11-21 RA by Community News Service

Advance Robbinsville

NOVEMBER 2021 FREE

Inside this issue:

SIX09 Fall Family Fun!

COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG

New school helps students integrate

Out and proud LGBTQ+ online docuseries to feature four Robbinsville residents

By ReBeKah SchroeDer

Moving to a new country can be challenging for students who don’t who don’t speak their new home’s native language. The Mercer County Technical School District hopes to help these kids chart a path to success with the Newcomer Academy, a county-wide program that is the first of its kind in New Jersey. Launched in September, the facility at the Arthur R. Sypek Center in Pennington offers workforce-ready training and career technical education for high school students new to the United States. They cater directly to English language learners and students with limited or interrupted formal education, aiming to help them adopt English as a second language. Dr. James Fazzone is the interim superintendent for the Newcomer Academy. He was principal of MCTS for two years before taking on his current position. He said that there had been a discussion about a newcomer’s academy even before then, the idea spearheaded by Executive County Superintendent Yasmin E. Hernández and superintendents across the county— the school’s full name is the Hernández Newcomer SLIFE Academy. “[Students from other countries] want to have the educational offerings that everyone See ACADEMY, Page 8

By ReBeKah SchroeDer

Robbinsville resident Vaughan Burton's rock opera, “Croquet” will be performed by the band Dream of Maya on Nov. 3 at the West Windsor Arts Center. Pictured are band members Jeff Espenshade (left), Burton, Cecelia Tepping, Ben Kaplan and Sebastian Espenshade. Not pictured is Paul Hunnemann. (Photo by Norman Goldschmidt.)

Their courage and compassion Township resident’s inspire us all.

Rocking ‘Wonderland’ rock composition for quite a head.” Dream of Maya is a mixture while, so it’s been in his ear for rock opera ‘Croquet’ ages. of New Jersey musicians, plus one friend flying up from North Now it’satime for Croquet message writtentoin chalk appeared to premier on Nov. 3Onebemorning, Carolina just for the concert. performed. in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The words In addition to Burton on elecBurton and his band— couldn’t have been simpler, or more stirring, tricsoul guitar and lead vocals, the Dream of Maya—will present By SUsaN VaN DoNGeN or more accurate. of Croquet at the band includes Jeff Epenshade the premiere Original sounds spin around West Windsor Arts Center on on electric bass, 12-string guiin Vaughan Burton’s mind, and Alexander Road in Princeton tar and additional vocals, Jeff’s evening, son Sebastian Epenshade on the guitarist/composer/ses- Junction, Saturday “Heroes sion musician says sometimes Nov. 6. All proceeds workfrom here.”the electric bass (both are from the only way to flush out the concert will benefit West Wind- Delran), Ben Kaplan of Mount Holly on drums, West Windsor swirling music is to actually sor Arts. resident Cecelia Tepping on “This is the fi rst time I will play it. Three words of gratitude and encouragement that Such is the case with Bur- ever perform the whole (piece) lead vocals and flute, and Paul capture the courage and compassion of health live, it’s never been done Hunnemann on keyboards ton’s Croquet, a rock opera workers here and across To share guitar.your Hunnemann is the straight through to the America. finish,” and based on Alice’s Adventures in thanks orBurton, to support our Emergency one flyingFund, to New Jersey from says a resident of Rob- Response Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. “Hopefully, this will North Carolina, where he and He’d been crafting the music visit binsville. rwjbh.org/heroes and lyrics for this progressive stop it from swimming in my See BURTON, Page 11

Natalie Venezia wants to break stereotypes. Inundated with television portrayals of the “gay best friend” and one-dimensional representation, the writer, producer and director envisions more for her burgeoning documentary series, Out in the Open, which she is currently in the process of filming. “We’re seeing these stereotypes that are not real,” she said. “For the LGBTQ+ youth that are out there struggling, and the suicide rate is so high, they don’t have a lot of resources or people to look up to.” “We want to make sure that we do our best to give them real life people who are successful, who have had struggles, but overcame them, and that they have people to look up to in their community.” While it covers residents from all across New Jersey, four participants from Robbinsville are highlighted— chef and restaurant owner Steven Kuo, couple Brian Hayes and Florentino “Tino” del Rosario, and college student Steele Leonard, a graduate of Robbinsville High School. Venezia owns Marlee & Me Productions along with business partner Marlee Snyder. Together they run the film See OUT, Page 4

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around town

New police chief named Lt. Michael Polaski will be the Hightstown Municipal Court trailer will new chief of the Robbinsville Town- be permanently closed and removed ship Police Department effective from the site. “Making sure our respective police Jan. 1, 2022, Mayor Dave Fried has departments and shared municipal announced. Polaski, in his 23rd year at the court have the best facilities and every department, will work under outgo- tool possible to perform their duties ing Chief Chris Nitti until midnight on to the best of their abilities is of paraDecember 31, 2021. He will remain mount importance to both (Hightin his role as the township’s Office of stown) Mayor (Lawrence) Quattrone Emergency Management Coordinator. and all of us here in Robbinsville,” said Robbinsville Mayor “Lieutenant Polaski David Fried, who is also has been an integral part and director of public of this organization for safety. the past 23 years,” said “This is a historic Nitti, who announced his agreement between two retirement September 13. neighbors, which have “His skillset and experithe utmost respect for ence make him the ideal each other and their conselection. The departstituents,” Fried said. ment is in very good The shared services hands, and this will be a agreement is for an initial very seamless transition.” term of 50 years, with a Polaski, 46, grew up in mutual option to extend Lacey Township, where the agreement for an he began his law enforceadditional 50 years. Each ment career as a special Polaski municipality will pay its officer in 1994. share of the costs to conHired as a patrolman by then-Washington Township in 1999. struct the facility (approximately $9.8 He was promoted to patrol sergeant in million) based upon each municipality’s proportional use of the facility’s square 2003, then patrol lieutenant in 2009. Polaski was named administrative footage. The municipalities will share lieutenant and OEM coordinator in utility costs in the same proportion as 2016. He resides in Point Pleasant with the construction costs. The Robbinsville and Hightstown his wife of 18 years and two sons. “I am humbled and honored by this Police Departments will each occupy opportunity,” Polaski said. “I appreciate their own dedicated space within the Mayor Fried, Administrator (Joy) Tozzi new facility and remain separate and and the rest of the selection panel for distinct departments. The Hightstown Police will also having the faith in me to lead this great department. He also thanked Chief operate a sub-station in the new municiNitti for his leadership and mentorship. pal complex building at 230 Mercer Since the retirement of Marty Mas- Street in Hightstown and will continue seroni in 2015, officers Nitti and to maintain the same 24/7 police coverPolaski bring a combined 58 years of age within the Borough of Hightstown law enforcement experience to the that it currently provides. “We have shared our court and position of chief. “We’ve been extremely fortunate jail cells with Robbinsville for several to have enjoyed such great leadership years, so expanding the partnership at the top of our police department,” further by sharing a police station is a Fried said. “We’re really proud of Mike. natural fit,” Quattrone said. The existing police department His work as OEM coordinator during the pandemic has been exemplary, building was opened in 1990. Hightand the selection panel has every con- stown has been sharing the township's fidence he will maintain the legacy of physical court space since 2013 after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in 2011great chiefs at the RTPD.” 2012 made their facility inhabitable. New police station/court The percentage breakdown of space/cost for the new building is 68% building to be built Robbinsville, 32% Hightstown. The Robbinsville and Hightstown Robbinsville Township and Hightstown Borough have announced a Municipal Courts will continue to operhistoric shared services agreement ate in the new facility under its existing to construct a new police station and agreement to share facilities, employcourt on the site of the current Rob- ees, equipment and supplies. This new binsville Township Municipal Complex shared services agreement will not change each municipality’s status as at 1117 Route 130. The new facility will house both the separate and distinct municipal courts. Ground breaking for the new police headquarters of both the Robbinsville and Hightstown Police Departments and court facility is scheduled for 2022 and each town’s municipal court. The and construction is expected to take existing and outdated Robbinsville/ approximately 12 months.

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OUT continued from Page 1 production company as two female creatives, their mission to showcase at least 12 episodes, each a self-contained story, with interviews and a day in the life for each of the subjects. Themes addressed include raising children as a lesbian couple, the intersection between race and identity, and parental acceptance. On Oct. 11, which was National Coming Out Day, the cast of Out in the Open spoke with the Advance about their experiences. They said their hope is to have a nationally planned project to be distributed on one or more platforms. What brought the Robbinsville participants together was the township's first Celebration of Pride event on June 27, which was hosted at Kuo's restaurant in the heart of Robbinsville Town Center— Kuo Social. Leonard, who was present as one of the student speakers, said that event was a “super awesome opportunity to connect with everybody,” and for the group to join forces moving into the future. Kuo called it an “eye-opener” for people in the community. “I have to say I was very proud,” he said, having put it together in just nine days. “The turnout was tremendous.”

Natalie Venezia (left) is the writer, producer and director of docuseries, "Out in the Open," which features four Robbinsville residents, including Steven Kuo (right). Kuo is pictured being interviewed for the series.

Kup has worked with industry giants like Bobby Flay, taught at the Culinary Institute of America, and is an openly gay man. He first met Venezia for a series about COVID-19 in the food service industry, but they started conversing about gay businesses of the past instead, realizing another project was on the horizon. Steven Kuo “We don’t want to talk about COVID,” Kuo's restaurant, which has a focus Kuo said. “We just want you to come, on modern Chinese cuisine, opened last enjoy, pretend that it’s not happening, year in the space formerly occupied by have a great time, pay your check and leave.” Centro Grille.

Venezia thought Kuo was “perfect” for Out in the Open. A child of immigrants from Taiwan who are also in the restaurant industry, their love of food helped fuel Kuo’s lifelong passion—but their reservations had an impact, too. “People who know me, know my story,” Kuo said, vocal about his personal experiences. Coming from a conservative Chinese background with parents whose “viewpoint on sexuality was taboo,” he encountered hardships. “I was deathly afraid of coming out,” he said, reflecting on several incidents

where his parents engaged in homophobic behavior. Public sentiment surrounding HIV/AIDS was at its peak, so the comments were painful, made during a time of “a tremendous amount of fear” that led Kuo to attempt suicide at 11. Through coming out and all of its complications, his family now feels positively about his identity, the trials only strengthening their bond. “As dark as something might seem for a couple of months, or a couple of years, my parents and I have a very close relationship now, and we’ve had a close relationship even through coming out to them. It was difficult looking back at it, but you get through it,” he said, noting the bright side. For the documentary, he is going to be nothing but honest. “I am a gay man. I make no qualms about it, anyone who knows me, knows I’m gay,” he said. “I don’t want people to see me as this gay, Asian guy, I want them to see me for who I am. I’m a person who, I like to cook, I like to sing, I have friends... there’s more to me than my label of being a gay man,” he said. “If you look at every single one of us, we’re all successful, we have our lives together, we’re good role models and examples,” Kuo continued. “I feel like when it comes to success, it has, for me personally, it has more to do with I think the way we live our lives, and of being a really good, productive member of society and just doing the right thing, as well.” See OUT, Page 6

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OUT continued from Page 4

Brian Hayes and ‘Tino’ del Rosario

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Hayes' and del Rosario's journey is about trying to adopt a baby. The couple is working with a New Jersey agency to complete the process. As of mid-October, the married couple had completed their application and reference checks, and were in the “home study” section of the process. Hayes initially taught history and government in the South before returning to New Jersey to pursue graduate school. There, he was introduced to the education philanthropy sector. This led to his current position as a regional director for a New York City nonprofit organization, combining both passions to serve a family foundation. Del Rosario is a photographer who started his own business, Photos by Florentino, in 2019. Born in the Philippines, del Rosario is a former Navy serviceman who met Hayes on an online dating site in 2009. “I was attracted to Tino’s smile and personality, which came across in his profile and photographs,” Hayes remembers fondly. They are planning to have a domestic and open adoption to maintain a relationship with the birth mother, and, if possible, to represent “the best approach for healthy development.” For the husbands, relating to those around them has always been the key. “I’m a firm believer that so many problems in this world, but particularly the polarization in American society and in our own towns, can be healed or bridged when you get to know people authentically,” Hayes said, conveying that they are “absolutely no different” from others. “Showing positivity and putting out positivity out in the world is important to me," del Rosario added. “I think there’s so much negativity out there, violence, and just discrimination, and I think people need a touch of love and happiness in the world. Hopefully that comes out in all the filming that we do,” To them, and the documentary at large, role models are important.” “Many young people in our community can’t always point to someone in the community whose future represents a potential pathway for them,” Hayes said. “These are stories that a [younger person] in Robbinsville, who’s struggling with their identity needs to see, that this struggle is a fleeting one, and it’s one that isn’t going to necessarily characterize the rest of their life, but they can have friendships that are solid, they can find a partner and raise a family, and get married.” For del Rosario, representation extends across sexual or gender identity. “As a gay Asian man, I hardly saw anyone in the media representing me, and I think these men and women who are of Asian identity are not portrayed, and then they feel like they’re not approved or confirmed about their identity,” he said. “We don’t need approval.”

‘Tino’ del Rosario and Brian Hayes are interviewed for their episode of "Out in the Open."

University of Pittsburgh with a personal investment in science. As the former president of Robbinsville High School’s GSA for two years, a group now referred to as the Genders and Sexualities Club, she became comfortable speaking in front of crowds about LGBTQ+ topics. She is open about her ever-evolving identity, desiring to “have those deeper conversations with people talking about the unheard parts of the queer community.” Leonard says she is all for breaking down issues like internalized homophobia, as well as gender expression versus identity, to find confidence. “I’m particularly passionate about making sure I am my authentic self, and I’m unapologetic in that reality,” she says. “Hopefully, I can be this sort of trailblazer, to not only to normalize the unheard parts of about being queer to those who aren’t queer and just have never had the opportunity to learn, but also normalize the idea of being queer to queer people, in and of itself.” Leonard aspires to be a genetics counselor, in part because her family suffers from a rare genetic condition— Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease—which can stunt growth and affects the X chromosome. Her mother was a carrier and passed the deficient gene to her brother, who expressed the disease in a biological toss-up between the siblings. Leonard had survivor’s guilt when the condition arose, but in their painful times, she remembered that genetic counselors were there for her family as they grappled with the news. Her brother eventually passed from the disease, leading them to think deeply about grief. “Genetic counseling seemed like the obvious answer for me. It felt like a way to pay homage to my brother, but also to be able to help other people in my own niche way,” she said. For her academic future, Leonard is planning on pursuing her master’s degree, entailing four more years and a focus on chemistry. But that is only part Steele Leonard of what is on the horizon for Leonard. She recently made the decision to Leonard identifies as transgender and uses she/her pronouns. She is a double pursue both hormone therapy and tranmajor in biology and psychology at the sitioning, getting her blood drawn on

the day of the interview in hopes to start estrogen. She had previously come out as gay in freshman year of high school, but felt that upon reflection, this was the path destined for her. “It took me a lot of time to come to terms with who I am and to also be proud of that, and I would never want anyone else to have to go through that,” she said. “Your identity is a relationship and an understanding that you have with yourself, [one] that you have the opportunity to share with other people as you deem fit. In that regard, there is no rush to come out and ask other people to validate your identity.” Besides updating viewers on her transition through the documentary, Leonard will be having queer conversations with the camera, expanding on issues like how to best respect pronouns or be an ally to the community. Pre-production started in early August, and the search for cast members began in early September. Filming commenced at the New Jersey Greater Equality Ball at Asbury Lanes, in Asbury Park on Oct. 7, connecting further with Khadija Mohammed, a singer who performed the national anthem. She volunteered to write a song, or an “anthem,” as Venezia describes, for the upcoming show. Once production ends, the entire cast has plans to do a “give back” to others, including university tours, outreach, and panel discussions to speak with younger audiences. “This is making history, and this is a revolutionary cause to try to take control of our image and how we are por-

RHS gradauate Steele Leonard is currently a student at the University of Pittsburgh. trayed, and show who we really are,” Venezia said. For Leonard, she knows that it’s a constant exploration for the self. “Your identity is truly what you make of it,” she said. “It’s a subset of who you are, and it’s made to serve you, at any point in life, however that is best deemed fit. Identity is something that is continuing to involve and grow, and can on a personal level, just as you grow up, your identity can just naturally change and fluctuate, and that doesn’t make it any less valid.”

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ACADEMY cont. from Page 1 have. But some hurdles they go through could be either through language, or culture, or that they were never really involved in formal education before,” Fazzone said, the academy designed for those with a background of incomplete, or minimal, schooling. Through faculty coordination, the Sypek Center became the host for the program, MCTS involving attendees with their pre-existing technical experiences like culinary arts or science. Originally, there were plans for a new, sprawling facility, but both funding and getting it ready in time did not seem like the perfect fit, Fazzone said. They came up with the idea to host it through the MCTS district under the academy approach, a decision made over a series of monthly meetings. MCTS worked with all of the Mercer County districts in search of prospective students, starting with 13, a “comprehensive yet humble” approach, Fazzone said. For the freshman year currently in progress, they are looking to accept 15 pupils in total, coming from areas like Trenton, Hamilton, and Hopewell. “We’re extremely successful so far, so we have to make sure we have enough seats for everybody, too,” Fazzone said, saying that he thinks that the Newcomer Academy will only get better as time passes. For the process, guidance counselors and bilingual supervisors from sending school districts recommend students for the program via an online

Executive County Superintendent Yasmin E. Hernández and James Fazzone, interim superintendent, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Newcomers Academy on Sept. 28, 2021.. application. According to Fazzone, they then receive a sampling of the career technical programs, with a high concentration on culinary and horticulture. The former will focus on microbiology in the kitchen, while the latter is about environmental science through gardening and turf management programs. Additionally, MCTS is including STEM courses, such as a computerassisted drawing class, in their roster.

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Once they explore their options, students can choose a concentration in one of the programs for a future career pathway. On Sept. 28, a ribbon cutting ceremony was the start of welcoming the students into their new academic environment. Back in 2019, Hernández was approached to be involved because of her previous experience in starting a similar program at Newark public schools. In her speech from that day, Hernández talked about the historical occasion, expanding on her 31 years of being an educator with a career-long mission to advocate for bilingual students. The matter was personal, especially given her personal background as the child of Cuban immigrants. “Our work as educators never ends. We are constantly striving to raise the bar to provide excellence and equity for all students,” she maintained. During an October interview, Hernández continued to build on that sentiment. “This is groundbreaking for bilingual and vocational school education, [and] the first time that they’re merging to create such an academy. These students with SLIFE, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to be fully educated and address their needs, would end up probably dropping out of school, so it is also a dropout prevention academy.” “We have less than 1% of ELL represented across the state of New Jersey in our vocational schools,” Hernández said. “That’s why this is also very important.” Another option available for those entering the school is a five year program to let students spread their wings. While formative assessments and customized learning arrangements help monitor the achievement levels of each individual, the key is to give them time for adjustment. “We’re differentiating instruction based on their needs,” Fazzone explained of the ongoing process. “We want to help them in every way that we can, whether that’s language, instruction...making sure they have a skill, and any cultural things as well.” This current group will be sophomores next year while the incoming freshmen start from the beginning, with the eventual seniors able to stay past the typical high school terms if deemed necessary for their development. Scott Engle is the chef instructor at MCTS and has been working there for 23 years. There are currently seven classes actively running, covering cooking and preparation basics like knife skills. For the students from the Newcomer Academy and other freshmen, they will be getting their ServSafe® food handling certifications, which helps train them in maintaining standards and safety in the kitchen. “We wanted to integrate them into the school, and get them an opportunity to look around and see what types of opportunities were here,” Engle said, his class a means of conveying to them “how that pathogenic growth works” when it applies to the culinary world. He explained the importance of learn-

ing biology, as well as sanitizing and cleaning procedures. “We show them some things, then make a few products, maybe give them an idea of how fast something that isn’t good for you can spread through your food if you’re not cautious, but the result is something good.” And often, tasty—the class made yogurt and Engle intended on showing them how to make yeast-raised donuts the following day. His desire is for those who choose that track to attend college or triumphantly embark on their careers, as MCTS has connections to restaurants, industries, and business partners. Engle stated that at the completion of their schooling, students are fully prepared for acclimating to the workplace, although if they do choose to continue with higher education, their success rates excel past county averages for even just the regular culinary program. This is expected to be replicated in the Newcomer Academy, showing the importance of what makes an employee, as well as chef, worth hiring. “I would hope that along with the biology skills, [and] a little bit of culinary education that they’re exposed to, that they would develop those skills that make them valuable in the workplace,” Engle said. “You come in our course, you have value as a person, but as an employee, you’re kind of starting from scratch, so the idea is to build value in them so that when they go work, that the people that are in charge, the owners, or the chefs or whatever can see, that these students are gonna generate income, they’re gonna generate money coming in, and they’re gonna be consistent, they’re gonna be there, they’re gonna be professional, and they’re looking to be taught, and that’s really what we hope for.” In senior year, students can go to Mercer County College, with some able to get half or more of their associates degree completed by the time they graduate from high school. They earn credit through an extensive curriculum that starts with fundamental MCTS courses. The horticulture and turf management program provides hands-on experience riding equipment, pruning trees, and making floral arrangements in participation with FFA, the Future Farmers of America organization. “While this is a new program and we’re using all the modern technologies, career offerings, teaching and learning tactics, newcomer’s academies, I think, have been around since our founding fathers,” Fazzone said. He explained that when his parents came through Ellis Island from their Irish and Sicilian backgrounds, the same principles applied. “There are language barriers that we all have and have had, at least if not us, our ancestors have,” he continued. “We’re just making a version of that for students who are coming to this country now, and we want to offer them everything we possibly can so that they can achieve their highest levels of learning and achievement.” Of the takeaways for the students, Fazzone kept it simple. “We want them to have a job, have a skill, earn money and be good citizens.”

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SIX09 ARTS > FOOD > CULTURE

fall family fun SECTiOn STaRTS On PG 10 thesix09.com | NOVEMBER 2021

T HE C ALL OF F ALL

Explore a cornucopia of family-friendly fall activities. Page 2. TPRFM opens its Offbeat Boutique, page 6; Brooklyn-style pizza comes to Hamilton, 8

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from the cover

A fall cornucopia By CaTHeRine BiaLkoWski The month of November is one of the most hectic times of the year: preparing for Thanksgiving, finalizing holiday plans and trips, and getting ready for the new year. It keeps most of us busier than ever, and time seems to fly. Here is a cornucopia of ideas for things to mark your November calendar, all local.

Attend a harvest dinner This time of year has its own unique menu filled with colorful foods from the harvest. Sit back and enjoy a delicious, autumnal meal prepared by professional chefs at a local harvest dinner. On Sunday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., We Make: Autism at Work will host its second annual Harvest Fun-Raiser, a family-style meal and wine tasting fundraising event at the We Make facility at 109 Route 31 North in Pennington. We Make is a workspace for individuals with autism that provides a safe environment for learning valuable skills. At We Make, employees “assemble and package small parts that will be used in vinyl fencing and railing products sold at leading home improvement stores,” according to the website, wemake. works. “All funds go back to We Make programs,” says executive director Muhammad Siddiqu. In addition to the workspace, We Make offers a variety

of programs including yoga, art therapy and music therapy. Siddiqu calls the Harvest Fun-Raiser “a great day to learn about our mission and hear from our parents and supporters on how we serve the community in a unique, neverseen-before model.” Last year the event was held virtually and sold out; it featured celebrity chef Kwame Onuwachi. This year’s goal is $70,000, and funds raised will go to facility expansion, expanding program offerings, staff infrastructure and hopefully, Siddiqu says, more We Make workspaces. Individual tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite. com/e/we-makes-2nd-annual-har vestfun-raiser-tickets-176714145767. * * * On Friday, Nov. 12, the Greater Philadelphia Y will host its 11th annual NJ Wine and Food Classic from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Westin Mount Laurel, 555 Fellowship Road, Mount Laurel Township. Proceeds for the event benefit the Greater Philadelphia Y Annual Campaign. According to philaymca.org, “As a nonprofit, the Y uses these funds to support a wide breadth of community programs, and this year we are focused on Building Stronger Kids.” General tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www. philaymca.org/nj-food-wine#reserve. * * *

See FALL, Page 4

SIX09

EDITOR Jamie Griswold ARTS EDITOR Dan Aubrey FOOD & DINING COLUMNIST Joe Emanski AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113)

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2SIX09 | November 2021

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FALL, continued from Page 2 The Farm Cooking School in Titusville, 67 Pleasant Valley Road, will host a Paired Wine Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. Chef Shelley Wiseman and sommelier Carol A. Berman will present “a multi-course menu paired with all organic or sustainably produced wines,” according to thefarmcookingschool.com, and the menu will include goat cheese quiche, seared salmon with French lentils and beurre blanc sauce, and more. Tickets are $115 and can be found at www.thefarmcookingschool.com/coming-up/2021/11/13/ paired-wine-dinner-holiday-pairings. Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a historic farm and village in Brown Mills, will also host its Harvest Dinner on Nov. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. Proceeds for the event, located at 120 West Whites Bog Road, will benefit the preservation and farm programs. The Italian harvest dinner, accompanied by live music, will

Clients at Pennington-based WeWork prepare t-shirts. feature mild Italian sausage with peppers and onions, hot roast beef in homemade gravy, rigatoni in vodka sauce and more. Tickets for non-members are $55 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/har vest-dinner-to-benefit-

PR I N CE TON S YMP H ONY O R C H ES T R A R O S S E N M I L A N O V , M U S I C D I R EC TO R

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whitesbog-tickets-167355674327?aff=e bdssbdestsearch&fbclid=IwAR0iYCNh sRHoUyzxE_UV93y5MUqPSsPfCngXt8YyliXIvZn2Zz3gIScm9Tg. * * * Rat’s Restaurant in Hamilton, located at 16 Fairgrounds Road on the campus of Grounds For Sculpture, is offering a Thanksgiving buffet on the holiday, Thursday, Nov. 25, for $68 per adult and $35 per child, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The prix fixe menu features choices for soup or salad, vegetable, main course and dessert. They will also feature, on Nov. 4 through 7 and 11 through 14, a reservations-only lunch and dinner event for restaurant week. For more information, visit ratsrestaurant.com.

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4SIX09 | November 2021

Supporting local farmers is essential to their vitality and offers delicious local flavor as well as benefits to the environment. Why not purchase your turkey (and its trimmings) from a farm within the community this year? At Double Brook Farm in Hopewell, says owner Robin McConaughy, they’ve been raising heritage turkeys since 2008. “We started with a small flock of 50 birds and have grown our operation to almost 2,500 birds a year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus year-round birds for the cafe at Brick Farm Market,” she says. “We sell exclusively at Brick Farm Market and a couple of wholesale vendors.” Brick Farm Market, also owned by the McConaughys, is located at 65 East Broad Street in Hopewell. McConaughy and her husband, Jon, started Double Brook Farm in 2004. In addition to the farm and the market, they also own and operate Red Barn Milk Co. “We raise turkeys, chickens, sheep, cattle, pigs and goats on pasture in approximately 800 acres in the Hopewell Valley.” Double Brook Farm also sells “everything needed for a full Thanksgiving feast: sides, appetizers, breads, pies, cakes, cookies, cheese, charcuterie, gravy, cranberry sauce and grocery items such as sausage, bacon, butter, breadcrumbs and more,” says McConaughy. Turkey orders will be available for pickup the Sunday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Be sure to order your turkey early, as demand has doubled over the last two years “and we will

likely sell out a little earlier than usual.” Turkeys, sold fresh, can be purchased through the online order form at holiday.brickfarmmarket.com. * * * DiPaola Turkey Farm in Hamilton, which has been in business for 70 years, offers whole turkeys, ground turkey, ground breast, turkey London broil, turkey boneless thighs, and a variety of other meat options. Online orders for whole turkeys can be placed on their website, dipaolaturkeyfarm.com. * * * At Lee Turkey Farm in East Windsor, they’ve been raising turkeys for 80 years, 3,000 per year. According to their website, their turkeys are fed “a natural feed mix with a corn and soybean base that we make ourselves.” They also sell farmfresh fruits and vegetables. Visit leeturkeyfarm.com for more information. * * * At Griggstown Farm in Franklin Township, established in 1975, you can purchase a full Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, soups and gravies, pies and bread. Visit their website, griggstownfarm.com, for more information, or the store at 484 Bunker Hill Road.

Give back to the community

As Thanksgiving approaches, so does a reminder to be grateful for our blessings and perhaps a desire to give back and help those in need. Here are two opportunities to donate and/or volunteer locally. This year, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is from Nov. 13 through 21. Homefront, at 1880 Princeton Avenue in Lawrenceville, is offering a variety of ways to get involved and make a difference within the community. Events for the week include a tour of Sewing Space, a virtual “welcome to Homefront” orientation, a diaper resource center service opportunity, an expert panel discussion, a virtual lunch and learn with Homefront CEO Connie Mercer and COO Sarah Steward, and a Thanksgiving drive, which is collecting laundry baskets or boxes with lids filled with items such as canned vegetables and fruits, stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, dessert items and more. For those who want to donate monetarily, it costs $62 to sponsor a Thanksgiving basket and $136 to provide food for the week of Thanksgiving. Suki Wasserman, Homefront’s community engagement coordinator, says, “This past year, because of wonderful support from the community, HomeFront has been able to meet the greatly increased level of need in our area. Over 560 individuals, a majority of them children, stayed in our emergency shelters or lived in the affordable and transitional housing we manage. Over 770,000 meals were provided to families through our food pantries, Family Campus, motel meal delivery or other programming. HomeFront also continues to provide case management, education, job assistance, and children’s programs needed to help families break the cycle of poverty.”

Homefront accepts year-round donations of food, diapers, clothing, furniture and more, and offers other ways to volunteer. Visit homefrontnj.org for more information. * * * Mount Carmel Guild in Trenton, a food pantry that offers community support to the underserved in Mercer County, is also running a Thanksgiving food drive and requests items such as cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, evaporated milk, yams and grocery store gift cards, and turkeys are accepted as well. The dropoff location is at 73 North Clinton Avenue in Trenton, and drop-off hours vary. “Thanksgiving is always a time when most people count their blessings and reflect on what they have to give,” says Rosemary Kimball, director of external affairs. “It is in the spirit of giving that our donors collect and package items for Thanksgiving.” The greatest need this year is turkeys. “In the past we have purchased an average of 400 turkeys to distribute to needy families, and this year there is a shortage of 10 to15 pound turkeys due to the pandemic,” says Kimball. “We are hoping to be able to provide 650 families with Thanksgiving meals this year.” For more information, please visit mtcarmelguild. org or call 609-392-5159, extension 100. Like Homefront, Mount Carmel Guild also offers year-round ways to volunteer and donate.

Hopewell Valley will host a 5k turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning at 424 Federal City Road in Pennington. Top overall male, female, turkey costume, and in each age group will receive a prize. Prices vary depending when tickets are purchased; more information can be found at raceroster.com/events/2021/51816/ hopewell-valley-turkey-trot-2021. * * * The 9th annual Mercer County Turkey Trot is a virtual event that will be held from Saturday through Sunday, Nov. 20 to 28. Participants may complete a 5k race or a one-mile fun walk; tickets are $30. For more information, visit mercercountyturkeytrot.com.

Participate in a Turkey Trot

Go on a staycation

After enjoying a hearty harvest dinner (or before the Thanksgiving meal), you can run off the calories at a local turkey trot. Trinity Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving Day at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street in Princeton. It is a 5k, and all ages are welcome; there is also a virtual option. Tickets are $30; register at trinityturkeytrot.org. * * *

Rest up for the holidays at a bed and breakfast or hotel with local flair to experience the community in a different way. The Inn at Glencairn, located in Lawrenceville, is a renovated 1736 Georgian manor that features a luxurious farm-to-table breakfast: innatglencairn.com. * * * The Peacock Inn, in Princeton, is a colonial-style mansion transformed into a boutique hotel that boasts

Double Brook Farm sells fresh turkeys, while Mount Carmel Guild distributes Thanksgiving food to those in need. an elegant afternoon tea in the garden: peacockinn. com. * * * The Ocean Park Inn in Ocean Grove is a quaint and cozy bed-and-breakfast right next to the ocean: theoceanparkinn.com.

Enjoy the fall colors Finally, intentionally enjoy the autumnal foliage with a scenic fall walk. Although taking a stroll through your own neighborhood suffices, consider the Delaware River Scenic Byway for walking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and more. Spanning 11 towns from Frenchtown to Trenton, the byway is lined with nature, restaurants, shopping, and historic sites. Visit delawareriverscenicbyway.org for a map and more information.

November 2021 | SIX095

retail scene TPRFM gets rocking with bricks and mortar spot By Susan Van Dongen If owning and running the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market has been Joseph Kuzemka’s full-time job for a while, owning and running the new Out of Step Offbeat Boutique and General Store will now be his other full-time job. Teaming up with his long-time life partner, Meaghan Callahan Singletary of the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA), Out of Step is a natural evolution from the TPRFM. The couple plans to take advantage of the relationships they’ve forged throughout the years with small businesses, artists, craftspeople, and makers from around the city of Trenton, the state of New Jersey, and even around the country, to offer all kinds of unusual wares, from handmade housewares, to repurposed art and custom clothes, to specialty foods. While the pandemic did not close down the TPRFM, the quieter times gave Kuzemka space to re-evaluate his business model. But long before 2020, he and Singletary had sensed that TPRFM fans would relish a brick-andmortar store. “We knew for a while that this (store) was probably something that was going to happen,” he says. As of this interview, construction was ongoing at Out of Step, which will be housed in part of the old Amish Country Store within the Trenton Farmers Market in Lawrence. And while Kuzemka had originally hoped the “godate” would be October 29, material and inventory hold ups have pushed the opening to November 12. “We’ve been in flux because construction took much longer than we anticipated, because of various material shortages,” he says. “(Meaghan and I) started working on the store in June and we did not wrap until late September. There wasn’t that much to do, but things were harder to get because of the pandemic.” “We’re working with Chris Cirkus (market manager of the Trenton Farmers Market), and we’ve (divided the former Amish store) into two spaces of equal size,” he says. “We’ll take the back, and the other store will be just on the other side of us. Our hours will be standard Trenton Farmers Market hours, but we’re looking to expand on that for the holidays.” For Out of Step, Kuzemka says he and Singletary are picking “the best of the best” from their numerous contacts at the TPRFM, from around the United States and into Canada. “We also did a lot of research and found new artists and makers from all over the country,” he says, but notes, “there will be a very strong focus on locally made food, pre-packaged and

6SIX09 | November 2021

Partners Meaghan Callahan Singletary and Joseph Kuzemka are opening Out of Step Offbeat Boutique and General Store, a bricks-and-mortar shop for the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, in the Trenton Farmers Market. Opening day is set for Friday, November 12. shelf-stable foods such as locally made sauces, jams and jellies, pickles, vegan mayo, jerky, coffee and tea, peanut butter -- things that complement the fact that we’re in a farmers market.” Out of Step will also offer refillable home items, such as hand sanitizer and hand soap, bath and body products, housewares and home décor, cooking/ kitchen-related items, repurposed/ recycled art, select custom t-shirts and hoodies created by local artists, original artwork and sculpture by local and regional artists, vintage curios, handmade jewelry, and what Kuzemka calls “oddities and curious goods.” A small portion of the store will be dedicated to both local and nationally recognized music, with a carefully curated selection of new and used vinyl records and cassettes, VHS tapes, and more. One of the more famous vendors at

Out of Step will be Misfits guitarist Acey Slade, a coffee aficionado and longtime presence at the TPRFM who will offer up his Newark-based Cat Fight Coffee. Kuzemka borrowed the name Out of Step from a song by Minor Threat, “the founding fathers of hardcore (punk),” Kuzemka says. And yes, the brick-and-mortar store will have a similar vibe to the TPRFM. But like the flea market, Out of Step will be more than the concept of a “punk store,” which brings to mind a market selling only recordings, art, and clothing related to punk rock. “Out of Step has the same feel as the flea market, and that’s what I love about it,” Kuzemka says. “Yes, there will still be punk rock related stuff being sold, but the thing about the flea market is that it’s become a haven for makers and artists and craftspersons. All these misfits found a home with us.”

“TPRFM started out with punk rock, but became something more,” he says. “It’s much more on a global scale, with all these non-corporate businesses, things that deserve support.” Kuzemka reflects that the flea market served as an incubator of sorts for thousands of small business from dozens of states by providing many home-based businesses with a retail outlet that regularly attracted thousands of eager shoppers per day. Out of Step will give Kuzemka and Singletary a chance to work with some of the same do-it-yourselfers. They hope this new brick-and-mortar location will serve as an inspiration for even more creative types to, in turn, make the leap into creating their own brands and businesses. “It can be done,” Kuzemka says. “The TPRFM and Out of Step are both concrete proof of that.” Singletary has more than a decade of experience in high-end retail management and merchandising in major retail markets. Out of Step supports her belief in watching out for and nurturing selfstarters and small businesses. “After leaving the retail industry many years ago, it’s exciting to come back to a project that has so much potential,” she says. “It’s important to prioritize small businesses, watch them grow their brand, and all the while offer something different, fresh, and fun to the Trenton Farmers Market.” It’s a bold move to open a physical store in the online age, but Kuzemka and Singletary are confident Out of Step will have plenty of foot traffic. This will be the kind of place, much like the TPRFM, where browsing and shopping is a multi-sensory experience, a place to touch, feel and smell, to listen to music, see friends, and do some great people watching. “We hear all the time, ‘can you have a flea market every weekend or month?’ and that’s not possible,” Kuzemka says. “Instead of waiting for the flea market, here’s a location where you can shop five days of the week.” * * * Kuzemka is a founding member of Art All Night and helped get annual the event off the ground in 2007. He’s been running AAN since 2011. In addition, he was the event runner for the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series for a couple of years, saying, “Much of that was due to the TDA and my partnership with Meaghan, who is an employee there.” TPRFM is Kuzemka’s best-known endeavor, though, successful enough for the Huffington Post to name it as one of the best flea markets in the United States in 2014. The Trenton native, whose parents are both retired from the New Jersey

Network, says he is still attending Mercer County Community College, majoring in advertising design. The current Hamilton resident deflects too much focus on himself, however, and notes “my partner Meaghan has dedicated just as much work to opening (Out of Step) as I have. She’s a native Trentonian, a successful Black woman, and very involved in her community.” The much-illustrated man (Kuzemka is known for his ink), who is in his mid40s, says he’d been visiting flea markets in Columbus and Englishtown since his youth, but first imagined Trenton’s own punk rock flea market when exploring such an event in Philadelphia. “As I got older, there was a punk rock flea market in Philadelphia, and that inspired me,” Kuzemka says. “It disappeared though, and we started up (in Trenton) and became a phenomenon. Now the Philadelphia flea market is up and running again.” He absorbed the vibe at the Philadelphia flea market and realized that the Trenton area was primed to launch something similar, especially with the capital city’s location between New York and Philadelphia, crisscrossed by major transportation routes. The city was rife with original art, music, and craftspersons/makers, which would fold in perfectly with a multi-faceted, somewhat rebellious flea market. He’d had quite a bit of experience in marketing and graphic design, and said to himself, “let’s do this, and do it just a

bit differently.” Incidentally, the TPRFM is and will still be running and thriving. Although numerous events were cancelled, it never went away completely during the pandemic and recently moved from the Historic Roebling Wire Works to the Cure Arena. Kuzemka is planning to expand the TPRFM even more. “Next year, we’ll be adding pop culture guests, people who will sign autographs, take selfies etc., along with the food trucks,” he says. “We’re also be having live music, a live barber (on the premises), live tattooing, and more.” Kuzemka and Singletary invested between $60,000 and $70,000 of their own funds to launch Out of Step. They feel they’ve invested their hearts as well. “It’s just us putting our money into this, because we believe in this, we want to get if off the ground and make it grow,” Kuzemka says. “Meg and I are really looking forward to bringing something different to the Farmers Market, which is in the process of growing. We hope to inject some new life into it, be part of its transformation.” Out of Step Offbeat Boutique and General Store opens Friday, November 12, at 9 a.m. Hours will be similar to those of the Trenton Farmers Market: Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at the North End of the Trenton Farmers Market, 960 Spruce Street, Lawrence. www.outofstepnj.com.

What’s scarier than a lung screening? Telling your loved ones that you should have gotten one sooner. Screening for early detection of lung cancer can give you — and your family — peace of mind. We understand – if you’ve been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for the past 20 to 30 years, getting your lungs checked is a scary proposition. But we also know that if you choose to get a low-dose CT scan to detect the early stages of lung cancer, it could increase your chances of a positive outcome by at least 20% over chest x-rays. So you’re less likely to give your friends and family the worst news of all. An experienced Lung Nurse Navigator will be with you and your loved ones every step of the way to help, no matter what services you choose. If you qualify, the screening is covered by Medicare and most insurances. Call 609-584-2826 or visit rwjbh.org/hamiltonlungscreening

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10/15/21 1:51 P

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A Brooklyn-style pizzeria grows in Hamilton By Joe Emanski

YEARS

Vinny Minerva may be known as a long-time restaurateur in the Greater Trenton area, but he became a pizzaiola years ago in his native Brooklyn. Minerva, who has owned and operated Marcello’s in Bordentown since 2004, has honored his hometown with his new restaurant, Slice of Brooklyn, which opened in Hamilton on Sept. 9 in the former location of Vito’s Pizza. Slice of Brooklyn features woodfired pizza, house-made pasta and a variety of other familiar Italian-American specialties on the menu.

Minerva first learned how to make pizza in famed Brooklyn spots such as Pino’s Pizza, on Bath Avenue, and J&V Pizza on 18th Avenue. As to what differentiates a Brooklyn pizza from a Trenton pizza, Minerva says the label has as much to do with him as it does with the pies. “With Slice of Brooklyn, I’m saying that I’m from Brooklyn and I’m making a Brooklyn tomato pie,” Minerva says. “You could say I’m a big slice of Brooklyn.” Marcello’s pizzas are made in a coalfired oven. Slice of Brooklyn’s custombuilt oven is wood burning.

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Pizzas can be ordered round or square. The “Old-Fashioned Brooklyn” pizza sticks with a simple formula of cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and olive oil. But there are a number of other specialty pies on the menu for nontraditionalists, including a Cuban pie (porchetta, ham, dijon sauce, pickles), a Hot Honey pie (cheese, tomato, salami, garlic) a Ranch pie (cheese, chicken, bacon, tomatoes and ranch dressing) as well as a cheesesteak pizza, a BBQ chicken pizza and more. Minerva says another highlight on the menu is the house-made pastas. Shapes can vary on a daily basis and include pappardelle, spaghetti, gnocchi, fiorelli, paqueri and others. Customization is encouraged on Slice of Brooklyn’s pasta bowls. Customers can choose their pasta shape, sauce (marinara, vodka, Alfredo, pesto, aioli , cheese, puttanesca, cacio e pepe), and protein (meatball, sausage, chicken, pancetta, eggplant, shrimp, porchetta). Other toppings include sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and broccoli rabe. Bowls start at $9.

1666 Hamilton Ave. 1666 Hamilton Ave. Hamilton,Hamilton, NJ 08629 NJ 08629

A pizza from A Slice of Brooklyn ready for takeout.

Minerva says that opening Slice of Brooklyn was possible because of a number of staff members at Marcello’s who shared his vision for the new restaurant. Jorge Saldana, Ivan Saldana, Alvaro Juarez, Ethan Cuevas, Janina Mae Crisostomo, Rosendo Gonzalez and “Chino” are all among the group who have joined him at the new venue. Slice of Brooklyn, 1295A Route 33, Hamilton NJ 08690. Phone: (609) 5279663. Web: thesliceofbrooklyn.com.

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Sidekicks Support Services Now Open in Hamilton Every Superhero needs a Sidekick. Sidekicks Support Services announces the opening of the Sidekicks Support Center, providing support services to individuals with disabilities and families in Hamilton NJ. A provider of in-home support services for individuals with disabilities since 2013, Sidekicks will now be providing center-based support services for the community at the Sidekicks Support Center located in the Briarwood shopping village at 2452 Kuser Road in Hamilton. Sidekicks support services enable individuals with disabilities to achieve goals, overcome daily obstacles, enhance social skills, and obtain greater independence. The program also provides support and resources for parents. Their in home services include: ABA Therapy (ages 2+), Speech Therapy (2+), Individual Support Services (ages 3-21) and Direct Support Services (ages 21+)

At the Sidekicks Support Center, Sidekicks will be providing 1-1 individualized ABA programming, social skills groups to promote play and socialization, Speech Therapy, Individual parent coaching and Parent training series. Services are provided to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Founder and CEO, Nicholas (Niko) Antonellos has been a lifelong resident of Mercer County, where he currently resides with his wife and two children. “We look forward to the opportunity to make a difference in our community through personalized, consistent and comprehensive support services. The Sidekicks team’s

purpose is to enrich lives. This new center gives us the opportunity to provide the quality supports that our community needs and can depend upon.” Sidekicks Support Services currently has a preliminary accreditation from the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. BHCOE Preliminary Accreditation recognizes behavioral health providers that excel in the areas of clinical quality, staff qualifications and promote systems that enhance these areas. The Accreditation recognizes that Sidekicks continues to meet an assortment of clinical and administrative standards as determined by an independent third-party evaluator. Services are funded through private insurance or paid privately for ages 2 and up. Sidekicks Support Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours available. Referrals are now being accepted. Contact Sidekicks Support 609-500-6686 to learn more or visit www. SidekicksSupport.com. See ad, page 12.

Recognizing BRilliance: EmpowEring studEnts with languagE-basEd RlEarning ecognizing B :: EmpowEring studEnts with languagE -basEd diffErEncEs to discovEr thEir uniquE path . languagE R ecognizing BRilliance Rilliance mpowEring studEnts with -basEd Recognizing BRilliance : EmpowEring studEnts with lEarning diffErEncEs to thEir uniquE uniquEpath path lEarning diffErEncEs to discovEr discovEr thEir . . languagE-basEd lEarning diffErEncEs to discovEr thEir uniquE path.

The Laurel School of Princeton is an independent, co-educational day school for students in grades 1-12. Our evidence-based helps students discover their uniquefor educational and The Laurel School of Princeton approach is an independent, co-educational day school students in social/emotional by acknowledging thehelps strengths, talents, and their brilliance of educational people whoand learn grades 1-12. Ourpath evidence-based approach students discover unique The LaurelThis School of Princeton is an and independent, co-educational day school for students in differently. our students helps them enjoyand school and thrive developmentally. social/emotionalempowers path by acknowledging the strengths, talents, brilliance of people who learn

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AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine

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Tackling Pain with the Newest Technology, Treatments, and a Mission to Educate Patients “From your toes to your nose, we can help.” “What you don’t know can hurt you,” affirms Dr. Anthony Alfieri of AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine, an expanding pain management practice with offices in Monroe and Hamilton. “Too many people are in pain and unhappy with their quality of life. Yet they are unaware of new possibilities of treatment that can significantly reduce or eliminate severe, chronic pain.” Dr. Alfieri and his colleagues at AllCure’s offices are on a mission to raise public awareness of the causes of pain and the growing range of non-surgical therapies available to treat them. His multidisciplinary approach spans pain management, laser therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture. Within these categories are numerous noninvasive solutions that address every part of the body and are administered by a professional team of medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists. This expert team collaborates to find the most effective treatments to provide long-lasting relief from pain. “By listening carefully to our patients describe their symptoms and medical history, we can

Brothers Anthony Alfieri, DC, left, and Victor Alfieri, DPT. create a treatment program that combines various therapies to optimum effect,” says Dr. Alfieri. “Many patients have endured pain for years, thinking that heavy medication and possible surgery were the only avenues open to them.” But new treatments are emerging. The practice has invested in a new FDA-approved laser machine that has proved effective in treating back and neck pain and plantar fasciitis, conditions that are becoming more common with an aging population, intensive computer use, and rising obesity. With two highly trained acupuncturists on staff, this ancient therapy is now used to treat a vast range of conditions. Acupuncture can alleviate joint and back pain and migraines but has uses for conditions that may not be

actually painful but cause discomfort, impact function and quality of life, and can lead to other problems. These include allergies, anxiety, depression, and diﬃculties in quitting smoking. Pregnant women can get relief from side effects such as morning sickness, swollen ankles, and back pain. Acupuncture also helps treat infertility, menopause, and menstrual cramps. Unfortunately, Medicare and some other insurance plans do not cover acupuncture. “We make every effort to provide affordable acupuncture treatments,” says Dr. Alfieri. A large percentage of the practice includes patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy, usually manifested by stabbing pain and/or numbness in the hands and feet. This has many causes, from diabetes to infection or a traumatic injury. “There is no cure for this, but there are treatments that can significantly reduce pain, including laser treatments,” says Dr. Alfieri. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has shown promise as a pain reliever without the dangers of addiction posed by opioids. AllCure uses a pure form of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil that has proved effective. “We want our patients to know that today, they have options,” Dr. Alfieri asserts. “A total cessation of pain may not be possible, but we can often bring pain levels down to a point where the patient’s mobility and quality of life is vastly improved.” AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. www.allcurespineandsports.com. See ad, page 13.

FIT FOR YOUR FAMILY!

JOINER FEE

A Hamilton Area YMCA membership gives families so much more than access to our facilities. It sets them on a path to good health and helps them enjoy living a full and balanced life. We offer land and water group exercise classes, swim lessons, sports, dance, gymnastics, enrichment, leagues & more! Visit hamiltonymca.org for class descriptions and schedules. Not a member? JOIN TODAY and pay $0 joiner fee*! • Save up to 50% on youth and adult classes like swim, sports and dance • Exercise in our 6,100 foot state-of-the-art Wellness Center • Enjoy a leisurely swim or laps in our 25-yard indoor pool • Work up a sweat in group exercise classes like cycle, yoga and Zumba • Work with a Personal Trainer to achieve your fitness and wellness goals • Play pick-up basketball • Be part of the largest community organization in Hamilton Township • Plus, no contract and Nationwide YMCA membership when you join!

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For a complete list of facility amenities visit: hamiltonymca.org/membership/facility-amenities For more information, please contact Kailin Vena at 609.581.9622 ext. 140 or kvena@hamiltonymca.org. •Ad must be presented at time of in-person registration.

November 2021 | SIX0911

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Hamilton Area YMCA Serving the Community The Hamilton Area YMCA was born of a need to serve children and families in the community and 70 years on, they’re still doing that, and so much more. Led by their history-making Female CEO, Diana Zita, the inclusive organization accomplishes its mission through programs that nurture the potential of young people, improve individual health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back to the community and support our neighbors. Over the last 70 years, the Y has transformed from a small organization providing programming, summer camp and child care at sites including schools and churches to an organization of nearly 12,000 members (prepandemic). The organization has two facilities — the JKR Branch in the center of Hamilton and the Sawmill Branch in the more rural Yardville area of town – and, has expanded and adjusted its program offerings over the last seven decades to ensure that

A fitness class featuring the Insanity program at the Hamilton Area YMCA. they consistently serve the everchanging needs of the community. Some of the programs the Hamilton Area YMCA offers are timeless, the things that our community will always need, such as:

• Child Care • Swim Lessons • Summer Camp • Group Exercise Classes • Wellness Center • Youth Sports In recent years, the Hamilton

Area YMCA has expanded to ensure that they reach every member of the community. This led to the creation of programs that address friends and neighbors with specific health or developmental needs: • Diverse Abilities programming for children and adults • Healthy Living programs for those living with chronic illness These programs demonstrate The Ys commitment to ensuring the impact of their mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is felt throughout all parts of Central New Jersey. As a non-profit organization, the Hamilton Area YMCA relies on the support of the community to do its mission work. The Y enjoys partnerships with a variety of local businesses, corporations and foundations and raises funds through their annual giving campaign and special events held throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about the Hamilton Area YMCA, these programs and so much more, visit the organizations website at hamiltonymca.org See ad, page 11.

609-500-6686 CALL NOW TO LEARN MORE www.sidekickssupport.com PROVIDING PERSONALIZED, CONSISTENT, AND COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES SINCE 2013 Sidekicks provides personalized, consistent, and comprehensive 1:1 support services in the home and in the community for individuals with disabilities and their families.

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Our services include: ABA Therapy (ages 2+), Speech Therapy (2+), Individual Support Services (3-21) and Direct Support Services (21+) Funding for Sidekicks services may be fully or partially covered by one of our contracted insurance providers, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, or the Department of Children and Families.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS? Numbness Pain when you walk Sharp, electrical-like pain Burning or tingling Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort Muscle weakness Sensitivity to touch

YOU MAY HAVE PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY CBD OIL TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! CBD oils have shown successful results treating patients with inflammation, muscle, joint, and nerve related pains. CBD is especially promising due to its lack of intoxicating side effects like other pain medications. The AllCure team will incorporate CBD treatments into your rehabilitation program, maximizing patient results. Please call us today and we will be happy to answer any questions!

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that affects millions of Americans, commonly resulting in pain, tingling, numbness, and other painful symptoms in the hands, legs and feet. This pain changes your life and affects how you work, how you play and how you live.

NEW FDA-CLEARED TREATMENTS PROVIDE HOPE AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is pleased to announce their new program for treating Peripheral Neuropathy, which includes a combination of advanced FDA-cleared treatments with breakthrough technology that aids in healing the damaged nerves. The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. This treatment restores, stabilizes, and rebuilds the nerves in your extremities. Treatment has also been effective in addressing painful symptoms of arthritis, MS, and other forms of chronic pain. Patients generally feel relief physically throughout the treatment period and even feel better emotionally after experiencing a reduction in pain.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE NERVE DAMAGE?

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Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence of damage to your peripheral nerves. There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or neuropathies – some are the result of a disease like diabetes, while others can be triggered by a viral infection. Still others are the result of an injury or compression on the nerves. No matter where the problems begin, it is imperative nerve disorders are resolved as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that their symptoms may be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Symptoms start gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations and sharp, electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small assortment of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help.

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E-Mail or Fax: That’s all it takes to order a classified ad in this section! E-mail it to mdurelli@ communitynews.org or fax it to 609-844-0180. Please include your contact information so that we can reach you for payment. Classifieds are just 60 cents per word, with a $20 minimum per month, and run in all 9 of our community publications throughout Mercer and Burlington Counties. HELP WANTED Looking for a parttime/full time job that provides meaningful work and competitive compensation? Consider a position in a State Farm Agent’s office. Successful State Farm Agent Shilpa Rathi, Bordentown is seeking a

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BURTON continued from Page 1 Burton were longtime friends. With guitarist/singer/songwriter David Gilmour of Pink Floyd as a major influence, Burton says that he may have subconsciously created Croquet with similarities to Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall.” Floyd’s “Animals” (based on George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”), is also an influence. However, Burton says Croquet might be closer to “Tales of Mystery and Imagination,” by the Alan Parsons Project, or Jeff Wayne’s “Musical Version of The War of the Worlds” than “The Wall.” With lush synthesizers, acoustic guitar, flute, and excellent drumming, this listener and prog rock fan heard traces of Rush or early Genesis in the song “Alice in the Garden” from Croquet. “Drink Me” sounds a little like the band Renaissance, or maybe one of the more sedate Yes songs. As a vocalist, Burton’s voice might remind you of the late Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake, and Palmer), or, more likely, Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Burton has given much thought about the exact classification of Croquet. Is it a rock opera, or more like a concept album? “Croquet isn’t a rock opera in the theatrical sense (not yet anyway), but I like the term,” he says. “It especially applies in the way that it was used on the original concept album for Jesus Christ Superstar, the one with Ian Gillan as Jesus. That’s the album that preceded all the stage productions.” “I’ve thought about calling Croquet’an art rock opera, but I don’t want it to sound too pretentious either,” he adds. “I’ve considered (Richard) Wagner’s term, ‘musical drama,’ too. But I’ve stuck with rock opera for the most part.” Burton looks forward to Dream of Maya releasing an eponymous album in the spring of 2022, with a suite of songs from Croquet as well as a handful of other works by himself and Paul Hunnemann. The album will feature numerous special guests, including Albert Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult, and Canadian singersongwriter Lily Frost. In 2020, he collaborated with Bouchard on “Re Imaginos,” (a reworked version of BOC’s 1988 concept album “Imaginos”), contributing a guitar track. And, even more recently, Burton’s guitar can be heard on “Imagi-

nos Volume II: Bombs Over Germany,” currently available digitally, and on CD November 5 (as of this writing). Born in Cartersville, Georgia in 1966, Burton’s first introduction to rock and prog were his neighbor’s records. He particularly remembers hearing the Moody Blues “On the Threshold of a Dream” wafting over from nearby, and soon after, buying his first LP, Elton John’s “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player.” His brother Chuck also greatly influenced Burton’s musical taste. It wasn’t much later when he owned a copy of “The Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd—a rather mature but decisive purchase for a kid. “I coaxed my mom into buying ‘Dark Side’ for me when she thought I had no idea about what I was wanting,” Burton says. “Now my parents are Floyd fans, too.” The family relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, where Burton’s father worked at Blue Bell, the maker of Wrangler jeans, and his mom was a receptionist at a law firm. Burton took both classical and non-classical guitar lessons for about four years. (He himself teaches, in addition to performing and recording.) He attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, graduating with a BA in Art, in 1989. Burton came to New Jersey in 1996, when his wife, Lori, took a job with BMS. The couple has two sons, Michael, a first-year student at Rutgers, and Christopher, who is a junior at Robbinsville High School. The ASCAP-affiliated, multi-talented Burton has played on the same bill as an impressive array of musicians, supporting such names as Tom Brislin (of Kansas, Yes, Camel, and Meatloaf); Blood, 1710 Liberty St. Sweat and Tears; Trisha Yearwood; The Subdudes, and Aquarium Hamilton NJRescue 08629Unit. In addition to Bouchard, he’s directly collaborated609-438-3208 with Spirits Burning and Michael Moorcock, and internationally acclaimed songwriter, Steve Fields. Store hours One of his proudest collaborations Wednesday 11-5 was with Frost, the Canadian chanteuse and composer, whose music Thursday 11-7was featured in television shows “Charmed,” Friday 11-5 “Grey’s Anatomy,” and the 2001 feature film “Crazy/Beautiful.” Saturday 11-5 “I’m a longtime fan of hers, and I wrote to her Sunday after seeing 11-5 on her website that she offers songwriting sessions,”

Burton says. “I asked if she would be willing to do some Zoom songwriting classes, and studied with her for a few months. We co-wrote a song, which is, in fact, coming out next year. She sings on it too; it’s a great privilege to cite her as a mentor and collaborator.” Burton, who has worked for years as a graphic artist at publications in and around Princeton (currently at Witherspoon Media Group/Town Topics), was employed at US1/Community News Service, when he realized the Arts Center was on the way to and from work. “Volunteering at the Arts Center came about because I had a day off during the week at the time,” he says. “The arts have always meant a lot to me, and the West Windsor Arts Center was between work and home.” The writing of Croquet was completed before the pandemic, Burton says, adding that the shutdown was an especially productive period for him musically. It was also around this time when Burton got the idea to perform Croquet live at

the Arts Center, and make it a benefit. “I initially emailed (director of operations) Kay Kalawar at the Arts Center, but was later contacted by (executive director) Aylin Green via email, and both were enthusiastic about my idea,” he says. Burton says that Croquet wasn’t written to be a commercial venture. “I’ve never written for the purpose of making money, and I never will,” he says. “I’ve been a semi-professional musician off and on, but I’ve never approached music as a profe ssion – it’s a passion. Music is a reward in and of itself. So, performing Croquet to benefit the arts is the perfect way to premiere it.” “Croquet,” music and lyrics by Vaughan Burton, performed by Dream of Maya, at the West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, Saturday, November 6, 7 p.m. $20 to $25. Open to the public. Proceeds benefit West Windsor Arts. 609-716-1931. westwindsorarts.org. Vaughan Burton on the Web at soundcloud.com/vaughan-burton.

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Thrifting: a pandemic-induced trend that’s here to stay By Thomas Kelly

There is a culture — not a subculture, but a full-blown culture — of people who shop for and buy gently used items. There are reasons that gently used items are in demand — most notably, affordability and style. There are many options in this area for what is known as secondhand items. There are brick and mortar stores, flea markets and even online ways to buy previously loved items. Thrifting can be an economical way for people to add to their wardrobe. But there are other reasons that people thrift besides saving money. At its heart, thrifting equals shopping. So, if someone asks if you would you like to go thrifting, you may be headed for an adventure. Thrifting became a necessity for many people during the pandemic, especially for those who lost their jobs temporarily or permanently because of the pandemic’s effect on the economy. But the popularity of resale shopping hasn’t died down at all in the year and a half since. In fact, thrifting is as popular as ever. According to a study commissioned by the online resale platform ThredUp, the U.S. secondhand apparel market is valued at $36 billion today, and is forecast to reach $77 billion in five years. One in five Americans will shop at a thrift store during a given year, about

the same number who will shop at a major department store. Thrifters look for clothing, antiques, housewares, art, seasonal items and even furniture. Many resale stores look very similar to retail stores today, and many thrift shoppers go without any specific agenda or shopping list. They may thrift regularly with no intention of specific items in mind. These are a few of the thrift stores in the area, including Capital Thrift and Plato’s Closet in Lawrence. For a more complete list of stores, see box on page 8. Traditionally a lower cost option for clothing, both vintage and current, thrift shops are an easier and more organized way to shop secondhand than browsing yard sales or flea markets. Consumers look for unique, funky, seasonal, school clothes and outerwear. For some, thrifting is a necessity due to economics. For others, it is a fun way to hunt down the out of the ordinary. Beth Jarvie is a proud thrifter from Hamilton. Growing up in the 80’s, she watched her older brother wear “cool” clothes that he got from thrift stores,

and followed suit. “My brother would wear work uniforms, with someone else’s name on them. He would wear bowling shirts, Boy Scout shirts, and gas station shirts that said: Ed, Tony or George on them. He thought that was really cool. So did I,” she says. The gist of thrifting is at least two-fold, Jarvie says. It’s an economical way to shop, and also a way to be able to dress outside of the normal fashions. “I still thrift, but surely have been in a position where I needed to. Having a young family where the kids are constantly outgrow their clothes, thrift stores are a blessing,” she says. “There is also now the awareness of conservation of resources, keeping your environmental footprint small and upcycling of durable goods.” Jarvie says. According to the study commissioned by ThredUp, sustainability in clothing matters to consumers more than it ever has, with one in three consumers caring more about wearing sustainable apparel than before the pandemic. Younger shoppers are far more con-

Thrifters look for clothing, antiques, housewares, art, seasonal items and even furniture.

cerned with the environmental impact of clothing than their grandparents. “There are young people who are environmentally aware, and wish to have clothing that are either vintage or outside the mainstream department store look. There are also people who need to thrift. They may not have the choice due to financial constraints, to shop at retail stores. I am aware and respectful of all the fellow customers in the thrift stores. Most thrift store patrons are not judgmental. They are aware that not all shop thrift by choice,” Jarvie says. Jarvie, who works in Princeton, shops in thrift stores in Hamilton, Princeton and Ewing. She also thrifts while traveling. “You will see different styles of clothing when in different areas,” she says. “I just got an incredible dress to wear for a recent wedding. It is my style, looks vintage, fits like a glove and was only $24. It’s a great way to shop for something you may only wear once,” she says. When asked their average amount spent per visit, many thrifters say less than $30 or sometimes nothing at all, if there is no merchandise found to their liking. Thrifters I queried about their frequency of visits answered between once a week to once a month. The general consensus is that inventory moves fast, so don’t hesitate or you may lose

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out. While thrift stores are very busy on weekends when many families shop together, weekdays still have traffic that may make retail stores envious. Thrift stores offer senior citizen discounts, sale days and holiday specials just as retail stores do. While a few are cash only, most accept credit and debit cards. Usually thrift store purchases are not returnable, so do make sure your items will fit you. One of the thrift store facets that some may not be aware of is the charitable aspect. Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit that has a mission to provide job training, career services and education for people in need of employment. They have locations in all 50 states and a dozen foreign countries. Other thrifts stores are affiliated with charities that are supportive of religious groups, schools or specific communities. Still others are For Profit organizations. All provide jobs in the

community and offer goods to the public at a fraction of the retail prices. “There are definitely more customers shopping in thrift stores since the pandemic. The sales have skyrocketed! They have nearly doubled.” says an assistant manager at Goodwill in Bordentown, who asked to be identified only as Amanda G. “There is a shift in stigma these day about thrift stores. There are also an addition to customers who cannot afford retail to trendy buyers shopping for better quality used merchandise and fashionable looks.” She said the store sees many late teens and early twentysomethings looking for vintage and different looks that they cannot find in retail stores. “We get young women buying men’s clothes, oversize clothes, vintage sweatshirts and bell bottoms,” she says. She adds that she noticed that many people used the pandemic as a reason to clean out their closets — Goodwill See THRIFT, Page 14

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THRIFT continued from Page 13 has sen a huge increase in donations over the past few years. Megan Drago is a longtime thrift patron who is one to shop with no expectations. She says she “lets the goods find me.” “If you see something you like, buy it! It will not be there when you come back,” she says. She estimates that inventory turns over every three weeks. While she shops many thrift stores in the area, Capital Thrift in Lawrence is a

current favorite. “It is new, organized, has good prices and is not crowded as some other thrift store are,” Drago says. Drago acknowledges that thrifting is sometimes under the radar to certain parts of the population. She sees people shopping thrift stores with specific needs in mind. “I see seamstresses buying clothes to use the fabrics to make other clothes. I see people shopping for vintage clothes to reuse buttons, zippers or epaulets. Halloween is always a more crowded

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time at thrift stores as people gather materials for costumes and parties,” she says. “There are many virtually new items offered at thrift stores. Kids clothes that were grown out of before worn, impulse buys, clothes where people gained or lost weight, gifts, and clothes for special events never attended, can sometimes end up in the thrift stores with the tags still intact.” Besides Halloween, school plays and holiday times, sports gear is always popular too. “Why pay a premium price for a jersey to wear to a Super Bowl party, when you may be able to buy one gently used?” Drago says. “Also, buy off season while thrifting. That is when the selection is good and prices are even better.” New to thrifting is Shreya Vemula, a high school senior from West Windsor. She has only been to thrift stores a few times, since being encouraged to join friends on a thrift outing. “It’s very trendy and popular right now with my friends. Everyone is looking for something different. My favorite find was a T-shirt depicting the musical Wicked,” she says. “My second best was a corduroy jacket for the cooler weather.” Thrifting is worthwhile, Vemula says. “There are fun clothes, at good prices and at the same time we are being ecofriendly and contesting overconsumption. It’s a win-win!” There are also online options for thrifting. Antonis Lliano who is a teacher in Hamilton by day, operates Thrftedan-

dgfted, an online thrift store via eBay and Instagram. His online offerings lean heavily toward sports, music, movie and pop culture items. The part-time endeavor sprung from his love of sports growing up in the area and his own collecting of sneakers and jerseys. Lliano, 25, can appreciate finding a special jersey or pair of shoes that may be vintage or in short supply. “Look good, feel good, do good” is his motto. “Our customers are 18-30 year olds, who of course begun mostly as my friends and family,” Lliano says. “Now we ship all over the country.” Strong sellers are always sports jerseys and shoes. Nike is the gold standard, he says, followed by other wellknown brands such as L.L. Bean and Adidas. Local sports items go quickly, Eagles, Giants and New York Knicks are all very popular, he says. The typical sale is $25 to $35. Thrifting and buying used clothes and furnishings was not invented by millennials or Gen Z. Popularized by young people in the 1960s, it was always the first option for some, and a cyclical choice for others as tough economic times have come and gone. But now, as malls struggle to attract customers, thrift stores have overflowing parking lots. “Thrifting is a cost-effective way to look good and feel good,” Lliano says. “When quarantine kept people indoors, they did a lot of online browsing and shopping. Sales really blossomed.”

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November 2021 | Robbinsville Advance15

sports Alyssa Palagano sparks RHS field hockey By Rich Fisher

It all started innocently enough. The Robbinsville High field hockey team was taking part in a “Play Day” at Hightstown, which is a series of preseason mini-scrimmages against various teams. The Ravens were playing Lawrence and, even though the game didn’t count, coach Jennamarie Colicchia was not happy with the lethargy her team was showing. Thus, she inserted sophomore Alyssa Palagano, and the rest is history. “She just was a spark off the bench,” Colicchia said. “Sometimes when you put a kid in for the first time they

freeze up. She did the exact opposite. She played with that rookie mentality where she was gonna give all that she had and from then on she was on the field. I knew she had something special just from that.” Palagano, however, did not feel special upon entering the game. “I was incredibly nervous,” she said. “We were not playing at our greatest potential. Colicchia decided to just throw in a hopeless little sophomore and I guess I used my nervous energy to my advantage. I guess I played decently well.” So well, in fact, that after the game the coach lectured her team and pointed to the 10th-grader, saying

“Look at the impact she had coming off our bench.” Needless to say, Palagano wanted to dig a hole to hide from the glares of potentially angry upperclassmen. “Pretty much,” she said with a laugh. “I was kind of hidden, but it did make me feel good about what she said. And I got a text from one of the seniors saying she was proud of me, and that made me feel appreciated.” Colicchia’s appreciation goes well beyond what Palagano does statistically. In last year’s abbreviated season, the forward scored a team-high seven goals. This year, the senior has just two. But stats were never the measure of her value, which was apparent in

her first season. “During the year she was that one player that always picked up everybody else,” the coach said. “She got Teammate of the Year at our banquet, which sounds so silly but it’s one of my favorite awards to give out. It’s that player on the team that goes out of their way to make everyone feel so important. “You don’t realize how much of an impact that makes on an individual’s game play until someone is consistently doing it in practice. She’s always everyone’s hype girl. To have someone who is everyone’s biggest fan is big. As a senior, she has set that tone where people respect her. She com-

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mands the field and everyone just one day I just tried out for the middle looks up to her. To have a leader like school team in sixth grade,” Palagano that where I can just give her direction recalled. “I made the team, but I had and she can go and get it done, is very no clue what I was doing. Absolutely important for our team.” no clue. They took four sixth-graders Palagano’s mindset should not be and it was just luck I was one of them.” surprising to those familiar with her While Palagano slowly learned family background. about the game at Pond Road, it wasn’t Her mother, the former Kristen until her season on the Ravens freshBell, was one of the top tennis play- man team that she fully began to grasp ers in Mercer County during her high what was important. school days and, at one point, held the “She progressed so quickly,” ColicSteinert record for most singles victo- chia said. “She was so willing to learn, ries. She also played first singles and ask questions. She was very vocal. first doubles at West Chester Univer- The kids who are the most vocal are sity. Her dad, Tony, was a soccer and the ones who I know are getting it and baseball standout at Hopewell Valley paying attention. Whenever I hear High and swings a pretty mean golf people giving input, asking questions, club. . I know that’s a kid I should be zoning But the biggest legacy in on.” of all was her grandfaPalagano has not disther, Jack Bell, who is still appointed. Despite the one of the most recognizfact her goal output has able names in Mercer dropped this year, her County sports history. contributions were still Bell is in every athkey to a Ravens team letic hall of fame imaginthat was 7-4 entering able. He was a star socits regular-season finale cer/basketball player with Princeton (folat both Hamilton West lowed by a state game and Trenton State Colwith Northern Highlege (now The College lands Oct. 27). of New Jersey), played She has played with semi-pro basketball for pain for most of the the Hamilton Pat Pavers season after suffering a Palagano and coached the boys slight left ankle injury soccer teams at all three against Nottingham in Hamilton Township high schools. He September. It’s one of those nagging guided West to a state crown and took sprains that never quite goes away, Nottingham to the first sectional title but Palagano keeps it taped and mudin any sport in that school’s history. dles through. “He’s one of the big influences on “It’s taken a little bit of a toll on me,” my life,” Palagano said. “Everywhere she said. “I’m just happy it’s not keepI go it’s like ‘Oh, you’re Jack Bell’s ing me out.” granddaughter!’ No matter what state She is also happy with the way her I’m in. It’s unbelievable. season is going, despite her decline in “He’s at every single game. He goals. doesn’t know anything about field “I would like more, but I’m not a stat hockey, but he’s a little better now. He kind of girl,” Palagano said. “It doesn’t wants me to call him, win or lose. He bother me, I don’t need it if we win. I wants to hear all about it.” count a team victory as my victory.” Much like Jack, Kristen and Tony Not to mention, she is still an intearen’t keen on the nuances of field gral part of those team victories. hockey. But they attend every game “”She distributes very well,” Colicand provide support in different ways. chia said. “She’s always on our post. Palagano chuckles at what she hears, She’s very scrappy. She’s very good but truly appreciates it. on corners. And just her overall game “My mom is my best friend,” Pala- play. I feel her dribbling has gotten a gano said. “She doesn’t know much lot better. We don’t really have one big about field hockey, so it doesn’t matter person scoring. But her presence is how I play, she always has something definitely felt. She’s in the right spot at positive to say. Even if I play the worst the right time, she’s making the right game of my life she’ll say “You made passes. Her game smarts are there.” a good pass. I heard you say good So is her leadership. things.’ It doesn’t matter what it is. “She’s so coachable,” Colicchia conShe’s just the biggest supporter of me. tinued. “The way she leads and the “My dad is a little frustrating; way she fosters relationships with because he thinks it’s soccer and teammates is a big reason why our there’s the same rules in soccer. He team is successful, and I’m not just likes to be the coach, but he doesn’t talking about on the scoreboard.” necessarily always know what he’s This will be Palagano’s final year talking about. I know it’s from the playing field hockey, unless she plays goodness of his heart to try to help me intramural or club hockey in college. out a little bit. But he tells me things She plans on pursuing a career in that are illegal. I’m like ‘Dad you can’t occupational therapy. do that.’” But as for now. . . Ironically, Palagano was the same “I’m just basking in my last month way when she started in field hockey. in high school in my small little town,” Her interest was sparked by a cousin Palagano said. “We’re having fun, and who played for Princeton Day School. I love this team.” “She gave me her old stick and Apparently, that love is mutual.

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November 2021 | Robbinsville Advance17

capture the courage and compassion of health workers here and across America. To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund,

The challenge of treating long COVID visit rwjbh.org/heroes

And please, for them, stay home and safe.

there’s something they can do about them. What can they expect in terms of recovery? Everyone is individual, and what to expect is in very hard to pinpoint. We See our ads had one patient with COVID-19 hospiSIX09 section talized here pgs 5 and 7 for more than 70 days, so their weakness level was extreme. OthAlmost two years after COVID-19 ers who haven’t been hospitalized have emerged, there’s still much that isn’t fewer obstacles to recovery. Many long RWJ-104 Heroes Workabout Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 4/17/20 1:21 PM COVID patients continue having breathfully understood the coronavirus. But it’s become clear that about 1 in 10 ing difficulties, but rehab also touches infected people will go on to experience on aspects of recovery such as nutrition, lingering health problems 12 or more sleep and stress. How can rehabilitation help? weeks after first becoming ill. The goal with medical management of This phenomenon, dubbed “long COVID,” can involve a combination of COVID is to optimize function and qualsymptoms such as shortness of breath, ity of life. That’s what we do in rehab— cough, tiredness, headache, brain fog it’s truly our sole purpose. Depending on and chest, joint or muscle pain, among each patient’s situation, we work on walking, balance, strength others, according to the and endurance. We also U.S. Centers for Disease teach them breathing Control and Prevention. exercises. We meet them “Long COVID doesn’t where they are and work have one classic presentatoward their individual tion—everyone is unique,” goals. says Pamela Randolph, Why is it imporPT, DPT, MBA, FACHE, tant for long COVID Director of Rehabilitation patients to follow up Services at Robert Wood with their doctors? Johnson University HospiIt takes a whole team to tal Hamilton. “We modify get people back to where treatment plans to make they need to be. Our physthem specific to each ical therapists work with patient.” physicians here to figure Dr. Randolph explains Randolph out what else patients more about long COVID may need, whether that’s and how rehabilitation can help move patients toward a full recovery. more rehab, a sleep workup or nutriWhat are the most common chal- tionists to help them get their appetite lenges people with long COVID face? back. Rehab is only one cog in the whole These patients can’t navigate life with- wheel. People who aren’t able to do what out feeling exhausted. We’re trying to get they expect after having COVID should them back to baseline and then back to reach out to their physicians so we as a doing the physical things they used to team can see what their needs are. To learn more about rehabilitation do. Some do fine in their home but can’t exercise like they used to. But a lot of at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospeople with long COVID don’t under- pital Hamilton, call 87.REHAB.RWJ stand their symptoms or even know (877.342.2795) or visit rwjrehab.com.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

Ask The Doctor

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

Thursday, November 4

Kids in the Kitchen - A New Twist on Nachos! 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cook up some fun, and sample healthy foods in new ways! For children ages five and older with parent/caregiver. $5 per child/ $5 per parent/caregiver. Register early; limited class size. Crystals for Emotional Wellbeing. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Crystals are a gift from Mother Earth and hold sacred healing properties. We will look at crystals that offer soothing energy to help us regain our emotional balance and support our positive wellbeing. Donna Sweeney, IET Master Teacher, Reiki Master $15 . Discussions with Sara I. Ali, MD, Geriatric & Internal Medicine: Staying Healthy – Vaccines to Consider & COVID Update. 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. Ali discusses available vaccines, vaccines specifically for those 65+ and how they work. She will provide an update on the flu season, COVID and how best to stay healthy.

Saturday, November 6

National Nachos Day is November 6. Kick off the celebration with a clever twist on this fiesta favorite!

Thursday, November 11

Discussions with Sara I. Ali, MD, Geriatric & Internal Medicine: My Aching Joints! Diagnosing and Treating Arthritis. 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. Ali discusses different types of arthritis and the treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Friday, November 12

Culinary Creations: Kitchen Clean-out! 10 to 11 a.m. Get up to date on current nutrition and health issues, and sample tasty new recipes! $5 per participant. Space is limited- register at least 48 hours prior to event. Did you know that National Clean Our Your Fridge Day is upon us? Learn the best way to accomplish the task, along with simple recipes using pantry, fridge and freezer staples (that aren’t outdated of course!).

Tuesday, November 16

Common Spine Cases and Treatments: A Round Table Discussion of Experts. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join Marc J. Levine, MD, Director of Spine Surgery Program as he presents and moderates an interactive panel review of ‘real’ spine surgery cases and asks the specialists in radiology, pain management, neurology and rehab the ageold question “What would you do?” Panelists include: Eric Bosworth, MD (Radiologist); Stephen Roman, MD (Pain Management); Scott Weaner, DO (Neurologist); and Pamela Randolph, PT, DPT, MBA (Physical Therapist). A Matter of Balance. Also Nov. 18, 23, 30, Dec. 2, 7, 9 and 14. 10 a.m. to Noon. This 8 session, evidence-based program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels. Goals are set to make small changes to reduce fall risk, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Medicare Update 2022. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn about changes to your Medicare Benefits and Drug Plan from Mary McGeary, Director of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program ( SHIP). Open enrollment is through Dec. 7.

Thursday, November 18

Keeping Calm Through the Holidays. 7 to 8 p.m. We all love the holidays, even when family gatherings can produce stress and anxiety. Learn how to let go and prioritize your wellbeing with Transformational Life Coach Kathi Szabo.

Tuesday, November 30

Vertigo, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. 10 to 11 a.m. Discuss vertigo with RWJUH Hamilton audiologist Lorraine Sgarlato, AuD.

Thursday, December 2

Legal, Financial and Ethical Care Planning for Caregivers. 5 to 7:30 p.m. For those caring for seniors with long-term illnesses, this powerful conference will address the various legal and medical instructions, the role of a financial advisor and ethical issues surrounding decision making for care. Robyn Kohn, MA, CDP and Ryann M. Siclari, Esq. Refreshments provided. Presented by Oaks Integrated Care-Senior Well-Being Program, which is funded under Title III of the older Americans Act of 1965 as amended through a grant by Mercer County ADRC.

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November 2021 | Robbinsville Advance19

“give it your all”

smires & associates would like to welcome our new agent

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Joan Martinez Sales Associate Cell: 609-731-1541 Email: JoanMartinez1@verizon.net HAMILTON

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Theresa Pica, SA

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Cell: 609-903-0899

Stunning Colonial in the desirable Washington Greene Community. Home offers 4 Beds, 3.5 baths. Features Master suite, L/R, D/R, Kitchen & full finished walk out basement w/full bath. Prime location & excellent school system. Welcome Home!

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William “Bill” Perilli, SA Cell: 609-635-7370

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$349,900

Cell: 609-638-2904

Property is approximately 4 acres. This property is located in the receiving area of TDR’s with the potential of allowing 16 single family units offering public sewer and water. Please contact the listing agent for further details.

Frank Mancino

Regional Vice President | Mortgage Advisor

Frank Mancino NMLS-133472

Regional President | Mortgage Advisor o: (609)Vice 689-8436 NMLS-133472 fmancino@financeofamerica.com o: (609) 689-8436 FOAmortgage.com/fmancino

fmancino@financeofamerica.com FOAmortgage.com/fmancino FOAmortgage.com/fmancino

Quakerbridge Road NJ 08619 ©20203685 Finance of America Mortgage LLC|isHamilton, licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044FOAmortgage.com/fmancino | (800) 355-5626 | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15499 | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company ©2020 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044 | (800) 355-5626 AZ Mortgage Banker | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender | Massachusetts Lender/Broker License| MC1071. License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15499 | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company For licensing information go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender | Massachusetts Lender/Broker License MC1071. For licensing information go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

20  Robbinsville Advance | November 2021