FEBRUARY 2024 FREE
COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
No municipal tax increase proposed in 2024 budget EDITED BY BILL SANSERVINO
Lawrence High School swimmer Alex Murphy, pictured above, practices mental affirmation with other members of the team before competitions.
Murphy a leader in and out of how far would youpool go if theyfor LHS swimming the were sick? “Her trademark on the team is the swimmers and coaches. leading affirmations in the locker The lights are then turned off, For Alex Murphy, getting room before a meet,” coach and Murphy will play a game ready for a swim meet is more Hillary Hargraves-Dix said. “It of “repeat after me.” She prothan just training in the pool. started out as something kind of nounces “I am brave!” and the There is also the mental side of silly. Now it’s like a routine, it’s group responds with the same it, and she has developed a way just a sort of sweet, unique tra- proclamation. That is followed to sharpen the mental outlook of dition she started before every by “I am beautiful,” then “I am Capital Health. bothWelcome herself and theto Lawrence home meet.” strong,” and finally “I say someSee MURPHY, Page 8 High girls’ swim team. It starts with a talk amongst When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.
BY RICH FISHER
Lawrence Township administration has proposed a municipal budget for 2024 with no municipal tax increase. The following is the full text of the budget message included with the proposed 2024 municipal budget. Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski wrote the message and read the entirety of it into the record during the council meeting on Jan. 16. Over the next few months, township council will review the budget, make changes, and ultimately present the package for approval following a public hearing. The Lawrence Gazette requested the full text of the message, which is presented with minor edits below. Note: Figures in [ ] represent 2023 amounts. *** As we enter into 2024, the same financial conditions and challenges exist as they did when I prepared the 2023 budget message. However, in this budget, we propose no increase to personnel, and we find ourselves well
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positioned to offset our inescapable increases to appropriations with (primarily) new ratables, the full balance of the cannabis tax, and a conservative approach to provide for meeting the needs of the community and supporting the municipal employees that provide them. As a result of these factors, this year’s budget provides for no increase in our municipal tax. The total Municipal Budget is $58,129 million [$61.763 million]. What we consistently strive to do, we have done in this recommended budget: (1) Maintain our fiscal strength; (2) Continue to actively and strategically improve our infrastructure; (3) Maintain and improve the services we provide to the community; (4) Grow our Surplus Fund (aka, “Fund Balance”); and (5) Reduce our municipal debt. The recommended municipal tax rate for 2024 represents a zero-cent increase from last year and is .652 [.652] 1 cent = See BUDGET, Page 4
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RWJUH Hamilton February Healthy Living / Community Education Programs Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study, KIDS IN THE KITCHEN - LOVE YOUR HEART FROM THE START whose findings represent a paradigm
emotional eating. We offer a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Fee: $5 per person
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: DISPARITIES IN WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH
Thursday, Feb. 1; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP Monday, Feb. 5; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Tuesday, Feb. 6; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetables are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! You can attend the in-person program at the center or watch from the comfort of your own home.
“RESILIENCE: THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS AND THE SCIENCE OF HOPE” FILM SCREENING & PANEL DISCUSSION Tuesday, Feb. 6; 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
How do early childhood experiences affect one’s health decades later? Join us for a screening and discussion of this documentary on the Adverse
shift in human understanding of the origins of physical, social, mental, and societal health and well-being. This ongoing series acknowledges our shared experiences during the pandemic and begins to rebuild connection with an emphasis on what heals. Panelists Dara Whalen, NP; Tracey Post, LCSW
BOOK ART: DISCOVERING THE INTERNAL LIGHT Tuesday, Feb. 6; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Make a beautiful piece of art from a recycled book. Explore how we contend with the seasonal darkness of winter, developing our own internal light using inspirational poems and meaningful discussion of darkness transitioning to light. Rochelle Stern, The Expressive Librarian. Fee: $15, materials included.
Monday, Feb. 12; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Introducing our “Monthly Health Focus” open to all and dedicated to helping you prevent and identify illness early, know your treatment options, and live your best life with the knowledge to do so. RWJ Barnabas Health believes we are Better Together and this month join Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, A-GNP-C, Director of Disease Management and Stroke Coordinator, RWJUH Hamilton, this informational session about heart disease.
WHAT’S EATING YOU?
Monday, Feb. 12; 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Support group for people experiencing
Friday, Feb. 16; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 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.
ASK THE DIETITIAN
Over 60 million women in the US are living with some form of heart disease. Women and their symptoms are often undertreated when compared to men. Marie Bernardo, MD, FACC, RWJUH Hamilton, member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates, will teach you the facts, so you can help take steps to protect your health and seek proper treatment if you need it. Dinner provided.
Monday, Feb. 19; 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
BRAIN HEALTH-LEARN PROVEN WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN YOUNG
This natural phase in a woman’s life brings about significant physical and mental changes along with health risks such as heart disease, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. We will discuss the role hormones play in our bodies as well as mindset and habit changes that need to be embraced for a smoother transition. Kathleen McDermott, MSN, RN Certified Menopause Wellness Coach.
Wednesday, Feb. 14; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. HEART MATTERS-PRIORITIZE With so much information out today on YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH brain health what methods really work? Wednesday, Feb. 7; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
DANCE IT OUT!
Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. RWJUH Hamilton Balance & Hearing Center, to learn more about how to keep your brain young and turn back the clock on your aging brain.
SACRED BREATHWORK
Thursday, Feb. 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join Kim Huston, Reiki Master and Certified Breathwork facilitator is passionate about sharing this modality with anyone looking for true healing. Sacred Breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Bring a yoga mat and blanket, Chairs will be available. Fee: $15
Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for a 30-minute,1 on 1 Q&A session. Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Must preregister to schedule an appointment time.
PERI-MENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE MADE EASIER
Monday, Feb. 19; 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP Tuesday, Feb. 20; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday, Feb. 21; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meditation has been shown to quiet
your restless mind and help your entire body to relax. Come experience what all the buzz is about. Beginners welcome. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.
HEART & SOUL: SLIDE INTO BETTER HEALTH Thursday, Feb. 22; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for group Line Dancing, Live DJ, Zumba, Refreshments, Health Screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, Heart Health Resources. $5 per person (collected at the door)
SAMBA: DANCE & DRUM FUSION Tuesday, Feb. 27; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
SAMBA dance fuses upbeat drumming with dance and concludes with their signature smoothie SAMBUCHA, leaving participants refreshed and rejuvenated after a hard workout. Brought to you by Avalon Rehab.
DON’T LET SHOULDER PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN Thursday, Feb. 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Shoulder pain can affect up to 70% of people. Let Michael Duch, MD, RWJUH Hamilton, The Orthopedic & Spine Institute, guide you through the diagnosis and treatment of the different types of shoulder ailments. Dinner included. *All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old TAI CHI CLASSES Thursday, Feb. 1, 15, & 29; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Feb. 6 & 20, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES Tuesday; Feb. 6 & 20; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
NEW - CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Feb. 6 & 20; 12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m.
Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.
*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs
Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, is introducing Chair Yoga to our Better Health Program. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!
2 Lawrence Gazette | Februar y 2024
A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 14, 21, & 28; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join our ongoing program and gather in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe-zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives. Please feel free to attend one or all.
YOUR HEART, BUILDING THIS MUSCLE ONE PUMP AT A TIME Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The heart is the most incredible muscle in the body, beating about 100,000 times to send 3,600 gallons of blood through 75,000 miles of blood vessels each day. Anthony Notaroberto, Personal Training Manager, RWJ Fitness & Wellness, will discuss how to improve cardio vascular function by building this important muscle.
D.A.S.H. TOWARD BETTER HEALTH Wednesday, Feb. 21; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Delicious foods can also be nutritious! Join us this American Heart Month as we discuss Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (the D.A.S.H. diet) and learn how better food choices can encourage heart health. Enjoy a live cooking demo of a D.A.S.H. friendly dish by Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTUREBEYOND THE LIMITS WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Feb. 28; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.** **This date exclusive to 1st time participants. If you have never attended a Better Health program, the museum, sculpture garden and arboretum, is a perfect opportunity. and
Thursday, Feb.29; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
If you have never attended a Better Health – program, this museum, sculpture garden and arboretum, is a perfect opportunity. When faced with finding tough solutions, we are often told to “think outside the box.” What if all you have to work with is what’s inside the box? Sharp thinking and breakthrough ideas are honed in this studio workshop. Teams collaborate on a themed sculpture using limited time, materials, and resources in a way that empowers innovation. Location: Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more
COMMUNITY FORUM
Hughes should be held accountable for ‘ineptitude’ The following letter was received in response to the article “Retiring Hughes reflects on 20 years as county executive,” which was published in the January issue of the Lawrence Gazette. *** Following the Lawrence Gazette’s inter view with Brian Hughes-ex Mercer County Executive, was akin to following an inter view between PRAVDA (the Russian news organization founded by Lenin and Stalin) and Vladimir Putin; with the news organization bypassing a discussion of the Ukraine invasion and other Putin atrocities. The “puff piece” approach by the Gazette stands in sharp contrast to a Hughes administration chock full of ineptitude during his 20 years of ser vice to the Mercer County community. This may be best remembered by the discovery in the last few years leading up to 2023, that Mercer County has squandered millions in taxpayer monies. This revelation brought the need to
hire an independent forensic auditor to review the financial activities of the County—a $ 400 million operation, with neither Hughes—as county executivenor any of his eight Commissioners with a shred of education or experience in the financial field. The Mercer County Forensic Audit was completed and presented to the Commissioners on Sept. 12, 2023. Surprisingly, not one of the Mercer County newspapers decided to cover this stor y or the forensic results (more about this later). Some of the key findings of the forensic report were as follows: 1. The chief financial officer of Mercer County had his license and certification lapse. 2. The computer systems supporting the accounting systems were antiquated. 3. Total lack of knowledge and relevant experience of the financial staff (it should be noted that in the past I criticized Mercer County government
hiring practices because individuals were hired not based on their relevant education and experience, but based on whether they were County Democrat supporters and/or friends or relatives of Democrat office holders.) 4. Lack of financial controls and segregation of duties to prevent fraud. 5. Lack of Bank Account reconciliations. 6. Staff complaints and workplace issues that were not managed in a consistent manner: staff fear of retaliation for complaining. 7. Lack of a policy and procedures manual. 8. Undertaking a test of transactions found that 54.3% of disbursements were paid without adequate or any documentation. 9. Of the 47 wire transfers examined in the test of transactions, all 47 were performed by the county staff with no supporting documentation. The Mercer County Forensic Audit provides conclusive evidence
spillabration LAWRENCE GAZETTE FLOORING EDITOR Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)
Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 396-1511
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rich Fisher AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christine Storie (Ext. 115)
News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Sports: sports@communitynews.org Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org Website: lawrencegazette.com Facebook: facebook.com/lawrencegazette Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace 15,000 copies of the Lawrence Gazette are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Lawrence 12 times a year.
An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC. © Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect Community News Service LLC Publications. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher.
CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold
CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri
MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts
PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski
TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org
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We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Lawrence Gazette 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.
that entrusting a $ 400 million dollar government agency run exclusively (100%) by one political party- none of whose members understand finance was a recipe for disaster. As mentioned beforehand, not one of the newspapers that Lawrence Township residents might read found this stor y worthy enough to even cover. When I last ran for County Commissioner in 2015, not one of these papers attended a single Commissioner meeting during the entire year I was campaigning. When I travel around Mercer County I can certainly say that we probably don’t need any more Starbucks or Dunkin Donut restaurants. We also don’t need any newspapers that continue “carr ying water” for the Mercer County Democratic political machine by refusing to carr y stories that might be critical of them.
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BUDGET continued from Page 1 $472,151.97 [$470,635.22] The amount to be raised by taxation in 2024 is $30.785 million [30.686 million]; the increase of $98,892.10 is attributed to the increased assessed valuation. The levy cap bank available from 2021, 2022, and 2023 is $5.465million, and we will use $0 to remain within the 2% tax levy cap. NOTE: The 2021 cap bank in the amount of $1.082 million is expiring this year, leaving a usable “cap bank” of $4.382 million. The 2023 year-end Surplus balance is $20.638 million versus a 2022 year-end balance of $20.687 million, a decrease of $48,481.14. However, the Surplus balance remaining available after applying an amount as anticipated 2024 revenue, will be $12.323 million [$10.772 million], an increase of $1.551 million over the 2023 remaining balance. The cash reserve balance for tax appeals is $6.219 million [$6.219 million]. The decrease in outstanding debt continues. The 2010 closing balance was $30.797 million. The 2023 closing balance is $10.788 million [$13.210 million], reducing our debt by $2.422 million. For 2024, we have budgeted a $2.433 million reduction to our debt. In addition, the year-end reserve balance in the Lawrence Township SelfInsurance Fund is $1.707 million [$1.861 million]; the 2024 Municipal Budget has an Appropriation of $120,000 to fund this decrease. In addition, the Municipal Open Space Fund balance is $3.660 million [$2.711 million]. *** Revenue: Revenues that support the municipal budget have multiple sources but are placed in one of the four categories: Surplus, Miscellaneous Revenues, Receipts from Delinquent Taxes, and The Amount to be Raised by Taxation (or current tax receipts). The amount of revenue from each category to be anticipated in support of the municipal budget is controlled by state
statutes and regulations. Those legal restrictions are in place to promote assurance of the fiscal solvency of New Jersey municipalities. Generally defined, the statutory restrictions are as follows: (1) Surplus is limited to the amount available from fund balance cash; 2) Miscellaneous revenues are limited to no more than the amount realized in cash in the immediately preceding fiscal year for each individual revenue source; (3) Receipts from delinquent taxes are limited to the collection percentage realized in cash against receivable balances of the prior year; and 4) Current taxes are the default revenue necessary to close any gap in revenues in order to balance the budget against appropriations. The legal provisions that regulate the utilization of revenue in an operating budget must be applied along with a local policy of anticipating revenues at levels that can be sustained for future budgets and with consideration of the replenishment of cash surplus. Receipt of revenues in excess of what is anticipated to be received in a budget is credited to surplus at year-end, simply the regeneration of surplus. The development of revenue estimates must be approached with not only consideration of the current budget but of future budgets as well. Failure to craft a budget without sustaining revenues for future use will lead to their diminished support of appropriations and increase the demand for taxation. This long-term approach has been applied in preparing the recommended budget. Cash Surplus (anticipated) as budget revenue results from the fiscal activity of the immediate prior fiscal year. The amount of Surplus to be applied as budget revenue comes from a known year-end balance. The major contributions to generating a cash surplus are revenue realized in
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excess of the amounts anticipated to be realized in the prior budget year, lapsed 2022 appropriations reserves, and miscellaneous revenue not anticipated. Cash Surplus being anticipated as revenue in the 2024 recommended municipal budget is $8.315 million [$9.915 million], including funding of $1.845 million for the 2024 Various Capital and Road Ordinances. Surplus is fourteen and thirty-hundredths percent (14.30%)of total budget revenues. Miscellaneous Revenues are from known and recurring sources (e.g., permit fees, interest income, and state aid). The amount of revenue from this category is limited by statute to not being anticipated in the current year’s budget in excess of what was collected from that same identical source in the immediately prior year. Two items of note in this category for 2024 are Interest Income Due and 2% Local Tax. State Aid has increased due to the State of New Jersey program titled Reserve for Municipal Relief Fund. Miscellaneous Revenues are thirty-one and thirty-three hundredths percent (31.33%) of total budget revenues. Receipts from Delinquent Taxes are receipts from payments of outstanding prior-year tax receivables and tax title liens held by the municipality. The year-end tax receivable balance is $1.206 million [$833,152.45]. The 2024 budget anticipates $820,000 [$830,000] as revenue from this source. Delinquent tax revenue is one and forty-one hundredths percent (1.41%) of the total budget. Property taxes are the amount necessary to balance the budget with revenues to equal appropriations. Property taxes, also referred to as the “Amount to be Raised by Taxation,” is the difference between the total of all budget appropriations and the total of anticipated revenues.
The amount to be raised by taxation in the 2024 budget is $30.785 million [$30.686 million], an increase of $98,892.10 [$1.259 million]. The revenue from property taxes is fifty-two and ninety-six hundredths percent (52.96%) of total revenues. When calculating the tax rate, it is necessary to know not only the amount of taxes to be collected but also the value of taxable property in the municipality, also known as Net Valuation Taxable. The 2024 Net Valuation Taxable is $4.721 million [$4.706 million] an increase of $15.167 million [$13.231 million] over the previous year. The increase in taxable value helps to support growth in the budget. The new amount of taxable value results in one penny on the tax rate equaling $472,151.97. The recommended municipal tax rate for 2024 is .652 [.652], which is a zero-cent increase. A residential property owner with a property valued at the 2024 average residential assessment of $285,767 [$284,792] will pay $1,863.20 [$1,856.84] as the municipal portion of their property taxes. *** Appropriations: While crafting the 2024 recommended municipal budget, the challenge continues to be implementing financially efficient services at an appropriate level. New Jersey municipal budgets are restricted by law (Appropriation Cap) to limit designated appropriations from increasing no more than “2.5% or the cost of living adjustment, whichever is less, with exceptions.” For fiscal year 2024, the cost of living adjustment was 2.5%. Below is a list of significant increases in appropriations: • Salary & Wages, $450,000 increase due to a contractual increase; • Employee Group Health, $390,494.33 due to an increase in the State Health BenSee BUDGET, Page 6
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BUDGET continued from Page 5 efit plan; • Mercer County Improvement Authority, $304,354.04, due to a contractual increase; • Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), $150,652 due to a state pension increase; • Solid Waste, $ 132,152 due to a contractual Increase; • Dispatch Services, $94,410 due to a contractual increase; • Joint Insurance Fund, an $86,256 increase in premium; • Vehicle Maintenance, $ 65,000 for additional fire apparatus repairs; • Reserve for Uncollected Taxes, $58,850.14—a statutory calculation; and • Interest on Notes, $50,715.38 due to an increase in borrowing costs. The recommended budget includes a funding amount of $55,000 to the Lawrence Township Unemployment Fund, $120,000 to the Self-Insurance Trust Fund, and $51,000 to the Lawrence Township Accumulated Sick Leave Trust Fund. These are consistent, annual budget contributions. Lawrence Township municipal employees are provided health benefits or may qualify for a cash payment in lieu of receiving health benefits if the employee complies with the applicable eligibility
requirements of the health care program. Health benefits are provided through the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program, which dictates specific benefits and co-payments. Employees contribute a percentage of the premium for their applicable coverage, and these percentage contributions are guided by the salary levels. Employees will contribute a total of $1.089 million toward the cost of their individual health benefits. The Employee Group Health Insurance appropriation increased $390,494.33 (9.7%). The appropriation increased due to changes in rates and participation. The three Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Companies are financially supported through their fundraising efforts and the municipal government’s monetary support. One form of that monetary support comes from a budget appropriation that directly aids each Fire Company. The 2024 recommended budget totals $60,000 per fire company (including $20,000 in utility reimbursement). This direct contribution is in addition to other financial and operational support provided to the Lawrence Township volunteer fire service. Lawrence Township employees are members of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), Police and Fire-
men’s Retirement System (PFRS), or Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (DCRP). Participation in these systems requires contributions from employees and the employer. Police and Fire employees contribute ten percent (10%) of their salary, and civilian employees contribute seven and fifty-hundredths percent (7.50%) of their salary for PERS and five and one-half percent (5.5%) for the DCRP. The employer rates of contribution are 36.54% for police, 17.61% for PERS, and 3% for the DCRP participants. The 2024 appropriations are $2.248 million for PFRS, $1.251 million for PERS, and $9,500 for DCRP. The 2023 appropriations were PFRS $2.272 million for PFRS, $1.101 million for PRS and $9,500for DCRP. The pension systems are fully administered by the State of New Jersey. Lawrence Township is billed annually for the pension liability that must be paid to PFRS and PERS for the employer’s share of the contribution. The systems are valued on prior wage levels, two years prior for PERS and PFRS The Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority provides sewer treatment services to Ewing Township and Lawrence Township. The cost of that service is controlled by ELSA and is apportioned to each munici-
pality based on the flow levels received at the plant (projected for 2024, based on flows through November 2023, is 57.25% for Ewing and 42.75% for Lawrence). Each town will pay the debt service for specific projects that benefit the individual community. For 2024, the annual charge for Lawrence Township is $6.387 million with no rate increase to the end users (township residents). The appropriation is paid from collecting sewer service fees separate from real estate taxes. The appropriation for Debt Service includes appropriations for BAN interest in the amount of $507,670.88, $61,494.24 in lease payments related to Police Vehicles, statutory BAN payments of $420,656.05, and $2.002 million in BAN rollover payments to further decrease the outstanding debt of the township with anticipated settlement in 2027. The reserve for uncollected taxes is a non-spending appropriation mandated by state law to collect adequate cash through taxes for the school, county and municipality tax levy requirements. The appropriation is needed to close the gap between the current taxes anticipated and 100% being collected. This appropriation is $4.5 million in 2023 [$4.441 million], of which approximately 14.62% is attributable to the municipal portion of the tax rate.
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SIX09 Arts > food > culture
Don’t miss our early bird
Summer Camps Starts on pg 11 thesix09.com February 2024
February fare with local flair
Pour your heart out with this month’s calendar of events, from Valentine’s Day to the area’s best in arts and entertainment, page 2. Photo by RDNE Stock Project via Pexels.
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Check out Cupid’s choice of seasonal events throughout the greater Mercer County region, from candle-making to curated wine pairings, before following the same arrow to find out what’s happening in the arts this month. Suddenly passionate about painting and performance? Well, he may have already left his mark.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE NERVE DAMAGE? Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence of damage to your peripheral nerves. There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or neuropathies – some are the result of a disease like diabetes, while others can be triggered by a viral infection. Still others are the result of an injury or compression on the nerves. No matter where the problems begin, it is imperative nerve disorders are resolved as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that their symptoms may be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Symptoms start gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations and sharp, electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small assortment of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help.
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VaLentIne’s DaY fUn Cooking Classes with Chef Jules Odum, Rat’s Restaurant Rat’s Restaurant, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton Rat’s Restaurant, the upscale French eatery at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, is bringing back its cooking
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Other classes are as follows: - Februar y 21: “French Cooking Series: Trout Almandine” - Februar y 28: “French Cooking Series: Coq au Vin” - March 7: “Pasta Making Class: Fresh Pasta with Shaved Truffles” - March 13: “How To Make Parisian Gnocchi” Rat’s Restaurant, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. February 7, 14, and
SIX09
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classes with executive chef Jules Odum on Wednesday nights through March. Each session is limited to 10 participants and costs $150 per person, with its “intimate” structure providing “an immersive and personalized experience,” according to a recent press release. A curated wine pairing is also included in the fee. To reserve, call (609) 584-7800. The Valentine’s Day-themed course, “Preparing the Perfect Meal for Your Loved One,” will feature a surf and turf menu on February 7, while the first of the “French Cooking Series” starts on actual Valentine’s Day, February 14, when Odum prepares a classic duck à l’orange.
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See FEBRUARY, Page 6
Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 396-1511 News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Letters: rschroeder@communitynews.org Website: communitynews.org Facebook: facebook.com/mercereats Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace Six09 is inserted into each of Community News Service’s nine hyperlocal monthly publications. Over 125,000 copies are distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.
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Februar y 2024 | 1/22/24 SIX093 10:25 AM
From FEBRUARY, Page 2
Trenton. Saturday, February 10, 6 to 9 p.m. $30 to $45 per person. skillitcafe.com.
every Wednesday night through the month of March. $150 per person. (609) 584-7800 or ratsrestaurant.com.
Old Fashioned Valentine’s Day, Howell Living History Farm Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township
Cupid’s Candle Crafting Workshop, Skil-Lit Cafe Skil-Lit Cafe, South Warren Street, Trenton Skil-Lit Cafe, a trendy brunch spot in historic downtown Trenton, has been serving up family recipes on hot skillets since it opened in February 2022. Learn how to make a personalized candle at the restaurant’s “Cupid’s Candle Crafting Workshop” on Saturday, February 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. with food and drinks—necessary fuel for a day of forging fiery creations—available for purchase. “This hands-on experience,” Skil-Lit promises, “will guide you through the process of selecting scents, colors, and molds to design unique candles that will light up your special day.” Tickets are available via the Eventbrite page for the event, eventbrite.com/e/cupidscandle-crafting-a-valentines-day-workshop-
Rat’s Restaurant’s executive chef, Jules Odum, right, teaches cooking classes every Wednesday through March, including a February 7 course on “Preparing the Perfect Meal for Your Loved One” and another on February 14 that kicks off his “French Cooking Series” with duck à l’orange. Photos courtesy of the Constellation Culinary Group and Cashman & Associates.
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at $45. Skil-Lit Cafe, South Warren Street,
The Howell Living Histor y Farm is a sprawling 130-acre site in Hopewell Township, maintained and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, ready for the return of its annual “Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day” event on Saturday, February 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with equal opportunities for romance or family fun. Couples can ride in a two-seater sleigh or horse-drawn carriage, while families may choose from a hay wagon or bobsled to traverse the snowy farmland. Children will be able to craft Victorian Valentine’s Day cards for a small materials fee from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All guests are welcome, per tradition, to enjoy soup from the farmhouse stove. Howell Living Histor y Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township. Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. howellfarm.org.
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There’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day, from old-fashioned card crafting and horse-drawn carriage rides at the Howell Living History Farm, left, to a romantic candle-making workshop at the Skil-Lit Cafe in Trenton, middle, or a wine flight and chocolates at Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery, right. Terhune is one of several regional businesses participating in the Garden State Wine Growers Association’s Wine and Chocolate Trail Weekends this month. Photos, from left to right, courtesy of the Howell Living History Farm, alleksana via Pexels, and Terhune Orchards.
New Jersey Wine and Chocolate Trail Weekends The Garden State Wine Growers Association, a New Jersey-based coalition of over sixty wineries and vineyards, kicks off its two consecutive “Wine and Chocolate Trail Weekends” from February 9 to 11 and February 16 to 18 as a curated celebration for the tastebuds.
Participating wineries across the region include Working Dog Winer y in Hightstown, Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winer y in Princeton, Laurita Winer y in New Egypt, and Angelico Winer y in Lambertville. For more information, see the official Garden State Wine Growers Association website at newjerseywines.com/events/ category/trails/wine-and-chocolate-trail.
“Wine Tasting,” Working Dog Winer y, 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, Hightstown. February 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18 during regular business hours. (609) 3716000 or workingdogwinerynj.com. Reservations are not required but recommended, with appointments every 20 minutes. The $18 per person fee includes a Working Dog wine glass, a choice of five wines from the tasting menu, and a bottle of water.
“Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend,” Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winer y, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. February 10, 11, 17, and 18, noon to 5 p.m. Free. (609) 924-2310 or terhuneorchards. com/winery. A special pairing includes a wine flight with selections from Terhune’s 18 total varieties, “single-origin artisan chocolates” from Pierre’s Chocolates in New Hope, and a souvenir Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery glass. Other chocolate baked goods will be available from Terhune’s onsite bakery. Outside fire pit, “cozy wine barn,” and live music from 1 to 4 p.m. “Wine and Chocolate Weekend,” Laurita Winer y, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt. February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18, noon to 5 p.m. (609) 752-0200 or lauritawinery.com. Free admission. Tastings, chocolate vendors, and live music. “Wine and Bundt Cake Flight Night,” February 8, 7 to 9 p.m. The $35 per person fee includes a flight of four wines, either dry or sweet, paired with four “bundtini” handcrafted cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Princeton in chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, red velvet, and lemon. Register online.
See FEBRUARY, Page 6
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Februar y 2024 | SIX095
From FEBRUARY, Page 2 ***
art eXHIBIts & GaLLerIes
“Nature’s Duet,” Tulpehaking Nature Center Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton
Pictured are Beard’s “Serenity” (2023), upper left, and “Fragile Balance 1” (2019), lower right, as well as Johnson’s “Rain” (2023), upper right, and “Forest” (2023), lower left, all courtesy of the artists.
FFAM is a nonprofit organization supporting the stewardship of the Abbott Marshlands, the more than 3,000 acres of marshlands and open space running throughout Trenton, Hamilton, and Bordentown within Lenapehoking, also known as the “traditional and ancestral
YEARS
The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands’ first exhibit of 2024 is “Nature’s Duet,” a joint display by artists Abigail Johnson of Princeton and Laura Beard of Ewing at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton, on view through February 28.
Ewing artist Laura Beard and Princeton’s Abigail Johnson are showing their work in the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands’ first exhibition of 2024 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton, “Nature’s Duet,” on view through February 28, with an opening reception on Sunday, February 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.
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homeland of the Lenape.” An opening reception will take place on Sunday, February 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. According to the Abbott Marshlands website, the exhibit focuses on “the color harmony of both abstract and realism, applied to the inspiration of the natural world. Johnson’s collection, from her ‘Planetary’ series, is a meditation on the natural world and its many complex ecologies. Beard’s collection is an invitation to consider the animals, both large and small, that share our planet.” Beard’s piece “Serenity” (2023) is acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, while “Fragile Balance 1” (2019) depicts a male Halloween pennant dragonfly with watercolors and gouache on watercolor paper. Johnson’s “Rain” and “Forest” (2023) are both mixed media on canvas. Each of Johnson’s mixed-media abstract pieces is paired with an original poem about the natural world that inspired it, a true testament to her multi-medium approach that, according to her website, artbyaella.com, is “driven by [her] deep desire to understand humanity’s ever-evolving place in nature and how it shapes our experiences.”
Her work has been previously shown at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, the West Windsor Arts Council, the Arts Council of Princeton, Artworks Trenton, and more. Beard is a portrait artist specializing in photorealistic paintings of animals and nature. Beard, who has exhibited before at both the Arts Council of Princeton and Artworks Trenton, is also a member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society and the Garden State Watercolor Society. For more, see her website at laurabeardart. com. Last year, both exhibiting artists—Johnson for digital art and Beard for watercolor—won awards in the Ellarslie Open 40. All pieces on display are available for purchase at the closure of the exhibit, with a portion of the profits benefiting the Tulpehaking Nature Center and the FFAM. Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. On view through February 28. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 609-888-3218 or www.abbottmarshlands. org.
***
“Reciting Women: Alia Bensliman & Khalilah Sabree,” Art@Bainbridge Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton “Reciting Women,” an exhibit featuring Alia Bensliman and Khalilah Sabree, opened at Princeton University’s Art@ Bainbridge gallery in late January and remains on view through March 31. A reception is set for Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m., followed by a conversation with the artists on Thursday, February 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Friend Center on Princeton campus. As stated in the online museum materials, the two artists “deliberately disrupt conventional divides between tradition and modernity and the sacred and the secular. As Muslim-American artists and educators deeply rooted in the Trenton community, their imagery grapples with human rights struggles and the challenges of cultural belonging.” “Bensliman’s images of Amazigh women focus on the Indigenous population of North Africa in richly patterned watercol-
Alia Bensliman and Khalilah Sabree share the “Reciting Women” exhibit at Princeton University’s Art@Bainbridge, on view through March 31 and with an opening reception on Saturday, February 3, at 2 p.m. and a subsequent conversation with the artists on Thursday, February 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the on-campus Friend Center at the intersection of William and Olden streets. Bensliman’s “Me, Myself, and I: Unfinished Conversation” (2023), left, and Sabree’s “Broken Promise” (2016–2017), right. Images courtesy of the artists.
ors informed by local artistic motifs, with her own triple portrait as an introspective counterpoint. Sabree’s painting suite turns a photograph taken during Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, into a medi-
tation on loss and the devastations of war. Seen together, the artists’ works testify to seemingly incompatible commitments: preserving cultural traditions that are under threat while forging visual vocabularies
that resonate with their own unfolding identities.” Bensliman’s “Me, Myself, and I: Unfinished Conversation” (2023) is a combination of watercolor, ink markers, charcoal, and colored pencil on archival paper. Sabree’s “Broken Promise” (2016–2017) is a graphite, oil paint stick, acrylic, acrylic printing ink, paper, oil paint, and photography piece on masonite from her ‘Destruction of a Culture’ series.
See FEBRUARY, Page 8
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At left and below, self-taught artist Freda Willliams’ presents “Freda Williams: A Retrospective” from January 23 through March 16 in Artworks Trenton’s main and community galleries through Saturday, March 16. The Westminster Choir, opposite page, returns to the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville after 15 years with “Welcome to the Neighborhood” on Sunday, February 4, at 3 p.m. Photos courtesy of Artworks Trenton and the Westminster Choir College.
From FEBRUARY, Page 6 According to Bensliman’s website, aliabenslimanart.com, the Robbinsville-based artist grew up in Tunisia, North Africa, which she called a place “at a crossroad of eastern and ancient art and cultures on one hand and western more contemporary art on the other. As a result, her work merges “east and west with a penchant for North African and Berber art.” On Sabree’s website, khalilahsabree.com, she describes her work as “about spiritual transformation and world issues,” yet “with a contemporary Islamic flavor,” drawing from her experiences as a Black Muslim woman. Both are arts educators, too, with Bensliman currently teaching at Artworks Trenton and the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, while Sabree is a former Lawrence Township teacher who also has a private studio at Artworks Trenton.
Welcoming Dr. Maulik Shah Gastroenterologist Dr Maulik Shah is an expert in general gastroenterology procedures as well as advanced endoscopic procedures such as ERCP, endoscopic luminal stenting, and EMR. He has a strong passion for teaching and routinely gives lectures to the community on a variety of gastroenterology disorders.
Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton. On view through March 31. Open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. artmuseum.princeton.edu/artbainbridge. ***
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“Freda Williams: A Retrospective,” Artworks Trenton Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton Mabel “Freda” Williams, a self-taught visual artist and longtime resident of Ewing Township for more than 70 years, is the subject of Artworks Trenton’s exhibition “Freda Williams: A Retrospective” in its main and community galleries through Saturday, March 16. -There will also be an opening reception on Friday, February 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. A graduate of what is now Rider University, Williams’ lifelong passion for painting grew into a professional career after she retired from two decades as a steel industry manager and 27 years as an affirmative action manager for the New Jersey Department of Education. “Most people enjoy seeing things that are familiar to them and give them
a sense of community and fond memories of a time gone by,” Williams said in a quote from the exhibit page on the Artworks website, artworkstrenton.org/events/ freda-williams-a-retrospective. Her work, the materials continue, “depicts scenes of historical events, African American roots, beautiful landscapes, and vivid, abstract images that reflect both past and current periods and settings.” Other themes and motifs, according to the Artworks page, include “florals, political, African American history, Trenton historical sites, southern themes, landscapes, and cityscapes,” including her “To the Left” series. The majority of William’s collection is acrylic, but her favorite medium is oil, and she has experimented with both watercolor and mixed media. Williams’ winning painting in the 2021 Mercer County Senior Art Show, “Original People,” was awarded third place in the state competition, the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show. She formerly served on the Ewing Township Arts Commission, an appointed municipal body and nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the local creative community. Williams has also exhibited at the Lawrenceville and Ewing Public Libraries, West Windsor Arts, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, and more. For more on Williams, see her website at fredasartgallery.com. Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. On view through March 16, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening reception Friday, February 2, 6 to 8 p.m. Free. artworkstrenton.org. ***
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Concerts & performances
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Students in the Westminster Choir at the Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Lawrenceville, a music conservatory historically in downtown Princeton but currently operating exclusively from Rider’s campus, perform “Welcome to the Neighborhood” at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville for the first time in 15 years on Sunday, February 4, at 3 p.m. The concert will be conducted by Grammy-nominated choral conductor Dr. James Jordan and is hosted by the Community Well, a church-based community
See FEBRUARY, Page 10
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PNS empowers children and families through exceptional early education NEW SKILLS LEARN UNITYthat are affordable OF A COMM BE PART and supportive family services for all.
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Program Dates: Beginner / Novice Week: July 28-Aug 2 Beginner / Novice Week: July 28-Aug 2 Beginner Week : July 22-26 Beginner / Novice Week: Aug 5- 9
Beginner /Program Novice Week: July 28-Aug Beginner / Novice Week: Aug 5- 9 2 Dates: Embrace your horse love at Duncraven Participants will Beginner / NoviceEquestrian Week: AugCenter. 5- 9 PNS empowers children and families through exceptional early education Beginner Week : July 22-26 Embrace your on horse at horses Duncraven Equestrian Center. Participants learn learn safety and love around and ponies, grooming techniques, ridingwill skills, and supportive family services that are affordable for all. safety on your and around horses and ponies, grooming riding skills, and Beginner Novice Week: July 28-Aug 2Participants and other primary horsemanship skills. Sessions aimtechniques, to help develop confidence Embrace horse love at /Duncraven Equestrian Center. will and motor-coordination skills while providing aaim supportive, for other primary horsemanship skills. Sessions to help develop confidence and Beginner / Novice Week: Aug 5-techniques, 9fun, environment learn safety on and around horses and ponies, grooming riding skills, the participants as well as social interaction between them. motor-coordination skills while providing a supportive, for the and other primary horsemanship skills. Sessions aim to fun, help environment develop confidence and motor-coordination skills while providing a supportive, fun,them. environment for as asplease socialEquestrian interaction between Embrace your participants horse love atwell Duncraven Center. Participants will For more information, contact Pam 609.281.7181 participantshorses as welland as social interaction between them. riding skills, learn safety onthe and ponies, grooming techniques, www.duncravenec.com Foraround more information, please contact Pam 609.281.7181 BUILD CONFIDENCE MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS and other primary horsemanship skills. Sessions aim to help develop confidence www.duncravenec.com For more information, please contact Pam 609.281.7181 and motor-coordination skills while providing a supportive, fun, environment for www.duncravenec.com Outdoor Pool - Skatepark - Archery - Boating - FREE Daily Trip Options
the participants as well as social interaction between them. For more information, please contact Pam 609.281.7181 www.duncravenec.com
Campers/Staff from Around the Globe - Ropes Courses - Nature Program Affordable Rates - Horseback Riding - Arts & Crafts - Much, Much More!
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From FEBRUARY, Page 9 wellness center that provides “services that promote wellness of body, mind, and spirit and a sense of purpose,” in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville and Westminster Choir College. General admission is $25 per person, with seats available on the balcony and main floor, four people per pew, and no set arrangements. For tickets or more information, see the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville website at pclawrenceville.org/westminsterchoir-concert-welcome-to-the-neighborhood. The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrence Township. Sunday, February 4, from 3 to 6 p.m. $25 per person. (609) 8961212 or pclawrenceville.org.
McCarter Theatre
Tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Case, above, performs at McCarter Theatre Center’s Matthews Theater on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m., while the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, below, takes the same stage on Sunday, February 11, at 1 p.m. Photos courtesy of McCarter Theatre.
McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center presents a variety of programming this month, including the following performances: “The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine,” Matthews Theater. Sunday, February 11, at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $60 to $90. Conductor Volodymyr Sirenko and soloist Volodymyr Vynnytsky on piano. The program includes “Berezovsky, The 1st Ukrainian Symphony,” in C major; “SaintSaens, Piano Concerto No. 2”; an intermission; and “Dvorak, Symphony No. 8.” Keep the music going with a post-concert conversation onstage, “Artists in Wartime,” featuring NSOU managing director Alexander Hornostai and Princeton University visiting research scholar of history Iuliia Skubytska. “Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic,” Matthews Theater. Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $65. Tap dancer, choregrapher, and dance educator Ayodele Casel developed “Chasing Magic” during the pandemic as “a celebratory display of artistic encounters and how, after a lost year, they remain right where you left them,” according to the McCarter Theater page for the event. Directed by Tor ya Beard, the show features special guest performances by seven-time Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Arturo O’Farrill, pianist Anibal César Cruz, vocalist Cr ystal Monee Hall, percussionist Keisel Jimenez, and tap artists Jared Alexander, Amanda Castro, Naomi Funaki, Quynn Johnson, Sean
10SIX09 | Februar y 2024
Kaminski, and Dre Torres.
www.mccarter.org,
“American Patchwork Quartet,” Berlind Theater. Friday, February 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $55. Vocalist Falu, guitarist-vocalist Clay Ross, drummer Clarence Penn, and jazz bassist Yasushi Nakamura make up the American Patchwork Quartet, a group of American activists and artists described as “reclaiming the immigrant soul of American roots music.” According to the McCarter Theatre website, the four members come “from different cultural backgrounds” with the shared goal of “striving to counter pervasive prejudices around the issues of race and immigration, performing a repertoire of centuries-old American folk songs made new with creative arrangements, drawing connections between the nation’s contemporary culture and its immigrant roots.”
State Theatre New Jersey
McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton. (609) 258-2787 or
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick New Brunswick’s State Theatre New Jersey presents a variety of programming this month, including the following performances: “Annie,” Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, February 4 at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $105. Directed by Jenn Thompson. Part of STNJ’s “Broadway Series.” “The Cher Show: The Musical,” Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 10 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, February 11 at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $105. Part of STNJ’s “Broadway Series.”
“Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra,” Saturday, February 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $55. Principal conductor Derek Gleeson and Ivaylo Vassilev on piano. The program includes Beethoven’s “Coriolanus Overture,” “Piano Concerto No. 5,” and “Symphony No. 7.” “Vivaldi’s the Four Seasons,” New Jersey Symphony. Sunday, February 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $169. NJS conductor Xian Zhang, Robert Ingliss on oboe, and Eric Wyrick on violin. State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick. (732) 246-7469 or www.stnj.org. *** And just like that, Cupid takes his bow. For more local stories, see the Community News Service website, communitynews.org.
SUMMER CAMPS 2024 Duncraven Equestrian Center Calling All Horse Lovers This summer, Duncraven Equestrian Center is offering three weeks of beginner and novice horseback riding camp! Our camp is the perfect opportunity for kids ages 6-14 to experience the joys of working on and around horses. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, fun, and educational experience for our campers that focuses on horsemanship, barn management, equine health and all things horses and ponies! No For more information or to experience necessary, just register today, please email Pam@ a “can do” attitude. Come join us this summer for one, two or three weeks of duncravenec.com. See ad, page 9 fun at our beautiful facility!
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Februar y 2024 | SIX0911
SUMMER CAMPS 2024 Russian School of Mathematics Award-Winning Program Comes to Princeton RSM-Princeton now has a new location! We are now located at 231 Clarksville Road, West Windsor! Recently featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked one of the best 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 criticalthinking and problem-solving skills. Sign up for a FREE math evaluation today! Website: www.russianschool. com/princeton Summer school provides a great opportunity for students to learn and advance without the typical pressures
of the academic year. RSM offers a variety of courses through its summer enrichment program — for those students looking to get a head start on the academic year, or for those looking for an additional challenge in math. Our summer schedule is designed for students of all levels, from Kindergarten to Algebra 2 and High School Geometry. Course offerings include: - Math for Grades 1 - 6: These courses hone students’ analytical skills and enhance their number sense by introducing them to abstract concepts. - Preparation for High School Math: Our courses in Algebra and Geometry will build up prerequisite skills and front-load the key concepts of High School Math. - Contest Level Math: Students are introduced to non-straightforward problems- opening them to the
intrigue of math in the world. Students are also prepared for various national and international math competitions. Russian School of Mathematics,
231 Clarksville Road, West Windsor 08550. 732-708-4905. www. russianschool.com/princeton. See ad, page 11.
YMCA Camp Mason
an amazing amount of activities and improve their skills while developing confidence, building independence, having fun and making lifelong friends. “At camp I can be myself.” 98 percent of parents report that their child felt a sense of belonging at camp. We connect youth with positive role models who teach and live our values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, integrity and inclusion. If you are ready for your child to thrive and have THE BEST SUMMER EVER, register for YMCA Camp Mason today! Go to our website at www.campmason.org, call 908-362-8217 or email information@campmason.org to register today. See ad, page 9.
Welcoming Campers to a Caring, Inclusive Community Since 1900 YMCA Camp Mason has welcomed campers to be a part of our caring, inclusive community. We strive for excellence and innovation and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our proven programs and trained counselors engage and encourage young people and deliver meaningful and memorable experiences. Our campers say it best! “I made so many new friends and now I know I can do anything!” Our schedule allows campers to try
Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association Spring Registration Is Open Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association (LHSA) has opened up their Rec Soccer registration for the upcoming Spring season. LHSA provides a soccer environment that stresses a relaxed, fun-oriented approach to the game where we focus on basic soccer skills and provide a fun competitive approach to games with a high standard for good
12SIX09 | Februar y 2024
sportsmanship and fair play. The recreational soccer program is open to any child from any town ages 3 and up. The program offers weeknight training sessions led by trainers from the New York Red Bulls along with games on the weekend. Each session is roughly 1 hour long where kids will have fun learning the game, competing in games and meeting new friends. To register or find more information on the program or times for specific age groups, visit us at http:// lawrencehamnett.com. See ad, page 11.
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classified 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. Guitar Lessons available $20 per lesson. Songwriting, Ableton. Contact: idm. edm.vega@gmail. com Anthony M. Vega, instructor. LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609799-4674, 609-721-4358. WANTED TO BUY Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908596-0976. allstar115@ verizon.net. Cash paid for World War II Military Items.
Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-581-8290, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com Happy Heroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail. com. DATING Attention Single Men 64 - 71 local matchmaker is seeking an educated, nice, tall gentleman for one of my client’s. No Fees! Contact Jill Elliott 215-539-2894. Attention Gentlemen 35 – 50 Local matchmaker is seeking an educated gentleman match for my client, she is 39, petite, and a single mom. No Fees! Contact Jill Elliott 215-539-2894. National Classifieds Health & Fitness Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a
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Februar y 2024 | SIX0915
HAPPY CAMPER!
Summer Camp Package Publishes March 1st *With purchase of qualifying ad
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Want to advertise your Summer Camp or Business that offers programs to families and kids of all ages. Take advantage of our Summer Camp Package and feature your fun filled services and activities to the perfect audience. Reaching over 140,000 households with 98% coverage of Mercer County will ensure you reach every prospective camper and families with children that are waiting to see what you have to offer. To advertise, Please Call 609.396.1511 ext. 110
SIX09 Published Friday, March 1st, 2024 - Space reservation by Feb 16th 16SIX09 | Februar y 2024
A Ewing Observer Advertising Feature
Capital Barbershop expands Before walking into this expanded and remodeled barbershop located two doors to the right of the original, one is tempted to think that if you’ve seen one barbershop, you’ve seen them all. Not so. Aside from the red, white and blue twirling pole out front, this barbershop is different! Owner/barber, Marc Storaci has had a longtime desire to build a location that was intended to dazzle. For years he’s researched existing shops from all over the world to personally design a truly one-of-akind barbershop. The industrial/modern style decor must be seen to be appreciated. It features porcelain subway tile work, granite countertops, and custom wood-trimmed walls. Polished aluminum, stainless steel, and chrome, glitter everywhere. There are techno appointments galore with 10 bigscreen TVs and a streaming video message. Each of the eight workstations has backlit mirrors. All stations have computerized logs to efficiently keep track of all who drop in, along with those who were pre-scheduled. Clients settle into the comfortable, extraroomy, porcelain, and cast-iron barber chairs for any style of quality haircut. The beautiful high-tech lighting is state-of-theart. This barbershop is beyond unique! Storaci was quick to say that while the eye-catching decor certainly gets a lot of attention, all the bells and whistles in the world can’t replace genuine service. Better quality service is the first priority for the barbers at Capital. He explained, “no business is profitable without a sustained volume and there simply won’t be good volume without a quality product. Since our only product is a haircut service, we want to be the best.” Capital’s barbers not only have deep experience with all styles of men’s and boy’s hair, they’re trained in-house as career service professionals. In fact, Storaci hopes for the uniquely remodeled shop on Scotch Rd to become the example for a franchise offering one day.” Perhaps best, is that Capital’s menu will feature a pre-COVID price rollback. They’re making an honest effort to ensure that the shop’s service, pricing, sanitation, and comfort is simply the best to be found. And, unlike shops that rush you into the first open barber chair, Capital encourages you to request your favorite barber. Said Storaci, “We want everyone to return happy!” Marc Storaci’s career in the barber business started 29 years ago while he was a student at NJIT. He explored learning barbering as a way to help with college expenses. While he still has family business
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The new interior of Capital Barber Shop. interests in food services and investment real estate, somewhere along the line the barber business became his passion. Between his other high-volume barbershop in Hamilton (which conversely features an antique decor) and his newly enlarged modern location at Capital on Scotch Road in Ewing, Storaci currently employs 20 barbers. He said, “I’ve been fortunate to have had numerous successful shops over the years, but when the Covid pandemic hit, we struggled. It significantly changed the hair industry, in general, and it was like playing a chess game to keep all of my employees on board. Of course, the “help wanted” sign is still always out for professional barbers! At any rate, we’re solidly back in growth mode and are anxiously looking forward to this expansion.” The Capital group feels confident that their team of barbers share a depth of experience and personal service level that the competition, including the chains, aren’t able to provide. Their current client base is comprised mainly of residents, workers, and students from a broad area. The shop is central to Ewing, Pennington, Hopewell, Titusville, Lambertville, Lawrence, Yardley, TCNJ and Rider University. Capital Barbershop, 183 Scotch Road Plaza. Walk-ins or appointments. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Accepting cash, credit/debit cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay. For appointments, visit Booksy.com or call 609-403-6147. tbsbarbershops.com
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Februar y 2024 | Lawrence Gazette7
MURPHY continued from Page 1 thing silly like “I’m gonna kick hard, swim fast and beat whoever we’re about to swim.” And then it’s off to conquer the enemy, with positive energy running throughout the squad. “It just gives me more confidence,” Murphy said. “If I repeat something out loud it feels more true, and if you think something so much and you believe something so much it will eventually come true. I really love doing the affirmations. I think it gives everyone else confidence. It’s like a big, together group thing and everyone believes it.”
Murphy’s belief has translated to the pool. Through Lawrence’s 5-2 start, the senior sprinter had one first and two seconds in the 100 free, four seconds in the 50 free, a first in backstroke, a first in the 200 free, two firsts and a second in the 200 free relay, two firsts and three seconds in the medley relay and a first and two seconds in the 400 free relay. She’s not what one would consider a stud racer that stands way above the fray, but she is consistently dependable. “We’ve seen a lot of growth from her throughout her whole high school career, and especially this season,” HargravesDix said. “She’s always been a sprint free-
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styler, but the importance of her role has changed this year after people graduated. What started out as something she was good at, she now takes a lot of ownership in sprints and she’s my go-to in the 50 free and 100 free, or the anchor in any of the three relays. I can always rely on her there to close out and finish the race.” Murphy did sprints as a freshman but was also a strong backstroker. As time went on she began easing the backstroke out of her repertoire in favor of doing short freestyle races. In general, she’s a girl in a hurry. “I started calling myself a retired backstroker this year,” Murphy said. “I just don’t think I’m as good at it as I used to be. I think I’m much better at swimming sprints. I don’t like swimming distance because it just feels like such a long dragon. I like sprinting because it’s quick and I don’t have to pace myself for it.” She does, however, have to pace herself in life, as Murphy’s schedule is pretty much booked from sunrise until the lights go out. Along with playing three sports, Alex carries a 4.3 grade point average while serving as an LHS Peer Leader. She has already been accepted by Pittsburgh, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Delaware with plans on being a biology major. “I love science, I always have,” she said. “I’m writing a research paper in English
about women in stem fields. My freshman year I took biology like everyone else. I loved the aspect of DNA and genetics. It’s so cool. It’s fascinating.” It’s also pretty heavy stuff that requires a lot of focus in the classroom. Somehow, Murphy manages to stay on top of it while also being a valuable athlete in field hockey, swimming and softball. It all comes from careful planning and getting into a rhythm once the school year starts. “People tell me all the time I’m crazy for doing this,” she said. “But once I get in the swing of things for field hockey, it’s the same all year. Once I get good at it in the fall. I just do it all year long.” Despite the crammed schedule, Alex gives whatever sport she is currently performing her full attention. Her desire to succeed is unsurpassed and HargravesDix feels her other activities help in that area. “She’s fiercely competitive and always has been,” the coach said. “She’s an allaround athlete, and I think that’s where she gets and maintains this competitive drive. She really works hard in practice every day. She pushes herself in practice, never gives up. That translates into meets, where she has a good work ethic and competitive drive. “As a senior this year she’s stepped up in a leadership role. Even before she was
voted as one of our captains, she kind of stepped up and started leading our stretches, and took on those more senior roles that we look for.” Murphy began swimming competitively with the Ben Franklin club at age six. She joined just to hang out with her friends but enjoyed it to the point of sticking with it. Once morning practices were over the group would eat lunch at 10:30 a.m. and remain at the pool all day. Hargraves-Dix was her coach back then, which helped the transition to high school swimming easier. After placing in a few races as a freshman, she increased her production each of the past two seasons and is enjoying her best campaign to date. Last year, she won a bet with boys swim coach Ryan Shive that she could break 30 seconds in the 50 free. After going 29.86 in a relay she won the bet and was allowed to shave Shive’s beard. “I was nervous he was going to be mad that I made him look bad,” Murphy said with a laugh. “His beard was so long, it was just a part of him. But the next day all the teachers in school were saying I did a nice job.” She continues to do a nice job in the pool despite not being a club swimmer. “She can compete with club swimmers, she has that skill,” Hargraves-Dix said. “She’d probably be tops in the county if
she did club. She has a pretty natural ability. She’s tall and lean; and stays active year-round. As a sprinter she’s worked to get a really strong kick and has done a lot of work the past few years.” Murphy’s goals this year are to break 30 seconds in the 50 from a flat start, and to qualify for the Mercer County meet finals in the 50 after being there as an alternate. She is being aided this year by “tempo trainers”, which are beeping devices in the swimmers’ caps that regulate the tempo of strokes at a high cadence. It is forcing Alex to move her arms even faster. Along with all that, she has her other sports chipping in to help out her aquatics. “She has a lot of good stamina in terms of her cardio from running in field hockey,” Hargraves-Dix said. “From softball she’s developed a strong upper body, strong arms. That definitely helps in swimming. And swimming helps her keep in shape for those sports too. It’s like a two-way street.” Murphy likes traveling in every direction on that street. “They’re all so different,” she said. “Field hockey is such a cardio active sport, I’ve played softball my whole life, swimming works out everything. I love each of them so much. They each give me something that the other doesn’t.” Fortunately for those teams, Murphy gives just as much back.
Call before March 1, 2024
VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS
Februar y 2024 | Lawrence Gazette9
capture the courage and compassion of health workers here and across America. To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund,
Tackle obesity and boost cardiovascular health visit rwjbh.org/heroes
And please, for them, stay home and safe.
or dancing, find activities you enjoy. are associated with weight gain and an Regular movement not only helps with increased risk of heart issues. Establish a weight management but also enhances relaxing bedtime routine to improve your cardiovascular fitness. sleep quality. People find it hard to incorporate 30 Watch portion sizes: Be mindful of Seeminutes our ads in of exercise into their routine portion sizes to prevent overeating. Use SIX09 section regularly; one way of accomplishing smaller plates, listen to your body’s hunger pgsthis 5 and 7 is by going for a quick cues, and avoid going back Obesity isn’t just about appearance— 10-minute walk after your for seconds. This small shift it significantly impacts heart health. meals (breakfast, lunch can make a big difference in Below RWJ-104 are some helpful simple steps to and dinner). Incorporating controlling calorie intake. Heroes Work Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 4/17/20 1:21 PM help keep your heart in top shape from that 30-minute time into Know Your Numbers: Jasmeet Mehta, MD, Internal Medicine, breaks helps those with busy Stay informed about your RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, schedules. health metrics. Regularly affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson Hydration matters: check your blood pressure, University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an Drink plenty of water cholesterol levels, and blood RWJBarnabas Health facility. throughout the day. sugar. Understanding these Mindful eating: Kickstart your heartStaying hydrated supports numbers empowers you to healthy journey by adopting mindful eating overall health and aids in take proactive steps toward habits. Chose nutrient-dense foods, limit maintaining a healthy weight. heart health. Dr. Jasmeet Mehta processed items, and savor your meals. Chose water over sugary Schedule a routine A colorful plate filled with fruits, veggies, beverages to cut down on physical with your Primary lean proteins, and whole grains can be both unnecessary calories. Ideal water intake— care provider to stay on top of your health. delicious and beneficial for your heart. half of your body weight in oz. If you weigh Hypertension, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia Move more, sit less: Incorporate 150 pounds, you should be drinking 75 oz and Obesity are all significant risk factors physical activity into your daily routine. of water daily. contributing to increased cardiovascular Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderateSleep well: Quality sleep is a friend mortality. intensity exercise per week. to your heart. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful Social support: Share your health Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, sleep per night. Poor sleep patterns journey with friends or family. Having a support system can make lifestyle changes more enjoyable and sustainable. Consider joining fitness classes or walking groups to stay motivated. Manage stress: Multiple studies have shown the impact of mental health on your physical health. Positive psychological wellbeing can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Chronic stress can impact your heart. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your routine. Finding healthy outlets for stress can contribute to both mental and cardiovascular well-being. Journaling and writing your thoughts are another great way of managing stress. Seek help of your primary care physician in treatment of your chronic anxiety or depression. Limit screen time: Reduce sedentary behavior by limiting screen time, especially for activities like binge-watching TV shows or extended periods of computer use.
Ask The Doctor
Take breaks to stretch and move around, promoting better heart health. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your achievements along the way. Whether it’s weight loss, improved fitness, or better eating habits, acknowledging your successes can keep you motivated on your heart-healthy journey. “It’s the small, consistent changes that lead to lasting results”, says Dr. Mehta, “by adopting these consumer-friendly steps, you’re not just preventing obesity but actively nurturing your heart for a healthier and happier life.” For more information about Dr. Mehta or to make an appointment at her office at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ, please call (609) 245-7389. Visit rwjbh.org/ heart for more information.
Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton
For more information, call (609) 5845900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Heart Matters-Prioritize Your Cardiovascular Health. 1–2 p.m. Introducing our “Monthly Health Focus” open to all and dedicated to helping you prevent, identify illness early, know your treatment options, and live your best life with the knowledge to do so. At RWJ Barnabas Health we believe we are Better Together and this month Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, A-GNP-C, Director of Disease Management and Stroke Coordinator for this informational session about heart disease.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Dinner With A Doctor: Disparities in Women’s Heart Health. 6-7:30 p.m. Over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Women and their symptoms are often undertreated when compared to men. Marie Bernardo, MD, FACC, from Hamilton Cardiology Associates, will teach you the facts, so you can help take steps to protect your health and seek proper treatment if you need needed. Dinner provided.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Heart & Soul: Slide Into Better Health. 6–8 p.m. Line Dancing & Live DJ, Zumba, Refreshments, Health Screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, Heart Health Resources. $5 per person (collected at the door).
LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS? Visit our website communitynews.org to get updates about your community all month long
COMMUNITYNEWS
10 Lawrence Gazette | Februar y 2024
Injured at work? GET TOP REPRESENTATION FROM A LEADING WORKERS' COMPENSATION FIRM Jeffrey S. Monaghan is a Partner in the Workers’ Compensation department, concentrating his practice primarily on representing clients in Workers‘ Compensation claims and Social Security disability appeals. Mr. Monaghan was chosen this year as a recipient of the New Jersey Assocation Of Justice’s (NJAJ) Gold Medal for Distinguished Service. This award is the highest that NJAJ can bestow and is presented to an individual who has both made a significant contribution to the law of torts and advanced NJAJ’s mission to preserve and strengthen laws for safer products and workplaces, a cleaner environment, and quality health care. In 2021, Mr. Monaghan was awarded NJAJ’s Gerald B. O’Connor Professionalism Award. NJAJ had words of high praise for Mr. Monaghan stating, “Over the course of your illustrious career you have shown your tremendous skill and dedication to your work as a trial lawyer. You have received the utmost respect from your peers, your adversaries, and your fellow NJAJ members.”
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No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Februar y 2024 | Lawrence Gazette11
if he had cancer, you would go to the ends of the earth to get him the best treatment. Welcome to Capital Health. Welcome to the first facility in the region to offer a robotic-assisted Whipple procedure to treat pancreatic cancer. Where a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation services collaborate to provide the best care and the care that’s best for him. And all under one roof. Because you’d go to the ends of the earth to make sure he got care like that. And so do we.
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Advances in AFib Management and Stroke Prevention Thursday, February 29, 2024 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting Learn about the latest advancements in the management of atrial fibrillation (AFib) as well as medications and non-drug options for stroke prevention among patients with atrial fibrillation. Join DR. ROY SAUBERMAN, a board certified and fellowship trained cardiac electrophysiologist from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, for a discussion that will also include information on the Watchman implant, an FDA-approved device proven to reduce stroke risk in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date. 12 Lawrence Gazette | Februar y 2024