It all started with a simple catch in the backyard, but not with a dad or a big brother. Twin brothers Isaac and Isaiah Pate would go out and throw the football with their grandmother, Stephanie King.
“Every time we went over to her house, we would always beg her to go outside and throw the football with us,” Isaiah said.
Isaac said the catches started when they were 4-years-old and noted: “She had a wonderful arm. I feel like that got me into football.”
The main beneficiary of those backyard tosses has been Steinert’s football team, which got major contributions from both juniors in going 5-6, reaching the state playoffs and winning the Joe Logue Trophy by beating Hamilton and Nottingham by a combined score of
72-0 this fall.
The Pates’ fingerprints were all over the Thanksgiving win over West, which was no surprise to coach Thaddeus Richards. Despite the fact Isaac is 5-foot-5, 135 pounds and Isaiah is 5-7, 145, every inch and every pound is sheer power.
“They’re tough as nails and phenomenal human beings,” Richards said. “They’re two dynamic athletes who found their niche with us. They really believe in the whole ‘team first’ mentality that our program is built around.
“You talk about playing above their size, playing out of their weight class... on tape when you see us play, it’s easy to tell they’re two of the toughest kids in our program. They really play the game the right way, intensity and purpose-wise.”
In the Hamilton victory, Isaac won the Rich Fornaro Trophy as
Hamilton t tonHamilton Post
BY BILL SANSERVINO
New Jersey municipalities are once again under the gun to build thousands of units of affordable housing thanks to a new state law passed earlier this year.
Every town in the state is cur-
rently up against a Jan. 31 deadline to pass a binding resolution to formally adopt their affordable housing requirement over the next decade. The goal is to address a statewide demand for almost 150,000 low- and moderate-income units.
Under numbers released by
Twins show the way for Steinert football with team-first mentality
Steinert’s MVP by rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns. In two Turkey Day wins, he has rushed for 343 yards and three TDs. Isaiah played his usual shutdown game at cornerback and also caught a touchdown pass, which pleased his mom, Nicole.
“I’m so happy that he got a touchdown,” Nicole said. “I don’t want Isaac just to get all the shine. Before the game I say to him, ‘You’re gonna intercept the ball.’”
Isaac was just as happy, quickly running over to his brother and body bumping him as the two leaped in the air.
Watching it all in a pouring rain was Nicole, who couldn’t stop smiling. And she had every right, for as a single mom, she made countless sacrifices to make sure they were raised the right way and got the chance to See PATE, Page 12
Towns wrestle with affordable housing deadlines
the state earlier this year, Mercer County towns would be required to rehabilitate a total of 1,800 existing affordable units (mostly in the City of Trenton) as well as provide for the construction of 3,500 new units.
Because the construction of these affordable units is often
subsidized through the construction of market rate housing, it could result in tens of thousands of new houses in Mercer County alone.
In March, Gov. Phil Murphy and the state legislature approved new affordable hous-
Steinert brothers Isaac (left) and Isaiah Pate leap in celebration for Isaiah’s touchdown catch in the annual Thanksgiving game against Hamilton. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)
RWJUH Hamilton January Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Monday, Jan. 6 + 27; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Caring for someone with a chronic illness can take a physical and emotional toll on family members. A caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate this supportive group experience.
ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS
Monday, Jan. 6 + 27; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Providing care and support for your parents later in their lives can be difficult and taxing. A caregiver specialist will moderate and facilitate this supportive group experience.
THE BASICS OF MEDICARE
Tuesday, Jan. 7; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare and ACA for a discussion on Medicare. Learn the different parts of Medicare, how to avoid penalties, and when to apply for Medicare benefits. Light refreshments provided.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Jan. 8; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
A supportive discussion group for those caring for a loved one who is aging or has a chronic illness—shared experiences can be healing. A caregiver specialist will moderate and facilitate this supportive group experience.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN RELIEF AND WELL-BEING
Thursday, Jan. 9; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Many are discovering that this 1000+
YOGA CLASSES
year-old remedy helps with pain relief, tension, anxiety, improved function, and overall well-being. Medicare may even pay for it! Join Adam Redlich, MD, an integrative sports medicine specialist and acupuncture provider.
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Monday, Jan. 13; 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you or a loved one concerned about your memory? Join us for a lecture on how to improve your memory. If interested, you may arrive at 1:30 p.m. to take a mini-memory screen.
VISION BOARD WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Jan. 14; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What is your vision for 2025? During this workshop you will create a visual representation of your dreams and desires for the New Year. Please bring a pair of scissors; all other materials will be provided.
LETTING GO OF CLUTTER
Tuesday, Jan. 14; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This support group explores how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood. A caregiver specialist will moderate and facilitate this supportive group experience.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday, Jan. 15; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Start off your New Year with our beginner meditation class and learn this simple, but not always easy practice to quiet your mind and soothe your body. No experience necessary.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Jan. 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Support and information for family and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease. A caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER
SELF-DEFENSE
Wednesday Jan. 15; 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This free comprehensive class, combines a lecture with hands-on self-defense training tailored to address real-life situations relevant to women of all ages. Email us at CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org to register for this program.
HEALTHRHYTHMS ® DRUM CIRCLE
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Join our drum circle to drum your cares away, have fun and relieve stress. No experience necessary; drums will be provided. The program requires a fee of $15, payable upon registration.
DANCE IT OUT!
Friday, Jan 17; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Boost your well-being through the joy of dance. Whether you are a beginner or experienced dancer, this activity will lift your spirits and reduce stress. No experience required, all ages welcome.
Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in lifechanging conversations, listening, learning, and exploring for this time in our lives. Topics created for you by you. Every week is new and something different. Register for one or all.
NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Wednesday, Jan 8; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Have some fun while learning recipes that can help fuel your brain.
MONTHLY MEN’S GROUP
Wednesday, Jan 8; 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.
LIVING LIFE WITH TINNITUS
Thursday, Jan 9; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Explore the causes and treatments for tinnitus and how it impacts hearing loss with an expert audiologist.
GAME TIME!
Friday, Jan 10 & 31; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or bring your own.
prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: “REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES”
Wednesday, Jan. 22; 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us to discuss “Remarkably Bright Creatures”, a heart-warming whimsical book about family and humanity. Please come prepared to have a lively conversation about this month’s pick.
REIKI SHARE
Wednesday, Jan 22; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
For folks who have been Reiki certified (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.
WISE WOMEN
Thursday, Jan. 23; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a community of women to discuss relevant topics. Let’s find purpose, meaning and community together.
THE 4 KEYS TO THRIVING RELATIONSHIPS: UNLOCK HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND CONNECTION
Monday, Jan. 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Strong, healthy relationships can reduce stress, improve mental health and even lower the risk of chronic illness. In this interactive workshop, learn practical tools from a relationship coach for improving communication, navigating conflict and building trust. Useful for family,
THE INS AND OUTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Thursday, Jan 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Are you wondering what all the buzz is around AI? Join us to learn about artificial intelligence, its benefits, and its risks. A light breakfast will be served.
VOLUNTEERING AND ITS SURPRISING BENEFITS
Friday, Jan 24; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join Paula Hearle, Volunteer Coordinator, RWJUH Hamilton, and Joyce Cantalice, Manager, Better Health Program, to learn why volunteering is good for the world and you! Learn about opportunities for you to use your time and talents helping others and increasing your happiness and well-being.
ACTIVITY AND AGING
Monday, Jan 27; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert. MDT, RWJ Rehabilitation in Hamilton, to learn the
friends, colleagues and partners.
SACRED BREATHWORK
Monday, Jan. 27; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Join a Reiki Master and Certified Breathwork Facilitator to learn how sacred breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Please bring a yoga mat, blankets, or anything else that will make you comfortable. The program requires a fee of $15, payable upon registration.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Jan. 28; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us for the return of the Stroke Support Group. This is a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol SpeechLanguage Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
importance of movement as we age and how physical and occupational therapy can help to keep you moving throughout your life.
SARA ALI, MD, LUNCH & LEARN OUR LOVED ONES; SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SUPPORT WHEN THE DIAGNOSIS IS DEMENTIA
Thursday, Jan 30; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join Sara Ali, MD, Board Certified in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, as she compassionately discusses behaviors and symptoms that may be indicators of the onset of dementia and first steps to diagnosis. Learn about new medications and treatments that can help slow the progression of the disease and explore your options to best care for your loved one. This informative program will help you through this difficult journey.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more
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• 3 bedrooms • 2 ½ baths • 1-2 car garage
• Full basement (with option to finish)
• Clubhouse with pool, pickleball, and more (Coming Soon!)
AROUND TOWN
West senior named a 2025 QuestBridge Scholar
Juan Felipe Llanos Murillo, a senior at Hamilton High School West, is a recipient of a 2025 QuestBridge Scholarship.
Murillo is planning to study business administration with a concentration in finance and accounting at Boston University starting in fall 2025.
According to QuestBridge.com, more than 40,000 students have been admitted to top 50 colleges and universities since its inception, with over $5 billion in scholarship dollars donated to this scholarship program through QuestBridge sponsors.
“Accounting is my favorite course here at West, along with AP macroeconomics and AP microeconomics. Mr. Jay Fishman has a talent to make a really boring class too much
fun with his energy levels in the morning! Also, I’ve had a lot of amazing History teachers here, too. Mr. Michael Esser, Mr. Anthony Funari, and Mr. Jon Iorio have inspired me,” Llanos Murillo said.
A football and lacrosse player Llanos Murillo is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, has earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish, and is giving back to his peers through tutoring. Juan credits the American Legion Boys State program held last year at Rider University with inspiring him to work hard and set his goals for a top college through volunteering in the summer.
“I have met so many other students and friends through this program and it has
Hamilton Post
We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hamilton Post is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.
eDiTor
Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)
conTriBUTinG WriTerS
Rich Fisher, Bill Sanservino conTriBUTinG colUMniSTS
40,000 copies of the Hamilton Post are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Hamilton 12 times a year.
To aDverTiSe call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org
Llanos Murillo
helped me realize who I am and the work I want to do in helping others,” said Juan.
“Congratulations to Juan on this amazing achievement. His dedication to learning and being involved in sports and activities at West have prepared him for Boston University. ,” said Dr. Scott Rocco, HTSD Superintendent of Schools.
QuestBridge, co-founded in 1994 by two Stanford University students, hey attended Stanford University, QuestBridge began as a five-week residential summer program for high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. While being immersed in the day-to-day life at a top college, students were encouraged to think critically about real-world problems.
New medical practice, MyDoctor, opens in Hamilton
MyDoctor, a new medical practice in Hamilton, held a grand opening celebration on Nov. 21 that was attended by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo and township council member Pat Papero.
Dr. Eric Osgood, a board-certified physician, is offering adult primary care and preventative health-care services. Osgood also offers Medication-Assisted treatment (MAT) and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services.
The office address is 1544 Kuser Road, Suite C9 in Hamilton. Phone: (609) 4143760. Email: admin@mydoctor4you.org.
Pictured at the ribbon-cutting for MyDoctor in Hamilton are Marlene Handschuh, Councilman Pasquale “Pat” Papero, Dr. Eric Osgood, Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo and Christina Osgood.
After scandal, towns again ask state to step in at waterworks
By Bill SanServino
Local officials expressed outrage after Trenton Water Works revealed that an employee falsified water quality data for more than a year.
The public was first notified of the situation by TWW in a letter dated Nov. 27 to its 200,000 customers. The letter also stated that the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection found after an investigation that the utility failed to meet state and federal drinking water monitor-
ing requirements during that time. TWW did not post the notice online or notify the media about the employee’s actions.
The utility, which is owned and run by the city of Trenton, supplies approximately 29 million gallons of drinking water every day to all of Trenton and Ewing, and parts of Hamilton, Hopewell and Lawrence townships. It is also providing water service to Bordentown City on a temporary basis while repairs are made to its water-treatment plant.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora on Dec. 3 released a public statement after anger erupted among officials and customers in the impacted communities. He explained that that TWW discovered in the fall of 2023 that a water sample collector—one of three employees responsible for this task—was falsifying drinking water data.
“This individual’s actions were a clear violation of public trust and are deeply disturbing,” said Gusciora.
He said that after discovering the violation, TWW notified the DEP of the employees’ action, referred the matter to law enforcement and took steps to fire the employee.
The DEP investigation stated that most of the water samples collected between October 2022 and December 2023 were invalid, and the state concluded that TWW failed to adequately monitor and test for the required contaminants during that time.
TWW is required to regularly test drinking water for specific contaminants, including disinfection byproducts, E. coli, total coliform, iron, manganese, alkalinity, pH and orthophosphate. These tests are used to determine if the water meets state and federal health standards.
of Trenton Water Works from the City of Trenton. Too many promises have been broken and the health of too many is in the balance to trust the city can operate TWW.”
Martin said he expects that that a DEP report set to be released in 2025 will “expose even more systemic negligence at TWW.”
The DEP in 2022 intervened in the daily operations of TWW after finding that it failed to address numerous problems in the provision of safe drinking water for many years.
In 2020, the state attorney general and DEP filed a lawsuit against TWW—which was later joined by the municipalities served by the water utility—seeking to compel the City of Trenton and the water utility to take the necessary actions after failing to comply with Administrative Consent Orders to provide safe drinking water.
Officials in the affected communities reacted harshly to the news, with one calling for the state to take control of the utility. The incident is the latest in a long list of problems that have plagued TWW for more than a decade. It has faced numerous issues over the years, including water quality concerns, regulatory violations and operational challenges.
Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning said that she has advocated for a “direct operational takeover of Trenton Water Works by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection” since 2022. “The addition of DEP oversight two years ago, while short of a direct takeover, was a welcome change. However, the falsification of data, in conjunction with DBP exceedances in Hopewell Township yet again, shows that more must be done. Nothing short of a wholesale change of operational control will prevent future lapses.”
Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann issued similar remarks, although he stopped short of calling for a state takeover.
TRENT
Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin called for “every government, business and community leader” to demand a state takeover. “Silence or passive statements when lives are at stake will no longer be an option,” he said.
Martin added: “What this latest screwup makes abundantly clear is that NJDEP must take away control and operations
“The health and safety of our residents must never be compromised, and this latest failure underscores a persistent inability of TWW to uphold its responsibilities,” Steinmann said. “While TWW claims there is no immediate public health risk, I share the frustration and mistrust felt by many Ewing residents and our neighboring communities.”
Steinmann urged the DEP to increase its regulatory scrutiny and to provide clear, ongoing communication about TWW’s compliance and improvements.
He said the township will advocate for emergency measures to support residents with specific health concerns and for more robust long-term reforms in TWW’s operations.
“Our residents deserve better, and we will continue to fight for the safety and quality of Ewing’s water supply,” Steinmann said.
He also reiterated that Ewing, along with Lawrence and Hamilton townships, have intervened in a lawsuit brought by DEP against TWW and will continue to use the litigation to ensure transparency and accountability in the utility’s operation.
Kevin Nerwinski, Lawrence Township’s municipal manager, called the situation “deeply troubling,” and also mentioned that township officials continue to advocate for the residents who are customers of TWW by intervening in the DEP lawsuit.
“It is incomprehensible that a single employee could control and manipulate critical monitoring data, potentially putting customers at risk with no checks and balances in place,” Nerwinski said.
“This is a major step back in the fight to
restore trust and confidence in the quality of the drinking water produced and distributed to TWW customers,” he said. “We demand much better.”
The state has said that TWW needs significant improvements to aging infrastructure, including its 7-acre, openair-reservoir that stores and provides already treated water to about 70 percent of TWW’s distribution system. The reservoir is in violation of a federal requirement that all outside reservoirs be covered.
In his statement, Gusciora gave assurances that the water is safe and that TWW has “taken decisive steps to strengthen oversight of our water sample collection process.”
He said that TWW’s measures include installing GPS trackers on fleet vehicles; pairing employees with supervisors; requiring photo documentation of sample sites; utilizing tablets with specialized software; and providing additional training.
“TWW’s water quality testing is comprehensive and adheres to federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act regulations,” Gusciora said.
He added that although DEP invalidated a portion of the data collected over the 13-month period, “I want to assure the public that at no point was the water provided to consumers unsafe to drink.”
ing legislation outlining new processes for determining and enforcing municipalities’ constitutional responsibility to provide affordable housing withing its borders.
“At this critical juncture in New Jersey, with soaring housing prices and limited housing stock, this legislation is essential,” said state Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, a primary sponsor of the bill. She added: “Furthermore, by streamlining the process for municipalities with clear guidance and deadlines, we aim to make fulfilling affordable housing obligations less daunting while effectively addressing the state’s affordable housing shortage.”
As required by the new law, the N.J. Department of Community Affairs released new affordable housing calculations for each municipality in October. The calculations outline the affordable housing needs for the period between 2025-2035.
In addition to the resolution, the law also requires municipalities to adopt a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan by June 30 this year.
Advocates for the provision of more affordable housing units in the state have praised the legislation.
“This new law ensures that New Jersey
will have one of the strongest frameworks in the U.S. to require affordable homes in historically exclusionary communities,” said Adam Gordon, executive director of the Fair Share Housing Center. “This will help tear down the walls that have denied too many in our state access to opportunity and create new affordable homes near jobs, schools and transportation.
Opponents, meanwhile, argue that the new law puts an unfair burden on municipalities without providing other necessary land use planning tools to provide for construction of the units.
A number of towns have filed lawsuits seeking to invalidate or modify the requirements, and many believe the process is overly complex. The towns argue that the calculations of their housing needs are too high and do not consider local conditions, such as zoning limitations or land capacity.
Mercer County Superior Court Judge Robert T. Lougy was scheduled to hear arguments on Dec. 20 from Montvale and almost 30 other towns seeking a stay of the deadlines as the case progresses.
To date, no town in Mercer County has joined the lawsuit.
“The growing number of municipalities joining this lawsuit highlights the deep frustration with Trenton’s unrealistic Fourth Round affordable housing man-
dates,” said Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali, who is leading a bipartisan coalition called “Local Leaders for Responsible Planning”
“Our coalition will continue to grow as we fight back against a broken system that imposes quotas requiring high density housing instead of thoughtful, community-driven solutions that support affordable housing,” Ghassali said.
Gordon responded to the litigation challenging the new law.
“The lawsuit will inevitably get thrown out in court,” he said. “It’s purely a smokescreen to undermine and delay the implementation of [the new law]. This lawsuit is nothing new—it’s supported by many of the same ultra-wealthy communities who have fought affordable housing for decades, every step of the way.” * * *
State officials said the new law was necessary to address ongoing challenges in fulfilling municipalities’ obligations to provide affordable housing under the state’s Mount Laurel doctrine and Fair Housing Act.
The Mount Laurel doctrine, which was established through a series of state Supreme Court rulings over multiple decades, requires municipalities to provide their “fair share” of affordable housing to low- and moderate-income
residents.
Problems arose, though, over the years as the process of determining and enforcing these obligations faced legal battles, delays and inconsistencies.
The previous system, overseen by the state Council on Affordable Housing, struggled with inefficiency, frequent litigation and a lack of clear standards— leading to a backlog of unmet housing needs. In 2015, the state Supreme Court transferred oversight of affordable housing obligations to the courts due to COAH’s dysfunction.
The state purpose of the law was to create a standardized framework, streamlining the calculation of housing needs and making municipalities more accountable for meeting their obligations.
By outlining a clear methodology for determining present and prospective housing needs and introducing specific criteria for identifying deficient housing, the law aims to resolve the confusion and delays that previously hindered the construction of affordable housing.
Under the new law, the Department of Community Affairs was made responsible for calculating both regional housing needs and individual municipal obligations for affordable housing under the latest “round” of requirements.
See AFFORDABLE, Page 10
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Rounds of affordable housing obligations refer to different periods during which municipalities’ responsibilities to provide affordable housing under the Mount Laurel doctrine were calculated and enforced.
The First Round (1987–1993) began after the creation of COAH in 1985 under the Fair Housing Act, which was the state’s first attempt to legislate the Supreme Court’s Mount Laurel decisions. It was COAH’s job to manage compliance with the Mount Laurel rulings.
COAH developed formulas to calculate each municipality’s obligation based on factors like population growth, housing needs and economic conditions.
The second round (1993–1999) extended the framework from the first round and added additional obligations for towns to address affordable housing.
The second round used similar formulas to the first, but it also refined the process for compliance. Towns could meet their obligations through various means, such as zoning for affordable housing, building units, or participating in regional contribution agreements (RCAs), where one municipality could transfer a portion of its housing obligation to another municipality.
The third round (2004–2015) was intended to cover the period from 2004 to 2018 but faced significant legal challenges and delays. COAH initially proposed new rules for the third round in 2004, but the rules were met with lawsuits, which led to years of legal challenges and confusion.
The third round introduced a new “growth share” model, which tied municipalities’ affordable housing obligations to their growth in both residential and nonresidential development. Towns would have to provide affordable housing based
on their rate of development.
The growth share approach was challenged in court, and in 2010, the N.J. Appellate Division ruled that the model was unconstitutional. This led to further delays, and in 2015, the state Supreme Court ruled that COAH had become dysfunctional. The court eventually transferred oversight of affordable housing back to the judicial system, allowing municipalities to work through the courts to meet their obligations rather than through COAH.
The fourth round (2025–2035) was designed to address the shortcomings of the third round. The new law focuses on ensuring that municipalities meet their affordable housing obligations and tasks the DCA with assessing the present and prospective needs of low- and moderateincome households across the state. This will be done using specific formulas outlined in the law to project Fourth Round housing needs.
Present and prospective need
The first step in this process was determining the “Present Need,” which is defined as the number of “substandard” housing units currently occupied by lowand moderate-income households.
The new affordable housing law defines deficient units as those that are overcrowded, over 50 years old, or lacking complete kitchen or plumbing facilities.
Region 4, which includes Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, the DCA has determined that there are currently 6,721 housing units that meet the definition of present need.
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
HOMETOWN AGENT
HOMETOWN AGENT
1260 Route 33 South
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
In order to meet present need, towns will need to create rehabilitation programs to help renovate and preserve existing affordable housing units. One way to do this, for example, would be to offer grants or low-interest loans to homeowners or landlords to improve substandard units.
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Counselor
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Insurance Counselor
Counselor
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The second, and in most towns, larger piece of the affordable housing puzzle is the prospective need obligation—the number of housing units needed to provide for low- and moderate-income residents over the next 10 years.
1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690
1260 Route 33 South
1260 Route 33 South
1260 Route 33 South
Hamilton, NJ 08690
1260 Route 33 South
1260 Route 33 South
1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690
1260 Route 33 South
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Hamilton, NJ 08690
The state calculated the number based on projections of population change, employment growth, economic trends and development potential in the state’s six housing regions.
Population change was estimated by comparing 2010 and 2020 Census data. If household growth was positive, it was divided by 2.5 to estimate the need for affordable housing.
gen, Hudson, Passaic, Sussex), 27,743 units; Region 2 (Essex, Morris, Union, Warren), 20,506; Region 3 (Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset), 11,604; Region 4 (Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean), 13,822; Region 5 (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester), 9,134; and Region 6 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem), 1,889.
Nonresidential property values, income levels and land availability were calculated using data from local property assessments, census income figures, and land use maps. They were combined to assign each municipality its housing obligation.
The regional prospective need was distributed to municipalities based on their economic resources and land capacity, with adjustments to ensure fairness.
The following are the requirements for area towns released by the DCA in October based on the above criteria:
Hamilton Township must provide for the second highest number of new units in Mercer County under the new numbers released by DCA. Its present need is 186 units, and its prospective need is 546 units. West Windsor Township must provide for the highest number of new units in Mercer County. The township’s present need is 61 units, and its prospective need is 661 units.
Municipalities are now required to create plans to meet these needs through zoning changes, building projects, or other measures, often in cooperation with developers or nonprofit housing organizations.
The law contains provisions outlining how municipalities may receive “bonus credits” that allows units of affordable housing to be credited as 1.5 or 2 units in certain circumstances. It allows towns to satisfy up to 25% of their housing obligation through these incentives.
They include housing for individuals with special needs, partnerships with non-profit developers, transit-adjacent housing, large units with at least three bedrooms, housing exceeding very lowincome thresholds, and projects on previously developed land.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility for low- and moderateincome affordable housing is based on household income relative to the area’s median income, adjusted for household size. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines income limits for very low, low, and moderateincome households.
Very low-income households can earn up to 30% of the median income, lowincome households up to 50%, and moderate-income households earn up to 80%. These income limits vary by county and household size.
For example, in the Mercer County region, the 2024 income limits for very low-income households are $44,100 for one person, $50,400 for two, $56,700 for three, and $62,950 for four. Low-income households have limits ranging from $68,500 for one person to $129,100 for eight. Moderate-income limits range from $109,600 for one person to $210,000 for eight.
Each town offers a variety of affordable housing, including for-sale and rental units; senior communities; housing for people with disabilities and special needs; and group homes. According to the Department of Community Affairs website, Hamilton Township offers 1,051 units of affordable housing at 21 sites. For more information on the municipality’s affordable housing program and how to apply, call (609) 890-3675 or go to hamiltonnj.com/Housing.
St. Gregory the Great Academy
Open House
St. Gregory the Great Academy
Open House
January 26, 2025 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Open House
January 26, 2025 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
January 26, 2025 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
play the sport they love. After working in corrections at the Trenton psychiatric ward, Nicole became a licensed practical nurse and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
for her. Our away games at Pop Warner she had to drive an hour or more. If she didn’t do that we wouldn’t even be playing high school football right now.”
In the midst of all that, her sons were still the focus.
A 2014 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
• Enrolling children in Pre-K3 - Grade 7
When they started playing in the Hamilton Flag Football League before moving on to play Pop Warner, Nicole and Stephanie did all they could to get them where they had to be.
“I just made sure they were at every practice, every game and that we would be at anything they had going on,” said Nicole, who also has a 27-year-old daughter. “I’d always have my mom by my side. She would buy a pair of cleats for one and I’d buy a pair of cleats for the other.
“It’s just been me and my mom. But when I lived (in Bromley) a neighbor used to go out there and throw the ball with them.”
Nicole’s dedication is not lost on the twins.
Obviously, Richards is thankful for mom’s efforts. Nicole not only helped them in football, but raised them to be polite, kind and courteous. Mention their names to a Steinert faculty member and the immediate response is, “What great kids they are.”
“She deserves a lot of credit for everything she does for them,” Richards said. “She stays on top of them academically. She wears a lot of hats in the household. It shows through the type of people they are. Anytime you talk to them, they’re always smiling. They’re just so happy and feel so fortunate and just want to be the best type of people. That’s a testament to the type of mom she is.”
A 2014 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
• Extended Day Program until 5:45pm
• Financial Assistance Available
• Enrolling children in Pre-K3 - Grade 7
“My mom has been my number one supporter,” Isaac said. “I wouldn’t be here without her. She’s a strong woman and sacrificed a lot for me and my brother.”
Nicole, whose dad Bobby Pate played MLB for the Montreal Expos in the early 1980s, was born in Denver before moving to Hamilton. Although the twins were born in New Jersey, they adopted mom’s hometown and adorned their room with Denver Broncos posters.
• Extended Day Program until 5:45pm
A 2014 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
4680 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ
Isaiah was in full agreement.
• Enrolling children in Pre-K3 - Grade 7
• Financial Assistance Available
StGregorytheGreatAcademy.org
• Extended Day Program until 5:45pm
4680 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ
• Financial Assistance Available
StGregorytheGreatAcademy.org
4680 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ StGregorytheGreatAcademy.org
“She plays a big role in this,” he said. “We wouldn’t be where we’re at if it wasn’t
“They’re off of that now,” Nicole said. “We just like whoever is doing good. Except for the Chiefs, they’re winning too much.”
Since their grandfather was a pro, the
ATING
twins attempted baseball, but were bored hitting off of a tee. Thus they tried the gridiron. After flag football, Nicole was worried about their size when it came to Pop Warner, but it quickly became a non-issue.
“They weren’t just good football players, but good young men off the field,” Hamilton Revolution coach George Kloutis said.
Nicole needed a little work learning the game, however.
“One time we got a touchdown and she yelled out ‘Interception!’’ Isaac said.
“Over time she learned the rules,” assured Isaiah.
Upon entering Steinert, both played on the Spartans freshman team, but Isaac
broke his collarbone in the third game and missed the remainder of the season.
“It was very frustrating,” he said. “I wanted to play so bad. I tried to go in the last game but the doctors wouldn’t let me.”
As sophomores, both made varsity, which could have opened Richards up to a lot of second-guessing for playing two sophomores so small in physical stature.
“When you know what they’re going to be up against, there is definitely some risk,” the coach said. “But the moment you have a conversation or you see them put pads on — in the first three practices we noted they were two of our most physical players in the varsity program at
See PATE, Page 14
Steinert’s Isaac Pate, right, with the Rich Fornaro award and Hamilton’s Jamal Coates, who won the Bill McEvoy award in this year’s Thanksgiving game. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)
around 130 pounds.
“I know it’s something they take pride in. That undersized, underdog feeling is something that resonates with him. It showed after the first practice. After we saw them in pads it didn’t take much to alleviate any doubt regarding their ability to play at the varsity level as far as physicality goes.”
In 10th grade, Isaac led the team in rushing with 501 yards and five touchdowns. Both alternated time at cornerback and combined for 33-½ tackles.
This past season, Isaac exploded with 1,138 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He had TD runs of 80 yards against Nottingham and 68 yards against West. Pate also manned a corner spot and had 33 tackles.
“My whole life I’ve been fast,” he said. “Once I dont see anyone in front of me I’m gone. I just feel once I accelerate it’s gonna be hard for someone to take me down. And our offensive line did a wonderful job. If they didn’t open up the gaps I wouldn’t have gotten my 1,000 yards.”
Isaac is not only fast, he is tough to bring down despite his size.
“He’s one of the more special ball carriers that I’ve seen in my time coaching,” Richards said. “He runs very violently too. Sometimes people see his size and look
at his weight and they’re thinking about his speed. He tried to run through people countless times this year, he’s put people on their back who kind of underestimated him based on his size. And he has a level of explosion that I haven’t really seen too many times at the high school level.”
Isaiah became a fulltime starter at corner this year and became one of the top outside defenders in Mercer County. He made 40 tackles, had two interceptions, and caused quarterbacks to look elsewhere for a receiver.
Pate loves the pressure of being on an island and credits Richards and defensive coordinator Joe Washington for getting the defensive backs ready.
“I’m always trying to stay at his hip,” Isaiah said. “I always have to keep him in front of me, don’t let him get behind me. If he gets behind me then something bad can happen. This year I thought I did a very good job keeping them in front of me.
“I like how I’m the only one on the outside so I play a big role on the defense. If I don’t break up a pass then it’s a touchdown. I feel like certain people can only be a corner, you have to have the right mindset.”
Isaiah has it, according to his coach.
“Isaiah is cool, calm and collected at all times,” Richards said. ‘He plays the game cerebral in terms of understanding his
had games where he set the edge for us pretty consistently as the year went on.”
The twins were so impressive on Thanksgiving that Cleve Christie, known mostly for coaching basketball at Solebury Prep in Pennsylvania and running hoop showcases, touched base with Nicole after the game and is now sponsoring training sessions for them in Ewing during the off-season.
It’s not surprising, as the brothers make an impression on everyone they meet. And of course, they are impressed by each other.
“We have a great relationship; we’re always together,” Isaiah said. “We help each other with football a lot. Even outside of practices we always threw the ball together.”
Isaac added: “I’m gonna put it this way — if he gets hurt, I feel the pain.”
assignment and understanding what the offense is going to present to us defensively. He’s really honed in on his ability to do that. He’s not as twitchy as Isaac but he’s a smooth rangy type of athlete that guys have a lot of struggles getting separation from.
“Isaiah doesn’t get a lot of credit for his ability to tackle in space. You talk to any opposing coach and they’ll talk about the way Isaiah is able to tackle in space. We
Nottingham Ballroom
If either of them gets hurt, Nicole feels the pain. But after their two years on varsity, she feels nothing but pride.
“I’m just happy for them,” she said. “They were so determined, I just knew they were gonna be good. I just worried about their height. But I’m just very blessed to have good sons with good manners.”
They feel just as blessed to have a strong mother and grandmother to help raise them that way.
A Perfect Location for Your Special Event!
The Nottingham Ballroom is available to host a wide variety of events. It has been beautifully renovated with new flooring, ceiling, and fresh paint It is centrally located in the heart of Hamilton Square, NJ and is one of the largest halls in the Mercer County area
If you are planning A wedding, birthday party, graduation, holiday party, whatever your celebration may be, the Nottingham Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests.
The all-wooden ballroom floor is perfect for dancing the night away! Reach out to us today!
Contact our Program Coordinator: Caroline DeLellis Phone: 609-689-5846
Email: NottinghamBallroom@HamiltonNJ com
An undated photo of the young Pate twins in Pop Warner football uniforms.
Capital Health Medical Center –Hopewell
Named
to U.S.
News & World Report 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Capital Health Medical Center –Hopewell as a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
Capital Health is one of 25 hospitals in New Jersey and the only hospital in the Greater Mercer County area to earn this recognition. This is the second consecutive year that Capital Health earned a place on the U.S. News High Performing Hospitals list for Maternity Care and the third time in four years since U.S. News published its first list of Best Hospitals for Maternity. In April 2024, Capital Health was also recognized by U.S. News for achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complication among black patients.
U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. Best Hospitals for Maternity Care assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meets their family’s needs.
Capital Health Medical Center –Hopewell earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by
factors such as severe unexpected newborn complication rates, birthingfriendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.
“Being named a high performing hospital by U.S. News & World Report means a lot for everyone involved in our Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell,” said Kira Przybylko, medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Capital Health. “For the incredible teams at our Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center, it validates their dedication to providing the highest level of care to expectant mothers. For the communities we serve, it lets them know they can count on us to help their growing families get off to the healthiest and safest start possible.”
U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States. Only
half of all hospitals evaluated for U.S. News’ 2025 ratings edition have been recognized as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
“The hospitals recognized by U.S. News as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.”
The Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell makes up the most complete maternity facility in the area. From routine deliveries to highrisk needs, staff at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell provide a full range of prenatal, obstetrical, postpartum, and neonatal care options so newborns have the greatest chance for a healthy start. The designated Regional Perinatal Center provides neonatal care, including Mercer County’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for at-risk births. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/maternity.
New Year, New Smile
Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is the only hospital in the Greater Mercer County area to earn recognition from U.S. News & World Report for maternity services.
Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute
Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy
Pain.
It gnaws at you. It drains you. It becomes the focus of your life.
Experiencing a few pain-free moments can be euphoric; it makes you realize how long you’ve been living with aches and pain. You might wonder how you can find a solution to relieve the pain and regain your freedom from discomfort.
Dr. Ronak Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute wants you to know there are two new revolutionary answers to pain relief.
Both platelet-rich therapyotherwise known as PRP - and stem cell therapy give patients new hope by using the body’s powerful healing power to accelerate the battle against pain. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success implementing these cuttingedge treatments on hundreds of patients suffering from pain-related issues.
Hamilton Dental Associates
2025: The Year of the New Smile!
Smile, it’s a new year! A time that for many means resolutions, and a renewed commitment to health and improvement. A healthy smile is a big part of that, and now you can care for your and your family’s teeth all in one place. When families come to HDA, they are happy because they can take care of their own dental needs while everyone in their family’s oral health is being looked after at the same time. “It’s a win-win,” commented Dr. Irving Djeng, pediatric dentist, “kids get attentive, gentle treatment by a dedicated, specialist team that works only with kids, while parents and adult patients are cared for by our experienced adult staff right down the hall.” Dr. Lauren Levine, pediatric dentist, also commented, “We go to great lengths to make the children feel comfortable because we know that teaching children good oral hygiene at a very young age prepares them for a lifetime of healthy smiles.”
You may have heard the term
winter wellness
So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline.
• Osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tear
• Back pain
• Meniscus tears
• Tennis elbow
• Disc herniations
• Tendonitis
• Neck pain
Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures.
Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable.
PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage. So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small
6-Month Dental Recall, but what does that mean? A “recall” or “dental recall” visit is a regularly scheduled checkup appointment to help dentists have an ongoing knowledge of the status of their patients’ oral health. These visits are vital to both practice and patients. The more often a patient can meet with their dentist, the better care that doctor can provide. The frequency of appointments is determined by each dentist and usually coincides with a hygienist visit, usually every 6 months or twice a year. A recurring 6 month recall to your dentist is so important to supporting oral and overall bodily health, that many insurance companies outright cover many of recall services included in the visit!
The basic components of the preventive dental appointment consist of:
• Review and update medical and dental history
• Blood pressure screening
• Oral cancer examination
•Examination of the teeth and periodontal tissues (i.e. gum tissue and supporting bone). This includes a visual examination for signs of dental caries (cavities), other problems with the teeth (chips, broken fillings, etc.), looking for signs of inflammation and
vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered.
Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.
Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease.
For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress
infection, and periodontal probing, which measures the depth of the gum pocket.
• Radiographic exam. The content and timing of dental x-rays can vary and are customized to the needs and disease susceptibility of the patient. The dental team weighs risk vs. benefits when taking dental x-rays, keeping radiation exposure to a minimum
•An actual prophylaxis (cleaning) to mechanically remove any build up or plaque from tooth surfaces.
•Application of a topical fluoride agent, when indicated.
Usually at the end of the appointment, the dentist will review all the findings and radiographs, make any necessary diagnoses, and recommend treatment, if indicated.
Hamilton Dental Associates (HDA) has been serving Hamilton and the Greater Central New Jersey area for over 50 years. While HDA’s roots are in pediatric dentistry, they also specialize in adult and cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, and endodontics. Patients are treated by specialists in their field. For example, orthodontic treatment is done by an orthodontic specialist, and patients requiring
inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue. And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost! Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an appointment and learn more.
a root canal will be treated by an endodontist — a dentist who specializes in root canals. It’s all done under one roof which is time saving and eliminates the need for multiple referrals.
Come see what all the smiling is about! To request an appointment, call 609-586-6603 or visit HamiltonDental. com. Locations are 2929 Klockner Road and 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton, New Jersey.
Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing your smile!
Dr. Ronak Patel MD
Choose the network that handles all aspects of
From state-of-the-art technology to the most specialized team in New Jersey, our network offers the most complete heart and vascular care. Whether you have hypertension, heart disease or a child with a heart issue, our team of nurses, cardiologists and heart surgeons deliver comprehensive, compassionate care. Our highly coordinated approach to patient care ensures that you can focus on improved health and wellness – and get your heart off your mind. Make a plan at rwjbh.org/heart
The Dental Difference
Mini Dental Implants: A True Innovation in Dentistry
Mini Dental Implants (MDIs) have changed the face of implant dentistry. Unlike traditional implant placement, where multiple dental visits are often required, MDIs can eliminate the need for extensive surgery. The most common use for MDIs is the stabilization of dentures and overdentures. MDIs firmly anchor the dental prosthesis, which means there is no longer a need to suffer with illfitting, loose and ANNOYING dentures! MDIs are designed to eliminate elaborate bone grafting and to expedite treatment. Traditional implants may require significant bone grafting and a longer recovery period. The latent period allows the anchor of the implant to properly embed itself into the jawbone. The smaller size of MDIs means that no recovery period is possible, and the denture can be fitted the same day.
What are the advantages of MDI placement?
MDIs are a true innovation for people who are reluctant to have invasive dental surgery and who are suffering denture wearers. One significant advantage MDIs have over traditional implants is that they offer a viable treatment choice for patients who have experienced extensive bone loss. Depending on the quality and density of jawbone available at the implant site, four or more of these mini implants may be implanted at one time. The most common use for MDIs is to stabilize a lower denture, however they can be placed anywhere in the mouth.
Other advantages associated with MDIs may include:
• Better smelling breath
• More self-esteem
• Clearer speech
• Easier chewing and biting
• Easier cleaning
• Firmer denture fit
• Good success rate
• Less denture discomfort
• No cutting or sutures
• No need for adhesives or messy
bonding agents
• No rotting food beneath the denture
• No slipping or wobbling
• Quick treatment time
• Reduced costs
How are mini dental implants placed?
The whole mini dental implant placement procedure takes approximately one hour. Generally, in the case of lower jaw implants, four to six MDIs will be placed about 5mm apart. Prior to inserting MDIs, Dr. Mosmen will use many diagnostic and planning tools to find the optimal location to implant them.
After placement, a denture will be modified and affixed to the MDIs. The rubber O-ring on each MDI snaps into the designated spot on the denture, and the denture then rests snugly on the gum tissue. MDIs hold the denture comfortably in a tight-fitting way for the lifetime of that implant.
In almost all cases, no stitching is required, and no real discomfort is felt after the procedure. When the denture placement procedure is complete, light eating can be resumed. The
denture can be removed and cleaned at will. MDIs enhance the natural beauty of the smile and restore full functionality to the teeth.
If you have any questions about mini dental implants, please call Dr. Kevin Mosmen for a FREE consultation appointment to see if you’re a candidate for this procedure or traditional implants.
The Dental Difference – 2131 Route 33, Suite A, Hamilton, NJ 08690. 609-445-3577. www. thedentaldifference.com.
10 Tips for a Healthy Winter Season
Here are ten tips to help you keep your heart and overall health in check during the winter months:
1. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Even a brisk walk can help maintain cardiovascular health.
2. Eat Mindfully: Balance indulgent treats with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
3. Limit Alcohol: Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Women should aim for no more than one drink per day.
4. Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself to manage stress.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you are enjoying hot beverages like cocoa or cider.
6. Prioritize Sleep: Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
7. Dress Warmly: Protect yourself from the cold by dressing in layers and wearing appropriate winter gear.
8. Stay Connected: Spend time with loved ones and maintain social connections, which are important for mental health.
Source: American Heart Association
9. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on what you are thankful for and consider giving back to your community.
10. Plan for the New Year: Set realistic health goals for the year to maintain motivation and focus.
Together, we’re keeping you safe and healthy this winter. To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists or to learn more about our services, call 855-571-2500 or visit rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare.
Dr. Kevin Mosmen
• Back Pain and Neck Pain
• PRP & Stem Cell Therapy
• Knee Osteoarthritis Injections
• Non-Surgical Orthopedics
• Double Board Certified Pain Management Physician
Dr. Ronak Patel
• Regenerative medicine goes beyond disease management to search for and discover therapies that support the body in repairing, regenerating and restoring itself to a state of well-being.
• What are stem cells? Stem cells are the bank cells within your body that can morph in many different types of cell depending on what your body needs them for. Stem cells are your body’s repair systems.
• What is PRP? PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. PRP is created from a sample of your own blood, which is drawn from the patient and then put into a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of your blood.
• Am I a candidate for PRP or stem cell therapy? If you have pain due to injury, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or any other condition, you are a candidate for cell-based therapy. Whether you are looking to heal from a traumatic injury, or regenerate older or diseased tissues, PRP or cell-based therapy could be something to help you heal and restore lost function and mobility.
Wilke sisters have Stars’ hoops foes seeing double SPORTS
By rich FiSher
When spectators at Nottingham High girls’ basketball games are watching the Wilke twins in action, many probably aren’t aware of an interesting fact.
They aren’t just twins. They are half of a set of senior quadruplets that are all contributing to the Northstar community.
Matthew is a senior on the wrestling team and Austin is in the school band, while Emma and Kaitlin will form the Northstars starting backcourt this winter
after teaming on the soccer team in the fall.
“We’re very busy but we have a nice bond,” Kaitlin said. “Since we started driving, my mom (Ann) has gotten a little break but before that she was driving everybody around and it was crazy.”
Indeed, as a single mom, Ann Wilke was responsible for getting five kids all over the place (older brother Nick played soccer at Notre Dame). The quads now share two cars and they have group chats
See WILKE, Page 24
Emma and Katie Wilke — two of four quadruplets who are students at Nottingham — are the starting backcourt for the Northstars this season. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)
Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.
a featured speaker and panelist regarding issues in nursing home litigation and has worked to obtain favorable decisions on behalf of nursing home residents, including a notable case involving forced arbitration. Her efforts have resulted in millions of dollars for her injured clients. Together, PR&A and Ms. Warfel will provide unrelenting representation to nursing home clients to ensure they are compensated fairly.
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to decide who gets the vehicles according to the events. Prior to that, however...
“Getting all of the kids to their practices and activities was definitely a challenge when they were younger,” Ann said. “Sometimes, I would have to be in two or four places at once. I would drive back and forth between their different activities doing pickups and drop offs.
“Fortunately, I have a very close village of family and friends that have helped me over the years with getting all of my kids to their various practices. I have a few friends that my girls, especially, consider “second moms.”
Northstars coach Kyle James is happy for Ann’s Uber service during those pre-driving years, as Emma was the team’s leading scorer last season with a 13.1 scoring average, and Katie will take over as the fulltime point guard this season.
“Emma is great at always coming to practice ready to go,” James said. “She’s been pushing herself. She knows what she needs to work on. She’ll come in during the off-season. Sometimes she’ll be the only one to
reach out to me in the summertime and say, ‘Hey let’s get this work in.’
That’s a testament to her character and that’s how she’s progressed over the years.
“This year she’s working on ball handling a little, but she has her shot, she keeps improving and that’s all you can ask for.”
During the previous two seasons, Maddox Casiano usually set Emma up for her points. This year, it will be her sister’s responsibility.
“Katie’s trying to be in that role that Maddox had last year, and she’ll try and take some of the scoring pressure off her too,” James said.
“She scores less than Emma. This year she’ll be the one facilitating everything and trying to take that ball-handling out of other people’s hands.
“They’re both great kids. They both have a lot to offer. Emma is known as the basketball player, but they’ve done every sport together except in spring when Katie does track and Emma does lacrosse.”
Emma will be the one opposing teams focus on this season, at least in the early going. She was second on the team in scoring with a 7.3 average as a sophomore, and has been a
perimeter threat all three years. She had 13 3-pointers as a freshman and led the Stars with 17 as a junior and 18 last year.
“I want to hopefully get about 15 (points) a game,” Emma said. “Maybe shoot my three-pointers better than I did last year. I like to shoot but it depends on what the defense is doing. I’ll do either; I’ll drive to the basket but I like shooting.”
James noted that Emma can also find open teammates for assists when necessary, and feels her offense overshadows her defense.
“She’s kind of underrated in that she will take the lead and try to defend the other team’s best player to start the game and end the game in certain situations,” the coach said.
And when it comes to her scoring, James added that “she says she likes shooting but if you look at her, she loves scoring in transition and we’re working on her to get that pump fake. She’s a pure shooter from outside and if she has the open lane she’ll take it in.”
Emma is excited to know that her lifelong friend will be running the offense.
“Katie’s always been a point
See WILKE, Page 26
DON’T LET THE STATE TAKE YOUR ESTATE
Kathleen Scott Chasar, Esq.
Peace of Mind.
guard,” she said. “In middle school she was the point guard and I was the shooting guard. She does all that, and she’s scrappy on defense; she’s really scrappy getting the rebounds, taking charges, trying to get the ball from the other team. She does all the work behind the scenes.”
The chemistry between the two certainly helps, both on the soccer field and basketball court.
“We have a really good bond,” Katie said. “We’ve been playing so many sports since we were young. Every sport we’ve played, we’ve been playing together. We always know where each other will be.”
It all started back in Our Lady of Sorrows, and could continue into next year as the sisters have had conversations with Mercer County Community College coach Bob Fusik.
“Emma, Katie and (Stars teammate) Gabby Nobile have played basketball together since second grade through the CYO league,” Ann said. “Being sisters, they are so in tune with each other. They anticipate each other’s next move, and can communicate without even talking. At home, they watch WNBA games together, run together, play basketball in the driveway together, and even watch film together. They have a built-in best friend with each other.”
Emma likes the fact that she and her sister are able to bounce suggestions off of each other.
“We go on runs together, we do oneon-one in the driveway, we watch film together, trying to see each other’s perspective on everything,” she said. “We see what we did well in the game, what we did wrong in the game. So it’s not just our own perspective.”
* * *
As for their mom’s perspective, Ann can take justifiable pride in knowing that she raised four children of the same age who have become stellar students and strong contributors to the Stars Galaxy. She feels the school has helped in that.
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Nottingham community,” Ann said. “It is truly a family. The teachers, coaches, and administrators are so friendly and helpful. Matt, Emma, Katie, and Austin are all involved in something at Nottingham. From sports to band to National Honor Society, the quads have really made the most of their time at Nottingham.
“It is so nice to see the girls play basketball with some of their very best friends. The team really has formed a strong bond over the past four years.”
Almost as strong as the bond that runs through the Wilke household.
DOG LICENSE REMINDER
All Hamilton resident dog owners must license their dog(s) for 2025 between Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2025
The Hamilton Township Division of Health requires that all dogs over 6 months of age be licensed with Hamilton Township.
How to license:
Fees:
Online: www.HamiltonNJ.com/DogLicense
At the Animal Shelter: 2100 Sylvan Ave, Hamilton, NJ 08610
Questions? Call the Animal Shelter: 609-890-3555
Spayed or Neutered: $18
(Senior Citizen Fee: $2)
Non-Spayed or Non-Neutered: $21
(Senior Citizen Fee: $5)
Late fees begin March 1, 2025
What you need to apply:
Proof of current rabies vaccine, which must be valid through December 1, 2025
Proof if dog is spayed or neutered ID, if requesting senior discount
Accepted payments: cash, money order, checks and major credit cards
www.HamiltonNJ.com/DogLicense
Need a rabies vaccination?
The Hamilton Township Division of Health offers free rabies immunizations for residents’ dogs and cats If your dog/cat needs a rabies vaccination please schedule an appointment at one of the upcoming clinics in 2025: January 11, 9am-1pm January 25, 9am-1pm February 8, 9am-1pm March 8, 9am-12pm
RECORDATORIO DE LICENCIA PARA PERROS
Todos los dueños de perros residentes de Hamilton deben obtener una licencia para su(s) perro(s) para 2025 entre el 1 de enero y el 28 de febrero de 2025.
La División de Salud de Hamilton Township exige que todos los perros mayores de 6 meses tengan una licencia de Hamilton Township.
Cómo obtener una licencia:
En línea: www.HamiltonNJ.com/DogLicense
En el refugio de animales: 2100 Sylvan Ave, Hamilton, NJ 08610
¿Preguntas? Llame al refugio de animales: 609-890-3555
Honorarios:
Esterilizados o Castrados: $18
Tarifa para personas mayores: $2
No esterilizados o no castrados: $21
Tarifa para personas mayores: $5
Los cargos por pagos atrasados comienzan el 1 de marzo de 2025
Lo que necesitas para aplicar:
Comprobante de vacuna antirrábica vigente, que debe tener validez hasta el 1 de diciembre de 2025
Prueba si el perro está esterilizado o castrado
DNI, si solicita descuento para personas mayores
Pagos aceptados: efectivo, giro postal, cheques y las tarjetas de crédito
Visit www.HamiltonNJ.com/RabiesClinics or call 609-890-3555 to pre-register for a clinic.
www.HamiltonNJ.com/DogLicense
¿Necesita una vacuna contra la rabia?
La División de Salud del municipio de Hamilton ofrece vacunas contra la rabia gratuitas para los perros y gatos de los residentes. Si su perro/gato necesita una vacuna contra la rabia, programe una cita en una de las próximas clínicas en 2025: 11 de enero, 9am-1pm 25 de enero, 9am-1pm 8 de febrero, 9am-1pm 8 de marzo, 9am-12pm
Visite www.HamiltonNJ.com/RabiesClinics o llame 609-890-3555 para preinscribirse en una clínica : 5:
Experience the Juniper Difference
Juniper’s H’art and Soul of Dining signature program is about more than great food –it is a joyous social experience that nourishes our bodies and spirits. Come dine with us and learn why Juniper Village at Hamilton is the area’s most welcoming assisted living community.
Please call 609.439.6859 to schedule a personal tour and complimentary lunch and see what all the excitement is about before we are SOLD-OUT!
Juniper Village at Hamilton 1750 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Hamilton.Sales@JuniperCommunities.com
ASSISTED LIVING I MEMORY CARE
By rich FiSher
When Katilyn Firestine arrived at Hamilton West, adapting to the rigors of everyday high school life was just one of her learning experiences. She also decided to try two sports that she had never done competitively in her life.
Flash forward to her senior year, and it seems Firestine made the right decision.
She just completed her third season as a stellar varsity performer on the field hockey team, and her senior season of swimming got underway impressively as she recorded three first-place finishes and one second in a dual meet win over Nottingham, and one first, two seconds and a third in a loss to Steinert.
“I played soccer for a decent portion of my life, but in high school I didn’t see myself playing soccer anymore,” Firestine said. “I wanted to try something new and I ended up really liking it.”
As for swimming, she followed in the footsteps of big sister Alyssa, who graduated the year before Kaitlyn arrived.
Alyssa was a top swimmer for the Hornets who also played soccer at West and for Mercer County Community College.
“My sister swam and told me I should try it; that it’s a family environment, it’s fun, everyone gets along,” Firestine said. “It kind of pushed me to try it out and see if I would like it. I ended up liking it a lot and it became a motivation to push myself to do better every day.”
As it turned out, Alyssa is now her coach for a second straight year as a Hornet assistant.
“I actually coached Alyssa too; so it’s pretty cool to be coaching with her older sister,” head coach Jessica Kontorowicz said. “They actually swim pretty similarly; they have such a beautiful stroke. Kaitlyn
Firestine is a senior captain for Hamilton Hornets’ swimming.
always maintains her composure. She has speed, she’s always doing the right thing. She’s our senior captain. She’s really quiet but leads by example as our strongest girls’ swimmer.”
Alyssa admitted she never thought she would be coaching her sister, and said, “It’s definitely interesting. I give her a lot more tips in and out of practice. She works hard. She doesn’t get too upset over losses. She really stands out for the team and makes a big impression on everyone.”
As for the Firestine parents, Alyssa said, “they think it’s hilarious she’s follow-
Kaitlyn
Like most siblings, they will have their disagreements, but both say they are very limited and they get along well. Kaitlyn refers to Alyssa as “my best friend” and enjoys having her help in the pool.
“It’s actually really cool,” she said. “She knows I can do better than what I put out. She sees the potential I have. And no matter how bad I think I did, she always says ‘You did good,’ or gives me little tips telling me I could do better. She always pushes me to my full potential.”
It took a while to reach that potential, but Firestine exploded last season. Swimming predominantly the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay, she collected 11 first-place finishes, 11 seconds and 12 thirds while also reaching the finals of the Mercer County Tournament. Firestine considered the highlight of the season the 1:02 split time she swam in the 400 free relay at the MCTs.
This year she is looking to break her personal bests in the fly (1:40) and the free (2:31). And while those are her main events, Firestine has the versatility to swim elsewhere. Last year she won twice in the 100 free and took a third in the 500 free.
“Anything I throw her into, she’ll do,” Kontorowicz said. “If I’m running low on girls and I need someone to throw in
there, she can do anything. I can put her anywhere and I know she’ll succeed.”
Firestine has built her way up to where she is now. As a freshman she swam the 50 and 100 free along with all free relays, but only had a total of 10 races that season. Still, her coach saw the potential despite the fact Firestine was not a club swimmer.
“She was pretty polished,” Kontorowicz said. “What I’ve noticed the past four years is just the way she swims and her stroke, it’s very rare to see how she swims. She’s super smooth. She’s fast, she’s always doing the right thing. Her flip turns, everything from start to finish she’s always very cool, calm and just smooth. That’s the best way to describe her.”
As a sophomore, Firestine mainly did the 100 and 200 free, with the other freestyles and a backstroke sprinkled in. Last season, she found her niche in fly and 200 free.
“Our coach pushed us to do a lot of butterfly (in practice) my freshman year,” Firestine said. “We did a lot of core work and that helps over time doing the butterfly. My junior year I started doing it as a race. They kind of just put me in the 200 free. From doing the 500 free it was an easier transition to the 200 and it kind of became a habit.”
See FIRESTINE, Page 30
MEGAN S. SEIBER, ESQ. ATTORNEY AT LAW
■ Wills, Living Wills, POA, Codicil ■ Mental Health Power of Attorney ■ Deed Transfers
Founded in 2020, JANS is family owned and operated. Our name is a combination of the four members of our family, and serves as a constant reminder that we are a family first organization. The founder, Angel Torres, has more than 10 years of experience with in-home care. He is passionate about caring for people and has built a company of likeminded individuals in order to provide top of the line care that you can count on.
No two individuals are alike and no two cares plans are alike. JANS will offer you a customized plan. We specialize in meeting with our families, understanding their needs, requirements and resources to build a plan that will work specifically for them. We do not provide a cookie cutter offering, because we know how special each person is.
JANS Caregiver Services can provide the following therapeutic services in home care, both short and long term.
Short Term:
• Post Surgery • Post Injury • Short term disability
Long Term:
• Elder Care • Memory Issues • Mobility Issues
We are trained and certified to assist with the following chronic health conditions:
• Personalized In Home Care • Basic Grooming • Bathing
• Feeding and Specialized Diet needs
• Light housekeeping including (laundry, dishes, vacuum)
• Meal Preparation (Including special diet needs and restrictions)
• Medication Reminders • Mobility Assistance • Personal Hygiene
• Physical Therapy Assistance/ Continuation of care plan
• Toileting and Incontinent Care • Transferring and Positioning
• Companion and Security Care • Spending time in conversation
• Card and Board Games
• Puzzles and other activities that stimulate active thinking
• Providing the security of loved one not home alone
• Provide a presence in the neighborhood so that loved one is not always alone
For more information call 609-756-9089 or email info@janscaregiverservices.com. janscaregiverservices.com.
ORTHODONTICS
FIRESTINE continued from Page 29
A winning habit, as Firestine had 11 top-three finishes in the 200, including four firsts.
Kontorowicz hopes for more of the same this season.
“I’m looking for her to hit first or near first,” the coach said. “Even the harder schools we swim against, like Princeton or one of those schools, she keeps up with them. We’ll have her do the fly or freestyle in the medley relay and I usually put her at anchor in the 400 relay because she’s pretty quick.”
Firestine is a rarity in that she is a solid swimmer without a club background.
“I swam in my grandparents’ pool but never swam competitively,” she said. “I didn’t learn the strokes until my freshman year and I picked up on it really easily. As a freshman I had an injury but my lane was very willing to help me with each stroke. They helped out and explained things. I had a lot of mentors who pushed me to my full potential in swimming.”
It’s now time for Firestine to set the example. Although she has a quiet demeanor, her actions speak volumes.
“She leads by example,” Kontorowicz said. “She’s the first one in the pool, she’s always doing the right thing. She’s not very loud but when she needs to be she’ll stand up and be heard. She’s a really good
role model for the younger kids that come in. A lot of times we put her in the other lanes with them. We have her show different strokes and she’s always demonstrating when needed. She’s super helpful.”
Firestine gives of herself to others while also dealing with a busy schedule. She is outstanding in the classroom and works at MCCC as a lifeguard and at Halo Pub selling ice cream. Her role as a leader is tested by the fact Hamilton must practice and swim meets at Steinert, which is not the best way to develop a close-knit group.
“It’s hard not having our own pool,” Kontorowicz said. “She balances work and school and she just has a lot going on. But she’s someone who never misses practice. She’s here every day. It’s hard to find swimmers at Hamilton West that can hang with club swimmers on other teams, so she does that and it’s impressive.”
What’s also impressive is her future goals, as Firestine will attend Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. to study architecture.
“My dad is really big on building his own stuff, he went to school for architecture,” Firestine said. “I’ve always liked the layout of the houses and how they get built and everything.”
That’s only natural, considering she built a whole new athletic career for herself upon arriving at West.
MARK R. GRECO, DMD
What is a Cardiac Cath Lab?
Ask The Doctor
our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7
• Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries in the heart.
• Carotid stenting to clear blockages in the carotid artery using a stent to keep it open.
Programs at RWJUH Hamilton this month
The cardiac catheterization laboratory, or Cath Lab, is a unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, where cardiologists perform minimally invasive heart and vascular procedures to diagnose and treat cardiac and peripheral vascular diseases.
A variety of heart and vascular conditions are diagnosed and treated in our cath lab, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) and peripheral vascular disease (blockages of arteries in the legs, arms, kidneys or neck).
“Our cath lab consists of an experienced team of interventional cardiologists, radiologic technicians, and specialized nurses, along with advanced technology for the diagnosis of a wide range of cardiac disorders,” says Justin Fox, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, Chair of the Department of Cardiology at RWJUH Hamilton, and member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates. “In my time here in Hamilton, I’m proud of the ways my colleagues and I have advanced the care of our patients in the cath lab. We have specialized in performing procedures through the wrist (radial artery) at rates higher than other competing hospitals. We introduced the interventional treatment of pulmonary embolism and carotid artery stenosis. And we have consistently met and exceeded our benchmarks for quality and safety.”
• Peripheral vascular intervention procedures to open blocked arteries in areas other than the heart, such as the abdomen, neck, arms or legs.
Heart and Vascular Care
Close to Home
In 2022, RWJUH Hamilton achieved approval from the New Jersey Department of Health to perform elective, or non-emergent, angioplasty procedures, enabling residents of Mercer County and central New Jersey to receive premier quality elective cardiac procedures in a comfortable setting close to home.
And in January of 2025, RWJUH Hamilton is ushering in a new era of heart and vascular services with a new cath lab. “Our new 5,500-square-foot, stateof-the-art cath lab will transform how we provide cardiac and vascular care and will provide our community with even faster, safer, and more convenient care,” says Lisa Breza, Chief Administrative Officer at RWJUH Hamilton. “A new cath lab means we can help more patients in need of care.”
RWJUH Hamilton’s heart and vascular services’ multidisciplinary, integrated, and patient-centric approach to care delivery provides patients with a network of comprehensive cardiovascular and thoracic care options, produces results that exceed national quality benchmarks, features the latest technology and innovative trials, and ensures the best team of clinicians will be by your side.
What types of procedures are performed in a catheterization lab?
Cath lab procedures can include but are not limited to:
• Coronary Angiography to visualize the coronary arteries and assess for blockage
The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health, open to all and all ages, and Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required to attend programs. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information, call 609-584-5900.
THursday, January 9
Acupuncture for Pain Relief and Well-Being (Community Health). 1-2 p.m. Many are discovering that this 1,000-plus-year-old remedy helps with pain relief, tension, anxiety, improved function, and overall well-being. Medicare may even pay for it! Join Adam Redlich, MD, an integrative sports medicine specialist and acupuncture provider.
Friday, January 10
Game Time! (Better Health)1 -3 p.m. Join us for good wholesome fun--let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.
Tuesday, January 21
Prediabetes Connect Group (Community Health). 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
THursday, January 23
Volunteering and Its Surprising Benefits (Better Health). 10-11 a.m. Join Paula Hearle, Volunteer Coordinator, and Joyce Cantalice, Manager, Better Health Program, at RWJUH Hamilton, to learn why volunteering is good for the world and you! Learn about opportunities for you to use your time and talents helping others and increasing your happiness and well-being.
monday, January 27
The 4 Keys to Thriving Relationships: Unlock Health, Happiness and Connection (Community Health). 10-11:30 a.m. Strong, healthy relationships can reduce stress, improve mental health and even lower the risk of chronic illness. In this interactive workshop, learn practical tools from a relationship coach for improving communication, navigating conflict and building trust. Useful for family, friends, colleagues and partners.
Choosing RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, brings nationally-renowned care close to home through New Jersey’s most complete network of easily accessible hospitals, centers and providers.
No matter what a person’s heart may need, it’s the right place at RWJBarnabas Health, a network that handles all aspects of cardiac health.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/heart.
Justin Fox, M.D.
THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP
ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NEWS TO KNOW
5 years of ‘Fight in the Museum’: A look back
THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP
Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Hamilton.
ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As you shop this summer please remember to support our local small businesses and our neighbors and friends who own them.
Visit our websites Hamilton-Strong.com and ShopHamiltonNJ.com
Jeannine Cimino Board Chairman Rachel Holland Executive Director
The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino, as newly elected Chaiman of the Board and Rachel Holland as the newly appointed Executive Director.
Marking the five year anniversary of this Fight in the Museum column, we would like to check in on a few of the artists we have featured and see what they have been working on lately. Showcasing more than 60 artists and arts professionals during this span does show the abundance of people working in the arts locally.
and adult aspiring artists with her Heart of Art Studio. After school classes and parties for the kids, as well as Day Glow night painting experiences are offered. For the adults paint and sip parties are offered and are very popular.
Both Megan Uhaze-Wear and Nicolas Valenza from the Johnson Atelier, worked on the Columbian artist Ivan Argote sculpture, “Dinosaur.” Maybe you have seen it on the news. It is a 16-foot-tall pigeon that will be exhibited on the High Line in Lower Manhattan for the next 18 months. The large pigeon is part of the artist’s vision to make the ordinary, everyday into something iconic. The Dinosaur sculpture, High Line and the adjoining Vessel are a train ride away and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Executive Director
Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.
The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino Board and Executive Director.
Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!
The title, Fight in the Museum, came from one of my early paintings, showing an actual fight happening in an art museum while a bystander so mesmerized by a painting he is viewing, does not even notice the fight occurring a few steps away. We equated this painting title with the fights and struggles that artists contend with to have their art made, seen and heard.
Joseph Gyurcsak, a master impressionist, has been busy. He is represented by art galleries coast to coast. His award-winning paintings depict a broad range of subject matter including interiors, still life, figure and landscape painting. He has a keen sense for capturing the essence of his subject matter with a bold and candid approach.
Gyurcsak leads workshops where people aspire to paint as well as he does. In 2024, he led classes on the East Coast and also in Belgium. In 2025, domestic workshops and classes in Italy are on the calendar.
Sean Carney continues his architecture paintings which create a local and not so local travelogue of trips he has made with family and friends. These familiar architectural sites depicted in Carney’s bird’s eye view style make shared memories of places and events available to bring home to our own homes. Carney’s work is offered in galleries from upstate New York down to Philadelphia now.
Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.
Michael Madigan has his own style of abstract travelogue mind’s eye paintings, represented by galleries here in Hopewell and also in Pittsburgh. He will be showing at his alma mater, University of Indiana Pennsylvania, in May.
Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township
Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group
Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly
Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!
Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton
Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G
Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank
Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp.
Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government o cials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success. @thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong #HamiltonNJStrong
Chee Bravo won a coveted New Jersey Individual Arts Fellowship award recently and just exhibited her work during Miami Art Week at Spectrum Art Fair in Wynwood. She was also awarded a residency at the Miami Paper and Printing Museum in downtown Miami for her excellence in print making.
THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank
Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly
Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton
Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G
Photographer Jack Kosowsky is totally entrenched in his current project, documenting the now local, American Bald Eagles. His spectacular photos depicting the eagles in flight, fishing and in snow and rain are a testament to his photographic skills and also his patience, fortitude and outdoor clothing and gear. His photos are beautiful, natural and patriotic.
Saima Yousef is nurturing our young
Clifford Ward continues his sculptural path depicting his own world of Afrofuturism. It is an interesting world indeed. Ward depicts mythology, cultural history and indigenous peoples influence on our own modern world. Ward reminds us through his art that we are linked to many different histories, and we did not just arrive here. We are the lucky recipients of many artistic and cultural journeys. Ward will be exhibiting a huge solo show at Artworks in the spring, titled, I’ll Make Me a World, prologue. Barbara Jaenicke continues her superb landscapes depicting the natural world in all seasons. The snowy landscapes in particular can make you actually feel the temperature depicted, as the sun shines on the snowy fir trees. Jaenicke is also highly sought after on the workshop circuit. She has eleven, 3-day workshops scheduled coast to coast, in 2025, as people seek to learn her award winning techniques and insights.
Muhammad Ali has been showcased in art fairs recently in New York City and had great success at Aqua Art Fair during Miami Art Week in December. His stylized figures on cardboard are both new and very comforting.
Matt Morton, who has been battling serious illness in the past year, was
Thomas Kelly FiGhT in The MUSeUM
year, up and down the East Coast.
Adriana Groza is quite the hardworking artist. Sharing her poured acrylic paintings which depict the abstract world that is based of natural forms and rhythms. She is very active in the Princeton Makes cooperative gallery which has a multitude of events and much community outreach.
A shout out also to one of the few venues exhibiting and selling artwork in Hamilton, Brookwood Café on Quakerbridge Road. Jeff and Kelly Rick’s support for the arts is so needed and nurturing. A visit to their café for breakfast or lunch is rewarded with a wonderful art show year round.
assisted in exhibiting a huge body of work in this past October. The exhibition was a retrospective and fundraiser to assist with medical expenses. A great job by his friends to help on his Art Over Pain journey.
Leni Morante, who seems to be everywhere all at once, announced a 2025 solo exhibition with the Princeton University Art Museum. Her abstracted natural world paintings have been very popular during the art fair seasons this
Looking forward to 2025 is when many artists take stock of the previous year and make plans for the year coming. One resolution I like to make is to support this fragile artistic community in Hamilton New Jersey more. We all need art in our lives. Please support the artists listed here. You can find them and their work online. They are working hard for us.
I would like to thank the artists for participating these past five years, the Hamilton Post and the readers. We need the arts, and always will. Keep up the fight!
Thomas Kelly is a Hamilton-based artist. On the web: thomaskellyart.com.
Megan Uhaze Wear and “Dinosaur.”
No bull — Bold bowl names bowl me over
Bowls don’t excite me. In a museum, I tend to whiz past the pottery section, no matter how ancient or important the archaeological finds might have been. Despite the obvious differences, my lack of enthusiasm extends to other bowls as well, specifically the current crop of college football playoff and end-of-season bowl games. I am, however, quite enthusiastic about the names of those bowls.
People who don’t follow college football might wonder: does the “bowl” refer to the game itself or the stadium in which it’s played? A bit of history reveals the answer: both. The Yale Bowl, stadium for the Yale Bulldogs, was built in 1914, with over 70,000 seats. In 1923, the Rose Bowl (the stadium) opened and began hosting the Rose Bowl Game, later shortened to the Rose Bowl. Sugar, Orange, Sun and Cotton Bowls followed: games named for regional identifiers or products.
In the 1970s and early ’80s—a more innocent (some might say naïve) age of corporate sponsorship—the strangest bowl name might have been the Astro-
Bluebonnet Bowl, played in the Houston Astrodome.
In 1987, things began to change. Now we were introduced to the John Hancock Sun Bowl, the Jeep Eagle Aloha Bowl, and the Seaworld Holiday Bowl. The list of 1990s bowl games includes reminders of companies that have gone bust (the 1990 Blockbuster Bowl, the 1998 MicronPC Bowl). The bowl games of the 2000s reflect the irrational exuberance regarding tech stocks at the time, and the desperate efforts of non-tech companies to be seen as savvy and cutting-edge (or at least relevant) by adding a suffix to their business names. Thus, the 2000 Galleryfurniture.com Bowl and 2006 PapaJohns.com Bowl were born.
Browsing the list of bowl games past is bittersweet, because so many of them seem like missed opportunities. In 1990 the first Pop-Tarts Bowl took place at Camping World Stadium in Florida. Instead of pushing Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s could have given America the inaugural Cereal Bowl, in which the venerable food company would field a team of employees and challenge a cereal industry competitor (General Mills or Post, for example) to a game.
Who wouldn’t love to see Brad
SCARPATI’S SCARPATI’S
from operations, who last played on his community college rec team 12 years ago, go up against Bonnie from marketing, who shines during her family’s traditional Thanksgiving Day touch football game? The possibilities for unique bowl games are as endless as the number of bowl puns: the Plastic Bowl (Dupont vs. Dow Chemical); the Toilet Bowl (American Standard vs. Kohler); and the Punch Bowl (Keurig Dr. Pepper, parent company of Hawaiian Punch, against Kraft Heinz, parent company of Kool-Aid). Imagine also a Punch Bowl battle of the mascots, with the powerful pugilist Punchy facing off against the wall-busting brawniness of Kool-Aid Man—for centuries, philosophers have wondered what would happen when an immovable object met an unstoppable force. What better way to find out?
If you’re one of those people who insists on watching “real athletes” compete, instead of company employees or mascots, these events could at least indulge in some fun brand sponsorships. In the case of the Cereal Bowl, we’d already have naming rights for the stadium and the game, why not the players, too? What defensive player wouldn’t want to be called “Captain Crunch,” or be a member of the devastating linebacking trio “Snap,” “Crackle,” and “Pop”?
The sounds of cereal and football complement each other, and the game, played early in the morning, would allow the concession stands to sell loads of those little travel cereal boxes that you can cut open and pour milk into.
covered with slippery mayonnaise?). When I saw there would be a Cricket Celebration Bowl, I thought to myself how odd and refreshingly multicultural it was that an American football game would celebrate a relatively obscure sport, most popular in India, Pakistan, and Australia—maybe the Cricket lobby was trying to make a larger introduction of its sport to the United States? Alas, the Cricket in question was actually Cricket Wireless, a much-maligned prepaid wireless service provider.
Bowl games are big on geography naming: this year the Hawaii Bowl, Bahamas Bowl, Boca Raton Bowl, Birmingham Bowl, and Myrtle Beach Bowl will be joined by the Isthmus Bowl, sure to send lots of people scrambling to their dictionaries. Coming soon, I hope, will be the Estuary Bowl, Butte Bowl, and Archipelago Bowl.
Meanwhile, there’s an NFL Pro Bowl every year, so why not a Con Bowl? Only former convicts would be allowed to play, which surprisingly, would still field a pretty good all-time NFL team. And while the most recognizable bowl name—the Super Bowl—is obviously taken, I’m shocked that no other football league has one-upped them by now. If you can’t legally use “Super Bowl,” why not the “Superb Bowl”? Or the “Magnificent Bowl”? Or the “Superior Bowl”?
Bowl games have nothing to do with bowling, except that this year one does: the Go Bowling Military Bowl—unfortunately, the Bowling Green Falcons are not playing in it. Those seeking a less passive activity than watching bowl games on TV (but one that’s still pretty passive) can get a coupon for a free game at the Go Bowling website and bowl away.
Actual bowl names often create expectations that aren’t met. For example, when you hear about the “2023 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl,” do you think about teams of high-level, mildmannered accountants with swords trying to evade live alligators? Because I do, and anything less is going to be a disappointment.
1997’s introduction of the Humanitarian Bowl could have been a game-changer, with the victor decided not by aggressive tackling and a bruising rushing game, just diplomatic negotiations and a sincere appeal to the opposition for a peaceful outcome. Sure, the game would probably end in a tie, but everyone in the stadium would be properly fed, clothed, and hopeful for a brighter future.
This year, we have the GameAbove Sports Bowl (played on the roof of the Ford Field dome?), Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (featuring ex-cons who’ve established a career in the landscaping industry?), and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl (decided on a field
At this point in the column, you might be amazed, and maybe a bit frightened, of how I’ve taken this bowl ball and run with it. You might even want to let out an awestruck whistle of appreciation (or a sarcastic one) before you finish your Hamilton Post and settle back to watch a bowl game or two. If you don’t know how to whistle, or just forgot, allow me to help by paraphrasing Lauren Bacall in the classic film To Have and Have Not: “Just put your lips together and bowl.”
Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com. His poetry collection “The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems)” is available through Amazon.com for $20 (print) or $10 (ebook). He and local author Rodney Richards will be reading their work at the Hamilton Township Library on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
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.
VACATION RENTAL
Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Dates are still available 1 br condo on beach. Call for details @ 609-577-8244.
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, 215-539-2894, 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, 609-721-4358.
Senior Concierge. Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Holidays and weekends no problem. Very good references. Call Mary Ann, 609-298-4456 Cell: 609-676-4530. View thistimebesttime.wordpress.com.
Guitar, Ukulele and Drum lessons for all. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.
NJ R&V Hall Construction LLC offering great masonry work ( steps, sidewalks, porches, fountains, retaining walls)for over 50 years. Call 908-407-1450 or email vhall4@ comcast.net for quote today.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.
Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609581-8290, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com
HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .
Mercer County Connection’s January 2025 Events
Notary Oath Night Thursday, January 2nd, 2025
3:00-7:00PM
The Mercer County Clerk’s office will administer the oath to newly commissioned and renewing Notaries.
Please call the Mercer County Clerk’s office to schedule (609) 989-6466 or email: espagano@mercercounty.org
Wills & Power of Attorney
Thursday, January 9th, 2025 10:30-11:30 AM
Presented by Adam Lipps, ESQ, Staff Attorney,
The Mercer County Legal Services Project for the Elderly Registration Required
take place virtually.
www.mercerbar.com
Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, and other requirements apply. A $5 deposit is required to open the account. At least 1 Direct Deposit, ACH credit, ACH payment or bill pay transaction(s) is required each monthly qualification cycle. Enrollment and agreement to receive e-statements and at least 12 PIN- based / signature-based debit card purchases are conditions of this account each qualification cycle. When your monthly Kasasa Cash account qualifications are met, daily balances up to and including $25,000 in your Kasasa Cash account earn a dividend rate of 5.98% resulting in an APY of 6.00%; and daily balances over $25,000 earn a dividend rate of 0.75% on the portion of the daily balance over $25,000, resulting in a range from 6.00% to 1.80% APY depending on the account’s daily balance. When your Kasasa Cash qualifications are not met, the dividend rate earned on the account’s entire daily balance will be 0.01% resulting in an annual percentage yield of 0.01% and ATM withdrawal fees are not refunded. You will receive reimbursements up to an aggregate total of $25 for nationwide foreign ATM withdrawal fees incurred within your Kasasa Cash account during each monthly qualification cycle when qualifications are met. A foreign ATM fee reimbursement cap of up to $4.99 per transaction applies when qualifications are met. Limit of one account per member. Terms subject to change at any time. APY effective date 9/01/2023.
