10-20 HP by Community News Service

Hamilton Hamilton PPost ost

OCTOBER 2020

Mayor: Town faces financial hurdles

COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG

Salon owner named Mrs. New Jersey

‘Safe and secure’ New Jersey joins list of states conducting elections by mail

Martin strikes somber tone in first township address

By Michele Alperin

By Rob Anthes

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin always planned to try something new for his first State of Hamilton Township address, but surely he didn’t expect this. Nearly six months after postponing his first attempt, Martin posted a 15-minute township address to the township’s YouTube page Sept. 3 that brought into sharp focus the challenges faced by the township, many of which did not exist a year ago. “2020 has been a year like no other,” Martin said. “It has challenged us to adapt, to overcome and to persevere through challenges.” Martin insisted that the township’s foundation is strong, but said Hamilton faces “very serious fiscal and infrastructure challenges.” He pinned the blame on the administration of Kelly Yaede and what he called a “kick-thecan” philosophy of budgeting. Martin said the COVID-19 pandemic grew the budget hole even more, forcing the township to furlough employees in July, institute wage freezes and cut spending. See TOWNSHIP, Page 11

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Chimere Haskins, owner of Chimere Nicole Salon on Nottingham Way, was crowned Mrs. New Jersey America 2020 on Aug. 8, 2020. She plans to compete in the Mrs. America 2020 in Las Vegas. The Mrs. New Jersey America 2020 pageant was held at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.

Small stature, big triumph

One morning, a message written in chalk appeared in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The words couldn’t have been simpler, or more Despite soul stirring, the fact Hartwick— freshman Billy Gazonas sat or more withaccurate. tears welling in his eyes which in the 1970s was to col-

Now retired, soccer great Billy Gazonas recalls glory days

lege soccer what Notre Dame and a fire igniting in his gut. Gazonas had just suited up is to college football—took a for his first meaningful “Heroesscho- 1-0 season-opening victory, lastic game since the previ- Gazonas was devastated. He work here.” ous November, when he cap- was the only Hawk player not By Rich Fisher tained St. Anthony’s High to get in the game, and with his School in Hamilton (now parents in the stands no less. It was Sep. 21, 1974 and Three words of gratitude and encouragement that What could have been the darkness had enveloped Trenton Catholic Academy) capture the courage and compassion of health to a 4-0 win over Union Catho- end of one man’s story, was the Hartwick College socworkers and across America. To share the yourbeginning of a lic inhere the NJSIAA Parochial A actually cer team’s bus as it rolled thanks or to supportgame. our Emergency Response Fund, compelling book. championship from Montclair State back to No one knew it at the time, What a difference 10 its campus in Oneonta, New visit rwjbh.org/heroes York. In the back of the bus, months made. See SOCCER, Page 12

In an atmosphere rife with misinformation and political divisiveness, confusing messages have spawned concerns about mail-in voting—a process that has proven safe and secure in the several states where it is now the norm. The western states of Utah, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Colorado have for years conducted their elections entirely or mostly by mail-in ballot. New Jersey will join them for this year, after Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 177, mandating all active registered New Jersey voters receive a mailin ballot with prepaid return postage for the Nov. 3 general election. In Mercer County, ballots began to be mailed to voters in the last week of September. This switch has not sat well with some, and disinformation about the process and safety of vote-at-home elections started to spread as a result. One piece of disinformation—one that could land voters in jail—came from President Donald Trump, who suggested to North Carolina citizens Sept. 2 that they vote twice, once by mail and once at the polls, to test the See VOTING, Page 14

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2Hamilton Post | October 2020

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Things don’t have to be hopeless ROB ANTHES FROM THE EDITOR

Having grown up in a bellwether town like Hamilton, I’m fortunate enough to know people from all points of the political spectrum. There isn’t much the two ends can agree upon these days, but they do seem to agree that the best way to approach life in 2020 America is with cynicism and a never-ending sense of doom. My thoughts initially go to a few highanxiety liberal people I know who are in danger of spraining their thumbs and index fingers from using their phones to “doomscroll” on social media apps all day long. But the attitude isn’t limited to the left wing—one Republican friend surprised me in early September when, out of nowhere and with an air of resignation, she said she “can’t live in this world anymore.” She’s been parading around since with a what-does-it-even-matter attitude. It seems nearly everyone I speak with is at a similar point. But here’s where I scratch my head. These same people seem to feel like it’s someone else’s job to change. That they are fine just the way they are, it’s everyone else who’s wrong. With that cemented in their minds, we’re in for more of the same. Folks on both sides will dutifully march to the polls (or their mailbox) and vote in the coming weeks, nonchalantly filling in the ballot bubbles next to candidates of their preferred party, heeding no mind to how they’ve felt the last two/four/six years and whether or not their situation

and our nation’s is any better than it was. Albert Einstein has been credited with saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Whoever said this—Einstein or not— had a point. Nothing will change if we don’t first change our behavior on Election Day, top of the ballot to bottom. If you’ve found yourself criticizing the president, or the U.S. Senate, or Congress, or the county government, or town council, or the school board—well, I’ve got good news for you. The time to change things is right now. They’re all on the ballot. Even better, the Hamilton Post has insights on this year’s school board race (Page 18) and council race (Page 22) to help you educate yourself before you cast your vote in local races. Then think before you vote. And when you go to put black or blue ink to ballot, be sure to follow the instructions so that your vote is counted. (For more on the process to be used this election, check out our cover story on Page 1 and the letter from the Mercer County Board of Elections on Page 6.) And if you still feel like there’s no one on the ballot who represents you, then organize. Find like-minded people, run for office next year. Things don’t have to be hopeless. But to make a change, you have to be willing to change yourself. Contact editor ROB ANTHES: ranthes@ communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. 124, facebook.com/robanthes, twitter.com/ robanthes.

Hamilton Post

we are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hamilton Post is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Post 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.

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EDITOR Rob Anthes (Ext. 124) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michele Alperin, Rich Fisher CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Peter Dabbene, Thomas Kelly, Bob Sherman, Jr. AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113)

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CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold

CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri

MANAGING EDITOR, COMMUNITY DIVISION Rob Anthes

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

MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings

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: ranthes@communitynews.org Website: hamiltonpost.com Facebook: facebook.com/hamiltonpostnj Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace 40,000 copies of the Hamilton Post are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Hamilton 12 times a year.

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post5

INBOX

How to vote safely and securely in the general election Voting for the Nov. 3, 2020 general election will be markedly different than voting the traditional way of entering a voting booth and pressing the buttons next to your preferred candidates. However, under COVID-19, using a mail-in ballot is the preferred choice in New Jersey. Voters in Mercer County will start to receive their mail-in ballots the week of Sept. 28, 2020. The Mercer County Clerk will mail every registered voter a mail-in ballot. The ballot can be returned via the United States Post Office, dropping in one of the secure ballot drop boxes located throughout the county, at your polling location and—as we get closer to the election—by hand delivering to the Mercer County Board of Elections.

If you wish to vote in person, a notice will be sent to your attention as to your polling location. In accordance with Executive Order No. 177, voting in person can occur in two-ways: (1) voting booth only if you qualify as a disabled voter; (2) you will be provided a paper ballot to complete. To ensure the counting of your mailin ballot, please follow these rules to help in processing your ballot. Register to vote: You have until Oct. 13 to register to vote. The Superintendent of Elections is the office to contact to address any registration issues. Do not remove the certificate: Your mail-in ballot will come with one outer envelope, one inner enve-

lope, and the ballot. Once you complete your ballot, it is to be placed inside the envelope that has a detachable flap. Do not detach that flap. Then insert the entire inner envelope in the pre-paid postage envelope that will allow for delivery to the Mercer County Board of Elections. Complete and sign the certificate: The Mercer County Board of Elections will remove your signed certificate once we can match your signature. Your ballot is then placed with other ballots, so your vote will remain anonymous. The certificate is saved and archived. Certification signature: If you registered to vote and think your signature has changed over time, please update your signature on file. You

can download a voter registration application from the New Jersey Division of Elections website and check “Signature Update” at the top of the application. If your signature does not match, you will receive a letter from the Mercer County Board of Elections, providing you with the opportunity to correct or cure your signature. Please complete and return this letter under the time frame permitted. Completing your ballot: Please use blue or black ink only and follow the directions for filling-in the circle. A ballot is read by a computer scanner that tabulates votes, and it will not read red ink or pencil. Counting your ballot: When your ballot is received and

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But Peter Drucker—often called the founder of modern management— observed, “the greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” The history of pandemics shows significant change happens in the aftermath of these events. School districts have already been forced to evolve. And I suspect, even when the pandemic dies down, the call for education to evolve will grow stronger. Thus, I ask that you return Liam Gonzales to the school board seat he was appointed to earlier this year. Mr. Gonzales brings a keen eye to the board table; he has an understanding of what students will need as they head into what promises to be a changing, and potentially challenging, future. Yesterday’s logic, and old mindsets, Anthony Francioso, Esq., Chairwill not help the district continue to man (Republican) move forward. A fresh perspective Mar y Corrigan (Democrat) from a member like Liam Gonzales is Anthony J. Conti (Republican) exactly what is needed. Jill Moyer (Democrat) I thank you for your support. The authors compose the Mercer County Board of Elections, the bipartisan board that oversees the collection of Sue Ferrara The author is a member of the Hamilmail-in ballots and tabulates the results. ton Township Board of Education. She writes as a Hamilton resident, and not Gonzales brings fresh on behalf of the board or in her capacity as a board member. perspective to school vetted, it will be placed with the ballots to be counted. The ballot will be separated from the inner envelope and placed in the group of ballots to be scanned. The ballots will be grouped by municipality. The ballot will be processed and read by a computer scanner. The scanning is supervised by the Mercer County Board of Elections and an outside vendor. The scanning system is a secure and private system. Do not miss the deadline: If you plan on mailing your ballot, please make sure your ballot is postmarked no later than Nov. 3, 2020. If you decide to place your ballot in a secured ballot drop box or deliver in person, it must be placed in the drop box no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2020.

board

As a community we have navigated turbulent times this year, having been called upon to reassess circumstances, change course, and adjust our lives. The turbulence is uncomfortable.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? The Hamilton Post welcomes letters to the editor. Please send your letters to editor Rob Anthes at ranthes@ communitynews.org. Deadline for our next issue is Oct. 15, 2020.

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Around town Rotary bike drive now Oct. 24

Linda Gearren (left), Sharon Lucidi, George Ott, Scott Biondi, Bill Coleman and Heidi Coleman at last year’s Robbinsville Hamilton Rotary bike drive. This year’s event is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 For 10 years, the Robbinsville Hamilton Rotary Club has collected used bicycles from the public for the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County’s Bike Exchange. To make up for an event scheduled for May that was canceled due to health restrictions, the club has

scheduled a bike drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Friendly’s, 1031 Washington Blvd., Robbinsville. In 2019, the Rotary Club delivered three truckloads and two carloads with a total of 70 bikes to the Bike Exchange. At the Bike Exchange, located in

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Capital Plaza on North Olden Avenue in fare unit that served in Burma in 1944. Ewing Township, volunteers repair and In its six-month operation, the Maraudrefurbish the used bicycles and then sell ers’ three battalions fought five major them to the public at modest prices, with battles and more than 30 other engageproceeds going to after-school and other ments against the much larger, elite Japachildren’s programs at the Boys & Girls nese 18th Division. Its success opened a critical land route so the Club of Mercer County. United States could conThey have sold thousands tinue to supply its Chinese of bikes and donated over allies and help support $1 million to the Boys & them as a fighting force. Girls Club. By the time it was deacFor information about tivated in August 1944, the Rotary Club Bike Merrill’s Marauders had Drive, visit rhrotary. lost hundreds of soldiers org or facebook.com/ to both fatal or incapaciRobbinsvilleHamiltontating combat injuries, Rotary. To find out how starvation and disease. to donate or buy a bike The unit was awarded a at the Bike Exchange, Presidential Unit Citation, visit bgcmercer.org/ six Distinguished Service bgc-bike-exchange. Howland Crosses, four Legions of Merit, 44 Silver Stars, and a Bronze Star for every member. Local ‘Marauder’ Thirty have been inducted into the awarded Congressional prestigious Army Ranger Hall of Fame. Three—including Howland—have the Gold Medal extremely rare distinction of being triple Last month, legislation passed hon- Combat Infantry Badge recipients. A native of Waltham, Massachusetts, oring veterans of a top-secret U.S. Army unit that fought behind enemy Howland enlisted in the Army shortly lines in the jungles of Burma in World after his 18th birthday. He fought in War II, including Hamilton resident World War II, Korea and did two comGilbert Howland. The legislation, Mer- bat tours in Vietnam. He is one of three rill’s Marauders Congressional Gold men from the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, Merrill’s Marauders offiMedal Act, was passed on Sept. 22. This legislation ultimately awards cial designation, to be triple CIBs. He the eight surviving members of the is in the Army Ranger Hall of Fame. “It is a great honor for me and our unit, who are all in their 90s, with a Congressional Gold Medal. The mem- unit,” Howland said of the new legistbers include Robert E. Passanisi, 96, lation. “It recognizes how important (Long Island, N.Y.); Gilbert Howland, our special operations mission was in 97, (Hamilton); James Collins, 96, Burma. I cannot believe it finally hap(Tampa, Florida); Rocco DeLuca, 98, pened! I feel like I hit a home run! I am (Norwich, Connecticut); Russell Ham- thrilled and cannot wait to go down to ler, 96, (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania); Washington for the ceremony.” “For me this has always been the Gabriel Kinney, 99, (Daphne, Alabama); Raleigh Nayes, 98, (Chippewa forgotten war,” he said. “We were the Falls, Wisconsin); and James Richard- only American ground troops fighting on the Asian continent. The men son, 99, (Jacksboro, Tennessee). Commanded by Army Brig. Gen. in this unit all volunteered. We sacriFrank D. Merrill, the almost-3,000 vol- ficed a lot. I lost men in my machine unteers were a commando jungle warSee AROUND TOWN, Page 10

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AROUND TOWN continued from Page 9 gun section and our unit had an 85% casualty rate. The CGM will now shine a light on that forgotten theater in the Pacific that was so crucial in defeating the Japanese. Why did we do it? Because our country needed us.”

Nottingham Fire helps Northstars in a pinch

State approves fire consolidation plan The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Local Finance Board unanimously approved Hamilton Township fire service consolidation, paving the way for the township’s nine fire districts to be consolidated into a single township fire department in 2021. The Local Finance Board approved the application by a unanimous vote, 7-0, in early September. The next step would be coordination with the Civil Service Commission for organizational transfer of all current fire district employees. Under current structure, Hamilton fire services are comprised of nine autonomous fire districts. Each of the nine districts is governed by five elected commissioners and have their own individual budgets. Under the proposal submitted before the Local Finance Board, all nine districts would be consolidated and become part of a newly formed Hamilton Township Fire Department, funded by municipal taxes. The process to consolidate the fire districts has been one the township has considered for decades, with the most recent proposal beginning in

After the Nottingham High School football team found out it could not use school grounds for its annual car wash fundraiser, Nottingham Fire Company volunteered to host the event, helping the team raise $2,000 Sept. 19, 2020. Because of the COVID19 pandemic, the Northstars were not allowed to hold the event at the school as they had in the past. When the team asked Nottingham Fire Company to use its parking lot, the company said it wasn’t something it had done before but agreed to host. Due to the event’s success, the Nottingham boys’ basketball team will host its own car wash at the firehouse Saturday, Oct. 3.

2015. The state previously refused to approve a plan put forth by the township in early 2019. Mayor Jeff Martin said during his Jan. 1, 2020 inauguration that completing consolidation would be one of his administration’s top priorities this year. “With today’s approval by the State, we are one step closer to having one Hamilton Township Fire Department

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in early 2021,” Martin said in a statement. “In an unprecedented year of economic difficulties, consolidation could save the township, and therefore our residents, roughly $1.5 million a year in reduced fire service costs all while keeping the same number of fire houses and firefighters. This is an extraordinary moment in both Hamilton and New Jersey history.”

Township asks for state investigation into cable provider Optimum In response to resident complaints about service and unfair pricing by Optimum and parent company Altice USA, attorneys for Hamilton and Robbinsville filed dual letters requesting an investigation into the utility. The letters—sent to Lawanda Gilbert, director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Office of Cable Television and Telecommunications— detail 11 examples from the hundreds of complaints received by the municipal offices at Robbinsville and Hamilton over the past several months. The letters allege poor customer service, unstable or insufficient internet connections and even instances of pricegouging, Hamilton Township said.

School board extends superintendent The Hamilton Township Board of Education unanimously voted at its Sept. 23 meeting to extend the contract of superintendent Scott Rocco by five years. Rocco’s contract was set to expire June 31, 2021. He started as superintendent in Hamilton on May 8, 2017, and has helped transform the school district. He oversaw the successful passage of a referendum within his first six months on the job, gaining voter approval on a $55.4-million

package of repairs and upgrades at each of the district’s 24 schools. Under his administration, the district has enhanced its social media presence, has hosted more frequent community events—such as this fall’s Pop-Up School House days— and tackled issues like chronic absenteeism. The district recently achieved oneto-one status, meaning schools have one internet-ready device for every student. There are 12,000 students in the Hamilton Township School District. Prior to hiring Rocco, the district dealt with years of instability in the superintendent position. After Neil Bencivengo retired in 2011, Hamilton sandwiched two extended periods with interim superintendents around the tenure of full-time hire James Parla. Parla lasted less than three years in the job, leaving his position in 2015. A Hamilton resident, Rocco has worked in education for 26 years. He started in the Hillsborough School District as a teacher and administrator. Rocco came to Hamilton from Spotswood, where he served as superintendent of schools from January 2013 until May 2017. Rocco has also taught at The College of New Jersey—his alma mater— for nearly two decades. He holds a bachelor’s in secondary education and a master’s in educational administration from TCNJ. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University in 2014. Rocco currently makes $199,500 per year, in line with superintendents of similar districts in New Jersey—such as Toms River ($203,000), Woodbridge ($204,526) and Edison ($196,584). –Rob Anthes

WHAT DID WE MISS? What are you noticing in your community? What stories do you think we should tell? Do you have news to share? We want to hear from you. Send your news or tips to news@communitynews.org.

TOWNSHIP continued from Page 1 Both sewer rates and municipal taxes have been increased in 2020 already, a subject Martin did not broach during his address. In May, Martin announced the township would raise residential and commercial sewer rates for the first time in more than a decade. Residential sewer rates increased effective July and will be reflected on the Oct. 1 bill. The township estimated in May that the increase would amount to $78 per household annually. Township officials have said it has been decades since improvements have been made at the Hamilton Township wastewater facility, and the infrastructure is in dire need of upgrades. Then, in June, Martin introduced a municipal budget that included a tax increase of 4.4 cents, or $100 per year for an average Hamilton home with an assessed valuation of $225,000. Hamilton Township also has already reduced the funding for overtime pay in the police department budget, as well as borrowed $4.1 million in cash from neighboring Robbinsville Township, all in an effort to fill budget gaps. Martin acknowledged during his address that the pandemic has caused pain beyond the municipality’s budget. To help local small businesses, the Hamilton Township Department of Community and Economic Development established in August the Small Business Assistance Program. The program took $90,000 of the township’s federal Community Development Block Grant CARES funds, and will enable around 20 Hamilton Township businesses to secure assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release from August, the township said the Hamilton Small Business Assistance Program will provide grants up to $5,000 to allow businesses to pay things like employee salaries, general operating expenses, inventory and advertising/marketing expenses. The mayor also said he has encouraged any construction in the township to be done by local workers. “I believe a rising tide lifts all ships, so I continue to advocate to any developer or contractor to use local labor on local building projects,” Martin said. “Our local workers support local small businesses, which support our local nonprofits. Support for one is support for all.” The pandemic has stressed the township health department, as well, with staff conducting contact tracings for as many as 225 cases of COVID-19 per week at the peak of the pandemic. The department has been dealing with about 30 per week now, Martin said. As of Sept. 3, 175 people in Hamilton have died from an illness related to COVID-19. Meanwhile, in response to national concerns about police brutality in the aftermath of the deaths of Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Martin said the Hamilton Police Division has made an effort to better communicate with residents. Since June, HPD has worked with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to hold community sessions. The goal, Martin said, is to let people know that

Hamilton and New Jersey have “previously made many of the reforms that are needed on a national level.” Martin also commended the work of two Hamilton police officers—Michael Stefanelli and Anthony Lucidi—who arrived first to the scene of a June 16 fire on Klockner Road and saved the lives of the family inside the burning building. “While no department is perfect, we can never stop appreciating those that put on the uniform each and every day,” Martin said. While much of his speech reflected on issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin also assured residents that he hasn’t forgotten about the three primary objectives he set for himself at his Jan. 1 inauguration: providing safe drinking water, completing the consolidation of the township’s fire districts, and improving the township animal shelter. On the drinking water front, Martin said “we cannot rely on Trenton to get out of its own way” and highlighted the effort of Hamilton, Ewing and Lawrence townships to join state legal action against Trenton Water Works. The court granted that request in mid-August. “This is the result unfortunately of some in Trenton not fulfilling their basic responsibility in providing clean, safe drinking water for all of us,” Martin said. Martin said that fire consolidation is “well underway,” and that the township has hired legal help to assist completing the process. The mayor added he hoped to soon announce a successful conclusion to fire consolidation. Days later, on Sept. 9, the township announced that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Local Finance Board unanimously approved Hamilton Township fire service consolidation, paving the way for the township’s nine fire districts to be consolidated into a single township fire department in 2021. The township had sought to consolidate its eight fire districts since 2015. The township animal shelter, meanwhile, has a new manager, Donielle Killian-Gioia. The shelter had drawn the attention of township council and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in 2019, with both entities conducting investigations. MCPO said its investigation revealed that in a 34-month period between Jan. 1, 2016 and Oct. 1, 2018, staff at the Hamilton animal shelter had euthanized nearly 330 animals before holding them for at least seven days, the minimum number required by state law. Martin concluded by urging his residents to see common ground and to work together for the benefit of the township. “We must focus on the common goals that we all want and work toward accomplishing them together,” Martin said. “It is in that common mission as fellow Hamiltonians, we can raise our town to new heights. No neighborhood ignored, no neighborhood forgotten. One great Hamilton Township.” Contact editor ROB ANTHES: ranthes@ communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. 124, facebook.com/robanthes, twitter.com/ robanthes.

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SOCCER continued from Page 1 but the seeds were planted that Saturday night for the sociology major to become an author. At just 5-foot-3, 132 pounds, Gazonas would eventually have quite a tale to tell, culminating in being named the nation’s best player on the nation’s best team in 1977. All of that occurred after being told he would never play at Hartwick by its head coach. The uplifting saga was finally chronicled in print this past spring with the release of Gazonas’ book: “That Little Son of a B**ch!” A Soccer Journey from Tears and Humiliation to National Champions and Hermann Trophy Winner. “There were several reasons why I wrote it,” said Gazonas, who grew up in the Hamilton Township leagues and has lived in Robbinsville for the past 25 years. “It’s to tell individuals like me who are told ‘You’re not good enough. You’re too small, you’re too slow, you just don’t have it,’ that you don’t have to accept that. You don’t have to let a coach define you as a player. I also wrote it because I want my (seven) grandchildren to understand the value of hard work, focus, discipline. Attributes everybody needs. “If I can inspire kids to believe in themselves, and that you need that mental strength when the coach tells you you’re not good enough, then hopefully that gives them incentive to work even harder.” His final words in the book, which was written without a ghostwriter, were “If you are able to feel what I was going through, then I will consider

Billy Gazonas had a soccer career that went from tears to triumph after he was named the country’s top college soccer player in 1977. He recently wrote and published a book chronicling his journey. (Photo by Rich Fisher.) this book a success.” According to at least one of his children, it was a success. “One of my (four) daughters called me and said ‘Dad, I couldn’t put the book down, I wanted to know if you would make the varsity or not,’” Gazonas said with a laugh. “I wanted to write it the same way I would talk. I wanted people to feel that pressure and I’m

sure there were people saying ‘Yeah I went through that; that coach who hated me or wouldn’t let me play.’” Gazonas played with and for some of Mercer County’s greatest soccer legends, including the late Glenn “Mooch” Myernick, who took Gazonas under his wing at Hartwick, Bobby Smith, Kevin Welsh, Denny Kinnevy, Tim Murphy, Paul and Ernie Tessein and the late

Charlie “Ping Pong” Farrauto, whose tireless private sessions with Gazonas shaped his talents. Those men made Mercer one of the nation’s soccer hotbeds in the 1960s and 70s. There are also accounts of the Trenton Extension’s memorable wars with the Trenton Italians and other club teams in the state. “I haven’t met one person who has

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read the book who hasn’t loved it,” said Rider coach Charlie Inverso, a former Notre Dame High goalie who played against Gazonas in high school. Inverso actually coined the book’s title. “I told him ‘Billy, you’re the nicest guy in the world off the field, but on the field you were a real p--ck!” Inverso said. “Why don’t you call the book ‘That Small (SOB).’” “Charlie said I always played with a chip on my shoulder, and I liked that idea for a title,” said Gazonas, who eventually changed “small” to “little” on the advice of a friend. Gazonas’ career started in the Hamilton Little Bigger League and moved on to Hamilton Post 313, which he helped to a State Cup title. He would also train with Ping Pong at Nottingham Junior High (now the high school) and take part in the legendary Nottingham pick-up games. “I learned so much playing against the older guys there,” Gazonas said. “They were always willing to help out a younger player.” During St. Anthony’s championship year, the Iron Mikes tied Steinert, which was the only blemish in the 1973 Spartans 22-0-1 state title run. Steinert’s leading scorer was Art Napolitano, who would be Gazonas’ teammate the next four years at Hartwick. But while Napolitano was recruited as a high school All-American, Gazonas had to try and walk-on to the Hawks. He had been told outright by head coach Timo Liekoski that he should transfer since he wasn’t good enough to play at Hartwick. Liekoski eventually said The Greek could stay on varsity and never play, or be a regular on the JV. Gazonas had one goal—win a national championship with the varsity at the nation’s top program. He was confident of making an impact but the opening-night embarrassment at Montclair staggered Gazonas. While the rest of the team went out to celebrate, Billy disappeared on campus for what would become a career-long routine—a secret practice by himself. “That was my thing,” he said. “When you’re alone, you don’t have to share the ball. You can touch the ball 1,000 times to work on things. There’s no shortcut.” After two games, several circumstances prompted the freshman to march into Liekoski’s office after practice and insist he should not only be playing, but starting. “My heart was pounding in that shower,” Gazonas recalled. “But when I got out the door, I kind of felt almost mad. Here’s a guy, the best coach in the country, telling you you’re not good enough. We’d just gotten blown out (by Penn State) and now I’m gonna tell him I should be starting.” Gazonas was a midfielder but Liekoski asked him if he could defend and mark Connecticut standout Tim

Hunter all over the field in the next game. Billy said, yes, so Timo said yes. “I was in shock but I didn’t want to show it,” Gazonas said. “I didn’t know Timmy Hunter or if I could mark him. But what was I gonna say, no? I had nothing to lose.” Gazonas shut down Hunter, and a career was underway. There were a few bumps in the road and Billy was constantly proving himself to Timo over the next two years. He continued to start and when Liekoski left for the North American Soccer League, Gazonas was on the search committee for a new coach. They chose Jim Lennox, who moved Billy to his natural position of central midfield. Hartwick reached the NCAA Final Four his junior year, and won it all the next season. As captain, Gazonas had the honor of hoisting the trophy, which is the photo that adorns the book cover. The book only featured Gazonas’ four years at Hartwick. He listed his awards and accomplishments at the end, but never wrote about winning the 1977 Hermann Trophy as college soccer’s top player; or Soccer Monthly Magazine’s College Player of the Year award. Nor did he talk about a professional career which he admits “wasn’t all that great.” “For me, the story is about my first game in the back of the bus in tears, totally humiliated, to winning the national championship in the last game,” Gazonas said. His elation he felt over winning the Hermann was more for his dad, who sold The Trentonian at his sweet shop in Trenton. “George O’Gorman wrote the story on the back page, and I was just thinking about how proud he was showing people that back page when they came in and bought the paper,” Gazonas said. “Obviously I’m super proud that I won the Hermann Trophy but that pales in comparison to winning the championship with my teammates. Winning was why I played sports.” After a brief professional coaching career, Billy and his brother Andrew opened Michele Lorie Cheesecakes in Trenton. After 21 years of success, they left the business and a year later, a restless Gazonas pondered the book. He started in 2012 and wrote off and on for seven years before the project came to fruition. While there were numerous subjects broached, what came across more than anything was Billy’s passion and desire for soccer, which he often played from sunrise to sunset. “That’s what I wanted to do,” he said. “I loved it. I loved working on my game; it’s so fulfilling. The better you get, the more you want to practice. The more you practice, the better you get.” He got so good, in fact, he proved that naysayers wrong.

‘When you’re alone, you don’t have to share the ball. There’s no shortcut.’ –Billy Gazonas

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VOTING continued from Page 1 security of the system. Anyone who follows the president’s suggestion would be committing voter fraud, a third-degree crime that could lead to a felony conviction. Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, in a September 18 email, called Trump’s suggestion “absurd.” In the same email, Hughes offered reassurances about the safety of voting by mail. “Don’t be distracted by baseless claims that seek to undermine the voting process,” he wrote. “Studies have shown that voting fraud in the United States is extremely rare, and states where voting now is done almost entirely by mail are said to report very little fraud.” In fact, New Jersey compares signatures on mail-in ballots to those on file in the Statewide Voter Registration System. The Board of Elections also has processes in place to flag ballots for voters who are not registered, have passed away or do not live in the county or state. “So we can set those aside for investigation and if need be rejection,” Board of Elections chairman Anthony Francioso, a Republican, wrote in an email. Mercer County clerk Paula Sollami Covello, who is responsible for issuing vote-by-mail ballots in the county, said there has never been an incidence of fraud in Mercer County involving voteby-mail. In fact, the number of voters who wish to permanently vote by mail has grown “markedly” in recent years, Sollami Covello said.

Voting fraud is exceedingly rare in the United States, whether for mailin ballots or otherwise. Conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, which maintains a database of fraudulent voting incidences, found 204 cases of fraudulent use of absentee ballots among the 250 million votes cast bymail ballot nationally. Of these, 143 resulted in criminal convictions. Overall, there were 1,200 cases of voter fraud, or 0.000006 percent of total votes cast. It equals about one case per state every six or seven years. According to the database, New Jersey has seen 16 instances of voter fraud since 2003, with nine criminal convictions. Another piece of disinformation used to denigrate voting by mail comes again from the president, who claimed in April that if the United States switched to all-mail voting “you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again.” In an Aug. 26 article in “Science” magazine, Warren Cornwall reported on two independent studies that refute this claim. The studies found no statistically significant difference in voting levels by Democrats versus Republicans in states that had switched to mail-in ballots. National Vote At Home Institute national policy director Audrey Kline works with election officials to optimize administrative processes and laws for both mail and in-person voting. She’s noticed a cultural divide between the eastern and western United States, where mail-in ballots have been far more common than in

the East, more so than a partisan one when it comes to mail-in ballots. “We have some very staunch Republican supporters,” Kline said. “A lot of them are the election officials themselves; they are public servants; they are doing the Lord’s work; and they’re just trying to make it easier for people to vote.” She cited in particular Kim Wyman, a Republican and Washington’s Secretary of State as someone who “loves preaching the mail ballot gospel.” *** If voting by mail feels overwhelming, be reassured that all you have to do is complete the ballot by carefully following instructions and then choosing one of several ways to ensure its arrival at the Board of Elections. Below is a guide to voting in Mercer County in the Nov. 3 election, where we explain the process, as well as providing details on how to register or update your registration and how to check online to ensure your ballot has arrived. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old on election day, and a resident of Mercer County for 30 days before the election. New Jersey citizens on parole and probation may register and vote in all elections, although currently incarcerated individuals may not.

be registered by October 13, 2020. Active, registered voters began receiving mail-in ballots the week of Sept. 28. But what if you are not an active voter? “Inactive voters”—those for whom official election mail was returned to election officials or those who have not voted in two consecutive federal elections—are still considered registered. If you do not receive a ballot, contact the Mercer County Clerk’s office at vote@mercercounty.org or by phone at (609) 989-6465. Alternatively, complete a provisional (paper) ballot at your polling place on Election Day. To register to vote (or to submit a name change, an address change, a signature update, or a change in political party affiliation or non-affiliation), you must either complete a paper voter registration application and return it to the Superintendent of Elections, 640 S. Broad Street, PO Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650, or register online at voter.svrs.nj.gov/register, where you can click on “Register to Vote!” to access both of these options. Sollami Covello is also advising residents to update or verify their voter registration information with a current physical address. If a voter will be away between late September and Election Day, please apply to vote by mail ahead of time, noting the special temporary mailing address required.

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will also find an outer envelope with prepaid postage that will allow delivery to the Mercer County Board of Elections and an inner envelope with a detachable flap (do not detach this flap but be sure to sign it; election officials will detach it later as part of the secure counting process). After you complete your ballot and sign the flap, you will place your completed ballot inside the envelope that has the flap; the last step will be to insert the entire inner envelope inside the outer envelope. Make sure to use only blue or black ink when filling in the circles by the candidates of your choice—because the computer scanner that reads the ballots and tabulates the votes will only read blue or black ink; it does not read red ink or pencil.

Submit your ballot or vote in-person After completing your ballot, you have four options for submitting it: (1) Mail it via the U.S. Postal Service; check mail pick-up times on the post-office box where you submit your ballot, which must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, to be counted; however, the ballot will be counted as long as it is received by Nov. 10. (2) Drop it in a secured drop box (monitored 24/7 by camera) by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 at one of 15 Mercer County locations. A complete list of drop box locations appears at the end of this article. Given recent issues in the news about the U.S. Postal Service, Kline

says, “Drop boxes are a really important option because it gives people a little bit of an extra option but also they get that confidence level a little higher.” (3) Hand-deliver your ballot to the Mercer County Board of Elections at 640 South Broad Street in Trenton. This option will not be available initially, but Francioso said the board will accept in-person drop offs at their office closer to Election Day. (4) Hand-deliver your ballot at your polling place on Election Day. The Board of Elections will mail residents the location of their polling place via postcard at least one week prior to the election; each municipality will have at least one polling place open on Election Day. If none of these four options do not work for you, you may go to your polling place on Nov. 3 and complete a provisional (paper) ballet between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Provisional ballots will be checked against the records of mail-in ballots to ensure that people do not vote twice. Ewing councilwoman Jennifer Keyes-Maloney said there is a need for matching signatures—both because of potential fraud but also because double voting may be unintended. “My father had Alzheimer’s,” she said. “I could see him filling out voteby-mail and then he knows he needs to vote on Election Day and goes to [his polling place],” she said. If you’re voting in person, check to make sure where your polling place See VOTING, Page 16

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post15

NEWS TO

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VOTING continued from Page 15 will be; there will be fewer polling places this election, Keyes-Maloney says, both because the election is mostly by-mail and because poll workers, who are often seniors, have been harder to come during the pandemic. If you have a documented audio or visual impairment, voting machines will be available as an accommodation under the The Americans With Disabilities Act.

What if your signature has changed over time? Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello recommends that New Jersey voters make sure the signature they registered with looks the same as the one they use today. Noting in particular elderly people, those with Parkinson’s disease or even people who registered at age 18 and are now 35, Sollami Covello says, “We suggest that people update their signatures with the office of registration of the Board of Elections.” If you are concerned that your signature has changed over time, you need to update your signature on file by submitting a voter registration application and checking “signature update” on top of the application. If your ballot signature does not appear to match the one on file, the Board of Elections will inform you of this by mail and give you a chance to correct your signature—but you must complete and return their letter within the permitted time frame.

Track your ballot online The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino, as newly elected Chaiman of the Board and Rachel Holland as the newly appointed Executive Director. Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success. Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first Source: Unkown females to serve in each of their roles!

If you are worried that somehow your ballot might get lost either in the postal system or in a drop box, you can ascertain online whether your ballot has arrived where it belongs. But this requires a little advanced preparation. Before you can register for the Public Access, where you can check to ensure that your ballot has been received and recorded, you will need your Voter ID number if you registered before 2005 or you will need either your driver’s license number or social security number if you registered after 2005. To get your Voter ID number, contact Catherine DiCostanzo at (609) 989-6750 or cdicostanzo@mercercounty.org.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

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WWW.THEHAMILTONPARTNERSHIP.COM 16Hamilton Post | October 2020

Counting the votes

The Board of Elections and an outside vendor supervise the scanning of ballots, according to Francioso. The board asserts that “the scanning system is a secure and private system.” First, the Board of Elections ensures that your signature on the flap of the inner envelope matches the signature contained within the Statewide Voter Registration System. Only then is the flap detached, saved and archived, and your vetted ballot is placed with other ballots, grouped by municipality. This ensures that your vote will remain anonymous. The mail-in voting process still has the potential for problems, although New Jersey has taken steps to avert these. Princeton University computer science professor Andrew Appel, an election security expert, has explored the vote-bymail process and what might go wrong in three posts on the Freedom to Tinker website, hosted by Princeton University’s Center for Technology Policy. New Jersey, which is facing its first general election using largely vote-bymail ballots, has had to adjust its laws, Appel writes, to allow processing of the envelopes in the weeks before Nov. 3. This is critically important to ensure that all ballots are counted safely and on-time. States facing large numbers of mail-in ballots, Appel writes, “can’t process all the ballot envelopes on November 3rd—it’s just too labor intensive.” This early processing of ballots allows some ballot problems to be fixed; for example, if the signature on the envelope flap does not match the signature on file, the voter can be contacted and allowed to fix the ballot. At a time when postal service has been unusually slow, New Jersey will be counting mail-in ballots that arrive by Nov. 10, as long as they are postmarked by Nov.

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To actually register for the Public Access system, go to voter.svrs. nj.gov/auth/sign-up, where you will need to provide your name, date of birth, as well as the ID number appropriate for you. The system will also allow you to see your election history, mail-in ballot history, and provisional ballot history, as well as information about your polling place, upcoming election dates, voting district information, and county election officials.

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3. States that do not accept ballots that arrive after Election Day—even if they are postmarked by Election Day—“may disenfranchise many voters,” Appel writes. On the other hand, he adds, states like New Jersey that do count ballots as long as they arrive before a preset date may face a different type of problem if the late-arriving ballots shift the election to a different candidate. These are issues states will have to work through, as Kline suggests that mail-in voting may be the way of the future. “There’s been steady growth [in vote-by-mail] for about 20 years,” she said. “And then you’re seeing, especially this year, exponential growth, and it’s really incredible to see what we were expecting for 2020 versus what’s actually happening.” In West Coast states, which have used mail-in ballots more, Kline says, “People like it. It is seen as a convenient option. It’s seen as good government.” Once a state shifts to 60-70% usage of mail-in ballots, it becomes more effective to proactively mail ballots to all voters, Kline said. Both Montana, where any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot, and Arizona, where any registered voter may make a onetime request to get a ballot by mail for all future elections, reached this level of mail-in voting before the pandemic. Voting by mail is also “very costeffective,” Kline says, noting that Colorado saved $6 per vote when it switched over to a full vote-at-home model. In Nevada, election law states that any registered voter may request an absentee ballot for a particular election or may ask to receive an absentee ballot for all elections at which they are eligible to vote. Kline said she spoke with a member of the League of Women Voters in Nevada after the state had done a mostly vote-by-mail election for the first time. “Little hiccups here and there because everybody’s learning how to do it in their own state, where every state has quirks, and people are just doing it for the first time,” she said. “But generally, they’re doing really well.” New Jersey has been trending toward a mostly vote-by-mail election the past few years, even without the pandemic. New Jersey voters can get a ballot for any reason and can be put on the voteby-mail list permanently. But the state isn’t at the 60-70% participation level that experts like Kline look for yet. “We were really, really excited to see New Jersey take the full step and just say, ‘You know what? We think that we have enough information, we have secure enough processes that we are going to proactively mail ballots to everyone. And then create other options to handle any issues that come up from that,’” Kline said in June, before New Jersey’s primary. Whereas New Jersey’s process is straightforward—all active, registered voters get a mail-in ballot—the state of Georgia complicated matters for its primary in the spring by putting in an extra and, Kline says, “unnecessary” step by mailing everyone an absentee

ballot request rather than the ballot itself. The result was not only greater expense, but, she continues, “there’s a lot of data challenges, there’s a lot of staff time, there’s a lot of overhead. It’s also just kind of a messy process.” To further guard against fraud, Kline’s organization is recommending risk-limiting audits for the state, statistical audits that were piloted in New Jersey in several county-level elections in 2019. The audits were piloted as one measure to force New Jersey to abandon its decades-old, paperless touchscreen voting machines in exchange for a voting process that included a more-secure method of voting and a paper trail. Election security experts, like Appel, have been raising the alarm about New Jersey’s voting machines for 15 years now, and urging the state to move to a process that produces a paper trail and can be audited. Thought it isn’t what anyone envisioned when the year started, the state’s vote-by-mail 2020 general election does just that: produces results with an auditable paper trail. “Vote-by-mail is very secure,” Kline said. “We have the most data for places like Colorado, Oregon, and Washington that have been doing it for a long time. Oregon in particular has many, many years of data, and [fraud] is just deeply, exceedingly rare. I heard somebody say from the Brennan Center … that you’re more likely to get struck by lightning than to commit voting fraud.”

List of ballot drop boxes for Mercer County East Windsor Police Station – 80 One Mile Road, East Windsor Ewing Municipal Building – 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, in front of the building, to open Oct. 5. Hamilton Golf Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, Hamilton Hamilton Municipal Building – 2090 Greenwood Ave., Hamilton, to open Oct. 5. Nottingham Fire House – 200 Mercer St., Hamilton Square, to open Oct. 5. Hightstown Fire House #1 – 140 N. Main St., Hightstown, to open Oct. 5. Hopewell Township Administration Building – 201 Washington Crossing – Pennington Road, Titusville. Lawrence Municipal Building – 2207 Lawrenceville Road (Rt. 206), Lawrence, to open Oct. 5. Princeton Municipal Building – 400 Witherspoon St., Princeton Robbinsville Municipal Building – 2298 Route 33, Robbinsville (in back parking lot), to open Oct. 5. Mercer County Courthouse Annex – 209 S. Broad St., Trenton (in front of County Clerk’s Office). Trenton City Hall – 319 E State St., Trenton (in back), to open Oct. 5. Henr y J. Austin Center – 321 N. Warren St., Trenton, to open Oct. 5. Trenton Central High School – 400 Chambers St., Trenton, open Oct. 5. West Windsor Municipal Building – 271 Clarksville Road, West Windsor (between Municipal Building and Senior Center), to open Oct. 5.

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post17

ELECTION 2020

Four candidates vie for three seats on Board of Education Compiled by Rob Anthes

Four candidates are seeking one of three 3-year terms on the Hamilton Township Board of Education. The election will yield at least one new board member, as incumbent Albert Gayzik opted not to run for a new term. Incumbents Liam Z. Gonzales and Susan Lombardo and challengers Janna Sheiman and Christina Vassiliou Harvey are running for election. Liam Z. Gonzales, 27, has served on the Hamilton Township Board of Education since being appointed in July. He is a special education teacher in the Ewing school district. He earned bachelor’s degrees in history and secondary education from The College of New Jersey, as well as special education certification from TCNJ. Gonzales is a PenningtonAG Youth Leader and a Ewing High School lacrosse coach. Susan Lombardo, 52, has served on the Hamilton Township Board of Education since May 2014, twice running re-election. She has been board president for the past three years and was vice president in 2017. She works as an administrative analyst for the State Department of Human Services’s Medicaid Division. Lombardo completed two years of college at Mercer

Gonzales

Sheiman

Lombardo

Christina Vassiliou Harvey, 42, is an attorney. She has a bachelor’s degree from Douglass College, Rutgers University, and a juris doctorate from Rutgers School of Law–Newark. She has not held elected office. Vassiliou Harvey is a Girl Scout Troop leader, a member of the Langtree PTA, a member of the Daughters of Penelope, a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and American Bar Association and a founding board member of Community Justice Center, a non-profit organization. The Hamilton Post provided the same three policy questions to each candidate, who then had a week to formulate written responses. The questions and responses appear below:

County Community College. She volunteers with nonprofit organizations The Jeremy Fund and Joey’s Little Angels, and has done work with the Sunshine Foundation and other nonprofits. Janna Sheiman, 38, is an attorney. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and a law degree from New York Law School. She has not held elected office, but has served as a Hamilton Township School District Strategic Planning Committee member and a co-chair of the district’s Student and Facility Equity Subcommittee for the Facilities Planning Committee. Sheiman also is chairman of the Board of Directors for the Next Level Youth Mentoring Program and Pageant.

Jeffrey S. Martin Mayor Jeffrey S. Martin Mayor

Vassiliou Harvey 1. Hamilton Township public schools have begun the 2020-21 academic year with remote learning. With the benefit of hindsight, would you change the decision to go remote or anything else from the district’s plan? What conditions would you like to see before returning all children to hybrid/in-person learning? Should students wear masks during in-person instruction? Gonzales: COVID-19 has been taken very seriously by the Hamilton BOE. Currently, students with severe disabilities have been given the option to participate in school virtually or primarily in-person. The decision to allow that option to students with severe disabilities

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I still believe was right. Some of these students’ development can be adversely impacted immeasurably by forcing them to try and learn solely virtually. In Hamilton, 65% of students have elected for the hybrid plan, clear evidence that the majority wish to go to school in person. For the families that wish to continue to social distance or quarantine that option is available while at the same time supporting the majority of our community which has already made up their decision by saying they would like their students to go to school hybrid. Lombardo: These are very tough questions with really no right or wrong answer. The district had to come up with a decision on what to do about the school year, while getting (almost daily) changes to the protocols/guidelines set by State and County, these had to be followed and the plans had to be approved by a higher authority, in order to get the kids back into the schools. The decision to go remote first enabled the district to be sure all the mandates are in place. There were a lot of factors that weighed into the decision, first and most importantly the safety of all our students and staff. I would like nothing more than to see our students back in the classrooms, with all of their friends getting back to some sort of normalcy, but unfortunately that is not just a district decision it goes beyond the district on how/when this can happen. Hopefully the plans to go back in the hybrid model will go well and we will eventually be able to get them all back together in a more normal way in the future. As for wearing masks, that is a decision that the district cannot make, that decision has to come from the Governor’s office I would assume. The Governor has implemented everyone wearing masks indoors for now, which includes in schools also. Sheiman: I believe that going remote for the start of the 2020-2021 school year was necessary, as we still have new cases being diagnosed. School districts had to go remote quickly due to the positive diagnoses. Moving forward, should the district reopen, I believe we need to address the rotation schedule. While we are a large district, a three-week rotation with students’ schedules changing weekly will mostly impact families struggling to return to work. When we return to in-class instruction, we need to ensure that the students can maintain social distancing, and if possible, bring in HEPA filters to help address any risk for airborne transmission. I believe that students will need to wear masks during their in-person instruction to help protect them and their families from transmission for an initial transition period while students and teachers adjust to the new norms. Vassiliou Harvey: The current administration’s remote learning plans ignored the reality for working parents. For example, children who do not yet know how to use a computer need constant help from a caregiver. Learning involves a give and take. For instance, a kindergartener cannot learn to draw the letter “f” when the teacher cannot see the child in order to provide correction.

Younger children learn via a live format, which could be accomplished from a social distance consideration given there are less younger learners. There also should have been consideration for parents needing dependent care to set up “pods” where one aide can supervise multiple students at work stations separated by Plexiglass. For live learning, desks should be spaced more than ten feet apart with Plexiglass barriers so that they do not need a mask. Masks must be worn whenever social distancing is not possible. 2. The deaths of Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor this summer has launched conversations on racial equity around the countr y. This conversation has extended to school districts. What would you do to ensure equity in Hamilton schools? How can the Board of Education include more diverse voices in its decision making? Gonzales: The simplest and fastest way for the Board of Education to include more diverse voices in its decision making is for the public to elect minority board members. I am currently the only person of Hispanic descent on the board. Since I have joined the board in the summer we have taken a few steps toward improving equity. Hamilton is now a one-toone district, meaning that any student that has asked for a school device has received one from the district. Along with that, just last month we voted on a subsidy for families that needed childcare support. This would allow the YMCA and CYO to use Hamilton public school facilitates for childcare, free of charge. Their savings would then be subtracted from the cost for the consumer. Hamilton is one of the most diverse districts in the state overall. Unfortunately, the makeup of our schools does not showcase this as well as I would like. In the future, I would like to have more interaction between our school buildings to build community and show off that diversity. Lombardo: Equity within the school district has been one of my main initiatives while being on the School Board. I have been working hard to bring equity to the District on many different levels, one being having the tough conversations of how we need to have all our schools become more diversified throughout the district, this is a topic that comes with great debate throughout the communities, but I truly believe it is something that needs to happen in order for equity to be obtained at a greater level. The District and Community Relations (DCR) committee has been a great asset to the district; they have helped to keep the District moving in the right direction and continue to work hard at making a real change throughout the district. This is also something that is included in our strategic plan for the next 5 years. But we still have work to do, and if I am re-elected, I will continue to do just that. We need to dig deeper as a district and find ways to help bridge this divide in any way we can. Sheiman: As a co-chair of the stuSee SCHOOLS, Page 20

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SCHOOLS continued from Page 19 dent and facilities equity subcommittee, I have been working to identify issues of equity and equity of access in our schools, and one goal is to improve opportunities for parent participation. One way that the Board of Education can include more diverse voices is to move meetings to both in-person and streaming, and record those meetings. We also live in a linguistically diverse district, so we need to have translators and interpreters present at meetings to help reduce language barriers. Finally, I would hold town halls for parents in my assigned schools, both in-person and streaming as allowed, with translators and interpreters, to learn more about their specific needs. Vassiliou Harvey: Our public education system is not simply a teacher-student relationship. Students learn invaluable lessons by interacting with those who have different experiences. Remote learning has greatly diminished this type of learning. Having graduated from three levels of public education (Lawrence High, Douglass College of Rutgers University, and Rutgers Law School), my own education has been shaped by learning from others with different experiences. The Board can encourage equity in education through public partnerships with diverse groups. Like the Minority Student Program at Rutgers Law, we can create programs whose goal is to equalize the divide by giving students extra help and opportunities. This also includes teachers explaining how the curriculum affects minorities, for exam-

ple, a first college-generation perspective. The Board must investigate to eradicate institutional and systemic racism, such as, by analyzing test scores. The Board should encourage the schools to form committees to encourage equality and combat systemic racism. 3. Four candidates are running for three seats on the Board of Education. What sets you apart? Why should voters elect you? Gonzales: As a teacher in the Ewing Public schools I have been working virtually since March. Integrating technology and 21st century skills have been an interest of mine for years. Before COVID, I led professional development within my district on how to use digital tools, like Screencastify. Then, when everyone was forced to work virtually, some of my colleagues reached out to me on how to navigate our new reality. In graduate classes that I had taken years ago, any time we were given freedom to choose a topic to research I would always choose hybrid learning. Now, every district in the state is either looking at or already practicing hybrid learning. Since I have been researching and studying this concept for years, I am ahead of many on what hybrid learning can offer and where there are its limitations. This makes me very prepared for the challenges that our public schools face today. Lombardo: I know some background about the other 3 candidates, all of which I believe would be a positive addition to the district. What I

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would say would set me apart from the others would be the experience I have had over these past 6 years of being a board member (last 3 of which I have been the President). I know the dedication and time it takes, sometimes it’s not easy, and I have had to make some tough decisions, I have always kept the students and staff best interests in mind with each and every decision I have made. Some of those decisions have not been so easy and not everyone would agree with them, but I know that I have been true to my beliefs and feel I have done a good job as a board member and would like the opportunity to continue the work that I have been doing for the district. There are a lot of new plans ahead and initiatives that need to be completed and I would like nothing more than to continue to see them implemented. Being a board member takes dedication, honesty, cooperation and an open mind to be able to work as a team for the common goal of doing the best we can for ALL students and staff within the district. Sheiman: There are four qualified individuals running for the School Board. What sets me apart is my involvement in the community and our education department, while remaining independent. I live in the Kuser Elementary district; however, I do not currently have any children in the schools, and that helps me look at and consider the needs of every school equally. I have been part of both the Strategic Planning and Facilities Planning Committees for the school district to help make sure

every student has equitable access to a quality education and that our existing resources are being distributed fairly. I was also raised in education; my mother taught for 38 years, and I saw firsthand how important education is to a community. I want to bring that focus and attention to the Board to serve all of Hamilton, its students, and its residents. Vassiliou Harvey: I am a working mother going through the remote learning process first-hand with my children. I am a practicing attorney, so I have experience with and insight into legal issues that come before the Board. I also have experience in various community organizations, including being a Girl Scout troop leader and leadership positions in national groups like the American Bar Association’s House of Representatives, which is a large policy organization operating like Congress. Through these volunteer efforts I have learned skills that the Board could utilize to improve our public education system. The District’s biggest issue is lack of sufficient communication with parents. Through my work on these boards, I am aware of technology solutions that can improve communication to better our children’s education. Lastly, I am a frequent legal lecturer including via virtual platforms. As a remote educator, I have insight to improve teaching by computer. Contact editor ROB ANTHES: ranthes@ communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. 124, facebook.com/robanthes, twitter.com/ robanthes.

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post21

Three candidates seek final year of Martin’s council term Compiled by Rob Anthes

Three candidates seek to serve the remaining year on Mayor Jeff Martin’s unexpired township council term. David Maher, Edward Stackhouse, Jr. and Charles Whalen, Sr. have all entered the race for a one-year term on council. Whalen has been serving in the seat since January, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy created by Martin’s move from council to the mayor’s office. Republican David Maher, 53, works as a life safety consultant. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science. He has been a member of Nottingham Fire Company for more than 30 years, and previously served as a fire commissioner for Hamilton Township District 7and as president and deputy chief of Nottingham Fire Company. Maher served on the township zoning board for seven years, ending his term in January. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Married to his wife Joanne for more than 30 years, Maher has two children, Christopher and Laura. Edward “Ed the Barber” Stackhouse, Jr., 52, is a partner in the corporation of 33’s Barber Shop. He has worked 27 years as a barber. Stackhouse quit school following 8th grade, but passed the GED test a few years later and joined the Army. Upon returning from the Army, he enrolled in bar-

Maher

Pipe Trades Council, TreasurerWhalen of the Mechanical Allied Crafts Council of New Jersey and vice president of the Mercer County Central Labor Council. He is a 1977 graduate of Steinert High School, as well as a graduate of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9 Apprenticeship Program. Whalen is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1. He is a former coach of youth baseball, youth football and the Hamilton Post 31 baseball team. The Hamilton Post provided the same four policy questions to each candidate, who then had a week to formulate written responses. The questions and responses appear below: 1. In his State of Hamilton address, Mayor Jeff Martin said Hamilton faces “very serious fiscal and infrastructure challenges.” Do you agree with the mayor’s assessment? How do you propose the township council tackle the problem?

Stackhouse

bering school. In addition to his role as a barber, Stackhouse is best known for his support of local organizations, including the Sunshine Foundation, St Baldrick’s, Playing for the Pink, Recovery Advocates and youth sports and activities throughout Mercer County. He once rode a bike for eight hours at the Y to raise money, and regularly gives haircuts to the homeless and those in need of back-to-school haircuts. He is running as an independent candidate. Democrat Charles “Chuddy” Whalen, 61, has served on Hamilton Township council since January 2020. He previously served on the township planning and zoning board. He is assistant business manager at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9, chairman of the Local 9 health and welfare fund, treasurer of the Mercer/Burlington Building Trades Council, treasurer of the New Jersey State

Maher: First, he is as much to blame as the previous administration that he wants to point fingers at. He was president of council and saw this coming; he and the all-Democratic council could have vetoed the budget, made changes or sent it back. Instead they did nothing. The township needs to do more to get a lot of these vacant properties turned around so we can see more tax revenue from these sites. There has been a lack of economic development in this town, and we need to do more to support growth. Stackhouse: Hamilton needs to stop borrowing, building and get a grasp on spending. Hamilton has seen a boom in new residential homes and big box warehouses, not to mention 3 or 4 more Wawas. Where’s the money? The township services debt to the tune of about $10 million a year on municipal bonds. A $71,481 bond that was never used for its intended purpose sat while township residents paid the interest. Whalen: Yes, I think the global pandemic has unfortunately put all of us in uncertain times. The best way to address these issues is to take a serious look at the budget line-by-line and assess all township-wide appropriations to reevaluate spending patterns. Secondly, outside resources such as Community Development Block Grants have been methodically used throughout the township to mitigate the unforeseen economic impact on

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our local businesses and township- more diversity on the council in com- nesses fail and close up, we lose that already here a chance to recover. Whalen: My interest to run for wide financial health. Programs such ing years. That can become a reality in tax revenue, and we have to then pass as these should be expanded toward November by electing an Independent that on to the homeowners. I feel I can council was to be a strong voice for our hospitality industry to assist in candidate, one not tied to party lines. bring fresh ideas to council and will working families and all residents of rebuilding the strong economic foun- All voices should and need to be heard, not be another rubber-stamp member. Hamilton Township. In the beginning from South Broad to Bromley, the I will ask questions and stand for our stages of the pandemic, where a supdation of all our small businesses. ply of personal protective equipment 2. The Local Finance Board Square to Cornell Heights, Yardville to residents and businesses. Stackhouse: Being directly affected was critical, I was able to leverage my approved the township’s plan for Mercerville. I would like to see a counfire consolidation, paving the way cil/community committee with repre- by COVID-19 and having to close the relationships with contractors and for a single township fire depart- sentatives from each of the small com- doors of our business for 3 months, I labor unions to create an avenue to ment after a years-long effort to munities throughout Hamilton. The understand the hardships that so many provide PPE to our first responders, consolidate. With that issue on committee would be a bridge to bet- are going through. Without an income, hospitals, nursing homes and small track to be resolved, what do you ter communicate issues affecting each I had to reevaluate and change our liv- businesses without using any taxthink is the most important issue community and Hamilton as a whole. I ing situation, along with the daily oper- payer funds. These donations came at would personally work towards form- ations at our business. Hamilton small a crucial time when PPE was unavailfacing Hamilton Township? businesses have a long and bumpy able. I am committed to preserving Maher: Most importantly we need ing this alliance if elected. Whalen: As a union leader, I am road to travel. With the sewer tax and the safety of our residents while workto make sure that our police and fire departments have everything they committed to equality for all. The property taxes going up at this inop- ing to create new job opportunities. need to perform the duties of their job, unjust actions toward George Floyd portune time, it hurt business and resiso that not only can they protect our has reestablished a critical conver- dents alike. Being in business for 27 town but go home after each shift. The sation in America. I believe we must years, I have learned you have to make rising tax issues in this town are forc- “Say Her Name”...Breonna Taylor. the hard choices, cut expenses, open ing people to move out, we need to get Justice needs to be delivered in these more hours and hope for a better day Contact editor ROB ANTHES: ranthes@ this under control and stop the bleed- instances. Council along with the tomorrow. We do not need any more communitynews.org, (609) 396-1511, ext. ing. I would like to see something like administration has actively worked on banks, drugstores, pizza places, barber 124, facebook.com/robanthes, twitter.com/ they do in Voorhees. When you shop recruiting top minority voices to be shops and Wawas. Give the businesses robanthes. local, you earn tax credits. Here is a a part of the leadership in Hamilton. solution that can support local buis- From the cabinet to the judicial system, we have increased the talent and ness as well as help our residents. Stackhouse: One of the last big diverse voices of representation at all properties in Hamilton up for redevel- levels. It is imperative that we remain opment is the Congoleum site. Hamil- dedicated to the mission to include all ton has shelled out $20,000 for a con- community perspectives into our decisulting firm to look at the best way to sion-making process. 4. The COVID-19 pandemic has utilize the property. I do not believe it is a wise choice to put more housing changed life for many and created Alon Baker, DO, FAAP, FACOP • Sonya Boor, MD, FAAP at that location, the council has been hardship for local residents, busiAlon Baker, DO, FAAP, FACOP Boor, MD, DO, FAAPFAAP Stefanie Fiderer, Laura Brandspiegel, MD, FAAP••Sonya approached by a few different ware- nesses and government. Why are Laura Brandspiegel, MD, FAAP • Stefanie Fiderer, DO, FAAP house developers and a handful of res- you the best candidate for Hamilton a dedicated team board certifiedphysicians physicians We We are are a dedicated team of of board certified idential developers. I say warehouse, Township council, and what would provide high quality healthcare newborns, whowho provide high quality healthcare toto newborns, and instead of messing with the wet- you do to help the town and its resichildren, adolescents through collegeage. age. children, andand adolescents through college lands down the road on Sweet Briar, dents and businesses recover? Maher: I have felt the hardships do some solar on solid ground. Scheduled appointments Scheduled appointmentsand andsame same Whalen: Public safety will always myself. I work two jobs to support sick visits are available day sick visits are availableweekdays, weekdays, be top priority. While we have made my family as most people in Hamilton day evenings, and Saturday excellent strides to fully achieving fire have to do. This administration has evenings, and Saturdaymornings. mornings. district consolidation, there are still failed our local businesses; they held critical additional steps for finality. As one night of support local restaurants. call 609.581.5100 to schedule an appointment a lifelong union member, I understand Each day there was an update emailed Please Please call 609.581.5100 to schedule an appointment the importance of ensuring that our from the Township; this was an opporLexington Square Commons Lexington Square Commons first responders get the protections tunity for them to give free advertise- 2133 State Highway 33 • Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 2133 State Highway 33 • Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 advocaregsp.com and benefits they deserve as they ment for local businesses, introduce advocaregsp.com work tirelessly, especially in these try- them, talk a little about them. As busiing times to keep our community safe. Additionally, small businesses need our help in streamlining township ser- YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT vices and resources to preserve their ability to be a cornerstone in Hamilton’s vibrant economy. 3. This summer, the deaths of Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor brought issues of racial equity to the forefront of the national conversation. Hamilton Township was no exception, Insurance Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor Counselor and was the site of several rallies. Hamilton is extremely diverse. Council, however, is not. Do you Family and Elder Law see this as an issue? How can counAsset Protection cil invite diverse voices into the - Wills 1260 Route 33 South Route 33 South decision making of the township? 1260 1260 Route 33 South - Living Wills Maher: I support those who will Hamilton, Hamilton, NJ 08690 08690 Hamilton, NJ NJ 08690 - Trusts stand and defend equality. Racism has Ph: (609) (609) 631-4286 (609)631-4286 631-4286 no place in Hamilton or our country. I Ph: Ph: - Power of Attorney Cell: (609) (609) 337-2366 Cell: (609)337-2366 337-2366 see us all as one; we are Hamiltonians Cell: - Divorce and Americans. I fully encourage who- Child Support jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com ever you are to get involved in your jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com - Real Estate Closing local politics, run for office, ask queshttp://midatlantic.aaa.com/ tions of those in charge. We all need to http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ (609) 882-2200 • 903 Parkway Avenue • Ewing, NJ 08618 Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn be a part of the solution. Klgscottb@verizon.net Stackhouse: I would like to see

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post23

SPORTS

Cronce brothers turn mom’s nightmare into coach’s dream By Rich Fisher

She didn’t wear a striped shirt or have a whistle in her mouth, but there were times Marissa Cronce had to step in and call a penalty. That’s what happens when a mother has young twin sons whose passions were World Wrestling Entertainment and The Power Rangers. “We watched a lot of WWE, and she had to ban us from watching because we’d do it to each other,” Chase Cronce said. “We used to have all the John Cena clothes and try all those special moves on each other; throwing each other off the couch. She started yelling at us in her Italian.” “My mom banned us from watching Power Rangers and WWE from the house because we used to do it to each other all the time,” added Christopher Cronce, who claims he was the vaunted Red Ranger. “Power Rangers was my favorite chow but I had to stop watching it.” Asked how many things they broke, Chase hesitated before responding, “I don’t know.” Marissa eventually made sure to limit the damage. “They were always aggressive towards one another,” she said. “I told them to save that for the football field. I did not

Hamilton High West seniors Christopher and Chase Cronce are part of one of the top linebacking units in the West Jersey Football Conference. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

need any more holes in my walls!” A mom’s nightmare became a coach’s dream, of course. The Cronce twins, now seniors at Hamilton West, form one of the top line-

backing units in the West Jersey Football Conference along with junior Joey Laezza. Now in their third year as starters, Christopher led the Hornets in tackles with 91 last year while Chase was

third (behind Laezza) with 62, along with 5 sacks. For their careers, Chase has 128 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 2 interceptions, while Christopher has 143 tackles, 5 sacks and an interception. Apparently their days of pretendbattling Cena rivals The Miz and CM Punk have prepared them well for the high school wars. “As you say their names, I smile,” Hamilton coach Mike Papero said. “When you watch their film, there should be that old school NFL Films music playing in the background and it should be in black and white. That’s just how they play the game. They fly around and hit people. They don’t stop. They’re throwbacks. Every coach would want to coach kids like them.” And despite Marissa’s dented walls, every parent would want kids with their work ethic. The brothers are products of a football family. Their father, Joel, played center and linebacker at South Hunterdon, a highly successful program that made up for lesser numbers with intense physical play. Their uncle, Michael Cifelli III, was a running back at Notre Dame High. Joel made a huge impact on their lives helping to coach them as youths. They started in the Hamilton Recreation

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League playing for the Spartans, or as Chase jokingly calls it, “The East team. I’m not gonna say the name because you know how we feel about them.” Chase was a running back and Christopher the quarterback, but that changed when they moved to Pop Warner and played for the Hornets. Chase played right guard, Christopher was right tackle and each lined up at defensive end. Teaming with teammate Kevin Boswell and Notre Dame standout Ricky “Pops” Spruill, they won a state title at the Junior Pee Wee level and reached the finals as Pee Wees. By then, Hornet coaches were already getting excited. “We saw them in the youth camps that the township coaches run together,” Papero said. “I remember when they were in sixth grade we were kind of elbowing each other saying, ‘Hey, wait ‘til these two come up.’ They were standouts at 11 or 12. We knew they were gonna be studs.” They have lived up to that billing and are drawing interest from various Division II programs. Their first visit was to Bloomsburg in August. Both are two-way players. Chase is a fullback who mostly blocks for the record-setting Boswell, but also has rushed 60 times for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns in two years. Christopher is a blocking tight end. It is on defense where they make their biggest impact, with Chase in the middle and Christopher outside. “Chase is a little bit more of a thumper on the inside,” Papero said. “He’s all business. The only time you ever see him really smirk or smile is when he hits somebody really hard. He’s not just walking around with a smile on his face. Chase is one of the best leaders I’ve ever met. I’m not just talking about players, I’m saying players, coaches, adults in general. He knows where everybody has to be on the field. “Christopher is gonna get to the sideline a little more, he’s gonna rush the passer a little more. He can shut down an entire side of the field. He doesn’t miss many tackles. He’s intense. He plays with no regard for his well-being. He’s violent on the field.” Personality-wise, the coach calls Chase the father and Christopher the son, since Christopher appears to be a little more light-hearted.

“Yeah, he’s the father, but I have more tackles than him,” Christopher said with a laugh. “But I agree (with Papero). I’ll give him that one.” Chase sees an irony, however, saying, “the funny thing is, he’s two minutes older than me. He came out first.” The way Papero described it is that Christopher appears to show that he’s having more fun on the field. Chase, who was a captain as a junior, responded by saying, “You try to have fun. But winning is when we’re having fun. As captain, you’ve gotta put these kids in check, tell them where they should be. You’re gonna have some fun if you’re winning.” Both brothers are actually strong leaders, according to their coach. “Their sophomore year they started over older guys just because they knew the game of football better and were as physical as anyone on the team,” Papero said. “To be honest, there were seniors that looked up to them, especially Chase, when they were in 10th grade. These two are once-a-decade type of players. It’s not even necessarily how good they are, it’s everything else they bring with it.” No one appreciates the two more than Boswell, who is on track to break the school’s career rushing record this year thanks to their help. “Them being on the field makes it easier than me,” Boswell said. “I’ve played with them since Pop Warner. We have great chemistry.” And while the two will occasionally exchange words in the heat of battle, they are also each other’s biggest fans. “He’s definitely one of the best football players I’ve ever seen play,” Christopher said. “Just his football IQ is so great. He always knows where the ball is going, he’s always the first one on the ball. Sometimes we’ll argue back and forth on the field but we know we have to get the job done and I feed off of that.” Asked to evaluate Christopher, Chase said, “He’s got the speed out there. He can get out and cover. He’s aggressive. You could put literally anyone against him and he’ll make something happen. It’s great playing with him, I can’t get enough of him. But we do argue in the house just like we’re ready to hit each other when we play. We’re ready to put on the pads and go outside.” Which is exactly where their mom usually sends them.

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post25

Nottingham’s Girman sisters make each other better By Rich Fisher

If ever there were perfect builtin practice partners, it’s the Girman senior twin sisters of Nottingham High School. Each one’s specialty helps hone the other one’s ability. Most everyone knows Gia Girman, who has been a scoring sensation since entering high school in 2017. Gia has 75 career goals and the 36 she scored as a sophomore is a school record and ranks as the second most in the Colonial Valley Conference for one season. The only thing preventing her from challenging Erin Wingerter’s school mark for career goals is that Girman has often been removed from lopsided games as coach Christie Paglione isn’t a fan of padding individual statistics. There are several reasons for Gia’s success. Obviously her talent, drive and desire. But it helps that the girl born a few minutes after her is also one of the top outside backs in the CVC. Because of her position, Gabi Girman never gets the headlines accorded her sister, but she makes Twins Gia (left) and Gabi Girman help power Nottingham’s girls’ soccer team from her a better scorer. opposite ends of the pitch. (Photo by Rich Fisher.) “She’s definitely underrated because she’s a defender,” Gia said. “She’s fast, she’s really aggressive. “When I go against her in practice, or how you want to go. So it’s nice havShe never backs down from any you could see from the defensive per- ing a good defender to go against.” tackle. She always goes in at 100 spective how they’re judging you so Surprisingly, the two never went at percent. you practice which way you want to go it in the backyard as kids, despite both

starting soccer at age 3. They began organized play as teammates on the New Jersey Wildcats and New Jersey Rush before Gia went to play for PDA in seventh grade. Gabi gave up travel, came back for a year, but dropped it again and now only plays high school ball. As their careers progressed, they began to have backyard battles against each other. “Now it’s real competitive,” Gia said. “We’ll play tennis soccer or have juggling competitions or go one-v-one. Whenever we want to kick the ball we always have someone. We go out and shoot and pass and stuff. A lot of people don’t have that so it’s great. Plus she’s my best friend.” And while going against Gabi hones Gia’s offensive skills, the same can be said of Gabi’s defensive improvement from going against Gia’s firepower. “It helps me a lot actually,” Gabi said. “A lot of the players here aren’t that experienced, which is fine, but she has a lot of experience so to play against her in practice makes me better for games. “When we play against each other I love it because it’s like a challenge. She’s a lot faster than me, she’s a really good teacher. And we’re like best friends. Some sisters aren’t that close but we do everything together.” Like most spectators at Nottingham games, Gabi is sometimes left in awe while watching her sister score a spec-

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tacular goal. “She shocks me, like, every game,” the defender said. “She usually does something different. Literally she can go on the field and just go through every single player. “She knows the game, she’s a hard worker. Even if we’re down 5-0 she’ll find a way to score. When we go one-vone she usually goes right past me but I try to work hard to stay with her.” The fact they only stand 5-foot-2 makes the Girmans’ abilities that much more impressive. Paglione heard about the duo from her teacher friends at Crockett Middle school, and was told to expect something special. “You hear all these things, that these twins are coming in,” the former Christie Fink said. “You never know what to expect, you don’t want to get your hopes up too high. I remember the first day of tryouts, I was like ‘Yeah they weren’t kidding. They’re really good. I can’t believe they’re here.’” The coach then spent the next three years listening to other rumors. “You always heard that they’re going somewhere else,” Paglione said. “I heard that before they even got here. Then they showed up and they’ve been here ever since. Our relationship means so much to me and I hope it means that much to them.” It does indeed. In fact, it’s one of the reasons that the transfer talk—which was mostly concerning Gia—was never substantiated. Asked where the rumors came from, the super scorer laughed and said, “Who knows?” “I heard I was going to Pennington, I heard I was going to Steinert, but I was always going here,” she said. “If I had to go back and do it over, I still wouldn’t change it. I love Coach Fink, I love the team, I love Nottingham itself from (Principal Frank) Ragazzo to the AD (Jon Adams). I just love it.” Paglione admires the sisters’ qualities as people as much as their soccer prowess. They have become vocal leaders on the field but, equally important, their personalities have evolved to the point where “they are awesome young women.” Asked if opponents ever do double takes on the field, Gabi laughed and said “Not really. Everyone pretty much knows who she is, so they don’t get us confused.” Not to mention, they are at different ends of the field, although both are versatile enough to play numerous positions. Gia would like to see Gabi play midfield so the two could connect with their passing game, but realizes that she is needed on defense since the Stars are thin in the back. “Gabi is so underrated, and she’s been awesome for us,” Paglione said.

“She’s a huge part of the team. She’s a leader back there. She’s really stepped up. She’s been through a couple of tough injuries and bounced back. She’s a fighter as well. She has that same grit Gia has, that toughness, that wanting to win and that willingness to put in the work to get that.” The difference is that Gabi’s desire to continue at the next level is not like Gia’s. While Paglione assures that Gabi can play college ball, she is undecided on playing junior college soccer at Mercer or entering the Police Academy. “She just always seemed more interested than me,” Gabi said. “I’ve been playing Introducing VINTAGE AT HAMILTON, a spectacular community of 122 luxury duplexes in Hamilton Twp., Mercer County…exclusively for active adults since I was little and I and townhomes Introducing VINTAGE AT HAMILTON, a 55+. was good at it. I don’t This is where you’ll savor life to the fullest. 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Since then, • 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths she has constantly disand townhomes inrecreational Hamilton Twp., Mercercommunity adul dining and At luxury Introducing VINTAGE HAMILTON, aspectacular spectacular community offor 122 luxury duple Introducing VINTAGE AT HAMILTON, a opportunities, spectacular 122shopping. luxury duplexes • Optional finished basementof Introducing AT AT HAMILTON, aCounty…exclusively community ofactive 122 played those Division IVINTAGE skills despite herand small Vintage Hamilton, you’re centrally located— Introducing VINTAGE ATatHAMILTON, aCounty…exclusively spectacular community of 122 luxury • 1-2 car garage townhomes in Hamilton Twp., Mercer County…exclusively for for active adults 55+. and townhomes intownhomes Twp., Mercer County…exclusively for active 55+. and in Hamilton Twp., Mercer active adults This isHamilton where you’ll savor life to the fullest. All in anadults area known for stature. • Clubhouse with pool just 0.7 miles to I-195, 7fullest. milesAlltointhe New Jersey and townhomes in Hamilton Twp., Mercer County…exclusively for active adults Paglione’s best friend andThis highis where you’ll savor life to the an area known for its weA ofThis cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, dining anditsknown shopping. school/college teammate, Jess is where you’ll life to the fullest. All in an area for i This is where you’ll savor life to savor the and fullest. All in an area known for wealth Turnpike, 5.3 miles to the Hamilton Train Pre-Construction Pricing ofscorculturalyou’ll offerings, recreational opportunities, dining andarea shopping. Atfor Vinti Babice, was one of theThis greatest is where savor life to the fullest. All in an known at Hamilton, you’re centrally 0.7and miles to I-195, 7 shopping. miles to the N cultural offerings, recreational dining shopping. At Vintage ofand cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, dining from the Upper $300’s ers inof Steinert history alsoataHamilton, big Station, withlocated—just service on the Corridor you’reopportunities, centrally located—just 0.7Northeast miles to I-195, 7and miles to the New At Jer goal producer at Rowan University. So of Hamilton, cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, dining and shopping. At Turnpike, and 5.3 miles to the Hamilton Train Station, with service on the at Hamilton, you’re centrally located—just 0.7 miles to I-195, 7 miles to the New Jersey at you’re centrally located—just 0.7 miles to I-195, 7 miles to the Ne line to both New York City and Philadelphia. Turnpike, and 5.3 miles to the Hamilton Train Station, with service on the North it’s high praise when Gia is compared at Hamilton, you’re centrally located—just 0.7 miles to I-195, 7 miles to the to Babice. Corridor line both NewNew City and Corridor line to both York City andPhiladelphia. Philadelphia. Turnpike, and 5.3 miles toYork the Hamilton Train withtheservice on theNeN Turnpike, and 5.3 miles totothe Hamilton Train Station, with Station, service on Northeast “They have differences with some 2275 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690 with service on the N Turnpike, andYork miles toYork the Hamilton Train Station, pointsCorridor of their game, are comlinebut tothey both New City and Philadelphia. Corridor line to5.3 both New Citychance andbyPhiladelphia. Sales office open appointment only. Don’t miss your to own petitors on and off the Corridor field,” Paglione line to both New York City and Philadelphia.a fine Vintage! said. “They just want to win. Jess is • First floor owner’s suite with walk-in closet one of the quickest players I’ve ever • First floor owner’s suite with walk-in closet played with and Gia’s not far behind. • 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths It’s actually pretty cool to play with floor •owner’s • First suite with walk-in closet First floor owner’s suite2½ with walk-in closet • 3 bedrooms, baths • Optional basement Prices subject to change withoutfinished notice. See Sales Consultant for details my best friend and then watch Gia • First owner’s suiteCompany. with walk-in closet ©2020 floor Sharbell Development Corp. Equal Opportunity Equal Housing 2½basement bathsOpportunity. • 3 bedrooms, baths grow into an unbelievable high school • 32½ bedrooms, • Optional finished • 1-2 car garage player like Jess. I’d definitely put her • 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths • Optional • Optional1 finished basement 2045_VintageHamilton_9.indd 5/29/20 11:46 AM in that Babice category.” • •Clubhouse withbasement pool 1-2finished car garage The question is, how does she do it? • Optional finished basement • 1-2 car garage • 1-2 car•garage “She’s tough,” Paglione said. “She Clubhouse with pool doesn’t care about the size of the girl • 1-2 car garage • Clubhouse with pool • Clubhouse with pool who’s coming up on her. She doesn’t • Clubhouse with pool care who she is, if she has three girls on her, four girls on her. She’s gonna do everything in her power to come out with the ball. It’s just that motivation and that drive to be the best she 2275 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690 could be.” Nottingham endured a huge blow Sales office open by appointment only. last season when Girman suffered a season-ending ankle injury prior to the state tournament last season. A 2275 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690 year earlier Gabi broke her arm. 2275 Kuser 2275 Road, Hamilton, NJ Road,Kuser Hamilton, 08690 Road,NJ Hamilton, NJ 08690 08690 But both are back and lookSales office open by appointment only. 2275 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690 ing strong for their final seasonSales at office open only. office Sales open by appointment office open by Friappointment -only. Tues 11am-5pm Nottingham. Sales office open Tues 11am-5pm Prices subject to change withoutFri notice.-See Sales Consultant for details “I’m happy they stuck it out here,” ©2020 Sharbell Development Corp. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Paglione said. “I feel they’ve gotten a great experience school-wise, friendwise and hopefully soccer-wise. I see 2045_VintageHamilton_9.indd 1 5/29/20 them at practice going extra hard against each other, which is cool. That’s Prices subject to change without notice. See Sales Consultant for details how you get better and that’s whatPrices part subject to change without notice. See Sales Consultant for details ©2020 Sharbell Development Corp. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal for Housing Prices subject to change without notice. See Sales Consultant detailsOpportunity. of being on a team is, and©2020 beingSharbell sisters Development ©2020 Sharbell Development Corp. Equal Opportunity Equal Housing Opportunity. Corp. Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. PricesEqual subject to change without notice. See Company. Sales Consultant for details and rivals in certain ways.” ©2020 Sharbell Development Corp. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Sisters, rivals, competitors and, above all else, best2045_VintageHamilton_9.indd friends. 1

‘When we play against each other, I love it because it’s a challenge.’ –Gabi Girman, on her sister Gia

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October 2020 | Hamilton Post27

The Puzzle Page Crossword

PuzzleJunction.com

Community News Service - Hamilton/Ewing/Hopewell Crossword - 10/20

Across

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2 Buffalo Bill’s surname 3 Threesome 4 One-dish meal 5 Trust in 6 Implore 7 Parches 8 Small intake 9 Dress 10 Away from home 12 Maui dance 13 Aussie pals 15 Folklore ﬁend 23 Welcome 25 Falcon’s picker-upper 26 “To do” list 27 Evergreen 28 King topper 29 Dead letters? 30 Bakery buy 32 Manhandle 35 Fine thread

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HEALTH

OCTOBER 2020

@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

CAPITAL HEALTH BECOMES REGION’S

FIRST CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN ROBOTIC SURGERY Capital Health confirms its role as a nationally recognized health care leader with world-class expertise and advanced technology. In August, Capital Health Medical Center- Hopewell was designated a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery”by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The Center of Excellence accreditation distinguishes Capital Health as having met rigorous, internationally recognized standards in providing the safest, highest quality of care and surgical capabilities. “Capital Health’s designation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery affirms our commitment of providing patients along the Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York corridor with access to the most advanced medical technologies, expert physicians, and world-class, patient care close to home,” said DR. CATALDO DORIA, medical director of the Capital Health Cancer Center and physician director of the Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery — sometimes referred to as highprecision surgery — may be an option to traditional surgery. Considered minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery is known for its many benefits including smaller incisions, lower risk of infection, less pain, and faster recoveries. It can be used to as a treatment for many cancers, including colon, gynecologic, head and neck, liver, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Under the direction of Dr. Doria, expertise within the hospital’s robotic surgery program has grown dramatically. In 2019, Capital Health’s surgeons performed more than 550 robotic surgery

cases, making it the leading hospital in the country for single robot cases. The surgical team has also expanded to include surgeons with highly specialized expertise including: … ASHLEE GODSHALK RUGGLES, MD, colorectal surgeon … ERIC MAYER, MD, director, Urologic Robotic Surgery, Capital Health – Urology Specialists … JOYCE VARUGHESE, MD, FACOG, medical director, Gynecologic Oncology … AFRICA F. WALLACE, MD, director, Thoracic Surgery As part of Capital Health’s commitment to provide the highest level of quality care and expertise, it recently invested in a dual console for its da Vinci® surgical platform to provide for a wider range of surgeries and its growing roster of surgeons with minimally invasive surgical experience. The dual console also enables a second surgeon to assist in surgeries and serves as a conduit for future surgical training. To learn more Capital Health’s Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, please visit capitalhealth.org.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Hamilton Post29

CAPITAL HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP ADDS THREE FELLOWSHIP TRAINED RHEUMATOLOGISTS TO SPECIALTY PRACTICE Capital Health Medical Group recently welcomed DRS. WILLIAM TORELLI, SEHRIS KHAWAJA, and RISHI PATEL, fellowship trained rheumatologists, to its Capital Health – Rheumatology Specialists practice. With this expansion, Capital Health continues to meet an important need for diagnosing and treating autoimmune conditions and diseases that affect the joints, muscles and bones that cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

William Torelli, DO

The new providers join Dr. Sajina Prabhakaran in the medical office building at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, located at Two Capital Way, Suite 550, Pennington, New Jersey 08534. New offices will also open soon in Newtown, Pennsylvania and Bordentown, New Jersey. “Rheumatology is a very complex area of specialization, and we’re pleased to have Dr. Khawaja, Dr. Patel and Dr. Torelli join our team,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, chief medical officer of the Capital Health Medical Group. “Their training and experience add great depth to the services that are available at Capital Health – Rheumatology Specialists, and we’re pleased to offer the residents of our community a growing team of specialists to accurately diagnose these complicated conditions and develop personalized treatment plans that are carefully coordinated with referring physicians.” DR. TORELLI received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and completed his internal medicine residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. He was fellowship trained in rheumatology, including training in musculoskeletal ultrasound, at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Torelli is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association. DR. PATEL received his medical degree at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and completed his internal medicine residency at Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. He completed his rheumatology fellowship at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center, part of Northwell Health/Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University in Great Neck, New York. Fluent in English and Gujarati (and conversant in Hindi and Spanish), Dr. Patel is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians.

30Hamilton Post | Health Headlines by Capital Health

Rishi Patel, MD

Sehris Khawaja, DO

DR. KHAWAJA received her medical degree at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She was fellowship trained in rheumatology at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., during which time she also provided care for patients at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Khawaja is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, American College of Physicians, and the Association of Women in Rheumatology. Appointments with Dr. William Torelli, Dr. Sehris Khawaja, and Dr. Rishi Patel can be scheduled by calling 609.303.4360. For more information, visit capitalrheumatology.org. The team at Capital Health – Rheumatology Specialists treats conditions that include (but are not limited to) rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, vasculitis, and scleroderma. With cutting-edge testing and imaging technology conveniently available under one roof at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, the rheumatology team provides diagnoses and care plans tailored to each patient, which can include medication such as steroids, disease modifying agents, or biologics (genetically-engineered from human genes). Other treatment options may include therapeutic ultrasound-guided joint aspirations and injections offered on an outpatient basis to help relieve pain and pressure. Through prescriptions and careful monitoring, the team at Capital Health – Rheumatology Specialists works with patients to reduce immune responsiveness, control the symptoms of their disease, and help prevent potential long-term complications. Capital Health – Rheumatology Specialists is part of the larger Capital Health Medical Group, an extensive network of care with more than 400 primary and specialty care providers across three counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit capitalmedicalgroup.org.

Capital Health Earns

NATIONAL LGBTQ HEALTH CARE EQUALITY LEADER DESIGNATION Capital Health has earned designation as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2020 survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. HEI is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates health care facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) patients, visitors and employees. To earn this designation, Capital Health received an overall survey score of 100. “Capital Health’s designation as an LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader affirms our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the care we deliver to our patients,

our relationship with the communities we serve and the support we provide for our employees,” said DR. ERIC I. SCHWARTZ, vice president of Community Health and Transformation and executive director of Capital Health’s Institute for Urban Care. “We believe our diversity is our strength, and programs like our Pride Initiative help ensure that we provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, including our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees, patients and visitors.” Every year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes the health care facilities that participate in the HEI survey for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. Of the 765 health care facilities that participated in the 2020 survey, Capital Health was one of 495 to earn top honors as an LGBTQ Health Care

Keeping It Real With VIRTUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR EXPECTING PARENTS In the best of times, preparing for the birth of a child can be a time of joy and anxiety. In the midst of a pandemic, the experience may seem overwhelming. To safely provide guidance and instruction during these uncertain times, Capital Health now offers virtual childbirth and parenting education programs on the popular Zoom platform. “Capital Health is an established health care leader with a long history of helping families get off to healthy starts in Mercer, Burlington, and Bucks counties,” said Meredith Coronato, coordinator of Capital Health’s Childbirth and Parent Education Program. “The health and well-being of our community is always our top priority, so we’re taking our childbirth and parent education programs online in response to the COVID-19 crisis to make sure expecting parents safely get the information they need to keep their growing families on the road to good health.” Capital Health’s Childbirth and Parent Education Program offers a range of classes to help prepare expecting mothers and partners to be the best parents possible by teaching them about the process of birth, how to care for their infants, and how to access sources of support following the birth of their babies. Classes are taught by experienced, certified childbirth educators and board certified lactation consultants using the remote Zoom format. For a complete listing of program offerings, or to register for a class, visit capitalhealth.org/childbirth.

Equality Leader designation. Capital Health upholds a model of equality and respect for the LGBTQ community by providing a welcoming environment for LGBTQ clients, consumers, patients and staff; offering training opportunities to all employees to better serve the LGBTQ community; and implementing the Pride Initiative to demonstrate its commitment to inclusion to the community at large. To learn more about Capital Health’s commitment to providing equitable health care to all patients regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race or religion, visit capitalhealth.org/pride.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL CHILDBIRTH AND PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMS BABY CARE BASICS VIRTUAL CLASS October 13, 2020 at 6 p.m. November 10, 2020 at 6 p.m. November 24, 2020 at 6 p.m. December 8, 2020 at 6 p.m. December 22, 2020 at 6 p.m. Taught by an experienced, certified childbirth and parent educator, this class helps prepare first-time expectant parents to care for their newborn. ASK THE LACTATION CONSULTANT AND CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR Second Thursday of the Month at 2 p.m. An opportunity for expectant parents to ask any questions they have about their upcoming birth experience at Capital Health. UNDERSTANDING BIRTH ONE-DAY CONDENSED PREPARED VIRTUAL CHILDBIRTH CLASS October 10, 2020 at 9 a.m. October 24, 2020 at 9 a.m. November 7, 2020 at 9 a.m. November 21, 2020 at 9 a.m. December 5, 2020 at 9 a.m. December 19, 2020 at 9 a.m. Class is taught by an experienced, certified childbirth educator, this is an intensive day to prepare the expectant woman and her labor support person for the birth experience.

VIRTUAL NEW PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Mondays at 1 p.m. The free support group for new parents with babies under one year old is facilitated by a board certified lactation consultant from Capital Health’s Lactation Center. VIRTUAL PREPARED CHILDBIRTH 4-WEEK SERIES Beginning October 6, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Beginning November 6, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Beginning December 2, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Taught by an experienced, certified childbirth educator, this series consists of four weekly two-hour classes to prepare the expectant woman and her support person for the labor and birth experience. UNDERSTANDING BREASTFEEDING VIRTUAL CLASS October 19, 2020 at 6 p.m. November 2, 2020 at 6 p.m. November 16, 2020 at 6 p.m. November 30, 2020 at 6 p.m. December 7, 2020 at 6 p.m. Taught by a board certified lactation consultant from Capital Health’s Lactation Center, this class is taken before the birth of the baby.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Hamilton Post31

Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists is now scheduling appointments in Bordentown (1 Third Street), but will eventually move to the new, state-of-the-art Capital Health – Bordentown facility (pictured above). Appointments are also available in Hamilton.

NEW OFFICE IN BORDENTOWN FOR CAPITAL HEALTH

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, part of Capital Health Medical Group, is now scheduling appointments at a new office location at 1 Third Street, Bordentown, New Jersey 08505 (just off Park Street). Current and new patients can now see DRS. CHRISTI WESTON and ARVIND BHASKER, as well as licensed clinical social workers KRISTIN CARDONA-COCCIA and CHELSEA HOAGLAND, at the new secondary location. The phone number is 609.689.5725 and office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “During these unprecedented times, many people are facing a variety of mental health challenges,” said Dr. Christi Weston, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists. “We’re happy to expand our presence in Burlington County and make access to this important area of specialization more convenient to those who need it most in that part of Capital Health’s service area.” As part of Capital Health’s expansion into Burlington County, construction of its multi-specialty Capital Health – Bordentown facility is nearing completion. Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists will eventually relocate to this new, state-of-the art building, which is currently home to Capital Health Primary Care – Bordentown and specialists from Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. According to the National Institutes for Health, more than 44 million adults in the United States are living with a mental health issue, yet less than half of them receive treatment. Addressing the need for behavioral health services in our community, the team at Capital Health Behavioral Health Specialists provides compassionate psychiatric care and counseling services in a warm, calming environment. The team of highly skilled psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and advanced practice clinicians use innovative treatment modalities to help people overcome obstacles and lead healthier, happier lives. They diagnose and treat a broad range of behavioral health conditions and offer a variety of psychotherapy groups that provide safe, comfortable and non-judgmental spaces to help people connect with others who share similar struggles and together learn skills to improve their lives. To schedule an appointment with a Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists provider at their Hamilton or Bordentown locations, call 609.689.5725 or visit capitalhealth.org/behavioralhealth for more information.

32Hamilton Post | Health Headlines by Capital Health

Therapy for Adults Experiencing Depression SHIFT: Group Thursdays | 2 p.m. | Location: Zoom Meetings* Facilitator: Kristen Cardona – Coccia *You will receive Zoom meeting details after registration is complete.

SHIFT will teach you new, healthier ways of thinking, feeling and behaving while you gain new perspectives on how to manage your depression. Group therapy provides benefits that individual therapy may not. Psychologists say, in fact, that group members are almost always surprised by how rewarding the group experience can be. Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board. Other members of the group often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way. Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you put your own problems in perspective. Oftentimes, you may feel like you are the only one struggling — but you’re not. It can be a relief to hear others discuss what they’re going through and realize you’re not alone. … Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day SYMPTOMS … Feelings of worthlessness or guilt of DEPRESSION almost every day may include: … Impaired concentration, indecisiveness … Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day … Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day (called anhedonia, this symptom can be indicated by reports from significant others) … Restlessness or feeling slowed down … Recurring thoughts of death or suicide … Significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month) The time to SHIFT to a healthier, happier you is now. To sign up, call Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists at 609.689.5725. This group therapy program will be billed to your health insurance.

Mind your spine while working from home DR. MARC J. LEVINE ASK THE DOCTOR

More people than ever before are working and going to school at home. With decreased daily mobility and makeshift workspaces, it is important to protect your spine to keep your whole body healthy. Dr. Marc J. Levine, director of orthopedic spine surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, answers your questions. How can sitting for long periods of time affect the back? The seated position places a significant amount of pressure on your low back discs. Having an ergonomic appropriate workstation is just as important at home as it is at your office. Take note of what works at home and consider incorporating it to your office at work. What can be done to create a healthy workspace? The arrangement of your chair and your computer monitor is essential to creating a healthy workspace at home. A proper chair with lumbar support can help minimize backaches and allows your feet to sit comfortably on the ground, contributing to better posture as you sit and work. Proper positioning of a com-

puter monitor can help maintain your neck in a neutral position and avoid neck pain. Ideally, you want to keep your eyes straight ahead, which may require raising your screen or lowering your chair. The proper use of eyeglasses and contact lens can also help with posture. What kind of movement can help to maintain spine health during a long day at the computer? Take time to stretch before you start your day. Take advantage of opportunities to stretch during the day, too. If you prefer, going for a walk to start and end your day is a great way to get some from fresh air and maintain your health. Plan to use some of the time you would normally spend commuting for stretching and aerobic exercise. What tips do you have for whole families working and going to school at home? In the world of work, being able to multitask can be a good skill. However, holding a child on your lap while working may not be optimal for the health of your spine. If you or your child is sitting in the same spot for long periods of time, consider changing positions to avoid cramping in any one position. It is also important to eat healthy and hydrate; when the day is over walk away from that desk and exercise.

The latest information on supplements, the science behind the liver shrinking diet, recipes that you can use to heal after surgery, and more. Virtual Class Format. 6:30 p.m.

Coming up this month at RWJUH-Hamilton Thursday, OCTOBER 1

Meet Your Better Health Program for VIPs 65+. Also Oct. 27. (609) 584-5900. Explore the benefits of the complimentary Better Health Program, offered by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. Meet Sara I. Ali, MD, specialist in geriatric and internal medicine, to learn about geriatric medicine. Virtual and in-person class formats available. Call to register. 3 p.m.

Monday, OCTOBER 5

Eating Greens to Beat the Blues. (609) 584-5900. Learn quick, easy, and delicious preparations of common green leafy vegetables dense in folate to support brain health. Virtual Class Format. Call to register. 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 6

Ask the Dietitian & Body Fat Screening. (609) 584-5900. Join Michelle Summerson, MEd, RD, for a one-on-one Q&A, and receive a body fat screening. In person/ Attendance limited. Call to register. 9 a.m.

Friday, October 9

Cholesterol Lipid Profile and Glucose/ Blood Pressure & Stroke Risk Assessment. (609) 584-5900. Simple finger stick. Fast 12 hours prior. In person/Attendance limited. Call to register. $5. 8:30 a.m.

Monday, October 12

Bariatric Nutrition Basics. (609) 584-5900.

Thursday, October 15

The Science of Habit Change. (609) 5845900. Learn how to apply the current research on motivation to devise strategies for positive change. Virtual Class Format. 11 a.m. Polypharmacy: Managing Your Medications. Sara I. Ali, MD, Geriatric and Internal Medicine, will lead a discussion on managing multiple medications while treating several illnesses. In-person and virtual formats available. 3 p.m.

Monday, October 19

Fit Families: A Virtual Wellness. Also Oct. 26. (609) 584-5900. This dietitian-directed series will focus on nutrition basics, budget-friendly recipes, and incorporating fitness into daily routines.Virtual Class Format. 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20

Music from the “Crooners”. (609) 5845900. In the mood for a little Frank Sinatra? How about Doris Day & Bing Crosby? Join Ellen Renee from EllenRenee Productions for a fun-filled hour of memories from the best of times. In-person and virtual formats available. 3 p.m. The Neurological System. (609) 584-5900. Join Dr. Jill Giordano Farmer, board certified in neurology, as she discusses Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. Virtual Class Format. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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Serve up fire safety in the kitchen this Fire Prevention Week BOB SHERMAN, JR. FIRELINE

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10. The National Fire Prevention Association has announced “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S. Hamilton Township Duty Chiefs responded to 148 incidents in August. Included in the calls were seven building fires, five cooking fires, five passenger vehicle fires, one rubbish fire, two over pressure with no fire, one rescue/EMS incident, one COVID-19 call, one EMS call, six motor vehicle accidents with injuries, five motor vehicle accidents with no injuries, two extrications of victims from motor vehicle accidents, one removal of victim from stalled elevator, one water rescue, 14 gas leaks, four power lines down, one flammable liquid spill, 12 hazardous conditions with no fire, four service calls, 14 good intent calls, 58 false alarm or false calls. one lightning strike with no fire and two other type incidents. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 2–Mercer ville Fire Company responded to 132 incidents in

Hamilton Township Fire District No. 4 Engine Company 14 “B” Platoon Capt. Harold Summers Jr., Firefighters Chris Headley, Justin Kaplan and Clint Cavallo pose with Engine 14, a 2016 Pierce 1500 gpm pumper. (Photo by Bob Sherman, Jr.)

August. Included in the calls were three building fires, one cooking fire, three mulch fires, three passenger vehicle fires, four other type fires, one lightning strike with no fire, two assists to EMS crews, two COVID-19 calls, 17 Emergency Medical Service incidents, three motor vehicle accidents with injuries, one extrication

MERCER COUNTY

LOW-INCOMEMERCER HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) COUNTY MERCER COUNTY

2020-2021 PROGRAM October 1, 2020 2017-2018BEGINS 2017-2018 ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The County of Mercer will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2020-21 season beginning October 1, 2020. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program year. Residents pay their ownHome heating costs, and meet The Countythroughout of Mercer willthe be accepting applicationswho for the Low-Income Energy Assistance until 31, 2018. Mercerfinancial County willassistance the following income guidelines, may be eligible to applications receive with their TheProgram County of(LIHEAP) Mercer will beMay accepting for the Low-Income Home continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program Assistancewith Program (LIHEAP) until may May 31, Mercer to County will winter heatingEnergy bill. Residents medical conditions also2018. be eligible receive throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program cooling assistance:

PROGRAM EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 31

following incomethroughout guidelines, may be eligible to receive assistance with their the year. Residents whofinancial pay their own heating costs, and meet the winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be receive assistance with their MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES following income guidelines, may be eligible to eligible receivetofinancial cooling assistance.

winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive

Household Size cooling assistance. 1

USF Program

LIHEAP Program

$1,967

$2,127

MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES

MONTHLY INCOME Household Size USF Program LIHEAPGUIDELINES Program $2,658 2 $2,873 1 $1,759 $2,010 Household Size USF Program LIHEAP Program 2 $2,369 $2,707 $3,349 $1,759 $3,404 3 $3,620 $2,010 1 3 $2,978 4 $3,588 2 $2,369 $4,100 $2,707 $4,039 4 $4,367 $3,404 5 $4,198 3 $2,978 $4,797 6 $4,807 $5,494 4 $4,730 $3,588 5 $5,113 $4,100 7 $5,417 5 $4,198 $6,190 $4,797 8 $6,026 $5,421 $4,807 $6,887 6 6 $5,860 $5,494 9 $6,636 $7,584 7 $5,417 $6,190 10 $7,245 $7,935 $6,111 7 $6,607

of victim from motor vehicle accident, two removal of victims from stalled elevators, seven gas leaks, eight power lines down, nine hazardous conditions with no fire, three service calls, one mutual aid cover assignment, 27 good intent calls, 34 fire alarms or false calls and one other type incident.. As of the end of August, Station 12 has responded to 867 incidents. On Aug. 2, Squad 12, Engine 14, Truck 13 and Duty Chief Richard Kraemer were dispatched to Quakerbridge Road for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Squad 12 under the direction of Capt. Kevin McElroy arrived to report one person entrapped in vehicle. Crews removed door on vehicle and patient removed. Care was given to RWJ-BLS. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 3–Rusling Hose Company

responded to 128 incidents in August. Included in the calls were three building fires, three cooking fires, three passenger vehicle fires, one brush fire, two rubbish fires, one rescue incident, two assists to EMS crews, three COVID-19 calls, 33 Emergency Medical Service incidents, eight motor vehicle accidents with injuries, four motor vehicle accidents with no injuries, two extrications of victims from motor vehicle accidents, one water rescue, nine gas leaks, four power lines down, seven hazardous conditions with no fire, one assist to police, three service calls, 15 good intent calls, 20 false alarm or false calls and two other type incidents. As of the end of August, Station 13 has responded to 767 incidents. On Aug. 12, Engine 13, Engine 15, Engine 16 and Duty Chief John Retalis were dispatched to Interstate 295 for a vehicle fire. Engine 16 under the direction of Capt. Chris Mull arrived to find a vehicle well involved in fire. After extinguishing the fire, a victim was found in the car. Command advised New Jersey State Police and Fire Marshalls office. Scene released to NJSP. Cause in under investigation. On Aug. 21, Truck 13, Engine 15, Engine 16, Engine 19 Duty Chief Steven Kraemer were dispatched to Lalor Street for a vehicle fire with exposure to a building. T13 under the direction of Lt. Mike Kiernan arrived to report a vehicle well involved in the parking area of the repair facility. Crew were able to contain fire to vehicle stopping it from igniting the building. Command requested Fire Marshall for investigation. No injuries reported. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 4–Hamilton and Enterprise Fire Companies responded to 102 incidents in August. Included were three building fires, three cook-

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8 $6,026 $6,887 9 $7,584 8 $6,802 $6,636 $7,353 10 contact the Mercer County $7,245 To request an application please Housing and Community $7,935 * Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year. Development Office at (609) 989-6858 or during (609)the 989-6959. Applications also be *Federal income limits are subject to change program year. Please call can for incomes above 8 persons. obtained by visiting the Housing office at 640 South Broad Street, 1st floor, Room Due 106, to Covid-19 restrictions, time the public will only ableCounty to enter the building on an as To request at an this application please contact the be Mercer Housing and Community Trenton, NJ 08650. needed basis by appointment only. If anatin-person appointment is 989-6959. necessary, Applications clients can call Development Office (609) 989-6858 or (609) can609-337also be st 0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment. floor, Room obtained by visiting the Housing office at 640 South Broad Street, 1 Locations & Hours: Hamilton Office - County Connection 106, Trenton, NJ 08650. Trenton Office Hamilton Square Shopping Center Beginning October 1, 2020 the County will temporarily be operating an outdoor informational center adjacent to 640 South Broad Street – Rm 106 957 Highway 33 at Paxson Avenue the 640 South Broad Street building. Clients will be able to drop off applications and access information from Trenton, NJ 08650 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Hamilton Office - County Connection Locations & Hours: LIHEAP staff. M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm (by appt. only) Center Trenton Office Hamilton Square Shopping Saturdays – 4/7 & 5/5 (Wednesday open until 6:30pm) The County will continue to receive applications up until the deadline of Highway July 31,33 2021 by regular mail, fax, 640 South Broad Street – Rm 106 957 at Paxson Avenue 10:00am-1:00pm (walk-ins) Trenton,forms, NJ 08650 08690 and email. Applications, and information can be accessed atHamilton, this site: NJhttp://www.mercercounty.org/ M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm (by appt. only) departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-community-development-programs Board of Chosen Edward Pattik Saturdays – 4/7 & 5/5 (Wednesday open until 6:30pm) Freeholders Housing Director Applications can be sent by regular mail, fax, and email: 10:00am-1:00pm (walk-ins) * Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year.

Mercer County LIHEAP/USF Programs Edward Pattik 106 Housing Director P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 Brian M. Hughes, County Executive email address: housing@mercercounty.org Fax: 609-278-2758 Board of Chosen Edward Pattik Brian M. Hughes, County Executive Freeholders Housing Director Brian M. Hughes, County Executive Board of Chosen 640 S. Broad St, Room Freeholders

34Hamilton Post | October 2020

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ing fires, two passenger vehicle fires, 28 Emergency Medical Service incidents, four motor vehicle accidents with injuries, one extrication of victim from motor vehicle accident, two removal of victims from stalled elevators, five gas leaks, five power lines down, nine hazardous conditions with no fire, two service calls, two mutual aid cover assignments, 14 good intent calls, 21 false calls or false alarms and one special type incident. As of the end of August, Station 14 has responded to 584 incidents. On Aug. 18, Engine 14 was dispatched to East State Street for a dumpster fire. While responding, assignment was updated to a building fire. E14 under the direction of Capt. Nicola Creo arrived to a large railing fabrication building with smoke showing from the roof. Assignment was filled out with an additional engine and truck added. E14 reporting limited access due to security measures. Engine 18 and Squad 12 assigned to assist with stretching the initial attack line. C16 and T13 arrived. Truck 13 accessed the yard by cutting the drive chain on the power gate. Truck 17 arrived and assigned to place the aerial on the A/B side and ladder the roof. T17’s crew opened the louvers and secured power to the building. Fire Marshall and HPD Detective requested. E14 reported fire in a 40-foot section of wall insulation extending to the roof. Fire was contained to the area. Fire was placed under control and some units were released. PSE&G arrived and assisted with securing gas due to possible fire damage to a gas pipe in the ceiling, no active leak. Power was secured at the panel only and restored by maintenance in coordination with the investigators from the Mercer County Prosecutors Office and Fire Marshall. Building was ventilated and investigation completed. Building turned over to director of operations, with no injuries reported. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 5–DeCou Hose Company members responded to 63 incidents in August. Included were two building fires, two cooking fires, two passenger vehicle fires, 15 Emergency Medical Service incidents, one COVID-19 call, six motor vehicle accidents with injuries, four motor vehicle accidents with no injuries, two power lines down, seven hazardous conditions with no fire, one mutual aid cover assignment, five good intent calls, 15 false alarm or false calls and one other type call. As of the end of August, Station 15 has responded to 341 incidents. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 6–White Horse Fire Company responded to 147 incidents in August. Included were four building fires, one fire in a structure other than a building, four cooking fires, four passenger vehicle fires, two overpressure with no fire, eleven assists to EMS crews, two COVID-19 calls, 30 Emergency Medical Service

incidents, three motor vehicle accidents with injuries, one motor vehicle accident with no injuries, one motor vehicle/pedestrian accident, one water rescue, one rescue assignment, six gas leaks, three power lines down, 11 hazardous conditions with no fire, seven service calls, 16 good intent calls, 40 false alarms or false calls and two other type calls. As of the end of August, Station 16 has responded to 872 incidents. On Aug. 25, Engine 16, Engine 15, Engine 19, Truck 13 and Duty Chief Steven Kraemer were dispatched to Orchard Avenue for a smoke condition. E16 under the direction of Capt. Chris Mull arrived on location to find a two and a half story wood framed single family dwelling, with fire showing from the second floor. Chief 13 requested a “All Hands” assignment dispatching Squad 12 and Truck 14. Crews stretched an inch-and-threequarter hose line to the second floor and extinguished the fire. Primary searches were completed by the truck crew. Utilities were secured. Secondary searches were performed and were negative. Fire was confined to second floor and no injuries were reported. Fire Marshall requested for investigation. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 7–Nottingham Fire Company responded to 145 incidents during August. Included were four building fires, one fire in a structure other than a building, three cooking fires, two passenger vehicle fires, four other type fires, one lightning strike with no fire, nine assists to EMS crews, two COVID-19 calls, 20 Emergency Medical Service incidents, four motor vehicle accidents with injuries, one removal of victim from stalled elevator, four gas leaks, seven power lines down, ten hazardous conditions with no fire, four service calls, one mutual aid cover assignment, 25 good intent calls and 42 false alarm or false calls. As of the end of August, Station 17 has responded to 902 incidents. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 8–Colonial Fire Company responded to 114 incidents in August. Included were three building fires, one cooking fire, two passenger vehicle fires, 41 Emergency Medical Service incidents, one motor vehicle accident with injuries, two motor vehicle/pedestrian accidents, one extrication of victim from motor vehicle accident, three gas leaks, six power lines down, seven hazardous conditions with no fire, three service calls, two mutual aid cover assignments, ten good intent calls, 26 false alarm or false calls, four fire prevention activities and one other type call. As of the end of August, Station 18 has responded to 561 incidents. Hamilton Township Fire District No. 9–Groveville Fire Company responded to 138 incidents in August. Included were six building fires, two cooking fires, one passenger vehicle fire, two overpressure with no fire, one rescue incident, six assists to EMS crews, two COVID-19

smoke and flames showing. Heller established Edgebrook Road command and ordered a supply line be laid from the street by the first due engine and a 1.75” attack line placed in service. The main garage doors were opened and a second line of 2.5” was stretched as a backup line. Water supply was established by Engine’s 16 and 19. Personnel completed extinguishment along with salvage and overhaul. The scene was investigated by FM 900 and the MC County Prosecutor’s Office.

calls, 36 Emergency Medical Service incidents, eight motor vehicle accidents with injuries, two motor vehicle accidents with no injuries, one extrication of victim from motor vehicle accident, five gas leaks, four power lines down, five hazardous conditions with no fire, one service call, 18 good intent calls, 37 false alarm or false calls and one other type incident. As of the end of August, Station 19 has responded to 721 incidents. August 2nd Engine 19, Truck 17, Engine 16 and Duty Chief, Aaron Heller were dispatched to Robbinsville for a reported garage fire. Chief 19 arrived to report a garage approximately 50 feet by 50 feet with

Bob Sherman, Jr. is a life member of Mercerville Volunteer Fire Company and a Hamilton resident.

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11 questions with Gala Derroisne THOMAS KELLY FIGHT IN THE MUSEUM

I have been following Gala Derroisne’s work for some time. She is a photographer who shoots candid street photography and nature. She shoots her world, constantly framing with her eyes and then with the camera. Gala does not use Photoshop and relies mostly on the light that is available. Her work is very colorful, has a lot of movement and is very beautiful. I hope you will like it as much as I do. How did you get started with photography? I came to the U.S. from Moscow in 1995. My first experience with photography was when my father gave me a camera as a little girl. It was a film camera 35mm and we developed film together. We had a dark room and we printed the photos together, this was my first experience. I began to take things seriously when I arrived in New York with a digital camera in tow. Your photos seem to have one constant, brilliant color. Is that what draws you to a subject? Actually no, I wouldn’t say that color attracts me. I love nature, and nature has bright colors, sometimes when I take pictures of people I prefer different tones. I do street photography. I

may be drawn to colors but the images are never posed, they don’t usually even see me. Briefly describe your process. Do you go out with a specific image you seek? Most of the time—OK, all of the time—I have my camera with me. Sometimes I attend an event or find myself in a great spot, but really things happen naturally for me, I shoot the world around me. I will seek out things in nature at certain times, like when certain plants, trees or flowers bloom. Of course, I also like to shoot in the Golden Hour at the end of the day. Who were you influenced by artistically? I have been influenced by many artists. I love fine art, and this moves me. Antonio Sison is a photographer that I see as a mentor, his shots inspired me to refine my own. Dr. Sison was a Department Chairman at Robert Wood Johnson, but also an excellent photographer with a terrific eye. Do you travel for your photography? Yes, I love to travel more than anything, capturing images in other countries is a new excitement every time, a new adventure. I end up traveling a lot as my husband is a jazz musician and international DJ. He plays all over the world, and I travel with him and photograph. What are some of the more interesting places where you have

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photographed? I have had the privilege of shooting Cuba, Dubai, Bangkok, Moscow and Mexico recently. Cuba was a lot of fun. I would pay people to be able to shoot them. They would pose but then they would relax and forget about me. That is when I get my best shots, as a sniper! What fight/struggle do you have

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36Hamilton Post | October 2020

“Taylor” uses light and the environment to create an effect—photographer Gala Derroisne’s trademark style.

regarding your art? My struggle is always sales. It’s not a problem, but I lack the business side of things, my work could easily take off under the proper direction. I also do unique artistic portraits. They are really Fine Art portraits. Please reach out if you would like something a little different, beautifully different. Your photos show ordinary people in glamorous ways. Is this your goal? I love people, and I always find the beauty in everything I shoot, perhaps my love for capturing real moments shows in the photographs I share. Plus I shoot a lot, the people are relaxed, unknowing and the photos become more honest and natural. You tie music and images together which is not always easy. Was this always an interest for you? I love music, and my husband is so involved in the world of music that perhaps they go hand in hand. To see him work and have a thousand people up and dancing always inspires me, too. What is your dream project? My dream project is to be able to continue to travel the world shooting everywhere. I’ve been thinking of shooting local artists and international friends lately. To create fine art portraits of them. For more information, go online to galaderroisnephotography.com or on Instagram @gala_derroisne_photography.

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The tyranny of truthiness PETER DABBENE COMPLEX SIMPLICITY

The word “truthiness” was given its modern coinage in 2005, a political era that seemed almost innocent in comparison with our current one. Referring to “the quality of seeming to be true according to one’s intuition, opinion, or perception without regard to logic, factual evidence, or the like,” “truthiness” sounds quaint, almost charming now—a folksy, lighthearted way of pointing out the exaggerations and untruths of politicians. But it doesn’t do justice to the reality of 2020. Since 2005, we’ve been introduced to “alternative facts,” “clickbait,” and new heights of political theater and propaganda. Depending on your preferred cable news stations, the makeup of your Facebook newsfeed, and the political leanings of your friends and family, you’re probably seeing an inordinate focus on the evils of the other party, whichever that may be. All fine, except much of the fodder that feeds the news entertainment machine is drenched in truthiness and alternative facts—the enemy of truth. You can spend most of your day watching, reading, and listening to political “experts” and come away stressed, infuriated, or even panicked but no more informed than when

you started. A good chunk of Americans get their news from blogs and biased news sources that rarely, if ever, issue a correction or an apology. Videos are selectively edited, even altered, to incite outrage of one kind or another. Even with unaltered footage, skillful editing can present something that’s true in a way that isn’t honest. Much of this activity is driven not by political ideals, but by craven greed. Still, one can easily make the case that exaggeration, lying, prevarication— or whatever synonym you prefer—is an essential part of the political game. Think back to Barack Obama’s “If you like your health-care plan, you can keep it,” or before that, George W. Bush’s obfuscations about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Before that came Bill Clinton’s sex scandal, and George Bush’s “Read my lips” speech. The list could go on, back to our original president, of whom the myth of the cherry tree and “I cannot tell a lie” is, itself, a lie. But presidential lying was never considered acceptable, or part of the job, or a minor quibble, until now. Donald Trump has kept fact-checkers busier than any other president, including the former poster boy for dishonesty, Richard Nixon. This isn’t surprising, given Trump’s flair for hyperbole, but it is disturbing. Love him or hate him, Donald Trump

has always been a showman first, and for him, such misrepresentations are not just harmless, but part of the game. He seems immune to any serious repercussions from his misstatements, perhaps because they’ve created such a fog around reality that most of us can’t easily see the truth. And though Trump makes for a particularly egregious example of political prevarication, his opponent in the upcoming presidential election, Joe Biden, has his own long history of plagiarism, conflated stories and exaggerations. America is a democratic republic, a messy but effective proposition that blends the names and the ideas of the two major U.S. political parties. The political gray area between the extremes of the left and right is where most of the real debate and compromise in this country takes place, and

it’s where, whether closer to one end or the other, most of its citizens place their own beliefs. The complexities and subtleties of understanding that gray area, let alone navigating it, are imposing, which makes it even more important to inform oneself with facts, rather than frenzied hyperbole. Honesty should be the first thing we seek in a president, not the last, but we can’t expect that honesty unless we demand it, by engaging in fact checks rather than gut checks. So whoever wins on Election Day, let’s hope it marks the beginning of a new, more open and honest age of political debate. It would be better for all of us. And that’s the truth. Peter Dabbene is a Hamilton-based writer. His website is peterdabbene.com. His books can be purchased at amazon.com.

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38Hamilton Post | October 2020

Puzzle Solution A C T S N O R T H A D I E U Y O W L A F A R E I C I C L R E P L I A S B A I L Z A G R E E N E R A N T O N C E A Y E

M A T G E R S E E D T I D B L A A V D E E R

B E L I E V E R E D W I N E

U R G E P A W F U S S Y

S E A R S T A G L R O I N T S T R E K

S E A I N F O P R I G O E R A B L E G E D E N G E D D I G O A G O G O V A L

S I R E

A C T M A E R

Notice of Vote-by-Mail Election November 3, 2020 General Election The November 3, 2020 General Election will be conducted primarily via vote-by-mail ballots, which will be sent to all “Active” registered voters without the need for an application to receive a vote-by-mail ballot. P.L. 2020, c. 72 requires you to sign the certification affixed to the margin of the flap on the inner envelope of the ballot notwithstanding the fact that you may not have applied for this ballot, but instead received this ballot automatically. You will be provided a postage paid envelope for the return of your ballot through the United States Postal Service. You are not required to attach a stamp. You may also choose to deposit your ballot in one of the secure ballot drop boxes located throughout the county, return your ballot in-person to your County Board of Elections, or deliver your ballot to your assigned polling place on Election Day. Please contact your Board of Elections at 609-989-6522 or www.mercercounty.org/boards-commissions/board-of-elections for convenient ballot drop box locations. Only you, the voter, can bring your ballot to your polling place on Election Day. If another person will be mailing your ballot, bringing it to a secure ballot drop box, or delivering it to the county Board of Elections, MAKE CERTAIN THAT PERSON COMPLETES THE “BEARER PORTION” ON THE ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS BEFORE THE BALLOT IS TAKEN FROM YOU. No person who is a candidate in this election is permitted to serve as a bearer. No person is permitted to serve as a bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR ANYONE EXCEPT YOU, THE VOTER, TO MAIL OR TRANSPORT YOUR BALLOT UNLESS THE OUTER ENVELOPE IS SEALED AND THE “BEARER PORTION” IS COMPLETED. A PERSON MAY BE FINED AND IMPRISONED AND MAY ALSO LOSE THE RIGHT TO VOTE UNTIL RESTORED BY LAW if that person attempts to vote fraudulently by mail-in ballot, prevents the voting of a legal voter, certifies falsely any information, interferes with a person’s secrecy of voting, tampers with ballots or election documents or helps another person to do so. If you would like to learn the status of your ballot you can call 1-877-NJ-VOTER or go to TrackMyBallot.nj.gov October 2020 | Hamilton Post39

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40Hamilton Post | October 2020