FEBRUARY 2024 FREE
COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
No municipal tax increase proposed in 2024 budget EDITED BY BILL SANSERVINO
Lawrence High School swimmer Alex Murphy practices mental affirmation with other members of the team before competitions.
Murphy a leader in and out of how far would youpool go if theyfor LHS swimming the were sick? “Her trademark on the team is the swimmers and coaches. leading affirmations in the locker The lights are then turned off, For Alex Murphy, getting room before a meet,” coach and Murphy will play a game ready for a swim meet is more Hillary Hargraves-Dix said. “It of “repeat after me.” She prothan just training in the pool. started out as something kind of nounces “I am brave!” and the There is also the mental side of silly. Now it’s like a routine, it’s group responds with the same it, and she has developed a way just a sort of sweet, unique tra- proclamation. That is followed to sharpen the mental outlook of dition she started before every by “I am beautiful,” then “I am Capital Health. bothWelcome herself and theto Lawrence home meet.” strong,” and finally “I say someSee MURPHY, Page 8 High girls’ swim team. It starts with a talk amongst When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.
BY RICH FISHER
The following is the full test of the budget message included with the proposed 2024 municipal budget. Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski crafted the message and read the entirety of it into the record during the council meeting on Jan. 16. Over the next few months, township council will review the budget, make changes, and ultimately present the package for approval following a public hearing. The Lawrence Gazette requested the full text of the message, which is presented with minor edits below. Note: Figures in [ ] represent 2023 amounts. *** As we enter into 2024, the same financial conditions and challenges exist as they did when I prepared the 2023 budget message. However, in this budget, we propose no increase to personnel, and we find ourselves well positioned to offset our inescapable increases to appropriations with (primarily) new ratables,
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the full balance of the cannabis tax, and a conservative approach to provide for meeting the needs of the community and supporting the municipal employees that provide them. As a result of these factors, this year’s budget provides for no increase in our municipal tax. The total Municipal Budget is $58,129 million [$61.763 million]. What we consistently strive to do, we have done in this recommended budget: (1) Maintain our fiscal strength; (2) Continue to actively and strategically improve our infrastructure; (3) Maintain and improve the services we provide to the community; (4) Grow our Surplus Fund (aka, “Fund Balance”); and (5) Reduce our municipal debt. The recommended municipal tax rate for 2024 represents a zero-cent increase from last year and is .652 [.652] 1 cent = $472,151.97 [$470,635.22] The amount to be raised by taxation in 2024 is $30.785 million [30.686 million]; the See BUDGET, Page 4
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AROUND TOWN Preschool program applications available The Lawrence Township Public School District is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 regular and special needs preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. These are comprehensive programs that service typically developing 3- and 4-year olds and children with special needs. The anticipated programs will be at Ben Franklin and Lawrenceville elementary schools. The Ben Franklin program will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. and the Lawrenceville Elementary program will meet from 8:30 a.m.-2:20 p.m. All are Monday to Friday. Bus transportation will not be provided. Eligibility for the preschool program requires that children must be at least 3 or 4 years of age (no older than 5 years of age on or before Oct. 1, 2024), must be a resident of Lawrence Township, and must be toilet trained. Pre-school applications are available at the Board of Education office (2565 Princeton Pike), Ben Franklin Elementary School
main office (2939 Princeton Pike), Lawrenceville Elementary School main office (40 Craven Lane) and online at ltps.org/ preschool/application/tuition. Return completed applications to Nicole Einhorn, supervisor, Department of Student Services, 2565 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, no later than Feb. 29. Anyone who has questions, or who is concerned that their preschool child is developing or learning differently, can contact the Department of Student Services at (609) 671-5430, to request an evaluation for preschool special education and related services.
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We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Lawrence Gazette is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. EDITOR Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)
Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 396-1511
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rich Fisher AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christine Storie (Ext. 115)
News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Sports: sports@communitynews.org Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org Website: lawrencegazette.com Facebook: facebook.com/lawrencegazette Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace 15,000 copies of the Lawrence Gazette are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Lawrence 12 times a year.
An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC. © Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect Community News Service LLC Publications. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher.
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BUDGET continued from Page 1 increase of $98,892.10 is attributed to the increased assessed valuation. The levy cap bank available from 2021, 2022, and 2023 is $5.465million, and we will use $0 to remain within the 2% tax levy cap. NOTE: The 2021 cap bank in the amount of $1.082 million is expiring this year, leaving a usable “cap bank” of $4.382 million. The 2023 year-end Surplus balance is $20.638 million versus a 2022 year-end balance of $20.687 million, a decrease of $48,481.14. However, the Surplus balance remaining available after applying an amount as anticipated 2024 revenue, will be $12.323 million [$10.772 million], an increase of $1.551 million over the 2023 remaining balance. The cash reserve balance for tax appeals is $6.219 million [$6.219 million]. The decrease in outstanding debt continues. The 2010 closing balance was $30.797 million. The 2023 closing balance is $10.788 million [$13.210 million], reducing our debt by $2.422 million. For 2024, we have budgeted a $2.433 million reduction to our debt. In addition, the year-end reserve balance in the Lawrence Township SelfInsurance Fund is $1.707 million [$1.861 million]; the 2024 Municipal Budget has an Appropriation of $120,000 to fund this decrease. In addition, the Municipal Open Space Fund balance is $3.660 million [$2.711 million]. *** Revenue: Revenues that support the municipal budget have multiple sources but are placed in one of the four categories: Surplus, Miscellaneous Revenues, Receipts from Delinquent Taxes, and The Amount to be Raised by Taxation (or current tax receipts). The amount of revenue from each category to be anticipated in support of the municipal budget is controlled by state statutes and regulations. Those legal restrictions are in place to promote assurance of the fiscal solvency
of New Jersey municipalities. Generally defined, the statutory restrictions are as follows: (1) Surplus is limited to the amount available from fund balance cash; 2) Miscellaneous revenues are limited to no more than the amount realized in cash in the immediately preceding fiscal year for each individual revenue source; (3) Receipts from delinquent taxes are limited to the collection percentage realized in cash against receivable balances of the prior year; and 4) Current taxes are the default revenue necessary to close any gap in revenues in order to balance the budget against appropriations. The legal provisions that regulate the utilization of revenue in an operating budget must be applied along with a local policy of anticipating revenues at levels that can be sustained for future budgets and with consideration of the replenishment of cash surplus. Receipt of revenues in excess of what is anticipated to be received in a budget is credited to surplus at year-end, simply the regeneration of surplus. The development of revenue estimates must be approached with not only consideration of the current budget but of future budgets as well. Failure to craft a budget without sustaining revenues for future use will lead to their diminished support of appropriations and increase the demand for taxation. This long-term approach has been applied in preparing the recommended budget. Cash Surplus (anticipated) as budget revenue results from the fiscal activity of the immediate prior fiscal year. The amount of Surplus to be applied as budget revenue comes from a known year-end balance. The major contributions to generating a cash surplus are revenue realized in excess of the amounts anticipated to be realized in the prior budget year, lapsed 2022 appropriations reserves, and mis-
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cellaneous revenue not anticipated. Cash Surplus being anticipated as revenue in the 2024 recommended municipal budget is $8.315 million [$9.915 million], including funding of $1.845 million for the 2024 Various Capital and Road Ordinances. Surplus is fourteen and thirty-hundredths percent (14.30%)of total budget revenues. Miscellaneous Revenues are from known and recurring sources (e.g., permit fees, interest income, and state aid). The amount of revenue from this category is limited by statute to not being anticipated in the current year’s budget in excess of what was collected from that same identical source in the immediately prior year. Two items of note in this category for 2024 are Interest Income Due and 2% Local Tax. State Aid has increased due to the State of New Jersey program titled Reserve for Municipal Relief Fund. Miscellaneous Revenues are thirty-one and thirty-three hundredths percent (31.33%) of total budget revenues. Receipts from Delinquent Taxes are receipts from payments of outstanding prior-year tax receivables and tax title liens held by the municipality. The year-end tax receivable balance is $1.206 million [$833,152.45]. The 2024 budget anticipates $820,000 [$830,000] as revenue from this source. Delinquent tax revenue is one and forty-one hundredths percent (1.41%) of the total budget. Property taxes are the amount necessary to balance the budget with revenues to equal appropriations. Property taxes, also referred to as the “Amount to be Raised by Taxation,” is the difference between the total of all budget appropriations and the total of anticipated revenues. The amount to be raised by taxation in the 2024 budget is $30.785 million [$30.686 million], an increase
of $98,892.10 [$1.259 million]. The revenue from property taxes is fifty-two and ninety-six hundredths percent (52.96%) of total revenues. When calculating the tax rate, it is necessary to know not only the amount of taxes to be collected but also the value of taxable property in the municipality, also known as Net Valuation Taxable. The 2024 Net Valuation Taxable is $4.721 million [$4.706 million] an increase of $15.167 million [$13.231 million] over the previous year. The increase in taxable value helps to support growth in the budget. The new amount of taxable value results in one penny on the tax rate equaling $472,151.97. The recommended municipal tax rate for 2024 is .652 [.652], which is a zero-cent increase. A residential property owner with a property valued at the 2024 average residential assessment of $285,767 [$284,792] will pay $1,863.20 [$1,856.84] as the municipal portion of their property taxes. *** Appropriations: While crafting the 2024 recommended municipal budget, the challenge continues to be implementing financially efficient services at an appropriate level. New Jersey municipal budgets are restricted by law (Appropriation Cap) to limit designated appropriations from increasing no more than “2.5% or the cost of living adjustment, whichever is less, with exceptions.” For fiscal year 2024, the cost of living adjustment was 2.5%. Below is a list of significant increases in appropriations: • Salary & Wages, $450,000 increase due to a contractual increase; • Employee Group Health, $390,494.33 due to an increase in the State Health Benefit plan; See BUDGET, Page 6
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BUDGET continued from Page 5 • Mercer County Improvement Authority, $304,354.04, due to a contractual increase; • Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), $150,652 due to a state pension increase; • Solid Waste, $ 132,152 due to a contractual Increase; • Dispatch Services, $94,410 due to a contractual increase; • Joint Insurance Fund, an $86,256 increase in premium; • Vehicle Maintenance, $65,000 for additional fire apparatus repairs; • Reserve for Uncollected Taxes, $58,850.14—a statutory calculation; and • Interest on Notes, $50,715.38 due to an increase in borrowing costs. The recommended budget includes a funding amount of $55,000 to the Lawrence Township Unemployment Fund, $120,000 to the Self-Insurance Trust Fund, and $51,000 to the Lawrence Township Accumulated Sick Leave Trust Fund. These are consistent, annual budget contributions. Lawrence Township municipal employees are provided health benefits or may qualify for a cash payment in lieu of receiving health benefits if the employee complies with the applicable eligibility requirements of the health care program.
Health benefits are provided through the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program, which dictates specific benefits and co-payments. Employees contribute a percentage of the premium for their applicable coverage, and these percentage contributions are guided by the salary levels. Employees will contribute a total of $1.089 million toward the cost of their individual health benefits. The Employee Group Health Insurance appropriation increased $390,494.33 (9.7%). The appropriation increased due to changes in rates and participation. The three Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Companies are financially supported through their fundraising efforts and the municipal government’s monetary support. One form of that monetary support comes from a budget appropriation that directly aids each Fire Company. The 2024 recommended budget totals $60,000 per fire company (including $20,000 in utility reimbursement). This direct contribution is in addition to other financial and operational support provided to the Lawrence Township volunteer fire service. Lawrence Township employees are members of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS), or
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (DCRP). Participation in these systems requires contributions from employees and the employer. Police and Fire employees contribute ten percent (10%) of their salary, and civilian employees contribute seven and fifty-hundredths percent (7.50%) of their salary for PERS and five and onehalf percent (5.5%) for the DCRP. The employer rates of contribution are 36.54% for police, 17.61% for PERS, and 3% for the DCRP participants. The 2024 appropriations are $2.248 million for PFRS, $1.251 million for PERS, and $9,500 for DCRP. The 2023 appropriations were PFRS $2.272 million for PFRS, $1.101 million for PRS and $9,500for DCRP. The pension systems are fully administered by the State of New Jersey. Lawrence Township is billed annually for the pension liability that must be paid to PFRS and PERS for the employer’s share of the contribution. The systems are valued on prior wage levels, two years prior for PERS and PFRS The Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority provides sewer treatment services to Ewing Township and Lawrence Township. The cost of that service is controlled by ELSA and is apportioned to each municipality based on the flow
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levels received at the plant (projected for 2024, based on flows through November 2023, is 57.25% for Ewing and 42.75% for Lawrence). Each town will pay the debt service for specific projects that benefit the individual community. For 2024, the annual charge for Lawrence Township is $6.387 million with no rate increase to the end users (township residents). The appropriation is paid from collecting sewer service fees separate from real estate taxes. The appropriation for Debt Service includes appropriations for BAN interest in the amount of $507,670.88, $61,494.24 in lease payments related to Police Vehicles, statutory BAN payments of $420,656.05, and $2.002 million in BAN rollover payments to further decrease the outstanding debt of the township with anticipated settlement in 2027. The reserve for uncollected taxes is a non-spending appropriation mandated by state law to collect adequate cash through taxes for the school, county and municipality tax levy requirements. The appropriation is needed to close the gap between the current taxes anticipated and 100% being collected. This appropriation is $4.5 million in 2023 [$4.441 million], of which approximately 14.62% is attributable to the municipal portion of the tax rate.
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Februar y 2024 | Lawrence Gazette7
MURPHY continued from Page 1 thing silly like “I’m gonna kick hard, swim fast and beat whoever we’re about to swim.” And then it’s off to conquer the enemy, with positive energy running throughout the squad. “It just gives me more confidence,” Murphy said. “If I repeat something out loud it feels more true, and if you think something so much and you believe something so much it will eventually come true. I really love doing the affirmations. I think it gives everyone else confidence. It’s like a big, together group thing and everyone believes it.”
Murphy’s belief has translated to the pool. Through Lawrence’s 5-2 start, the senior sprinter had one first and two seconds in the 100 free, four seconds in the 50 free, a first in backstroke, a first in the 200 free, two firsts and a second in the 200 free relay, two firsts and three seconds in the medley relay and a first and two seconds in the 400 free relay. She’s not what one would consider a stud racer that stands way above the fray, but she is consistently dependable. “We’ve seen a lot of growth from her throughout her whole high school career, and especially this season,” HargravesDix said. “She’s always been a sprint free-
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styler, but the importance of her role has changed this year after people graduated. What started out as something she was good at, she now takes a lot of ownership in sprints and she’s my go-to in the 50 free and 100 free, or the anchor in any of the three relays. I can always rely on her there to close out and finish the race.” Murphy did sprints as a freshman but was also a strong backstroker. As time went on she began easing the backstroke out of her repertoire in favor of doing short freestyle races. In general, she’s a girl in a hurry. “I started calling myself a retired backstroker this year,” Murphy said. “I just don’t think I’m as good at it as I used to be. I think I’m much better at swimming sprints. I don’t like swimming distance because it just feels like such a long dragon. I like sprinting because it’s quick and I don’t have to pace myself for it.” She does, however, have to pace herself in life, as Murphy’s schedule is pretty much booked from sunrise until the lights go out. Along with playing three sports, Alex carries a 4.3 grade point average while serving as an LHS Peer Leader. She has already been accepted by Pittsburgh, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Delaware with plans on being a biology major. “I love science, I always have,” she said. “I’m writing a research paper in English
about women in stem fields. My freshman year I took biology like everyone else. I loved the aspect of DNA and genetics. It’s so cool. It’s fascinating.” It’s also pretty heavy stuff that requires a lot of focus in the classroom. Somehow, Murphy manages to stay on top of it while also being a valuable athlete in field hockey, swimming and softball. It all comes from careful planning and getting into a rhythm once the school year starts. “People tell me all the time I’m crazy for doing this,” she said. “But once I get in the swing of things for field hockey, it’s the same all year. Once I get good at it in the fall. I just do it all year long.” Despite the crammed schedule, Alex gives whatever sport she is currently performing her full attention. Her desire to succeed is unsurpassed and HargravesDix feels her other activities help in that area. “She’s fiercely competitive and always has been,” the coach said. “She’s an allaround athlete, and I think that’s where she gets and maintains this competitive drive. She really works hard in practice every day. She pushes herself in practice, never gives up. That translates into meets, where she has a good work ethic and competitive drive. “As a senior this year she’s stepped up in a leadership role. Even before she was
voted as one of our captains, she kind of stepped up and started leading our stretches, and took on those more senior roles that we look for.” Murphy began swimming competitively with the Ben Franklin club at age six. She joined just to hang out with her friends but enjoyed it to the point of sticking with it. Once morning practices were over the group would eat lunch at 10:30 a.m. and remain at the pool all day. Hargraves-Dix was her coach back then, which helped the transition to high school swimming easier. After placing in a few races as a freshman, she increased her production each of the past two seasons and is enjoying her best campaign to date. Last year, she won a bet with boys swim coach Ryan Shive that she could break 30 seconds in the 50 free. After going 29.86 in a relay she won the bet and was allowed to shave Shive’s beard. “I was nervous he was going to be mad that I made him look bad,” Murphy said with a laugh. “His beard was so long, it was just a part of him. But the next day all the teachers in school were saying I did a nice job.” She continues to do a nice job in the pool despite not being a club swimmer. “She can compete with club swimmers, she has that skill,” Hargraves-Dix said. “She’d probably be tops in the county if
she did club. She has a pretty natural ability. She’s tall and lean; and stays active year-round. As a sprinter she’s worked to get a really strong kick and has done a lot of work the past few years.” Murphy’s goals this year are to break 30 seconds in the 50 from a flat start, and to qualify for the Mercer County meet finals in the 50 after being there as an alternate. She is being aided this year by “tempo trainers”, which are beeping devices in the swimmers’ caps that regulate the tempo of strokes at a high cadence. It is forcing Alex to move her arms even faster. Along with all that, she has her other sports chipping in to help out her aquatics. “She has a lot of good stamina in terms of her cardio from running in field hockey,” Hargraves-Dix said. “From softball she’s developed a strong upper body, strong arms. That definitely helps in swimming. And swimming helps her keep in shape for those sports too. It’s like a two-way street.” Murphy likes traveling in every direction on that street. “They’re all so different,” she said. “Field hockey is such a cardio active sport, I’ve played softball my whole life, swimming works out everything. I love each of them so much. They each give me something that the other doesn’t.” Fortunately for those teams, Murphy gives just as much back.
Februar y 2024 | Lawrence Gazette9
capture the courage and compassion of health workers here and across America. To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund,
Tackle obesity and boost cardiovascular health visit rwjbh.org/heroes
And please, for them, stay home and safe.
or dancing, find activities you enjoy. are associated with weight gain and an Regular movement not only helps with increased risk of heart issues. Establish a weight management but also enhances relaxing bedtime routine to improve your cardiovascular fitness. sleep quality. People find it hard to incorporate 30 Watch portion sizes: Be mindful of Seeminutes our ads in of exercise into their routine portion sizes to prevent overeating. Use SIX09 section regularly; one way of accomplishing smaller plates, listen to your body’s hunger pgsthis 5 and 7 is by going for a quick cues, and avoid going back Obesity isn’t just about appearance— 10-minute walk after your for seconds. This small shift it significantly impacts heart health. meals (breakfast, lunch can make a big difference in Below RWJ-104 are some helpful simple steps to and dinner). Incorporating controlling calorie intake. Heroes Work Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 4/17/20 1:21 PM help keep your heart in top shape from that 30-minute time into Know Your Numbers: Jasmeet Mehta, MD, Internal Medicine, breaks helps those with busy Stay informed about your RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, schedules. health metrics. Regularly affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson Hydration matters: check your blood pressure, University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an Drink plenty of water cholesterol levels, and blood RWJBarnabas Health facility. throughout the day. sugar. Understanding these Mindful eating: Kickstart your heartStaying hydrated supports numbers empowers you to healthy journey by adopting mindful eating overall health and aids in take proactive steps toward habits. Chose nutrient-dense foods, limit maintaining a healthy weight. heart health. Dr. Jasmeet Mehta processed items, and savor your meals. Chose water over sugary Schedule a routine A colorful plate filled with fruits, veggies, beverages to cut down on physical with your Primary lean proteins, and whole grains can be both unnecessary calories. Ideal water intake— care provider to stay on top of your health. delicious and beneficial for your heart. half of your body weight in oz. If you weigh Hypertension, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia Move more, sit less: Incorporate 150 pounds, you should be drinking 75 oz and Obesity are all significant risk factors physical activity into your daily routine. of water daily. contributing to increased cardiovascular Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderateSleep well: Quality sleep is a friend mortality. intensity exercise per week. to your heart. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful Social support: Share your health Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, sleep per night. Poor sleep patterns journey with friends or family. Having a support system can make lifestyle changes more enjoyable and sustainable. Consider joining fitness classes or walking groups to stay motivated. Manage stress: Multiple studies have shown the impact of mental health on your physical health. Positive psychological wellbeing can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Chronic stress can impact your heart. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your routine. Finding healthy outlets for stress can contribute to both mental and cardiovascular well-being. Journaling and writing your thoughts are another great way of managing stress. Seek help of your primary care physician in treatment of your chronic anxiety or depression. Limit screen time: Reduce sedentary behavior by limiting screen time, especially for activities like binge-watching TV shows or extended periods of computer use.
Ask The Doctor
Take breaks to stretch and move around, promoting better heart health. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your achievements along the way. Whether it’s weight loss, improved fitness, or better eating habits, acknowledging your successes can keep you motivated on your heart-healthy journey. “It’s the small, consistent changes that lead to lasting results”, says Dr. Mehta, “by adopting these consumer-friendly steps, you’re not just preventing obesity but actively nurturing your heart for a healthier and happier life.” For more information about Dr. Mehta or to make an appointment at her office at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ, please call (609) 245-7389. Visit rwjbh.org/ heart for more information.
Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton
For more information, call (609) 5845900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Heart Matters-Prioritize Your Cardiovascular Health. 1–2 p.m. Introducing our “Monthly Health Focus” open to all and dedicated to helping you prevent, identify illness early, know your treatment options, and live your best life with the knowledge to do so. At RWJ Barnabas Health we believe we are Better Together and this month Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, A-GNP-C, Director of Disease Management and Stroke Coordinator for this informational session about heart disease.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Dinner With A Doctor: Disparities in Women’s Heart Health. 6-7:30 p.m. Over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Women and their symptoms are often undertreated when compared to men. Marie Bernardo, MD, FACC, from Hamilton Cardiology Associates, will teach you the facts, so you can help take steps to protect your health and seek proper treatment if you need needed. Dinner provided.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Heart & Soul: Slide Into Better Health. 6–8 p.m. Line Dancing & Live DJ, Zumba, Refreshments, Health Screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, Heart Health Resources. $5 per person (collected at the door).
LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS? Visit our website communitynews.org to get updates about your community all month long
COMMUNITYNEWS
10 Lawrence Gazette | Februar y 2024
Injured at work? GET TOP REPRESENTATION FROM A LEADING WORKERS' COMPENSATION FIRM Jeffrey S. Monaghan is a Partner in the Workers’ Compensation department, concentrating his practice primarily on representing clients in Workers‘ Compensation claims and Social Security disability appeals. Mr. Monaghan was chosen this year as a recipient of the New Jersey Assocation Of Justice’s (NJAJ) Gold Medal for Distinguished Service. This award is the highest that NJAJ can bestow and is presented to an individual who has both made a significant contribution to the law of torts and advanced NJAJ’s mission to preserve and strengthen laws for safer products and workplaces, a cleaner environment, and quality health care. In 2021, Mr. Monaghan was awarded NJAJ’s Gerald B. O’Connor Professionalism Award. NJAJ had words of high praise for Mr. Monaghan stating, “Over the course of your illustrious career you have shown your tremendous skill and dedication to your work as a trial lawyer. You have received the utmost respect from your peers, your adversaries, and your fellow NJAJ members.”
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No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Februar y 2024 | Lawrence Gazette11
if he had cancer, you would go to the ends of the earth to get him the best treatment. Welcome to Capital Health. Welcome to the first facility in the region to offer a robotic-assisted Whipple procedure to treat pancreatic cancer. Where a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation services collaborate to provide the best care and the care that’s best for him. And all under one roof. Because you’d go to the ends of the earth to make sure he got care like that. And so do we.
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Advances in AFib Management and Stroke Prevention Thursday, February 29, 2024 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting Learn about the latest advancements in the management of atrial fibrillation (AFib) as well as medications and non-drug options for stroke prevention among patients with atrial fibrillation. Join DR. ROY SAUBERMAN, a board certified and fellowship trained cardiac electrophysiologist from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, for a discussion that will also include information on the Watchman implant, an FDA-approved device proven to reduce stroke risk in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date. 12 Lawrence Gazette | Februar y 2024