Game face
Recent Robbinsville High School grad Luke Billings shows his effort on the mound during a recent game. Billings had a 0.56 ERA and 59 strikeouts in more than 37 innings. For more on Billings, see page 15.
Mission accomplished
Mary Gay AbbottYoung reflects on her long career at the Rescue Mission of Trenton
By KrisTen HUnT
Over a century ago, the Trenton community was faced with the crucial need to help residents struggling with homelessness and hunger in the area. It started with a shelter that opened its doors, day and night, to those seeking refuge.
There were no criteria, just two simple questions: “What’s your name?” and “Are you hungry?”
The Shelter was more than just a safe haven—it was a symbol of hope. Today, the Rescue Mission of Trenton is dedicated to serving the same cause for all individuals in need across Mercer County. More than just hope, the mission helps find potential and opportunity.
Over the years, individuals have not just provided food and shelter, but also shown the path towards a better future. In just the last year, the non-profit has served 4,636 individuals, 193,290 meals, and
provided 106 forms of housing.
For more than half of its existence, the Rescue Mission had been led by CEO and president Mary Gay Abbott-Young. With her contribution, alongside the help of volunteers, staff, board and donors, the Rescue Mission has become an anchor for the community. Over the years, it has addressed the needs of clients and expanded resources in eight key sectors, from the Behavioral Health Center to Vocational Development to the latest endeavor, the New Direction program. Abbott-Young, who embodied
See ABBOTT-YOUNG, Page 6
Three RHS students named National Merit Scholars
EDiTeD By BiLL SanserVinO
The Robbinsville High School Class of 2024 will be known for having three National Merit Scholars—Nora Gray, Alexander Ivanov and Asrith Katragadda. They are among more than 2,900 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. An additional group of scholars were to be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2024 com-
petition to more than 3,600. Gray, 17, will be attending the Honors College at Rutgers University to study mathematics, cognitive science, sociology and psychology.
“This National Merit Scholarship feels like a culmination of many years of hard work and dedication to academics,” Gray said. “Knowing that I won this scholarship gives me confidence in myself and my academic abilities as I challenge myself in college.”
In recent years, she was an
activity leader at Trenton CYO Camp. She also tutored math and Italian at RHS and was a Teen PEP peer educator.
Gray is a dancer, performing competitively with The Dance Network for nine years and serving as an assistant teacher in two dance classes for younger children. She said looks forward to joining the Rutgers Performing Dance Company.
Ivanov, 18, will use his scholarship to help pay tuition at Cornell University, where he will major
See SCHOLARS, Page 4
RWJUH Hamilton August Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP
Monday, Aug 5; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug 12; 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept 3; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.
CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Monday, Aug 5 + 19; 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Caring for a chronically ill senior can take a physical and emotional toll on family members. An Oaks Integrated Care Caregiver Specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.
ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS
Monday, Aug 5 + 19; 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.
GOT STRESS?
Tuesday, Aug 6; 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept 3; 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Support group about dealing with stress. When you experience stress, your body produces physical and mental responses. Gain valuable insight about how others deal with similar situations.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Aug 7; 5:30 p.m. – 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.
DANCE IT OUT!
Friday, Aug 9; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 20; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept 6; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome; no experience required. A great way to get kid your kids out and active during these summer days off from school.
WHAT’S EATING YOU?
Monday, Aug 12; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept 9; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. We offer a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
LETTING GO OF CLUTTER
Tuesday, Aug 13; 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This support group explores how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood. An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.
MASTER/TEACHER LEVEL REIKI CERTIFICATION
Monday, Aug 19; 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This Reiki Master level class is for those who have been certified in Reiki level 2 and have been practicing for at least 6 months. Master Level deepens ones Reiki practice and adds focus, clarity and integrity to go deeper within to fully integrate the Reiki tools you already have. $160
DIZZINESS – CAUSES AND PREVENTION
Monday, Aug 19; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Are you light-headed? Unsteady on your feet? Do you feel off balance? Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. and learn about the causes and treatment for dizziness.
TAKE HOME COLORECTAL KIT
Tuesday, Aug 20; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Participants will attend a lecture about colon health, and receive a stool sample kit to use at home and mail back.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Wednesday, Aug 21; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Quieting your mind, even for a short while, can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Come learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience is necessary.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Aug 21; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 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.
HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE
Wednesday, Aug 21; 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Drum your cares away with our monthly drum circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Beginners welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP $15
WOMEN’S SUMMER BOOK
CLUB: WHEN WOMEN WERE DRAGONS BY KELLY BARNHILL
Thursday, Aug 22; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A Goodreads best Book of the Year.
“A fiery feminist fantasy tale set in 1950’s America where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman’s place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they really are.” Bring your book to class and come prepared to have a lively discussion with other women readers.
WISE WOMEN
Thursday, Aug 22; 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.
ORTHO 101: TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
Monday, Aug 26; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join Orthopedic Program Coordinator, Denise Berdecia, MSN, RN, ONC; Lead Rehabilitation Therapists, Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert. MDT; and
Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today!
Sarah Masco, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA; for an in-depth discussion on total hip replacements. These experts will explain preventative treatment, talking to a surgeon, decision for surgery, hospital expectations, and recovery with outpatient therapy.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Aug 27; 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
CLEAN LIVING IN A TOXIC WORLD
Wednesday, Aug 28; 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Toxins are all around us - in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat. Learn what these toxins can do to our body and ways to avoid them and live a cleaner life with Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.
REIKI SHARE
Wednesday, Aug 28; 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
For folks who have been Reiki certified to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Open only to those certified in Reiki. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Sharon B. recently shared, “I just want to mention that coming to these programs is a big stress reliever and has been life changing! I also met my best friend here. It is my ‘go to place’ to have fun and learn so much.”
From Loretta V., “My son, at 18 years old, was diagnosed with brain cancer. I spent the next 30 years caring for him as his body deteriorated, eventually taking his life. My entire focus was caring for him and when he passed, I was at a loss as to how to fill the time and rebuild my life. That’s when I saw the Better Health Program advertised in the Hamilton Post. I was drawn to the ‘Senior Social Group.’ I became a member and registered for that first class. Now, more than a year later, I continue to attend the weekly Senior Social Group as well as many other fun and educational programs. In Senior Social Group, I have made friends and plan activities like walking, lunching, and other fun things. This program has been instrumental in helping me rebuild my life.”
A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP
Wednesday, Aug 7, 14, 21, 28; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, Aug 8 + 22; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
YOGA CLASSES Tuesday, Aug 13 + 27; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES Tuesday, Aug 13 + 27; 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Aug 13 + 27; 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
GAME TIME Thursday, Aug 15 + 29; 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more
LO VE where you Live!
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SCHOLARS continued from Page 1
in Biometry and Statistics, while also dabbling in finance and business.
“Growing up, my favorite classes have always been math and science because I found it really interesting learning about new things and specifically how the world around us worked,” he said. “The last two years of high school, I also really enjoyed taking Spanish as it opens you to a whole new culture.”
Ivanov also gave back to the Robbinsville community working at the Breaking The Barriers Development Group, a nonprofit organization that helps small local businesses and organizations grow.
“I am happy with the recognition and it
Robbinsvill e
inspires me to do more and work harder,” Ivanov said, noting the scholarship is a reminder “that hard work pays off.”
Katragadda will use his $2,500 scholarship to help pursue studies at the University of Texas at Austin as he pursues a career in software engineering. He is eager to take the next step in his academic pursuits.
“Robbinsville High School has excellent teachers who made learning these fundamentals really fun, which helped a lot,” he said.
“The most satisfying part is knowing that my hard work paid off and this will give me confidence in my academic abilities ahead of college,” he added.
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 WRITER
Rich Fisher, Kristen Hunt, Jasmine Lee
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
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Website: robbinsvilleadvance.com
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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:
Nora Gray Alexander Ivanov Asrith Katragadda
the spirit of the Rescue Mission in her work for more than 50 years, officially retired from the organization effective June 30. With her retirement, she stepped down from her role as president.
In 2021, she handed off the position of CEO to her son, Barrett Young. The president’s job is oversight of all fundraising and grant/contract management, while the CEO has oversight of all development Work, and agency operations.
The Rescue Mission is holding a “Retirement Celebration For Mary Gay Abbott Young” on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 2-4 p.m. at Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Anyone interested in joining the celebration can go to eventbrite.com and search for “Retirement Celebration For Mary Gay Abbott-Young.”
Tickets for Community Partners are $50, and attendance is free for clients and Rescue Mission staff.
Abbott-Young started at the Rescue Mission as a program coordinator in 1978, after serving as a social worker in VISTA, then a counselor in a detoxification center. She rose to become CEO—a position she held from 1986 until 2021.
According to a profile in the New York Times, Abbott-Young grew up in a workingclass neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Her parents never graduated high school, but they stressed the importance of education to their children.
Abbot-Young earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in education from Temple University. Her goal was to work at a job that dealt with poverty and substance abuse issues, and she came across a job posting at the Rescue Mission, which was relatively close to where she was living.
“It was the right place for me to be, and as it turns out, I was the right person for the Rescue Mission,” Abbott-Young said in an interview with the Robbinsville Advance in July, after her retirement.
She spoke about the challenges that came with running a non-profit. Having seen the struggle clients have faced with substance
abuse and behavioral health issues—such as relapse—and losing individuals to addiction, the importance is never losing hope, and to never stop giving that same hope to clients to be optimistic about their future.
“It’s fantastic work to be able to take someone in off the street, get them in, give them a bed to sleep in, get them a meal, allow them to get a shower, allow them to have access to clothing, all those kinds of things are wonderful,” Abbott-Young said.
The business model of the organization has seen significant advancements in services with the change of licenser standards, business operation standards, and advancements in behavioral health solutions. Frequent interaction with the government has driven positive change by necessity.
As the nonprofit competed for—and was awarded government contracts—new and innovative ways to help were granted. The Medication Assisted Treatment program, for example, changed how the Rescue Mission has been able to effectively assist indi-
Mary Gay Abbott-Young, recently retired president of the Rescue Mission of Trenton, at daybreak near the Delaware River. (Photo by Michael Mancuso, courtesy of the Rescue Mission of Trenton.)
viduals with serious addiction problems to begin their recovery process.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, staff still provided around-the-clock care. With safety measures executed by now-CEO Barrett Young, doors remained open, with food clothing and social services available, and hundreds of people coming into the shelter each night. The organization partnered to open a unit for people who were COVID positive. Staff were masked, adhering to social distancing guidelines once enforced by the CDC.
Having stepped in as CEO at the height of the pandemic, Young’s first initiative was to heighten the safety and protection of staff and clients through an unsettling time. Coming out of the pandemic, he was then able to focus on continuing the legacy that his mother had built at the Rescue Mission. Continuing to provide these outstanding services while expanding to meet the needs of the community was and still is his top priority.
“It used to be like, mental health was over here, and substance use was over here, and the two never intersected. Whereas now, the whole focus is on how you treat the full person. And I think that that’s a wonderful shift in this industry,” Barrett Young said.
Looking at the future, he said he aims to help keep the Rescue Mission around for another hundred years. The New Direction program in development focuses on working with individuals to transform their mindset to live to their fullest potential and have higher optimism about their future.
“What it does is it says here’s a way to look at work and to look at yourself in a whole new way. You are not a loser; you are not something that can be thrown away. You are a person of value. The person of value who can have a better future is really the business of the rescue mission,” AbbottYoung said.
The CEO explains the overarching despair that people suffer from when they come to the Rescue Mission, which he has seen since he was a child, and how it has given him a passion to help others.
“Everybody in their life has done the little worksheet that asks, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’” Young said. “I’ve never in the history of the world have seen someone write, ‘I want to be homeless,’ or ‘I want to be a drug addict,’ or have mental health issues. Nobody aspires for that.”
Young attributes much of this philosophy to Mary Gay’s proven reputation as a leader in the community, and dedication to fighting for the people she serves.
“The number of times that I’ve seen her interact with the individuals who walked in that had little to nothing. And I mean like, it was raining, and I didn’t even have a coat. She would take her own coat off and give it to somebody. And that’s one of the things that I have instilled in the staff since I’ve worked here. And it’s part of the fabric of the rescue mission,” Barrett Young said.
Abbott-Young recently received a Lifetime Transformational Leadership Award from the N.J. Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies and was honored by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber with a Women of Achievement Award.
In a letter to Abbott-Young, State Senator Shirley Turner wrote, “You have not only taught those you serve to believe in themselves—you have taught our community to believe in those you serve.”
Reflecting on these words, Abbott-Young stated that the Mercer County community played a significant role in the success of the Rescue Mission, and that they have done their part promoting services to people in need.
“We hear of communities that are trying to criminalize homelessness. And so, my role in this community has been to provide the services that the homeless clients need,” she said. “But I have also been very fortunate to do that in a community that recognizes the problem and to lesser or greater extent wants to be part of the solution.”
“If we believe that they deserve different opportunities, then we should fight for them. And she lived that every day,” Barrett Young said. “And when she retires, she’s not going to stop fighting for those people. It’s just in her core.”
Experience the Juniper Difference
Juniper’s H’art and Soul of Dining signature program is about more than great food –it is a joyous social experience that nourishes our bodies and spirits. Come dine with us and learn why Juniper Village at Hamilton is the area’s most welcoming assisted living community.
Please call 609.439.6859 to schedule a personal tour and complimentary lunch and see what all the excitement is about before we are SOLD-OUT!
Oldest canoe club in U.S. seeks next generation of paddlers
By Jasmine Lee
The gentle lap of water against a canoe, the rhythmic dip of a paddle, the call of birds overhead—these are the sounds that have filled the lives of Mohawk Canoe Club members for more than 120 years.
Founded in 1903 by a group of Trenton businessmen, the Mohawk Canoe Club has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, floods and fuel crises. It was originally a men-only organization dedicated to the sport of canoeing, which named itself after the Mohawk people, who were renowned for their canoeing skills. In its early days, the club thrived, even boasting a magnificent mahogany clubhouse.
interest in canoeing.
The oars malfunctioned, leaving them paddling with their hands. Witnessing the limitations of their inflatable vessel, Gibson’s friend declared, “If we’re going to do this, I’d rather have a canoe.”
Little did they know, the situation would be the start of a lifelong passion for Gibson, leading her to eventually become a leader in the very club that would turn them into skilled paddlers.
Tom Wilkins, a longtime member and instructor at the Mohawk Canoe Club, highlighted that this is the oldest canoe club in the United States, with members historically seen paddling down the Delaware River in wooden canoes.
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The club adapted over time, opening its doors to women and families of all ages in 1968. “We had families coming in with their kids and those kids grew up with the club and brought their kids. It was good, it was good,” says Ruth Gibson, the current and first female president in the club’s history.
Gibson recalls that it was a spur-of-themoment inflatable tube ride on the river that turned comical for herself and a friend one Fourth of July weekend that sparked her
Mohawk Canoe Club experienced its glory days throughout the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. It had more than 100 members embarking on adventurous trips ranging from peaceful flatwater paddles to exhilarating whitewater rapids.
The club’s members and instructors— a number of whom come from the Mercer County area—have paddled on several bodies of water in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, including the Delaware, Toms,
Musconetcong and Lehigh rivers.
But beneath the serene surface of those rivers, a current of change flows that threatens the future of the historic club—the Mohawk Canoe Club has struggled to recover and stay afloat after COVID-19.
The pandemic took a heavy toll on the club. Membership dwindled and fragmented the once-vibrant social scene of monthly meetings and shared Thanksgiving dinners.
COVID-19’s impact led to the abandonment of the annual river training program, a cornerstone of safety and skill development. And like many other recreational organizations, the club has struggled to return to its pre-pandemic status.
While members can still look forward to various outdoor activities, including paddling trips, social gatherings, river cleanups, camping and more, many of these activities have had to be curtailed due to the club’s struggles with participant numbers.
“As to whether we can make it two more years… I don’t know,” says Gibson.
Nevertheless, the club and its members are working to spread the word about the importance of preserving the club for years to come. They have plenty of heartwarming stories to share about what the club means to them.
One was a trip along the upper Delaware on the Fourth of July morning in 1975,” Gibson says. They had about 20 paddlers and many of them agreed to bring along American flags.
“We headed downstream past the little river town flags flying, and as we approached the deepest point in Delaware we went under a bridge and on the bridge, there was a whole crowd of people waving a big flag and cheering,” Gibson says. “As we approached, we all cheered and waved. That is how we celebrated the glorious Fourth.”
Recounting moments with like-minded individuals can evoke a deep sense of fondness, as members relish the experience of taking full command of their boats and answering only to the river, all while enjoy-
See CANOE, Page 10
Members of the Mohawk Canoe Club paddle along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
ing the camaraderie of friends.
One of the key advantages of joining a club rather than paddling solo is the shuttle service, which allows members to leave their boat at the “put-in” and have their car waiting at the “take-out,” eliminating any transportation issues.
Additionally, paddling with a group not only enhances skills but also provides for safety and fellowship with other members. “Any trip you go on in our club is a learning trip. There is always someone to show you how to paddle better,” says Gibson.
New members need to buy or acquire all the necessary equipment and a boat to join. Although this initial investment may seem high, many items will last for years, making it worthwhile for the experiences you’ll gain, says Wilkins.
New members will learn about safety, new paddling techniques, and essential skills like securing their canoe or kayak to their vehicle.
Despite the club being around for decades, the club has never experienced a serious fatality or injury. No matter how harsh the waters became, trip leaders and the more experienced people went through first, waited at the bottom, and pulled down the others one boat at a time.
The club has fostered a sense of community and helping each other no matter the skill level they are always welcoming newcomers. Wilkins expressed how the Mohawk Canoe Club revived his love for paddling.
He began paddling as a Boy Scout and continued until he graduated high school, a time he described as long ago. However, after marrying and starting a family, this enjoyable activity faded into the background. Despite this, Wilkins always harbored a desire to return to canoeing or paddling.
It wasn’t until he turned 40 that he decided to rekindle his passion. During a conversation with a Red Cross member involved in the Mohawk Canoe Club, Wilkins received the contact information he needed. The rest, as they say, is history.
For Wilkins and fellow club members, paddling nurtured a mutual appreciation for nature and provided a refuge from daily stresses by offering a change of scenery.
“There’s no stress in canoeing, and I’ve never seen a canoe paddle wrapped around a tree, but I’ve walked through golf courses and have seen clubs wrapped around trees,” says Wilkins.
Wilkins shared that on tough days, paddling would lower his blood pressure. Regardless of one’s mood, being in nature with fresh air, clouds above and cooler underfoot makes life feel good.
Rivers have the power to transport people into tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life, and into an entirely different world. Witnessing New Jersey’s beauty from a car is one thing, but paddling at around three miles an hour in a canoe allows canoers to be immersed in the scenery, sit back, appreciate it and realize how fortunate the residents of this marvelous state are.
Gibson says that being the captain of your boat, putting the cellular device down and stepping away from the hassles of everyday life is one of the many beauties that this kind of activity can bring into your life.
“If you want to go slow, we can let you paddle slow,” Wilkins says. “If you want to paddle fast, we will keep up with you. I will let you go. We just go out, have fun and enjoy the environment,” says Wilkins.
For more information, visit the Mohawk Canoe Club’s website at mohawkcanoeclub.org. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Gibson at (609) 586-0588.
On the Cover
Prehab: Pete Davidson sets Aug. 18 tour stop in Trenton
By Joe Emanski
Saturday Night Live alumnus Pete Davidson is set to take the stage at Patriots Theater stage on Saturday, Aug. 18 as part of his “Prehab” comedy tour.
Davidson, who starred in the 2023 Peacock comedy-drama series Bupkis, has been on tour all summer, including a July 20 show at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City that one fan on Reddit’s Pete Davidson forum called “hysterical.”
He is scheduled to appear at the Trenton War Memorial at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.
Bupkis, a semi-autobiographical comedy series that also starred Edie Falco and Joe Pesci, ran for one season on Peacock. It was picked up for a second season, but Davidson announced in March that the show would not continue.
Davidson joined the cast of NBC’s Sat-
another, Turbo Fonzarelli, debuted on Netflix in January.
Davidson co-wrote and starred in the 2020 Judd Apatow movie The King of Staten Island, which like Bupkis, is said to be partly based on the life of Davidson, a Staten Island native. He has also appeared in the movies The Suicide Squad, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Meet Cute, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Dumb Money. He is also set to play the role of Joey Ramone in the planned future Netflix movie I Slept With Joey Ramone, currently in production.
urday Night Live in 2014, when he was just 20. He remained a part of the performing ensemble through 2022, becoming known in his tenure for his “Weekend Update”
sketches. He returned to host the premiere episode of the 49th season of SNL on Oct. 14.
He filmed his first stand-up comedy special, Pete Davidson: SMD, in New York in 2016. His stand-up special, Alive From New York, ran on Netflix starting in 2020, and
Tickets for the Prehab show at Patriots Theater start at $49.50. The show is billed as a “phone-free experience,” with the use of phones, smart watches, and other digital accessories prohibited during the show. Guests must agree to secure their devices in locked Yondr pouches for the duration of the show. Guests keep the pouches with them and can open them in designated Phone Use Areas if needed. Guests who use devices during the show may be removed from the venue.
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the War Memorial in trenton, home to Patriots theater. (Photo courtesy of the state of New Jersey.)
Butterfly Festival returns to Watershed institute Aug. 3
The 24th annual Watershed Butterfly Festival is set to take place this year on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Watershed Institute.
The event will feature tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House and the Insect Zoo. Live music and entertainment is planned for throughout the day, including animal shows featuring Eyes of the Wild. The Butterfly and Bug Parade, led by Lady Monarch, Ms. Allison, is intended for young children.
At the festival, adults and children alike can learn through hands-on exhibits about watersheds and the need to protect rivers, lakes and streams. Food and drink will be available for sale, including a water truck provided by New Jersey American Water. Festival goers will also be able to purchase butterfly wings and other items at the Watershed Gift Shop.
There are two sessions scheduled: one for 9:30 a.m. to noon, and another for 12:30 to 3 p.m. Eyes of the Wild shows are scheduled for 10 a.m. for the morning session and 12:45 for the afternoon session. Pre-registration is available online
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at thewatershed.org/butterfly-festival. The price is $10 per person or $25 per carload up to six people per car.
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AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is pleased to announce their new program for treating Peripheral Neuropathy, which includes a combination of advanced FDA-cleared treatments with breakthrough technology that aids in healing the damaged nerves. The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. This treatment restores, stabilizes, and rebuilds the nerves in your extremities. Treatment has also been effective in addressing painful symptoms of arthritis, MS, and other forms of chronic pain. Patients generally feel relief physically throughout the treatment period and even feel better emotionally after experiencing a reduction in pain.
The Kate Gorrie Butterfly House opened in 2000. The outdoor structure features native plants that provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.
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children at the 2023 Watershed Butterfly festival. (facebook photo.)
‘Grown Up Camp’ offers adults a
For the parents out there who drop their kids off at summer camp each day and wish they could stick around and play along, there is an answer: Grown Up Camp.
On Aug. 10, Screamin’ Hill Brewery, Liberty Lake Picnics and Events and Blend Bar and Bistro will host the third annual Grown Up Camp at 60-acre Liberty Lake.
Planned “grown-up” activities include boating, rock climbing, water balloon tosses, swimming, mini golf and something called archery tag.
Also on the schedule are a threelegged race, wall ball, 3-v-3 hoops, pickle-
ball, tug of war, Wiffle ball, water trampoline, laser tag, kickball and flag football.
Live music will be provided by Jakfire. Craft beer will be provided by Cream Ridge-based Screamin’ Hill Brewery.
Food trucks Relish the Dog, Smokin’ Rev and Toscano’s will also be on hand.
Grown Up Camp is for grown-ups only and costs $30 to attend ($40 at the door).
To purchase discount tickets in advance, go to libertylakepicnic.com/grownupcamp. The event is semi rain or shine; in the event of extreme weather, the rain date is Sunday, Aug. 11, but mere rain will not be expected to be cause enough for cancellation.
Candlelight Concerts coming to Masonic Temple on Aug. 17
Candlelight Concerts look to bring the phenomenon of a live, multisensory musical experience to locations throughout the world.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, the concert series will be at the Masonic Temple in Trenton for a performance of the music of Antonio Vivaldi, followed by a second concert, a tribute to Taylor Swift, all under the gentle glow of candlelight.
The Highline String Quartet are set to take the stage at the Masonic Temple at 6:30 p.m. to perform works from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” as well as selections from “Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saens.
That concert will be followed by a second concert, “A Tribute to Taylor Swift,” at 9 p.m. The Highline Quartet will play interpretations of Taylor Swift songs including “Love Story,” “Cardigan,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “Anti-Hero,” “You Belong With Me” and “Shake It Off.”
Admission to each concert is separate. Tickets for the concerts range in price from $35 to $60. The Highline String Quartet are scheduled to return on Saturday, Sept. 28 for an encore performance of Vivaldi, followed that night by a tribute concert featuring the music of Coldplay. The Masonic Temple is located at 100 Barrack Street, Trenton. Web: feverup. com. A candlelight concert in Madrid. (Photo courtesy
• 6 Weeks to 6 Years
• 6:30am - 6:00pm Year-Round
of fever.)
At St. George Preschool, we believe that each child has an innate drive for exploring, discovering, communicating, and learning. Our purpose is to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for children to develop this innate drive to the fullest, and become life-long learners. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her individual interests, creativity and potential at their own pace by providing a wide variety of fun and age-appropriate activities and materials.
In addition to the developmental goals in the areas of math, language, science, cognitive skills, motor skills, etc., stipulated by the state, the school aims to promote learning skills for life. At the same time, we aim to enhance the child’s social, moral, cultural and spiritual growth through group interactions, uplifting stories, cultural events and gentle guidance. Since “a healthy
mind is in a healthy body” as the Ancient Greeks said, we provide a huge indoors
gym and a beautiful play ground with regular physical activities.
We offer high quality academic English programs for Preschool (3 years and potty trained) and Pre-K (must be 4 years old by October 1 of school year). Early morning care, after care, and enrichment programs are also available. We are part of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and state licensed by the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. Our experienced staff has a passion building a foundation for a life-long love of learning. We are truly a family and we treat your children as such. For more information regarding our program, please visit our website: stgeorgepreschool.org.
Saint George Preschool, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton. 609-586-2223. Contact director Angela Gering at director@ stgeorgepreschool.org.
At Your service -
To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to sjeronis@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 132. SERVICES
F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.
Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www.sweetbeginnings.info.
LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-7994674, 609-721-4358.
Guitar and Ukulele lessons for Seniors. Call Jane 609 5101400. $25.00 per lesson.
Senior Companion. Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Holidays and weekends no problem. Very good references. Call Mary Ann, 609-298-4456 Cell: 609-6764530. Viewthistimebesttime. wordpress.com For Sale by Owner
LOOKING TO RENT
Selling two single side by side crypts located at Princeton Memorial Park, Robbinsville, NJ. If interested, please call Cecilia Peters at 973-701-1638 or send an email to cecyandrichardpeters@ verizon.net
One furnished room with private bath in Ewing High area by 72-yr old, quiet male. Call Scott 609-883-8443
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Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@ verizon.net.
Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-
581-8290, E-mail: lenny1944x@ gmail.com
Happy Heroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy 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.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.
When you have an eating disorder, you measure your self-worth in ounces.
Inpatient treatment for eating disorders in our newly updated facility.
Like any other disease, an eating disorder won’t just go away if left untreated. In fact, eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness in the US. It’s one reason we’ve transformed our center for eating disorders. In our completely redesigned, state-of-the-art 20-bed facility at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, we treat out- and inpatients as young as 14. In fact, we have the state’s only specialized eating disorders unit just for adolescents, with counseling and services for the family as well. Our experienced, compassionate team of physicians, licensed clinical therapists, creative arts therapists, nutritionists and other eating disorders specialists provide each patient with individualized treatment and skills they can use for a lifetime. Let us help. To learn more, visit rwjbh.org/eatingdisorders
Greater Access to Emergency Care at Capital Health Regional Medical Center
Expanded Emergency Department Capacity Part of Continuing Investments in Trenton
Capital Health has officially opened expanded Emergency Department space for patient care at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) located at 750 Brunswick Avenue in Trenton. The Emergency Department at RMC has added 16 new beds to allow for 50 beds total (including fast track beds) with an additional trauma bay bringing the total of trauma-dedicated beds to three.
The project benefited significantly from a $6.3 million grant through the American Rescue Plan Act and a partnership with the Department of Community Affairs.
“The health care landscape in the City of Trenton has seen significant changes in recent years, so it’s more important than ever for Capital Health to preserve and expand key medical services and patient-centered care,” said Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., chairman, Capital Healthcare Inc. Board of Trustees. “By pairing Capital Health’s commitment and vision with the key support of our elected officials, the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Health, and other key partners, we can keep working to increase the breadth of emergency care available
to accommodate more patients and continue to address the pressing health care needs our neighbors face every day.”
“The expansion of our Emergency Department at Capital Health Regional Medical Center would not have been possible without the support of our elected officials as well as New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs and Department of Health,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Thanks to their support, we are able to make ongoing investments in the communities we serve and foster our shared commitment to providing Trenton area residents with access to advanced, comprehensive health care.”
This increase in capacity at the Emergency Department marks the beginning of extensive renovations at RMC that include additional patient floors and a new state-of-the-art cardiac surgery suite. The projects will all benefit from funding from the state, thanks to the support of the state legislative delegation for the 15th district and the Governor’s Office. Additional projects beyond the ED at RMC will also benefit from a $500,000 grant from Bank of America which was awarded to Capital Health to support expanded access at the Trenton location.
Capital Health Regional Medical Center is home to a state designated comprehensive stroke center (part of the Capital Institute for Neurosciences), the Level II Bristol-Myers Squibb Trauma Center, a cardiac surgery and cardiovascular services program, and Mercer County’s designated Emergency Mental Health Services Center. RMC also offers inpatient and outpatient radiology services, dialysis, and numerous other medical services.
For more information about Capital Health, visit capitalhealth.org. If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Pediatric-Friendly Emergency Care at Capital Health – East Trenton
A trip to an emergency room can be overwhelming for anyone, but for children it can be especially scary. To help families in Trenton feel more comfortable while their children receive emergency care, Capital Health recently added pediatric-friendly rooms to the Emergency Department at Capital Health – East Trenton. Located at 601 Hamilton Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey (where St. Francis Medical Center used to be), the East Trenton emergency room facilities feature a section of rooms designed to put children more at ease with pediatric seating, a toy closet, and brighter new fabrics and décor.
“As health care evolves in Trenton, residents can rest assured that we continue to provide emergency care for our younger patients and that we are responsive to what the community needs and asks for,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health.
“The satellite emergency department at Capital Health – East Trenton is open 24/7 to the community with emergency room physicians and nurses who are specifically trained to care for all kinds of emergencies that children experience, including injuries and illnesses.”
The toy closet in the new pediatric-friendly Emergency Department space was made possible through the generosity of the Capital Health Auxiliary. The Capital Health Auxiliary is a dedicated group of individuals organized to support educational and health programs at Capital Health that benefit its patients and communities.
On December 21, 2022, Capital Health assumed responsibility for health care services previously provided by St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. That campus, which now operates an Emergency Department and some outpatient services, has been renamed Capital Health – East Trenton and is home to an
outpatient medicine clinic, the Capital Health School of Nursing and School of Radiologic Technology, and the CARES Child Wellness Program.
In addition to the new pediatric-friendly area of the Emergency Department at Capital Health – East Trenton, Capital Health continues to operate a specialized Pediatric Emergency Department at its nearby Hopewell campus for patients in Mercer and Bucks counties who are newborns through 20 years of age. From the waiting room to all clinical areas, this 16-bed unit is designed just for children and parents and is staffed by boardcertified physicians and pediatric-trained nurses. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is also home to a Pediatric Observation Program that allows children who are not well enough to go home, but not sick enough to stay be admitted as inpatients to receive continuous, quality, family-centered care under observation for complaints such as respiratory disorders, dehydration, and illnesses by fever to name a few. If at any time a child requires additional care or an extended stay, Capital Health partners with local children’s hospitals who will assume care and help coordinate a transfer to their facility. For more information about Capital Health – East Trenton, visit capitalhealth.org/easttrenton.
Capital Health Partnering with TVAX Biomedical to Offer Brain Cancer Immunotherapy Trial
Only Participating Clinical Site in the Northeast United States
Capital Health Cancer Center has announced that it has joined TVAX Biomedical, Inc.’s clinical trial to study a potential novel therapy for glioblastoma (GBM), the most common type of malignant brain cancer. Capital Health Cancer Center is one of five clinical sites open in the United States and currently the only East Coast location north of Florida to offer access to the TVAX trial.
“Our participation in clinical trials is critical to Capital Health’s focus on providing the best and most personalized care possible for our patients,” said DR. NAVID REDJAL, director of Neurosurgical Oncology at Capital Health.
“Thanks to the efforts of our amazing clinical and research teams, we’re excited to offer this groundbreaking trial to our patients and contribute data to a study that could lead to an exciting new therapy for treating GBM.”
There have been many trials over the past 20 years seeking to use the power of the immune system to attack GBM. None to date has proven effective. The investigational approach proposed by the TVAX protocol utilizes a patient’s own tumor cells to create a vaccine, which then is given to the patient to generate a specific immune response to their tumor. The laboratory collects, activates and expands these anti-tumor immune cells, which may lead to a more robust immune response when given back to the patient. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether or not this approach will overcome the natural tumor immune suppression of GBM and allow the immune system to kill remaining tumor cells.
“We’re excited to be part of studies like the TVAX trial and offer patients new possibilities for treatment of glioblastoma,” said DR. MICHAEL SALACZ, director of Medical Neuro-Oncology at Capital Health. “This is a true personalized treatment approach that uses a patient’s own tumor to unlock the power of their immune system to kill any remaining cancer cells. Our participation in the study could lead to better outcomes for patients and their families fighting brain tumors like glioblastoma in our region and beyond.”
“TVAX Biomedical is very pleased to include Capital Health and the expertise of Drs. Navid Redjal and Michael Salacz and their entire staff in this study. We hope this late-stage clinical study will significantly improve clinical outcomes for these patients with so few options,” said Dr. Wayne Carter, CEO of TVAX Biomedical. The TVAX clinical trial at Capital Health Cancer Center is open to adults from age 18 to 80 with a new diagnosis of glioblastoma with methylguanine methyltranserase (MGMT) that is active or “unmethylated.” Because collecting enough cells to create the vaccine is the first step of this immune treatment, patients will need to be able to have surgery at Capital Health. Trial screening is required to determine if candidates meet the full criteria for participation in any clinical trial.
The Center for Neuro-Oncology, part of Capital Institute for Neurosciences and Capital Health Cancer Center, is a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer involving the brain and spine. The Center is housed in state-of-the-art facilities where patients have access to an experienced and caring team of physicians, nurses and staff who work closely with referring physicians to facilitate rapid and thorough evaluations and recommendations for patients and their families. In addition to providing advanced neuro-oncologic and neuroscience care, the Center participates in clinical trials to develop better ways to fight cancer. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/neurooncology.
To learn more about this and other ongoing trials available at Capital Health’s Center for Neuro-Oncology, please call 609.394.4130.
Capital Health Attains National Reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
Fourth consecutive accreditation demonstrates Capital Health’s commitment to improving comprehensive breast care
Capital Health’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Care, part of Capital Health Cancer Center, has received reaccreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).
“With this reaccreditation, patients can have confidence in our ability to accurately diagnose and provide the best possible treatment for breast cancer and other breast health conditions,” said Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of the Capital Health Cancer Center. “With a full range of breast care available under one roof, such as annual screenings, advanced diagnostics, genetic counseling and testing, leading-edge oncology care and a high risk breast cancer program, patients benefit from the combined knowledge of an expansive medical team that includes breast surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists, rehabilitation services, and related support services.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States after skin cancer. Programs accredited by the NAPBC follow a model for organizing and managing a breast center to facilitate multidisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive breast cancer services. The NAPBC focuses on the spectrum of a patient’s journey with breast cancer or breast disease, including prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship. By setting high standards, NAPBC accreditation guides breast centers in providing comprehensive breast care based on scientific evidence.
“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Capital Health has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patricia L. Turner.
As an institution accredited by the NAPBC, Capital Health also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner in recognition of its dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know that Capital Health’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Care is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.
Capital Health’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Care offers a complete range of personalized, breast care programs and services from advanced diagnostics and genetic testing to leading edge cancer care all at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. From cancer to cysts, abscesses, lesions, breast pain and other breast-related disorders, patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely to develop a personalized treatment plan. For more information, call 609.537.6767 or visit capitalbreast.org.
Capital Health Cancer Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, is home to the Center for Comprehensive Breast Care as well as other centers of excellence specializing in lung care, liver health, neuro-oncology, pancreatic health, and robotic-assisted surgery. To learn more, visit capitalhealthcancer.org.
SportS
Billings headed to Wake Forest after rejuvenated senior year
By Rich Fisher
It has been far from a summer of spontaneous Jersey Shore trips for Luke Billings. As an incoming freshman to the Wake Forest University baseball program, his schedule is pretty much pre-determined.
And busy.
“Our days have been super packed,” Billings said in midJuly. “Today was actually one of our lighter days. I had both my (online) classes at 9:25 and 12:40. From there we went straight to the field, did our throwing and then arm care. From there we went to our lift, and then we had our running and conditioning. From there we hopped on a zoom call and learned this new thing about flex pro, which helps with more strength; helps prevent getting Tommy John.”
After that was a lighter day.
But no complaints.
“It’s really fun,” Billings said. “I like it so much better than just sitting at home.”
The recent Robbinsville High grad reported with other first-year commits July 8 in order to become acclimated to the program and campus. It began the second phase of a journey that started midway through his freshman year when he gave Wake Forest a verbal commitment.
“It kind of feels surreal a little bit,” Billings said. “I’m so excited to finally be here, especially after waiting three-anda-half years. To finally get on campus is so fun.”
An obvious pitching talent at a young age, Billings began his college search early and made sure that wherever he chose needed to be as strong academically as athletically.
Billings’ interest was sparked when an older teammate on his travel team was recruited by the Deacons. He began researching schools and talked to Boston College, Duke and Wake.
“They were all kind of similar, I liked the academics,” said Billings, who finished high school with a 4.25 weighted grade point average. “There were many calls back and forth figuring out what I wanted to do.
“The academics were very good and the ACC is a good conference. There’s other good sports, so it’s a good atmosphere. And that was also around when they started with their Pitching Lab, which was the main attraction for me.”
Asked what gave him confidence in a freshman who had yet to pitch a high school game, Wake head coach Tom Walter said, “Luke is a tremendous athlete who hasn’t yet focused all his attention on being an elite pitcher. I can’t wait to see what he looks like in a year.”
After committing, Billings had a long time to change his mind, but remained a loyal Demon Deacon.
“He knows they essentially took a chance on a freshman in high school and he hasn’t wavered from that,” Ravens coach Mike Kinsella said. “Hats off to him to stay committed after they offered him. He could have gone to a bunch of different places. College baseball is insane now, especially at those schools. He could have decommitted and gone to another spot.”
And yet it never crossed his mind.
“I just got more and more fired up,” Billings said. “Everything kept falling into place, they continued to improve, they figured out more about pitching, there was more information.”
After committing, all Billings had to worry about was showcasing his ability in high school, but it wasn’t easy. A talented two-sport athlete, he suffered a bone spur injury in his toe during a basketball game his junior season. Billings tried returning too soon and it pushed his entire routine back.
After forging a 2.51 ERA and striking out 62 in more than 47 innings as a sophomore, Billings was one of the most watched CVC players entering his junior year.
But things just weren’t right
He only pitched more than 24 innings with a 2.30 ERA and 26 strikeouts. Solid stats for most, but not a Division I commit.
“I was a little upset with being injured because it just sucks,” Billings said. “Going through the year I knew I had to take my time and make sure I got healthy. That was the most important thing.
“I had to stop throwing for a while. Usually my ramp-up is close to four or five months to actually get to the right percentage throwing wise. That put a big decline in that. I had to restart everything at the beginning of the season. I was starting off fresh, my arm wasn’t in very good shape. I tried pushing it a little too much and it wasn’t worth it.”
Through it all, Billings remained unfazed and continued to be a good teammate.
“I’ve never seen him get bothered by things,” Kinsella said. “He’s pretty even keeled. He doesn’t pitch with much
emotion, which is wild to me, but for him it works. I’ve never seen him upset. He pitches bad games and you’d never know. He was very good at the maturity part of being a high school baseball player, which I know his parents helped with.”
Inside, however, Billings’ competitive pride was churning. His first order of business was to reluctantly give up basketball, which was not easy as he sat in the bleachers knowing he could help the team last winter. But he spent that time working himself back into baseball shape and had an outstanding senior season, going 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA and 59 strikeouts in more than 37 innings. Billings pitched against all the Ravens best opponents and his no-decisions were a result of little run support.
“The only thing on his mind was redemption,” Kinsella said. “He understood that junior year there were a lot of expectations and he didn’t live up to them. This year he was truly focused. The minute we started doing off-season work in December I could tell he was different. Not doing basketball was a good decision and it showed. He was dominant.”
Watching from afar in North Carolina, Walter was impressed and forecasted that his issues will only make Billings better.
“Luke has had some adversity in his athletic career, to which he has responded to in a big way,” the Wake coach See BILLINGS, Page 16
“For
Peace of Mind.
how
respond when
Billings could not totally escape misfortune, however. In the midst of pitching a gem against Hopewell Valley in the regular-season finale, he suffered a pulled hamstring trying to run out a ground ball. That sidelined him for the state tournament and
Robbinsville fell in the sectional semifinals.
“I was really upset about that,” Billings said. “I could tell something was off with my body and motion. My front flexibility started getting stiffer. My motion was kind of off, it was kind of wrong. My last two outings I wasn’t 100 percent, something just felt off. Then it finally popped. I went through a lot of rehab the last few months and my left hamstring is actually
stronger now.”
Billings has been given instructions on what to do heading into the fall season, with Walter saying “Gaining strength and learning to move properly will be the primary goals for Luke’s summer.”
Since reporting to Wake, Billings hasn’t done much throwing yet. There have been numerous doctor’s appointments and ultrasounds. The program began ramping up near the end of July.
“We didn’t throw much at first, it was like 40 throws at 50 percent from 60 feet,” he said. “It will take a while. We’re not actually gonna throw until September. That will be our first bullpen.”
“We’ve talked to all the coaches a lot. I got a throwing program from them. I’m kind of making sure my body is in the correct shape. Most importantly this summer was about being healthy.”
Nothing has been said about any of the freshmen’s roles yet, as that will be determined during the fall season. Billings knows the challenge to gain a spot is huge, as he joins a school with one of the top pitching programs in the nation.
In 2023, when it fell in the College World Series to eventual champion LSU, the Deacons led the nation in earned run average (2.84) and strikeouts-per-nine innings rate (12.2). Wake’s Rhett Lowder was the two time ACC Pitcher of the Year.
This past month, right-hander Chase Burns, the ACC Pitcher of the Year, became the highest draft pick in school history when Cincinnati made him the second pick in the MLB draft. He highlighted six players drafted from Wake, including four pitchers.
Much of the Deacons pitching success is traced back to its vaunted Pitching Lab, which was unveiled in Winston-Salem in 2019.
“I’ve been in it twice so far,” Billings said. “As I was getting recruited and committed, I came down here and used it. It’s pretty cool.
“They basically figure out how you move. They hook these different balls on you, they’re sensors, and hook it up to a TV. There’s 15 big cameras around you. They can basically capture your movement, your patterns, how you throw. There’s so much data with it I don’t even know all of it. They do a lot of tests. They’ll test our numbers and see where we actually are and what we can do to improve.”
Asked if he felt like he was in a sci-fi movie while hooked up, Billings laughed and said “It was pretty cool. Basically I was only in my underwear, so it’s pretty funny.”
Kinsella feels the Pitching Lab and Billings were made for each other.
“I know Luke’s work ethic and he will take full advantage of going to that place,” Kinsella said. “As much as they will use him, he will use them to get better.”
Smart ways to prevent drowning
Ask The Doctor
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental drownings lead to about 8,000 emergency department visits nationwide each year. “Drowning can be fast and silent, but it may be prevented,” says Jasmeet Mehta, MD, Internal Medicine. Some ways to help reduce the risk of a potential drowning and potentially save a life include:
• KNOW: Small children can drown in shallow water.
around home pools. Consider adding an alarm that alerts you anytime someone goes into the water.
• RESTRICT: Prohibit children from running around the outside of pools to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7
• TEACH: Enroll children, and adults who can’t swim, in swim lessons. Make sure they wear life jackets, vests and floaties in the water if they can’t swim, but still be sure an adult swimmer provides constant supervision.
• SUPERVISE: Make sure at least one adult swimmer provides constant supervision of any child/children near or in the water.
• PROTECT: Install fences and gates
emergency or are in an emergency situation, immediately call 9-1-1.
Jasmeet K. Mehta, MD, Internal Medicine, is an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider and practices at Medical Associates Hamilton & Primary Care Express, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton and is affiliated with RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.
• JUMP: Never dive headfirst into water unless you know how deep it is. Instead, wade in or jump in feetfirst.
• RESPECT: Always swim near a lifeguard. Heed red-flag warnings for high rip currents at the beach/ shore. If you get caught in a rip current, allow it to carry you until you are able to swim parallel to the shore. Do not swim against the current, as this will tire you out and put you at risk of drowning.
If you or a loved one is having an
To make an appointment or for more information, call (609) 245-7430 or visit rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare to find a provider near you. Let’s be healthy together.
Programs at RWJU Hamilton this month
hamiltonbetterhealth.
Monday, augus T 19
Dizziness: Causes and prevention. (Community Education). 10- 11 a.m. Are you lightheaded? Do you feel unsteady on your feet or off balance? Join Lorraine Sgarlato, AuD, Audiologist, RWJUH Hamilton’s Balance and Hearing Center, to learn about some causes and treatments for dizziness. The Balance and Hearing Center is located at 2 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, 609-2457390. Registration is required at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonprograms.
Monday, augus T 26
The following programs are open to all and registration is required. Programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health/Community Education and Better Health Program, a free membership program for anyone 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh. org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information call (609) 584-5900.”
Tuesday, augus T 13
Yoga class. (Better Health Program). 10- 11 a.m. Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome. Registration is required, and new members are welcome to join. Learn more online at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonbetterhealth.
Thursday, augus T 15
Game time. (Better Health Program). Also Aug. 29. 1- 2:30 p.m. Join our Better Health members for game time! Snacks and some wholesome fun included. A variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. Registration is required, and new members are welcome to join. Learn more online at rwjbh.org/
Orthopedics 101: Total hip replacement. (Community Education). 1-2 p.m. Join RWJUH Hamilton’s Orthopedic Program Coordinator, Denise Berdecia, MSN, RN, ONC; and RWJ Rehabilitation Hamilton’s Lead Rehabilitation Therapists, Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert. MDT; and Sarah Masco, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, for an in-depth discussion about total hip replacements. These experts will explain the benefits of having the procedure at RWJUH Hamilton, treatment options, choosing a specialist, how to decide if surgery is right for you, and recovery options available through outpatient therapy at RWJ Rehab. RWJUH Hamilton is Joint Commission Certified as well as a Center for Excellence from The Joint Commission in hip and knee replacement, ensuring the highest standards in quality and patient safety. Registration is required at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonprograms.
Tuesday, augus T 27
Yoga class. (Better Health Program). Also Aug. 27. 10- 11 a.m. Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome.
Thursday, augus T 29
Game time. (Better Health Program). Also Aug. 29. 1- 2:30 p.m. Join our Better Health members for game time! Snacks and some wholesome fun included. A variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. Registration is required, and new members are welcome to join. Learn more online at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonbetterhealth.
Dr. Jasmeet Mehta
Police appreciation week set for beginning of August
DAVE FRIED
On June 20, I signed Executive Order 2024-54 declaring August 5-12, 2024 “Police Appreciation Week” in Robbinsville Township.
I did this for the ninth consecutive year to support our law enforcement community in the face of continued challenges across our nation.
We are very grateful for the leadership of Robbinsville Township Police Department Chief Mike Polaski and once again invite the Robbinsville community to tie blue ribbons around their mailboxes and swap out their white porch lights for blue beginning Monday, August 5.
A limited number of “We Support Law Enforcement” signs courtesy of Triangle Copy will be available at the township municipal building and police headquarters, while all township buildings will be lit up in blue.
The academy is designed to “bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community” by providing a working knowledge and understanding of all aspects of police operations and units.
Application information will be posted at robbinsvillepd.org when available.
For more information on our NNO event, or to reserve a table, contact Lt. Tom Egan at thomase@robbinsville.net. We hope to see you there!
* * *
provides a wonderful opportunity to bring police and neighbors
As the director of public safety, we choose this week to honor law enforcement because it corresponds with “National Night Out,” which will be held on Tuesday, August 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the municipal complex (1117 Route 130 North).
Celebrating its 41st anniversary, “National Night Out” is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. NNO provides a wonderful opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Robbinsville continues to invest in the only facility in New Jersey teaching shoot/ don’t shoot de-escalation techniques, while our community policing efforts, which include “Coffee with a Cop,” “Cone with a Cop,” “Cocca with a Cop,” the C.A.R.E. program, Youth Academy, the S.A.F.E. (Secure Awareness for First Encounters) registry and, coming this fall, our inaugural Citizens Police Academy.
Adult classes and demonstrations will be offered for seven consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning in mid-September with a total of 20 adults (age 21 and over) able to attend.
On July 15 we had a very productive meeting with new Interim Schools Superintendent Jeff Gorman, Assistant Superintendent Steve Wisniewski, Business Administrator Nick Mackres and Board of Education leadership Peter Oehlberg (President) and Jeffrey Pierro (Vice President), where we reaffirmed our commitment to our mutual obligations under the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement.
The discussion included ways in which we can be effective partners in protectively combatting bullying and harassment, and how we can work together to advance the interests of the township and school communities.
We recognize our shared responsibilities and accountability in student education, civic engagement and toward the overall promotion of an educated and just community.
We wish Dr. Gorman and his team great success during his tenure as the BOE seeks a permanent replacement for Brian Betze.
The special election held by the Robbinsville School District to raise the tax levy by $2.75 million passed 1,651 to 1,406 on March 12, and those increases will begin to hit residents’ tax bills beginning Aug. 1, 2024.
Mercer County also saw a sizeable increase in its 2024 budget. For the average home assessment in Mercer of $286,000, that amounts to an increase of $48.49, which also will be reflected beginning next month.
Township kept its municipal tax rate flat for the 10th time in the last 13 years in its 2024 budget to help offset those increases.
WEDNESDAY
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