6-23 RA

Community

and Be�er Health Programs located on page 7

Robbinsville residents take on Trenton over school funding

Letters call on governor to address school aid

deficit

By JONAThAN JAFFe

More than 2,240 residents, to date, have signed individual letters to Gov. Phil Murphy, calling for the Robbinsville Public School District to receive a higher level of funding for the 2023-24 school year.

Robbinsville school officials were surprised to learn that the

state’s proposed fiscal 2024 budget is providing flat funding for the school district, despite inflation and rising fixed costs for insurance, operations, staffing and other contractual obligations. By the state deciding not to increase funding, Robbinsville schools are now facing a $2.2 million deficit. If an increased level of funding is not provided, school officials will be forced to make difficult decisions in terms of staff cuts, elimination of courses and a reduction in extra-curricular activities, while still ensur-

ing the educational quality of the schools are not diminished.

Residents collected letters, which they submitted to schools Superintendent Brian Betze.

The superintendent, Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-14th Dist.) and other supporters delivered the letters in person to the governor’s office on May 22.

There is an urgency to have state officials reconsider Robbinsville’s aid; the upcoming state budget must be adopted by June 30, as per state law.

See LETTERS, Page 6

Mercer tennis legend shares his life story in new memoir

By ANN LOPriNZi

Marty Devlin’s 90 years include a multitude of mindboggling activities, achievements and accolades.

Now he is sharing his remarkable life story in a new book, Ol’ Buddy Devlin: A Memoir Sprinkled with Wit, Wisdom, and Inspiration, which was released in April by Goofer Press.

Well known in athletic circles in his native Mercer County, and even nationwide, Dev-

lin recounts his rise in sports and his personal growth with anecdotes, humor, and vivid storytelling.

I first got to know Devlin while I was the Times of Trenton tennis columnist. After all, you couldn’t write a tennis column for 25 years without mentioning Devlin—and often.

He was, and remains, a Trenton legend. At Trenton Central High School, he was an All-American diver, an All-City quarterback, and an All-State

baseball player.

His biggest claim to fame growing up, however, was at age 15 when he was a member of the Trenton Schroths baseball team that won the 1948 American Legion National Championship.

RHS softball player Katie Fowler shows off her batting stance. For more on Fowler and the team, turn to Page 16. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

2023 budget vote set for June 7

MARK R. GRECO, DMD

1777 Klockner Road

Mercerville, NJ 08619

Practice specializes in Orthodontics ◊ Invisalign

Traditional Braces ◊ Clear Braces

Dentofacial Orthopedics

Most Insurances Accepted

NJ Specialty Lic. #3447

Genius®

3D Mammograms

Now at Windsor

Genius® 3D Mammograms provide arti cial intelligence as another layer of assurance that nothing is missed.

They also provide shorter exam times and greater comfort, reducing our “squeeze” time by 75%.

To schedule, call 609-426-9200 or go to WindsorRadiology.com

Robbinsville Township Council formally introduced a municipal budget of $26.6 million on May 11. A public hearing and vote for adoption is scheduled for June 8.

One change proposed by the spending plan is a modification of the shared services sgreement between the Township and Robbinsville School District.

In March of this year, Council President Debbie Blakely and Councilman Mike Cipriano met with school officials at the request of Superintendent Brian Betze to discuss the many financial challenges the district, as well at the Township, were facing this budget year, particularly with the school being denied millions in expected aid from the state.

Once Council received the budget from the Mayor, it listened to feedback from the School District, the community, and safety professionals in an effort to revise the funding formula of that shared services agreement.

Although the proposed municipal budget already featured a tax increase of 3.7 cents per every $100 of assessed value, upon weighing the concerns of the residents and the district, Council

introduced a budget utilizing $152,000 more from the Township’s surplus to help with the School District’s shortfall.

“We are counting on the district to use those funds to restore a full-time teaching position at the elementary level, as well as restoring courtesy bussing for Town Center East,” Council vice president Mike Todd said.

The net result of the introduced budget, pending final adoption, would slightly increase the proposed municipal tax increase from 3.7 cents to 3.8 cents, or approximately $144 per year, per household.

“A lot of hard work, listening, determination, sacrifice, and compromise went into this decision, but Council feels this was the right thing to do considering the difficult fiscal times facing all of us right now,” Todd said.

The new proposed tax rate of 57.7 cents (from 57.6) is applied to every $100 of assessed value based on the current average assessed value of a home in Robbinsville, which is $379,400.

A penny in Robbinsville Township tax rate is worth $267,128.71. The overall 2023 introduced budget stands at $26,638,576.32.

Advance Advance

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Robbinsville Advance is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ann LoPrinzi, Rich Fisher

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org

Website: robbinsvilleadvance.com

Facebook: facebook.com/robbinsvilleadvance Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

8,000 copies of the Robbinsville Advance are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Robbinsville 12 times a year.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

A proud member of:

In the letter, the community members are also asking the governor to allow the Robbinsville Board of Education to use the previous years’ expired bank cap for operating expenses in the upcoming year.

In their request, they described how the reduction in veteran teachers is affecting the school district, as well as the planned budget cuts.

Jhansi Sadula, the mother of a sophomore at Robbinsville High School, said the letter-writing campaign began on May 11. More than 70 volunteers fanned out through the neighborhoods, knocking on doors, attending youth sporting events and canvassing businesses on Route 33 that residents frequent.

“People are very angry,” Sadula said. “We are losing teachers and extracurricular programs and sports programs. We are all very frustrated and need the governor to allow us to use expired cap funding from the past three budget years to close the deficit.”

to be made if our school district does not receive the adequate funding required,” Betze said.

“Since we learned in March about our state aid amount, we have been meeting with our elected representatives on the state level, as well as the community, to discuss this quandary,” Betze said. “It is widely agreed that the right solution is for the state to review our state aid figures, recognize the problem and reconsider before the state budget is adopted next month.”

Robbinsville is not alone in its financial struggles. Other school districts and politicians on both sides of the aisle are expressing frustration over the randomness of the state’s school funding formula, known as S2. It seems that no one can explain the metrics applied, as some school districts received substantial increases in state aid, while others, of the same size and demographics, sustained major cuts.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

CAUTION

Sadula said the volunteers have also held Zoom information sessions and created an active text string, in which more than 700 community members have joined to commiserate and discuss potential solutions.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT

“We are so appreciative for the outpouring of support from the community, which recognizes the difficult decisions that have

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all the residents who have helped amplify our message during this difficult time,” Betze said. “During my time in Robbinsville, I am continually impressed by the proactive nature of our school community, as well as the heavy parental involvement. The community cares deeply about the quality of our schools, and it is my responsibility to fight for all the support in which this district is entitled.”

8AM-2PM

Dempster Fire School / 350 Lawrence Station Road

Dempster Fire School / 350 Lawrence Station Road 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

Brian M. Hughes, County Executive / John P. Thurber, Chairman / Phillip S. Miller, Executive

RWJUH Hamilton June Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

*All programs require registration.

LUNG CANCER SCREENINGWHO QUALIFIES AND WHEN TO GET SCREENED

Wed., June 7; 5 to 6 p.m.

Lung Screening Program Director, Dr. Eishan Patel and Program Manager

Kaidlan Ricardo, CMA, BS-HA will discuss screening and early detection of lung cancer and treatment options.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wed., June 7 & July 5; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Supportive discussion group for those caring for a loved one who is aging or has a chronic illness-shared experiences can be healing. An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR GUARDIAN ANGELS

Thu., June 8; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. How can we communicate with our Guardian Angels with clarity and purpose? Learn techniques to develop asking and receiving guidance from Angels available to each and every one of us. Donna Sweeney, Reiki Maser, IET® Master Instructor, Angel Healing ® Teacher. Fee:$15

MANAGING STRESS AND DIABETES

Tue., June 13 and July 11; 3 to 4 p.m. Have Diabetes? Join our support group and learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way. Ines Lecerf, LSW PLANT BASED PROTEIN TO POWER YOUR WORKOUT

Tue., June 13; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Plants are powerful and so are you! Learn to support strength and maintain

healthful movement with plant-based sources of protein. Fee: $5. Taryn

Krietzman, RDN

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Wed., June 14; 9 a.m. to noon

Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join our community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A.

Taryn Krietzman, RDN

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN HEARING AIDS-COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR EARS

Wed., June 14; 10 to 11 a.m.

Technological advances in hearing aids allow us to connect to our world in an exciting way! Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. to learn about the latest in treatment options. Hands-on demonstration available after the lecture.

ASK THE DIABETES COORDINATOR

Wed., June 14; noon to 1 p.m. Join us for an informative community Q&A session on how to manage your diabetes.

Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPh, BC-ADM. OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

Wed., June 14 & July 12; 1 to 3 p.m. Ultrasound of heel and personalized information. Appointment and registration required.

WHAT CAN HYPNOSIS DO FOR ME?

Wed., June 14; 6 to 7 p.m. Learn how hypnosis/hypnotherapy can access your own internal abilities. Matt Masiello, CCH will share how hypnosis programs are tailored to meet your specific needs. This informative program will include an overview of hypnotherapy, Q&A’s, and optional guided meditation/ hypnosis session.

SPRING FLING LUNCH AND MUSIC

Thu., June 1; 12 to 3 p.m.

Let’s celebrate Spring together with lunch, music, dancing, and more.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Fri., June 2 and 16; 11:30 a.m. to noon

Wipe away the day’s stress and let in some light. All levels welcome.

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wed., June 7, 14, 21, & 28; 10 to 11 a.m. We gather to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers in partnership with PsycHealth Associates here in Hamilton. This is a weekly program. Attend one or all.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wed., June 14; 6 to 7 p. m

Support and information for family and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease. An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GRUPO DE APOYO DE DUELO

Jueves., 15 Junio; 3 a 4 p.m. Este grupo es para personas que están de duelo por la pérdida de un ser querido. Un lugar donde usted puede compartir sus dificultades con otras personas que han sufrido una perdida similar. Ines Lecerf, LSW

DANCE IT OUT!

Tue., June 20, July 18; 1 to 2 p.m. June 20: All That Jazz July 18: Oldies But Goodies

Never miss a chance to dance! All ages welcome, no experience required.

REIKI? WHAT IS THIS “REIKI”?

Tues., June 20; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You may have heard of the benefits of Reiki, but are still not sure what, exactly, it is or how it works. Come explore what energy work, including Reiki, can do for you. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher KIDS FIT IN THE KITCHEN!

Wed., June 21; 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Nature’s Candy. Cook up some fun and sample healthy foods in new ways! For children ages 5 and older with a parent/ caregiver. Register early – Class size is limited! Fee: $5 per child, $5 per parent/ caregiver. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

SOCRATES CAFÉ

Tues., June 6; 10 to 11 a.m.

“Socrates Café” is about discussing a topic, sharing thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and experiences. Come with an open mind, respect for one another, and a willingness to see where it takes us..

YOGA CLASSES

Tues., June 13 and 27; 10 to 11 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques offering modifications for all. Beginner’s welcome.

DRAWING IN NATURE INTRO AT GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

Wednesday, June 14, 2pm to 3:30 pm Enhance skills in visual memory through observation and rendering of the landscape and nature using graphite, charcoal, pen, and ink. All levels welcome, and all materials provided.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUMMING CIRCLE

Wed, June 21; 7 to 8 p.m.

Join our drumming circle and help drum your cares away. This evidence-based program is shown to reduce blood pressure, calm stress and increase the fun in your life. Drums provided. Fee: $15. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP SAFETY AND SECURITY AWARENESS IN TODAY’S WORLD

Thurs., June 22, 7 to 8:30 am

Learn about cybersecurity, internet scams and how to protect against identify theft, as well as about personal safety at home, in the community and in the work place. Bob Field Jr. Assistant VP of Support Services, Safety and Security at RWJUH Hamilton, has extensive knowledge and practical experience in physical and personal protection.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? *VIRTUAL*

Thu., June 22; noon to 1:00 p.m. All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetable are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! Taryn Krietzman, RDN WISE WOMEN

DISCUSSION GROUP

Thu., June 22; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Join our circle of women as we discuss finding purpose and meaning in our life and community. Ines Lecerf, LSW REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Mon., June 26; 9:00 a.m.

Join us as the senior leadership team at RWJUH Hamilton present the hospital’s recent achievements and plans for the future. Registration is required. Light breakfast will be served.

TIPS ON LOOKING YOUR BEST AT ANY AGE

Fri., June 16; 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Join us for this new program that is all about you – no models, no video. Caterina Young, Owner blo Out Lounge & Color Bar will share makeup tricks, choosing your hairstyle according to your face shape and how to maintain it all.

ADVANCED CARE PLANNING BREAKFAST

Tues; June 19; 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The goal of ACP is to help ensure that people receive future medical care that is consistent with their values, goals, and preferences. Dr. Ali and Ted Taylor will lead this conversation to initiate dialogue between patients, their family or other decision-makers, and their health care providers in consideration with patient’s relationships and culture.

CARING FOR A LOVED ONE SUPPORT GROUP IN SPANISH ¿ESTÁ CUIDANDO A UN SER QUERIDO?

Martes., 27 Junio, 3 a 4 p.m.

Este grupo de apoyo es para CuidadoresPersonas adultas que cuidan a un ser querido que tienen una enfermedad crónica. Es normal que el cuidado de un ser querido a veces produzca frustración y enojo. Pero no tienes que sobrellevarlo solo. Ines Lecerf, LSW

COLOR ME HOOPY? HOOLA HOOP FOR FUN AND FITNESS!

Tues., June 27; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Think you can’t hula-hoop? Think again! It’s much easier to find your rhythm and flow using a “grown up” sized hoop. Learn skills and techniques and have a lot of fun. Hoops provided. $15. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit instructor.

SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT: WATCH PARTY & DISCUSSION

Fri. July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28; 11 a.m. to noon

Join this 4-week program to watch the popular series “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”. Each week we explore one of these 4 central principals of flavor. Watch and discuss how to incorporate the elements into delicious dishes! Taryn Krietzman, RDN AVOID MEDICATION ERRORS

AT HOME

Fri., July 7; 2 to 3 p.m.

Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPh, BC-ADM will help to ensure you are taking medications properly, as ordered by your doctor. Bring all over-the-counter and prescription medications.

TAI CHI AT GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

Thu., June 22; 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

This is a special edition Tai Chi class in nature (weather permitting) and serenity elevating your experience.

TEA PARTY

Fri., June 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Pinkies up! Let’s talk tea and try some famously tasty pairings. Hats are encouraged.

Peace of Mind.

Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products. W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.

Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products. W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price. So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.

Ser ving NJ & PA • 877.999.1886 • nottinghaminsurance.com

Series, and tons of media attention. From those beginnings, he became known for his amazing work ethic and hustle.

DEVLIN continued from Page 1 rence developing a nationally acclaimed intramural program, for Prince Manufacturing as a tennis clinician, and he taught and coached tennis and other sports.

Devlin went on to play baseball at Duke University, but after a year became academically ineligible. He was not interested in continuing his family’s legacy of intellectual pursuits.

Rather, he reached his baseball goal by signing with the Dodgers in 1952 and playing professional baseball through 1959. There was also a stint playing ball in the Army and one as a player–manager with the Orlando Dodgers at 26 years old.

He had the opportunity to play with Sparky Anderson and Tommy Lasorda as teammates and against such other luminaries as Don Zimmer, Willie Mays and Brooks Robinson.

There were many interesting phases in Devlin’s life—including an adventurous childhood and a dislike for school, which he described as being in prison. Sports gave him a new perspective on life and a way to be successful.

After leaving pro ball, Devlin went to The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State College) in Ewing and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education.

He worked for Rider University in Law-

He wanted to share the principles he had developed and became a motivational speaker. Devlin was named as one of the 15 best athletes of the century by the Trentonian newspaper in 1999, has been honored numerous times, and he was inducted into five halls of fame.

Just when you thought there were no more sports for Devlin to excel in, he took up tennis at the age of 36, rose quickly up the senior tennis ladder and attained a world ranking.

What he considers the “biggies” in his life were being the player–manager of the Orlando Dodgers, playing all nine positions in pro baseball, serving on the ski patrol at Mt. Snow in Vermont for over 35 years, growing the Rider intramural program (he worked at Rider for a total of 22 years), teaching tennis and skiing to a quadruple amputee, earning gold balls in senior tennis, and writing and publishing his memoir.

“The greatest accomplishment I ever had was writing the book,” Devlin says. “It was the best education I ever had. I was a jock. I only read one book in high school. This was a labor of love and I’m grateful to my book team for helping to

Ser ving NJ & PA • 877 999

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

make it all happen.”

Devlin started writing his book in longhand nine years ago. He asked me for help with typing it and seeing it through.

I resisted at first because I had no book experience. I finally began working with him six years ago, and I was immediately impressed with what he’d written. Then a year later, I encouraged Devlin to add a professional editor to our team, which already included his wife Mary Ellen, an accomplished researcher, and daughter Tara, who designed his website and book cover. Enter Cathy Kreyche.

“I was encouraged to write a book by so many people, so I started by scribbling it all out,” Devlin says. “Ann gave the book a structure and then Cathy questioned me like a drill sergeant and brought out my feelings. That opened up my eyes. Experiences came to light that I had completely forgotten. It was like going to confession. When she put it all together. It flowed.”

Devlin has been amazed by the response and feedback to his book. Family members couldn’t believe Devlin had it in him, and they learned things about him they had no idea about.

Reviews have included such words as inspirational, educational, motivating, flowing, genuine, compelling, well writ-

ten, and unusual. After reading the book, one woman was inspired to start working out. One guy said he read the whole book in one sitting. Another told Devlin it took courage for Devlin to admit his failures, shortcomings, and mistakes..

At the book launch party at the Mercer County Tennis Center on May 17, a steady stream of friends, family and curiosity seekers stopped by to purchase books and talk to Devlin.

They shared stories and reminisced. One former ski patrol buddy of Devlin’s drove down from Boston to present him with a framed photo.

Another book signing event was held recently at the National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton’s Capital Cup, where old connections were rekindled, new connections were discovered, and people lined up to get their photo taken with Devlin.

Even at 90, Devlin still has an uncanny skill of entering a room, talking to everyone, and making them feel glad they talked to him. The energy in the room ramps up the minute he shows up. People seem to love being around him.

“Talking is easy for me, I can express myself,” says Devlin. “In writing, you’ve gotta find a different way to express yourself. It’s tougher. But I’m getting better at

See DEVLIN, Page 10

Brenda Bilardo

Bunn

it.”

Through the process of writing the book, Devlin says he has learned how and why things happened in his life.

He knows that he’s a problem solver, always looking for a better way to do something, and that was the premise for many of the unbelievable stories in his memoir.

Devlin has slowed down. He has COPD and is currently undergoing medical tests. “My mind is working more and my body less. My mind is sharper than ever, and I can express myself better than ever,” says Devlin. “Lifting things (rocks, logs, a huge leaf blower!) is easy, breathing is the hard part. I’ve learned to manage my COPD, though.”

Devlin says he wanted to write the book to inspire and show people, through his own life experiences, how to overcome challenges and achieve success. The first part of the book is about his life, and the second part is the wisdom of his principles.

“I want to write more,” he says. “I understand about achieving goals and the rewards more than most people do. I don’t take things for granted.”

Devlin’s little slice of heaven is his West Trenton home which includes a tennis court that he built mostly by himself,

with an adjacent gazebo, and an Endless Pool exercise pool in a room added to his house.

A theme throughout the book is his need to get his workout in every day. He still gets that by playing golf, swimming, walking when he can, and giving tennis lessons daily to a large group of dedicated women, whose games are much improved due to his special brand of teaching and repeating “Devlinisms,” the inspirational, funny, memorable expressions he is known for.

“I learn from my ladies. They challenge me. I teach about life. It’s so much fun,” says Devlin, who has a unique ability to connect with, inspire and help people achieve their best. He continues to get letters and messages of thanks.

“I’m not afraid of dying, but I’m in heaven right now and still have a lot of living to do. I look up at the moon and the stars and think about what a powerful universe this is. And how I look forward to dinner at night and my two beers,” says Devlin. “I’ll always be busy.”

Devlin’s website is devlindevlin.com. Sign up there to receive his occasional newsletter. His book can be purchased through Amazon, and copies can be bought locally at Marsilio’s Kitchen. Hopewell Tennis & Swim Center, and Carellas Chocolates and Gifts.

This is where you’ll savor life to the fullest. All in an area known for its wealth of cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, dining and shopping. Vintage at Hamilton is in the center of it all, close to I-195 and the New Jersey Turnpike and just minutes from the Hamilton Train with direct service to New York City and Philadelphia.

RAISE THE FLAG TO A SUMMER OF HISTORIC SIGHTS

Get festive with freedom at these military museums ahead of Flag Day, page 2.

from left

right: The Benjamin Temple House in Ewing, The Armed Forces Heritage Museum at the Captain James Lawrence House in Burlington, and a Nike Ajax missile on display outside the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at Lawrenceville.

Pictures,

to

Flag Down a Whole Month’s Worth of Featured Museums

BY DAN AUBREY AND REBEKAH SCHROEDER

Flag Day on June 14 may mark the date that America adopted the iconic stars and stripes as we now know them in 1777, but it also recognizes the formation of the U.S. Army.

As the two occasions align in this annual patriotic pattern, stitch the imagery of independence with the country’s earliest branch of the armed forces and charge forward to visit these military museums across the region.

Editor’s Note: This month’s Six09 is composed largely of sections from stories that ran in previous issues of U.S. 1, Community News Service’s Princeton metro area paper, on various dates (see the end of the article on page 8 for details).

The content has been updated accordingly for both currency and clarity.

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at Lawrenceville

The original National Guard Militia

Museum of New Jersey is based in Sea Girt, but the secondary site at the Lawrenceville Field Artillery Annex, located on the New Jersey Army National Guard complex, uses its own military weapons, uniforms, photographs, documents, and interpretative texts to chronicle the state’s history of service from the early settlements through the present day.

It also claims to possess one of the largest collections of New Jersey-related Civil War research material in the country, including copies of diaries, letters, newspaper clippings, memoirs, regimental histories, and articles—all while paying attention to the diverse experiences of the New Jersey citizen soldier.

The NJ Militia Museum’s website recommends that visitors come prepared with a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, and enter the National Guard complex through Gate #3. After checking in with the security guard at the booth, follow directions to the parking lot and take note of the outdoor exhibits of historic tanks and large-caliber guns on display.

In a Facebook post, NGMM of NJ referred to the Nike Ajax missiles (see cover), co-designed by Bell Laboratories, as “the world’s first guided, surface-to-air

See Flag Day, Page 4

SIX09

Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Letters: rschroeder@communitynews.org

Website: communitynews.org

Facebook: facebook.com/mercereats

Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

Six09 is inserted into each of Community News Service’s nine hyperlocal monthly publications. Over 125,000 copies are distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

• Back Pain and Neck Pain

• PRP & Stem Cell Therapy

• Knee Osteoarthritis Injections

• Non-Surgical Orthopedics

• Double Board Certified Pain Management Physician

• 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.

Dr. Ronak Patel

Flag Day, continued from Page 2

While the Third New Jersey Regiment refused to give up the red, other state regiments did and created an alleged connection to today’s New Jersey: “The color of the flag adopted by the newly independent state of New Jersey was supposedly patterned after the buff facing of New Jersey’s soldiers in Washington’s army,” the museum noted.

Quickly, visitors learn that there were two uniforms used by New Jersey Revolutionary War soldiers. One was the Frenchmade uniform consisting of a blue coat with “white trim on the hat [that] depicts infantry and the white brocade [that] symbolizes the alliance with France.”

The other was the Colonial Rifleman’s uniform of flax, cotton, wool, and a rifleman’s hat. They also adopted the practice of wearing moccasins for comfort and, since riflemen often served as skirmishers and had to move quickly, mobility.

After a brief stop at the Whiskey Rebellion, when the New Jersey Militia organized 4,000 men to form three infantry and two cavalry regiments as part of a four-state militia force to address a Western Pennsylvania insurrection against the federal tax on whiskey in 1794, the next section transitions into materials on the Civil War. For additional context supplemented by

See Flag Day, Page 6

New Jersey’s only

NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

The National Cancer Institute recognizes only the nation’s most elite cancer centers as Comprehensive Cancer Centers for their groundbreaking research, innovative clinical trials, scientific leadership, resources, and impact on their community. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. With locations across the state, NCI-designated cancer care is never far from home. Visit rwjbh.org/beatcancer or call 844-CANCERNJ

Let’s beat cancer together.

Aubrey’s 2022 Memorial Day article on the Civil War legacies of the region, the Lawrence National Guard Militia Museum stated that New Jersey provided more than 88,000 men to the Union cause—some 10,000 over its quota—who participated in 37 infantry regiments, three cavalry regiments, five artillery batteries, and several independent militia companies. These units fought in both the Eastern and Western theaters of operations and were involved in almost every major battle.

Another text also cited the contributions of Black soldiers, noting that while a state census from the time listed some 4,866 African American men between the ages of 18 and 45, approximately 3,000 served in the Union Army and Navy.

The exhibit expands on the influence of several Civil War military leaders, such as Major General George B. McClellan, who later became Governor of New Jersey, and features a map of Trenton’s Civil War camps, such as Camp Olden and the Trenton Barracks, as well as Trenton Grand Army of the Republic memorabilia.

The following stop, Aubrey continued, focuses on the 1898 Spanish-American War, where “the declaration of war with Spain found the New Jersey National Guard

ready and eager to meet the call for troops.”

Then 20th and 21st-century conflicts take over a major section of the exhibition area with objects from World Wars I and II and the Vietnam War, which yielded the last U.S. military weapons on display at the museum.

While “war trophy” weapons from the Gulf War are on display, current military weapons are not, Kale added.

Director-curator Staff Sergeant

Andrew Walker confirmed in a quote that what Kale cited as one of the museum’s most unusual objects, “an Up-Armored Humvee door where the window ‘caught’ an RPG in Iraq between 2004 and 2005,” brings home the danger of war by showing the crater of the impact—as well as the technology that enabled soldiers to survive.

But these messages of endurance are

just as palpable when crossing over to storytelling, as the NGMM of NJ oversees the Center for U.S. War Veterans’ Oral Histories in partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, which has recorded interviews with over 600 veterans across varying campaigns and arms of service.

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville Armory, 151 Eggert Crossing Road, Lawrenceville. Free admission and parking. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on state holidays. (609) 213-3296 or njmilitiamuseum.org/lawrenceville.

Armed Forces Heritage Museum

The Armed Forces Heritage Museum is headquartered at the Captain James Lawrence House, a state-owned building on the campus of the Burlington County Historical Society that was once the family home of the naval officer who lent his name to Lawrence Township.

As commander of the USS Chesapeake during its capture during the War of 1812, Lawrence is said to have issued a fierce battle cry of “Don’t give up the ship!” as his last words, which became a rallying message

Flags fly at the entrance to the NGMM of NJ at Lawrenceville, upper left, and the Armed Forces Heritage Museum, lower left, the latter of which operates out of the Captain James Lawrence House in Burlington, right.

that lived on centuries after he perished in the attack.

That quote shares a similar inspiration for AFHM Executive Director Roy Plummer, who persevered in the decade-long process of opening the museum.

His concept originated back in 2010 as a brick-and-mortar educational center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which Plummer noted in “Welcome to the Armed Forces Heritage Museum,” from this year’s February 22 issue of U.S. 1.

After reconfiguring the format, the volunteer, nonprofit organization toured across Burlington County with a 32-foot mobile unit instead.

The Burlington County Historical Society campus comprises several historical buildings in Burlington City and previously hosted several of AFHM’s “Living History” lectures with veterans, so the groups built on this relationship to establish the physical AFHM museum at the Lawrence House.

Now with both permanent and rotating exhibits, Plummer continued, the organization plans for new additions like the “Immersive Experience Room,” which “will allow visitors to have an interactive, audiovisual journey into an aspect of our nation’s rich military history.”

To take a brief tour of the 1740s-era house online, visit the AFHM YouTube channel at youtube.com/@afhmus5700

The Armed Forces Heritage Museum, Captain James Lawrence House, 459 High Street, Burlington. Free. Open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. afhmus.org.

Clarke House

The Clarke House at Princeton Battlefield State Park, built by Quaker farmer Thomas Clarke in 1772 on a vast acreage of farmland, is the sole surviving building from the Revolutionary War era and played a key role on the front lines of the Battle of Princeton.

According to the Princeton Battlefield Society website, when the Clarke family converted their farmhouse residence into a

The Thomas Clarke House, above, is known as the site where General Hugh Mercer was mortally wounded during the Battle of Princeton. “The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777,” an oil painting by John Trumbull, depicts this moment, left, with Mercer pictured at the center.

field hospital in the aftermath of the battle, they tended to injured men from both sides of the conflict. Although the Americans had secured a victory at the site, Continental Army General Hugh Mercer ultimately died from his combat wounds, with Mercer County later named in his honor.

Today, the Clarke House serves as a museum that features Revolutionary War exhibits and artifacts. Visitors are encour-

aged to walk around the battlefield and view the colonnade memorial by Thomas Ustick Walter, who served as the fourth architect of the United States Capitol.

The Thomas Clarke House, Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton. Free admission. Program fees

Flag Day, continued from Page 7

may apply. Wednesday to Friday tours by appointment only. Hours: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 609-921-0074 or pbs1777.org

Benjamin Temple House

The Benjamin Temple House at Drake Farm Park in Ewing was built circa 1750, taking its name from an early area settler and prosperous farmer. Temple was the friend, as well as the brother-in-law, of Declaration of Independence signer and Hopewell resident John Hart.

While the Temple family maintained and modified the Georgian-style house at the border of Ewing and Hopewell for 150 years, records show that the house was

eventually sold in 1903 to Patrick Ryan, whose family operated a dairy there for the next half century at its spot along Pennington Road.

The Ewing Township Historical Preservation Society now operates out of the structure, which was moved and saved from demolition alongside its now-owner, Ewing Township, during the construction of Interstate 95 in the early 1970s.

From its relocated spot at Federal City Road on 26 acres of parklands, the landmark, sometimes referred to as the Old Ryan Farm or the Temple-Ryan Farmhouse, is active as a museum and a central hub for Ewing history.

Benjamin Temple House, 27 Federal City Road, Ewing Township. Free. Hours: Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.; open house tours held on the first Sunday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; all other times

are by appointment only with the site manager. 609-883-2455 or info@ethps.org

Washington Crossing State Park

But before the troops could successfully defeat British forces in Princeton, General George Washington’s troops famously crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night, 1776.

As he led his men to confront the Hessians, the future president paved the way for Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville to become another reservoir of Revolutionary War historical knowledge.

Starting May 28, the Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association, or WCPA, will host free guided history tours on Sundays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum

According to the NJDEP website, these begin with the museum’s two galleries: one where guests can watch and discuss the NJN-produced film “Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty” in the auditorium, which documents the time between Washington’s Crossing and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and another that houses the “over 500 authentic Revolutionary War artifacts” on loan from the Swan Historical Foundation Collection.

Managed IT Services by

Other stops include Sullivan Drive and Continental Lane, the Stone Barn, and the landing overlook by the Johnson Ferry House. Tickets must be reserved in advance via the WCPA’s page on EventBrite.

The Johnson Ferry House is a circa 1740 farmhouse that overlooks the Delaware River. Historians believe that Washington’s men might have stayed here prior to utilizing the transport services and making the journey across the freezing cold waters. The building is furnished with Colonial-era period pieces and reproductions, including an 18th-century kitchen garden.

Washington Crossing State Park is free to enter until July 1, at which point a $5 cash fee will be implemented every weekend until Labor Day on September 4.

Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, Hopewell Township. Free. Hours (Visitor Center Museum): Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 609-737-0623.

Hours (Johnson Ferry House): Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon, then 1 to 3:45 p.m. 609-737-2515. WashingtonCrossing@dep.nj.gov

More Sites to Salute

The Old Barracks, which were origi-

nally constructed during the French and Indian War in 1758 to house British soldiers, notably sheltered the Hessian forces during the Battle of Trenton. The site now actively hosts historical tours and events.

The Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices: adults, $10; students and seniors, $8; active military and children under five years of age, free. 609-396-1776 or barracks.org

Hamilton’s “Pepper House,” described online as “the first Civil War Museum in New Jersey,” has yet to reopen to the public since it closed “temporarily” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the circa 1730 John Abbott II House down the road at 2200 Kuser Road remains in use by the Historical Society of Hamilton Township, with weekend hours from noon to 4:30 p.m.

The Civil War and Native American Museum, 2202 Kuser Road, Hamilton

Those looking for a one-of-a-kind trip into art, history, and New Jersey culture only need to drive less than an hour outside of the area code to join members of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society for free tours of the Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center, which is located at the active US military base that is part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Whether you come to see exhibits in the aircraft hangar, the stained glass pieces at the Cathedral of the Air on the site’s border, or to visit where the infamous Hindenburg disaster took place, the naval history here makes the visit worthwhile.

Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center, Hangar One, Lansdowne Road, Lakehurst. Free. (732) 323-6547 or nlhs.com

As a final note, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton also has a formidable collection of Civil War flags recovered from military units raised in New Jersey, encompassing nearly 200 cavalry, volunteer regiment, and captured Confederate battle flags that rotate through the exhibit.

***

The articles quoted and referenced, in order of online publication date: “Explore military history at National Guard Militia Museum” from November 10, 2021; “Free and Easy — Day Tripping With Kids” from March 16, 2022; and “Naval Lakehurst Keeps History Flying High” from February 8, 2023, were all written by Dan Aubrey and are available at www.communitynews.org.

Princeton Festival

Five Grammy Winners Plus Pulitzer Prize Recipients Featured

This year’s 16-day Princeton Festival showcases five recent GRAMMY® winners, including works by two recipients of the Pulitzer Prize for Music. The nineteenth season of the Festival, presented by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, runs Friday, June 9 - Sunday, June 25. Tickets may be ordered online or by calling 609-497-0020.

The following events feature or honor GRAMMY winners.

• Friday, June 9. The trio Time For Three, winners of the 2023 GRAMMY for “Best Classical Instrumental Solo,” open the Festival with their unique brand of genre-defying music.

• Saturday, June 10. In “Aretha – A Tribute,” the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and dynamic vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw sing hit songs by Aretha Franklin, who won 18 GRAMMYS during her illustrious career.

• Saturday, June 17. The Attacca Quartet, which won two out of the last four GRAMMYS for chamber music (2020 and 2023), team with dancers from American Repertory Ballet in a music and contemporary ballet program that includes works by 2002 Pulitzer Prize winner John Adams and Caroline Shaw, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for

Music (2013) and three GRAMMYS (2014, 2020, 2022) of her own.

• Monday, June 19. Singer, Met Opera star, and composer Will Liverman headlines a Juneteenth concert of spirituals and songs celebrating Black composers. Liverman’s 2023 GRAMMY recognized the recording of Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones, in which he sang lead.

The Festival takes place June 9-25 at Morven Museum & Garden, with performances almost every day, among them Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, hilarious improvisation with Broadway’s Next Hit

Musical, Andrew Lippa’s musical tribute to Harvey Milk, a collaboration of Attacca Quartet & American Repertory Ballet, a Juneteenth Celebration featuring Met Opera star Will Liverman, a “feel good” Mazel Tov Cocktail Party!, Peter and the Wolf Family Concert, and more.

2023 Princeton Festival tickets range in price from $10 - $125. While most performances take place in an outdoor performance pavilion at Morven Museum & Garden, some are located inside at Trinity Church. For dates, times, program information, and tickets, visit princetonsymphony. org/festival or call 609-497-0020.

About The Princeton Festival. The Princeton Festival is the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s flagship summer program showcasing the performing arts. Founded in 2004, the Princeton Festival quickly established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. Every year in June, thousands of people from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond come to the Festival to enjoy the quality and variety of its programs. Offerings include opera, musical theater, dance, orchestra and chamber music, and a constantly evolving selection of other genres, including jazz, world music, choral concerts, and country music. The Festival has longstanding partnerships with public libraries and local churches, and promotes life-long learning in the arts through free educational lectures presented to a wide and diverse community.

See ad, page 11

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

2023 Grammy Award winners Time For Three open the June 9-25 Princeton Festival at Morven Museum & Garden. Photo by Shervin Lainez.

*enter code in the comment box

BLEND - Hamilton

Save the Date: Central Jersey Beer Fest Is October 14

Blend Bar and Bistro opened its doors in Hamilton in October of 2012 and created an anniversary event that has grown into a tasting extravaganza, the Central Jersey Beer Fest. 2023 marks Blend’s 11-year anniversary and this year’s event on Saturday, October 14th will be no exception. Blend also hosts smaller events at their restaurant location year-round.

Festival coordinator Antonio Carannante, and co-owner of Blend Bar and Bistro in Hamilton, is justifiably pumped. In the past #CJBeerFest featured a tasting of more than 150 craft beers, some wines, even a few spirits, up to 10 food trucks, live bands, and a variety of other vendors, including axe throwing. The festival has attracted an average of 3000+ festival lovers, Folks come from all over the Mercer County area, but even groups of family and friends from Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, the Carolinas, California, New York, and more.

FaIrS & FeStIvalS SpecIal SectIon

“As with past events, we will have a strong focus on education and safety all throughout the festival grounds. Our slogan is ‘Drink Responsibly and Have Fun.’” You must be 21+ to enter. We always recommend inviting a designated driver, getting a ride, and using Ride Share options. Tip: schedule a ride a head of time.

The event will provide patrons with an unparalleled chance to sample craft beers from a wide variety of brewers, even if you “think” you don’t like beer. It’s a great chance to have a small sampling of so many new styles with different flavor profiles including some cocktails in a can, ciders and seltzers.

The beer tasting is allowed for four solid hours during the festival, but there is so much more to the event; creative food vendors, great live music and backyard games, such as bean bag toss, ladder ball, and more, to make the festival a lively day out.

“With all the other things going on, we encourage our guests to hang out while eating, listening to live music, playing games, and supporting our various other vendors, all the while remembering to drink responsibly.”

Check out our websites and social media accounts. For tickets and up to date info www.blendbar.com and www. CJBEERFEST.com

The event is rain or shine and tents will be set up in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate. Outside food and beverages are not allowed but bring your lawn chairs or even a pop-up tent. The Central Jersey Beer Fest keeps getting bigger and better so start fall off with a bang and be part of the fun. Share your photos and experience of the event using

#CJBEERFEST on all major social media outlets. Visit www.cjbeerfest. com to purchase your tickets by June 30, 2023, for the last chance to SAVE BIG using code CNS2023. This event will sell out!

You may contact us at Blend Bar & Bistro, 911 Route 33, Hamilton. drinks@blendbar.com and info@ cjbeerfest.com. If you need to speak to someone regarding the festival sponsorship and marketing opportunities, you can reach Antonio at 609-817-5550. See ad, page 12.

L.E.A.D. FEST

Coming to Mercer County Park June 30 to July 9

Carnivals and state fairs are beloved summer traditions. There’s no better place for the whole family to enjoy rides, food, music and fun than at 2023 L.E.A.D. FEST events. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s events include carnivals and a 10-day State Fair taking place from June 30 to July 9 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township. Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders and families. The Allentown-based nonprofit’s programs help to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence. L.E.A.D. is

committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities.

“The L.E.A.D. State Fair saw its biggest year ever in 2022 with more than 50,000 attendees. We hope to hit a new milestone in 2023,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Funds raised

Saturday, October 14th 12pm

Mercer County Park **Live Entertainment**

Purchase Beer Fest tickets in June at CJBEERFEST.com for the Biggest Savings!

Use code: CNS2023

at our carnivals and the State Fair are important to L.E.A.D.’s mission, allowing us to make our programs more accessible to a greater number of youngsters in the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to bring more amazing events to New Jersey this year. Our goal is to create family-friendly, community-based events that are fun for everyone while at the same time promoting anti-drug and anti-violence activities in the state.”

The jam-packed State Fair promises something for everyone including free nightly musical entertainment as well as a Business and Craft Vendor Tent on the weekends. Favorite fan attractions include Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the always-popular pie eating contest, a petting zoo, educational puppet Granpa Cratchet and Cowtown U.S.A., an all-day exhibit that contains an old-time creamery where patrons participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand. The State Fair’s midway provider, Reithoffer Shows, will ensure there’s plenty of delicious food, carnival games and prizes, and rides for children and adults alike — from a first-class Kiddie Land to super-spectacular thrill rides and

everything in between.

Gate admission is $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. General admission, ride tickets, and Mega Passes are on sale now at theleadfest.com. Purchase tickets early for special presale discounts!

Additional L.E.A.D. FEST carnivals bring the fun to different locations throughout the Garden State this summer. General admission, ride tickets and Mega Passes for all carnivals can be purchased in advance online at theleadfest.com.

Westfield Garden State Plaza (One Garden State Plaza, Paramus) from May 25-29; May 31-June 4; and June 7-11. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Midway will be provided by Reithoffer Shows. “This year, our Paramus event starts on Memorial Day weekend,” DeMauro said. “Attending the carnival that weekend is a great way to have fun and usher in the start of the summer season.”

Monmouth Mall (180 Route 35, Eatontown) from June 2-12. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

Woodbridge Center (250 Woodbridge Center Dr., Woodbridge Township) from June 2 -11. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

Mercer County Park from June 30 to July 9. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5 to close and Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from 3 p.m. to close. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

For more information and tickets, visit theleadfest.com. For more information about L.E.A.D., visit leadrugs.org or email info@leadrugs. org.

See ad, page 16

Trenton Farmers Market

Jersey fresh since 1939

Residents of the Trenton region have relied on the Trenton Farmers Market to provide locally grown Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables since 1939. Starting off along the river in South Trenton, the Market moved to 960 Spruce Street in Lawrence Township in 1948. We’re celebrating 75 years on Spruce St. this year!

During the summer season, Trenton Farmers Market boasts half a dozen farmers from Mercer, Burlington and Atlantic Counties, many who are third generation family famers. The local season starts in April with cool weather crops like lettuce, arugula, asparagus, bok choy, leeks and spinach. May brings our famous local strawberries, kale, & leeks. June brings the first local blueberries, a brief cherry season, early beans, cabbage and carrots, and of course, sweet Jersey corn. That can only mean that Jersey tomatoes, peaches, nectarines and plums are coming in July! Local Jersey Fresh fruits and produce (including organics) will be available at Trenton Farmers Market now through November. We even have a mushroom farmer who brings both beautiful and flavorful mushrooms in many varieties.

Local fruits and vegetables are just part of the story at the Trenton Farmers Market. The Market has worked very hard to change with the times and to bring vendors in who help make the Market a destination beyond the area’s best produce.

The Trenton Farmers Market just wouldn’t be complete with our two Amish vendors, Cartlidge’s Meats, and King Foods. Fresh, top-quality meats and prepared foods with that homemade Amish country goodness are what brings so many people back week after week. Another top vendor is Pulaski Meats, the areas best connection for amazing luncheon meats, pierogies, and many other Polish and Eastern European specialties.

If that isn’t tempting enough, consider the Market’s TWO vegan eateries — Lady & The Shallot and the Savory Leaf Café! Every Saturday the Market features Terra Momo Bread Company — baguettes, croissants, focaccia, simple sandwiches,

whole grains, rye and sweet treats, too! Speaking of sweet, our own Pie’d Piper has its own following for overstuffed donuts, pies, cakes, salads and more, they are way more than a bakery. Nothing goes with great baked good like an awesome cup of locally roasted and ground coffee at Kafe Ojala or any one of hundreds of loose teas, matcha, bubble teas and fresh quiche at the Tea for All tea shop.

What’s that irresistible smell? No matter where you enter the market, chances are you’ll notice the unmistakable smell of BBQ — beef, brisket, pork, chicken, beans, corn bread and more at Hambone Opera — praised by both the Food Network and the New York Times always pleases hungry shoppers. Great for take-home dinner or eat-in lunch!

Since no one lives on food alone, the Trenton Farmers Market also features over a dozen artisan makers, creators and sellers who have been carefully curated for our shoppers. You will find handmade soaps, bath products and skin lotions, you will find our wildly popular Sea Moss vendor, textiles, woodcraft, jewelry, hand poured candles, oils and scents even a gluten free / vegan baker! And because we know pets are an important part of the family, the market has a dog treat “barkery” and vendor who sells anything you might need for your pet’s health and happiness. Need a watch or clock repaired? We have a guy. Need something from a variety store? We have a guy. We even have a smoke shop outside the market where you can try your luck at the lottery or stock up on smokes and supplies. Coming soon: a full-service lunch spot just outside the market that will be bringing sausage & peppers, burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Watch for the Grand Opening this summer. And watch for our night market and holiday market later this

year.

When was the last time you made a visit to the Trenton Farmers Market? Rediscover what thousands already know, that Jersey Fresh is ALWAYS in season at the Trenton

Farmers Market. 960 Spruce Street, Lawrence. Hours: Wed-Sat 9am6pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Visit www. thetrentonfarmersmarket.com, Like us on Facebook & Instagram. See ad, page 10

HELP WANTED

Part time advertising/ sponsorship customer service representative. Work with sales team to maintain customer base. Must be very proficient in Microsoft Office 365. 15 hours per week, $15.00/hour. Position in Allentown, NJ. Angelo@ FoxRunGroup.com

Part-time secretary in Dr’s office. Evening and Saturday work, some secretarial experience preferred. Please call 609-587-2255 or fax resume to 609-587-7255.

KEEP YOUR DAY JOB Work

Part-Time and Make an Extra $1000 or More Per Month! Visit the website below for more information: www.livegood. com/liveandthrive

WHAT WOULD A RELIABLE RESIDUAL INCOME MEAN FOR YOU? Take Control of Your Future With A Reliable Residual Income. Visit: areliableincome.com/prosper

GET PAID DAILY! WORK FROM HOME! Call: 609-510-0292

SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358. Senior Concierge. Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Very good references. Call Mary Anne, 609-298-4456.

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.

Attention Single Men 64 – 71 Local matchmaker is seeking an educated, nice, tall gentleman for one of my client’s. No Fees! Contact Jill Elliott 215-539-2894.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel.

4thelovofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.

HappyHeroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy DrewJudy 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

Cash paid for World War II military items.Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@optonline.net

REAL ESTATE WANTED

WE BUY HOUSES We are a premier real estate solutions company. We buy houses in any condition and pay you cash. Call 732-965-6338

COMMERCIAL SPACE

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: ARE YOU LOOKING FOR OFFICE SPACE IN EWING BUT CAN’T AFFORD OR DON’T NEED AN ENTIRE SUITE? DO YOU NEED TO RENT BY THE DAY? SUITE CURRENTLY IN USE BY TWO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. SUITABLE FOR ANYONE NEEDING A qUIET, CLEAN AND ACCESSIBLE WORKPLACE. RENT INCLUDES USE OF SMALL KITCHEN, WAITING ROOM, PARKING, CLEANING SERVICE AND WIFI. CALL 609-635-3751 OR EMAIL suppsoln27@yahoo.com FOR DETAILS.

3,500 SF OFFICE SPACE, Ewing/Mercer County, FREE RENT, 201-488-4000 or 609883-7900

3 ROOMS + POWDER ROOM

$1,350/MTH Includes gas, electric & water, plenty of

To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to mdurelli@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 105.

parking. variety of uses retail/offices/medical/ professional/ services/ studio/ boutique, etc. Great road visibility in well maintained Globus Plaza in Allentown bordering Hamilton Twp. Call DiDonato Realty 609-5862344/ Marian Conte 609947-4222. 3,500 SF OFFICE SPACE, Ewing/Mercer County, FREE RENT, 201488-4000 or 609-883-7900 office space For Rent: Pennington ground floor office space 32 N Main Street. Share with clinical psychologist and real estate management company. Private entrance, off street parking. 305-968-7308

Princeton Commercial

Retail Spaces for Lease: Various Locations in Town. Please Contact: Weinberg Management. WMC@ collegetown. Text 609-7311630

VACATION RENTALS

Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609-577-8244 for further information

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to sell. Relocating out of state. Large space, great potential. Available to share. Call 609462-0188.

CEMETERY PLOTS

For sale double depth cemetery plot. Location Princeton memorial park, Gordon Road, Robbinsville. Call 609-259-7710.

FOR SALE SINGLE

MAUSOLEUM CRYPT, Lower Level, Princeton Memorial

Park, Robbinsville. Call 609712-3610

NATIONAL CLASSIFIED Health & Fitness

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 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 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

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

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!

Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-4791516

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Switch and save up to $250/ yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

MobileHelp,America’spremier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/onetime $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833758-3892

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like

senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring. com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads

Diagnosed with lung cancer? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-877-648-2503

Friday, June 30 through Sunday, July 9, 2023

Monday – Friday 5 PM – 11 PM

Saturday/Sunday/July 4 th 3 PM – 11 PM

diSCountEd PrE-SalE MEGa PaSSES aVailaBlEonlinE at WWW.thElEadFESt.CoM until Friday, JunE 30th For $25, inCludinG GatE adMiSSion.

FREE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, June 30 at 6:45 PM: tequila rose

Saturday, July 1 at 7:00 PM: Southern Steel

Sunday, July 2 at 7:00 PM: to Be determined

Monday, July 3 at 7:30 PM: B Street Band

tuesday, July 4 at 6:00 PM: Pure Petty

Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30 PM: Cosmic Jerry Band

thursday, July 6 at 7:00 PM: lovelight

Friday, July 7 at 7:30 PM: the British invasion Experience

Saturday, July 8 at 3:00 PM: andrew lobby

Saturday, July 8 at 7:00 PM: Kindred Spirit

Sunday, July 9 at 7:00 PM: to Be determined

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

DINE & DONATE DAY

1973

YEARS

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

RISTORANTE & PIZZA

UPCOMING CHARITABLE EVENTS:

2023

JULY 9: Joeys Little Angels

AUGUST 6: Whats My Name

SEPTEMBER 10: Ryans Quest

$21,268.79

OCTOBER 8: I Believe in Pink

NOVEMBER 12: Shine & Inspire

1973

DECEMBER 10: OneProjectNJ & Mobile Meals of Hamilton

DOUGH RAISED:

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

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

YEARS

MAR.12: The Hamilton YMCA $4,398.07

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

May 21: The Miracle League $4,860.53

2023

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

Robbinsville High School Class of 2023 top 10 seniors

Araash Ahuja University of Pennsylvania

Wharton School of Business, Finance and Statistics

Career Plans: Hedge Funds and Entrepreneurship.

Planned College Activities: Business Fraternity, Hedge Fund Club, Quant Trading Club, South Asia Society, DJ@P, Volleyball. Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Executive Council, Student Council, Robotics. Person who inspires you: My grandma, who easily appreciates life despite her Alzheimher’s condition.

Inspirational quote: “Count your blessings, not your problems.” -Drake Favorite high school memory: of gym classes with Coach K.

Chaitanya Bhimineni

Rutgers, Computer Science and Finance

Career plans: Financial Services Industry. Planned college activities: Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government, Greek Life, Research in Financial Analytics.

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Class Council (President), Future Business Leaders of America (State Central Region Vice President and School President), Science National Honors Society (President), Virtual Enterprise (CEO and Chairman of the Board), Model United Nations (Vice President), Debate Club, National Honors Society, Track and Field.

Person who inspires you: My dad. He always pushes me to be a better version of myself and supports me in the pursuit of all my goals. Immigrating from a small, rural vil lage in India, he built a successful career

“Everything happens for

Favorite High School memory: The 2022 FBLA State Leadership Conference, where I was elected to serve nearly 7,000 students in NJ as their Central Region vice president. The pure adrenaline rush that I experienced while walking onto the stage is something that I will never be able to forget.

Anisha Biswas

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Computer Science

Career plans: Game Development.

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Girls Who Code, Crew (drama + musical).

Person who inspires you: My compsci teacher, Mrs. Vaidyanathan, because she is someone who puts her 100% into everything and always has so much passion for every single thing she does. I wouldn’t be where I am without her, and I wouldn’t love my future major as much as I do if she wasn’t my teacher.

Inspirational quote: sible until it’s done.”

Favorite High School memory: Eating outside for lunch with my friends. There’s nothing quite like enjoying the weather and spending your short break with the people who bring you the most amount of joy in the world.

Hannah Blank

Cornell, Materials Science

Career plans: Research of new materials, especially clean energy and the environment. Planned college activities: Cornell Marching Band. a dance troupe (specifically a tap group).

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Raven Regiment Marching Band (captain my senior year), Civics Club.

My brother Sam. He is two years older than me so I was able to watch him do everything first growing up, and he set a good example. Sam never seems scared to try new things and is great at pursuing what he wants. He is very creative which makes him a great composer and at making up stories. He always thinks

Araash Ahuja Chaitanya Bhimineni Anisha Biswas Hannah Blank Sohum Dhru

of creative solutions to problems I don’t believe are solvable, and he’s funny.

Inspirational quote: “On board, I’m the captain, so climb aboard. We’ll search for tomorrow on every shore” - Come Sail Away by Styx.

Favorite High School memory: Conducting the marching band home show my senior year. It was exciting to see the show from a new perspective. It was also amazing to be in front of such a great group of people and have all the sound and drill directed towards me.

Sohum Dhru

U. of South Florida and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Finance

Career plans: After college, I plan on attending medical school to pursue a career as a physician and work in the pharmaceutical industry.

Planned college activities: Pre-Med Student Association, Investment Club, Quantitative Analysis Club, Toastmasters International, Table Tennis Club.

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Tennis, Model UN, Chess Club, National Honors Society, Math Honors Society.

Person who inspires you: My parents. They have taught me how to engender success and happiness in various facets of life.

Inspirational quote: “Go to bed better than you woke up.”

Favorite High School memory: Playing cards every day at the end of junior year.

Hammad Farooqi

Princeton, Computer Science

Career plans: Startup developer.

Planned college activities: Electric Formula Racing Team, Running Club, Chess Club.

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: School Executive Council Treasurer, Nemesis FIRST Robotics Team, Model United Nations, Cross Country, National Honor Society, Chess Club.

Person who inspires you: Chinese chess player Ding Liren’s uphill journey to chal-

lenge for and earn the World Champion title despite countless hurdles, including travel restrictions and constant sickness.

Inspirational quote: “I am afraid. Not of life, or death, or nothingness, but of wasting it as if I had never been.” - Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon

Favorite High School Memory: I will never forget drowning under endless confetti after coaching our school robotics team to the World Championship Grand Finals on the prestigious Einstein Field.

Abhinav Kotapati

Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, (7-year Medical Program with RowanVirtua SOM), Biology and Psychology

Career Plans: Medicine & Biomedical Research.

College Activities: Emergency Medical Services, Physician Scientists Association, Badminton Club, Microbiology Lab Research.

Club/sports teams at RHS: National Honors Society, Math Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, Tennis, Technology Student Association, Research Club, FMLA. Person who inspires you: My parents, because they give me unconditional support and have shown me the true meaning of hard work. They have been my role models and encourage me to always have an optimistic outlook toward life and work my hardest.

Undergraduate Research Journal, Shadowing and Volunteering at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, Hopkins Emergency Response Organization, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Nu Rho Psi.

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Math League, Math Honors Society, Science Honors Society, National Honors Society, Science Olympiad, ONE Project, Future Medical Leaders of America, Tennis.

Person who inspires you: My mother. She chose to be a stay-at-home mother so she could raise me to the best of her ability. Her dedication toward our entire family inspires me to dedicate myself and work hard every day.

Inspirational quote: “The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible battles inside all of us–that’s where it’s at.” - Jesse Owens

Favorite High School memory: When I won medals in all of my events during my freshman year science olympiad season. The feeling that comes with seeing your hard work throughout the year pay off and besting seniors from across New Jersey as a freshman is unbeatable.

Chiraag Nadig

University of Maryland at College Park, Computer Science

Career plans: Artificial Intelligence Eengineer.

voice.” - Steve Jobs

Favorite High School memory: When I drove my high school friends to the Poconos to ski from morning to sunset.

Srinand Tanakala

Rutgers University, Biology

Career plans: Cardiothoracic surgeon. Planned college activities: American Medical Student Association, American Physician Scientists Association, Taekwondo sports club.

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Throwing team (Track and Field), Cross Country. president of the Future Medical Leaders of America, Math League, Research Club, Science Olympiad team.

Name a person who inspires you: My Dad. Out of everyone, he is the one who showed me that at the end of the day, hard work will prevail. You can only expect the amount you put in and the harder you try, the more you can expect to gain.

Favorite inspirational quote: “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” - Anne Rice

Favorite High School memory: I gazed intently at my watch, waiting for the minute hand to strike 12, signaling the end of today’s session. My sole anticipation revolved around one simple pleasure: dinner. As soon as the session adjourned, my companion and I made our way toward a ramen store, aching for the comforting taste of warm noodle soup amid the freezing weather.

Planned college activities: Recreational Volleyball, musical clubs including singing and playing piano.

Einstein

Inspirational quote: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them” - Albert

Favorite High school memory: Our senior class trip to Disney. Traveling from ride to ride, exploring the busy parks, and watching the fireworks with all my friends.

Sarthak Mohapatra

Johns Hopkins, Neuroscience

Career plans: Medicine.

Planned college activities: Research and Publication through the JHU Neuroscience

Clubs/sports teams at RHS: Founded out-ofschool club called Smile Check RHS students that brings smiles to our community through various performing arts and games, MUN travel team, the Advanced Committee, National Honor Society, Computer Science National Honor Society.

Person who inspires you: Steve Jobs because he had an incredible drive to accomplish his vision and he disregarded people’s criticism and negative opinions of his vision.

Inspirational quote: “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner

The cool breeze brushed against my face as I navigated through the new city, prompting tears to well up in my eyes. “So this is it,” I thought. “This is what college will be like.” I relished the novel sense of independence, venturing out into the night with just my friend by my side. Free from any burdens of homework assignments or projects, I was able to only hope that this moment could last longer.

Hammad Farooqi Abhinav Kotapati Sarthak Mohapatra Chiraag Nadig Srinand Tanakala

MERCER COUNTY LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2022-2023 PROGRAM ENDS June 30, 2023

Fowler overcomes heart issue to excel for RHS softball

By Rich Fisher

Robbinsville High senior Katie Fowler endured a case of heartburn — literally. The Ravens second baseman didn’t have the usual symptoms of uncomfortable indigestion. She had a heart that would pound much too fast at times; and there was only one way to fix it. Light it up!

“They go in through my legs and burn a piece of my heart that’s not functioning properly,” Fowler explained “They say it’s something I was born with, but it didn’t flare up until I was in middle school. I started having issues throughout high school and finally got it fixed, hopefully.”

Just what was the problem? “Every so often my heart would start racing over 200 beats per minute, and I couldn’t really breathe,” Fowler said. “It made it difficult during games when it happened but the whole team has been so supportive through the whole thing.”

Fowler returned that support in a big way. On May 1 she underwent the procedure, which she felt “wasn’t anything super major” despite the fact it was being done on the body’s most vital organ.

It is a role that Fowler embraces.

“I feel like I’ve always been somewhat of a leader my whole life,” she said. “I like being able to help out the younger girls and talk to them. It’s something I’ve been excited to do since my freshman year, knowing I’d be the only senior. I’ve been trying to do the best that I can for everybody. I don’t like yelling. I try to lead by being friends with everybody. It works most of the time.”

Her bat works fairly frequently as well. Entering the state tournament Fowler had hit safely in 15 of 20 games, for a .418 average. She had seven doubles, a triple and was tied with Caroline Walls with a team-high 19 RBIs. It is a far cry from her junior year, when Fowler hit just .225 with seven RBIs. And that was quite a comedown from the previous season when she hit .484 for the Ravens Group II state championship team.

MERCER COUNTY LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2022-2023 PROGRAM ENDS June 30, 2023

MERCER COUNTY

The County of Mercer will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2022-23 until June 30, 2023. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:

LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2022-2023 PROGRAM ENDS June 30, 2023

The County of Mercer will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2022-23 until June 30, 2023. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:

The County of Mercer will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2022-23 until June 30, 2023. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:

MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES

MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES

MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES

Nine days later, Fowler was back in uniform and she had a hit and run scored in Robbinsville’s win over West WindsorPlainsboro High School North. She was just warming up, however, as on May 13 she belted a two-out, two run double in the fifth inning to snap a 1-1 tie and power the Ravens past Steinert in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals.

* Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year. Please call for incomes above 8 persons.

“I was really in my head last year, it wasn’t a great atmosphere,” said Fowler. “We were all kind of stressed out living up to the whole Robbinsville mystique. I think this year we’ve had great energy and I’ve been able to feel more comfortable on the field and with my teammates. We’re all playing for each other rather than for ourselves, which was a big issue last year.

“It was such a big team last year, we had over 20 people on the team. Only so many people could be on the field and it was competitive but sometimes it was not super healthy competition. This year even the girls who aren’t on the field are so supportive. They want us to succeed. It’s been a big part of our team atmosphere.”

Fowler began playing at age nine, first on the baseball diamond with her brother before playing travel softball with the Robbinsville Outlaws. Most of the players on that team are now her Ravens teammates.

* Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year. Please call for incomes above 8 persons.

* Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year. Please call for incomes above 8 persons.

The public is permitted to enter the building without an appointment at this time. If an inperson appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment. Applications can be sent by regular mail to 640 S. Broad Street Room 106, PO BOX 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 or faxed to 609-278-2758.

The public is permitted to enter the building without an appointment at this time. If an inperson appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment. Applications can be sent by regular mail to 640 S. Broad Street Room 106, PO BOX 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 or faxed to 609-278-2758.

The public is permitted to enter the building without an appointment at this time. If an inperson appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment. Applications can be sent by regular mail to 640 S. Broad Street Room 106, PO BOX 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 or faxed to 609-278-2758.

The County will continue to receive applications up until the deadline of June 30, 2023 by regular mail, fax, email and in person. Applications, forms, and information can be accessed at this site: http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-communitydevelopment/housing-and-community-development-programs

Coach Christine Levering could do nothing but marvel at the effort right after the game. “She’d been out a week-and-a-half recovering, and she must have been playing softball laying down in her sleep because she figured out a way to come back stronger than ever,” said Levering, whose team lost a thrilling MCT final, 2-1. “She couldn’t walk for a couple days after her surgery and she comes back and does this. I couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s awesome.”

The County will continue to receive applications up until the deadline of June 30, 2023 by regular mail, fax, email and in person. Applications, forms, and information can be accessed at this site: http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-communitydevelopment/housing-and-community-development-programs

The County will continue to receive applications up until the deadline of June 30, 2023 by regular mail, fax, email and in person. Applications, forms, and information can be accessed at this site: http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-communitydevelopment/housing-and-community-development-programs

Applications can be sent by regular mail, fax, email and in person:

Mercer County LIHEAP/USF Programs

Applications can be sent by regular mail, fax, email and in person:

640 S. Broad St, Room 106

As the team’s lone senior, Fowler has had to be awesome in more ways than one. She not only must perform, but be a leader. Not a problem.

From there Fowler went to the Bordentown Bombers and “had a great experience with them.” She now plays for the East Coast Inferno and Sam Norarianni, who “has taught me so much. I credit a lot of what I’ve been doing to him and that whole team. I love playing there.”

Applications can be sent by regular mail, fax, email and in person:

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Mercer County LIHEAP/USF Programs

P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068

640 S. Broad St, Room 106

Mercer County LIHEAP/USF Programs

email address: housing@mercercounty.org

Although she has become a stellar defensive second baseman for the Ravens and a solid first baseman for the Inferno, Fowler was too much of a hazard to start out as an infielder.

P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068

Fax: 609-278-2758

email address: housing@mercercounty.org

640 S. Broad St, Room 106 P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068

Fax: 609-278-2758

email address: housing@mercercounty.org

Fax: 609-278-2758

Brian M. Hughes, County Executive

Brian M. Hughes, County Executive

Brian M. Hughes, County Executive

Edward Pattik Housing Director

Edward Pattik Housing Director

Edward Pattik Housing Director

“She’s our only real captain right now so I just told her at the beginning of the year ‘You are our senior, you are our leader right now and you gotta lead by example,’” Levering said. “She thrives on that. She’s such a great leader. The girls all respect her, they look up to her.”

“When I started I played outfield because it was the safest place to put me,” she said with a laugh. “I had no experience playing softball and being in the infield would have been really rough. Now I can play anywhere

because I’m not a hazard to myself in the infield.”

In fact, “she’s an awesome second baseman,” according to Levering.

Fowler arrived in high school just in time to miss her freshman season due to COVID. She made the most of her 30 at-bats as a sophomore and showed a penchant for thriving under pressure. Although she did not play in every state game, she produced in those she played in. Fowler had a hit and RBI in both the quarterfinals and state final, and delivered two hits in a Tournament of Champions loss to Clayton.

After her struggles last year, Fowler has returned with a vengeance.

Every game when she’s in those big situations with two outs and people on base , I say “Do the job,” and she does the job and sends us to winning games,” Levering said. “She’s had the most clutch hits for us this season.

“She was never hitting top five for us but this year she’s gotta be in our top four. (The Steinert game) showed why we need to get people on for her – she gets important hits.”

Fowler said there is no secret in her ability to come up big. Asked if she has a different approach when she bats with runners on, a little smile emerged.

“I know the answer should probably be yes but when I get up to bat I’m not really thinking much,” she said. “I’m thinking I want to hit the ball. That’s my mindset every single at-bat, whether there’s runners on, whether there’s no outs, two outs, I just want to get in and get a hit because I like hitting.”

And while she is confident at the plate, her first appearance upon her return from heart surgery provided some uneasiness.

“I was a little nervous my first at-bat back,” Fowler said. “My heart was racing, but in a normal way, and my hands

were shaking. I told everyone ‘I feel like it’s the first game I ever played.’ I wanted to help the team and make sure my presence there was helping, not hurting.”

After getting her big hit against Steinert, Fowler felt she was truly back, saying “It’s good to get back to what I’ve been doing all season and being able to help out my teammates.”

Fowler is not only a leader and a quality performer, she also displays class on the field as she was named Robbinsville’s nominee for the Colonial Valley Conference’s Sportsmanship award. Each school nominates one coach and one athlete.

“I’m really honored to have been given that award because sportsmanship means a lot to me; I think it’s a part of the game that’s sometimes overlooked,” Fowler said. “I’m honored that our athletic director (Matt Dalessio) thought of me when having to nominate someone.”

To top it off, Fowler is a superb student. She is the vicepresident of the RHS National Honor Society with a 4.0 GPA and 4.4 unweighted GPA. Next up for Fowler is Villanova University, where she will major in Political Science in hopes of being a lawyer, while also trying to remain active in sports.

“Villanova’s been a dream of mine my whole life,” She said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m going to try and play softball or some club sport. I just love softball so much.”

As witnessed by the fact she returned to her Ravens team just nine days after surgery.

“I probably could have been out longer,” she said. “But sitting there watching everybody play was killing me.”

So she returned early, and started killing other teams with her bat.

New screening options for smokers and former smokers

Ask The Doctor

If you’re a smoker who uses cigarettes now or gave them up years ago, you may be at greater risk of health problems, especially lung cancer. Yet many current and former smokers are unaware of a lung cancer screening that can save lives. “It’s a quick screening that can result in early detection,” says Benjamin Medina, MD, a thoracic and vascular surgeon at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton’s Cancer Center. “Updated screening guidelines may mean you’re newly eligible to receive the test.”

How are lung cancer screenings done? They consist of an annual, low-dose CT scan. You lie on a table while an X-ray machine takes images of your lungs. The scan only takes about five minutes, is very low dose and is very safe. Insurance covers recommended lung cancer screenings in most cases.

What happens after images are

pgs 5 and 7

taken?A radiologist looks for small lumps called nodules. These are not necessarily cancerous, but they can become cancerous over time. Depending on a nodule’s size and characteristics, your doctor may recommend having a biopsy; undergoing another CT scan in three to six months to see if the nodule has grown or changed; or waiting and having it reassessed at next year’s screening.

What if the test finds lung cancer? Lung cancer is easier to treat or even cure when it’s detected early. If part of a lung has to be removed, earlier detection means the excised area will be smaller than if the cancer were found later. Taking out less lung helps preserve lung function. Early detection also means there is less chance the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. When lung cancer spreads, survival rates become much lower.

Who should undergo lung cancer screening? Patients should be 50 to 80 years old and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. They also

should have a 20 pack-year history or more of smoking. A pack-year is equivalent to smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for a year. So if you smoked a pack a day for 20 years, that’s a 20 packyear history—and so is having smoked two packs a day for 10 years. These guidelines were updated in 2021. Why did guidelines change? To increase screening opportunities for people who are at highest risk of lung cancer and reduce disparities. Broader eligibility should especially enhance early detection at younger ages among women and Black adults, who are likelier to develop lung cancer after less cumulative tobacco exposure.

How can RWJUH Hamilton help me quit smoking? Through RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery, we offer a 12-week program in which you’ll get a personalized plan, free nicotine patches and behavioral therapy that can help you manage challenges and prevent relapse. Someone will call you regularly to go over your goals and keep you on track. “It’s a wonderful program,” says Dr. Medina. For more information about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Lung Cancer Screening Program, call 855. RWJ.LUNG (855.795.5864).

RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey— the state’s only NCIDesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center— provide close-to-home access to the latest treatment options. For more information, call 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

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

Wednesday, JUne 7

Lung Cancer Screening-Who Qualifies and When to Get Screened. 5 to 6 p.m. Lung Screening Program Director, Dr. Eishan Patel and Program Manager Kaidlan Ricardo, CMA, BS-HA will discuss screening and early detection of lung cancer and treatment options.

TUESday, JUNE 13

Plant Based Protein to Power Your Workout. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Plants are powerful and so are you! Learn to support strength and maintain healthful movement with plant-based sources of protein. Fee: $5. Taryn Krietzman, RDN.

WEdNESday, JUNE 14

New Developments in Hearing Aids-Computer Technology for Your Ears. 10 to 11 a.m. Technological advances in hearing aids allow us to connect to our world in an exciting way! Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato , Au.D. and Mindy Staller Au.D. from Unitron Hearing to learn about the latest in treatment options. Hands-on demonstration available after the lecture.

Ask the Diabetes Coordinator. Noon to 1 p.m. Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPh, BC-ADM, will host an informative Q&A session on how to manage your diabetes.

What Can Hypnosis Do For Me? 6 to 7 p.m. Learn how hypnosis/hypnotherapy can access your own internal abilities. Matt Masiello, CCH will share how hypnosis programs are tailored to meet your specific needs. The program includes an overview of hypnotherapy, Q&A’s, and optional guided meditation/hypnosis.

TUESday, JUNE 20

Reiki? What is This “Reiki”? 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You may have heard of the benefits of Reiki, but are still not sure what, exactly, it is or how it works. Come explore what energy work, including Reiki, can do for you. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher.

THURsday, JUne 7

Safety and Security Awareness in Today’s World. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about cybersecurity, internet scams and how to protect against identify theft, as well as about personal safety at home, in the community and in the work place. Bob Field Jr. Assistant VP of Support Services, Safety and Security at RWJBH Hamilton, is a respected security professional with over 35 years of military, federal law enforcement and private security experience. FREE.

Better Health Programs

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

Wednesday, JUne 7

Let’s Talk, A Senior Social Group. Also June 14, 21, & 28; 10 to 11 a.m. Please join us for our ongoing program “Let’s Talk, 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 group is a partnership between RWJ University Hospital Hamilton and the PsycHealth Associates here in Hamilton. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

FRIday, JUne 16

Tips on Looking Your Best at Any Age. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Join us for this New Program that is all about you – no models, no video. We are happy to welcome back Caterina Young, Owner blo Out Lounge & Color Bar. She will share with us makeup tricks to look your best and how to choose the right hairstyle for your face shape and how to maintain it. Be sure to register early.

FRIday, JUne 23

Tea Party. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Pinkies up! Let’s talk tea and try some famously tasty pairings. Hats are encouraged.

Dr. Medina

BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

Capital Health Cancer Center Approved as a Participating National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program Site

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is now an NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) affiliate site of the Atlantic Health Cancer Consortium (AHCC). As a participating site, Capital Health Cancer Center will now offer residents in the greater Mercer and Bucks County region access to new and innovative NCI-sponsored clinical trials in the cancer prevention and control, screening, care delivery, and treatment areas.

“The vision for our Cancer Center is clear,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health, “To deliver exceptional care for our patients in a convenient location, with the clinical and support services they need and the research to support their fight and the advancement of care. Our participation in NCORP brings more opportunities to our patients, who are at the heart of everything we do.”

“Capital Health is known for its commitment to providing people of the greater Mercer and Bucks County regions with the highest quality care close to home,” said Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center. “With the NCORP site designation, our Cancer Center will provide patients access to cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery studies that are available at top institutions around the nation. We look forward to contributing to NCORP’s national network of research that focuses on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, especially in regard to how it affects access to care among underserved populations. This aligns well with Capital Health’s mission to serve urban and suburban communities in our area.”

“Academic medical centers play an important part in cancer research, but most cancer care is provided in local communities,” said Dr. Doria. “By expanding research outside academic settings as an AHCC

NCORP site, we will provide access to a larger patient population that is more diverse and better reflects the complexity of cancer care.”

As part of AHCC NCORP, Capital Health Cancer Center’s team of providers and researchers will help patients gain access to clinical trials across a broad range of cancer care benchmarks, including symptom management, prevention, screening, surveillance, care delivery and quality of life. The NCORP network’s diversity in patient age, race, and geographic location, provides a natural laboratory for developing improved strategies for cancer prevention, more efficient cancer trials, and a better balance between the risks and benefits of interventions.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I am excited to welcome Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell to Atlantic Health Cancer Consortium Community Oncology Research Program (AHCC CORP), the only New Jersey-based NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP),” said Dr. Eric Whitman, principal investigator at AHCC CORP and medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care. “Together we will continue to advance the science of cancer care and shine new lights on cancer journey pathways for our patients.”

To help connect patients to advanced care options, research staff at Capital Health Cancer Center will select trials from the NCORP research portfolio that may benefit the Center’s patient population. Appropriate studies are then presented to oncology physician teams to determine if they are good fits for specific patients. When a match is made, a primary investigator is appointed, and Capital Health research staff open the trial for Capital Health Cancer Center patients.

To learn more about open clinical trials at Capital Health Cancer Center, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/ncorp to sign-up for email updates or call 609.537.6363 to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians.

Expanding Cardiac Services in Mercer County

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.

Experienced Cardiac Surgery Team Joins Capital Health

Dr. Pasquale Luciano and Dr. Fredric Seinfeld, board certified and fellowship trained physicians specializing in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery, have joined Capital Health Medical Group as Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists. Dr. Seinfeld and Dr. Luciano have been working together as a leading cardiac surgical team in Central New Jersey for almost a decade and have been colleagues for more than 30 years.

As part of Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute, Drs. Luciano and Seinfeld treat patients with heart conditions that require surgery, ranging from those who have recently suffered a heart attack (or are at high risk for one) to those who present with coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or a range of general thoracic conditions.

Dr. Luciano performs most surgeries, including (but not limited to) open heart surgery, coronary bypass surgery, and drainage of fluid from around the heart and lungs. Dr. Seinfeld, a cardiac critical care intensivist, provides robust preparation for patients before their procedures and manages their care after surgery.

“Patients come to us from primary care providers, general cardiologists, and interventional cardiologists when they are diagnosed with serious cardiac conditions,” said Dr. Seinfeld. “Guided by the belief that accessibility is the cornerstone of patient satisfaction, we put patients and their loved ones at the center of our team. We maintain close contact with them to ensure we are always accessible and ready to provide personalized care.”

“Our collaborative approach to care aligns well with Capital Health’s philosophy of bringing the most comprehensive care for patients

who need it here in Central New Jersey and parts of Bucks County,” said Dr. Luciano. “We’re excited to provide direct consultation and guidance to patients and referring physicians, all with the goal of avoiding recovery in a rehabilitation facility whenever possible and discharging patients directly to their homes.”

DR. LUCIANO is a board certified thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in central and southern New Jersey. Dr. Luciano completed a cardiothoracic fellowship at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and a trauma and critical care fellowship at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Before joining Capital Health, he worked for more than six years as the chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

DR. SEINFELD is board certified in cardiothoracic surgery and has more than 40 years of experience in the surgical field. He completed his residency and fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. Before joining Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists, Dr. Seinfeld was medical director of the Vascular Laboratory and chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

To make an appointment with Dr. Seinfeld or Dr. Luciano, call Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists at 609.537.7277 or visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacsurgery for more information.

Capital Health Now Offers Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

As part of the growing full-service cardiac program available at Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute, physicians and staff from the Institute’s Structural Heart Program recently performed their first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

TAVR is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) or those with a failing surgical aortic valve who are at elevated risk for complications during open surgery. Experts from Capital Health’s Structural Heart Program perform procedures like TAVR to manage and treat heart valve conditions and other structural issues of the heart.

When severe aortic stenosis occurs, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body, which in turn can limit your daily activity. With TAVR, an artificial valve is delivered to the heart through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted into one of

several possible access routes and placed into the diseased valve. The procedure typically takes one hour or less to complete.

“Patients who get transcatheter aortic valve replacement experience all the benefits of minimally invasive procedures, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a lower risk for major bleeding,” said DR. DAVID DRUCKER, medical director of the Structural Heart Program and board certified, fellowship trained interventional cardiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “The biggest benefit for many TAVR patients is that they usually start feeling better right away. With a heart valve that is working properly, they breathe normally, have more energy, and can go back to everyday activities.”

Following the TAVR procedure, patients are monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few hours before being moved to a standard patient room. Patients usually begin walking the same day as their TAVR procedure and are typically discharged within one or two days.

To make an appointment at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, or to find an office near you, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.

Minimally Invasive Procedure Dramatically Reduces Stroke Risk For Certain Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Physicians and staff from Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute recently performed their first Watchman implant procedure at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. Left atrial appendage closure, which includes the Watchman device implant, is one of the new procedures that Capital Health’s expanding full-service cardiac program includes. Implantation of the Watchman device is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure for appropriate patients to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart and reducing the patient’s lifetime risk of stroke.

Capital Health’s electrophysiology team, with experts from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, performs procedures like Watchman device implants to manage and treat patients with conditions which involve abnormal electrical behavior of the heart.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood normally. This can lead to blood pooling in a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood can form a clot. Stroke results if this clot forms and dislodges from the heart, going to the brain. People living with AFib are often prescribed blood thinners to reduce their risk for stroke. The risk of blood thinners includes bleeding and brain injury if falls occur.

“The Watchman device is now a treatment option at Capital Health for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem,” said DR. SCOTT BURKE, medical director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and a board certified, fellowship trained cardiac electrophysiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “Guided through a narrow tube that is inserted into a vein through a small incision in the patient’s leg, the Watchman implant is designed to fit into the LAA and permanently close it to prevent the risk of clots dislodging from it. The procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes under general anesthesia, and most patients are out of the hospital in a day or less and able to return to their daily routines soon thereafter. During recovery, the patient’s own heart tissue grows over the Watchman device to prevent the clots from developing in the heart.”

After the procedure, most patients take blood thinners for up to one and a half to three months. Clinical trials show greater than 95% success in removal of blood thinners for patients who receive the device.

To make an appointment at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, or to find an office near you, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.

Capital Health Recertified as Level II Trauma Center Meeting National Standards for Trauma Care for More Than 25 Years

The Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) has been recertified as a Level II Trauma Center by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement is the ninth verification for Capital Health since the first in 1998. The Center, also designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the New Jersey Department of Health, is one of only 10 designated trauma centers in New Jersey and the regional referral center for injured patients in Mercer County and adjacent parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Burlington, and Middlesex counties as well as nearby areas of Pennsylvania.

“The ACS establishes the standards of care for treating those who are severely injured and is an important advocate for all surgical patients,” said DR. DOMINICK EBOLI, director of the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. “After a comprehensive review by their nationally recognized trauma experts, our recertification shows the residents of our community that Capital Health continues to meet and exceed national benchmarks for care when they need it most.”

Across the Spectrum of Care

In addition to providing the necessary resources for trauma care, ACS level II verification also means that centers like the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center address the needs of injured patients across

the entire spectrum of care, providing patients at Capital Health Regional Medical Center with access to important injury prevention programs, pre-hospital care and transportation, acute hospital care, rehabilitation, and research.

“As a level II trauma center, we are able to provide comprehensive care that begins with injury prevention. At the time of injury, we’re ready with 24-hour immediate access to trauma surgeons and other appropriate specialists,” said DR. DENNIS QUINLAN, associate medical director of the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center. “With programs and resources that are not available in most general hospitals, our role in patient care often extends beyond our initial encounters and continues through rehabilitation.”

To learn more about the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, visit capitalhealth.org/trauma.

The Art of Caring for One’s Self During the Caregiving Journey

A 10-WEEK PROGRAM FOR CAREGIVERS

Wednesdays | 12 p.m.

Location: Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists

100 K Johnson Boulevard North, Suite 201, Bordentown, NJ 08505

This group uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to provide support, coping strategies, and increased self-efficacy in order to cope with caregiving demands and stress. DR. KRISTINA MCGUIRE, a clinical psychologist from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, leads this group, which will also teach mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment skills. @capitalhealthnj

For more information and to sign up, call Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists at 609.689.5725. This group therapy program will be billed to your health insurance.

A myriad of community events planned for this summer

FRIED

The time for our Recreation Division to shine is upon us, highlighted by our Community Day Festival on June 10 at Community Park.

There will be plenty of food, live music all day, our acclaimed “Prize Alley,’’ activities and games for the kids, amazing vendors, a host of non-profit organizations to learn about and of course fireworks beginning at approximately 9 p.m. In addition, the 7th annual Joe Barker Volunteer Star Award. Barker served as recreation director for seven years until he passed away in 2018 after a valiant battle with colon cancer. Previous winners of the award include Jared Miller (2018: Black Friday Fun Run/Special Olympics); Dave Doran (2019: RIHA); John Ward and Bill Lesniak; (2020: Meals on Wheels), Cindy Rosen (2021: Be Kind/ Rotary/Project Linus) and John Finnegan (2022; Robbinsville Clean Team).

Make Father’s Day weekend even more special with the CARE Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Derby on June 17 at the Town Center Lake Gazebo. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with fishing from 8-11

a.m. No license is required.

The first “Wheels & Reels Outdoor Movie Night” of 2023 featuring Minions: The Rise of Gru will take place July 21 at 8:30 p.m. on the big screen at Community Park. The cost is $5 per car.

Recreation Summer Camp begins June 26 and runs through Aug. 11. Our Summer Concert Series kicks off July 11 with “The Suspects” and runs each Tuesday through DJ Reggie on Aug. 15. Bring your lawn chair, blankets and snacks while enjoying some of the best bands in the area at the gazebo beginning at 7 p.m.

* * *

Just a few words about our budget, which was formally introduced at the May 11 Council meeting with the public hearing and vote scheduled for June 8.

In the face of inflation levels not seen since the 1970s, our presented budget of $26.6 million includes a proposed increase of approximately $144 per household in 2023 – only the second municipal increase in over a decade.

Municipal taxes make up only 20% of a resident’s overall tax bill. Schools account for 56%, Mercer County absorbs 21%, while the Mercer County library and Mercer County Open Space combined for 3%.

No one hates raising taxes more than me. Remember, I live here, too, and we did everything we could to minimize the burden. However, our taxpayers are still getting tremendous value for their money. The quality of our services has not and will not suffer. Home values are still up, as are sales of existing homes – and there are few of those available. The investments we want to make this year will have a significant impact on future budgets.

Thank you to everyone that donated and

participated in our 2023 State of Robbinsville Township/Pay it Forward to benefit the McLaughlin Family at The Stone Terrace

By John Henry’s on May 16.

This is always my favorite event of the year, and we could not do it without each and every one of you. Thank you so much for making it possible to raise a new record of $65,000, bringing our total since 2015 to over $450,000!

Dave Fried is the mayor of Robbinsville Township

Ready to get started on your kitchen or bath renovation project?

Cranbury Design Center listens to your ideas and then uses color drawings of your space to help make your vision a reality. We assist with design decisions, cabinet, countertop and hardware selections, and finishing touches like backsplash tile and paint colors. Call or come in to see us in our showroom to get started on your remodel. We look forward to meeting you!

LUNCH at LUCCA

We offer an upscale lunch experience without the dress code.

Whether you are stopping in for a quick business lunch or a leisurely meal with friends, you can expect the same exceptional cuisine, service, and ambiance that we are known for - all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

So come as you are, and enjoy a delicious lunch at Ristorante LUCCA! We look forward to serving you!

Closed Monday

Lunch: 12:00pm - 3:00pm (Tuesday - Friday)

Happy Hour: 3:00pm - 6:00pm (Tuesday - ursday )

Dinner: 5:00pm - 11:00pm (Tuesday - Sunday)

Lounge: 6:00pm - 1:00am