ECHO
PRINCETON FEBRUARY 2021 COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
GOING BACK TO NASSAU HALL
CAMPUS LIFE IN THE AGE OF COVID, PAGE 8. Where’s the Vaccine? The vaccines are approved and the facilities are open. What does it take to get an appointment?
On the Calendar
Page 6
In-person gatherings are limited, but events from art exhibits to benefit galas have moved to virtual formats. Page 13
Tears of Compassion
Pia de Jong reflects on loss, grief, and healing through the lens of the presidential inauguration.
Page 15
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LEADING OFF To the editor: Bright outlook for Dohm Alley
resident who is a graduate of the Stuart School and William & Mary, has replaced the alley’s inaugural exhibit with “Winter Wonderland,” a brightly lit installation that creates a warm space in t the end of an auspicious year for the dark days of winter. Emma, who Princeton Future, the private, non- worked on the project with four other profit community planning organiza- volunteers, was an intern on the origition can now share good news about nal Dohm Alley installation. Another exhibit, sponsored by Dohm Alley and its future in 2021. Princeton Future in conjunction with Dohm Alley, the 10-foot-wide space the Arts Council of Princeton and that runs off Nassau Street between its Artist in Residence, Robin Resch, Starbucks and will open in the Landau’s store, was spring. The work, transformed sev- Artists or performers titled “Taking eral years ago into Pause, ” will inare urged to offer an arts and perclude reflections formance space, suggestions for other of Princeton durwhich also offers ing the Covid-19 a quiet and com- displays or exhibits pandemic. fortable place to sit Artists or per— a pleasant dis- suitable for Dohm Alley. formers are urged covery for many to offer suggesNassau Street petions for other destrians. A team of artists and craftspeople, organized displays or exhibits suitable for Dohm by Princeton Future’s Kevin Wilkes, Alley. Please e-mail Princeton.Fucreated the inaugural exhibit dedicated ture.2035@gmail.com. The year 2020, Princeton Future’s to the Romantic poets. This outdoor 20th year of engaging the community space has also been the site of several in pursuit of smart growth and susdance recitals, poetry readings, and tainable and equitable planning, was lectures. Now Emma Brigaud, a Princeton marked by other good news. Princeton Future’s participatory planning process
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has helped create real progress in consideration of affordable and market rate housing at the former medical center parking lot on Franklin Avenue. A community wide Princeton Future meeting in February was followed up by several workshops and another community meeting in October, this one moderated by Princeton mayor Liz Lempert. A 17-person task force, chaired by Princeton Future board member Tony Nelessen, now is studying the Franklin Avenue project in greater depth. Last year has been a tumultuous one,
with national and global challenges that often seem overwhelming. We at Princeton Future take heart in the realization that small steps we can all take in our own community can make a difference. Executive Director, Princeton Future
Sheldon Sturges
ECHO EDITOR Sara Hastings (Ext. 206) CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST Pia de Jong PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113) ADMINISTRATIVE ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Gina Carillo
An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold
CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri
MANAGING EDITOR, COMMUNITY DIVISION Rob Anthes
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts
MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings
PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski
I T I INN T TAAKKEE I T TA K E I T I N
Emma Brigaud’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ installation in Princeton’s Dohm Alley.
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Council, School Board reorganize for 2021
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skills at big picture thinking and longterm planning. We will continue to improve out listening skills.” And he emphasized the need for fairness and kindness even in the face of disagreements. “This past year has amplified that being fair to all is a never-ending effort,” he said. “This past year has also amplified the need for consistent and ongoing effort to support everyone in our community to the best of our abilities. To create partnerships and to question the way things are done as we look to improve services and how they are delivered. We need to address how to maintain and create opportunities for people at all economic levels to stay in our town. “We need to continue to address the realities of a world that is not fair and just to all. We need to foster the growth of business in our community, to create job opportunities to help grow our tax base, to continue to grow Princeton’s attractiveness as a destination in New Jersey. We need to look at providing the best services we can within a reasonable municipal budget.”
t its January 4 reorganization meeting, newly elected Mayor Mark Freda was sworn in by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and re-elected council members David Cohen and Leticia Fraga were sworn in for new terms. Fraga was subsequently elected unanimously as council president. In introductory remarks, Freda outlined a broad vision for his term. “Where do we go from here? What is next?” he said. “There are many issues ahead for us including COVID and all its impacts on our community. These impacts will most likely persist for years. During those years new challenges and new issues will arise. And they will require resilience, agility, and effort from all of us to address them.” He continued: “We will build on the lessons learned this past year: the need to communicate often and in clear details. The need to share information at the elected official level, at the town staff level, and of course with all our residents. t the Board of Education’s Janu“We will look to improve our speed ary 5 reorganization meeting, and efficiency in digesting information Beth Behrend was re-elected as School and getting to the point of making de- Board president, while Dafna Kendal cisions as quickly as we reasonably can. was elected as vice president. “We will continue to expand our
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4Princeton Echo | February 2021
REAL ESTATE
For hotel, it’s business vs. Bank Street Age Restricted
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he Zoning Board has now heard upwards of nine hours of presentations and testimony on the proposed Graduate Hotel at the corner of Nassau and Chambers streets, and they’re not done yet. The hearing will continue at a special meeting on Monday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Discussion so far has shown a clear dichotomy: One the one side are downtown business owners, who are largely enthusiastic about the hotel’s potential to attract new visitors. On the other are residents of nearby Bank Street, who are concerned about traffic issues, construction noise, loss of sunlight, and other quality of life issues. Speaking at the January 6 Zoning Board meeting, David Newton, a longtime Princeton real estate developer who owns the building adjacent to the proposed hotel at 16 Chambers Street, framed the hotel as a tremendous opportunity for downtown Princeton, especially at a time when businesses everywhere are suffering. “Graduate has come in, bought this building, and created in my view an enormous air of excitement,” he said. “As the owner of the adjacent building I can’t do anything but give this project an enormous thumbs up, and the desire for this board to approve as quickly as possible because this town needs the excitement of the extra activity that’s going on here.” Lori Rabon, representing Palmer Square Management and the Nassau Inn, also expressed enthusiasm. “I just wanted to take a moment this evening to say how excited we are to have the Graduate Hotels be coming to town,” she said at the January 6 meeting. “I welcome the competition,” she continued. “I think that we’ve got a great opportunity with the expansion of hotel availability.” Other business owners added their support for the project, including Lauren Ariev Gellman, owner of Milk & Cookies at 20 Nassau Street, who at the January 20 meeting called the hotel “terrific for the town.” But Bank Street residents are concerned that their small but historic
neighborhood is being literally overshadowed. Speaking at the January 6 meeting, resident Harriet Flower summarized the concern shared by many of her neighbors about the building proposed to replace the existing two-story structure at 2-4 Chambers Street. “This new building is simply too large for this space and in no way approximates the structure it is replacing. The large entrance hall translates into more than five stories for the building overall. No other building this large abuts a residential district that borders on the central business district. There is good reason why existing zoning laws simply would not permit such a structure,” she said. “They planned this hotel without any regard for the unique historical designation of Bank Street itself.”
Zoning updates The Zoning Board was scheduled to hear four applications at its January 27 meeting, after the Echo went to press. 358 Cherry Valley Road. Walter R. and Siobhan C. Johnson, owners and applicants, seek a C1 variance to permit construction of a new single-family home in exception to the required lot area as well as variances for two existing accessory sheds in exception to the required rear yard setback. 35 Shady Brook Lane. Brent and Cara Weiss, owners and applicants, seek C1 and C2 variances to permit the installation of a shed within the required side yard setback. 56 Leigh Avenue. Sarah E. Torian and William B. Whitley, owners and applicants, seek C1 and C2 variances to permit the construction of a secondstory addition on a non-conforming lot. 9 Sergeant Street. Marco Sacchi and Sondra Scott, owners, and Marco Sacchi, applicant, seek a C1 variance to construct a second floor addition and dormers in exception to the required smaller side and rear yard setbacks.
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February 2021 | Princeton Echo5
The COVID vaccine is here. What does it take to get one? By Bill Sanservino
W
hile the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rage throughout the United States during the month of January, the government struggled to provide enough doses of the rapidly developed vaccines to those looking to be protected from the deadly virus. Across the country, states have struggled to meet demand, and the doses shipped have been significantly outweighed by the number of people looking to be vaccinated. When appointments do open up at vaccination sites, available slots are often booked up within hours or less. People have been left confused and frustrated — wondering how, when, and where they will get inoculated. In New Jersey, the vaccine was first made available to healthcare workers, first responders, and staff and residents of long-term care facilities starting in midDecember. Then at the beginning of January, the Trump administration announced that it was releasing the stockpile of vaccines it was holding to ensure people would be able to get the required second dose. A few days later, on January 14, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy opened up vaccinations to people ages 65 and older and those with high-risk medical conditions. It was subsequently revealed there was no stockpile of vaccines, and that the second doses had already been released at the end of December. This exacerbated the problem — an even larger pool of people was left seeking vaccinations, but the anticipated increase in supply never occurred. This resulted in a severe shortage in appointments available for qualified individuals. Currently, there are three ways for
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WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE VACCINE NOW? As of January 14, 2021 the following groups are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and can begin to make their appointments.
• Frontline First Responders • Long Term Care Facility Residents • Paid/unpaid persons working/volunteering in a healthcare setting • Persons ages 65 and older • Persons ages 16-64 years old who have at least one chronic medical condition that poses high-risk for severe COVID-19. These include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, Sickle cell disease, smoking and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. At this time, the best place to register for the vaccine is through the N.J. Vaccine Scheduling System at covidvaccine.nj.gov. For more information on the vaccine and vaccination locations, go to covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine.
qualified individuals to make an appoint- vaccination sites across the state. For a ment. full list of vaccination sites in New Jersey To start, all people should register with and contact information, go to covid19. the N.J. Vaccine nj.gov/pages/vacScheduling Sys- Princeton urges residents cine. tem (covidvaccine. Finally, select nj.gov). They will to register with the healthcare fabe emailed an incilities, including vitation to sched- N.J. Vaccine Scheduling many hospitals, are ule an appointoffering vaccines System in addition to ment when they directly to their are eligible and signing up for the waitlist workers. Anyone slots open up. The who works at one state has also set administered by the of these facilities up an NJVSS call should contact center to assist in- municipality. their employer to dividuals, includlearn if the vaccine ing those with no computers, in pre- is available there. registering and scheduling a COVID-19 s of January 24, the state had vaccine appointment. For assistance call administered more than 550,000 855-568-0545. The second is to make an appointment doses of vaccine. This is about half the directly with one of the many designated overall doses that have been received
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by the state. The rest were delivered to commercial entities for distribution, such as pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. Murphy told CNBC on January 20 that commercial pharmacies’ part of the vaccine rollout has been problematic. “They basically amassed these doses, they schedule visits to long-term care nursing homes, extended living, and they’re punching under their weight, particularly Walgreens, and that’s where most of the yet-to-be-used doses are.” He added that the companies should “put more bodies on the case” to increase vaccinations. Meanwhile, Mercer County sat near the bottom of the state in the number of people vaccinated by the end of January. New Jersey began vaccinating residents starting on Decemeber 15, but Mercer didn’t hold its first vaccination clinic until December 28. The state of New Jersey reported on its COVID-19 Information Hub that as of mid-day January 24, Mercer County had vaccinated 13,587 people. During the week of January 17 to 23, a total of 4,854 people received shots — an average of about 700 people a day. By comparison, neighboring Burlington and Middlesex counties had vaccinated roughly twice as many people overall. As of January 25, a total of 27,287 people had received vaccines in Burlington County, and an average of about 1,200 per day between January 17 and 23. In Middlesex County, a total of 40,540 had been vaccinated by January 24, with an average of more than 1,800 per day between January 17 and 23. Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said that part of the problem with rolling out vaccinations was that fact that there is no county department of health in Mercer. Health departments in the county are run by each of the municipalities, some of which contract with other towns. Hughes said vaccine deployment in Mercer County has been a collaborative effort between the Mercer County Division of Public Health, the County Health Officers Association, Capital Health System and a number of other entities (such as the nursing school at Mercer County Community College). “While it might seem like Mercer was lagging, many Mercer towns conducted their own vaccine clinics based on the capacity they could manage, and only for people who met the 1A category, including their local police, fire, and EMTs,” Hughes said in an email. Princeton is operating its own vaccine distribution site and has an online registration and screening system that asks about age, pre-existing conditions such as asthma, obesity, heart problems, and diabetes that are risk factors for more severe cases of COVID-19, and occupa-
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tions that may present an increased risk council wrote. of exposure. Those who register at www. Supply is a major problem, and will princetonnj.gov will be alerted when vac- continue to be going forward, Hughes cine appointments become available. said. “As of today (January 22), the state In a recent email to the community, is giving Mercer County only 800 doses newly installed Mayor Mark Freda and per week.” Princeton Council explained the origins Those doses must be shared with and current status of Princeton’s vaccine towns based on population. Vaccines registration system. must be used within seven days of receipt “This list was created as a result of high from the state. demand prior to the NJVSS opening. “The state and counties are all behind Princeton Health Department is urg- because the federal government has reing individuals to sign up on the NJVSS leased so little vaccine to New Jersey, and portal to identify their Phase group and this has impacted our ability to ramp up to review the up-to-date list of vaccine and get more individuals vaccinated,” clinic locations. said Marygrace Billek, Mercer County “Currently there are over 20,000 in- director of human services. dividuals on our local waitlist. We are She said that the county has had a sorting and selectdistribution plan in ing those eligible ‘For COVID-19, we have all place for more than residents for vac15 years, but that cines. Individuals had to rethink our plans plan is predicated who have signed on the availabilup on the local and processes and do ity of the Strategic Golden Paws offers: Princeton list will National Stockpile things differently,’ Billek continue to be from theforfederal activity with playtime and exercise Golden Paws Ad Content RobbinsvilleFun Advance Maypackages 2018 Anniversary Issue contacted in the said. government. A selection of luxurious accommodations order received, “For COVID-19, considering their • A trained and caring pet care team to pamper your pet we have all had to eligibility based on the information pro- rethink our plans and processes and do Full service grooming to go home relaxed and refreshed vided and the state’s current vaccine de- things differently, and to that end Mercer ployment phase. will stand up and support two regional “We are working very hard at vacci- vaccination sites, something that has not nating the community will continue “Where We Treatand Your Pets Like Gold.” been part of our past plan,” Billek said. to set up local clinic sites based on vacOfficials were hopeful that the situavacations are around the corner… Have you made pet’s vacation plans yet? Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa cine Summer availability. The Princeton Health tion would improve with your the opening of Department is administering the CO- a regional vaccination site on January 25 8 Sharon Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 VID-19 vaccine in coordination with at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton. county and local partners. Walk-ins are The regional site, a joint effort between www.goldenpawspetresort.com not accepted. ” activity packages with playtime Fun and exercise the county and Capital Health, opened But Princeton officials echoed others planning to vaccinate 200 people a day A selection of luxurious accommodations in noting that the primary problem is using to a separate to Capi A trained and caring pet care team pamperdoses your allocated pet not a shortage vaccine sites or qualified tal Health by the state. Fulltoservice grooming to go relaxed refreshed five to seven professionals administer them, buthome“We will and be continuing supply of the vaccine itself. “Please be days a week, expanding the number patient with this process and do not call of doses per day as supply increases,” or email asking about appointments. The Hughes said. Princeton Health Department receives The plan is to also use Mercer County vaccines through Mercer County, which College as a regional site along with the receives vaccines from the New Jersey municipal sites as the number of vaccines Department of Health. Currently, there increases. Hughes said he anticipates this is a severe vaccine shortage,” Freda and will happen in mid-February.
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February 2021 | Princeton Echo7
Back to Nassau Hall, but not back to normal for PU students
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rules for face coverings, social distancing, limits on indoor gatherings, and restrictions on travel outside of Mercer County or Plainsboro. And while a return to dorm life may feel like a change from the home-based learning of the fall semester, much learning will continue to take place from the bedroom. Professors were given the choice to continue teaching entirely online or to operate on a hybrid model in which students on campus attend class in-person while students who chose to remain at home attend online; while some courses require a hands-on component, the vast majority continue to be entirely online. Campus extracurricular activities moved to a virtual format in the fall and will continue in that form for the spring, as campus spaces that are typically used for rehearsals, meetings, and the like remain closed to students. The eating clubs — the mansions on Signs posted throughout campus remind students and visitors to remain ‘one Prospect Avenue where many juniors tiger,’ or six feet, apart from others at all times. and seniors traditionally eat and socialCOVID test. That initial test was step required to complete a daily symptom- ize — are also remaining closed. All one of a seven-day “arrival quarantine” tracking questionnaire and complete students will instead have meal plans procedure. Students were not permit- two more saliva-based tests. Students that allow them to eat in the campus’ ted to leave their sleeping spaces other who tested negative on the original test dining halls. Students are also allowed than to use the restrooms until they re- were permitted to leave their sleeping to visit restaurants and other businessceived a negative result from that first spaces to retrieve meals and packages es in downtown Princeton provided place (an isolation protocol is in place and to deposit saliva tests in campus they obey all public health regulations. in case of a positive test result). drop boxes. They Among the acAfter the initial test, students were were also permittivities All undergraduates were canceled that— areat ted a daily hourlong walk during invited back to campus least for now — which they were are sports. The Ivy "Always Professional, Always Personal" not permitted to for the spring, and more League, of which leave campus. Princeton is a Of an under- than half have returned member, elected Considering a move? I would be delighted to help! graduate student amid strict testing not to compete in Call me at 609.802.3564 to discuss your population of the winter sports just over 5,200 and social distancing season. The start real estate goals and how I can students, 2,887 of spring sports, help you achieve them! returned to on- protocols. which include lacampus housing crosse, track & and 670 chose to live nearby, the uni- field, baseball, softball, and others, has versity reported on January 25. Among been delayed until March at the earlithose returning students, there were 12 est. positive COVID tests upon arrival. Meanwhile, the campus resources best known to the general public reaily symptom-tracking and reg- main closed to students and visitors TERESA CUNNINGHAM ular testing will continue to be alike. Visitors to campus are not perrequired throughout the semester. In mitted in any campus buildings and addition to conducting its own testing, must wear masks at all times, including the university is also planning to serve outdoors. The Princeton University Art Muas a vaccination site for members of the MOBILE 609.802.3564 university community. “By hosting on- seum has been closed since the spring OFFICE 609.921.2600 campus clinics for our community, we and continues to offer online access may help relieve some of the burden on to its collections and virtual programBusyTC@gmail.com other medical facilities and healthcare ming including guest lectures and art BusyTC.com providers in the state,” John Kolligian, classes. Richardson Auditorium, which typithe executive director of University cally hosts the Princeton University Health Services, said in a statement. The university has also compiled an Concerts series, is also closed, and the online “Princeton Playbook” that ex- concert series has been replaced by plains the four Ps that Princeton is us- online offerings of playlists and virtual ing to maintain a safe campus environ- concerts. University libraries are also ment: prepare, protect, participate, and closed to the public. persist. Students are required to abide For more information visit covid. by a “social contract” in which, among princeton.edu or spring2021.prince other things, they pledge to adhere to ton.edu.
early 11 months after Princeton University told its students to go home for spring break and not come back, the school is welcoming its full undergraduate student body back for the spring semester. But campus life will be far from normal as the semester gets underway on February 1. While all students were invited back, students were not required to return, as most classes are still being conducted virtually. Those who did elect to return were each assigned a single sleeping space. Students also had the option to live off campus in Mercer County or Plainsboro and maintain limited access to campus facilities. In his note last fall announcing the university’s spring reopening plans President Christopher Eisgruber wrote that based on experience with the limited population on campus for the fall, “we have concluded that, if we test the campus population regularly, and if everyone on campus rigorously adheres to public health guidance about masking, social distancing, and other practices, we can welcome a far greater number of students back to Princeton.” Rigorous testing started on arrival: Students were required to arrive at least seven days prior to the start of the semester, and their first stop was at Jadwin Gymnasium for a PCR-based
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8Princeton Echo | February 2021
HEALTH
FEBRUARY 2021
@capitalhealthnj
HEADLINES
B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H
COVID-19 VACCINE DISTRIBUTION
Staying Safe During The Pandemic
EXPANDING IN NEW JERSEY
IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
Who is currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed in phases throughout New Jersey according to prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health. To find the most up-to-date groups who are eligible for the vaccine in New Jersey, visit covid19.nj.gov. Previously, the vaccine was available only to health care workers (including Capital Health employees and active and associate medical staff), residents of long-term care facilities and police and fire personnel in New Jersey. AS OF JANUARY 14, 2021, new state guidelines for vaccine eligibility expanded to include paid or unpaid persons working or volunteering in health care settings, residents of long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, front-line first responders, persons age 65 and older, and persons age 16 to 64 years old who have at least one chronic medical condition that poses a high-risk for severe COVID-19. FOR CURRENT, UPDATED INFORMATION, VISIT COVID19.NJ.GOV/VACCINE. This includes individuals who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Down syndrome, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, obese, or smokers. Anyone in New Jersey falling into these eligible groups can register for a COVID-19 vaccine by visiting covidvaccine.nj.gov. How does the COVID-19 vaccine work? The COVID-19 vaccine gives the immune system a preview of the coronavirus, so it learns how to stop it if you are exposed. It triggers antibodies in your blood to attack the virus’ unique spike protein. Your immune system learns from the vaccine how to quickly recognize the actual virus and stop it from multiplying. The idea is to stop SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from getting into cells, replicating itself and making you sick. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? Like most new medicines and vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines are tested for safety in large clinical trials. During the clinical trials, volunteers receive the vaccine and then regularly check in with scientists to report any side effects or illnesses. If the vaccine has data to support its safety and effectiveness, the scientists apply for Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists continue to follow the volunteers for at least two years to report any long-term or rare side effects and safety concerns. Where Can I Get the Vaccine? Information about open vaccination sites in New Jersey, vaccine registration, and eligibility updates is available at covid19.nj.gov/vaccine. For information about public vaccination at Capital Health, please visit capitalhealth.org/coronavirus or call 609.537.7468 (SHOT).
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to remember that some of the most effective steps we can take to prevent its spread begin right at home. Wear a mask that fits properly and covers your mouth AND nose (no scarves or gaiters). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Limit or avoid indoor gatherings with people outside of your household and host outdoors when possible. This is important for adults more than 65 years of age or people with underlying medical conditions, who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Practice social distancing and stay at least six feet from others when possible. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow if tissues are not available. With either method, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterward. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily. This includes tables, light switches, sinks, countertops, and bathroom surfaces. Most common household disinfectants work, but be sure to follow instructions on the product label.
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19, CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov. Helpful information is also available from the New Jersey Department of Health online at covid19.nj.gov or by phone at 1.800.222.1222.
Health Headlines by Capital Health | Princeton Echo9
SUPPORT COUNSELING
FOR ALL FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS To address the emotional needs of all health care workers and emergency medical services personnel on the front lines of our region during the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Health is offering a Support Counseling Program (SCP). The program is a joint effort of Capital Health, NJ Hope and Healing, and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The SCP is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “The pandemic presents significant medical challenges, but it is also taking an enormous mental toll, and not just on patients and their loved ones.” said DR. CHRISTI WESTON, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists. “For health care and emergency services workers who are treating COVID-19 patients every day, the experiences can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The SCP is designed to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic through individual and group counseling, education, and support services.” The SCP provides health care workers individual assessment and counseling, virtual support groups, mindfulness-based stress relief techniques, and referrals to mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment, if needed. If you or someone you know is a health care worker who needs emotional support and guidance during the pandemic, call Capital Health’s Support Counseling Helpline at 609.303.4129, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This program is brought to you through the New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling Program (CCP). The CCP is provided by Capital Health in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and is funded through a FEMA/SAMHSA grant.
LIFE AFTER LOSS
A 10-Week Therapy Group for Grieving Thursdays starting February 4, 2021 | 3 p.m. LOCATION: Zoom Meetings Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges we face in life. Although everyone copes with grief differently, many find comfort in sharing their experiences with others who are going through the process. CHELSEA HOAGLAND, a licensed clinical social worker from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, leads this 10-week support and therapy group. You’ll connect with group members who are dealing with loss and learn healthy strategies for moving forward. This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. To sign up, call Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists at 609.689.5725. This group therapy program will be billed to your health insurance. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2-3 days before the program date.
10 Princeton Echo | Health Headlines by Capital Health
Capital Health Expands Behavioral Health to Include CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Capital Health has recently expanded its Behavioral Health Specialists practice in Hamilton and Bordentown, New Jersey to include more providers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. DR. IRENE GABRIAL, a board certifed, fellowship trained psychiatrist recently joined Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists to lead the practice’s Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program. Dr. Gabrial leads a team of trusted providers with expertise in child and adolescent behavioral health that includes DR. RACHEL BADEN SHERRILL, a licensed clinical psychologist, and TATYANA GRAY, a licensed clinical social worker. “Children and teenagers today face many challenges, some of which simply didn’t exist for previous generations,” said Dr. Christi Weston, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists and director of Outpatient Psychiatry at Capital Health. “Through our patient-centered approach to care, our team provides support and guidance to individuals and families as they cope with challenges to their emotional wellbeing.” Dr. Irene Gabrial is board certified in child and adolescent and general psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was fellowship trained in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Gabrial received her medical degree at Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt. Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Gabrial was a staff psychiatrist and interim director of the Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at Rutgers University, where she evaluated and treated undergraduate
and graduate students. Dr. Gabrial was also a clinical assistant professor for the University’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program. Dr. Sherrill is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with individuals across the lifespan, with a strong specialty in child and adolescent assessment and treatment. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology (with honors) from Duke University. She earned her master’s degree and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neurodevelopmental disabilities and related disorders through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program at the Civitan-Sparks Clinics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Sherrill provides therapy to children, adolescents, and adults with a range of presenting concerns and psychological testing to children and adults presenting with symptoms of ADHD. Tatyana Gray’s areas of professional interest include intergenerational trauma, anxiety/depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, relationships, and marginalized populations with a focus on collaborative and integrated care. After completing her undergraduate studies at State University of New York at Potsdam in Potsdam, New York she received her Master of Social Work degree at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida. Before joining Capital Health, Tatyana was a staff therapist at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center at the Arch Counseling in Syracuse, New York, where she provided mental health and wellness services in person and via telemedicine for a diverse student population. Call 609.689.5725 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gabrial at Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, or visit capitalhealth.org/behavioralhealth for more information.
Health Headlines by Capital Health | Princeton Echo11
Capital Health Cancer Center Earns
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR RADIATION ONCOLOGY
FEBRUARY IS
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has been awarded a three-year term of reaccreditation in radiation oncology services by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Radiation oncology is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer or relieve a patient’s cancer pain.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS HAVING ONE
“We are extremely pleased to be awarded this accreditation. It is a testament to the commitment and efforts of our entire staff of radiation oncology specialists — oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, nurses, navigators, and office support staff — all focused on providing every patient safe, evidenced-based care,” said DR. SHIRNETT WILLIAMSON, medical director of Radiation Oncology.
This puts you in contact with a trained dispatcher who will tell you what to do and sends an ambulance to your location. When the ambulance arrives, treatment begins in your home and the emergency department is prepared for your arrival at the hospital. Because your symptoms may get worse, driving yourself is a bad idea.
The ACR accreditation team recognized the Radiation Oncology Department’s outstanding organization of the treatments, medical records, policies, procedures and quality improvement processes — specifically Capital Health’s detailed, modalityspecific treatment directives and robust peer quality review process. In addition, ACR acknowledged the department’s outstanding teamwork, camaraderie, and patient-focus. “Patients want to know their medical team is knowledgeable about their health care issues and they want to be sure they are receiving the most advanced treatments and technologies available,” said DR. TIMOTHY CHEN, medical director of Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Capital Health. “This accreditation lets patients know we passed a rigorous review process meeting nationally-accepted standards of care.” Capital Health offers many options for radiotherapy, brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery that provide patients greater convenience and efficiency while minimizing side effects. Physicians and multidisciplinary teams are able to manage complex cancers with unparalleled ease and precision anywhere in the body for all cancer types, including the abdomen, breast, central nervous system, head and neck, liver, lung, pelvis, and prostate. Patients have access to a full complement of leading-edge treatment modalities, such as traditional 3-D radiation, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), CyberKnife® radiosurgery and high dose rate brachytherapy radiation (HDR). Stereotactic radiosurgery and high dose rate brachytherapy radiation (HDR) are delivered through advanced technologies that include Varian TrueBeamTM Linear Accelerator, CyberKnife® and Varian GammaMed technology (HDR brachytherapy), with surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) coming soon. To learn more about the Capital Health Cancer Center and the radiation oncology services that are available at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, please visit capitalhealth.org/cancer or call 609.537.4244. 12 Princeton Echo | Health Headlines by Capital Health
If you or a loved one is experiencing the signs of a heart attack, call 911.
The Chest Pain Center at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care and the American College of Cardiology. This means the Center meets high standards for diagnosing and treating cardiac emergencies, such as heart attacks. When someone is having a heart attack, time to treatment is critical. Capital Health’s pre-hospital alert system allows ambulance patients to be tested in their homes and mobilizes an interventional team at the hospital if there is evidence of a heart attack, saving time for an initial EKG test or faster bedside blood tests for troponin, a protein that enters the blood stream during a heart attack. If you or a loved one is having a severe heart attack caused by prolonged restricted blood flow due to a clot or ruptured plaque, Capital Health’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab is ready to provide an emergency stent placement. After you or your loved one has recovered, your last step is preventing another heart attack or heart-related illness. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, offers a team of physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians who provide individually prescribed education and exercise. All program candidates are interviewed prior to entering the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, which allows a team to develop and implement a personalized care plan. Participants include those who have experienced:
… Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) within the past 12 months
… Coronary artery bypass surgery … Current, stable chest pain (angina pectoris) … Heart valve repair or replacement … Angioplasty or stenting to open blocked coronary arteries
… Heart or heart-lung transplant surgery … Stable, chronic heart failure Talk to your doctor about participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacrehab for more information.
Friday, February 5. In 2019-’20 British artist Ryan Gander spent a pandemic-interrupted school year as a fellow at Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts. Now in 2021 he invites art lovers to his studio in Suffolk, England, where he has assembled an exhibit, “Natural and Conventional Signs,” to be experienced digitally. The exhibit will be available to view on demand, free of charge, from Friday, February 5, through Friday, February 26. On Tuesday, February 9, at noon, Gander offers a live tour and discussion of his work via Zoom in conversation with David Reinfurt, a faculty member in visual arts at Princeton. Registration is required. Materials from the Lewis Center say that Gander “has assembled a show in which the works have duality in meaning and utility; subverting the signs, tropes, and markers seen in the everyday world to shine new light on how we position ourselves in relation to the values of time, money, opportunity, attention, and privilege.” arts.princeton. edu. Saturday, February 6. Princeton Nursery School celebrates its 92nd year with a virtual gala titled “A Starry Starry Evening” on Saturday, February 6, at 7 p.m. Special guests for the evening include Brian Sullivan, senior national correspondent with CNBC; Rosanda Wong, executive director of Princeton Nursery School; and Carly King, a singer/songwriter. Register online. The event is free, but donations are welcome and sponsorships starting at $250 are available. www.princeton nurseryschool.org. Saturday, February 6. The Arts Council of Princeton is celebrating Black History Month with “Legends of the Arts: A Black History Month Exhibit” on view in the Taplin Gallery from Saturday, February 6, through Saturday, March 6. The gallery is open Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 11
AT YOUR SERVICE
HAPPENING February 5 to 26: Exhibit by British artist Ryan Gander.
February 23: Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown, New York, kicks off Morven’s virtual Grand Homes and Gardens Distinguished Speakers Series.
a.m. to 4 p.m. Capacity is limited to six guests at a time. The exhibit, in partnership with Museums in Motion, a traveling African American history museum, features such legendary figures as Langston Hughes, Lena Horne, the Supremes, and Princeton’s own Paul Robeson. On Tuesday, February 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Museums in Motion president Kayren Carter Mjumbe appears in virtual conversation with former Arts Council board president Timothy Andrews. Register online. www.artscoun cilofprinceton.org. Monday, February 8. Princeton Public Library hosts a virtual “Poets at the Library” reading on Monday, February 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Featured poets Susan Gerardi Bello and Michael Griffith each read from their work for 20 minutes, followed by an open mic session in which registered poets may each share one poem. Bello, a Bucks County resident, published her first poetry collection, “Through the Oak Tree,” in 2019. She has had her work published in print and online poetry journals and has also served as a selecting poetry editor for U.S.1 Worksheets. Griffiths has written three chapbooks
of poetry — “Bloodline,” “Exposed,” and “New Paths to Eden” — and teaches at Mercer County and Raritan Valley community colleges. Register online. www.princetonlibrary.org. Saturday, February 13. The Arts Council of Princeton will also be celebrating Valentine’s Day as it hosts a Virtual LOVE Dance on Saturday, February 13. A DJ will spin tunes to be broadcast via Zoom to your living room dance floor. Donations are requested to benefit the Arts Council; those who make a minimum $20 donation at registration may request up to three songs for the DJ to play throughout the night. www.artscouncilof princeton.org. Wednesday, February 17. “Money and War — An American Conversation” takes place Wednesday, February 17, at 5 p.m. and features Pulitzer
6 Issues $59 PER ISSUE. For more information call 609-396-1511
Prize-winning novelist Ayad Akhtar, Rutgers English professor and novelist Sadia Abbas, and professor of Indian history Faisal Devji of Oxford University. The free online event is sponsored by Labyrinth Books, Princeton Public Library, and several Princeton University offices. The topic of discussion is Akhtar’s new novel, “Homeland Elegies,” which is set in Donald Trump’s America and tells the story of a son and his immigrant father’s search for identity and belonging. Register online at lectures. princeton.edu. Tuesday, February 23. Morven Museum and Gardens invites lovers of fine homes to participate in some armchair tourism with a virtual rendition of its annual Grand Homes & Gardens Distinguished Speakers Series. See EVENTS, Page 14
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fthought od
FOOD & DINING
Ficus brings international flair to town
for
A
new restaurant offering an international array of food and beverages has opened its doors at the corner of Nassau and Olden streets. Ficus Bon Vivant opened in January in the prominent corner location previously occupied by Despana, which closed its doors permanently while the state was in lockdown last spring. The new restaurant is similar in organization to its predecessor, with a take-out and cafe operation on the ground floor and sit-down dining upstairs. Ficus is currently open for beverages and takeout in the ground floor portion of the restaurant, called Ficus Cafe, with eat-in dining expected to start in the spring in the space known as Ficus Above. A note on its menu explains, “Our experienced culinary team uses a variety of spices and garnishes to reimagine classic dishes, from beef stews and prosciutto sandwiches to salmon bowls and quinoa salads. Mediterranean, East Asian, and European ingredients and flavors combine to create unique dishes on our evolving menu.”
Ficus Bon Vivant is now open at the corner of Nassau and Olden streets.
Food options include “lifestyle bowls,” chicken kale and salmon farro salads, and prosciutto and chicken sandwiches. The bowls show the restaurant’s international influences,with options such as shrimp Vera Cruz, with crispy shrimp in a tomato-based sauce
ConTE’s pizza and bar
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(609) 921-8041
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www.CONTESPIZZAANDBAR.com 14Princeton Echo | February 2021
with capers, olives, and peppers served over jasmine rice, and butter chicken, in a cream-based sauce with tomatoes, ginger, onions, and spices also served over rice. But the cafe menu is largely devoted to beverages, including an extensive
selection of “tea-tails.” There are more than a dozen choices of both hot and cold tea-based drinks, including bubble tea, milk tea, tea-based lattes, and classic tea choices including black, green, oolong, jasmine, ginger, hibiscus, and more. The cafe also offers a range of coffee and espresso-based drinks, breakfast pastries such as croissants and cinnamon buns, and side dishes including sweet potato fries, chia pudding, and roasted carrots. “Ficus Bon Vivant was founded by a team of like-minded foodies; a group of friends who have always liked to eat, drink, and create amazing food together,” the website says. “Freshness and creativity are our favorite ingredients.” Ficus Bon Vivant, 235 Nassau Street, Unit A. Open Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 609-917-2656. www.ficusbv.com.
EVENTS, continued from page 13
The theme for the four-part series, which kicks off Tuesday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m., is “The Woman of the House.” The series continues March 11, 16, and 23. Tickets are $25 per session or $75 for the series ($18 or $50 for Morven members). Register via EventBrite. The speaker on February 23 is Howard Zar, executive director of Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown, New York. The 1838 Gothic Revival mansion was owned by former New York City mayor William Paulding and railroad tycoon Jay Gould, but their wives play more important roles in the history of the estate. Paulding’s wife, Maria Rheinlander, provided the money while her husband and son designed and furnished the interior. And Gould’s wife became the estate’s manager when her husband died five years after moving in. Her daughter, Helen, was ultimately the longesttenured owner of the estate. www.morven.org. Tuesday, February 23. As the drama of the 2020 election recedes, Labyrinth Books hosts a discussion featuring Adam Jentleson, the author of “Kill Switch: The Rise of the Modern Senate and the Crippling of American Democracy,” on Tuesday, February 23, at 6 p.m. Jentleson is the public affairs director at Democracy Forward and a former deputy chief of staff to Senator Harry Reid. He appears in conversation with Sam Wang, a Princeton neuroscience professor who also runs the Princeton Election Consortium and Princeton Gerrymandering Project, and Julian Zelizer, a Princeton history professor who has written or edited 19 books on American political history. In his book, Jentleson explores how the senate remains dominated by conservative white males even as the American population is increasingly female and increasingly liberal. He argues that much of the
February 27: Maestro Rossen Milanov leads the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s virtual gala.
polarization of the current era can be traced to the senate and suggests that drastic changes are needed to senate procedure in order to move away from minority rule. Register online. www.labyrinthbooks.com. Saturday, February 27. Princeton Symphony Orchestra hosts “Hot Music for a Cold Night,” its first ever virtual gala, on Saturday, February 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. The evening, hosted by maestro Rossen Milanov, features guest artist appearance, a live chat with attendees, and unique party experiences. Funds raised support the orchestra’s programs for the community. Register online. Early patron tickets purchased by February 8 start at $500 per household and include a delivery of wine and gourmet treats from Brick Farm Market in Hopewell. www.prince tonsymphony.org. More events: www.princetoninfo.com/events
PARTING SHOT
The tears of compassion
exhale. At that moment, I realized I had been holding my breath for a long time. fter all the emotions of the past The words of Joe Biden, telling us four years — the frustration, that to grieve one must remember, the anger, the indignation, the that’s how we heal, connected me with fear — the compassion that radiated my need for solace. The welcoming before, during, and after the Presiden- way Kamala Harris introduced Talisa tial Inauguration felt like salve on a fes- Hardin, the Chicago-based nurse at tering wound. a COVID ward, made me realize the Compassion is a generous emotion, need for human kindness to counteract the one that conselfishness. When cerns itself not Compassion is not a Talisa sang with ourself but “Amazing Grace,” with others. It is political statement. It I choked up, and the opposite of when I could no self-love, the an- is the most human of longer hold back, tidote to thinking I cried. emotions. We can only first of me, myself, “Grieving is and I. It is caring, love others if we are able r e m e m b e r i n g” which is the op— these words posite of careless- to feel with them. To feel stayed with me ness. To not care is long after the sun equal to neglecting for them. had set over the what makes us huEast Coast. Last man. October, our family had not been able The care, the love, the feeling for to say our farewells to my mother-inthe people who deal with the loss of law, who died an ocean away in the loved ones because of COVID-19 was Netherlands. It simply was too danmost palpable Tuesday evening at the gerous to travel, so we postponed the Washington Monument. The reflect- ceremony. However prudent that deciing pond, embraced by pathways of sion, we missed the rituals we all fall lights glimmering in the magic colors back on. Our holding hands, sitting of twilight, gave me a chance to finally together, and telling each other stories
By Pia de Jong
A
A Special
about her that make us smile. It is an amazing act of grace to realize that we are not alone in grieving alone. We are all human beings, in need of compassion in our saddest moments. We can hold hands as a world, and there is comfort in that. There is comfort in people who are accepting of our grief and tell us that it is okay to be sad or afraid. That night, in bed after the Inauguration, I was like a frightened child who had been reassured by her parents. By people who have the best in mind for me. And not only for me, also for my family, the neighborhood, the country, and even the world. In spite of all the
bad things in the world, it is still a good place. Yes, there still will be anger, pain, and meanness. And, thankfully, there will also be people to ward them off, to make things better, and to help me heal. Compassion is not a political statement. It is the most human of emotions. We can only love others if we are able to feel with them. To feel for them. Joe Biden, who knows about grief, found the right words. “To heal one must remember. It’s hard sometimes to remember. But that’s how we heal.” Pia de Jong is a Dutch writer who lives in Princeton. She can be contacted at pdejong@ias.edu.
ENCORE! ENCORE! WEEKEND REWIND
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