9-20 EO

SEPTEMBER 2020 FREE

COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG

Deadline latest hurdle for Census accuracy

Benedetti new chair of Ewing Dems Takes charge with Bob Dorio stepping down after 16 years

BY MICHELE ALPERIN

BY JOE EMANSKI

For the first time since 2004, the Ewing Township Democratic Committee has a new chairman.

The committee voted in Carl Benedetti, Sr., as the new chair at its July reorganization meeting. Benedetti Sr. was selected without opposition.

He succeeds Bob Dorio, who stepped down after 16 years as chair. Dorio has recently moved to Hamilton, where he continues to be involved in local Democratic politics.

“I look forward to working with Carl Benedetti Sr. as Ewing’s new municipal Democratic chair,” Mayor Bert Steinmann said in a post to the committee Facebook page. “His energy and commitment to Ewing and the party have been evident over the last several years, and he is an excellent choice.”

Along with Benedetti, the committee re-elected Mary Corrigan as vice Chair and Janelle Hill as secretary.

Newly elected officer Lawrence Ganges will serve as treasurer.

Benedetti had served as See CHAIR, Page 11

Ewing’s Elisa Summiel surrounded by some of her designs featured at Illustrated Melanin, a webstore created to “uplift and empower African-American women.”

Uplift, empower, aff irm A long-time Ewing resident is making a powerful statement in San Diego with a new business focused on uplifting and empowering AfricanAmerican women through illustrations and affirmations.

Elisa Summiel founded Illustrated Melanin to, in her words, “celebrate our skin and the many hues that it represents.”

Illustrated Melanin is a curated webstore where you can find all kinds of items prayer journals, notebooks, face masks, tote bags, posters and more that feature Summiel’s graphic designs.

The 31-year-old is also a free-

lance graphic and communication design specialist through a business she founded in 2014, Elisa Michelle Designs.

She moved to Los Angeles before settling in San Diego two years ago. A graduate of Lore Elementary, Fisher Middle and Ewing High School, she is the youngest child of Sara and former Ewing councilman Leslie Summiel Sr. She has two elder brothers, Les Jr., 45, and Tim, 38.

The following Q&A was originally published online at sdvoyager.com.

Q. Elisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

Elisa Summiel: I think from a young age, art has always been a passion of mine. I was never a Picasso or anything, but I had an eye for design and I could not shy away from any creative outlet; It was life for me. Growing up in New Jersey, in a pretty diverse area, our school-age education of art/artists were always represented by images of a white man or woman.

There were rarely any images that represented me, a Black woman.

That is until I attended Hamptom University, a HBCU — Historically Black College See ILLUSTRATED, Page 6

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As we approach the finish line for the 2020 Census, enumerators in New Jersey are facing serious obstacles to achieving a fair and complete count.

A shortened deadline, fewer enumerators (formerly known as census takers) than planned due to the pandemic and fears of completing the census—particularly in the Latino community—sparked by actions and words of the Trump administration, are just a few of the hurdles in the way of an accurate count. The U.S. Census, completed every 10 years, “is designed to count every resident,” to determine apportionment of seats in U.S. House of Representatives and to distribute hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities, according to census.gov.

“There’s a concern from many, especially in the immigrant population, about privacy and security, especially when our current administration had, in many of our minds, been undermining the process: first, by trying to include the citizenship question, and lately by shortening the deadline,” says Princeton councilwoman Leticia Fraga, who is See CENSUS, Page 8

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TA K E I T

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At the local level, this should barely be a Democrats vs. Republicans debate. In local politics, the important political decisions are often about land use, about taxes and crime and services. Two reasonable people can be perfectly aligned on national issues, and still disagree about how to best handle these local issues. In a town of 36,000, there should be at least 6 people who can offer voters a choice on how they are governed.

I work in media. That means I think politicians should always know that someone is watching them. They must be held accountable, they must always be transparent in their dealings — whether I voted for them or not.

When candidates win election without having to beat an opponent, they have no clear mandate. They may still govern with constituents’ best interests in mind. But something meaningful is lost when they don’t have to earn your vote to win.

In our hometowns, we truly do have a say in how policy is set, how money is spent. Don’t believe people who say otherwise. One vote can make a difference, we have seen it — but not when there is no choice to be made.

American politics are more polarized than ever. You don’t need me to tell you that.

I write that and you probably think of national issues: the race for president, immigration, pandemic response, climate change, gun ownership.

But there’s another example of political polarization that should have your attention, and that’s the collapse of the two-party system throughout much of Mercer County.

Go town by town and you will see that few council, committee or mayoral races offer voters a genuine choice. This year in Ewing, there are no Republican candidates for township council. County Republicans have failed to put forth candidates for clerk or freeholder.

People will say that this is a sign of the times. That in Ewing there’s no hope of winning election for anyone who is not on the Democratic ticket.

They will say that local Republicans have no hope of matching Dems for fundraising, and therefore there is no point in contesting the races. Tough to Contact JOE EMANSKI: jemanski@comprove them wrong when there are no munitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. 120. opposition candidates to support. facebook.com/EwingObserver.

Observer bserver Ewing

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Observer is for local people, by local people. 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. As part of the community, the Ewing Observer does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another.

EDITOR Joe Emanski (Ext. 120) CONTRIBUTING WRITER Michele Alperin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Ilene Black, Helen Kull ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mark Nebbia (Ext. 115) AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stephanie Jeronis

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AROUND TOWN

Natischa Clark promoted to lieutenant of county detectives Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri recently announced the promotions of six members of his investigative staff, including the second female chief of detectives in Mercer County history and the highest ranking sworn African-American female in Mercer County.

Natischa Clark was sworn in as lieutenant of county detectives on July 31, becoming the first African-American female to be promoted to that rank.

Clark was also the first African-American female in the history of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to be promoted to the rank of sergeant and the first female to serve as a member of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Honor Guard.

Clark resides in Ewing with her daughter, Nailah.

“Tischa is truly a trailblazer and a role model for all women in law enforcement,” Onofri said in a media release. “Throughout her career, she has forged relationships with the business, education, government and public sectors that have been an asset to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in its efforts to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.”

Clark began her career with the

Lt. Natischa Clark, third from left, surrounded by her family at her recent promotion to lieutenant of Mercer County detectives.

Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in 1995 and has served the office over the last 24 years in various units, many of which she has gone on to supervise. Since her promotion to sergeant in 2016, she has supervised the Bias Crimes, Community Outreach, Domestic Violence, Economic Crime,

Evidence, Forfeiture, Grand Jury, Human Trafficking, Internet Crimes Against Children, Identification, Insurance Fraud, Juvenile, Megan’s Law, Polygraph, Special Victims and Trial units.

In addition, Clark was assigned to help implement the Attorney Gen-

eral’s Extreme Risk Protective Order Directive.

A staunch advocate of victim’s rights, Clark was the first investigative staff member of the prosecutor’s office to be appointed to the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force in 2006. She investigated the first sex trafficking case under the newly-created statute and received a conviction for same.

Clark is also one of the MCPO’s liaisons to Attorney General’s Community Outreach and Bias Crimes committees, and has served as a sworn member of the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Task Force. Clark works closely with the Capital City Community Coalition and the Division of Criminal Justice’s Prosecutor and Police Training Bureau.

Prior to her current assignment, Clark was assigned to the Special Victims Unit, where she was the first line supervisor for the ICAC Unit. As a certified forensic child interviewer, she was instrumental in updating the SVU protocol and interviewing standards to meet the accreditation criteria of the New Jersey Children’s Alliance.

Clark started peer review in the unit before it was required by the Alliance See AROUND TOWN, Page 4

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AROUND TOWN cont. from Page 3 to ensure that the MCPO’s SVU was performing forensic interviews to the best of their ability.

In addition to her investigative contributions to the office, Clark created an anti-bullying curriculum that was widely requested by schools and organizations throughout Mercer County and beyond. She also created an annual art contest that featured the artwork of Mercer County students demonstrating their fight against bullying and cyberbullying through artistic expression.

Clark has taught at Mercer County Community College, Rider University, Kean University, and countless elementary, middle and high schools.

She is also an instructor at the Mercer County Police Academy.

During her law enforcement career, Clark has been the recipient of numerous commendations. She was awarded the Cherish the Children Professional Recognition Award, along with a New Jersey State Senate Proclamation, for her work with juvenile sexual assault victims.

She was also bestowed a proclamation from the Mercer County Executive for her service at Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11th.

Clark was also the recipient of the Women’s Achievement Award from Building Our Youth’s Development for her dedication to excellence in her community in 2017.

Clark is a graduate of Rutgers University, and has completed the FBI-

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The event will follow social distancing protocols. Families/groups are asked to remain six feet apart, and masks will be required. Attendees can sit on blankets on the field or in the stands. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Coolers are not allowed.

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Registration open for 2nd annual Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt in Ewing

Ewing’s second annual All Around Elroy the Elk, the Elks Lodge No. 105 entry into the 2019 Ewing Scarecrow Town Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt is now is the planning stages.

Scavenger Hunt. (Facebook photo.)

Last year, residents had to figure out ‘Ewing-centric’ clues in order to locate, or hunt, these ‘scary invaders’ LEEDA Trilogy Course and DELTA Kidsbridge goes virtual down. This year, participants will also Leadership Schools. She has also get to vote for their favorites. served on the executive board of the in programming and The inaugural event featured 34 Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office fundraising scarecrows and almost 80 individuPBA Local 339.

Also promoted were Deputy Chief What does an organization do als and groups on the hunt for them.

Jessica Plumeri to chief of county when their capacity to provide face- Organizers are expanding options for detectives; Captain Tarek Elkachouty to-face programs is abruptly halted participation this year, as well as offerto deputy chief; Lt. Matt Norton to by a global pandemic at the same time ing cash prizes to sweeten the fun.

The event is a collaboration among captain; Detective Brian Kiely to ser- demand for their services increases geant; and Detective Michael Castaldo exponentially as a result of a nation- Mayor Bert Steinmann, the Ewing to officer-in-charge. wide call for anti-bias, antiracist Green Team, Ewing Arts Commission and Art Has No Boundaries. Pareducation?

If that organization is Kidsbridge, ticipants can be scarecrow builders, then the answer is they innovate and scarecrow hunters or both. Register

by Sept. 10 to build a scarecrow to disthey answer the call.

Two weeks after New Jersey resi- play from Oct. 1 to Oct. 29.

Ewing businesses, civic groups, dents were asked to quarantine, Kidsbridge launched “Kidsbridge @ organizations and schools are encourHome,” a free, virtual tool that can be aged to create and display their very Ewing Lawrenceville used by educators, parents and care- own scarecrows. Despite the CovidParkway & Olden Ave Rt 1 & Franklin Corner Rd givers to promote social-emotional 19 pandemic and the need for masks (Behind IHOP) (Across from WaWa) and social distancing, the organizers learning.

609-530-0055 609-896-3798 As calls for social justice increased say they welcome an opportunity for Mercerville throughout the spring after the deaths Ewing residents to experience some 702 RT 33 east of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, much needed fun while staying safe (Opposite Hamilton Carwash) and Ahmaud Arbery, Kidsbridge @ and healthy with an activity that lends 609-586-4596 Home sought to provide resources itself to those requirements.

There are no restrictions on scareto help parents talk to their children Open 7 days about issues of race in ways that are crow designs except that they should No Appointment Necessary! • jersey.jiffylube.com. age-appropriate. be family-friendly; however, the Because of the uncertainty of the Green Team says that it is hoping to Jiffy Lube, the Jiffy Lube design mark and Jiffy Lube Signature Service® are registered trademarks of Jiffy Lube International, Inc. © 2016 Jiffy Lube International, Inc. Covid-19 pandemic, the organiza- see lots of recycling and upcycling tion canceled its largest fundraiser in the designs, and one of the will be of the year, the Annual Humanitarian based on the inspired use of recycled materials.

Awards Celebration.

Hunt ballots will be available by In its place, the organization has partnered with the Trenton Thunder Oct 1 and must be submitted by the OFF OFF to plan the “Kidsbridge All Star Cele- end of the day on the 29th. The drawbration,” a movie night at the ballpark ing will take place and winners will be featuring the movie Frozen II. The announced on Oct. 31 via Zoom. ® The event is open to Ewing resiorganization says funds raised at the event will support Kidsbridge’s Covid- dents and workers only. For more 19 fund to support remote learning information, go to the Ewing Green programs for at-risk youth throughout Team’s website: ewinggreenteam. org/scarecrow. fall and winter.

Frozen II will be shown at Arm & Hammer Park on Saturday, Sept. 26. WHAT DID WE MISS? What are you Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the movie noticing in your community? What RHLF• Expires: 9/30/20 BX43C2 • Expires: 9/30/20 begins at 7 p.m. Attendees will receive stories do you think we should tell? Do Not Valid with any other offer for same service. Must present Not Valid with any other offer for same service. Must present Kidsbridge Upstander gift bags. Tick- you have news to share? We want to coupon at time of service. Valid at participating stores on coupon at time of service. Valid at participating stores on jersey.jiffylube.com. jersey.jiffylube.com. ets are $25 (children 5 and under are hear from you. Send your news or tips free) and can be purchased at kids- to news@communitynews.org.

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ILLUSTRATED cont. from Page 1 and University — and pursued a BA in art/graphic design. There, I quickly learned there was so much more to who I could become in my field.

While attending graduate school in the U.K., however, I noticed a quick change where there was such a lack in diversity and inclusion. From the classroom, to the staff, to the subject matter. While I was able to grow and learn a lot, it pushed me to want to further ensure who and what I represented.

I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I wanted my nieces and nephew to be able to see themselves everywhere they went and never have to question their existence in this world.

Eventually, as I developed my craft and grew in my purpose, I felt moved to pursue other avenues and quit my job in New Jersey to move across the country to Los Angeles and now San Diego.

I’ve stopped and started and let life take over with full-time work, but now I’m back to pursuing my passion of art. I

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hope to bring light, joy and color to all those around me.

Q. Has it been a smooth road?

ES: Oh my goodness, no. I wish there was an easy button for business.

With any entrepreneurial goals, life happens. You find yourself in a whirlwind of excitement where you’re creating nonstop, developing your website and content, then announcing to the world what you have to offer.

At first, it’s an influx of congrats and support and then comes the lull.

The hype has died down and what you imagined paying off your student loans becomes having to go back to the drawing board and solidifying your why. You why is so important.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been discouraged just off the sheer notion of “imposter syndrome.” There are other women and men out there creating similar goods and thriving in their business’. Sometimes it’s all a bit overwhelming; knowing you’re capable, but feeling like you’re way behind in the game.

Especially when trying to juggle full time work, freelance, and living with endometriosis. That’s a whole other topic.

I’ve realized though, that you have to keep going. Just start somewhere.

There’s always going to be others similar to you, but you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are unique and there is literally no one else like you in this world. With that motivation, bring on the bumpy road. I’m ready.

Q. Illustrated Melanin: what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?

ES: Illustrated Melanin was birthed from a desire to show more representation of Black women in their shades and colors. Focusing on wellness and inspiration, my art prints and goods bring affirmations and purpose to life through illustration.

It is important to speak life into everything you do because we matter and so do our goals and aspirations.

Our skin is beautiful, our hair is magi-

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cal, and we are worthy to be praised.

With a background in graphic and communication design, I specialize in visually conveying a message. Over the past couple of years, I’ve designed illustrations for journals, art prints, and other products such as tote bags.

I strive to uplift other Black women and girls and show that we, too, can take up space.

It’s always been a desire of mine to bring joy to those around me. Most importantly, to ensure people of color are represented within everyday art and design.

I’m most proud of never giving up.

I believe in what I’m doing, and that’s enough to keep going. As I mentioned before, I’m unique in every way.

Whether it’s my illustration style, the colors and hues that I choose to use, and most important, my delivery and purpose. Each viewer will see themselves and feel good about what they represent through my art. Each young woman or girl will see that they matter and that they can do anything they set their heart to do.

I may have a niche audience, but the message can relay to anyone. Joy is universal.

Q. How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?

ES: With the current climate, I can imagine most products and goods will remain or move to a digital space.

Which luckily for me, I can always adapt.

Since I’m also a graphic designer, trends are changing daily. That’s what I love about art, the fluidity. One day we’re letter-pressing on a machine and the next we’re digitally lettering on a computer or iPad. In 10 years, we may be speaking text and color to a virtual screen that does it all for us. You just never know.

That’s the beauty of art and design, you have to be ready to adapt and find your space within new methods and then keep creating. It’s exciting, and scary, but it will never go out of style.

I think a world without art wouldn’t nearly be as fulfilling.

On the web: elisamichelle.com and linktr.ee/illustratedmelanin.

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CENSUS continued from Page 1 handling census activities in the town.

The Trump administration, Fraga continues, is “also asserting that members who do not have legal residency shouldn’t be counted. Many in our community will hear that and will think, what’s the point?”

Manuel Hernandez, president and a founder of the Latino Merchants Association and the owner of a construction and HVAC company in Trenton’s Chambersburg, who has been helping with the census since last year, says, “It’s been tough because a lot of people are afraid something is going to happen to them, that the government is going to come after them because they are not legally here. We have convinced a bunch of people, but some, after long conversations, we haven’t been able to convince.”

“Especially because of what the president is saying—he says one thing and does another—they think somebody is going to show up at the door and take them and deport them. Also a lot don’t understand the importance of the census,” Hernandez says.

To respond to the immigrants’ fears, says Eduardo Gittens, chief of staff for Assemblywoman Verlina ReynoldsJackson and co-chair of the Trenton Complete Count Committee, “We enlisted the assistance of trusted partners; one being the Latino Merchants Association—different businesses and business owners that have a great relationship with the Latino community. They’ve worked closely with us

passing out information, putting out a positive message in how the census will be able to assist them; and assuring them that their information will not be shared and they don’t have to fear any repercussions.”

Recently the Census Bureau, at the behest of the Trump administration, shortened the deadline for counting U.S. residents from Oct. 31 to Sept.

30. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, at a virtual “census rally” on Aug. 13, said, “Because of the federal government’s decision to shorten the window, census workers will have less time to do their work. We were undercounted in 2010, and it cost us untold billions of dollars in the decade since.” As a result, he added, “we must redouble our efforts.”

As of Aug. 18, most towns in Mercer County had percentage response rates in the 70s; outliers were West Windsor at 81.6%, Ewing at 67.4%, and Trenton at 44.3%. Percentages in Princeton, Lawrence, West Windsor, and Bordentown were higher than the final 2010 self-response rate; in Hopewell, Hamilton, and Robbinsville they were close; but three areas were more significantly

behind: Pennington by 6.9%, Ewing by 4.8 %, and Trenton by 9.3%.

Patricia Williamson, the New Jersey Counts Project Director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, who is focused on the 11 hard-to-count cities in New Jersey, of which Trenton is one, says, “We needed those extra four weeks to get those people [Latinos]. It takes a 20-minute conversation to help them understand what’s going on.”

Hard-to-count areas are those with housing units that are vacant, multifamily, and renteroccupied housing units, student housing, and residents with low incomes, and student housing, according to Michael Ruger, deputy mayor of Hopewell Township.

Regarding the shortened deadline, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes issued a statement to Community News Service: “Mercer County opposes this shortsighted decision by the federal government.”

One reason that completion rates are not higher, Ewing councilwoman Jennifer Keyes-Maloney says, is that “people don’t necessarily understand why they have to fill out the census.” Someone close to her, for example, thought she

The Census Bureau shortened the deadline for counting residents from Oct. 31 to Sept. 30 at the behest of the White House.

didn’t have to complete the census because she didn’t have children.

Another person told Fraga she didn’t realize the census applied to her because she rents. And where multiple families live in one household, “they think because they are not on the lease, they don’t count,” Fraga said.

Williamson says that immigrants and people of color “tend to not report children under five out of safety.”

Sometimes children are not supposed to be living where they actually are. Or there are too many people in a home, and residents are afraid that if their landlord finds out, they will have to be separated. Some parents are not documented and afraid to mention their children.

Other people don’t understand the value of counting their children—even in suburban areas, Williamson says.

“They don’t realize when they start having overcrowded schools and don’t know why that was happening, that’s because lots of kids who were not accounted for when they were one or two are now in schools and in sports.”

Even legal immigrants are sometimes afraid to complete the census, Williamson continues, because “they are concerned they are in a mixed family or that their paperwork won’t hold up.”

But, of course, the census is mandated to count all residents of the United States. “It doesn’t matter if a person is living by themselves with a dog or cat; anybody should answer,” Keyes-Maloney says.

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As of Aug. 18 response rates for households in hard-to-county cities in New Jersey range from 41.7% for Atlantic City to 55% for Plainfield; Trenton’s rate was 44.2%, and the state was at 65.8%. “They are all in this race trying to get into the 50s—still only reaching 50% of the funding they truly need,” Williamson says, adding that an estimate is never as good as the actual.

With so much left to do, the census faces yet another big problem: the coronavirus has reduced the number of enumerators available to go door to door to households that have not completed the census. According to Hughes, the original 500 enumerators hired for the county dwindled to 300 due to the virus and its effects: retirees were concerned about contracting the virus and spreading it to their significant others; other people sought other employment because of the delay in going door-to-door; and even young and middle-aged individuals were nervous about virus exposure and the potential to spread it to their households, many of which included elderly family members.

“Although the bureau continues to hire replacement workers, time is running out for extensive training, so the reduced workforce seems to be what we have to work with until Sept.

30,” Hughes wrote. As a consequence of the reduction in time and number of enumerators, they will be making only two visits to a household before moving on rather than the original projected five visits.

‘People believe that if they do something the government wants them to do, they will be adversely impacted.’

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tion and Customs Enforcement are “separate from being counted, from letting the census know you exist.

Because you exist, regardless of your standing or status, you are eating, using services, sending your children to our schools, going to hospitals, and going to stores.”

Today, making sure the census is completed involves a broad community effort, in tandem with the Census Bureau and centered on complete count committees, which the Census Bureau website describes as “a broad spectrum of government and community leaders from advocacy, education, business, healthcare, and elected officials” who “develop and implement a 2020 Census awareness campaign based upon their knowledge of the local community.”

The efforts in the Trenton area are illustrative of the communal effort to obtain as large a census count as possible. A group of nonprofit partners have been working together to promote the census, including Arm in Arm, Children’s Futures, the Latino Merchants Association, A Better Way, the YMCA of Greater Mercer County, Shiloh Baptist Church, Isles, and the United Way. “It’s been wonderful working with all of the other nonprofits—it’s a collaboration of nonprofits all trying to achieve the same thing,” says Terry West, community development specialist for the Office of the Executive in Mercer County. They have also gotten houses of worship to share census messaging See CENSUS, Page 10

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from hearsay or by observation, they believe “that if they take the census and they do something the government wants them to do they are going to be adversely impacted.”

Although this has always been an issue, Williamson says, in the current decade “certain people in the current leadership have made people such as immigrants in particular and people of color feel that they are not valued, and with immigrants, that they are not welcome and if they are giving their information to the same government, that government might deport them. It is very hard to separate the Census Bureau from ICE and from the IRS.” “What I do is try to debunk certain myths about the census so people can understand it is not about other parts of the government; it is purely statistical and confidential—your information remains within the Census Bureau and statistics are provided to ensure you get proper services,” Williamson says.

When she reaches out to people in these communities, she tells them that any issues they may have with the Internal Revenue Service or Immigra-

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Undercounting is not something new, Williamson said during the governor’s census rally, “Black people have been undercounted since the census began; they were first illegally undercounted by the Constitution [where each slave was counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of congressional representation].”

Williams highlights the differences between the urban communities where she has been focusing and the suburban towns that have far better census completion numbers. “Suburban communities tend to understand the value of taking the census and the importance; the outreach isn’t as necessary.” In these communities, most people complete the census because they know it is a constitutional requirement and that a proper count is the basis of representation and of funding for federal programs.

In urban communities, where many people don’t realize how the services they use are funded, education is the first step in promoting census.

But, Williamson says, “even after that, there’s the issue of the fear and distrust of the government.” Whether

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CENSUS continued from Page 9 during their virtual services.

The complete count committees have been promoting self-response, via telephone, hard copy, or online, and then enumeration is supposed to help fill in the gaps. “Our efforts are big blanket educational and information efforts, to explain why the census is important and educate people to participate,” West says. Then in midAugust the census bureau’s enumeration teams, who know exactly which addresses haven’t responded, took over with door-to-door efforts.

Mercer County has 21 hard-to-count census tracts, with 19 in Trenton and two in Hamilton on the border of Trenton. Early on, West and his community helpers were using lists of registered voters from the superintendent of elections to knock on doors in Chambersburg, now a predominantly Spanish-speaking community with many undocumented immigrants from Central America.

“As we were out there we noticed dozens of houses in Chambersburg [not on their list] where there were families and started to focus on those on the second wave in early March,” West says.

In an effort to reach the occupants of these residences, the complete count committee also did an ad campaign based on community stakeholders widely familiar to different parts of the Trenton community: for example, a board member for Trent House and for Mercer Cemetery from the Polish community and the coordinator of Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market to reach a younger generation. “The hope was you could identify,” West says.

Similarly, they designed door hangers with a Trenton resident and her son on one side and the director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County with his son.

“We spent time thinking about the best way, in the shortest amount of time, to grab attention, promote the census, and let people know that it’s

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necessary and safe,” West says.

They also initiated a bilingual postcard campaign where they hand-wrote messages to those hardest to count.

Helping them out were the League of Women Voters; A Better Way, whose executive director, Perry Shaw, was instrumental in getting the cards completed, labeled, and mailed; and the Latino Merchants Association, which covered the Spanish-speaking community. They successfully sent out 30,000 postcards during the pandemic.

The Trenton committee has also been very active on social media, particularly in Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where they are currently doing a countdown noting the number of days until the end of the census.

Each day they feature a different area where census data translates to money for community services: healthcare, public education, community block grants, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

As restrictions have started to lighten, census officials and volunteers in Trenton, armed with tablets to enable immediate completion of the census and census literature, have met with people outdoors, near senior centers, low-income apartment complexes, and food banks.

During the week of Aug. 10 in Princeton volunteers began to distribute census information through the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry and the Mr. Rogers Neighborhood free store, and when they got their hands on census swag like t-shirts, tote bags, and credit card holders they used these to incentivize participation.

“Our best efforts have been going to food distribution sites, where we bring gift bags and talk about the importance of the census,” West says. Using this approach, they can usually convince 30 to 50 individuals and on occasion 100 to participate in the census.

“Sometimes giving people something helps them realize we are with you on this and they would at least listen to us and have a conversation,” Williamson says.

Among senior communities understanding where the dollars go, whether for food programs, Medicaid, or highways, is a motivator to complete the census, Gittens says.

For West, a very effective technique has involved explaining the amount of money that comes back to the community per person who is counted in the census. approximately $1,800 per year per person for 10 years. For a family of five, that comes to $90,000.

Although officials from the Census Bureau have expressed confidence that they have enough employees to complete their job by Sept. 30, Williamson does not agree.

“At this point the people who have not responded did not intend to respond—now we’re back to the people who are not doing it either because of misunderstanding of the importance of the census or fear or distrust of the government,” Williamson says.

CHAIR continued from Page 1 treasurer for past two years. A lifelong Democrat, he says he was inspired to get more involved with the committee because of his son, Carl Benedetti, Jr. Benedetti Jr. is a member of the Ewing Township Board of Education. He also challenged for the 15th District seat in the Assembly vacated in 2018 by Reed Gusciora, who had been elected mayor of Trenton. Benedetti, Jr. eventually dropped out of that race and endorsed Anthony Verrelli, who was appointed to the seat and reelected last year.

“When my son said he wanted to run (for school board), I said, ‘I’ll take the journey with you,” says Benedetti Sr., 59. “I always had an interest in politics, but raising kids and stuff, there wasn’t always time to get involved.”

He says he is proud to be able to share Carl Jr.’s political experiences.

“He was always interested in politics, since he was al little kid he just gravitated to it,” he says. “Obviously he’s been very successful as a school board member. Last year he was voted as one of the rising stars in Mercer County. I was very proud of that.”

Benedetti Sr. has lived in Ewing since he was 13 months old. He grew up in the Braeburn Heights section with father Albert, a plumber for the State of New Jersey, and mother Katherine.

Albert Benedetti still lives in Braeburn Heights. Today Carl Sr. lives over by Antheil School with his wife, Margaret. Besides Carl Jr., he has two daughters, Alysha, a nurse with Capital Health, and Erica, who is an investigator with the New Jersey State Police.

Benedetti Sr. worked for the State of New Jersey for 35 years before retiring in 2015. When he retired he was an assistant to a director at the Division of Motor Vehicles, what he describes as a coordinator job. The director he worked for was in charge of North Jersey field operations. Margaret, who also recently retired, held the same job, but assisting the director in charge of South Jersey.

Benedetti Sr. praised Dorio for the way he led the committee. “He was very successful as a chairman and very well respected around the county and really even around the region,” Benedetti Sr. says. “Bob was level-

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That’s one key thing I picked up from him that will stay with me and that I truly believe in.”

Benedetti Sr. says he is also committed to ensuring that the committee engages more young people.

“I want us to get a little bit younger, get youth involved,” he says. “The youth today have strong opinions, but they don’t seem to cling to the parties as much. I would like to take that energy and run with it. Look around at our elected officials, and even our commiteepeople, they’re middle-aged people. But I want to see some younger people like my son get involved. I’m a sports fan. I believe you’ve got to have a good bullpen.”

Benedetti Sr. says the coronavirus pandemic has presented significant challenges for the party, particularly in terms of fundraising, but he says the committee has done more with digital media to try to get the word out about what’s going on in Ewing politics.

Incumbent council Democrats Kevin Baxter, Jennifer Keyes-Maloney and David Schroth are running for re-election this fall. No Republicans have been nominated to challenge them, meaning they are certain to win re-election.

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GOODNEWS June September

Adopt-a-Survivor Program Begins at Ewing High School

The Ewing Public Schools Schools

2020 2005

Teacher of the Year Recipients are Honored

Welcome Back to School!

Nearly sixty years since Allied forces liberated the Nazi concentration camps, the now elderly survivors of the Holocaust are turning to a new generation to preserve their testimony about their wartime experiences for future generations.

Holocaust survivors are steadily dwindling in number. Many have made it their mission to educate the world that anti-Semitism and racism easily lead to murder, and to speak about the horrors they and their families suffered. With the passing of time, it has become urgent to find a new generation to continue the survivors’ mission and tell their stories after the survivors can no longer do so.

On April 12, the Adopt-a-Survivor (AAS) program was introduced to the Trenton area at Ewing High School. Six Holocaust survivors were adopted by twelve Ewing High sophomores. The adopted survivors—Moshe Gimlan, Vera Goodkin, Marion Lewin, Ruth Lubitz, Charles Rojer and Jack Zaifman— were originally from Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Belgium.

The AAS program pairs a survivor with one or more students. The students embark on a joint journey with the survivor through discussions about life before, during and after the Holocaust. Participating students will be able to represent the survivor and tell the survivor’s story with accuracy and feeling in the years to come. In addition, each student makes a commitment to tell the survivor’s story in a public venue in the year 2045, a hundred years after the liberation of Auschwitz.

The twelve student adopters are Dave Angebranndt, Tyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz Dunham, Emily Everett, Curtis Fornarotto, Vildana Hajric, Devon Jones, Jen Meade, Billy O’Callaghan, Nikyta Sharma and Melysa Wilson. continued on page A2

Welcome Back for the 20-21 School Year!

Safety Town

June 30 - July 11 Contact: Jean Conrad 609-538-9800 x1302 for application

A warm welcome back to the Ewing School Community for the 2020-21 school year, a year that promises to be unlike anything we have seen before in our district history.

As GoodNews goes to press, the Board of Education has approved the district’s “Return to School Plan” and the administrative team is working hard to prepare our schools for the opening of the school year.

But things being what they are in this COVID-19 world, plans often change in a hurry, so we wanted to focus on many of the positives that have emerged in our community during this public health crisis.

The recipients of the 2005 Teacher of the Year Awards were honored at a luncheon on April 29th. Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County The school district theme for 1st therow20-21 school Teacher of the Year, was a guest speaker.

(L to R): Joan Zuckerman, Principal Antheil; Sharon Solomon, Lore; Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer Teacher of the Year; Emery, Principal Parkway; year is;County “Ewing Strong: AllInetta in this Together,” and Danielle Miller, EHS; Superintendent Ray Broach. 2nd row: Darrell Jackson, Principal FMS; Donna Andreas, Antheil; Don Barnett, FMS; Betsy Turgeon, Parkway; Rodney Logan, Principal EHS. that mantra certainly was embodied in so many actions and efforts over the past six months.

Ewing High Students Attend Gorbachev Presentation From local groups coming together to provide Whitney Lewis, EHS Freshman support to families in need, to teachers going the On April 18, 2005 Ms. Chiavuzzo, Mrs. Walker extra-mile for their students, to stories like EHS of Perestroika. His policies reopened churches, and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several Principal Chmiel putting in nine fourteen-hour released political prisoners, and lifted bans on Mercer County high school and college students, previously censored books. days to be at every Family Commencement Exand politicians to hear a presentation given by The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was perience, there are so many examples of Ewing Mikhail Gorbachev at the Sovereign Bank Arena. one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s people demonstrating Ewing Pride to help the Gorbachev was the last communist leader of the presentation. The policy’s main goal was to community through a tough time.

Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. During his make the Soviet economic system more efficient.

So that will be our focus with GoodNews this term he instituted various policies including his Perestroika involved the transfer of control from year — continuing to share stories of our stu- the government to the business owners. This policy political policy of Glasnost and economic policy dents achieving, our staff doing great things and continued on page A2 highlighting the outstanding programs we have Due to budget restraints throughout the Ewing Schools!

NO Summer School Programs Remember to check out our stories here each resume month, as GoodNews well as on ourwill district website, Twitter will be offered by the with the September feed and YouTube channel.

Ewing Public Schools issue the Observer Best wishes for of a great school year!

Have a Happy Summer!!

during the Summer of 2005.

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools September 2020 | Good News13

The Ewing Public Schools

2020-21 School District Theme Inspired by the unity, resiliency and perseverance that has been demonstrated by so many members of the Ewing School Community during this challenging time, the district theme for the Ewing Schools for the 2020-21 School Year is: “Ewing Strong: All in this Together”.

Board of Education Goals 2020-21 Each summer, the Ewing Township Board of Education and the administration meet in a retreat setting to review the state of the district, discuss the progress made on the previous year's Board goals, and shape new goals for the upcoming school year in a collaborative and collegial manner.

For 2020-21, the Board and the administration have established one encompassing goal for each of the major school district areas of: Personnel, Operations, Governance, Curriculum and Instruction and Fiscal Management.

Goal 1: Personnel

Implement training and professional development that cultivates a community of learners who embody the traits that characterizes a positive school culture such as empathy, inclusivity and equity.

Goal 2: Operations

As the district navigates the COVID-19 public health crisis, work with key stakeholders to develop an effective “Return to School” plan that emphasizes safety, promotes the continuity of learning, and develops the social-emotional well-being of our constituents.

Ewing BOE Announces New Antheil Elementary Principal At its June 22nd meeting, the Ewing Township Board of Education approved Mr. Clifford “Kip” Harrison as the new principal of Antheil Elementary School.

Mr. Harrison’s selection marks the conclusion of a process that began in January, and was delayed slightly as the district navigated the COVID-19 public health crisis. The principal position opening was advertised widely and over 70 applications were received. A principal search committee consisting of community stakeholders with expertise and relevance interviewed the top 12 candidates, with three finalists being recommended for final interviews with the superintendent’s district administrative team.

Mr. Harrison assumed his duties as principal of Antheil School on July 1st.

Mr. Harrison has been with the Ewing Schools since he began his career in education as a Teacher of Health and Physical Education at Ewing High School in 1995. Over the past quarter of a century, Mr. Harrison has held many positions in the district as he worked his way up the administrative ranks. He became a Dean of Students at Ewing High School in 2005 and served as Assistant Athletic Director for EHS from 2010-2016

EHS Boys’ Basketball Team POAC Walk

Goal 3: Governance

Embrace an organizational approach that promotes patterns of interaction between individuals and within an environment characterized by acceptance, valuing, respect, support, and safety so that stakeholders feel challenged to become invested in the pursuits of learning and achievement.

Goal 4: Curriculum and Instruction

Integrate instructional and educational technology that provides authentic learning experiences, especially in a virtual learning format, promotes future readiness, and develops healthy students.

Goal 5: Fiscal Management

As the district navigates Referendum ’18 Phase 2 initiatives, efficiently manage facility projects and communicate pertinent information effectively to the community.

and Supervisor of the after-school ALP program from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, Mr. Harrison joined Principal Ed Chmiel’s administrative team as an Assistant Principal where he has supervised several academic departments, served as assessment coordinator, I&RS committee chair and building security supervisor.

Mr. Harrison’s work with young people goes beyond the school and classroom setting. He was the Head Baseball Coach at Mercer County College from 2003-2006, and led the Blue Devils Baseball program from 2006-2014. He has also served as a counselor for several athletic and youth camps.

Mr. Harrison earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rowan University in 1995, and his Masters of Education with Distinction from Cabrini College in 2014.

“We are excited to have Mr. Harrison take over as principal at Antheil School,” Superintendent Michael Nitti stated. “For twenty-five years he has worked very hard to promote achievement for Ewing students. He has proved to be an effective administrator for us, and we believe he will establish an immediate positive connection with the Antheil School community.”

“I offer my congratulations to Mr. Harrison,” added Board President Lisa McConnell. “We look forward to his contributions to the Antheil School community.”

On July 19th, the Ewing High School Boys' Basketball team participated in the POAC Autism Virtual Walk for a Difference! The team usually

dresses as mascots and volunteers with the entire team at the POAC Walk-for-a-Difference held annually at Fisher Middle School, which was cancelled this May due to COVID-19. So the EHS basketball team took matters into their own hands and decided to create their own virtual walking team! The team was comprised of a total of 10 virtual walkers and one team parent. The team raised a total of $125 for the cause! A BIG thank you goes out to our EHS Boys Basketball player walkers: DJ Haynes, DeMarco Lewis, Jalen Green, Jameel Robinson, Kenneth Rankin, Mekhi Gibson, Naire Preston-Woodall, Tyrone Hill and parent Bianca Taylor-Davis. Great job team!

Colleen Ferry Earns Her Master of Music Fisher Middle School music teacher Colleen Ferry completed her coursework and earned her Master of Music from the University of Michigan this summer!

The Master of Music program is designed for the

professional music educator who wishes to return to their studies for an immersion in university coursework. The program interweaves research and practice, leading students to reflect on and apply knowledge and experiences from coursework to their teaching. For the past two summers Ms. Ferry lived and studied in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this summer all classes were virtual. Congratulations Ms. Ferry!

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools 14Good News | September 2020

The Ewing Public Schools Senior Spotlight: Meet Nina Pschar This year will certainly be a different start than any other year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Do you have any ‘words of wisdom’ for your classmates to start the school year be it either virtual or an in-school learning experience? To my peers, the best advice I can offer is a reminder to stay compassionate. The circumstances we’re facing going into our senior year are unprecedented and unfortunate, but there is still so much we can do to help take care of ourselves and others. This semester is the time to focus on college applications and planning for our futures, which can quickly become overwhelming. I have found that remembering to come back to the present and thinking of all the ways I can help - wear a mask, physically distance, reach out to my friendsmakes the situation much more manageable.

How do you think students can stay involved in the school community? If you have an idea, run with it. While the shift to online classes means a sacrifice of a lot of group meetings, the reach of technology has proven itself to be our best friend in socially-distant times. We have to get a bit creative to find ways to stay in touch, but the end result is definitely worth it. Interacting with our newspaper, following the Ewing Instagram, and joining video calls when offered are great ways to still feel connected to the community.

What advice do you have for students entering their freshman year at EHS like your brother? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. As I reflect on my freshman year, the memories that stand out are all the results of my efforts to make the most of my experience at EHS. Academically, stay focused. Keep a planner, get to know your classmates and teachers, and ask any questions you have. Good study habits are the result of diligent attention and consistent effort, and once you can manage your workload (no matter the load) academics are a lot less intimidating.

What do you want people to know about Ewing High School that they might not know? I hope everybody knows how much EHS has to offer. I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to indulge myself in the English and History departments- from the variety of classes and clubs to the amazing teachers I interact with. If you’re more science inclined, there is no shortage of opportunity: our AP courses in natural and computer sciences and the Robotics team are pretty awesome! Not to mention theater, visual arts, and foreign languages. Your experience is largely what you make of it.

In which activities do you participate in school? I co-lead Frescoes Literary and Art Magazine (writing, designing, organizing, and publishing), write and design the online newspaper, donate crochet pieces for Yarnworks, swim for the Girls Varsity Swim team, volunteer for the Environmental Club, and participate in Math League. This year I am also going to work as President of the National Honors Society and New Jersey Future Educators Association.

What awards or acknowledgements have you received in school and/or outside of school?

My freshman year I won an SAT writing competition for a small poem I had written, which really spurred my involvement in the school’s English department. I received two awards each for leadership in the magazine and newspaper, and this year I earned the Wellesley College Book Award, and a poem I wrote was included in the Mercer County Community College’s literary magazine.

I also earned “Most Improved Swimmer” after this past season (which was my first time swimming ever!). That award means a lot to me, since I took a leap of faith joining the varsity team.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of my involvement in the magazine and newspaper. Writing has always been important to me, and I’ve kept a record of poetry in my notebooks since freshman year.

Seeing how much I have put myself out there and built my writer’s voice warms my heart just to think about. I am working on a novel, slowly but surely, which has been the biggest test of my dedication to the subject.

Who is your favorite teacher or coach and why?

Both Ms. Masterson and Madame Hill are my favorite teachers, largely because I’ve been their student since my freshman year. Ms. Masterson has encouraged my love for literature since I took journalism, and just recently taking AP Language I learned more than I ever expected. She encourages me to pursue writing authentically, and is always willing to help me with outside essay projects and scholarships. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.

I owe my love of French to Madame Hill, who has been my teacher these past three years. She works to make sure my peers and I get the most out of her class, and advocates for more and more opportunities for us as we continue to take her courses. Because of her dedication, French isn’t just a foreign language requirement, but one of the best skills I’ll take with me out of high school.

How do you define success? Success to me is measured by how much I’ve learned. Not in terms of grades or test scores, but how an experience shifts the way I think. With learning

as the goal I work towards, anything can be transformed into a successful experience. I was successful when I didn’t do well on a Chem assignment because I learned how to prioritize my workload; I was successful when I lost the 100 Fly by twelve grueling seconds because I learned I could at least finish the distance.

What is your favorite quote or book? My favorite quote comes from my favorite book, The Waves by Virginia Woolf: “I am not one and simple, but complex and many.”

Anchor House

Jill Voorhees, a Parkway kindergarten teacher, typically spends a week in early July supporting a team of 150+ bike riders who cycle 500 miles to fundraise for Anchor House. Anchor House provides shelter, school outreach, transitional and supportive housing and street outreach to youths, ages 12-21 from the Mercer County area. Of course, this summer was different than the past 42 summers!

So to continue the true tradition of the ride, a Virtual Ride/Walk was created to provide physical distance while still being emotionally connected to Anchor House. Participants choose between the 250 or 500 bike mile ride or a 100 mile walk. Mrs. Voorhees walked the canal paths of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the rest stops along Route 80 on a road trip to Colorado and even put in miles on Rocky Mountain National Park trails! Mrs. Voorhees met her goal (a week ahead of schedule!) and raised over $1,000.

“It’s for the kids!” is the Anchor House rally cry and Jill couldn’t agree more!

To donate, visit: anchorhouseride.rallybound. org/walk-run/jillforthekids

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools September 2020 | Good News15

The Ewing Public Schools September 2020 Schedule in Ewing Schools Sept 2-4

Staff Professional Development Days

Sept 7

SCHOOL CLOSED – Labor Day

Sept 8

Staff Professional Development Day/ Student Technology & Material Pick-up

Sept 9

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Sept 15

FMS - Back to School Night

Sept 16

EHS - Back to School Night

Sept 17

Parkway - Back to School Night

Sept 21

Board of Education Meeting @ 7pm (Open Session @ 8pm)

Sept 23

Lore - Back to School Night

Sept 24

Antheil - Back to School Night

Sept 28

SCHOOL CLOSED – Yom Kippur

To Ewing students, teachers, and the Ewing Community, Ewing Public Education Foundation (EPEF) wishes each of you well as we navigate a very challenging year never imagined.

We know Ewing administrators, teachers, and staff worked diligently to mitigate those challenges and prepare for this new school year. At EPEF, our board continues our mission, providing grants to teachers, presenting innovative programs for our awesome students, and scholarships for graduating Ewing High School students attending higher education in academic or vocational institutions. This is the time we must fully support our student body. We are ALL in this together. Please take care and stay safe. For more information, go to www.EPEF.org.

Thank you to our yearly partners ETS, NJM, CUNJ and Church & Dwight for allowing us to continue our mission!

Still need to register for school? CALL TODAY! Contact the Central Registration Office today to make an appointment and for online pre-registration information: (609) 538-9800 X7181, X7175 or X7180 | registration@ewingboe.org Mrs. Diane Sholes: dsholes@ewingboe.org | (609) 538-8900 X7181 Mrs. Erica Cook: ecook@ewingboe.org | (609) 538-9800 X7175

AHERA MANAGEMENT PLAN ANNUAL NOTIFICATION The Ewing Township Board of Education hereby notifies all parents, students, employees and staff that the activities required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763.93 have been fulfilled. These requirements include the Three Year Re-inspection and assessments of the asbestos containing materials located within the facilities comprising of the School District. A copy of the updated AHERA Management Plan document is currently available for review at the Main Office of each school and other facilities within the Ewing Township Board of Education. Please direct any further questions to Ms. Kristen Masotes at 609-392-4200.

Future projects may include: Classrooms each at AES, EHS, and FMS for tile removal..

16Good News | September 2020

2020 Ewing Township Board of Education Ms. Lisa A. McConnell, President Dr. Channing C. Conway Mrs. Deborah A. Delutis Ms. Deborah A. Jones Mrs. Karen A. McKeon

Mr. Carl A. Benedetti, Jr., Vice President Mr. Anthony F. Messina Mr. Michael S. Miller Mrs. Stephanie F. Staub

Please visit our website daily for up-to-the minute information: www.ewing.k12.nj.us

Instant Alert is an important communication tool for The Ewing Public Schools. A link is available on our website under Parent Information/School Closings. It is the responsibility of the parent/staff member to manage the profile for receiving alerts. Please update your profile.

If you are receiving alerts and are not a member of the Ewing Schools community, please notify us (538-9800 X1102 or thullings@ewingboe.org).

The Ewing Public Education Channel (FIOS31/Comcast 19) displays district and school information, concerts and awards presentations.

Virtual Backpacks, Calendars and Headlines pages on the website are where you will find up-to-the minute information on district-wide events, deadlines, fundraisers and interesting stories about our schools, students and staff. Ewing Recreation and other area events are posted in the VBP under Community Information.

Residency Investigation Hotline Anonymous Tip Hotline

538-9800 X8999 538-9800 X1199

Policies and Regulations: All current policies and regulations for The Ewing Public Schools are available on our website under the Board of Education/Board Policy/Regulation tab.

Community Connector: Contact Lauren Zablow at lzablow@ewingboe.org.

See Something – Say Something!

Ewing Public Schools ANONYMOUS TIP HOTLINE (609) 538-9800 X1199

?

Trust your Instincts!

For questions or information, please contact: Superintendent’s Office 609-538-9800 ext. 1102 Email: thullings@ewingboe.org Website: www.ewing.k12.nj.us

Design and Layout by Daniella Crescente GoodNews is an official publication of The Ewing Public Schools ©2020 GoodNews

Concussions: what you need to know JONATHAN RASKOW ASK THE DOCTOR

Concerned about your health?

Experts from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton are reday to answer readers’ questions. Send your questions to askthedoc@rwjbh.org.

What is a concussion? A concussion is defined as a “trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.” This can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

Concussion can also occur without a direct hit to the head, such as with whiplash. Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or not be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.

What are common symptoms of concussion? Symptoms vary but include any combination of: confusion, headache, double or blurry vision, dizziness or imbalance, nausea or vomiting, memory loss, ringing ears, difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity, loss of smell or taste, trouble falling asleep, increase of symptoms with mental or physical activity after hitting one’s head.

What are some ways to reduce the risk of concussions? Wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a vehicle, remove hazards around the home that contribute to falls, and use handrails and safety gates around stairs. Never use outdated or damaged protective equipment, avoid uneven or unpaved surfaces when cycling, and do not dive in water less than 9 feet deep or in above-ground pools.

Sports tips: Use protective head gear and helmets appropriate to the sport. Be sure your headgear is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) approved and fits properly, and always use proper form when participating in collision/contact sports.

Management if a concussion occurs: If you suspect someone of having a concussion, removal from the activity immediately is most important. It’s important to allot time to heal. Another concussion sustained while the brain is healing can result in long-term problems or even death in rare cases.

Only a health-care professional experienced with concussion management, such as an athletic trainer or physician, can tell if a concussion has occurred and assist with a safe return to play/work. Every concussion is different for each individual, thus no two plans are exactly the same and emphasis should be placed on treating each person’s unique symptoms.

Treatment/recovery: Your licensed healthcare professional will guide you.

At RWJBarnabas Health, we follow our Concussion Pillars for Recovery! In general, here’s how to address common concerns: Low level exercise to tolerance, such as a walking program (when

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September 2020 | Ewing Observer17

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18Ewing Observer | September 2020

I debated long and hard whether I should write this piece. I had planned to, but then I realized that a few of my columns (okay, a ton of my columns) feature my family attempting to do stuff that everyone else does effortlessly but that we cannot manage.

Then I decided, what the heck, everyone knows we’re an odd family anyway, so why not go for the gold?

Last month’s column was about us redoing our powder room and trying to install a faucet and the madness that unfolded during the process. Well, we are still working on the powder room.

Yes, it has taken us three months to redo a room the size of a phone booth. *** We got this gorgeous bronze towel ring for the powder room. Matches the faucet beautifully. When I opened it up, I found a little bag containing two screws, two plastic wall anchors, and a tiny piece of paper with a diagram showing the installation steps.

And then of course the towel ring and the mounting thing.

So we of the short and/or selective memory thought “Ten minutes tops to slap this bad boy up.”

(Note: anytime George and I do anything around the house, he refers to the object as ‘bad boy.’ Not sure why, but it’s weird.)

George and I had a brief discussion on the placement of the towel ring. He wanted it right next to the sink and I wanted it on another wall.

I won that debate, but it was a hollow victory. Keep reading.

We got our tools ready. We hammered in the wall anchors (because of course there was no beam where I wanted the towel ring) after carefully making sure, like 10 times, that they were in the right spots.

We lined up the mounting bracket and started screwing in the screws.

Alas, the wall anchors cracked inside the wall. So we got pliers and pulled the wall anchors out. Luckily, we have several thousand wall anchors in varying sizes and colors.

George grabbed a bunch and we started again. Hammer, hammer, crack. We went through approximately eight wall anchors. By this time, the holes for the screws were so

big that I could have crawled through them if I were still at my pre-pandemic weight.

(Okay, maybe not. But they were big holes.)

By this time, we were sweating and aggravated, yelling things like, “These bad boys are cheap,” “Let’s just put a roll of paper towels on the windowsill” and “This wall is haunted.”

Eventually, we gave up. George grabbed the gallon container of spackle (we go through a lot of spackle around here) and filled the holes. He sanded the patch and painted it and we ignored it for another week. *** The weekend rolled around again and we went through the same routine.

This time we got the wall anchors in and the bracket up and screwed into the wall.

We placed the towel ring on the bracket and attempted to screw the little screw that holds the ring to the bracket.

It was not working.

The towel ring fell off the wall when we let go of it. By then, we had spent several precious weekend hours on the project.

I’m not ashamed to say that I gathered up all the materials and the towel ring and pitched them in the trash. Then I ordered another towel ring, but not until I examined very carefully all the hardware and instructions.

We started the process again with the new towel ring. Same problem.

The wall anchors split, the screws didn’t fit and the bracket kept falling.

George spackled yet again and we walked away yet again. *** Another week rolled by. Unbeknownst to me, George installed the towel ring on the wall he originally wanted it on, and it worked.

There’s a lesson in there somewhere but I refuse to ponder it.

So now we have this lovely little white towel trimmed in light blue hanging on the towel ring. The only problem is, I’m afraid to use it. I have visions of the towel ring falling to the floor if I touch it.

Can you imagine if we had to install a toilet?

By this time, the holes for the screws were so big that I could have crawled through them if I were still at my prepandemic weight.

Ilene Black has been a resident of Ewing for most of her life and lives across the street from her childhood home. She and her husband, George, have two sons, Georgie and Donnie.

Community News Service - Hamilton/Ewing/Hopewell Crossword - 9/20

Marking places and Peoples HELEN KULL EWING THEN & NOW

And sadly, we now have an opportunity to contribute to a living memorial for acclaimed Ewing historic preservation advocates. As I write this in midAugust, the terrible news of James Peoples’ sudden passing has just been made known.

Jim, and his wife, Judy, who passed away in 2018, were wonderful, active folks, involved in many civic activities in the township. They both also shared a passion for history and historic preservation.

They lived in one of the historic homes in Ewing, keeping it restored and maintained, and continuing to research the history of its inhabitants through the decades.

Jim and Judy were both active in the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, Judy even having served as the organization’s president for several years. Jim and Judy were the 2014 recipients of the organization’s Sarah Moore Temple Award, honoring their quiet and generous contributions of time and talent to the preservation of history in Ewing.

Jim was tireless in his assistance with many projects at the Temple House for the Society. Outside of our mutual involvement with the Society, I often ran into one or both of them at history and/or preservation events in Trenton or elsewhere.

They were knowledgeable, generous, gracious, ardent, thoughtful, dedicated, delightful ‘Peoples’. As Judy has been, Jim will be sorely missed.

The family has requested that memorial contributions for Jim can be made to the Historic Preservation Society to fund the creation of a memorial garden for them both, in front of the Society’s home, the Benjamin Temple House.

Rather than a stone marker, don’t you agree that a living memorial of colorful blooms, varying textures and ever-evolving shapes will be a lovely way to memorialize their bountiful lives?

If you do, contributions can be made by sending a check, payable to the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society (or just ETHPS), marked “Peoples Garden,” to 27 Federal City Road, Ewing, NJ 08638.

The ETHPS thanks you very much.

If you have a story to tell about an aspect of Ewing history, please contact Helen at ewingthenandnow@gmail. com.

So, did anyone explore the Historical Markers database (HMdb) last month from the comfort of their couch? Better yet, did anyone go and see them for yourself?

The HMdb website lists only four historical markers in Ewing: 1) the Bear Tavern Road Continental Army route marker included last month; 2) the “Historic Crossroad” marker in the small park at the crossroads in West Trenton; 3) the road sign along Scotch Road in the Ewing Church Cemetery marking the veterans of the Revolution buried there; and 4) the plaque at the Temple-Ryan Farmhouse (aka, Benjamin Temple House on Federal City Road), which lists the historic registry status of the structure (national and state registers).

However, there are at least two others they have somehow mislocated: 1) the historic marker for the Mercer County Airport, on Bear Tavern Road in front of Mountain View Golf Course, which is listed as being in Hopewell, but is definitely in Ewing; and 2) the marker at the old “Hopewell Church” cemetery on the grounds of the Psychiatric Hospital very near to Palmer Lane, which is listed as being in Trenton, but is also actually in Ewing.

There is also a second marker for Bear Tavern Road / Continental Army route located in Ewing further down Bear Tavern Road, placed by another organization, but not included in the HM database.

And yet another marker not listed, a personal favorite, is the one at the top of the Carlton Avenue hill at Scotch Road, which is a memorial to Dr. John Stockton Hough of Ewing. It celebrates his successful work to “establish the first system of stone roads in this county. With foresight he planted this avenue of beautiful Lindens in 1897, a living memorial to his name.”

In some ways, I prefer the concept of “a living memorial” to memorialize a person or event. While the stone markers listed above have firmly, quietly and steadfastly marked a location, event or memorialized a person, many also often sit unnoticed for years.

In my eyes at least, a “living memorial” of trees or other plantings may be more visually enticing, more colorful or more variable from season to season - and thus a more effective and Helen Kull is an adviser to the Ewing evocative memorial.

Township Historic Preservation Society.

In my eyes, a ‘living memorial’ of trees or other plantings is a more effective, evocative memorial.

Puzzle solution Puzzle is on Page 12

Solution Crossword solution: S A C T R M A G O P E C

R E D O

P A T R A I L

E M O T E

R E T R I A A L R U C M R U N D U E D S E T

A S S K S A I X S H A T O M S E L A B A E A D E S E E M I A C N A D O

A N N A S N O R O C E A N

G O I N

O A N B N O S O N E C D O S H Y A S U N D D R E E R E R L I A R I F R A U T T O M A H U M V D D A I N A G A A D E N

T I R L Y T E E V E N

R E E K

N E E R Y V E Y

ENCORE! ENCORE! WEEKEND REWIND

Your Pet Matters Your Career Is Calling Master Your Finances Health 411 Catch up on the episodes you missed every Monday through Thursday at 9 a.m.

Listen on air @107.7 FM | Online @1077TheBronc.com On App @WRRC on Google Play and the Apple App store.

September 2020 | Ewing Observer19

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20Ewing Observer | September 2020