3-24 RA

Advance

Students lobby for measure against distracted driving

EDiTeD By BiLL SANserViNO

Juniors at Robbinsville High School were at the N.J. Statehouse in Trenton on Feb. 8 to voice support for a proposed Senate resolution that would urge restaurants to include warnings on their apps regarding distracted driving.

The students suggested the resolution to their local sena-

tor, Linda Greenstein (D-14th Dist.), who was the lead sponsor on the measure (SR 39).

Following the testimony of the students before the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, lawmakers voted unanimously to move the resolution to the full Senate for consideration. It was approved by the Senate on Feb. 12.

Jennifer Allessio, co-advisor

of the Class of 2025 at Robbinsville High School, said the proposed resolution is a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has reshaped consumer behavior, notably in how consumers order and access food.

The students, she said, cited a study that shows digital orders at full-service restau-

See LOBBY, Page 2

community educa�on and Be�er health Programs located on page 10

Mayor Fried talks municpal and school finances

INTerVieW By BiLL SANserViNO

As Robbinsville Township enters the month of March, one of the main issues on many people’s minds is finances. Inflation and rising costs have not only had an impact on residents’ wallets, but also municipal and school governments as well.

Voters will decide the fiscal future of education in the Robbinsville School District this month when they cast their ballots in a special election on March 12.

The referendum on the ballot asks residents to approve a $2.75-million increase in property taxes to make up for an anticipated shortfall in revenues. (See the Community Forum section starting on Page 8 for some of the consequences of a no vote.)

If the referendum is approved, it will result in an additional tax increase of $16.19 per month on a home with the township average assessed valuation of $379,458. It would also add $32.54 per month in 2025.

The vote is necessary because the the amount of the overall tax increase would exceed the state’s 2 percent cap on govern-

ment tax increases.

A larger $4.8 million question that was on the general election ballot, failed by a 2,300 to 1,964 vote in November. That money, if approved, would have provided funding for both the shortfall in revenues and also the potential loss of state aid.

Robbinsville Advance editor Bill Sanservino recently sat down with Mayor Dave Fried in February to talk about a number of issues confronting the township in 2024. The topics included the upcoming school referendum and the status of the municipal budget as it stood in early Febraury.

An edited version of that discussion appears below in Q&A form. Other topics will be printed in future issues of the Advance.

* * *

Robbinsville Advance: I know the township government doesn’t have anything to do with the school budget and the upcoming special election referendum. Do you want to tell me your thoughts on the issue?

Dave Fried: I think the district is in a tough spot. You know,

See FRIED, Page 17

Robbinsville High School juniors, pictured above with Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (in green jacket), visited the N.J. statehouse in Trenton to testify in favor of a bill against distracted driving.

LOBBY continued from Page 1 and the support of the mobile ordering industry.”

rants skyrocketed by 237% between 2020 and 2021, with mobile ordering constituting 60 percent of these orders.

“To give an even clearer picture of the digital landscape, the students learned a quarter of all sales at Starbucks locations across the United States are made via their mobile app,” Allesio said.

The exponential increase in consumers using mobile ordering is not slowing down either; companies are doubling down on digital marketing, fostering loyalty programs, and creating promotions to incentivize mobile ordering. While this benefits both consumers and businesses, it comes with a notable downside: distracted driving.

Studies show that using mobile phones while driving reduces attention to the road by up to 37 percent and increases the risk of accidents by 400 percent, fueling the 1.6 million crashes annually.

“The students brainstormed ways to address the issue of distracted driving that would not stifle the growth of mobile ordering,” Allesio said. “ The result was Bill SR39, a resolution that urges restaurant owners to update their mobile ordering features to display pop-up messages reminding users to refrain from ordering while driving. This measure aims to create a balance between public safety

The students include: Sam Cohen, Kami Enciso, Ellison Mentzer, Ekahsh Mohley, Kushad Padmaraju, Mitchell Shapiro and Caitlyn Todd. The co-advisor is Mark Iannelli.

The proposed resolution cites the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reported 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted driving in 2020, including such distractions as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio or climate controls. Moreover, a recent study from Rowan University reported that 20 to 25 percent of drivers on certain New Jersey roads were distracted, most commonly by cell phone use.

“Urging the use of safety features to warn against mobile ordering while operating a motor vehicle is one step this House can take to encourage safe driving habits in this State,” the resolution reads.

RHS holds annual Thespian Festival

Robbisnville students took center stage for the N.J. Thespian Festival, held in January at Robbinsville High School. As the state’s largest annual student theater event, the festival focused on per-

formance and technical theater workshops, as well as competitions, auditions and community service projects, over the course of two days for students and educators.

Besides a weekend bursting with activity, Jan. 13-14, the event also hosts the annual recognition awards known as the “Thespys.” With bravos for all cast, crew and educators, the Thespian Festival awarded Robbinsville’s Troupe #7161 with Gold Honor Troupe status for its outstanding service and support in educational theater.

Two local students—Shreya Savur and Zach Peabody—received “Superior” rankings in the Musical Theater Solo and Lighting Design competition categories, respectively. A third student, Isabella Ghen, earned a $1,000 acting scholarship for a summer program with the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

“I knew Robbinsville students would be up against hundreds, if not thousands, of other young thespians. I got to see not only how our 30 thespians have grown over the last few months, but also how they felt about it,” said Blake Gonzales, theater arts teacher and director at Robbinsville High School, advisor of the RHS Raven Players, and Thespian Troupe #7161 director. “Our students impressed the judges and now have a new direction

to take their acting and music prowess. It was so rewarding to witness.”

N.J. Thespians is the state chapter of the Educational Theatre Association, which sponsors the International Thespian Society. Honoring excellence in the work of theater students since 1929, ITS has troupes in more than 4,000 high schools and middle schools, mostly in the U.S. and Canada.

While the Thespian Festival is organized and planned by the N.J. State Thespian’s chapter board, Robbinsville students lead efforts to set up and take down the festival space. This year, 1,132 students and educators from all over the state attended the Saturday session with 971 participants on Sunday.

This was Gonzales’ first-ever Thespian Festival, and she said it gave her extra energy to help students grow and improve. Looking to next year, Gonzales said, the experience equips her with more inspiration to improve, experiment with new challenges and ensure Robbinsville has an even greater presence at next year’s event.

The Thespian Festival is not just for the students, Gonzales said. Many of the workshops and lectures are aimed at theater educators. “They really stress the importance of not only student growth,

See THESPIAN FEST, Page 4

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but also educator growth,” Gonzales said. “They bring in people from the professional world to help educators take their teaching and their styles in a new direction as well.”

At Robbinsville, Gonzales said the Thespian Troupe’s members stem from the high school’s Drama Club, known as the Raven Players.

Along with other students, the 35 members participate in a Fall play and in a Spring musical run by the music department and Choir Director Brian Williams. This year’s Spring show will be Chicago: Teen Edition and will run from April 19 through 21.

Juniors Anusha Nandan and Mark Daily also attended the Thespian Festival for the first time as newly-inducted Troupe #7161 members.

To gain admittance, students must meet the minimum eligibility requirement of 100 hours of quality work in theatre arts and related disciplines.

Involved with theater—both on-stage and off—since elementary school, 16-year-old Anusha said she was inspired after her Thespian Festival experience. She competed in two categories—Contrasting Monologues and Musical Theater Solo.

For the monologues Nandan performed, one was from Macbeth and the second from a drama monologue book. She also sang “Stay With Me” from the musical “Into the Woods.” Both performances earned her a score of “Excellent,” which she was very proud to receive.

Next year, she will be aiming for the next level: “Superior.”

“I definitely enjoyed the festival. It was a lot of fun, and I learned so much,” said Nandan, who also took singing and acting workshops, including “Belting” and “Exploring Subtext in Musical Theater Acting.”

“When your scores come out, there are also notes from the judges that tell you what you could have done better and what you did well,” Nandan said. “I found those are the most helpful because they can help you find your strengths and your weaknesses and what you need to work on. Overall, it’s a really good learning experience.”

Focusing more on the technical side of the stage, Daily, 16, has been involved for four years. His expertise focuses in sound and building sets for shows. He especially loves exploring new technical programs, seeing how they work and how they can make the overall show even better.

“That’s how I got into sound,” he said. “I saw that the little board and those switches seemed cool. So, I said, ‘How

do I how do I use it?’ It was a rabbit hole from there. I’m excited to keep going down to learn more.”

At the festival, Daily found the workshops to be both interesting and impressive.

“These are industry professionals teaching the classes,” he said. “They been doing this for 10, 20 years. There was one college professor who taught a workshop about playback software. I really enjoyed that because it was a pretty sore spot in my technical repertoire. Taking the class definitely helped me expand my understanding.”

Daily said he recommends people check out the Drama Club, even if they lack experience in the theater.

“Join it, try it out, see if it’s for you,” he said. “There’s always a spot for anybody who wants to be there.”

While neither Nandan nor Daily are sure if they will pursue theater as a college major, both know they will continue their involvement with the stage. And they, along with Gonzales, are already looking forward to bringing the curtain up on next year’s Thespian Festival.

“Theater—it’s so much fun to do, but it’s more than that—it’s the community you build along the way,” Nandan said. “These are people who you will forever remember—they will always have played a role in shaping your experience. These are people who help you; they nourish you. It’s an amazing experience.”

Pond Road holds winter clothing drive

Student Council members at Sharon Elementary School are once again taking their leadership skills to a higher level, coordinating a drive for new and gentlyused winter clothing.

The students are collecting jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants, thermal clothing, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, shoes and boots. All items collected are being sent to Be Kind, a nonprofit organization in Robbinsville that promotes kindness through giving. The organization, established in 2020, fights the deprivation of basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and education.

Sarah Ehrenberg, a fourth grade teacher who is overseeing the effort with her colleague, Heidi Berkey, said the Student Council leaders made posters to promote the details of the clothing drive. Those advertisements now adorn school walls.

“At one of our meetings, we introduced the project and spoke about what it means to be an informed and involved citizen, which is one of the `Robbinsville Ready’ skills,” Ehrenberg explained.

See DRIVE, Page 6

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE LET’S CELEBRATE

DRIVE continued from Page 4

“Additionally, to generate more enthusiasm for donations, the Student Council members made a video for homeroom teachers to present to their classes.”

Berkey, who also teaches fourth grade, added that students advertised the clothing drive by spreading the message to their classmates, even presenting the details during homeroom. “By working together, we made the winter clothing drive a great success, illustrating how students can make a positive difference in our world,” the teacher said.

To support the collection, individuals also can donate via Venmo @BeKind 2020—code 1019 with a note “COATS.” Be Kind Volunteers will use the financial donations to purchase needed items.

Panagiotidis spends spring break in Hollywood

Students in Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication spent part of their January break in Hollywood, networking with alumni and other media and entertainment executives as part of the 10th annual “Hofstra in LA” program.

Anthi Panagiotidis of Robbinsville was among the 20 student participants, with majors in video and television production, filmmaking, screenwriting, public relations and strategic communications, and mass media.

They traveled around Los Angeles, engaging with more than 50 leading

industry insiders at top media companies. These included FOX Sports, Creative Artists Agency, Silent House productions, Magical Elves, Onyx Collective, Buddha Jones, The Walt Disney Company, National Public Radio, CBS, ESPN, Marvel Studios, WME, Paramount, Media Res Studio, Mortar Media, Wings for Life, Red Bull, Warner Bros Animation, and DKC Public Relations.

Students also explored iconic West Coast landmarks and activities, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, The Groundlings Theatre and School, and the Warner Bros. Studio backlot.

The students—juniors and seniors— were selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on their academics and extracurricular activities. They were accompanied by Herbert School Associate Dean Adria Marlowe and Associate Professor Emeritus of Radio, Television, Film Peter Gershon, as well as MA Public Relations major Julianna Iovino, who served as this year’s graduate assistant.

During the trip, the students also attended a networking reception at the Directors Guild of America (DGA), which included several Herbert School graduates who participated in the “Hofstra in LA” program themselves, as well as high school students who have recently been accepted to Hofstra. More than 150 students have participated in the “Hofstra in LA” program since its inception.

Student Council members at Sharon Elementary School helped coordinate a drive for new and gently-used winter clothing.

Some of the students’ costs were underwritten by the LHSC Dean’s Advisory Board, alumni and other benefactors. A limited number of full sponsorships were provided by Hofstra alumni to ensure that deserving students can participate in the program regardless of economic background.

MCCC, Black Women’s Collective to unveil new leadership institute

Mercer County Community College and the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective are set to launch a program designed to cultivate and develop the next generation of Black women leaders, the new NJBWC Leadership Institute, March 15 on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus.

The Leadership Institute, which runs from March through June 2024, is a partnership between NJBWC and MCCC. A steering committee that includes members of NJBWC, executives from MCCC, and MCCC president Deborah E. Preston will serve as the planning board for the Leadership Institute.

“Tremendous opportunities can be created through education, and I applaud the NJBWC for launching this exciting new initiative,” Preston said. “We are proud to be their partner.”

Developed for emerging leaders in any sector, the Leadership Institute is designed to help participants gain the skills and strategies needed to address current problems in real time, actualize their skilled vision, and build effective ness, while developing a talent pipeline for Black women leaders in New Jersey.

The Leadership Institute will launch with a welcome reception for participants on March 15, followed by 14 intensive

curated sessions led by keynote speaker and facilitator Melody M. Fogarty, managing partner of Dakota Gray, LLC. The program will conclude with the presentation of capstone projects presented by Leadership Institute participants.

The curriculum will feature Black women executives, senior leaders, and guest speakers as presenters and experts in numerous fields, including business and finance, corporate strategy, marketing and communications, and politics and government.

Guest speakers for the inaugural series are set tp include Rev. Tiffany Williams Brewer, assistant professor of law and chair of the State Commission of Investigations; Corein Carter, chief operating officer, CultureMakers I.N.C.; Michellene Davis, president and CEO, National Medical Fellowships; Brenda Ross Dulan, managing principal, Ross Dulan Group; John Harmon, president and CEO, African Chamber of Commerce NJ; Natalya Johnson, senior counsel, Johnson & Johnson; Jeannine LaRue, lobbyist and public affairs executive; Michele Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide; Maggie Moran, strategy consultant; and Paula Taylor, owner of Arlee’s Raw Blends in Princeton.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to help shape and grow the next generation of Black women leaders through the Leadership Institute,” said Tennille R. McCoy, NJBWC co-founder and chair of the Leadership Institute. “Having the right skills is one of the keys to success, and that begins with having the support

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Community Forum

Residents urge a ‘yes’ vote on March 12 referendum

The Robinsville School District is holding a special election on March 12 for a referendum asking voters to approve a $2.75-million increase in property taxes to make up for an expected shortfall in state aid and revenues. Below are letters from residents urging voters to approve the ballot measure.

* * *

Robbinsville schools have provided our three children with an outstanding education from committed and compassionate teachers, counselors and staff. Over the years, so many of these professionals have gone beyond the call of duty to support our children academically and emotionally, however, our youngest is already feeling the pain of budget cuts, as one of her favorite clubs was cut this year.

The Robbinsville school system is the victim of a mistake of judgment. For five years between 2018 and 2022, the state increased its aid to the public schools in Robbinsville. The school board, feeling flush, did not see the necessity to raise taxes in 2019, 2020 and 2021. When increases in state aid ended, the school

board was taken off guard by increases in inflation and increases in costs and were unable to respond.

If we do not increase taxes as requested by our schools’ Board of Education through this public question, there will be a structural deficit in the current year resulting in the necessary removal of 30 or more full-time teachers on top of the 21 teachers whose positions were eliminated last year. If this question does not pass it will result in increases in class sizes, and the cancellation of programs not required by the state, which may include kindergarten and AP and language classes.

Voting no on this question is voting yes to fire 30 teachers.

Ed and Kim Keenan

* * *

Initially, I voted no on a $4.8 million proposal, reflecting my approach as a COO to prioritize listening, analysis, and problem-solving, especially against unprofessional and opaque practices.

This stance was reinforced by the realization that previous financial increases

wasn’t accomplished and was politically, not communally, motivated.

However, the entry of new board members and their transparent fund allocation explanations prompted a reassessment.

Discovering that $2.1 million was necessary to maintain existing programs and an additional $650,000 would replace the additonal one time appropriation that was allocated to recurring costs, changed my perspective.

Community consensus on the importance of full-day kindergarten, for its support of working families and the town’s appeal, highlighting the need for prioritizing essential educational services. The new board’s openness and clearer communication about the $2.75 million allocation convinced me to change my vote to yes.

Brian Pincus

When we contemplated moving to Robbinsville a decade ago, before our kids were even old enough to be in school, we contacted a few folks we knew who worked there.

We had friends at the police and fire departments and in the school system, and they all said the taxes were a little high, but the town was safe, the schools top-notch, and it was a great place to live.

Fast forward to us making a significant investment in a home, having two middle schoolers, and our family spreading roots in the community, and it’s shocking to see the political forces at work putting that school district at risk.

Families shouldn’t have to worry about busing being cut or leaky classroom roofs being fixed. Kids on sports teams or clubs who benefit from the leadership, social, and learning aspects of these irreplaceable life experiences shouldn’t have to worry about them going away.

We’ve already lost too many of our best teachers simply because we didn’t pay them a fair wage. The Robbinsville School District public question isn’t looking to fund wild additional programs or make extravagant additions to our schools. It’s simply looking to stop the decline in human, program, and physical capital the schools have endured over the

last several years due to irresponsible political decisions.

Our family moved here mainly because of the outstanding reputation of the school district. I voted yes to the public question because our children and community deserve to keep it that way.

Jim Aleski

Pork roll or Taylor ham… sub or hoagie… sprinkles or jimmies… DeLorenzo’s or Papa’s… vote yes or vote no?

Few things are more hotly contested in Robbinsville right now than the school referendum question. While both sides present valid arguments, my husband and I have chosen to circle yes.

And here’s why.

For him, it’s about the financial consequences of not having this approved. Families are attracted to Robbinsville for the school district—but if we continue to eliminate teaching positions, crowd classrooms, drop AP classes, cut sports and clubs, plus reduce courtesy busing, will that remain the case? He’s concerned about a drop in property values as people may look to neighboring towns— a potential financial implication that will far outweigh the tax increase.

For me, voting yes boils down to something more personal: saving full-day kindergarten. Our daughter had the most incredible experience walking the halls of Sharon for the first time. She started reading before holiday break, built her confidence tremendously, and formed tight-knit friendships.

I couldn’t imagine other children being robbed of such a critical step in their early childhood education. Should the vote fail, it’s possible kindergarten could be reduced to half-day. Should the vote fail and the state reduces our aid, kindergarten could be eliminated entirely as offering kindergarten here is not state mandated—a fact I was blissfully unaware of prior to the referendum.

There are more than 500 public school districts in New Jersey. Only a handful offer half-day kindergarten. Zero provide no kindergarten option at all—an untraveled road Robbinsville could be headed down.

Lauren Norden

March 12 is the day of our school district’s public question special election!. I am enthusiastically voting yes for the public question which will fund our schools appropriately. I hope you will join me.

One of the many reasons why I will be voting yes is regarding the significant benefits of our kids playing sports for Robbinsville schools, which is much different than playing outside of the school team - that’s a post for another time.

The benefits I list about school sports are from my personal experience as someone who had trouble with school but was greatly helped by playing sports, my kids’ experiences and the kids of friends who echo the same feelings.

When things are going well playing a sport—team winning, everyone cheering—it’s easy. However, sports can be really hard when your team is getting smoked by the opponents.

There is finger pointing within your team and you just want to go home. You are in a tough spot in the game and you are literally shaking you’re so nervous— the fear of failure almost crippling, but you’ve had a tiring day at school and now you have a two-hour practice and do not want to go. An opponent elbows you in the ribs and the referee doesn’t see it, and you want to elbow that player back, but your team is down by eight goals and you have to keep fighting for the ball when you really don’t want to.

After a 10-goal defeat (yes they scored two more goals), you have to line up with your team and give fist bumps to the opposing team and say “good game” and really don’t feel like it, but the plough ahead anyway.

These situations and experiences cannot be duplicated in a classroom, however, they are complementary to the classroom experience and strengthen the fabric of our kids’ education.

These experiences in a school sport increase school spirit, build grit, resilience and restraint in a highly-charged, emotional, athletic setting. The characteristics built by these experiences are the foundation of successful people who can utilize them throughout their life for the good of themselves, and yes, other people. They are ingrained when the kids are young while playing sports for our Robbinsville schools.

Sports make kids feel physically and mentally better. It’s a form of rebirth. When kids finish playing a sport they don’t simply feel better, they feel better about themselves.

My friends, there is no second chance to get this right. No rewind button. If this funding is not approved, sports could be eliminated. The negative impact on the kids will be significant. This is not acceptable.

My wife, Jenny, and I implore you to vote yes for the children of Robbinsville, for the spirit in our schools, for the spirit of Robbinsville as the best place to live.

John Finnegan

* * *

My husband and I moved to Robbinsville from a neighboring town when I was seven months pregnant with our first child. We wanted to put down roots in a

See FORUM, Page 11

RWJUH Hamilton March Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

SUPPORT GROUPS

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Monday, Mar. 4 & 18; 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

Monday, Mar. 4; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 11; 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS

Monday, Mar. 4 & 18; 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m GOT STRESS?

Wednesday, Mar. 6; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, Mar. 6; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Thursday, Mar. 7 & 21; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. WHAT’S EATING YOU?

Monday, Mar. 11; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tuesday, Mar. 12; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Mar. 12; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Mar. 19; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, Mar. 20; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

WISE WOMEN

Thursday, Mar. 28; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

Thursday, Mar. 7; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The theme for National Nutrition Month is “Beyond the Table”. Let’s learn how to make healthy choices now to maintain health for a lifetime! 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, RDN. Fee: $5 per person

DANCE IT OUT!

Monday, Mar. 11; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Never miss a chance to move and let all your worries go. Dance the stress away by grooving head-to-toe. All ages welcome, no experience required.

MEMORY SCREENING

Tuesday, Mar. 12; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Are you concerned about “senior moments’? The Mini-Mental State exam is a quick assessment to discern normal aging versus potential problems. In addition, you will learn ways to improve your memory. Must arrive 15-30 minutes early to receive the exam.

HOPE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE SERIES, BRUNCH AND LEARN

Wednesday, Mar. 13; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Our Monthly Health Focus features our “Hope for a Bright Future Series” designed to empower you with tips on prevention, early detection, and advancements in cancer treatments. Early detection can improve outcomes. Join our conversation on colorectal

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cancer that will be both engaging and informative. Our panel will include Meera Yogarajah, MD, Maulik D. Shah, DO, Rachel Perez, Gastrointestinal Patient Navigator

TAKE HOME COLO-RECTAL KIT

Thursday, Mar. 14; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Participants will attend a lecture about colon health, and receive a stool sample kit to take at home and mail back.

BUILDING OUR CAPACITY TO TALK ABOUT RACE

Monday, Mar. 18; 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Do you ever find yourself walking on eggshells, having heated arguments or not knowing what to say about topics related to race, racism, DEI, antiracism or white privilege? Let’s unpack some of these ideas, practice mindfulness and build our capacity to have courageous and embodied conversations that help build a healthier, more connected community. Nathalie Edmond, PsyD, RYT-500, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

UNDERSTANDING MEMORY LOSS

Tuesday, Mar. 19; 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Many people worry about experiencing memory loss as they age. Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Although most people have heard of Alzheimer’s, many do not know that other diseases that affect memory. Join us to learn about diseases that affect memory as well as the best strategies for diagnosing, treating, supporting brain health and improving quality of life. Presented by COPSA-Institute

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Mar. 5 & 12; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures, and breathing techniques offering modification of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome. Must Register.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday; Mar.5 & 12; 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin will lead this meditation class focusing on reducing stress and bringing inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginner’s welcome.

NEW - CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Mar. 5 & 12; 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

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!

A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, Mar. 6, 20 & 27; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 13; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please join us for our ongoing program “A Senior Social Group,” gathering 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 – the ups and the challenges. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, Mar. 20; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m

Calm your anxious mind and tense body with the relaxing and healing practice of Mindfulness Meditation. No experience necessary. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse, RWJUH Hamilton, Community Health.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE

Wednesday, Mar. 20; 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 welcome, drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS,CMP $15 OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

Thursday, Mar. 21; 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information.

WHY ARE MY EARS RINGING? - A NEW APPROACH TO TINNITUS MANAGEMENT

Wednesday, Mar. 27; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m

While tinnitus is a fairly common problem, there are many effective methods to treat and alleviate tinnitus. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. to learn about the latest in treatment options.

DR. ALI HOSTS A “JEOPARDY PARTY” LUNCH

AND LEARN

Thursday, Mar. 7; 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A new Jeopardy focused on Innovations in Medicine. Tables will compete as teams as we test your knowledge. Don’t panic, this will be fun and interactive and there will even be prizes along with lunch.

NUTRITION, THE MEDITERRANEAN WAY

Thursday, Mar. 14th; 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ever encounter a memorable and mouthwatering description of food in a book? Join us as we Greek-out over some seriously delicious literary eats and how they fit into a healthful Mediterranean dietary pattern. Enjoy being a studioaudience member as Taryn Krietzman, RDN does a live taping of this program for virtual at-home viewers.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, Mar. 21 & 28; 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Mar. 27; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For folks who have been Reiki certified (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLAHOOPING FOR FUN & FITNESS!

Thursday, Mar. 28; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m

If you think you can’t hoola-hoop, you are mistaken! This class is so much fun that you don’t even realize that you are working out! It’s much easier with an “adult sized” hoop, provided at the class. No experience necessary. Angela Reitter, Certified HoopLove Coach and Hoola-Fit Instructor. $15

DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: OPTIMIZING MEN’S HEALTH AT ANY AGE

Thursday, Mar. 28; 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Deep Trivedi, MD, of New Jersey Urology in Lawrenceville will hold an open dialogue about integrative approaches and best-life discussions pertaining to lifestyle, diet, and supplementation relating to men. Additional focus will also include the latest developments in anti-aging and health span improvements. Dinner will be provided.

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

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE PUZZLING PAINTING

How does one piece of the big picture contribute to the greater whole? In this relaxed group painting workshop, each participant receives one portion of a larger image to paint onto a canvas using their choice of style and color. The finished canvases are then assembled together to reveal the collective artwork made by the group. This activity demonstrates how connections are made and individual perceptions can be seen in new ways.

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024; 1 to 2:30

EXCLUSIVE* (see details below)

*EXCLUSIVE to any Better Health Member who will be a first-time participant attending a Grounds for Sculpture activity sponsored by Better Health. To register, email BHProgram@rwjbh.org

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024; 10:30 to Noon open to all Better Health Members

Location: Grounds for Sculptor, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

friendly town with an excellent school system, and Robbinsville ticked all the boxes for us. I attended fantastic public schools growing up, and I wanted the same opportunities for my children.

Fast forward about 11 years, and we have a 4th grader at Sharon and a 5th grader at Pond. Already they have felt the impact of program cuts and teachers lost.

I am deeply concerned that unless this ballot question passes, they will suffer the consequences of more lost teachers and the end of many extracurricular activities like sports, clubs and music. This was not the experience I wanted for them when we moved to Robbinsville.

Did we make a mistake moving to Robbinsville? I don’t think so. I still believe that this is a town filled with people who care, and who want the best for the next generation. I believe that in a crisis, we will all come together and do the right thing to ensure a bright future for Robbinsville’s kids.

Please vote yes for the public question on March 12 so we can get our school district back on track.

Amanda Kenna

I am the parent of two Robbinsville alumni who had an outstanding K-12 education and were both fully prepared to pursue higher education.

They had incredible teachers who supported and encouraged them to pursue their academic and personal interest. My two children not only received a solid education, but also engaged in extracurricular activities that fostered social emotional growth, friendships and self confidence.

I could not imagine where they would be today without this solid foundation. This is why I am voting yes on March 12, for the public question for the Robbinsville chools to ensure the continuation of a variety of programs to benefit all students.

I am also the parent of a Pond Road middle school student, and I am already seeing the different experience my middle schooler is having compared to his siblings due to budget constraints.

Overcrowded classrooms due to reduction in staff, cuts in programs such as foreign language and facilities that are in need of repair are just a few examples of our troubled schools. If we do not fix the budget crisis our schools are currently facing today, our students quality education as well as important extracurricular activities will be impacted negatively in the subsequent years.

Our goal should not be to keep the status quo, but to create schools that are what other districts seek to emulate.

I am voting yes because I believe all

children should have an outstanding education. This includes teachers who are paid competitive wages, clubs and activities that provide enrichment outside of the classroom and facilities that are updated and meet current needs of our students.

Voting yes and supporting our schools is the right thing to do for our children and for our community.

Julie Scatena

* * *

We are committed to voting yes in the March 12 special election. Residing in this wonderful town for over 15 years, both my husband and I, along with our daughter, have embraced the community.

Although our daughter will soon be in college and we won’t have a direct connection to the school system after 2025, we recognize that a no vote could lead to the loss of important programs and teachers.

A robust school system is crucial for our township, and despite enjoying four years without tax increases, we’re willing to contribute extra taxes to ensure the well-being of our school, property values, and the overall health of our community. We encourage others to vote Yes too.

Nandini Rao

* * *

As a dedicated real estate agent serving the vibrant and diverse community of Robbinsville, I am committed to helping our residents understand the profound impact that our local school district can have on property values and the overall health of our town’s housing market.

Although many of you know me from working with me or coming to my house for Pictures with Santa, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Desiree Daniels, a licensed realtor in New Jersey and Accredited Buyer Representative, Inductee in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and e-Pro certified.

I’ve been working in Robbinsville and the surrounding communities for over 40 years, which is why I firmly believe that our school district is the heart of Robbinsville, and I am passionate about fostering a deeper understanding of how it influences our real estate landscape. My hope is that I can help this community better understand the significant impact of our school district on property values.

A few things to consider:

Better Sale Prices—A high-performing school district translates to better sale prices for homeowners. Investing in a home within such a district is not just a place to live; it’s an investment in your future.

Increased Buyer Demand—Desirable school districts attract higher buyer demand, which can lead to competitive

See FORUM, Page 12

FORUM continued from Page 11

bidding wars for homes in these areas. It’s a testament to how education influences real estate decisions.

Differences in Property Values—Similar properties can have significantly different values based on the quality of the school district they are located in. Your child’s education and your home’s value are interconnected.

School Enrollment and Home Prices—

With two boys of my own in the Robbinsville public school system, I advocate for our community by highlighting the positive correlation between public school enrollment and home prices.

Increased Home Prices—Communities with higher public school enrollment often experience significant increases in home prices. It reflects the desirability of living in these areas and access to better amenities.

That said, I understand that property taxes can be a concern for some buyers. Living in a less-desirable school district can lead to lower property taxes, making it appealing to retirees, investors, and other individuals without school-aged children.

For some, the savings in property taxes are significant and enhance their overall quality of life, but I am here to ensure that our community members make informed decisions when it comes to real estate and school districts.

I adhere to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics, which prohibits discrimination based on various factors, including school district preferences. I provide access to comprehensive school district data, enabling buyers to evaluate educational opportunities and make informed choices for their families.

Robbinsville’s school district is not just an educational institution. It’s a cornerstone of our community and a driving force behind our real estate market’s strength. I am here to guide you through the complex intersection of education and real estate, ensuring that you are empowered to make the best decisions for your family and your future.

Your property’s value is closely tied to our school district, and I’m committed to helping you navigate this relationship with confidence and clarity. I encourage all voters in our community to vote in favor of referendum to save our schools. When you vote yes, you are voting yes property values and our community as a whole.

Desiree Daniels

I have the privilege of living in the beautiful town of Robbinsville with my grandson, granddaughter-in-law, and their twin 8 year old boys. Every day, I watch my great-grandchildren board the school bus and watch them come home

with extreme enthusiasm as they tell me about their day.

However, when the referendum failed this past fall by a slim margin, I became gravely concerned about their educational future. The current financial crisis in the Robbinsville School District carries a significant weight and has already had an affect my great-grandchildrens’ education.

One of their first grade teachers, who my great-grandchild loved, was let go for financial reasons at the end of last school year. If we are unable to retain young, qualified teachers, our district will see a significant drop in quality soon.

As a resident on a fixed income, I do not take any tax increase lightly. I implore you to vote yes for the upcoming school referendum vote. Our schools desperately need these funds so our grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their classmates to continue getting their wonderful Robbinsville education.

Carol “Bubbe” Markowitz

We moved to Robbinsville (Town Center) in 2004. My work took me all over the USA, but of all the moves from California to Chicago and back, we’ve enjoyed living here the most.

Both my wife and daughter have been school teachers so educators and education are very important to us. We were very active in the schools our children attended. Growth is important to a healthy economy. However, when growth and education are at odds, for whatever reason, we will choose education. There is no future for our children without education.

Please join my wife and I (both in our 80s) and vote for the education of our children. Their future and ours depend on it.

Michael and Carolyn Occulto

Dismayed by Mercer County audit report

I appreciate that you published the letter to the editor from Ira L. Marks (in the February issue of the Advance) regarding the Mercer County forensic audit . I was unaware of the audit and went to the Board of County Commissioners web page to verify the findings. To my dismay, the findings were as bad as Mr. Marks reported.

I have written to the county executive, who I voted for and who campaigned on transparency, to keep the citizenry in the loop as they work on the recommendations.

This is a long-standing problem and will take time to rectify, but I think the citizens of this county deserve to know what progress is being made.

Erin Sanders

Tindall Road

Entertainment from parades to parties, like the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation’s annual March fundraiser at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor, above, are events worth wishing for, page 2.

Photos by RDNE Stock project via Pexels, left, and Audrey Amelie for Bluestone Lane, right.

St. Patrick’s Day 2024: Entertainment, Music & More

By Rebekah Schroeder

March your way to experiencing the pride of the Emerald Isle with these St. Patrick’s Day-themed events throughout the greater Mercer County region, many of which feature Irish inspirations and truly celebrate the culture of “craic.” * * *

The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hamilton

Nottingham Fire House, 200 Mercer Street, Hamilton. Saturday, March 9, 12:30 p.m. opening ceremony and 1 p.m. parade start. Rain date is Saturday, March 23. Free. Since its inception in 1985 and subsequent move from Trenton to Hamilton, “The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade” has become an annual expression of Irish pride for residents of Mercer County and beyond.

After an opening ceremony kicks off the festivities at 12:30 p.m., the parade route begins a half-hour later at the Nottingham Fire House on Mercer Street.

This year’s two co-grand marshals are Kevin and Maryann Meara, the founders

The “Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade” starts at the Nottingham Fire House in Hamilton again this year on Saturday, March 9, with Co-Grand Marshals Kevin and Maryann Meara, center and left , alongside Miss St. Patrick’s Day Kayla Adams, right, pictured at the parade luncheon in AOH Hibernian Hall on February 15. Photos courtesy of the City of Angels website.

of the Hamilton nonprofit organization City of Angels, which the couple established in 2008 after the death of their son, Kevin

“KC” Meara, from a heroin overdose at the age of 24.

For more than 15 years, COA has helped individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues by providing a range of services, including recovery support, treatment referrals, and community outreach, according to its website, cityofangelsnj.org

demic, such as when President Obama signed the “21st Century Cures Act” in 2016, as well as the White House’s roundtable for “International Overdose Awareness Day” in 2022. For more on the Mearas, see cityofangelsnj.org/kevin-and-maryann-meara

This year’s “Miss St. Patrick” is Kayla Adam, a senior at New Egypt High School in Plumsted Township who works at the Trenton Ancient Order of Hibernians, Msgr. Crean Division #1, where her father, treasurer Dave Adam, is an officer.

* * *

Other events are planned after the parade and throughout the month of March by local Irish organizations, according to the City of Angels website, cityofangelsnj. org/grand-marshal, including dinners, parties, a Tricky Tray, Gaelic Mass, and more.

The Trenton AOH Division #1 will host an afterparty in the AOH Hibernian Hall, 2419 Kuser Road in Hamilton Square, at 3 p.m., as well as a holiday celebration on March 17 at the same time.

Another Trenton Irish group, the AOH Joe Cahill Division #10, hosts its own gathering with a cash bar and live music from 3 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Post #458 North Trenton, 1438 Brunswick Avenue, in Trenton.

Tickets are $25 for ages 21 and older and $10 for anyone under 21. Food and one complimentary drink are included.

EDITOR

Rebekah Schroeder

ARTS EDITOR

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Joe Emanski

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In honor of the couple’s commitment to advocacy, this year’s parade theme is “Service Through Sacrifice.”

The parade committee selected the Mearas—who both cite Irish roots, were born in Trenton, and have lived together in Hamilton with their family for five decades—to serve as co-grand marshals in December 2023.

Kevin Meara is a former longtime Hamilton Township councilman, notably the only person in such a role to have been elected to office as both a Democrat and a Republican.

In addition to his time in local government, Kevin spent four decades in the energy industry with PSEG, while Maryann is a retired teacher’s aide for the Mercer County Special Services School District.

The Mearas have been invited to the White House several times as a result of their work with COA to present and participate in events addressing the opioid epi-

Rounding out the tricolor trifecta of gettogethers is The Sons and Daughters of Erin’s annual “St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance” from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Nottingham Ballroom, 200 Mercer Street, with dinner, Irish beer, wine, and refreshments.

The Irish pub Tir Na nOg holds a “Grand Marshal Night” at 1324 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, in recognition of the Mearas on Wednesday, March 20.

Then, on April 20, the Trenton Irish Heritage Association Scholarship Committee’s 13th “Tricky Tray” returns to Lawrenceville’s Notre Dame High School, 601 Lawrence Road, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the first drawing at 7 p.m.

Participants must bring their own food and drinks. No alcohol is permitted. Tickets are $10 each.

More information: hamiltonparade.com or cityofangelsnj.org/grand-marshal.

See ST. PATRICKS DAY, Page 6

• Regenerative medicine goes beyond disease management to search for and discover therapies that support the body in repairing, regenerating and restoring itself to a state of well-being.

• What are stem cells? Stem cells are the bank cells within your body that can morph in many different types of cell depending on what your body needs them for. Stem cells are your body’s repair systems.

• What is PRP? PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. PRP is created from a sample of your own blood, which is drawn from the patient and then put into a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of your blood.

• Am I a candidate for PRP or stem cell therapy? If you have pain due to injury, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or any other condition, you are a candidate for cell-based therapy. Whether you are looking to heal from a traumatic injury, or regenerate older or diseased tissues, PRP or cell-based therapy could be something to help you heal and restore lost function and mobility.

Nottingham Tavern, Killarney’s to Host Live Music After the Parade

Looking for more luck of the Irish around town after the parade ends? The Nottingham Tavern at 9 Mercer Street will have food flowing and three bands scheduled throughout the day, including Radio Fiction at 3 p.m. and Deep Release’s performance at 9 p.m. nottinghamtavern.com

Meanwhile, Killarney’s Publick House, located at 1644 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, continues in the spirit of the parade with Irish food, dancers, live music, and more.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, Killarney’s features more of that Irish flair with a special menu and an all-day lineup of live music on the outside patio, walk-ins only, as the restaurant opens bright and early at 8 a.m.

According to the Facebook page for the event, this features performers from the Kotelnicki School of Irish Dance in Hamilton, local acts like Mark Sacco and Electric Stingray, as well as a “special appearance by Hibo’s Pipes & Drums.” killarneyspublickhouse.com.

The Nerds “St. Pat’s Eve!” Party and Dinner Show at Cooper’s Riverview

Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Saturday, March 16, 7 to 11:30 p.m. Doors open at 6, buffet starts at 7, and showtime is 8 p.m. Price: $15 to $45.

Get a taste of the Mercer County nightlife with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed “Dine and Dance” event at Cooper’s Riverview, a “waterfront dining and entertainment” venue located right on the Delaware River in Trenton, featuring popular cover band The Nerds

Described as “America’s Party Band Fun-omenon,” The Nerds are a Jersey Shore staple with an onstage gimmick of dorky fashion and thick-framed personas riffing off a series of Saturday Night Live sketches about a fictional group of the same name.

The quartet has maintained this comedic style through nearly four decades of performing pop and rock songs together.

Over the years, The Nerds have shared the stage with everyone from Sheryl Crow to Jon Bon Jovi to Maroon 5, as well as being the house band for MTV’s “Ultimate Cover Band Contest,” which they also hosted.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the St. Patrick’s Day buffet dinner and drinks, includ-

The classic Jersey Shore rock-pop cover band The Nerds performs at Cooper’s Riverview in Trenton for a “St. Patrick’s Eve” party and dinner show on Saturday, March 16. Photo courtesy of The Nerds website.

ing “American favorites,” available an hour later at 7 p.m.

In addition to the band’s 8 p.m. concert in the Colosseum Event Hall, Cooper’s will also have a house DJ playing the main dance floor.

Multiple ticket packages are avail-

able, starting at $15 general admission, which includes access to both the main bar and dance floor party, but with seating described as first come, first served in a non-reserved area.

The GA price will be higher at the door.

The gold package for the show and din-

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ner is $35 and includes general admission, access to the Cooper’s dinner buffet with carving station, and seating in the Colosseum Event Hall.

The platinum rate is $45 and includes general admission, the dinner buffet, VIP seating near the dance floor and in the main event hall, as well as access to a VIP bar area.

According to the Eventbrite page for the event, eventbrite.com/e/the-nerds-st-patseve-coopers-riverview-saturday-night-dinnerand-show-tickets-827530996487, both those in the gold and platinum tiers must pay an additional 15-percent service charge at the end of the dinner experience.

More information: coopersnj.com/ events-old/r9sk8s7pa74b994-n7kee-hhrex4scyf-3nlpg-y33nt

Cookie Decorating Class at Killarney’s Publick House

Killarney’s Publick House, 1644 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton. Thursday, March 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Price: $55 per person.

Killarney’s Publick House, described on its website as an “old-school Irish alehouse,” brings seasonal imagery to life with a “St. Patrick’s Day”-inspired cookie decorating class for all ages on Thursday, March 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Participants will learn and take home six baked creations in this how-to guide to holiday imagery taught by Deana’s Cookie Couture, a shop based in Newtown, Pennsylvania, but designed by and with promotional materials from 6 B’s Creations

Both businesses offer custom-order personalized cookies for purchase, but Deana’s Cookie Couture is a member of 6 B’s Cre-

08629 | www.priornami.com

ations’ “Teaching Partners” program, which develops monthly class sets for its participants to teach.

Tickets are $55 per person. To register, visit the Deana’s Cookie Couture website at deanascookiecouture.com. All supplies are provided in class at this event, and limited seating is available.

More information: deanascookiecouture.com.

Hopewell Valley Central High School’s 5K Lucky Bulldog Dash

Hopewell Valley Central High School, 259 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. Saturday, March 16, 8 a.m. registration and 9:30 a.m. race start. Price: $35 per person, discounts available.

On your mark, get set, and go green! Walk or run in Hopewell Valley Central High School’s “5K Lucky Bulldog Dash,” a fundraiser to support senior programming for the HVCHS Class of 2025, on Saturday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. at 259 Pennington Titusville Road.

USA Track & Field New Jersey has sanctioned the event and will certify the 5K course prior to the race, which also qualifies as part of USATF’s “2024 Grand Prix” series with a point value of 500.

Decorate cookies to your heart’s content at Killarney’s Publick House in Hamilton, where you can recreate these “golden” designs from 6 B’s Creations under the instruction of Deana’s Cookie Couture on March 14.

Price: $65 per person.

Whether it’s preserving the natural green or the Irish spirit, the D&R Greenway Land Trust and Voices Chorale NJ are paying tribute to the hue with another music and dance benefit, “Celebrate the Green,” on Friday, March 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, in Princeton.

The competition is on no matter rain, snow, or shine, with awards given to the top three male and female contestants overall, as well as the top three male and female contestants in each age bracket, the groups of which are: 15 and younger; 16 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 to 89, as well as 90 and older.

The two organizations have teamed up for a night of entertainment featuring the Parnell Irish Band, humorous storytelling, Irish country dancing, and even singalongs by the fire pit.

… and more!

After completing the “Dublin Road” course, participants can enjoy a day of music and fun hosted by the HVCHS PTO. Prizes will be awarded to the top team and individual themed costumes, as well as to “anyone who can catch the Leprechaun” spotted around the Pennington campus.

“Guests are encouraged to wear green and experience a pub-style setting while enjoying beer, wine, and a light pub supper,” the press release continues, while other opportunities include a silent auction of “unique items” in support of Voices Chorale NJ.

Registration fees are $35 per person, with all participants 18 years of age and younger receiving a $5 discount at checkout.

To register online or donate, see the event’s page on the Race Roster website at raceroster.com/events/2024/83118/ hopewell-valley-5k

Registration opens at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. In addition to benefiting the HVCHS Class of 2025’s future senior events, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

More information: raceroster.com/ events/2024/83118/hopewell-valley-5k

“Celebrate the Green” with the D&R Greenway Land Trust and Voices Chorale NJ

D&R Greenway Land Trust, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. March 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $65 per person with limited seating. To purchase a seat, visit drgreenway.org, voiceschoralenj.org, or call 609-924-4646.

The Parnell Irish Band plays both modern and traditional instruments, bringing guitar, drums, and fiddling to enliven the event and entice the crowd into joining.

For a list of the band’s musical selections or more information, see esteemlivemusic.com/live-musicbands/international-live-music-bands/ parnell-irish-band

Voices Chorale NJ is a nonprofit, auditioned chorus based in Hopewell with about 40 members from central New Jersey and Pennsylvania, headed by artistic director Dr. David A. McConnell, “to bring outstanding music to the public, inspire audiences, and provide performance opportunities for singers and local musicians.”

Photo courtesy of 6 B’s Creations.

Photo courtesy of the D&R Greenway Land

Mercer Eats

Empanadas, Kebabs and Crabs: New in Food & Dining

By Joe Emanski

Empanadas are on a roll. Not literally, of course.

The deep-fried (and sometimes baked) turnovers, once a rare find in the area, are turning up on more menus every year. Usually filled with savory fillings like beef, chicken and cheese, empanadas can also be sweet. They are popular throughout South America and up into the Caribbean.

Hamilton-based food trucks Hotpanada

and Chic Gourmet Empanadas have opened for business in recent years and built up loyal followings. Hopewell-based Catalina Empanadas, which makes a baked, Chilean style empanada, can be found in several seasonal farmers markets in the area.

Now one empanada vendor has found a permanent home at the year-round Trenton Farmers Market: Jasmine’s Nadas, which opened up a stand in the market in 2023 and moved into the market last month.

Owner and chef Jasmine Wesley comes

from a Puerto Rican background and says her fried empanadas are made in the Puerto Rican style.

“In Puerto Rico, we call them pastelillos,” she says. “But every time I was saying that, people were like, ‘What?’ So we were like, ‘Let’s just call them empanadas,’ and then I shortened it to ‘Jasmine’s Nadas.’”

on Facebook with my menu for about a year,” she says. “Trying to get the word out any way I could.”

In October 2022, she got an invitation from the New Egypt Flea Market to set up a stand there. Then last spring, Trenton Farmers Market manager Bill Kearney contacted Wesley about establishing a second location there.

She opened in August. That proved successful enough that Kearney offered her the spot recently vacated by The Lunchbox.

Welcoming Dr. Maulik ShahGastroenterologist

Jasmine’s Nadas offers traditional fillings like beef, chicken and cheese in the empanadas. But Wesley is not afraid to get creative. She estimates that she has made more than 50 varieties over the years, including pepperoni pizza, garlic potato, butternut squash and chicken Cordon Bleu. She also makes dessert empanadas such as her apple pie and cherry pie varieties.

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.

Abdominal Pain

Women’s Digestive Health

Diverticular Disease

Liver Function Abnormalities

Pancreatic

“I grew up in Point Pleasant, so I have a lot of different influences,” she says. “And we like pork in Puerto Rico, so we do a lot of things with pork as well.”

Wesley, who worked for many years as an accountant, has always enjoyed cooking. For parties and potluck dinners, she would often make empanadas to take with her. Friends and co-workers who tried them told her they were good enough that she should start an empanada business.

After she was laid off in the early days of the pandemic, Wesley decided to just do that.

She started out by making empanadas to sell at fairs and festivals in the Point Pleasant Beach area.

“I was literally spamming mom groups

From ST. PATRICKS DAY, Page 7

Friends for the Abbott Marshlands, in its ongoing efforts to connect the climate and community statewide.

More information: drgreenway.org or voiceschoralenj.org

The new spot’s full kitchen has allowed Wesley to add tacos, burritos and quesadillas to the menu, along with some other Puerto Rican specialties like papas rellenas — a potato croquette stuffed with meat.

While Jasmine’s Nadas does not have tables for sit-down service at this time, she said her husband is beginning work on a new paver patio that she hopes will be completed in time for customers to sit outside in the warmer weather and enjoy their food.

“When people walk into the lobby, they will see my daughter or my cousin. If they look in the kitchen, they will see my husband or me,” she says. “When you walk in, I want you to feel like you’re walking into my living room.”

The Trenton Farmers Market is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but because Jasmine’s Nadas now has its own entrance, Wesley says, she plans to

hours of festive fun to support a cause on Saturday, March 16, from 7 to 11 p.m.

Established in 2000 by Judith Harr Shane to honor the legacy of her late son, the JHSF provides financial assistance to family caregivers for medical expenses by navigating the process for them and raising money to pay the sources of each bill directly.

2271 Rt 33, Suite 110

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: 609-917-9917

The Joshua Harr Shane Foundation’s St. Patrick’s Day Party at Mercer Oaks

Mercer Oaks Golf Course, 725 Village Road West, West Windsor. Saturday, March 16, 7 to 11 p.m. Price: $115.

601

As both an annual fundraiser and cocktail party for the nonprofit organization, the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation’s “St. Patrick’s Day Party,” held every year at the Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor, features Irish music, an open bar, a four-course dinner, green beer, and four

Through a partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, JHSF has opened four rooms on site, most recently the Joshua Harr Shane Patient Evaluation Suites at the Cancer Center at RWJ Hamilton, its fourth project thus far, in November 2022.

Tickets are $115 per person and include a choice of chicken, steak, or fish. Guests are encouraged to wear green.

To register, see the EventBrite page for the event, eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-dayparty-tickets-807028843997?aff=erelexpmlt

stay open later, perhaps as late as 8:30 or 9 p.m. Web: facebook.com/jasminesnadas

In other TFM news, The Borscht Belt Delicatessen has announced that it will soon open a stand in the market. The Jewish-style deli started out in the Stockton Market in 2021 before moving to Newtown, Pennsylvania, last year.

The Borscht Belt is fronted by celebrity chef Nicky Liberato, the former co-host of the Netflix show “Restaurants on the Edge.” The deli menu includes favorites like bagels with lox, Reuben sandwiches, matzoh ball soup and knishes. The farmers

market menu has not yet been revealed. * * *

The Nassau Park Pavillion has welcomed a couple of fast-casual chains in recent months:

Bluestone Lane, a New York-based café looking to popularize Australian coffee in the U.S., and Just Salad, an 18-year-old chain with eight locations in New Jersey. Web: bluestonelane.com

Despite its name, Just Salad has wraps, soups, smoothies and “warm bowls” like the chicken fajita bowl and spicy tofu crunch bowl. Just Salad diners can filter the menu

by categories such as keto, vegan, paleo, gluten-free and climatarian. Web: justsalad.com * * *

Across the street at Quaker Bridge Mall is the recently opened DoneRight Doner Kebab, which has the look of a chain restaurant, but isn’t — yet. The fastcasual, 100% halal restaurant specializes in Turkish street food, offering chicken, lamb and falafel dishes, familiar appetizers such as hummus and baba ganoush, and franchising opportunities. Web: donerightdk. com

And over in Pennington, Gretalia Hospitality Group, the folks behind PJ’s Pancakes, Osteria Procaccini, More than Q and Mi España, have opened the chainfriendly concept Union Boil Co. in the Pennington Shopping Center. Union Boil has lobster rolls, crab cakes, clam chowder, oysters and everything else you would expect a seafood boil restaurant to have — including the $250 Union Boil platter, which comes with jumbo shrimp, crab legs, crawfish, andouille sausage, corn and potatoes and serves six to eight people. Web: unionboil.com

girls TRAVEL TRYOUTS

Summer

Ewing Recreation Department

Camps & Pools

campS 2024 week of MArch 25

Office for these programs. Online registration for seasonal memberships, swim lessons and Senior Swim/ Water Aerobics is required at communitypass.net. Labor Day is the last day that the pools will be open.

The Hamilton Wildcats are an all-female travel soccer club focused on training and player development. In partnership with the Hamilton Girls Soccer Club and NJ rush, the Wildcats provide a complete soccer experience for girls age 5 to 19. The Wildcats are looking for girls who are ready for the travel soccer challenge from birth years 2017-2007 to form new teams and supplement established teams.

The Ewing Community Pools System offers two pools for seasonal members and daily patrons. The pools have shaded areas, pool furniture, changing rooms and shower facilities and ESCC has a snack bar. The Hollowbrook Pool located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive, is scheduled to open on weekends & Memorial Day on Sunday, May 26. Operating hours are Sunday to Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays can be rented for private events, email Raquel at rince@ ewingnj.org to schedule an event. The ESCC pool will open on weekends & Memorial Day starting Saturday, May 25, and both pools will open full time starting on Monday, June 17, from noon to 8 p.m. Swim lessons start with evaluations on Saturday, June 15, and space is limited. Senior Swim and Senior Water Aerobics start on Monday, June 17; seniors needing assistance registering can register at the Senior

The Ewing Recreation Summer Camp will run from June 24 – August 23 for grades K – 5 and is held on the grounds of the Fisher School and Ewing Senior & Community Center (ESCC). The hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Early hours are from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and late hours are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Online registration is required at communitypass.net. Teen Travel will be for grades 6 – 8 and will run from July 1 – August 16. The camp will travel four days a week and stay in Ewing the other day. Campers can participate in day camp on weeks Teen Travel is not being held. Camp also offers a Counselor in Training program for children entering 9th grade.

For more information on these programs call the Ewing Recreation Office at 609-883-1776 x6203. You can also go to ewingnj.org, Community Affairs. See ad, page 13.

Sawmill Summer Camp offers Day Camps, Diverse Abilities Camp, and Specialty Camps for youth, K through age 15.

• 50 acres of outdoor space

• Special Events are the highlight of the week! Foam parties, magicians, bounce houses, water slides, and more!

• Daily swim lessons are offered as an add-on.

• We partner with Girl Scouts, First Tee Golf, Zumba, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, and more.

With a summer full of unforgettable experiences, anything is possible!

Summer campS 2024

Princeton Ballet School

Nurturing Dancers of All Ages

Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, nurtures dancers of all ages, providing them opportunity to develop their technique and artistry in a rewarding environment.

The Princeton Ballet School Summer Intensive (ages 13 and up) attracts students from all over the globe to study with distinguished and inspiring faculty. Princeton Ballet School holds auditions throughout the United States and accepts video auditions from national and international students for the advanced program.

Students in the Advanced Intensive are also considered for the school’s year-round Trainee program, the direct feeder into American Repertory Ballet’s second company, ARB2, which is also ideal for post–highschool students looking to launch their professional careers. As an educational institution certified to provide F-1 visas, Princeton Ballet School has the ability to accept international students from nearly anywhere in the world for its Summer intensive, Trainee program, and ARB2.

The Summer Intensive Intermediates program, for ages 11 and up, is modeled after Princeton Ballet School’s acclaimed Advanced Summer Intensive and offers the

same personalized ballet training, alongside jazz and new choreography.

The Summer Intensive Juniors program is for children ages 9-11,with a focus on musicality, basic technique; building strength and flexibility; increasing coordination; and dynamics of movement — all while having fun with friends!

Princeton Ballet School also offers fun and rewarding Children’s Summer Courses, beginning with Hand-in-Hand classes for 3-year olds to explore the world of rhythm and dance. All levels of classes for children ages 4-12 are offered throughout the Summer, no previous dance experience required!

For more information, please visit arballet.org or call Princeton Ballet School at 609-921-7758

See ad, page 14

Liberty Lake Day Camp

Kids Discover Their Potential at Summer Camp

By Andy Pritikin

Life is hard. We know this, and yet so many children grow up sheltered from hardships, as their wellmeaning parents unknowingly hold them back. In Adam Grant’s book, “Hidden Potential,” (2023) he lays out the importance of children working through tough situations, to build the character skills needed to be a successful adult.

Grant explains, “Character is often confused with personality, but personality is your basic instincts for how to think, feel, and act. Character is your capacity to prioritize your values over your instincts.” It’s more than having principles. Character is the learned ability to live by your principles.

While I’m not advocating suffering, children do need to experience and

Summer campS 2024

learn from the inevitable challenges they encounter, in order to strengthen their inner-resilience. “Successful people of character are able to overcome life’s hurdles because they learn how to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Starting something new – Summer Camp, college, or a new job, can be an impactful challenge. Of course, kids would rather sit home and stare at their screens! But we know better, and it’s our job to teach kids to push beyond their perceived limits and cultivate the confidence and courage to abandon their comfort zone.

Facing fears, and confronting discomfort are skills that if not strengthened in childhood, may never be gained as an adult.

In the alarming new book about A.I., “The Coming Wave,” (2023,) author Mustafa Suleyman explains how during times of exponential technological growth, “those that survive are the ones best able to adapt.”

Like it or not, technology is replacing everything it possibly

can, making interpersonal HUMAN skills the priority for future generations to learn and master. At ‘old school’ Summer Camps, we hone these critical thinking skills hands-on.

Yes, Summer Camp is a lot of fun, but equally as important, are learning and honing character skills like meeting new people, trying new things, speaking up, and asking questions. Toss in some extreme heat, and the opportunity to experience life without digital screens, and Summer Camp can prove to be a seriously impactful, building block of experiences.

Andy Pritikin is the owner/ director of Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown NJ, past president of the American Camp Association NY/NJ, and host of “The Day Camp Podcast.”

More information: www.

libertylakedaycamp.com. See ad, page 15

Camps run from June 24 through August 23

Camp days include swimming, arts and crafts, nature, special events, entertainers, theme days, athletics, dance and drama.

Register and pay before April 10th and save $25! Swim Lessons at HCC: Evaluations, Saturday, June 17th. Sessions are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

TEEN TRAVEL: July 1 - August 16 kids entering grades 6 - 8

Travel 4 days a week and one day at camp. Trips to Amusement parks, beaches, aquarium, rock climbing, bowling , laser tag, skating and much more. $370/week for residents $74/day, NonResidents: $470/week, $94/daily. Campers can attend day camp weeks of June 24 and August 19.

All activities at ESCC and Fisher school, except trips.

GraceWay Bible Church

Camp Mercyville Is a Community Favorite

If you are looking for a place for your family to thrive in their relationships with Jesus and each other, GraceWay is the church for you! With over 40 ministries, there is something for everyone! The best way to see if GraceWay is the church home for you is to visit us for Sunday Services at 9 or 10:45 a.m. Childcare and Sunday School is available. Visit our website (www. gracewaybc.org) for more information.

Summer campS 2024

Kelsey Theater

Reach for the Stars — Register Now!

Summer is an especially busy time for children’s ministries. Our seven-week summer day camp, Camp Mercyville (www.campmercyville. org), has been providing quality childcare for over a decade. Our full-day Vacation Bible School/

Adventure Camp is a community favorite! Push the Rock basketball camp helps children become better athletes, teammates, and grow in their relationship with Christ. Summer Family Nights includes family-fun, worship, and small groups for the whole family on Wednesday evenings. We will be hosting an Open House on Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Visit our website (www.gracewaybc.org) or contact our office (609-586-0223) to find out more.

See ad, page 12

A few weeks can last a lifetime! Find out at Tomato Patch Summer Workshops in Theater, Dance, Vocal Music, Video and Visual Arts! Students make lasting friendships and wonderful memories while becoming an accomplished performer and artist.

Now in its 51st year, Tomato Patch is the longestrunning, most successful multi-disciplinary Visual and Performing Arts program in Central New Jersey. Featuring classes for all school age students, Tomato Patch is taught by a talented staff of professional artists. Check us out online at www.tomatopatch.org.

Summer CourSeS for Children

Princeton | Ages 3-12 (no prior experience needed!)

JuniorS

Princeton | Ages 9-11

intermediateS

Princeton & Cranbury | Ages 11 - 14

Summer campS 2024

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

Tomato Patch Workshops is a multidisciplinary full-day Theater, Dance, Music, Visual Art and Video summer program for ages 10-18 in two sessions:

Session 1: Ages 13-18

June 24 through July 18. No Tomato Patch July 4 and 5. Only $1,100.

Session 2: Ages 10-12

July 22 through August 8. Only $1050.

Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. with before and after care available.

Tomato Patch Workshops culminate in The Festival Of The Arts!

Unlike every other performing arts camp, Tomato Patch allows you to major in one subject and take classes in other areas. Become a triple threat!

The Master Class is full-day acting intensive summer program for ages 13-18 only in two sessions:

Session 1: June 24 through July 19 – No Class July 4, 5. Only $1,100.

Session 2: July 22 through August

TOMAT O PATCH

Youth Theater, Dance, Vocal & Visual Arts Programs at Kelsey Theatre

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER 2024 Session 1

$1,100 Session 2 $1,050

Session 1 ages 13-18

June 24 - July 18 (no classes 7/4, 7/5)

Session 2 — ages 10-12

July 22 - August 8

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 16.

9. Only $1,050.

Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. with before and after care available.

The Master Class in Theater culminates in A Night of One Acts!

For more information and to view class schedules visit www. tomatopatch.org or call 609-570-3566

Conveniently located on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. Visit us online at www.tomatopatch.org or email projects@mccc.edu or Call 609-5703566 for more information.

Still looking for something during the school year? Junior Tomatoes is 10 week-long Saturday morning theater workshops exploring creativity, movement, improvisation, and more from September through June for ages 4-12 in three sessions. All classes culminate in performances for family and friends! Visit www. tomatopatch.org.

See ad, page 15

Master Class Session 1 — ages 13-18

June 24 - July 19 (no classes 7/4, 7/5)

Master Class Session 2 — ages 13-18

July 22 - August 9

REGISTER:

Sawmill Summer Day Camp

A Journey of Discovery and Fun

The Hamilton Area YMCA’s Sawmill Summer Day Camp, nestled in the heart of Mercer County, is your child’s gateway to an unforgettable summer experience. With 50 acres of sprawling outdoor space and the largest pool in Mercer County, this camp is a haven for fun, learning, and adventure. During five fun-filled days packed with excitement, campers are encouraged to find their spark, embrace a sense of wonder, forge new friendships, and embark on thrilling adventures.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Sawmill Summer Camp!

Discover What Makes Sawmill Camp Special:

Find Their Spark: Our camp is a nurturing ground where kids develop essential skills, grow in confidence, and form new friendships. As they

Summer campS 2024

engage in diverse activities, from outdoor play to learning to swim, they gain valuable personal development skills. These experiences help shape their identity and passions, influencing their academic pursuits, relationships, and future career choices.

Find Their Sense of Wonder: The great outdoors is a world of discovery at Sawmill Camp. We understand the importance of outdoor play. Our camp promotes active engagement with the environment and with their peers, fostering respect and consideration for the world around them. Camp provides kids the perfect opportunity to discover the outdoors and get their bodies and imaginations more active.

Find Their Adventure: Every day at our camp is a new adventure, a chance for kids to stretch their imagination and embrace creativity without the fear of failure. This freedom allows them to explore and express themselves in ways they might not elsewhere.

Find Their Friends and Fun:

Sawmill Camp is more than a summer getaway; it’s a social hub where lifelong friendships are formed. Here, children learn to collaborate, build relationships, and navigate conflicts, all while having the time of their lives.

A Summer of Enrichment:

Recognizing the multifaceted benefits of camp, we’ve planned an exciting summer filled with theme weeks, special events, and new experiences. Campers will immerse themselves in a wide-range of activities, including arts and crafts, music, science, dance, sports, and swimming. Our highly trained counselors are committed to making your child’s summer both safe and exhilarating.

Children look at camp as a fun way to spend the summer in the sun and splashing in the pool, but parents understand that camp allows kids to reap many life benefits that will follow them through their lives long after the sun has set on their summer camp days.

Join Us for a Summer where ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

At Sawmill Summer Day Camp, we’re dedicated to creating an environment where every child can find their adventure and fun. We invite you to be a part of our vibrant community this summer. For more information and to register, please visit hamiltonymca.org/camp.

See ad, page 11.

32

35

37

HELP WANTED

$2K or More A Month

Commission. Work from Home. Flexible. Set your own hours. P/T or F/T. Sales, Managers, Customer Service Reps needed. 24 hr. recording: 1-800-670-6540

Sales Rep. Part time Sales Rep needed flexible hours. Sales experience of Printed Circuit Board helpful but not necessary. Can train. Candidate must be out going. Customer visits required. Please Email Resume at Galaxycircuits@verizon. net.

SERVICES

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

Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.

Senior Concierge

WE’RE BACK! Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Very good references. Call Mary Ann, 609-298-4456. View thistimebesttime. wordpress.com.

LEGAL SERVICES

Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and

NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609721-4358.

I am a caregiver LOOKING FOR AN OPENING, Live in or out. 8 years of experience providing personal care, household tasks, responsible and trustworthy. Contact Celine at 617-806-6489.

House cleaning Services Professional quality cleaning with a personal touch. Call Norma 609-575-9374.

Child Care Services in –Cranbury Children ages 2-5 yrs. Hours 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. For more information please call at 908-9638448.

FOR SALE

Eggs for Sale Fresh Brown Eggs. 5757 S Broad St, Yardville. $5.

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 215539-2894.

Health & Fitness

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-5261060 www.dental50plus. com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

Home Services

Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast,

free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-8789091

Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809

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Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

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Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

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SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2024

8AM-2PM

Dempster Fire School / 350 Lawrence Station Road

CAUTION

HAZARDOUS WASTE

MATERIALS ONLY ACCEPTED ON THIS DATE AND TIME, RAIN OR SHINE

ACCEPTED MATERIALS

Aerosol Cans / Used Motor Oil / Propane Gas Tanks / Pesticides & Herbicides

Car Batteries / Paint Thinner / Oil Based Paint / Stains & Varnishes / Gasoline Anti-Freeze / Driveway Sealer / Insect Repellents / Mercury / Fluorescent & CFL Bulbs

MATERIALS NOT ACCEPTED

NO LATEX PAINT / NO Heating Oil / NO Infectious Waste / NO Radioactive Materials

NO Explosives or Munitions / NO Railroad Ties / NO Asbestos / NO Tires

NO Wood / NO Fencing / NO Air Conditioners / NO Helium or Oxygen Tanks

NO Humidifiers / NO Dehumidifiers / NO Unknowns

ACCEPTED ELECTRONICS

Computers / Printers / Copiers / Fax Machines / Stereos / Televisions / Microwaves

MARCH

BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

Lawrenceville Neurology Center Joins Capital Health

Lawrenceville Neurology Center, a respected practice offering a comprehensive range of neurology services in Mercer County since 1981, has joined Capital Institute for Neurosciences. Supported by Capital Health’s hospitals in Trenton and Hopewell Township, New Jersey, the Institute has long advanced the level of neurologic care available to patients in Mercer and Bucks counties. With the addition of Lawrenceville Neurology Center’s offices in Lawrenceville and Princeton, the Institute expands access to neurology services to meet the growing health needs of residents in the region.

“Lawrenceville Neurology Center was founded more than 40 years ago based on a principle of providing innovative neurological care combined with skill, experience, and compassion,” said DR. KIMBERLY PALANGIO, fellowship trained clinical neurophysiologist and lead physician at Lawrenceville Neurology Center. “We’re excited to continue that tradition as part of Capital Health and its Capital Institute for Neurosciences, a proven leader in providing comprehensive neurological services for patients from throughout the greater New Jersey/Philadelphia region.”

“Capital Institute for Neurosciences meets the highest standards of care for the most complex neurological conditions,” said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of Neurology and Neuro Critical Care and director of the Stroke Program at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. “With the only comprehensive stroke center in the region certified by The Joint Commission at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, the addition of the Lawrenceville Neurology Center team reaffirms

our commitment to ensuring that our patients in Mercer and Bucks counties receive the best care possible and experience longer and healthier lives.”

Over the next few months, Lawrenceville Neurology Center’s office at 3120 Princeton Pike will be changing its name to Capital Institute for Neurosciences – Lawrenceville. The former practice’s Princeton office at 8 Forrestal Road will become Capital Institute for Neurosciences – Princeton. Appointments can be made at both locations, which remain home for the team of board certified neurologists that includes Drs. Kimberly Palangio, Aissa Alexeeva, Nicole Hartmann, Paul Kaiser, Nidhi Modi, Anitha Nimma, and Manuel Vergara, as well as physician assistant Selena Fucci. Many of these providers have multiple board certifications as well as fellowship training or certification in areas of specialization such as neurophysiology, vascular neurology, epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, and multiple sclerosis. The Capital Institute for Neurosciences – Lawrenceville office also includes fully accredited neurophysiology, vascular, EEG, and EMG laboratories that offer a range of diagnostic services.

At Capital Institute for Neurosciences, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team of specialists which include neurologists, endovascular neurologists, epileptologists, neurosurgeons, neurosurgical oncologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialized physicians, as well as other critical team members who provide an outstanding continuum of care from diagnosis to treatment and recovery at Capital Health.

To schedule an appointment at the new Capital Institute for Neurosciences offices in Lawrenceville and Princeton, call 609.896.1701. Visit capitalneuro.org to learn more about the Capital Institute for Neurosciences.

Capital Health Receives Funding to Continue Statewide Violence Intervention Program

One of 11 in New Jersey and the Only Hospital in Mercer County Region to Receive Grant Money

When the New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (NJHVIP) launched in 2020, Capital Health was selected as the only hospital in Mercer County to be part of a statewide effort to combat violence as a public health crisis in the community it serves. As part of an ongoing effort to provide victim assistance and reduce violence, a new round of funding was recently announced by Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. This grant allocates $5.2 million for the continued support of hospital-based violence intervention programs at Capital Health and 10 other hospitals throughout New Jersey.

“The NJHVIP is built on a proven model that reduces repeat injury by reaching victims of violence at the time of crisis,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “With medical treatment and recovery as a starting point, those who choose to participate in the program leave program sites like Capital Health engaged in important services that can include crisis intervention, conflict mediation, peer support, and connections to mental health and substance abuse interventions, all aimed at breaking the cycle of violence that is common in some neighborhoods.”

The NJHVIP at Capital Health is managed through its VICTORY Program, which stands for Violence Intervention for the Community Through Outreach Recovery. The program aims to break the cycle of violence by:

… Identifying and connecting victims of violence to appropriate social support services.

… Reducing the reoccurrence of violence and the need for repeat trauma/emergency care.

… Educating Capital Health staff about providing care that promotes a sense of safety and empowerment for victims of violence and peer-to-peer support for health care workers.

The new funding comes from the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund, which helps the communities most impacted by cannabis criminalization. This grant cycle will ensure that funding continues through December 31, 2024. Bristol-Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and Capital

Dr. Eric Schwartz, vice president of Community Health and Transformation and executive director of Capital Health’s Institute for Urban Care and Nathalie Laurent, coordinator of the Institute’s Violence Intervention for the Community Through Outreach Recovery (VICTORY) Grant Program, were invited to present information about VICTORY at the Capital City Community Coalition meeting hosted in October 2023 by Capital Health Board of Directors member Reverend John R. Taylor.

Health Institute for Urban Care partner with Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton and Millhill Child & Family Development to implement the program. To learn more about the VICTORY Program, visit capitalhealth.org/victory.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, a level II New Jersey state-designated trauma center, offers advanced emergency care for severely injured patients involved in motor vehicle crashes, falls, and assaults with knives, guns, or blunt objects. One of only 10 designated trauma centers in New Jersey, it is the regional referral center for severely injured patients in Mercer County and adjacent parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Burlington, and Middlesex counties as well as nearby areas of Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/trauma

Capital Health Institute for Urban Care works to advance the health and well-being of Trenton residents by growing and aligning Capital Health’s services with a robust network of community partners in the City of Trenton to improve medical care while overcoming the complex social determinants of health. To learn more about the Institute, visit capitalhealth.org/urbancare.

Capital Health Introduces

Next-Generation Leadless Pacemaker

If a person is diagnosed with a heartbeat that’s too slow or too fast, their cardiologist may recommend a pacemaker to send electrical impulses to the heart to control its rhythm. A traditional pacemaker is often surgically implanted under the skin near the collarbone and connected to the heart through wires (or leads) that transmit the electrical signals to the heart. Physicians and staff from Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute recently performed a minimally invasive leadless pacemaker implant at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey that doesn’t need cardiac leads to deliver therapy and represents the latest advance in cardiac arrhythmia therapy.

Leadless pacemakers are appropriate for certain patients with significant bradycardia (slow heartbeat) or chronic atrial fibrillation (heart arrhythmia that causes the heart’s top chambers to quiver and beat irregularly). Through a minimally invasive procedure, DR. SCOTT BURKE, medical director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and a board certified, fellowship trained cardiac electrophysiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, inserts a catheter into a patient’s leg to guide the Aveir VR LP leadless pacemaker through a vein and implant it directly into the heart’s right ventricle.

“This next-generation leadless pacemaker from Abbott packs many innovations into a one-piece device that is smaller than

a AAA battery,” said Dr. Burke. “It is the world’s only leadless pacemaker specifically designed to be easily retrieved when the device needs to be replaced or if a patient’s therapy needs to be changed. Other benefits include a battery life that is up to two times longer than existing leadless options and a unique mapping capability that allows us to precisely determine the correct placement of the device before final attachment in the heart.”

Capital Health’s Electrophysiology team, with experts from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, performs procedures like leadless pacemaker implants to manage and treat patients with conditions that involve abnormal electrical behavior of the heart. To make an appointment at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, or to find an office near you, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.

Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive care with a multi-specialty approach highlighted by the most up-to-date techniques and treatment options. With multiple locations throughout the greater Mercer and Bucks county region, the Institute features the most sophisticated technology guided by highly trained clinical experts in medical fields such as cardiac surgery, general and interventional cardiology, nephrology, podiatry, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and wound management and hyperbaric medicine. For more information, visit capitalheartandvascular.org.

Keeping Life Sweet: Understanding Diabetes for a Healthier You

Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Laura Moran, certified diabetes care and education specialist at Capital Health, will help you understand the process of diabetes in the body, targets and goals for blood sugar readings, and nutrition and exercise guidelines to keep you healthy and enjoying life.

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.

Wellness at Work

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. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of workers in the U.S. suffer from work-related stress. Jenna Straus, licensed clinical social worker from Capital Health Behavioral Health Specialists, will discuss coping strategies to help improve your mental health at work. Maria Fierszt, manager of the Wellness Center at Capital Health, will also share exercises you can do at your desk while you work.

Introduction to Tai Chi

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell

NJ PURE Conference Center, One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534

Tai chi is a form of exercise that helps you to relax your body to reduce stress, release tension, and improve breathing, balance, and coordination. With these benefits, you are able to sleep better and heighten your body awareness, which gives you more energy and allows your body to stay connected. Robert Langley, a tai chi instructor from the Capital Health Wellness Center, will lead this program and help you experience tai chi for the first time! Please wear comfortable clothing.

they approved a contract for the teachers with 4% increase that they needed to pass in order to keep the teachers. They have a 2% annual cap on tax increases. It was no surprise that we were going to need extra funding.

The district has been putting a significant amount of money into its fund balance (budget surplus), because they have some construction challenges that are coming down the road. It’s difficult for residents to understand why they’re putting fund balance away, which is in the millions of dollars, and at the same time asking for tax increases.

So that’s one of the biggest questions that I’m hearing from people. It’s a difficult situation for the district. The district has lost some state aid. They’re also losing students, which is difficult. When you lose students, you also lose state aid. Unfortunately everyone would think, “Well, that’s good then your budget should go down,” but it doesn’t really work that way.

Just because you lost, let’s say 75 students, it doesn’t automatically mean you get to reduce by two classes. Those students are spread out amongst a large population, and you still have to have those classes.

So even though the students are going away, it may not actually correlate to one classroom. You lost one out of different portions of school your population, so the costs don’t go down respectively.

Your state aid goes down, your student population goes down, but your costs don’t really go down in the same way. So it’s been a very, very challenging year for them.

RA: Why is Robbinsville losing students? Is the demographic getting older or changing?

DF: Well, a good chunk of it has been. We have been very mindful of the fact that we have not put in any new (residential) development. As you know, as your population ages, they have less kids.

People here don’t move out, because there’s not a lot of senior developments in

Robbinsville. So if you want to stay here, you’re forced to stay in a regular residential unit. You’re not selling.

People like me. My kids are now gone, but we don’t want to leave. So we’re seeing that lack of turnover create neighborhoods now that don’t have a lot of kids generated in them.

That’s why (the new residential development on) Gordon Road is actually a good thing, because the school district lost 75 students last year. They’re projected to lose another 75 next year.

Gordon Road will help actually fill that gap and keep further erosion of state aid from happening. You do need a little bit of development every once in a while as your your neighborhoods age, because they don’t turn over.

RA: Interesting. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard a public official talk about a situation where not having enough school kids is a bad thing.

DF: You know, like everything, things change. I mean, we have been very mindful not to put any new developments in, and we’ve been mindful of that for the last 20 years. Well, after 20 years of not putting any new development in, the bubble has finally gone all the way through the process, and we’re finally seeing the real results of not adding any new developments.

Now, we may need a little just to make sure that we maintain what we have. If you had ever told me that the superintendent of schools was going to call me to tell me to let Gordon Road go through because he needed the kids, that’s one of those things that, literally, 10 years ago, I would have laughed at you, but it happens.

The municipal budget

RA: I know it’s still early in the process. Can you tell me how this year’s municipal budget is coming together?

DF: So far, we’ve only seen the revenue side of the budget, but it’s coming together very nicely. I have to take a look at the expense side of the budget,

which is the challenging side, with inflation and everything getting more expensive. There’s a lot of things that have been surprising. Health insurance has gone up pretty dramatically, but I am cautiously optimistic that we’re going to be okay. We’ve been very conservative here in Robbinsville, and that that approach continues to pay off.

RA: What do you do in a situation where you might see a number of increases hitting you that are over that 2%? How do you keep yourself from having to go out for a referendum like the school district.

DF: We haven’t ever done that, and we don’t intend to, but it is difficult.

RA: What are some other areas where you you’ve seen increases or decreases in revenue?

DF: We’ve been lucky on the on the revenue side. We’ve got a number of good things happening in terms of ratables. We’ve got some things happening in terms of selling some of our municipal property, and we’ve got some interest in Town Center South.

One of the original redevelopers that we had talked to about Town Center South originally wanted to put in regular residential housing, which we were nervous to do, because we didn’t want to cause any overcrowding in the schools.

They came back to us with a new proposal, that is strictly seniors, and that’s something that’s very interesting to us. We don’t have any senior projects in town. The actual project itself is beautiful and would have no impact to our schools. In fact, it would be a positive ratable.

All in all our financial health is very good. We consolidated banks and we’re now getting a significantly higher interest rate on some of the cash that we have.

We continue to see added interest in the town in terms of people wanting to move into town, which is good. The value of homes in the town keeps increasing, which is great for us because we want to continue to see home values expanding.

When you think about it, that’s a good thing, right? We have the fastest-growing home values in Mercer County. We’re now on par with Princeton. believe it or not.

We have exceeded West Windsor. We’ve exceeded Hopewell. I always look at home values as if I were running my company. I look at stock value. I have to show a return on investments.

For most people in town, their home is the most valuable thing they’ve ever bought, and if I’m increasing their home value, then I’m increasing their own net worth, so that’s actually a very positive thing for our residents.

Michael

Edward

RHS hockey team wins Mercer County Tournament

By Rich Fisher

Sometimes the perfect storm comes along in a good way, blowing in historic achievements on its way through. It happened this winter, as a talented Robbinsville-Allentown co-op ice hockey

team finally won that elusive Mercer County Tournament championship.

“It seemed every year when we had our best teams, that Notre Dame had some juggernaut, or Princeton would be great and win it,” veteran coacn Dan Bergan said. “It’s always something, right?”

This year it was something good, as R-A topped Notre Dame, 3-1, in the MCT finals. Jamison Pike, Zach Duggan and Charlie Luizza had goals while Luke Gensinger notched two assists and goalie Zander Wiley made 28 saves. “It means everything to our team to

win the MCT title and to be the first in team history to do it; it says a lot about our team,” said Gensinger, a senior captain. “There have been so many great teams in Ravens history, but to finally raise the trophy and make history, words can’t describe that accomplishment.”

For Bergan, it ended 15 years of frustration. R-A won a CVC tournament in the Covid-plagued season of 20-21 but this was the first outright county tournament title.

“I’m not gonna say it was now or never,” the coach said with a laugh, “But I’m gonna be 70 next month and I graduate 10 seniors. It will be a rebuilding year next season so who knows how many years I’ve got left.”

After the MCT triumph, R-A ran its winning streak to eight with a 6-0 win over North Hunterdon in the first round of the NJSIAA South Public Co-Op tournament. It was a game that Bergan was worried about going into it, as the Lions had fared better statistically against common foes than R-A despite a losing record.

“We’re the three seed and we’re playing a 14th seed and I’m sitting here scared to death,” Bergan said a day prior to the game.

His fears were unfounded after Jake Lachance’s two goals led five Ravens in the scoring column. Wiley made 19 saves for the shutout.

That gave the Ravens an 18-5 record heading into their Feb. 23 second-round game with Ocean Township, and their win total broke the mark of 17 set by the 2019-20 squad.

While the team is senior-heavy, there is also a mix of sophomores that have

helped out this year. Aside from their obvious talent, both players and coach feel the key to success is togetherness.

“The foundation of this team is just the brotherhood,” Bergan said. “They enjoy playing together, they enjoy each other’s company. They look forward to coming to the rink because they’re hanging out with their guys. For the most part you get the sense there is no place they’d rather be. It’s not work like it is to a lot of other teams.”

Gensinger confirmed his coach’s assessment.

“What makes this team so special is our chemistry,” the senior forward said. “We have a family type of bond on and off the ice, and everyone wants to work together and be better every day. Coach Bergan gives us an advantage every day too, we run the systems and play as a team really well.”

It’s a system being run by quality players, as Robbinsville has three strong lines, two solid defensive pairings and a stud with Wiley in the net.

Entering the Ocean game the senior had 525 saves, a .910 save percentage and six shutouts.

“He’s done an outstanding job,” Bergan said. “When anybody makes a mistake, he’s gotta be the one there to stop it. He’s come up huge for us. You don’t go

18-5 without your goaltender performing admirably and he’s been a stellar backstop for us.

The first line of senior Luizza (20 goals, 35 assists), junior Duggan (31 G, 31 A) and Gensinger (27 goals, 29 assists) had amassed 78 of R-A’s 115 goals and had 59 percent of the team’s points.

“They play like magic together,” Bergan said. “The chemistry is unbelievable with these guys. One is a prototypical power forward, (Gensinger), another is a distributor (Luizza) and Zach Duggan does a little of both. They’re one of the best lines in the CVC, and one of the better lines in public schools throughout the state.”\ The second line is sophomore Lachance (11 G, 7 A), sophomore Jack Lawrence (2 G, 2 A), and senior Jamison Pike (5 G, 12 A).

“They’re all hard workers, good speed guys,” Bergan said. “They play well together.”

The third line features freshman Cole Martinez (1 G, 4 A), sophomore James Morino (3 G, 6 A), who has “really developed nicely,” according to Bergan, and sophomore Alex Margolin (4 G, 5 A).

Also rotating in is sophomore Marcus Johansson, who filled in for Lawrence earlier this season when he was still recovering from an ACL issue.

“I plug him in here and there as

needed,” Bergan said.

The defensive units, which Bergan said “have been the pillars of the team,” pair seniors Colin Rubin (3 G, 14 A) and Brendan Goddeyne (1 G, 6 A) as the first unit, and senior Jack Lawrence (2 G, 2 A) and sophomore Michael Buchanan (2 G, 13 A) as the second.

“I think Rubin is the best defenseman in the CVC,” Bergan said. “And Goddeyne is just a steady Eddie. He’s tough as nails. Not a big guy but plays bigger than he is. Jack Morgan is a not-fun-toplay-against kind of guy, and Buchanan has stepped in nicely into that number four role.”

Asked if his number one line was the best he ever had, Bergan said he would consider it one of his top two best lines. He also rated the team as one of the two best teams he has coached and admitted he had a good feeling about this year.

So did Gensinger.

“I felt very confident coming into this season,” he said. “I knew we had a great team with great skill and coaching, but it was our hard work and dedication that I felt most confident about. Losing last year in the semifinals hurt, but I knew this year we would come back stronger and take our game as a team to a new level.”

They did indeed, take it to a higher level than it has ever been before.

45 is the new 50 for colorectal cancer screening

Ask The Doctor

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that people begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, rather than 50, which was the previous recommendation. The updated guidelines consider the benefits of early detection and treatment for adults with no personal history or increased risk of the disease.

Meera Yogarajah, MD, at the Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute -Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares more about this change and why it is important.

are removed and sent to a lab for further testing. Most patients receive some form of sedation during the test. The advantage of colonoscopy is removal of benign polyps will prevent these growths from turning into a cancer.

at higher risk.

Stop colon cancer — get screened!! Visit rwjbh.org/colonscreening to make an appointment near you.

Dr. Meera Yogarajah

Why did the recommendation change? Research shows a recent increase in colorectal cancer occurring in younger adults. These cancers may be associated with poorer outcomes, as they are diagnosed later.

In response to this trend, the USPSTF, an independent volunteer group of experts in prevention and evidencebased medicine, reviewed new data and concluded that screening for colorectal cancer in adults who are 45 to 49 years old can be helpful in preventing more people from dying of colorectal cancer.

What does colorectal cancer screening entail? Colorectal cancer screening is used to detect cancer and remove precancerous polyps. There are several types of colorectal cancer screening methods. In colonoscopy, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue. If your doctor finds polyps, they

In sigmoidoscopy, the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue. During sigmoidoscopy, abnormal growths in the rectum and sigmoid colon can be removed for analysis (biopsied). People are usually not sedated for this test. However, only the last 20 percent of the colon is examined. Both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed, and stool tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen visually. With these tests, stool samples are collected by the patient using a kit, and the samples are returned to the doctor. People who have a positive finding with these tests will need to have a colonoscopy. Additionally, some newer stool tests rely on detection of DNA from tumors in the stool sample, increasing the accuracy beyond using detection of trace blood alone.

Why is it important to follow these guidelines? According to the American Cancer Society in 2024, an estimated 106,590 cases of colon cancer and 46,220 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the US, and a total of 53,010 people will die from these cancers.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the nation. Colorectal cancer usually does not cause any symptoms until it is advanced and starts to spread through the body. Most colorectal cancers can be prevented through screening and testing at regular intervals, leading to detection and removal of polyps.

Colorectal cancer is largely reventable. This is why it is extremely important to follow the recommended guidelines and get an initial screening at 45 years of age for those at average risk or earlier for those

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.

Tuesday, March 5

Breast Cancer Support Group. 6-7:30 p.m.

The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Road, Hamilton. This Support Group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. Meetings are held in the lobby of The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. The group is led by an Oncology Nurse Navigator and Certified Oncology Social Worker. It offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. For more information please contact Patty Hutman Parker, BSN, RN, OCN, at 609-5842836 or Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSWC, at 609-584-6680.

Wednesday, March 13

Hope for a Bright Future Series—Brunch and Learn. 10-11:30 a.m. Join Meera Yogarajah, MD, the Cancer Center at Robert

Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, for March’s monthly health focus designed to empower people with tips on prevention, early detection, and advancements in cancer treatments helping to provide “Hope for a Bright Future.” Dr. Yogarajah will provide participants with information on colorectal cancer awareness, early detection and colorectal cancer. This program’s panel will also include Maulik D. Shah, DO, Gastroenterology, and Rachel Perez, Gastrointestinal Patient Navigator, The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton.

Tuesday, March 19

Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. 2-3:30 p.m. The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Road, Hamilton. This Group meets in the conference room at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. It brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, education, and empowerment they need to move along the path to recovery. Topics discussed include coping with the emotional impact of cancer, adjusting to changes during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. This program is facilitated by Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Certified Oncology Social Worker. For more information, call (609) 584-6680.

Sharif M. Hatab

Michael Gerstnicker

Maria Garcia-Herreros

Brian A. Smith

Nina A. Cestare

Kameesha Saunders

Kathleen Goodwine

Jessica Leale

Deborah Melicharek

Iris Nitzan

Dale Michele Parello