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RHS boys’ soccer team falls in state championship game Team thwarted

by Garfield High School in its effort to repeat

BY RICH FISHER

Connor Hayes is best known as the Robbinsville High boys’ basketball coach, but the following statement came from Connor Hayes, the Pond Road Middle School boys’ soccer coach: “This is a special group of

players.If they stick together and stick with soccer, they can accomplish some great things at the next level.”

Those words appeared in the December 2019 edition of the Robbinsville Advance.

And wow, were they prophetic.

The group Hayes was discussing went undefeated that fall and formed the Ravens varsity nucleus each of the past two years. All they did was go a combined 36-10-2, win con-

secutive NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III titles and become the first Mercer County team since Notre Dame in 1982-84 to reach back-to-back state finals. They were the first public school team to do it since Lawrence in 1975-78.

That’s what is known as “accomplishing some great things at the next level.”

Granted, RHS did not repeat its state championship run of 2022 but in some ways 2023 was See SOCCER, Page 6

Lenape’s importance to region on display at area exhibition

BY DAN AUBREY

RHS senior Adhviklal Thoppe and Robbinsville Superintendent of Schools Brian J. Betze meet to discuss Thoppe’s pet project, a student volunteer website. See story on page 11.

The introductor y panel to the exhibition “Never Broken: Visualizing Lenape Histories”—currently on view at the Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania— states something remarkably important to the region.

But it isn’t in the words. It is the image on which the text is written: an overhead view of the Abbott Marshlands at the estuar y where the Crosswicks

Creek meets the Delaware River.

Much of Mercer County was first populated by the Lenape Indians, and the earliest inhabitants of the area that is now known as Robbinsville Township were the Lenape.

The Abbott Marshlands (located in part of Trenton, Hamilton and Bordentown) is the site of what had been one of the largest Eastern settlements of Native American. There is documentation

of human activity there for 13,000 years, and it is roughly in the center of the land called Lenapehoking (Land of the Lenape).

They are the indigenous people whose territor y included all of what is known today as New Jersey, New York Bay and Hudson Valley, the eastern section of Pennsylvania, and northern sections of Delaware.

They are also the people See LENAPE, Page 13

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Robbinsville Councilman Mike Cipriano has announced his intention to resign from the Township Council, effective Dec. 31.

Cipriano, a retired Cranbury Township police officer first elected in November 2017, is relocating to South Jersey to be closer to family and to pursue other opportunities. He was selected as Council president during the January 2021 reorganization meeting after serving as vice president in 2020.

“This was not an easy decision,” he said.

“It was truly an honor serving the public and working alongside so many dedicated public servants.”

Born in Trenton, Cipriano is a graduate of the Camden County Corrections Academy and the Trenton Police Academy. He was a 20-year resident of Robbinsville Township upon being elected in 2017. He was re-elected by voters to a second four-year term in 2021, and currently serves as Council liaison to the CARE program, as well as the Plan Endorsement Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

“On behalf of my staff, I want to thank

Advance Robbinsville

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Mike for his service to the Township of Robbinsville, as well his service as a police officer, for two decades,” Mayor Fried said.

“Mike’s enthusiasm, positivity, and dedication to the town where he chose to raise his family was infectious. Councilman Cipriano will be sorely missed, and we wish him, Justine and their children nothing but success, good health and happiness.”

Robbinsville residents interested in replacing Cipriano on Council can submit their names in person or via email to the Office of the Municipal Clerk, which would provide that information to the other four members of Council. Those interested must be a resident of the Township for at least one year and a legal voter therein by the day their submission is made.

The remaining Council members will determine which individuals to consider for the vacancy, and then vote to choose a new member. In the event of a tie, Mayor Fried would cast the deciding vote.

The individual chosen would serve on council until an election can be held in See NEWS, Page 4

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Sports: sports@communitynews.org Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org Website: robbinsvilleadvance.com Facebook: facebook.com/robbinsvilleadvance Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace 8,000 copies of the Robbinsville Advance are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Robbinsville 12 times a year.

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Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect Community News Service LLC Publications. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher.

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December 2023 | Robbinsville Advance3

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NEWS continued from Page 2 Robbinsville Schools Superintendent November 2024 to fill the unexpired remaining year of Cipriano’s term, which was due Brian and the School Board subsequently released a statement on Facebook addressto end on January 15, 2026. ing the defeat of the funding question.”

Incumbents re-elected “We recognize the importance of balancThe Township Council candidate slate of ing the district’s needs while respecting the incumbent vice president Mike Todd, long- financial considerations of our community time Councilwoman Chris Ciaccio, and members,” the statement said. “To this political newcomer Amit Chopra emerged end, we are exploring our options, including an additional public question in April victorious in the Nov. 7 election.

The three ran together on the “Com- that would consider the community’s colmitted to Community” slate. Unofficial lective voice.”

The school officials added that they will numbers reported by the Mercer County Clerk’s office were as follows: Todd (2,680), be collaborating Mayor Fried, the Town Ciaccio (2,602) and Chopra (2,474). Com- ship Council and other stakeholders to ing up short were Lea Borghard (1,656) request a higher level of state funding. The outcome of those conversations will help and Kiran Agrahara (1,365).

Winning three-year seats in the school the district evaluate the impact on educaboard election were Amanda Hill D’Angelo tional and extracurricular programs.

“We want to emphasize that your con(2,457), Harry Ray (2,229) and Nadia Bandukda (2,208). The three ran on the “Trans- cerns are heard, and we are committed to finding appropriate solutions,” said the forming Tomorrow, Together” slate.

The county board of elections was statement. “In the coming months, we expected to certify the election on Nov. 22. will have more certainty about state aid There were also two questions on the and will be able to provide more clarity ballot. Municipal Question 1 called for a on these important issues that will impact 1-cent increase in the open space tax. The our students. We will continue to keep you informed as we work to safeguard the best measure passed 2,364 to 1,924.

In the school question, the school board interests of our students, staff, and our asked voters approve a $4.8 million tax community. Thank you for your continued increase to make up for an expected short- support and commitment to the success of fall in state funding. That question failed our schools.”

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SOCCER cont. from Page 1 even more impressive as every game was a war. Everyone wanted to beat the champs.

“We had a target on our back through the whole season,” senior midfielder Kanhav Bhatnagar said.

That became obvious on Sep. 26. After outscoring its first six Colonial Valley Conference foes 35-3, the Ravens suffered a 3-1 loss to Lawrence.

“It looked like they watched hours of film on us,” Bhatnagar said. “Seeing them celebrate made us understand we’re the team to beat and we have to understand that everyone is going to give us their 110 percent.

“That Lawrence game was definitely the turning point. We were beating teams nine-nothing, six-nothing. Lawrence was the first real challenge we had and it was like a wake-up call.

It was ‘OK, we’re gonna have a target on our back, we need to understand that and that we’re not going to be killing teams every game.’”

The Ravens went 12-4-1 from

Members of the Ravens boys’ soccer team and its supporters pose for a photo. that point; taking everyone’s best shot and usually surviving. Every loss was to a quality team, including Pennington in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals and Garfield in the Group III state finals.

“I’m just so happy with the season,” said coach Jeff Fisher, who has stamped himself as one of the top coaches in Mercer and beyond. “We were obviously bringing a lot of good guys back, so it adds to the expectations.

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We also lost some really key players from that state champion team especially defensively.

It was gonna take some time for those guys to gel.

“It’s hard when everybody’s trying to take you down. These

kids were able to rise up, win our division, get the one seed in the (CJ III) tournament, win the section and have a great semifinal win to get back to the finals. They backed up last year’s season by what they did this year. I was just

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school soccer. I don’t think we exactly talked about a state title, but we talked about doing something major in high school. It’s amazing, now we are here and we did what we wanted to do.”

It all started in the back, where Robbinsville had major vacancies to restock.

Junior Brody Kaplan helped fill the void his first year in goal for varsity, authoring or co-authoring (with senior Ayush Singh) 10 shutouts while allowing less than one goal per game. His shining moment came in the CJ III title game, when he made diving saves on Steinert’s last two penalty kicks to secure a 3-2 shootout victory.

“It’s kind of what I thought he’d be able to do,” Fisher said. “When I shoot on goalies in practice I typically do OK. This was the first time I was really struggling to put the ball in the net. He’s such a good shot stopper, he’s tough to score on. He makes saves and you’re just like ‘Wow!’ He’s not gonna be the biggest, most physical goalie out there but he makes up for it with his swagger and confidence and wanting to make that big save in that moment.”

Playing in front of Kaplan were seniors Ethan Brown and Jason “Thunderfoot” Testa, junior Nick Grippa and sophomores Max Goldberg and Nico Mathews.

See SOCCER, Page 8

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so proud they were able to deal with that kind of adversity to get back there.”

Indeed, the Ravens confirmed that last year was not some fluke run. In some ways, getting to a state final is as impressive as winning it. Anything can happen in one game; but it takes sustained excellence to get through the five-game grind of state matches to get there.

“We still won a section title,” Bhatnagar noted. “Our goal, obviously, was to win another state championship. But what made our season successful was working together and completing something. I know we didn’t get the final result we wanted, but getting to the state final is a reward. After beating Clearview (in the semis) we were more than excited to try it again.

“Even though we didn’t win, we played like we wanted to this year. We played the type of pace we wanted. We had a crazy winning record, and I think we had a good run.”

And while Hayes and Fisher saw potential for the run four years ago; the players themselves dreamed about it way before that.

“I’ve been with these kids since Kindergarten, playing with them as long as I can remember,” Bhatnagar said. “Alex and Adrian (Ivanov) were in my kindergarten class, and we talked about high

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He’s got a laser left foot, and is really SOCCER continued from Page 7 Goldberg moved from midfield to the tough out wide.”

Muscara had nine goals and a teamback before suffering a season-ending injury. Mathews took his spot “and did an high 11 assists, Bottoni tallied two and excellent job; that can only help us in the three and Bhatnagar added one and four.

“Khanav wasn’t the guy stat-wise,” future.”

Fisher said. “He’s the guy that gets the The praise didn’t stop there.

“Jason Testa has really really grown,” ball from our backs to our offense. He Fisher said of the guy whose powerful just does so much for our team to suckicks put his team on instant offense from ceed – the amount of ground he covers the back. “He wasn’t a natural defender and breaking up the other teams counbut the last couple years he went back ter attacks, his one on one ability in the there and became a really strong center- midfield.

“You can say the same things about back who was phenomenal this year as a Giac. He’s selfless. I leader in the back. ask him to sit deep as “Ethan Brown was another defender in the fantastic on the left, he ‘We’ll have the midfield a lot of times. showed a lot of physiHe works his tail off and target on our cality this year and he so many balls for us. whipped some really back again next wins I thought he was playing dangerous balls into excellently, especially the box (for six assists). year because in the state tournament Nick Grippo’s just a firewe’re two-time run.” cracker, he’s so tough.

As for Muscara, the He would literally run state finalists, coach said. “He’s just through the wall for his so it doesn’t get really tough to handle, team if he needed to; just he’s got a full bag of putting his body on the easier,’ Coach tricks. He’s strong and line every single tackle.”

Jeff Fisher said. he’s fast and just causes The coach also lauded havoc for teams in the senior Daniel Silva, who back. When our offense lost his starting job but is really jelling, everyone came off the bench to is coming at you in different waves.” provide valuable minutes.

The wave that crashed down hardest “He had the team-first mentality,” Fisher said. “He came in and changed a on opposing defenses was forward Bora few games for us. He gives us a different Turker, who raised the bar of what a type of energy and scored some great Raven highlight-reel player should look like. goals for us.”

Forget the fact he led the CVC with 35 The talented, all-senior midfield included the Ivanov brothers, Giacomo goals to go with nine assists, or that he Bottoni, Stefano Muscara and Bhatnagar. set the school single-season and career Adrian Ivanaov was second on the team record (68) in goals; or that he scored in scoring with 12 goals and five assists, two incredible goals in the state semifinal win over Clearview; or all three goals in a while Alex had five goals and 10 assists.

“Alex was a link to our defense and regular-season win over eventual Group also does a little more on the offensive IV champ Princeton.

Numbers aside, it was just eye-popping side, scoring goals, passing out assists,” Fisher said. “Adrian is versatile, we can to watch him get the ball on his foot and play him up top, play him left or right. do things reminiscent of some of Mercer

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County’s all-time superstars. The Lehighbound senior dribbled through double teams, around one-v-one opposition or pulled away from a poor back as he attacked the goal with lightning speed.

Even his teammates would stop and stare.

“Every game, he pulls magic out of nothing,” Bhatnagar said. “It’s a miracle.

Sometimes I’ll play him a ball and think ‘Oh that’s not that great of a ball,’ and he’ll just pull a goal out of nowhere. I can’t even fathom it sometimes.”

Neither can Fisher, who has seen greatness in his time but can’t stop being amazed by his guy.

“I think I’m in awe a little bit when it happens,” he said of the spectacular goals. “But you see it all the time in practice. That’s why we wanted to find his gaps in their defense for him to get the ball and kind of run with it when he does. One of his many strengths is having the ball at his feet and running downhill at the defense like that.. He’s so shifty and tough with his hesitation on the ball. Against Clearview he was slicing through some of the top defenders in South Jersey.”

The coach also lauded Turker’s leadership skills and some of the other things he did to help the team besides scoring.

He also praised Bora’s academic skills.

“You could,” Fisher said, “go on and talk forever about his accomplishments and his character.”

Turker will be a tough man to replace, along with the six other graduating starters. Fisher has called Bora a “program changer” and the trick now is to make sure the program doesn’t change again and hit a downward slope.

Fisher hopes those days are over and the Ravens can consistently compete for championships.

“Obviously you’re not gonna make the state final every year,” he said. “That isn’t the only level of success. You want to have a team where people say ‘You gotta watch Robbinsville, they’re gonna put themselves in a position to win the division and win county and state titles because they’re gonna be a good team year in and year out.’

“We’ll have the target on our back again next year because we’re two-time state finalists, so it doesn’t get easier. But we have a good core group of defenders coming back. We have a good group of 8th-graders rising up to us and that’s gonna help. I’m hoping to keep the standard high and the expectations high.”

If those 8th-graders produce anything near what the Pond Road Class of 2020 did, it will be interesting.

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SELF-CARE FOR WOMEN Thursday, Dec. 7; 6:30-8:00 p.m.

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Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

Family members and friends play a critical role in supporting loved ones who have a mental health condition, and the questions and concerns are typically the same. What to do? When to intervene? Where to go? How to help?

This presentation is intended to help you better understand the issues you might face. This program will be led by Chelsea Kennedy, MAHS.

STRESS LESS: RESET YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM LETTING GO OF CLUTTER Monday, Dec. 11; 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Discover tools to help you move through your day with peace. You’ll find greater wellbeing and compassion, as well as the interplay between mental and physical wellbeing. Learn about your nervous system; how it influences your choices, habits and overall wellbeing; and tools to bring yourself into an optimal and relaxed state using something called Poly-Vegal Theory.

Fee: $15 per person. Michelle Gerdes, YT200

HOW SMART ARE HEARING AIDS TODAY? Tuesday, Dec. 12; 10:00-11:00 a.m.

We discuss the remarkable features of today’s hearing aids. Bluetooth, AI, Rechargeable Batteries, Tinnitus Therapy and more! Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato to learn more about the latest in hearing aid technology!

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

This support group explores how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood. An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.

MANAGING STRESS AND DIABETES Tuesday, Dec. 12; 3:00-4:00 p.m.

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

ORTHOPEDIC OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, Dec. 13; 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Discover the latest advances in knee and hip replacement surgery and rehabilitation. Presented by Michael Duch, MD board-certified orthopedic surgeon; Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert MDT; and Courtney Fluehr, PT DPT. Dinner is included.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? **VIRTUAL**

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION-DRUM CIRCLE

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

“Drum back the sun” on the longest night of the year. Celebrate with ritual, stories and of course, drumming.

Drums and light snacks provided.

Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee: $15

Thursday, Dec. 14; 12:00-1:00 p.m.

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Monday, Dec. 18; 3:00-6:00 p.m.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 20; 7:00-8:30 p.m.

DANCE IT OUT! WINTER BREAK EDITION Friday, Dec. 29; 11:00-12:00 p.m.

PREDIABETES CONNECT

After a holly, jolly season of indulging, join us for an hour of dancing. Bring your kids and grandkids during their winter break to get those sillies out.

Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AT RWJUH HAMILTON

Tuesday, Dec. 19; 11:00-12:00 p.m.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, Dec. 20; 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Meditation has been shown to quiet your restless mind and help your entire body to relax. Come experience what all the buzz is about. Beginners welcome. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT

Wednesday, Dec. 20; 6:00-7:00 p.m.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 6; 9:00-2:00 p.m.

Come out and shop from some amazing local crafters and small businesses while supporting a great cause! Located at the Roma Bank Café inside of the RWJ Hamilton Hospital.

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

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Dec 5 and 19; 10:00-11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Dec 5 and 19; 11:15-11:45 p.m.

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesdays; Dec 6, 13, 20, and 27; 10:00-11:00 a.m.

GAME TIME

Thursday, Dec 7; 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Join us for game time, snacks and some wholesome fun. A variety of board games will be available or you are welcome to bring your own.

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

“SOCRATES CAFÉ” DISCUSSION GROUP

Monday, Dec 11; 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Socrates Café is an opportunity for people to work together to seek a deeper meaning into a perplexing

10  Robbinsville Advance | December 2023

question, issue, or problems that demand our consideration. Questions are voted upon by the group.

BETTER HEALTH HOLIDAY PARTY

JEOPARDY! WITH DR. ALI

We all love the Holidays, but with them comes one of the busiest times of the year for all of us. You deserve a break to sit, eat and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. The Better Health Program is proud to present our annual Holiday Party! With food and friends, come celebrate the holidays with your fellow members.

Lunch will be provided.

Thursday, Dec.14; 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Put your medical knowledge to the test with Dr. Sara Ali. Join in the fun with your favorite geriatrician.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursdays, Dec. 14 and 28; 1:00-2:00 p.m.

CREATE YOUR OWN FESTIVE HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE

Friday, Dec. 15; 10:30-12:00 p.m. or 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Join Diane Grillo, VP of Health promotions, Yolanda Singer of Avalon Rehab and Antonia James of K’s Events and Decorations as we decorate with lives greens. Everyone will leave with a beautiful centerpiece they create.

Thursday, Dec. 21; 12:00-2:00 p.m.

PINOCHLE GROUP Coming in 2024

Interested in playing Pinochle?

Email us at CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org and we will let you know when this new group gets started.

A MATTER OF BALANCE: A 4 WEEK SERIES PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL 8 SESSIONS

Monday & Wednesday Jan. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; 1:00-2:30 p.m.

A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have this concern. The class utilizes a variety of activities to address physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling and to learn fall prevention strategies. It was designed to benefit older adults who are concerned about falls, have sustained a fall in the past, restrict activities because of concerns about falling, are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength, are age 60 or older, mobile and able to problem-solve. Linda Buckley, Nurse Educator will instruct.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above.

Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

Robbinsville senior creates student volunteer website

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Adhviklal Thoppe works on his website, wingman.com, which features postings of volunteer opportunities for students.

Every Robbinsville High School student must complete at least 30 hours of volunteerism in order to graduate. In working to complete this requirement, Adhviklal Thoppe found it difficult to keep track of the countless volunteer opportunities flooding his inbox.

About a year ago, he decided to do something about it: creating a handy website with all the volunteer information. Wingman (rville-wingman.com) launched with the new school year.

“The idea struck me when I was looking for some volunteering events to do,” Adhviklal said. “It was difficult for me to find and keep track of multiple events along with all the other emails. I started working on the project once I realized that I could create an easy platform to help others stay organized with their volunteering events.”

The 17-year-old senior spent this summer creating his pet project.

“I had enough time to bring my idea to life,” said Adhviklal, who also works at a local Code Ninjas, which teaches computer coding to youth.

Connecting both teachers and students, the Wingman website aims to be a go-to platform for sharing educational events that offer volunteer opportunities.

According to the website, “teachers create, students explore and together, we learn to make a difference.”

Instead of posting volunteer events through email, Wingman organizes every opportunity in one spot.

“Before, it was difficult to keep track of where the events were and how to find them—it wasn’t very organized,” the student said. “I saw it wasn’t really working – at least not for me. So, I created a website where all the

events are consolidated. All you have to do is go there, and it’s all been listed out.”

In a way, Adhviklal created his own unofficial volunteer opportunity. It also supported his particular interests—and his soon-to-be alma mater. While the website may not benefit his specific needs for much longer, the senior knows it will help future students.

“I just enjoy computer science and I like to code,” he said. “When I saw that this problem was happening with volunteer events, I decided to take it up and create this project. I also wanted to give back to the school district because I’ve been here since fifth grade. I felt like it was a good way to give back.”

Anyone can go to the website, but only Robbinsville school administrators or those with knowledge of a security password can post volunteer opportunities.

Adhviklal said his school counselor, JoAnne Walker, and Robbinsville High School Assistant Principal Nicole Rossi-Mumpower have been very supportive. After showing the concept to Superintendent Brian J. Betze— who also was in favor—it was a go.

With the website up and running, administrators and teachers are in the process of loading events for the students to consider.

When not coding, Adhviklal can be found practicing Taekwondo, where he is a second-degree black belt. He also plays the guitar, creates 3D modeling and produces music for game development.

Next up for Adhviklal is finishing college applications. With plans for a major in computer science, he hopes to attend a great institution and also attain a graduate degree.

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SIX09

Seasons Greetings

Special section starts on pg 8 thesix09.com DECEMBER 2023

ARTS > FOOD > CULTURE

Taste the Love

No matter how the cookie crumbles, Lawrenceville baker Arline Conigliaro, better known as “Aunt Cookie,”elevates classic recipes with modern flair. Page 2.

Photo by Gale Zucker Photography.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY?

Taste the Love of the Holiday Season with Aunt Cookie’s Artisanal Treats

HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS?

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There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or neuropathies – some are the result of a disease like diabetes, while others can be triggered by a viral infection. Still others are the result of an injury or compression on the nerves. No matter where the problems begin, it is imperative nerve disorders are resolved as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that their symptoms may be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Symptoms start gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations and sharp, electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small assortment of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help.

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Arline Conigliaro, the retired school counselor behind “Aunt Cookie,” understands that good things come in “gifted” packages.

When she launched her business, “Aunt Cookie, Taste the Love,” in August 2020, Conigliaro equipped the one-car garage of her Lawrenceville home with a doubledoor convection oven, a 20-quart mixer, and all the ingredients she needed to ship her small-batch products—baked fresh daily— across the country.

A native of Rochester, New York, Conigliaro has lived almost exclusively in Lawrenceville since graduating from college.

She was a school counselor for Ewing Township, working at both Fisher Middle School and Ewing High School before switching to the Moorestown School District, where she wrapped up her 26-year career in June 2019.

But Conigliaro is no cookie-cutter retiree.

In her transition from compassionate care to a cottage license, she established an online retail site, auntcookie.com, selling cookies by order in themed gift boxes.

SIX09

EDITOR Rebekah Schroeder ARTS EDITOR Dan Aubrey AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

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“The big gift-giving time of the year is in December, and it’s just bringing a little piece of nurturing childhood memories and all of that into your home and helping you

An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC. © Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect Community News Service LLC Publications. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher.

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Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 396-1511 News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Letters: rschroeder@communitynews.org Website: communitynews.org Facebook: facebook.com/mercereats Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace Six09 is inserted into each of Community News Service’s nine hyperlocal monthly publications. Over 125,000 copies are distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.

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

Arline Conigliaro, opposite page, runs “Aunt Cookie” from her Lawrenceville home, shipping products like the bestselling salted chocolate chunk cookies, left, and the raspberry shortbread “retro bars,” above right. Cookies are available for sale by the bag or in themed gift boxes, above left, that deliver a feeling of comfort to any doorstep the same day they leave the oven. feel the warmth of the holiday season, no matter what holiday you’re celebrating,” Conigliaro said.

Aunt Cookie reimagines classic flavors utilizing higher-quality ingredients like Barry Callebaut Belgian chocolate to create a sentimental throwback for the taste buds with a newly tied bow.

“Everything is done with my two hands, and the recipes have been created and changed up since the recipes from back

in the day,” she said, swapping the lard for butter—save for the ginger snaps and the granola bars, the latter of which uses coconut oil—for the finest, yet still reassuringly familiar, baked goods.

Conigliaro said that her bestsellers are the salted chocolate chunk cookies made with both Belgian white and dark chocolate, the rainbow sprinkle-covered NYC confetti cookies, and the range of Italian biscottis.

Each order contains an approximately 1-pound bag of the chosen cookie for $24.95, with other varieties including oatmeal chocolate cherry cookies, lemon poppy seed shortbread, pecan sandies, powdered walnut shortbread, peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies, and gingersnaps that feature pieces of crystallized ginger scattered throughout.

Aunt Cookie also goes beyond its namesake baked goods with a new collection

of “retro bars,” a nostalgic return to traditional treats more conscious of health and dietary restrictions.

In tastes all evocative of the warm, fuzzy memories of youth, the line includes flourless chocolate brownies, blondies, raspberry shortbread bars, grain-free granola bars with dried sour cherries, and oatmeal caramel bars that play on the gooey layers

See AUNT COOKIE, Page 4

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YEARS YEARS YEARS

Conigliaro’s parents, Jean and Sheldon Phillips, with her grandmother, Sonia, center, who taught her the recipe for the mandel brot cookie with walnuts that she eventually turned into the biscotti loaded with toasted almonds, at right.

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AUNT COOKIE, From Page 2 of carmelitas.

Conigliaro launched the retro bars in October to a positive reception, adding that the raspberry shortbread and flourless brownies became fast favorites.

The retro bars are available in a 6-pack drawer box with the customer’s choice of flavors for $44.95 each.

Auntie Cookie also sells themed gift boxes for occasions ranging from birthdays, bereavements, celebrations, expressions of gratitude, and care packages, each containing a selection of cookies paired with accompanying items.

Commemorate those special days with balloons, blowers, and a birthday crown, or send condolences alongside packets of forget-me-not seeds that say “Forever in Our Hearts.”

The goal, Conigliaro said, is to present someone with the “taste of love.”

“It’s not just a box of cookies—it’s an experience. I try to create the wonder of first receiving the box, but also when you open the box, there’s real joy, and there are things to look forward to instead of just receiving a box of cookies,” she said.

“In my age group, we don’t need another candle; we don’t need another basket of fruit. If you can get these cookies and put them in the freezer, or use them right away for company that’s coming over, or a college kid just dying for some homemade treats, it’s just an eclectic way to give some comfort to somebody.”

The specialty boxes are available in three sizes: small, a choice of two cookie varieties, for $34.95; medium, a choice of four

cookie varieties, for $59.95; and large, a choice of eight cookie varieties and recommended for families, for $99.95.

Options like the fall gift box include a cinnamon-scented candle, faux leaves, and Harney & Sons’ hot cinnamon spice tea, a deeply aromatic, rich blend of black tea leaves, three types of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves known as “the brand’s most popular flavored tea worldwide.”

The only price difference is for the holiday gift box, which comes with an assortment of Hammond’s Candies, a handmade cinnamon-scented candle, a holiday card, and seasonal cookie cutters with a choice of red-and-white or all-white packing confetti.

This bundle also offers an incremental selection of cookies and related goodies at $39.95 for small, $69.95 for medium, and $119.95 for large.

All Aunt Cookie orders can be customized with a handwritten message, combining the intimate, personal touches of the past with the professional standards of today, while the recently redesigned packaging is made from “earth-friendly” recyclable materials.

For a full catalog of products, ingredients, and nutritional information, see the Aunt Cookie website at auntcookie.com.

Conigliaro, née Phillips, grew up the second youngest of four sisters with her mother, Jean, and her father, Sheldon, an optical engineer. Sheldon worked for the Eastman Kodak Company, better known as Kodak, for more than 30 years.

According to Conigliaro, when a new grant program promised to pay tuition for those who wanted to become teachers because of the shortage during the Viet-

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The lemon poppy seed cookies are a redux of a recipe from a close friend of Conigliaro’s mother and feature a light coating of lemon powdered sugar. nam War, Jean decided to go back to school full time to earn her master’s degree in education from SUNY Brockport.

Having grown up around others who enjoyed preparing meals and desserts for their family, Arline began doing the same when she was just 12 years old.

She had always observed her Russian grandmother Sonia, whom she referred to as “the matriarch of the family,” host Sunday night dinners and cook nearly every holiday until she was no longer able to.

Watching as she ran the kitchen without recipes, simply relying on feeling and past experience, Conigliaro followed along, measuring ingredients and writing down each step.

“I enjoy the word nurture. The word nurture—through food, through company, through environment, through any form of kindness—is just something that I really thrive on, so I think watching her enjoy feeding people was a big inspiration for me, and the joy that it brought,” she said.

It should come as no surprise that to fully “taste the love” of Auntie Cookie, one should try the plain, toasted almond biscotti adapted from her grandmother’s recipe for mandelbrot, or mandel bread, a traditional Jewish cookie derived from the original Italian treat.

Both are baked twice as a log, then cut into individually crunchy slices, perfect for dunking in tea or coffee.

Although mandelbrot directly translates to “almond bread,” Conigliaro’s grandmother, who lived through the Great

Depression, used walnuts, which were less expensive at the time.

“She used them very sparingly. I am a big personality, and I like things big, and I like things luscious and making a statement, so mine are just jam-packed with toasted almonds, then I did variations on it by adding toasted almonds and chocolate chunks, and then toasted almonds, chocolate chunks, and cherries.”

“Last year, I came out with the double chocolate, so the dough is chocolate, as well as having the toasted almonds and the chocolate in the chocolate chunks and the dough,” Conigliaro added.

Conigliaro also shared that the lemon poppy seed cookies follow a recipe from one of her mother’s friends, but with an added lemon powdered sugar coating.

“The pecan sandies were supposed to be like drop cookies, and I made them more into a bar that I could slice and bake, just trying to streamline some of the waste as opposed to scooping everything,” she explained.

“Aunt Cookie” comes from Conigliaro’s godchildren, who affectionately call her by the nickname when they visit and bake cookies together.

Since the title “Aunt Cookie” was already in use, Conigliaro started her business under the full trademark “Aunt Cookie, Taste the Love,” yet she was able to secure the coveted auntcookie.com domain.

Conigliaro studied to be a recreational

See AUNT COOKIE, Page 6

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Customers can purchase the popular rainbow sprinkle-covered NYC confetti cookies, near and lower right, in a palette of holiday hues palatable for any hungry Santa, as portrayed by former Moorestown teacher Chuck Gill, upper right.

AUNT COOKIE, From Page 5 therapist at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, a co-op school where she worked at both the University of Washington Hospital’s spinal cord injury center in Seattle and for Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Special Olympics main headquarters in Washington, D.C., to get an understanding of the occupation.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Conigliaro worked at the Carrier Foundation in Belle Mead, a behavioral health facility now known as the Carrier Clinic under Hackensack Meridian Health.

But Conigliaro, in all of her spirited energy, still found herself fatigued.

“I wanted to take all the patients home with me. At 22 years old, you think you can save the world, but you can’t. You can try, and I tried, and I just got a little burned out a little too quickly,” she said, acknowledging how this initial exhaustion led her to realize how important change is.

“I’m of the belief that when you get burned out or you’re not happy at work anymore, it’s time to reinvent yourself and go do something else. Because life is too short,” Conigliaro explained. “You can’t be miserable.”

While at the Carrier Foundation, Conigliaro had started a catering business on the side, High Expectations Catering, and continued to run the culinary operation after she left. She then designed community maps for cable television installations and sold subscriptions door-to-door.

Conigliaro eventually returned to school for her teaching certificate from the Col-

lege of New Jersey and worked in a vocational school, where she taught students in a special education program about food and basic healthcare services.

According to Conigliaro, the owners of the Princeton Charcuterie, a new gourmet deli and catering business on Nassau Street, then “approached” Conigliaro “to open, manage, and be the face of the establishment.”

But a year and a half into a demanding 16-hour, seven-day-a-week schedule, she left in 1987 to manage a short-lived gourmet grocery store, Kaufelt’s Fancy Groceries, in the newly opened MarketFair shopping center on Route 1.

She worked in the admissions department of a nearby technical school, the former Cittone Institute in Princeton, before continuing her studies at Rider University, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling services with a concentration in school counseling.

Her mother started teaching kindergarten in Rochester, but when its principal switched to the suburban district where the Phillips family lived at the time, he invited Jean to join him there, where she taught fourth grade until retirement.

Conigliaro explained that her mother’s actions not only encouraged her to see food as an expression of love, but also inspired her to embark on an educational journey of her own.

Conigliaro expressed a similar sense of fulfillment in combining these interests, adding that a shared activity like baking can be a way to get younger children, “especially boys,” to open up.

“You’re working side by side, and it

became a therapeutic environment in many ways,” Conigliaro said. Since not everyone responds to traditional methods, these creative “diversions,” or alternative methods, may just be the communication style that “helps heal the soul.”

Conigliaro explained that she loves helping people and bringing positive changes to the world, which has likely been her “impetus” for every occupation along the way.

This wide range of career choices, from cartography to catering, relates to her endless zeal for finding the joy in life—never one to dwell on a chapter that no longer serves her or fails to spark that same infectious joy she so easily passes on to others.

But Conigliaro also gets her ambitious nature from various role models throughout her life, citing an “entrepreneurial” aunt with a similar disposition who had opened several stores of her own.

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Rochester. After it burned down during the race riots, he continued to operate on a client-by-client basis.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own successful business, and when you’re paying a mortgage, and you have responsibilities, it’s not necessarily the time,” she explained, noting that although she opened side ventures before her full-time professional commitment to the Princeton Charcuterie, “Aunt Cookie” was a perfect match in both timing and interest.

Conigliaro said that although the pandemic was undoubtedly a major factor in shaping the early trajectory of her business, her shift to the modern cottage industry presented an even bigger opportunity for growth.

Although “technology was my Achilles heel,” she said, Conigliaro was able to create a brand through connecting with others across the world—a web designer in Idaho, an artist in Texas, and another in Japan—

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Get up close with seasonal sweets like gingersnaps, peanut butter cookies, and a 6-pack of retro bars, which offer new versions of classic treats like flourless brownies and granola bars with healthier ingredients. and a treasured friend close to home.

All of Conigliaro’s promotional images on the website were professionally shot by commercial photographer Gale Zucker, her best friend since 11 years old.

Zucker has worked for entities like the New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Penguin Random House, and the Berroco yarn company.

For more from Zucker’s portfolio, see her website at gzucker.com.

Arline’s husband is Sebastiano Conigliaro, better known by his nickname “Iano” (or “Uncle Pizza” to the godchildren), who moved from Sicily to America at the age of 21 and started making pizza.

He owned Iano’s Rosticceria on 86 Nassau Street—now the location of MTea Sushi & Dessert, which opened this year—from 2005 to 2012. Arline noted that Iano could go out in Princeton and recognize people by their orders, complete with perfectly memorized preferences.

While they no longer have the storefront, Iano remains his wife’s greatest advocate.

When Arline realized how much physical strain the motions of cookie-making were putting on her shoulders and neck, Iano, with his over 30 years of pizza experience and ability to “scoop a 20-quart batch of dough in minutes,” stepped in to assist.

“He’s just a huge source of help for me,” she said. “It’s just getting so big that I couldn’t do it all on my own.”

Conigliaro is currently focused on the upcoming holidays, which includes planning social media promotions with her former colleague Chuck Gill, a Moorestown teacher who became a full-time professional Santa after retiring.

She is still in the early stages of developing the next collection, and while she expects to expand to a larger location in the future, Conigliaro has no interest in open-

ing a brick-and-mortar store.

Instead, she wants to focus on what Aunt Cookie means to her—delivering a sincere “warmth in the heart” sensation that encourages everyone to indulge in nostalgia and cultivate community.

When schools closed at the beginning of the pandemic, Conigliaro explained, she went to her garage bakery and assembled “home economics boxes” for all the neighborhood children.

Toting three pounds of sugar cookie dough, cookie cutters, five colors of sprinkles, parchment paper, and instructions, Conigliaro, joined by Iano and their new puppy, dropped off a package at each home with children and listed her own number as the “bakery hotline” for any questions.

They also ordered a case of toilet paper— a hot commodity at the time—and distributed 48 rolls with invitations taped to each roll, all of which welcomed a household to the Conigliaro backyard for fresh, brick oven pizza.

While the neighbors congregated around the back gate of the house at a safe distance and chatted, Arline delegated the orders to Iano, who churned out pie after pie.

Both Conigliaros recognized that these much-needed moments of normalcy were forged through coming together, conveying that message through grand gestures and gregarious, warm personalities, as well as their respective trades in dough.

“For me, it’s all about building community, and that’s why we do the things we do, so the cookies are part of that,” Arline said, adding that strengthening those relationships and sharing a mutual “sense of belonging” is what drives her.

Food, according to Conigliaro, is the perfect way of doing so—a “united front.”

Aunt Cookie, Taste the Love. auntcookie.com.

A Princeton Holiday Tradition!

PR I N C E TON SY M PH ON Y OR C H E ST R A R OSSE N MIL ANOV , MUS I C DI RE C TO R

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Saturday, December 16 3PM and 6PM

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John Devlin, conductor Morgan James, vocalist With The Princeton High School Choir Vincent Metallo, director GET TICKETS

princetonsymphony.org 609/497-0020 Dates, times, artists, and programs subject to change.

Accessibility: For information on available services, please contact ADA Coordinator Kitanya Khateri at least two weeks prior at (609) 905-0937.

December 2023 | SIX097

SEASON’s GREETINGs Special Section Hamilton Dental

Associates

Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

Don’t Let Your Annual Benefits Go to Waste!

Driving Hunger Out of Our Community: New TASK To-Go Truck Means More Access to Food More meals, more places. That’s the goal.

A recent report indicates that nearly 17 million households across the country are experiencing food insecurity, an increase of nearly 3.5 million households in just one year.

TASK has seen the impact firsthand. Already serving 10,000 meals per week, all of TASK’s 36 meal sites are reporting an increase in need, with some sites experiencing lines that stretch city blocks forming hours before the meals even begin.

As a result, in early 2024, TASK will be launching mobile meals.

This project will initially focus on serving the City of Trenton, where

8SIX09 | December 2023

27% of the population – including 37% of resident children – are living below the poverty line, a rate more than twice the State average.

TASK’s mobile meal program, which will offer TASK’s signature freshly-prepared and balanced meals more accessibly than ever, is just the first step on the journey to help expand food resources in Trenton.

TASK is committed to ensuring that every household will have reliable access to healthy, nutritious food.

With your support, you can help TASK drive hunger out of Trenton.

See ad, page 14.

Every year, thousands of people sit on their dental insurance and benefits until the new year rolls around, losing out on their past year of coverage. While some may use it to cover routine dental checkups, most pay for these yearly benefits without ever using them, leaving them unused and therefore going to waste. Instead of eating it as a sunk cost, consider scheduling some dental work with Hamilton Dental Associates!

Dental insurance can be much less confusing for patients to understand compared to medical insurance. The language used in dental insurance policies directly tells people what procedures receive coverage, how much you have to pay, and how much the insurance provider pays. However, people wind up leaving money on the table when their insurance plan rolls over at the end of the year.

Whatever the difference between their maximums and what they spent on dental procedures is, they lose that

money. To maximize the benefits of their dental insurance plans, patients need to understand what is currently offered, what kind of procedures are offered, and how much their insurance will cover.

Knowing Your Coverage. Most dental insurance plans follow the 10080-50 structure. They will cover 100% of the costs of minor procedures such as bi-yearly visits, teeth cleanings, xrays, and dental sealant procedures.

For things such as cavity fillings, root canals, and gum disease, your insurance will cover around 80% of the total cost after the deductible is met.

The major procedures like crowns, bridges, inlays, or dentures will only have about 50% of the procedure covered. Knowing how much your insurance will cover helps you plan out your visits and maximize the money still left on your account before losing it at the end of the year.

What If I Have an FSA Account?

Flexible Spending Accounts, or FSA, are provided through employersponsored insurance plans and are designed to help provide flexibility in how you pay for specific procedures.

During your enrollment period, you select which FSA account you want and determine how much money is

Aquatic Performance Training

Trenton Farmers Market

The Safest and Most Effective Exercise Program

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

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

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

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

If that isn’t tempting enough, consider the Market’s TWO vegan eateries — Lady & The Shallot and the Savory Leaf Café! Every Saturday the Market features Terra Momo Bread Company — baguettes, croissants, focaccia, simple sandwiches, whole grains, rye and sweet treats, too! Speaking of sweet, our own Pie’d Piper has its own following for overstuffed donuts, pies, cakes, salads and more, they are way more than a

Jersey fresh since 1939

Aquatic Performance Training was born out of necessity for anyone looking to improve their overall health but may be limited at a traditional gym due to an injury or physical limitation.

The owner of Aquatic Performance, John Dohanic, was inspired to create the business after having four shoulder surgeries by the time he was 19 years old, including a shoulder replacement. Being active in sports and traditional workouts such as weight lifting and powerlifting all of his life contributed to the extensive injuries that John was experiencing that left him out of shape, gaining weight, and full of pain.

Doctors told John to get in the water and he joined a local aqua aerobics program that included noodles, foam dumbbells, and kickboards.

Although the water felt good on his injury, the program and the equipment were not effective enough to deliver the results John was looking for. He started doing extensive research and education on more specialized equipment for the pool and began investing in underwater bikes, aquatic treadmills, and strength training equipment for the pool that would deliver the results he was looking for.

Aquatic Performance Training has been growing since 2010 and has helped more than 5,000 local clients accomplish their health goals. The

different programs offered at the new Quakerbridge Road facility are a wide range of high-energy group sessions that are led by amazing instructors. Aquatic and land-based personal training are geared towards individuals who need more one on one attention and accountability. You will find the world’s first all aquatic gym that includes aqua bikes, underwater treadmills, aquatic ellipticals, and swimming. Anti-gravity treadmills increase your cardio health and leg strength without the wear and tear of normal land treadmills.

The mission of Aquatic Performance Training is to provide the safest, most effective exercise and soon to be aqua therapy company in the country. We look forward to the opportunity to help you with your goals very soon!

More information: www.aquaticperformancetraining.com. See ad, page 12.

in that account. These pre-tax dollars come out of your paycheck over the year and are then used to help cover the cost of these procedures.

The FSA plans work similarly to a debit card in that the money in the account can be withdrawn to cover the expenses. However, like other benefits, once the new year comes and the plan rolls over into 2021, you lose whatever balance is left on the FSA account. This is why you should take the time to plan out what dental procedures you need done throughout the year and do what you can to maximize the money in your FSA account.

Where Do I Go From Here? That’s the most important question right now.

Since you only have a set amount of time left in the year to utilize your dental insurance benefits to their fullest, don’t wait!

We can help you schedule your routine checkups, schedule any additional dental work you may need, and work with your insurance provider to figure out how much is covered and what you need to pay out of pocket.

We’re an in-network option for various insurance plans and can work with plans that offer out-of-network benefits. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help today!

Visit Hamilton Dental Associates today, and come see what all the smiles are about!

See ad, page 12.

bakery. Nothing goes with great baked good like an awesome cup of locally roasted and ground coffee at Kafe Ojala or any one of hundreds of loose teas, matcha, bubble teas and fresh PMS 485 quiche at the Tea for All tea shop.

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

Since no one lives on food alone, the Trenton Farmers Market also features over a dozen artisan makers, creators and sellers who have been carefully curated for our shoppers.

You will find handmade soaps, bath products and skin lotions, you will find our wildly popular Sea Moss vendor, textiles, woodcraft, jewelry, hand poured candles, oils and scents even a gluten free / vegan baker! And because we know pets are an important part of the family, the market has a dog treat “barkery” and vendor who sells anything you might need for your pet’s health and happiness. Need a watch or clock repaired? We have a guy. Need something from a variety store? We have a guy. We even have a smoke shop outside the market where you can try your luck at the lottery or stock up on smokes and supplies. Try the Lunchbox: a full-service lunch spot just outside the market offering sausage & peppers, burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Check out our holiday market through Christmas Eve and our artisans market starting in January!

When was the last time you made a visit to the Trenton Farmers Market?

Rediscover what thousands already know, that Jersey Fresh is ALWAYS in season at the Trenton Farmers Market. 960 Spruce Street, Lawrence.

Hours: Thurs-Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www. thetrentonfarmersmarket.com, Like us on Facebook & Instagram. See ad, page 10.

December 2023 | SIX099

SEASON’s GREETINGs Special Section

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

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Sawmill Summer Camp!

Discover What Makes Sawmill Camp Special: Find Their Spark: Our camp is a nurturing ground where kids develop essential skills, grow in confidence, and form new friendships. As they engage in diverse activities, from outdoor play to learning to swim, they

gain valuable personal development skills. These experiences help shape their identity and passions, influencing their academic pursuits, relationships, and future career choices.

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

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

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

A Summer of Enrichment: Recognizing the multifaceted benefits of camp, we've planned an exciting summer filled with theme weeks, special events, and new experiences.

Campers will immerse themselves in a wide-range of activities, including arts and crafts, music, science, dance, sports, and swimming. Our highly trained counselors are committed to making your child's summer both safe and exhilarating.

Children look at camp as a fun way to spend the summer in the sun and splashing in the pool, but parents understand that camp allows kids to

reap many life benefits that will follow them through their lives long after the sun has set on their summer camp days.

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

See ad, page 13.

THE TRENTON FARMERS MARKET Visit our Holiday and Makers Market THURS 11/30 9:00am thru SUN 12/24 2:00pm

VOTED#1 MARKET IN MERCER COUNTY HOLIDAY HOURS: THURS-SAT 9-6 SUNDAY 9-3 OPEN EVERY DAY 12/15 THROUGH 12/24 • JERSEY FRESH PRODUCE • BREADS & BAKED GOODS • AMISH MEATS • WATCH REPAIR • EASTERN EUROPEAN FAVORITES • LOTTERY/SMOKE SHOP • DELI • CLOTHING • BURGERS, FRIES, HOT DOGS, • JEWELRY, SKIN & HAIR CARE CHICKEN & MORE • COFFEE & TEA VENDORS • AMISH, BBQ, & VEGAN EATERIES

FARMERS ACCEPT ACEPTAMOS ROLNICY AKCEPTUJA *INDIVIDUAL FARM, VENDOR & MERCHANT HOURS VARY

960 SPRUCE STREET, LAWRENCE 609-695-2998 TheTrentonFarmersMarket.com 10SIX09 | December 2023

PMS 485

Rumble Boxing Knocks Out Princeton

revolves around authenticity and single, seamless class. Each a departure from the clichés often round symbolizes a distinct associated with group workouts. challenge, weaving together It champions the celebration of boxing-inspired movements individual uniqueness while fostering and targeted strength training a collective environment where exercises. From jab-cross everyone fights for shared fitness combinations to bodyweight goals. circuits, participants engage Rumble Boxing’s dedication to in a fusion of disciplines that authenticity doesn’t mean sacrificing elevate heart rates while style or grace. On the contrary, it sculpting and toning muscles, melds an edgy vibe with a touch of making each session a elegance, mirroring the multifaceted complete, full-body workout. nature of its workouts — raw, The inclusive nature of powerful, yet executed with finesse.

Rumble Boxing’s community At Greenwood House Hospice, our families and caregivers The spirit of Rumble Boxing is evident in its diverse Princeton is LOVE echoed through the clientele.WE Novices and HOW MUCH CARE! AND YOU WILL, TOO. stories shared by its members. They seasoned athletes find celebrate their individual fitness their place within the gym’s journeys while acknowledging the welcoming embrace, fostering “I am and honored serve asand Greenwood House Hospice Medical collective support thatproud fuels their a senseto of belonging Directorof and alongside some of the best nurses, social workers, progress. This celebration unity to work encouragement. and individuality within a fitness and volunteers As RumbleinBoxing chaplains the business. Our team provides intimate community marks Rumble Boxing becomes a fixture in and comprehensive care for ourlandscape, terminally ill patients. We support not At Green as a standout in Princeton’s fitness Princeton’s fitness ring, embrace the challenge, and just those in their butmerge also the their families and loved ones.” scene. its final ability months to seamlessly LOVE emerge stronger, fitter, and more HOW At the core of Rumble’s appeal art of boxing with the science of empowered than ever before. lies its high-octane 10-round fight HIIT, MetCon, and cardio solidifies Rumble Boxing Princeton, “I am proud and concept. This distinctive approach its status as a revolutionary fitness 3495 Route 1, Suite 120B, Windsor – DAVID R. BARILE, MD Director and offers an authentic blend of Highdestination. With each round Green Shopping Center. 609-464chaplains a Medical Director, Greenwood House Hospice Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), symbolizing a step closer to personal 8722. www.rumbleboxinggym.com/ and compreh metabolic conditioning (MetCon), triumph, Rumble Boxing Princeton princeton. See ad, page 8. just those in and the full benefits of cardio in a beckons individuals to step into the

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A New Fitness Haven Lands in Town

If you’ve been in the Whole Foods complex recently, you’ve seen the new gym that’s opening soon.

Rumble Boxing, renowned for its immersive workouts that seamlessly blend the sweet science of boxing with the transformative power of strength training, has expanded its domain, bringing its unique brand of fitness to the Mercer County area.

Rumble Boxing has quickly become a buzzworthy destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking a thrilling, yet challenging, workout experience.

What sets Rumble Boxing Princeton apart isn’t just its exceptional workout regimen; it’s the philosophy that underpins every jab, hook, and squat within its walls. Emphasizing the power of collective effort while celebrating individuality, Rumble Boxing curates an experience that’s group fitness for the individual.

The ethos of Rumble Boxing

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At Greenwood House Hospice, our families and caregivers Hospice is about living the fullest possible according Our Hospice TeamWILL, consists of: LOVElife HOW MUCH WE CARE! AND YOU TOO. to a patient’s capabilities within a life-limiting condition.

• Hospice Medical Director, In hospice, your choices guide the care we provide. a board-certified hospice physician “I am and honored to serve as Greenwood House Hospice Medical Hospice care affirms quality of life.proud Our goal is to • Registered Nurses (RNs) monitoring Directoranxiety and to work alongside some of the best nurses, social workers, prevent and relieve pain, discomfort, and fear. pain, managing symptoms and chaplains and volunteers in the business. Our team provides intimate guiding patient’s plan of care and comprehensive care for our terminally ill patients. We support not We provide emotional and spiritual support to patients • Hospice Home justisthose in theirwherever final months but also theirCertified families and lovedHealth ones.” and their loved ones. Hospice care provided Aides (CHHAs) providing personal a patient feels most comfortable or where they call patient care and companionship home. We help families and caregivers prepare for end–• DAVID R. BARILE, MD patients Social Workers supporting of-life challenges and find creative ways to share in life Medical Director, Greenwood House Hospice and families and connecting them review and legacy projects so that our patient’s wisdom with community resources and memories can be treasured for future generations.

• Spiritual Counselors providing emotional support and personal counseling Hospice is about living the fullest life possible according to•aBereavement patient’s capabilities within a offering life-limiting condition.

Services In hospice, your choices guide the care we provide. guidance and education concerning Hospice care affirms quality of life. Our goal is to anticipatory griefdiscomfort, to families prevent and relieve pain, anxiety and fear. throughout care and bereavement We provide emotional and spiritual support to patients • Hospice withwherever and their loved Volunteers ones. Hospice assisting care is provided a patient feels most comfortable where they call a variety of patient andorfamily home. We help families and caregivers prepare for endpersonalized activities of-life challenges andsupport find creative ways to share in life review and legacy projects so that our patient’s wisdom and memories can be treasured for future generations.

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Greenwood House Hospice is a nonprofit, mission-ba industry leader in providing high-quality senior health c

Greenwood House Hospice is a nonprofit, mission-based organization rooted in cherished Jewish traditions and an industry leader in providing high-quality senior health care in the state of New Jersey. Seniors of all faiths are welcome.

Call us today: (609) 883-6026 Or email us at info@greenwoodhouse.org Call us today: (609) 883-6026

greenwoodhouse.org

Or email us at Hospice is about living the fullest life possible according Our Hospice Team consists of: to ainfo@greenwoodhouse.org patient’s capabilities within a life-limiting condition.

• Hospice Medical Director,

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• Spiritual Counselors providing emotional support and personal counseling In hospice, your choices guide the care we provide. a board-certified hospice physician Hospice care affirms House quality ofis life.

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Joe Baker’s ‘Three Sisters,’ a 1997 oil on canvas from The John and Susan Horseman Collection, courtesy of the Horseman Foundation.

LENAPE continued from Page 1 whose culture was disrupted and then suppressed to near the point of extinction by European colonization, starting in the early 1600s.

The exhibition’s reference to “Never Broken” argues that the culture has never disappeared and that the exhibition is a type of reaffirmation.

The “visualizing” reference signals that the reaffirming will be done through visual art.

And, indeed, viewers will encounter ancient Lenape designs, European and Colonial depictions of the Lenape people, and new works by contemporar y Lenape artists—who combine both Lenape and European and American art traditions.

The curators of what is being touted as the first exhibition of its kind are Joe Baker, participating artist and founder of the Lenape Center in Manhattan, and Laura Turner Igoe, the Michener Museum’s chief curator.

Three other contemporar y artists are participating: Ahchipaptunhe (Delaware Tribe of Indians and Cherokee), Holly Wilson (Delaware Nation and Cherokee), and Nathan Young (Delaware Tribe of Indians, Pawnee, and Kiowa)—Delaware also being the name for the Lenape and their connection to the Delaware River.

As the curators note, the artists’ work

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“underscores the continuing legacy and evolution of Lenape visual expression and cross-cultural exchange, reasserts the agency of their Lenape ancestors, and establishes that the Lenape’s ties to the area were—unlike Penn’s We take the stress out of your everyday maintenance Treaty—never broken.”

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LENAPE continued from Page 13 ince of Pennsylvania, his agents, and merchants trading cloth and other goods for land from the Lenape, the region’s historical inhabitants. Commissioned by Thomas Penn (17021775) to celebrate the achievements of his father, Penn’s Treaty established a visual record for an event with limited documentation that occurred nearly a centur y earlier. It is therefore a perspective on histor y, not a factual account.”

The romanticized meeting became a popular and often reproduced image on various materials and “went viral in the pre-internet age. It appeared on textiles and fine china and was copied by other artists like the Bucks County, Pennsylvania, painter Edward Hicks (1780-1849).

While Penn’s Treaty and its many

copies and reproductions visualized the founding of the commonwealth as a peaceful transfer of land that was ‘never broken,’ Penn’s sons and colonists forced the Lenape out of Pennsylvania through deception and violence in the 1700s.”

Additionally, “During the 1700s, the Lenape population was decimated by introduced diseases and forced removals by European colonists eager to claim land.

While some Lenape fled northwest to Canada and Wisconsin, the majority was forced to relocate to western Pennsylvania and Ohio, then west to Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and finally, Oklahoma.”

From this point, the exhibition viewers can easily move into a section that highlights the abstract lines on Lenape basketr y and potter y—the latter found

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at the above-mentioned Abbott Marshlands and on loan from the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

The curators note that the Lenape used these designs more than 1,000 years ago and argue that the “abstract motifs drawn from nature illuminate the Lenape’s ancestral and spiritual connection to this land.”

The motifs are also a creative catalyst for Ahchipaptunhe, whose several new or specially commissioned large canvases use the designs for a four-series set of paintings that bear the Lenape names for earth, fire, water, and air.

The artist says that by doing so he “seeks to honor the achimwisák, or stor ytellers, in my artistic voice. A reminder that we are still here, forging paths for a future generation to look upon and see their connections back to Lenapehoking.”

The shape of the room and placement of objects suggests a movement to another area devoted to “Remembrance and Continuance.”

The former is realized by the installation that honors Xinkwikaoan (Big House), an important element in Lenape culture and spirituality.

It does so by erecting the frame of an actual structure used by the Lenape into the early 20th centur y to bring the

Noted Bucks County artist Edward Hicks’ 1845 version of Benjamin West’s Penn’s Treaty painting.

Additionally, according to a quote community together, honor ancestors, repeat stories important to the people, from the last Delaware ceremonial and pay homage to spirits through chief, Charlie Elkhair (1854-1935), “the meeting house was used to keep anyvoice, instruments, and movement.

thing down that was injurious to the people, such as floods, earthquakes, etc. So long as they kept it up we would raise good crops and ever ything else that was beneficial to the people. So that guidepost in the center is what protects the people on the earth. So long as that stands up the earth will stand.”

The curators also point out that “a car ved and painted face on the central post faces east. It offers both gratitude and environmental protection in the face of climate change today.”

“Continuation” is reflected in the new work of Baker, another canvas painter, and Wilson, a sculptor, that generally covers the walls that of the space where the Big House resides.

Baker takes much from the Western European approach to painting to mix images of ancestors, cultural objects or activities, and significant imager y. The latter includes box turtle shell designs and patterns found in beadwork and stitching to convey, in one work, “a sense of movement, precision, and rhythm.”

Wilson, also using traditional sculptural techniques, created what the curators call a “monumental sculpture” titled “Bloodline.” The work uses a series of smalls (metal) figures walkSee LENAPE, Page 16

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LENAPE continued from Page 15 ing in a steady progression along a long wooden ridge that finely reflects the intent of showing works that “carr y stories from the Lenape’s past into the present day and future.”

As the curators note, “Wilson made ‘Bloodline’ after documenting her family ancestr y in order to enroll herself and her children as tribal members.

She wished to give form to the names she encountered through this research.

Bronze figures cast from cigars and found sticks traverse a cut locust tree that fell down in a storm.

The figures on the right represent Wilson’s own children, both living and lost, and the lone figure on the left is Delaware Bobb, a Lenape leader who brought Delaware Nation safely into Oklahoma. ‘Bloodline’ tells a powerful and complicated stor y of loss, sur vival,

and resilience through the artist’s family histor y.”

The fourth contemporar y artist, Young, is a video and audio artist whose work is presented in the chamber theater adjacent to the Treaty painting.

His work is “Alëmi pëmëske” (He begins to walk). Its subject is the infamous 1737 Walking Purchase in which William Penn’s sons, who were the region’s proprietors, “coerced Lenape chiefs to confirm an incomplete deed from 1686 that outlined the transfer of land measured by a walk of one and a half days.

After clearing a path in advance, three fast runners sped from modernday Wrightstown to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, traveling 65 miles in 18 hours and covering much more territor y than the Lenape had anticipated,” note exhibition materials.

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Young, in turn, has created a long playing video where he and a companion walk, in reverse, a portion of the route that colonists used during the walk to “unmake” the agreement that tricked the Lenape out of 1.2 million acres of land.

The film uses an “ominous soundtrack and monotonous passing of cars and trucks” to warn viewers “of the challenges and hardships that Young’s ancestors faced as they were forced from their homeland following the Walking Purchase. Images of beads and shells that were possibly used by the Lenape in trade and treaty negotiations appear throughout the video, reminding viewers of the broken agreements that led to the Lenape’s displacement.”

In addition to the exhibition, a recent panel discussion led by Baker with Ahchipaptunhe, Wilson, and Young continued the exploration of this returning or coming home to the land where their ancestors had lived for centuries before being displaced.

A consensus was expressed by Wilson when she said she was tr ying to find where she fit into the land, with Ahchipaptunhe adding that “I see Lenape names (in towns and bodies of water), but didn’t feel connected. I don’t know what an original home place means.”

They also shared similar thoughts on the current practice of land acknowledgements from institutions, with Baker asking others how they could “best ser ve our community (in a manner) that is beyond performity and more action based?”

“It is a good start. But it seems a hollow statement unless there is a meaningful action behind it,” replied Young, reflecting similar sentiments by the other panelists. “It can be as simple as education—humanize the experience.

We are ver y much part of that (American) stor y. Meaningful steps, let’s start teaching about the specifics. “ As an example, Baker noted that exhibition held on Lenape land “is a fine example of a land acknowledgment that has turned into an action.”

The artists also turned their attention to creating art and discussed a sometimes external and internal dissonance.

Externally, it was the challenge of being stereotyped as a Native American artist with homogenized expectations—as one speaker put it, connections to “feathers, leather, and beads.”

Consequently, as Ahchipaptunhe notes, “You don’t want to be cast as a Native American artist. For a long time, I said I was an artist. But now, as a

A New Jersey State Museum Lenape pottery vessel. native person, I work as a Native American artist. I want to be called a Native American artist.”

As for a takeaway of both the exhibition and panel discussion, the following comments were made: “My work is reflective of the poetr y and the weaving,” says Ahchipaptunhe.

“I was looking at the details ... they open a stor y. It is the details that we overlook.”

Wilson said, “I have my stories and I want people to see histor y and what is happening now. Being seen is an important part ... If you’re not seen, you’re histor y. I want people to hear and connect stories.”

Young followed by saying his hope was both would promote “an idea, empathy, and understanding that it matters to people in the region. It will help enrich greater sympathy and understanding and produce healing with these unfortunate parts of histor y.”

Baker added that the effort was “personal,” talked about the violence shown to the Lenape and members of his family, and said, “If we as humans don’t come to terms with the violence that formed this countr y I don’t think we’ll heal.”

Never Broken: Visualizing Lenape Histories, James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. Through Jan. 14, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 to $15. 215-340-9800 or michenerartmuseum.org.

DECEMBER 2023

B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H

Capital Health First in Mercer County to Offer Minimally Invasive Procedure for Detecting and Removing Lung Cancer Nodules in One Visit Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, but getting diagnosed at the earliest stage significantly increases the likelihood of better outcomes. While early-stage diagnosis can be difficult, experts at Capital Health’s Lung Center of Excellence, part of Capital Health Cancer Center, now perform a minimally invasive procedure that uses the latest in robotic-assisted lung biopsy technology to detect and remove cancerous nodules in the same visit. Capital Health is the first hospital in Mercer County to offer this procedure.

DR. DIANA KOLMAN, director of Interventional Pulmonology at Capital Health, is trained to use the minimally invasive Ion endoluminal system to obtain tissue samples that facilitate a fast and accurate early-stage lung cancer diagnosis.

Ion is an advanced robotic-assisted platform that has greater flexibility and reach than previous systems, which allows physicians to navigate all parts of the lungs, including areas that were previously unreachable from this approach. Immediately after Dr. Kolman retrieves a tissue sample, a pathologist reviews the sample to determine if it is cancerous.

If cancer is diagnosed, DR. AFRICA WALLACE, director of Thoracic Surgery at Capital Health, then performs a minimally invasive surgical lobectomy to remove the nodule, all while the patient is still under anesthesia. This eliminates the need to schedule a separate procedure to remove the nodule at a later date.

“When a suspicious small mass or nodule is found on a patient’s lungs, referring physicians may recommend a lung biopsy to collect and analyze a lung tissue sample,” said Dr. Kolman. “With previous technology, our reach into the peripheral areas of the lungs was

limited, but the Ion system can be precisely placed to obtain a biopsy in all 18 sections of the lungs. This greatly improves our ability to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.”

“Until very recently, patients had to schedule lung biopsies and surgical resections separately,” said Dr. Wallace. “For appropriate patients, the single-anesthesia approach we’re now offering at our Lung Center allows diagnosis and treatment to occur in one visit. In patients where a cancerous nodule is detected during biopsy, they can wake up after our combined efforts and be told that the nodule has already been removed from the lung instead of having to come back at a later date to go through another procedure.”

Capital Health Cancer Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, is home to the Lung Center of Excellence as well as other centers of excellence specializing in breast care, liver health, neuro-oncology, pancreatic health, and robotic-assisted surgery. To learn more, visit capitalhealthcancer.org. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kolman, call 609.815.7390. For an appointment with Dr. Wallace, call 609.537.6000.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Robbinsville Advance17

Understanding the Complexities of Concussions Concussion awareness, particularly in the sports world, has greatly improved in recent years. However, the permanent and catastrophic consequences caused by a concussion are now becoming more apparent in individuals who did not follow appropriate steps to prevent additional injuries before they fully recover.

Because the signs and severity of concussion symptoms can be different from one person to the next, providing care requires a multilayered approach that matches each person’s specific challenges with the appropriate treatments and support.

Capital Health offers a comprehensive Concussion Program as part of its Capital Institute for Neurosciences. DR. EMIL MATARESE, a board certified neurologist with experience in diagnosing and treating concussions, is director of the program.

“With no outward physical signs of injury, people unfamiliar with concussions tend not to take them seriously,” said Dr. Matarese. “Any delay in addressing a concussion could extend the time it will take to recover.”

“There is also a condition known as Second Impact Syndrome that can occur if a second concussion occurs before an individual fully recovers from their first concussion. This can trigger a serious sequence of events that can result in permanent and irreversible brain damage, most commonly intellectual impairment, or death.

This complication can occur in young athletes whose brains have not fully matured, typically under the age of 23 years old.”

“Our team of highly trained specialists provides comprehensive concussion care that takes into account the patient’s specific neurologic deficits that can include intellectual and academic performance, eye movement abnormalities, mood disorders, balance and impaired coordination.”

Capital Health’s Concussion Program includes a highly trained neurologist, neuropsychologists, and specialized rehabilitation specialists in concussion therapy. The program also works with expert pediatric doctors and nurses in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell.

Dr. Matarese is also an active partner in community health, offering workshops and educational programs to help teachers, nurses, athletic trainers, and other school staff better understand and plan for a student who is recovering from a concussion.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion is a sudden jarring of the brain inside the skull that results in temporary loss of normal brain function. This movement can stretch the brain cells, causing microscopic swelling of the cells and chemical changes in the brain.

18  Robbinsville Advance | Health Headlines by Capital Health

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? There may be no physical signs of a brain injury, but it is necessary to restrict the individual from any activity until they are seen by a medical provider who specializes in evaluating and treating concussions. Look for any of the following symptoms (some may be immediate, others may occur hours or days after the initial injury):

… Temporary loss of consciousness … Headache

… Fatigue

… Memory loss/confusion/ difficulty concentrating … Slurred speech

… Sensitivity to light and noise … Interruption in sleep patterns … Mood swings

… Dizziness

… Depression/anxiety

… Ringing in the ears

… Personality changes

… Nausea/vomiting Visit capitalneuro.org to learn more about the Concussion Program at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. To make an appointment with Dr. Matarese, call 215.741.9555.

Capital Health Surgeon Becomes First Black Woman to Lead Regional Surgical Society DR. AFRICA WALLACE, director of Thoracic Surgery at Capital Health, was recently named the president of the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society (ECTSS).Dr. Wallace is the first black female president for ECTSS and the first of any cardiothoracic surgery society.

“The Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society works to advance the highest standards of excellence in patient care through education, research, and surgical training programs,” said Dr. Wallace. “I’m excited to lead an organization that aligns with my personal commitment to quality, diversity and inclusion in health care and Capital Health’s mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.”

Thoracic surgery is used to treat diseased or injured organs in the chest. Dr. Wallace, a board certified thoracic surgeon, performs procedures at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell to treat cancer and other conditions, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques using video-assisted or robotic approaches. She is

part of Capital Health Surgical Group and Capital Health’s Robotic Center of Excellence, a team of experienced surgeons who provide a multidisciplinary suite of robotic-assisted procedures that meet the highest national quality standards. Dr. Wallace is also co-lead of Capital Health’s Lung Center of Excellence (part of Capital Health Cancer Center), which provides comprehensive care in the detection, evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of lung disease.

Along with her new role as president of the ECTSS, Dr. Wallace serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work Force of the Society of Thoracic Surgery. She is a member of the Women in Thoracic Surgery and Association of Women Surgeons. Dr. Wallace’s current research interests include racial disparities in the surgical management of thoracic cancers and clinical outcomes as they pertain to minimally invasive approaches to pulmonary and esophageal surgery.

For more information about Capital Health Surgical Group, visit capitalhealthsurgicalgroup.org. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wallace, call 609.537.6000.

Capital Health Opens New Primary Care Location in Ewing Township If you live or work near Ewing Township, you may have noticed a new Capital Health building on Scotch Road. Whether you’re scheduling a wellness check-up or not feeling well, advanced medicine starts with your primary care provider. Capital Health Primary Care – Ewing, part of Capital Health Medical Group and a trusted provider of primary care for children and adults in Mercer County, New Jersey, is now located at 51 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628, just minutes away from the original Ewing location.

Consolidating the physicians from two previous Ewing offices on Parkway Avenue and Parkside Avenue, the new 11,000-square-foot location offers patients medical care from the same board certified providers, including DRS. KASHIF ANWAR, SYLVIA BOLOCK, ROBERT HOGAN, DANIEL JASS, MERIAM KHAN, SHODHAN PATEL, and PAUL PIERROT. They are all available for appointments to provide check-ups, sick visits and preventive care for children and adults.

“Primary care providers are the first line of defense for maintaining good health, and it’s important for patients to find clinicians they can trust,” said Dr. Jerrold Gertzman, Chief Medical Officer – Medical Care for Capital Health Medical Group. “Our practices are built on that trust, and now our Ewing-based physicians are offering safe, convenient care in one brand new, state-of-the-art facility.”

In addition to office visits, most of the physicians at Capital Health Primary Care – Ewing offer easy access to sick visits from the comfort of your home or on the go through the Capital Health Virtual Primary Care Program. Appointments for this service can be requested online (seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) at capitalvirtualcare.org. They can also provide easy access to experienced specialists and surgeons when necessary and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals when it is needed most – virtually everything patients need to keep them on the path to better health.

Office hours at the new Capital Health Primary Care – Ewing are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Thursday (10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.). To schedule an appointment, call 609.883.5454 or visit capitalhealth.org/ewing for more information.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Robbinsville Advance19

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

The Knee: A to Z Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting The knee is one of the largest joints in the human body and one of the most complex. Learn more from an expert at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, DR. ARJUN SAXENA, a fellowship trained and board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in primary and revision hip and knee replacement/reconstruction and director of the Marjorie G. Ernest Center for Joint Replacement. Dr. Saxena will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the knee, common injuries, and the latest surgical techniques available.

Achieve More with a Healthy Pelvic Floor Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting Are you experiencing pain in your pelvic area during sex, personal care, or urination/bowel movements? It’s time to advocate for yourself! Join Kathie Olson, nurse practitioner and program director for Capital Health’s Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health, to learn strategies for living your life without pelvic pain. Kathie will be joined by Natalia Ochalski, a certified pelvic floor physical therapist, to discuss the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy. All genders are welcome!

20  Robbinsville Advance | Health Headlines by Capital Health

Jan: 2, 16, 30 Jul: 2, 16, 30 Jan: 6, 15, 29 Jul: 1, 15, 29 Jan: 9, 23 Jul: 9, 23 Aug: 13, 27 Feb: 12, 26 Aug: 12, 26 Feb: 6, 20 Aug: 6, 20 Feb: 13, 27 Mar: 12, 26 Sep: 10, 24 Sep: 7, 16, 30 Mar: 11, 25 Sep: 9, 23 Sep: 3, 17 Mar: 5, 19 Oct: 8, 22 Oct: 7, 21 Apr: 2, 16, 30 Oct: 1, 15, 29 Apr: 9, 23 Apr: 8, 22 Apr: 1, 15, 29 Oct: 14, 28 Nov: 5, 19 May: 1, 15, 29 Nov: 12, 26 May: 7, 21 May: 6, 20 Nov: 4, 18 May: 13 Nov: 11, 25 Jun: 4, 18 Dec: 3, 17, 31 Dec: 2, 16, 30 Jun: 11, 25 Jun: 3, 17 Jun: 1, 10, 24 Dec: 9, 23 Dec: 10, 24

Jan: 8, 22 Feb: 5, 19 Mar: 4, 18

Jul: 8, 22 Aug: 5, 19

Jan: 3, 17, 31 Feb: 14,28 Mar: 13, 27

Jul: 3, 17, 31 Aug: 14, 28

Apr: 10, 24 May: 8, 22 Jun: 5, 19,

Sep: 11, 25 Oct: 9, 23 Nov: 6, 20 Dec: 4, 18

Jan: 11, 25 Jul: 11, 25 Jan: 4, 18 Jan: 10, 24 Jul: 6, 18 Jul: 10, 24 Feb: 8, 22 Aug: 8, 22 Feb: 1, 15, 29 Aug: 1, 15, 29 Feb: 7, 21 Aug: 7, 21 Sep: 5, 19 Sep: 4, 18 Mar: 14, 28 Sep: 12, 26 Mar: 7, 21 Mar: 6, 20 Oct: 3, 17, 31 Oct: 2, 16, 30 Apr: 11, 25 Apr: 3, 17 Oct: 10, 24 Apr: 4, 18 May: 2, 16, 30 Nov: 14, 30 May: 1, 15, 29 Nov: 13, 27 May: 9, 23 Nov: 7, 21 Jun: 13, 27 Dec: 12, 26 Jun: 12, 26 Dec: 5, 19 Dec: 11, 28 Jun: 6, 20

Jan: 12, 26 Jul: 12, 26 Feb: 9, 23 Aug: 9, 23 Sep: 6, 20 Mar: 8, 22 Apr: 5, 19 Oct: 4, 18 May: 3, 17, 31 Nov: 1, 15, 29 Jun: 14, 28 Dec: 13,27

MUNICIPAL RECYCLING AND PUBLIC WORKS: Ewing / 882-3382 Hamilton / 890-3560 Hopewell Boro / 466-0168 Hopewell Twp / 537-0250 Lawrence Twp / 587-1894

Pennington Boro / 737-9440 Princeton / 688-2566 Trenton / 989-3151 West Windsor / 799-8370

East Windsor, Hightstown, Robbinsville: Call your Recycling /Public Works Office for your recycling schedule

Mercer County Participates in MERCER COUNTY

RECYCLES

ALL Recyclables EITHER Bucket!

No more separation anxiety!

December 2023 | Robbinsville Advance21

workers here and across America. To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund,

When and why to first see a geriatrician? visit rwjbh.org/heroes

And please, for them, stay home and safe.

balanced meals that include protein, carbs, movement is also great for mental health. I always suggest taking a walk or doing yoga fruits and vegetables, and consuming the with friends, loved ones, or even a pet to appropriate number of calories. You can speak to your provider about what the right make it more social and enjoyable.

3. Take your medication as number of calories are for you and your Seespecific our ads in needs or goals. When we prescribed. No matter your age, it is health SIX09 section always recommended to are eating well we will often pgshave 5 and 7 take your medication exactly more energy and have Geriatrician Sara Ali, MD, an as prescribed by your an overall sense of being RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider. This is important healthy. provider affiliated Robert Wood because taking medication 2. Maintain a4/17/20 regular RWJ-104 Heroes Work with Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 1:21 PM Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an infrequently or stopping exercise routine.

RWJBarnabas Health facility, recommends While regular exercise is suddenly can negatively patients 65+ see a geriatrician at least once. recommended at any age, it impact your health. If you As we age, our body functions do have any concerns about is especially important as we differently and a geriatrician is trained a medication or dosage, age. Cardiovascular activities specifically in identifying and treating ask your pharmacist or such as walking are a great symptoms and illnesses specific to this provider. Even if you don’t way to support your overall population. Geriatricians can either see have questions, bring a list health, especially your heart Dr. Sara Ali patients as their Primary Care Physician or health. Strength training, of all current medications, as a specialist working in tandem with their exercises done with weights, including any vitamins existing physician. and supplements, to every doctor’s helps develop and maintain muscle. The Dr. Ali shares her top three tips for combination of cardiovascular and strength appointment. And, never stop taking any healthy aging so we can make the most of medication unless instructed to do so by exercises will help you maintain an active all our years. lifestyle. I also recommended incorporating your provider.

1. Adopt a healthy diet as early as And last, I invite those in our local balance training, such as yoga or Tai chi, possible and continue this as you age. into your weekly routine. By building communities to take advantage of our Eating well is the best way to get important better balance, you can reduce your risk completely complimentary Better Health nutrients, maintain heart health and for falls as you age. In addition to the many Program where you can “Rediscover fuel your body. The key to eating well is your body, mind, and spirit” through free physical health benefits to exercise, daily programming and activities. Attend Tai Chi and yoga, learn how to incorporate healthy tasty food choices into your diet, and attend our medical educational classes where our physicians and experts provide guidance and health education programs designed for those 65+ years old,” shares Dr. Ali. To become a Better Health member, call Classes for 3 year olds and 4 year olds Health Connections at 609-584-5900. To Potty trained find a local provider near you, visit rwjbh.

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

Follow RWJUH Hamilton on our social Competitive tuition rates - secure environment channels: Facebook-@RWJ Hamilton; indoor gym - outdoor playground - qualified educators LinkedIn-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton; X-@RWJHamilton; and Instagram-RWJUH_Hamilton.

Ask The Doctor

St. George Preschool

Enroll now for the 2023-2024 school year

son? Dr. Shakil Shaikh from Hamilton Cardiology Associates will guide you with heart healthy recipes and tips for eating healthy.

thursday, DECEMBER 7

Kids in the kitchen – the gift of being present.

5-6 p.m. Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN.

Tuesday, DECEMBER 12

How smart are hearing aids today? 10-11 a.m. We discuss the remarkable features of today’s hearing aids. Bluetooth technology, Artificial Intelligence, Rechargeable Batteries, Tinnitus Therapy and more! Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato to learn more about the latest in hearing aid technology!

Mental health matters: seniors supporting family members & friends. Family members and friends play a critical role in supporting loved ones who have a mental health condition, and the questions and concerns are typically the same. What to do? When to intervene? Where to go? How to help? This presentation is intended to help you better understand the issues you might face. This program will be led by Chelsea Kennedy, MAHS.

Wednesday, DECEMBER 13

Orthopedic open house. 6-7:30 p.m. Discover the latest advances in knee and hip replacement surgery and rehabilitation. Presented

by Michael Duch, MD board-certified orthopedic surgeon; Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert MDT; and Courtney Fluehr, PT DPT. Dinner is included.

thursday, DECEMBER 14

What’s in the box? **virtual** Noon-1 p.m.

All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetable are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Jeopardy! With Dr. Sara Ali. 1-2 p.m. Put your medical knowledge to the test with Dr. Sara Ali. Join in the fun with your favorite geriatrician.

Tuesday, DECEMBER 19

Prediabetes connect group. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected.

Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

Coming up this month at January 8 RWJU Hospital Hamilton AMonday, matter of balance: a 4 week series. (Partic“Building a foundation for a lifetime love of learning” St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 www.stgeorgepreschool.org

Excellence in Early Education Angela Gering Director

Call for more information: (609)586-ABCD (2223)

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

Monday, DECEMBER 4

Protecting yourself from cybercrimes. Monday, Dec. 4; 10 a.m.-Noon. Cyber-crimes are more common than you might think. Join officers from the Hamilton Police Department and the US Secret Service to learn how to protect yourself from Cyber Scams.

Light refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, DECEMBER 6

Cooking with cardiology. 6-7:30 p.m. Worried about overindulging during the holiday sea-

22  Robbinsville Advance | December 2023

ipants must attend all 8 session). Also Jan. 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31. 1-2:30 p.m. A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have this concern.

The class utilizes a variety of activities to address physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling and to learn fall prevention strategies. It was designed to benefit older adults who are concerned about falls, have sustained a fall in the past, restrict activities because of concerns about falling, are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength, are age 60 or older, mobile and able to problem-solve. Linda Buckley, Nurse Educator will instruct.

Congrats to the successful A Thoughtful Gift for Any Parent CLEAN CLOTHES council candidates DAVE FRIED MAYOR’S COLUMN

Let me begin by congratulating Mike Todd, Chris Ciaccio and Amit Chopra, who were elected to Township Council

by Robbinsville voters on Nov. 7.

I have said it countless times before, and I will say it again: Being willing to put your name on a ballot and run in an election is one of the most stressful things a person can do.

Without individuals being willing to put themselves out there our system would grind to a halt. We need people willing to serve. So, for everyone who made that sacrifice this year, I salute you.

While we are extremely thankful for the passage of the 1-cent Open Space Tax increase, we remain mindful that our schools need additional help after the district’s ballot question seeking $4.8 million failed.

Emotions ran very high for each of those questions, and the passion on both sides was commendable. Now that you have made your voices heard, please be kind to one another and remember we are all still neighbors.

I also want to acknowledge Mercer County and its Board of Elections.

According to most reports, this year’s election went about as smoothly as one could expect after last year’s disaster.

The new Dominion machines purchased by the county, a few glitches, quirks, and longer than normal waiting times to vote aside, appeared to work well.

Additionally, unlike in 2022, results were posted in a timely fashion. I want our Mercer County Commissioners, County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, and Superintendent of Elections Walker Worthy Jr. to know we appreciate their efforts.

Another superb job was turned in by Robbinsville Municipal Clerk Michele

Seigfried and administrative assistant Dianne Johnson, who was working her first Election Day. Thank you both!

While we are very much looking forward to the new Council being seated come January 15, 2024, the governing body will do so without former president Mike Cipriano, who announced Nov. 17 that he was stepping down effective Dec. 31.

We are all going to miss Mike’s infectious personality, positivity, and dedication to both Robbinsville Township, as well as the citizens of Cranbury, whom he served as a police officer for two decades.

Thank you for your public service, Councilman Cipriano, and we wish you, Justine, Alexa, and Andrea all the best moving forward. *** Congratulations to the Robbinsville High boys’ soccer team, the NJSIAA Central Jersey champions and Group III runner-up, on a terrific season. Can’t wait to dig into that Jo Jo’s tomato pie courtesy of Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin! *** I recently heard from a successful owner of multiple restaurants, and that group plans to take over the former Kuo Social by opening a family-friendly, full-service restaurant with a fun bar.

Their menu offerings are expected to include steaks, seafood, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and spectacular specials daily. I am excited. If everything breaks just right, they hope to open around St Patrick’s Day. I will give more details whenever possible. *** Don’t miss our annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Event on Tuesday, December 5 outside the Senior Center at 1117 Route 130. The C.A.R.E. Crafts and photos with Santa, courtesy of Jen Davis, begin at 5:30 p.m.

Dave Fried is the mayor of Robbinsville Township.

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December 2023 | Robbinsville Advance23

RIS TOR ANTE & PIZ Z A

RIS TOR ANTE & PIZ Z A

DINE & DONATE DAY In honor of our 50th Anniversary,

1973

YEARS

Brother's Pizza on Rt. 33 will host a "Dine and Donate Day" for a local

1973 charity. We have chosen one Sunday per month to donate 50% of our sales to a featured 501c organization.

2023

YEARS LETS RAISE RISSOME TORDOUGH! ANTE2023 & PIZ Z A Please support our cause to give back to our community!

BRING ING FAMILY & FRIENDS TOG E THER SINCE 197 3

$45,857.11

DOUGH RAISED:

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 BRING ING FAMILY & FRIENDS TOG E THER SINCE 197 3 JUNE 11: Autism New Jersey $3,871.84

SUNDAY, DECEMBER10

TH

50% OF OUR SALES SUPPORTS 1973

JULY 9: Joeys Little Angels $4,503.94

YEARS

Mobile Meals of Hamiton Township

AUG. 6: Whats My Name $3,575.66 SEPT. 10: Ryan’s Quest $4,625.64 OCT. 8: I Believe in Pink $3,767.34 NOV.12: Shine & Inspire $4,243.90

2023 Please consider visiting the websites of these

DOUGH RAISED

organizations for additional donation opportunities!

brotherspizza33.com BRING ING FAMILY & FRIENDS TOG E THER SINCE 197 3 Visit these websites for information about our other Carannante Family brands: BLEND BAR & BISTRO blendbar.com 24  Robbinsville Advance | December 2023

NJ WEDDINGS AND EVENTS njweddingsandevents.com

CENTRAL JERSEY BEER FESTIVAL cjbeerfest.com