Hamilton’s Cheesecake Lady aims to give the holidays extra flavor
By ThOMas KeLLy
The desserts on holidays are complete, once the cheesecake comes out. “What kind is it?” is a usual question, because the traditional plain is great, but the many delicious flavors available are also fabulous. In restaurants, ears perk up when “cheesecake” is heard recited as one of the desserts.
The Cheesecake Lady store in Hamilton is celebrating its 8th anniversary this September. The owner-operator is Lisa Parysz, who is The Cheesecake Lady. She bakes them, sells them, tests new flavors and hands them out the walk up window, to happy customers.
Growing up in Lawrence with parents who were both teachers, Parysz is a certified sweets lover. “I have always baked and shared, so when I started making cheesecakes, I noticed that they got more attention than the other cakes I baked, and everyone was of
See CAKE, Page 12
By LiZ CiOcher
Lifetime Mercer County resident Rose Kesting recalls some of her earliest memories helping in her mother’s kitchen — cooking, baking, and expressing her young creativity — throughout many years of her life.
Now, after 30 years of experience in children’s speech pathology, she is coming full circle with these memories.
A new recipe: Stirring up speech skills in ‘The Kidz Kitchen’
Kesting, also known as Chef Rose, held a passion for cooking throughout her adulthood, but until recently, did not take up culinary arts professionally. Instead, she studied speech and language science in her collegiate education, finding a career in speech pathology for children. For the last 13 years, she has been working with dyslexic children at a local private school.
In her lessons with these children, Kesting would occasionally incorporate small-scale cooking activities with no-bake recipes. The kids took so fondly to these lessons, on a productive level as well as a level of interest, that Kesting decided she would bring them up a measure. Thus, her idea for The Kidz Kitchen began to take shape.
“In recipes, there are certain See KIDZ, Page 14
The best kind of back support is spine care close to home. Do it right. Here.
Election 2024: Poll workers wanted
By LiZ CiOcher
As Mercer County gears up for this year’s elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, a pressing need has emerged for poll workers.
Mercer County residents can help play a crucial role in the election process by volunteering to work at the polls on Election Day.
“The biggest issue is that we want people to come out and vote, but if we don’t have the workers, how are they going to vote?” said Jill Moyer, Mercer County Board of Elections chairwoman.
The number of poll workers is not only low in Mercer County—it’s a nation-wide problem. According to estimates from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, about one million poll workers are needed to staff approximately 100,000 polling places across the country this November.
The prerequisites to become a poll worker include several hours of training prior to the date of the election to educate them on the process. This includes lessons on how to operate machinery, common vot-
See POLLS, Page 16
Harrison Cesaro-Golding, Lillian Yu and Wyatt Cesaro-Golding in The Kidz Kitchen in Hamilton.
RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP
Tuesday, Sept 3; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept 9; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct 7; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
For anyone with diabetes or caring for someone living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.
DANCE IT OUT!
Friday, Sept 6; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept 30; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome; no experience required.
WHAT’S EATING YOU?
Monday, Sept 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. Connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
THE BASICS OF MEDICARE
Monday, Sept 9; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join Gina Rega, licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare and ACA for a discussion on Medicare. Learn the different parts of Medicare, how to avoid penalties, and when to apply for Medicare benefits. Light refreshments provided.
LETTING GO OF CLUTTER
Tuesday, Sept 10; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Explore how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood. An Oaks Integrated
Care specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive experience.
BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Sept 10; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.
EXPERIENCE THE ENERGY OF YOUR CHAKRAS
Wednesday, Sept 11; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join this discussion and meditation to gain a fuller understanding of your Chakras and yourself! Learn how the Chakra system works, how its energy can benefit physical and emotional well-being and gain tools to build better relationships. Suitable for those who are brand new to Chakra meditation and those that are well practiced. Michelle Gerdes, RYT 200, yoga and meditation teacher, Reiki Master, and self-care educator. $15.
THE PHARMACY CLUB: WHAT IS POLYPHARMACY?
Monday, Sept 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for an informative session on polypharmacy, designed to help patients and caregivers understand the complexities of managing multiple medications. This event will
cover essential topics, including an introduction to polypharmacy and risks associated with polypharmacy.
TOURNAMENT TIMEYOU BOWL, WII BOWL
Monday, Sept 16; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join Rehabilitative Services to show off your bowling skills! Learn about safe movements while having fun during this video game time. Physical Therapy will guide you through proper stretches and body mechanics while video bowling.
THE HOT SEAT: CHAIR DANCING
Wednesday, Sept 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. chair dance Exercise is a great way to incorporate cardio exercise into your day. You will also tone your core and learn a variety of dance moves! Keep your body moving and heart pumping. No experience required.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Wednesday, Sept 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Quieting your mind can have profound effects on your body and mind. Learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience necessary.
HEALTHRHYTHMS DRUM® CIRCLE
Wednesday, Sept 18; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Drum your cares away with our monthly drum circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Beginners are welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP $15.
CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S
Thursday, Sept 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Insomnia affects mental as well as physical health, making us more prone
to heart disease and other serious illnesses. Join Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Health Nurse, to learn more about how we should spend a third of our lives!
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Sept 24; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
REIKI SHARE
Wednesday, Sept 25; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
For folks who have been Reiki certified to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.
WISE WOMEN
Thursday, Sept 26; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.
SACRED BREATHWORK EXPERIENCE
Thursday, Sept 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join Kim Huston, Reiki Master and Certified Breathwork facilitator to learn about how this modality can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. $15.
HEARING PROBLEMS? THE BRAIN CONNECTOR
Monday, Sept 30; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
If you have normal hearing but have difficulty understanding words/speech in group or noisy settings you may have an Auditory Processing Disorder. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., to learn
how to get tested for APD and the latest treatments to train the brain!
AARP DRIVING COURSE
Monday, Oct 7; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Be a safer, better driver. Most insurance companies will lower your premium with a completion certificate. Bring your NJ or PA drivers license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers.
AUTUMN BOOK ART
Monday, Oct 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Reflect upon art with poetry, art and by making a fun, decorative pumpkin and or/turkey centerpiece by recycling discarded books. All materials included. Led by Rochelle Stern, Expressive Art Facilitator. $15.
MEDICARE CHANGES FOR 2025
Monday, Oct 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
require
Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today!
Who said men don’t talk? Men need a safe space to share thoughts and feelings too. That’s why this is a women-free zone just for men to talk about whatever is on their minds. This program will be led by Ted Taylor, Director, Spiritual Care and Volunteerism, and Coordinator, Palliative Care and Bioethics.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, Sept 5 + 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Sept 10 + 24; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, Sept 10 + 24; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, Sept 10 + 24; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
SNACK & LEARN WITH SARA ALI, MD
Monday, Sept 16; 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Are you taking multiple medications? Join Dr. Ali to learn how much is too much, the risks associated, and how some medications work against each other. This is a deep dive into learning the risks associated with being over medicated.
FALL HEALTH FAIR – ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE WELCOME!
Tuesday, Sept 17; 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Our team will provide information on exercises to improve balance, medications that increase fall risks, balance screenings, blood pressure
screenings, and so much more! At 11 a.m., our speakers, Sara Ali, MD; Sarah Masco, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, Senior Occupational Therapist; and Caitlin Yesis, AuD, CCC-A, will talk about great ways to prevent falls and common causes.
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK
Wednesday, Sept 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept 19; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
ART THERAPY & HISTORY
Thursday, Sept 19; 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Tapping into your creative side is a great way to de-stress, improve mental outlook, and simply have some fun. This program combines art history with an art project based on the works of artist, Georgia O’Keeffe. Using pastels, you will draw your own oversized flower and learn the techniques to layer and blend the pastels.
LUNCH & LEARN: IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR SENIORS THROUGH ROBOTIC ASSISTED ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Thursday, Sept 26; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Be prepared for the upcoming year with changes to Medicare Part B, premiums and deductibles. Gina Rega, licensed insurance agent, specializing in Medicare and ACA will discuss changes you will be seeing for prescriptions, along with any other differences. Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms
Join us for this fascinating cutting-edge technology talk led by Michael Duch, MD, from The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton. Dr. Duch will share how we are improving outcomes for our seniors with robotic assisted surgery. Jennifer Pirozzi, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, Director of Perioperative Services, RWJUH Hamilton, will share insight on proper preparation and post-surgery protocols that improve overall outcomes.
*All programs
registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
AROUND TOWN
Master Gardeners to host annual Insect Fest
Mercer County and Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County are set to host their annual Insect Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Attendees are invited to view the demonstration gardens on-site and learn how insects interact with the different plants. Visitors can also learn about various methods of composting. Along the way, there will be activities designed to teach children of all ages to appreciate the diversity and essential roles of insects.
This year’s festival will feature educational activities for attendees of all ages, including a Q&A with Rutgers Cooperative Extension horticulturist Justine Gray. Also scheduled to be part of the event are exhibits like Bugs in Water, Bugs Galore, Native Bees, Composting, Crafts, Carnivorous Plants, Insect Hunt, Builda-Bug, Butterflies, and, new this year, Storytime.
The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine at Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township. Admission is free and onsite parking is available.
The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the County. Anyone who has a home gardening, plant, turf or insect question can visit the helpline office at Rutgers Cooperative extension of Mercer County, Monday through Friday, to speak with a Rutgers Master Gardener volunteer.
Those interested can also call the Master Gardener program at (609) 989-6853 or send an email to askthemgs@mercercounty.org. More information, including helpline hours, is online at mgofmc.org.
See NEWS, Page 6
Hamilton Post
We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hamilton Post is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.
40,000 copies of the Hamilton Post are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Hamilton 12 times a year.
TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org
A proud member of:
The one place where our discoveries become your care.
Advanced, comprehensive and compassionate Cancer Care.
RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers the most advanced, patient-centric cancer care for adults and children. Our nationally renowned, multidisciplinary care teams ensure a compassionate, comprehensive approach, creating individualized cancer treatment plans for our patients, who have access to blood and marrow transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, innovative clinical trials, and immunotherapy procedures - all close to home. Together with our NCI Consortium partner, Princeton University, the longest NCI Consortium Cancer Center relationship in New Jersey, we are driving cutting edge research and advancing scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Visit rwjbh.org/beatcancer or call 844-CANCERNJ
Rutgers Cancer Institute is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.
NEWS continued from Page 4
Hamilton Township School District Partners With
Hamilton Area YMCA
The Hamilton Township School District partnered with the Hamilton Area YMCA and Lalor Elementary School this summer to create an eight-week Summer Camp Pilot Program to provide first through fourth grade campers in their communities the opportunity to attend a Community Summer camp.
The stated goals of the program were to provide an emphasis on the YMCA Core Values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Curriculum goals were set by the partners to foster growth in leadership development, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.
Campers participated in eight swim lessons scheduled for Fridays at the Hamilton Area YMCA JKR branch. These lessons were critical, as less than half of the campers were evaluated as beginner swimmers. The cost of swim lessons was covered via a summer initiatives grant through the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
“HTSD is thankful for the opportunity to partner with the Hamilton YMCA on this exciting pilot program focused on our Lalor students. Through this well structured, exciting, and engaging summer camp, Lalor students will learn and experience valuable life and leadership skills,” said Scott Rocco, superintendent of schools in Hamilton.
“We are excited about this camp and look forward to expansion potential moving into 2025,” said Ryan Young, Hamilton Area YMCA vice president, branch operations.
Another highlight of this program was the field trip to MetLife Stadium for a FIFA 2026 World Cup kickoff event. Campers received jerseys, soccer bags, scarfs, goodie bags, and were invited onto the field for an hour participating in soccer drills and scrimmages.
Lalor Elementary School principal Jennifer Marinello said of the program: “ Our students will return to school better prepared and more confident, ready to take on the new academic year.”
Abbott Marshlands sponsors 5 interns this summer
The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands sponsored five interns for its summer programming.
The students set out to learn the importance of protecting the marsh, to identify its diverse plant life and the ecology of the unique freshwater tidal marsh, while engaged in diverse stewardship projects.
The interns were MacKenna Durbin, Maisie Conrad-Poor, Delaney McEvoy, Yurau Gutierrez and Emma-Lee Lazo.
Durbin, from Ewing, served as intern team leader of the 2024 interns. She attended The College of New Jersey for her bachelor’s in biology with a specialty study of snake shelters. MacKenna is entering her second year in a master’s program in biology.
2024 Interns at the Abbott Marshlands: Yurau Gutierrez, Delaney McEvoy, Emma-Lee Lazo, MacKenna Durbin and Maisie Conrad-Poor.
Conrad-Poor, of Maplewood, graduated from Lawrence University in December, with dual bachelor’s degrees in studio arts and environmental studies with focus on wetland ecology. Her data collected on frog species populations reflects the health of their ecosystem as bioindicators. This was the first recorded “frog watch” in the Abbott Marshlands.
McEvoy, from Robbinsville, studies marine biology and ecology as her major at the University of Miami, and her minor is in motion pictures. With the internship, she learned about wildlife and environmental conservation.
Gutierrez is a rising senior at Princeton High School, where she concentrates on science and nature studies. Her research project was on mobbing bird behavior in the marsh, an antipredator adaptation in which smaller prey species cooperatively attack or harass a predator bird to remove their threat of harm. Utilizing a portable speaker, Yurai observed the reactions of native and non-native birds to alarm calls of various species.
Lazo, from Hamilton, is a rising freshman at Monmouth University, where she will study Marine Biology and Environmental Policy. She polled young adults about the marsh and led a sunset walk for teens and 20-somethings to help renew interest there.
All five interns assisted the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands in trail work led by Deb Brockway, stewardship chair, along with Pat Coleman, president and Cathy Frank, outreach director. Interns visited all trails in the Abbott Marshlands, trimming overhanging branches, removing invasive species, and picking up trash. Working in Northern Community Park, they also worked on various trail improvements. Each of the interns culminated their 6-week work experience with Abbott Marshlands independent research project presentations, followed by a reception at the Tulpehaking Nature Center.
Jack Graham, for whom the summer internship program is named, was a longterm volunteer at the Abbott Marshlands trails. He assisted in kayaking events and at Tulpehaking Nature Center in Roebling Park. Jack was also a Mary Alessio Leck Award winner in 2021. His award was presented along with a Mercer County proclamation for Graham’s outstanding volunteer service.
The memorial fund was initially created by his wife, Norina, for the next generation of interns. Additional generous contributions to the program were also made by friends and family. This year’s program was also supported by the Alliance for Watershed Education and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC
Rockwell Dentistry
Where Dentistry Is a Family and Community Affair
In the heart of our community lies a dental practice unlike any other. Rockwell Dentistry was established close to three decades ago. Drs. Dawn and Alex Rockwell opened their practice in 1996, shortly after their twins, Eric and Natasha, were born. They envisioned a dental office that was not only a place for top-notch dental care but a staple in the community. From the beginning their practice thrived on the principles of compassion, quality care, and a personal touch.
SEPTEMBER
Guided Meditation & Crystal Sound Bath
Thursday 9/12 6:30pm
Tim Hoh Music For Kids
Friday 9/13 10:30am
Guided Meditation & Crystal Sound Bath
Patients became more than clients; they became friends. This ethos set the foundation for a thriving practice that continues to grow year after year. Drs. Rockwell have treated many generations of the same families. It is commonplace for patients to run into their own family members and neighbors in the waiting room.
Drs. Dawn and Alex always “dreamed” that their twins Eric and Natasha would follow in their footsteps and continue the Rockwell Dentistry legacy in Mercer County.
Saturday 9/14 & Monday 9/16 9am - 4pm
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday 9/14 & Monday 9/16 9am - 4pm
Flea Market
Sunday 9/15 8am - 1pm
Dementia Tour
Tuesday 9/17 10:30am
Home Buyers Program
Wednesday 9/18 6pm
Authors Showcase
Mr. Jim from Key of Awesome Music
Monday 9/26 7pm
Mr. Jim from Key of Awesome Music
Tuesday 9/27 10:30am
Bill Kerwood The Magic of Recycling
Monday 9/30 6:30pm
As Eric and Natasha grew older, they both pursued undergraduate degrees in biology and decided to apply to dental school. After eight years Natasha graduated from Temple Dental School in May 2023 and Eric in May 2024. This marks a new chapter for the family and the practice, bringing fresh perspective and the latest in dental technology and techniques.
Dr. Natasha Rockwell has developed a keen interest in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. Her innovative approach to smile makeovers, orthodontic treatments, and scanning technology has brought a new level of expertise to the practice. Her vibrant personality and gentle approach have already made an impact on her patients.
Dr. Eric Rockwell’s passion lies with integrating the latest technologies to address complicated restorative cases more efficiently and accurately Rockwell Dentistry’s core vision was one office for all your dental care needs. With the addition of Natasha and Eric, Rockwell Dentistry will be a blend of experience and innovation that ensures patients receive the best possible care in a warm, family-oriented environment for many years to come. More information: www.rockwelldentistry.com.
Dr. Alex Rockwell, Dr. Natasha Rockwell, Dr. Eric Rockwell , Dr. Dawn Rockwell
Capital Health Partners with Hamilton Township Little League to Promote Safety in Youth Sports
As part ongoing efforts to promote safety in local youth sports, Capital Health has entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement with Hamilton Township Recreational Baseball Association Little League based in Mercerville.
The partnership launched with the presentation of a $6,000 check at the league’s home at Van Horn Park. These funds will support HTRBA’s purchase of automatic external defibrillators for the league to help save the lives of players, coaches or spectators who may experience sudden cardiac arrest.
“Many children are first introduced to the ideas of health and fitness through youth sports, and this partnership will build on the foundation established by HTRBA,” said Dr. Neil Saxena, a board certified and fellowship trained cardiologist from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists Hamilton. “Supporting HTRBA’s purchase of AEDs is an exciting first step in increasing safety in local youth sports and the larger community and encouraging better health habits for a lifetime.”
Princeton Tennis 10th annual tennis tournament celebrating Hamilton resident, 100
The 10th Annual Frank V. Cuiule Tennis Tournament will celebrate two milestones this year — the tournament’s first
decade of existence, and the tournament namesake’s first century of existence.
The USTA sanctioned Level 6 event, sponsored by the Princeton Tennis Program, will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 at Hamilton’s Veterans Park on 2206 Kuser Road.
This year’s affair has special significance after Frank V. Cuiule turned 100 on Aug. 2 and is still playing the game he loves. Frank will take part in the “fun tournament” that his son Vince coordinates, which is a round-robin doubles affair with Cuiule and his friends.
The USTA event is being run by PTP tournament director Eric Wall and USTA referee Gene Fou.
“We are excited and proud to sponsor such a great event,” Wall said. “The Princ-
The 10th annual Frank V. Cuiule Tennis Tournament will honor Hamilton resident Frank Cuiule, who turned 100 last month.
eton Tennis Program’s main purpose is to support community tennis. Frank Cuiule has been a part of the community tennis scene since the 1930s, and to still be playing at age 100 should be an inspiration for everyone out there. We congratulate Frank and welcome area players to be part of a competitive event while celebrating Frank’s 100th.”
The main USTA event is open to adults 18 and over, men from levels 3.5 to 4.5, women from 3.0 to 4.0 and mixed doubles 3.0 and 3.5. Cost is $50 per person and registration deadline is noon on Sept. 17. To register go to playtennis.usta.com/ tournaments and type “Frank Cuiule” in the keyword search.
All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt on which the logo celebrates Cuiule’s 100th year of life and his nearly 80 years of playing tennis.
The sport is a way of life for Frank, who received a proclamation from Mayor Jeff Martin when he turned 100.
“Tennis is a great sport and I think it has helped me to stay healthy over the years,” he said. “I’m so fortunate that I’m still able to play and enjoy the doubles competition with my friends.”
For more information on the PTP-sponsored 10th Annual Frank Cuiule Tournament, contact Eric Wall at (609) 332-1833 (text messages only).
Two-day Fiesta Latina set
for Sept. 7 and 8 at Mercer County Park
Mercer County Park will play host to two days of live music, craft vendors, children’s activities and more in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in September.
Mercer County’s second annual Fiesta Latina is set to take place at the park’s festival grounds on Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, from noon to 7 p.m. on both days.
“Mercer County is enriched by our diversity, and the Latino community forms an integral part of our county and our culture,” County Executive Dan Benson said. “I’m thrilled for the Fiesta Latina to return this year. Open to all, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy lively music, dance, food and fun.”
On Saturday Sept. 7, Grammy Award nominee and musician Toño Rosario will take the stage along with the legendary salsa group Puerto Rican Power. The day’s celebration will be hosted by comedian Joey Vega, supplemented by a blend of sounds from DJ Ralph Mercado.
On Sunday, Sept. 8, attendees can immerse themselves in the music stylings of cumbia, merengue, mariachi and See NEWS, Page 10
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
YOUR HOMETOWN
YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT
1260 Route 33 South
1260 Route 33 South
1260 Route 33 South
AGENT
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
more. Headlining this dance-worthy day will be three-time Grammy award winning salsa and Latin jazz composer and performer Jeremy Bosch, accompanied by Jose Tabares’ All Star Band.
thanked Benson and the Mercer County Board of Commissioners for their support of the event. “We look forward to celebrating with family, friends and the community at Fiesta Latina.”
Wine and gourmet treats featured at Grounds for Sculpture
on Sept. 6
Insurance Counselor
Jennifer Woloszyn
Jennifer Woloszyn
Insurance Counselor
Insurance Counselor
Jennifer Woloszyn
Insurance Counselor
Insurance Counselor
Insurance Counselor
Insurance Counselor
Insurance Counselor
Insurance Counselor
The festival is made possible in part by funds from the N.J. State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Division of Culture and Heritage, the Mercer County executive and the Board of Commissioners.
Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is set to host an event next month where art, wine and gourmet cuisine blend to delight all the senses.
“Swirl: An Evening of Art and Wine” will be held on Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Guests will enjoy a docent-led tour of the grounds, beginning with a glass of sparkling wine.
1260 Route 33 South
“The Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage is excited to collaborate with The Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends Organization, The Guatemalan Civic Association, and the other Hispanic groups taking part in this year’s commemoration,” said Idamis P. Margicin, division chief of MCDC&H.
1260 Route 33 South
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Hamilton, NJ 08690
1260 Route 33 South
Hamilton, NJ 08690
1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690
1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Hamilton, NJ 08690
For more information, contact MCDC&H by phone at 609-278-2712 or by email at cultureandheritage@mercercounty.org.
1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Cell: (609) 337-2366
Cell: (609) 337-2366
Cell: (609) 337-2366
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Cell: (609) 337-2366
Cell: (609) 337-2366
Cell: (609) 337-2366
Ph: (609) 631-4286
Cell: (609) 337-2366
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
Cell: (609) 337-2366
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
Cell: (609) 337-2366
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com
The tour will include stops at various sculptures, where attendees will be treated to gourmet hors d’oeuvres and special wine selections. The culinary pairings are crafted by the chef and sommelier at Rat’s Restaurant.
Tickets for the Fiesta Latina can be purchased on Eventbrite.com or at the door on the day of the event. Tickets purchased presale will cost $15 per day, or $25 for both days. Day-of tickets will cost $20 each day or $35 for both days. Parking is free for all attendees.
Hamilton Area YMCA to hold I’m Possible Gala on Sept. 26
The Hamilton Area YMCA I’m Possible Gala is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Stone Terrace.
The event is intended to celebrate the YMCA’s impact on the community, focusing on essential programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
This year, the YMCA will honor Patrick M. Ryan with the Maurice T. Perilli Friend of the Y Award. Ryan is the immediate past chair of the board of directors of the Hamilton Area YMCA.
Additionally, Sue Welsh will receive the Community Enrichment Award. Welsh has led the Hamilton Area YMCA Swim Team program for more than 40 years.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit hamiltonareaymca.org or contact Denise Wyers at 609.581.9622 Ext. 111 or dwyers@hamiltonymca.org.
After the guided tour, participants can explore the grounds at their own pace, participate in a silent auction and purchase any of the wines sampled during the event.
The Grounds For Sculpture says that proceeds will benefit its extensive sculpture collection, gardens and public programming, supporting the institution’s mission to provide access to art, education and wellness experiences.
Tickets are $160 for members and $175 for non-members and are available for purchase online at groundsforsculpture.org/events/swirl-an-evening-ofart-and-wine-2. The event will take place at Grounds for Sculpture, located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township.
Bat found in Hamilton home tests positive for rabies
Hamilton Township Animal Control has issued a warning to residents after a bat found in a local home tested positive
com/Seniors
The bat was discovered on Aug. 16 in the living space of a residence on Haslach Avenue and was subsequently sent to the state Public Health and Environmental Lab for rabies testing. The lab confirmed the positive result, sparking concerns within the community.
The bat found in Hamilton is the latest in a series of incidents in area communities. Last month a bat discovered in Community Park in Princeton tested positive for rabies, and a rabid bat was found in a Ewing Township home earlier this month.
Hamilton Township Animal Control is urging all residents to exercise caution around wildlife, particularly bats and to report any animals displaying unusual or aggressive behavior.
The township is also reminding pet owners to ensure their cats and dogs are current with their rabies vaccinations. This measure is vital in protecting pets from contracting the virus, which can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
Officials advise that any recent human or animal exposures to bats in the Haslach Avenue area be reported to Animal Control immediately for further assessment and appropriate actions.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the
central nervous system and can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. Therefore, early detection and prevention are critical.
For more information or to report an incident, residents can contact Hamilton Township Animal Control at 609-890-3550.
First Bank to expand in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Hamilton-based First Bank announced last month that it plans to open new branches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania this fall.
The new branches will be in Trenton and Media, Pennsylvania.
Patrick L. Ryan, president and CEO, said that both locations were chosen because they are central to their respective counties. The Trenton branch is set to open at 101 S. Warren St.
“As a community bank, we are dedicated to meeting the diverse financial needs of the communities we serve, supporting small business success, engaging in community service through volunteer efforts and adopting environmentally responsible practices,” Ryan says.
Web: firstbanknj.com.
the opinion there was something special going on.”
Parysz works for the Department of Environmental Protection, with the Green Acres program. “I took some cheesecakes to work to eat as snacks during break and lunch. They were very well received. People started saying I should sell them. It was very organic and slow building,” she says.
Trying out various farmers markets and craft shows, would encourage Parysz even more. “The cheesecakes were a hit, we would sell out! I would cut up small squares as samples for the different flavors. People would gobble them up. This is where the product, Cheesecake Bites originated,” she says.
The bites are an assortment of 24 small squares of 4 different flavors. The 4 flavors will vary from week to week, depending on Parysz’ inclination. Now the Bites are a bestseller.
After selling out and farmers markets and craft shows every weekend Parysz started to think about a bricks and mortar storefront. After a foray in Lawrenceville,
she settled in Hamilton on Nottingham Way in the heart of Hamilton Square.
The store is in the bottom half of a house with a driveway and parking lot.
After parking the customer will walk up to ramp to the sales window. Next to the window is a list of the current available flavors, which on this day include cannoli, piña colada, snickerdoodle, strawberry swirl and triple chocolate.
A discussion will ensue and an order will be placed. “People seem to always wish to have a conversation. What occasion the cake is for, what flavors they enjoyed in the past, where they are traveling from, and so on. People want to enjoy a little personal interaction. I like it too.”
As the cheesecake changes hands the cake and a smile walk back to the parking lot en route to a family gathering.
“I make the flavors I like. People around Mercer County grew up eating Michele Lorie cheesecakes, and reminisce about standing in line on Hamilton Avenue. I did too.” Parysz says.
Michele Lorie closed in 2007. “That was quite a while ago. There is still a need for homemade desserts and here we are.
I feel my cakes are a great continuance of the local tradition of cheesecakes in this area. The flavors have evolved and become a little more complex, but the tradition lives on,” she says.
Parysz said that she uses different crusts for the cheesecakes, including graham cracker, cinnamon graham cracker, vanilla wafer, almond shortbread and Oreo cookie. She uses fresh ingredients and “the cakes are homemade top to bottom.”
Parysz bakes 25 cheesecakes at a time and uses Philadelphia brand cream cheese. “It really is the best.” she says. “I have reached all these flavors by trial and error. It is an intensive process, but worth the time.”
Parysz will make four different versions of a new flavor and take them to work for a blind taste test. Numbering the cakes 1 through 4, she would ask her lucky colleagues to rate the cakes for flavor. Chocolate-covered banana and peach cobbler are two varieties that usually sell out.”
“It is a lot. Making the crusts, mixing the eggs, the cheese, the flavors, baking and shrink wrapping the finished products,” Parysz says.
MAIN STREET ALLENTOWN, NJ
She admits the flavors still must be somewhat reasonable to make. “I can’t go too crazy and make them too labor intensive. I am still a one person band.”
OCTOBER 12TH & 13TH 10AM - 5PM
VENDORS WANTED!
Located in Historic Allentown, NJ 35 YEARS+
We had to stop this interview three times on a late Thursday afternoon, as customers came up to the window and rang the bell to a cheesecake and a little conversation.
The Cheesecake Lady also works with nonprofits on fundraisers. “The high school teams from Steinert and Robbinsville, graduating high school classes, Hibernian soccer teams, we work with them all. We can only do so many though. We will work with about 10 teams per holiday. Maybe 600 plus, additional cheesecakes. The fundraisers are very popular. It’s a win-win-win.”
Register at www.allentownnj.com/register-now-fall-festival or email: abcaofnjeventscoordinator@gmail.com
Helping out as they can are Parysz’ daughter and son. She also has a friend who helps during the busy season, which for The Cheesecake Lady is October through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. During the height of holiday season, cheesecake production can reach 300-400 cakes a week. Easter is also a popular time for cheesecakes and family gatherings.
While ghosts of how good cheesecakes were abound, The Cheesecake Lady is making memories of her own. The flavors, customers’ wants and needs, and commitment to high quality ingredients set the business apart. There is a nostalgia here. There is a connection to the past where you must interact “old
The Cheesecake Lady is locoated in an old house on Nottingham Way in Hamilton. (Photo by Thomas Kelly.)
spillabration Rich’s
When asked if she would ever go full time as The Cheesecake Lady, Parysz smiles. “I love my job. I love what I do. I’m always listening to
but right now, I am fine. I am happy.” The Cheesecake Lady. 3629 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square. Phone: (609) 667-4500. Pickup hours: Thursday and Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Carpet One Synchrony
Lisa Parysz in the pickup window at The Cheesecake Lady. (Photo by Thomas Kelly.)
language concepts and speech sounds that can be highlighted while cooking,” Kesting said. “I took my ideas about speech and language and melded them with my ideas about how to use them in cooking and brought the two together.”
After joining and gaining insight from the Children’s Culinary Institute online, Kesting found she was not the only person to have thought to put the two subjects together. She also found this combination to prove successful with children.
So, in March of this year, Kesting launched The Kidz Kitchen business. She designs, practices and teaches cooking classes for children ages 8 to 16 while simultaneously teaching them to improve their speech and language skills.
These classes expand beyond what was capable of Kesting in the classroom setting. Here, children follow more complicated recipes, creating things like pasta from scratch, homemade granola and vegetable sushi. When a child is signed up for a Kidz Kitchen course, they are enrolled in four separate Saturday classes.
“I want [the children] to practice the skills I’m teaching them and come back to the next class to review them again. By having four sessions, I see the progress, see them grow, and see them making friendships.” Kesting said.
Not only are the kids taught how to cook these complicated recipes by Chef Rose, they are also taught lessons of critical thinking, problem solving and vocabulary, among other things. They are given a Kidz Kitchen apron and resource binder, which includes recipe sheets, vocabulary definitions and their focused communication concepts.
Anthony J. Destribats
Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.
Raymond C. Staub
David P. Schroth
Kimberly A. Greenberg
Lipps
G. Destribats (1969-2015)
David
Kimberly
“There’s so much language and communication naturally embedded in the cooking process. This is the perfect platform for addressing that,” Kesting said. “Everything from direction following and sequencing to using your working memory, [the kids] are using all those skills
when they are following a recipe. This is important for kids not just in cooking, but for kids in school too. These things apply to homework and studying and things like that.”
Though Kesting and her team have been in business for only months, they have an organized system and plan for the future. Parents will have the option to enroll their kids in either a fall or spring string of classes, held once a week for an hour and a half on Saturdays. Recently, the kitchen also had a summer camp course available, which was also successful.
Each course can hold a maximum of 10 students. The Kidz Kitchen is strongly family oriented, Kesting says, with her mother, sister and niece assisting during each class.
The price per child is $180 for the four courses, with an additional $15 for the ‘starter kit’ of apron and resource binder. Kesting, who has begun this business on
Rose Ann Kesting, founder of The Kidz Kitchen.
Mercerville’s St. Paul’s Episcopal
Kesting went to school as a child.
“It’s not about me or about how much money I will make doing this,” she said. “I want to deliver a quality class in a good environment for these kids and make a good experience for them.”
Because of Kesting’s experience with childhood education, she is not shy to any kind of student with an interest in her course. She is accepting of all neurotypes of children, only asking that she is made aware of them ahead of time. She also makes it very clear to parents that the best way for this course to operate is in a “drop-off” style.
“I want kids to have their own time to themselves and to express themselves and to learn to have a creative space,” she said. “Kids are like sponges and open to trying new things, so if you put things like this in front of them, they will respond to it.”
While Kesting has her own personal love for cooking and has seen children’s passion for it as well, this class extends beyond educating the children with proper kitchen etiquette.
She says she has received many positive reviews from parents and other kids,
with many coming back for another round of courses and giving positive feedback. This is where Kesting truly feels she is being successful.
“I think that taking these classes is not just about food and cooking, it is about building confidence because they’re learning something, and there’s power in that,” she said. “I tell the kids, ‘You’re learning things that a lot of adults don’t know how to do. You should be proud of yourselves. You have a skill.’ They get something you can take home and share with your family and tell other people, and they do.”
Kesting has a detailed website for The Kidz Kitchen with more information on the classes, her background and her mission.
The combination of Kesting’s knowledge in culinary arts and speech pathology, along with her love for children and family, is the driving force in the business’ success.
“It’s important to let kids help in the kitchen. I know we all live busy lives, but It’s important to try and find moments where we can slow down and let our kids get involved,” she said. “It is going to teach them independence and self sufficiently. It’s not about doing something perfect, it’s about becoming proficient.”
Web: thekidzkitchen.com.
ing procedures and verifying the voters as residents of the town where they are voting.
Although the position of poll worker is a volunteer role, financial compensation is provided. Workers can earn $150 for a half-day shift or $300 for a full-day.
Moyer attributes the low number of volunteers in part to changes introduced in Mercer County in August 2021, including updated voting technology. The new systems, which feature a paper backup, were implemented in response to public demand for greater security and reliability.
However, the new technology has led to some reluctance among potential poll workers, particularly older individuals who may find the new systems intimidating. “I think that is one of the reasons we have lost quite a few workers, it can be intimidating,” Moyer said.
The Board of Elections is particularly keen on attracting younger volunteers. Moyer noted that they are often more adept with technology, which could help mitigate the challenges posed by the new voting machines.
“We’ve been sending letters to colleges to try and get their students to come on board. They seem to pick up the lingo and tech stuff easier,” she said.
Mike Sherr, a Ewing Township resi-
dent and recent graduate of The College of New Jersey, has firsthand experience as a poll worker. Sherr, 21, worked at the polls last fall and believes that increasing the number of young volunteers could improve the overall process.
“Being the youngest person in a room full of older people trying to do a job like that was stressful,” Sherr said. “Sometimes they needed extra help, which is fine, but it sometimes fell on me as a younger person to provide that help,”
challenges.
“Everyone on the board was extremely nice and did everything they possibly could to teach us, but it is harder with such a small number of people involved. But everyone I met was just doing their job,” Sherr said.
The Board of Elections is keen on attracting younger volunteers.
He added: “As someone who was doing this for the first time, I was in no way prepared to be doing any kind of helping. I think that if more younger people did it, it would be a better experience for everyone, just to have people be more engaged in the process.”
Sherr, who holds a degree in political science, was introduced to the idea of working at the polls through a professor who offered extra credit for participation. His motivation to volunteer was also driven by a sense of civic duty.
Sherr noted that while the Board of Elections staff were helpful and supportive, the lack of volunteers created
The Board of Elections campaign to recruit more poll workers included a public outreach campaign over the summer that culminated with a celebration on National Election Board Worker Recruitment Day on Aug. 1.
The event, which took place at the Board of Elections office in Lawrence, featured election board worker program information, along with a display of election voting equipment, the opportunity for residents to register to vote, and light refreshments.
Residents of Mercer County can find more about eligibility criteria, duties and hours of work on the Board of Elections website at mercercounty.org/ boards-commissions/board-of-elections/ board-worker-training.
For those interested in becoming poll workers, the application process is straightforward. Go to mercercounty.
org/boards-commissions/board-of-elections/board-worker-application, where residents will find applications for new board workers, reappointment board workers (who served during the 2023 elections) and student board workers.
After completing the application, candidates will receive an email invitation to sign up for training. First-time volunteers will undergo a two-and-a-half to threehour training session covering machinery operation and voting procedures, while repeat volunteers can take advantage of refresher courses. Additionally, the Board is working on providing online training, which is expected to be available starting in September.
Training begins this month to prepare for the November election. On Election Day, volunteers are expected to work either a full day or a half day, with voting hours running from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Workers are required to arrive at the voting sites no later than 5:15 a.m.
“The dedicated citizens who serve as election day board workers truly are the unsung heroes of our election process. “We hope that through this recruitment effort, even more Mercer County residents will take advantage of the opportunity to serve,” said Moyer. “We all work together to make sure our state can vote responsibly. Every vote counts.”
Secure Drop Box Locations Secure Drop Box Locations
All locations are open 24 hours a day and until 8pm on election day unless noted. VOTERS MAY DELIVER THEIR MAIL-IN BALLOTS FROM THE TIME THEY RECEIVE THEM UP TO THE TIME POLLS CLOSE AT 8 PM ON ELECTION DAY
EAST WINDSOR:
East Windsor Courthouse – 80 One Mile Road
EWING:
Ewing Municipal Building – 2 Jake Garzio Drive
Mercer County Office Complex- 1440 Parkside Ave.
The College of New Jersey - 1872 Pennington Road
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP:
Hamilton Golf/Call Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way
Hamilton Municipal Building – 2090 Greenwood Ave
Nottingham Firehouse – 200 Mercer St.
HIGHTSTOWN:
Hightstown Firehouse #1 – 140 N. Main St.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP:
Hopewell Township Administration Building –201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd.
LAWRENCE:
Board of Elections - 930 Spruce St.
Lawrence Municipal Building –2207 Lawrenceville Road, (Rt 206)
PRINCETON:
TRENTON:
WEST WINDSOR: West Windsor Municipal Complex271 Clarksville Road – 400
Princeton Municipal Building Princeton University Wawa/Dinky Station152 Alexander St., ROBBINSVILLE: Robbinsville Municipal Building - 2298 NJ-33
County Clerk’s Office - Courthouse Annex209 S. Broad St. Trenton City Hall – 319 E. State St.
Henry J. Austin Center – 321 N. Warren St.
Trenton Central High School – 400 Chambers St.
Hamilton’s first brewery opens
Present for the grand opening of Bent Iron Brewing Company on Extonville Road in Hamilton on Aug. 13 are Corissa Kanuck, Jon Kanuck, Ava Sass, Dave Sass, Maggie Brittain, Peter Brittain, all of Bent Iron Brewing Company, as well as county executive Dan Benson, Hamilton mayor Jeff Martin, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Bent Iron head brewer Dave Ascione, and Hamilton Township Council vice president Anthony Carabelli. Bent Iron Brewing Company, which opened in August, has indoor and outdoor seating all located on a 55-acre farm. The brewery has at least 9 beers on tap as well as hard seltzer. Web: bentironbrewing.com.
We are at your service.
For more than 165 years, Trenton Water Works has provided drinking water to our vibrant communities today, that is approximately 30 million gallons daily for 217,000 residents. A source of great pride, we are happy to help the City of Bordentown Water Department supply this vital resource to our neighbors.
City of Trenton Department of Water and Sewer Sean Semple, Director W. Reed Gusciora, Mayor
MEGAN S. SEIBER, ESQ. ATTORNEY AT LAW
Hamilton, New Jersey meganseiber@optonline.net www. meganseiberlaw.com (609) 631-9012 Telephone (609) 631-9109 Facsimile
Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler reminds motorists and pedestrians to be extra careful as the new school year begins. The Sheriff also asks students and parents to be extra cautious when walking or driving to and from school.
Below are a few safety reminders from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office:
• Pay special attention to the instructions of school crossing guards and adhere to traffic signals.
• Never cross the street against a red light, even if you do not see any traffic coming.
• Wear bright colors or reflective clothing so drivers can see you more easily - especially at dusk.
• Remember, as autumn approaches, there is less daylight, and children will be more difficult to see.
• Parents should always plan a safe walking route for their children to and from school or to the bus stop. Choose a route with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, use intersections with crossing guards and crosswalks.
• Drivers must come to a complete stop when the red lights on a school bus are flashing – it is the law.
• When driving children to school, deliver and pick them up as near the school as possible and always buckle up.
• Drive slowly when you see children riding bicycles or walking near the curb.
• Always slow down around schools and bus stops. Watch your speed when entering or leaving designated school zones.
Sheriff Kemler notes: “As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to classes, life can get pretty hectic, especially when everyone rushes to get to school before the bell. It’s important to remember these basic safety tips that will help keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the school year,” The 2024-2025 school year for the Hamilton Township School District is set to commence on Thursday, Sept. 5 foor all schools in the district.
AnnuAl beer fest on tAp for sept. 28
The Central Jersey Beer Fest is Saturday Sept. 28 at noon. An annual event that has grown into a tasting extravaganza, the Central Jersey Beer Fest offers samplings of craft beer, seltzers, wine, spirits and more.
In the past, #CJBeerFest has featured more than 100 offerings from mostly local brewers showcasing their newest and some of their fan favorites in the beverage industry included in the tasting ticket price. Also featured are food trucks, live bands and a variety of other crafty vendors. The festival attracts an average of 3,000plus festival lovers. Folks come from the Mercer County area and beyond.
As with past events, there will be a strong focus on education and safety—drink responsibly and have fun. Each year the event supports area nonprofits, including happysmilesfoundation. com, WhatsMyName.org and more. Attendees must be age 21-plus to enter. Always recommend is inviting a designated driver, getting a ride, or using ride share options. Tip: schedule a ride a head of time.
This event provides patrons with an unparalleled chance to sample craft beers from a wide variety of brewers, and more—even for those who “think” they don’t like beer. It’s a great chance to have a small sample of so many new styles with different flavor profiles, but also being able to enjoy other items, including cocktails in a can, ciders and seltzers.
The tasting event is allowed for four solid hours during the festival, but there is so much more. There will be creative food vendors, live music by the Polish Nannies, and backyard games—such as bean bag toss and more. They will make the festival a lively day out with friends.
“With all the other things going on, we encourage our guests to hang out while eating, listening to live music, playing games, and supporting our various other vendors, all the while remembering to drink responsibly,” said a CJBF news release. Check out the event’s websites and social media accounts. For tickets and up to date info , go to blendbar.com and CJBEERFEST.com.
The event is rain or shine and tents will be set up in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but bring lawn chairs.
The Central Jersey Beer Fest keeps getting bigger and better so start fall off with a bang and be part of the fun. Share your photos and experience of the event using #CJBEERFEST on all major social media platforms.
For more information, contact Blend Bar and Bistro, 911 Route 33, Hamilton. drinks@blendbar. com and info@cjbeerfest.com. To speak to someone regarding the festival sponsorship and marketing opportunities, call Antonio at 609-8175550. Visit cjbeerfest.com to purchase tickets in advance and use code CNS2024 to save.
Experience the Juniper Difference
Juniper’s H’art and Soul of Dining signature program is about more than great food –it is a joyous social experience that nourishes our bodies and spirits. Come dine with us and learn why Juniper Village at Hamilton is the area’s most welcoming assisted living community.
Please call 609.439.6859 to schedule a personal tour and complimentary lunch and see what all the excitement is about before we are SOLD-OUT!
Juniper Village at Hamilton 1750 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Hamilton.Sales@JuniperCommunities.com
Pet Grooming
Mission accepted
Mary Gay Abbott-Young steps down after nearly half century at Rescue Mission of Trenton
By Kristen Hunt
Over a century ago, the Trenton community was faced with the crucial need to help residents struggling with homelessness and hunger in the area. It started with a shelter that opened its doors, day and night, to those seeking refuge.
There were no criteria, just two simple questions: “What’s your name?” and “Are you hungry?” The Shelter was more than
just a safe haven—it was a symbol of hope. Today, the Rescue Mission of Trenton is dedicated to serving the same cause for all individuals in need across Mercer County. More than just hope, the mission helps find potential and opportunity.
Over the years, individuals have not just provided food and shelter, but also shown the path towards a better future.
In just the last year, the non-profit has served 4,636 individuals, 193,290 meals, and provided 106 forms of housing.
For more than half of its existence, the Rescue Mission had been led by CEO and president Mary Gay Abbott-Young. With her contribution, alongside the help of volunteers, staff, board and donors, the Rescue Mission has become an anchor
for the community. Over the years, it has addressed the needs of clients and expanded resources in eight key sectors, from the Behavioral Health Center to Vocational Development to the latest endeavor, the New Direction program. Abbott-Young, who embodied the spirit of the Rescue Mission in her work for more than 50 years, officially retired from the organization effective June 30. With her retirement, she stepped down from her role as president.
In 2021, she handed off the position of CEO to her son, Barrett Young. The president’s job is oversight of all fundraising and grant/contract management, while the CEO has oversight of all development Work, and agency operations.
Abbott-Young started at the Rescue Mission as a program coordinator in 1978, after serving as a social worker in VISTA, then a counselor in a detoxification center. She rose to become CEO—a position she held from 1986 until 2021.
According to a profile in the New York Times, Abbott-Young grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Her parents never graduated high school, but they stressed the importance of education to their children.
Abbot-Young earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in
The Rescue Mission is holding a “Retirement Celebration For Mary Gay Abbott Young” on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 2-4 p.m. at Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Anyone interested in joining the celebration can go toeventbrite.com/e/retirement-celebration-for-mary-gay-abbott-young-tickets-925254449967. Tickets for Community Partners are $50, and attendance is free for clients and Rescue Mission staff.
the QR code above to create your Community News classified ad in just minutes.
eds.
Back to school sPEcIal
Back to school for all ages: You’re never too old to learn
While back to school season places the focus on kids moving into new grades, new schools, and new classes, education is not just a young person’s game. Learning can be a life-long endeavor, and several programs in the region offer adult learners the opportunity to explore new subjects, revisit old interests, or enhance their professional credentials.
Princeton Adult School
Founded in 1939, the Princeton Adult School offers a wide range of online and in-person courses for ages 18 and up. All are welcome; there are no residency requirements to enroll. Most inperson classes are held at Princeton High School, 151 Moore Street, Princeton. Cost per course varies based on the number and duration of sessions.
“Our goal is to meet the learning interests and needs of the area’s diverse adult community in pursuing intellectual growth, workplace skills, job opportuni-
ties, and personal and civic well-being in a convenient and enjoyable education experience,” PAS states as its mission.
Classes on offer for the fall semester include practical topics in business,
technology, and personal finance, such as estate planning and learning to use Microsoft Office. Others cover gardening, home decor, and making your house more energy efficient. In the field
of health and wellness, programs range from the very active — dance and bicycling — to courses on astrology, emotional healing, and nutrition.
It’s not all health food, though. Chefs from the region all present courses on chocolate, Latin American cuisine, cupcake making, Indian food, cheese making, and more.
PAS hosts courses for English language learners as well as classes in American Sign Language and in Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian for various skill levels.
Classes also cover more traditional academic subjects, including art, writing, literature, history, music, astronomy, and more. PAS also offers a handful of limited lecture series on a variety of subject matters. Topics for this fall semester are “International Hot Spots: Crisis in Context,” “El Camino de Santiago,” “Blood, Guts and Betrayal — A
See LEARNING, Page 32
All for Dance
Celebrating 20 Years
All for Dance has seen a lot of numbers over its 20 years in Robbinsville.
When they opened their doors in September, 2004, they had two studios and three teachers.
Two decades later, there are four studios and 20 teachers.
More than 3,000 families — from right in Robbinsville as well as from towns much farther away areas — have entrusted owners Cynthia Coolidge and Holly Yablonowitz and their staff for dance instruction.
The smiles, those are countless, but a huge part of All for Dance.
“If I sum it up in just a few words, it's just gratitude,” Yablonowitz said. “And excitement that we got to share our love of dance within this amazing dance community for the last 20 years and excitement to continue for many years to come.”
All for Dance has been able to expand its location at The Shoppes at Foxmoor over the years in response to its growing demands. They offer instruction in nine different dance styles – ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, modern, musical theatre, pointe and tap. More than 650 students ages 2 to almost 80 attend the more than 100 classes offered Monday through Saturday. All for Dance also offers a competitive team for those most intensely driven. The
faculty that includes Coolidge and Yablonowitz has hundreds of years of combined teaching experience. Former and current students have taken on leadership roles for less experienced dancers.
Yablonowitz says that people choose dance for a variety of reasons. Some are drawn by the art of dance and the freedom of expression. Others enjoy the exercise. Some love the sense of community. Others just want a break from the stresses of life and school. All for Dance prides itself on being a welcoming dance home to students no matter what the motivation.
“I really feel like every person can get something different out of dance,”
she said. “And those things that they embrace at our studio, then they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Underlying lessons from dance such as commitment, perseverance and patience also last a lifetime. All for Dance looks beyond its instruction. Two years ago, All for Dance became a chapter sponsor of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts to recognize student dancers that achieve a high level of academic excellence on top of their passion and dedication to the art of dance. All for Dance also seeks out and supports worthy community service projects, something that goes hand in hand with positively impacting the lives of
those in its community.
“Our staff makes a difference in our students’ lives every day and dance brings joy in our studio that is hard to describe,” Yablonowitz said. “Spreading that joy with the community around us and making a difference in people’s lives outside of our walls is a big part of our studio mission. We have a very strong dance community that loves dance, supports each other and loves to support the communities around us. It is really special.”
All for Dance’s 21st season begins September 5. Classes run from September through May. All for Dance opens enrollment in March each year, and they take on new students until the end of October if space permits.
In June, Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried and Robbinsville Township Council presented All for Dance with a proclamation to recognize their 20th year as an impactful and respected business in the community. The gesture was particularly meaningful for Coolidge and Yablonowitz, who have felt at home since the first day their studio opened Robbinsville.
“To be able to build a community like this who just all love to be together and dance has just been amazing.”
For more information, visit allfordancestudio.com, call 609426-4050 or email questions@ allfordancestudio.com.
Back-to-school checklist
The start of the new school year is right around the corner. Parents can ease the big change and alleviate stress by using this back-to-school readiness checklist from the RWJBarnabas Health Children’s Health network and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group:
Fill out any forms your school has sent home, such as emergency contact and health information forms before school starts.
Be sure your child has a sturdy backpack with padded shoulder straps and avoid overloading it.
Schedule an appointment
Inform the school nurse and teachers about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Coordinate with the school nurse to administer medications your child might need.
Stay up to date with flu and recommended childhood vaccines. Children 12 and over may also be vaccinated for COVID-19; ask your primary care provider for more information.
To schedule an appointment with an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, please visit rwjbh.org/medicalgroup or call 1-888-724-7123
Pack a healthy, balanced lunch with a mix of protein, grains, fruit and vegetables, if possible.
Let teachers know about conditions that may affect your child’s ability to learn. For example, children with ADHD should be seated in the front of the classroom and children with vision problems should sit near the board.
a bedtime routine at least one week before school starts.
Your insurance accepted RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers accept most major insurances. Medical insurance varies by provider, please call your insurance carrier to verify coverage.
Establish
Kelsey Theatre at MCCC
A Community Resource for the Arts
The Kelsey Theatre at MCCC is your community resource for the arts in Central New Jersey, now in its 52nd year.
Conveniently located on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, The Kelsey Theatre’s mission is to enrich and uplift local residents through affordable, high-quality theater productions, arts education programs, and performance opportunities. We design these programs to support and entertain from cradle to career and beyond so that interest in the arts may evolve into a life-long passion. Featuring the work of 10 different resident semi-professional theater companies, plus a student company, we put together a season featuring something for everyone, from musicals to comedies and dramas, from classics to contemporary, from
Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN
family fare to offerings that are a tad more risqué. Keeping the price affordable for the average person is very important to Kelsey Theatre, so no ticket price is over $30.
All of our musicals utilize live orchestras, which in the upcoming season include “Groundhog Day,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Disney’s Beauty & The Beast,” “Tarzan,” “Oklahoma!,”
“Kinky Boots,” “Anything Goes,” “1776,” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
Our season also includes comedies, dramas, and holiday shows: “Steel Magnolias,” “Blithe Spirit,” “The Best Time of the Year,” “The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza,” “The Clean House,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “Deathtrap,” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
And for our younger audience members we have “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “The Nutcracker,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Ballad of Mulan,” and “The Magical Library of Miss Miriam Habersham!” Rounding out the season will be Reock & Roll Revue’s “John Lennon — The Solo Recordings” and our Sing-Along Play-Along to the Movie events — “White Christmas,” “Mamma Mia,” and Disney’s “Tangled.”
Season subscriptions now available! More information is available online at www. kelseytheatre.org or call 609-5703333.
The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is also home to Tomato Patch Workshops — multi-disciplinary summer workshops, as well as Tomato Patch Jr., which is now open for registration. These10-week-long Saturday morning theater workshops explore creativity, movement, improvisation, and start September 21 for ages 4 to 14.
Visit www.tomatopatch.org for more information.
RSM Princeton
Building Powerful Minds Through Mathematics
What is the Russian School of Mathematics? RSM is an award-winning after school math enrichment program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 75+ locations in North America. Our unique approach consists of a continuous kindergarten to high-school curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year over year. K-12 students can choose from various classes to prepare them for the school year, math competition courses for additional challenge, or test prep courses. Fall math classes now enrolling at RSM Princeton! There is no better time to join RSM than in Fall! Get started by scheduling a free math evaluation for your child or visit our website to see the Fall schedule of classes: www.mathschool.com/ locations/princeton. For any questions you might have, please feel free to call us at 732-708-4905 or email us at princeton@mathschool.com.
An award-winning math program. Featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked “among the top schools in the world” by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math
foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. As Masha Gershman, the VP of Marketing at RSM, states in her Ted talk “Uncertain Times Call for Certain Math”, advanced mathematics is not only within the grasp of every child but is also a crucial skill for achieving success in any field.
Our program is built around how a child’s mind works. Designed as a continuous program from K-12, our curriculum was developed by our team of academics specializing in mathematics, education, and child development. Our curriculum has continually been perfected by our curriculum department over the last two decades. Three levels for every grade allow us to meet children where they are and place them in an environment
suited to them. This ensures that students can begin our program at any time and be challenged appropriately in an environment of peers. Talented faculty. All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or related field and a deep passion for the subject. Our extensive training program prepares our teachers to teach according to our specific methodology. Our teachers guide students to think about mathematics logically and conceptually, building deep connections between concepts, all in a classroom environment that keeps children consistently challenged.
How do I enroll my child?
For every interested student, we offer a free 30-minute math evaluation which is the best way to learn more about our program. An evaluation is an informal conversation with the potential student and his/ her family in order to understand what gradeappropriate math skills the student has before entering RSM. Our principal will walk you through our curriculum, and methodology, and answer any questions you may have.
Coming in September: RSM Edison, 3840 Park Avenue, Unit 208D, Edison. 908-263-8763. edison@mathschool.com. www.mathschool.com/ locations/edison.
St. George Preschool
A Safe Place for Growth
At St. George Preschool, we believe that each child has an innate drive for exploring, discovering, communicating, and learning.
Our purpose is to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for children to develop this innate drive to the fullest, and become life-long learners. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her individual interests, creativity and potential at their own pace by providing a wide variety of fun and age-appropriate activities and materials.
In addition to the developmental goals in the areas of math, language, science, cognitive skills, motor skills, etc., stipulated by the state, the school aims to promote learning skills for life.
At the same time, we aim to enhance the child’s social, moral, cultural and spiritual growth through group interactions, uplifting stories, cultural events and gentle guidance. Since “a healthy mind is in a healthy body” as the Ancient Greeks said, we provide a huge indoors gym and a beautiful play ground with regular physical activities.
Back to school
We offer high quality academic English programs for Preschool (3 years and potty trained) and Pre-K (must be 4 years old by October 1 of school year). Early morning care, after care, and enrichment programs are also available. We are part of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and state licensed by the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. Our experienced staff has
a passion building a foundation for a life-long love of learning.
We are truly a family and we treat your children as such. For more information regarding our program, please visit our website: stgeorgepreschool.org.
Saint George Preschool, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton. 609-5862223. Contact director Angela Gering at director@stgeorgepreschool.org.
Princeton Ballet School
Now Enrolling for Fall!
Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, is now enrolling for Fall 2024 for ages 3 through adult!
With locations in Princeton, Cranbury, and New Brunswick, Princeton Ballet School offers classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, hiphop, character, and more. What sets Princeton Ballet School apart from the usual dance school are its affiliation with a professional ballet company, its renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, dedication to live music in the classroom, and philosophy to nurture developing dancers in a safe and progressive way.
Princeton Ballet School has gained an international reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by Audrée Estey. Under the current direction of Aydmara Cabrera, the school also provides performance opportunities, including participation in American Repertory Ballet’s celebrated annual production of The Nutcracker!
St. George Preschool
Enroll now for the 2024-2025 school year
Classes for 3 year olds and 4 year olds
Potty trained
Full- 1/2 day, early morning drop off, late pick up schedules available Competitive tuition rates - secure environment indoor gym - outdoor playground - qualified educators
St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 www.stgeorgepreschool.org
Angela Gering Director
Excellence in Early Education
Back to school
Call 609-921-7758 or visit www. arballet.org for more information, and to enroll now!
Studios: 301 North Harrison Street,
Princeton; 29 North Main Street, Cranbury; New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 60 Bayard Street, New Brunswick.
UNSTOPPABLE Curiosity
Back to school sPEcIal
Princeton Day School
Experience Excellence
Experience the excellence of Princeton Day School at our Open Campus Day on Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Explore our expansive 106-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art STEAM centers,
new athletic facilities, innovative arts spaces and a full garden and apiary. Join us to see firsthand how Princeton Day School fosters discovery, exploration and innovation in students PreK-12. Don’t miss this chance to be part of our community. Register today to secure your spot at pds.org/ admission! Applications for the 20242025 school year open on September 3.
Hamilton Dental Associates
The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children
Growing up makes for a constantly evolving experience for children. Every year they change and grow into the person they are destined to become, and that extends to their oral health. From the first baby tooth to their adult teeth coming in later in their lives, managing your child’s dental health presents unique challenges for parents. With those challenges come a few myths involving childhood tooth development that can impact how you treat your child’s dental health.
Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths.
When you start looking for a pediatric dentist in Hamilton, you want to find one that knows how intensive taking care of your child’s teeth should be. Taking a proactive approach to their dental health can help them avoid more involved procedures down the road — one of the most common myths that lead to your child’s teeth suffering in the long run.
Common Myth #1: Childhood Teeth Will Straighten Out Over Time
One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case. If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally straighten them-
selves with time.
The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.
Common Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic
While most people associate orthodontic treatments with getting braces as a teenager, that procedure does much more than merely straighten teeth to help you look better. Getting your jaw and teeth back into proper alignment has a cascading effect on your oral health. It helps improve your biting, chewing, and even speaking ability.
Common Myth #3: There Is a Right Age for Orthodontic Care
Many parents believes there is a specific age at which it’s appropriate to bring their children in for orthodontic care. The perceived minimum age for a child to receive orthodontic care is around 12-13 or right when they reach high school. However, getting your child such care earlier can help avoid getting braces and fixing issues before they worsen.
In reality, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your children should get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. Once they hit that age, their mouth will have a nice balance between their baby and permanent teeth. This window of time allows for an accurate orthodontic evaluation to determine where preventative care is enough or if additional action is required.
Where Do Orthodontic Issues Come From?
Front & Center Dance Studio
Discover the Joy of Dance
Discover the JOY of dance at Front & Center Dance Studio in Hamilton, NJ, where every step brings you closer to the spotlight! Our studio is more than just a place to learn dance — it’s a community where creativity, expression, and personal growth are nurtured.
At Front & Center, we believe that dance is for everyone, whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technique. Our classes are designed to meet each dancer at their level, with small class sizes that ensure personalized attention and a strong teacher-to-student connection. This personalized approach ensures that every student feels valued and receives the instruction necessary to grow and shine in their own way.
Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN
Our studio director, Miss Lauren, and her staff bring years of professional experience and a deep love for teaching to every class. Their approach is both supportive and challenging, encouraging dancers to push their boundaries while feeling safe and supported. Under Miss Lauren’s guidance, students not only learn the technical aspects of dance but also gain confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the studio. Our studio offers a wide range of classes, from ballet and jazz to
In most cases, a child’s orthodontic problems stem from their genetics — these issues are inherited from their parents. Additionally, some problems can develop over time based on poor oral hygiene habits they learned from a young age. Some of these acquired oral health issues include:
• Sucking Their Thumbs
• Mouth Breathing
• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns
• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth
• Poor Nutritional Habits
However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.
Finding a Child Orthodontic You Can Trust.
Trusting your child’s teeth and their beautiful smile to a pediatric dentistry practice is something that every parent must come to grips with. Figuring out which childhood orthodontic makes the most sense for your child and their future dental visits becomes critically important. For parents and their children in Hamilton, Hamilton Dental Associates provides them with the experienced pediatric dentists they need to prioritize their oral health as they mature.
Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and schedule your first appointment today!
To request an appointment, call 609-586-6603 or visit HamiltonDental.com. Locations are 2929 Klockner Road and 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton, New Jersey.
contemporary and hip-hop, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Each class is thoughtfully structured to develop skills progressively, with a focus on technique, artistry, and
performance. Whether your child dreams of becoming a professional dancer or simply wants to explore a fun and healthy activity, Front & Center provides the perfect environment to foster their passion.
At Front & Center, we’re more than just a dance studio — we’re a family. Our dancers form lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and learn the importance of teamwork and dedication. We host yearly performances, giving our students the opportunity to showcase their talents and share their progress with friends and family. These events are a highlight of the year, filled with joy, excitement, and pride for all involved.
Whether you’re looking to enroll your child in their first dance class or your experienced dancer is looking for a new place to blossom, Front & Center is the place for you! Join us and experience the difference that a supportive, personalized approach to dance education can make. Here, every child is front and center, and every moment in the studio is a step toward becoming the best version of themselves. Come dance with us at Front & Center Dance — where passion meets performance, and every dancer has a chance to shine! Front & Center Dance Studio, Suite #5, 1905 Route 33, Hamilton. frontandcenterdancestudio.com.
MERCERDEALS
ACCESS ALL OF THIS MONTH'S COUPONS
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
Holistic Leadership and Wellness: Stuart Launches Center for Empowering Today’s Girls
When students return to Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton, NJ, they will be greeted by a groundbreaking addition that embodies the school’s unwavering commitment to holistic education: The Cor Cordis Center for Exceptional Leadership. The Center is an interconnected student services hub located at the heart of the school that will integrate learning services, wellness services, and student success support, creating a holistic approach to education that prioritizes the well-being of every student.
“The Cor Cordis Center boldly represents our mission in action, with the well-being of our girls front and center,” says Julia Wall, Head
From LEARNING, Page 23
History of Medical Care in America,” “Salem and the Witchcraft Trials of 1692,” and “How Will Education Meet the Challenges of Today? Empowering Students for Success.”
For more information or to register for fall classes, visit princetonadultschool. org
The Evergreen Forum
The Evergreen Forum, a program of the Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP; formerly the Princeton Senior Resource Center) was founded in 2001. Per the CMAP website, it is “a peer-led, interactive dynamic learning program which provides rewarding, day-time classes on diverse subjects led by knowledgeable course leaders.”
Registration is currently open for fall semester classes, which begin in late September. In-person courses are held at CMAP’s Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning at 101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton. Select courses are also offered online or in a hybrid format and are a mix of lecture, discussion, or lecture and discussion. Most courses are $110 for six- to eight-week courses and $85 for three- to five-week courses; scholarships are avail-
Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN
of School at Stuart. “It has been part of Stuart’s mission and vision for 60 years to pay close attention to the interconnectedness of a child’s mind, body, and heart. This self-awareness fuels their development as curious, influential, and empathic leaders and sustains them for life-long ambitious pursuit.”
Stuart’s investment in the Cor Cordis Center is timely and necessary. In a world where teenage girls face unprecedented challenges, with nearly 60 percent reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness, Stuart’s commitment to student wellness is a crucial response. The Center will house essential services like learning
support, counseling, and the health office, all within the heart of the school.
“We have made a real investment in the spirituality and well-being of our students; the Cor Cordis Center will not only help students delve deeper in their learning, but it will give them the foundational elements they need to thrive,” remarks Woodney Wachter, co-chair of the Board of Trustees.
Fellow co-chair Paul Teti adds, “The Cor Cordis Center for Exceptional Leadership is putting health and wellness, and academic excellence in the context of community. It’s at the core of our school, and it’s exciting to imagine students of all ages learning from each other and from our exceptional faculty and staff.”
As Stuart students step into the new school year, they will do so with a powerful resource at their fingertips — a resource designed to help them lead with resilience, adaptability, and purpose.
Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road, Princeton. www. stuartschool.org..
art,” focusing on the works of Edward Redfield, John Folinsbee, and Daniel Garber, “three painters in the Bucks County School whose work exemplifies a reinterpretation of French Impressionism.”
“Histories of Indigenous Peoples in America” is the 11th history class designed by Harvard-educated lawyer Robert Nolan for the Evergreen Forum. “When Europeans first arrived in America, people had been living here for approximately 30,000 years. They had aggregated into hundreds of distinct tribes, each with its own culture and history. Their cultures and their histories are fascinating,” the course description explains. “Yet as students most of us learned almost nothing about these Indigenous Peoples and their descendants. So, this course is about them.”
able to those with demonstrated financial need.
There are 26 courses on offer for the fall semester, a sampling of which include:
“2024 Elections: Democracy at Stake?” taught by Elaine Jacoby, a retired lawyer who teaches courses on politics and civil rights. Per the course description, it will “follow key Congressional races as well as the presidential election. It will also consider different viewpoints as to what
democracy means, as well as threats to its continued existence.”
“American Impressionism: Bucks County Painters” is taught by Christina Kales, who holds a doctor of literature in humanities from Drew University, and includes an optional field trip to the Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The class examines “the social and economic shifts in early nineteenth century America that supported the development of American Impressionist
“Magic & Witches in Fiction for Grownups,” taught by Judith Woolridge, is a discussion course on novels by Hilary Mantel, Angela Carter, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Penelope Fitzgerald, and Mikhail Bulgakov that feature magic, witches, Faustian bargains, and demons. Also covered will be short stories by Helen Simpson, John Wyndham, and others.
“Science in the News” is “a course tailored for curious minds hungry for insights into the most current research
Many of the Center for Modern Aging Princeton’s Evergreen Forum programs take place at the Nancy S. Klath Center for Continued Learning, above.
Back to school sPEcIal sEctIoN
The Dental Difference
The Practice for Scared and Anxious Patients
Mercer County now has an award-winning general dental practice catering to the scared and anxious dental patient!
Dr. Kevin Mosmen, owner of The Dental Difference of Brick, New Jersey, has opened a satellite office in Hamilton, New Jersey, in the Lexington Square business complex — directly across from 7-Eleven and Hamilton Bagel & Grill on Route 33.
With more than 23 years of impressive cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and complex implant dentistry experience, Dr. Mosmen has built an incredible reputation for himself and his office. Being specialty permitted in SEDATION DENTISTRY, the office can provide you with the safe administration of oral and intravenous conscious sedation. Imagine relaxing through your entire dental appointment with little to no memory of your visit.
Are you interested in having most of your dental work completed in as little as one visit? Do you have special needs and find it difficult to have dental work performed? Do you have incredibly annoying or loose dentures and want dental implants to secure them? The office is happy to help you all! Here are some actual patient reviews you can find on Google:
“Dr. Mosmen is the best! So kind and considerate to someone who is petrified of the
and issues in science and medicine. Each week, our diverse panel of scientists delivers two riveting lectures on two different topics, covering the latest discoveries and their impact on our understanding of the universe, the natural world, and the human body.” The course is led by Harold M. Heft, a retired automotive and defense industry executive whose academic research focused on biopsychology and philosophy of science, joined by a panel of physicians and scientists with wide experience and interests.
For more information or to register, visit cmaprinceton.org/ evergreen-forum
Princeton University Community Auditor Program
You don’t need to be one of the lucky few high school seniors who earn admission to Princeton University to get a taste of the Princeton University class
Dr. Kevin Mosmen of The Dental Difference.
dentist. You won’t find a better office for all your dental needs. Very glad I’m their patient!” Angela C.
“This is the best dental care anyone could hope for! The friendliest dental professionals you will ever meet! They are like family to me! A long-time
experience. The Community Auditing Program (CAP) allows high school graduates ages 18 and up living within 50 miles of the university to audit up to three courses per semester as a “silent student.”
Roughly 125 to 150 courses are available to such students each semester at a cost of $200 per course. Auditors attend lectures only and may not participate in discussion components of classes, nor may they make direct contact with professors or other instructors.
While the enrollment window for new CAP students has closed for the fall semester, applications will open for the spring semester in mid-November. Prospective new auditors will be able to create accounts between November 18 and 21, then must schedule an in-person interview to be accepted to the program. An orientation session will follow for all new auditors.
For more information, visit community.princeton.edu/ community-auditing.
patient here, I tell everyone I know to make an appointment.” Diane M.
“Very friendly atmosphere. Staff very personable and Dr. Mosmen explains things very simply and very honestly. So glad I came here!” Ed T.
“Yesterday was my first visit and everything went very smoothly. I am the biggest chicken when it comes to the dentist but I have to say my experience was excellent. I would definitely recommend The Dental Difference!” Diane M.
“Everything went perfectly! Great experience and I don’t like going to the dentist!” Kathy B.
Not only is Dr. Mosmen known for his sedation and implant surgery skills, but he’s also board certified in treating sleep apnea sufferers with a dental device. For those who don’t like or can’t tolerate their CPAP machine, Dr. Mosmen can make a “mouth piece” to wear at night that allows these patients to breathe without using their CPAP machine.
Now that school is back in session, it’s time to focus on you and your new smile. So, do you need a new dentist? Do you want a new dentist? Do you want to feel more like a family member than a number? Are you just tired of your corporate dental office? Give The Dental Difference in Hamilton a call! Their number is 609-445-3577. Go to their website at: www.thedentaldifference.com and read the numerous, legitimate, amazing reviews. It will take you long before you want to go there too! They offer all aspects of general dentistry and are welcoming new patients today!
The Dental Difference – 2131 Route 33, Suite A, Hamilton, NJ 08690. 609-445-3577. www. thedentaldifference.com.
Mercer County Community College
The Center for Continuing Studies at Mercer offers a number of non-credit and continuing education programs, many aimed at bolstering professional credentials and helping adults progress in their careers. Others focus on personal enrichment. Most are held on the college’s West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road or online.
Certification programs are available in a range of areas, from healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology to culinary arts, personal training, and education. Studying to become a veterinary assistant, learning the basics of solar panel installation, and earning the Society for Human Resource Management certification are all among the courses on offer.
For those looking to expand on hobbies or learn a new trade, courses in floral design, photography, and graphic design; English and foreign languages;
writing and film; and fitness are among the many available.
For more information, visit mccc. edu/lifelong_learning.shtml
Rider University & The College of New Jersey
Both colleges offer a number of certificate programs aimed at professionals seeking more advanced credentials. Programs at Rider include Business Basics, Creativity and Innovation, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Global Supply Chain Management, and more others. At TCNJ, there are numerous programs designed for educators and those in related roles as well as certificates for those business and healthcare-related fields.
More information on Rider: www.rider.edu/academics/ program-finder
More information on The College of New Jersey: graduate.tcnj.edu/ explore-programs.
YARDVILLE CYO BACK TO SCHOOL! REGISTER NOW!
Pre-School Program
• Ages 3-5
• State Licensed Program
• Qualified & Experienced
Staff
• Flexible Schedules
• Small Class Sizes
• Affordable Rates
• Fun & Clean Environment
RESCUE continued from Page 22
education from Temple University. Her goal was to work at a job that dealt with poverty and substitute abuse issues, and she came across a job posting at the Rescue Mission, which was relatively close to where she was living.
“It was the right place for me to be, and as it turns out, I was the right person for the Rescue Mission,” Abbott-Young said in an interview with Community News Service in July, after her retirement.
Abbott-Young talked about the challenges that came with running a nonprofit like the Rescue Mission. Having seen the struggle clients have faced with substance abuse and behavioral health issues—such as relapse—and losing individuals to addiction, the importance is never losing hope, and to never stop giving that same hope to clients to be excited and optimistic about their future.
“It’s fantastic work to be able to take someone in off the street, get them in, give them a bed to sleep in, get them a meal, allow them to get a shower, allow them to have access to clothing, all those kinds of things are wonderful,” AbbottYoung said. “To go to the next step and begin the process with them, of trying to involve them in the network that would be able to help them find permanent housing. It’s fantastic work.”
The business model of the organization has seen significant advancements in services with the change of licenser standards, business operation standards, and advancements in behavioral health solutions. Frequent interaction with the government has driven positive change by necessity.
As the nonprofit competed for—and was awarded government contracts—new and innovative ways to help were granted.
The Medication Assisted Treatment program, for example, changed how the Rescue Mission has been able to effectively assist individuals with serious addiction problems to begin their recovery process.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty brought by the Covid--19 pandemic, staff still provided around-the-clock care.
At Amplified Fitness, our goal is to work with your body type and provide a comfortable and challenging routine to help meet your goals.
PERSONAL TRAINING
Our training sessions are big enough to create a fun environment, but small enough to provide intimate personalized training.
Mary Gay Abbott-Young, recently retired president of the Rescue Mission of Trenton, at daybreak near the Delaware River. (Photo by Michael Mancuso, courtesy of the Rescue Mission of Trenton.)
With safety measures executed by nowCEO Barrett Young, doors remained open, with food clothing and social services available, and hundreds of people coming into the shelter each night. The organization partnered to open a unit for people who were COVID positive. Staff were masked, adhering to social distancing guidelines once enforced by the CDC. Having stepped in as CEO at the height of the pandemic, Young’s first initiative was to heighten the safety and protection of staff and clients through an unsettling time. Coming out of the pandemic, he was then able to focus on continuing the legacy that his mother had built at the Rescue Mission. Continuing to provide these outstanding services while expanding to meet the needs of the community was and still is his top priority.
“It used to be like, mental health was over here, and substance use was over here, and the two never intersected.
the
Barrett Young said.
Looking at the future, he said he aims to help keep the Rescue Mission around for another hundred years. The New Direction program in development focuses on working with individuals to transform their mindset to live to their fullest potential and have higher optimism about their future.
“What it does is it says here’s a way to look at work and to look at yourself in a whole new way. You are not a loser; you are not something that can be thrown away. You are a person of value. The person of value who can have a better future is really the business of the rescue mission,” Abbott-Young said.
Barrett Young has been surrounded with social work his whole life. Growing up in the environment of the rescue mission, he watched how tirelessly his mother worked to help those suffering in unimaginable ways.
The CEO explains the overarching despair that people suffer from when they come to the Rescue Mission, which he has seen since he was a child, and how it has given him a passion to help others.
He addresses the need to see people not for what they’ve become because of their circumstance, but who they have the potential to be.
“Everybody in their life has done the little worksheet that asks, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’” Young said. “I’ve never in the history of the world have seen someone write, ‘I want to be homeless,’ or ‘I want to be a drug addict,’ or have mental health issues. Nobody aspires for that. I don’t believe that they deserve that. They deserve better, but they need help.”
Young attributes much of this philoso-
phy to Mary Gay’s proven reputation as a leader in the community, and dedication to fighting for the people she serves.
“The number of times that I’ve seen her interact with the individuals who walked in that had little to nothing. And I mean like, it was raining, and I didn’t even have a coat. She would take her own coat off and give it to somebody. And that’s one of the things that I have instilled in the staff since I’ve worked here. And it’s part of the fabric of the rescue mission,” Barrett Young said.
Abbott-Young recently received a Lifetime Transformational Leadership Award from the N.J. Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies and was honored by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber with a Women of Achievement Award.
In a letter to Abbott-Young, State Senator Shirley Turner wrote, “You have not only taught those you serve to believe in themselves—you have taught our community to believe in those you serve.”
Reflecting on these words, AbbottYoung stated that the Mercer County community played a significant role in the success of the Rescue Mission, and that they have done their part promoting services to people in need.
“We hear of communities that are trying to criminalize homelessness. And so, my role in this community has been to provide the services that the homeless clients need,” she said. “But I have also been very fortunate to do that in a community that recognizes the problem and to lesser or greater extent wants to be part of the solution.”
“If we believe that they deserve different opportunities, then we should fight for them. And she lived that every day,” Barrett Young said. “And when she retires, she’s not going to stop fighting for those people. It’s just in her core.”
Gyro
September 20th & 21st
Greek Grill & Taverna
St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Souvlaki Gyro
What you may not know about your electric service
By Sue Ferrara
responsibility.
20th &
21st
September 20th & 21st
Gyro
Gyro
September
September 20th & 21st
Souvlakl
Gyro
Gyro
Souvlaki
French Fries Greek Salads
Souvlakl
French Fries
French Fries
As a homeowner with water service from AquaNJ, I periodically receive mail warning me that should the water pipe from the road to my house fail, the repair cost falls on me as the homeowner. These warnings come with an offer to buy insurance “just in case” a pipe failure happens.
He handed me a brochure titled: “Weathering the Storm: What YOU Need to Know.” He pointed to a photo of the outside of the house showing various portions of the wiring, noting the “Entrance Cable” was the issue.
Then, he left.
Mezedakla (Greek Appetizers)
Greek Salads
Greek Salads
Loukoumades/Baklava
Souvlakl French Fries Greek Salads
Recently, I learned the hard way that the same kind of responsibility applies to electric service too.
Mezedakla (Greek Appetizers)
Souvlaki
Souvlaki
Souvlaki
Mezedakia (Greek Appetizer) Loukoumades/Baklava
Loukoumades/Baklava
Mezedakla (Greek Appetizers) Loukoumades/Baklava
Late one spring Friday, my thermostats went dark; I have two zones. I spoke with the HVAC company that installed my unit and decided to wait until Monday for service. Warm clothes and wool socks for bedtime helped us get through the chilly night.
Relief washed over me in two directions. First, I was grateful that the HVAC technician had puzzled out the problem. But more importantly, given the deterioration of the covering of the entrance cable, I felt incredibly blessed that there had not been a fire, or explosion in the electrical box in my basement.
Rain or Shine Free Admission & Parking
- 1 O:OOpm ' Nig
Twenty-four hours later, the thermostats were fine. Same Monday, but on Tuesday morning, the thermostats were dead again. A diligent service tech couldn’t figure out the problem. He returned the next day after an aha moment — it must be the breaker.
More relief arrived when my electrician responded quickly to my SOS. He changed the entrance cable, service wire hook and meter pan on the outside of the house. In the basement, the entire breaker box had to be replaced. Knowing the danger the situation created, he adjusted employee schedules and sent two terrific electricians out the next day.
5PM-9PM and PM Hosted by Central Jersey Antique Car Club AHEPA Chapter 72 Visit ahepa72.org for more info All Welcome
:OOam - 1 O:OOpm September 20th 5PM-9PM September 21st 3PM- 7PM Hosted by Central Jersey Antique Car Club WWW.CJACC.COM
He pulled the breaker for the HVAC unit. Yes! It was the breaker; except, it wasn’t just the breaker. The problem, as it turned out, was much bigger.
When the electricians pulled the cable off the house, the housing tore completely, having become brittle and destroyed by years in the sun. The new wiring was placed in a PVC pipe.
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st 11 :OOam - 1 O:OOpm
Greek Music (all day) Folk Dancers 7pm Rain or Shine Free Admission & Parking
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st
Crusin' Night Car Show September 20th 5PM-9PM and September 21st 3PM- 7PM Hosted by Central Jersey Antique Car Club WWW.CJACC.COM Sponsored byAHEPA Chapter 72 Visit
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st 11:00am - 10:00pm
Sponsored byAHEPA Chapter 72 Visit ahepa72.org for more info
The HVAC breaker showed significant damage. A new breaker wouldn’t fit in the open slot. The breaker above also showed damage. Our conclusion: water was getting into the box from outside.
Yes, we had a lot of rain last spring. But the walls to my basement have been waterproofed. My downspouts are extended, draining into the swale on the side of the house.
A painter who was working for my neighbor came over. He looked under the meter, where the caulk was pulling away from the wall. We both agreed that water was getting in there.
Then we noticed a second problem at the top of the electric meter, where there was a similar breach of the seal around the pipe.
I called PSE&G and assured the representative that I had found the issue, and it must be the company’s responsibility. She agreed to send out a service person.
The service person arrived, and when I mentioned the hole in the wall, he was none too happy. “That’s not the problem,” he snapped. He opened the meter box to show me that it was dry inside. “This is all PSE&G is responsible for,” he said. “The meter.”
He closed the box and relocked it. And made it very clear that the leaks covering the wires and in the exterior wall, as well as the damaged breaker box, were my
Additionally, due to the updated fire code from the National Fire Protection Association, the electricians were required to install what is called a fireman’s switch. In the case of a fire, the switch allows firefighters to externally shut off the electricity to a house. Without that exterior safety switch, firefighters have to locate the electrical box on the inside while the structure is burning. Firemen switches are required on all new houses, and on older houses when wiring is updated.
I have lived in many places during my life—sometimes in rentals. I have owned five homes. Never would I ever have thought about the electrical cable on the outside of my house. I wonder if the electrician who changed everything in the basement about 20 years ago looked at it to make sure it was okay; maybe it wasn’t a problem then.
It seems to me that, like AquaNJ, PSE&G might like to send out periodic notices to homeowners saying the cable on their homes is their responsibility. At the moment, unless there is hurricane damage and an electrical outage, no homeowner would likely think to check their exterior cable. Why let a hurricane aftermath be the first time a homeowner hears the words: entrance cable?
Might I suggest you go find yours and check it now?
Capital Health Awards 7 Full-Tuition Scholarships to Rider University as Part of Employee Education Benefits Programs
Scholarship winners with Capital Health President and CEO Al Maghazehe (right) and Rider President Dr. Gregory G. Dell’Omo.
Capital Health has announced seven winners of full-tuition scholarships to Rider University as part of an employee education benefits partnership with the university. The scholarship winners are immediate family members of Capital Health employees.
“On behalf of Capital Health, I’m thrilled to recognize the 2024 winners of our full-tuition scholarships to Rider University,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Our employee education benefits program has grown significantly since it began a few years ago, and it’s exciting to be able to help more and more members of our Capital Health family pursue higher education. Congratulations to this year’s winners and best wishes for success in this important step in their education journey.”
Brianna Nixon is a graduate of Florence Township High School. Daughter of Domaria Mercedes, a clinical analyst with the Information Technology Department at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, Brianna is a political science major in Rider’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Maggie Murphy is an incoming sophomore at Rider and a graduate of Neshaminy High School. The daughter of Sean Murphy, float pool manager at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, Maggie is a psychology major in Rider’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Oscar Brajczewski graduated from North Burlington High School. The son of Anna Brajczewski, rehab assistant in Rehabilitation Services at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Oscar will study finance in Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business.
Sydney Stahl is a graduate of Seneca High School and the daughter of Patricia Stahl, a registered nurse in the Ambulatory Care Pavilion at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Sydney will study elementary education in Rider’s College of Education and Human Services.
Ryan Gennaro is an incoming junior at Rider and son of Chris Gennaro, director of Business Development at Capital Health. A graduate of Bucks County Community College, Ryan is a finance major in Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business.
Kiara Coons graduated from Trenton Central High School. Niece of Christian Colon-Figueroa, medical assistant at Capital Health’s Center for Sleep Medicine, Kiara will study elementary education in Rider’s College of Education and Human Services.
Jayla Giddens is a graduate of Trenton Central High School and the daughter of Toni Pretlow, trauma outreach specialist at Capital Health’s Institute for Urban Care. Through her scholarship supported by Capital Health’s Trenton Neighborhood Initiative, Jayla will study acting for film, television, and theatre in Rider’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Capital Health’s employee education benefits program features a 50% tuition discount agreement with Rider University for eligible employees, an application fee waiver and other services.
To learn more or to search career opportunities at Capital Health, visit capitalhealth.org.
Capital Health Offers New Minimally Invasive Procedure to Map Severe Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders in the United States, but it can be challenging to manage due to the wide range of seizure types, causes, and patient responses to treatment. For patients with medically refractory epilepsy (seizures not responding to two or more medications), physicians at Capital Institute for Neurosciences performed their first stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), a minimally invasive procedure that can pinpoint areas deep in the brain where difficult-to-treat seizures start. By identifying these locations, neurologists are better equipped to determine the best course of treatment to relieve seizures.
Capital Institute for Neurosciences is the only level 3 epilepsy center in the greater Mercer, Lower Bucks and Northern Burlington county region accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. DR. SIDRAH MAHMUD, medical director of the Epilepsy Center, oversees the medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial services needed to treat patients, including neuro diagnostic evaluations and surgical services like SEEG.
“Capital Health is known for a commitment to neurological innovation that is driven by patient-centered care,” said Dr. Mahmud, a board certified neurologist and epileptologist. “Each patient has a unique story, so their care journey is guided by a highly skilled team of neurologists, epileptologists, neuosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and neuropsychologists who conduct a range of comprehensive testing. After a thorough review of the patient’s epilepsy history, the data collected from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photon emission tomography (PET scans), cognitive testing, and other assessments is used to understand precisely where their seizures are coming from and determine a plan for surgery. With SEEG, patients have an elegant and minimally invasive option that allows us to provide personalized treatment so they can better manage their conditions and see an improved quality of life.”
Neurosurgeons like DR. NAVID REDJAL, director of Neurosurgical Oncology, work with a multidisciplinary team to perform SEEG to reach and monitor deeper areas of the brain and target specific locations where difficult-totreat seizures originate.
“Before surgery, we use advanced imaging software to plan the exact placement of small, thin wires (called stereotactic depth electrodes) in the brain,” said Dr. Redjal, a board certified, Harvard-trained neurosurgeon. “During surgery, a personalized 3D stereotactic platform is used to place the electrodes into the brain with pinpoint precision so we can obtain important information that provides insight into where seizures may begin. The procedure typically takes several hours to complete, followed by a hospital stay that lasts about a week. During this time, Dr. Mahmud and her team monitor the patient’s seizures.”
By monitoring seizures the patient has while the leads are in place, clinicians at the Epilepsy Center can precisely identify areas of concern to determine the appropriate next step in treatment, which may include surgery, responsive neurostimulation, or other therapies. Patients experience no bleeding during surgery and the wires are removed under local anesthesia when testing is complete.
“This is a major advance for our neurosciences team and a great example of the patientcentered collaboration that frequently occurs among clinicians in our various programs,” said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of Neurology and Neuro Critical Care and director of the Stroke Program at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. “Now that we offer SEEG, physicians from our Epilepsy Program, Neurosurgery, Neuro Critical Care, and Neurophysiology teams work closely together to provide care for complex conditions and deliver treatment afterward that will help ensure the best possible outcome.”
The Epilepsy Center at Capital Institute for Neurosciences offers acute services for hospital patients as well as those who require long-term follow up by a personally dedicated care team. A range of treatment options are available, including medical or surgical approaches tailored to each patient’s specific needs and a team of epilepsy specialists trained to care for those with more complicated conditions.
To schedule an appointment at Capital Institute for Neurosciences, call 609-537-7300 or visit capitalhealth.org/epilepsy for more information.
As part ongoing efforts to promote safety in local youth sports, Capital Health has entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement with Hamilton Township Recreational Baseball Association Little League (HTRBA) based in Mercerville, New Jersey. The partnership launched with the presentation of a $6,000 check at the league’s home at Van Horn Park. These funds will support HTRBA’s purchase of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for the league to help save the lives of players, coaches, or spectators who may experience sudden cardiac arrest.
“Many children are first introduced to the ideas of health and fitness through youth sports, and this partnership will build on the foundation established by HTRBA,” said Dr. Neil Saxena, a board certified and fellowship trained cardiologist from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hamilton. “Supporting HTRBA’s purchase of AEDs is an exciting first step in increasing safety in
Capital Health Partners with Hamilton Township Little League to Promote Safety in Youth Sports
local youth sports and the larger community and encouraging better health habits for a lifetime.”
Capital Health Cardiology Specialists is a group of board certified cardiologists with expertise in all aspects of interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, clinical noninvasive cardiology, and advanced diagnostic imaging. Across seven locations throughout the region, including Hamilton, the group provides residents in Mercer, Bucks, and Burlington counties with the most cutting-edge procedures and diagnostic testing to provide full-service cardiac care and promote heart healthy living. Dr. Saxena and Capital Health Cardiology Specialists are part of Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 physicians and providers who offer carefully coordinated primary and specialty care.
For more information about Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.
Free Upcoming Health Education Events
Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Class size is limited. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
STOP THE BLEED
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Capital Health–EMS Education 2480 Pennington Road, Suite 107, Pennington, NJ 08534
CANCERS IN WOMEN + FOCUSING ON SELF-CARE
Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: SCREENING AND NUTRITION GUIDELINES FOR BETTER OUTCOMES
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
PREVENTING COLON CANCER: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
COMMON HEART VALVE CONDITIONS: UNDERSTANDING SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS
Monday, October 28, 2024 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
Dr. Neil Saxena from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hamilton (left) presents a check to the HTRBA Little League.
Capital Health First in Region to Offer Minimally Invasive Option for Complex Aortic Repair
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, and diseases or injury to the aorta can be life threatening. Offering the latest advance in minimally invasive surgery to restore function to damaged aortas, vascular surgeons at Capital Health recently performed the region’s first branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (branched TEVAR). This procedure is now available at Capital Health for patients diagnosed with aortic disease or injury.
Capital Health and fellowship trained vascular surgeon. “Our vascular surgery team is particularly successful in these types of endeavors because of our synergy at every step of the patient’s care, from the meticulous preoperative planning, through the procedure, to taking care of the patient after.”
“People with aortic disease may not know they have it, so it is often diagnosed on medical testing for something else,” said DR. CHRISTINE LOTTO, a board certified, fellowship trained vascular surgeon who recently led Capital Health’s first branched TEVAR procedure. “Whether it is caught fortuitously or diagnosed as the result of trauma or a sudden onset of symptoms (such as pain in the chest and upper extremities), this new minimally invasive procedure can repair the damaged aorta through a small entry in the femoral artery. This means a faster recovery and decreased risk for complications related to surgery.”
The branched TEVAR procedure requires several specially trained vascular surgeons working in unison to safely place the stent. For Capital Health’s first TEVAR, Dr. Lotto was joined by Dr. Kogulan Nadesakumaran and Dr. Jillian Walsh, surgeons from Capital Health Surgical Group – Vascular Surgery.
“Working in careful coordination with a team of surgeons has enormous safety benefits. Having more eyes on the patient and bringing a variety of skill sets into the room helps lead us to better outcomes,” said DR. JOSHUA EISENBERG, Chief Physician Executive at
The branched TEVAR device is the first of its kind approved by the Food and Drug Administration to allow treatment of aortic arch issues without the need for incisions or open surgery. The procedure offers patients the benefits of a minimally invasive approach, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a lower risk for complications of surgery. Most patients who have a TEVAR and have no other serious medical conditions can go home the next day, followed by physical exams and imaging soon after to evaluate the repair. Regular follow-ups then occur at one month, six months, and annually after the procedure.
The fellowship trained surgeons at Capital Health Surgical Group – Vascular Surgery perform complex open vascular procedures and minimally invasive surgical treatments for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions as well as minimally invasive and office-based procedures for the treatment of a range of venous diseases. The practice includes Drs. Joshua Eisenberg, Christine Lotto, Jillian Walsh, Kogulan Nadesakumaran, and Anil Deshpande, as well as a team of highly skilled advanced practice providers who bring additional experience to the team. The practice has offices in Newtown, Pennsylvania and Hopewell Township, New Jersey.
To schedule an appointment at Capital Health Surgical Group – Vascular Surgery, call 609.537.5600 or visit capitalsurgical.org/vascularsurgery for more information.
SPORTS
Township names soccer pitches after 2 local coaching icons
By Rich Fisher
On the day Hamilton Township names two Veterans Park recreation soccer fields after the late Bob Rostron and Paul Tessein, the honorees will likely be looking down from above, wincing in tandem at the fuss being made over them.
“He would be humbled but embarrassed by the gesture,” Tessein’s son, Scott, said. “He just loved to recognize the players and loved to see their achievements and see them shine.”
Brian Rostron felt likewise about how his father would react.
“If my dad was here, he’d be very surprised to know he was getting a field dedicated to him,” Rostron said. “He was very humble. He never talked about all the things he did for soccer. He’d probably say he didn’t deserve it. Luckily for him, he has good friends, family and teammates to speak up for him.”
Speak up they have, and the honor both Hamilton Township soccer icons are receiving is well deserved.
The idea was the braintrust of Hamilton native and former Rider/Mercer County Community College coach Charlie Inverso, who incorporated invaluable aid from former Steinert/Rider baseball/soccer coach/player Rich Giallella.
If anyone knows about having their identity attached to a field, it is Giallella, as Steinert’s baseball diamond is named after him. His attitude is similar to what Tessein’s and Rostron’s would likely be.
“It’s a great honor but one in which I don’t know if I’ve earned,” said Giallella, who was close friends with both men. “You don’t ever say ‘One of my goals is to have a field named after me.’ It’s beyond what you ever intended when you started coaching.
you. It’s a great honor because people evaluate and say ‘This person really had a great influence on a number of young adults in whatever sport it is.’ These two guys are both highly deserving of having their families walk into Veterans Park and walk on those fields and say to their grandchildren or family ‘That was my husband or friend or grandfather.’”
Both legends died in the month of January, with Tessein passing in 2021 and Rostron this year. When Rostron departed, Inverso approached Giallella about naming a field in Veterans Park after him. The idea was met with full support and Giallella added that Tessein deserved the same accolade, to which Inverso completely agreed.
They can be accessed by walking up from Kuser, or by entering the park and turning right between the tennis courts and dog parks.
The dedication ceremony will be Friday, September 6 and start at 3 p.m., an hour before the Colonial Valley Conference season-opener between Hamilton West and Steinert on Albert Cowell Field.
On hand will be Mayor Jeff Martin, councilman Charles “Chuddy” Whalen and Community and Economic Development Director Fred Dumont, who will emcee the event. Giallella credited all three with doing an outstanding job of putting things in motion after he approached them with the idea.
Each man’s family members will be on hand, with Scott Tessein and Brian Rostron giving speeches. After the ceremony, a portion of the Hibernians Club on Kuser has been reserved to continue the celebration.
“But, it’s also great in many ways because your family members, your children or grandchildren will know about
The fields are adjacent to Kuser Road and stage recreation games along with high school JV and freshman contests.
“We’re hoping this is a nice gathering of the close-knit soccer community in
See SOCCER, Page 44
Tessein
Mercer County,” Inverso said. “Both of these guys were throwbacks to a great era of soccer and both deserved to be celebrated.”
Tessein, a captain for Hamilton West in his playing days, was the secret weapon behind state championship Steinert teams coached by Bob Pivovarnick and Mario “Goose” Laurenti. From 1963-73 he coached powerhouse Reynolds Junior High teams that fed into Steinert along with Nottingham Junior High. Tessein got the Spartans job in 1974 and over the next 15 years Steinert went 257-49-28 with four state championships, 15 Top 20 rankings and two No. 1 state rankings..
“What Paul brought to Steinert was modern soccer,” said Inverso, whose teams played against Inverso’s Notre Dame squads. “He was tough. You didn’t mess with him. He had a lot of tough characters to coach at Steinert and they all bought in and they all played for him.”
Giallella became Tessein’s assistant in 1978 and stayed with him through their final state title in 1988. The two were almost like a comedy team with their “lively” conversations (i.e., disagreements) during games.
“His definitive answer without saying a word would be to just look at you and
walk away,” Giallella said with a laugh.
“After a while it was really funny. But he knew what he wanted. It took me a little while to evaluate my role, and when we both were able to understand each other, he trusted me and he would listen.
“But at times he would become very, very stubborn when it came to people doing the right thing. I would say ‘We need to do this,’ and he’d put somebody in and this person would not play the way he wanted and he’d take him out.”
Still laughing, Giallella added: “A little later I’d go over and say ‘Paul I think it’s time to put so-and-so in,’ and he’d just yell “Get away from me!’ I’d say ‘OK’ and go over to the kid and say ‘I think you better put your shirt back on because I don’t think you’re going back in.’”
But Giallella quickly noted that for the most part Tessein leaned on his assistants, who included Tony Armenti and Ted Kinter. He also pointed out that while Tessein had skilled players, that didn’t automatically mean his teams would be great.
“You gotta have talent to win, you can only do so much as a coach,” said Giallella, who won three state titles in baseball. “But when you get the talent you have to be able to get them to play together and sacrifice themselves.
have just anyone out there.”
Giallella noted that one of Tessein’s best ideas was keeping 22 players on the varsity roster so the second team of mostly underclassmen would practice against the first team.
“He’d say ‘I want those kids to get better because next year is their turn,’” Giallella said. “He said their practice would be better than playing a JV game. The practices were hard and competitive and the players learned from what he was saying. And we still had great JV teams with Ted Kinter.”
Tessein’s daughter, Paula Chaussepied, followed her dad into the profession as West Windsor-Plainsboro North field hockey coach. She and brothers Scott and Sean will proudly be in attendance for the dedication.
“It’s a good thing that he is being honored for his all his accomplishments,” Sean said. “I’m proud that this is happening for him.”
“You can say how great that ‘77 team was (ranked No. 1 in the nation by Playboy magazine), and it was a great bunch of players and an intelligent bunch of guys. But to do what they did you gotta have somebody leading you. You can’t
Tessein was more than a high school coach. He also coached Olympic Developmental teams for 25 years and was a recreation and travel coach for the Hamilton Township Recreation Soccer League, for which he served as president. Tessein expanded HTRSL from rec to travel as soccer was his passion on all levels.
“He loved what he did and did what he
Bob Rostron celebrating a birthday with strawberry shortcake. Rostron died in January.
Open Mon thru Fri 8am to 6pm. Closed Sat and Sun.
loved,” Scott Tessein said. “One cannot ask more than that. It was a life well lived and we as a family are humbled by the gesture to name a soccer field after him.”
The Rostron family feels the same way as Bob’s wife, Mary, daughter Amy Cuccia, Brian, his three granddaughters and three sisters all share in the pride.
“Our family is very appreciative for the honor of having a soccer field dedicated to Bobby,” Mary said. “His dedication to soccer was witnessed by many. This means that his legacy will live on and people will be reminded of his passion when they see the field and sign and we hope it will bring a smile to their face.
“His heart was in soccer. He truly enjoyed coaching and watching his players develop as individuals and as a team.”
Brian, a former Hamilton West head coach, added “This is a fitting tribute, and we thank everyone who made this happen. He would hope everyone enjoys the field, and ‘Kick it like you mean it,’” he said, stressing Rostron’s famous catchphrase.
Rostron was well known for his playing skills at Steinert and at Rider, where he was a teammate with Giallella.
“I scored the goals, but that’s because Bobby controlled the field and got the ball to me,” Giallella said. “None of it would have happened without him.”
Inverso, who’s a Mercer soccer historian when it comes to the 1960s and 70s, noted that Rostron was “The Man” on a club team roster full of superstars.
“The greatest team in Mercer County history was the Trenton Extension,” Inverso said. “(Mercer Hall of Famer) Timmy Murphy said that was Bobby’s team. You had guys on there like (Hermann Trophy winners) Mooch (Glenn Myernick) and Billy Gazonas, and (NFL and NASL player) Matt Bahr. Joe Sec was the coach but Bobby ran the show. Here’s a guy that was an accomplished player and great coach and you would see him out lining the field on Sundays. You’d never see that nowadays.
“You look at the fact he worked in a methadone clinic until the time of his death. That shows you what kind of guy he was. He was in the Air Force, in Viet Nam. This is the least that can be done for him.”
Rostron, like Tessein, is in the Mercer County Soccer and Steinert halls of fame after an award-winning career that he was modest about.
“If he got an accolade of some kind he was embarrassed by it,” Giallella said. “He was always one of the best players, if not the best player I played with on every team that we played on. He motivated you because of how he played. He always
played extremely hard and the people around him had to play extremely hard. He had a great skill set and his love of soccer was very similar to Paul.”
When his playing days ended, Rostron became a local coach on the recreation and travel level and helped develop countless young players who went on to star in high school and college.
“He did everything for the township in soccer and I’ll bet you nobody knew what he did except the kids who played for him,” Giallella said. “Paul and him were very similar in that the game of soccer should be played a certain way. And if it wasn’t played that way they both would
be very critical.”
It is fitting that recreation fields will be named after the two, since they both made a huge impact on local rec soccer despite being more well known for what they did at the high school level
“We have to really thank Chuddy, Freddie and the Mayor for this,” Giallella said. “Giving something like this to Paul and Bobby gives Charlie and I great satisfaction. You have to say both of those people did it in different ways, but they meant something special to me.”
Judging by the honor they are receiving, they meant something to a whole lot of people.
Belmont takes the reins for Nottingham girls’ soccer
By Rich Fisher
Nottingham High principal Frank Ragazzo can thank Aimee Turnbull for helping provide him with Jess Belmont as the Northstars new girls soccer coach.
Were it not for the former Steinert girls mentor, Belmont and soccer would have parted ways a long time ago.
And “Jessie Bells” remembers it like yesterday.
Now 32, Belmont was a 14-year-old sitting out at Steinert’s soccer field the summer prior to her freshman year. She listened intently as Turnbull insisted on how important she could be to the Spartans despite Jess deciding her soccer career was over.
“I had a couple bad experiences with some (travel) coaches and I thought, ‘Maybe this isn’t the sport for me,’” Belmont said. “I had a hard time swallowing the fact I was just gonna be the goalie and not be on the field anymore. So I wasn’t even gonna play soccer in high school, which is the crazy thing. Maybe play softball and basketball.”
And then...
“Aimee Turnbull reached out and said, ‘Would you be willing to talk to me?’”
Belmont continued. “I remember it all very vividly, meeting her at the soccer field and just sitting down at one of the benches and going through everything. She finally said, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’ I tried it, I made some really great friends on the team and I ended up loving it. A lot of credit goes to her for keeping me involved in the sport.”
Turnbull had recalled Belmont coming to the 8thgrade interest meeting, and was surprised when she was not on the sign-up sheet to come out. Having had Belmont’s mom, Angela, as both a teacher and supervisor at Steinert, Turnbull approached her about her daughter.
kids to get involved. We thought we could provide her an environment that could help her grow.”
enough to accept the challenge. Her former coach feels Nottingham made the right choice.
“I knew she was very into basketball and that she played a little soccer, I just wasn’t sure of the extent,” Turnbull said.
“I thought this was an opportunity for an athlete to play. We could always use her physical ability in the goal. At that point you don’t know how much talent people have but we know it’s a good thing for
And Belmont did indeed bloom into a standout athlete. She was not only a strong rebounder/defender for some talented girls basketball teams, but went on to be the starting goalie for the Spartans 2007 Central Jersey Group III championship squad. From there she played two years at Montclair University after Spartan/Red Hawks teammate Melissa Koster recommended her to the Hawks coach.
After getting her masters in school counseling from The College Of New Jersey in 2016, she began working at Grice in September 2017. Two years later, she became the Notre Dame High freshman coach and varsity assistant for former Hamilton West standout Victoria Camera.
After three years, Belmont moved to Nottingham, and last fall she was varsity assistant under Nicole Sullivan. When the head job opened, Belmont felt confident
“She’s one of my colleagues as a counselor and I see the respect she has for her students at such a young age,” Turnbull said. “It’s really cool to see that she will be able to help out young athletes and foster that environment. And she can also show from her experiences what she can do with that program.
“I feel that not only her leadership, but (also) her motivational ability will be able to help her build relationships with her players.”
Turnbull isn’t just guessing when she says such things. Any good goalkeeper excels at commanding their box. They are the coach in the back and, without leadership abilities, things will deteriorate quickly.
“She definitely had natural leadership tendencies,” Turnbull said. “And that all grew as her progression, maturity, experience and confidence grew.”
Belmont was unaware that those experiences would help her gain entry into the coaching fraternity.
“When I was playing, that’s not where my focus was. I always thought, ‘Yeah it
Belmont
would be cool to be a coach.’ Having a coach that I loved and someone I looked up to made you think, ‘Maybe that could be me someday.’ But I wouldn’t say it sparked my drive to be a coach,” she said. So, what did?
“Once I got into school counseling and knew I would be in a school setting, I thought this could be a real life goal for me at some point,” Belmont said. “It really was me just being interested in taking on more leadership roles combined with my passion for the sport.”
Belmont is thankful to Camera and Notre Dame for the opportunity to coach a team for three years. Even though it was the freshman level, she was in charge and was able to create her own philosophies when it came to running things.
“Stepping into that role helped tremendously,” she said. “I went in with all these soccer plans, but I wasn’t sure how to go about coaching at that level. I played all my life, but I never really broke down the fundamentals of the sport for someone. It was a big adjustment for me.”
Belmont takes over a program that has fallen on some tough times. She and Sullivan got the most out of their talent to go 7-11 last year with just two seniors on the roster. But the Northstars have not had a winning season since Christie Fink’s outfit went 13-5 in 2018.
That cannot quell Belmont’s excitement for the coming season. In early August, 36 girls were cleared to play, and most had their paperwork in.
“We had around 15 girls show up for every summer workout,” Belmont said. “Usually we’d have around six or seven.”
Nottingham is looking to revive its JV program, which is invaluable in a rebuilding situation.
“That will be so awesome for this program,” said Belmont, who is assisted by Sullivan and Eric Struble. “It is girls getting to be involved in something. At the varsity level, it’s so hard with no experience, and at the JV, we’ll be able to develop them.”
Nottingham will be hard pressed to
replace leading scorer Brooklynn Samon ski, who collected 23 goals and eight assists last year and is now playing for Holmes Community College in Mis sissippi. The other 11 goals came from returning underclassmen, and senior Bridget Cutty showed flashes of offense with four goals and seven assists.
But Belmont is not concerning herself with numbers or statistics. She inherits a program in which success will be graded by progress rather than wins and losses. The new coach is looking to build a foun dation and go from there.
“I’m really trying to go into it with a positive mindset,” she said. “We have some really skilled and talented players. I’m just hoping I can create a safe environ ment for the student athletes and hope they enjoy and remember their time on the team. Hopefully the wins we get this season will be an extra bonus for us.”
Turnbull will be rooting for her former keeper and is toying with reaching out to her for a job once her kids get a little older.
“It’s nice to have talent,” Turnbull said. “But getting them to relate to each other and become a team is sometimes more important than talent. I think Jess’s per sonality can certainly provide that for the program. It’s gonna take some time. Not tingham has had some successful years in the past, and I think she has the ability to make them successful again.”
Belmont says she will draw on the influ ences of coaches from all the sports she has played over the years, adding that Turnbull was one of the best.
“She would push you, but she was also there for you when you needed the sup port,” she said. “She was very good at encouraging you to always do your best and get better. I hope that rubbed off because she had such a big impact on me. My experience was so great having a leader like that so I am hoping to bring those qualities to my team.”
Informed of those comments, Turnbull smiled and said, “Wow, that’s really cool.”
And it all started with a simple chat on a soccer bench under the hot August sun.
Pitcher Meara makes most of opportunity in collegiate leagues
By Rich Fisher
As a pitcher for the Norwich Sea Unicorns baseball team, Mac Meara was living the dream while playing in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England.
“The stadiums are awesome,” said the 2023 Hamilton West graduate, who enjoyed an outstanding summer of baseball. “Everybody on our team said we have the best stadiums in any summer league in the country. It’s all minor league stadiums.
“I’m signing autographs for little kids! I used to be that kid at the Trenton Thunder. I’m probably not going to MLB but it’s still cool to see they want my autograph.”
Meara’s time with the Futures league’s top team was limited, but successful. After being promoted from the Trenton Generals of the East Coast Collegiate Baseball League, the former Hornet standout pitched in three games for the Unicorns,
who won the league championship series for the second straight season. In 6.1 innings he allowed three hits, three walks and one run while striking out five with a 1.42 ERA.
While three games isn’t much of a sample size, just the fact Meara was promoted to the team made a statement. The Futures league is ranked No. 7 among college summer leagues in the nation.
And it was all by design according to his coaches at Catholic University, where Meara had a 3.95 ERA in 13.2 innings his freshman season. He struck out 19 and walked 10 in six relief appearances.
ations which led to wins over some of our toughest opponents, including three Top 25 teams.”
The next step for Meara was to improve himself with a strong summer campaign. Apparently, things worked out exactly as hoped.
“We had a really big roster, maybe about 28 pitchers so I knew it would be tough to throw,” Meara said. “I was pretty happy with how I did. It was more just the walks that I struggled with. I definitely like college ball better than anything else. You live with the guys all year, you’re so close with them, you’re playing such a long season. We had a great season, we made it to the (NCAA Division III) regional final. I definitely love where I’m at.”
Ross Natoli loves having Meara there.
And Catholic head coach
“Mac made an immediate impact on our team this past spring,” Natoli said. “He pitched in multiple high leverage situ-
“We set a plan that he would be an All Star for the Generals and then have a chance to pitch in the playoffs in one of the top leagues in the country for one of the best coaches in summer baseball, Kevin Murphy,” Catholic Associate head coach Bobby Picardo said. “You love when goals are set, challenges made, and players rise to the opportunity.”
Meara did his part to support the first part of the plan, as he pitched a scoreless inning in the CCBL All Star game. In seven appearances, including six starts, Meara had a 1.17 ERA in 26 innings. He struck out 23, walked 13, had a 1.31 WHIP and teams batted .216 against him.
Hamilton High grad and pItcher Mac Meara in action for Catholic University. Meara spent the summer playing for the Norwich Sea Unicorns in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England.
“Mac threw very well this summer,” Trenton General Manager Mike Olshin said. “He has the size (6-3, 205 pounds) and ability to be an awesome pitcher and I expect him to take another leap forward for Catholic in 2025.
“He can command it to both sides of the plate. As he keeps building experiences, he’s going to be tough to beat.”
What impressed Generals head coach Mike Coryell the most, was Meara’s burning desire to pitch. The veteran baseball man recalled Trenton’s first weekend in Scranton, which didn’t start well for the hurler.
“Mac pitched to one kid, and comes jogging off the field into the dugout and proceeds to (throw up),” Coryell said. “I told our next pitcher to go get loose. Mac looked up from the garbage can and said ‘I’m not coming out!’ He threw a complete game, gave up two hits and no runs. He’s a real competitor.”
The left-hander enjoyed his time with Trenton and felt that it was a good stepping stone to the Futures league.
“A lot of people don’t realize how much talent there is out there,” he said. “Even with the local leagues I knew I could get innings which is what I wanted. You’re still facing good talent. We were playing a range of mid majors with D-1 to D-3 and JUCO players. It was definitely a good way to get my reps in and my innings in that I needed, and it got me the opportunity to go up to Norwich.”
The Catholic coaches monitored Meara’s progress through on-line stats and videos, and were impressed enough by what he did to secure him a spot with Norwich. They liked that he would be with Murphy, the pitching coach at Amherst College, and that he would be teamed with Catholic teammate and classmate Luke Cardman.
“We thought he could step up to the challenge with Norwich,” Natoli said. “This summer we wanted to see Mac improve his command of his secondary pitches to keep hitters off balance. It looks like he made significant progress there and his overall confidence seemed to shine through, as well.”
One of the main things Meara worked on this summer was his control. He liked that there were no radar guns at the games, which prevented him from wanting to overthrow to get his velocity up. Nonetheless, he improved his velo to a career-best 87 and admitted that when there were guns at a game “I was trying to get it up there a little bit.”
Just the fact his college coaches wanted him at Norwich was a confidence builder for Meara.
“It was very relieving,” he said. “All summer I had thought about what they said in my (exit) meeting that maybe at
the end of summer I’ll get a shot somewhere. I left the end of July open on my calendar just hoping there would be something there. It all worked out. I was really excited.”
When he arrived in Norwich he not only enjoyed a familiar face in Cardman, but also Allentown High grad Jack Sweeney, who’s entering his freshman year at Rutgers (It was Rutgers Nick Tomasetto who hit a walk-off double in the playoff final to make Norwich the third team to ever back-to-back league titles).
“I ended up living with Sweeney,” Meara said. “It was nice to have him. We met at the Carpenter Cup last year and became friends from that. I reached out to him about what I needed and he helped me with that. I was assigned to his host family and he introduced me to a bunch of the guys.”
Along with the excitement of playing in minor league ballparks in front of huge crowds — Meara played before a league record 4,500 fans in one game — Mac has enjoyed playing with and against challenging competition.
“The talent is very good,” he said. “I’m probably one of the few D-3 kids on the roster. The defense at this level of play is crazy. There are so many diving plays made. It’s on another level. It’s a confidence booster.”
As for going against hitters, Meara said “I think working ahead really helps. If you fall behind and you’re 2-0 you really have to watch what you do because there’s a very good chance a kid can hit a ball off you.”
There is, however, one advantage for a pitcher.
“In summer leagues it’s wooden bats,” Meara said. “It makes you want to go at the hitters more no matter how good they are. In my last outing I gave up two balls to dead center that went 380 to the fence and were caught. With a metal bat those balls could be gone.”
The bottom line is that this summer has given Meara even more confidence as he returns to Catholic.
“Definitely,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to going back to school (he reports in late August). Me and Luke have gotten much closer, we’re both really excited to go back and take the stuff we learned up there and bring it back to our team. We know we’re gonna have a really good year this year so it’s exciting.”
Probably the best news for Meara is that his confidence is shared by Natoli.
Mac’s best baseball is ahead of him,” the coach said. “We’re excited to see him compete to the fullest in his sophomore year and beyond at Catholic.”
And if he has to sign a few more autographs along the way, Meara will be happy to oblige.
There’s lots to love about Vintage at Hamilton, the Award Winning* community of 122 luxury townhomes and duplexes in Hamilton Twp., Mercer County...exclusively for active adults 55+. Our residences offer luxury living without sacrificing space or location! Enjoy the flexibility to work from home, plenty of room for guests and low-maintenance living! Conveniently located near shopping, dining and commuting via I-95, NJ Turnpike and the Hamilton train station with service to NYC and Philly.
• 3 bedrooms • 2 ½ baths • 1-2 car garage
• Full basement (with option to finish)
• Clubhouse with pool, pickleball, and more (Coming Soon!)
Friday-Tuesday from 11am–5pm.
JOIN US IN HONORING
9 questions with printmaker Ana Vassileva
Thomas Kelly FIGHT IN THE MUSEUM
Ani Vassileva is a printmaker. Through etching, carving and incising on a plate, she is able to make multiple prints of images on paper. Printmakers make their plates in reverse so the print you see will be opposite of the plate or block.
Printmaking is the discipline that first brought artwork to the masses. Ani’s work is ancient yet modern, and showcases her mastery of design and color.
When did you begin in the arts?
I was born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria. As a young girl, my mother would involve me helping with the art projects she created for the school where she taught. When I came to the US my plan was to study painting. I’ve always been interested in color. I went to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where three disciplines were available as majors: painting, printmaking and sculpture. The first year offered an introduction to each of them. From those classes I realized that printmaking provided me with enough variety of mediums to really be able to express myself in my personal visual language.
What pointed you toward printmaking and other works on paper?
Printmaking can incorporate painterly techniques as in monotypes and some woodcuts. Yet, much of it uses drawing that translates onto relief, engraving, etching and lithography very naturally. At the age of 13 I studied drawing for three years with a well-respected teacher in Sofia, Bulgaria. I learned watercolor technique with another as well. I graduated from a Textile Technical School at the age of 18.
Where did you study art?
My art teacher encouraged me to study Architecture. I was good at math as well. She told me that Fine Arts would be a waste of time, and wasn’t something that would provide me with job security.
After I moved to the US in my twenties, I began studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with a major in printmaking. I made the long trip to Philadelphia from Hamilton, NJ every day for four years.
Making books is a historical art form. Do you feel connected past books and book makers?
At the Pennsylvania Academy of the
Fine Arts I learned a variety of bookmaking techniques which gave me a way to design, construct and tell an entire story, connecting multiple images in a specific order, and incorporating some text.
Growing up in a country that played an important role in creating the Cyrillic alphabet, I was given the opportunity to observe beautifully decorated ancient manuscripts created. Their magic remains engraved in my memory, and continues to influence me, and my work. I have particularly gravitated towards books and art by masters of the woodcut from Japan, like Hokusai, Hiroshige, Hasui, Yoshitoshi.
Which media do you most enjoy and why?
My work varies from miniature wood engravings and mezzotints to large scale woodcuts, monotypes and etchings. The magic of orchestrating color, mark making, and pressing the image on the paper gives me the feeling of freedom to visually express ideas created in my mind. Woodcut is a technique which uses a matrix that produces a print on paper. Once the drawing on the woodblock is cut out, and the wood removed from any space that will not hold ink, I roll the plate with ink and lay the paper on top of it. Then using a burin and heavy pressure I rub the back of the paper to transfer the image to it. I truly love the process, where I am in constant communication with the wooden plate. The scent and the texture of the
Printmaker Ana Vassileva in her studio.
artists like Van Gogh, and the magic of movement and color he created by his brushstrokes. I also liked printmakers Albrecht Direr, Rembrandt, Picasso, Kathe Kollwitz, Chuck Close, Christo Javachev and Jeanne Claude, Japanese Masters.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
There were many ups and downs before my home studio space came to life. It was my sacred space where during the pandemic, I completely lost myself in doing my art. Many times I work on large scale images. I knew I needed to rent an additional, more adequate space when my art not only took every corner of my studio but most of my house too.
You moved your studio to Lambertville. Does working there have a different vibe?
Peace of Mind.
wood brings me warmth and peace, and carries me to a quiet moment, and connects me to the universe.
Who are some of your inspirations or influences? Modern or historical.
I had a great involvement and learning from my instructors at the Academy. Dan Miller, a maker of excellent woodcuts that taught me the value of careful planning and walked me through every step of the process with masterful precision.
Tony Rosati, my intaglio teacher, and a thoroughly imaginative artist with a great sense of humor that introduced me to every etching and monotype technique available.
As a kid I was deeply inspired by visual
Lambertville is a small town that provides a scenic view of the Delaware River. It has the essence of a small socially vibrant community that welcomes art of any form. In my new studio I am surrounded by good neighbors, and I have enough space to work on multiple projects at the same time.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to another solo show this year. It will take place at La Galerie Adrienne, in Trenton, New Jersey in December. I will also be in some members group shows with the American Colour Print Society in the Philadelphia area. I currently have a woodcut print on display at the Trenton City Museum. It’s a part of the Ellarslie Open 41 juried exhibit.
Thomas Kelly is a Hamilton-based artist. His work can be found at thomaskellyart.com.
Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products. W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price. So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.
“My father and Margarita” woodcut by Ana Vassileva.
RYANS COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE
We
ONE CALL REPAIRS IT
CALL REPAIRS IT ALL
In thrall to the wanderlike
Peter Dabbene
I have an illness one might call “recurrent sporadic wanderlust.” For the most part, I’m happy to have a set of predictable, even boring routines in my life: walking the dog, certain activities on certain days, etc. But every once in a while, I like to get out and go—far. I’m hardly a “go where the road takes me” type; on the contrary, I want to know in advance that the road will take me exactly where I want to go. That means that aside from maps and GPS, any such endeavor requires planning and precision—a calm, measured approach (with choice additions of spontaneity) designed to squeeze the most out of the time, effort, and expense of road travel. If you’re thinking that doesn’t sound wild enough to be wanderlust, you’re probably right—a better description would be “wanderlike.”
merchandise for sale. Apparently, the man who played Luke Duke has maintained a career on stage and screen, and released a number of records to showcase his singing talents—including a 2014 Christmas duet album with former “Dukes” co-star John Schneider. He was due to arrive for a meet and greet (signed photographs $20 each) in about fifteen minutes. We were on the road in ten.
Our rented North Carolina residence awaited, about a dozen miles outside of Asheville, at the top of a steep hill and winding driveway. How steep? Steep enough that attempts to get a minivan up the gravel-covered first half of the hill were unsuccessful, eventually requiring assistance from AAA.
In Asheville, we toured the Biltmore, a massive residence and estate that still belongs to the Vanderbilt family, and tried our (gloved) hands at falconry. In downtown Asheville, we visited the Moog Museum, an interactive showcase of synthesizers and the science of sound; later we visited our first, and possibly last, cat café.
After much discussion and coordination with family, a recent bout of wanderlike took us to Asheville, North Carolina. It’s not a well-known vacation spot among northeasterners— prior to the trip, more than one person asked me, “Do you mean Nashville?”
I did not. As a concession to age and the roughly ten hour drive, we planned overnight stops in Luray, Virginia each way, at roughly the halfway point. This prompted a visit to Luray Caverns, a hike to a lookout spot near our hotel, and a trip to Cooter’s Place, a restaurant/museum/place of worship dedicated to the old action-comedy TV show The Dukes of Hazzard.
Cats at Play Café charged $17 per person for 55 minutes of mostly indifferent cats allowing us to linger in their presence. The café also sells beverages, like their alcoholic “Meowmosa” cocktails, or their herbal mocktail “Furtini”—yes, cat wordplay is prevalent, but would you expect otherwise? Proceeds support the Café’s mission of finding permanent homes for the cats, but to me it seemed like a successful exercise in Tom Sawyerstyle hucksterism, except instead of getting us to whitewash a fence, we paid for the privilege of feeding, petting, and entertaining felines—and oh yes, watching them sleep. It seemed these cats should be doing a bit more to impress the visiting humans and lobby for adoption, but then again, from a resident cat’s perspective: Why would you want to leave paradise?
I was never a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan, but I am a fan of strange museums, so off we went. Assured by the gift shop employees that it was okay to proceed, we wandered through a room of old toys and themed collectibles while a prayer service was conducted just a few feet away. The congregation, a loose-knit group of about a dozen, sat on folding chairs and punctuated the preacher’s pauses with inspired utterances of “Praise Jesus!” The presence of dusty 1980s memorabilia, along with a more recently manufactured “Cooter’s Garage” twopiece bikini (available in 3XL) did not dampen their fervor.
We moved out of that room as quickly as possible, into a garage that housed some notable vehicles, and folding tables stacked with Tom Wopat
An occasional purr or snarl livened things up, but after trying much harder than the cats to make this meeting of the species work, I couldn’t help wondering if a “Puppy Parlor” across the street, stocked with Golden Retrievers, wouldn’t provide these cats a figurative—and literal—wake-up call. My kids were interested in checking out local sites where the movie The Hunger Games was filmed, so we visited a waterfall or two, along with the “only in North Carolina” attraction known as Sliding Rock. Named as it
appears, it’s a 60 foot natural rock slide, lubricated by a steady flow of water, that ends in an 8 foot “plunge pool.”
The whole area is rocky, and safety measures are few, reminiscent of New Jersey’s own Action Park in its glory days. Signs offered cursory warnings, but mostly emphasized general principles of self-reliance. A lifeguard was stationed at the top of the slide, but there were no attempts to regulate the waiting period between one departure and the next, nor the number or attachment method of concurrent sliders. An abrupt impact into the pool at the bottom jarred loose anything that wasn’t held down, including my brother’s glasses.
We had to return the next day and sift through a tray of about 20 pairs that had been retrieved after hours. He tried a few before the parade of blurry images suddenly sharpened and he knew he had the right pair. It was like watching a male, middle-aged, nearsighted Cinderella find the right slipper.
Our last stop in North Carolina was the Henry River Mill Village, another filming location for The Hunger Games. I’d called a few days earlier to find out if we could still visit, even though the website said they’d be closed the day we’d be passing by. The answer was a flat “no,” but how do you close
a village? We didn’t need a fancy tour, so we decided to drive there anyway, thinking we could at least get a look. Upon arrival, there was no shortage of signage indicating that wandering was unwelcome. But in our infinite parental wisdom, my wife and I, delinquents that we are, encouraged our kids (who were properly hesitant) to go ahead and walk the grounds a little. My wife led the way, and within seconds a deafening alarm sounded. It continued as we quickly hustled everyone back into the car and sped off.
I don’t know what they’re protecting at Henry River Mill Village that’s so valuable, or if there will be a summons forthcomin’ based on security video footage of our daring daylight raid. But I do know that barring legal requirements to do so, I won’t be setting foot in North Carolina anytime soon. That is, unless chronic wanderlike flares up once more.
Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com. His story “Chipping” is included in TENacity: Brilliant Flash Fiction’s 10th Anniversary Anthology, available through Amazon.com. His graphic novel biography “George Washington: The Father of a Nation” is also available through Amazon.com for $20 (print) or $10 (ebook).
AT YOUR SERVICE
Advertise for $69 a month. For more information call 609-396-1511
CLASSIFIED
Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Simply scan the QR code or visit www.communitynews.org/place_an_ ad. Questions? Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.
SERVICES
F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.
Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215539-2894, www.sweetbeginnings.info.
LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-7994674, 609-721-4358.
Guitar and Ukulele lessons for Seniors. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.
which can be easily repaired This beautiful piano has brought so many years of joy to our family - now we’d like for another new family to experience the joy for themselves.
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-5773337.
YARD SALE
MULTI-FAMILY Yard Sale! OCT 5 (rain date Oct 6), 9 AM - 2 PM Gatherings at Lawrence, Princess Rd off Franklin Corner Rd *CASH ONLY*
FOR SALE
Double depth cemetery plotLocation Princeton memorial Park- Gordon Road Robbinsville. Call 609-259-7710.
FREE!!! Classic Knabe Baby Grand Piano (Ewing) - call Tom 609-770-1775.
Original owner from 1930s Some exterior damage by plant planter to wood,
Happy Heroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - nonsports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@ gmail.com.
The impact of social media on youth mental health
Ask The Doctor
See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7
Social media has become an integral part of daily life in the digital age, especially for the younger generation. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook provide endless content streams, encouraging connectivity and creativity, but they also present significant mental health challenges, especially for their younger users.
Social media can offer a sense of community and belonging, which is particularly important for adolescents navigating the complexities of identity and social relationships. It allows for creating online communities where individuals can share experiences and offer support.
However, while some people may experience a sense of connectivity, it can
have the opposite effect on others. Dr. Frank Ghinassi, senior vice president of behavioral health services at RWJBarnabas Health and CEO and president at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, notes: “Constant exposure to filtered and altered reality can distort a young person’s self-image and expectations of life. I have real concerns about the negative effects of social media.”
In an opinion piece published in the New York Times, the Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, expressed similar concerns when he called for warning labels to be added on to social media sites, especially for teenagers and their parents, detailing the mental health dangers behind social media applications.
peers and celebrities, which can worsen feelings of inadequacy and low selfesteem. In fact, children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours per day on social media double their risk of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Finding a Balance. While social media poses challenges, it is not inherently harmful. Encouraging young people to balance online activities with offline interactions and hobbies is essential.
“There is a need for a balanced approach to modern childhood, which involves parents, schools, and the social media industry coming together to decrease the impacts of these platforms on our youth,” says Dr. Ghinassi.
Programs at RWJU Hamilton this month
The following programs are open to all, and registration is required. Programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health/ Community Education and Better Health Program, a FREE membership program for anyone 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information, call (609) 584-5900.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Social media’s curated nature often leads to unrealistic comparisons. Youth, some as young as 13 years old, are frequently exposed to idealized images of
Dr. Ghinassi encourages specific actions from parents, schools, and social media platforms to protect young adults against the negative impacts of social media:
• Parents can monitor their children’s social media usage and encourage a balance between virtual and in-person activities – take steps to get kids involved in community events and activities.
• Schools can encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and community service to promote in-person social interaction.
Snack and Learn (Better Health Program). 3 to 4 p.m. Join us for a deep dive into learning risks associated with being over medicated, and hear from Sara Ali, MD, Geriatric Medicine, member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, and who specializes in care for those 65+ years old. Dr. Ali will discuss taking multiple medications, how much is too much, the risks associated and how some medications can work against each other. Registration is required, and new members are welcome to join. Learn more online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonbetterhealth.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
The Pharmacy Club: What is a Polypharmacy (Community Education). 1 to 2 p.m. Join Shesha Desai, PharmD, RWJUH Hamilton, for an informative session on polypharmacy, designed to help patients and caregivers understand the complexities of managing multiple medications. This event will cover essential topics, including: introduction to polypharmacy and risks associated with polypharmacy. Registration is required at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms.
• Social media platforms should be required to introduce warnings about potential negative impacts, such as cyberbullying, body image issues, and addiction, and provide resources for support, such as those offered by RWJBarnabas Health’s Behavioral Health services.
Catch Some Z’s (Community Education). 6-7 p.m. Do you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep? Insomnia affects your mental as well as physical health, making us more prone to heart disease and other serious illnesses. Join Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Health Nurse to learn more about how we should spend a third of our life! Registration is required at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonprograms.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Social media’s impact on youth mental health is multifaceted, offering benefits and challenges. However, banning it entirely is not the solution. It is important that we educate young people about both the benefits and the potential risks of social media. By understanding these dynamics and fostering a balanced approach to engagement, we can help young people harness the positive aspects of social media while minimizing its potential harm.
Learn more online at rwjbh.org/ behavioralhealth. Let’s be healthy together.
Lunch and Learn (Better Health Program). Noon to 1:30 p.m. Join us and learn about cutting-edge technology, advanced robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery, specifically for those 65+ years old. Michael R. Duch, MD, RWJUH Hamilton’s Orthopedic & Spine Institute, and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, who has over 20 years of experience treating a range of orthopedic conditions, including sports medicine injuries, throughout the body, and specializes in joint replacement surgery for knees, hips and shoulders, as well as surgical and non-surgical fracture care. Joining him is Jennifer Pirozzi, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, Director of Perioperative Services at RWJUH Hamilton, who will discuss proper preparation for surgery, post-surgery protocols and ways to improve recovery. Registration is required, and new members are welcome to join. Learn more online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonbetterhealth.
Dr. Frank Ghinassi
VOTE BY MAIL NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS
If you are a qualified and registered voter of Mercer County, New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the General Election to be held on November 5, 2024, the following applies:
• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.
• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.
• No person may serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to
five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.
• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.
• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.
• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future elections will, after their initial request and without
further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.
• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.
• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must first opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may find a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.
Dated: September 10, 2024, Paula Sollami Covello, Mercer County Clerk, 209 S. Broad St., Election Dept., P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650, 609-989-6495
