head

From LEARNING, Page 15

History of Medical Care in America,” “Salem and the Witchcraft Trials of 1692,” and “How Will Education Meet the Challenges of Today? Empowering Students for Success.”

For more information or to register for fall classes, visit princetonadultschool. org

The Evergreen Forum

The Evergreen Forum, a program of the Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP; formerly the Princeton Senior Resource Center) was founded in 2001. Per the CMAP website, it is “a peer-led, interactive dynamic learning program which provides rewarding, day-time classes on diverse subjects led by knowledgeable course leaders.”

Registration is currently open for fall semester classes, which begin in late September. In-person courses are held at CMAP’s Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning at 101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton. Select courses are also offered online or in a hybrid format and are a mix of lecture, discussion, or lecture and discussion. Most courses are $110 for six- to eight-week courses and $85 for three- to five-week courses; scholarships are avail-

Back to school sPEcIal

of School at Stuart. “It has been part of Stuart’s mission and vision for 60 years to pay close attention to the interconnectedness of a child’s mind, body, and heart. This self-awareness fuels their development as curious, influential, and empathic leaders and sustains them for life-long ambitious pursuit.”

Stuart’s investment in the Cor Cordis Center is timely and necessary. In a world where teenage girls face unprecedented challenges, with nearly 60 percent reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness, Stuart’s commitment to student wellness is a crucial response. The Center will house essential services like learning

support, counseling, and the health office, all within the heart of the school.

“We have made a real investment in the spirituality and well-being of our students; the Cor Cordis Center will not only help students delve deeper in their learning, but it will give them the foundational elements they need to thrive,” remarks Woodney Wachter, co-chair of the Board of Trustees.

Fellow co-chair Paul Teti adds, “The Cor Cordis Center for Exceptional Leadership is putting health and wellness, and academic excellence in the context of community. It’s at the core of our school, and it’s exciting to imagine students of all ages learning from each other and from our exceptional faculty and staff.”

As Stuart students step into the new school year, they will do so with a powerful resource at their fingertips — a resource designed to help them lead with resilience, adaptability, and purpose.

Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road, Princeton. www. stuartschool.org..

art,” focusing on the works of Edward Redfield, John Folinsbee, and Daniel Garber, “three painters in the Bucks County School whose work exemplifies a reinterpretation of French Impressionism.”

“Histories of Indigenous Peoples in America” is the 11th history class designed by Harvard-educated lawyer Robert Nolan for the Evergreen Forum. “When Europeans first arrived in America, people had been living here for approximately 30,000 years. They had aggregated into hundreds of distinct tribes, each with its own culture and history. Their cultures and their histories are fascinating,” the course description explains. “Yet as students most of us learned almost nothing about these Indigenous Peoples and their descendants. So, this course is about them.”

able to those with demonstrated financial need.

There are 26 courses on offer for the fall semester, a sampling of which include:

“2024 Elections: Democracy at Stake?” taught by Elaine Jacoby, a retired lawyer who teaches courses on politics and civil rights. Per the course description, it will “follow key Congressional races as well as the presidential election. It will also consider different viewpoints as to what

democracy means, as well as threats to its continued existence.”

“American Impressionism: Bucks County Painters” is taught by Christina Kales, who holds a doctor of literature in humanities from Drew University, and includes an optional field trip to the Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The class examines “the social and economic shifts in early nineteenth century America that supported the development of American Impressionist

“Magic & Witches in Fiction for Grownups,” taught by Judith Woolridge, is a discussion course on novels by Hilary Mantel, Angela Carter, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Penelope Fitzgerald, and Mikhail Bulgakov that feature magic, witches, Faustian bargains, and demons. Also covered will be short stories by Helen Simpson, John Wyndham, and others.

“Science in the News” is “a course tailored for curious minds hungry for insights into the most current research

Many of the Center for Modern Aging Princeton’s Evergreen Forum programs take place at the Nancy S. Klath Center for Continued Learning, above.

Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN

The Dental Difference

The Practice for Scared and Anxious Patients

Mercer County now has an award-winning general dental practice catering to the scared and anxious dental patient!

Dr. Kevin Mosmen, owner of The Dental Difference of Brick, New Jersey, has opened a satellite office in Hamilton, New Jersey, in the Lexington Square business complex — directly across from 7-Eleven and Hamilton Bagel & Grill on Route 33.

With more than 23 years of impressive cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and complex implant dentistry experience, Dr. Mosmen has built an incredible reputation for himself and his office. Being specialty permitted in SEDATION DENTISTRY, the office can provide you with the safe administration of oral and intravenous conscious sedation. Imagine relaxing through your entire dental appointment with little to no memory of your visit.

Are you interested in having most of your dental work completed in as little as one visit? Do you have special needs and find it difficult to have dental work performed? Do you have incredibly annoying or loose dentures and want dental implants to secure them? The office is happy to help you all! Here are some actual patient reviews you can find on Google:

“Dr. Mosmen is the best! So kind and considerate to someone who is petrified of the

and issues in science and medicine. Each week, our diverse panel of scientists delivers two riveting lectures on two different topics, covering the latest discoveries and their impact on our understanding of the universe, the natural world, and the human body.” The course is led by Harold M. Heft, a retired automotive and defense industry executive whose academic research focused on biopsychology and philosophy of science, joined by a panel of physicians and scientists with wide experience and interests.

For more information or to register, visit cmaprinceton.org/ evergreen-forum.

Princeton University Community Auditor Program

You don’t need to be one of the lucky few high school seniors who earn admission to Princeton University to get a taste of the Princeton University class

Dr. Kevin Mosmen of The Dental Difference.

dentist. You won’t find a better office for all your dental needs. Very glad I’m their patient!” Angela C.

“This is the best dental care anyone could hope for! The friendliest dental professionals you will ever meet! They are like family to me! A long-time

experience. The Community Auditing Program (CAP) allows high school graduates ages 18 and up living within 50 miles of the university to audit up to three courses per semester as a “silent student.”

Roughly 125 to 150 courses are available to such students each semester at a cost of $200 per course. Auditors attend lectures only and may not participate in discussion components of classes, nor may they make direct contact with professors or other instructors.

While the enrollment window for new CAP students has closed for the fall semester, applications will open for the spring semester in mid-November. Prospective new auditors will be able to create accounts between November 18 and 21, then must schedule an in-person interview to be accepted to the program. An orientation session will follow for all new auditors.

For more information, visit community.princeton.edu/ community-auditing

patient here, I tell everyone I know to make an appointment.” Diane M.

“Very friendly atmosphere. Staff very personable and Dr. Mosmen explains things very simply and very honestly. So glad I came here!” Ed T.

“Yesterday was my first visit and everything went very smoothly. I am the biggest chicken when it comes to the dentist but I have to say my experience was excellent. I would definitely recommend The Dental Difference!” Diane M.

“Everything went perfectly! Great experience and I don’t like going to the dentist!” Kathy B.

Not only is Dr. Mosmen known for his sedation and implant surgery skills, but he’s also board certified in treating sleep apnea sufferers with a dental device. For those who don’t like or can’t tolerate their CPAP machine, Dr. Mosmen can make a “mouth piece” to wear at night that allows these patients to breathe without using their CPAP machine.

Now that school is back in session, it’s time to focus on you and your new smile. So, do you need a new dentist? Do you want a new dentist? Do you want to feel more like a family member than a number? Are you just tired of your corporate dental office? Give The Dental Difference in Hamilton a call! Their number is 609-445-3577. Go to their website at: www.thedentaldifference.com and read the numerous, legitimate, amazing reviews. It will take you long before you want to go there too! They offer all aspects of general dentistry and are welcoming new patients today!

The Dental Difference – 2131 Route 33, Suite A, Hamilton, NJ 08690. 609-445-3577. www. thedentaldifference.com.

Mercer County Community College

The Center for Continuing Studies at Mercer offers a number of non-credit and continuing education programs, many aimed at bolstering professional credentials and helping adults progress in their careers. Others focus on personal enrichment. Most are held on the college’s West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road or online.

Certification programs are available in a range of areas, from healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology to culinary arts, personal training, and education. Studying to become a veterinary assistant, learning the basics of solar panel installation, and earning the Society for Human Resource Management certification are all among the courses on offer.

For more information, visit mccc. edu/lifelong_learning.shtml.

Rider University & The College of New Jersey

Both colleges offer a number of certificate programs aimed at professionals seeking more advanced credentials. Programs at Rider include Business Basics, Creativity and Innovation, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Global Supply Chain Management, and more others. At TCNJ, there are numerous programs designed for educators and those in related roles as well as certificates for those business and healthcare-related fields.

More information on Rider: www.rider.edu/academics/ program-finder. More information on The College of New Jersey: graduate.tcnj.edu/ explore-programs

For those looking to expand on hobbies or learn a new trade, courses in floral design, photography, and graphic design; English and foreign languages; writing and film; and fitness are among the many available.

The one place where our discoveries become your care.

Advanced, comprehensive and compassionate Cancer Care.

RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers the most advanced, patient-centric cancer care for adults and children. Our nationally renowned, multidisciplinary care teams ensure a compassionate, comprehensive approach, creating individualized cancer treatment plans for our patients, who have access to blood and marrow transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, innovative clinical trials, and immunotherapy procedures - all close to home. Together with our NCI Consortium partner, Princeton University, the longest NCI Consortium Cancer Center relationship in New Jersey, we are driving cutting edge research and advancing scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Visit rwjbh.org/beatcancer or call 844-CANCERNJ

Rutgers Cancer Institute is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.

Issue #17

hvrsd.org

HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS

the hopeWell Valley regional school district

referendum: restore, expand and protect

On Tuesday, September 17th, the HVRSD Board of Education plans to ask the community to vote on a bond referendum that proposes restoring, expanding, and protecting our schools. As we approach the referendum, our hope is to address several of the most frequentlyasked questions from our community. In addition to these clarifications, residents can go to www.hvrsd.org/vote to learn more about the vital proposal facing Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, and Pennington Borough voters. All three municipalities share the successes and challenges of maintaining a desirable and cost-efficient regional school district. The Hopewell Valley Regional School District unites our communities. Together, we engage students to reach their fullest potential, and we foster excellence in education so they can make positive impacts in the world. Upholding this standard requires providing well-maintained, financially efficient, and optimally sized schools. Our children learn in these spaces daily, and they deserve adequate and flexible areas in which to grow and succeed. Our schools’ challenges are complex, and Hopewell Valley Regional School District leaders have evaluated how to address them at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. The plan for a bond referendum is driven by budget concerns and focused on the future.

What are the estimated costs to restore, expand and protect?

Work to Restore, Expand and Protect our schools is estimated to cost $87,150,000.

Local costs would be reduced by state aid of $20,282,019. This takes advantage of a funding source that taxpayers have already paid into. Approval of a bond referendum is the only way that this money can be brought back to our communities.

The property tax impact is based on a home assessed at the average for each community in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, and it is an average of what property tax bills would show over the length of the loan. The Mercer County Board of Taxation provides the district with tax rate data each year.

The property tax impact, which includes the estimated state aid, is:

• Hopewell Borough: $433/year

• Hopewell Township: $507/year

• Pennington Borough: $515/year

What is a Bond referendum?

A bond referendum is a public vote that asks the community whether a school district can sell bonds to finance large-scale projects that do not fit into the annual operating budget.

School districts in New Jersey pursue this financial strategy because it helps spread the cost of maintenance projects over time, making it more affordable for taxpayers and allows the district to tap into a type of state aid that is only available with a voter-approved bond proposal.

Why is the hVrsd holding a Bond referendum?

After many school visits, staff meetings and collaboration with district administration, architects and the facilities department, the HVRSD Board of Education identified a list of projects that reflects needs across the district. These include the kinds of repairs and renovations necessary to restore aging buildings and protect with improved safety features – those are leading factors in this plan. A bond referendum is an opportunity to maximize state aid for the kinds of improvements our buildings need so the district can move away from emergency repairs and temporary fixes.

hoW could a Bond referendum proVide a funding option outside of the operating Budget?

The district’s operating budget does the important job of funding day-to-day expenses such as salaries, benefits, maintenance and supplies. Bond funding, however, brings an advantage that the operating budget does not have. That advantage is state aid to cover as much as one third of the costs of important projects. Without that, the operating budget would cover 100% of the costs. A bond referendum is one way the Board of Education looks for funding outside the local tax base.

hoW can i learn more and share information aBout the Bond referendum?

The HVRSD Board of Education is committed to sharing accurate information about the bond referendum with the community leading up to the vote date of September 17th. We encourage members of the community to go to www.hvrsd.org/vote or to the main school district page, www.hvrsd.org and click on the “Referendum 2024” button. Also on the site is a link to an online presentation about the proposed referendum that the District hosted on May 17th.The district will continue to share information and updates through a video, printed materials, local media, and social media. A second community forum is being planned for early September. Any questions which are not answered on this website can be emailed to vote@hvrsd.org.

hoW can the hVrsd unlock millions of dollars in state aid toWard these improVements?

Tax revenue collected across New Jersey is earmarked to help public school districts pay for large-scale projects tied to educational needs. But the funds are only available to districts where voters approve a bond referendum. If voters approve HVRSD’s September 17 bond referendum, this special type of state funding would contribute more than $20 million toward the project costs. Without a voterapproved bond referendum, this funding is left for other districts that pursue bond borrowing. HVRSD either “uses it or loses it.”

What is a pilot agreement?

PILOT stands for Payment in Lieu of Taxes. New Jersey towns can use PILOT programs to attract developers who are concerned about the budgeting challenges of fluctuating property tax levels. PILOT programs let developers pay a pre-determined amount of money for a period of time, instead of property taxes.

Municipalities – not school districts – have sole authority to negotiate PILOT agreements.

hoW do local pilot discussions affect the hVrsd?

PILOT agreements can attract developers of new housing complexes, and those can lead to an increase in student enrollment. HVRSD anticipates welcoming more students, at the elementary level, as more families are attracted to our communities. While most of the bond proposal is not related to enrollment, the need for more classrooms at Bear Tavern Elementary School is partially related to a projected rise in enrollment. The referendum addresses existing needs at that school including: the need to bring students out of the eight trailerstyle classrooms and into the main buildings, and the need to create more space designed for one-on-one or small-group teaching. Bear Tavern and Toll Gate Grammar School are both pressed for space now because of these factors.

Why aren’t large-scale maintenance needs planned for already in the regular Budget?

The regular operating budget comes mostly from local taxes. HVRSD uses that budget to stretch the lifespan of something, like patching a leaky roof or spending a little more on HVAC inefficiencies, until we can replace roofing or boilers with bond funding that comes from local taxes plus state aid.

The referendum is an example of planning ahead, rather than not planning and falling behind. We get by year to year while we look ahead to an opportunity to get funding from outside the local tax base. This financial strategy lessens the burden for taxpayers in our communities. State aid is a compelling reason to put maintenance items on a bond referendum ballot.

Why is so much roofing Work proposed?

The referendum includes costs of restoring sections of roofing that are at, near, or past the expected lifespans. In some cases, our schools already set out buckets to collect drips when a roof is leaking. For others, warranties that cover repair costs expire this year. Replacing those sections, or extending their usefulness with new coatings or shingles, would protect equipment and furnishings inside. Voter approval in 2024 sets up HVRSD for this work in 2025 or 2026. Importantly, it would bring state aid for some of the cost.

Proposed roofing restorations total about 126,600 square feet more than two football fields. With voter approval, these improvements would feature the potential to install solar panels in the future.

Why does hVrsd need more space at the elementary leVels?

The need for expanded instructional space is driven by rising enrollment and evolutions in education. Both have been happening for a while and HVRSD has adjusted to use every space available – including older modular classrooms that are not ideal learning environments.

• HVRSD needs more instructional space for the current and project enrollment of elementary-level grades. Overall district enrollment is stable and our Middle School and High School are not as pressed for space as the elementaries.

• In addition to welcoming more students, our elementary schools face different demands for space. Today’s teaching methods require more individualized attention to meet students’ needs. Staff members provide support services in smaller settings like one-on-one or small-group instruction. Those approaches can be required by law; they also can improve student success rates by addressing learning differences early. In both cases, more space is needed.

hoW Would a synthetic turf field Benefit our athletes?

A multi-sport field made of synthetic turf would benefit student-athletes by improving access, safety, schedule consistency and competition experience. Currently they play on fields near Timberlane Middle School; the proposal calls for turf to create two multi-sport fields.

• Athletic field space is in such high demand that players are bused daily throughout their seasons to sites away from HVRSD property. Replacing the current grass field would not solve that problem the way an expansion to two multi-sport fields would.

• Grass fields are at the mercy of weather conditions. When the current field is unusable, players are bused to the municipal com-

plex across town. This project would keep all student-athletes on campus for improved access and safety.

• Grass fi elds are susceptible to developing divots and dips that can lead to falls and twisted ankles. Mud and slippery grass from a poorly drained grass field can increase the likelihood of falls. Turf provides an even, drained surface.

• Strong and/or steady rain doesn’t delay play for just a few hours; it can require rescheduling practices and games for days. Synthetic turf fields are built with drainage systems, so rain doesn’t render them useless and schedules resume much more quickly.

• Th e availability of turf would better prepare athletes for the playing conditions they will face on opponents’ fi elds. Alternating between two types of surfaces requires athletes to adjust continually.

can i Vote in the referendum?

Anyone registered to vote with a Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, or Pennington address can participate in the September bond referendum.

An up-to-date registration is required to vote in this special school election. You must be registered by August 27, and your registration must indicate your current home address and name.

Check your voter registration status by visiting the state database here: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check

Online voter registration forms and mail-in forms in both English and Spanish are available on the New Jersey Division of Elections site: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register

Where can i Vote in person?

Polls will be open Tuesday, September 17 for residents across Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township and Pennington Borough. • In-person polls will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• All in-person voting will take place at Pennington Fire Co. 120 Broemel Place. All residents within Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township and Pennington Borough should go to this location.

to Vote By mail

If you have previously voted by mail in a New Jersey election and if your address is the same, you might have opted to continue receiving mail-in ballots. If that’s the case, Mercer County should send you a Vote By Mail ballot for the bond referendum automatically about a month before September 17.

• If you have questions or require assistance, contact the Election Offi ce at 609-989-6495 or 609-989-6494.

• If you want to request a Vote By Mail ballot, download an application (available in English or Spanish) or visit the County Clerk’s Office at 209 S. Broad St. Trenton to receive one in person.

Th e county must receive that application by September 10 to mail you a ballot, or by 3 p.m. on September 16 to give you a ballot in person.

• Once you receive and fi ll out your Vote By Mail ballot, you have options to: • Mail it in with a postmark by September 17

• Deliver it in person to the County Clerk’s Offi ce by 8 p.m. September 17

Mail-in ballots cannot be submitted at polling places.

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

259 Pennington-Titusville Road

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4003 (609) 737-1581 Fax

Principal: Patricia Riley

TIMBERLANE MIDDLE SCHOOL

51 S. Timberlane Drive

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4004 (609) 737-2718 Fax

Principal: Christopher Turnbull

BEAR TAVERN SCHOOL

1162 Bear Tavern Road

Titusville, NJ 08560

(609) 737-4005 (609) 737-7351Fax

Principal: Jay Billy

HOPEWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

35 Princeton Avenue

Hopewell, NJ 08525 (609) 737-4007 (609) 466-8095 FAX

Principal: Scott Bretell

STONY BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

20 Stephenson Road

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4006 (609) 730-3888 Fax

Principal: Nicole Gianfredi

TOLL GATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

275 South Main Street

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4008 (609) 737-7348 Fax

Principal: Melissa Lauri

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

425 South Main Street

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4000 (609) 737-1418 Fax

We are at your service.

For more than 165 years, Trenton Water Works has provided drinking water to our vibrant communities today, that is approximately 30 million gallons daily for 217,000 residents. A source of great pride, we are happy to help the City of Bordentown Water Department supply this vital resource to our neighbors.

City of Trenton  Department of Water and Sewer  Sean Semple, Director W. Reed Gusciora, Mayor

sey, has firsthand experience as a poll worker. Sherr, 21, worked at the polls last fall and believes that increasing the number of young volunteers could improve the overall process.

You Deserve

“Being the youngest person in a room full of older people trying to do a job like that was stressful,” Sherr said. “Sometimes they needed extra help, which is fine, but it sometimes fell on me as a younger person to provide that help,”

A Beautiful Smile

He added: “As someone who was doing this for the first time, I was in no way prepared to be doing any kind of helping. I think that if more younger people did it, it would be a better experience for everyone, just to have people be more engaged in the process.”

McDonough, DMD

Sherr, who holds a degree in political science, was introduced to the idea of working at the polls through a professor who offered extra credit for participation. His motivation to volunteer was also driven by a sense of civic duty.

Sherr noted that while the Board of Elections staff were helpful and supportive, the lack of volunteers created challenges.

“Everyone on the board was extremely nice and did everything they possibly could to teach us, but it is harder with

such a small number of people involved. But everyone I met was just doing their job,” Sherr said.

The Board of Elections campaign to recruit more poll workers included a public outreach campaign over the summer that culminated with a celebration on National Election Board Worker Recruitment Day on Aug. 1.

The event, which took place at the Board of Elections office in Lawrence, featured election board worker program information, along with a display of election voting equipment, the opportunity for residents to register to vote, and light refreshments.

Residents of Mercer County can find more about eligibility criteria, duties and hours of work on the Board of Elections website at mercercounty.org/ boards-commissions/board-of-elections/ board-worker-training.

For those interested in becoming poll workers, the application process is straightforward. Go to mercercounty. org/boards-commissions/board-of-elections/board-worker-application, where residents will find applications for new board workers, reappointment board workers (who served during the 2023 elections) and student board workers.

After completing the application, can-

didates will receive an email invitation to sign up for training. First-time volunteers will undergo a two-and-a-half to threehour training session covering machinery operation and voting procedures, while repeat volunteers can take advantage of refresher courses. Additionally, the Board is working on providing online training, which is expected to be available starting in September.

Training begins this month to prepare for the November election. On Election Day, volunteers are expected to work

either a full day or a half day, with voting hours running from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Workers are required to arrive at the voting sites no later than 5:15 a.m.

“The dedicated citizens who serve as election day board workers truly are the unsung heroes of our election process.

“We hope that through this recruitment effort, even more Mercer County residents will take advantage of the opportunity to serve,” said Moyer. “We all work together to make sure our state can vote responsibly. Every vote counts.”

Princeton Auto Sports

much they pack into each day. It’s crazy.”

After a lot of angst, pressure and confusion, Briehler narrowed his final three to Ohio State, Oklahoma and Stanford.

“If you ask my friends, depending on the week it was a different school,” he said. “I was so indecisive. I was being told all these different things. Recruiting is definitely not a straight line. There’s so many things that happen and change in such a short period of time and you have to adapt to that.”

Briehler eventually turned down several storied programs for the academics of Stanford, which is ranked No. 3 in Best Global Universities. The average grade point average of students just applying to the California university is 3.9. Kole carried a 4.2 GPA after two years at Hopewell Valley Central High. Since reclassifying at Hun and repeating his sophomore year, he has a 92 grade point ranking (out of 100) the past two years.

“I always knew Kole was a secret nerd,” Hun coach Todd Smith said with a laugh. “He’s really into math, he loves numbers, he takes school seriously. He’s a super motivated learner. He saw all the things that Stanford had to offer. Both from a football standpoint and an academic standpoint. It was just too hard for him to pass up. He knows his football is gonna

have a shelf life, but that Stanford degree you hang on the wall forever.”

Briehler admitted that was the deciding factor.

“That was probably the biggest difference maker,” he said. “Football is great and I love it but you never know how long you’re gonna be playing for. At Stanford they call it two Plan As. You don’t have a Plan A and a Plan B. You have your Plan A, which is going to the NFL. Your second Plan A is to get your Stanford degree and that opens all kinds of doors for you.”

With that being said, Briehler’s decision obviously took football into account. Entering this season, he is ranked the No. 21 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 8 in New Jersey by Rivals.com. ESPN has him rated the No. 17 best overall player in the state.

“He’s got a chance to be one of the alltime best we’ve had here,” said Smith, who has coached numerous Division I players in his 10 years at Hun.

In looking at Stanford from a football aspect, Briehler saw a team in need of defensive tackles moving into a conference where pass rushing linemen are coveted. The Cardinal have left the neardefunct PAC 10 for the Atlantic Coast Conference, which features some wide open offenses.

“The ACC has had guys like (three-

Briehler is not overly tall for a lineman at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds. But he plays big when necessary.

“He’s everything you look for,” Smith said. “He’s big enough and strong enough where he can play against larger kids than him. And we haven’t met a kid that he’s not quicker than.

“He is an absolute dude. Just strong, fast, flexible, powerful. He just comes off the ball really twitched up. You’re talking about a 275-pound kid who runs a 4.7 40.”

Briehler has been a lineman ever since convincing his parents to move from recreation flag football to tackle football in fourth grade. Briehler played in the West Jersey Youth Football League for the Hopewell Bulldogs under HVCHS head coach Dave Caldwell.

In eighth grade, knee surgery sidelined Kole for the season. But showing the kind of teammate he is, he attended every practice and game to stay involved.

time NFL Defensive Player of the Year) Aaron Donald, they’re not as tall as guys in the SEC or the Big 10. It’s a conference that allows me to play to my strengths, which is pass rushing and not always having to eat up double teams. It’s a lot of spread out offenses with a lot of passing which is something I really like.”

“I always wanted to be around it,” he said. “I really missed it, so I worked really hard coming off that off-season going into my freshman year.”

Covid-19 hit prior to his entering high school. With his parents the owners of PEAC Performance in Ewing, Kole and his brother took advantage of the empty training center to enjoy their own private workouts throughout the pandemic.

Secure Drop Box Locations Secure Drop Box Locations

VOTERS MAY DELIVER THEIR MAIL-IN BALLOTS FROM THE TIME THEY RECEIVE THEM UP TO THE TIME POLLS CLOSE AT 8 PM ON ELECTION DAY

EAST WINDSOR:

East Windsor Courthouse – 80 One Mile Road

EWING:

All locations are open 24 hours a day and until 8pm on election day unless noted.

Ewing Municipal Building – 2 Jake Garzio Drive

Mercer County Office Complex- 1440 Parkside Ave.

The College of New Jersey - 1872 Pennington Road

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP:

Hamilton Golf/Call Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way

Hamilton Municipal Building – 2090 Greenwood Ave

Nottingham Firehouse – 200 Mercer St.

HIGHTSTOWN:

Hightstown Firehouse #1 – 140 N. Main St.

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP:

Hopewell Township Administration Building –201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd.

LAWRENCE: Board of Elections - 930 Spruce St.

Lawrence Municipal Building –2207 Lawrenceville Road, (Rt 206)

PRINCETON:

Princeton Municipal Building Princeton University Wawa/Dinky Station152 Alexander St.,

TRENTON:

ROBBINSVILLE: Robbinsville Municipal Building - 2298 NJ-33

County Clerk’s Office - Courthouse Annex209 S. Broad St.

Trenton City Hall – 319 E. State St.

Henry J. Austin Center – 321 N. Warren St.

Trenton Central High School – 400 Chambers St.

WEST WINDSOR:

West Windsor Municipal Complex271 Clarksville Road – 400 Witherspoon St.

Hun’s Kole Briehler is rated the No. 21 defensive tackle in the U.S. by Rivals.com.

“I didn’t really start lifting weights until that Covid pandemic,” Briehler said. “When PEAC shut down we were there every day lifting weights, seven days a week through that whole pandemic. That’s when I really started putting on some muscle.”

He bulked up from 175 pounds to over 200 and it paid off. Briehler played one game for the Bulldogs freshman team before being elevated to varsity. He made 25-½ tackles with one sack that year but it was a culture shock.

“I played one game my first week where I was bigger and moving everybody around,” he recalled. “And I go to being the smallest guy on the line on varsity. It was really tough.”

After a sophomore season with 30 tackles, one sack and 6-½ tackles for loss, Briehler engaged in talks with Smith about moving to Hun. The lure of the academics was a no-brainer and with a roster loaded with D-1 players, the football program is consistently on college coaches’ radar.

The toughest part of Briehler’s transfer was telling Caldwell.

“That decision was not easy for me,” he said. “I was back and forth, back and forth. I made sure I had that conversation face to face before I posted anything because to this day I still talk to him. I have so much respect for Coach Caldwell and what he’s done to help me. He’s definitely a huge part of this journey. I just felt that it was what I had to do for myself and I thanked him for everything.”

Widely known as one of the class acts in Mercer County football, Caldwell made it easy for the young player.

“There were no bad feelings,” Briehler said. “He said ‘I wish you the best.’ Obviously he wishes I stayed, but he said, ‘I support you all the way, if you need to come to the weight room feel free to stop by.’ It went really well.”

Upon arriving at Hun, Briehler was told he had to put on even more weight. He began shoveling the food and continued his lifting regimen.

The Raider coaches originally wanted him as a tight end/fullback/defensive

end. But as he grew in strength, he became a defensive tackle and guard/ center. Defensively, he went against his toughest opponents in practice.

“We had three guys on the offensive line that first year — one went to Illinois, one went to Oklahoma and one went to Michigan,” Briehler said. “So it was really hard. But I adapted. I owe a lot to Owen Wafle (now at Michigan). He was another d-lineman and helped me out getting adjusted and playing at a higher level.”

Smith felt that being surrounded by “like-minded kids looking to get to the next level” helped push Briehler to another level.

“Now when he comes into the room he wants to be the strongest kid in the room, he wants to be the most powerful,” the coach said. “He has truly become one of our best leaders we’ve ever had. He’s our captain going into this season, he takes over the weight room, takes over the stretch lines. He’s our rah rah guy and he leads by example.”

Briehler suffered a shoulder injury in the last game of the 2023 season but has recovered and is stronger than ever. Smith noted he squatted 640 pounds three times in summer workouts.

“Without question he’s the strongest kid we’ve ever had in the weight room at Hun,” the coach said. “It’s not even close.”

Briehler’s work on the field, in the weightroom and in the classroom – the latter he credits to his parents for pushing him academically – made it easy to choose a school when it came to his future.

“Once we saw everything Stanford could offer us, it was a no brainer,” said Briehler, who’s looking to major in economics. “The academic level doesn’t even compare to any other school I talked to. They have a great need right now for defensive linemen and their defensive line coach (Ross Kolodziej) is a really great guy. It was a perfect fit all around.”

With that need filled, Briehler can look forward to a stress-free senior year in which football, academics and a social life will be all he needs to worry about.

PILOT and affordable housing in Hopewell Township: the facts

Courtney Peters-Manning

From the township

As a part of Hopewell Township’s state-mandated plan to meet its affordable housing obligation, and to ensure that these new neighborhoods are financially feasible, the Township entered into a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with Lennar, the builder of the new inclusionary neighborhood at Hopewell Parc. This allows us to meet our affordable housing obligation while keeping costs down for township taxpayers.

PILOTs are common in New Jersey affordable housing projects; they are used to incentivize developers to build projects that the community needs by offering a small reduction on the property taxes that would otherwise be owed. For example, in the PILOT on the Hopewell Parc neighborhood, over the 30-year term of the agreement, the payments made will equal 93 cents on the dollar of what conventional taxes would have been.

These agreements are necessary because Hopewell Township is required by state law to provide its “fair share” of affordable housing, which in the last round of requirements was 653 affordable units. To do this without putting the cost of the building on taxpayers (which would be $150-$200 million), the township works with home builders, who subsidize the affordable units by also building market-rate units. Thus, the statement that “those new neighborhoods are not affordable” is inaccurate and misleading.

While some of the development will be sold at whatever the current market will support, each development also contains a minimum of 20% regulated affordable homes. The cost to residents of these affordable units is controlled by state law, and there are long waiting lists for families to be able to move into one.

Hopewell Township also has the added challenge of extremely high infrastructure costs, as many areas of the township are served by wells and septic systems. Neighborhoods with an affordable housing component, on the other hand, must be on public water

and sewer systems. It is the developer’s responsibility to bring this infrastructure to the neighborhood by negotiating with neighboring towns, and doing so is very expensive and usually results in litigation.

At the Hopewell Parc development, for example, the cost to bring water and sewer was more than $27 million. In fact, there was a builder interested in the project before Lennar, but they pulled out for financial reasons. Thus, a PILOT agreement was a critical part of the negotiations with Lennar to incentivize them to work with the township on bringing our state-mandated affordable housing plan to fruition.

Residents have raised questions about how the PILOT may impact the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, especially in light of the HVRSD referendum that will be in front of voters this month. The HVRSD and the Board of Education have noted that their bond Referendum contemplates improvements at all schools in the district, including roof and HVAC maintenance that have nothing to do with growth.

It also includes replacement of the

trailers at Bear Tavern Elementary, which have been housing students since 1994, with the construction of a new wing. This new construction will allow for expanded pre-K programs, in addition to accommodating additional students from our new inclusionary neighborhoods. The estimated cost of construction of the new Bear Tavern wing is $17.1 million, which represents approximately 19.6% of the total amount of the referendum.

The Hopewell Township Committee noted in 2016, and has reinforced over the years, that it is committed to using a significant portion of the funds from the PILOT to offset costs of improvements at Bear Tavern Elementary School that may, at least in part, stem from any additional students that will come from our court-approved affordable housing plan. In fact, the PILOT agreement with Lennar itself specifically mentions using PILOT funds to support the HVRSD and the new Senior and Community Center.

The roadblock in putting specific numbers to this commitment is the current pending litigation initiated by Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough against Hopewell Township that

seeks to invalidate the PILOT agreement. The township has already won the case in the lower court, but the case is currently on appeal. If the referendum passes, and the appeal is decided in Hopewell Township’s favor, the township can have substantive conversations with the HVRSD about a specific dollar amount for a contribution towards improvements at Bear Tavern.

Finally, outside of the referendum, it is important to note that the HVRSD sets their annual operating budget and the amount to be raised by taxes each year. The tax collector raises these

funds from taxpayers, both residential and commercial, and sends them to the HVRSD. The PILOT has no impact on this process, and the district receives 100% of the amount requested every year, no matter what.

The Hopewell Township Committee, the HVRSD, and the Board of Education collectively have a productive working relationship, including our recent partnership on a joint demographic study. The study showed that the HVRSD has seen an enrollment decrease of over 7% during the past 10 years, and current enrollment is more than 500 students

CLASSIFIED

Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Simply scan the QR code or visit www.communitynews.org/place_an_ad. Questions? Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.

SERVICES

F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.

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

LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609721-4358.

Guitar and Ukulele lessons for Seniors. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.

AT YOUR SERVICE

below the peak enrollment during the 2006-07 school year.

Further, in looking at the demographic study’s “medium projections” for growth, the HVRSD would see growth of 431 students through the 2032-33 school year, which is still below 2006-07 enrollment. Moreover, the study shows that 40% of the coming 10-year growth comes from typical, organic factors like births and home sales.

This means that only about 250 new students will be from new neighborhoods associated with the Township’s affordable housing mandate.

Affordable housing and how it is funded is a hugely complicated issue in New Jersey. The short story is that the Hopewell Township Committee is committed to working with the HVRSD. The township will contribute PILOT funds to the district as we continue to implement our court-approved plan to meet our state-mandated affordable housing obligation and welcome our new neighbors to the township.

Courtney peters-manning is the mayor of Hopewell Township, which provided this content.

Lightning Strike Electric. Providing excellence in electrical work. Spot Lights, outlets, switches, service/panel upgrades. www.lightningstrikeelectric. com Call Dmitriy 856 631 7519.

MUSICAL INSTURMENTS

FREE!!! Classic Knabe Baby Grand Piano (Ewing) - call Tom 609-770-1775. Original owner from 1930s Some exterior damage by plant planter to wood, which can be easily repaired This beautiful piano has brought so many years of joy to our family - now we’d like for another new family to experience the joy for themselves.

I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.

YARD SALE

MULTI-FAMILY Yard Sale! OCT 5 (rain date Oct 6), 9 AM - 2 PM Gatherings at Lawrence, Princess Rd off Franklin Corner Rd *CASH ONLY* FOR SALE

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

Happy Heroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com.

Scan the QR code above to create your Community News classified ad in just minutes.

Affordable rates for all our monthly publications. Or post your online-only ads for free at communitynews.org/classifieds.

This train don’t carry no passengers

Robin Schore sChore to pLeAse

In the early 1950s (prehistoric times), my parents gave me a set of Lionel Trains. I started out with an engine, tender, boxcar and caboose. Since then, my trains have entertained generations of children and adults. Despite persistent cleaning, the oxidized tracks prevent the trains from zipping along as speedily as they did over 70 years ago. All of which brings to mind the full-size trains chugging through Hopewell.

I’m no “train buff,” a peculiar type that trains their mind excessively on trains, but I am persistently aware of the trains that

run through the township, long strings of freight cars that announce their arrival with nostalgia-inducing lonesome whistles that bring to mind songs composed by blues geniuses stuck in jail cells long ago. Sometimes, that train whistle wakes us up in the middle of the night. Fortunately, we are able to make that romantic oldtime association and can go back to sleep with a bluesy smile.

Sometimes, Hopewell trains actually interfere with our lives like when a gate comes down across Route 518, or a hundred-car behemoth rumbles through Pennington distracting us from outdoor dining or causing us to spill chocolate ice cream on a spotless shirt.

In lieu of knowing any train buffs, we have the benefit of Hopewell historian

following the end of local passenger service.

Both train stations date to 1876 and are listed on the NJ Register of Historic Places. They are almost identical in design (Victorian, Second Empire) although the Pennington station is made of sandstone and the Hopewell station of brick.

The Hopewell station is currently going through an exterior renovation (roofing, windows, trim). Anticipated completion is late September.

Doug Dixon and the Hopewell Valley History Project, the source of all knowledge regarding everything about the Hopewellian past including train traffic.

Relatedly freight trains ran on tracks along the D&R canal through Titusville as recently as the late 1970s. Now the tracks are gone, and the towpath serves hikers and bikers instead of rolling stock.

So whose railroad runs through our community? I ascertained that CSX runs those rails according to bright blue signs posted where tracks cross local roads. After almost three weeks of attempting to find out specifics about our local train traffic, where they went and what they carried, I finally got a profoundly disappointing response from CSX’s “Media Team.”

Train tracks first appeared in the area during the 1870s, the heyday of American railroad construction. In 1876, when the Mercer and Somerset line competed with the Delaware and Bound Brook line for a route through Hopewell, the conflict led to the infamous “Frog War.” The Frog War had nothing to do with amphibians but a lot to do with one railroad company wanting to cross the tracks of the other using a structure called a “frog,” a piece of track that would allow trains on either line to cross (leapfrog) the other’s track.

Ultimately, one line used an engine to block the tracks and the other dispatched a locomotive to ram aside the opposition’s engine. (Don’t you wish you could have been there to watch?)

The governor eventually sent troops to restore order, and the D&BB won a quick order to permit the frog.

“The CSX Transportation network encompasses about 20,000 route miles of track serving major population centers in 26 states, the District of Columbia and Canadian provinces.”

Clearly, the tiny stretch of track going through Hopewell is too insignificant for any specifics. However, I did learn that “train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short, and 1 long blasts. The pattern must be repeated or prolonged until the lead locomotive or lead cab car occupies the grade crossing ... The maximum volume level for the train horn is 110 decibels, and the minimum sound level is 96 decibels.”

Sort of takes the romance out of that mournful midnight wail.

Passenger service began in Hopewell in 1879 with stops in Hopewell Borough and Pennington. After almost a century, the Pennington station closed in 1967 and became a private residence. Hopewell’s station, a stop on the West Trenton Line, became a community center in 1982

robin schore lives in Hopewell Borough.

The Hopewell Train Station undergoing renovation. (Photo by Robin Schore.)

VOTE BY MAIL NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualified and registered voter of Mercer County, New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the General Election to be held on November 5, 2024, the following applies:

• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

• No person may serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to

five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.

• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future elections will, after their initial request and without

further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.

• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must first opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may find a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.

Dated: September 10, 2024, Paula Sollami Covello, Mercer County Clerk, 209 S. Broad St., Election Dept., P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650, 609-989-6495