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Community Educa�on and Be�er Health Programs

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New owner, cherished traditions at Rossi’s

By JOe EMansKi

For 90 years, Rossi’s Bar and Grill has carved out a serious reputation for good food and good times — first in Trenton’s Chambersburg section, and since 2014, in Hamilton.

The Rossi’s menu features many popular items, but none is as famous as the Rossiburger — regularly featured in Best-inJersey lists published in print and online.

Hal Rose never really got to enjoy the Rossi’s experience in its old home at the corner of Morris and Franklin Streets. But the Princeton Junction resident was a frequent customers at Marsilio’s, another classic Chambersburg eatery.

There, he got to know Alan Meinster, the owner of Marsilio’s, which has since moved to Ewing. Meinster had been a partner at Rossi’s since the move to Hamilton, along with Mike Rossi, grandson of the restaurant’s founder.

Meinster knew from discussions with Rose over the

See ROSSI’S, Page 12

This is Sparta!

Spartan Bootcamp challenges kids to work hard on physical fitness

By JOe EMansKi

They say that kids today are soft. That too many of them want to be coddled and not enough want to put in the hard work necessary to become better at what they do.

That’s what they say. But Bill Hartz isn’t having it.

Welcome to the Big Leagues

By Rich Fisher

Jake Alu is becoming the Ross Colton of Major League Baseball.

Which is pretty cool for the former Princeton Day School baseball teammates.

If anyone understands about battling the odds to make it big, it’s Colton. The Robbins-

ville native went from the 118th player taken in the 2016 NHL draft to inking a $4 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche this summer.

Ross knows what it takes, and feels Jake has what it takes. Alu finally realized his MLB dream after being called up to the Washington Nationals on Aug. 1

Alu actually got the call three

previous times this season, but lasted no longer than a week in any one stint before being sent back to Triple A Rochester. On Aug. 1, however, he returned to the nation’s capital and has stayed long enough to visit the Smithsonian and see the Lincoln Memorial.

Through Aug. 21, the HamilSee ALU, Page 8

The long-time rec soccer coach isn’t one to coddle anybody. But he says that he has seen with his own eyes that if you challenge kids — motivate them to focus on building their willpower and self belief — they will respond.

That’s the basis for Hartz’ Spartan Bootcamp, a physical fitness training program that he has developed over the past decade working with young athletes on the soccer field and, now, on just about any field.

Hartz spent the summer working with 175 local children, ranging in age from 6 to 18, to help them build up their physical fitness as well as their mental

See SPARTAN, Page 16

Jake Alu playing for the Washington Nationals against the New York Mets. The Princeton Day School grad, who grew up in Hamilton, was called up to the Major Leagues for the first time on Aug. 1.

Jake Alu makes debut in ‘The Show’ with Washington Nationals

RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

HOW AND WHEN TO BE YOUR OWN HEALTH ADVOCATE

Mon., September 11, 11:00am to 12:00pm

Join Lisa Cruser, LPN, Nurse Advocate and owner of Empowering Patients Advocacy Group while she discusses how to navigate the healthcare system, how to ask for and get a second opinion, and how to advocate for yourself and others. FREE

DOES THE RINGING IN YOUR EARS DRIVE YOU CRAZY?

Tue., September, 12; 10:00 to 11:00am

25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A. as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

NO MORE FOOD FIGHTS

Tue., September 12; 10:00 to 11:00am

We are talking about picky eating! Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Let’s explore the most current and effective tactics for healthy & peaceful meals.

WHAT IS THIS PAIN IN THE BUTT?

Wed., September 13; 6:00 to 7:30pm

David Surrey, MD from Rothman Orthopedics will discuss sciatic pain. Find out symptoms and treatment for this common condition. Dinner will be provided.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS

Thu., September 14; 6:00 to 8:00pm

Chakras are energy centers in our bodies, each corresponding to different traits, illness and times of development. Come explore how we can harness the power of these chakras for good health and vitality!

Michelle Gerdes, Princeton Doula Center, YT200. $15

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Mon., Sept. 18th 2023; 3:00 to 6:00pm Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A. Registration is required. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

FALL MEDICATION SERIES

Wednesdays, September 20 & 27, October 04; 2:00 to 3:00pm Learn about different classifications of medications in this 5 week series with our Pharmacists and Congestive Heart Failure Coordinator.

Week 1, September 20: Safe Medication administration: Penny Wasylyk, Pharm D. BCPS

Week 2, September 27: Anticoagulants: Safe administration and precautions: Patricia Hafitz, RPh. CACP

Week 3, October 4: Cardiac Meds: Safe administration and precautions: Ann Mancuso, MSN RN CHFN

Week 4, October 11: Diabetes Medications: Safe administration and precautions: Shesha Desai Pharm D. BC-ADM

Week 5, October 18: Pain Medications: Safe administration and precautions: Dave Appel, Pharm D

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wed., September 20; 1:00 to 2:00pm

Learn how to rest your body and quiet your mind with the simple (although not always easy) practice of meditation. No experience necessary.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUMMING CIRCLE

Wed, September 20; 7:00 to 8:00pm

Join our drumming circle and help drum your cares away. This evidence-based program is shown to reduce blood pressure, calm stress and increase the fun in your life. Drums provided. Fee: $15. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP DANCE IT OUT!

Wed., September 25; 1:00 to 2:00pm When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome, no experience required.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? **VIRTUAL**

Wed., September 26, October 3; 12:00 to 1:00pm

All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetable are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! Taryn Krietzman, RDN MANAGING

STRESS AND DIABETES

Wed., September 27– 3:00 to 4:00pm

This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION?

Wed., September 27; 6:00 to 7:30pm

The practice of focused concentration, known as meditation, brings yourself back to the moment over and over again. Explore the benefits of meditation in this informational session with optional demonstration. Matt Masiello, CCH, founder of Esteem Hypnocounseling, will guide the group through this practice.

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thu., September 28; 1:30 to 2:30pm

Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community. “Patti McDougall, BSN, RN

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLA HOOP FOR FUN AND FITNESS

Thu., September 28; 6:00 to 7:00pm

This is a very popular class, and with good reason; it’s so much fun. Hoola Hooping is so much easier with an “adult sized” hoop and the right instruction. Learn skills and techniques, hoops provided. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit Instructor. Fee- $15

THE AARP DRIVING COURSE

Tue., October 2; 9:00am to 3:00pm Be a safer, better driver. Bring your NJ or PA driver’s license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers. Cash or check only to AARP.

FALL MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL

Tuesdays, September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6-7 p.m.

*Must attend all 8 session to receive certificate of completion *

Week 1; September 12: Gregory Cox, MD, goes through the intricate anatomy of the human eye.

Week 2 September 19: Adam Thompson, DO, will discuss how to guide the body back to health after an injury, through non-surgical alternatives.

Week 3; September 26: Maureen Stevens, DPT, and Ashley Sarrol, MS, CCC-SLP, will be discussing how Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy works in unison with other medical modalities.

Week 4; October 3: Michael Duch, MD, will have you learning visually with various MRI images and how to interpret each.

Week 5; October 10: Marc Levine, MD, goes through the spine and how surgery can enhance your mobility and improve quality of life.

Week 6; October 17: John Dibiase, MD, speaks on Sports Medicine and common injuries that can affect anyone, not just athletes.

Week 7; October 24: Javier Villota, MD, will enlighten you on what travel medicine entails and exactly what is needed when visiting abroad.

Week 8; October 31: Review and diplomas.

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

YOGA CLASSES (BEGINNER’S WELCOME)

Tue., September 5 & 19; 10:00 to 11:00am

MEDITATION CLASSES,

Tue., September 19; 11:15 to 11:45am

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wed., September 6, 13, 20, & 27; 10:00 to 11:00am

SOCRATES CAFÉ,

Wed., September 6; 2:00 to 3:00pm

GAME TIME

Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.

*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

Thu., September 7; 2:00 to 3:30pm

THE TREE OF LIFE ART WORKSHOP

Tue., September 12, 1 to 2:30

Here we are ready to start the season of autumn. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you – its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/

or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree – paints, crayons and colored pencils. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace this season together with Artist and Healing Art Instructor, Jane Zamost.

MAPS, APPS & YOU

Thu., September 14, 10:00 to 11:00 am Oh, the places you’ll go when the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association teaches you how to navigate your transportation options. Learn to use technology to get around how and when you want!

TAI CHI CLASS (BEGINNER’S WELCOME)

Thu., September 14 and 28; 1:00 to 2:00pm

SARA ALI, MD, HOSTS A “JEOPARDY PARTY” LUNCH AND LEARN

Fri., September 22; Noon to 1:30pm Tables will compete as teams as we test your

knowledge on things important to our aging community. Don’t panic, this will be fun and interactive and there will even be prizes along with lunch. This program is sponsored by our valued partners, Brookdale Hamilton, Hamilton Grove, Platinum Homecare, and Serenity Hospice.

LEAN ON ME!

Tue., September 26, 11:00am to 12:00pm

As you are aging, are you wondering who to lean on to facilitate discussions about your wishes, providing comfort measures, assisting with legacy projects, writing that last letter to loved ones. An end-of-life doula is a trained and compassionate individual who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families helping create an end-of-life plan.

I’m excited for you to meet Sandra Roy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, End-of Life Certification, Life Coach Certification, Clinical Pastoral

Education Certification from RWJBarnabas Health, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. This is a program that you do not want to miss.

HELP, I CAN’T GET UP, LEARN HOW TO PREVENT THE FALLS

Thu., September 28; 10:00 to 11:30am

Please join our highly credentialed experts Dr. John DiBiase, Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., Maureen Stevens PT, DPT, GCS, Cert. MDT, Senior Physical Therapist, and Anthony Notaroberto, RWJ Fitness Personal Training Manager, when they share with you how to prevent a fall, common injuries, how to strengthen your body, and how to best treat your injuries so that you can successfully continue to enjoy your life. Refreshments will be served.

*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

NHS alum wins gold at 2023 BMX X Games

Nottingham High School Class of 2008 alumni Colin Varanyak competed and won a gold medal in the BMX X Games in Ventura, California in July.

The X Games are an Olympics-style annual competition of “extreme sports.”

Varanyak attended Klockner Elementary School, Crockett Middle School, and graduated from Nottingham High School.

“There were fields across from Klockner when I was a kid. I could not wait for school to end in anticipation of grabbing my bike and riding the trails there. Riding has always been a passion of mine,” Colin said in a media release.

He began racing at the age of five. He recalls bringing in his bike helmet and racing medals for show and tell in elementary school.

“Racing became competitive for me at a very young age. My family would travel with me monthly as I competed across the country. It was a challenge balancing my school work and racing schedule, as I was still in grade school. The intensity began affecting me and I lost the love of

the sport from the stress. I stopped racing and focused on my school work, other sports, and spending time with friends,” he said.

It was during this time in eighth grade when Colin transitioned into riding freestyle. But he never imagined that it would one day turn into a job. In high school, he wrestled, ran track and field and strived to remain fit. “I planned to attend college and get a job,” he said.

Varanyak was inspired by Nottingham High School teacher Ken Klek.

“His course was one of my favorites as I worked with him on a video my senior year. That project work helped to prepare me to create the video and photo content I need now in my career. I thoroughly enjoyed that class and how much we learned from him,” he said.

After graduating from Nottingham High School, Colin attended Mercer County Community College for two years, then transferred to William Paterson University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with

a minor in history.

BMX has provided Colin the opportunity to travel and compete worldwide. His daily schedule is rigorous allowing for daily walks, riding, physical workouts, and communications via email, social media, and interviews.

Now residing in San Diego, he is able to train outdoors all year long. “My biggest challenge is to ensure I never lose the love of riding. It’s always been my safe place. However, it can get very stressful,” Varanyak said.

During Covid, he supplemented his income as a substitute teacher. He says there was a time when he was set to give up competing and commit to full-time work as an educator.

Then, around 18 months ago, he signed a deal with Adidas. “A game changer,” said Colin. “Signing with a major brand was a top goal of mine. This sponsorship provided travel, increased exposure, and allowed me to work on many projects.”

He says winning gold was a lifelong

See BMX, Page 7

Brandon McNeice For School Board

Learn More About The Campaign That’s Putting Results Above Rivalry for HTSD.

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HAMILTON $275,000

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

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

CANCERS IN WOMEN + FOCUSING ON SELF-CARE

Thursday, September 28, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Learning about cancers of the female reproductive system may reduce your risk and help you identify ways to prevent them, so it’s important to be proactive about your health.

DR. JOYCE VARUGHESE, a board certified, fellowship trained gynecologic oncologist, will lead a discussion of the programs available at Capital Health for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancers and related health challenges. Nancy McCormack, an internationally certified and registered yoga therapist from the Capital Health Wellness Center, will close the program with a demonstration of gentle yoga stretches.

SAFETY AWARENESS IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 10 a.m.

Location: Capital Health – Hamilton

1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Join Stephanie Kulak, Injury Prevention Coordinator from the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, to learn about the potential dangers in your home that could possibly cause injury. This program for older adults increases awareness of home safety and fall prevention and highlights the newer technology available to help people in the event of a fall.

BMX continued from Page 5

dream. “In 2018, I won a silver medal, which I was very proud of. I knew winning gold was a bucket list goal of mine. I spent a lot of time preparing for this BMX X Games competition. In order to stay focused and enter the games at my best, I spent the weeks prior training exclusively,” Varanyak said.

He believed that talent would only take him so far. He knew he needed to be dedicated to this sport, stay focused, and always remain positive. Ten athletes were invited to compete worldwide in July. After receiving a gold medal, Colin was then invited to Ventura, California, for additional contests.

“Congratulations to Colin on his suc-

cess. We are proud to see one of our former students excel in their career and we will all be watching with Hamilton pride as he continues to compete,” said superintendent of schools Scott Rocco.

When asked what advice he would give students, Varanyak shared: “This is hard work. You need to remain focused and apply yourself daily. Be professional at all times. Stay organized, present your best self and your values.

“Also, pay attention to your social media and relationships. School, teachers, and lessons learned will help you prepare for success. Learn to be okay with failure. You will continue to fail until you don’t. You will learn and grow and progress if you put the work in.”

Colin Varanyak executing a jump at the BMX X Games in Ventura, California in July. Right: Varanyak holding the gold medal he earned at the games. (Photos courtesy of the Hamilton Township Public School District.)

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

DINE & DONATE DAY

1973

YEARS

In honor of our 50th Anniversary, Brother's Pizza on Rt. 33 will host a "Dine and Donate Day" for a local charity. We have chosen one Sunday per month to donate 50% of our sales to a featured 501c organization. Please support our cause to give back to our community!

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

$33,220.23 DOUGH RAISED

UPCOMING CHARITABLE EVENTS:

2023

OCTOBER 8: I Believe in Pink

NOVEMBER 12: Shine & Inspire

DECEMBER 10: OneProjectNJ & Mobile Meals of Hamilton

DOUGH RAISED:

1973

JAN. 15: Sea Girt Polar Plunge $4,733.56

197 3

FEB.19: Deborah Heart & Lung $3,680.33

MAR.12: The Hamilton YMCA $4,398.07

Apr.16: Police Unity Tour 2023 $3,596.30

May 21: The Miracle League $4,860.53

YEARS

June 11: Autism New Jersey $3,871.84

JULY 9: Joeys Little Angels $4,503.94

AUGUST 6: Whats My Name $3,575.66

2023

Please consider visiting the websites of these organizations for additional donation opportunities!

ALU continued from Page 8

we had about it during our freshman year. He didn’t like to watch from the dugout when he had a uniform on, so when he got his opportunity, he made the most of it and wound up having a successful career at BC. Jake was always coachable, and he took pieces of advice from every coach that helped him improve his game along the way.”

McManimon added that Alu was the best teammate you could have, and the worst opponent.

“Jake was the type of guy who you loved playing with, and hated playing against,” he said. “We played on different little league teams, but we ultimately became teammates at age 13 with the Burlington Blaze and continued in high school at PDS and with Dave Gallagher’s travel team. As his teammate, I always felt comfortable on the mound with Jake playing shortstop behind me because he could make all of the plays. No moment was ever too big for him.”

Since his most recent recall, Alu hit safely in eight of his first 14 games. He had three two-hit efforts, three two-RBI games and slammed his first MLB home run against Oakland Aug. 11. His average went as high as .286 and as low as .220.

“I definitely haven’t felt great at the plate, it’s kind of been a grind so far,” Alu said. “A lot of baseball is kind of just surviving until you feel good. That’s how I went about my career.”

A highlight of his young career came on the Nationals three-game trip to Philadelphia. Alu grew up a Phillies fan, and he and McManimon played travel ball with Phils broadcaster Tom McCarthy’s son, Tommy. The three of them visited the announcer’s booth when they were young.

Thus, when Alu’s first at-bat at Citizens Bank Park resulted in a single off Zach

Wheeler, the large Hamilton/Mercer County entourage in attendance went wild.

“It was fantastic,” Alu said. “Tom McCarthy ended up getting that ball for me from my first hit at Citizens Bank. He had Zach actually sign it for me. It was pretty cool, having a bunch of family there, being close to home.

“A bunch of my friends and buddies came out. It was really special. Cole McManimon and Ross Colton came. It was fun for me. It’s pretty tough (getting together with Colton). We were best friends growing up, our seasons are at the exact opposite times so when I come home, he leaves and when he comes home I leave. So for him to come to the game was really cool. It brought the Hamilton crew back together.”

And for Alu, those are the important buddies he wants to share any success with. “It makes everything more special when the guys who have been with you from day one are there, rather than the ones picking up with you when you get up to pro ball,” he said. “Having guys who have seen you as a little kid with Nottingham Little League all the way coming up through the big leagues is pretty special.”

Since settling in with the Nats, Alu said slugging outfielder Lane Thomas has been a welcoming presence, and that outfielder Blake Rutherford got called up around the same time “so it’s good that we’re sticking together. All the guys welcomed me with open arms.”

And he is excited about Washington’s future, as the Nationals have some talented young players.

“I think we’ve got some potential,” Alu said. “As of late, we’ve been doing pretty good and as the years go on, next year and the year after that, we’re gonna surprise and have a pretty damn good team.”

As for the difference between the

The Hamilton Senior Center Annual Picnic

Date: Wednesday - September 20, 2023

Raindate: 9/21/23

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm (No entry after 12:15pm)

Price: $12.00 - Cash Only, Members Only

Tickets are Non-Refundable/Non-Transferable

Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited

minors and the majors, Alu said “One, you’re playing in front of a big crowd. And two, you have the pitching. You can’t take a play off. You don’t get any at-bats off. Every single guy’s a stud.”

So far Alu has been hanging in there. He has continued to field well and has had enough mini-hot streaks to keep him in the lineup.

And yet, the underdog mantle that he has worn so long, just won’t go away.

“It honestly makes me laugh,” he said. “I see articles written in the Washington Post and things about me and what people say, and they’re saying there’s always someone better coming up, there’s always another guy they’re waiting on. I’m just a placeholder and stuff like that.

“It used to get under my skin and give me a little bit of fire, now it’s all part of it.

I’m used to it and it kind of just makes me chuckle.”

It is definitely a happy time for Alu. He enjoys the City of Washington and has rented a nice extended stay residence where he makes his “classic home cooked Italian meals.” He also cooks his own breakfast but other than that “I’ll just grab some Chipotle or something and figure it out from there.”

As for the reception Jake has gotten from Nationals fans, he thinks it has been pretty nice.

“I’d say so,” Alu said. “I know they definitely have their (favorite) guys who have been around for a while. Hopefully I can become one of them at some time.”

For now, he’s happy to have one faithful fan playing hockey in Colorado. And it’s a fan he can relate with.

Jake Alu with mom Judy and dad Phil at his first Major League call-up, in San Francisco.

years that the latter had interest in owning a restaurant one day.

“We were in discussions on and off for a number of years. I’d told Alan that I’d really like to do something different next phase of my career,” says Rose, who spent most of his professional career in financial services. “One day Alan told me that Mike was thinking of retiring. He said, ‘If we advised you, would you have any interest in buying this place?’ And it got to a point where we said, ‘Let’s sit down and talk.’”

In October of last year, the parties made the transaction final. “I had some restaurant experience from early in my career, and always had an interest in owning a restaurant–bar. When the opportunity to own a landmark like Rossi’s arose, and knowing I’d have the support of the previous owners, I knew it would be a good move,” Rose says.

Rose’s first order of business was to respect Rossi’s long history and long list of devoted customers. Rossi’s first opened

in Chambersburg in 1933, and though it has moved from the city, many of those long-time customers have followed it into the suburbs.

“One of the things I find incredible about Rossi’s is, numerous times a week I’ll have somebody coming in who’s somewhere between 60 and 80 and always tells me, ‘My grandfather used to take me Rossi’s since I was a kid, and now I’ve been bringing my grandchildren to Rossi’s for X number of years,” Rose says. “It’s such an important part of peoples’ lives and history. It’s enjoyable to continue to satisfy these customers and continue to grow the business in that sense.”

Rose says that when he took over, his goal as far as the menu was concerned was to retain all of Rossi’s most popular dishes while introducing modern additions now and again.

In addition to the legendary Rossiburger, favorites include Rossi’s tomato pies, chicken parmigiana, and of course, Rossi’s famous fried zucchini sticks.

“First, we have recipes from

the Rossi’s family that literally go back generations, that go back to the ancestors in Italy. We really try to stay true to those recipes. We’re not taking short cuts — we really haven’t changed anything from what Mike Rossi had been doing for

decades and decades,” Rose says. “And it’s important to me that the loyal customers continue ot get the same experience and the same satisfaction that they’ve gotten from Rossi’s all these years.”

At the same time, Rose says,

he also wants to continue to grow the business and attrack a new, younger crowd.

“We brought back a very popular prime rib sandwich to the menu, but we also have new items like fish tacos, calamari and new salads. We have a lot of specials and if there’s something that is really popular, we’ll move it onto the permanent menu,” he says.

One example of a special that has earned a spot on the regular menu is Rossi’s fried chicken sandwich — regular or spicy.

“The feedback has been fantastic. A lot of people say something along the lines of, ‘You are a contender in the chicken sandwich wars,” Rose laughs.

* * *

Rose knew when he bought the restaurant that one item on the menu could never be replaced: the 3/4-pound, flamebroiled Rossiburger, once called the best in the state by NJ Monthly magazine.

“We are often included in surveys of best burgers in New Jersey, and honestly, that was part

Hal and Amy Rose at Rossi’s in Hamilton, which they purchased last October from Mike Rossi and Alan Meinster.

See ROSSI’S, Page 14

Mayor Jeff Martin, Councilman Pat Papero and Councilwoman Nancy Phillips are proven, experienced leaders working to keep Hamilton moving forward. Together they have kept taxes flat, supported our Police and Fire Departments to keep us safe, and helped small businesses recover from the pandemic. They will continue fighting to make sure Hamilton remains a great place to work, live, and raise a family.

Keeping Hamilton Affordable

Mayor Jeff Martin has kept taxes flat 3 years in a row. Together with Pat and Nancy they have produced cost efficiencies to manage taxpayer money all while providing the same level of services with no tax increase.

Keeping Hamilton Safe

Jeff, Pat and Nancy delivered on their 2019 promise to consolidate our fire districts to make our community safer. Together they made public safety a priority by continuing to fund the needs of our Police and Fire Department, including over $3 million in grants.

“Together with Pat Papero and Nancy Phillips, we are working every day to keep Hamilton moving forward to remain affordable and safe for all of us.”

-Jeff Martin

of the attraction to me when we were first talking about purchasing the place. Rossi’s itself a landmark in the area, and a destination based on its history — there are not a lot of restaurants that make it for 90 years and have touched so many people,” Rose says. “But the burger itself, we have people who will tell me they are coming from over an hour away because they miss our burger so much. When I first came in, the most common question that I would get from the long-time customers was, ‘What are you changing?’ And I’d say, ‘Look we’re not looking to mess with success.’”

Aiding in the continuity is the persistence of many staff members from the previous ownership. There are still members of the Rossi family who work at Rossi’s, and Rose says a number of kitchen staff have been at the restaurant ever since the move to Hamilton. And Meinster and Mike Rossi are still around in an informal role of advisers.

All that is not to suggest that Rose has resisted making any

changes at all.

“I want to continue Rossi’s tradition to offer great food and drinks, but we’re also focused on delivering a lot of fun and memorable experiences,” Rose says. “We are also adding a lot of new events.”

Events include Trivia Tuesdays and live music in Rossi’s outdoor space on Thursday nights. Performers have included popular local artists such as Ernie White, Meg Hansen and Lisa Bouchelle.

“We have added a few more nights of music each month and will continue to do so, including adding some artists who haven’t played here before,” Rose says.

Rose has also expanded the bar area with more high-top tables and more TVs, including an 86-incher in the dining room that is often tuned to big games.

During the pandemic, and like many restaurants, Rossi’s opened up a large outdoor seating area that it has maintained even since Covid’s threat has waned. “Obviously it’s been very hot this summer, but we expect it to get a lot of use in

September and October,” he says.

He adds that, long-term, he is working on plans for a more permanent outdoor seating structure — most likely something that would be attached to the front of the building.

Rose has also added a regular brunch to the menu, Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch menu items

include French toast, waffles and pancakes, as well as steak and eggs, pork roll egg and cheese, and, naturally, a breakfast burger.

Rose says that he is enjoying this new phase of his career.

“To me, I enjoy the challenge of doing so many different aspects of business, from the marketing to the management to the entire customer experience,” he says.

Rose spent many years as a national sales manager for a large financial services firm. He was based in Los Angeles for much of that time, even though he lived in New Jersey.

“I traveled quite a bit — I was always on the road,” he says. “I think that’s part of what attracted me to this as well. I wanted to be someplace close to home, not taking five-hour flights constantly. That was very attractive to me to kind of make this phase of my career totally different from what I was doing.

“I really enjoy meeting with people. It might sound corny, but making them happy and giving them a good experience seemed like something that I would really enjoy, and I am. It certainly has its challenges — the summer was a bit slow, for instance — but we’re well positioned for the fall and to continue to traditions of Rossi’s and begin some new ones.”

Rossi’s Bar and Grill. 2110 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton. Phone: (609) 8902004. Web: rossisbarandgrill. com.

KUSER FARM MANSION & THE JERSEY VALLEY MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

PRESENTS:

Our First Annual Open House!! All are invited to tour the train layout and its operations and meet the members. New members are always welcomed to join! Admission is free. Be sure to bring the kids and cameras!

Saturday, October 7 & Sunday, October 8 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Kuser Mansion (Basement) 390 Newkirk Avenue Hamilton, NJ 08610 (609) 890-3630

For more information or to become a member of the JVMRR Club, please email Program Coordinator, Patti Krzywulak at; PKrzywulak@hamiltonnj.com

Kelly Yaede MAYOR

A famous Rossiburger — this one with cheese — getting ready to leave the Rossi’s kitchen. (Facebook photo.)

toughness. Positive word of mouth from satisfied parents — and their kids — has helped the program take off.

Hartz is busy now preparing for the fall, hoping to build on the success of the summer program.

“We use the mentality from an athletic standpoint of never giving up belief in yourself, of making yourself better,” he says. “It really all starts from that, and has sort of built its way into this program, the culmination of a decade of Spartan evolution.”

Sixty percent of participants in the summer were boys, and 40 percent girls. They were split almost evenly among elementary, middle and high school ages.

“It was good representation of young, middle and older kids, boys and girls, a diverse group,” Hartz says. “It was really fantastic to see kids from all these sports, different ages, different genders.”

Typical training is up to three days a week for one hour per session and consists of exercises designed to build strength, endurance, agility and overall physical fitness. Plenty of Hartz’ trainees are young athletes who participate in local sports — recreational as well as travel. But Hartz stresses that his training programs are well suited to kids who don’t play a sport at all.

“We lean toward building an athletic base and then working your skills in. That’s always been my approach to coaching: we made sure we had athletes first, who could then perform in their chosen sport,” Hartz says. “Not a bunch of kids

who were really skilled, but after five minutes had to come out of the game because they were exhausted.

“I see kids who can’t do a push up, can’t run a lap around the field, and I believe that’s backward. Kids should develop

their overall fitness and athleticism, and then build skills on top of that.”

Even as he pushes kids to work harder and do better, he stresses that the focus is more on the effort than the results.

“We’re about personal growth. It doesn’t matter if you came in last, if your time is better than it was yesterday,” he says. “If you ran a bad race because you didn’t give effort, it’s a problem. But it’s more about the individual effort and what you accomplish. It’s more about racing and competing against yourself than it is about competing against other people.”

Hartz offers a flexible schedule for participants, saying that Spartan Bootcamp is a “get out what you put in” proposition. He claims a less than 5% dropout rate in the summer, and that a survey sent out after the summer sessions garned a strong response and largely positive feedback. A signal, in Hartz’ mind, that Spartan Bootcamp is on the right track.

“It’s how I raised my kids, and it’s something I apply to other kids, and parents have responded to it,” he says. “I just think it’s something that’s not around as much any more. It is a tricky line to walk. You have to be careful, you have to be conscious and aware. But kids are so much tougher than they are given credit for. They will rise to the occasion when given a chance.

Jameson Butler with mom Stacy weeding the butterfly gardens at Hilltop Park on July 29, 2023. The Butlers were taking part in a Spartans Boot Camp citywide cleanup.

“When a kid gives up, I find that most of the time, it was the parents who said, ‘OK, let’s give it up. Let’s stay home.’”

Bill Hartz grew up in Hamilton. He went to Hamilton High West, where he played soccer and ran track. He characterizes the instruction he received as a young athlete as closer to what he practices at Spartan Bootcamp than perhaps what many kids are accustomed to today.

“My high school soccer coach was definitely a ‘rub some dirt on it’ kind of guy,” Hartz says. “When I came up, especially in travel soccer, the mentality was, ‘Get up and keep going. Save your tears for somebody else.’”

When the time came for Hartz to coach his son Joseph’s rec soccer team, in 2011, he wanted to give it his all. He was aware of the dichotomy in youth sports between travel and recreational leagues: travel sports athletes get well organized instruction, often from professional trainers; while rec athletes often get sporadic training from well-meaning, but busy and sometimes underprepared parents.

“Kids who are in rec sports sometimes become what they call ‘the leftovers,’” Hartz says. “I really leaned into it and gave the kids a lot of effort. Our team adopted the Spartan mentality and it sort of took on a life of its own.”

He coached Joseph for a number of years, and then it was time to coach his younger son, Collin. He used the same approach the second time around. Hartz says that he developed the Spartan philosophy with an emphasis on discipline, hard work, physical fitness and character.

To hear him openly declare that his life’s passion is “yelling at children,” one might get the idea that he is some kind of cruel taskmaster.

Humor is one tool that Hartz uses to ease that tension. He frequently lets wry, self-deprecating jokes poke through the drill sergeant facade to hint that his demeanor is at least on some level for show.

“His manner, yeah he yells and everything,” says parent Nancy Byrne, whose 11-year-old son, Finn Richardson, was a participant in boot camp over the summer. “But it’s softened by his sense of humor and the fact that he personalizes everyone’s instruction and gives you nicknames — and doesn’t forget it, by the way.”

Byrne says that another talent of Hartz’ is his ability to make kids feel like they belong to something. Participants get Spartan shirts to wear, sometimes with nicknames on them bestowed by Hartz. Finn’s nickname: Huckleberry.

“The first several weeks, the amount of

See SPARTAN, Page 18

pride that was instilled in [Finn], he wouldn’t take the Spartan shirt off. Everywhere he goes, he wants to wear the Spartan shirt,” she says.

Byrne said that most of the kids who take part are also members of a sports team. Not so with Finn. “Most kids already know this kind of pride and belonging. This is my kid’s first experience with it, and I could not be prouder of him for sticking with it,” she says.

Finn knew what he was getting into, Byrne says, because some of his friends had done it. “They warned him about the ‘10 minutes of hell’ at the end,” she says. “But the thing is, they’re all doing it together. They’re in it, like a little family. It’s a lot different, I think, when you’re with peers and it’s something you’re going through together.” * * *

Ah, yes. The 10 minutes of hell.

As Byrne says, Hartz takes pains to tailor each participant’s program to their individual abilities and needs. But everyone is expected to endure the 10 minutes of hell at the end of each session.

“The best way to describe it is, it’s Simon Says, but it sucks,” Hartz

says. “Suicide runs, burpees, jumping jacks — we don’t stop for 10 minutes straight. They don’t finish until everyone finishes. That’s where we get into the mental toughness piece, where it’s hot and thirsty and they’ve got to dig deep. I tell them it’s really eight minutes of hell and two minutes of heart. Thats where these kids see things that they really didn’t think they could do. A lot of kids take a lot of pride in that.”

For many years, Hartz’ primary experience as an athletic trainer came from his time as his sons’ soccer coach. During the day, he worked as a general manager for a number of area retail stores.

After the pandemic, the Bordentown Soccer Association was having some trouble getting kids to register for seasonal sports on time. Hartz offered to run a summer physical training camp as a way to entice kids to sign up earlier.

At first, he had just 15 kids — the team that he coached. A year later, there were 56 participants, many of whom first heard about the training from their friends and neighbors.

It wasn’t until Hartz was laid off from his full-time job, in January, that he seriously started thinking

about turning Spartan Bootcamp into something bigger.

“This is one of those things that has sort of floated around in the back of my mind for years, but not something I deemed as realistic,” Hartz says. “You don’t walk away from a job where you’re making good money to try something like that. But once it’s beyond your control, you have to explore other options, and this really is my passion.”

Hartz says his ultimate goal would be to devise a full-fledged youth program that goes beyond physical training. “Like a more inclusive version of Boy Scouts,” he says. “My goal is to have boys and girls, and any group is welcome. We don’t get into religion or politics, some of the stuff that can weigh down Boy Scouts a little bit. We focus on a mindset of determination and respect. It’s almost a martial arts mindset.”

While Hartz is certified in youth fitness by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, as well as by the Red Cross, he has come by all of his training methods by developing them right there on the fields.

“I’ve coached soccer for a really

long time, I’ve done some martial arts in my life. My children were doing martial arts training at a location in Hamilton, I was assistant instructor there, I’ve helped out as a kids’ wrestling coach,” Hartz says. “But I didn’t go to school for it, and I never claim to be a professional trainer. That’s really not my approach. We make physical gains through mental toughness. I know how to work kids, how to motivate them. I know how to keep them going when they quit on themselves, and we take them to a place they didn’t think they could get to.”

The process, Hartz says, has a “remarkable” effect on kids.

“These days, kids don’t tend to get put in uncomfortable places,” he says. “Our mentality is legitimately, ‘Nobody cares. Work harder.’ Obviously with safety in mind. But there’s a big difference between injured and hurt.”

Byrne admitted that it was tough at first to watch on as her son learned to endure the Spartan Bootcamp experience.

“I literally had to turn my back to the field, because I was like, ‘Oh my God, either I’m going to cry or he’s going to cry or he’s going to get frustrated and walk off,’” she says. “But something about the coach’s manner just made him stay.”

As he builds Spartan Bootcamp into a full-time affair, Hartz is focusing on more than just the physical training. He also wants to instill in his trainees a sense of community and of community service.

“One of the main things I’m trying to do is build community support by working with different organizations, different businesses, looking to build those relationships,” Hartz says. “The idea is to offer kids and their families a more holistic organization, rather just they bring their

kids to me and I’ll make them run a bit.”

With that in mind, he has partnered with a number of Bordentown businesses to further establish the Spartan brand. People can now get Spartan Shakes at the Ice Cream Boutique by 1892 Chocolates, Spartan Bracelets from Bordentown Bracelets, and Spartan Specs at the Eye Care Center of Bordentown. Palermo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria honors one student each month as the Palermo’s Spartan Athlete of the Month.

Hartz has also engaged his students in community service projects, like the July 29 Cleanup of Bordentown.

Hartz says more than 85 people took part in the four-hour cleanup project. Hartz worked with Deputy Mayor Joe Meyers to coordinate and Jim Heupel as site manager to facilitate the cleanup.

Areas cleaned included Veterans Memorial, John Bull Monument, Hilltop Park, 2nd Street Park, the boat ramp, the pollinator gardens, the butterfly gardens, the flower gardens by Old Town Pub, Crosswicks Street Island, the old town hall, Crosswicks Street sidewalks, and Farnsworth from Crosswicks to the river.

Though thrice-weekly hourlong sessions are Spartan Bootcamp’s core offering, they are by no means its only offerings. Hartz also offers one-to-one training as well as seasonal programs for members of a single sports team.

The fall program is set to begin the first week in September, but Hartz says he will welcome new members at any time. Details on signing up, as well as information on a variety of discounts and promotions on offer, are available at bordentownspartanbootcamp.com.

Spartan Bootcamp. Phone: (609) 481-7540.

September

September

French Fries

Greek Salads

Mezedakla (Greek Appetizers) Loukoumades/Baklava

Septem

Hartz

The Power of Yess in the local art scene

By Dan Aubrey

Artworks Trenton has postponed one of its most visible community art projects, Art All Night.

The reasons deal with pragmatics. The usual venue for the festival, the Roebling Wire Works building in the old Roebling Factory complex, has been closed for several months because of the recent flooding. And needs to mount the event in the state-operated Trenton War Memorial became unattainable.

No matter. Artworks is still responding to a post-Covid era and working to promote a more vibrant city through the arts.

Over the past year, the organization has attracted thousands of visitors to its exhibitions and student projects, is overseeing the design of an “art walk” from the Trenton Transit Center to Mill Hill and downtown, and planning for both Art All Day 2023, set for September, and Art All Night 2024.

By doing so, Artworks also continues the efforts that began nearly 50 years through an artistic movement generated by artists who not only committed to changing the capital city but still participate in the city’s culture — and create art.

One such artist is Mary Yess, who played a crucial role in establishing Artworks Trenton and as well as creating the Ellarslie Open.

That annual juried art event at the Trenton City Museum in the Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park recently marked its 40th anniversary with an exhibition on view through Sept. 30.

According to several archived histories, the Artworks story begins with the building, an early 20th century garage that eventually turned into a warehouse for the Sears Company when it had been located at the current Department of Motor Vehicles building on Stockton Street.

When Sears closed its Trenton store in the late 1970s, City of Trenton Mayor Arthur Holland and city planner Tom Ogren launched the effort to acquire the building as an arts center and add to an effort that saw the transformation of the Ellarslie Mansion into a museum and securing an abandoned church built in 1873 for the Mill Hill

Playhouse.

Both of which would enhance the cultural life of the city.

Meanwhile, Mary Howard, dean of Mercer County Community College’s downtown Kerney Campus, and Trenton artist Latta Patterson began bringing Trenton artists together to create an organization that became the Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA).

Yess became its first president and guided the organization forward as it created a two-month arts festival, Eyes on Trenton.

The event attracted thousands to downtown Trenton and demonstrated the vital role the arts played in urban planning.

While TAWA seemed to be the right organization to take the lead in coordinating the new arts center and current president, Dave Orban, was engaged in discussions, the reality was that TAWA was an all-volunteer organization and unable to provide the full-time management needed

See YESS, Page 22

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Yess

SUCCESS AND SELFSUFFICIENCY IN SESSION

Mercer County Community College will open its new Center for Adult Transition, or CAT, this fall to serve intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in a dual campus, person-centered program that prepares these students for adulthood while empowering them to achieve their own goals.

Image of the West Windsor Campus courtesy of MCCC.

Mercer County Community College to Launch New Center for Adult Transition

BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER

Achievement is a highly personal process that fulfills everyone in different ways, as people cultivate that sense of success through learning, working, giving back, and anything else that aligns with their aspirations.

Mercer County Community College’s Center for Adult Transition, or CAT, is a new state-mandated, county collegebased postsecondary program that takes a “person-centered approach” to serving individuals aged 18 to 24 with intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to continue their education in the shift from high school to adulthood.

Students will grow across areas like socialization, safety, and self-sufficiency in a “dual campus experience” fostered in the classroom and community.

According to MCCC materials, the initiative combines coursework and presentations from community service providers on topics like transportation, budgeting, health and wellness, independent living, and more.

The CAT program originated with the

approval of New Jersey Legislature Bill S4211 on January 18, 2022, which established a grant opportunity through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, or OSHE, to fund 18 County College-Based Centers for Adult Transition at institutions that had applied from across the state, according to an OSHE press release.

As a result of the state investment, OSHE stated that the colleges must run these specialized programs to offer “mentoring, job coaching, skill training, and other appropriate wrap-around services to help secure employment and maintain independent living” for people with IDDs—a range of conditions including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and more.

OSHE is now a project partner with MCCC, and the Center for Adult Transition will serve the college on both campuses— the James Kerney Campus at 102 North Broad Street in downtown Trenton and the West Windsor Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor—to bring programming to a wider audience across the school’s two Mercer County locations.

Dr. Gonzalo Perez is the college’s assistant vice president of academic affairs, focusing on workforce education and inno-

See MCCC, Page 4

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From MCCC, Page 2

vation. While he was appointed to oversee the JKC campus in February, he also continues to lead the Division of Lifelong Learning and MercerOnline

Perez stated that MCCC was “very excited” about the grant competition, noting that the college services students with disabilities through the Center for Accessibility Resources, or CAR, and specifically its DREAM Program, which MCCC “used as a launching pad” for the CAT.

without

“CAT expands that opportunity to a larger group of young adults who may not be seeking an immersive classroom experience but are interested in exploring college. Some young adults will benefit from services provided collaboratively. Because of this state funding, a wider range of options is available,” she added.

“We recruit students, give them noncredit or types of workshops and seminars, help with life skills, and really get them prepared for any type of career,” Perez explained, noting that students can focus on a certification, life skills, or take a credit course, depending on their interests.

Although MCCC has many of the necessary facilities, resources, and faculty in place for the program, it is still in active development, according to Perez.

The MCCC CAT program’s new case manager, Kimberly Fisher, is a recent

addition to the team at the Center for Accessibility Resources.

The Burlington County resident has an extensive background in supporting special populations impacted by and experiencing mental illness, substance use, domestic violence, homelessness, food insecurity, and other issues by connecting them with agencies in the area.

While this is her first time applying that experience to an educational setting, she has previously coordinated vocational services and programming for IDD individuals.

In an interview with Community News Service, Fisher said that the CAT program is a partnership between educational institutions like MCCC and nonprofits that offer programming in areas like self-advocacy, incommunity service providers, and the private sector.

“With all those resources coming together [and] collaborating, we’ll really be

able to offer this special population a variety of services and needs based on their individual preferences, choices, [and] goals,” Fisher said. “It’s important for this population to really know what’s out there for them to help them be successful.”

To qualify for the grant, applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old; have graduated high school, regardless of what age they did so; have been identified with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, either while attending a K–12 school system or by a private provider; and live in Mercer County.

While MCCC is still confirming the structure of the program, the “general consensus,” according to Fisher, is to have four-hour classes twice per week, with each session split into coursework and the campus experience.

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ognizes that the more a person’s path is tailored to their unique situation and strengths, the greater the likelihood they have of making a healthy transition to the next stage of life.

Several students are already committed to the program, which is set to launch in time for the fall 2023 term start date of Tuesday, September 5; this way, students can enroll at the same time as the rest of the college for a shared sense of community.

“If we have an individual that says, ‘Well, I go to college,’ there’s meaning in that. There’s value in that,” Fisher said. “We

want it to be seamless. We want it to be the same experience as others in college, and so as close to that as we can is what we’re aiming for.”

However, Fisher is adamant that although the program is “college-based,” the biggest difference between CAT and traditional MCCC courses is that CAT has no admission deadlines, meaning students can join any time of the year, thus eliminating waitlists that often act as a barrier for support services.

“We get them where they are,” she said, “[In] my experience with community sup-

ports, what I often saw [was that] if there was a wait list for service, that individual typically waited a very long time, and things change in those periods. They either go find something else or they stay at home and isolate by themselves, and so we want to make it very clear that this is open at any given time; whenever people want to join us or need to join us, that door will always be open, regardless of a college semester.”

The semesters are broken into modules that begin with career development and adult employment, an introduction to the opportunities and resources available to students on their respective journeys.

MCCC’s CAT will also give students increased access to community service providers, Fisher continued, with the CAT program “serving as an on-campus resource hub” for coordination with entities such as the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, or DDD, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, or DVRS.

DVRS manages vocational supports for the Mercer County area, so representatives from the agency will discuss eligibility for employment-based services that may include supported employment, trial work, or job coaching.

Fisher observed that while working as a community provider, she noticed that there was a “gap” in information where students

lost connections to resources during the summer period.

“We find that some of these individuals say, ‘Well, I’ve graduated high school. I’m going to take the summer off. I’ll figure out what I’m going to do later,’ and they often don’t,” Fisher said.

“They don’t remember that connection to the Division of Voc. Rehab., whereas in May [or] June, they might have been interested in those services or those supports for skill training or job coaching, and so we’re hoping maybe to catch some of those individuals and reconnect them back to that specialized service for those vocational supports.”

“Again, we all know, a couple of months into summer break, and people start going to school, or they go to jobs, and you’re home alone, you don’t have your support group, you don’t have your peer group, so what do you do? Really, it just provides for a lot of isolation,” she said. “We don’t want that to happen.”

Instead, Fisher added that CAT can try to reintroduce these young adults to their in-community providers, noting that MCCC has been in contact with just under 100 agencies serving Mercer County to increase their scope of impact, such as the Progressive Center for Independent

Dr. Gonzalo Perez, left, is Mercer County Community College’s assistant vice president of academic affairs, and Kimberly Fisher, right, is a case manager with the institution’s new Center for Adult Transition, or CAT program, designated through a grant and a partnership with the state’s OSHE.

Living, the Arc Family Institute, Caregivers NJ, and Mercer County’s Aging & Disability Resource Connection.

Those enrolled in the program will also have a designated lunch time where they can go to the cafeteria to eat and interact with other students, staff, and faculty. These real-life scenarios will serve as practical exercises to reaffirm what Fisher will be teaching in the classroom.

Fisher wants CAT students to better understand the appropriate boundaries and behaviors for a college or workplace envi-

ronment, which she will convey through role play and modeling exercises. These lessons, besides having interpersonal benefits, are also to educate them on how to identify dangerous or unsafe circumstances, especially because IDD populations are at a higher risk of financial and sexual exploitation, Fisher added.

Semester two concentrates on academic enrichment, providing a course overview of class registration, financial aid, joining clubs, and the differences between credit and non-credit courses, as well as certificate programs.

Fisher explained that if a person learned

609.849.5999

that their local dog shelter needed assistance with marketing materials, they would want to volunteer and practice their computer skills by enrolling in a certification program based around applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Semester three focuses on campus and community engagement, encouraging students to find peer groups on campus based on shared interests and get involved with programs including MCCC’s food pantry, the classical and jazz radio station WWFM, and the Allies Inc. Garden at the West Windsor campus, a partnership with the Hamilton-based nonprofit’s Project Grow farming and horticulture program.

Students will also gain exposure by using the college shuttle to travel between the Trenton and West Windsor campuses, learning how to greet and respond to the driver, introduce themselves, and utilize public transportation while taking advantage of both locations.

Transportation is another “big barrier” for this population, according to Fisher, and MCCC is looking to possibly work with Rutgers University’s New Jersey Travel Independence Program, or NJTIP, to inform this group of students about using public systems.

While West Windsor and Trenton “offer the same services,” she explained, the latter is the larger, “more rural” of the two,

offering soccer fields and other features not present at JKC, giving students chances to meet more people and have “that true college campus experience.”

The CAT Program will also overview Mercer County providers that are largely volunteer-based, such as the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, or TASK, HomeFront, local food banks, and more to connect this population to their community, as Fisher explained.

The fourth semester delves into independent living arrangements and everything it suggests, such as how to pay rent, contact emergency services, and buy groceries.

“We’ll be partnering up with some of

the community providers that offer some of these in-depth independent living structures. They offer recreation, activities, and they can discuss the pros and cons of what is available in Mercer County for living,” Fisher said.

MCCC is continuing to partner with more agencies that cover topics related to independent living and may include providers of residential services, such as group homes and supervised apartments—the latter of which Fisher describes as “a little less restrictive for those individuals that are more independent, that are safety aware, financially aware, and the risk is relatively low for exploitation for them.”

The last semester is self-determination, which Fisher describes as a wraparound exploration of what they covered in the course to enable students to choose whether to pursue employment, volunteer work, a certificate, or other ways to engage and enrich their lives.

“They’ll have all those materials to reflect back on to be able to make a decision that’s based on their wants, their needs, and what they want to do. It’s completely independent,” Fisher said, noting that the individuals will be “empowered to make their own decisions as they continue that transition into adulthood.”

Fisher said that MCCC is currently building this program in a way that prioritizes accessibility with the few-

Eligible students ages 18 to 24 will be able to use the college shuttle system to travel between the James Kerney Campus at 102 North Broad Street in downtown Trenton, opposite page, and the West Windsor Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor, above.

est obstacles to care—and the greatest autonomy—possible.

She added that what sets the CAT program apart from others is its unique position on a college campus, which offers a built-in system of support to this population as they look to integrate into professional spaces.

“We want to make sure, again, that accommodations are built in and there are zero barriers from day one,” she said, noting that the classrooms are still being fur-

nished with inclusive options.

“If we have an individual [who] perhaps has cerebral palsy and has arm braces, they’re going to need a different seating arrangement than what we have right now,” she said. “If we need those accessibility items, it’s imperative that we have them to meet the needs of everyone.”

Fisher described the request for service form as “barrier-free,” noting that the applications are straightforward, electronic, and go directly to the CAT team, who will then

respond to families as soon as they are able to do so.

“I have been a community provider for years and years. Never did I have exposure to an individual in this population [who] was going to college or had the opportunity to do so,” Fisher said, noting that times are changing to “move away from those congregate settings.”

“They’re truly going individualized and self-directed in that the individual and their family receiving service really have more of a voice now than they ever did—and they should use that voice to have services that are appropriate for them,” she explained. ***

To learn more about the Center for Adult Transition (CAT) or ask questions, email cat@mccc.edu or visit the page on the MCCC website, mccc.edu/student_services_ needs_cat.shtml.

To apply for the CAT program, visit the Request for Service form at forms.office.com/ pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jSYNCfenoEi XZEU1ZUk8nG6HoZ_WrRdMloWC0GM64wNUNVJPVDVXVzdDNkQzR0tKUFVXN1RYVDdOVC4u

For more on the Center for Accessibility Resources (CAR), visit mccc. edu/student_services_needs.shtml or call 609-570-3422

Inclusion Sports Performance Training

Where Children & Adults Strive to Reach Their Highest Potential

Inclusion Sports Performance Training is a welcoming, inclusive place where children and adults strive to reach their highest potential. Through offerings including swimming, gymnastics and a learn to ride bike program, students work with trained and dedicated staff to meet any challenge and make progress. Here kids have the opportunity for social play, recreational movement and early intervention. Coming soon, ISPT will offer after school enrichment programs which will include bussing from Hopewell school district.

Instruction is offered in both group settings and 1:1 private lessons and parent/child classes give parents and kids a chance to learn, bond and interact together in a safe and collaborative setting. ISPT also offers an inclusive summer day camp that puts the focus on healthy movement and development of social skills through theme weeks that encompass fun, play, inclusion and creativity.

At our Ewing location, both verbal and non-verbal students are included through accessible programs including swimming, gymnastics and learn to bike. Swim lessons are private and one-to-one, so kids can focus on learning to swim and respecting the water. Small group gymnastics allow students to gain independence and work on life skills, while parent assisted gymnastics classes are a great introduction for learners who require additional support. Monthly Parents Night Out events give caregivers a muchneeded respite while kids have fun in a safe, supervised and social environment.

The Learn to Ride program offers students a chance to take flight on two wheels through private or small group classes. The fundamental life skill of riding a bike benefits students both mentally and physically and can increase confidence and give families a fun activity they can do together. ISPT has collaborated with Strider

Bikes and their donated balance bikes have helped pave the path to success for so many of our students.

At our new Hopewell location, preschool-aged students run, jump, tumble and play in a safe and inclusive space under the supervision of highly trained staff. Current offerings include Preschool Social Play, Parent/Child in Motion, Tumbling Tykes, Sensory Play and Learn and Open Gym Family Play as well as private lessons. Future offerings will include yoga for kids and families, after school enrichment programs, OT, PT and speech.

ISPT founder and owner Shannon Schafer has over 25 years experience working with the special needs community and is passionate about not only creating an inclusive environment but also about fostering an inclusive community. She has worked with both public and private schools in Mercer county as well as Special Olympics, NJ as a coach for over 20 years and POAC Autism Services.

“I vowed many years ago to make sure parents would have a welcoming and inclusive place to bring their children, a place where possibilities are limitless and that’s what we do at Inclusion Sports Performance Training,” she says.

Visit inclusionsportspt.com for more information or contact us directly at 609 812-2566. Join for an open house at our Hopewell location on Sunday, September 17, 10 a.m. to noon, or at our Ewing location, Sunday, October 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And be sure to come see us at Hopewell Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 23. See ad, page 15

Back-to-school checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule an appointment

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

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

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

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

MAKING SMILES FOR LIFE

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.

So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline.

• Osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff tear

• Back pain

• Meniscus tears

• Tennis elbow

• Disc herniations

• Tendonitis

• Neck pain

Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures.

Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable.

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage.

So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected

back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered.

Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.

Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease.

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue.

And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost!

Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an appointment and learn more.

See ad, page 3.

Dr. Irving Djeng

Dr. Lauren Levine

Dr. Kevin Collins

Dr. Deolinda Reverendo

Dr. Michael DeLuca

Dr. Matthew Etter

Dr. Ronak Patel MD

Back to School Stuart Country Day School

Princeton Montessori School

A child-centered approach to learning

Montessori is an innovative, child-centered approach to learning, developed a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development, with a goal of igniting a passion for learning and nurturing the potential in each child. Princeton Montessori School, founded in 1968, is the area’s premier independent, coeducational, Montessori day school for children from infancy through 8th grade, and is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. Our Infant, Toddler, and Primary programs are joyful learning communities designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each age group. Led by Montessori-credentialed experts, children move into their elementary years as explorers, thinkers, doers, and kind community members. Our Middle School (grades 6-8) is authorized by The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) which ensures our graduates are confident, competent, and well-prepared for success in life. Princeton Montessori School continues to provide children from the greater Princeton area with the very best in Montessori education. Come for a tour! https:// princetonmontessori.org/

487 Cherry Valley Road, Princeton. See ad, page 16

Celebrating 60 Years of Preparing Girls for Lives of Leadership and Service

Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, an independent school located in Princeton, is dedicated to the education of girls from kindergarten to Grade 12, alongside a co-ed preschool. Following the Goals and Criteria of the Schools of the Sacred Heart, Stuart's mission is to educate young women to lead lives of leadership and service. This September marks the 60th anniversary of all-girls, Sacred Heart education at Stuart in Princeton, NJ. In 1963, the Society of the Sacred Heart answered the call for a girls’ school that taught their students to thrive with and through God’s love. Today, in our ever-evolving society, Stuart’s mission, and that of girls’ schools, remains as pertinent as ever. Head of School Julia Wall dispels misconceptions about girls’ schools, emphasizing the integral role of a spiritual foundation in shaping leadership development.

Stuart was founded to support the empowerment of women and their spiritual heart center as it applies to God’s love for them. As a Sacred Heart school, guided by five Goals and Criteria, we believe that every child is born with a unique sense of spirituality, and it’s important for kids to know that God loves them however they define their spirituality. Though we’re a Catholic school, we’ve always widely embraced other religions and believe that God is a helpful force in life; reminding kids that they matter and that someone other than their

parents believes that they’re a perfect being, just as they are, worthy of love.

Girls’ schools also often battle misconceptions about their ability to successfully ready girls for college and careers, especially in co-ed spaces. The fact is, you don’t need to have gone to school next to a boy to be fully actualized. Alums tell us that while they were at Stuart, every door was open to them and they had the freedom to establish their own sense of self; they were confident in who they were as people and were then able to bring their authentic self to everyone regardless of their gender. The affinity space of an all-girls school like Stuart prepares students for every social and academic scenario. Our girls not only get placed at top colleges nationwide, most of which are coed settings, but they thrive there and go on to do amazing things across a broad range of industries and organizational settings. By the time they leave us — after 12 years at Stuart or four — our graduates speak with a self-assuredness about their future that is uniquely Stuart.

Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road, Princeton. www.stuartschool.org. See ad, page 14.

RSM Princeton

Building Powerful Minds Through Mathematics

What is the Russian School of Mathematics?

RSM is an award-winning after school math enrichment program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 75+ locations in North America. Our unique approach consists of a continuous kindergarten to highschool curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year over year. K-12 students can choose from various classes to prepare them for the school year, math competition courses for additional challenge, or test prep courses.

Fall math classes now enrolling at RSM Princeton!

There is no better time to join RSM than in Fall! Get started by scheduling a free math evaluation for your child or visit our website to see the Fall schedule of classes: www.mathschool.com/locations/princeton. For any questions you might have, please feel free to call us at 732-708-4905 or email us at princeton@mathschool.

com.

An award-winning math program.

Featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked “among the top schools in the world” by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. As Masha Gershman, the VP of Marketing at RSM, states in her Ted talk “Uncertain Times Call for Certain Math”, advanced mathematics is not only within the grasp of every child but is also a

crucial skill for achieving success in any field.

Our program is built around how a child's mind works

Designed as a continuous program from K-12, our curriculum was developed by our team of academics specializing in mathematics, education, and child development. Our curriculum has continually been perfected by our curriculum department over the last two decades. Three levels for every grade allow us to meet children where they are and place them in an environment suited to them. This ensures that students can begin our program at any time

and be challenged appropriately in an environment of peers.

Talented faculty.

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

How do I enroll my child?

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

RSM Princeton, 231 Clarksville Road, West Windsor. 732-708-4905. princeton@mathschool.com. www. mathschool.com/locations/princeton. See ad, page 9.

Classes are designed for all ages to build confidence, artistry, discipline, and foster students’ love of dance. Our world class faculty is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, with spacious studios, new state-of-the-art dance floors, and live music. The perfect environment to learn and grow!

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

RWJBarnabas Health has a passion for heart health. We have the largest adult and pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state, a heart transplant program that’s in the top 15 nationally, the latest technology and medical advancements and hundreds of wellness and prevention programs to strengthen and protect healthy hearts. Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. Learn more at rwjbh.org/heart

Back to School

St. George Preschool A Safe Place for Growth

At St. George Preschool, we believe that each child has an innate drive for exploring, discovering, communicating, and learning. Our purpose is to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for children to develop this innate drive to the fullest, and become life-long learners. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her individual interests, creativity and potential at their own pace by providing a wide variety of fun and age-appropriate activities and materials. In addition to the developmental goals in the areas of math, language, science, cognitive skills, motor skills, etc., stipulated by the state, the school aims to promote learning skills for life.

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

a beautiful play ground with regular physical activities.

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

The Laurel School of Princeton

Designed For The Dyslexic Mind

The Laurel School of Princeton provides an enriched educational experience for students who have dyslexia and related learning differences such as ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive function deficits. Laurel School students bring incredible talents, skills and creativity to our program, while being taught by expertly trained, passionate teachers who understand how they learn best, helping them to build on their strengths and achieve academic success.

Services. Our experienced staff has a passion building a foundation for a life-long love of learning. We are truly a family and we treat your children as such. For more information regarding our program, please visit our website.

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

See ad, page 16

Instruction is delivered with a multisensory and inquiry-based approach by teachers who have years of experience teaching children with learning differences and are certified to instruct using Orton Gillingham and Wilson Language programs. Our faculty understands that it is critical to intervene as early as possible when children have reading, writing, and math challenges. It is essential to identify the individual needs of each student and provide diagnostic and prescriptive

lessons that ensure success. The Laurel School of Princeton offers an integrative, engaging curriculum that enables our students to develop the confidence to learn and excel.

Laurel understands that some children need more than what conventional teaching systems and traditional public schools can offer. No parent wants to see their child become disconnected; “Kids often come to us with their confidence broken by the school districts, and they feel as though they can’t learn. But their spark quickly returns as

they discover that they can grow and thrive at Laurel,” says the Director of Admissions Amy Deutsch. By placing your child in a holistic educational atmosphere, individualized instruction and guidance will empower him/her to take control of their education and rediscover success.

Please contact Amy Deutsch with questions or to schedule a tour: 609-566-6000, extension 0282 or at adeutsch@thenewgrange.org

The Laurel School, 800 North Road, Hopewell. www.laurelschoolprinceton.org. See ad, page 11

The Rech Center

Celebrating 20 Years

Twenty years is a long time. So much happens in 20 years. You live, you learn, you grow. As The Rech Center celebrates their 20th anniversary, the lessons go way beyond the dance studio! Just ask Kelly Rech, the Founder and Director of The Rech Center for Performing Arts. Kelly shared, “When I first opened the doors to The Rech Center, I envisioned teaching dance and supporting TRC students in becoming the best dancers they could be! What I never expected was the family of dance students over the years who not only have developed a love for dance, but students who have learned so much about who they are and who they want to be in life”!

Of course, The Rech Center offers dance classes in all style of dance for children of all ages, but that isn’t what makes The Rech Center special. Just ask the dancers at TRC or the parents of those students, why they love the The Rech Center!

“I can’t put into words the joy I feel when I see my daughter coming out of the studio after class. I don’t

see that smile after any other activity she is involved with. Thank you for providing such a positive encouraging environment for all of your students”.

“My friends that I dance with at The Rech Center always support me and are truly excited for me when I try and accomplish something new. That makes me feel good”.

According to Kelly, students at The Rech Center not only learn lessons in the studio that will help them become better dancers, but lessons that have molded them into the people they aretoday. As we head into our 20th season, it’s truly been a pleasure to teach so many students who have gone on to dance professionally, who have made dance a part of their college experiences and those who have gone into various careers where they have applied lessons and skills learned at TRC into their professions. As a studio owner, teacher, choreographer and most importantly a parent, Kelly says that is The Rech Centers biggest and most important accomplishment. Having a positive and encouraging influence on her students regardless of their endeavors is priceless.

www.rechcenterdance.com. See ad, page 10

St. George Preschool

Enroll now for the 2023-2024 school year

Classes for 3 year olds and 4 year olds

Potty trained

Full- 1/2 day, early morning drop off, late pick up schedules available

Competitive tuition rates - secure environment indoor gym - outdoor playground - qualified educators

Princeton Ballet School

Beyond technique: Empowering dancers

Princeton Ballet School is the official school of the American Repertory Ballet, celebrating over 65 years of excellence in dance education.

Classes are designed for all ages to build confidence, artistry, discipline, and foster students’ love of dance. Its world class faculty is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, with spacious studios, new state-of-the-art dance floors, and live music. The perfect environment to learn and grow.

What Sets the School Apart

St.

1200

www.stgeorgepreschool.org

Angela Gering Director

Call

Founded in 1954 by Audrée Estey, Princeton Ballet School is one of the nation’s finest non-profit dance schools. Many things set Princeton Ballet School apart from the usual dance school, the most important being: its philosophy, its faculty, its affiliation with a professional ballet company, its dedication to live music in the classroom and its facilities.

The School’s Philosophy. Princeton Ballet School is known for nurtur-

ing developing dancers in a safe and progressive way. The school teaches age and developmentally appropriate ballet technique classes from a syllabus that allows younger students more time for movement exploration while providing advanced students with the tools to become professional dancers, if they so choose. As a result, all students develop self-esteem, self-discipline, and a strong fitness level that will provide a powerful edge in any future endeavor.

Outstanding Faculty. Princeton Ballet School has more than 20 specialized faculty members. Many have attained graduate degrees in dance education and have won major teaching awards. All are committed to the school’s philosophy of dance education and to helping students achieve their best. Members of the outstanding faculty have performed professionally with companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, and American Repertory Ballet.

Live Music. The school’s ballet classes have live musical accompaniment. This is particularly fun for the children’s classes, where frequent improvisational exercises provide an opportunity for students to interact and

Hamilton Dental Associates

The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children

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

Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths.

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

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

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

Back to School

Where Do Orthodontic Issues Come From?

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

Some of these acquired oral health issues include:

• Sucking Their Thumbs

• Mouth Breathing

• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns

• Poor Dental Hygiene

• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth

• Poor Nutritional Habits

straighten themselves with time.

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

Common Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic

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

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

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

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

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

Finding a Child Orthodontic You Can Trust

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

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

See ad, page 10

Sat. 11/04/23

In-person: Rosedale Park Pennington, NJ

Virtual option available.

Participation Options:

-5k in-person -1 mile in-person

-10k in-person -Virtual

collaborate with the staff of professional musicians.

Facilities. Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton, New Jersey. All locations are wheelchair accessible and feature sprung dance floors and marley from Harlequin Floors. The striking Princeton and Cranbury facilities were designed by the late Ralph

Lerner, an internationally known architect and former Dean of the School of Architecture at Princeton University. The studios in New Brunswick are part of the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2019.

More information: arballet.org/ princeton-ballet-school/. See ad, page 12

Inspire youth to BE GREAT & strive for great futures!

Nursing Home Neglect

Sherri L. Warfel Nursing Home Practice Chair

For over 15 years, Ms. Warfel’s practice has focused on assisting victims of nursing home abuse and negligence. She has been 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.

YESS continued from Page 20 to for successful operations.

However, Yess had assumed the role of executive director of the Princeton Arts Association, PAA, and stepped forward.

During a recent interview in the Hamilton home she shares with her artist husband, the already mentioned Orban, Yess talked about the development of the PAA, how she became involved and how it came to move to Trenton and become Artworks.

She says the PAA started in the mid1960s in a Dutch-styled former bank building on Nassau Street.

One of its founders was artist Huey Lee-Smith, a nationally known artist of African ancestry. He was also a member of the circle of artists involved with Rex Goreleigh’s Studio on the Canal (recently highlighted in the Arts Council of Princeton exhibition “James Wilson Edwards and a Circle of Black Artists”).

The PAA eventually settled on Ettl Farm, owned by artist Alex Ettl, in 1980 under then-director Mary Ward. Yess says that Ward began calling around for recommendations for a new director and called nationally know artist, Mercer County Community College instructor, and founding TAWA member Mel Leipzig.

“Mel recommended me,” says Yess,

adding that she took over just as the Ettl was selling the farm and the arts organization was able to secure a Princeton Borough-owned building, the gym formerly used by Miss Fine’s School.

Then, “The borough decided it wanted (the building and adjacent space) for a senior center. We were up the creek looking for a place to go.”

A then-Mill Hill Trenton resident in communication with other TAWA members, Yess was aware of the city’s hopes to establish its building as an arts center, and, along with PAA member Susan Hockaday, opened a discussion with her board and the city.

After convincing the board that the organization could continue through a long term, no cost agreement with the City of Trenton, Yess saw the PAA move its operations to Trenton in 1988.

Under Yess’s guidance through 1992, Artworks soon established its reputation as exhibition and learning center. Partners included the Trenton Public Schools. Yess links her interest in Trenton and art to her family.

Although born at Fort Dix, she and her family lived in the Broad Street Park area of Hamilton Township.

After graduating, Yess was in a relationship and moved with him to Chicago and found a job at the University of Chicago

Press. When circumstances changed in the mid-1970s, she returned to the Trenton area and started taking graduate classes and getting involved with regional arts organizations.

“All these groups were looking for a sucker,” she says about committing hours of volunteer work with TAWA and the Trenton City Museum, where TAWA regularly mounted exhibitions.

It was there that Yess proposed the Ellarslie Open, the juried exhibition that now attracts artists from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Although she continued her involvement in the arts over the past several decades, Yess, who has a daughter, built on her past editing and graphic works, launched a consulting business with her husband, and took a longtime position with the nonprofit ECS — The Electrochemical Society.

Peace of Mind.

Now retired, she re-engaged with her past and is leading a committee to organize a fall “TAWA at 45” exhibition at Trenton City Museum.

Looking at the work she and other artists had accomplished in building the foundation for today, she says, “We had nothing and it was hard. It was hard to convince people to support it.

“You need a critical mass. That’s why I got involved with the museum, the arts council, loft spaces. People were adventurous in a different way than they are now.”

The Trenton City Museum presents “Ellarslie Open 40,” at Ellarslie Mansion, Cadwalader Park, Trenton, through September 30, Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. Web: ellarslie.org. Mary Yess on the web: saatchiart.com/maryyess.

You can read a longer version of this story online at communitynews.org.

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Nottingham LL All-Stars celebrate state titles

By Rich Fisher

The good times just kept rolling on a certain block in Hamilton Square this summer.

The Talar and Reymann families live across the street from each other, and were both an integral part of the Nottingham Little League resurgence. Chris Talar managed the NLL 8-year-olds All Stars, who won the first overall state title for that age group in New Jersey Little League history; and Adam Reymann managed the 10-year-old squad that won states and advanced to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament.

In looking at the overall checklist, Nottingham won District 12 tournaments in all four age groups — as the 11s and 12s also won — and the 9-year-olds were unbeaten in both tournaments they won. Since the 8-year-old districts only started last year, it is the first time in district history a league won at four different levels in the same summer.

It marked a big comeback for the

once-dominant league. Nottingham won its first 12-year-old District 12 title since 2015, which was also the last year it had two district champions. Talar’s sons Austin (8s) and Brennan (10s) became District 12’s first brothers to win state titles not only in the same year, but on the same day, as Nottingham had never won two state crowns in one season.

Although the 11s and 12s both lost in sectionals — and for the 12s it was only the second tournament loss in their fiveyear history — it could not detract from a celebratory summer in The Square.

Reymann credited this year’s 12s for setting the tone to the historic run. That team won three districts, two sectionals and two state titles, and lost in the Section 3 final 1-0 to Holbrook in a gutwrenching game.

“My son (Jack) was on that team, and I used to help coach them, and they’d been dominant since they were seven,” Reymann said. “If you asked anyone on that team, this year was a major disappointment.

“Because they were so good, they expected to win everything every year. I think by them winning and expecting to win, it makes everybody expect to win. Once everyone goes in with that mindset of ‘We’re definitely winning districts,’ then you win districts and you just keep it going. They kind of set the mind frame and the culture at Nottingham that districts weren’t enough, you gotta win more. If you can get the kids to believe, then it really makes it easier.”

Talar felt the adults also came together in a big way, right on up to president Adam Bendas.

“I think it obviously starts with the parents and coaches,” he said. “Little League is all volunteer, and that’s where it builds from. And then it turns into your talent of players. It was a great year. All the coaches were great people, they all worked their butts off. Obviously we knew every age group had a ton of talent.

“And Adam is phenomenal. He comes out to support us at all the games. He helps us with any resources we might

need. Any questions he’s always there to answer. He’s the best. You couldn’t ask for more as president.”

Bendas could certainly be proud of this year’s group effort, highlighted by the state titles.

The 8-year-old tournament was held entirely at HTRBA. It started with districts, went directly to the South Jersey state tournament and ended with the firstever North vs. South state championship game (last year there were just North and South champs).

Nottingham won all four district games and defeated a strong Sunnybrae squad, 6-1, in the finals to avoid an “if” game.

The Sayen Gang went on to win four straight SJ state games, opening with a 3-2, six-inning victory (for some reason they only played five innings in 8-year-old tournaments) over Cherry Hill Atlantic. The 8s then gained some revenge for the 12s by beating Holbrook, 7-3. After a win over Freehold, NLL beat Cherry Hill again, 4-2. The state final was almost anticlimactic as See ALL STARS, Page 26

HAMILTON SCHOOLS PAST & PRESENT

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOMS 3&4.

7:00PM

1 JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO WAY HAMILTON, NJ 08610 FREE AND OPEN TO ALL CITIZENS

KUSER FARM MANSION

INVITES YOU TO HAMILTON’S: Movie Night inside the Kuser Farm Mansion

Featuring: Hocus Pocus (1993)

Friday, September 29, 2023

7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30)

390 Newkirk Ave, Hamilton NJ, 08610

Enjoy us as this movie night tradition continues on the original 18 1/2 foot Cinemascope screen! Free admission. Light freshshments will be served.

ALL STARS continued from Page 24

Nottingham beat Nutley, 13-2.

As for the host league, Talar said of his township neighbor, “HTRBA did a phenomenal job hosting everything.

The skipper was uncertain of how far his team could go, since it was basically just starting out.

“Seven-year-olds is a really watered down year,” he said. “You coach-pitch, they don’t keep score. We had a strong team, the majority of that team came back to play with the eight year old team. All these kids are playing travel ball when they’re not playing for Nottingham. It really shaped up, we had a very strong team.

“I didn’t really know what to expect once we got out of the districts. I knew Sunnybrae had a strong program. I didn’t know what to expect with the other teams but I knew we had a very strong nucleus of players.”

Those players were Dylan Beres, Luke Bordieri, Adrian Cicale, Joey Costello, Valor D’Ambrosio, Lucas Espinal, Ben Galant, Dominic Otter, Giancarlo Rodriguez, Dylan Schaefer, Mason Schiaretti and Austin Talar. Assistant coaches included Steve Beres, Santiago “Alfie” Espinal and Jeff Galant.

Schaefer’s brother Brayden was one of the 12-year-old team’s top pitchers, and he was one of three main hurlers for the 8s, along with Talar and Costello.

“Our strength was definitely defense and pitching,” Talar said. “I’d argue that Dylan Schaefer is the strongest 8-yearold pitcher in the state. He throws harder than most 10 year olds.”

Reymann and his wife, also named Kelly, played a similar balancing act since they had sons playing on two different teams. And they had just as much fun as their neighbors.

The 10s were coming off a 9-year-old campaign in which they went undefeated and won both their tournaments.

“I had high expectations to win districts,” Reymann said. “Other than that you really don’t know what else is out there because you’ve never seen any of these other teams before these guys are 10.”

Nottingham blew through districts, winning all three games and beating host Lawrence in the finals. The Section 3 tournament was a bit tougher as Nottingham won its first two games, lost to Toms River in the first game of the finals but came back to win the “if” game 13-8 for the championship.

Because sectionals ran long, Nottingham had one day rest before the states began in Livingston while all the other teams had a chance to reset their pitching. The Square Boys opened with a win over Haddonfield but one day later had to use 10 players to pitch in a 19-15 loss to Moorestown.

“We had absolutely zero pitching left in that second game,” Reymann said. “After that we started to get our pitching back.”

Fighting out of the loser’s bracket, Nottingham beat Caldwell, 16-0, then took 5-3 and 10-5 wins over Moorestown to give NLL its fourth overall 10-year-old state title and second in the last three years.

Winning two straight do-or-die contests in championship games gave a good indication of the moxie the 10s had.

KUSER FARM MANSION

INVITES YOU TO HAMILTON’S:

Chairs are provided, but for your comfort, you are invited to bring a chair cushion or your lawn chair. To RSVP, please call (609) 890-3630 or email Patti Krzywulak, Program Coordinator at; PKrzywulak@hamiltonnj.com

Movie Night inside the Kuser Farm Mansion

Kuser Mansion - 390 Newkirk Ave, Hamilton, NJ, 08610

Presenting: Star Wars (1977)

For Talar, the toughest thing this summer was trying to watch both sons play. He had to miss Brennan’s state final but his wife Kelly, a Steinert Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, made sure a parent was present.

“They never gave up,” Reymann said. “We played seven games in eight days. These kids were like machines. We played every day, they wanted to play every day.

Nottingham Little League 8-year-old All Stars: (front row) Austin Talar, Gio Rodriguez, Adrian Cicale, Dom Otter, Lucas Espinal, Ben Galant, Luke Bordieri, Joey Costello, Dylan Schaefer, Valor D’ambrosio, Mason Schiaretti, Dylan Beres; (back row) coaches. Chris Talar, Steve Beres, Santiago “Alfie” Espinal and Jeff Galant.

Even on our day off we would practice. I never saw 10 year olds that wanted to play like these kids did. They just loved it. They were into it, they bought into it everything the coaches were saying and they wanted to win.”

The ride ended in Cranston, Rhode Island, when Nottingham went 2-2 in pool play, and missed reaching bracket play by one game. But it could not detract from an outstanding effort by the team, which featured Jason Balon, Owen McWhorter, Ryan O’Connor, Ryan O’Donnell, Matteo Pandolfini, Owen Quirk, Tim Reymann, Braeden Ruymen, Gennaro Salzano, Elijah Spurlock, Brennan Talar and Ryan Walker. The coaches were Jonathan Spurlock and Sean O’Connor.

“Our pitching was outstanding the whole time, pitching and defense were

our strong points,” Reymann said. “As we got moving on, our hitting really started to take off. We started to see better pitching, which helped us.”

And they accomplished something that will live on forever at the indoor batting cage, where all state champions get a board hung with their names on it.

“When we started off I brought them into the cage,” Reymann said. “I said ‘See these names up here, once you get your name up here it’s up here forever. You can come back and show your kids, your grandkids. That’s what I want for you guys.’ When we won states there were a bunch of kids going “Our names are going to be up there!’”

And so will the names of the 8s, as Nottingham Little League has made itself a force once again.

We are a dedicated team of board certified physicians who provide high quality healthcare to newborns, children, and adolescents through college age. Scheduled appointments and same day sick visits are available weekdays, evenings, and Saturday mornings.

Baker, DO, FAAP, FACOP • Sonya Boor, MD, FAAP Laura Brandspiegel, MD, FAAP • Stefanie Fiderer, DO, FAAP

Nottingham Little League 10-year-old All Stars: (front row) Ryan O’Donnell, Elijah Spurlock, Ryan Walker, Brennan Talar, Matteo Pandolfini, Owen McWhorter, Ryan O’Connor, Tim Reymann, Braeden Ruymen, Owen Quirk, Gennaro Salzano, Jason Balog; (back row) coach Jonathan Spurlock, manager Adam Reymann, coach Sean O’Connor.

Leaving ‘very hard’ for Northstars’ Adams

By Rich Fisher

There’s something missing as teachers and students return to the hallways of Nottingham High this month. Things seem just a bit quieter. More quiet, in fact, than they have been in 33 years.

Oh wait. That’s right!

For the first time since 1990, the gregarious personae of Jon “Big Dawg” Adams is no longer blanketing the school. The booming voice that was so familiar on the football field, track, basketball court and all throughout the corridors has gone quiet after Adams stepped down as Nottingham’s athletic director in June. He is now serving as an assistant Ewing football coach under former Northstars player Ross Maddalon.

After 29 years of coaching, the Cowboy fan enjoyed his four years as AD as much as watching an Eagles highlight film. And while he won’t miss the job, he will surely miss the school.

“It is very tough to leave the students, parents and families, staff and administration of Nottingham,” the Big Dawg said. “Those folks were my extended family. I love that I worked in the very neighborhood that I grew up in.

“I was teaching the children of people I grew up with, and then started teaching and coaching their kids. I grew up on Klockner Road. I played my little league football games at Nottingham (in the Hamilton Football League). It is a special community and I love the people. I am the original Klockner Road Kid.”

The only thing that made his departure bearable was exiting a job he disliked.

“Leaving was very hard as far as the school is concerned,” he said. “As far as AD is concerned, it was the right move because I was miserable! I was there more than when I was coaching three sports. On weekends the phone was always ringing or beeping with 25 text messages. It was just not for me.”

Coaching has always been in Adams’ blood. After playing wide receiver/tight end at Steinert and Glassboro State (now Rowan), Adams immediately became a volunteer assistant coaching defensive backs at Glassboro. He returned to Steinert and was head freshman football coach from 1987-89. He also coached wrestling and track.

From there, he was strictly a Blue & Gold man, and admitted that he doesn’t really feel like a Steinert grad after all those years up the street.

“No, I don’t, but those friendships and the connection I have with (former Steinert coaches) Steve Simek, Roger Bigos, David McWilliams, Del Hood, Ralph Delibero and Jim Fazzone can never be broken,” Adams said. “They took care of me. They were my mentors. They helped me all throughout my career. I am not where I am today without those men.”

“We had 645 seniors in my graduating class (there was no Nottingham then) and it was hard to feel like a part of the school when you only spent mornings there. I was on the practice/game field or in the weight room the other part of the day.”

In 1990 the Big Dawg moved up Klockner Road and took over for Glenn Sliker, who had run the varsity football program for all but one year since the school opened in 1982. No one could guess that the Northstars wouldn’t need a new man for the next three decades.

That’s what happens when a guy creates an atmosphere that folks enjoy.

“Jon meant everything to Northstar football and to the school,” long-time assistant Keith Zimmerman said. “Before I got to Nottingham to coach, the stories I’d hear from his former players about the love and passion he had for it is what brought me to coach there. I wanted to be around a program that was a family and Jon instilled that, from the coaches to the players.”

Head football coach Milo McGuire, a former assistant who took over in 2019, felt that “Jon taught me the multi-faceted approach that you needed to be equipped with in order to thrive in the Nottingham culture. When he brought me in, he taught me valuable lessons about life, coaching, and how to exist within both.”

He taught his players the same thing. When asked via Facebook to provide a few comments on Adams, former star receiver Robert Wiggs responded with a short novel. He couldn’t say enough good things.

“He was like a father figure to many of us; from what he taught us on and off the field, how to be a man, how to present yourself in public and if we didn’t do those

See ADAMS, Page 30

Adams

things there were consequences just like there would be in real life,” said the twotime Mercer County Player of the Year. “He prepared us for life after football. A lot of us didn’t have that kind of figure in our life and he helped fill that void.”

Melissa “Shop ‘N Bag” Persichetti has been a student and coach at Nottingham since 1997 and worked with Adams on the track & field team. She saw his impact as a student and colleague.

“His commitment to the Northstar community is admirable,” Persichetti said. “He devoted over 30 years to Nottingham student-athletes. He has encouraged, supported, and inspired many.”

Wes “The Media Mogul” Kirkpatrick, who has taken sports photos at Nottingham since before Adams arrived, became one of the coach’s best friends. The two visited faraway stadiums for big-time college football games and have an unbreakable bond. Kirkpatrick echoed Wiggs’ thoughts.

“What has impressed me most were his former players coming back to see him,” the Mogul said. “They have the ultimate respect for the role he played in their lives. These are players he had from all 30 years.”

Along with shaping their personal lives, Adams was also a pretty good coach. He finished with a 157-147-4 record, guiding Nottingham to 13 state playoff appearances, two state sectional finals and one state sectional title.

The Stars played their first-ever playoff game in 1993. In 2005 Nottingham went 10-2 and made its first state finals appearance before losing to Ocean. The Northstars went 32-11 from 2010-13 and upset defending champion Neptune in the 2012 Central Jersey Group III title game. Nottingham won a school record 11 games that year. The Stars went 22-8

over Adams’ final three seasons, and his son Stephen played on the state championship team.

In a span of just six years — 2008-13 — Adams’ produced the Mercer County Player of the Year four times with Kendrick Williams, Wiggs (twice) and Saquan Hampton. He was named Coach of the Year by one Trenton paper or the other five different seasons, and won the distinguished Clarence O’Shea Coach’s Award in 2012.

Wiggs felt the secret to Adams’ success went beyond Xs and Os. He made players want to play for him.

“As a young guy you wanted to prove to him you were one of those dudes he could lean on,” Wiggs said. “If he asked us to run through five walls we all would line up to attempt it. Coach was very tough, he demanded greatness everyday on the field and off the field as a young man, because he knew in life you would be challenged.”

Adams said that without a doubt the football championship was his greatest accomplishment, and noted it was made extra special by the fact he survived a cancer scare the same year. With the aid of wife Elaine — a constant fixture at Nottingham athletic events — Adams came out on top.

“I needed two kidneys,” he recalled. “The first quack told me he was just going to cut it out. We left that appointment in shock. Elaine saved my life by getting on the computer that night and finding Dr. Allan Wein and before I knew it he had me back on the sidelines in time for seven-on-sevens at Notre Dame. Dr. Wein saved my kidney and thus, my life.”

And while football will be Adams’ main legacy, his impact on Nottingham went well beyond the gridiron. He had two different stints totaling 18 years as

an assistant basketball coach, was boys head track & field coach for 10 years and assistant for another 11 and spent three years as head indoor track coach. Adams was also the volunteer strength program supervisor for 29 years.

Adams helped guide Northstar track & field teams to two outdoor Mercer County titles and one indoor, and two outdoor sectional championships. Persichetti was right there with him.

“His knowledge, passion and genuine care for his athletes is inspirational,” she said. “His core belief was always to improve the lives of his athletes and guide them to success. He has made a tremendous impact on the Nottingham community and furthermore on the lives of many Northstars.”

Adams went into his athletic director

job with his usual zeal. But when Covid struck during his first year-and-a-half, the thrill was gone due to all the cancellations and restrictions. “I lost the excitement I had going into the job,” he said. “I knew my time was short. The pension numbers just had to work. Elaine finally agreed this (past) winter and I made the decision to retire and get back to doing what I love — coaching.”

He may be gone, but his influence will remain for some time.

“No question, he put Nottingham athletics on the map,” Kirkpatrick said. “His success in football and track took us from the bottom of the pile in all sports to one of the most respected schools in the area.”

Wiggs added that “I remember we used to get laughed at when we ran at track meets. Now everybody knows when Nottingham is running to find a seat to watch the show. You see his fingerprints all over the athletic programs. He was very supportive of other sports and made sure we supported other sports as well. We are thriving at an all-time high at Nottingham and have been producing athletes from the highest level on down.”

Adams did not want to single out any specific athletes or co-workers for fear of missing someone, but did provide a blanket thank you to all his “fellow Northstars.”

“I would not trade the past 33 years of my life for anything,” he said. “Nottingham is an awesome place to work. It never felt like work because of the people I encountered everyday. I love you all!”

McGuire probably summed it up best.

“Over the years, Jon has been synonymous with Nottingham,” he said. “You couldn’t think about Nottingham without thinking of him and the indelible mark that he has left on the school and the community.”

Jon Adams as Nottingham High School football coach. (Photo by Wes Kirkpatrick.)

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

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Sollami Covello, Mercer County Clerk, 209 S. Broad St., Election Dept., P.O. Box 8068, Trenton,

Firefighters assist after police find suspicious devices

Bob Sherman, Jr. FIRELINE

A sampling of incidents for July:

July 1 at 8:14 a.m. Engines 2, 3, Squad 1, Rescue 1, Truck 2 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Independence Plaza, S. Broad St. Commercial fire alarm.

July 2 at 11:35 a.m. Truck 1 dispatched as EMS for a motor vehicle collusion at Quakerbridge and Youngs Roads.

July 2 at 1:55 p.m. Engine 1 dispatched as EMS. Motor vehicle collision at Kuser and Yardville Hamilton Square Roads.

July 2 at 2:47 p.m. Engine 3 dispatched as EMS for a motor vehicle collusion at Kuser Rd and Hamilton Ave.

July 2 at 3:46 p.m. Truck 1 dispatched to first block of Sharon Rd, Robbinsville for hallway smoke detector activation.

July 2 at 8:09 p.m. Engine 1, Truck 2 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to 400 block of Newkirk Ave. to assist Hamilton Police.

July 3 at 10:08 a.m. Engine 2, Truck 2 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Lamberton Road for a motor vehicle fire.

July 3 at 9:21 p.m. Engine 2, 3, Truck 2, Squad 1, Rescue 1 dispatched to 1800 block of S Broad St. for a fire alarm in an apartment.

July 4 at 9:40 a.m. Truck 1, Engine 3 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Woolworth Center for Musical Studies, a 3-story commercial building, Chapel Drive, Princeton. Police reported smoke condition in the main entrance. First alarm assignment was called for due to smoke throughout the basement.

July 4 at 2:30 p.m. Engine 3 dispatched

to Klockner Rd. and Sloan Ave. for a 3 car motor vehicle collision.

July 4 at 10:35 p.m. Engine 4, Truck 2 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to 200 block of Main Street for a vehicle fire.

July 5 at 9:17 a.m. Engines 1,2, 4, Truck

1, Rescue 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Express Care, Nottingham Way for a commercial fire alarm.

July 6 at 7:33 a.m. Engines 1,4, Truck

1, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Lohli Drive for a commercial fire alarm.

July 7 at 8:26 a.m. Engine 1 dispatched to Robbinsville High School. Fire alarm.

July 7 at 8:35 a.m. Engines 1, 3, 5. Truck 1, Squad 1, Rescue 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Perilli Dr. for a dwelling fire.

July 7 at 1:09 p.m. Squad 1, Engines 1,

2, 4, Trucks 1, 2, and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Dewberry Dr for a dwelling fire.

July 7 at 7:40 p.m. Truck 1 dispatched as EMS to Edinburg Rd. and McAdoo Ave. for a Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collison. Person lying in the roadway.

July 8 at 6:24 p.m. Engine 3, Truck 1 Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Lincoln Court for an interior gas leak,

July 10 at 9:34 a.m. Engines 1,2,4, Trucks 1, 2, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Kristopher Dr. for a dwelling fire

July 10 at 4:50 p.m. Engines 1, 3. Truck 1, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Alvin E. Gershen Apartments for a general fire alarm.

July 12 at 6:25 p.m. Engines 1, 2, 4, Trucks 1, 2, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first

block of Phaeton Dr. for an appliance fire.

July 13th Hamilton Firefighters attended the Wake for Newark firefighter Augusto Acabou, killed in the line of duty.

July 13 at 6:52 a.m. Engine 2 as EMS dispatched to Lalor Dr. and Randall Ave. for a Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Collision.

July 13 at 7 p.m. Engine 3, Truck 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Hamilton and Klockner. Vehicle fire.

July 13 at 7:10 p.m. Engine 1 dispatched to Opal Dr., Robbinsville for a motor vehicle accident. Vehicle into a structure.

July 14 Hamilton Firefighters attended the funeral for Newark firefighter Wayne Brooks Jr. killed in the line of duty.

July 14 at 6:21 a.m. Engine 4, Squad 1, Rescue 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to US Hwy 130 and Church St. for a motor vehicle accident/rescue.

July 14 at 11:34 a.m. Engine 2, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Justice Samuel Alito Way and Kuser Rd. for a motor vehicle accident/ rescue assignment, overturned vehicle.

July 14 at 7:10 p.m. Engine 1, Truck 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block Chambord Court for an uncontrolled water leak.

July 15 at 12:39 a.m. Truck 1 as EMS dispatched to Quakerbridge Rd. and Sloan Ave. for a motor vehicle collision.

July 16 around 10:30 a.m. Hamilton Units were dispatched to Holt Circle for a dwelling fire. Firefighters stretched two hand lines into the dwelling. Fire confined to basement. Fire Police responded.

July 16 at 5:48 p.m. Rescue 1, Squad 1, Engine 3 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Interstate 195S for a motor vehicle rescue assignment.

July 17 at 12:37 Engine 1 dispatched to 2900 block of Quakerbridge Rd. Wires on fire.

July 17 at 9:37 a.m. Engine 1 dispatched to Klockner Rd. and Hamilton Health Plaza for a transformer fire.

July 17 at 6:14 p.m. Truck 1, Squad 1 dispatched to 7-11, 4135 South Broad Street for a vehicle fire.

July 18 at 12:15 p.m. Engine 2 dispatched as EMS to West Park and Westcott Avenues for a pedestrian/motor vehicle collision, cyclist and car.

July 18 at 6:09 p.m. Engine 2, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Bow Hill and Jeremiah Ave. for a motor vehicle accident. Vehicle into a house.

Honorary Chief Bob Sherman Jr. With Mercerville Fire’s 1928 REI fire engine.

July 19 at 6:19 a.m. Engine 2, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Liberty St and South Olden Ave for a two car motor vehicle accident/ rescue assignment. One vehicle overturned, one person trapped in the vehicle.

July 19 at 8:42 a.m. Engine 3, Truck 1, Rescue 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Trane, East State St. for and exterior gas leak, Gas line struck. PSEG requested to the scene.

July 19 at 1:21 p.m. Engine 4, Truck 2, Rescue 1, and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to County Hwy 539 and Walnford Rd., Upper Freehold for a motor vehicle collision/rescue assignment.

July 20 at 3:29 a.m. Engines 2,3,4, Trucks 1, 2, Rescue 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to 300 block of Lafayette Ave. for a reported dwelling fire.

July 20 at 12 p.m. Engines 2, 4, Truck 2, Rescue w, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Residence Inn Marriott, US Hwy 130 for a commercial fire alarm, manual pull.

July 21 at 1:23 p.m. Rescue 1 dispatched to Quakerbridge Mall. Vehicle into structure.

July 21 at 2:35 p.m. Engines 1,2,3, Trucks 1, 2, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Mercerville Shopping Center for a reported building fire. Primary electrical line to the structure was torn from the building. Hamilton Fire Police responded.

July 22 at 5:05 p.m. Engine 4, Truck 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched on the first alarm to Mckesson Corp, John Henry Drive, Robbinsville for a building fire. Fire went to 2nd alarm assignment. Fire was confined to solar panels and HVAC unit on the roof.

July 24 at 8:20 a.m. Truck 1, Engine 2 and Battalion Chief dispatched to 1000 block of Silver Court. Uncontrolled water leak.

July 24 at 3:08 p.m. Engine 1 and Truck 1 dispatched to North Commerce Square, Robbinsville for a commercial fire alarm.

July 24 at 6:42 p.m. Engine 4 and Truck 2 dispatched to NJ Fire Museum, Upper

Freehold, for a commercial fire alarm.

July 25 at 1:54 p.m. Engine 1, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to Hamilton Medical Arts, Kuser Rd. for an interior gas leak.

July 26 at 2:23 p.m. Hamilton Fire Police dispatched to South Broad St .and Fetter Ave. to assist Police with traffic control after police stopped a vehicle and located four metal pipes consistent with being pipe bombs. The investigation shut down multiple streets in the area.

July 26 at 9:45 p.m. Colonial Special Services 18 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to AMC Theater, Sloan Ave. for a standby assignment to provide lighting for NJSP bomb Squad.

July 27 at 1:12 p.m. Truck 1 dispatched to first block of Sparrow Drive for fire department assist to citizen. Smoke detector installation.

July 28 at 10:38 a.m. Engines, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to 100 block of Waverly Place for an interior gas leak.

July 28 at 7:27 p.m. Truck 2 dispatched as EMS to 1300 block of Whitehorse Mercerville Road for a motor vehicle collision.

July 29 at 12:24 p.m. Squad 1, Truck 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to 1200 block of Nottingham Way. Vehicle fire.

July 29 at 2:47 p.m. Engine 1, Truck 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to RWJ University Hospital for a vehicle fire.

July 29 at 7:14 p.m. Engines 1, 3, 5, Squad 1, Truck 1, Rescue 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Ryerson Drive for an appliance fire.

July 30 at 10:46 a.m. Truck 1 dispatched to first block of Vahlsing Way, Robbinsville for a residential fire alarm.

July 31 at 3:50 p.m. Engines 2,4,5, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Squad 1 and on duty Battalion Chief dispatched to first block of Yardville Allentown Road. Building fire.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR

NEWS TO KNOW

‘Star Trek,’ recycled place names and a fictional history highway tour of New York

Peter Dabbene COMPLEX

also represented, through the towns of Homer, Cicero, and Ovid.

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.

Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Executive

My wife, children, and I recently drove to upstate New York for a vacation and family reunion. While there, we enjoyed activities in and around Lake George, including a visit to the dated (but still worth a look) House of Frankenstein Wax Museum. From Lake George, we made the hour-long journey up to Ticonderoga, New York to check out Fort Ticonderoga, where we stood at the site of an important victory over the British in 1775. In the town of Ticonderoga, we happened upon a unique museum, where we stood on the bridge of a ship that scored an important victory against the Romulans in 2266.

The town of Vanderheyden got the classical naming party started back in 1789, changing its name to Troy because, according to the book Classical Place Names in New York State by William R. Farrell, “the residents wanted a more sophisticated name, a historic one that was short, easy to spell and pronounce.” As might be expected, this became something of a standard guideline in naming, and among ancient Troy’s enemies, the Greek cities of Sparta, Corinth, and (stretching the “easy” theme a bit) Mycenae all have namesakes in New York, while those with more challenging names like Boiotia Euboea, and Kephalonia go unrecognized.

Director

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce

Jeannine Cimino

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.

Board and Executive Director.

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

James Cawley, a former Elvis impersonator and leading man of Star Trek fan-film productions, owns and operates the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga. The tour features detailed replicas of the sets from the original 1966-1969 television series, and allows patrons the opportunity to stand on the Enterprise transporter platform, hit the “red alert” button, and even sit in the chair of Captain Kirk himself. It was all great fun, and the museum’s timeline of “historical” events in the Star Trek universe was in keeping with the fictional history theme that developed (at least, in my mind) during the long drives to and from our Hamilton home.

Other New York place names (Catskill, Peekskill, Fishkill, etc.) indicate a Dutch origin—the word “kill” means “little stream” in that language. I was aware of this bit of etymology because Staten Island, where I grew up, boasts its own share of “kills”: the Kill Van Kull, the Arthur Kill, Freshkills Park (and its former incarnation, the infamous Fresh Kills Landfill), plus the neighborhood I lived in, Great Kills. All this killing meant nothing to me as a child; it was only as an adult, when I saw that a Staten Islander had written a crime novel called Fresh Kills, that I realized these names might seem a bit disturbing to non-natives.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Source: Unkown

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.

@thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong

Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co.

Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township

Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group

#HamiltonNJStrong

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank

The highways of upstate New York (mostly I-87 in this instance) hold many signs for areas that share their names with better known precursors. This is a phenomenon I’ve relished ever since a cousin gifted me a Dublin, Pennsylvania T-shirt years ago—I knew of other examples, like Paris, Texas and Athens, Georgia, as well, and though I haven’t yet acquired shirts advertising their existence, a collection of such clothing is something I intend to build over time.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

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.

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: WWW.THEHAMILTONPARTNERSHIP.COM

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly Richard Freeman,

Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

The “knock-off” town names in New York are many: Rome is the first example that comes to mind, fitting with the previously mentioned “alternate” world capitals, but also offered are Syracuse, Ithaca, and Utica, recalling the original cities in Sicily, Greece, and modern-day Tunisia. Individuals from the ancient Greek and Roman world are

There are also plenty of Native American-derived place names in upstate New York. These tend to be a bit tonguetwisting, even after the North American newcomers adapted them to make them easier to pronounce; prime examples are Schenectady (derived from the Mohawk word “skahnéhtati,” meaning “beyond the pines”) and Poughkeepsie (from the Wappinger tribe’s “Uppuqui-ipis-ing,” meaning ‘the reed-covered lodge by the little-water place.’) One road sign, for Kayaderosseras Creek, was such a mouthful that I didn’t even have time to figure out how to pronounce it before we passed it.

Bible names are also popular in New York geography, with appearances of Canaan, Eden (twice), Lebanon (twice), Jerusalem (twice), Sodom (twice), and Jericho (thrice). Sodom, a place with a less-than-stellar reputation in the bible, seems a curious pick for a town name,

Robert

but perhaps appropriately, both Sodoms lie east of the Edens.

I learned most of this information after our trip, inspired to conduct a bit of research. But during the trip, as a driver safely removed from the ability to quickly search the internet, I theorized my own explanations for these and other unusual place names—explanations that became more fanciful as time went on.

As we passed Halfmoon—a very cool name for a town—I imagined how it might have acquired its nomenclature: Ol’ Bert, drunk and loud (maybe after an all-night visit to Sodom), attempted to express disdain for his complaining neighbors by lowering his pants, but with his fumbling coordination only managed to expose one side of his posterior.

Ahead is a sign for New Baltimore— did they finally give up on the old one, or did they decide it merited a sequel? I’ve heard that Moreau State Park has some interesting sights, especially on that island in the middle of it, where some doctor created a menagerie of strange half-human, half-animal hybrids. There’s Mechanicville, where every kid is taught how to fix a car, and the residents wait like eager pit crews for tourists to sputter into town with an automobile problem to solve. Old West Road offers a more compact version of New Jersey’s own Wild West City, with horses instead of cars, gunfights at noon, a classic cantina, and cowboys galore. And don’t forget Ushers Road, where the finest former theater ushers retire after long and dedicated careers—there’s always someone to provide directions, the location of a bathroom, or info on where to buy popcorn.

Logic doesn’t play a large role in this exercise, nor do the rules of time. Thus, we can pass Woodstock at Exit 20 on I-87,

where nearly-nude hippies are cavorting in the mud and avoiding the brown acid circa 1969, while Exit 21 brings us to ancient Egypt and the city of Cairo. The Exit 21B Interchange provides a route to Athens, where Aristotle is teaching that women have fewer teeth than men. Stay on I-87 long enough (Exit 35) and it will bring you to Peru.

Without exiting at these places, there’s no first-hand visual proof to refute these claims. In a twisted riff on Schrodinger’s Cat, all of these scenarios might be true until an actual observation is made, breaking the spell and causing them to revert to the normal, early 21st century towns most people expect to encounter.

Whether you have a passenger look up the actual origins of town names as you pass them or just make them up yourself, there are worse ways to pass a few hours on a long trip, especially after you’ve exhausted whatever appeal searching for different states’ license plates may hold. Until we can instantly rematerialize ourselves onto that U.S.S. Enterprise transporter pad in Ticonderoga, fictional history might be the best option we’ve got.

Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at communitynews.org. His essay, “The U.S. Needs to Tax Religions” can be viewed at morningmoot.com, and his fictional history story “The Mysterious Origin of ‘Marco Polo’” can be read at pikerpress.com. His book Complex Simplicity collects the first 101 editions of this column, along with essays and material published elsewhere. It is available at Amazon.com or Lulu.com for $25 (print) or $4.99 (ebook).

8 questions with painter Kenneth Lewis, Sr.

stretchers and stretch my own canvases. Being a property manager, I am good with my hands and able to make what I need for my art.

How do you decide what to paint?

Saturday, October 14, 2023

7:00p.m. (Doors open at 6:45p.m.)

Kuser Farm Mansion

390 Newkirk Avenue Hamilton NJ 08610

Please join Matt Cook and his team from Princeton Area Paranormal as they demonstrate some ghost hunting techniques and equipment. They will have some experiences to share and will attempt to answer some of your paranormal questions. Just in time for Halloween! Can you make the Ghostbusters Claim? I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghost.

Psychic readings will be available during this event with, “Psychic Readings by Mandy”. Chairs are provided, however you are invited to bring a chair cushion for extra comfort. Please call (609) 890-3630 to register or email Patti Krzywulak, Program Coordinator at PKrzywulak@ hamiltonnj.com. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now!

**Limited 2 seats per reservation** | **Lite refreshments will be served**

**Not suitable for children under 13 years of age**

Kenneth Lewis Sr. is a painter, who paints large colorful figures and abstracts. He has been showing large pieces over the information desk at the Hamilton Township Library for the past six years. These striking images are colorful and loud in comparison to the quiet of the library. They bring a lot of energy to the space.

Talking with Lewis about his art is a lively encounter. He makes art like others breathe air, constantly. You can tell by the way he discusses his work that he really loves doing it, it is a joy he finds. Lewis also teaches in many programs for both children and adults.

His work is free and vibrant. The paintings are colorful and full of life. When and how did you begin in the arts and what did you do previously?

I began painting in 2008 at the age of 47. I am currently 62 years old. I am completely self-taught. I have previously worked in retail and property management. My parents always made me feel as if I could do anything. Painting makes me happy and gives me energy. It is freeing and even if I work on my art all day in the studio, I don’t feel as though I am cooped up at work. I grew up in Bound Brook but have been in the Mercer County area for a long time. Which media do you work in?

I work with oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, house paint, and my own mixtures. I paint on strand board, tarps, canvas, paper, fabric, leather doors. I am very experimental. I like to paint large. I make my own wooden

I don’t decide I just work. Only time I make decisions are for commission. I work on average 40 paintings at a time. I have a large studio and just get started painting. What comes out is what comes out. I just need to get started that’s all.

Do you work in series?

Yes I currently have 12 different series and have painted over 5,000 pieces. I have painted series of figures, portraits, abstracts and landscapes. I really like it all. I recently exhibited in Art Expo NYC. I also showed work in the Ewing Municipal Building, Patterns Exhibition in Chelsea, Manhattan and at the Hopewell Valley Vineyard.

Who are some of your inspirations or influences?

Albert Wagner, the Arkansas born artist who was a prolific folk artist was a major influence. Florida artist Purvis Young, whose work was a blend of drawing, painting and utilizing found objects. Jean-Michel Basquiat the famous neo-impressionist always moved me. Classic artists such as Berthe Morisot, Amedeo Modigliani and the colorful Henri Matisse.

Do you always work on larger pieces?

I prefer larger 6ft plus yet, about 50% are over 6 ft. x 6 ft. I paint from 8 x 10 on up. With some of the large pieces I will paint them and then take them off of the stretchers and roll them up for storage. I will label them and keep them organized. Painting on larger canvas allows me to immerse myself into each piece.

What fight/struggle do you have

Thomas Kelly FIGHT IN THE MUSEUM

regarding your art?

I struggle with time not to make my art but to do other things. I get so into making the artwork that I forget to eat and sleep. I try to schedule my day and do a pretty good job with an hour for this and an hour for that, but sometimes I still get caught up in the painting.

Another struggle I have is inventory management. I paint so much and have so many pieces, more than 5,000, that it is a challenge to keep them organized and be able to access the pieces I am looking for.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on 3 commissions, and paintings for my next exhibition this winter in NY and at my studio. Also, a Harlem Renaissance children’s book. I have a podcast coming up which will discuss all types of artwork and artists.

Web: kjlartsanctuary.com.

Thomas Kelly is a Hamilton-based artist and member of the Hamilton Arts Council. His work can be found at thomaskellyart.com.

Painter Kenneth Lewis, Sr. at work in the studio.

What are the benefits of an annual physical for children?

Ask The Doctor

While back-to-school is a time to shop for school supplies and the latest fashions, it is also the perfect time to check in on your child’s health with a physical exam. Parents can ease the big change and alleviate stress with the below back-to-school readiness checklist from the pediatric and adolescent health experts at RWJBarnabas Health:

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

• Be sure your child has up-to-date immunizations; new this school year, children 12 and over can be vaccinated for COVID-19

• Inform the school nurse and teachers about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma,

diabetes and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Arrange with the school nurse to administer medications your child might need.

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

• Be sure your child has a safe backpack and knows not to overload it.

Likhitha Musunuru, MD, Family Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares answers to the following common questions related to back-to-school physicals: Are well-visits, physical exams and sports exams the same thing?

Both exams are classified as a preventative care visit – they allow your child to be examined using measurements of growth and development. These visits help keep your child healthy and focus on

improvements that can be made to enhance your child’s wellness.

What can my child expect during a back-to-school visit or well-exam?

During a back-to-school physical, your provider will discuss your child’s history to discuss any concerns, ask questions about lifestyle behaviors, check their vaccination status and update their medical history. Your provider will also check your child’s vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate and temperature – and perform heart, lung, abdominal and head and neck exams.

Why do schools require back-toschool physicals each year?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, schools often require physicals to ensure students’ vaccinations are up-to-date. These exams also provide an opportunity to monitor your child’s health on a year-to-year basis to ensure he or she is hitting milestone benchmarks.

What vaccines are required for school-age children?

New Jersey schools require specific immunizations based on the age of your child. For a full list of vaccinations required all grades in New Jersey, visit nj.gov/health/ cd/imm.shtml.

Does my child need any other kind of screening?

Cardiac and concussion screenings have the lifesaving potential to reduce heartrelated incidents and brain injuries among school-age children and teens. New Jersey requires all school athletes to be examined by their primary care or school physician at least once per year.

Dr. Musunuru sees patients at 17 Main Street in Robbinsville. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (609) 392-6366. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ medgroupprimarycare

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

How and When to be Your Own Health Advocate. 11 a.m. to noon. Join Lisa Cruser, LPN, Nurse Advocate and owner of Empowering Patients Advocacy Group while she discusses how to navigate the healthcare system, how to ask for and get a second opinion, and how to advocate for yourself and others. Free.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

No More Food Fights. 10 to 11 a.m. We are talking about picky eating! Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Let’s explore the most current and effective tactics for healthy & peaceful meals.

Does The Ringing In Your Ears Drive You Crazy? 10-11 a.m. 25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A. as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

Fall Mini Medical School. Also Sept. 12, 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6-7 p.m. Join us for this 8-week informative session on different medical topics. Enhance your knowledge with the variety of specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun. *MUST ATTEND ALL 8 SESSIONS FOR A CERTIFICATE*

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Fall Medication Series. Also Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 11, & 18; 2-3 p.m. Learn about different classifications of medications in this 5 week series with our pharmacists and congestive heart failure coordinator.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Managing Stress and Diabetes. 3 to 4 p.m. This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Color Me Hoopy; Hoola Hoop for Fun and Fitness! 6 to 7 p.m. This is a very popular class, and with good reason; it’s so much fun. Hoola Hooping is so much easier with an “adult sized” hoop and the right instruction. Learn skills and techniques, hoops provided. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit Instructor. Fee-$15.

Better Health Programs

Registration required for all programs. Must be a Better Health Member. Call (609) 584-5900 or go to rwjbh.org/events.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

The Tree of Life Art Workshop. 1 to 2:30 p.m. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you—its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree— paints, crayons and colored pencils will do. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace this season together.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Dr. Ali & Game Time Lunch and Learn. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Join us for lunch, a game, and prizes as Dr. Ali & Joyce Cantalice test your knowledge on things important to our aging community. Don’t panic, this will be a team effort created to be interactive and fun.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Lean on Me! 11 a.m. to Noon. An end-of-life doula is a trained and compassionate individual who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families helping create an end-of-life plan. Meet Sandra Roy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, End-of Life Certification, Life Coach Certification, Clinical Pastoral Education Certification from RWJBarnabas Health, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.

Dr. Likhitha Musunuru

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Each lifestyle loan closed during this promotional period will make no payments for 90 days. Accepting the terms of “no payment for 90 days offer” will extend the maturity of your loan for at least 90 days but less than 110 days. If accepting the delayed first payment, you will not be eligible for any other skipping/delaying your payment during this calendar year. Interest will accrue during this period. Loan amounts of up to $25,000 are available. Processing fee of $35 will apply. All loans are subject to credit approval.

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