5-24 WWP

Versatile Kulkarni is a jack of all trades for North Softball

BY JUSTIN FEIL

When Tom Cruder surveyed the WW-P High School North baseball players about their preferred positions, the new Knights head coach appreciated Jahan Kulkarni’s response.

“His answer was, ‘Wherever you need me, Coach,’” said Cruder of the senior’s reply. Kulkarni wasn’t just being a good soldier or trying needlessly to impress Cruder.

Over the previous three seasons as a varsity starter, he has played every position

except catcher and center field for the Knights.

“I just play wherever they need me to play and I think I can just play well and help the team as best as I can anywhere,” said Kulkarni. “As long as I’m on the baseball

See KULKARNI, Page 7

Buttoned up

Donation tells story of survival, family and memory

BY BARBARA FIGGE FOX

Six large cartons of clothing buttons had special meaning to long-time West Windsor resident Aron Arias. His father, Larry (Leb) Arias, a Holocaust survivor, had collected them over many years of working in the garment industry.

Some of the buttons from the Arias Collection will be featured at the New Jersey State Button Society show set to be held on Saturday, May 11, in Titusville. See NewJerseyStateButtonSociety. com for more details.

Originally Arias’ were meant to be part of a larger collection to be used for a mural commemorating the Holocaust victims of World War II at a planned Jewish Community Center in West Windsor.

Unfortunately plans fell through sue to financing issues, and the Jewish Community Center was never finished. The property and the structures that had been constructed were sold off and it eventually became the Windsor Athletic Club, located on Clarksville Road.

When the Arias family made plans to move out of New Jersey (Arias recently moved to Port St. Lucie Florida), it was time to find a

new home for the buttons.

According to Lucille Dawson, a Stonebridge Button Club member, the thrilling acquisition of the Arias buttons began with an excited call from her daughter, Sally O’Grady.

“Mom does your button club want 15,000 buttons?” she asked.

Sally was at the Arias family’s garage sale. After learning about the worthy nature of what would be in store for the buttons, the family was happy to make the donation to the club, which is based at Stonebridge at Montgomery, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Montgomery Township. It offers different levels of care, ranging from those who live independently to those in the assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care sections.

The next thing Dawson knew, her daughter was at the Stonebridge door, unloading the cartons onto a cart, eager to see what, exactly, was in those boxes.

“We felt like we were opening a Treasure of the Sierra Madre or King Tut’s tomb,” Dawson said. The trove had all kinds of buttons: leather, plastic, synthetic polymer, metal and glass—the lifelong collection of Aron Arias’ father, Leb.

The Stonebridge Button Club belongs to the New Jersey State Button Society and the National Button Society. “Our slogan is ‘Create! Connect! Collect!’ said

See ARIAS, Page 4

Senior Jahan Kulkarni on the mound during a recent High School North baseball game.

AROUND TOWN

WW-P creates program to compensate student teachers

The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District has announced the creation of The New Teacher Program).

TNTP is one of the first in the state in which student teachers will be compensated with a stipend of up to $10,000/ semester to participate in the district’s student teaching program.

In addition, student teachers who are selected to participate in this program will also receive ongoing evening professional development sessions provided by WW-P throughout their student teaching semester.

Upon the successful completion of the TNTP, student teachers will be required to apply for open district teaching positions. Program participants will also have prioritized application review for contracted teaching positions in the WW-P school district.

Currently, the State of New Jersey is facing a teacher shortage. Although the difficulty in filling teaching vacancies began about a decade ago, the pandemic hastened many individuals’ exodus from the teaching profession. Also hitting the profession hard is fewer individuals entering teacher preparation programs as still more current teachers retire or leave the profession.

In 2022, the Governor’s Task Force for Public School Staffing Shortages in New Jersey was formed and WW-P Superintendent David Aderhold was appointed as one of the 23 task force members.

The group was charged with recommending potential steps and initiatives that the state could take to lessen the staffing shortages facing schools across New Jersey. One of those potential steps that the state legislature and governor acted on was the elimination of EdTPA, the teaching praxis test, as a requirement for teacher certification in New Jersey.

“Although the elimination of edTPA was a great move forward in attacking the teacher shortage, the problem is much larger than simply eliminating a test,” Aderhold said.

WW-P administration, led by Charity Comella, assistant superintendent for personnel, began looking at the staffing shortage much earlier in the human resources pipeline and saw an opportunity in the student teacher step of our recruitment process, Aderhold said.

“For anyone who has done it, the student teaching semester can oftentimes be a heavy financial burden to carry,” Comella said. “WW-P is hoping the TNTP stipend will help student teachers to defray the

costs of living expenses, tuition bills, transportation, etc. during this time.”

The TNTP program will begin at the start of the fall semester for the 2024-2025 school year. Only student teachers who are accepted into TNTP, complete all requirements for participation, and complete an application to district vacancies will be eligible.

WW-P student teachers are not considered WW-P employees and will not accrue time towards tenure, or be enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension & Annuity Fund during their student teaching semester.

The TNTP at WW-P is currently accepting applications, and interested applicants can find additional information and application materials at ww-p.org.

WW Farmer’s Market set to open for the season

The West Windsor Farmers Market is scheduled to open for the season on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m.

Running rain or shine, weekly until Thanksgiving, market visitors will find 18 New Jersey farms, 35 artisan bakers, one Pennsylvania farm, a composting subscription service and knife sharpener (first/ third Saturdays).

The maket is held at the Vaughn Drive parkign lot at the Princeton Junction Train Station. Parking is free. The market has been organized entirely by community members since 2004.

“It’s an absolute blast to create a popup downtown every Saturday for just about everything you’ll need to do a onestop farmers market shop,” said market manager Chris Cirkus, a West Windsor resident.

The roster for the 21st year continues to be highly curated with new farms and vendors including: Chickadee Creek Farm (organic vegetables), Nomad Pizza (woodfired pizzas), Giuliano & Dorina (old world Italian desserts), The Foraged Feast (foraged and cultivated mushrooms), and local grocer, WooRi Mart (Korean prepared foods).

Patrons will find returning long-time favorites: Jeff’s Organic Produce (organic plant starts vegetables), Jammin’ Crepes (savory and sweet crepes), LoRe Pasta (fresh pasta, sauces and prepared meals), Catalina Empanadas (baked empanadas), and Bebe’s All Natural (hot samosas and jarred simmering sauces)

A full roster of activities and entertainment is planned for the upcoming season.

The May 4 opening day will feature Impractical Joker James “Murr” Murray and Melyssa Murray on site with Melyssa’s brand, No. 95 Candles and fun photo opportunities plus info on their Alzheimer’s research fall gala event.

Culinary-related makers will be CastIron Kyle (refurbished cast-iron), Kaitlynn Prickett & Ed Dyke (functional pottery), Ric Stang (hand-turned wooden bowls). Other market offerings include: sustainably caught seafood, poultry, pastured eggs, freshly milled oats, pickles, sauces, jams, goats milk products, cheese, breads, baked goods, pastries, pastured meats, vegan savory and sweets, Lebanese salads, Eastern European favorites, alpaca fiber wear, vegan chocolates, pesticide-free flowers, fresh pressed juices, hot and iced coffee and teas.

The upcoming schedule is as follows:

May 4—Community Groups: Historical Society of West Windsor, Mercer County Board of Elections, West Windsor Bike & Pedestrian Alliance, Yes, We CAN! Fresh food drive to benefit Arm in Arm pantries.

Cool-n-Airy Makers: Kaitlynn Prickett & Ed Dyke, Cast-Iron Kyle, Ric Stang. Music: Bill O’Neal.

May 11—Community Groups: NOFANJ, West Windsor Bike & Pedestrian Alliance. Cool-n-Airy Makers: The Wheeling Gypsy Steve’s Urban Lumber. Music: Alan Stein & Friends.

May 18—Community Groups: Fresh Air Fund, West Windsor Arts Center, Yes, We CAN! Fresh food drive to benefit, Arm in Arm pantries. Cool-n-Airy Makers: Off the Knife Woodwork. Music: Carmen Maranco.

May 25—Music: Tanglewood. Cool-nAiry Maker: Exallante Woodworks. Cooking Demo: Chef Nash Reba.

June 1—Community Groups: Historical Society of West Windsor, West Windsor Bike & Pedestrian Alliance, Yes, We CAN! Fresh food drive to benefit Arm in Arm pantries. Cool-n-Airy Maker: Off the Knife Woodwork. Music: WW-P High School North Ensembles.

Visit wwcfm.org for more information. The enrance to the market is from 877 Alexander Road.

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

SENIOR COMMUNITY EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Barbara Figge Fox, Justin Feil

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Paul Ligetti

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stephanie Jeronis

ACCOUNT SALES EXECUTIVE

Gina Carillo (Ext. 112)

Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org

Website: communityews.org

Facebook: WestWindsorPlainsboroNews Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

17,000 copies of The News are mailed or bulkdistributed to the residences and businesses in Plainsboro and West Windsor 12 times a year.

TO ADVERTISE

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

Elisabeth Fraser, club president.

“We meet twice monthly—once for a dinner and once in the art studio—to enjoy each other’s company and to study the history and manufacture of vintage buttons and find opportunities to use them in meaningful ways,” she said.

“We decided to use these special buttons to enhance the lives of residents who have moved to the assisted living and memory care areas,” said club member Hope Pepe.

“We share our knowledge and love of buttons by hosting monthly Pink Lemonade and Button Art sessions. With art supplies and these buttons, we help them create all kinds of artistic crafts.”

Visitors to the New Jersey State Button Society show on May 11 will be able to take home leather coat buttons—some decorated by the Stonebridge Button Club—from the Arias collection.

enough to view the happenings of that day, and found their way back to the woods, where they were discovered by Russian soldiers.

They were given a choice—to join the Russian army or be taken to a Russian work camp in Siberia.

“I think my father learned to be a tailor there,” said Arias.

After miraculously surviving five years under difficult conditions in Siberia, Leb and Philip were released to a refugee camp in Germany. Philip and Leb—who renamed himself Larry—eventually found their way to the Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.

How Aron Arias’s father met his mother, Ruth Mieschonz, could be a story straight out of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Both of their parents had grown up in that same small town of Prznyasz.

“My maternal grandfather, a skilled carpenter, left the town to seek work in Berlin, Germany, and began a career making furniture in the haberdashery business,” said Arias. “His girlfriend later followed him to Berlin, where they got married and had three children.

IT S TIME TO CLEAN UP AND CLEAN OUT FOR SPRING!

RECYCLE:

Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.

RECYCLE:

RECYCLE:

Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.

Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.

Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.

The buttons tell the story of the Arias and Mieschonz families who lived in the small town of Prznyasz, Poland, a small town north of Warsaw. With the invasion of Poland by the Germans in World War II, one fateful day German soldiers took away Leb’s mother and three of his siblings—never to be seen again. They ultimately perished in the concentration camps. On their way back from visiting cousins in a neighboring town, Leb, a teenager, and his father, Philip, were close

“Prior to things getting bad in Germany with the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party, Mr. Mieschonz had, on several occasions, hosted a cousin and his son who came from London, England, for medical treatments in

DECLUTTER DONATE DUMPSTER

DECLUTTER DONATE

DUMPSTER

DECLUTTER DONATE DUMPSTER

DECLUTTER DONATE DUMPSTER

DUMPSTER ITEMS: Broken Items, Wood Fencing, Outdoor Play Toys, Outdoor Furniture, Small Furniture, Area Rugs

DUMPSTER ITEMS:

DUMPSTER ITEMS:

Items, Wood Fencing,

Mattresses NO Paints

Play Toys, Outdoor Furniture, Small Furniture, Area Rugs

Broken Items, Wood Fencing, Outdoor Play Toys, Outdoor Furniture, Small Furniture, Area Rugs

NO Mattresses NO Paints

WHATNOT TOBRING:

WHATNOTTOBRING:

GOODWILL Accepting Donations: Books, Movies, Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles, Housewares, Shoes, Clean Clothing & Accessories, Working Small Appliances & Electronics

GOODWILL Accepting Donations: Books, Movies, Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles, Housewares, Shoes, Clean Clothing & Accessories, Working Small Appliances & Electronics

NO BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)

NO BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)

Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles,

GOODWILL Accepting Donations: Books, Movies, Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles, Housewares, Shoes, Clean Clothing & Accessories, Working Small Appliances & Electronics

Shoes, Clean Clothing &

Working Small Appliances

NO BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)

BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)

Hazardous materials (aerosol cans, pesticides & herbicides, paint thinner, oil based paint, stains & varnishes, gasoline, driveway sealer, thermostats/mercury, fluorescent & CFL bulbs, insect repellents) liquids, heating oil, infectious waste, radioactive materials, explosives, munitions, railroad ties, asbestos, acetylene tanks, mattresses, latex paint

thermostats/mercury, fluorescent & CFL bulbs, insect repellents) liquids,

railroad ties, asbestos,

Thank you for keeping West Windsor clean! 

Larry Arias

The favor was gratefully reciprocated when the cousin, who owned a butter manufacturing business, helped get the whole Mieschonz family out of Germany before it was too late.

After the war, Ruth’s family went to America and settled in Brooklyn. Ruth’s father recognized that a newcomer, Philip Arias, listed in a Yiddish newspaper, was from his hometown in Poland. He had a daughter and Philip had a son, and the rest was history. “It’s miraculous that those two families both wound up in Brooklyn, and my parents wound up going on a date and ultimately married,” said Arias.

Working as a tailor in the garment district, Leb was promoted to be a foreman for a fake

fur company, and later worked for a leather company in Staten Island, New York, which is how he wound up collecting excess sample buttons.

“My father was a workaholic, who worked hard for many years to support his wife and three children,” Arias said. “When the garment district fell apart, and manufacturing moved overseas, he always found work, doing alterations for a local dry-cleaning business, a leather retail store, making fake fur coats and blankets, and doing alterations for family and friends. My family may not have had everything we wanted but we always had a home and food on the table, and very loving and devoted parents.”

luxury retail industry, working for such companies as Tiffany’s in the U.S. and Asprey, an English luxury house.

Now he is the CFO for a growing cosmetics device manufacturer and retailer based in Florida. He and his wife Caryn have two sons, Benjamin and Alex. His brother, Martin Arias, lives in West Windsor, and his sister, Susan Arias Weinman, is in Charleston, South Carolina.

“It’s an interesting and courageous story, but unfortunately not a completely happy one, that I am sure left many scars, but a true tale of survival. As for the buttons – the more joy that can be spread with them, the better. I think that he would be happy to know that they are being used for a good cause.”

Township of West Windsor Public Works

Arias, a CPA, graduated from SUNY Albany in 1983 and made his career in the

“Except for a cousin, who survived a concentration camp, Leb (Larry) and his father, Philip, were the only direct family members that survived the Holocaust,” said Arias. “My father had never wanted to share his story of survival and his time in Siberia, so I don’t really know all of the details, but I’m sure it was a difficult time.

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

The New Jersey State Button Society Spring Show will be on Saturday, May 11, and the NJSBS Fall Show on Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, 1396 River Road (Route 29), Titusville. Visitors can take home plain or decorated leather buttons from the Arias collection. Also offered are charmstring starter kits and a “bring a button take a button” basket. ButtonsinNewJersey@gmail.com. (609) 468-2195.

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

“Paper Shred Event”

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

Township of West Windsor Public Works

“Paper Shred Event”

Southfield Road, West Windsor

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

Township of West Windsor Public Works

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

“Paper Shred Event”

“Paper Shred Event”

70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event”

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event”

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

–

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

–

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

“Paper Shred Event”

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

June 15, 2024 8AM – 12PM

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY Proof of Residency Required

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Proof of Residency Required

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred trucks reach capacity Open to Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency Required

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

– account numbers,

Shred

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, personal documents.

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents.

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

Please remove heavy metal-backed ring binders.

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders. NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards.

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents. No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders. NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!

No need to remove paper clips, staples or Please remove heavy metal-backed clips/3 ring binders. magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards.

No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubber bands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos,

items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO CD’s, VHS tapes

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

*LIMIT 8 boxes 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned! **ADDITION

*LIMIT 8 boxes 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned!

*LIMIT 8 boxes – 10lbs each* Please do not tape or seal boxes. Reusable containers are welcome & will be returned! **ADDITION

**ADDITION EVENT**

FOOD DRIVE

FOOD DRIVE

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

**ADDITION TO THIS EVENT**

FOOD DRIVE

Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry

needed to support these important programs. Shelf

FOOD DRIVE

FOOD DRIVE

FOOD DRIVE

Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry

Send Hunger Packing WW-P

Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.

Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.

FOOD DRIVE

FOOD DRIVE

Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. cards are also welcomed. items please.

WW-P and are of Mercer Street Friends Food donations are needed to support these important programs. (individual bowl or small boxes), Soup Bowls, Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee cards are also welcomed. items please.

store cards are also welcomed. items please.

or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.

please.

(Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. cards are also welcomed. items please.

Bowls, Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. cards are also welcomed. items please.

packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee cards are also welcomed. items please.

(left) is pictured as a young man. At center are buttons from the Arias Collection. Aron Arian and his wife, Caryn Berla Arias, are pictured at right. Berlin.”

LUNCH AND LEARN: STROKEIT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!

Wednesday, May 1; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Roughly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.

Yet, most aren’t aware of the F.A.S.T. warning signs and that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable. Our medical experts will discuss risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and the needs of stroke survivors. Mandy J. Binning, MD, FAANS, Chief, Division of Vascular/ Endovascular Neurosurgery and Director of Stroke Programs at Global Neurosciences Institute; Ashley Sarrol, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Speech Language Pathologist; and Sarah Masco, OTD,OTR/L, CLT-LANA, Senior Occupational Therapist.

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

Mondays, May 6 + June 3; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Monday, May 13; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for someone living with diabetes. Learn healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside your peers and Taryn Krietzman, RDN.

CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S!

Monday, May 6; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Insomnia affects our mental and physical health, making us more prone to heart disease and other serious illnesses. Join Patti McDougall, BSN, to learn more about how we should spend a third of our lives.

ORTHO 101: TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Monday, May 6; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Orthopedic Program Coordinator Denise Berdecia, MSN, RN, ONC, and

physical and occupational therapists for an in-depth discussion on total knee replacements. These experts will explain preventative treatment, how to decide if surgery is right for you, and recovery options available through outpatient therapy.

GOT STRESS?

Tuesdays, May 7 + June 4; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Support group about dealing with stress. Gain valuable insight about how others deal with similar situations.

SPIRITUALITY, COMPASSION AND VEGANISM

Wednesday, May 8; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Compassion is a sensitivity toward the suffering of others and responding with actions that can help. Veganism invites us to widen our circle of compassion to include all species of animals. In this talk, Michele Granberg, MA, CHT, CPLT, Mindset Coach, explores the nature of compassion and how it intersects with spirituality and veganism.

DESIGNER BAG BINGO!

Friday, May 10; 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

This event is a great way to get out with your friends for a night of fun, with many designer bags up for grabs. Admission ticket includes 12 rounds of Bingo. Tickets are $45. For more information or to purchase tickets, email Shannon.Neely@rwjbh.org.

WHAT’S EATING YOU?

Monday, May 13; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. We offer a safe space to connect with others

who are going through similar experiences.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, May 14; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

AN EVENING OF YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION

Tuesday, May 14; 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Experience the benefits of Yoga Nidra. Translated as yogic sleep, Michelle Gerdes (trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher and owner of Princeton Doula Center) will explain how the practice of Yoga Nidra guides brain waves into optimal states for relaxation and rejuvenation. She will lead you through this guided relaxation that has been shown to reduce stress / anxiety, promote better sleep, and foster a profound sense of joy and well-being. Bring a yoga mat and anything else you need to be comfortable in meditation.

Fee $15

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Wednesday, May 15; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Quieting your mind can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Come learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse STROKE PREVENTION, BECAUSE IT MATTERS

Thurs., May 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Stroke is the number 5 cause of death, and leading cause of disability in the U.S., and up to 80% may be prevented.

Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Director of Disease Management and

Stroke Coordinator at RWJUH Hamilton will educate you on why managing risk factors is key to reducing your chances of having a stroke. Dinner provided.

HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE

Wednesday, May 15; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Drum your cares away with our monthly Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Drums provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee $15

MENTAL HEALTH IS WEALTH

Monday, May 20; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

You are not alone. Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Certain thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, and conditions can be linked to mental illness. Join Jasmeet Mehta, MD, to discuss topics related to anxiety, depression, and ADHD in adults.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, May 21; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

CALMING AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS: A PARENT WORKSHOP

Tuesday, May 21; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Enhance your parenting journey with effective coping strategies from educator, author & Wings to Learning Advocacy owner, Trenna Stout, B.Ed., BCEA. Discover how to help your child self-regulate & support their emotional well-being, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges confidently. Fee: $5

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: HERBACEOUS FLAVORS

Wed., May 22; 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Fee $5 per person

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, May 22; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For folks who have been Reiki certified to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Bring a sheet and small pillow.

2024 HEARING AID EXPOLEARN ABOUT THE LATEST IN HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY

Thursday, May 23; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., is proud to offer a presentation on today’s “computers for your ears.” Advances today in hearing aids allow us more than ever to connect to our world in an exciting way! We can now stream music, television, and more with ease! New technology offers better hearing in noise, tinnitus therapy, and helps protect our brains as we age. Learn about these new advances in technology along with a hands-on demonstration from representatives from the companies Oticon and Signia.

*All

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

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

A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join us in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences among peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees, while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. Please feel free to attend one or all.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, May 2 + 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, May 7 + 21; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, May 7 + 21; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, May 7 + 21; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK

Wednesday, May 8; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 9; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grounds for Sculpture welcomes us for their Wellness Walk! Whether you are a fast or slower walker, there will be a group for you as we feast our eyes on the beautiful art and nature. Member attendees are invited to enjoy GFS for the remainder of the day. Two dates to choose from. One registration per person.

TEA PARTY

Friday, May 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pinkies up! Let’s talk tea and try some famously tasty pairings. Hats are encouraged!

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH RWJUHH MEDICAL EXPERT PANEL

Tuesday, May 14; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Who do you see the most when you are hospitalized? That’s right, nurses.

Does caring for our aging population require additional training? You bet it does. Join nursing experts to learn how our needs change as we age and how our nurses are being trained to better serve and care for our aging population. Panel includes: Tammy Leigh, MSN, RN, Director of Emergency Services & Intensive Care; Lisa Nevius, MSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Nurse Manager; and Cynthia Russo, Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, RN-BC, APN.

LUNCH AND LEARN, SENIORS ACHIEVING GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Wednesday, May 22; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Aging can present us with challenges from the loss of loved ones, isolation, physical changes, and more. Join Dilys Ngu, M.D., RWJUH Hamilton’s new geriatric psychiatrist, for a hopeful conversation and learn ways to bring back the brightness to your days.

“S.A.V.E” TRAINING PROGRAM

Friday, May 31; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

S.A.V.E. is a training program to help identify warning signs that someone is having thoughts of suicide. Heather Church-Soto, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs leads this program that provides caregivers and community members with the tools to act with care and compassion if they encounter someone who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. This is NOT exclusive to veterans.

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

KULKARNI continued from Page 1

field, I don’t really care where.”

Kulkarni has been starting since he was a freshman, and he continues to develop even as he plays his final high school season. His example has been valuable to a WW-P North team that has a mix of youth and experience.

“He’s learning to play multiple positions and he’s just a competitive kid by nature,” Cruder said. “So even if it’s not his best, best position, he’s just going to start grinding and getting better at it. And that’s what happened so far at shortstop. He’s had to play some shortstop for us. There’s been a couple bumps and bruises but he shows up the next day. He’s out there doing his daily work, always turning the page an always trying to find a way to get better wherever I end up throwing him.”

Where WW-P North has found him most valuable in the early going is on the mound. Kulkarni was entrusted to pitch against a good Notre Dame team. In six innings, he allowed only one earned run and struck out six before the Knights lost, 2-1.

“He’s brought his right arm which is like gold,” Cruder said. “That’s my initial impression – when he’s on the mound, we always have a chance to win. I’d like to say we have a good chance to win.”

Kulkarni proved that in his next outing. It came in relief and in a familiar spot, though he tried not to think much about it. Kulkarni was a sophomore when he came on in relief to take a one-run loss in extra innings against rival West Windsor-Plainsboro South at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Kulkarni found himself again coming on in relief against the rival Pirates at Trenton Thunder Ballpark in mid-April, and this

time he went 3-2/3 innings, allowed just three hits and one run as WW-P North pulled out an 8-7 comeback win.

“To come in this game as a reliever again and pull it out, the win was huge for me and for us as team,” he said. “I tried not to think about it too much and play as a clean slate, but I definitely had a chip on my shoulder going into it.”

The win was part of a promising start for the team. Although the Knights dropped three of their first five games, the one to Notre Dame came by only one run. And the early losses were offset by an 8-7 win over Allentown and beating their rivals, whom they will see again May 2.

“It’s the same kids we’ve grown up playing Little League with, and then they split us in half,” Kulkarni said. “So it’s our friends, but it’s also like we want to beat them more than anyone else and beating them definitely gives us a lot of momentum as a team. No matter whether they’re good this year or not, it’s always a 50-50 game so winning always gives us a lot of momentum.”

Kulkarni performed well under pressure in the comeback. Errors enabled WW-P South to jump out to a four-run lead before the Knights settled down.

“I think it was a lesson learned for our kids that they were absolutely amped up,” Cruder said. “They viewed it as a big game, as they should. But my approach is to view every game as a big game so we don’t have those really, really high highs or really low lows. I think what it taught us is that we have to find a way to bring consistent energy and intensity each game, regardless of opponent.”

The Knights were behind, 6-2,

when Kulkarni entered the game in the fourth inning. While he kept the Pirates at bay, WW-P North mounted its comeback with a five-run fourth inning to make it a tight game again.

The Knights earned the walk-off win in the bottom of the seventh inning when Will Carter hit a sacrifice fly that scored Casey Daigneault for their most emotional win of the early weeks of the season.

“We’ve had a pretty strong start,” Kulkarni said. “We got two pretty big wins but I think we definitely could have had some more wins. But I think we have a pretty solid team and we started off pretty strong. We’re going to keep going.”

Kulkarni is one of four seniors on the

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team along with Adithya Ravisankar, Jeter Sylvestre and Anthony Vilardi. They have set the tone for a team that is hoping to improve on last year’s sixwin season. Kulkarni is looking to go out with a year to remember.

“He’s got a lot of experience, he’s a leader,” Cruder said. “He does things the right way. He’s accountable. Even if it’s not going his way, he’ll admit to a mental mistake that he may have made, or he holds himself accountable, which helps everybody else also hold themselves accountable when they see him doing it. He does it, along with our other seniors. We’ve got a group of seniors who take responsibility, not just for themselves, but for the team. Jahan’s no exception. He’s a leader in the classroom. He’s a leader on the field. And he’s got an arm that gives us a chance to beat anybody on any night.”

Kulkarni has become a more polished pitcher each season. He had a 6.55 ERA as a sophomore in 25-plus innings. Those numbers improved dramatically last year when he had a 3.71 ERA over 28.1 innings while striking out more than double the year prior. This year, he can boast of a 1.45 ERA though almost 10 full innings on the

mound.

“This year, I’m doing a better job of knowing when to pitch strikes and when to throw it off the plate outside or miss competitively,” Kulkarni said.

“I think it’s a lot more mental than just trying to throw it as hard as I can or have the best breaking ball. There’s a lot of mind games in it as well.”

Kulkarni also feels like he has better stuff to go to. He’s made a concerted effort to throw harder in general. His velocity is up the last two years. He’s also developed his off-speed arsenal. He’s gotten away from throwing a curveball in favor of a slider, and now uses a third pitch that has given batters more to worry about when he’s throwing well.

“I’ve been focusing a lot on my offspeed pitches,” he said. “Most pitchers I feel like have a 1/2, like a fastball/ breaking ball. But I think my changeup is also, if maybe not the best, the second most effective pitch just throwing off hitters’ timing. And then I also have a slider which I throw. But I think the change-up, even if I don’t throw it as much, is definitely very effective because just having three pitches as opposed to two makes a big difference.

“I’ve been working on that – so multiple pitches’ accuracy as well as veloc -

ity, just the full package, over the years. I think it’s very important to work on all of it.”

Kulkarni has also worked hard to contribute at the plate. He’s mostly been leading off for the Knights in the early going, though his average was off to a slower start than he would like. After hitting .392 a year ago, he was batting .273 through his first five games.

“I think I swung well last year,” he said. “I think I can get back up there. I had a little bit of a slow start, but the goal is to hit better than last year. My personal goal is to hit .500. My average isn’t that high right now, but I’ve had a lot of walks so my on-base is pretty high, which helps with it as much as getting a single. My batting average is definitely something I’m trying to get up, but also I just do whatever I can to help the team win. Wins are a lot more important.”

Kulkarni is doing all that he can to make the most of this year, especially since his baseball future isn’t quite certain. He will be attending Cornell University next year.

“I’m thinking about trying out to walk on or playing club baseball,” Kulkarni said. “As of right now, I’m still not sure what I’m doing.”

Kulkarni is more sure of what he’ll

be studying while in Ithaca, N.Y. He’ll be an operations research and information engineering major at Cornell.

“It’s like data science and optimization an engineering and coding,” he said. “I’m a big math guy, so it’s a lot of math and coding. All my friends say I’m a nerd, but I’ve loved math since I was a kid. I loved math as a kid, like puzzles and problem solving, so math and physics and coding, I have a passion for and I’d say I’m pretty good at it. So operations research is kind of a combination of all three of those things so I thought it was the best fit for me.”

Jahan Kulkarni has been a good fit for the Knights, regardless of where they put him. He has always had a lead role for WW-P North as an important hitter, pitcher and fielder. His experience is a big plus on a team that has shown potential.

“I think it’s my job to give the younger kids direction,” Kulkarni said. “We have a new coach, so for everyone it’s like we still have to prove ourselves because no one really has that advantage of knowing the coach longer than anyone else. So as a senior, even though I’ve been playing for four years, I’m still trying to prove myself every day and be better as an example for the younger kids.”

Plus...Special Guest Vendors:

Melyssa Murray with No 95 Candles and Impractical Joker, James “Murr” Murray

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At the Princeton Junction Train Station 877 Alexander Road, West Windsor wwcfm.org 609-913-7581

*host to eighteen New Jersey farms and thirty-five vendors & purveyors (plus one Pennsylvania farm for good measure)

HomeFront’s ArtSpace program hosts its 15th annual “ArtJam” pop-up gallery at 45 Hulfi sh Street in Princeton from Friday, May 3 to Saturday, May 18, with over 500 works on sale to raise funds for the nonprofi t organization, page 2.

THIS MONTH IN MERCER EATS:

JASON

SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 6

“Louie’s by Chef Jason” owner Dominic Maglione and chef Jason Dilts pose with the sign outside their Robbinsville restaurant, left, and with sta , right.

HomeFront’s ArtJam ‘Pops Up’ in Princeton

By Rebekah Schroeder

HomeFront ArtSpace’s “ArtJam 2024” marks the 15th iteration of the nonprofit’s free pop-up art gallery, which debuts at a new location in downtown Princeton at 45 Hulfish Street from Friday, May 3 through Saturday, May 18, with all proceeds benefiting HomeFront families.

According to a press release, over 500 works from 75 national, local, student, and “undiscovered or self-taught” HomeFront ArtSpace artists “who bravely embark on a journey to heal from poverty, abuse, or homelessness” will be on display, showcasing original paintings, sculptures, pottery, glassworks, handcrafted gifts, and handsewn items from HomeFront’s SewingSpace program.

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, May 3, with other community dropin events, including a fashion show at the Arts Council of Princeton, art discus-

sions, live painting demonstrations, paintalongs, and musical entertainment planned throughout the two weeks; a closing reception takes place on Friday, May 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

The gallery at 45 Hulfish Street in Princeton will be open to the public during the following hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday to Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturday to Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

HomeFront is a Mercer County-based nonprofit social service organization dedicated to ending homelessness and breaking the cycle of poverty in Central New Jersey.

By addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of low-income families through supportive programs that draw on community resources, HomeFront empowers its clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

After witnessing firsthand the conditions of unhoused families living in welfare

HomeFront’s 15th annual ArtSpace ArtJam returns with a pop-up gallery at 45 Hulfish Street in downtown Princeton from Friday, May 3, to Saturday, May 18.

Above photo of a previous ArtJam event courtesy of HomeFront.

motels along Route 1 in Trenton more than three decades ago, HomeFront founder Connie Mercer mobilized a group of vol-

unteers around her kitchen table to begin

DPhone: (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

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

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“Mermaid” and “Feeling Blue” by HomeFront ArtSpace’s Kimberly L., above and at right, are two pieces are included in HomeFront ArtSpace’s 2024 ArtJam. Photos courtesy of Ruthann Traylor and HomeFront.

From ART JAM, Page 2

providing what would become thousands of meals over the years.

In September 2022, Mercer stepped up to become the CEO of the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness and advocate for legislative reform on similar systemic issues, passing the torch to current CEO Sarah Steward as the nonprofit continues to expand.

HomeFront’s ArtSpace, the nonprofit’s

therapeutic art program, is based both at the Lawrence headquarters and the Family Campus in Ewing, with the former also turning a “formerly empty warehouse space” into a fabric arts studio for SewingSpace, which teaches clients how to sew, stitch, and even sell an array functional and stylish products—bags, hats, pillows, and more—fashioned from recycled materials.

Created by HomeFront’s ArtSpace and SewingSpace director Ruthann Traylor in 2007, the visual therapy programs help clients “work through trauma, find new entre-

preneurial skills, and discover themselves as artists,” the press release continues.

According to the HomeFront ArtSpace website, the annual ArtJam “directly underwrites HomeFront’s innovative therapeutic art programs—bringing hope, healing, and for many, a newly found creative outlet.”

“ArtJam 2024 brings together so many people who want to support the creativity of our HomeFront families. It is important that our clients have the opportunity to build valuable skills. Prior to the show, our volunteer curators look close to home and

beyond to find new and established artists of all genres,” Traylor says in a quote.

“This year, HomeFront put out an open invitation for artists wanting to join its efforts. As a result, several wonderful new artists are participating in the show.”

“ArtJam is an amazing experience,” HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward explains. “It serves as an important reminder of the creative spirit of both our client families and the community that comes together to support our work.”

“The arts can lift spirits; they empower

ArtJam 2024 features works by members of the ANEW Artists Alliance, a cooperative of self-taught Trenton creatives. From top left , Carol Johnson’s

“My Father’s Gone but I Have His Guitar,” Charles Smith’s “Imagination Is Your Art,” John Hendryx’s “Melody of Oranges,” and Paul Norris’ “Female Arch #3.” Photos courtesy of Susan Darley and HomeFront.

our artists and enhance their self-esteem. We continue to be very grateful for the community support of ArtJam, the many local businesses, community members, our volunteers, and artists who contribute their works, and for all the support we get for Mercer County families in need,” she adds.

Artists participating in this year’s event were able to submit up to 10 pieces and will receive half of the proceeds from each sale.

The constant flow of pieces through the pop-up’s pipeline—rotated and replaced daily by curators over the course of the twoweek event—makes the gallery a dynamic experience.

Participants in SewingSpace, the sister program to HomeFront’s ArtSpace initiative, will also have the chance to showcase their stylish creations with a fashion show at the Arts Council of Princeton, Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon

Street in Princeton, on Saturday, May 11, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., while a reception follows around the corner at ArtJam 2024’s 45 Hulfish Street gallery from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

According to an April press release, parents can also paint with their children at a drop-in table from 10 a.m. to noon on the Sunday of Mother’s Day, May 12, as part of the month’s ArtJam festivities. ***

To view a list of the featured ArtJam 2024 artists, see the digital “ArtJam 2024 Artist Bio Book” of artist and artisan statements, as well as biographical information, at homefront-artspace.com/artjam-2024

For more information, contact ArtSpace/ SewingSpace director Ruthann Traylor at (609) 883-7500 ext. 316 or ruthannT@homefrontnj.org

For more on HomeFront, visit homefrontnj.org or call (609) 989-9417, Ext. 107.

Mercer Eats

The Cult and Culture of Louie’s by Chef Jason

By Joe Emanski

What does it take for a restaurant to be considered a hidden gem? It must start with the part about being hidden, right?

And it must be a gem.

Louie’s by Chef Jason, the Robbinsville restaurant from Jason Dilts and Dominic Maglione, has certainly proved itself to be a gem.

Dilts’ cooking has garnered raves wherever he has worked. At 31, he has already developed a loyal following among area gourmands.

Maglione is even younger, at 23. But he and his front-of-house staff have wasted little time in winning over regulars with their congenial hospitality.

The gushing posts from freshly satisfied Louie’s diners on Facebook foodie groups just hit different compared to those for most restaurants.

But it’s the first part, the “hidden,” where Louie’s might not quite be up to the title.

Sure, it’s located in a small white building in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it plot on Route 130 that, for decades, was the home of Shrimp King, a seafood shop.

Still, Dilts and Maglione have done everything they can to turn their utilitarian space into the kind of destination many remember from the heyday of Trenton’s largely Italian-American Chambersburg neighborhood.

Walking into the dining room back then felt like stepping into someone’s home. Louie’s by Chef Jason clearly aims for a similar vibe.

With each passing month, the BYOB feels less like a hidden gem, and more like one of Mercer County’s few true must-try dining experiences.

Dilts calls his food “redefined American cuisine.” It draws heavily on his time working in Italian-American restaurant kitchens and from growing up eating in the same Chambersburg restaurants that his restaurant now harkens back to.

He has fond memories too of growing up eating Sunday dinners with his part-ItalianAmerican family. He savors the tradition of gathering with loved ones at the dinner table for a comforting feast.

Those memories inspire him to share his love of food and, where possible, impart that love through his cooking.

The Louie’s menu has a modern feel, mixing comfort classics like chicken parm and short rib macaroni and cheese with tra-

ditionally upscale dishes like Chilean sea bass, twin lobster tails and rack of lamb.

Dilts also puts a chef’s twist on familiar Italian classics. There’s cherry pepperglazed calamari, poached pear sacchettoni with cranberries, and linguine with fermented black garlic and smoked pork belly. And Italian-style desserts like limoncello, tiramisu and cheesecake are house made.

In Maglione, Dilts has found a partner whose background complements his own. Like Dilts, Maglione comes from a family where food was always important.

Dominic Louis “Louie” Maglione grew up in Hamilton, but he also grew up working in dad Brian’s Lawrence pizzeria, Fedelo’s, on Route 206.

When Brian was hospitalized with Covid19 during the pandemic, it fell to Dominic, still a teen, to run the restaurant.

Once Brian had recovered, he discovered that his son had enjoyed that taste of management and felt ready to break out on his own. The task then became to find the perfect opportunity for him to do so.

***

Jason Dilts grew up in Robbinsville, but his chef’s journey began at DiMattia’s, in Allentown, when he was 14.

There, the son of Ken and Mary Dilts started as a busboy and, given a chance, proved himself a capable cook.

He graduated from Robbinsville High in 2011 and continued to hone his skills in kitchens while attending Virginia Radford University. After college, he worked at FunniBonz BBQ, then LoLa Restaurant in

Robbinsville, where he rose to the position of chef-partner with owner Mark Longo.

He left LoLa to work as head chef at Zinna’s Bistro in Cranbury and later, at the popular Revere Ristorante Italiano on River Road in Ewing. It was while he was at Revere that he first met Brian Maglione, who became one of Dilts’ best customers.

During the pandemic, Dilts had no choice but to learn how to work in a kitchen that was only making food for takeout. The experience was eye opening.

“People still wanted to support restaurants. We were busy. People were getting takeout food created the same way as eating there, except maybe we couldn’t have things like calamari on the menu, because it would never taste good by the time you got it home.”

He says that Revere did double the business on Mothers Day 2020 that it did the year before, when there was no pandemic. That kind of success inspired him to leave Revere to open his own restaurant, Chef Jason’s 1275, in the former Zinna’s space, with Zinna’s having moved to a new location.

He opened in October 2020 for take-out only. “My own ideas, my own new concept. All the pieces came together when I didn’t have to worry about anyone telling me what I was doing.”

Chef Jason 1275 eventually opened its dining room when the state permitted it, and continued to thrive until closing abruptly in May 2022. Dilts wrote on Facebook that he had closed the restaurant because the landlord was selling the building. Once again he

Louie’s by Chef Jason chef Jason Dilts and owner Dominic Maglione outside of the restaurant on Route 130 in Robbinsville.

Photo courtesy of Louie’s By Chef Jason.

found himself between jobs.

It was not long before a new opportunity cropped up for Dilts — and it came from loyal customer Brian Maglione, who had a proposal to make.

“He called me up and said, ‘Jay, my son wants to run a restaurant. I think you guys would be perfect together,’” Dilts says.

The pair hit it off, and went about finding a location in which to open their new joint venture. They settled on the former Shrimp King and named it Louie’s by Chef Jason. After extensive interior renovations, they opened in December 2022 for lunch and dinner.

The lunch menu skews toward salads, like the shaved Brussels sprouts salad and the chicken Caesar salad, and sandwiches including the Louie Burger, the Italian chicken, the Just-in-Case-You’re-a-Vegatarian Wrap (that’s what it’s called) and a braised short rib sandwich.

Dinner service is split into first courses, mains and desserts, filled with popular dishes from Dilts’ previous stops, like pretzel-encrusted chicken and “boom boom

Left: Short rib mac and cheese, one of the most popular dishes on the menu at Louie’s by Chef Jason. Right: house-made tiramisu. Photos courtesy of Louie’s By Chef Jason.

chicken,” a combination of vodka rigatoni and chicken parm. There’s also a variety of old and new dishes like steak “Don,” pork osso bucco, shrimp fra diavolo and pumpkin ravioli.

Although some items on the menu may change seasonally, Dilts has learned that customers expect some dishes, like the Brussels sprouts salad and the pretzel encrusted chicken, to always be there.

“They say, ‘Don’t touch my boom boom chicken,’” Dilts says with a laugh.

Dilts says he loves having a hands-on partner like Dominic. “I did the silent partner thing with 1275. At the time I thought it might be better to have a hands-on guy. Somebody to be the face of the restaurant, somebody to shake your hand and welcome you to the restaurant.”

Which is not to say that Dilts avoids his customers, not at all. Dilts makes it clear that he cherishes the relationships that he builds with regulars, and Maglione will usually tell him if there are familiar faces in the dining room.

Dilts was also a instrumental in creating Louie’s Chef’s Social events. On the first Monday of each month, Louie’s goes reservations only for the night. Guests sit at shared tables and eat a prix-fixe, five-toseven course meal of seasonal cuisine, with the menu inspired by the ingredients that are available and what Dilts feels like mak-

ing. (Guests with allergies and aversions are accommodated, of course.)

It’s a setting in which diners put their trust in Dilts to make them dishes they will enjoy. Dilts, in turn, joins them in the dining room each course to explain each dish and the inspiration behind the dish.

“Dom asked me if I was going to tell people what’s on the menu, I said ‘No,’” Dilts says. “The whole idea was that I didn’t even know what I was cooking before that day. I go to the market, get fresh things, and I design a menu so that I get to interact with the guests. It’s something that is fun for me, gives us a busy Monday and is kind of an exclusive kind of thing.”

Louie’s held its first Chef’s Social in August and drew nine people, two of whom were Maglione’s parents.

April’s Chef’s Social, on the other hand, attracted 40 guests, many of them repeat customers. The word, it seems, is getting out.

“The coolest thing about it is the social aspect,” Maglione says. “After month two or three, we had people call us up and say, if So-and-So is going to be there, can we be put with them?’

“Last month I put a table of 10 together, five couples at one table. I go back two courses later, and there’s a guy, he didn’t know anyone at the table at the start of the night, and now he’s sharing a story with the

Celebrating 30 Years

Neighbors

Join us in our mission to support those who wish to age in place!

Set your own schedule. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Rides to the Doctor

• Grocery Shopping Assistance

• Friendly Visits

A little time can make a big difference to a neighbor in need!

Volunteer Today 609-393-9922 www.icgmc.org

whole table. People enter as strangers, but they open their bottle of wine, start eating, start sharing stories and before you know it, they’re leaving as friends.”

Louie’s has also established a tradition of being open on holidays, even Christmas Day. For special occasions, the restaurant offers special menus both for dining in and for family-style takeout. The restaurant will be offering both options for Mother’s Day; check out the website at louiesbychefjason. com for details.

If there is one thing that Dilts and Maglione might say could be better about Louie’s, it would probably be the building, which in addition to being bland and nonhandicapped-accessible, is just a space that they have had to make work, rather than a space that was designed to be the kind of restaurant that they want to operate.

They have made the best of the situation

by painting the interiors in soothing colors and decorating the walls with homey, touches like black-and-white family photos and pictures of restaurants where they have worked.

But they were happy to tell me that they do have an agreement in place with their landlord to move into a newly built space sometime in the next couple of years.

While the duo would not share any details about the location for publication, they did say that the restaurant would remain in Robbinsville and that they are hopeful of opening sometime before the 2025 holiday season.

Louie’s By Chef Jason. 1111 U.S. 130, Robbinsville NJ 08691. Open 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations recommended for weekends and holidays. To make a reservation for the next Chef’s Social, call (609) 208-3685.

month long

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine

Helping seniors find the right diagnosis and right treatment

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is a multidisciplinary family practice that has been in business for over 10 years. Over the past decade, the senior community has been a big portion of our patient demographic.

We hear many different complaints week to week, but one of the biggest complaints we see with our seniors is balance and gait dysfunction. As our bodies get older, degenerative changes take place, which can lead to a host of symptoms taking away from your quality of life. This can lead to loss of balance, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, trouble with gait mechanics, and much more.

Here at AllCure, we provide the proper imaging and testing to help us diagnose these common complaints before they become debilitating. We always say that a small problem will remain small if it’s treated early

enough. We strive to get ahead of each patient’s chief complaints and provide a comprehensive plan of care. One of the major issues seniors face is getting a proper diagnosis early enough to find effective treatments. In many cases we see that patients are given a prescription for medication that will only treat the symptoms, but not the root cause.

This will lead to worsening symptoms over time and keep patients from an active and independent lifestyle.

We pride ourselves in making tailored treatment plans to fit each patient’s individual needs and impairments. There is no one-size-fitsall approach to healthcare and each patient should be treated with that mindset.

We strongly feel that a multidisciplinary approach is the best way to get patients the care they need and the relief they deserve in a safe, fast, and efficient manner.

Our experienced team of providers consisting of chiropractors, physical therapists and acupuncturists collaborate on each case to get the patient the best plan possible to achieve their goals.

We do accept Medicare! We find that most of our Medicare patients don’t have to pay a dime out of their pocket, rather just commit the time and effort.

Please give us a call today and we would be happy to hold a free 10 minute consultation for you or a family member to make sure that you are comfortable and get the correct information to make an important decision for improving your health and quality of life. We look forward to hearing from you!

AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. www. allcurespineandsports.com. See ad, page 12.

Brothers Anthony Alfieri, DC, left, and Victor Alfieri, DPT.

Age 0 to age 21, you’re treated by the nation’s leading provider in inpatient rehabilitation care.

For children and young adults in our inpatient programs, care goes far beyond treating a specific illness or injury. We work with each child and their family to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses their immediate medical needs, emotional health and long-term wellbeing. As the nation’s leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation care, we provide a full range of rehabilitative services:

• Brain Injury Program

• Burn & Wound Care

• Chronic Illness Management

• Chronic Pain Management

• Diabetes Management Program

• Infant Toddler Rehabilitation

• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Program

• Spinal Cord Injury Program

We also offer outpatient therapy services for needs both special and complex. Learn more at rwjbh.org/cshinpatient

• Multi-Complicated Trauma

• Neuromuscular and Genetic Disorders

• Post-Surgical Orthopedics

Premier GI of Hamilton

Introducing Dr. Maulik Shah

Premier Gastroenterology of Hamilton prides itself on providing exceptional care for advanced digestive health in its beautiful office conveniently located on Route 33 in Hamilton Township.

At Premier GI, compassionate and state of the art care will be provided for a wide range of gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, colon polyps, colon cancer screening, constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, difficulty with swallowing, peptic ulcer, GI bleed, blood loss anemia, celiac disease, IBS, Women’s digestive health, gas and bloating, hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstone disease, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer.

The doctors and staff of Premier GI bring high tech, high-touch approach to patient care. The advantage of a

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute

Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

Pain.

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

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

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

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

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

WOMEN’s HEALTH

small practice is that the physicians and staff of Premier GI will get to know you personally and treat you like friends and family. They will work hard every day to earn your trust and to make Premier GI, the practice of your choice for advanced digestive health.

Among the exceptional, caring doctors of Premier GI is Dr. Maulik Shah, who obtained his medical degree from Rowan-Virtua SOM in New Jersey. He completed his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Jefferson Health. He then went on to complete his Fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Jefferson Health, where he was honored to be selected as Chief Fellow. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Dr. Shah caters to a spectrum of medical needs, including (but not limited to) nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach pain, pancreatic and biliary diseases, liver disease, diarrhea, IBD and IBS. He is an expert in

• Osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff tear

• Back pain

• Meniscus tears

• Tennis elbow

• Disc herniations

• Tendonitis

• Neck pain

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

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

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to

general gastroenterology procedures as well as advanced endoscopic procedures such as ERCP, endoscopic luminal stenting, and EMR. He has a strong passion for teaching and routinely gives lectures to the community on a variety of gastroenterology disorders. Dr. Shah is committed to providing the highest quality of care to his patients to ensure their longevity and to provide a positive and fulfilling lifestyle.

Outside of work he enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, golf, and spending time with his family.

Call 609-917-9917 for an appointment. Locations are 2271 Rt 33, Suite 110 Hamilton, NJ 08690 and 601 Ewing St, Suite C7, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-921-7620.

Hamilton Dental Associates

How to Pick the Perfect Pediatric Dentist for Your Kids

Your child’s oral health is a complex issue for parents to deal with throughout childhood. Finding a pediatric dentist for your child’s ongoing oral health needs requires careful consideration before committing. If you make a good choice in your child’s pediatric dentist, you can help set the tone for your child’s relationship with their dental health for the rest of their life.

Knowing what to look for when selecting a pediatric dentistry practice can make a difference in your child’s oral health. Here are some of the most important factors to consider before making your child’s first appointment.

Know the Difference Between a Pediatric and Family Dentist

When picking a dentist for your child’s first dental checkup, you might do a

a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.

stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage. So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered. Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike

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

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

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

Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an an appointment and learn more. See ad, page 3

Dr. Maulik Shah

quick Google search and find a nearby family dentistry practice and call it a day. However, did you know that while a family dentist can treat patients of all ages, they might not have the same level of training as a pediatric dentist?

Not every dentist can practice on children. Dentists have to undergo years of extra training before diagnosing and treating children. Children’s oral health presents unique challenges that adult dentists don’t have to deal with, so pediatric dentists must undergo specialist training to deal with these factors. Additionally, the training helps pediatric dentists learn how to better communicate with their young patients and have them feel as comfortable as possible in what can be an overwhelming situation.

* * *

A Kid-Friendly Atmosphere. For many people, going to the dentist can spark feelings of anxiety and unease from the moment you step through the door. These feelings can get magnified in a child’s mind with their wild imaginations and distrust of new experiences. So when you’re deciding on a pediatric dental office to bring your child to for their next checkup, check out how the vibe of the website and office feels.

If you look online and in the actual building and you’re seeing a healthy dose of kids, bright colors, and a general sense that kids can come in and not

feel overwhelmed by the office, it’s generally a good sign. A warm, open, and happy environment can do a lot of good for your child’s experience at our kid’s dentist’s office in Hamilton, NJ.

* * *

Initial Consultations. Building a good rapport between your child and their dentist remains a vital component of their dental experience. You want your child to be able to trust their dentist and feel comfortable in the chair during the examination. Having an initial consultation sets up a low-stakes atmosphere where the dentist gets the chance to examine your child’s teeth, begin to build a rapport

with them, and show that the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be a scary place. Your child also gets the chance to experience the new environment and have a positive experience while you ask the dentist crucial questions.

* * *

Prioritize Preventative Treatment. The best way to protect their oral health for most children is through preventative treatments instead of waiting for problems to crop up. An excellent pediatric dentist knows the available preventive techniques to help protect your child’s teeth from needing to fill cavities near Mercer County, NJ, and other issues before they start.

* * *

Choose Hamilton Dental Associates for Your Pediatric Dentistry Needs!

Hamilton Dental Associates has the perfect mix of a welcoming atmosphere and expertly trained pediatric dentists to help your child’s ongoing oral health needs. We take the time to ensure your child feels as comfortable as possible throughout their dental visit and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Contact our team to schedule your child’s first dental care consultation today!

Hamilton Dental Associates, 2929 Klockner Road, Hamilton Square; 609-359-0063. 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton; 609-403-3217. www. hamiltondental.com. See ad below

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RWJBarnabas Health

A Woman’s Guide to Key Screenings and Other Steps That Can Improve Wellbeing Throughout Life

In every generation, women often do the work of caring for themselves and their families, raising children, and attending to aging parents.

RWJBarnabas Health has long recognized women’s complex role of nurturing others while tending to their own health needs, from reproductive care and breast health to menopause and heart care. RWJBarnabas Health is a leader in the region in women’s health, offering a multitude of programs and services tailored to the unique needs of women.

Our women’s health programs and services are backed by the largest healthcare network in New Jersey, making sure women have access to the highest level of care, the most state-of-the-art technology and the most experienced doctors and specialists. The breadth of our services for women empowers mothers, daughters and grandmothers to take the crucial preventive steps they need to chart a path of wellness through the life cycle.

example, unprotected sex, sexually transmitted disease or use of drugs with needles).

Heart Health

• Blood pressure test: Get one at least every two years if not at your annual checkup.

• Cholesterol panel: Establish your total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides in your 20s. Discuss follow-up with your provider in subsequent years.

problems or catch them earlier, and stay healthier longer,” say

Vice President of Women’s Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “Main also key to living healthy.”

Diabetes

Here are vital steps to take—and details on when to take them—

General Health

• Blood glucose or A1C test: Get screened if you have sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80, take medicine for high blood pressure or are at risk of developing diabetes.

• Full checkup: See a primary care provider yearly.

• Sleep habits: Discuss at your annual exam.  • Thyroid (TSH) test: Discuss with your healthcare provider.

Skin Health

• HIV screening: Get tested if you are at risk for HIV infectio disease or use of drugs with needles).

• Skin exam: Do a self-exam of skin and moles monthly and as part of a routine full checkup.

Heart Health

Oral Health

• Blood pressure test: Get one at least every two years if not

• Dental cleaning and exam: See your dentist twice yearly.

• Cholesterol panel: Establish your total, LDL, HDL and triglyc subsequent years.

 SHOOTING, BURNING, STABBING SENSATION

Women’s health concerns often focus on milestones such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. But day-to-day and year-to-year health maintenance and preventive measures are also critical to wellbeing throughout life. “Getting recommended exams, screenings and immunizations are some of the most important things you can do to prevent problems or catch them earlier, and stay healthier longer,” says Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, RNCOB, C-ONQS, Senior Vice President of Women’s Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “Maintaining a healthy weight throughout the life span is also key to living healthy.”

Here are vital steps to take—and details on when to take them— throughout a woman’s life.

General Health

• Full checkup: See a primary care provider yearly.

• Sleep habits: Discuss at your annual exam.

• Thyroid (TSH) test: Discuss with your healthcare provider.

• HIV screening: Get tested if you are at risk for HIV infection (due to, for

Mental Health

Diabetes

• Behavioral health screening: Talk with your provider about whether this would be helpful.

• Blood glucose or A1C test: Get  screened if you have sustained high blood pressure or are at risk of developing diabetes.

Skin Health

In each decade working with your healthcare provider to keep on top of regular tests and practices throughout life can have long-term benefits by detecting or monitoring chronic conditions that, left unchecked, often snowball into potentially serious problems. To find an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group primary care provider right for you, call 855-5712500.

• Skin exam: Do a self‐exam of skin and moles monthly and as pa

Oral Health

• Dental cleaning and exam: See your dentist twice yearly.

Mental Health

• Behavioral health screening: Talk with your provider about wh

In each decade working with your healthcare provider to keep on have long‐term benefits by detecting or monitoring chronic cond potentially serious problems. To find an RWJBarnabas Health Med 855‐571‐2500.

SCAN THIS CODE TO DOWNLOAD A DETAILED, DECADEBY-DECADE BREAKDOWN OF WOMEN’S HEALTH GUIDELINES.

Learn more at rwjbh.org/ womenshealth. Let’s be healthy together. See ad, page 9

Fluid Physio

Helping People Move

Dr. Gianna Bigliani, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, owner and founder of Fluid Physio is excited to help people move more comfortably.

“The first thing you need to know about Fluid Physio is that we can get fast results. We are different than any other physical therapy practice because of our approach: a full hour of one-on-one specialized manual therapy treatment that will return you to pain-free optimal performance and function much faster than others.”

WOMEN’s HEALTH

Dr. Gianna graduated from Temple University in 2003 and became a certified strength and conditioning specialist, then later completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and an orthopedic PT residency. She worked with athletes of all ages (including children) and abilities (including at a professional level), specializing in helping those with chronic conditions. She spoke at the 2023 New Jersey Conference for Women and has presented at private corporate events and conducting community educational talks.

Her team also includes physical therapists Dr. Easton Reedenmeyer and Dr. Ayesha Mustafa, as well as office manager Caterina Bigliani, Dr. Gianna’s younger sister.

The emphasis at Fluid Physio is not on machines,Dr. Gianna says. There are exercise balls, bands, and a giant mirror, among other therapy tools, but the primary treatment is manual therapy, including manipulating joints, soft tissue (muscles and ligaments), and nerves. “Manual therapy is followed by movement re-education,” says Dr. Gianna. “The body needs to learn how to move without the restrictions it

previously had so that the effect of the therapy is lasting.”

“Every patient is an athlete at Fluid Physio,” she says. “Our goal is to maximize your performance in the activities you love, whether they are on the water, on the road, on the field, or on the floor.”

“I often treat hips and backs in the winter when people slip and fall on snow or ice. Also, they can hurt their backs raking leaves or shoveling snow. Another condition I often treat is foot pain.”

She gives her clients “homework,” “Each patient gets specific exercises and movements to do at home according to their needs and goals.”

“We’re not created to be sedentary. It’s good to be physically active. I chose the name Fluid Physio because ‘fluid’ is how movement should be. Physio is how the rest of the world refers to physical therapy. I also like water and how the water moves, so I thought fluid physio was quite appropriate.”

Fluid Physio, 160 Lawrenceville Pennington Road, Suite 16, Lawrence. 609-436-0366. Fluidphysio. com. See ad, page 11

HELP WANTED

PreK Head Teacher position and a Teacher’s Aids wanted for familyowned Hopewell Township preschool. Full Time or Part Time. Starting$15.50 -$22 per hour depending upon position and experience. If you are interested in either position, email info@camelotschool.net or call 609-577-5584.

WELLNESS

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SERVICES

F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience.</b> Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900. Are you single?<B/> Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.

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

LEGAL SERVICES

Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609721-4358.

Guitar Lessons for Seniors. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia.

Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908596-0976. allstar115@ verizon.net.

Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-581-8290, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com

Happy Heroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail. com.

National Classified Health & Fitness

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+

To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to sjeronis@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 132.

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Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-477-9045

Home Services

Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-8789091

Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby

Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

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“When it comes to treating stroke, we always say ‘time is brain,’ which means that the sooner we can treat you, the better chance we have at a successful outcome,” said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of the Stroke Program at Capital Health. “At Capital Health, we have procedures in place to make sure you get the immediate, lifesaving stroke care that you need.”

The Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at the Capital Institute for Neurosciences is a major referral center for the treatment of all types of neurovascular diseases, including (but not limited to) cerebral aneurysms, strokes, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), intracranial stenosis as well as Moyamoya disease.

The only certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region, Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Trenton provides safe emergency stroke and neurovascular services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“As soon as you call 911, our prehospital alert system allows our team in the hospital to prepare for your arrival, saving valuable time to treatment,” said Dr. Rochestie. “Your call activates basic and advanced life support service to provide safe, immediate care at your location before you even arrive at the hospital.”

Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke

There are steps you can take right away to lower your risk. Get started by talking to your primary care doctor to learn about stroke screenings and how you can treat or manage controllable risk factors such as:

… High blood pressure

… High cholesterol

… Heart/blood vessel disease

… Cigarette smoking

… Physical inactivity/obesity/poor diet

… Diabetes mellitus

… Atrial fibrillation

… Sickle cell disease

Visit capitalneuro.org to learn more. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, call 911.

Don’t Delay: Call 911 If You Suspect a Stroke

Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, B-E F-A-S-T to know the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately.

B —

— Balance

Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?

AFEEyes

Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

— Face Drooping

Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?

—

Arm Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S—

Speech Difficulty

Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T—

Time to call 911

If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and check the time so you’ll know when the first symptom appeared.

UNDERSTANDING BRAIN TUMOR SYMPTOMS

SIGNS TO GUIDE YOU TO THE RIGHT PLAN FOR CARE

Brain tumors, while relatively rare, do not discriminate, affecting men, women, and children across all age groups and ethnicities. And because the brain is the critical organ that controls all others, it’s important to recognize the signs that may suggest a brain tumor and discuss them with your health care team.

“The many parts of the brain control different body functions, so symptoms will vary depending on tumor location, type, and size,” said DR. NAVID REDJAL, director of Neurosurgical Oncology at the Capital Health Center for Neuro-Oncology. “However, there are some common symptoms to watch for which, if ongoing, may indicate the presence of a brain tumor. Anyone experiencing one or more of them over an extended period of time should see their doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.”

“At the Center for Neuro-Oncology, our advanced technological resources and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment are just as important as the compassionate and individualized care we provide,” said Dr. Redjal. “If a person experiences new symptoms or changes to existing ones, talking to your doctor is an important first step.”

The Center for Neuro-Oncology, part of Capital Institute for Neurosciences and Capital Health Cancer Center, is a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer involving the brain and spine. The Center is housed in state-of-the-art facilities where patients have access to an experienced and caring team of physicians, nurses and staff who work closely with referring physicians to facilitate rapid and thorough evaluations and recommendations for patients and their families. In addition to providing advanced neuro-oncologic and neuroscience care, the Center participates in clinical trials to help fight and find cures for cancer.

To learn more about Capital Health’s Center for Neuro-Oncology, visit capitalhealth.org/neurooncology.

COMMON BRAIN TUMOR SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

HEADACHES:

A persistent, progressive pain that is different from a migraine, does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication (like aspirin or ibuprofen), gets worse when laying down, and may be accompanied by vomiting or changes in vision.

SEIZURES:

In some cases, a seizure may be the first indication that a person has a brain tumor.

FOCAL PROGRESSIVE SYMPTOMS:

Localized symptoms—such as hearing problems, difficulty walking or speaking, or feeling clumsy—can often help identify the location of the tumor.

MASS EFFECT:

Occurs when a brain tumor presses on surrounding normal tissue, causing nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, vision problems, headaches, and behavior changes.

SUDDEN PERSONALITY CHANGES, COGNITIVE CHANGES, MEMORY LOSS:

A tumor may cause disruptions in normal brain function that lead to changes in a patient’s behavior and ability to reason, remember, and learn.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter with Valve Disease

Heart valve disease is the general name for several conditions that affect how blood moves through the heart and supports the body. The four chambers of the heart each have a valve that keeps blood flowing in the right direction. When someone has heart valve disease, the flaps of a valve aren’t working properly and the heart can’t move enough blood to keep the rest of the body functioning as it should. Left untreated, heart valve disease can lead to serious complications such as heart rhythm abnormalities, blood clots, heart failure, and stroke.

Someone with mild to moderate heart valve disease can go for years without knowing they have it, but the risk for damage can still be serious. Symptoms can develop gradually over time or very quickly if the condition becomes severe, so it’s important to understand your risk factors and recognize symptoms when they occur.

The risk for heart valve disease increases as we age, but it’s also more likely if you’ve had a heart attack or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other conditions that can affect your heart health. Physical signs of heart valve disease can include:

Irregular heartbeat.

… Shortness of breath.

… Fatigue or inability to maintain your normal activity.

Lightheadedness or fainting.

… Swollen abdomen, ankles, or feet.

Severe aortic stenosis is one form of heart valve disease in which narrowing of the aortic valve opening occurs due to thick or stiff valve flaps. As a result, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body, which in turn can limit your daily activity. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive treatment option at Capital Health for patients with severe aortic stenosis or those with a failing surgical aortic valve who are at greater risk for complications during open surgery.

“Heart valve disease symptoms don’t necessarily tell the whole story about how serious a person’s condition is,” said DR. DAVID DRUCKER , medical director of Capital Health’s Structural Heart Program and board certified, fellowship trained interventional cardiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “This is why it’s important to talk to your cardiologist any time you notice anything out of the ordinary that could indicate heart valve disease or other cardiac conditions. Getting a specific diagnosis as soon as possible is more likely to lead to a better outcome.”

Dr. Drucker leads a team of experts at Capital Health’s Structural Heart Program to perform minimally invasive procedures like TAVR to manage and treat heart valve conditions and other structural issues of the heart. With TAVR, an artificial valve is delivered to the heart through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted into one of several possible access routes and placed into the diseased valve. The procedure usually takes one hour or less to complete, and many TAVR patients start feeling better as soon as their new valve is placed. Patients usually begin walking the same day as their TAVR procedure and are typically discharged within one or two days and ready to return to their normal activities.

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

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

Nutrition Tips for Thriving as You Age

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Join Mindy Komosinsky, registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, to learn ways to build solid nutrition habits that can pave the way for a healthier brain and body as you age. Topics include nutrition for maintaining cognitive health, promoting strong bones, preserving muscle mass, and preventing or managing some chronic conditions.

Stroke: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable

Thursday, May 16, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Do you have a family history of stroke, or have you experienced a stroke and want to learn how to prevent another one in the future? Get the latest information from registered nurses and Stroke Program Coordinators Maria Gilli and Pamela Esher, who will discuss stroke signs and symptoms, types of strokes, individual risk factors, and treatment options.

travel talk with Caryn and Aron trip protection

The weather is getting warmer, but it seems with the change in temperature more people are succumbing to the cold, flue and even Pneumonia. As we head into the warm summer months and our plans for travel, please don’t forget the most important element of planning your travel – Travel Insurance. No one plans on catching a cold!

People get sick before and during vacation, including close relatives. Your boss needs you in the office to work on a special project, or worse, you get terminated. And what we have seen in recent weeks - Storms hit, flooding occurs, and Resorts/Ports get damaged.

Travel insurance is just a small cost of your total trip investment. The three main reasons one should purchase travel insurance are: peace of mind, protection against the unexpected, and concern over losing our financial investment in a trip. The peace of mind travel insurance provides is priceless.

Check out just a few of the things that travel insurance will cover:

• Your baggage is lost or damaged.

• You need to cancel your trip due to illness.

• Your job requires you to cancel your trip, or you lose your job.

• You have a medical emergency in a foreign country and need treatment and possibly medical evacuation.

• A hurricane forces you to change your resort, hotel or cruise.

• You are called for jury duty.

• An engagement ends Unfortunately, the scenarios above are all real-life experiences that have occurred to different clients during my time as a travel professional. Things can go wrong unexpectedly, but having insurance will provide the comfort in knowing your vacation is protected. There are many different travel insurance options and one of them will be the right fit for your next trip.

As a travel professional, we are your trusted advisor, from the time of our initial meeting, throughout the research, planning and booking process, to the time you leave on your vacation. We are just not an anonymous click on a button and book at trip. We offer you travel tips and guidance throughout the process. But it doesn’t stop there! We are also available 24/7 if

you need us while you are travelling. We look forward to welcoming you home and hearing about all the wonderful vacation memories you have created. So the next time you sit down to discuss your travel vacation plans make sure it is with a travel professional.

Contact us today at 609-750-0807 or cberla@cruiseplanners.com to discuss your fall and winter travel plans. There are great deals available on river cruises, voyages to Antarctica, and other amazing destinations.

At Cruise Planners we specialize in all types of travel (not just cruises). Whether you are looking for a Cruise, an AllInclusive Resort Vacation, or a European Land Tour, we will provide you with the exceptional service you should expect from a travel professional. Visit us at www. makingvacationmemories.net or at www. honeymoondreams.net and follow us at www.facebook.com/familycruising. Unlike big online travel sites, Cruise PlannersABC Family Cruising and Travel delivers the personal touch.

Contact us at cberla@cruiseplanners. com or 609.750.0807 when you are ready to set up time to discuss your next memory making vacation. Or set up time on my calendar: calendly.com/cberla to begin planning or for more information on one of our group trips.

At Cruise Planners we specialize in all types of travel (not just cruises). Whether you are looking for a Cruise, an AllInclusive Resort Vacation, or a European Land Tour, we will provide you with the exceptional service you should expect from a travel professional. Visit us at www. makingvacationmemories.net and follow us at www.facebook.com/familycruising. Unlike big online travel sites, Cruise Planners - ABC Family Cruising and Travel delivers the personal touch.

West Windsor, Princeton and Princeton Junction: What gives?

“The Historical Society of West Windsor—a 100% volunteer nonprofit that preserves and promotes local history—explores the story of West Windsor’s ZIP Codes.

As most West Windsor residents know, West Windsor Township is split into two ZIP Codes: 08550 (Princeton Junction) and 08540 (Princeton, which overlaps into the town Princeton itself). Each is served by a post office—the Princeton Junction post office and the Princeton post office (which is actually located on Roszel Road in West Winsor).

However, what, exactly, is the difference between West Windsor Township, Princeton and Princeton Junction? And how did this system of overlapping names come to be?

To answer these questions, we have to define a few items. First, know that West Windsor Township was founded in 1797. It is the overarching legal entity governing over 26 square miles that are bound by the Millstone River to the

northeast, Line Road/Meadow Brook Road/the Assunpink Creek to the south, Quakerbridge Road to the southwest, various property lines to the southeast, and the Delaware and Raritan Canal to the northwest.

It is this last landmark—the D&R Canal—that forms a continuous boundary between the townships of West Windsor and Princeton. Thus, despite many businesses and developments along Route 1 branding themselves with the Princeton name, they are, in fact, actually within West Windsor Township.

Over many generations, West Windsor saw several historic communities arise within its borders. One of these villages, which developed starting in the 1860s, was called Princeton Junction—so named because it grew around the junction (or intersection) of the Northeast Corridor and the Princeton Branch Railroad (AKA the “Dinky”) leading into Princeton.

However, for generations, Princeton Junction was merely a small historic district within the larger West Windsor; in other words, most of West Windsor,

Home Price

historically, was not Princeton Junction.

Several post offices developed in West Windsor’s scattered communities in the mid-late 1800s: in Dutch Neck (centered around South Mill Road and Village Roads East/West), Edinburg (Old Trenton Road and Edinburg Roads) Princeton Junction (again, centered around the train station), Vanhiseville (Hendrickson Drive and North Post Road), and other locales. In these olden days, each post office primarily served their immediate surroundings.

This reality—of distinct post offices serving West Windsor’s small, scattered communities—lasted for generations, until the early 1960s. However, in 1963, the United States Post Office Department introduced Zoning Improvement Plan (ZIP) codes across the nation, for the purpose of making mail deliveries faster and more efficient.

The original ZIP codes serving West Windsor were: 08550 (Princeton Junction), 08540 (Princeton), 08516 (Dutch Neck), and several others.

Each corresponded with a postal route, many of which were often named after surrounding towns like Cranbury, Trenton, and others, and also

overlapped into many of these towns. To add to the confusion, these routes, rather than the overall Township of West Windsor, were often what residents identified as “home.”

For instance, a person living along Southfield Road in West Windsor— thus along the Cranbury postal route in the 1960s—would often identify as a Cranbury resident even thought they were actually in West Windsor Township.

Meanwhile, someone along Cubberly Road might think of themselves being in Trenton, because that was what their postal route was called.

Again, this was back when each person’s immediate vicinity, rather than the overarching Township of West Windsor, was the prevailing “sense of place” for most residents. It also didn’t help that West Windsor often didn’t appear on maps or in phone books back then.

However, many in West Windsor wanted recognition for their township as a whole and greater municipal pride. Moreover, some complained about errors on voting lists and other bureaucratic problems due to the multiplicity of postal codes.

In 1970, the Princeton Junction post office moved from Alexander Road in Berrien City (a community near the train station) to a strip mall along Princeton Hightstown Road, and that same year a “Princeton” post office opened elsewhere on Alexander Road (and was replaced by the current Roszel Road post office in 1984).

In 1982, seven ZIP codes served West Windsor residents: 08512 (Cranbury), Lawrenceville (08648), Hightstown (08520), Robbinsville (08691), TrentonHamilton (08690), Princeton (08540), and Princeton Junction (08550).

That year, petitions circulated to eliminate all but the Princeton and Princeton Junction ZIP code, and rename 08550 to West Windsor” but the United States Postal Service declined, arguing that it would cost too much money and make service less efficient.

Still, many West Windsor residents continued to advocate for ZIP code unification—and a stronger municipal identity. Several more petitions over the years were repeatedly declined by the USPS, until the late 1990s, when, among other efforts, a “Postal Advisory Committee” was established.

Finally, in 1999, five of the postal routes —Hightstown, Lawrenceville, Cranbury, Robbinsville and Trenton—consolidated

with Princeton Junction’s 08550.

This was just a few months after the Princeton Junction Post Office had moved to its present Municipal Center quarters at 331 North Post Road.

Since then, West Windsor Township has retained its two two ZIP codes: Princeton (08540) and Princeton Junction (08550), which are largely separated by the Northeast Corridor.

Nevertheless, people often confuse West Windsor, Princeton and Princeton Junction (especially conflating Route 1 with Princeton or West Windsor with Princeton Junction).

However, just remember: it has been West Windsor Township, since 1797, that has always been the legal governing entity of these 26 square miles, and the place that all of us can call “home.”

* * *

We invite you to contact, support, or volunteer for the Historical Society and purchase our West Windsor history book (published 2022). We’re always looking for new volunteers! Visit westwindsorhistory.com to learn more. We are also on social media—search “@ SchenckFarmstead” on Facebook and Instagram.

Paul

Ligeti is the head archivist of the Historical Society of West Windsor.

West Windsor’s current ZIP coe map.

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