9-23 RA

Duty to serve

Over the financial cliff

Board of Ed okays $4.8 million question on Nov. 7 ballot

By BiLL SANserViNO

Robbinsville voters will vote on a public question on Nov. 7 that would allow the school district to raise an additional $4.8 million in tax revenue.

School officials say the funds are needed to cover expecteddeficits in upcoming school budgets—state aid did not increase this year, and is anticipated to be cut next year.

As a result, the district needs to increase taxes over the mandated tax cap. State law requires municipalities and school districts to ask for voter approval if they want to increase taxes more than 2%.

The $4.8 million is over that cap. If approved, the funding will be taxed over the next 18 months and are a permanent increase in the tax levy.

The ballot question was approved by the Robbinsville School Board at a special meeting on Aug. 9. During the session, Superintendent Brian Betze made a case to the board

and members of the public as to why the referendum is necessary.

“If we don’t do anything, this district is going off a financial cliff starting Nov. 7, Betze said.

If the referendum is rejected by voters it will likely result in teacher layoffs, larger class sizes and cuts to courses, courtesy busing, sports and extracurricular programs, Betze said.

It could also mean elimination of kindergarten or going from full-day to half-day kindergarten.

See REFERENDUM, Page 7

RHS senior graduates MCCC with criminal justice degree

By MArcUs COOK

This year, Jay DeMatteo was one of several diligent teens in Mercer County to earn not just one, but two diplomas upon graduation.

Robbinsville Police Sgt. Scott Kivet speaks at the “My Country, My Duty” event held on Aug. 10, 2023 at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. The BAPS program celebrated the value of service to the community. For more photos from the event, see page 11.

The Robbinsville High School graduate—now a rising Junior at Rowan University—was a successful participant in the state’s Jump Start dual enrollment program. Jay graduated Mercer County Community College with his associate

degree in criminal justice earlier this year.

Jay graduated from Mercer County Community College on May 18 with a 3.7 grade point average and from RHS on June 16.

“I feel proud and empowered in many ways that I received my high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously,” says Jay, who spent much of his young childhood in the foster care system.

“For so many years, I ques-

tioned many things about myself; however, reaching this goal reaffirmed the fact that if given a chance, there is nothing I can’t do or learn,” he adds. “I need the right opportunities with people who believe in me. Many people gave up on me or never took the time to give me a chance. I always give 100% in everything I do; sometimes, I learn differently.”

Dual enrollment is a standardized way to refer to pro-

See DEMATTEO, Page 8

CoMMUNItY ForUM Robbinsville school funding must begin at home

By GreGOry DeLUcA

In 2008, the New Jersey state legislature passed the School Funding Reform Act to rebalance state aid according to changing economic circumstances and district characteristics. At the time, New Jersey was operating under a decadesold funding law that did not reflect current economic realities and left some districts significantly overfunded while others struggled.

The School Funding Reform Act distributes aid according to district need and accounts for such things as the number of students in poverty, students who are English language learners, special education students, and numerous other factors. The formula considers all of these elements and establishes an “adequacy budget,” or what funding it would take to adequately meet the needs of students in a district.

It also calculates how much a district should be able to raise from its own taxbase according to resident’s income and

equalized property values, known as the “local fair share” or “local cost share.”

The plan was that the state would then contribute the difference (equalization aid) between what a district could raise on its own (local fair share) and what it needed (adequacy).

However, there was zero political appetite for taking funding away from districts that had been enjoying extra state money for years or raising the funds necessary to adequately educate all students in N.J., so the School Funding Reform Act was immediately diluted with provisions that more or less kept all funding levels as they had been in years prior.

In 2018, the legislature made a new push to fully fund the School Funding Reform Act and rebalance state aid as intended. This bill, known as S2, would phase in the changes over six years beginning in the 2019–20 school year. During this time, Robbinsville experienced steadily increasing state aid until the 2023–24 school year.

For 2023–24, Robbinsville’s aid was

held flat from the previous year, as the district is now considered fully funded by the School Funding Reform Act. What happened?

Enrollment changes and a rapid increase in town wealth as determined through incomes and property values led to a large jump in Robbinsville’s local fair share, negating any increase we would have seen in state aid.

If we consider the adequacy number a reflection of the cost of educating our students, from 2018–19 to 2023–24, this cost has increased by $6,375,733. Our tax levy (what we actually collected) has only increased by $4,781,287. However, our local fair share (what we are expected to contribute) has increased by $11,154,600.

The trend is clear: our tax collections haven’t kept pace with the cost of education while the wealth of the town has increased substantially. Some may argue that these numbers do not perfectly reflect real-world conditions, but the broad strokes are hard to miss. Regardless, these are the numbers upon which

decisions are made.

Further complicating matters, districts are not allowed to raise their tax rate above a 2% cap per year without voter approval, with a few exceptions such as enrollment changes and increases in healthcare costs. Any unused cap can be accessed for up to three years before it expires (cap bank).

There is another important point we must note: Robbinsville has not reached its local fair share since 2018–19. We have been underfunding ourselves by millions of dollars. Any expectation of aid is based on demanding fealty to one part of the School Funding Reform Act formula while ignoring another.

How might we have avoided this situation, and what can we learn for the future?

Communications from the board (before the school board’s Aug. 9 referendum approval, see page 1)) varied and stated an expectation for an increase in state aid of anywhere from $1.3-2 mil-

See FORUM, Page 6

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lion for the 2023-24 school year. Earlier emails said the district expected “about $2 million.”

in March of 2022, $1.6 million was shown as still available if the School Funding Reform Act was fully funded from a state-issued budget document, and in their April 2023 budget presentation, the board said they were anticipating $1.3 million. Our total shortfall for 2023–24 is $2.2 million.

According to the board, this missing ($1.3, 1.6 or 2 million) in state aid is the reason for our current crisis, meaning the 2023–24 levy ($41,274,979) + ($1.3, 1.6 or 2 million) is the line between crisis and business as usual.

It is difficult to surmise what the plan was here, as the numbers have varied, but suffice it to say that even if the state aid had materialized— the best-case scenario the board could have hoped for—their planning would still have left us short.

Let’s look at what it would have taken for Robbinsville to erase the entire $2.2 million shortfall, and then we can dial it back to examine the other scenarios.

If we had responsibly increased our levy from 2018–19, the year state aid increases began under S2, we could have erased the entire 2023–24 shortfall.

In other words, even though we’d still

be facing flat state aid, we’d be over the “crisis line” of 2023–24 actual levy + 2.2 million.

To pay the 2023–24 bills and make up the $2.2 million shortfall, our school tax rate would have to be 1.8057 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

This would leave a home assessed at 400k with:

School tax bill: $7,223

Increase over 23-34 actual: $330

Daily cost increase in tax bill: $.90

To completely erase the 2023–24 shortfall, the levy and rate only had to grow in prior years to the point where a home assessed at 400k contributes an extra $.90 a day in 2023–24. And our children wouldn’t have to face the funding crisis they do now.

To make up all of the state aid that was shown as still available, ($1,645,184), our total school tax rate would be 1.7823 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. A home assessed at 400k would pay $7,140 in school taxes—a $247 increase over the actual 23–24 tax bill.

To make up just the board’s “anticipated” state aid ($1,346,055) our total school tax rate would be 1.7737. A home assessed at 400k would pay 7,095. A $202 increase over the actual 23–24 tax bill.

None of these numbers are attainable now, they all exceed the amount the levy

can increase over last year due to the constraints of the cap. But there were many ways this crisis could have been prevented. For example, in 19–20 there was 1.85 million in banked cap available. In 20–21, there was 2.1 million in banked cap available. 1.8 million in banked cap from 18–19 and 19–20 was allowed to expire.

We had multiple opportunities to responsibly grow the levy and place ourselves in a position where flat state aid wouldn’t cause the cuts and staff loss we will now experience. However, legacy board members and town leaders prioritized keeping taxes flat as much as possible. They reduced the rate in 19–20 and kept it flat for three years.

(It would be possible to raise as much as 2.9 million above the 23–24 levy for an additional $1.19 a day on a house assessed at 400k over the six years between 18–19 and 23–24)

The board has used very strong language regarding our flat state aid this year, saying that an increase was promised, that we are “entitled” to more aid, that we “deserve” it, and that we should “demand” we receive our “fair share.” But we are only ever owed what the formula dictates, and using language like this promotes the idea that Robbinsville is somehow being treated unfairly. While a rapid increase in town wealth as determined by the formula and the constraints of the 2% cap have left us in a bind, we could have at the very least better positioned ourselves to weather the situation. More importantly, this gives us an indication of what we will have to do in the future.

We weren’t seeing aid increases between 18–19 and 22–23 because our inputs into the formula were significantly changing, we were simply riding the ramp up to full funding which was going to level off in 24–25. While there may be tweaks to make funding less volatile, the overall structure of School Funding Reform Act is unlikely to change. We are now above “fully funded” according to the formula. We may have shifts in enrollment or changes in town wealth/ local fair share, but the fundamentals are going to remain the same.

That means this crisis was always coming. If we were constantly living on the margin and letting the ramp up in funding balance our budget, we always ran the risk of finding ourselves in trouble. It simply happened a little earlier due to changes in enrollment and a rapid increase in town wealth. Passing up on the opportunity to grow the levy and letting banked cap expire left us vulnerable, contributed to our current funding crisis, and made it much harder to correct.

The argument has been made that steadily growing our tax base wouldn’t have mattered because school districts

cannot sit on giant surplus funds, but this is predicated on the idea that we didn’t have things to spend on. With leaky roofs and the lowest paid staff in Mercer County, this is hard to accept. Furthermore, many are quick to point out that our current situation is doubly unfair because of how underfunded we were prior to S2. This is true, we were underfunded, but now we aren’t. Regardless, if excess cash in the past that we raised ourselves “couldn’t have been spent,” then why would excess money from the state have been any different?

Growing our tax levy responsibly would not be spending for the sake of spending, it would be growing our investment in public education and protecting it from disruption due to external forces. We now have to endure a crisis, raise taxes to the maximum allowed under the cap for several years, and possibly pass a referendum to exceed the cap.In the long run, will the taxpayers really have saved significant money? Was running the system as inexpensively as possible worth it?

This is not to say these numbers are the only way, or the precise way we could have avoided this crisis. It is simply to illustrate the point that a steady investment in our schools is preferable to keeping taxes flat whenever possible. But legacy board members prioritized and boasted about keeping taxes flat, and advocated for giving as much as possible back to the taxpayer when new aid became available. As recently as last year, legacy board members, the mayor, and other local officials specifically mentioned flattening taxes while endorsing and supporting a slate of candidates who proposed more of the same. The claim was always that this was in search of “balance,” but instead, we find ourselves unable to meet the needs of our students.

Ultimately, this is our community, these are our schools, these are our children, and they are our responsibility. Maintaining local control over a high-quality threeschool district comes at a cost. As we look towards the future, we need to think about what kind of town we want to live in and what kind of school system we want to have. The answer lies somewhere at the intersection of development, taxes, and a host of other issues that may or may not be within the school district’s purview. But there is plenty of suburbia in NJ, and you choose Robbinsville over the surrounding areas. Chances are, the school system played a part in that decision. We may have different visions of what we want our town to be, but I doubt that most people think the 23–24 school year with all of its impending cuts is what our schools should look like.

We need to understand what prioritizing the needs of our students actually means,

“We do not have an expense problem,” Betze said. “We have a revenue problem. For instance, Princeton public schools are a little bit bigger—we are 3,100 students and they are about 3,500 or 3,600 students, but their budget is so much higher than ours, because Princeton has 30,000 residents and Robbinsville has 16,000. Princeton has a larger pool and the same size district.”

If the referendum is approved, the estimated tax increase on a home with an assessed valuation of $379,458 (the average value of a Robbinsville residence) is projected to be $348 in 2024, $699 in 2025 and $709 in 2026.

That increase is $91.64 per $100,000 of assessed valuation in 2024, $184.16 in 2025, and $186.87 in 2026.

Betze said the issue is one that has been ongoing for years.

“It’s come to a head this year because of COVID, the money running out... (In the past) we’ve been able to do things and patch this together, but there are no more patches. There are no more levers to pull. These revenue challenges are not going away.”

Debt service payments are one major problem, particularly for the high school. “The debt is killing this district and has been since they built this building (the board of education meeting was in RHS). That’s a huge payment. The debt, though, comes off in four years. So we need to make it to that point.”

Other major expenses are salary and benefit increases, transportation costs and the cost of maintaining buildings and

and make sure that those tasked with leading our schools share these goals.

Don’t feel much wealthier than years prior? Wondering why a big increase in our local fair share due to town wealth isn’t reflected in our actual tax levy?

The School Funding Reform Act does include incomes as part of the local fair share calculation, so your income did play a part in the local fair share increase. But the different ways property values are assessed helps explain the disparity between local fair share and our actual tax levy.

The School Funding Reform Act uses equalized property values, which are adjusted every year in an attempt to reflect true market value. Our property taxes are collected based on your home’s current assessment, not what you could sell it for. So when property values increase dramatically, as they have over the past few years in Robbinsville, the School Funding Reform Act is able to account for this because it uses a much more flexible tool. But our tax levy can-

grounds.

The referendum will not pay for any new expenditures. “This public question does not add anything,” Betze said. People may ask, ‘What am I going to get for $4.8 million?’ You’re not getting a pool. You’re not getting the tennis courts fixed. You’re not getting new programs. You’re getting exactly what we have now, and that’s stinks. But that’s the reality of this.”

“Our principals could give you a list of things they’ve been wanting for a long time,” Betze added. “We just can’t afford it. The $4.8 million keeps it status quo. It fills this hole for one or two more years, depending on state aid.”

Robbinsville High School Principal Molly Avery said the situation has been a “long time coming.”

“This is about the health and welfare of our kids and our school district, and I implore everyone in this room who supports this referendum... We are in some dire times, and I really hope that we do what we can to get this done.”

Paul Gizzo, principal of Pond Road Middle School, said that some people might think that the district is employing scare taxes when it talks about the cuts necessary if the referendum fails.

“I look at those numbers up there, and if they come to me and said, ‘Paul, you need to cut this much money from Pond Road Middle School,’ it’s not a scare tactic. Sports would be gone. The (high school) play would be gone. And we would be looking at middle school class sizes in the mid to upper 30s. That’s what those cuts mean.”

not, because we do not reassess every home every year.

Consider this, from 17–18 to 23–24, our net taxable evaluation (the total value of Robbinsville, which we pay taxes on like one giant house) increased 232,614,736. But our equalized valuation increased 720,971,465. Our equalized valuation grew 488,356,729 more than our net taxable evaluation, and that means the state is basing their aid numbers off of a Robbinsville that is 583,513,069 wealthier than we view ourselves.

One of the original intentions behind funding schools through property taxes (based on assessed value) was that they tend to be more stable than incomes. But when coupled with the 2% cap and the equalized values used in the School Funding Reform Act, this can leave districts stuck during real estate booms. Changing the School Funding Reform Act to use a slower moving multi-year average of equalized values would help correct this.

Greg DeLuca is a resident of Robbinsville Township.

grams that allow students to take college courses to fulfill their high school’s course requirements. In New Jersey, there are multiple variants of dual enrollment. The Jump Start program is the most involved, allowing students to matriculate and earn an associate degree by the end of their senior year of high school.

Kim DeMatteo, Jay’s mother, says she was apprehensive of Jump Start when she was informed about it by Jay’s guidance counselor at RHS. She had wanted her son to have the traditional high school experience that he was deprived of due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck in Jay’s freshman year. Jay and his mom had only moved to Robbinsville one year prior, when Jay was in eighth grade.

Jay says his fatigue of virtual learning drove him to seek other options for schooling. With his mother’s tentative blessing, he enrolled in a military boarding school at the start of his junior year.

By winter break of that year, the school announced they too would be going virtual after winter break, presumably due to the increasing prevalence of the Omicron variant.

“They wanted them to stay in their barracks all day long and do virtual education,” Kim explains. “In my mind that

Jay DeMatteo shows off his associate degree in criminal justice after graduating from Mercer County Community College on May 18, 2023.

didn’t work.”

Coming home from boarding school was ultimately what led Jay to speak to his guidance counselor, Lindsay Richard, to see how he could reintegrate into RHS. Since the school he was attending in the first half of the year operated on a semes-

ter system, she informed him that he was ahead of his classmates.

Both Jay and his mother were unaware of this option until Richard enlightened him about his eligibility.

“She gave him two options,” Kim says. “Either to graduate high school a year early or be a junior and get out of school at 11 a.m.”

Technically, RHS students were required to apply to the Jump Start program in August, before the school year began, but Richard managed to get Jay into the program in the middle of the school year.

“I was very lucky to have her on my side and always advocate for me,” Jay says of Richard.

Once he was in Jump Start, Jay would start each school day at RHS. After that, he would take classes at Mercer County Community College.

“My schedule at Mercer varied, depending on the semester,” Jay says. “Regardless, endless hours were spent daily completing the work, whether it was writing papers, studying for tests, completing group projects or attending tutoring sessions for statistics.”

“He started with three classes (at MCCC), in the spring of his junior year, and then he just soared. He did summer session one, two and three,” Kim says.

In the fall of his senior year, Jay was taking 18 credits at MCCC and two classes at RHS. However, in order to successfully complete the program, he knew he had to compromise on some things.

“I am incredibly passionate about all sports,” Jay says. “However, when I learned I could actually graduate before high school graduation, the realization that I could not do it all became evident.”

To maintain his course schedule at Mercer, Jay opted to join a basketball team outside of RHS instead of playing for the school’s team. Structured team sports outside of the school offered more flexibility in the evening hours.

In addition to playing basketball, Jay worked part time and volunteered.

According to both Jay and his mother, the benefits of the Jump Start program went far past shaving two years off college. The guidance and feedback he received from the professors and staff at Mercer proved to be invaluable to his development.

“I don’t think they will ever understand how life-changing it became for Jay,” Kim says.

“The department head of criminology and my professors pushed me in ways I never knew I could succeed. They all made me feel that I mattered and that my success mattered and was impressive,”

Jay says.

They even helped him in areas where he was less proficient. “Math is an area of weakness for me but the two professors I had never gave up on me and most of all pushed me to the next level,” he says.

Though Jay had plenty of help at MCCC, he and his mother were expected to take on the burden of getting him to and from campus and paying tuition.

In the same vein, according to Kim, “the one downfall, if I had to give one, was that–it’s unfortunate and I think it’s a staffing issue– when you are a Jump Start student, you don’t have a college advisor.”

Jay could not register for classes himself—he had to email a representative in the admissions department to do so on his behalf. Even though he had started late, and despite any setbacks, Jay was on track to get his associate degree.

Kim adopted Jay in 2009 from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency—then known as the division of family and youth services–when he was five years old. He had been in foster care since he was five weeks old.

Jay will be continuing his studies in this field at Rowan University, majoring in law & justice and minoring in psychology. He plans to graduate in May of 2025.

“I chose criminal justice because I wish to combine my background and childhood history within the foster care system,” Jay says. “I wanted to combine psychology and criminology within my career.”

He says his current career goal is to work as an investigator for child protective services in New Jersey. “Every child deserves a chance for success regardless of their background and age, and I want to be a part of

it. It takes only one person to change your life, and that happened to me when I was adopted by my mom Kim.”

“As far as long-term career,” Kim says, “I could see him pursuing law school and becoming a law guardian and working that way within the system.”

Regardless of what he eventually decides, Kim is proud of what Jay has already accomplished. “He has defeated every odd, every barrier against him,” she says, recalling watching him walk at Mercer’s graduation.

Regarding whether she would recommend Jump Start to other families, Kim says she thinks “the jump start program can be perfect for anybody.”

“There are a lot of programs out there,” Kim says, “I think families just need to educate themselves on what is offered.”

“They need to become their advocates,” Jay agrees. “Decide what is right for them and not depend on anyone else to pave their path.”

He says he recommends the Jump Start program for everyone who might be interested. “I have met wonderful people, exceptional professors and encouraging staff at Mercer. I received so much more than a degree. Mercer Community College staff and professors have given me the desire to continue to excel but more than that, they showed me what it is like to be acknowledged and why putting forth 100% always will lead one to success.

“I will be forever grateful to every professor I had at Mercer Community College for not just the textbook knowledge they educated me on, but also the unconditional support, praise and recognition they gave to me. They have paved the path for my future.”

BAPS celebrates service to the community

Top: Public servants such as police officers, firefighters and elected officials were honored for their dedication to serving their communities during the “My County, My Duty” event at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham on Aug. 10, 2023. Center: Dr. Manjit Singh Bains (left), who is affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Cornell addresses the assembly. Mayor David Fried (right) enjoys the festivities Bottom: Service personnel from BAPS during the event.

RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

HOW AND WHEN TO BE YOUR OWN HEALTH ADVOCATE

Mon., September 11, 11:00am to 12:00pm

Join Lisa Cruser, LPN, Nurse Advocate and owner of Empowering Patients Advocacy Group while she discusses how to navigate the healthcare system, how to ask for and get a second opinion, and how to advocate for yourself and others. FREE

DOES THE RINGING IN YOUR EARS DRIVE YOU CRAZY?

Tue., September, 12; 10:00 to 11:00am

25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A. as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

NO MORE FOOD FIGHTS

Tue., September 12; 10:00 to 11:00am

We are talking about picky eating! Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Let’s explore the most current and effective tactics for healthy & peaceful meals.

WHAT IS THIS PAIN IN THE BUTT?

Wed., September 13; 6:00 to 7:30pm

David Surrey, MD from Rothman Orthopedics will discuss sciatic pain. Find out symptoms and treatment for this common condition. Dinner will be provided.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS

Thu., September 14; 6:00 to 8:00pm

Chakras are energy centers in our bodies, each corresponding to different traits, illness and times of development. Come explore how we can harness the power of these chakras for good health and vitality!

Michelle Gerdes, Princeton Doula Center, YT200. $15

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Mon., Sept. 18th 2023; 3:00 to 6:00pm

Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A. Registration is required. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

FALL MEDICATION SERIES

Wednesdays, September 20 & 27, October 04; 2:00 to 3:00pm

Learn about different classifications of medications in this 5 week series with our Pharmacists and Congestive Heart Failure Coordinator.

Week 1, September 20: Safe Medication

administration: Penny Wasylyk, Pharm D. BCPS

Week 2, September 27: Anticoagulants: Safe administration and precautions: Patricia Hafitz, RPh. CACP

Week 3, October 4: Cardiac Meds: Safe administration and precautions: Ann Mancuso, MSN RN CHFN

Week 4, October 11: Diabetes Medications: Safe administration and precautions: Shesha Desai Pharm D. BC-ADM

Week 5, October 18: Pain Medications: Safe administration and precautions: Dave Appel, Pharm D

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wed., September 20; 1:00 to 2:00pm

Learn how to rest your body and quiet your mind with the simple (although not always easy) practice of meditation. No experience necessary.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUMMING CIRCLE

Wed, September 20; 7:00 to 8:00pm

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 DANCE IT OUT!

Wed., September 25; 1:00 to 2:00pm When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome, no experience required.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? **VIRTUAL**

Wed., September 26, October 3; 12:00 to 1:00pm

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 MANAGING STRESS AND DIABETES

Wed., September 27– 3:00 to 4:00pm

This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION?

Wed., September 27; 6:00 to 7:30pm

The practice of focused concentration, known as meditation, brings yourself back to the moment over and over again. Explore the benefits of meditation in this informational session with optional demonstration. Matt Masiello, CCH, founder of Esteem Hypnocounseling, will guide the group through this practice.

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thu., September 28; 1:30 to 2:30pm

Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community. “Patti McDougall, BSN, RN

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLA HOOP FOR FUN AND FITNESS

Thu., September 28; 6:00 to 7:00pm

This is a very popular class, and with good reason; it’s so much fun. Hoola Hooping is so much easier with an “adult sized” hoop and the right instruction. Learn skills and techniques, hoops provided. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit Instructor. Fee- $15

THE AARP DRIVING COURSE

Tue., October 2; 9:00am to 3:00pm

Be a safer, better driver. Bring your NJ or PA driver’s license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers. Cash or check only to AARP.

FALL MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL

Tuesdays, September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6-7 p.m.

*Must attend all 8 session to receive certificate of completion *

Week 1; September 12: Gregory Cox, MD, goes through the intricate anatomy of the human eye.

Week 2 September 19: Adam Thompson, DO, will discuss how to guide the body back to health after an injury, through non-surgical alternatives.

Week 3; September 26: Maureen Stevens, DPT, and Ashley Sarrol, MS, CCC-SLP, will be discussing how Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy works in unison with other medical modalities.

Week 4; October 3: Michael Duch, MD, will have you learning visually with various MRI images and how to interpret each.

Week 5; October 10: Marc Levine, MD, goes through the spine and how surgery can enhance your mobility and improve quality of life.

Week 6; October 17: John Dibiase, MD, speaks on Sports Medicine and common injuries that can affect anyone, not just athletes.

Week 7; October 24: Javier Villota, MD, will enlighten you on what travel medicine entails and exactly what is needed when visiting abroad.

Week 8; October 31: Review and diplomas.

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

YOGA CLASSES (BEGINNER’S WELCOME)

Tue., September 5 & 19; 10:00 to 11:00am

MEDITATION CLASSES,

Tue., September 19; 11:15 to 11:45am

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wed., September 6, 13, 20, & 27; 10:00 to 11:00am

SOCRATES CAFÉ,

Wed., September 6; 2:00 to 3:00pm

GAME TIME

Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.

*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

Thu., September 7; 2:00 to 3:30pm

THE TREE OF LIFE ART WORKSHOP

Tue., September 12, 1 to 2:30

Here we are ready to start the season of autumn. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you – its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/

or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree – paints, crayons and colored pencils. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace this season together with Artist and Healing Art Instructor, Jane Zamost.

MAPS, APPS & YOU

Thu., September 14, 10:00 to 11:00 am Oh, the places you’ll go when the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association teaches you how to navigate your transportation options. Learn to use technology to get around how and when you want!

TAI CHI CLASS (BEGINNER’S WELCOME)

Thu., September 14 and 28; 1:00 to 2:00pm

SARA ALI, MD, HOSTS A

“JEOPARDY

PARTY” LUNCH AND LEARN

Fri., September 22; Noon to 1:30pm Tables will compete as teams as we test your

knowledge on things important to our aging community. Don’t panic, this will be fun and interactive and there will even be prizes along with lunch. This program is sponsored by our valued partners, Brookdale Hamilton, Hamilton Grove, Platinum Homecare, and Serenity Hospice.

LEAN ON ME!

Tue., September 26, 11:00am to 12:00pm

As you are aging, are you wondering who to lean on to facilitate discussions about your wishes, providing comfort measures, assisting with legacy projects, writing that last letter to loved ones. An end-of-life doula is a trained and compassionate individual who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families helping create an end-of-life plan.

I’m excited for you to meet Sandra Roy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, End-of Life Certification, Life Coach Certification, Clinical Pastoral

Education Certification from RWJBarnabas Health, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. This is a program that you do not want to miss.

HELP, I CAN’T GET UP, LEARN HOW TO PREVENT THE FALLS

Thu., September 28; 10:00 to 11:30am

Please join our highly credentialed experts Dr. John DiBiase, Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., Maureen Stevens PT, DPT, GCS, Cert. MDT, Senior Physical Therapist, and Anthony Notaroberto, RWJ Fitness Personal Training Manager, when they share with you how to prevent a fall, common injuries, how to strengthen your body, and how to best treat your injuries so that you can successfully continue to enjoy your life. Refreshments will be served.

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

SUCCESS AND SELFSUFFICIENCY IN SESSION

Mercer County Community College will open its new Center for Adult Transition, or CAT, this fall to serve intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in a dual campus, person-centered program that prepares these students for adulthood while empowering them to achieve their own goals.

Image of the West Windsor Campus courtesy of MCCC.

Mercer County Community College to Launch New Center for Adult Transition

BY REBEKAH SCHROEDER

Achievement is a highly personal process that fulfills everyone in different ways, as people cultivate that sense of success through learning, working, giving back, and anything else that aligns with their aspirations.

Mercer County Community College’s Center for Adult Transition, or CAT, is a new state-mandated, county collegebased postsecondary program that takes a “person-centered approach” to serving individuals aged 18 to 24 with intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to continue their education in the shift from high school to adulthood.

Students will grow across areas like socialization, safety, and self-sufficiency in a “dual campus experience” fostered in the classroom and community.

According to MCCC materials, the initiative combines coursework and presentations from community service providers on topics like transportation, budgeting, health and wellness, independent living, and more.

The CAT program originated with the

approval of New Jersey Legislature Bill S4211 on January 18, 2022, which established a grant opportunity through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, or OSHE, to fund 18 County College-Based Centers for Adult Transition at institutions that had applied from across the state, according to an OSHE press release.

As a result of the state investment, OSHE stated that the colleges must run these specialized programs to offer “mentoring, job coaching, skill training, and other appropriate wrap-around services to help secure employment and maintain independent living” for people with IDDs—a range of conditions including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and more.

OSHE is now a project partner with MCCC, and the Center for Adult Transition will serve the college on both campuses— the James Kerney Campus at 102 North Broad Street in downtown Trenton and the West Windsor Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor—to bring programming to a wider audience across the school’s two Mercer County locations.

Dr. Gonzalo Perez is the college’s assistant vice president of academic affairs, focusing on workforce education and inno-

See MCCC, Page 4

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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

From MCCC, Page 2

vation. While he was appointed to oversee the JKC campus in February, he also continues to lead the Division of Lifelong Learning and MercerOnline

Perez stated that MCCC was “very excited” about the grant competition, noting that the college services students with disabilities through the Center for Accessibility Resources, or CAR, and specifically its DREAM Program, which MCCC “used as a launching pad” for the CAT.

without

“CAT expands that opportunity to a larger group of young adults who may not be seeking an immersive classroom experience but are interested in exploring college. Some young adults will benefit from services provided collaboratively. Because of this state funding, a wider range of options is available,” she added.

“We recruit students, give them noncredit or types of workshops and seminars, help with life skills, and really get them prepared for any type of career,” Perez explained, noting that students can focus on a certification, life skills, or take a credit course, depending on their interests.

Although MCCC has many of the necessary facilities, resources, and faculty in place for the program, it is still in active development, according to Perez.

The MCCC CAT program’s new case manager, Kimberly Fisher, is a recent

addition to the team at the Center for Accessibility Resources.

The Burlington County resident has an extensive background in supporting special populations impacted by and experiencing mental illness, substance use, domestic violence, homelessness, food insecurity, and other issues by connecting them with agencies in the area.

While this is her first time applying that experience to an educational setting, she has previously coordinated vocational services and programming for IDD individuals.

In an interview with Community News Service, Fisher said that the CAT program is a partnership between educational institutions like MCCC and nonprofits that offer programming in areas like self-advocacy, incommunity service providers, and the private sector.

“With all those resources coming together [and] collaborating, we’ll really be

able to offer this special population a variety of services and needs based on their individual preferences, choices, [and] goals,” Fisher said. “It’s important for this population to really know what’s out there for them to help them be successful.”

To qualify for the grant, applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old; have graduated high school, regardless of what age they did so; have been identified with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, either while attending a K–12 school system or by a private provider; and live in Mercer County.

While MCCC is still confirming the structure of the program, the “general consensus,” according to Fisher, is to have four-hour classes twice per week, with each session split into coursework and the campus experience.

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ognizes that the more a person’s path is tailored to their unique situation and strengths, the greater the likelihood they have of making a healthy transition to the next stage of life.

Several students are already committed to the program, which is set to launch in time for the fall 2023 term start date of Tuesday, September 5; this way, students can enroll at the same time as the rest of the college for a shared sense of community.

“If we have an individual that says, ‘Well, I go to college,’ there’s meaning in that. There’s value in that,” Fisher said. “We

want it to be seamless. We want it to be the same experience as others in college, and so as close to that as we can is what we’re aiming for.”

However, Fisher is adamant that although the program is “college-based,” the biggest difference between CAT and traditional MCCC courses is that CAT has no admission deadlines, meaning students can join any time of the year, thus eliminating waitlists that often act as a barrier for support services.

“We get them where they are,” she said, “[In] my experience with community sup-

ports, what I often saw [was that] if there was a wait list for service, that individual typically waited a very long time, and things change in those periods. They either go find something else or they stay at home and isolate by themselves, and so we want to make it very clear that this is open at any given time; whenever people want to join us or need to join us, that door will always be open, regardless of a college semester.”

The semesters are broken into modules that begin with career development and adult employment, an introduction to the opportunities and resources available to students on their respective journeys.

MCCC’s CAT will also give students increased access to community service providers, Fisher continued, with the CAT program “serving as an on-campus resource hub” for coordination with entities such as the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, or DDD, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, or DVRS.

DVRS manages vocational supports for the Mercer County area, so representatives from the agency will discuss eligibility for employment-based services that may include supported employment, trial work, or job coaching.

Fisher observed that while working as a community provider, she noticed that there was a “gap” in information where students

lost connections to resources during the summer period.

“We find that some of these individuals say, ‘Well, I’ve graduated high school. I’m going to take the summer off. I’ll figure out what I’m going to do later,’ and they often don’t,” Fisher said.

“They don’t remember that connection to the Division of Voc. Rehab., whereas in May [or] June, they might have been interested in those services or those supports for skill training or job coaching, and so we’re hoping maybe to catch some of those individuals and reconnect them back to that specialized service for those vocational supports.”

“Again, we all know, a couple of months into summer break, and people start going to school, or they go to jobs, and you’re home alone, you don’t have your support group, you don’t have your peer group, so what do you do? Really, it just provides for a lot of isolation,” she said. “We don’t want that to happen.”

Instead, Fisher added that CAT can try to reintroduce these young adults to their in-community providers, noting that MCCC has been in contact with just under 100 agencies serving Mercer County to increase their scope of impact, such as the Progressive Center for Independent

Dr. Gonzalo Perez, left, is Mercer County Community College’s assistant vice president of academic affairs, and Kimberly Fisher, right, is a case manager with the institution’s new Center for Adult Transition, or CAT program, designated through a grant and a partnership with the state’s OSHE.

Living, the Arc Family Institute, Caregivers NJ, and Mercer County’s Aging & Disability Resource Connection.

Those enrolled in the program will also have a designated lunch time where they can go to the cafeteria to eat and interact with other students, staff, and faculty. These real-life scenarios will serve as practical exercises to reaffirm what Fisher will be teaching in the classroom.

Fisher wants CAT students to better understand the appropriate boundaries and behaviors for a college or workplace envi-

ronment, which she will convey through role play and modeling exercises. These lessons, besides having interpersonal benefits, are also to educate them on how to identify dangerous or unsafe circumstances, especially because IDD populations are at a higher risk of financial and sexual exploitation, Fisher added.

Semester two concentrates on academic enrichment, providing a course overview of class registration, financial aid, joining clubs, and the differences between credit and non-credit courses, as well as certificate programs.

Fisher explained that if a person learned

609.849.5999

that their local dog shelter needed assistance with marketing materials, they would want to volunteer and practice their computer skills by enrolling in a certification program based around applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Semester three focuses on campus and community engagement, encouraging students to find peer groups on campus based on shared interests and get involved with programs including MCCC’s food pantry, the classical and jazz radio station WWFM, and the Allies Inc. Garden at the West Windsor campus, a partnership with the Hamilton-based nonprofit’s Project Grow farming and horticulture program.

Students will also gain exposure by using the college shuttle to travel between the Trenton and West Windsor campuses, learning how to greet and respond to the driver, introduce themselves, and utilize public transportation while taking advantage of both locations.

Transportation is another “big barrier” for this population, according to Fisher, and MCCC is looking to possibly work with Rutgers University’s New Jersey Travel Independence Program, or NJTIP, to inform this group of students about using public systems.

While West Windsor and Trenton “offer the same services,” she explained, the latter is the larger, “more rural” of the two,

offering soccer fields and other features not present at JKC, giving students chances to meet more people and have “that true college campus experience.”

The CAT Program will also overview Mercer County providers that are largely volunteer-based, such as the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, or TASK, HomeFront, local food banks, and more to connect this population to their community, as Fisher explained.

The fourth semester delves into independent living arrangements and everything it suggests, such as how to pay rent, contact emergency services, and buy groceries.

“We’ll be partnering up with some of

the community providers that offer some of these in-depth independent living structures. They offer recreation, activities, and they can discuss the pros and cons of what is available in Mercer County for living,” Fisher said.

MCCC is continuing to partner with more agencies that cover topics related to independent living and may include providers of residential services, such as group homes and supervised apartments—the latter of which Fisher describes as “a little less restrictive for those individuals that are more independent, that are safety aware, financially aware, and the risk is relatively low for exploitation for them.”

The last semester is self-determination, which Fisher describes as a wraparound exploration of what they covered in the course to enable students to choose whether to pursue employment, volunteer work, a certificate, or other ways to engage and enrich their lives.

“They’ll have all those materials to reflect back on to be able to make a decision that’s based on their wants, their needs, and what they want to do. It’s completely independent,” Fisher said, noting that the individuals will be “empowered to make their own decisions as they continue that transition into adulthood.”

Fisher said that MCCC is currently building this program in a way that prioritizes accessibility with the few-

Eligible students ages 18 to 24 will be able to use the college shuttle system to travel between the James Kerney Campus at 102 North Broad Street in downtown Trenton, opposite page, and the West Windsor Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor, above.

est obstacles to care—and the greatest autonomy—possible.

She added that what sets the CAT program apart from others is its unique position on a college campus, which offers a built-in system of support to this population as they look to integrate into professional spaces.

“We want to make sure, again, that accommodations are built in and there are zero barriers from day one,” she said, noting that the classrooms are still being fur-

nished with inclusive options.

“If we have an individual [who] perhaps has cerebral palsy and has arm braces, they’re going to need a different seating arrangement than what we have right now,” she said. “If we need those accessibility items, it’s imperative that we have them to meet the needs of everyone.”

Fisher described the request for service form as “barrier-free,” noting that the applications are straightforward, electronic, and go directly to the CAT team, who will then

respond to families as soon as they are able to do so.

“I have been a community provider for years and years. Never did I have exposure to an individual in this population [who] was going to college or had the opportunity to do so,” Fisher said, noting that times are changing to “move away from those congregate settings.”

“They’re truly going individualized and self-directed in that the individual and their family receiving service really have more of a voice now than they ever did—and they should use that voice to have services that are appropriate for them,” she explained. ***

To learn more about the Center for Adult Transition (CAT) or ask questions, email cat@mccc.edu or visit the page on the MCCC website, mccc.edu/student_services_ needs_cat.shtml.

To apply for the CAT program, visit the Request for Service form at forms.office.com/ pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jSYNCfenoEi XZEU1ZUk8nG6HoZ_WrRdMloWC0GM64wNUNVJPVDVXVzdDNkQzR0tKUFVXN1RYVDdOVC4u

For more on the Center for Accessibility Resources (CAR), visit mccc. edu/student_services_needs.shtml or call 609-570-3422

Inclusion Sports Performance Training

Where Children & Adults Strive to Reach Their Highest Potential

Inclusion Sports Performance Training is a welcoming, inclusive place where children and adults strive to reach their highest potential. Through offerings including swimming, gymnastics and a learn to ride bike program, students work with trained and dedicated staff to meet any challenge and make progress. Here kids have the opportunity for social play, recreational movement and early intervention. Coming soon, ISPT will offer after school enrichment programs which will include bussing from Hopewell school district.

Instruction is offered in both group settings and 1:1 private lessons and parent/child classes give parents and kids a chance to learn, bond and interact together in a safe and collaborative setting. ISPT also offers an inclusive summer day camp that puts the focus on healthy movement and development of social skills through theme weeks that encompass fun, play, inclusion and creativity.

At our Ewing location, both verbal and non-verbal students are included through accessible programs including swimming, gymnastics and learn to bike. Swim lessons are private and one-to-one, so kids can focus on learning to swim and respecting the water. Small group gymnastics allow students to gain independence and work on life skills, while parent assisted gymnastics classes are a great introduction for learners who require additional support. Monthly Parents Night Out events give caregivers a muchneeded respite while kids have fun in a safe, supervised and social environment.

The Learn to Ride program offers students a chance to take flight on two wheels through private or small group classes. The fundamental life skill of riding a bike benefits students both mentally and physically and can increase confidence and give families a fun activity they can do together. ISPT has collaborated with Strider

Bikes and their donated balance bikes have helped pave the path to success for so many of our students.

At our new Hopewell location, preschool-aged students run, jump, tumble and play in a safe and inclusive space under the supervision of highly trained staff. Current offerings include Preschool Social Play, Parent/Child in Motion, Tumbling Tykes, Sensory Play and Learn and Open Gym Family Play as well as private lessons. Future offerings will include yoga for kids and families, after school enrichment programs, OT, PT and speech.

ISPT founder and owner Shannon Schafer has over 25 years experience working with the special needs community and is passionate about not only creating an inclusive environment but also about fostering an inclusive community. She has worked with both public and private schools in Mercer county as well as Special Olympics, NJ as a coach for over 20 years and POAC Autism Services.

“I vowed many years ago to make sure parents would have a welcoming and inclusive place to bring their children, a place where possibilities are limitless and that’s what we do at Inclusion Sports Performance Training,” she says.

Visit inclusionsportspt.com for more information or contact us directly at 609 812-2566. Join for an open house at our Hopewell location on Sunday, September 17, 10 a.m. to noon, or at our Ewing location, Sunday, October 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And be sure to come see us at Hopewell Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 23. See ad, page 15

Back-to-school checklist

The start of the new school year is right around the corner. Parents can ease the big change and alleviate stress by using this back-to-school readiness checklist from the RWJBarnabas Health Children’s Health network and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group:

Fill out any forms your school has sent home, such as emergency contact and health information forms before school starts.

Inform the school nurse and teachers about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Coordinate with the school nurse to administer medications your child might need.

Pack a healthy, balanced lunch with a mix of protein, grains, fruit and vegetables, if possible.

Establish a bedtime routine at least one week before school starts.

Be sure your child has a sturdy backpack with padded shoulder straps and avoid overloading it.

Schedule an appointment

Stay up to date with flu and recommended childhood vaccines. Children 12 and over may also be vaccinated for COVID-19; ask your primary care provider for more information.

To schedule an appointment with an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, please visit rwjbh.org/medicalgroup or call 1-888-724-7123

Let teachers know about conditions that may affect your child’s ability to learn. For example, children with ADHD should be seated in the front of the classroom and children with vision problems should sit near the board.

Your insurance accepted RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers accept most major insurances. Medical insurance varies by provider, please call your insurance carrier to verify coverage.

MAKING SMILES FOR LIFE

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute

Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

Pain.

It gnaws at you. It drains you. It becomes the focus of your life.

Experiencing a few pain-free moments can be euphoric; it makes you realize how long you’ve been living with aches and pain. You might wonder how you can find a solution to relieve the pain and regain your freedom from discomfort.

Dr. Ronak Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute wants you to know there are two new revolutionary answers to pain relief.

Both platelet-rich therapyotherwise known as PRP - and stem cell therapy give patients new hope by using the body’s powerful healing power to accelerate the battle against pain. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success implementing these cuttingedge treatments on hundreds of patients suffering from pain-related issues.

So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline.

• Osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff tear

• Back pain

• Meniscus tears

• Tennis elbow

• Disc herniations

• Tendonitis

• Neck pain

Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures.

Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable.

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage.

So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected

back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered.

Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.

Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease.

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue.

And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost!

Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an appointment and learn more.

See ad, page 3.

Dr. Irving Djeng

Dr. Lauren Levine

Dr. Kevin Collins

Dr. Deolinda Reverendo

Dr. Michael DeLuca

Dr. Matthew Etter

Dr. Ronak Patel MD

Back to School Stuart Country Day School

Princeton Montessori School

A child-centered approach to learning

Montessori is an innovative, child-centered approach to learning, developed a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development, with a goal of igniting a passion for learning and nurturing the potential in each child. Princeton Montessori School, founded in 1968, is the area’s premier independent, coeducational, Montessori day school for children from infancy through 8th grade, and is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. Our Infant, Toddler, and Primary programs are joyful learning communities designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each age group. Led by Montessori-credentialed experts, children move into their elementary years as explorers, thinkers, doers, and kind community members. Our Middle School (grades 6-8) is authorized by The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) which ensures our graduates are confident, competent, and well-prepared for success in life. Princeton Montessori School continues to provide children from the greater Princeton area with the very best in Montessori education. Come for a tour! https:// princetonmontessori.org/

487 Cherry Valley Road, Princeton. See ad, page 16

Celebrating 60 Years of Preparing Girls for Lives of Leadership and Service

Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, an independent school located in Princeton, is dedicated to the education of girls from kindergarten to Grade 12, alongside a co-ed preschool. Following the Goals and Criteria of the Schools of the Sacred Heart, Stuart's mission is to educate young women to lead lives of leadership and service. This September marks the 60th anniversary of all-girls, Sacred Heart education at Stuart in Princeton, NJ. In 1963, the Society of the Sacred Heart answered the call for a girls’ school that taught their students to thrive with and through God’s love. Today, in our ever-evolving society, Stuart’s mission, and that of girls’ schools, remains as pertinent as ever. Head of School Julia Wall dispels misconceptions about girls’ schools, emphasizing the integral role of a spiritual foundation in shaping leadership development.

Stuart was founded to support the empowerment of women and their spiritual heart center as it applies to God’s love for them. As a Sacred Heart school, guided by five Goals and Criteria, we believe that every child is born with a unique sense of spirituality, and it’s important for kids to know that God loves them however they define their spirituality. Though we’re a Catholic school, we’ve always widely embraced other religions and believe that God is a helpful force in life; reminding kids that they matter and that someone other than their

parents believes that they’re a perfect being, just as they are, worthy of love.

Girls’ schools also often battle misconceptions about their ability to successfully ready girls for college and careers, especially in co-ed spaces. The fact is, you don’t need to have gone to school next to a boy to be fully actualized. Alums tell us that while they were at Stuart, every door was open to them and they had the freedom to establish their own sense of self; they were confident in who they were as people and were then able to bring their authentic self to everyone regardless of their gender. The affinity space of an all-girls school like Stuart prepares students for every social and academic scenario. Our girls not only get placed at top colleges nationwide, most of which are coed settings, but they thrive there and go on to do amazing things across a broad range of industries and organizational settings. By the time they leave us — after 12 years at Stuart or four — our graduates speak with a self-assuredness about their future that is uniquely Stuart.

Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road, Princeton. www.stuartschool.org. See ad, page 14.

RSM Princeton

Building Powerful Minds Through Mathematics

What is the Russian School of Mathematics?

RSM is an award-winning after school math enrichment program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 75+ locations in North America. Our unique approach consists of a continuous kindergarten to highschool curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year over year. K-12 students can choose from various classes to prepare them for the school year, math competition courses for additional challenge, or test prep courses.

Fall math classes now enrolling at RSM Princeton!

There is no better time to join RSM than in Fall! Get started by scheduling a free math evaluation for your child or visit our website to see the Fall schedule of classes: www.mathschool.com/locations/princeton. For any questions you might have, please feel free to call us at 732-708-4905 or email us at princeton@mathschool.

com.

An award-winning math program.

Featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked “among the top schools in the world” by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. As Masha Gershman, the VP of Marketing at RSM, states in her Ted talk “Uncertain Times Call for Certain Math”, advanced mathematics is not only within the grasp of every child but is also a

crucial skill for achieving success in any field.

Our program is built around how a child's mind works

Designed as a continuous program from K-12, our curriculum was developed by our team of academics specializing in mathematics, education, and child development. Our curriculum has continually been perfected by our curriculum department over the last two decades. Three levels for every grade allow us to meet children where they are and place them in an environment suited to them. This ensures that students can begin our program at any time

and be challenged appropriately in an environment of peers.

Talented faculty.

All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or related field and a deep passion for the subject. Our extensive training program prepares our teachers to teach according to our specific methodology. Our teachers guide students to think about mathematics logically and conceptually, building deep connections between concepts, all in a classroom environment that keeps children consistently challenged.

How do I enroll my child?

For every interested student, we offer a free 30-minute math evaluation which is the best way to learn more about our program. An evaluation is an informal conversation with the potential student and his/ her family in order to understand what grade-appropriate math skills the student has before entering RSM. Our principal will walk you through our curriculum, and methodology, and answer any questions you may have.

RSM Princeton, 231 Clarksville Road, West Windsor. 732-708-4905. princeton@mathschool.com. www. mathschool.com/locations/princeton. See ad, page 9.

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!

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

RWJBarnabas Health has a passion for heart health. We have the largest adult and pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state, a heart transplant program that’s in the top 15 nationally, the latest technology and medical advancements and hundreds of wellness and prevention programs to strengthen and protect healthy hearts. Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. Learn more at rwjbh.org/heart

Back to School

St. George Preschool A Safe Place for Growth

At St. George Preschool, we believe that each child has an innate drive for exploring, discovering, communicating, and learning. Our purpose is to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for children to develop this innate drive to the fullest, and become life-long learners. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her individual interests, creativity and potential at their own pace by providing a wide variety of fun and age-appropriate activities and materials. In addition to the developmental goals in the areas of math, language, science, cognitive skills, motor skills, etc., stipulated by the state, the school aims to promote learning skills for life.

At the same time, we aim to enhance the child’s social, moral, cultural and spiritual growth through group interactions, uplifting stories, cultural events and gentle guidance. Since “a healthy mind is in a healthy body” as the Ancient Greeks said, we provide a huge indoors gym and

a beautiful play ground with regular physical activities.

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

The Laurel School of Princeton

Designed For The Dyslexic Mind

The Laurel School of Princeton provides an enriched educational experience for students who have dyslexia and related learning differences such as ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive function deficits. Laurel School students bring incredible talents, skills and creativity to our program, while being taught by expertly trained, passionate teachers who understand how they learn best, helping them to build on their strengths and achieve academic success.

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.

Saint George Preschool, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton. 609-5862223. Contact director Angela Gering at director@stgeorgepreschool.org.

See ad, page 16

Instruction is delivered with a multisensory and inquiry-based approach by teachers who have years of experience teaching children with learning differences and are certified to instruct using Orton Gillingham and Wilson Language programs. Our faculty understands that it is critical to intervene as early as possible when children have reading, writing, and math challenges. It is essential to identify the individual needs of each student and provide diagnostic and prescriptive

lessons that ensure success. The Laurel School of Princeton offers an integrative, engaging curriculum that enables our students to develop the confidence to learn and excel.

Laurel understands that some children need more than what conventional teaching systems and traditional public schools can offer. No parent wants to see their child become disconnected; “Kids often come to us with their confidence broken by the school districts, and they feel as though they can’t learn. But their spark quickly returns as

they discover that they can grow and thrive at Laurel,” says the Director of Admissions Amy Deutsch. By placing your child in a holistic educational atmosphere, individualized instruction and guidance will empower him/her to take control of their education and rediscover success.

Please contact Amy Deutsch with questions or to schedule a tour: 609-566-6000, extension 0282 or at adeutsch@thenewgrange.org

The Laurel School, 800 North Road, Hopewell. www.laurelschoolprinceton.org. See ad, page 11

The Rech Center

Celebrating 20 Years

Twenty years is a long time. So much happens in 20 years. You live, you learn, you grow. As The Rech Center celebrates their 20th anniversary, the lessons go way beyond the dance studio! Just ask Kelly Rech, the Founder and Director of The Rech Center for Performing Arts. Kelly shared, “When I first opened the doors to The Rech Center, I envisioned teaching dance and supporting TRC students in becoming the best dancers they could be! What I never expected was the family of dance students over the years who not only have developed a love for dance, but students who have learned so much about who they are and who they want to be in life”!

Of course, The Rech Center offers dance classes in all style of dance for children of all ages, but that isn’t what makes The Rech Center special. Just ask the dancers at TRC or the parents of those students, why they love the The Rech Center!

“I can’t put into words the joy I feel when I see my daughter coming out of the studio after class. I don’t

see that smile after any other activity she is involved with. Thank you for providing such a positive encouraging environment for all of your students”.

“My friends that I dance with at The Rech Center always support me and are truly excited for me when I try and accomplish something new. That makes me feel good”.

According to Kelly, students at The Rech Center not only learn lessons in the studio that will help them become better dancers, but lessons that have molded them into the people they aretoday. As we head into our 20th season, it’s truly been a pleasure to teach so many students who have gone on to dance professionally, who have made dance a part of their college experiences and those who have gone into various careers where they have applied lessons and skills learned at TRC into their professions. As a studio owner, teacher, choreographer and most importantly a parent, Kelly says that is The Rech Centers biggest and most important accomplishment. Having a positive and encouraging influence on her students regardless of their endeavors is priceless.

www.rechcenterdance.com. See ad, page 10

St. George Preschool

Enroll now for the 2023-2024 school year

Classes for 3 year olds and 4 year olds

Potty trained

Full- 1/2 day, early morning drop off, late pick up schedules available

Competitive tuition rates - secure environment indoor gym - outdoor playground - qualified educators

Princeton Ballet School

Beyond technique: Empowering dancers

Princeton Ballet School is the official school of the American Repertory Ballet, celebrating over 65 years of excellence in dance education.

Classes are designed for all ages to build confidence, artistry, discipline, and foster students’ love of dance. Its 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.

What Sets the School Apart

St.

1200

www.stgeorgepreschool.org

Angela Gering Director

Call

Founded in 1954 by Audrée Estey, Princeton Ballet School is one of the nation’s finest non-profit dance schools. Many things set Princeton Ballet School apart from the usual dance school, the most important being: its philosophy, its faculty, its affiliation with a professional ballet company, its dedication to live music in the classroom and its facilities.

The School’s Philosophy. Princeton Ballet School is known for nurtur-

ing developing dancers in a safe and progressive way. The school teaches age and developmentally appropriate ballet technique classes from a syllabus that allows younger students more time for movement exploration while providing advanced students with the tools to become professional dancers, if they so choose. As a result, all students develop self-esteem, self-discipline, and a strong fitness level that will provide a powerful edge in any future endeavor.

Outstanding Faculty. Princeton Ballet School has more than 20 specialized faculty members. Many have attained graduate degrees in dance education and have won major teaching awards. All are committed to the school’s philosophy of dance education and to helping students achieve their best. Members of the outstanding faculty have performed professionally with companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, and American Repertory Ballet.

Live Music. The school’s ballet classes have live musical accompaniment. This is particularly fun for the children’s classes, where frequent improvisational exercises provide an opportunity for students to interact and

Hamilton Dental Associates

The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children

Growing up makes for a constantly evolving experience for children. Every year they change and grow into the person they are destined to become, and that extends to their oral health. From the first baby tooth to their adult teeth coming in later in their lives, managing your child’s dental health presents unique challenges for parents. With those challenges come a few myths involving childhood tooth development that can impact how you treat your child’s dental health.

Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths.

When you start looking for a pediatric dentist in Hamilton, you want to find one that knows how intensive taking care of your child’s teeth should be. Taking a proactive approach to their dental health can help them avoid more involved procedures down the road — one of the most common myths that lead to your child’s teeth suffering in the long run.

Common Myth #1: Childhood Teeth Will Straighten Out Over Time

One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case. If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally

Back to School

Where Do Orthodontic Issues Come From?

In most cases, a child’s orthodontic problems stem from their genetics — these issues are inherited from their parents. Additionally, some problems can develop over time based on poor oral hygiene habits they learned from a young age.

Some of these acquired oral health issues include:

• Sucking Their Thumbs

• Mouth Breathing

• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns

• Poor Dental Hygiene

• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth

• Poor Nutritional Habits

straighten themselves with time.

The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.

Common Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic

While most people associate orthodontic treatments with getting braces as a teenager, that procedure does much more than merely straighten teeth to help you look better. Getting your jaw and teeth back into proper alignment has a cascading effect on your oral health. It helps improve your biting, chewing, and even speaking ability.

Common Myth #3: There Is a Right Age for Orthodontic Care

Many parents believes there is a specific age at which it’s appropriate to bring their children in for orthodontic care. The perceived minimum age for a child to receive orthodontic care is around 12-13 or right when they reach high school. However, getting your child such care earlier can help avoid getting braces and fixing issues before they worsen.

In reality, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your children should get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. Once they hit that age, their mouth will have a nice balance between their baby and permanent teeth. This window of time allows for an accurate orthodontic evaluation to determine where preventative care is enough or if additional action is required.

However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.

Finding a Child Orthodontic You Can Trust

Trusting your child’s teeth and their beautiful smile to a pediatric dentistry practice is something that every parent must come to grips with. Figuring out which childhood orthodontic makes the most sense for your child and their future dental visits becomes critically important. For parents and their children in Hamilton, Hamilton Dental Associates provides them with the experienced pediatric dentists they need to prioritize their oral health as they mature.

Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and schedule your first appointment today!

See ad, page 10

Sat. 11/04/23

In-person: Rosedale Park Pennington, NJ

Virtual option available.

Participation Options:

-5k in-person -1 mile in-person

-10k in-person -Virtual

collaborate with the staff of professional musicians.

Facilities. Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton, New Jersey. All locations are wheelchair accessible and feature sprung dance floors and marley from Harlequin Floors. The striking Princeton and Cranbury facilities were designed by the late Ralph

Lerner, an internationally known architect and former Dean of the School of Architecture at Princeton University. The studios in New Brunswick are part of the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2019.

More information: arballet.org/ princeton-ballet-school/. See ad, page 12

Inspire youth to BE GREAT & strive for great futures!

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

$33,220.23 DOUGH RAISED

UPCOMING CHARITABLE EVENTS:

2023

OCTOBER 8: I Believe in Pink

NOVEMBER 12: Shine & Inspire

DECEMBER 10: OneProjectNJ & Mobile Meals of Hamilton

DOUGH RAISED:

1973

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

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

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

YEARS

June 11: Autism New Jersey $3,871.84

JULY 9: Joeys Little Angels $4,503.94

AUGUST 6: Whats My Name $3,575.66

2023

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

New owner, cherished traditions at Rossi’s

By JOe EMANsKi

For 90 years, Rossi’s Bar and Grill has carved out a serious reputation for good food and good times — first in Trenton’s Chambersburg section, and since 2014, in Hamilton.

The Rossi’s menu features many popular items, but none is as famous as the Rossiburger — regularly featured in Best-in-Jersey lists published in print and online.

Hal Rose never really got to enjoy the Rossi’s experience in its old home at the corner of Morris and Franklin Streets. But the Princeton Junction resident was a frequent customers at Marsilio’s, another classic Chambersburg eatery. There, he got to know Alan Meinster,

the owner of Marsilio’s, which has since moved to Ewing. Meinster had been a partner at Rossi’s since the move to Hamilton, along with Mike Rossi, grandson of the restaurant’s founder. Meinster knew from discussions with Rose over the years that the latter had interest in owning a restaurant one day.

“We were in discussions on and off for a number of years. I’d told Alan that I’d really like to do something different next phase of my career,” says Rose, who spent most of his professional career in financial services. “One day Alan told me that Mike was thinking of retiring. He said, ‘If we advised you, would you have any interest in buying this place?’ And it got to a point where we said, ‘Let’s sit down and talk.’”

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF

In October of last year, the parties made the transaction final. “I had some restaurant experience from early in my career, and always had an interest in owning a restaurant–bar. When the opportunity to own a landmark like Rossi’s arose, and knowing I’d have the support of the previous owners, I knew it would be a good move,” Rose says.

Rose’s first order of business was to respect Rossi’s long history and long list of devoted customers. Rossi’s first opened in Chambersburg in 1933, and though it has moved from the city, many of those long-time customers have followed it into the suburbs.

“One of the things I find incredible about Rossi’s is, numerous times a week I’ll have somebody coming in who’s somewhere between 60 and 80 and always tells me, ‘My grandfather used to take me Rossi’s since I was a kid and now I’ve been bringing my grandchildren to Rossi’s for X number of years,” Rose says. “It’s such an important part of peoples’ lives and history. It’s enjoyable to continue to satisfy these customers and continue to grow the business in that sense.”

Rose says that when he took over, his

goal as far as the menu was concerned was to retain all of Rossi’s most popular dishes while introducing modern additions to the menu.

In addition to the legendary Rossiburger, these include Rossi’s tomato pies, chicken parmigiana, and of course, Rossi’s famous fried zucchini sticks.

“First, we have recipes from the Rossi’s family that literally go back generations, that go back to the ancestors in Italy. We really try to stay true to those recipes. We’re not taking short cuts — we really haven’t changed anything from what Mike Rossi had been doing for decades and decades,” Rose says. “And it’s important to me that the loyal customers continue ot get the same experience and the same satisfaction that they’ve gotten from Rossi’s all these years.”

At the same time, Rose says, he also wants to continue to grow the business and attrack a new, younger crowd.

“We brought back a very popular prime rib sandwich to the menu, but we also have new items like fish tacos, calamari and new salads. We have a lot of specials and if there’s something that is really popular, we’ll move it onto the permanent menu.”

3 Ways to VOTE:

Hal

which they purchased last October from

One example of a special that has earned a spot on the regular menu is Rossi’s fried chicken sandwich — regular or spicy.

“The feedback has been fantastic. A lot of people say something along the lines of ‘You are a contender in the chicken sandwich wars,” Rose laughs.

Rose knew when he bought the restaurant that one item on the menu could never be replaced: the 3/4-pound, flamebroiled Rossiburger, once called the best in the state by NJ Monthly magazine.

“We are often included in surveys of See ROSSI’S, Page 16

and Amy Rose at Rossi’s in Hamilton,

Mike Rossi and Alan Meinster.

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best burgers in New Jersey, and honestly, that was part of the attraction to me when we were first talking about purchasing the place. Rossi’s itself a landmark in the area, and a destination based on its history — there are not a lot of restaurants that make it for 90 years and have touched so many people,” Rose says. “But the burger itself, we have people who will tell me they are coming from over an hour away because they miss our burger so much. When I first came in, the most common question that I would get from the long-time customers was, ‘What are you changing?’ And I’d say, ‘Look we’re not looking to mess with success.’”

Aiding in the continuity is the persistence of many staff members from the previous ownership. There are still members of the Rossi family who work at Rossi’s, and Rose says a number of kitchen staff have been at the restaurant ever since the move to Hamilton. And Meinster and Mike Rossi are still around in the informal role of advisers.

All that is not to suggest that Rose has

Priced from the low $500s

609-900-3130 |

5 Sportsman Blvd, Hamilton, NJ 08690 Sales office open Friday-Tuesday from 11am–5pm.

resisted making any changes at all.

“I want to continue Rossi’s tradition to offer great food and drinks, but we’re also focused on delivering a lot of fun and memorable experiences,” Rose says. “We are also adding a lot of new events.”

Events include Trivia Tuesdays and live music in Rossi’s outdoor space on Thursday nights. Performers have included popular local artists such as Ernie White, Meg Hansen and Lisa Bouchelle.

“We have added a few more nights of music each month and will continue to do so, including adding some artists who haven’t played here before,” Rose says.

Rose has also expanded the bar area with more high-top tables and more TVs, including an 86-incher in the dining room that is often tuned to big games.

During the pandemic, and like many restaurants, Rossi’s opened up a large outdoor seating area that it has maintained even since Covid’s threat has waned. “Obviously it’s been very hot this summer, but we expect it to get a lot of use in September and October,” he says.

ROSSI’S continued from Page 15

A famous Rossiburger — this one with cheese — getting ready to leave the Rossi’s kitchen. (Facebook photo.)

He adds that, long-term, he is working on plans for a more permanent outdoor seating structure — most likely something that would be attached to the front of the building.

Rose has also added a regular brunch to the menu, Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch menu items include French toast, waffles and pancakes, as well as steak and eggs, pork roll egg and cheese, and, naturally, a breakfast burger.

Rose says that he is enjoying this new phase of his career. “To me, I enjoy the challenge of doing so many different aspects of business, from the marketing to the management to the entire customer experience,” he says.

Rose spent many years as a national sales manager for a large financial services firm. He was based in Los Angeles for much of that time, even though he

Peace of Mind.

lived in New Jersey.

“I traveled quite a bit — I was always on the road,” he says. “I think that’s part of what attracted me to this as well. I wanted to be someplace close to home, not taking five-hour flights constantly. That was very attractive to me to kind of make this phase of my career totally different from what I was doing.”

“I really enjoy meeting with people. It might sound corny, but making them happy and giving them a good experience seemed like something that I would really enjoy, and I am. It certainly has its challenges the summer was a bit slow but we’re well positioned for the fall and to continue to traditions of Rossi’s and begin some new ones.”

Rossi’s Bar and Grill. 2110 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton. Phone: (609) 890-2004. Web: rossisbarandgrill. com.

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

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FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Class size is limited for in-person events. Please register early. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

CANCERS IN WOMEN + FOCUSING ON SELF-CARE

Thursday, September 28, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Learning about cancers of the female reproductive system may reduce your risk and help you identify ways to prevent them, so it’s important to be proactive about your health.

DR. JOYCE VARUGHESE, a board certified, fellowship trained gynecologic oncologist, will lead a discussion of the programs available at Capital Health for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancers and related health challenges. Nancy McCormack, an internationally certified and registered yoga therapist from the Capital Health Wellness Center, will close the program with a demonstration of gentle yoga stretches.

SAFETY AWARENESS IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 10 a.m.

Location: Capital Health – Hamilton

1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Join Stephanie Kulak, Injury Prevention Coordinator from the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, to learn about the potential dangers in your home that could possibly cause injury. This program for older adults increases awareness of home safety and fall prevention and highlights the newer technology available to help people in the event of a fall.

Ravens boys’ soccer team looks to defend state title

By Rich Fisher

The Robbinsville High boys soccer team is entering a brave new world. For the first time in program history, the Ravens wear the mantle of Defending State Champion after winning the NJSIAA Group III title last autumn.

“It’s new territory, that’s for sure,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “It feels good knowing what we accomplished last year and knowing we’ve got a lot of those guys back that experienced it so we can follow it up with a strong season.”

Senior center defensive midfielder Giacomo Bottoni agreed, saying “It’s a completely different perspective for us because Robbinsville’s had a tough few years. But it just gives us more of a motivation to stay on top and not fall short of expectations.”

It is an opportunity for RHS to prove that last year was not a one-hit wonder. It doesn’t have to win it all again, but flirting with another championship would say a lot about where the Ravens are as a program.

“There are guys,” Fisher said, “that are eager to show that ‘Hey, we can come out and put together another really good season and show that Robbinsville soccer has really grown and is a team that’s gonna go out there and compete for championships year in and year out.’”

Versatile senior midfielder/forward Stefano Muscara is one of the team’s hungrier players and won’t be satisfied with anything less than a state title in his

senior campaign. Despite playing in pain the first 10 games of last season, Muscara collected four goals and six assists. Finally, a visit to the doctor revealed a broken back, sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign.

“After being injured in the state run last year I want nothing more than to go back to that and win it really bad while I’m playing with my team,” Muscara said. “It was so painful to watch. I wanted to get out there and help my team so bad. Just watching from the sidelines . . . I was so happy they won, but I wanted to do it myself too.”

Muscara is one of several players who suffered injury last season, and yet the Ravens never blinked as the “next man up” mentality was in full force. And because so many underclassmen got playing time due to injuries, the team now features ample experience.

“We have a lot of depth on this team and I have a lot of faith in the underclassmen,” Bottoni said. “They showed they can step up last year and I’m feeling good going into the season.”

Muscara’s thoughts are along the same lines.

“I think we’ll be better,” he said. “I

think we’ll have some underclassmen step up and I think that our offense that’s returning will be better than ever. We’re all more experienced, all in the prime of our soccer careers. I think we’ll do very well.”

Granted, the Ravens have to replace the graduated Sean Smith, who earned CVC Player of the Year honors from one daily paper last season, and All-CVC goalie Ronit Rijhwani. They also lost a few other starters, but have plenty of talent returning.

The biggest strength will be a seniorSee SOCCER, Page 20

RHS boys soccer team players Stefano Muscara (left), Giacomo Bottoni, Tyler Cohen, Jason Testa, Daniel Silva and Ethan Brown by Rich Fisher. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualified and registered voter of Mercer County, New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the General Election to be held on November 7, 2023, the following applies:

• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

• No person may serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to

five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.

• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future elections will, after their initial request and without

further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.

• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must first opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may find a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.

What are the benefits for an annual physical for children?

Ask The Doctor

While back-to-school is a time to shop for school supplies and the latest fashions, it is also the perfect time to check in on your child’s health with a physical exam. Parents can ease the big change and alleviate stress with the below back-to-school readiness checklist from the pediatric and adolescent health experts at RWJBarnabas Health:

• Fill out any forms your school has sent home, such as emergency contact and health information forms.

• Be sure your child has up-to-date immunizations; new this school year, children 12 and over can be vaccinated for COVID-19

• Inform the school nurse and teachers about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma, diabetes and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Arrange with the school nurse to administer medications your child might need.

• Let teachers know about conditions that may affect your child’s ability to learn. Children with ADHD should be seated in

the front and children with vision problems should sit near the board.

• Be sure your child has a safe backpack and knows not to overload it.

Likhitha Musunuru, MD, Family Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares answers to the following common questions related to back-to-school physicals:

Are well-visits, physical exams and sports exams the same thing?

Both exams are classified as a preventative care visit – they allow your child to be examined using measurements of growth and development. These visits help keep your child healthy and focus on im provements that can be made to enhance your child’s wellness. What can my child expect during a back-to-school visit or well-exam?

During a back-to-school physical, your provider will discuss your child’s history to discuss any concerns, ask questions about lifestyle behaviors, check their vaccination status and update their medical history. Your provider will also check your child’s vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate and temperature – and perform heart, lung, abdominal and head and neck exams.

Why do schools require back-toschool physicals each year?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, schools often require physicals to ensure students’ vaccinations are up-to-date. These exams also provide an opportunity to monitor your child’s health on a year-to-year basis to ensure he or she is hitting milestone benchmarks.

What vaccines are required for school-age children?

New Jersey schools require specific immunizations based on the age of your child. For a full list of vaccinations required all grades in New Jersey, visit nj.gov/health/ cd/imm.shtml.

Does my child need any other kind of screening?

Cardiac and concussion screenings have the lifesaving potential to reduce heartrelated incidents and brain injuries among school-age children and teens. New Jersey requires all school athletes to be examined by their primary care or school physician at least once per year.

Dr. Musunuru sees patients at 17 Main Street in Robbinsville. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (609) 392-6366. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ medgroupprimarycare

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 5845900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.

Monday, Septe M ber 11

How and When to be Your Own Health Advocate. 11 a.m. to noon. Join Lisa Cruser, LPN, Nurse Advocate and owner of Empowering Patients Advocacy Group while she discusses how to navigate the healthcare system, how to ask for and get a second opinion, and how to advocate for yourself and others. Free.

t

ue S day, Septe M ber 12

No More Food Fights. 10 to 11 a.m. We are talking about picky eating! Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Let’s explore the most current and effective tactics for healthy & peaceful meals.

Does The Ringing In Your Ears Drive You Crazy? 10-11 a.m. 25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join

Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A. as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

Fall Mini Medical School. Also Sept. 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6-7 p.m. Join us for this 8-week informative session on different medical topics. Enhance your knowledge with the variety of specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun. Must attend all sessions to get a certificate.

Wedne S day, Septe M ber 20

Fall Medication Series. Also Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 11, & 18; 2-3 p.m. Learn about different classifications of medications in this 5 week series with our pharmacists and congestive heart failure coordinator.

Wedne S day, Septe M ber 27

Managing Stress and Diabetes. 3 to 4 p.m. This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

Better Health Programs

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

t ue S day, Septe M ber 12

The Tree of Life Art Workshop. 1 to 2:30 p.m. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you—its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree— paints, crayons and colored pencils will do. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace this season together.

Friday, Septe M ber 22

Dr. Ali & Game Time Lunch and Learn. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Join us for lunch, a game, and prizes as Dr. Ali & Joyce Cantalice test your knowledge on things important to our aging community. Don’t panic, this will be a team effort created to be interactive and fun.

t ue S day, Septe M ber 26

Lean on Me! 11 a.m. to Noon. An end-of-life doula is a trained and compassionate individual who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families helping create an end-of-life plan. Meet Sandra Roy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, End-of Life Certification, Life Coach Certification, Clinical Pastoral Education Certification from RWJBarnabas Health, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.

Dr. Likhitha Musunuru

What is a PILOT and why is it important?

DAVE FRIED MAYOR’S COLUMN

I hope everyone has enjoyed a safe, healthy, and fun-filled summer!

In an effort to clear up some common misconceptions about PILOTs—or payment in lieu of taxes—and how we utilize them throughout Robbinsville Township, I put together some information for the sake of clarity.

So, what is a PILOT?

From time to time, we use payment in lieu of taxes—implemented by the State in 1971—as a tool when negotiating the terms of redevelopment projects such as Amazon.

Some see PILOTs as a way for developers and companies to avoid paying taxes and, thus, taking money away from our schools. That is a complete falsehood.

The key letter in the acronym PILOT is “P”—payment—and the choice is very simple. Either allow that land to remain as only dirt with a bare minimum of revenue or entice a developer/corporation with a PILOT.

Since 2014, the five PILOTs currently operating in town—Amazon, DeLonghi

America Inc., H&M Distribution, La Z Boy and Falken Tire—have generated millions of dollars in redevelopment revenue that otherwise would not exist. In most cases, these were plots of dirt that had been undeveloped for decades.

By law, PILOT payments escalate over time and must always generate more revenue for the township than would the current, underdeveloped, and under-utilized properties.

Once a PILOT expires, the property owner pays traditional property taxes based upon the value of the land and improvements, which have likely grown substantially due to the redevelopment of the property.

McKesson is a great example of that. That PILOT expired in 2019, and the Forbes 500 mainstay now pays the full value of the land it occupies.

Based on the tax rate as of May 1, 2023, for every $1,000 in taxes from the assessed land value the Robbinsville School District receives about $560. Once the parcel is developed and the land value increases, so do the taxes.

If the assessed land value increases to $10,000 because of the redevelopment, the district would receive approximately

$5,600—a significant increase.

The PILOT deal we signed with Amazon in 2013 resulted in a $22.1 million payment in lieu of taxes over 20 years. The school district revenue portion adds up to $193,052 per year. Amazon is in fact our single largest taxpayer and they draw no services.

Back in 2013, prior to its major New Jersey expansion, Amazon could have picked any one of 30 towns to be in. They chose Robbinsville because we made PILOT an option.

The misconception that because a big corporation/developer is given a PILOT it means they make no financial contribution to the town, to its schools, or to the County is patently false. It comes down to this: Do we want the ratable or not?

By comparison, CJ TMI, the world’s largest dumpling manufacturer located at 2 Applegate Dr., contributes over $151,000 to the school district per year—and CJ TMI is not a PILOT

Other points to ponder about PILOTs:

• Every parcel of land in the municipality (Lot and Block) has two separate taxes; the tax on the land and the tax on the improvements (i.e., building or house) that when combined create the tax bill for that parcel.

• When a PILOT is given to a company/ developer, the municipality taxes the land as it would any parcel in the municipality. Mercer County, our school district, and all other agencies get their normal share of that payment. As I mentioned, in the case of the Amazon PILOT, the District gets $193,052 a year via the land tax for that parcel.

• The PILOT benefits the company/ developer because there is no tax on the physical building.

• Using Vintage Holding (the incoming Subaru Dealership on Route 130) as an example, as of this printing they pay $750 annually on the farm assessed land, of which the school district gets 56 percent. Once the dealership is fully built out, the land value will be assessed at approximately $30,000, of which the school district will get 56 percent. That means the school district tax portion will increase by approximately $16,380.

I hope this goes a long way toward explaining our approach to PILOTs and how they do, in fact, benefit not only the Township, but also the School District and Mercer County.

Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville Township

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