7-24 WWP by Community News Service

WW’s Michibata inducted into Mercer County Tennis HOF

By RiCH FisHeR

Glenn Michibata, whose humility knows no bounds, was nervous about speaking in front of the area’s tennis elites at the Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame Dinner.

One would never know it,

however, as by the time his speech ended, event co-chair Marc Vecchiolla still hadn’t heard enough.

“I could have listened to his stories for another two hours,” Vecchiolla said. “You’re talking about someone who was on the tour, just living that lifestyle. You

want to soak that in.”

Indeed, the long-time West Windsor resident was enlightening and humorous, but his 11-year-career on the ATP Tour —which included two weeks as part of the world’s No. 1 doubles team—is not what earned him

See TENNIS, Page 8

Art group looks to bring area creators together

By KRisten Hunt

Le Dôme Café in Paris, Els Quatre Gats in Barcelona, and Café de la Rotonde in New York have more than just coffee in common. These cafes were common gathering spaces of the greatest artists and intellectuals of the 20th century.

Creatives like Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Henri Matisse gathered with likeminded artists to discuss matters of political, literary and artistic significance, looking to each other for ideas that would later inspire their greatest work.

Across generations, in different worlds riddled with their own complexity and turmoil, one thing remained constant— people coming together to share ideas.

In an already solitary profession, worsened by the new norm of a digitized lifestyle, today’s artists crave inspiration that can only be found in human engagement.

Masha Zhdanova, a 25-yearold artist from Plainsboro, felt a similar dilemma when she found no in-person groups for comic

makers in New Jersey. Earlier this year, she started her own.

“I reached out to my two friends, Christina Castro and Suyang Gong (also from Plainsboro), who didn’t know each other at the time. I was like, ‘hey, are you guys free on Monday morning? Do you wanna go to a cafe and draw together?’” Zhdanova said.

Inspired by meeting an artist friend who kickstarted a comic community in his small South Korean town, Zhdanova decided to replicate the idea in New Jersey.

The casual cafe meetups between the three artists became a weekly ritual, a designated time to discuss their work, share inspiration and collaborate on projects.

During their weekly hangouts, the trio brainstormed ways to expand their small group of artists and connect with more like-minded comic enthusiasts.

What emerged was the Princeton Comic Makers, a group for artists in the Central Jersey area that hosts weekly gatherings to collaborate on projects and net-

See ART, Page 5

Community Educa�on and Be�er Health Programs located on page 4

Glenn Michibata (right) displays his plaque for being inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame as he is joined by daughter Cori (left), son Matthew and wife Angie.

RWJUH Hamilton July Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

Monday, July 8; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.

ESTATE PLANNING FOR ALL AGES

Tuesday, July 9; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

There are all kinds of unfortunate things that can happen, and estate planning not only preserves your assets, but it also protects your family. Presentation will cover topics such as children’s guardianship, planning for children with disabilities, making ﬁnancial or health care decisions if you should become incapacitated, wills and beneﬁciaries, unmarried couple rights when one dies and more.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, July 9; 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery or are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our free monthly support group meetings. Family, friends and support persons are also invited to attend. Our meetings focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. Meetings subject to cancellation during inclement weather.

BROWN BAG MEDICATION REVIEW

Wednesday, July 10; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Come review your medications with our pharmacist, Shesha Desai, PharmD, Rph.BC-ADM. Put all your medications and supplements in a bag and bring them with you for our clinicians to review. Discuss how you are taking your medications and whether you are taking them correctly.

OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

Thursday, July 11; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Ultrasound of the heel and personalized information related to your results. Appointment required.

DANCE IT OUT!

Friday, July 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Monday, July 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome; no experience required.

A great way to get your kids out and active during these summer days off from school.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, July 16; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION

Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun, but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun-ﬁlled trivia hour and learn how to protect

yourself and others from the heat.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH

Tuesday, July 16; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sound healing uses special instruments to create a therapeutic atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything that makes you comfortable. Adriana Hansen, RYT200, SHA1 of The Learning Cooperative. Fee: $15

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Wednesday, July 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Quieting your mind, even just for a short while, can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience necessary.

M3 KIDS MONEY CLUB

Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Credit Union of New Jersey Kids Money Club is a fun and interactive children’s workshop. Kids will learn about the fundamentals of saving, which will include games and quick facts. This is an opportunity for children, ages 8-12, to learn about the importance of savings.

WOMEN AND MONEY

Thursday, July 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Familiarize and empower yourself with ﬁnancial fundamentals that can assist with personal aspects of various life stages: merging ﬁnances,

children, caring for parents, divorce, widowhood.

MEMORY SCREENING

Tuesday, July 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Are you concerned about “senior moments”? The Mini-Mental State exam is a quick assessment to discern normal aging versus potential problems. In addition, you will learn ways to improve your memory. Must arrive 20-30 minutes early to receive the exam.

EXPRESSIVE ART: NATURE BECOMES US

Tuesday, July 23; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Let’s take some time to relax and ﬁnd our way back to nature. We will use short guided meditation with writing prompts and then move on to making a nature window box. Please gather some pebbles, sticks, pine needles, and/or dried leaves. You may also bring in a piece of nature that that speaks to you, such as ﬂowers, gems, and crystals. All other materials supplied. Facilitated by Rochelle Stern, expressive arts facilitator. Fee: $15

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, July 24; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow. Restricted to those certiﬁed in Reiki.

DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: HEALTHY BONES MATTER

Monday, July 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of two people in the U.S. aged 18 and over. Join Michael Duch,

MD, from The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton for a discussion on common bone and joint disorders. Hear from this bone-a-ﬁed orthopedic surgeon about how to keep your body healthy. Dinner provided.

HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE

Wednesday, July 31; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Drum your cares away with our monthly Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Beginners welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee: $15 CLEAN LIVING IN A TOXIC WORLD

Wednesday, Aug. 7; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Toxins are all around us: in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat. Learn what these toxins can do to our bodies and ways to avoid them and live a cleaner life with Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse.

WOMEN’S SUMMER BOOK CLUB: WHEN WOMEN WERE DRAGONS BY KELLY BARNHILL

Thursday, Aug 22; 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

A Goodreads Best Book of the Year. A ﬁery feminist fantasy tale set in 1950’s America, where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman’s place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they really are.

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

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

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, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Please join us for our ongoing program, “A Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome. Must register.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certiﬁed RYT, will lead this meditation class focusing on reducing stress and bringing inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, July 9 + 23; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be teaching Chair Yoga. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!

THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY FACT OR FICTION

Tuesday, July 16; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Don’t learn safety by accident! Summer is time for fun in the sun but make sure it is also safe and healthy. Test your knowledge with this fun ﬁlled trivia hour and learn how to protect yourself and others from the heat.

GAME TIME

Thursday, July 11 + 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

SKINCARE MADE EASY

Wednesday, July 17; 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Luba Dziubas, the owner of Radiance Spa located in our Center, will teach us simple techniques and ingredients to improve our skin. Join us to get your glow back. Q & A.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, July 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs, and increases ﬂexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.

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

work with fellow creatives.

After scouting local artist communities in the tri-state area, Castro visited the Princeton Makes Cooperative—a group of local artists who share a dedicated studio space. There she met Ronah Harris, an artist and educator with extensive community outreach.

Harris, the current artist-in-residence at the Arts Council of Princeton helped put her in touch with the program director of the ACP, and they negotiated a weekly meeting space there starting in January.

“We’re basically a non-profit,” said Castro. “We wanted to make something for the community because we thought it would be valuable for everyone in this area.”

Expanding its reach, the group aims to provide a platform for artists in the tristate area to network, collaborate, and promote their work. The co-runners host weekly J.A.M.s (Jersey Art Meetups) at the Arts Council of Princeton, with attendees of all ages hailing from near and far to connect and create.

In addition to comic artists, the group hosts creators in a variety of media including animators, oil painters and creative writers. There are no fees to attend meetings or to be considered a member;

the only requirements are enthusiasm and art supplies.

“There are people who drive like 30-40 minutes away to attend meetings sometimes which is really sweet and humbling because that’s when you realize what we’re doing is important to people,” said Castro.

Starting with just five to six weekly attendees, the group has grown to host up to 30 participants consistently each week. The majority of members are college students or recent graduates, with some more seasoned members who serve as mentors.

Some pursue art as a full time job, while others attend the meetings as a creative outlet. Experienced attendees offer professional guidance, resources, and conduct mini-workshops. The group also has a Discord server that provides resources, links to job opportunities, and events that might be of interest to members.

“It’s interesting to talk about the work you’ve been doing with people, and that’s why we keep drawing such a big crowd of regulars,” said Zhdanova. “Because everyone wants to talk about what they’re making.”

Zhdanova’s artistic passion lies in comic creation. Born in Moscow, Russia, Zhdanova moved to Plainsboro in the first

See ART, Page 6

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Community News Service

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A proud member of:

grade. She studied sequential art and storyboarding at Savannah College of Art and Design, and cartooning at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont.

She’s currently a freelance comics reviewer for publications like Women Write About Comics, and contributes her unique skill as a graphic designer for Princeton’s Labyrinth Books. She’s been involved in organizing comics-related events in the area, such as Zinefest, where local artists showcased their selfpublished work.

“I get a lot of ideas from hearing people talk about their process, and it’s very inspiring and motivational in the way that scrolling through social media feeds just isn’t,” said Zhdanova.

Typical meetings begin with a 10-30 minute announcement on new events and opportunities, followed by an hour of open studio.

Here, attendees can work on whatever they wish freely, with the opportunity to network with other artists and share their projects. At the end, the co-runners encourage people to share their work, with the option of receiving feedback or critique.

“It’s nice to find people who are genuinely excited to see you grow and encourage you to do better,” said Castro. “We try

Suyang Gong of Plainsboro (left), Christina Castro and Masha Zhdanova, also of Plainsboro are the co-founders of the Princeton Comic Makers art group.

to facilitate a space that doesn’t have a lot of ego in it, just because it’s already hard being an artist.”

Born in New York City to parents from

Young Adult Protection Plan

A client shared that she was on a trip with a group of college students. As one of the students fainted, my client was prohibited by law from contacting the student’s parents. Fortunately, one of the other students reached the parents as their daughter waited for the EMTs to arrive.

Young Adult Protection Plan

the Philippines, Castro, 28, was raised in South Brunswick, where she currently resides. The artist went back to New York to attend the Pratt Institute where she studied 2D animation and creative writing. After graduating, she worked as a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist for animation; when the pandemic hit, she became increasingly involved in community engagement.

“I wanted to help make something for the community because we thought it would be valuable for us and for everybody else in this area,” said Castro.

Township, Gong says she never realized how difficult it would be to continue making art outside of an academic setting. She credits Castro and Zhdanova as the driving forces behind the Comic Makers Club, and she appreciates the opportunity to take advantage of the local community to continue growing as an artist.

“What I’ve noticed is that, being an established group, companies that want submissions can come looking to us, which is extremely helpful especially connected to recognized organizations like the Princeton Arts Council,” Gong said.

At the meetings, members engage in diverse creative mediums, from practicing special FX makeup to developing video games and even videography. Some of their best memories came unexpectedly, like the time they helped a member with their short film, or the time an attendee brought their pet moth.

In addition to making friends and lasting memories, new members can look forward to exciting events in the coming months.

These include the Arts Council of Princeton Sketchbook Club, where participants fill a blank sketchbook, which is then displayed in a public exhibition. The group also plans to organize more educational workshops and participate in major art events like the MoCCA Arts Fest in New York City to showcase their work.

Having just started in January, the corunners feel overwhelmed by the tremendous support and praise the group has garnered in such a short time.

They never anticipated having such a large number of regular attendees, let alone witnessing the profound impact their group has had on individuals who were beginning to lose hope in their artistic pursuits.

This story caused me to realize the importance of having the proper documents for our children before we send them off to college or to work. All young adults over the age of 18 should have a HIPAA Authorization, Health Care Power of Attorney, Durable General Power of Attorney and Digital Authorization.

One of the most rewarding aspects since founding the group is witnessing how people regain their artistic drive once they become part of it.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of a young adult patient’s health care information. The HIPAA Authorization allows parents to have access to their child’s health care information without consent of the patient. A Health Care Power of Attorney allows the representative (agent) of choice to act on behalf of the young adult if he or she becomes incapacitated. The Durable General Power of Attorney immediately allows the agent to act on behalf of the young adult. Finally, a Digital Authorization allows the agent to have access to any digital devices. This authorization may prove extremely valuable.

Please call Mary Ann Pidgeon at (609) 520-1010 or email her at mpidgeon@pidgeonlaw.com to prepare these documents for you and your young adults.

The community meetings have become something members eagerly anticipate, and many actively seek collaborators for their animated projects. The gratitude expressed by attendees who’ve been impacted by the group is what keeps the trio motivated to grow.

“Hearing other people talking about their artistic journeys or their day to day lives is one of the biggest draws and charms to me,” Gong said. “It’s so nice to talk to people outside of work and family, to talk about art and things outside our own small little daily life orbits.”

“At the beginning it was like, ‘oh we’re just hiding in the woodwork, maybe this will be a good thing,’” Castro said. “Slowly seeing it come together, it’s been really nice to learn how passionate local communities can still be even in a social media driven age.”

“In order to succeed or achieve in such a solitary type of profession or activity, you have to actually need the help of a community,” said Castro. “It’s nice to be able to provide that and sort of share in that.”

Please call Mary Ann Pidgeon at (609) 520-1010 or email her at mpidgeon@pidgeonlaw.com to prepare these documents for you and your young adults.

Five Vaughn Drive Suite 309 Princeton, NJ 08540

Gong, 27, from Plainsboro, attended the Mason Gross art school at Rutgers University. She is skilled in fine art using traditional media such such as pencil in black and white.

Five Vaughn Drive, Suite 309, Princeton, NJ 08540

After graduating and starting a full-time job at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton

The Jersey Art Meetups take place on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton. For more information and updates on the weekly meetings, visit buttondown.email/princeton_comic_makers. Stay connected with the Princeton Comic Makers on Instagram and Discord. For inquiries, reach out to princetoncomicmakers@gmail.com or xtinariaa@gmail.com.

On the Cover

Plenty of ways to celebrate this Independence Day

By Joe Emanski

With fireworks increasingly accessible in the Garden State these days, some people see celebratory holidays like Independence Day as an opportunity to fire off a few or a few hundred red and glaring rockets at home, right there in the driveway.

But for those who have dogs or who remain concerned about potential serious bodily harm related to exploding things in their yards, Community News is happy to report that the tradition of the community fireworks show is still very much alive and well. Below is your guide to this year’s celebrations.

We start out by mentioning that Lawrence Township plans to hold its annual Independence Day Fireworks on Friday, June 28 at Rider University, with a rain date of Saturday, June 29. Both dates are before our publishing date for July, but we mention

them here so that readers don’t wonder why we did not include them.

Also kicking off before press time is the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s

June 29 An Evening Under the Stars fireworks display and classic car exhibition in Hopewell Township’s Woolsey Park.

Now for the events that readers can actually attend!

Hamilton Township has had Fourth of July fireworks in Veterans Park pretty

much since the park opened to the public, and this year it will host more of the same.

The Hamilton Independence Day Concert and Fireworks show is set to take place on Monday, July 1, with a rain date of Tuesday, July 2. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Kuser Road entrance,

Joe

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fireworks from the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s september 2023 show. (facebook photos.)

Pure Petty, a tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, is scheduled to take the stage at l.e.A.d. fest on thursday, July 4 at the Mercer county Park fairgrounds. (Photo by Phillip lebowski.)

2206 Kuser Road.

Festivities are set to begin at 6 p.m. with food available from a variety of vendors. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Heartbeats. The South Jersey-based group bills itself as “America’s Party Band.” Fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.

Ewing Township will join in the fun on Wednesday, July 3 with the Ewing Independence Day Fireworks Celebration.

Ewing’s event is set to feature rides, face painting, sand art, a balloon man, a dunk tank, food vendors and giveaways. DJ Dan Murphy will provide musical entertainment, and the First NJ Volunteers Colonial Reenactors will also be on hand.

Gates are set to open at 6 p.m at The College of New Jersey’s Green Lane soccer fields. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to park in the TCNJ parking garage on Metzger Drive.

Also set for July 3 is the Bordentown Fireworks at the Park, a joint production between the township and the nonprofit Foundation for Bordentown Traditions, which helped reinstate an annual Bordentown show after budget cuts brought that tradition to an end.

This year’s edition is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. in Joseph Lawrence Park on Ward Avenue. Festivities are set to include games, music and food trucks, with fireworks set to start around 9 p.m.

Anyone who completely forgot to go to any fireworks shows on the Fourth of July or in the week leading up to it will be

relieved to learn that East Windsor Township will host its fireworks show on Saturday, July 6 at dusk.

East Windsor’s celebration is scheduled to take place at Etra Lake Park on Disbrow Hill Road in the Twin Rivers section of the township.

* * *

Also taking place the week of Independence Day is the L.E.A.D. Fest in the Mercer County Park fairgrounds, with a fireworks show just one part of the scheduled entertainment.

L.E.A.D., or Law Enforcement Against Drugs, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to protecting youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drugrelated crimes and peer-to-peer cyberbullying and violence.

The annual L.E.A.D. Fest started on June 28 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, July 7. The festival features carnival rides, food vendors, racing pigs, a circus show, a craft fair and nightly live musical entertainment.

On Thursday, July 4, L.E.A.D. Fest will also host a fireworks show to start at dusk. Paid admission is technically required to attend, although we all know that the fireworks will be visible from outside the fairgrounds area.

Prior to the fireworks show, Philly-based band Pure Petty will take the stage at 7 p.m. performing the songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The Trenton Thunder are also planning to host a fireworks show on July 4 at Arm and Hammer Park after their 7 p.m. game with the Frederick Keys. But that is hardly unusual, as the Thunder have already hosted four postgame fireworks nights this season, and plan to do 10 more after July 4.

The Trenton Thunder, home to team in the Double-A Eastern League from 1994 to 2019, have belonged to the six-team MLB Draft League since 2021, after Major League Baseball took over and scrambled the minor league baseball landscape. The Thunder play a two-part, 80-game schedule half of which is contested by collegiate amateurs, and half contested by undrafted professionals after the annual Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft is held.

Other scheduled fireworks dates for the Thunder are July 18, July 20, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 17, Aug. 29 and Aug. 31. All dates are Thursdays or Saturdays. A ticket purchase is required to attend.

* * *

Those looking for a more Princeton take on Independence Day may want to plan a trip to Morven Museum and Garden on Thursday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Jubilee.

Morven, of course, has been selected as a local host for 2026’s Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of

the Declaration of Independence. But that is down the road. This year’s Jubilee is set to feature family-friendly activies and crafts “inspired by themes of history, civics and service” as well as tours of Morven’s gardens and live music from the Vintage Vibe Tribe and face painting with Maya B. the Facepaint Fairy. Food will be for sale from Oink and Moo BBQ, The Empanada Guy and Kona Ice. No noisy or polluting fireworks are planned.

One could say that Morven has been hosting Independence Day celebrations since 1783, when it hosted several congressional delegates to mark the occasion. For many years, it served as the New Jersey governor’s mansion.

The Jubilee is part of Civic Season, a national program of activities designed to connect Juneteenth and July 4. Web:morven.org.

Morven Museum and Garden will host its annual Jubilee on thursday, July 4. (facebook photo.)

Sourland Mountain Festival to return July 13

The Sourland Mountain Festival is set for Saturday, July 13, rain or shine, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at New Jersey’s premier Unionville Vineyard in Hunterdon County.

Unionville’s home vineyard on Rocktown Road in Ringoes, with its iconic red barn, serves as the backdrop for a summer afternoon filled with music, food, family-friendly activities, shopping, presentations and more.

Live musical entertainment will be provided by headliners the Matt O’Ree Band along with the Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz, Tony and the Trees and the Adventures of Matt Black.

After an opening blessing of the mountain by the Lenape Nation, guests may then partake in family-friendly activities, from guided hikes with educators from the Raritan Headwaters Association to a lesson on foraging from Wildspawn Mushrooms, henna and face painting, a walk-through balloon and photo experience with the ReMax balloon.

Tabby’s Place, the Ringoes-based cat rescue sanctuary, will be on hand with information and taking donations for their rescues in need. Titusville native plant center My Backyard at Nectars will be available with an assortment of native plants for pur-

chase. Merchants from around the region such as Freitag Arts, Ed Field Stained Glass and Rooted Remedies and more will be on hand with unique gifts for purchase.

The Ryland Inn and Chef Chris Albrecht will provide catering under the tented patio in the shadow of the red barn. Draft beer will be provided by Lone Eagle Brewing. Also offering food and refreshments will be AMA Pizza, Thai Cha Chak, and Cas Pierogi.

Proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of Central Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region and is made possible by the generous support of business partners and sponsors who share in the vision of Supporting the Sourlands.

The Sourland Mountain Festival is planned and run by a dedicated group of volunteers. East Amwell’s local volunteer rescue squad will be on hand for guest safety and will be selling lemonade and baked goods to benefit their squad.

Tickets are on sale now at sourlandmountainfest.org/tickets and guests may also purchase a limited edition 20-ounce tumbler. Visit sourlandmountainfest.org for more details.

the Matt o’ree Band is among the musical performers expected to take the stage at the sourland Mountain festival on July 13.

Mercer Eats

South Olden’s Encanto spotlights Colombian cuisine

By Joe Emanski

Encanto is a great name for a restaurant. Especially a restaurant that specializes in Colombian cuisine.

Since 2021, the Spanish word meaning “charm” has been inextricably linked with the 2021 Disney animated film of that name — a film that, of course, tells the magical story of the Madrigals, a multigenerational family living in Colombia.

Colombian food has taken a back seat to other Latin American cuisines in the area, especially Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine. Even Tomatello’s Latin Cuisine in Hopewell, which is owned by a Colombian family, started out focused largely on burritos before gradually adding Colombian specialties to its menu.

empanadas at encanto colombiano restaurant.

Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, which opened on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton in April, has been zeroed in on Colombian cuisine from the get go. Among the restaurant’s best sellers is Bandeja Paisa ($27.50), a Colombian specialty of rice, beans, beef, chicharrón, chorizo, sweet potato, plantain, fried egg, blood sausage and avocado.

This heaping dish is accompanied, as per tradition, with an arepa, a type of ground

corn flatbread that is popular throughout South America, but especially in Colombia. Also popular at Encanto since its opening has been its Colombian-style mini-empanadas, or empanaditas ($10.50). Where many empanadas are made with flour, these are made with corn, and come stuffed with beef and potatoes.

Specialties of the house include Salmon con Camarones al Ajillo, or salmon and shrimp with garlic, $26.25; Chuleta de cerdo con agridulce de pimenton, or roasted pork chop spiced with sweet and sour paprika, $23.10; and carne de res al vino tinto, or beef cooked in red wine demiglace with mushrooms, $23.10).

Encanto has a full bar serving everything from martinis to mojitos as well as special house cocktails, all of which feature Colombian aguardiente, typically an aniseflavored liqueur made from sugarcane. The La Bandera cocktail, made with aguardiente, vodka, gin, passion fruit liqueur, blue curacao and Grenadine syrup, is $15. Colombian beers such as Poker Lager and Águila are also available.

Anthony J. Destribats

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg John Ferner

Seafood specialties include ceviche de pulpo (octopus) and mango, $21, and encocado de camarones , or shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, $23.10.

Another traditional Colombian dish featured on the menu is Ajiaco ($21), a hearty soup of chicken, three kinds of potatoes, corn, and guasca, a Colombian herb. Mondongo ($21), a soup of pork, potato, plantain, cassava, carrot, cilantro, onion, garlic and bell pepper, is also on the menu.

Appropriately for a restaurant that opens at 9 a.m., Encanto also serves breakfast. including Calentado Paisa, or rice and beans with chorizo, scrambled eggs and arepa; Calentado Encanto, or rice with beans with sweet potatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, beef or chicken; and assorted omelettes, including omelette ranchero, served with baby corn, sausage, onion, tomato and mozzarella.

As one might expect, Colombian coffee is on the menu. Encanto also serves a variety of fruit juices.

Encanto Colombiano Restaurant, Bar and Panedería. 2217 S. Olden Ave., Hamilton. Phone: (609) 940-9924. Web: encantocolombianonj.com. Open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Mondays.

encanto has a full bar serving colombian specialty drinks made with aguardiente. (Photo courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)

left: ceviche de pulpo (octopus) con mango. center: encocado de camarones (shrimp). right: colombian-style

(Photos courtesy of encanto/Instagram.)

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Hamilton Dental Associates

The Importance of Orthodontic Care for Your Children

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

Combating Childhood Oral Health Myths

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

Health & Wellness

the most common myths that lead to your child’s teeth suffering in the long run.

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

One such myth that leads to more complex orthodontic care down the line is that your child’s teeth will straighten out over time. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

If their teeth start coming in crooked or off-center, they won’t naturally straighten themselves with time. The space for their teeth to come in doesn’t grow as they mature. If you leave these issues unattended, it could lead to more significant problems.

Common Myth #2: Orthodontic Treatments Are Purely Cosmetic

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

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

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

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

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine

Personalized Solutions to Your Pain Concerns

At AllCure, we understand that the summer can come with a lot of fun and activity. Often, we experience that patients will put off their pain concerns until the summer is over and plan to address them in the fall.

At AllCure, we will do assessments to see where each person can benefit from our level of care. We offer chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture services to provide high-level of conservative care to the community.

Our office also provides stateof-the-art modalities to assist each provider in getting patients back to a higher quality of life. We also have X-ray on site to help diagnose the patients pain and discomfort. We

offer 10 minute free consultations for anyone interested to make sure they feel comfortable and to ensure that we can help.

We take pride in what we do and we make sure that each patient gets a high level of attention and care on each one of their visits. We make our plans specifically to fit each individual person‘s needs and do not offer blanket treatments for similar patient complaints.

We have offices conveniently located in Monroe, Hamilton, and Somerset, NJ. Please visit our website or give us a call today to come in for a free consult, and get back to the quality of life you deserve.

AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. 350 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. 732-521-9222. 1101 Randolph Road, Somerset. 732-823-9392. www. allcurespineandsports.com.

determine where preventative care is enough or if additional action is required.

Where Do Orthodontic Issues

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

Some of these acquired oral health issues include:

• Sucking Their Thumbs

• Mouth Breathing

• Abnormal Swallowing Patterns

• Poor Dental Hygiene

• Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth

• Poor Nutritional Habits

However, parents have reason to hope for viable remedies and solutions to most of these issues. You

can remedy these acquired problems with the help of successful orthodontic care provided by an experienced pediatric dentist.

Finding a

Child Orthodontic

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

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

Visit www.hamiltondental.com.

RWJUH Hamilton

A Guide to Help Maintain Your Health and Wellnes

The summer season is a good time to reflect on health and wellness. “Summer is a great time to focus on preventive measures, embracing lifestyle changes that can have lasting benefits,” says Aditi Shrivastava, MD, Internal Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton).

With the heat comes the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. The increased temperatures and outdoor activities lead to higher rates of perspiration, making it vital to replenish lost fluids. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider incorporating hydrating and vitamin-rich foods like watermelon, fruit and cucumbers into your diet.

Nutrition also plays a role in overall health, especially in the summer when fresh produce is abundant. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Berries, tomatoes, zucchini, and leafy greens are at their peak in

Women’s

Pelvic Floor

July and offer a wealth of nutrients that support immune function, skin health and energy levels. A balanced diet rich in these foods can help mitigate the risks associated with summer heat and exertion.

While sunshine has its benefits, such as boosting vitamin D levels and improving mood, overexposure can be harmful. Skin cancer remains a significant concern, and proper sun protection is essential. Use a broadspectrum tsunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapply every two hours, and wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. Additionally, try to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun intensity hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Exercise is integral to maintaining health and wellness. Try to engage in outdoor exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming to enhance heart and vascular health, improve mood through the release of endorphins, and help with weight management. Be mindful of the heat and try to exercise during the cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed to prevent heat exhaustion. Summer is often a time of relaxation and socialization, both of which are important for mental health.

Engaging with family and friends can strengthen social bonds and reduce stress. These interactions can significantly boost your emotional well-being.

However, if you find yourself struggling with your mental health, it’s important to have an honest discussion with your primary care provider. Your primary care provider will be able to provide you with the best treatment options for your condition. RWJBarnabas Health is proud to be a leader in providing you with expert mental health services for all ages and seasons of life. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ behavioralhealth.

July is a good time for a mid-year health check. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a routine check-up. Regular screenings and examinations can detect potential health issues early, making treatment more effective. Discuss any new health concerns, review your current medications and consider getting vaccinations if needed, especially if you’re planning to travel.

Remember, take the time to prioritize yourself and your health and wellness! “It’s important to incorporate health and wellness practices not just during the summer but all year round,”

adds Dr. Shrivastava.

Dr. Shrivastava sees patients at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. For more information about Dr. Shrivastava, please call 609-2457389. Or to find a RWJBarnabas Health primary care provider in your area, visit rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare.

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Caruso PTRD offers a unique, patient-centered physical therapy approach that offers patients the chance to work closely with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Our therapists' main goals are to listen to each of your needs and provide individualized care to treat your condition. We want you to get back to being you; whether it's getting you back on the field, back at the office, or back to running around with your children or grandkids! Treating pain is only the first step!

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Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques. I want to empower females to take back their lives, one Pelvic PT session at a time.

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Empowering Each Individual to Reach Their Boundless Potential

At Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, they had a vision for a place where they could practice what they preached. This clinic is the result of that. Now, the clinic’s amazing team is committed to carrying out that vision by guiding others in establishing and achieving their own health goals so they can look and feel their best!

These services aren’t offered in the area separately, nor are they offered together in a single practice.

However, combined, these things make a huge difference. That’s why we offer both, giving you the advantage of physical therapy and registered dietitians in the same clinic!

Our services are provided by boardcertified physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and board-certified registered dietitians.

We’re focused on providing education, prevention, treatment, and wellness services that enhance our patients’ overall health and deter the onset of more costly pathology.

Rockwell Dentistry

Where Dentistry Is a Family and Community Affair

It’s our goal to provide our patients with the best physical therapy and nutrition services in our community.

The newest form of Physical Therapy we offer is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, which is a special subset of PT focusing on the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Pelvic dysfunction can cause pain and urinary leakage, among other personal issues that can be successfully treated with education, exercise and hands-on techniques.

Women’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can assist with problems such as: urinary incontinence and urgency; overactive bladder; constipation; pelvic pain; low back pain; hip pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; scar tissue and pelvic organ prolapse.

We also offer Sports PT for those recovering from injury or concussion to help them return safely to the field of play.

At Caruso’s our mission is to empower each individual to realize their boundless potential.

Caruso Physical Therapy and Nutrition, 1278 Yardville Allentown Road, Allentown. 609-738-3143. caruso@carusoptrd.com. carusoptrd. com.

In the heart of our community lies a dental practice unlike any other. Rockwell Dentistry was established close to three decades ago. Drs. Dawn and Alex Rockwell opened their practice in 1996, shortly after their twins, Eric and Natasha, were born. They envisioned a dental office that was not only a place for topnotch dental care but a staple in the community.

From the beginning their practice thrived on the principles of compassion, quality care, and a personal touch.

Patients became more than clients; they became friends. This ethos set the foundation for a thriving practice that continues to grow year after year. Drs. Rockwell have trated many generations of the same families. It is commonplace for patients to run into their own family members and neighbors in the waiting room.

Drs. Dawn and Alex always “dreamed” that their twins Eric and Natasha would follow in their footsteps and continue the Rockwell Dentistry legacy in Mercer County.

As Eric and Natasha grew older, they both

pursued undergraduate degrees in biology and decided to apply to dental school. After eight years Natasha graduated from Temple Dental School in May 2023 and Eric in May 2024. This marks a new chapter for the family and the practice, bringing fresh perspective and the latest in dental technology and techniques.

Dr. Natasha Rockwell has developed a keen interest in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. Her innovative approach to smile makeovers, orthodontic treatments, and scanning technology has brought a new level of expertise to the practice. Her vibrant personality and gentle approach have already made an impact on her patients.

Dr. Eric Rockwell’s passion lies with integrating the latest technologies to address complicated restorative cases more efficiently and accurately.

Rockwell Dentistry’s core vision was one office for all your dental care needs. With the addition of Natasha and Eric, Rockwell Dentistry will be a blend of experience and innovation that ensures patients receive the best possible care in a warm, family-oriented environment for many years to come. More information: www.rockwelldentistry.com.

The Rockwell Dentistry family: Alex, Natasha, Eric, and Dawn Rockwell.

Hamilton Township Division of Health

Safe & Healthy Summer Tips

The Hamilton Township Division of Health wants you and your family to have a safe and fun summer! Whether you choose to enjoy your time outside at one of Hamilton’s great parks, go for a dip in the pool or head to the beach it is important to keep in mind some safety tips to protect your health.

Here are some quick safety tips to help you have a safe and healthy summer:

• Check for ticks! Ticks are the most active in the warmer months (April-September). Infected ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme

disease. Prevent tick bites by wearing insect repellent, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks, remove ticks quickly and seek medical help if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease (including fever, headache, fatigue and rash).

• Beat the heat! Extreme heat can lead to heat related illness. People ages 65+, children under two and people with chronic diseases and mental illness are at highest risk. Remember to keep your cool! Stay in air conditioning as much as possible, stay hydrated, check on neighbors or family who are high risk, wear loose and lightweight clothing and NEVER leave children or pets in cars. Cooling centers for residents include the Hamilton Township Public Library and the Hamilton Senior Center.

• Sun Safety! Most skin cancers

are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Protect yourself and others from the sun when outdoors by seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, hats and clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Choose a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, reapply often and check those expiration dates!

• Eat your fruits and veggies! Healthy eating can help adults and children live a healthy life and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Summer is a great time for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables including strawberries, watermelon, zucchini and fresh Jersey tomatoes!

• Water safety! Swimming is a fun summer activity to help cool off, but should be done safely. If you go

swimming this summer remember to learn to swim and know your limits, never leave children unattended, wear life jackets when doing water activities, don’t swim alone even if you are a strong swimmer, and never dive into shallow water — if you don’t know how deep it is, don’t dive!

For more information on these topics and other summer safety tips visit www.cdc.gov

The Hamilton Township Division of Health is located at 2100 Greenwood Ave and provides residents with various services including public health nursing, health education, environmental inspections, vital statistics and animal sheltering and control — contact us at 609-890-3828, HamHealth@HamiltonNJ.com or www.HamiltonNJ.com/Health.

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travel talk with Caryn and Aron expedition cruising

Your favorite jet setting couple is headed off on their next adventure. We are headed off to Paris for our pre-cruise stay. It has been a few years since we have explored the City of Lights and we are looking forward to seeing the preparations for the upcoming Olympics.

We then board a charter flight to Svalbard where we will circumnavigate around that northernmost Norwegian island. Svarlbard lies midway between the North Pole and the northernmost tip of Norway. We’ll be visiting Longyearbyen, going glacier hiking, spotting polar bears, foxes, and seals, and seeing the midnight sun.

The cruise will be on Ponant, a small luxury cruise line with only about 200 guests maximum. This is our first expedition level cruise and we are looking forward to boarding the zodiacs to explore.

Expedition cruising is a form of travel that combines the adventure and exploration of traditional expeditions with the comfort and amenities of a cruise ship. Unlike conventional cruises that typically stick to well-trodden routes and tourist-heavy destinations, expedition cruises venture into more remote and less accessible locations.

These can include the polar regions (such as Antarctica and the Arctic), the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, or other rugged and uncharted areas around the globe.

Here are some key features and aspects of expedition cruising:

Destinations:

Remote Locations—Expedition cruises explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that are often difficult to reach by any other means.

Unique Landscapes—Passengers get to see unique and pristine natural environments, from icy fjords to tropical rainforests.

Ships:

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induction into the Mercer HOF.

That background obviously helped, but Michibata’s donation to county tennis is as a teacher. He served as Princeton University’s head coach from 2000-12. For the past 12 years he has been an instructor at West Windsor’s renowned Princeton Tennis Program while also serving as an assistant at The College of New Jersey since 2018.

When giving his induction speech June 14 at the Mercer Boathouse, Michibata stressed that he was being honored for just enjoying his role in this world. Afterward, he said “I feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life and I’m getting rewarded for it. I know a lot of people who really have to work hard and often don’t get what they deserve. It doesn’t seem right. I love teaching for the sake of watching someone learn and get better. That’s enough of a payoff.”

“On the other hand,” he added, “I did put in a lot of hard work, so I am thankful and honored that my achievements got recognized.”

Especially from a group that continually promotes tennis in Mercer.

“These are people who try to make the game better,” Michibata said. “They donate a lot of their time, it’s almost like a thankless job in some ways. They make a lot of sacrifices.”

They also made the right decision in honoring Michibata, who is also in the Canadian Tennis Hall of Fame and Rogers Cup Hall of Fame.

“Everybody’s had the opportunity to get to know the type of person he is,” said Vecchiolla, who runs the award-winning Mercer Tennis Center and coaches Mercer County Community College. “Not only does he do high quality things, he’s just a high quality human being.

“What strikes me is Glenn’s level of expertise. He’s a world class coach. There’s probably not too many people who have come in and out of Mercer County that have had his level of experience over the years. I hold his teaching in the highest regard.”

In looking at the criteria for induction, part of it says the inductee’s impact on Mercer tennis, “must be balanced by a reputation that can be admired and respected.”

Michibata’s reputation has been impeccable from the start.

Growing up in Toronto at a time when tennis wasn’t popular in Canada, Glenn would hit against a backboard while his brother took lessons. When he began competing, Michibata was Canada’s No. 1 at U-12, U-14 and U-16. He was the country’s top-ranked U-18 player at age 15, which qualified him for Junior Tourna-

ments at the sites of all four major events.

His biggest thrill – and fear – was in England.

“I’d been reading about Wimbledon all my life as a kid, and I got there, of course it’s awesome,” he recalled. “The practice courts are not on site so I’m fine and then my match gets called. I’m still doing OK. And then you get to the court and honestly, as I stepped from the concrete onto the grass I was playing on, my knees buckled.

“All of a sudden a wave hit me. I could see the outside facade of center court and the background of the clock and the scoreboard, and I thought ‘Oh my God, I’m actually here.’ I don’t remember one point. Somehow I ended up winning. I just remember being so shaky – literally my knees were rattling – and having to force myself to stop shaking during certain points of the match. The place is really special. It’s the mecca of tennis.”

After an outstanding junior career Michibata was a three-time All-American at Pepperdine University from 1981-83. It was in college where he met his wife, Angie, who runs a racket stringing service out of PTP.

In 1982 Glenn won the Canadian National Tennis Championships before embarking on a professional career. In singles he reached the second round of all four Grand Slam tournaments and earned his highest ranking at No. 48 in April, 1986.

It was doubles where Glenn made his mark. Teaming with fellow Canadian Grant Connell, the duo won four ATP titles and in 1990 reached the Australian Open finals. In 1991 Michibata had his highest doubles ranking as an individual (based on playing with different partners) at No. 5, and heading into the 1991 U.S. Open, he and Connell were No. 1 in the world in team point standings.

“When Jannick Sinner got to number one (in men’s singles), Andre Agassi said to him ‘If the universe had a tennis tournament right now, earth would pick you, Jannick,’” Vecchiolla said. “So I’m gonna tell Glenn if the universe had a tennis tournament during those two weeks in 1991, earth would have chosen him (and Connell) as their player. It takes a lot to rise to the top of your field in the entire world.”

Michibata and Connell hooked up after being ranked as the top two doubles players in Canada. They did so for Davis Cup purposes and went 7-8 in those events, and also played in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Prior to specializing in doubles, Michibata had the dubious distinction of playing the powerhouse team of John McEnroe-Peter Fleming in his Wimbledon doubles debut.

“I was basically a singles player, somehow I got into the doubles qualifying at Wimbledon and we made it to the main draw,” Michibata said. “Who do we draw but McEnroe and Fleming, the dominant doubles team of their era. That was nerve wracking enough, then we see the schedule and we’re on (the famed) Center Court! How’s that for an introduction to Wimbledon.”

Connell and Michibata had the necessary chemistry to play doubles, as Glenn provided steady consistency and Grant was a big hitter. Off the court it was a bit different. As a bachelor, Connell would roam the cities the tour afforded them, while Michibata was more of a homebody; or in this case a hotel-body.

“It wasn’t my personality,” he said of the night life. “The enjoyment I got from the tour was getting better and being able to compete against the best players; trying to to get better against them. If you’re waiting for some story about me rubbing elbows with Elton John, I don’t have one.

“I didn’t take full advantage of the social opportunities. It was my job, I worked really hard. I was either in the hotel, at the practice courts, or playing my match. Everything was geared to the next day. It’s not like I was a hermit, but I was definitely on the less adventurous side.”

Michibata got a big laugh during his acceptance speech when he recalled being in Paris with his wife. Angie begged him to see the City of Lights but he was focused on training. So as a solution, he took her to the top of the Eiffel Tower and they walked around it.

“I said ‘There you go Ang, we just saw the entire city,” Glenn said with a laugh. When injuries slowed his career, Michibata retired and had a brief stint as director of tennis in Whistler, British Columbia. At the urging of Angie, he decided to finish his schooling and get a college degree.

Thus, Glenn took classes at the University of Southern California and was hired by a former Pepperdine teammate as assistant coach of the women’s team. After

three years, Michibata knew he wanted a coaching career and applied at Princeton with no thought of getting the job. He just figured going through the interview process at an Ivy League school would be good training for future interviews.

Michibata shocked himself by getting the job and replacing the legendary David Benjamin, who was also Executive Director and CEO of Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) at the time. Glenn, Angie and daughter Cori pulled up stakes and moved cross country.

With Benjamin graciously helping him make the transition, Michibata coached Princeton for 12 years. His teams went 145–121 and had seven winning Ivy League seasons along with producing three Ivy Players of the Year.

In 2012 his son Matthew began taking an earnest interest in tennis. Michibata approached PTP Director Gwen Guidice about starting a high performance junior program in order to work with Matthew and other talented youngsters. Glenn began to train and develop some of the top juniors in the area and his success stories are impressive.

Matthew set The College of New Jersey record for most combined wins in singles and doubles and reached the NCAA Division III Tournament. James Hopper was ranked the No. 1 singles and doubles player in Division III and led Case Western to the NCAA team title. Andrew Lutschaunig was part of the Division I national doubles championship team at Ohio State.

All three wore the Michibata badge.

“That was pretty gratifying to have some part in helping them get to where they are,” he said. “That was typical of the type of kid we were getting. Being in California, I figured California, Florida and Texas were the hotbeds of tennis, but I found there were a lot of good players here.”

Michibata no longer organizes high performance groups at PTP but still gives private lessons to high performance juniors and also provides adult lessons to

players from beginner to B level.

No matter how raw or polished they are, students get Michibata’s best effort.

“I’ve had a passion for tennis right from a young age so I was always motivated to work hard at improving and learning about the game,” he said. “This passion carried on when I became a coach and I am doing my best to pass on whatever I have learned to my students.”

Michibata also developed a passion for West Windsor. The move from California was made easier by their welcoming nextdoor neighbors, Craig and Jody Nestel, who got props during his acceptance speech. Glenn praises the West Windsor school system and calls it “a great place to raise a family.”

At age 62 he is unsure how much longer he will coach, and is now being helped by Matthew. The desire is still there but, despite being in great shape “my body is nicked up with aches and pains, I’m not sure how much longer I can go.”

He loves coaching with Matthew as their bond is tight. Michibata notes that despite a pro career his greatest thrill in tennis was winning the National Indoor Father & Son Doubles championship with his boy.

When Glenn finally retires, Vecchiolla feels it will be a huge loss to Mercer tennis. If only for the fact he represents the

sport with such class.

“There’s a lot of experienced teachers and with that experience you have to have confidence,” Vecchiolla said. “When you have confidence it can bubble over into having ego. There is absolutely none of that with Glenn. You’d have to pry his accomplishments out of him. Glenn is just a selfless, selfless guy.”

As witnessed by an acceptance speech that left them wanting more.

1260 Route 33 South