2-21 EO

FEBRUARY 2021 FREE

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Where’s the vaccine?

Taking it up court

Short supplies lead to frustration for those hoping to get vaccinated

By BiLL SanserVino

Blue Devils girls’ basketball player Tamara Warner evades a defender. For coverage of the team, turn to Page 15. (Photo taken by Sarita Wilson.)

Jake Kaplan is a ‘Soul’ man Longtime Ewing resident worked on Pixar’s latest film

By Rebecca BrieGs

Jake Kaplan was proud to put his heart and “soul” into the latest film by Pixar, the legendary animation studio.

That movie, titled Soul, was released on Christmas Day and is currently streaming on the Disney+ streaming service.

Soul follows the story of Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher and jazz musician.

One day he stumbles down a manhole, and winds up in The Great Before—a place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.

While he’s there, Gardner learns the true meaning of life while helping a soul named 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience.

Kaplan, who lived in Ewing for 19 years from infancy, had two roles working on the movie. For the first year and a half, he worked in the Art Department, which produced

character designs, set designs and more.

His job as a coordinator was to take in inventory from the story department, identify what needed to be designed and distribute the inventory among his team. At one time, he worked with between 5 to 20 artists.

Once completed, he would pass his team’s finished projects onto the next department.

Kaplan’s second role for the last few months working on Soul was as coordinator within the Sets Department.

“In the Sets Department, we see KAPLAN, Page 10

While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rage throughout the United States during the month of January, the government struggled to provide enough doses to those looking to be protected from the deadly virus.

Across the country, states have struggled to meet demand, and the doses shipped have been significantly outweighed by the number of people looking to be vaccinated.

When appointments do open up at vaccination sites, available slots are often booked up within hours or less.

People have been left confused and frustrated—wondering how, when and where they will get inoculated.

In New Jersey, the vaccine was first made available to healthcare workers, first responders and staff and residents of long-term care facilities starting in mid-December.

Then at the beginning of January, the Trump Administration announced that it was releasing the stockpile of vaccines it was holding to ensure people would be able to get the required second dose.

A few days later, on Jan. 14, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy opened up vaccinations to people ages 65 and older, and those with high-risk medical conditions.

It was subsequently revealed there was no stockpile of vaccines, and that the second doses

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had already been released at the end of December.

This exacerbated the problem—an even larger pool of people were left seeking vaccinations, but the anticipated increase in supply never occurred.

This resulted in a severe shortage in appointments available for qualified individuals. (For information on who currently qualifies to get the vaccine, see the graphic on Page 4.)

Currently, there are three ways for qualified individuals to make an appointment.

To start, all people should register with the N.J. Vaccine Scheduling System (covidvaccine.nj.gov).

They will be emailed an invitation to schedule an appointment when they are eligible and slots open up. The state has also set up an NJVSS call center to assist individuals, including those with no computers, in pre-registering and scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. For assistance call (855) 568-0545.

The second is to make an appointment directly with one of the many designated vaccination sites across the state.

In Mercer, these include: Capital Health System in Hopewell; the Henry J. Austin Health Centers in Trenton; Hunterdon Family and Sports Medicine in Pennington; the Princeton Health Dept.; Riverside Urgent Care in Ewing; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton; the ShopRite at Hamilton Marketplace Boulevard; and the ShopRite in Pennington.

Other nearby sites include: Princeton Medical Center see VACCINE, Page 4

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It’s no fun being the ‘enemy’ BILL SANSERVINO FrOM ThE EdITOr

had a lot of time to reflect on the importance of journalism, especially at the local level and the toll that COVID-19 is having on small newspaper companies like Community News Service.

Without small town papers, how will people learn about what’s going on in their communities? Who will hold local officials accountable and help give a voice to community members?

In late December, I got a call from our publishers informing me that Managing Editor Rob Anthes was leaving the company, and they asked me to return to my position as a community editor. It was a call I had been waiting months for.

A few weeks later, on Jan. 20, I watched as new White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki held her first press conference only a hours after President Joe Biden was sworn in.

Within the first few minutes, she told the members of the media in the room that she has “a deep respect for the role of a free and independent press in our Democracy, and for the role all of you play.”

I heard her message after a long day of working to get my papers ready to go to press for the first time in months and smiled.

Hopefully the tide is turning. Maybe I won’t be seen as the “enemy” any more.

“The fake news media is the enemy of the people!” It’s a phrase that was frequently uttered by former President Donald Trump.

I believe that over the past four years, Trump and his administration did significant damage to the perception of journalism in this country—seriously undermining a key cornerstone of a free and democratic society.

It trickled down to the local level too.

People who didn’t like a story called it “fake news,” regardless of the accuracy of our reporting.

For more than 30 years, I have done my best to be as fair and professional as possible, and it was frustrating to be vilified by hypocrites who were pursuing their own personal or political agendas.

Last August, I was furloughed by our company as a result of economic conditions stemming from the pandemic.

Over the last four months I realized how much I missed being able to inform community members about important news and the special people, groups and organizations within our towns.

Often I would get a email alert or hear an interesting tidbit and think, “that would make a great story,” only to be met with the cold realization that it Contact BILL SANSERVINO: bsanservino@ wasn’t my job to report it any more. communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext.

During my months on furlough, I 104, facebook.com/BillSanservino.

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 Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104) EDITORIAL INTERN Rebecca Briegs CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Ilene Black, Helen Kull AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stephanie Jeronis

Community News Service 15 Princess Road, Suite K Lawrence, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 396-1511 News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Sports: sports@communitynews.org Letters: bill@communitynews.org Website: ewingobserver.com Facebook: facebook.com/ewingobserver Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

Our office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm 1539 Pennington Road Ewing, NJ 08618 www.ewingmedical.org

2Ewing Observer | February 2021

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CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold

CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri

MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski

17,000 copies of the Ewing Observer are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Ewing 12 times a year.

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

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Ewing and TCNJ—standing strong together Since 1930, when The College of New Jersey relocated to Hillwood Lakes, The College of New Jersey and the Township of Ewing have stood strong together through good times and bad. While the ongoing pandemic presents challenges unseen in modern times, we remain united in purpose and are working in partnership to protect public health.

We are optimistic that as the year progresses, we will see a gradual return to normal life. TCNJ will take its first steps in that direction in February when it begins its spring term. Typical of the times, however, this will not be an ordinary semester in many respects. We would like to share with the community some of the many health and safety measures that will be in place.

Campus activity will be greatly reduced this spring and the college has taken steps to minimize the number of people on campus at any given time.

These efforts include the elimination of external events and reducing the occupancy of campus residence halls by 44%.

Additionally, approximately three-quarters of all classes will remain online-only and many college employees will continue to work remotely.

For those who will be residing on or coming to campus, the college has implemented a mandatory daily self-health

check. Robust measures are also in place to assist with contract tracing, as needed.

All students living on or arriving to campus will be tested weekly for COVID-19. The college is working with its unions to extend testing to employees. Masks will be mandatory for students, faculty, and employees. Extensive signage has been placed in campus buildings and on campus walks to reinforce social distancing and public health measures.

All of this is underpinned by a new TCNJ health and wellness policy that allows the college to revoke access to campus to those who repeatedly and/or willfully violate these protocols. All students, including those living off-campus, are expected to adhere to these policies.

Failure to do so could result in disciplinary actions per the Student Conduct Code.

Ewing and TCNJ are also working together on plans to vaccinate township residents as soon as the new coronavirus vaccine becomes broadly available. Students in the college’s nursing program will help administer the shot. The TCNJ campus is one of several sites under consideration to hold vaccination clinics.

Ewing Township and TCNJ are unwavering in our commitment to the health and wellness of all residents and

members of the campus community. In Bert H. Steinmann Steinmann is the mayor of Ewing.

January we will be visiting Ewing neighborhoods, following all health and wellness protocols, to talk with students and Kathryn A. Foster DRY CLEAN residents about a unified effort to keep Foster is the president of The College of us all safe.

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TOWNSHIP OF EWING COUNTY OF MERCER PUBLIC NOTICE – NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARDS FOR 2021

Notice is hereby given that the Township of Ewing has awarded contracts without competitive bidding as professional services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i). The contracts and the resolutions authorizing them are on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Municipal Clerk.

Awarded To: Maeve Cannon, Esq. of Stevens & Lee Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Attorney Awarded To: Antonio Martinez, Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Public Defender Awarded To: Bertha Scott, Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Municipal Prosecutor Awarded To: David J. Truelove, Esq. of Hill Wallack Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Labor Negotiator Awarded To: Harry Z. Haushalter, Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Special Tax Counsel Awarded To: Alaimo Group Consulting Engineers Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Conflict Engineer Awarded To: Peter Sockler and Sockler Realty Services Group Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals Awarded To: Robert P. Esposti and Post Appraisal Group Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals Awarded To: Charles Ciolino and Garden State Appraisers and Consultants Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals Awarded To: Pamela J. Brodowski and BRB Valuation & Consulting Services Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Appraisals Awarded To: Charles W. Latini and L & G Planning, LLC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Planner Awarded To: K. Wendell Bibbs and Remington & Vernick Engineers Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Engineer Awarded To: Charles P. Allen, Jr., Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Attorney/Condemnation Board Awarded To: Edward McManimon, III, Esq. of McManimon, Scotland and Baumann, LLC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Bond Counsel/Special Legal Counsel Awarded To: Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq. of Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Rent Control Attorney/Special Litigation Attorney Awarded To: Warren A. Broudy of Mercadien, P.C Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Auditing Services Awarded To: Wesley Bridges, Esq. of Bridges & Snell, LLC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Conflict Attorney Kim J. Macellaro, CMC Ewing Municipal Clerk

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4Ewing Observer | February 2021

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE VACCINE NOW? As of January 14, 2021 the following groups are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and can begin to make their appointments.

• Frontline First Responders • Long Term Care Facility Residents • Paid/unpaid persons working/volunteering in a healthcare setting • Persons ages 65 and older • Persons ages 16-64 years old who have at least one chronic medical condition that poses high-risk for severe COVID-19.

These include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, Sickle cell disease, smoking and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

At this time, the best place to register for the vaccine is through the N.J. Vaccine Scheduling System at covidvaccine.nj.gov. For more information on the vaccine and vaccination locations, go to covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine.

VACCINE continued from Page 1 in Plainsboro; the Middlesex County megasite in Edison; the Burlington County megasite at Moorestown Mall; Boyd’s Pharmacy in Columbus; and the Burlington County Health Dept. in Westampton.

For a full list of vaccination sites in New Jersey and contact information, go to covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. Due to the high demand, there is a high likelihood that the sites on this list will be fully booked.

Finally, select healthcare facilities, including many hospitals, are offering vaccines directly to their workers. Anyone who works at one of these facilities should contact their employer to learn if the vaccine is available there. *** As of Jan. 24, the state had administered more than 550,000 doses of vaccine.

This is about half the overall doses that have been received by the state.

The rest were delivered to commercial entities for distribution, such as pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, Gov. Murphy told CNBC on Jan. 20 that that part of the vaccine rollout has been problematic..

“They basically amassed these doses, they schedule visits to long-term care nursing homes, extended living, and they’re punching under their weight, particularly Walgreens, and that’s where most of the yet to be used doses are,” Murphy told CNBC. He added that the companies should “put more bodies on the case” to increase vaccinations.

Meanwhile, for several reasons, Mercer County sat near the bottom of the state in the number of people vaccinated by the end of January.

New Jersey began vaccinating residents starting on Dec. 15, but Mercer didn’t hold its first vaccination clinic

until Dec. 28.

The state of New Jersey reported on its COVID-19 Information Hub that as of mid-day Jan. 24, Mercer County had vaccinated 13,587 people.

During the week of Jan. 17-23, a total of 4,854 people received shots—an average of about 700 people a day.

By comparison, neighboring Burlington and Middlesex counties had vaccinated roughly twice as many people overall.

As of Jan. 25, a total of 27,287 people had received vaccines in Burlington County, and an average of about 1,200 per day between Jan. 17-23.

In Middlesex County, a total of 40,540 had been vaccinated by Jan. 24, with an average of more than 1,800 per day between Jan. 17-23.

Bergen was the county with highest number in the state, with 61,261 vaccinations as of Jan. 24.

Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said that part of the problem with rolling out vaccinations was that fact that there is no county department of health in Mercer. Health departments in the county are run by each of the municipalities, some of which contract with other towns.

Hughes said vaccine deployment in Mercer County has been a collaborative effort between the Mercer County Division of Public Health, the County Health Officers Association, Capital Health System and a number of other entities (such as the nursing school at Mercer County Community College).

“While it might seem like Mercer was lagging, many Mercer towns conducted their own vaccine clinics based on the capacity they could manage, and only for people who met the 1A category, including their local police, fire and EMTs,” Hughes said in an email.

In a video posted to YouTube on Jan. 21, Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin spoke

about the vaccine situation.

He said that starting at the end of December, Hamilton teamed up with the other towns in Mercer County to create “points of distribution, or PODs.” The PODs were closed to the general public, and the initial priority was to vaccinate healthcare workers and first responders (firefighters, EMS and police).

He said that the PODs rotated between the municipalities throughout the county during the first weeks of January.

He said that the PODs “allow people from across the county to get vaccinated. It allows those people who qualify to get vaccinated to make a more convenient appointment.”

“Unfortunately the amount of vaccine available to us as a county and as a township is severely diminished,” Martin said. “It’s not nearly enough to accommodate the demand that we’ve seen from you all.”

He said that in the days after the state increased the pool of eligible recipients on Jan. 14, Hamilton Township received more than 2,500 calls from people wanting the vaccine.

Supply is a major problem, and will continue to be going forward, said Hughes. “As of today (Jan. 22), the state is giving Mercer County only 800 doses per week,” he said.

Those doses must be shared with towns based on population. Vaccines must be used within seven days of receipt from the state.

“The state and counties are all behind

because the federal government has released so little vaccine to New Jersey, and this has impacted our ability to ramp up and get more individuals vaccinated,” said Marygrace Billek, Mercer County director of human services She said that the county has had a distribution plan in place for more than 15 years, but that plan is predicated on the availability of the Strategic National Stockpile from the Federal government.

“For COVID-19, we have all had to rethink our plans and processes and do things differently, and to that end Mercer will stand up and support two regional vaccination sites, something that has not been part of our past plan,” Billek said.

Officials were hopeful that the situation would improve with the opening of a regional vaccination site on Jan. 25 at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton.

The regional site, a joint effort between the county and Capital Health, opened planning to vaccinate 200 people a day using a separate doses allocated to Capital Health by the state.

“We will be continuing 5 to 7 days a week, expanding the number of doses per day as supply increases,” Hughes said.

The plan is to also use Mercer County College as a regional site along with the municipal sites as the number of vaccines increases. Hughes said he anticipates this will happen in mid-February.

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February 2021 | Ewing Observer5

GOODNEWS June February

The Ewing Public Schools Schools

2021 2005

Adopt-a-Survivor Program the Year Recipients Honored The Ewing Schools Teacher Announceof 2020-21 Educators of theare Year!

Begins at Ewing High School The Ewing Schools is proud to announce the district’s recipients of the 2020-21 Governor’s Educator of Year awards.

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 Mr.generations.

John Ms. Sarah Mrs. Michele Mrs. Alison Mrs. Colleen Holocaust survivors are steadily dwindling inBurdick Kocubinski Dagenais Price Czajkowski number. Many have made it their mission to educateFMS EHS Antheil Lore Parkway the world that anti-Semitism and racism easily lead to murder, to speak about theHigh horrors they and Mrs. Dagenais values continuing education Mr. John and Kocubinski: Ewing School Ms. Sarah Burdick: Fisher Middle School their families suffered.

With the passing of time, it has Ms. Sarah Burdick joined the Fisher Middle and is dedicated to professional growth. She parAs a Family and Consumer Science Teacher at becomeMr. urgent to find a brings new generation to continue EHS, Kocubinski real world experi- School staff in September of 2015 as a Language ticipated in math and literacy book clubs and atthe survivors’ mission and tell their stories the Arts Teacher after she graduated from The Col- tended workshops outside the district. This past ence to his classroom and teaches his after students survivors can no longer do so. all about the food and hospitality industry. In his lege of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree in summer, Mrs. Dagenais enrolled in a 30-hour On bustling April 12, the Adopt-a-Survivor always classroom, students learn (AAS) to un- Italian Language and Culture and a Master’s de- phonics course to learn best practices for teachprogram was introduced to the Trentoninarea at Ewing gree in Teaching. ing reading to struggling learners. derstand the concept of teamwork a restaurant Highwhy School.

Holocaust adopted From her earliest days at Fisher, Ms. Burdick “Mrs. Dagenais is a true asset to the Antheil and it is Six important to survivors learn all were the facets of by industry. twelve Ewing High sophomores. The adopted became known for her innovative, student-cen- Elementary School community,” added Printhe survivors—Moshe Gimlan, Verastudents Goodkin,goMarion cipal Harrison. “Her driving motivation has alMany of Mr. Kocubinski's on to tered approach in the Language Arts classroom.

Lewin, Ruth Lubitz, Charles Rojer and Jack Zaifman— “Sarah is truly deserving of the New Jersey ways been the best interests of her students and work in the industry or look to continue their were originally from Germany, studies in the Culinary Arts. Mr.Czechoslovakia, Kocubinski’s Governor's Educator of the Year Award for Fisher she continually goes above and beyond when it Poland and Belgium.

Maggy stated.

The School,” recipients of Principal the 2005 Teacher of the Hanna Year Awards were honored at a luncheon April 29th.

Jan their Fay, 2004 Mercer County comes to her on students and learning styles. prevailing attitude is “I try to make every student Middle The AAS program pairs a survivor with one or Teacher of theyears Year, was a teacher, guest speaker.

1st rowsignificantly (L to R): Joan Zuckerman, Principal Antheil; Sharon Solomon, Lore; Jan Fay, 2004 “In her six as a she has She is hardworking, dedicated and tries to be the that enters my class feel like a Chef!”

Mercer County Teacher of the Year; Inetta Emery, Principal Parkway; Danielle Miller, EHS; Superintendent Ray Broach. 2nd row: Darrell more students. The students embark on a joint journey impacted the lives of hundreds of students.

Sarah bestTurgeon, teacherParkway; she can be.”Logan, Principal EHS. A Rider University graduate, Mr. Kocubinski Jackson, Principal FMS; Donna Andreas, Antheil; Don Barnett, FMS; Betsy Rodney with the survivor through discussions about life started his career at Ewing High School in Feb- is an outstanding teacher, who puts students at the Mrs. Alison Price: Lore Elementary before, during and after the Holocaust. Participating ruary 2015. He is also in his 12th year teaching as center of their learning. Each and every day she Mrs. Alison Price is a proud graduate of the students will be able to represent the survivor and challenge Lewis, EHS Freshman a Pastry Arts Adjunct lecturer and Chef Instruc- designs instruction and activities thatWhitney Ewing High School Class of 2002! tell the survivor’s story with accuracy and feeling in to read, write, and think critically.” tor for Rowan University at Burlington County students On April 18, 2005 Ms. Chiavuzzo, Mrs. Walker of Mrs. Perestroika.

His policies reopened churches, Price graduated from Montclair State the years to come. In addition, each student makes Ms. Burdick's passion for teaching extends College at the Culinary Arts Center in Mt. Holly, and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several released political prisoners, and lifted bans on a commitment to tell the survivor’s story in a public University with her Bachelor’s degree in Family beyond the classroom.

Sheand seeks opportunities Mercer County high school college students, previously censored books.

New to shareyears his expertise venueJersey. in the He yearcontinues 2045, a hundred after the and Child Studies with a concentration in Early to contribute to the school community, whether and politicians to hear a presentation given by The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was and leads by example with his work ethic on a liberation of Auschwitz. and Middle Childhood. it is through participation in school Bank committees, Mikhail Gorbachev at the Sovereign Arena. one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s dailyThe basis even during the pandemic. twelve student adopters are Dave Angebranndt, Mrs. Alison Price is not only Lore's Educator extra-curricular activities or providing profesGorbachev was the last communist leader of the presentation.

The policy’s main goal was to “Mr. Kocubinski is an asset to our school as Tyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz Dunham, Emily Everett, of the Year, but she is also a product of the Ewing sional development.

Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991.

During his make the Soviet economic system more efficient. he provides students with meaningful learning Curtis Fornarotto, Vildana Hajric, Devon Jones, Township Public Schools. Mrs. Price attended Congratulations to Ms. Burdick on this wellterm he instituted various policies including his Perestroika involved the transfer of control from experiences and O’Callaghan, lifelong skills in the areaand of Jen Meade, Billy Nikyta Sharma Parkway Elementary School and is very proud deserved awardofand accomplishment from the the political policy Glasnost and economic policy government to the business owners. This policy Culinary Arts. In the last five years thatonMr. Melysa Wilson. continued pageKoA2 of the time she spent as a Parkway Panther. She entire Fisher School Community!

Ewing High Students Attend Gorbachev Presentation

cubinski has taught at Ewing High School our Culinary Arts Safety program has grown tremendously.

Town More and more students are in taking June 30 - Julyinterested 11 Culinary Arts and we now offer Culinary Arts II Contact: Jean Conrad and III. Our Culinary Arts classes are some of 609-538-9800 x1302 our largest and most popular in the school,” Prinfor application cipal Chmiel stated.

Mr. Kocubinski also works well with the Life Skills students making fun, challenging menus based on the students’ suggestions. Mr. Kocubinski has developed a Culinary Arts Club that has worked with the Unified Club to make pies and even hosted “A Make your own Pizza Night”.

continued on page A2

Have a Happy Summer!!

Mrs. Michele Dagenais: Antheil Elementary Mrs. Dagenais first joined the Antheil School family in 2011 as a long-term replacement teachGoodNews will resume er. She is currently teaching in a first grade incluwith the September sion class for the 2020-2021 school year. issue of the Observer Mrs. Dagenais graduated from Rider University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology.

“Mrs. Dagenais strives to create lessons that are developmentally appropriate, engaging and meaningful,” Principal Kip Harrison stated. “She employs multisensory techniques to ensure she is meeting the differing needs and learning styles in her classroom.”

graduated from Ewing High School and attended Due toUniversity, budget restraints Montclair State where she graduated NO Cum Summer Programs Summa Laude.School Mrs. Price was first hired as a long-term Lore will besubstitute offeredatby theElementary School inEwing 2006 and was hired to teach second Public Schools grade in 2007. Mrs. Price currently teaches first theloves Summer 2005. grade,during where she to work of with students to help them develop a solid foundation for a love of learning and success, especially in literacy.

This year, Mrs. Price is teaching virtually, and parents could not be more appreciative of all that she does for her students. Whether it's the stories

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools 6Good News | February 2021

continued >>

The Ewing Public Schools >> continued from page 1

she reads to engage young learners, activities she plans to ignite their thinking, or the surprises she leaves on their doorsteps, Mrs. Price's passion and dedication is undeniable.

Principal Kawalek expressed sincere appreciation for all that Mrs. Price does for the students of Lore Elementary School." Mrs. Price's determination to make a difference in the life of every student she touches is irrefutable. The energy in her classroom is palpable, it's a place where young learners are excited to go every day. It doesn't matter if she's teaching students in-person or virtually, Mrs. Price's ability to make her students feel loved, supported, and encouraged, while moving every student forward in his or her learning, is amazing to watch."

Mrs. Colleen Czajkowski: Parkway Elementary Mrs. Czajkowski graduated from Rider University with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Communication, Interpersonal Relations and a minor in Middle School with a concentration in Mathematics. She graduated from Montclair State University with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Mrs. Czajkowski joined the Parkway Elementary School educators in September 2011.

While at Parkway Elementary School, Mrs. Czajkowski has worked to be a staff member who is resourceful, professional and a mentor to new teachers and students. She regularly exchanges suggestions for program improvement and instructional changes with her fourth grade team.

Trunk or Treat, Pancake Breakfast, Fourth grade concerts and Pajama Reading Night are a few of the evening family events where Mrs. Czajkowski attends to assist and facilitate activities.

During her time at Parkway School, Colleen has coached the Odyssey of the Mind team and helped to develop and facilitate the Pasta Dinner/Basket Auction which benefitted the Odyssey of the Mind team and the Instrumental Music program. Colleen is a teacher who always has a smile on her face and cheerful greetings in her heart. In her classroom students feel honored, respected, challenged, cared for and loved. Even when needing to be stern Colleen does it in a way where the student is able to understand and take responsibility for their wrong choices without feeling downtrodden.

“Since being a principal at Parkway Elementary School, I always enjoy my time in Colleen’s classroom watching her ignite a spark in her students that gets them excited about learning,” shared Principal Nicole Harris. “Her prevailing attitude is that learning is fun and we can learn from each other as we navigate this new information together. Being in her classroom is always a time for adventure and learning in academics and in student self-discovery.”

Senior Spotlight: Meet Kylie King Do you have any ‘words of wisdom’ to share with your classmates as we are still navigating the COVID-19 health crisis? The best advice I could give to my peers is to take time for yourself.

Self-care and mental health are important now more than ever.

What do you want people to know about Ewing High School that they might not know? Ewing High School is a very tight knit community and has a space for everyone. I’ve met some of my closest friends through clubs and school organizations.

In which activities do you participate in school? I’m currently president of the Environmental Club and a member of National Honors Society and Peer Leadership. Up until this year, I was involved in the school orchestra and the pit orchestra for the musical where I played the cello.

Who is your favorite teacher and/or coach why? My favorite teacher is Mr. Hammer because he has always been enthusiastic about biology and is always willing to help me. I had him for both Honors Bio my sophomore year and AP Bio this year. I also got the opportunity to work with Mr. Hammer outside of the classroom during Environmental Club meetings. My freshman and sophomore year he helped the club build garden beds and a greenhouse in the school’s courtyard.

Who or what has impacted your life in a positive way? My mom and sister are my #1 supporters and have helped shape me into who I am today. They are always there for me and I would not have survived high school had it not been for their endless love and support.

How do you define success? For me, success looks like doing what I am passionate about and surrounding myself with people who share the same values as me.

What activities do you participate in outside of school? I’m a part of the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) which is a college preparatory program for high achieving economically challenged income students. Up until this year I was also the Student Ambassador for the Ewing Township Green Team where I helped high school students get involved with the township’s projects.

What are your plans after you graduate from Ewing High School? I’m excited to announce that I will be attending Middlebury College in the fall! I plan on majoring in Global and International Studies with a concentration in Environmental Change. I’m looking forward to learning how to ski and being able to take advantage of Vermont’s beautiful outdoors.

The Ewing Public Schools Reorganizes for 2021

EHS Dayne Ellis Recognized as 2020 Scholar-Leader-Athlete

The Ewing Township Board of Education met virtually on January 4th to conduct the annual BOE reorganization meeting.

School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Dennis Nettleton opened the meeting and read into the record the official results of the November BOE election. He then conducted the oath of office for returning Board member Dr. Channing Conway, who was elected to his second term on the Board, and new members Jennifer Miller and Tyrone Miller.

The Board then conducted its election for President, which resulted in the nomination and unanimous selection of Lisa McConnell, who is in her second term on the Board of Education. McConnell served as the Board’s president this past year and will continue in the role for 2021. The Board then unanimously elected Anthony Messina as Vice President. Mr. Messina is in his third term as a member of the Board and has previously served as both Board president and vice-president.

The Board also approved its meeting calendar for 2021, which is posted to the website under the Board of Education/Ewing BoardDocs/Library/Events.

Ewing High School Football student-athlete Dayne Ellis was selected by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as the 2020 ScholarLeader-Athlete for Ewing High School. It is a tremendous honor for Dayne to be recognized by his teachers, coaches, classmates and teammates for his efforts in the classroom and on the field.

The Delaware Valley Chapter of National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will be holding their 59th Annual George Wah Awards Event virtually on a Sunday in March where they will honor the top area scholar-athletes in the area from the 2020 football season.

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools February 2021 | Good News7

The Ewing Public Schools EHS FALL ATHLETES HONORED It was a fall sports season unlike any other, but one thing was similar to past years-Ewing High School student-athletes adding to the rich history of the school’s athletic tradition by excelling in their respective sports.

It was a short, but tremendously exciting season, for Ewing High School football, highlighted by a frenetic and thrilling high scoring victory over Allentown in what would turn out to be the team’s final game. Several Blue Devils were recognized for their exceptional efforts on the gridiron.

Electrifying Senior Running Back Gabe Abel was named to the Times of Trenton All Area Squad after racking up 860 yards on just 77 carries with 11 total touchdowns.

Freshman sensation Kamar Archie was named to the Times of Trenton All Area Team after bursting on to the scene with an impressive rookie campaign, leading the Blue Devils with 56 tackles and five sacks.

Leading the way was Senior Defensive End Aaron Forde, who was a terror for opposing offenses all season, and a veritable sack machine.

Forde was named the Times of Trenton Defensive Player of the Year, also garnering a spot on the All Area Team.

Top left: Hazel Penner; Bottom left: Sierra Mitchell; Right: Aaron Zaggi

Top left: Abigail Buker; Bottom left: William Bolmer; Top right: Marian Ordonez; Bottom right: Anthony Cruz

Top left: Kamar Archie; Bottom left: Gabe Abel; Right: Aaron Forde

Ewing BOE Welcomes New Members In November, Jennifer L. Miller and Tyrone A. Miller, Jr. were elected to their first terms as members of the Ewing Township Board of Education.

The two are not related, although Jennifer Miller is married to BOE member Michael Miller, who is in his second year of his initial term as a member of the Board.

Jennifer Miller is a Middle School ELA Teacher for the South Brunswick Schools. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education/English from The College of New Jersey, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Rider University and is currently working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Educational and Community Organizations at the American College of Education. She currently has three students in the Ewing Schools, is a member of the Fisher Parent Association, and has previously served on the Lore Parents Association.

Tyrone Miller is a teen facilitator with a Central Jersey Health Consortium and a seven-year Ewing resident who lives with his wife Kenyanna and his two children, Miron, a former Ewing High school student-athlete who is now in college, and Tyannna, who is in the 11th grade.

“We are excited to welcome Mrs. Miller and Mr. Miller to the Board,” Superintendent Michael Nitti stated. “We look forward to their efforts and contributions to the Board as we focus on moving the district forward and promoting student achievement in all our schools and programs.”

Finally, sophomore Field Hockey Maureen Lepold was named as the Trentonian Unsung Player of the Year for Ewing High School.

“We are proud of all of our student-athletes who represented Ewing High School during this challenging season,” Athletic Director Ernie Covington stated. “Congratulations to those who were honored on all of their achievements!”

Over on the pitch, Boys Soccer standout Senior Aaron Zaggi earned Honorable Mention AllCVC Honors, as did Girls Soccer counterparts Sophomores Hazel Penner and Sierra Mitchell.

Fellow Blue Devil booters Abigail Buker and Marian Ordonez on the Girls Side, and William Bolmer and Anthony Cruz from the Boys, were selected to participate in the prestigious Mooch Senior All Star Soccer Game.

Maureen Lepold

FMS’ virtual 8th grade science program challenged students with the task of assisting a group of engineers, on a secret Moon mission, stranded from their Moon Base, in need of tools to fix their Lunar Vehicle.

Implementing the Engineering Design Process, students gathered what recyclable materials that they could, researched, designed, and developed an LTV C.A.R.T. (Lunar Transport Vehicle … Carries All of the Right Tools) to facilitate the successful completion of the mission.

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools 8Good News | February 2021

The Ewing Public Schools February 2021 Schedule in Ewing Schools Feb 1

SCHOOL CLOSED – Grades 6-12 ONLY & O’Brien Academy Early Dismissal K-5 ONLY @ 1:40pm (No PM Aftercare/EDP)

Feb 4

FMS - Virtual Movie Night @ 5pm

Feb 5

FMS & Elementary - 2nd Marking Period Report Cards (Genesis Parent Access)

Feb 6

Parkway - Annual Pandemic-Style Pancake Breakfast @ 10am–11am (Go to Parkway website for details)

Feb 11

EHS - Virtual 2nd Semester Back to School Night

Feb 15

SCHOOL CLOSED – Presidents’ Day

Feb 22

BOE Meeting @ 7pm; Public Session @ 8pm

Feb 24

Early Dismissal K-8 ONLY – Parent Conferences (No PM Aftercare/EDP)

2021 Ewing Township Board of Education Ms. Lisa A. McConnell, President Dr. Channing C. Conway Mrs. Deborah A. Delutis Ms. Deborah A. Jones

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

Notice of Board of Education Meetings The Ewing Township Board of Education has scheduled the following Board Meetings. All meetings are regular business meetings unless otherwise noted. Board Meetings commence at 7:00PM at which time the Board may convene in Closed Session for one hour and return to Public Session at 8:00PM. Formal Action Will or May Be Taken.

DATES:

Calling on All EHS Graduating Seniors

EPEF Announces 2021 Scholarship Applications The Ewing Public Education Foundation formally and proudly announces its 2020–2021 scholarship program and allocation of awards in the following categories:

January 25, 2021

July 26, 2021

February 22, 2021

August 23, 2021

(Preliminary Budget Overview)

March 15, 2021

(Preliminary Budget Presentation/ Tentative Budget Approval)

April 26, 2021

(Public Hearing on Budget/ Approval of Final Budget)

• EPEF: The Wayne Staub Presidential Scholarship

May 24, 2021

• EPEF: Ewing Public Education Foundation Leadership Scholarship

June 28, 2021

• EPEF: The Vincent J. Sciarrotta Community Service Leadership Scholarship • EPEF: Church & Dwight Academic and Community Service Scholarship Each Scholarship will be awarded to a Ewing High School graduating senior preparing to enter an accredited college, university or trade school. Applications will be made available thru the guidance office.

Nicholas Vellenga, a 2019–2020 recipient of the Wayne Staub Presidential Scholarship for EPEF, states, “Despite the difficulties of 2020, I managed to secure an A in each of my college classes, leaving me with a 4.0 GPA to start off my college career. I just wanted to give my thanks once again to EPEF, as it’s because of your support that I was able to reach such a result at Georgia Tech.

I hope to continue in this same direction as the next semester begins and to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.” We are so proud to be a small part of Nicholas’ success. We hope you will be our next scholarship winner.

The Ewing Public Education Foundation’s mission is to provide grants to The Ewing Public School district for innovative educational programs through tax free funding. The grants recognize and meet the need for educational opportunities in the creativity of our teachers, educators and administrators.

To give to EPEF, please go to www.epef.org. Thank you to our supporters and partners. We would not be able to do what we do without you!

September 27, 2021 October 25, 2021 November 22, 2021 December 20, 2021 January 3, 2022

(Board Organization Meeting) NOTE: There will be NO Closed Session unless otherwise specified

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

Emergency School Closings

We will communicate during emergencies via our official communication portals: the district website, Instant Alert, Channel 19/31. Twitter is not an official emergency communication tool.

If there is bad winter weather, the school community should be ready for the possibility of having a traditional “school closed/snow day” or prepared for a district-wide virtual day of learning. Since all of our schools are running on an early dismissal schedule anyway, the choice this year will be either school being closed, or a virtual learning day.

?

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 ©2021 GoodNews

February 2021 | Good News9

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KAPLAN cont. from Page 1 would use those designs that came from the art department, and build all of the New York streets, and the Soul landscape with all of the personality pavilions that activated when the baby souls went through them,” Kaplan said. “Anything you saw in the background was a set piece that had to be built.”

As a sets coordinator, Kaplan decided who built each of the sets, as well as how each project was handed off to the lighting department to bring the landscapes together.

“I got on the film very early in production,” Kaplan said. “We didn’t even know what it was going to look like. I got to work with the art team as they built what it would look like. It was crazy to watch how it evolved.”

Kaplan and others working on the movie participated in a number of adventures to help educate themselves on the introspective and thoughtful storyline as a way to produce a more authentic movie.

This included guided meditations, learning about anesthesia, and even what colors derive from musical notes.”

Kaplan said that when he was younger, he saw himself working in Indie studios, producing smaller productions and movies. He never imagined working under the Disney umbrella.

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Kaplan said. “I had no idea I entertainment..

“My father was a huge influwould work for Pixar one day, but ence,” Kaplan said. “Animation was I’m happy I do,” he said.

Kaplan, who now lives in Cali- something I was particularly interfornia, looks fondly on his Ewing ested in from watching it on the TV upbringing. A resident of the town- every Saturday.”

Kaplan worked as a social media ship for 19 years, he moved there in 1994 when he was an infant, intern at the office of communicaand lived in town until 2013. He tions for the School of Visual Arts attended Lore Elementary School, during his senior year of college.

While he was there, he found and after that he went to Chapin out that Pixar was visiting another School in Lawrence Township. department at the After his years at school, but managed Chapin, he transto get a meeting with ferred to George one of the recruiters.

School in NewThis led to an interntown, Pennsylvania. ship right out of colKaplan attended the lege, which led to his School of Visual Arts current job as a coorin New York City, dinator for Pixar. where he earned a The first film he degree in animation. worked on at Pixar As early as elewas Incredibles 2. mentary school, Kaplan speaks Kaplan loved animahighly of Pixar and tion and art. Inspired his time there. He by animated TV described the comshows and movies, Kaplan pany as “alive,” due he began to draw at a to the high numbers young age.

“Ask any of my elementary of people working on projects. school teachers,” Kaplan said. Along with his job, he participates “They’ll tell you I was always doo- in many activities through the studling cartoons all over every test dent resource groups.

“There’s always something and paper.”

Kaplan’s father worked as a exciting happening at the stuline producer for MTV and Amer- dio,” Kaplan described. “It’s so ica’s Most Wanted, while Kaplan much fun. It’s a really great place, was growing up, which was and the people are what makes it one of the reasons he went into incredible.”

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HEALTH

FEBRUARY 2021

@capitalhealthnj

HEADLINES

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

COVID-19 VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

Staying Safe During The Pandemic

EXPANDING IN NEW JERSEY

IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

Who is currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed in phases throughout New Jersey according to prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health. To find the most up-to-date groups who are eligible for the vaccine in New Jersey, visit covid19.nj.gov.

Previously, the vaccine was available only to health care workers (including Capital Health employees and active and associate medical staff), residents of long-term care facilities and police and fire personnel in New Jersey.

AS OF JANUARY 14, 2021, new state guidelines for vaccine eligibility expanded to include paid or unpaid persons working or volunteering in health care settings, residents of long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, front-line first responders, persons age 65 and older, and persons age 16 to 64 years old who have at least one chronic medical condition that poses a high-risk for severe COVID-19. FOR CURRENT, UPDATED INFORMATION, VISIT COVID19.NJ.GOV/VACCINE. This includes individuals who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Down syndrome, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, obese, or smokers.

Anyone in New Jersey falling into these eligible groups can register for a COVID-19 vaccine by visiting covidvaccine.nj.gov.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work? The COVID-19 vaccine gives the immune system a preview of the coronavirus, so it learns how to stop it if you are exposed. It triggers antibodies in your blood to attack the virus’ unique spike protein.

Your immune system learns from the vaccine how to quickly recognize the actual virus and stop it from multiplying. The idea is to stop SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from getting into cells, replicating itself and making you sick.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? Like most new medicines and vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines are tested for safety in large clinical trials. During the clinical trials, volunteers receive the vaccine and then regularly check in with scientists to report any side effects or illnesses. If the vaccine has data to support its safety and effectiveness, the scientists apply for Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists continue to follow the volunteers for at least two years to report any long-term or rare side effects and safety concerns.

Where Can I Get the Vaccine? Information about open vaccination sites in New Jersey, vaccine registration, and eligibility updates is available at covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.

For information about public vaccination at Capital Health, please visit capitalhealth.org/coronavirus or call 609.537.7468 (SHOT).

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to remember that some of the most effective steps we can take to prevent its spread begin right at home.

Wear a mask that fits properly and covers your mouth AND nose (no scarves or gaiters).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

Limit or avoid indoor gatherings with people outside of your household and host outdoors when possible. This is important for adults more than 65 years of age or people with underlying medical conditions, who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Practice social distancing and stay at least six feet from others when possible.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow if tissues are not available.

With either method, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterward.

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.

This includes tables, light switches, sinks, countertops, and bathroom surfaces. Most common household disinfectants work, but be sure to follow instructions on the product label.

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19, CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov. Helpful information is also available from the New Jersey Department of Health online at covid19.nj.gov or by phone at 1.800.222.1222.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Ewing Observer11

SUPPORT COUNSELING

FOR ALL FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS To address the emotional needs of all health care workers and emergency medical services personnel on the front lines of our region during the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Health is offering a Support Counseling Program (SCP). The program is a joint effort of Capital Health, NJ Hope and Healing, and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The SCP is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“The pandemic presents significant medical challenges, but it is also taking an enormous mental toll, and not just on patients and their loved ones.” said DR. CHRISTI WESTON, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists.

“For health care and emergency services workers who are treating COVID-19 patients every day, the experiences can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The SCP is designed to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic through individual and group counseling, education, and support services.”

The SCP provides health care workers individual assessment and counseling, virtual support groups, mindfulness-based stress relief techniques, and referrals to mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment, if needed.

If you or someone you know is a health care worker who needs emotional support and guidance during the pandemic, call Capital Health’s Support Counseling Helpline at 609.303.4129, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This program is brought to you through the New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling Program (CCP). The CCP is provided by Capital Health in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and is funded through a FEMA/SAMHSA grant.

LIFE AFTER LOSS

A 10-Week Therapy Group for Grieving Thursdays starting February 4, 2021 | 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Zoom Meetings Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges we face in life.

Although everyone copes with grief differently, many find comfort in sharing their experiences with others who are going through the process.

CHELSEA HOAGLAND, a licensed clinical social worker from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, leads this 10-week support and therapy group. You’ll connect with group members who are dealing with loss and learn healthy strategies for moving forward.

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. To sign up, call Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists at 609.689.5725. This group therapy program will be billed to your health insurance. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2-3 days before the program date.

12Ewing Observer | Health Headlines by Capital Health

Capital Health Expands Behavioral Health to Include CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Capital Health has recently expanded its Behavioral Health Specialists practice in Hamilton and Bordentown, New Jersey to include more providers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults.

DR. IRENE GABRIAL, a board certifed, fellowship trained psychiatrist recently joined Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists to lead the practice’s Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program. Dr. Gabrial leads a team of trusted providers with expertise in child and adolescent behavioral health that includes DR. RACHEL BADEN SHERRILL, a licensed clinical psychologist, and TATYANA GRAY, a licensed clinical social worker.

“Children and teenagers today face many challenges, some of which simply didn’t exist for previous generations,” said Dr. Christi Weston, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists and director of Outpatient Psychiatry at Capital Health. “Through our patient-centered approach to care, our team provides support and guidance to individuals and families as they cope with challenges to their emotional wellbeing.”

Dr. Irene Gabrial is board certified in child and adolescent and general psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was fellowship trained in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Gabrial received her medical degree at Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt.

Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Gabrial was a staff psychiatrist and interim director of the Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at Rutgers University, where she evaluated and treated undergraduate

and graduate students. Dr. Gabrial was also a clinical assistant professor for the University’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program.

Dr. Sherrill is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with individuals across the lifespan, with a strong specialty in child and adolescent assessment and treatment. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology (with honors) from Duke University. She earned her master’s degree and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neurodevelopmental disabilities and related disorders through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program at the Civitan-Sparks Clinics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Sherrill provides therapy to children, adolescents, and adults with a range of presenting concerns and psychological testing to children and adults presenting with symptoms of ADHD. Tatyana Gray’s areas of professional interest include intergenerational trauma, anxiety/depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, relationships, and marginalized populations with a focus on collaborative and integrated care.

After completing her undergraduate studies at State University of New York at Potsdam in Potsdam, New York she received her Master of Social Work degree at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida. Before joining Capital Health, Tatyana was a staff therapist at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center at the Arch Counseling in Syracuse, New York, where she provided mental health and wellness services in person and via telemedicine for a diverse student population.

Call 609.689.5725 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gabrial at Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, or visit capitalhealth.org/behavioralhealth for more information.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Ewing Observer13

Capital Health Cancer Center Earns

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR RADIATION ONCOLOGY

FEBRUARY IS

AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has been awarded a three-year term of reaccreditation in radiation oncology services by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Radiation oncology is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer or relieve a patient’s cancer pain.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS HAVING ONE

“We are extremely pleased to be awarded this accreditation. It is a testament to the commitment and efforts of our entire staff of radiation oncology specialists — oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, nurses, navigators, and office support staff — all focused on providing every patient safe, evidenced-based care,” said DR. SHIRNETT WILLIAMSON, medical director of Radiation Oncology.

This puts you in contact with a trained dispatcher who will tell you what to do and sends an ambulance to your location. When the ambulance arrives, treatment begins in your home and the emergency department is prepared for your arrival at the hospital. Because your symptoms may get worse, driving yourself is a bad idea.

The ACR accreditation team recognized the Radiation Oncology Department’s outstanding organization of the treatments, medical records, policies, procedures and quality improvement processes — specifically Capital Health’s detailed, modalityspecific treatment directives and robust peer quality review process. In addition, ACR acknowledged the department’s outstanding teamwork, camaraderie, and patient-focus.

“Patients want to know their medical team is knowledgeable about their health care issues and they want to be sure they are receiving the most advanced treatments and technologies available,” said DR. TIMOTHY CHEN, medical director of Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Capital Health. “This accreditation lets patients know we passed a rigorous review process meeting nationally-accepted standards of care.”

Capital Health offers many options for radiotherapy, brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery that provide patients greater convenience and efficiency while minimizing side effects. Physicians and multidisciplinary teams are able to manage complex cancers with unparalleled ease and precision anywhere in the body for all cancer types, including the abdomen, breast, central nervous system, head and neck, liver, lung, pelvis, and prostate.

Patients have access to a full complement of leading-edge treatment modalities, such as traditional 3-D radiation, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), CyberKnife® radiosurgery and high dose rate brachytherapy radiation (HDR). Stereotactic radiosurgery and high dose rate brachytherapy radiation (HDR) are delivered through advanced technologies that include Varian TrueBeamTM Linear Accelerator, CyberKnife® and Varian GammaMed technology (HDR brachytherapy), with surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) coming soon.

To learn more about the Capital Health Cancer Center and the radiation oncology services that are available at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, please visit capitalhealth.org/cancer or call 609.537.4244.

14Ewing Observer | Health Headlines by Capital Health

If you or a loved one is experiencing the signs of a heart attack, call 911.

The Chest Pain Center at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care and the American College of Cardiology. This means the Center meets high standards for diagnosing and treating cardiac emergencies, such as heart attacks.

When someone is having a heart attack, time to treatment is critical. Capital Health’s pre-hospital alert system allows ambulance patients to be tested in their homes and mobilizes an interventional team at the hospital if there is evidence of a heart attack, saving time for an initial EKG test or faster bedside blood tests for troponin, a protein that enters the blood stream during a heart attack.

If you or a loved one is having a severe heart attack caused by prolonged restricted blood flow due to a clot or ruptured plaque, Capital Health’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab is ready to provide an emergency stent placement.

After you or your loved one has recovered, your last step is preventing another heart attack or heart-related illness.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, offers a team of physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians who provide individually prescribed education and exercise.

All program candidates are interviewed prior to entering the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, which allows a team to develop and implement a personalized care plan.

Participants include those who have experienced:

… Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) within the past 12 months

… Coronary artery bypass surgery … Current, stable chest pain (angina pectoris) … Heart valve repair or replacement … Angioplasty or stenting to open blocked coronary arteries

… Heart or heart-lung transplant surgery … Stable, chronic heart failure Talk to your doctor about participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacrehab for more information.

SPORTS

Warner takes her fun seriously

By Rich Fisher

In 2013, as the moving vans unloaded the furniture into his new Ewing Township home, Dan Montferrat looked over and waved at the young middle school girl dribbling a basketball in the driveway. His new neighbor, Tamia Warner, smiled and waved back.

Little did either of them realize that he would be coaching her on the Blue Devils varsity basketball team six years later.

“I didn’t know he was a coach at the time,” Warner said. “When I reached high school and my brother had a class with him, we figured out ‘Oh, he lives next door to us.’ But I didn’t know he’d be coaching me.”

“Did I ever think I’d be coaching her?”

Montferrat said. “No way. It’s funny, when (her mother) Tammy drives up to the games she’ll yell out ‘Hey neighbor!’

That’s nice, it creates the community.”

Warner is always anxious to get on the court.

Especially this season, as the Devils become “her team” along with fellow senior Geneece Boone.

As a junior, Warner averaged a team-leading 12 points per game, led the Devils in 3-pointers (37) and blocked shots (21); was second in steals (57) and assists (42); and was fourth in rebounds (84). It was her third varsity season, but first under Montferrat, who was the boys’ assistant for the previous six years.

During her first three seasons, Ewing always had senior All-County players to take the pressure off Warner. It was Mya Grimes her freshman year, when she played sparingly; Jaycee Lowe and MyAsia Jackson as a sophomore; and Jentle Sheridan and Aaliyah Lewis last year.

This season, all eyes will be on Warner—especially those of opposing defenses. Tamia is not worried, and quick to point out she has help.

“There’s a lot on my back right now, but how I see it is, I have a team at the end of the day,” she said. “It’s not about me; it’s about the team working together.”

Still, a team needs someone to lead it, and Montferrat feels Tamia is ready to accept that role.

“She’s had to learn (leadership) over the course of time. She had kids like Maya, Jaycee and Jentle. You really have to pull a little bit from those kids who really know Ewing basketball, who have that bleed blue tradition in them. I think that’s coming around in her, too.”

Warner has bled basketball ever since she started in the third grade. Tamara went to an open gym run by former Mercer County Community College/Boston College star Mel Weldon, who was the JUCO Player of the Year at MCCC and

went on to coach at Trenton Catholic.

Tamara was pleasantly surprised to discover hoops and her belonged together.

“When I first started playing, I was pretty good,” Warner said. “I just kept hitting shots and hitting shots, and my dribbling was pretty good too. Coach Mel was like a father figure to everyone there, and my mom saw some potential in me.”

Warner began to take her fun seriously in the Ewing travel program the following year. She debuted with the Mavericks, coached by Devils assistant Sharon Conover, and eventually moved to AAU where she played for several teams. The most recent was with the renowned Jersey Cardinals out of Rutgers Prep. Tamia also played three years for Fisher Middle School.

As a freshman, she made a star studded-varsity team and played in 12 games.

The following season Warner was one of just two players to see time in all 25 games and averaged 5 points while hitting 19 3-pointers.

She became an impact player last year as witnessed by her stat– stuffing performance.

Warner credits her all-around ability to the fact she played every position growing up.

Last year she alternated between shooting guard and point guard, and hopes the arrival of freshman point guard Ryan Stokes will free her up offensively.

Warner is more than just a shooter, however, as she helps get Ewing’s running game going with her defense.

“She plays the top of the press pretty well,” Montferrat said. “She’s really improved on being active, creating those tipped balls, those opportunities for a teammate to steal it and then look ahead to her. I would say her motor is what really elevates her.”

Warner has developed her game to the point where Division III colleges are reaching out to her, as Rutgers-Camden, Rowan and Manor College in Pennsylvania have shown interest. She is weighing her options and is thrilled to have the opportunity. “I’ve always wanted to play college basketball, ever since I was young,” she said.

When she isn’t hooping, Warner enjoys drawing portraits from images.

Her work is stellar enough that it was displayed in a gallery at the high school.

“I would just draw random people unless someone asks me to draw them,” Warner said. “It relaxes me; it can take my mind off certain things.”

Rest assured, one of those things is not basketball; as she loves having that on her mind.

Just ask her neighbor.

This season, all eyes will be on Warner— especially those of opposing defenses.

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capture the courage and compassion of health workers here and across America. To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund,

Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine visit rwjbh.org/heroes

And please, for them, stay home and safe.

the panel determined the vaccines to be safe and effective and recommended authorization. Pfizer’s vaccine was shown to be 95 percent effective in clinical trials that included close to 44,000 participants.

See ourModerna’s ads in vaccine was shown to be 94.5 percent effective in clinical triSIX09 section als 5that approximately 30,000 pgs andincluded 7 participants.

By Dr. Seth Rosenbaum Are there side effects to the Physicians at Robert Wood Johnson Uni- vaccine?

Heroes Work Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 1:21 PM for Disease According to the4/17/20 Centers versity RWJ-104 Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton recommend receiving the vaccine and assure Control (CDC), individuals who receive the public that it is safe. Contact your doc- the COVID-19 vaccine may experience tor with questions about the vaccine or visit some short-term side effects, which are the New Jersey Department of Health at normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may briefly nj.gov/health to learn more. affect your ability to do daily What is a vaccine? activities, but they should go Vaccines currently prevent away in a few days. Some side millions of deaths every year effects are like those experiby preparing your immune enced from receiving the flu system to fight off viruses vaccine, such as body aches, and bacteria. If your body pain or swelling at the injecis exposed to those diseasetion site, tiredness, chills, or causing germs later, the body fever. In rare cases, an allergic is ready to destroy them, prereaction to the vaccine may venting illness. occur.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine How do I get the vaccine? necessary?

Dr. Rosenbaum Once they are widely COVID-19 can be a mild illavailable, the plan is to have ness in some or lead to severe disease or even death in previously COVID-19 vaccines offered in doctors’ healthy people. Survivors may struggle offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and with long-term side effects from infec- federally qualified health centers. Please tion. Many treatments and medications reach out to your healthcare provider or are being studied, but there is no cure stay up to date with the NJ DOH plan for currently. Prevention is key. Experts vaccinations on their website or the webbelieve vaccination may be an important site of the county that you live in.

Do you recommend the COVID-19 step in helping to stop this illness.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe and vaccine for your patients?

Yes. With very few exceptions, I receffective?

The FDA is responsible for making ommend everyone receive the vaccine as sure that, just like any other medications, soon as it is available to them. The Pfizerany FDA-authorized or approved COVID- BioNTech vaccine is indicated for people age 16 and older. The Moderna vaccine 19 vaccines are safe and that they work.

Two vaccines were granted Emer- is indicated for people age 18 and older. gency Use Authorization after a panel of The safety and effectiveness of this vacindependent experts heard hours of tes- cine is well-documented and it will protimony on each vaccine’s development vide significant immunity to contracting and clinical trials results. In both cases, COVID-19. The risks of contracting the

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virus far outweigh the risks of receiving the vaccine. In addition to serious illness from COVID-19, we are also finding many COVID-19 survivors have lasting side effects that affect their ability to fully recover and function normally. The vaccine is our best chance to ending this pandemic. I recommend that everyone speak to their trusted healthcare provider and get vaccinated as soon as they can.

Coming up this month at RWJUH-Hamilton All classes are virtual

Thursday, February 4

22-Day Healthy Eating Challenge: The End of Heart Disease. (609) 584-5900. Sign up to learn why and how to get into a nutrient dense dietary pattern. We will be referencing “The End of Heart Disease: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” by Joel Fuhrman. Also Feb. 11, 18 and 25. 6:30 p.m.

Friday, february 5

The Lunch Bunch: Virtual Cooking for the PreK Crowd. (609) 584-5900. Encourage adventurous eating by pairing up with your preschooler in your very own kitchen! Simple recipes and helpful tips on creating positive mealtimes. Also Feb. 12 and 19. Noon.

Monday, February 8

Sensational Sweet Solutions. (609) 5845900. Take a load off and catch up on some simple sweets that show love from the outside in. 11:15 a.m.

Tuesday, February 9

Preventive Cardiology in 2021: Five Key Questions Answered. (609) 584-5900.

Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 cause of death and morbidity in the United States. Justin Fox, MD, fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist. 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 10

Kids in the Kitchen. (609) 584-5900. Dietitiandirected and kid-created…from the comfort of your own kitchen! 6:30 p.m.

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of Sheli Monacchio, songwriter, performer and Director of Life Care Resources, Van Dyck Law. 10 a.m.

Thursday, February 11

Parkinson’s: Updates, Cognition and Exercise. (609) 584-5900. Learn the latest on living a full life with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders with neurologist Jill M. Giordano Farmer, DO, MPH. 10 a.m.

Thursday, February 18

Radical Self Care. (609) 584-5900. Explore what self care really is and why you can’t truly care for other’s until you first take care of yourself. Kathi Szabo of Eclectic Well Being. 6:30 p.m.

Culinary Nutrition in the Kitchen. (609) 5845900. Prevention, reversal, and management of chronic lifestyle disease can start wherever you are, with what you have.

Alyssa Luning, RD, CSOWM- Registered dietitian/board certified specialist in obesity and weight management. 11:15 a.m.

Monday, February 22

Your Mood & Food. (609) 584-5900. Do you ever feel like eating but are not actually hungry? Come get real with Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Cristin Polizzi. 11:15 a.m.

Tuesday, February 23

HPV is a Very Common Virus that Can Cause Cancer. (609) 584-5900. Dr. Christian Hoffman, MD, will provide frank information and how to protect your teen(s). 3 p.m.

Wednesday, February 24

Learn How to Spot a Stroke. (609) 584-5900.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke. Connie Moceri, Director of Disease Management at RWJ Hamilton Hospital. 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 25

Orthopedics Open House–Joint Replacement. (609) 584-5900. Discover the latest advances in knee and hip replacement surgery. Learn how the Center for Orthopedic and Spine Health prepares you for a successful joint replacement. John Nolan, MD, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon.

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February 2021 | Ewing Observer17

It’s a Dog’s Life. Or is It? ILENE BLACK BETTING ON BLACK

We are convinced that our dogs are reincarnated versions of my late parents.

We have two rescue dogs, Peaches and Jax, and their behaviors and general attitudes remind us so much of my parents that it’s a bit eerie at times.

My mom Connie was barely five feet tall, always moving, talkative and hilarious. Donald, my dad was a quiet gentleman, sweet, funny, loving and fiercely protective of his family.

Peaches is a chihuahua/Jack Russell mix. She is a peanut, weighing eight pounds. Beautiful coloring. Tail always wagging. Jax is a chihuahua/ daschund, weighing 12 pounds. He’s loving, loyal and laid back.

Peaches/Connie is nosy. If something happens in another room, she’s like a gazelle, sprinting to see and possibly take part in the action.

Connie would hear a car skid down the road and be out the door in a flash, to try and see if there was an accident.

If food falls on the floor, Peaches springs to snatch it up. My mom didn’t necessarily swoop in like a hawk, but she would quickly grab the food off the floor and yell, “Five second rule.”

If a leaf falls onto our lawn, Jax barks. And the delivery people and the letter carriers who come to our door are treated with non-stop barking. If a storm is coming, Jax senses it and starts to shake. Dad would see a couple leaves on his lawn and go out and pick them up.

Dad didn’t bark at delivery people or letter carriers (having been one himself for many years), but he

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always talked to them. Dad would look at the sky and sniff the air and say, “Storm’s coming.” And he’d always be right. The difference between dad and Jax during storms was that Jax hides in our closet and my dad would be outside watching the rain and lightning.

Peaches and Jax argue. They make noises at each other all the time. Usually Jax gives a warning growl and Peaches whines, but they are definitely communicating.

My parents didn’t argue so much as “have discussions.” My dad would groan, and my mom would mutter in Italian.

If Peaches doesn’t feel well, Jax lies next to her and licks her face or paws.

If mom didn’t feel well, dad refrained from licking her paws and her face, but he would take care of her, making tea, bringing crackers, etc.

Jax is stubborn. If you call him and want him to sit next to you, forget about it. It has to be HIS choice. He will eventually make his way to our side, but on his time. Dad was the same way. Once dad got something in his head, he would never, and I mean never, change his mind.

Peaches goes with the flow. My mom was always ready for adventure.

She’d pack up and go on a trip with little planning. Impetuous.

Jax is locked into his own timeline.

Breakfast was served at 8 a.m. on his first day with us, therefore breakfast must be served at 8 a.m. every day.

No excuses.

Dad had his routine also. He’d wake up, shower and dress, make his bed, and go outside to hang his flag.

Then he’d eat his breakfast. Nothing deterred him from living that routine.

Routine comforted dad, as it does with Jax. Jax loves to be petted and talked to, but ONLY when he wants it. If he doesn’t, he turns his head away till we get the message.

In the last three and a half years of Dad’s life, he was the same way. If I was talking to him, about whatever, and he didn’t feel like hearing the story or perhaps was bored by it, he’d turn his head away from me. That was my cue to shut up.

There’s one big difference between Peaches and Jax and my parents, besides the obvious (my parents were not canines and they didn’t relieve themselves outdoors).

The dogs love to wrestle. They wrestle everywhere; on the furniture, on the floor, outside on the lawn. I don’t think my parents ever wrestled, and if they did, I’d rather not know about it. Nope, no thanks.

That’s a visual I can definitely live without.

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.

Revisiting 2020 HELEN KULL EWING THEN & NOW

Good job! Even if you only read the column, you pass! I hope at the very least, this “quiz” has shifted your attention, however briefly, to other perhaps simpler times, or reminded you of those who have contributed to making Ewing a wonderful place. Additionally, if there are topics you would like to see covered in this monthly column, please let me know at ewingthenandnow@ gmail.com.

I also encourage people to contact the Ewing Historical Society, and contribute to the “Voices of Ewing” project mentioned in last month’s column. You can find the column online at communitynews. org/2021/01/01/ ewing-then-and-nowthe-voices-of-ewingproject, or information about the project at ethps.org.

I wish everyone a healthy and safe 2021!

I seriously doubt any of us would choose to revisit 2020—it was such a difficult and challenging year in so many ways, But traditionally in the new year in this monthly column, I have looked back at the previous year’s columns to provide a simple “quiz” for my readers, and to remind us of the varied history and people of Ewing. So here’s a very brief visit back to 2020—no masks required. Enjoy!

Februar y: In February, we recognized the centennial of the approval by the N.J. State Assembly of a particular amendment which would become the law of the land in August of 1920. Which amendment was it?

March: A particularly memorable Answers: and impactful winter storm in Central N.J. was the “Blizzard of ….” (what year)?

April: The spirits of carefulness, collaboration and compassion will help to get us through the ____, which changed our lives in March.

May: What was the subject of May’s column?

June: Ewing, Trenton, and indeed the world lost a great jazz musician when Ewing High Class of ‘66 alum, alto sax player, and the man with the “Trenton sound” ____ passed away in May. July: I found an old map of Mercer County at a small yard sale in June. In what year, or roughly, when, was the Helen Kull is an adviser to the Ewing map published?

Township Historic Preservation Society.

August: You can learn about the history and significance of certain NORTH 25 HOUSING locations by visiting and reading roadside ____, or even by visiting a vast Is now accepting online database of these informative Applications for Immediate items.

Processing September: The “Peoples Garden” was proposed for the grounds at the SENIORS ONLY!!!

Benjamin Temple House of the Ewing (HIGHRISE LOCATION) Township Historic Preservation Society to memorialize what township cou• Newly Renovated Apartments ple devoted to civic responsibility, his• On Site Laundry Facility tory, and historic preservation?

• 24-Hour Security • 24-Hour Maintenance October: My “aerial time machine” • Senior Transportation and brings me to what one place and time daily activities held (Hint - see July): ?

November: True/False: In 1905, Call now the first person from the region of (609) 394-8687 Naga in rural India to receive a foreign North 25 Housing education outside of Naga was briefly 260 North Willow Street educated in a small, relatively obscure Trenton, NJ 08618 village known as Trenton Junction in Mercer County, NJ. December: A second visitor from Naga also came to Trenton Junction more recently. What is this person’s relationship to the first visitor?

If there are topics you would like to see covered in this monthly column, please let me know.

Wet Basement?

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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.

February 2021 | Ewing Observer19

February: 19th Amendment, Women’s Suffrage March: 1996 - but you may remember another one which was also bad!

April: pandemic May: There was no May column, and thus no subject.

June: Richie Cole July: 1849, or mid 19th century August: roadside historical markers September: Jim and Judy Peoples October: Ewing, c. 1849 November: True December: Biographer

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20Ewing Observer | February 2021