HP proof 1

Mayor visits with high school students

king of Hamilton

Napoleon’s brother Joseph Bonaparte spent time in the township

By sUe FeRRaRa

If you haven’t heard the news, Bordentown City, D&R Greenway, and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection pulled off a miracle. Together, they purchased the 60 remaining acres of land once owned by Joseph Bonaparte, the ex-King of Spain and Naples, and the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.

At the time of the sale, the acreage, which sits above the confluence of Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware river, had been owned by the Divine Word Missionaries for eighty years. Divine Word Missionaries could have commanded millions of dollars–there were developers wanting to build warehouses on the property; but, the Catholic fathers of Divine Word held true to a moral responsibility to see the land returned to the people of New Jersey, as well the responsibility to protect Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River. Divine Word sold the land for $4.6 million.

See BONAPARTE, Page 10

Holidays can be tough on those who are grieving lost loved ones

By sUe FeRRaRa

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that worldwide, 10.4 million children lost one or more parents, or caregivers, due to Covid-19. The authors noted the many consequences these children would face, including burdens brought on by trau-

matic grief.

In Mercer County, the number of Covid deaths alone is close to 10,000 people. It is likely that each death has caused a ripple-effect of grief among family members and friends, but most of all children.

Fortunately, our area has two organizations that can provide help. One is called Good Grief, a nonprofit based in Princeton and

Morristown. And the other is called the Traumatic Loss Coalition based at Rutgers University.

Traumatic Loss Coalition provides support to members of a community, or a school district after a traumatic event such as a suicide, a homicide, or another incident which seriously impacts a group of people. Trained clini-

Enough is enough

DEP taking oversight role at Trenton Water Works

Enough is finally enough with Trenton Water Works.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is intervening in the daily operations of TWW, which has failed to address numerous problems in the provision of safe drinking water for many years.

The utility, which is owned and run by the city of Trenton, supplies approximately 29 million gallons of drinking water every day to more than 200,000 people—including all of Trenton and Ewing, and parts of Hamilton, Hopewell and Lawrence townships.

In 2020, the state attorney general and DEP filed a lawsuit against TWW—which was joined the municipalities served by the water utility—seeking to compel the City of Trenton and the water utility to take the necessary actions after failing to comply with Administrative Consent Orders to provide safe drinking water.

By Bill sanseRvino See WATER, Page 14

The takeover in TWW opera-

Mayor Jeff Martin (center) recently visited the Hamilton High School West GALRE (Government and LawRelated Experiences) class to talk local politics. Pictured with Martin are Lexi Dawson, Morgan Dawson, Lexi Salazar, Hailey Cavanagh, Leif Simonelli, Brielle Maigue, Jardi Cotin, Zaariya Bajwa, Zeshan Dixon,

Here, it’s all about people.

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Being together has never meant more. And The Landing of Hamilton gives residents enriching and soul‑filling social connections – from a warm and caring staff, to daily group events, and friend making moments. All tailored to each individual, in the safest environment possible.

Being together has never meant more. And The Landing of Hamilton gives residents enriching and soul‑filling social connections – from a warm and caring staff, to daily group events, and friend making moments. All tailored to each individual, in the safest environment possible.

Being together has never meant more. And The Landing of Hamilton gives residents enriching and soul‑filling social connections – from a warm and caring staff, to daily group events, and friend making moments. All tailored to each individual, in the safest environment possible.

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Phone: (609) 396-1511 News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Sports: sports@communitynews.org Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org

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call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail

Around Town

Garden Club blooms at Hamilton High School West

Since 2019, students under the guid ance of physical education teacher Mark Pienciak and guidance counselor Anthony Belfiore have seen the Hamilton High School West Garden Club bloom. Pienciak and Belfiore created the club with the mission was to create a commit tee focused on their school environment and beautification of school grounds. The first project was to create an arbor in the original part of the school court yard, which was built in 1930. With the support of principal Brian Smith, the club consulted with Rosanna Innes from the Rutgers Master Gardeners of New Jersey, and Amy Ricco, horticulture president of Mercer County Community College, to create a second courtyard. Technology teacher. Jesse Smith volunteered his time to create a three dimensional rendering of the Hamilton West 1957 courtyard to aid in the creation of a new green space. Through a Lowe’s Toolbox for Educa

tion grant, the school purchased materi als to build benches, an outdoor white board, gardening tools, and a shed for storage. West Woodshop teacher Mat thew Palmere and his students con structed 10 benches to be placed in the outdoor classroom space. The guidance department and the Hamilton Environ mental Youth Club organized opportuni ties for students to clear outdoor space and make improvements to the fish pond.

The Hamilton High School West Gar den Club was established in the spring of 2019. One of the first projects was to cre ate a flower garden where the club could grow flowers for cut arrangements.

Post pandemic, the Garden Club has grown in popularity. Fifty-three students took part in a recent project, and stu dents have logged more than 50 hours of community service with HHW Garden Club projects. Junior Michael Killian is working on an Eagle Scout project in the

school garden where he is close to com pleting a walk-in greenhouse.

“It is wonderful to see how the school grounds of Hamilton High School West have transformed, thanks to advisement of Mr. Pienciak and Mr. Belfiore, and all of the students in the Garden Club. The

club is creating a beautiful outside envi ronment to look at and learn in for every one at the school. Their work is also a wonderful example of the collaboration between our staff, students, and outside organizations,” said Scott Rocco, Hamil ton’s superintendent of schools.

Hamilton High Garden Club.

Row: Moriah Lightner, Nataly Leon Suquitana, Karla Gonzalez Mora, Ava Larussa, Katherine Jaramillo, Paige Morales, Mayaliz Jimenez, Olivia Astbury, Marvelous Obasola, Goodness Alabi, Lounaidy Augustin, Christopher Pineda, Quincy Moss. Back Row: Mr. Mark Pienciak, Andrew Carrol, Leilani Santiago, Victoria AvilaPatino, Miranda Sommer, Daliana Leon, Michael Killian, Michael Matay, Alberto Avila-Perez, Henry Fanders, Adam Taha, Mario Palazzone. (Photo courtesy of Laura Geltch.)

cians provide counseling to those in need.

George Scott, a therapist who works with the Traumatic Loss Coalition, defines grief as “an internal process of feeling a loss.”

And while we most often experience grief from a death, Scott says there are many different kinds of losses in life which can trigger the emotion. Essentially, “the loss of anything of significance in your life” he says, can cause grief.

“Mourning, or grieving, is the out ward sign of internal grief,” Scott adds. He maintains that grief is like an open wound that needs cleaning and care in order to heal properly. But even then, for some people, there may always be a scar. Everyone’s journey through grief is different due to the nature of the loss, personal experiences, and the ability to access help to “realign” one’s personal inner world, Scott said.

Evelynn Moon works as the Direc tor of Education for Good Grief. She has been with the organization for about 18 months. She talks about grief being a form of learning which happens over time, and usually not in a linear fashion.

You don’t get over the grief of loss, Moon says. Rather, as the grief gets processed, it becomes another experience which makes you, you. As the information packet for

Good Grief notes: “We do not believe that there is a problem to be ‘fixed,’ but rather a new reality to learn to live with.”

Grief is a “lifelong journey” Moon says. People will experience an “acute phase of grief” which can come and go forever. She notes there are triggers which reawaken the grief first felt by the initial loss. There are smells, places, music, the holidays, all kinds of triggers might bring back the grief.

The goal is to build resilience, to try to find joy in the memories as opposed to sadness.

Good Grief was started in 2004 by peo ple who believed grieving children needed advocates to support them as they grieved.

The initial model for the Good Grief pro gram came from the Dougy Center, also known as The National Center for Griev ing Children and Families, in Portland, Oregon, which was founded in 1982.

The Dougy Center gets its name from Dougy Turno, who in 1981, as he was dying from a brain tumor, wrote to Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a psychiatrist; and, at the time, the leading voice on dying. Turno asked the doctor: “Why won’t anyone talk with me about dying?”

Kubler-Ross connected him with a former nurse, Beverly Chappell, who answered his questions and supported

Bromley Center celebrates expansion of food pantry

Hamilton director of economic development Fred Dumont, CYO executive director Tom Mladenetz, township councilman Anthony Carabelli and CYO Bromley director Patrick Hardiman cut the ribbon at the CYO Bromley Center Food Pantry grand

his family until his death. She also started peer groups where children could come and talk about loss.

The mission of Good Grief is to “pro vide unlimited and free support to chil dren, teens, young adults and families after the death of a mother, father, sister or brother through our peer support pro grams, education and advocacy.” Moon stresses Good Grief does not provide counseling; rather, through biweekly peer support groups, volunteers help build a grief community for children, teens, young adults and parents.

It’s a place where those grieving can share their thoughts, fears, tears and hope in a safe place.

“One client described it this way,” Moon says. “We all arrived on differ ent boats, but we all came to the same island.” And on that island, every word used, every planned evening, happens for a reason. At Good Grief, “everything is intentional,” Moon says.

“Words matter. The way we say things matter. We don’t use euphemisms; we use appropriate words like ‘death and dead,’” Moon adds. “We never use ‘loved one’ because we don’t want to assume there was love in a relationship. We talk about empathy and compassion.”

Located on Mapleton Road in Prince ton, the home of Good Grief is sprawling and welcoming. There are rooms where young children can play with one another and ask questions about loss. There is a teen room. Young adults up to the age of 30 have their own space; there is a room for parents to connect.

“We really want to support the kids,” Moon says, “but we also want to provide and support everyone in the home. While the adults have their own group, family members are always in the loop about what has happened with their children so conversations can continue beyond the night.”

The Princeton location opened in 2012. Between the Princeton location and the program in Morristown, Moon says Good Grief is helping about 600 people a month. Peer Support Groups run like a school year, from September through June. There is a short summer offering for younger children.

Good Grief also runs groups in schools, and actively trains teachers and counsel ors to conduct groups in their own educa tional settings.

Those interested in participating in a Peer Support Group are asked to attend a brief orientation which includes a tour of the facility. Participants must also fill out a short questionnaire. Participants begin an evening at 6:30 p.m. with pizza; the individual groups run from 7 to 8:15 p.m.

Volunteers, trained by Good Grief and background checked, run the peer sup

port groups.

“We recently celebrated 5, 10 and 15year volunteers,” Moon notes. “They are getting so much out of it; volunteers come back year after year. We all have our own stories of grief that we carry with us. I think our volunteers want to be the support that they wish they had had.”

The youngest volunteers are college students; most of the volunteer staff are retirees. The next training session will happen in January 2023. Interested per sons should reach out to Susan Laird susan@good-grief.org

In 2008, the Highmark Caring Place, based in Pittsburgh, helped to establish the third Thursday of November, the week before Thanksgiving, as Children’s Grief Awareness Day. This year, the date is Nov. 17.

The late Fred Rogers was the Honor ary Chair of the organization from 1985 until his death in 2003. The foundation notes: “Before they graduate from high school, one child out of every 20 children will have a parent die.”

The Highmark Caring Place is spon soring a virtual event for Children’s Grief Awareness Day called “Illuminating Hope”. Anyone can add a message to a virtual butterfly and share it. hope.high markcaringplace.com.

Locally, Good Grief will be hosting a Zoom Event on Nov. 17, with Dr. Chris tina Liparini who will talk about the four stages of bibliotherapy which involves reading popular titles that touch upon grief and loss.

Good Grief web: good-grief.org. Trau matic Loss Coalition: ubhc.rutgers.edu/ education/trauma-loss-coalition/over view.xml.

Children’s Grief Awareness Day: chil drensgriefawarenessday.org. Highmark Caring Place: highmarkcaringplace.com.

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HALF PAGE V

And while Bordentown lays the biggest claim to Bonaparte’s legacy, the ex-king also left footprints in Philadelphia, upstate New York, Trenton and Hamilton.

According to Doug Kiovsky, the vicepresident of the Bordentown Historical Society, Bonaparte sporadically acquired marshlands in Hamilton. Actually, reading through old newspapers, it seems Bonaparte was constantly buying and selling land.

In 1818, three years after arriving in the United States, he purchased 150,000 acres in Northern New York which contained a lake. Bonaparte named the lake Diana; today it is known as Bonaparte Lake and is located about 32 miles northeast of Watertown, New York. He built a hunting lodge there in 1828. Just hold that thought for a moment. Additionally, Bonaparte had several homes in Philadelphia, and once he settled in at his Bordentown estate, called Point Breeze, he continued to rent a house in Philadelphia on Chestnut Street. Bonaparte married Marie Julie Clary in 1794. But when he fled to the U.S. after his brother Napoleon was captured, Queen Marie stayed behind in Europe. Some stories say she had no desire to board a ship and sail across the ocean. Other report that she was too frail to make the journey. Understandable, since Joseph Bonaparte sailed here in the hull of a ship, surrounded by wine casks, and bearing the name M. Bouchard. Let’s recap for a moment. Joseph sailed to the U.S. alone, leaving his wife in Europe. He was 47 years old when he arrived here in 1815. Napoleon told Joseph to settle somewhere between New York City and Philadelphia so he would quickly receive any important news. Bonaparte owns thousands of acres of land close to Canada; he owns a

house in Philadelphia; he eventually buys land in Bordentown.

Joseph is well-liked and hosts many parties with other aristocrats in Philadelphia. He moves around that city with ease. One day, he enters a shop on Dock Street in Philadelphia to buy suspenders. There behind the counter was Annette Savage. According to an 1891 article published in the Trenton Times:

“She was a beautiful girl of some nineteen summers and assisted her mother in waiting upon customers. Joseph Bonaparte was staying in Philadelphia at the time, and through the reports of the gentlemen in his suite, learned of the young girl’s remarkable beauty.”

For the record, across time, Annette is sometimes referred to as Ann; she is sometimes called Anne Holton.

The news story continues.

“Following the first visit, [Bonaparte] soon became infatuated with the young girl; he offered her presents which it seems she refused, and in other ways manifested her disapproval of his advances, for there was a mutual love existing between her and a young barrister … The mother, however, was flattered by the royal scoundrel and encouraged his attention.”

The mother, Margaret Larkey, reportedly “sold her child body and soul and received the price.” The barrister lover “was broken-hearted and the fair child became the victim of the royal profligate.”

Bonaparte often referred to Annette Savage as his “American wife” even though she became his mistress. She spent time with Bonaparte in Philadelphia and at Point Breeze. But according to a 1927 story, which ran in several newspapers around the country, “staid, moral, Philadelphians were shocked and Joseph Bonaparte was made to understand that his action was inexcusable.” Bonaparte, reportedly, became enraged.

BONAPARTE continued from Page 1

Bow Hill Mansion in Hamilton, now the Ukrainian American Cultural Center, where Joseph Bonaparte once briefly lived.

And

At 447 Jeremiah Ave., in the Deutzville section of Hamilton, sits the Bow Hill mansion. Now known as the Ukrainian American Cultural Center, the house originally belonged to Barnt DeKlyn and his wife, Mary Van Zant DeKlyn, and was built in 1785.

Barnt made his fortune selling woolen uniforms during the American Revolution. He located his mansion at that site because he was sure Trenton would become the nation’s capital. His only daughter, Kitty, married Jeremiah Lalor.

After Bonaparte became incensed by the scorn he and Ann received in Philadelphia, he persuaded DeKlyn to rent him the Bow Hill Mansion, so Ann Savage could live there. The 1927 article also noted Ann Savage was not happy with the arrangement. She reportedly scratched an inscription on a window pane at Bow Hill using a diamond to write: “God is Love.”

DeKlyn eventually disliked the inappropriate arrangement too, and Bonaparte moved out, reportedly moving to upstate New York.

Ann Savage bore Bonaparte two daughters. Pauline was born in 1821 when Ann was 21-years-old. Caroline Charlotte was born a year later. Sadly, Pauline died at the age of four. Newspaper accounts say she was playing outside at Bow Hill when she “overturned a marble vase mounted on a high, insecure pedestal. The heavy urn struck her on the head, and she died almost instantly.”

Pauline is buried in Trenton, in the courtyard of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church at 140 N. Warren St.

In 1903, a story about Pauline’s interment ran in newspapers around the country, including in the Baltimore Afro-

American Ledger.

Eventually, Bonaparte, Ann and their remaining daughter, Caroline, spent their summers in upstate New York, returning to Point Breeze in the winter. Caroline eventually made a life in New York State, marrying Zebulon Hoyle Benton. She is buried in Oxbow, New York.

At some point, Bonaparte and Savage parted ways. In 1826, she married a Frenchman, Charles Joseph Gellhand Delafolie, lived in Paris and bore him five children. In 1842, she married Henry Horr in Watertown, New York.

New York State deeds show that before leaving the U.S. in 1832 to return to Europe, Bonaparte gave Ann his upstate New York property. One deed to her from Joseph Bonaparte dated April 10, 1832, conveyed to Ann Delafolie the Ansted Bridge estates of 413.56 acres, a stone business block in Evans Mills, and 15 farm contracts all for $11,997.50. On May 6, 1832, he conveyed about 154 more acres to her for $941.60. Savage died in 1865, and is buried in New York City.

Finally, there are two local streets in the area which recall the time of Bonaparte.

Barnt DeKlyn Road runs in front of Lalor School. Running parallel to Barnt DeKlyn Road is Bow Hill Avenue.

Those interested in learning more about Bonaparte’s time here can find Patricia Tyson Stroud’s book, titled, The Man Who Had Been King: The American Exile of Napoleon’s Brother Joseph in the Hamilton Public Library.

The Pennington Library has a video presentation by Dr. Richard Veit, a professor of anthropology and associate dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University. Veit discusses the findings of an anthropological dig done at Point Breeze. penningtonlibrary.org/pointbreeze.

Students welcome mayor to discuss civics in GALRE class

Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin recently stopped by Steinert High School’s Government and Law-Related Experiences (GALRE) class. Pictured with Martin (center) are Kira Casler, Ryan James, Owen Mcadams, Cole Brady, Ceara O’Neal, Ian Cano Almond, Mike Rizzo and teacher Tracey Quinn. (Photo courtesy of Laura Geltch.)

HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Location:

Are

KATHIE OLSON, clinical coordinator for Capital Health’s Center for Incontinence and

Health, to learn strategies

pain. Kathie will be joined by Capital Health Physical Therapists Natalia Ochalski and Felicia Taveira, who will discuss the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy. All genders are welcome!

Healthy Holiday Eating

Thursday, November 17, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

The holidays have the potential to throw you off your eating plan, so join Registered Dietitian LONI PERESZLENYI from the Capital Health Wellness Center for some clever tricks on how to navigate parties and family time and make smart food and drink choices. In addition to Loni’s creative holiday hacks, she will also share some of her favorite healthy holiday recipes.

tions follows a months-long investigation by the DEP of conditions affecting the utility that concluded that it continues to struggle to meet water safety regulations.

The DEP takeover also comes amidst reports that Legionella—the bacteria that causes the sometimes-deadly Legion naires’ disease—has been detected in the water systems of homes throughout TWW’s service area (see page TK).

In an announcement on Oct. 12, the governor’s office said that the state “will work with the city to enhance TWW’s technical and managerial capacity.” The goal is to improve the operations and maintenance of the utility.

“Since the outset of my administration, the provision of clean, affordable drinking water and the promotion of healthy com munities have remained among our fore most priorities,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Under the leadership of the DEP and in coordination with the City of Trenton, we will work tirelessly to safeguard our resi dents and return water system quality to the level our communities deserve.”

DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said that the state needs to invest more time, attention and resources in strug gling utilities like TWW. He added that the state will provide direct operational oversight to help TWW build the capacity

necessary to better serve the public.

“Through this initiative, DEP and the city will more fully assess the system’s needs, meet its challenges, and ensure its long-term success for the benefit of the people of Trenton and the surrounding communities that this system serves,” the commissioner said.

The state said TWW is in need of sig nificant improvements to aging infra structure, including its 7-acre, open-airreservoir that stores and provides already treated water to about 70 percent of TWW’s distribution system. The reservoir is in violation of a federal requirement that all outside reservoirs be covered.

* *

The state takeover will be imple mented in two-phases to be carried out concurrently.

The first phase is the immediate reten tion and deployment of a “capacity-build ing force” of managerial and technical experts who will focus on improving rou tine operations and maintenance, as well as immediate capital needs.

As part of this, TWW will allow the direct oversight and monitoring of the system by the DEP and its consultants— including a third-party adviser who will monitor and assess all system opera tions and maintenance. The state will also add necessary technical and managerial

capacity to the system, and make techni cal, managerial and financial recommen dations necessary to bring the system into full compliance with applicable law.

The second phase is a full-scale assess ment and preparation of organizational and operational recommendations. Under this phase, the third-party adviser will conduct a comprehensive technical, managerial and financial capacity assess ment of the system. This will result in a report of organizational and operational recommendations, as well as short- and long-term asset management and capi tal improvement recommendations that will serve the basis of future action and investment.

“The DEP and the City will collaborate to ensure that the progress and outcomes of this initiative are open and transparent to the public,” said the state’s takeover announcement.

The state also said that as of Oct. 12, water quality sample results submitted to DEP by TWW reflected that the water system meets applicable water quality standards. “DEP will continue to closely monitor water quality parameters and other indicators of the status of the TWW system.”

“If TWW exceeds a regulatory stan dard for drinking water quality, or if DEP otherwise determines that an acute risk

to public health exists, the public noti fication would be issued to all TWW customers.”

*

It seems that the catalyst for the take over was a compliance report to Trenton on Sept. 27 that summarized the DEP’s obser vations and concerns after it conducted inspections of TWW facilities last Oct. 26, Oct. 27 and Nov. 8, and Feb. 3 of this year. After that, the DEP continued to meet fre quently with TWW representatives and provided significant compliance assistance.

Although the 17-page report recog nized Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora’s efforts “to improve operating condi tions and advance long-overdue capital improvements,” DEP officials were “dis turbed by the current city council’s con tinuing failures or refusals to authorize resolutions necessary to advance critical capital improvements and ensure that ordinary maintenance and operations needs crucial to the protection of public health are met.”

The report states that TWW has “repeatedly failed to properly maintain critical treatment processes, monitor water quality as required by the U.S. Safe Water Drinking Act, employ adequately trained operating personnel, and invest in required maintenance and capital needs...

Since 2012, the Department has identi

was reported to the Health Department in September 2022.

After the Hamilton cases, health offi cials tested the additional 30 homes in the TWW service area outside of Ham ilton. The Department of Health did not report the exact number of homes where the bacteria was found.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneu monia that people can get after breath ing in aerosolized water containing the Legionella bacteria. People cannot get Legionnaires’ disease by drinking water that has Legionella. Though uncommon, people can get sick when water contain ing Legionella is aspirated into the lungs while drinking.

It is not known if individuals with Legi onella detected in their homes are more likely to develop Legionnaires’ disease.

“While it remains rare for a healthy person who is exposed to Legionella to become sick with Legionnaires’ dis ease, people who are 50 years or older, especially those who smoke, or those with certain medical conditions, includ ing weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health con ditions, are at increased risk,” stated the Department of Health’s announcement.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches, which are

similar to symptoms caused by other respiratory infections, including Covid-19.

Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal but is treatable with antibiotics. It is important for anyone who thinks they have symp toms of Legionnaires’ disease to contact their health care provider and seek medi cal evaluation immediately.

The Department of health said it con tinues to partner with the DEP and TWW to investigate factors that may be promot ing the growth of Legionella bacteria and to evaluate remedial actions that can be taken to reduce Legionella in the system.

Courtney Peters-Manning, the mayor of Hopewell Township, said that the Legi onella test results underscore that more needs to be done at TWW.

“While DEP’s actions last month are a good first step to fix immediate opera tional problems, longer term financial issues remain a concern, and the Trenton City Council in the past has voted down important investments in the utility.” she said. “Legislative action needs to ensure that the safe drinking water of 225,000 people is not held hostage by how the political winds blow in Trenton.”

“I look forward to working with our legislative representatives and surround ing cities and towns to ensure that these changes become reality,” she said. “We will not rest until this is accomplished.”

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‘Fearless’ Panfili makes the saves for Hornets

By Rich FisheR

A person being put up against a fir ing squad has usually done something wrong. But when Sonny Panfili is put in that position two or three times a week, he feels like it’s something right.

Panfili is the junior goalkeeper for the Hamilton West boys soccer team. And every game, he is being fired at, with shots coming from all directions. He let in quite a few, but averaged over 10 saves per game and kept the 4-13 Hornets in a number of contests.

“I think Sonny’s been having a really good year,” coach Simon LaPointe said. “I know on the stat sheet you really can’t tell because we gave up a lot of goals, but he’s been playing fearless the entire year, taking a beating in games, getting 20 shots fired at him so it’s kind of relentless there.”

And yet, Panfili doesn’t mind the relent

lessness. He figures that’s why he’s there, and he loves the workload.

“I welcome all the action,” he said. “It’s about the team, I love playing with these guys, so I’ll take it for them. It’d be nice to win a couple games every now and then, and get a little less shots. But I’m always doing my job for the boys. Making sure the team is organized, doing everything I can.”

Panfili stands just 5-foot-8, but will not back down from anyone or any situation. It’s pretty much his trademark.

“One of the most important attributes he has is he’s fearless,” LaPointe said. “He comes out off his line and challenges a lot of guys and makes big tackles for us, even playing outside the 18. So it’s his fearlessness that’s his biggest quality.”

That courage is something Panfili has had all his life, ever since beginning in Hamilton Recreation soccer.

“It had to be around seven years old

of about a dozen

residents and are proud to be celebrating 15 years in business this Fall.

Both Chris and Maureen had worked for the Woodbury and Bu alo GEICO regional o ces in New York prior to earning the opportunity to open the rst local o ce for GEICO in New Jersey back in 2007. Recently recognized as the Small Business of the Year by the Hamilton Township Economic Development and Advisory Commission (HTEDAC), the Clines take pride in the fact that so much of their success has come from the many relationships they have built over the years with charities and non-pro ts in and around the Hamilton community. e culture and values maintained by this particular family business have a strong focus on supporting local causes, because they feel there’s nothing better than giving back to organizations that help to build the local community stronger.

It’s true GEICO policies can be purchased online (geico.com/Hamilton-Cline), but the couple constantly strives to remind people to contact the local o ce directly, to deal with their team of agents personally. If you or someone you know is interested in nding out more about being insured by GEICO through the Hamilton o ce, call 609-530-1000 or visit the local o ce at 825 Route 33. While agents at the local o ce can certainly help to provide car insurance, they’re also available to insure your home, condo, apartment, boat, motorcycle, and RV.

Lastly, Chris and Maureen Cline would like to extend an o er for you to be able to help them in their e orts to support local causes. So, if you are not a current GEICO customer, and you call in for a new quote between now and the end of 2022, the Clines will donate $25 to a charity of your choice!

when I started soccer,” he said. “They throw you into all these different posi tions, and I was put in as keeper and I did pretty well.”

After rec play, Panfili moved on to United SC travel, where he has been for the last six years.

“We’ve had success, we’ve been pretty good the past two years,” he said. “Last year they didn’t allow me to play because I wanted to play the high school season. I was so excited to play in high school.

“Coming into high school my brother (Dominick) played with these guys and it was so fun to watch. The chemistry, the team. I wanted to do it, that’s all I wanted to do. His freshman year was my eighth grade year. They had a pretty good keeper and watching him was inspiring, almost. You’d watch him and these older guys and how they play, it’s good to watch.”

When Panfiili got to West, he was the JV starter as a freshman, which didn’t bother him.

“You start with the young guys and you grow with the young guys, I’m OK with that,” he said. “The team gets stronger and stronger every year.”

As a sophomore, Panfili earned the starting varsity job. Despite being “jittery and nervous” entering the game, Sal did a nice job with six saves in a 2-0 loss to West Windsor-Plainsboro South. He went

on to record 130 saves and post one shut out in a four-win season.

“I was the freshman coach last year and watched him play all his varsity games,” LaPointe said. “I was real excited to be coaching him this year.”

One of the biggest boosts Panfili got came from coach Pat Snyder, who lasted just one year at West. Snyder went from a non-believer to a fan of Sal’s after that West Windsor game.

“Pat Snyder didn’t believe in me that much, he didn’t think I was that good,” Pan fili said. “After that game he told me ‘You’re good.’ That 100 percent gave me con fidence. He was a big part of my confidence; and so is Simon. I played basketball last year and he was my coach. He’s one of the favorite coaches I’ve ever had. He puts confidence in me, he lets me know if I mess up. That makes me want to get bet ter and better. I have a lot of work to do, but I love to do it.”

This year, Panfili had seven games with 10 saves or more. He made 14 in a 2-0 loss to Lawrence, 13 in a 4-3 setback to Allen town and 10 in a 3-2 defeat to Trenton. In each game, he kept the Hornets in it.

“It’s a very good feeling to know you have a person like that where he’s gonna give you a fighting chance,” LaPointe said. “After a lot of games I get compli ments from coaches about his play and how he gives us a fighting chance.”

Panfili agrees with his coach, that his fearlessness is probably his biggest attri bute (along with his leaping ability, which helps offset his lack of height).

“I never felt the fear,” he said. “I’m not the biggest guy, but I feel like the big gest guy out there. I make them think I’m the big gest guy out there. I throw myself around, I feel I can get to every ball. I’m ath letic, but mostly it’s not being afraid. If you’ve got that mindset, you can do anything.

My family calls it crazy taking all these hits, but I love it. I love being aggressive.”

Sometimes, however, being aggressive can be costly.

“I’ve been burned, it hurts, but I learn from it and say the next time I won’t get burned in that same game I promise you,” Panfili said. “If it happens early, it won’t happen again.”

LaPointe feels that Sal still needs to

improve on commanding the box a little better, but noted that he has been work ing hard to keep the backs organized. It’s not the only thing he works hard at.

“His work ethic is unmatched,” the coach said. “He puts a lot of time in. We had a summer league team and he always showed up. And another good thing about him is, if he does something wrong, he’ll listen to you. He did have a yellow card this year getting frustrated in a game. Normally he keeps his composure. I had one talk with him. One talk and he cor rects his play and keeps his composure. He has a real positive mind.”

As the losses mount up and the shots keep coming at him, it can be hard to remain positive. But Panfili doesn’t let it get to him. His love of soccer allows him to enjoy the game, no matter what the outcome.

“You want to keep your team up, keep your team in the game, and it starts with me in the back,” he said. “Playing this game means everything. I love the guys, I love the team. You wouldn’t think we’re a 4-13 team if you came and watched one of our practices. We’re all so happy. We love to be together, losing never hurts us. That’s what it’s all about. I could talk about my individual game all day, but at the end of the day all that matters is the team.”

Panfili

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‘Sneaky’ game plan helps Samonski gets goals for NHS

By Rich FisheR

Much of the Colonial Valley Confer ence soccer faithful may be unaware of it, since the Nottingham girls finished 3-13, but the Northstars had a big-time scorer on their team.

Brooklyn Samonski fired 19 into the back of the net this year, putting her in a tie for the CVC lead with Steinert’s Adri anna Ryder by the end of the regular sea son. Ryder has a chance to break that tie as Steinert was heading into the state tournament while Nottingham’s season is over. Even so, it was a tremendous effort by the junior defender.

Yes, a defender.

“Pretty much every team you show up against you hear the other coach say ing “OK, watch the girl with the head band, number 13.’ You know it right away she’ll be double marked, triple marked,” Nottingham coach Matt “The First Responder” Paglione said. “That’s why we had to put her in the back and make some sneaky runs. She’s had to game plan a little more here, than some other teams where they have threats all over the field and they can find themselves open a little easier.”

The young Northstars did not have another productive scorer to take the pressure off, as the rest of the team tal lied a combined 15 goals. Samonski’s fel low captain, Sydney Auletta, was second with five.

through the first 11 games and the North stars were shut out five times during that winless stretch.

Samonski was positioned up top, but Nottingham was unable to get the ball upfield to set her up.

“We kind of had to reconfigure some things,” Paglione said. “After a rough start we realized ‘All right, we need to drop her back and solidify that defense.’ And then we thought hopefully she can make her runs and score some.”

Which is exactly what happened as Samonski tallied 15 goals in October. She exploded toward the end of the year to power Nottingham to a three-game win ning streak after it started 0-12. Brook lyn had three goals and two assists in a 6-1 win over Trenton, five goals and two assists in a 9-3 romp past South Hunter don, and six goals in a 7-2 victory over Florence.

“That was fun,” Samonski said of the wins. “We were excited about it.”

Brooklyn began playing at age 4 with Hamilton rec. She moved to the Hamilton Wildcats, then to GAK and finally to PDA, where she currently plays. She began playing forward in rec, got moved to mid field and back on defense.

“Now I’m just anywhere,” she said.

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But Brooklyn is quick to praise her teammates for aiding her success.

“I’ve been getting opportunities and my team is helping me get up there and score,” said Samonski, who is humble about her ability to get goals. “I kind of just dribble and if I have an opening I just shoot it. If it goes in, it goes in.”

Paglione feels it’s a little more than that when it comes to Samonski’s skills.

“She has a great shot, whether it’s left foot, right foot,” Paglione said. “She can strike a ball well from a distance. She scores on free kicks all the time. She did it twice in the West game last year for a win, she did it against Steinert this year and they only gave up four goals in the regular season.

“She’s just a threat from anywhere on the field. I’m most impressed with her versatility. When we said ‘Hey, drop back and play center back for us’, it was ‘Yes coach,’ and she did it at 110 percent.”

It was a necessary change as Samon ski’s skills were not able to flourish early in the season. She scored just five goals

Since she has played every spot but goalie, Samonski has the mindset of what to do as a defender and what to do as a forward. She just reverses the thought process when it comes to going against an opponent.

“When I have the ball, I know when they’re gonna step and I know what to do to make them go one way when I’m going the other way to get around them,” she said. “On defense, I know when to step right away, or when to give them some space and then step.”

When she arrived at Nottingham, Samonski admitted to being nervous as a freshman “the day before tryouts. Then when I got here, I got more comfortable.”

That’s not surprising, since she feels right at home on the pitch. Samonski had four goals and four assists as a fresh man, and six goals and five assists as sophomore. But her contributions go far beyond the stats.

“She’s a coach’s dream to have on the field, off the field, everywhere,” said Paglione, who is done after one year as Stars coach after taking a position at Trenton High. “From running captain’s practices over the summer to showing up every day, you never have to question her hustle or her effort. She wants to play 80

minutes every single game.

“Sometimes it’s more difficult to be a captain on a team that’s 1-10, 2-11, a team that is struggling. And it’s more frustrat ing when you might have some talent and skills above the rest. It’s a test of her char acter. I think she’s shown this year who

she is as a leader. I’m very thankful to have her and Sydney as captains this year.”

Samonski is only 5-foot-1, but feels that makes her job easier as well.

“I’m lower to the ground so I’m closer to the ball,” she said. “And most of the defenders are taller so they can’t get to me right away.”

Working tirelessly at her game, Brook lyn does a lot of shooting drills and works on her footwork when she is not practic ing or playing. Her work ethic reaches into the classroom, where she has a 3.7 grade point average.

And while it can become easy for a good player to lose focus on a losing team, that’s never a problem with Samonski.

“I just love the game that much,” she said. “I love being with my teammates and celebrating when it’s really good. They push me every day. Playing soccer is an escape from school and all the other stuff I have to do. It’s just fun.”

That kind of attitude jumps out at Paglione. “You can’t take the passion out of either her or Sydney,” he said. “They said they want that opportunity to par ticipate and play and hopefully make their teammates better as well. They just enjoy the game so much.”

And when Samonski is out there, there’s a good chance there could be a goal-scoring fireworks show.

Hamilton, New Jersey meganseiber@optonline.net www. meganseiberlaw.com (609) 631-9012

(609) 631-9109

Junior Brooklyn Samonski scored 19 goals for Nottingham this season. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

Regional Babe Ruth champs celebrate 50 years with reunion

By Rich FisheR

In the summer of 1972, one of his Hamilton Square neighborhood bud dies asked Dave Searles if his Babe Ruth Hamilton Nationals 13-year-old district all-star team had a chance to do much in tournament play.

“I told him I didn’t think we would go far,” Searles said. “Most of the kids I played with in Nottingham Little League were in the American League, so I felt like the two Hamilton teams were diluted. I had no thoughts of winning it all. I just hoped we could survive the district.”

They not only survived, but 50 years later, on Oct. 1, Searles and several of his teammates gathered for a reunion celebrating their Mid-Atlantic Regional championship. In those days, there was no 13-year-old World Series, so the region title was the biggest prize available for that age group.

The reunion was put together by Lenny Gadsby, a former Hamilton Police Officer now working security at Hamilton West. Eight former players met at the Stone Terrace Tavern to reflect on what was a memorable run to this day.

They were the glory days of Babe Ruth

baseball. Switlik Park was jammed every night with parents, high school coaches, and friends of players either to watch a game or just hang out. It was the place to be in Yardville on a summer night.

Hamilton, however, was not there for

the big moments of the tournament run. It had to win three straight tournaments on the road, and do it by winning each double-elimination event in the “if” game.

The roster included included infielder John Carmignani, leftfielder Gary Bag galey, second baseman Mark Massi ello, outfielder Toby Hankins, infielder/ outfielder Larry Hewitt (deceased), pitcher/outfielder Searles, third base man/pitcher Kevin Bixby, shortstop/ pitcher Joe Puhalski, first baseman Marc Graziano, outfielder/pitcher Walt Sawka, outfielder/pitcher Gadsby, out fielder/catcher Jim Puhalski (deceased), infielder Chuck DeAngelo, catcher Jack Porcelli and first baseman/outfielder Tony Cammiso.

The manager was Don Deem and his coaches were Charlie James, Jack Mrazik and Lou Chiarello. All are deceased.

The team consisted of players who mostly went on to star in baseball or some other sport in high school, either at Ham ilton, Steinert, Notre Dame, St. Anthony’s (now Trenton Catholic) or Hun. But, as Gadsby pointed out, despite their later suc cess in sports or in life, this remains special.

“I didn’t realize it, I thought it was just me being sentimental, but all of them felt the same way at the reunion,” Gadsby said. “Even the guys that didn’t play as much, everybody still thinks it’s like a major achievement in their careers. A lot of them went on to play high school ball and had good careers.”

Take Carmignani, who won a state soc cer title at Hamilton and is in the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame for his play ing and officiating.

“He still thinks of this as one of his

great achievements,” Gadsby said.

Gadsby and Carmignani attended the reunion along with Sawka, Porcelli, Baggaley, Searles, Massiello and DeAn gelo. The stories were many and, oddly enough, Gadsby said many had to do with where they were housed in New York.

“We all stayed with different fami lies,” he said. “I didn’t get along with the umpires very well and I stayed with an umpire. He was a very good guy, he put up with me. He actually did the very last game I pitched against Pennsylvania.”

Much of the talk, of course, was about the games themselves. Hamilton almost proved Searles correct in the districts, as it had to dig itself out of a hole to beat Hopewell twice in the double-elimination bracket. After that, the future Spartan had a different outlook.

“By then I got to know the abilities of the players on our team and I felt like we had a really good team,” Searles said. “Lenny Gadsby was a consistent clutch pitcher. The Puhalski twins were both great players offensively and defensively.

Joe had a great arm from shortstop for a 13-year-old.”

And although Searles would go on to win MVP honors at the regionals, he felt there might not have been a title without one particular player.

“Jack Porcelli was probably the most important player on that team,” he said. “At 13 years old, having a catcher who consistently threw runners out, differen tiated us from most other teams. He also had so many big hits and he played fan tastic in Jamestown.”

Winning the districts put the Nats in the sectional tournament. After losing to Will ingboro early in the tournament, the Nats won the “if” game against the ’Boro. Searles had two hits and was the winning pitcher.

It was the same script in the states, as Hamilton lost to Pennsville to drop into the loser’s bracket, only to come back and beat the hosts 6-2 in the “if” game. Joe Puhalski had two hits. Gadsby hurled the win.

Then came the trip to the regionals, which were relatively new in Babe Ruth Baseball for 13-year-old teams. Unlike the previous three tournaments, Hamilton would not taste defeat.

And it would look a bit more like a team of solidarity than it had up to that point.

“We didn’t even have uniforms,” Gadsby said with a laugh “We had to wear our regular league uniforms. We just had hats. Once the 15s got knocked out we wore their uniforms to Jamestown. I guess nobody expected us to go that far or they would have gotten us uniforms.”

The Nats opened in Jamestown on Aug. 19, 1972 with a 4-3 win over Northern New

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Regional champion Babe Ruth Hamilton Nationals 13-year old district all-star team meet for a 50-year reunion at The Stone Terrace by John Henry on Oct. 1, 2022. Seated: Mark Massiello, Chuck DeAngelo, John Carmignani. Standing: Walt Sawka, Jack Porcelli, Len Gadsby, Gary Baggaley, Dave Searles.

Jersey champ Morristown. Gadsby fired the win while Searles and Joe Puhalski collected two hits each. Three days later, Hamilton topped Port Charles, Del., 8-3, behind the pitching of Searles. Next was a 9-5 win over Freeland, Pa., as Porcelli col lected two hits and Gadsby got the win.

It all culminated on Aug. 26 in the game of the tournament. Searles notched the win as the Nats defeated Prince George County, Md., 2-1. It was a game in which Porcelli, a future Hun star, showed just how cool he could be under fire.

Hamilton carried a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning against what Searles called “a really good team.”

The MVP was on the mound when Maryland got one run back and put run ners on second and third in the sixth inning. The batter hit a sharp grounder to third that Bixby handled cleanly and shorthopped a throw to Porcelli at the plate.

“The runner slid hard into home, and the throw beat the runner,” Sear les recalled. “There was a cloud of dust so thick I couldn’t see Jack, I could only see the face of the runner. The ump also couldn’t see so there was a delay of a few seconds before he made a call.”

And?

“Jack lifted his bare hand in the air with the ball and the ump made an emphatic out call, it was like a climactic scene in a movie,” Searles continued. “Jack came to the mound, handed me the ball and he was smiling from ear to ear. He said the ball was on the ground, he had to feel around for it, pick it up and show it to the ump. The dust was so thick even the runner was unaware the ball was on the ground! That play saved the game.”

Actually, it was a non-play, since no real tag was ever made. But it did save the game and championship, and also showed the grit possessed by Hamilton.

“I think I remember that play so vividly because it was emblematic of the type of team we had – tough, resilient and base ball savvy that belied our age,” Searles said. “Like most championship teams, everybody contributed. We had great depth and a lot of heart.

“In that championship game, Gary Baggaley was playing with a 101 fever. He had to go to the hospital the night before but nothing was going to keep him from playing. It was serendipity that he caught the last out of the game in left field. I have so many memories but whenever I think of that team, those are my first thoughts.”

Gadsby finished 7-1 on the mound that summer while Searles was 7-2. Both went 2-0 in the regionals. Upon their return, the boys received a hero’s welcome.

“We had parades around here,” Gadsby said. “The state troopers got us off the bus, a bunch of people were waiting for us when we got back. We were the first (Hamilton) team to win in a while. The 15s won it a few years earlier, but for the 13s this was kind of new.”

The one thing that bothers Gadsby is that they didn’t come back to win it as 15s. (There was no 14-year-old tourna ment at the time). The team ran into a Ewing buzzsaw that featured future San Diego Padres player Gerry Davis and lost in the districts.

“Everybody’s still mad about that,” Gadsby said. “We went undefeated before districts. I just read the clipping. Our coach said going into the districts that ‘Nobody’s gonna beat us twice.’”

Things may not have worked out that year, but the team still embraces warm memories of that 13-year-old run five decades earlier.

“My mind can’t believe that it has been

First, when and why see a geriatrician?

Ask The Doctor of all our years.

See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7

Geriatrician Sara Ali, MD, an RWJBarn abas Health Medical Group provider affil iated with Robert Wood Johnson Univer sity Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facil ity, recommends patients 65+ see a geriatrician at least once.

As we age, our body functions differently and a geriatrician is trained specifically in identifying and treating symptoms and illnesses specific to this population. Geriatricians can either see patients as their Primary Care Physician or as a specialist working in tandem with their existing physician.

Dr. Ali shares her top three tips for healthy aging so we can make the most

1. Adopt a healthy diet as early as possible and continue this as you age. Eating well is the best way to get important nutrients, maintain heart health and fuel your body. The key to eating well is balanced meals that include protein, carbs, fruits and vegetables, and consuming the appropriate number of calories. Speak to your provider about the right number of calories for you and your specific health needs or goals. When we eat well, we often have more energy and an overall sense of being healthy.

2. Maintain a regular exercise routine. While regular exercise is recommended at any age, it is especially important as we age. Cardiovascular activities such as walking are a great way to support your overall health, especially your heart health. Strength training, exercises done with weights, helps develop and maintain muscle. The combination of cardiovascular and strength exercises

will help you maintain an active lifestyle. I also recommended incorporating balance training, such as yoga or Tai chi, into your weekly routine. By building better balance, you can reduce your risk for falls as you age. In addition to the many physical health benefits to exercise, daily movement is also great for mental health. I always suggest taking a walk or doing yoga with friends, loved ones, or even a pet to make it more social and enjoyable.

3. No matter your age, it is always recommended to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your provider. This is important because taking medication infrequently or stopping suddenly can negatively impact your health. If you have concerns about a medication or dosage, ask your pharmacist or provider. Even if you don’t have questions, bring a list of all current medications, including any vitamins and supplements, to every doctor’s appointment. And, never stop taking any medication unless instructed to do so by your provider.

And last, I invite those in our local communities to take advantage of our completely complimentary Better Health Program where you can “Rediscover your body, mind, and spirit” through free programming and activities. Attend Tai Chi and yoga, learn how to incorporate healthy tasty food choices into your diet, and attend our medical educational classes where our physicians and experts provide guidance and health education programs designed for those 65+ years old,” shares Dr. Ali.

To register, visit us at rwjbh.org/rwjuniversity-hospital-hamilton/treatmentcare/senior-health/better-healthprogram, or call (609) 584-5900.

Follow us on our social channels: Facebook, @RWJHamilton; LinkedIn, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton; Twitter, @RWJHamilton; and Instagram. RWJUH_Hamilton.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call (609) 586-7900

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

WEdNEsdAy, NOvEmBER 2

DiaBetes Game show! 1 to 2 p.m. Join a fun filled “feud,” and test your diabetes knowl edge for a chance to win. Group competition.

Presented by Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPH, BC-ADM, diabetes program coordinator.

THuRsdAy, NOvEmBER 3

UnDeRstanDinG aces: BUilDinG selF healinG commUnities 6:30 to 8 p.m. In-depth dis cussion on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) where experts will discuss how po tentially traumatic events in youth are linked to chronic conditions problems and behavior health issues. Focus on resiliency practices, prevention, and support for the healing of individuals, families and commu nities. Web: cdc.gov/violenceprevention/ aces/index.html.

FRIdAy, NOvEmBER 4

BeaUtiFUl FoReveR: a BetteR health PRoGRam 2-3:30 p.m. Free event featuring blo Out Lounge & Colour Bar owner and artesan, Caterina Young and expert make up artisan Tinisee Buckman. Two volunteers receive a complimentary makeover sponsored by the Better Health Program as we do the big re veal while sharing all the tips we learn along the way. To be considered for a complimen tary makeover for future events, send an email to bhprogram@rwjbh.org explain ing why you would like to be chosen and include a current picture. Must be a Better Health Member to attend; membership is free for anyone 65+ years old.

WEdNEsdAy, NOvEmBER 9

what is caRDiometaBolic meDicine? 5 to 6 p.m. Taher Modarressi, MD, leads discussion on managing cardiovascular and metabolic health. Dr. Modarressi is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, clini cal lipidology and obesity medicine.

THuRsdAy, NOvEmBER 10

how smaRt aRe heaRinG aiDs toDay? 10 to 11 a.m. Bluetooth technology, artificial intelli gence, rechargeable batteries, tinnitus ther apy and more. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D, to learn about the latest technology. anGels amonG Us 1 to 3 p.m. Who are the four main archangels, from a spiritual perspec tive? Find out how we can invite them into our lives and sense that they are truly with us. Fee: $15. Donna Sweeney, Reiki Master, Integrated Energy Therapist.

clinical clinical cUlinaRy nUtRition: PoweR UP with Plant PRotein. 5-6:30 p.m. Did you know that all plants contain protein? Learn what lower-sodium alternatives are out there & how to prepare them to support a powerful heart, body, and planet. fee: $10.

mONdAy, NOvEmBER 14

yoU only have one heaRt: PeRiPheRal aRteRy Disease (PaD). 6-7 p.m. Edward A. Wingfield, MD, FACC, FSCAI, leads discussion about PAD, including risk factors, prevention and treatment. Heart–healthy dinner included.

WEdNEsdAy, NOvEmBER 16

manaGement oF common sPine DisoRDeRs: RoUnD taBle DiscUssion with mUltiPle sPe cialties. 6-7:30 p.m. Hear from neurologists, radiologists, pain management specialists and physical therapists, as to how they eval uate and treat back pain. Dinner included.

WEdNEsdAy, NOvEmBER 23

FRienDsGivinG BRUnch: a BetteR health PRo GRam Friendsgiving is a place to reflect on what we are grateful for with an

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Tractor trailer catches fire

Bob Sherman, Jr. FIRELINE

Hamilton Township Fire Division responded to 559 incidents in Septem ber. Included in the calls were ten build ing fires, eight passenger vehicle fires, five natural vegetation fires, five rub bish fires, three overpressure/excessive heat incidents with no fire, two rescue/ EMS incidents, eleven medical assists, 236 EMS incidents, seven rescue/extri cations, 17 combustible spills and leaks, four hazmat calls, six electrical equip ment failures, five service calls, one per son in distress, six water problems, one smoke odor problem, 13 public service assistance calls, three mutual aid cover assignments, eight good intent calls, 69 calls dispatched and cancelled enroute, two wrong location dispatches, seven calls where steam was mistaken for smoke, one hazmat investigation, three false alarms, 71 system detector malfunc tions, one citizen complaint, and 54 other type incidents.

Following are a sampling of incidents covered by the fire division in September.

Sept. 2 at 9:49 a.m. Truck 17 with Capt. John Smisloff dispatched to the 100 block of Miry Brook Road for a dewatering assignment.

Sept. 2 at 9:12 p.m. Engine 18 with Capt. Jason Bergstrom responded to Klockner Road and White Horse Hamilton Square Road for a motor vehicle collusion with injuries. Victim bleeding from the head.

Sept. 4 at 34:46 a.m. Squad 12 with Capt. Josue Garcia responded to Hamil ton Health Plaza for an assist to citizen.

Sept. 4 at 6:52 p.m. Squad 12 with Capt. Josue Garcia, Engine 18, Truck 17 and Battalion Chief Stephen Kraemer responded to Graceway Bible Church for an interior gas leak.

Sept. 4 at 9:53pm Engine 14 with Capt. Harold Summers responded with Law rence Twp. fire companies for a rubbish fire in the area of Industrial Park, Enter prise Ave. Lawrenceville.

Sep- 6 at 6:02 p.m. Engine 14 with Capt. Joseph Horn, Squad 12, Squad 16 and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan responded to Leonard and Newkirk Avenues for a motor vehicle collusion rescue assign ment. One driver had to be extricated form his vehicle and transported to Cap itol Health Trauma Center for serious injuries. The teenage driver of the other vehicle was transported to RWJ Hamil ton for minor injuries. At 7:20pm Colonial Special Services 18 with Volunteers Dan

Birkenstock, Bill Mennel and Tom Vasey responded to assist police with lighting at the scene.

Sept. 7 at 8:00 a.m. Engine 14 with Capt. Steven Dixon dispatched to Indus trial Drive for a vehicle fire. Arriving they discovered a tractor trailer on fire in the parking lot and is catching another car on fire. Requesting Squad 12, Truck 13, Bat talion Chief Keith Greene and Fire Mar shal Anthony Chiorello to the scene.

Sept. 7 at 10:28am Engine 19 with Act ing Capt. William Kohut, Truck 13 and BC Keith Greene responded to Kuser Road and Perilli Drive for an exterior gas leak, contractor struck a gas line.

Sept. 7 at 4:44 p.m. Truck 17 with Capt. Raymond Pierce, Engine 19, Engine 18 along with Robbinsville and Upper Free hold units responded to Sharon Elemen tary School, Robbinsville for an interior smoke condition.

Sept. 8 at 10:11 a.m. Truck 17 with Capt. Shane Mull dispatched to Hum mingbird Drive to assist a citizen with a loud beeping from the smoke alarm.

Sept. 8 at 4:35 p.m. Truck 17 with Capt. Shane Mull, Engine 19 dispatched to Main Street Robbinsville for an interior smoke condition.

Sept. 10 at 12:04 p.m. Engine 18, Squad 12, Truck 17 and BC Jason Ryan responded to Alvin E. Gershen Apart ments, Klockner Road for an elevator rescue. The caller reported that the eleva tor keeps stopping at every floor but will not let anyone off. Two people are in the elevator.

Sept. 10 at 7:47 p.m. Engine 15, Truck 13, Squad 16, Squad 12, Battalion Chief Patrick Sullivan responded to the 200 block of Berg Avenue for a reported dwelling fire, black smoke coming from the roof.

Sept. 11 at 3:35 a.m. Engine 19 with Capt. Joseph Muzzillo, Squad 16, Truck 13 Bordentown E-3211 and Battalion Chief Jason Ryan responded to Kristo pher Drive for a dwelling fire.

Sept. 13at 5:19 a.m. Squad 16 with Capt. Christian Balog dispatched to Winding Way for wires down on the roadway.

Sept. 14 at 3:50 a.m. Squad 12 with Capt. Kevin McElroy, Engine 18, Truck 17, Squad 16 and Battalion Chief Fer dinand Mather responded to CVS, 200 block of Route 33 for a rubbish fire with exposure under the awning. Fire Marshal Jeffrey Peoples investigated.

Sept. 14 at 5:09 a.m. Engine 14 with Capt. Nicola Creo dispatched for mutual aid cover assignment Ewing Twp. Station 31, Prospect Heights Fire Company.

Sept. 14 at 9:19 a.m. Truck 17 with

Capt. John Smisloff, Engine 18 and Bat talion Chief Jason Ryan responded to 500 block of Lawrence Square Blvd South for an air conditioner smoking.

Sept. 15 at 6:43 p.m. Engine 18 with Capt. Michael Danbury responded to State Hwy 33 and Paxson Ave. for a Pedestrian/MVC in front of Wendy’s. Female hit by a car.

Sept. 16 at 6:54 a.m. Engine 14 with Capt. Jarred Pierson dispatched for mutual aid cover assignment Station 22, Lawrence Road Fire Company. Lawrence fire companies had two vacant buildings fully involved in flames away from the main building in the 3000 block of Law rence Road. While there at 8:31 a.m. they responded to 2700 block of Lawrencev ille Road where the caller reported water heater is melting and smoking.

Sept. 18 at 1:18 a.m. Engine 15 with Capt. Jarrett Gadsby, Squad 16, Truck 13, Squad 12, Colonial Special Services 18 and Battalion Chief Ferdinand Mather responded to 100 block of Andrew Street for a dwelling fire.

Sept. 19 at 6:18 p.m. Squad 12 with Capt. Michael Sanna dispatched Brock ton Road for a rubbish fire. Arriving crew found smoke showing, a small fire on the back deck. Additional units dispatched were Truck 17 and Battalion Chief Keith Greene. Fire Marshal Scott McCormick investigated. A candle caught a chair on fire.

Sept. 20 at 5:55 a.m. Truck 13 with Capt. Joseph Pushman, Squad 16, Engine 19, Truck 17 and Deputy Chief Aaron Heller responded to CVS, Sunnybrae Blvd for an interior gas leak. A pallet jack hit the gas line causing a small gas leak. PSEG requested to the location.

Sept. 20 at 3:59 p.m. Squad 12 with

Capt. Raymond Pierce, Engine 18, Squad 16 and Battalion Chief Timothy Sharpley dispatched to Sloan Ave. and Quaker bridge Road for a MVA-Rescue. over turned vehicle.

Sept. 21 at 5:03 p.m. Squad 12 with Capt. Kevin McElroy and Battalion Chief Nicholas Buroczi Sr. dispatched to 200 block of Stuart Road Est, Princeton for an appliance fire, flames coming out of the knobs of the stove.

Sept. 21 at 6:39 p.m. Engine 15 with Capt. Jarrett Gadsby, Squad 12, Squad 16, and Battalion Chief Ferdinand Mather dispatched to 1200 block of Kuser Road for an MVA – Rescue/fire assignment. Hamilton Fire Police also responded. Three utility poles were knocked down. Sept. 21 at 9:53 p.m. Engine 18 with Capt. Christian Balog dispatched to 2000 block of White Horse Hamilton Square Road for a MVA-Fire. Arriving unit had a fully involved vehicle that had crashed into a tree. Driver was pulled out of the burning vehicle by a neighbor and trans ported to Capitol Health Trauma center with injuries and burns. Additional units responding were Truck 17. Engine 19 and BC Nicholas Buroczi Sr. Sept. 22 at 5:46 p.m. Squad 16 responded to Veterans Park for standby for annual flag burning ceremony.

Sept. 23 at 2:48 p.m. Truck 17 with Capt. Raymond Pierce, Engine 14, Squad 16, Squad 12 and BC Keith Greene responded to Hamilton Twp. Public Works garage for a hazmat assignment. NJSP Bomb Squad removed a suspicious

Bob Sherman, Jr. is an honorary chief and life member of Mercerville Vol unteer Fire Company and a Hamilton resident.

Station 17 Truck 17 D Platoon Capt. Jason Bergstrom and firefighters Jason Peters, Rob Ronan and Craig Crawley. (Photo by Bob Sherman Jr.)

11

questions with silkscreen artist Chee Bravo

IN THE MUSEUM

Chee Bravo recently was the featured artist of the month at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. She gave a talk to an interested crowd, spoke about her beginnings and her methods. Her media starts as photos, then she makes a collage, then finally a silkscreen is made, as the finished colorful product. She works in series. My favorite series is her Performers series, where she features musicians in striking black and white mixed with strong colors.

Bravo won a prestigious New Jersey Artist Fellowship in 2022.

When did you begin in the arts?

Since the day my mother gave me paper so I wouldn’t deface the walls in the house with my crayons or her lipstick. I was about 3 years old. I won my first art competition at age 10. After two years of studying zoology, physics and calculus at pre-college level, and answering all six questions to my final zoology exam with

only drawings, I finally gave in and reset my goal to pursue the arts. I made this decision despite the lack of financial and emotional support from my family, who did not see art as a career. I got to art school in Miami with just enough money for one year. It took me over four years working at a bank to save for my tuition.

This was the beginning of my art career. Which media do you work in? I’m a printmaker/lithographer who does silkscreens and other media including bricolage, acrylic and mixed media paintings and multimedia installations.

Who are some of your inspirations or influences?

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Peter Minshall, Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, James Turrell, Teresita Fernandez and Judith Brodsky to name a few.

Congratulations on the 2022 NJ Arts Fellowship. Do you plan a special project in response?

Thank you! That award was a huge shock. I had deleted the email because the congratulatory part was buried, but got word about the award through the grapevine. My special project is creating my largest silkscreens to date.

What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?

Money for supplies and Sales. The NJSCA fellowship solved the first concern. With the funds I was able to go BIG and produce my largest silkscreens to date. Sales are slowly coming around.

Do people understand all the work that is done in your process to create the work?

Most people don’t, most artists don’t either unless they’re printmakers or have taken a class or two or took the time to educate themselves. It’s an understated art form, and with the influx of the making of digital prints of paintings etc. it’s become even more difficult to educate collectors and the general public on the difference between a poster and a print. I post videos of my process on social media. I’ve also created a video which I show when giving presentations.

You tend to work in series. How do you choose the direction of these series?

It’s from years of being drilled by the arts community about the importance of creating bodies of work. My “Performer” series started when we relocated to New Hope from Miami in 2011. The series started with the NYC subway performers and has grown to include performers I find in my travels and now locally. The pandemic and post-pandemic fallout made me look toward my hometown and its surroundings for inspiration.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my 5th largescale silkscreen “Bacchanal” with a printshop in Brooklyn, since I don’t have equipment large enough at my go-to print shop, Frontline Arts. At Frontline, I would create the small initial version and then figure out how to get the same or better results before going big. It costs $100-plus to create the small version vs $1,000-plus to create the bigger version.

Where can we see your work?

My work is or will be on show at the Gallery @ Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn, Zufal Health in Dover, ArtFair14C in Jersey City, Trenton Social in Trenton, The Lore Degenstein Galley @ Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and on 1st Dibs represented by Anderson Contemporary NYC.

What is a dream project of yours?

To bring to life my latest multimedia installation “Our Labyrinth.” Our Labyrinth is a multimedia, immersive installation which reveres Women’s Suffrage in the U.S. It is a contemporary installation which will be transformed through growth every few years when new role models emerge. My vision is to create a fluid piece of work by using current technology that speaks to our generation and future generations.

What is on the horizon?

On the horizon is a residency from the Lotus Project of Trenton to create a multimedia component for their “Path of Miracles” performance. This new work will be an important addition to my multimedia installation series. Also “The Choir” artwork is being leased by the Lotus Project for their 2022-2023 promotions.

Web: jcheebravo.com, facebook.com/ cheebravoart.

Thomas Kelly is a Hamilton-based artist and member of the Hamilton Arts Council. His work can be found at thomaskellyart.com.

Thomas Kelly

Artist Chee Bravo with “Candle Light — the Bartender (acrylic and UV paint.)

About once a week, my dogwalking routine takes me under the overpass for I-195 at Exit 2, South Broad Street/Arena Drive. It’s an area that’s often strewn with litter, including bits of broken glass. At one time, a garbage can was situated in the area, which at least presented a target for patrons of the nearby 7-11 and drivers passing by.

But that garbage can was removed long ago, and the area became a hazard to dog paws and bicycle tires, a no man’s land adorned with a half-standing chainlink fence of unclear purpose.

I’ve seen worse in other places, but the lack of maintenance definitely sent a message that no one cared enough to keep it clean. Which, ipso facto, gave tacit approval to those on-the-cusp about litter ing, even some who would never think to do it elsewhere.

I decided to do something about it. In April, I went to Hamilton Town ship’s Hamstat website and requested a cleanup, along with a garbage can for the area, or at least a schedule of regu lar ongoing maintenance. In addition, I asked that the fence be either repaired or taken down and removed.

In contrast to other service requests I’ve made on the website, which were han dled directly by Hamilton’s Public Works Department, the reply to this one offered a DOT tracking number and a note: “NJDOT notified via website submission for clean up.” Apparently, the areas around highway exit and entrance ramps are not the responsibility of the township, but rather the Department of Transportation. Satisfied with my small act of community improvement, I waited for results.

It wasn’t until July that I noted noth ing had been done. Taking the direct

approach this time, I found a website to report problems directly to the DOT: njdotproblemreporting.com. A banner at the top of the page read: “Department of Transportation - For testing purposes Only (Click here to report real problem).”

Since this was not, from my perspec tive, a mere training exercise, I clicked on the “real problem” link and was led to the same exact website with the same “testing purposes only” disclaimer at the top. This perpetual loop might have been the brain child of a web designer with more than a passing fancy for the surreal bureaucratic frustrations of Franz Kafka, or maybe I just caught the department on a bad day. But it sure seemed like they were mess ing with me, and now, the game was on.

The complaint website has a neat Google Maps-powered system for locating the exact area in need of service, which would seem to eliminate any possibil ity of miscommunication. I painstakingly tracked to the correct spot, then selected the problem from a list of possibilities, including “cracked/exposed rebar/ten sion cable on bridge,” which I hope is not the sort of thing we’re now relying on citizen watchdogs to notice. Wondering briefly about the need for separate “Dead Deer” and “Animal Carcass” listings, I submitted my request, then sat back with a sense of skepticism and not quite the amount of satisfaction I’d hoped for.

The next day, I was surprised to see an e-mail informing me that my “prob lem request” had been completed. Such a quick turnaround seemed too good to be true, and a few days later I walked past the area in question to find that sure enough, it was.

Annoyed but generous in my inter pretation, I assumed there’d been some mistake with the prototype web page. I submitted a new request, pointing out the error. This time, a response claiming completion took three weeks to come, but another walk confirmed that again,

no progress had been made. It seemed that someone, somewhere, had made the decision to say, “Yes, I did that.” But what exactly did they do?

In September, I submitted a third com plaint through the website, summarizing the previous unsuccessful attempts. I also found an email address for the DOT com missioner’s office. I sent near-identical photos from before and after the most recent “service completion” date, proof that someone, somewhere, was not doing his or her job.

I was assured by an intermediary that my e-mail and photos would be “shared with the appropriate staff,” and driv ing by the site a week later I finally saw some activity—a crew of independent contractors, working on the fence. I got a notice, again, that the problem had been resolved, and I looked forward to my next walk through the area.

That visit revealed that the fence had been repaired and now stood completely upright. However, no garbage had been removed, and much of it, including part of a car, was now trapped behind the fence, kept from easy reach and winds that might at least blow some of it elsewhere.

The area had taken on the appearance of an outdoor museum exhibit available exclusively to pedestrians and drivers: “Preserved garbage on display, look but don’t touch.” Meanwhile, other litter and debris, some old, some fresh, lay on the sidewalk and against the curb, along with wire clippings and jagged bits of leftbehind fencing equipment.

Was this a willing failure of the DOT staff to fully address the problem, or a simple case of “That’s not my job” in which designated non-fence special ists would be dispatched separately to address the garbage issue? I once despaired at such egregious failures of initiative and/or common sense, but hav ing gained familiarity with the workings of state government during my 25 years as a resident, I’ve kind of gotten used to it.

After a few weeks’ time, no further progress had been made. I sent more photos at the beginning of October, and was assured that “clean-up is scheduled to be completed once we’re pass [sic] the inclement weather we’re experiencing.” I followed up again two weeks later, after a week of quite clement weather and no results.

By now, I was thoroughly frustrated. I remembered halcyon days when con victs in orange jumpsuits patrolled the area with garbage bags and trash picker tools, in a DOT partnership with the Department of Corrections. According to a May 2021 press release, that program

has resumed after a pandemic-induced hiatus, but alas, there is no way to specifi cally request prisoners to an area.

You’ll note that in the title of this column, I used “v.” instead of “vs.” to shorten “versus.” Generally speaking, “v.” is used in legal documents while “vs.” is preferred in sports and other casual settings, and although this all seemed pretty casual at first, on Oct. 10 I received an official letter from the Deputy Chief of Staff of the DOT that seemed to steer us into legal, rather than casual terri tory. Using the information I’d submit ted on the complaint website, the letter proudly—and formally—apprised me of the Highway Operations Crew’s removal of debris and litter on Sept. 9, and the aforementioned fence repairs on Sept. 11. (The letter never indicated how much was removed. So their claim could be truthful, even though I noticed no improvement.)

“V.” also rhymes nicely with “Me” and “DOT,” but more importantly, avoiding “vs.” might be a small step toward reduc ing the problem of many people (includ ing, but not limited to, poorly read chil dren and teenagers) reading “vs.” as “verse” instead of “versus.” When pro posing a sporting contest or other oneon-one challenge, these individuals often utter the words “I’ll verse you,” which sounds like a warning the opponent is about to be dropped via song lyric, rap battle, or poetry slam. The latter had me ready to reply to the DOT’s letter via U.S. mail with a simple hard-copy haiku:

beyond the chain links orphan garbage amasses as home values shrink

But I resisted the temptation.

Looking to avoid the cliché, “I pay taxes for this,” I instead invoked the (rather limited) power of the press, informing the DOT staff that I planned a column recounting this saga, and that, much like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, the ending might be a happy one or a sad one, depending on the choices they made.

Just before I submitted this column for publication, I saw a news alert that a ramp on I-195 westbound would be closing for a few hours for litter clean-up. Alas, it was a mile down the road, at the entrance to I-295 southbound (Exit 1A). But maybe this is an indication that plans are under way; if you have any desire to see the “fenced garbage” exhibit, put it on your agenda quickly—it won’t be there forever.

But then again, it might.

Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com.