HE proof 1

Long-awaited Woolsey bandshell set to open

BY JOE EMANSKI

how far would you go if they were sick?

See BANDSHELL, Page 1

When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.

Hopewell Valley junior lacrosse player Gianna Azara takes a shot at home against Phillipsburg on April 10, 2024. HoVal lost, 16-6. (Photo by Nate Berman.)

Lacrosse flows in the veins of Hopewell Valley’s Azara

BY RICH FISHER

By the time Gianna Azara came along in this world, her future was already decided as lacrosse was woven throughout her DNA.

The youngest of five, Gianna watched her sister Ariana and brothers Louie, Anthony and Alphonse play the game for Hopewell Valley Central High.

With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment.

Injury halted Ariana’s career and she did not play at LaSalle, but Louie is playing for Montclair, Anthony is competing for Kean and Alphonse played two years for the Bulldogs boys team.

The “baby” of the group is holding up the family tradition quite nicely. Now in her junior year, Azara leads Hopewell in goals (28), assists (8), points

(36) and draw controls (21). She will give the New Jersey Athletic Conference yet another Azara, as she has already committed to The College of New Jersey, a Division III powerhouse.

Much of her talent comes from those family backyard brawls, which were, let’s say, cutthroat.

“Very, very,” Azara said with See AZARA, Page 10

Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.

see our ad on pg 5

Pennington 5K set for May 18

This year’s 46th annual Pennington 5K race will take place on Saturday, May 18 just before the opening of Pennington Day.

Organizers say that proceeds of the race will benefit both the Hopewell Valley YMCA and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance.

Sreeni Nair, also known locally as The Naked Running Man, will be honored as this year’s grand marshal and will officially open the race during opening ceremonies at 9 a.m.

The morning events include and 1 mile fun run for students in grades K-8 at 8:30 AM, a USATF certified and sanctioned 5K race/walk at 9:15 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 9 a.m.

Participants can expect music, postrace refreshments and race T-shirts for the first 200 registered participants. Awards will be given to top male and female in nine age categories. Entry fee is $35 in advance, $45 day of; 1-mile fun run (grades K-8) $20 in advance, $25 day of.

Registration in open for runners and walkers at hvymca.org/pennington5K. Sponsorship opportunities are available at www.hvymca. org/5k-sponsorship-opportunities.

The Pennington 5K will start and end at the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry, 425 S. Main Street. Attendees are asked to consider bringing nonperishable food items and hygiene products to the food pantry to help support families in need.

3rd annual Volor Fun Run and Walk set for May 4

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council has announced the return of the popular Color Fun Run + Walk on Saturday, May 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Woolsey Park.

This HVAC promises an explosion of color and joy for everyone from avid runners to leisurely strollers, all in support of the arts in Hopewell Valley. The event is set to feature entertainment including a dynamic dance party with music and See NEWS, Page 4

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

LUNCH AND LEARN: STROKEIT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!

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

Roughly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Yet, most aren’t aware of the F.A.S.T. warning signs and that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable. Our medical experts will discuss risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and the needs of stroke survivors. Mandy J. Binning, MD, FAANS, Chief, Division of Vascular/ Endovascular Neurosurgery and Director of Stroke Programs at Global Neurosciences Institute; Ashley Sarrol, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Speech Language Pathologist; and Sarah Masco, OTD,OTR/L, CLT-LANA, Senior Occupational Therapist.

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

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

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

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

CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S!

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

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

ORTHO 101: TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

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

Join Orthopedic Program Coordinator

Denise Berdecia, MSN, RN, ONC, and

Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.

*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

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

GOT STRESS?

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

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

SPIRITUALITY, COMPASSION AND VEGANISM

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

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

DESIGNER BAG BINGO!

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

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

WHAT’S EATING YOU?

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

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

A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

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

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

TAI CHI CLASSES

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

YOGA CLASSES

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

MEDITATION CLASSES

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

CHAIR YOGA

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

who are going through similar experiences.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

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

AN EVENING OF YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION

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

Experience the benefits of Yoga Nidra. Translated as yogic sleep, Michelle Gerdes (trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher and owner of Princeton Doula Center) will explain how the practice of Yoga Nidra guides brain waves into optimal states for relaxation and rejuvenation. She will lead you through this guided relaxation that has been shown to reduce stress / anxiety, promote better sleep, and foster a profound sense of joy and well-being. Bring a yoga mat and anything else you need to be comfortable in meditation. Fee $15

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

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

Thurs., May 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Stroke is the number 5 cause of death, and leading cause of disability in the U.S., and up to 80% may be prevented. Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Director of Disease Management and

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK

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

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

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

TEA PARTY

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

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH RWJUHH MEDICAL EXPERT PANEL

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

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

HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE

Wednesday, May 15; 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Drum your cares away with our monthly Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Drums provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee $15

MENTAL HEALTH IS WEALTH

Monday, May 20; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. You are not alone. Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Certain thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, and conditions can be linked to mental illness. Join Jasmeet Mehta, MD, to discuss topics related to anxiety, depression, and ADHD in adults.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

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

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

CALMING AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS: A PARENT WORKSHOP

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

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

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: HERBACEOUS FLAVORS

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

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

REIKI SHARE

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

2024 HEARING AID EXPOLEARN ABOUT THE LATEST IN HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY

Thursday, May 23; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

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

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

LUNCH AND LEARN, SENIORS ACHIEVING GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Wednesday, May 22; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Aging can present us with challenges from the loss of loved ones, isolation, physical changes, and more. Join Dilys Ngu, M.D., RWJUH Hamilton’s new geriatric psychiatrist, for a hopeful conversation and learn ways to bring back the brightness to your days.

“S.A.V.E” TRAINING PROGRAM

Friday, May 31; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. S.A.V.E. is a training program to help identify warning signs that someone is having thoughts of suicide. Heather Church-Soto, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs leads this program that provides caregivers and community members with the tools to act with care and compassion if they encounter someone who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. This is NOT exclusive to veterans.

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

Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms

Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

Home Visiting

MAY 2024

WPSL SUNDAY, MAY 19, 7PM vs. WEST MONT UNITED

USL2 WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 7PM vs. LEHIGH VALLEY

WPSL FRIDAY, MAY 24, 7PM vs. DELAWARE OSPREYS

USL2 WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 7PM vs. OCEAN CITY

WPSL THURSDAY, MAY 30, 7PM vs. UKRAINIAN NAT’L

JUNE

USL2 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 7PM vs. LEHIGH VALLEY

USL2 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 7PM vs. WEST CHESTER

WPSL TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 7PM vs. SJEB FC

WPSL SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 7PM vs. FEVER SC

JULY

USL2 SATURDAY, JULY 6, 7PM vs. PHILLY LONE STAR FC

USL2 WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 7PM vs. READING UNITED AC

warm-up sessions led by Angela, the hula hoop virtuoso from Color Me Hoopy.

Participants will experience waves of color as they navigate the course, becoming living art pieces. The event culminates with an exuberant group color toss, a celebration of hues and happiness. Capture these moments at our selfie station and indulge in Johnson’s delectable homemade ice cream.

The Color Fun Run + Walk is an allages, all-fitness-levels event, focusing on enjoyment rather than competition. Stroll for 1.5 miles or more in a stress-free atmosphere. Savor refreshments like shave ice, available for purchase, for a complete sensory delight.

Participants will receive novelty sunglasses, water and a color packet for the grand finale color toss. Please sign the release form sent with your confirmation email and present it at the registration tent.

General admission tickets ($30) includes novelty sunglasses, a color packet, and water. Children 5 and Under are free with a registered adult. Their admission includes child-sized sunglasses, a color packet, and water.

Closing celebration tickets are $5 and provide access to the celebration area, a color packet, and water.

Web: hvartscouncil.org/colorfunrun.

Sourland Mountain Festival set for July 13

Tickets are on sale for the 19th Annual Sourland Mountain Festival, set for Saturday, July 13, rain or shine, from 3 to 8:30 p.m.

The Sourland Mountain Festival is presented by Unionville Vineyards, located in the heart of the Sourlands on the aptly named Rocktown Road in Ringoes. The festival will feature a food from the Ryland Inn and craft beer from Flemington’s Lone Eagle Brewing.

Every year, the festival is organized by a dedicated group of volunteers, committed to planning an amazing afternoon for attendees of all ages. The event will feature live music, food and drink, and merchandise vendors, as well as family activities and exhibits from environmental nonprofit organizations.

Organizers say that festival proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, promotion, and preservation of the unique character of the Sourland Mountain region.

For tickets and more information, visit sourlandmountainfestival.com/tickets.

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

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

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

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

Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke

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

… High blood pressure

… High cholesterol

… Heart/blood vessel disease

… Cigarette smoking

… Physical inactivity/obesity/poor diet

… Diabetes mellitus

… Atrial fibrillation

… Sickle cell disease

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

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

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

B — Eyes

— Balance

Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?

E

F

A

Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

— Face Drooping

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

— Arm Weakness

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

S

— Speech Difficulty

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

T

— Time to call 911

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

UNDERSTANDING BRAIN TUMOR SYMPTOMS

SIGNS TO GUIDE YOU TO THE RIGHT PLAN FOR CARE

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

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

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

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

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

COMMON BRAIN TUMOR SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

HEADACHES:

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

SEIZURES:

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

FOCAL PROGRESSIVE SYMPTOMS:

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

MASS EFFECT:

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

SUDDEN PERSONALITY CHANGES,

COGNITIVE CHANGES, MEMORY LOSS:

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

Getting to the Heart of the Matter with Valve Disease

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

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

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

Irregular heartbeat.

… Shortness of breath.

… Fatigue or inability to maintain your normal activity.

Lightheadedness or fainting.

… Swollen abdomen, ankles, or feet.

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

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

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

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

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Class size is limited. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date.

Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Nutrition Tips for Thriving as You Age

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

Location: Zoom Meeting

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

Stroke: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable

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

Location: Zoom Meeting

Do you have a family history of stroke, or have you experienced a stroke and want to learn how to prevent another one in the future? Get the latest information from registered nurses and Stroke Program Coordinators

Maria Gilli and Pamela Esher, who will discuss stroke signs and symptoms, types of strokes, individual risk factors, and treatment options.

Don’t be a party to teenage drinking. It’s against the law.

FACTS ABOUT UNDERAGE DRINKING AND THE LAW:

• It is a criminal offense in NJ to make your home or property available for allowing minors a place to consume alcohol.

• NJ’s Social Host Liability Law imposes civil penalties on social hosts who serve alcohol to minors who subsequently are involved in incidents causing death or injury.

• Drunk driving is a leading cause of death among teens in the U.S.

• Teen drinking can lead to academic problems, car crashes, unplanned pregnancies, changes in brain development, unintentional serious injuries, other drug use and alcohol dependence later in life.

• Binge drinking is common among teens who consume alcohol for the sole reason for getting drunk.

Photo caption. (Photo by.)

Wcontinued from Page 1

girl on attack.”

Wilson-Apple Funeral Home

Robert A. Wilson, Founder NJ Lic #2520 609-737-1498

Cromwell Memorial Home

R. Asher Wilson, Manager NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766 609-466-0233

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WILSON APPLE FUNERAL HOME

a laugh. “It was crazy. They’re boys, so they play with way different rules, they give me the gloves and the pads, they go insane. They threw me in to play the goal.

“It definitely helped me. I still play with my brother Louie. When he comes home for winter break we’ll go on the turf as much as we can. I do winter lacrosse with the team but, in my down time I try to go with my brother as much as I can.”

Azara began rec lacrosse in third grade before moving to travel with Ultimate Lacrosse. Upon arrival at HVCHS, she scored one goal in limited time as a freshman, but upped her stats to 18 goals and 12 assists as a sophomore. She also made the varsity soccer team that year and is still on the pitch, but admitted “I realized lacrosse was definitely my favorite sport compared to soccer.”

Azara has mostly been a scorer throughout her career, but has no problem dropping back. She realizes that stopping a goal from being scored is as important as scoring one.

“Defense is probably not my strongest suit, but the defense we have on this team is very strong, it’s probably the strongest part of the field,” Azara said. “Playing midfield is challenging because it takes a lot of running up and down the field. I like to get a stop and get a play on the girl as much as I can and work with the defense as much as I can.”

Wagner is impressed by the fact that Azara never complains or insists that she should always be up front. The player knows her skills are sometimes needed elsewhere.

R. Asher Wilson, Manager, Owner NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766 609-737-1498

Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Pennington, Titusville, Blawenburg and Princeton.

2560 Pennington Road, Pennington NJ | wilsonapple.com

It is easy to see her zeal for lacrosse just by watching her play.

“She’s a bunch of energy,” coach Sara Wagner said. “It’s all positive and constructive. She isn’t afraid to be herself. She’s always bubbly, yet focused, eager to do well for the team and for herself. She’s a great teammate in that respect and just a really enjoyable person.”

Azara says her energy comes from taking sports seriously.

“I just like to win,” she said. “Obviously losing is part of the game, it’s something that happens to everyone. But when you’re on that field you’re like ‘I want to win and I want to work hard for my team and I want my teammates to work hard for me.’ So I try to bring as much energy as possible. Sometimes we have a difficult game so I try to bring the energy higher and try to think of the positives that are in regards to the game.”

Azara is a positive in most games. She had a 10-point showing with eight goals and two assists in a win over Lawrence along with two five-goal performances.

“When she has the ball good things happen,” Wagner said. “She’s fast, she’s quick, she’s determined.”

“She understands the game,” the coach said. “She’s fast, quick and gets to the ball. To give the midfielders a breather she goes there and then finds herself staying there. She’s so good at it. She defends great, and I think that’s a skill she’s also sort of embraced this season, knowing we were gonna ask that of her. Whatever defensive formation we’ve played she embraces. She can re-defend in the midfield. If we lose the ball on attack she’s the first one to try and get it back.”

All the while, Azara is finding different ways to score, whether it’s a long shot from the outside or a drive to goal.

“She has a really hard shot and she’s not afraid to let it go,” Wagner said. “Sometimes it’s wide, sometimes it’s high because she’s just letting it go. We’re working on having her get her body in a better position so she can utilize that hard shot a little more. She’s got a spot she likes to hit, so we said ‘OK Gianna we’re gonna try a different spot because goalies are gonna catch on.’

Azara agreed with her coach and said “I usually shot it to the upper left. I’m definitely working on my low shot and about 50 percent of my shots go in different directions now.”

And she knew that when 70-goal scorer Anderson Capucci graduated along with 20-plus goal scorers Maura Graham and Maya Joyce, that she would be counted on to step up. But her contributions had to be more than just offensively, which is why Azara will go from attack to midfield when necessary.

“The difference I see from last year to this year is she’s embraced the role of being a key attacker,” Wagner said. “But as the season goes on she’s also recognized that she’s more important to the team than just goals and assists. She cuts, she defends, she communicates on the field. She sets high standards for herself. So she’s doing more than being the go-to

And while she can score from a distance, her drive is what makes Azara such a dangerous weapon. Wagner called driving “her thing,” and has tweaked the lineup in order to take defensive pressure off of her. She has quick dodging moves, and the coaches are working on her left hand so she can shoot from both sides.

“I think that comes from just doing it a million times,” Azara said. “Sometimes when I’m driving I get stuck. But my teammates understand they need to cut through. Defenses are gonna slide and the defenses we’re playing are very strong. Quick ball movement on attack to get the lanes open and set up the drive is definitely important.”

In Azara’s world, giving back is just as important. She is a member of the high school’s SNAC Club – Student Movement Against Cancer — which raises money to help families in Hopewell fighting cancer. She is also part of Turn Two, a lacrosse team-run organization that raises money to get sports equipment for people in need. She also gives people their food as a waitress at Orlando’s Cafe in Hopewell.

Between her lacrosse talent, her generosity and her grades, Azara was a perfect candidate for TCNJ. Hopewell resident Sharon Pfluger runs a national powerhouse that consistently competes for the NCAA Division III championship and Azara impressed with her skills at the Lions Prospect Day.

And yet, lacrosse is not what initially attracted her.

“They’re a very good teaching school, and I want to major in Elementary School Education,” she said. “It’s close to home. It makes it easier to see my family. I didn’t even (initially) think of TCNJ lacrosse. I looked at the school (overall) and then I thought I could also get on the team so I worked for it. I talked to the coaches and I ended up committing.”

So yet another NJAC team gets an Azara. It’s not surprising, since it was seemingly Gianna’s destiny from the day she was born.

Hopewell Valley junior Gianna Azara (left) in action against Phillipsburg, April 10, 2024. (Photo by Nate Berman.)

Combining generational talent for the greater good

Lisa Wolff HAPPY VALLEY

When you meet Pina, her warmth and enthusiasm is palpable, and reveals a larger presence than her petite, refined appearance might convey. Conversely, Ryan Kinney’s fluffy hair, funky sunglasses, and whimsical socks allude to his laid-back nature.

Pina was educated in Naples, Italy and the USA and currently resides in Hamilton Township. Ryan was born and raised in Hopewell Township and is completing his junior year at Temple University. As generations are defined, Pina is a Boomer and Ryan is Gen-Z.

Pina and Ryan work together at Grounds For Sculpture and have become good friends and are a prime example of a growing trend, known as cogeneration, defined as combining generational talent toward a greater good.

Pina and Ryan bring diverse lived experience and skills to GFS and both arrived through vastly different paths.

Pina shared, “My mama was blind. I was her eyesight 24 by 7. So, when she passed away, I was lost. I was really in a dark, dark place.” A friend suggested that she consider volunteer work and Pina declined. She instinctively knew that volunteering at a hospital or something similar would not be a good fit. Pina had never heard of Grounds For Sculpture but her friend persisted and submitted her contact information and a GFS manager called.

Pina went in, completed the application, and started the next day. That was seven years ago. “This place brings me joy and life and I want people to feel the same way.” With no background in art or horticulture, Pina learned all the sculptures and trees on

her own. Today, she helps with weddings, events, and education for kids, including ARC of Mercer.

In November 2021, Ryan attended the opening of a new exhibit known as Night Forms and met Grounds for Sculpture Executive Director Gary Schneider. Ryan mentioned that he was a freshman at Temple University in the school of Sports, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, and was taking a course called “The Business of Leisure.”

Schneider confirmed that GFS was a real-world example of Ryan’s academic classwork.

Ryan followed up and applied for an entry level position. Today, Ryan is an event assistant and supports GFS during the summers and over school breaks. Grounds For Sculpture’s mission is to combine “art and beckoning spaces to welcome, surprise and engage all visitors.” Their vision to achieve this is by inviting “a diverse public to create,

learn, and discover personal meaning in their interactions with art, nature and one another.”

Pina and Ryan live the vision. Pina describes the staff and other volunteers as “family” and the grounds as “magical.” She mentioned that she met Ryan during Covid and even with masks, they had an immediate connection. “He loves to help people. He is always professional and smiling. He’s the best.” The feeling was mutual as Ryan shared, “Everyone loves Pina. She helps all the other volunteers and does so much with education.”

Pina concluded, “Here is what I teach, ‘When you walk through that gate… everything that is bothering you, leave it behind. This is a new place, a new world for you. Relax, take a deep breath and enjoy.’” *

What Young Leaders Want from Older Allies, a millennial interviewed said those statements rub the wrong way. “Don’t put that all on my shoulders, it’s an unfair burden to say one generation is responsible for solving problems that existed before we were even born. I’ve learned to say thank you, but let’s build this thing together.”

In the same study, 76% of Gen-Z and 70% of Millennials, “Wish they had more opportunities to work across generations for change.”

Another interesting study finding was “Personal connection before collaboration. Always.” Many of the young leaders believe that you must first connect on human level. Oftentimes, connections develop through shared affinity toward a common cause. Ryan and Pina bore out that finding.

To read the other findings and demographics of the study, visit cogenerate.org/young-leaders.

As the population ages and record numbers of Boomers retire, thanks to improved health and longevity, we are seeing more folks like Pina embracing a second act that reframes their work to aspirations that provide fulfilling and impactful chapters of their lives.

New York Times columnist David Brooks’ book, The Second Mountain, suggests that our culture encourages life’s first journey to be successful, make your mark, and experience personal happiness. But once atop that mountain, many find the view unsatisfying and embark on a second approach. On the second mountain, life moves from selfcentered to other-centered.

Older and younger people have become increasingly isolated, with younger people reporting increasing loneliness and mental health issues, and older people reporting rampant ageism. Combine that with our nation’s increasing societal polarization and it doesn’t bode well for finding diverse solutions to the many important issues facing the world.

Many nonprofit boards and service organizations that work to solve these issues are packed with older people who often speak about trying to fill their seats with younger participants since “they are the future.” This is especially true when discussions turn to issues such as climate change. Interestingly, this attitude is seen by younger people as another form of age segregation.

In an interview quoted in a cogenerate. org study funded by AARP, entitled,

There is no shortage of books, programs, retreats, and University fellowships offering to help navigate a midlife encore after retirement. Chip Conley, Founder of the Modern Elder Institute suggests that the goal is to repurpose and empower the accumulated wisdom, energy and experience of humans living longer lives than ever before.

Cross-generational friendships like the example of Pina and Ryan provide a compelling alternative to age segregation and helps forge the connections that that both generations will find gratifying.

If we can harness the wisdom of our elders and connect it with the energy our youth, we can find innovative ways to solve the problems that no generation can solve alone. Lisa

Wolff Lisa Wolff is the co-founder of the Outdoor Equity Alliance and an enthusiast for all things inspiring, generous, and local. Email: lwolffhome@gmail.com

Photo caption. (Photo by.)

HVRSD HIGHLIGHTS

hOpEwEll VAllEy

REgiONAl SChOOl diSTRiCT CElEBRATES ThE EClipSE

The day of the Eclipse was an exciting one here at the Hopewell Valley Regional School District! The students, staff and faculty celebrated in style with special glasses provided to all by the District Administration.

The 4/8/24 eclipse was significant because it had been nearly 100 years since New Jersey was so close to the path of totality, and it will be another 20 years before a similar eclipse is visible in the continental U.S. Teachers had developed a special curriculum for their students which was both informative and engaging. At Central High School, CHS physics teachers Jessica Barzilai, Marianna Crandall, and Gabby Migliore planned a whole-school event that combined elements of an interactive outdoor museum with field day. Students were offered the choice to explore nearly 30 stations thematically related to the eclipse and spanning all content areas.

We appreciate the efforts of all who participated in making this an especially enlightening day.

FuTuRE BuSiNESS lEAdERS OF AMERiCA

The HVCHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter returned from the 2024 State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Atlantic City with 26 Top State finalists! With 61 HVCHS competitors in attendance, students performed in a wide range of business, technology, and leadership events competing against 3,100+ FBLA members from NJ. Top finalists are qualified to attend the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL, June 28-July 3, 2024. There, HVCHS finalists will compete against 13,000+ students from the US, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Top finalists in NJ from HVCHS are:

HVCHS FBLA Top 4 Finalists

1st Place - Intro to Public Speaking - Grace Corveleyn

1st Place - Database Design & Applications - Pranjal Mhetre

2nd Place - Website Coding & Development - Trevor Daly and Thomas Huang

2nd Place - Spreadsheet Applications - Nina Plazonic

4th Place - Business Management - Eshaan Doshi and Manas Sinha

4th Place - Business Plan - Prithviraj Mohapatra

HVCHS FBLA Top 10 Finalists

Sean Cui - Intro to Financial Math

Srikar Dusi, Aryan Pathak, Manvi Tripathi (Team) - Social Media Strategies

Violet Hollar and Riley Kerr (Team) - Broadcast Journalism

Macie Leonardi, Caroline Ryan, Brooke Wood - Digital Video Production

Rajnandini Mohapatra - Intro to Business Presentation

Anand Parab, Kai Sugrue, Lucas Zapata-Sanin - Mobile App Development

Yash Patel - Personal Finance

Marina Sugrue and Emily Suh (Team) - International Business

Mahisvi Vemulapalli - Impromptu Speaking

Brady Wan - Business Calculation

The HVCHS FBLA chapter was also recognized for their outstanding community service efforts in the statewide advocacy project, Advocate for Anthony, which aims to unify members to spread positivity, acceptance, and kindness in NJ communities, and promote National Suicide Health Prevention.

Suzanne Brown, HVCHS chapter advisor, marvels at the students’ success, “Each year, our HVCHS students put in tireless efforts to rise above the competition and come away with practical knowledge and skills they often don’t have the opportunity to learn except but when competing against 3,100 of their peers. Their growth in the pursuit of excellence is remarkable– I couldn’t be prouder of them for coming out of their comfort zones to shine.” This spring, they’ll continue to hone their skills in their respective events before heading to Orlando in June.

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

AMERiCAN CliMATE lEAdERShip FiNAliSTS

Congratulations to Ms. Carolyn McGrath and her students from Central High School! Due to their efforts, Hopewell Valley was among the American Climate Leadership Award finalists recognized at the American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students Ceremony in April. The following students from Hopewell Valley Central High School: Ben Pollara, Lucy Webster, Megan Meng, Catherine Zeglarski, Anastasia Angarone, Iris Lautermilch, Mathilda Ramos-Williams, Sierra Chow, Lilian Brennan and Tabitha Webster stood out for their advocacy work to address an issue they see as disproportionately impacting their generation: climate change and its impact on mental health.

STEM CONFERENCE

In March, 10 Timberlane students attended the Young Women’s Conference in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, hosted by The U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton University. This conference introduces girls in 7th through 10th grades to women scientists and engineers and the wide breadth of careers available to them in these fields. Prominent female scientists and engineers from around the region spend the day with the girls in various formats, including small-group presentations, hands-on activities, a keynote address and a chemistry demo.

ThE MOdEl uN ANd MOdEl CONgRESS CluBS

The Model UN and Model Congress clubs meet weekly to prepare for our 3 annual conferences. As country delegates or current members of Congress, students collaborate with students from other schools and around the world to write bills and resolutions to address major issues facing our world today. These clubs allow students to develop an in-depth understanding of issues facing the US and the global community. Participating in Model UN or Model Congress equips high school students with invaluable skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking. Through simulated debates and negotiations, students learn to articulate their viewpoints effectively while understanding the perspectives of others. These experiences foster leadership abilities and a deeper understanding of global issues, preparing students for success in future academic pursuits and civic engagement. Recently, Central High Schools students Model Congress won Best Small Delegation at Rutgers Model Congress and also received awards at the Philadelphia Model UN 2024!

hOw TO SuCCEEd iN BuSiNESS wiThOuT REAlly TRyiNg

In March, we enjoyed the work of our talented students who brought this timeless and witty story to the Central High School Performing Arts Center. This classic satire of big business tells the story of young, ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch, who, with the help of the book How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, rises from window washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company. Thank you to Maria O’Leary for the accompanying pictures.

SpRiNg highlighTS

• Over 200 students participated in Conqueror of the Hill - an annual engineering task for first year physics students. The goal of Conqueror is to design and build a device out of common household materials such as plywood, mousetraps, rubber bands or jar lids.The device that students design and build must be able to move up a three foot long playing field and score points at the top by placing a hacky-sack into a cup or placing eraser caps on a ledge. Students work in teams of up to three students to complete the task. Conqueror culminates with a school-wide competition that occurs during the lab period of physics classes. The members of the winning team were: Emily Butterfoss, Hannah Lvov and Chloe DeFilippi.

• In March, twenty Latin students from Hopewell Valley Central High School participated in the New Jersey National Junior Classical League Regional Certamen at Princeton University. This annual event brought together over 400 Latin students from the Garden State who, putting their skills to the test, competed in an oral quiz bowl style contest featuring questions focusing on Latin grammar and vocabulary, Greco-Roman mythology, English etymology, ancient history, Greek and Roman authors and much more. This event is organized and led by the NJ chapters of the National Junior Classical League, a student and teacher-run national organization that promotes the study of ancient Mediterranean cultures. Over the past twenty years students from Hopewell Valley have had strong showings in this competition, bringing home regional and state titles. In 2023, CHS students placed second in the Central Region for Upper Level Latin. This year was a building year since CHS did not offer a fourth year Latin class for students, but even without a title, students had fun competing with and meeting other Latin students from around New Jersey!

In May, CHS Latin students will be participating in the NJ Junior Classical League State Convention at Princeton High School where they will be presenting creative arts and academic projects as well as participating in events that run the gamut of fine arts, athletics and academics.

• The Hopewell Valley CHS Debate Team is an extracurricular club that competes in the Colonial Valley Conference. Each fall, the team debates a policy issue as established by the National Speech and Debate Association. In the spring, the team hosts a less formal, in-house tournament that follows the Lincoln-Douglas debate format. The debate team provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. It also helps cultivate friendships and camaraderie. There are no auditions and no cuts -- all are welcome!

• The Advanced Scene Study and Directing Class presented an evening of two hilarious one-act plays; Check Please: A Series of Disastrous Blind Dates and Power Line: The Story of Me, Mario, and Your Mom.

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

259 Pennington-Titusville Road

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4003

(609) 737-1581 Fax

Principal: Patricia Riley

TIMBERLANE MIDDLE SCHOOL

51 S. Timberlane Drive

Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-4004

(609) 737-2718 Fax

Principal: Nicole Gianfredi

BEAR TAVERN SCHOOL

1162 Bear Tavern Road

Titusville, NJ 08560 (609) 737-4005 (609) 737-7351Fax

Principal: Christopher Turnbull

ThE wiTNESS STONE pROJECT

The 8th grade students at Timberlane recently visited Howell Living Farm in anticipation of the start of this year’s Witness Stones Project. This is a multidisciplinary activity aiming to restore the history and honor the humanity of those who were locally enslaved. The project’s core is an educational activity that culminates with the student research, analysis, writing, and public installation of a Witness Stone in May. This will be the third time that a former Hopewell Township individual has been researched by our students and commemorated by the community with a Witness Stone. Students will use documents specific to the individual who was enslaved to write a brief biography of a person from their community who will be memorialized by their writings and by the Witness Stone installed publicly in the community. This year’s trip to Howell Living Farm allowed students to engage in station activities aimed to better their understanding of Nance, a woman believed to have been enslaved on the farm.

HOPEWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

35 Princeton Avenue

Hopewell, NJ 08525

(609) 737-4007

(609) 466-8095 FAX

Principal: David Friedrich

STONY BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

20 Stephenson Road

Pennington, NJ 08534

(609) 737-4006

(609) 730-3888 Fax

Principal: Steven Wilfing

TOLL GATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

275 South Main Street

Pennington, NJ 08534

(609) 737-4008

(609) 737-7348 Fax

Principal: Jane Ellen Lennon

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

425 South Main Street

Pennington, NJ 08534

(609) 737-4000 (609) 737-1418 Fax

Increasing water rates affect us all

Last month, our community had a difficult discussion about allocating drastic increases to our water rates. I am proud of my colleagues on council, especially our water planning committee, for the way such a challenging topic was addressed, and thankful for the comments and feedback that we received from our residents and businesses.

Increasing water rates affects us all: it burdens our businesses, challenges the finances of our most vulnerable residents and adds to the increasing unaffordability of living in our area. Borough Council and I are committed to doing everything in our power to bring our rates back down. This includes continued steps to cut our water losses, increase production, continually monitoring our water utility budget, revisiting rates as soon as possible, and inviting the entire community to the discussion on whether it is in our best interests to pursue the sale of the water system.

At our April Council meeting we accepted a report from the Borough’s financial advisors that laid out the steps and the potential benefits to the community of a sale. One of those first steps is to determine whether there are emergent conditions present to allow the Borough to pursue use of New Jersey’s Water Infrastructure Protection Act’s (“WIPA” for short) negotiated sales process. Those conditions are outlined in the report the Borough received from Phoenix Advisors and you can find on our website.

While there is likely another full year of discussion, fact gathering and public process ahead of us before our community will make this choice, Council and I have committed to

Borough Council and I are committed to doing everything in our power to bring our water rates back down.

being as inclusive and involve as many stakeholders as possible as we consider the sale. We think community involvement is so important that earlier this month, we mailed a postcard to each of our water customers asking them to join us at a special Town Hall meeting on Monday May 13 at 7:00pm. At that meeting we will publicly review the process and options from our professionals and determine whether the conditions exist to allow the Borough to eventually negotiate a sale under WIPA. After that hearing, the NJDEP has 30 days to approve or deny the Borough’s determination, after which Hopewell Borough could advertise for interested buyers and potential terms for the sale, by issuing a request for qualifications and then negotiating terms of a sale.

Through the process, the Borough will maintain the ability to decide on the course that makes the most sense for its residents and ratepayers right up until the very end, giving our community the most flexibility in arriving at the right decision. A decision to start the process does not require the Borough to sell: that would not occur until the final steps after terms have been negotiated with a buyer and contract approved.

As a small water system, Borough Council currently sets water rates each year by ordinance. While this might appear to give the town control over pricing, as a regulated utility we are required to account for all costs associated with operating the system and charge those to our approximately 800 water meters and connections.

When costs go up, the Borough has no choice but to raise rates like we did last month. Our experts have created a capital plan for our system that forecasts costs steadily increasing in the future, which will ultimately continue to result in higher water rates. While larger water systems, like the type that serve neighboring towns of Princeton and Montgomery, are also facing these increased costs, they have the scale and resources to handle them more efficiently. Even with the anticipated rate increases requested by these private operators, our experts forecast that the rates the Borough will have to charge will continue to be significantly higher than rates charged in surrounding communities. Following a sale, while the Borough would not itself set the water rates, what our customers pay would be on par with other communities and any

increases would be subject to approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Based on the information from the Borough’s experts, we expect that rates would be considerably lower in the future if the system is sold and that in addition to lower rates, taxpayers could expect significant municipal property tax relief from paying down our debt with proceeds from the sale of the system. .

I hope that you will join us in this important conversation on May 13, at each of our monthly council meetings or at my drop-in Mayor’s hours at town hall. It is only by working together that we can find the solution that gives our community the quality of service, the reliability, and the fair rates it deserves from our water provider. You have my commitment as Mayor and the full commitment of our town that until we find that solution, no stone will be left unturned.

More information can be found at the special water system website we have set up at hopewellboro-nj.us/water.

Ryan Kennedy is the mayor of Hopewell Borough, which provided this content.

What I did on my...

Would you like to hear about my trip to Costa Rica?

Oh no, not another composition about how I spent my vacation.

Yup!

I got a call from a “very old” (in both senses of the words) friend who asked if I wanted to go with him to Costa Rica where, 50 years ago, he’d served in the Peace Corps. My household generously granted permission. All I knew about Costa Rica was that it got rid of its army in 1948.

Just prior to our arrival at a mountain hotel, a sloth had been moved out of the entry road. Days later, I actually saw a sloth. I also saw spectacular birds, including four kinds of toucans. Nothing is cooler than a toucan, gawdy birds with enormous colorful beaks.

I also saw zillions of different hummingbirds (we only have one species of hummingbird in the eastern U.S.), oropendolas with bright yellow tails who build two-foot long nests that hang from trees like socks, and crested guans, a turkey-sized bird that produces a monotonous, obnoxious squawk.

I walked on jungle trails as well as country roads winding past fields of grazing cows with volcanoes in the distance.

One trek took me to a pond containing the world’s most ungainly boat, essentially a 10-by-5-foot box with a roof. It was meant for two people, one to paddle and the other to steer. Since there was only me, I had to paddle on one side then slide to the other to go in a straight line.

Hotel guests were eager to share their life stories, from California cokehead surfers to tamer folks who owned half of Belgium.

We visited the nearby town where, in the 1960s, my Peace Corps pal had engaged in “community development” which meant figuring out how best to improve local living conditions. The town appeared quite prosperous which, due in part to my friend’s efforts, was now served by a two-lane highway instead of a rugged rocky road.

After four days in the mountains, we drove to Playa Hermosa on the Pacific. Pelicans and frigate birds flew over the ocean. Brown Boobys plummeted out of the sky to catch fish.

The first iguana sauntering by the breakfast table was a thrill. By the tenth sighting, it was clear they were as common as pigeons.

More remarkable was finding a live yellow-bellied sea snake washed up on shore. Although it’s venomous with a powerful poison that attacks skeletal muscles, it’s not designed to move on land and apparently is only a threat to fishermen far out at sea who try to extricate the snakes from their nets.

Using a palm branch, I tossed the snake into the ocean and watched it swim gracefully away. An hour later, either the same snake or another was on the beach having been crushed by a cinder block. The next day I came upon a similarly slain snake. On another day, hotel staff reported the killing of a boa constrictor on the next block.

Really, folks, unfortunate events involving a serpent in the Garden of Eden happened a long time ago. It’s time to move on.

Another seemingly exotic, but common, creature in town were howler monkeys infesting the trees and making ghastly sounds, sort of like a revving engine. And they were ugly. A woman sold t-shirts on the beach, “100% of all funds will be contributed to the program for injured monkeys.” No chance. How about a T-shirt reading, “Be nice to snakes”?

One day, we foolishly consulted Google Maps for the best route to Santa Rosa National Park. The road became increasingly challenging and desolate until it stopped suddenly at a river. Although only a foot deep, we did not risk getting stuck in the middle and dying of heat and starvation.

Two days later, we got to Santa Rosa using a real road. The park contains a memorial to the defeat by Costa Rican forces of William Walker, a 19th century American “adventurer” (aka power-maniac) who repeatedly tried to set himself up as a Central American dictator. Among his achievements was re-introducing slavery to Nicaragua, where it had been abolished. Walker was deservedly executed in 1860 at age 36.

Before leaving Central America, I bought T-shirts and coffee for my family. To make room in my pack, I donated four Hopewell Clean-up t-shirts to the people of Costa Rica.

At the airport, it was announced, “the plane to Newark will be delayed.” I made a wise-ass remark about no one ever being in a rush to go to Newark. Immediately, folks who knew Hopewell flocked around me wanting to talk about closed restaurants and the high cost of homeownership in the Borough. I was home, and the plane hadn’t even left.

Robin Schore lives in Hopewell Borough.

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