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Turker fights back from injury to score for RHS boys’ soccer

BY RICH FISHER

First there was COVID. Then there was a hip issue. Next came an ankle injury.

None of that, however, could stop Bora Turker from scoring goals for the Robbinsville High boys’ soccer team. As a freshman, Turker tallied a team-high seven times—four of them game-winners—in a season limited to 12 games by the virus.

Last year, despite a hip issue that held him out at the start of the year, Bora scored 13 goals in 13 games to again lead the team.

This past summer, he suffered a hairline fracture to his right ankle while playing a pick-up game with friends. Turker missed the season’s first 10 games. Upon his return, he scored eight goals in his first seven games and, as of Oct. 22, was tied with Adrian Ivanov for the team lead.

“He just brings another dynamic to our team on offense and confidence to the whole team knowing we have him up there,” Ravens coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s so talented, you could literally play a 50-yard ball into his feet and he’s gonna hold it for us and keep possession. He’s really intelligent with his runs and movements to find space for us to attack from. He’s just like the link.

See TURKER, Page 13

Fried reports on the state of Robbinsville

EDITED BY BILL SANSERVINO

Mayor David Fried delivered his annual State of Robbinsville Township speech via video on Oct. 4.

This year, the Pay it Forward component, which has been part of Fried’s annual address in recent years, was pushed back to May 2023 due to logistics and time constraints regarding this year’s possible beneficiary candidates.

“There were just too many hurdles to overcome in 2022. Our plan is to hold that event, hopefully bigger and better than ever, in May of 2023,” Fried said. “This is an event we look forward to each and every year. We don’t do anything unless we have all possible resources at our disposal to provide the best possible experience for our beneficiary(s), all of our generous sponsors and the community.”

Donations for Robbinsville families in need are being accepted via PayPal through our SOTT fiscal sponsor, the C.A.R.E. program. Those updated links, as well as a formal release date for Mayor Fried’s video, will be provided soon.

Previous “Pay it Forward” recipients include the Shepherd Family, Quilts for Comfort, Deborah Dauer, the C.A.R.E. Program, Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, “We Love Our R’ville Neigh-

bors” campaign and Kelly Breden.

Since 2015, those efforts have raised over $400,000.

In his speech, Fried thanks his township employees and leaders in administration, the township budget, his achievements, and the open space tax question on the ballot.

The text of his address, which has been lightly edited, appears below.

* * *

I want to begin by thanking our incredible team here in Robbinsville for helping us get through the past few years and for all they do day in and day out. I say it all the time without hesitation, they are the best in the business. I can send them off to fix any broken town in the state and that town would run flawlessly.

Our public works department, led by Chris Rupp is second to none. From maintaining our sewers, to house calls when something needs extra care, it takes heart, and he’s got plenty of it.

Kevin Holt led recreation to a booming 2022, with a tremendous year. Residents asked for, and the town responded with brand-new pickleball courts, four new beach volleyball courts, an inclusive playground and the largest community day in our history after being shut down for two years due to the pandemic.

See FRIED, Page 10

Academy Dental

Ravens’ boys’ soccer player Bora Turker was tied with Adrian Ivanov for the team lead in scoring as of Oct. 22, 2022. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

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Community Forum

Fox is a threat to Robbinsville’s public schools

Editor’s note: Robbinsville School Board member Kerri Fox, who is running for reelection, was given an opportunity to respond to the below letter, since this is the last issue before the Nov. 8 election. She did not submit anything to the Advance by press time. The statements attributed to Fox by the letter writer have been verified by the Advance.

There are seven candidates running for three open three-year seats on the school board. In addition to Fox, candidates include incumbents Christopher Emigholz, and Lauren Paluzzi. The four other candidates running are Raghu Nandan, Peter Oehlberg, Jeffrey Pierro and Allison Prabhakar.

* * *

On July 26th, the Robbinsville Board of Education selected Kerri Fox to fill a vacancy over several other candidates. Two members seeking reelection, Lauren Paluzzi and Chris Emigholz, abstained but participated in deliberations, and the rest of the board voted to appoint Fox unanimously.

Kerri Fox is running for a full term this November on a slate with Lauren Paluzzi and Allison Prabhakar.

Their slate was given control of an already established Facebook page used by previous board candidates which still lists Vito Gallucio, current board president, as its owner.

Board member Scott Veisz is the slate’s campaign treasurer, councilman Ron Witt hosted a fundraiser for them, and mayor Dave Fried has contributed $1,500 to their campaign.

Fox has made several public statements that are vehemently against public education, as well as statements that are downright offensive and do not represent the values of the Robbinsville community:

“How anyone still believes in public schools and government involvement in education at this point is beyond my comprehension.”

“I’m saying eliminate the districts and all the stigmas along with them... I’m saying privatize the whole thing.”

“I’m all for privatization of education. I

don’t feel a public education system ever should’ve existed.”

“They’ve tried to improve public schools several times by dumping more money into them to no avail…The worst private schools are better than the best public schools and they do it for less... To dump more taxpayer money into public schools is counterproductive and irresponsible.”

“I just think the private sector is the one to get the job done, not the government…saying schools need more money and it will be better is ridiculous. Private schools do it better for less.”

“...the public school experiment has run its course. It just burns money unjustifiably. It’s time to take the government out of education... let those who educate children better for half the price take over.”

“It’s time to cut [the state] off and reboot this all to factory settings. They can have public safety, parks upkeep, and waste management. End of list.”

“I think we need to get to school

funding following the child as step one, then move to education being completely privatized and dismantling DOEs and other government education entities.”

“Create a space where parents can outsource their kids home schooling, it feels like a school socially, but not have it termed a school on the business declaration and licenses so it’s shielded from any state guidelines. That’s the dream.”

Clearly, Fox feels it is time to give up on public schools, stating that “they had their chance, they failed epically, and they wasted way too much money in the process.”

She also referred to public education as a “ponzi scheme” on numerous occasions and called reducing teacher pensions “a great idea.”

Fox has suggested her statements calling for the destruction of public education were simply due to frustration with COVID related school closures.

However, her language is unambiguous in its scope and

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permanency. Additionally, she has told us that this isn’t really the case:

“This is what I keep saying. COVID didn’t create the problems in public schools, it shines a spotlight on them. Time to move on from this ponzi scheme, usher in school choice as step one, and move towards complete privatization because that’s the only way things get done right.”

“I keep saying this... COVID didn’t create the issues in public schools. They’ve been there for decades. COVID crazy just forced us to really see them.”

Kerri Fox also said wearing a mask was like being told to just “get in the box car” and referred to parents who value AP classes as “tools.”

These statements have been circulating in the Robbinsville community for months, and Kerri Fox hasn’t backed away from any of them.

Other board members, local elected officials, Allison Prabhakar and Lauren Paluzzi have engaged in social media posts where these statements are mentioned and are undoubtedly aware of them.

Not a single board member has said that they regret appointing Kerri Fox. No board members, local elected officials, nor Fox’s running mates have condemned her comments. Given their silence or outright support of Fox, it can only be assumed that they agree with her views.

Paluzzi, Fox, and Prabhakar are a threat to Robbinsville’s great public schools and do not represent the values of our community. On Nov. 8, vote for candidates who value public education and will make sure our schools continue to thrive.

Greg DeLuca Robbinsville

Superintendent: A back to school message

Editor’s note: The following is a letter send by Brian Betze, Robbinsville superintendent of schools, to educators in the school district. The school district requested that it be published in the Robbinsville Advance.

* * *

For educators, September is a time of rebirth. It is our renewal, a time to start over. Unlike other professions, this happens every September. It’s something that I find very invigorating and look forward to.

Yet something troubling is happening

in our schools, both locally and nationally.

After two years of upheaval because of COVID, masking, vaccinations, diverse political beliefs, personal loss, and the trauma these and other challenges bring, we are all feeling the stress.

Having the energy to invest in our craft of “going above and beyond” is a daily test.

So how do we move forward?

We need to go back to basics and embrace the core functions of our jobs in ways that may have felt impossible lately. We cannot focus on distractions that don’t help us educate children.

We need to get through all the static and clutter. We cannot lose the passion of our mission as professional educators, the noble practice of educating future generations.

September is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and accomplishments of the past, and on the hope, excitement, and responsibility of the future.

Together, we need to be intentional. Every interaction within our schools matters because every interaction could be the one that our students remember forever.

And we must never forget our core mission: Keeping students physically and emotionally safe, while ensuring they all feel important and welcomed.

As educators, we have an ethical responsibility—today more than ever before—to ensure our students, the future generations of our world, understand acceptance and let go of labels. We need to nurture a community where our students accept all people for their differences and better understand our similarities.

And if we are successful, then they will all be prepared to learn every day.

Please remember why you became a teacher, why you sacrifice for your students and why you have so much passion for what you do every day.

I encourage all educators to remember your personal “why” and hold tightly to those reasons. The challenges of COVID will soon be a memory. I’m eager to focus on the profession we love and making a difference in the lives of our students in the 2022-23 year.

I look forward to this very exciting year ahead and I’m very proud of each and every one of you.

Brian Betze

Betze is the superintendent of Robbins ville Public Schools.

‘We cannot focus on distractions that don’t help us educate children.’

Peace of Mind.

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Our finance department and CFO Debbie Bauer continue to set a high bar throughout the state when it comes to paperless purchasing, earning the town ship a league of municipalities award. A very difficult budget year in 2022 didn’t stop us from earning high ratings from both Standard & Poor’s and Best Practices.

Our affordable housing office, headed by Gail Pfister, has been a model of con sistency in the face of increased regula tions, quotas and market pressures.

In every department in every office, from Beth’s (Senior Center manager Beth Rinyu) notable changes to our senior center, to the highest safety and construction standards led by Roger Fort, and Paul Renauld bringing in many leads for community development with a renewed focus on Town Center South, we work with our constituents to provide the best possible service in our tax and clerk’s offices.

As a town, they have set out to serve and serve, and serve they have. The pro fessionalism and work ethic of our police dispatch and fire departments helped me to sleep better, and our residents should as well, knowing their town is in such great hands.

With an uptick in community activities, you have seen our police and fire depart ments at a host of events or simply hand ing out ice cream coupons to our kids wearing bicycle helmets.

Our municipal court continues to out perform just about every other munici pality in the county by raising the bar when it comes to case flow, despite run ning two courts. And what can I say about my business administration team and business administrator Joy Tozzi that hasn’t already been said.

A special focus on Miry Run, where Joy has spent countless hours thought fully researching and planning. She has spent a great deal of time with her team applying and obtaining grants as well as heading the MEL (Municipal Excess Lia bility Joint Insurance Fund) as its chair.

I may get a lot of credit but these are the people that do the heavy lifting day in and day out. The ones that make sure our community remains one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in all of New Jersey. It takes hard work, per severance and heart to get it right. Their dedication is what gets it done.

I want to thank my wife, Kitt, for her love and support. More now than ever, with both kids away at college, that sup port is what allows me to accomplish what needs to be done as mayor. As our family life changes, my dedication to this town does not.

Thanks to the Robbinsville School District and the board of education for their partnership. It’s not easy to work together as two separate forms of gov ernment. There are many things to take into consideration. Having ideas and the courage to discuss solutions is what makes us special even when those con versations are difficult.

We will continue working together to find ways to make the learning experi ence better for all of our students, teach ers, parents and community members.

What makes politics in Robbinsville different is we have a relationship with our residents. I like to think we’ve built two decades of trust, and they allow us to take chances other towns may be unwill ing to take. Our Town Council President Mike Cipriano, Vice President Debbie Blakeley, Chris Ciaccio, Ron Witt and Mike Todd are a huge part of that confi dence and trust.

This

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government to continue to make decisions that are best for the entire

want

I know I speak for council and my staff when I say we all appreciate the feedback and support. We take it all into consider ation and we act because of it. Although it sometimes gets lost amongst all the madness and divisiveness on some social media forums, I am very proud of our community for the continued random acts of kindness.

Remember this is your government, your community. Your schools. Make your voices heard. Attend our township council and other public meetings. Keep writing to us, it really does help. It helps formulate our thoughts, and I cannot tell you how many letters we received from residents who come up with things I’ve never thought of.

I want you to know you are being heard. We try to respond on social media as much as we can, but it’s tough to answer complicated questions in tiny snippets. Context often gets lost and things have a way of spiraling out of con trol. Keep in mind, the best way to reach us is to email administration.

Even though we had to push back this

year’s Pay It Forward, we are still col lecting for the We Love Our Robbins ville Neighbors Campaign, and our fiscal sponsor, The CARE program.

Thank you to all of our generous spon sors and contributors. Since the start of this initiative, to think that we are approaching half a million dollars raised for our friends, neighbors and organiza tions in need since 2015, is something I could have never imagined. Thank you.

It’s been a busy few years and a diffi cult budget year. You will probably have never noticed the many blows we’ve had to absorb because our services remain second to none in Mercer County. Our department heads made incredible sacri fices to position both this year’s budget and future budgets for success.

An item I do hope impacts our 2023 budget is our open apace fund. Rob binsville has the most aggressive open space program in all of Mercer County with thousands of acres preserve since I took office. It’s the only area where I’m proud to say we have the highest tax in the county.

That’s because we have preserved more acres than any other town, and we want to continue to do that because we have proven to be excellent stewards of those funds. We understand at the end of

FRIED, Page 12

FRIED continued from Page 11 the day, that once properties such as the Thompson tract and the Lavender Farm are developed, they’re gone forever.

As we did in 2016, we are humbly ask ing residents to support another small increase in the open space tax on the November 8th ballot, Miry Run ended up costing significantly more than we had hoped. We want to make sure we have enough to fund and preserve some of the last substantial parcels in town.

Every house we don’t build typi cally saves each taxpayer an average of $36,000 per year. Every acre we preserve over the long haul saves us money. It also creates more green space, wildlife and a host of other benefits.

We don’t use preservation willy-nilly. When we preserve something, we think long and hard about it. We have acquired all of our parks through open space. It’s

how we buy it. It’s how we preserve it, and it’s how we maintain it.

Miry Run is a great example. Yes, sometimes progress is slow, but mark my words, those 158 acres will be the crown jewel of Robbinsville’s Open Space Program once our collective visions for that property are realized.

We are trying really hard to maintain farmland. It is part of our tradition. It is part of our heritage, and anyone that’s been to the grocery store recently knows why we need to keep and maintain our working farms in the township.

Speaking of farms, I want to give another quick shout-out to Hope Neis and the rec department for an outstand ing farmers market season. Hope has continued her amazing work growing greens at our hydroponic farm for our seniors and local food banks to enjoy.

Financially, Robbinsville is very well

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positioned with near-record home val ues, and a per capita income of a 176% above the national average. We have a thriving warehouse park with 12 million square feet of lease space.

Perhaps the final line of the Standard & Poor’s rating community call sum mary really says it all. Strong manage ment committed to mak ing difficult decisions that keep taxes affordable, but maintains the services and quality of life the resi dents desire. That’s Rob binsville, that’s our team.

We’ve talked in the past about our four basic tenants. I’m adding a fifth this year. The first is make tough decisions, even when those deci sions may not be the most popular.

The second is never stop trying to bring in new ratables. Number three is to provide exceptional services. Four is Public Safety.

None of those tenants work unless our community is truly safe, and we have one of the lowest crime rates in the state.

I want to thank Chief Mike Pulaski who has done an exceptional job filling some very big shoes. The chief has a deep roster of outstanding lieutenants, sergeants and patrol officers, SROs (school resource officers) and dispatch ers. And we appreciate you all.

The fifth and newest tenant is taking something that may not be your respon sibility and making it your responsibility.

We continue to be successful in Rob binsville because we put ourselves out there. We are willing to fail in order to succeed.

As a leader, you have to be willing to go all in even when it may be the unpopu lar choice. Even when it’s a risk. If you believe deep down what you are doing is right, that’s what a leader does.

We have some very exciting prospects for Town Center South. One of the pro posals includes mixed use units that are not expected to add an abundance of schoolchildren to the district.

Planet Fitness is open for business, bringing the Foxmoor Shopping Center closer and closer to full capacity. It was a long difficult road, but we’re almost there.

We are still looking to break ground on our new police station and court next year as part of a shared service agree ment with neighboring Hightstown Bor ough. Our police dispatchers and court personnel deserve nothing but the best.

I’d like to recognize Jodi Mara and our Meals on Wheels team. We have deliv ered 3,600 meals last year and raised

$2,000 on Community Day to fund more than 300 meals for those in need.

Our staff also assists neighboring Hamilton with its Meals on Wheels pro gram each and every week. Another big thank you to the nonprofits, health care workers, Jill Swanson at the Health Department, and all the food establish ments that stepped up to the plate during and after the pandemic.

Congratulations to the Robbinsville Hamilton Rotary, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this fall. We are very proud of our partnership with the rotary and their mantra of service over self.

Robbinsville has grown almost 15% to over 15,000 residents since the last census in 2010. In addi tion to that population increase, we’ve had a 24% rise in home values from 2017 to 2021. Most people’s homes are the biggest investments they will ever make. It is our responsibility to try and maximize that investment for them.

Robbinsville is truly an inclusive and diverse community that we should all be very proud of. Having a diverse commu nity also creates diverse thoughts. Now more than ever, we have to be conscious of people’s opinions and be willing to lis ten. Compromise can only be reached when we are listening to one another, not yelling at one another.

Our partnership with Project Freedom seems to get stronger every year. That along with significant improvements at Newtown Village have helped the town satisfy its affordable housing obligation through 2025.

We’ve kept our promise to improve the mobile home park by investing signifi cantly in not only its infrastructure, but also its residents.

Fire Chief Dan Schaffener continues to do an outstanding job year after year securing grants that have saved taxpay ers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In closing, I just want to take a moment and thank all the mayors throughout Mercer County. Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin and East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov in particular have worked side by side with me through thick and thin through these past years/ I really appre ciate their friendship and unwavering support.

Thank you to all the residents and local businesses for sticking with us, trusting us, and most of all, for doing your part to keep Robbinsville special. Until we meet again in our Pay It Forward event in May, thank you and God bless you all.

‘Now more than ever, we have to be conscious of people’s opinions and be willing to listen.’

“And then he’s got that natural ability to score goals that you can’t coach or teach. So, it was just a huge lift for us when he came back.”

While Turker was overjoyed to return, he was quick to commend his teammates for going 8-2 in his absence (the Ravens carried a 13-4 record into the state tournament).

“They have very high grit,” he said. “They wanted to get out there. They stuck to the process, worked hard and got some great wins. They did a good job getting to 8-2 and had some tough games and pretty wins along the way.”

Fisher was in complete agreement.

“To be 8-2 without him was tremendous and it set us up to be able to win the divi sion,” the coach said. “The guys gutted out 10 games. It was an opportunity for other guys to show their ability and what they can do and kind of thrive. We had a ton of differ ent starting lineups in the first 10 games. I was proud we were able to win games in dif ferent ways.”

And with Turker back, they hope to get some big state tournament wins as the junior makes a potent offense even more powerful. He is coupled up front with the twin brother tandem of Adrian and Alex Ivanov, who combined for 11 goals and 14 assists entering states. Defender Sean Smith has made some runs from the back and col

lected six goals and four assists, while Nana Kofi Appiah (6 goals) and Stefano Muscara (4 goals, 6 assists) are also a threat.

Mix in Turker, and you really have something.

“I think it can only make us more danger ous with him up top, moving him around offensively and having that natural goal scorer,” Fisher said. “And it gives us guys coming off the bench who were starting early in the season. I always say we have 13 or 14 starters, which you need. You need more than 11 guys to make deep runs in tournaments.”

No one was happier about Turker’s return than Bora himself. Fisher said it was like releasing a “caged animal” when he finally returned to the lineup.

“It hurts sitting on the bench while your friends are all out having fun playing,” Turker said. “It was obviously great getting back. I had some practices so I wasn’t rusty. I came back against Hopewell and it was a huge game.”

It was indeed, as Turker had a goal and assist in a 3-1 win that paved the way to the first CVC Valley Division title in program history. Bora bedeviled the Bulldogs again when he had a hat trick in Robbinsville’s first-round Mercer County Tournament win (The Ravens were beaten by Notre Dame in the second round). Mr. Clutch also scored

in overtime for a 1-0 victory over Princeton.

“I always have high expectations,” he said of his comeback. “But I guess getting two game-winners against two of the best teams in the CVC wasn’t really expected.”

it’s hard to sit there and watch,” the coach said. “He’s the type of kid who is here every single day at practice. Even if he’s hurt. He doesn’t miss a minute. You can just see it kind of building up and finally we were able to unleash him.”

With that pent-up energy finally free to roam, Turker did not miss a beat as his arse nal of skills were on full display.

Here, it’s all about people.

Here, it’s all about people.

Here, it’s all about people.

Turker began playing soccer at age three playing for Robbinsville rec. He moved on to the esteemed Red Bull Academy but left after two years for Match Fit Academy, where he remains. Red Bull does not allow its players to play high school soccer, which didn’t work for Bora.

“That would be tough,” he said. “It’s fun playing with your friends.”

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Ever since he started, Turker has been a scorer. Due to his speed, his dad encour aged him to try forward, which is where he’s been his entire career.

Fisher knew all about Bora before he arrived, as his wife teaches at Pond Road and Connor Hayes, the RHS boys basketball coach, heads up the soccer team.

“He could do a little bit of whatever you want him to do,” Fisher said. “He could take the ball from the midfield and go by three or four guys and score himself. He can go up and win headballs, he’s very athletic in the box. He knows where to make runs in the box to get on the end of crosses and through balls. He’ll get in behind you with his pace and speed. He’s got various ways he can really beat you, which makes him so tough to take away because he can beat you in many different ways.”

Some of it is natural ability, but much of it is through hard work. Turker doesn’t limit his workouts to Ravens practice sessions.

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“I knew a good deal about him before he got here,” Fisher said.

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Turker has lived up to the advance bill ing, despite never playing a full season. After his Covid ravaged freshman year, Bora was ready for a normal year until injury struck.

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“Last year I pulled a muscle in my hip at the beginning of the season, right before the games started,” he said. “It was just a recur ring injury, it started months prior but it got too bad to play so I took some rest.”

He dominated upon return, enjoying four multi-goal games and collecting points in nine games. The hip injury paled in compar ison to what came next. On Aug. 11, Turker got together with some friends for an inno cent game. And then. . .

“I landed bad, rolled (the ankle),” Turker said. “I was in a boot for six weeks and physi cal therapy for another couple weeks. They originally said 10 weeks including the PT, but I’m usually a fast recoverer. But it felt very long. I’m working to get to 100 percent and I think I’ll get there shortly.”

Turker was back in eight weeks, and Fisher sympathized with him over those two months.

“I’ve had to sit out because of injuries, and

“I’m training every day,” he said. “Obvi ously my recovery is important. I take a day off every week but being technical is very important, shooting is very important, so I focus on those. I typically juggle for 15 min utes or so every day, work on some foot skills and agility stuff.”

He also works a lot on his shot, which he feels contains some power.

“Me and my friends go to the (RHS) turf field, shoot around, have some small side scrimmages,” he said. “I think I’m danger ous anywhere inside 30 yards, but I don’t get those opportunities too much. Inside the box is where I’m most dangerous.”

Fisher noted that during his injury, Turker was using his left foot frequently, and feels that “His left foot has looked bet ter than I’ve ever seen it. So, the silver lining here is that his left foot is probably much better than it was before the injury.”

Turker is hoping to finally have an injuryfree season as a senior but for now he is focused on this year’s state tournament.

“We have potential to be one of the best teams in the state,” he said. “I think we can do great things this year.”

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needs or goals. When we are eating well we will often have more energy and have an overall sense of being healthy.

Geriatrician Sara Ali, MD, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, recommends patients 65+ see a geriatrician at least once.

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

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

1. Adopt a healthy diet as early as possible and continue this as you age. Eating well is the best way to get important nutrients, maintain heart health and fuel your body. The key to eating well is balanced meals that include protein, carbs, fruits and vegetables, and consuming the appropriate number of calories. You can speak to your provider about what the right number of calories are for you and your specific health

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

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

3. Take your medication as prescribed. No matter your age, it is always recommended to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your provider. This is important because taking medication infrequently or stopping suddenly can negatively impact your health. If you do have any concerns about a medication or dosage, ask your pharmacist or provider. Even if you don’t have questions, bring a list of all current medications, including any vitamins

and supplements, to every doctor’s appointment. And, never stop taking any medication unless instructed to do so by your provider.

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

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

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

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

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

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

Wednesday, n ovember 2

Diabetes Game Show! 1 to 2 p.m. Join a fun filled “feud”, and test your diabetes knowl edge for a chance to win. Brush up on lingo in this group competition. Presented by Shesha Desai, Pharm D, RPH, BC-ADM, Dia betes Program Coordinator.

Thursday, n ovember 3

Join us for the Understanding ACEs: Build ing Self-Healing Communities presenta tion! 6:30 to 8 p.m. Please, join us for an indepth discussion on Adverse Childhood Ex periences (ACEs) where experts will discuss how potentially traumatic events in youth are linked to chronic conditions problems and behavior health issues. ACEs can also negatively impact education, employment, and earning potential. Our speakers will fo cus on resiliency practices, prevention, and support for the healing of individuals, fami lies and their communities. For more infor mation on ACEs please visit cdc.gov/violen ceprevention/aces/index.html

Friday, n ovember 4

Beautiful Forever - A Better Health Program. 2-3:30 p.m. Back by popular demand a FREE event sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton, Bet ter Health Program, Beautiful Forever, fea

turing local experts and artisans of the blo Out Lounge & Colour Bar, owner and arti san, Caterina Young and expert make up Artisan, Tinisee Buckman. Join us as two volunteers experience a complimentary makeover sponsored by the Better Health Program as we do the big reveal while shar ing all the tips we learn along the way. To be considered for a complimentary makeover for future events, please tell us in an email why you would like to be chosen and be sure to include a current picture. Send the email to BHProgram@rwjbh.org. Must be a Better Health Member to attend and membership is complimentary for anyone 65+ years old.

Wednesday, n ovember 9

What Is Cardiometabolic Medicine? 5 to 6 p.m. Join Taher Modarressi, MD, for a dis cussion on managing your cardiovascu lar and metabolic health. Dr. Modarressi is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, clinical lipidology and obesity medicine.

Thursday, n ovember 10

How Smart Are Hearing Aids Today? 10 to 11 a.m. We discuss the remarkable features of today’s hearing aids. Bluetooth technology, artificial intelligence, rechargeable batter ies, tinnitus therapy, and more! Join Dr. Lor raine Sgarlato, Au.D, to learn more about the latest in hearing aid technology!

Angels Among Us. 1 to 3 p.m. Who are the four main archangels, from a spiritual perspec tive? These mighty and loving celestial be ings are associated with specific character istics, such as protection, communication, healing and peace. Find out how we can in vite them into our lives and sense that they are truly with us. Fee: $15. Donna Sweeney, Reiki Master, Integrated Energy Therapist.

Clinical Clinical Culinary Nutrition - Power up with Plant Protein. 5-6:30 p.m. Did you know that all plants contain protein? Learn what lower-sodium alternatives are out there & how to prepare them deliciously to support a powerful heart, body, and planet. fee: $10.

m onday, n ovember 14

You Only Have One Heart: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). 6 to 7 p.m. Join Edward A. Wingfield, MD,FACC, FSCAI, in a discussion about PAD, including risk factors, preven tion and treatment. Dr. Wingfield special izes in cardiovascular diseases and interven tional cardiology. A heart–healthy dinner is included.

Tuesday, n ovember 15

Private Reiki Sessions. 3 to 6 p.m., by appoint ment. Enjoy the profound relaxation of a pri vate Reiki session. Reiki is a form of energy medicine to help relax the body and soothe the soul. Fee: $60 per hour. Patti McDougall, BSN, RN, Integrative Therapies Nurse, Reiki.

Wednesday, n ovember 16

Management of Common Spine Disorders: Round Table Discussion With Multiple Spe cialties. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come listen and learn as common spine ailments are presented to a panel of experts in different medical fields. Hear from neurologists, radiologists, pain management specialists and physical thera pists, as to how they evaluate and treat back pain. Dinner included.

Dr. Sara Ali

Reflections on Robbinsville

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The County of Mercer will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2022-23 beginning on October 3, 2022. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:

EXTENDED UNTIL MAY

The County of Mercer will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until May 31, 2018. Mercer County will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance.

MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES

Household Size USF Program LIHEAP Program

1 $1,759 $2,010

2 $2,369 $2,707

3 $2,978 $3,404

4 $3,588 $4,100

$4,198 $4,797

6 $4,807 $5,494

7 $5,417 $6,190

$6,026 $6,887

$6,636 $7,584

$7,245 $7,935

* Federal income limits are subjec to change during the program year.

To request

the Mercer County Housing and Community

Office at (609) 989-6858 or (609) 989-6959.

Happy Fall! Time has a way of slip ping on by, doesn’t it?

Speaking of time, while we may pick up an extra hour of sleep next month thanks to daylight savings time, we were unfortunately unable to overcome some time constraints and deadlines regarding this year’s scheduled “Pay it Forward” event, originally scheduled for Oct. 4 at The Stone Terrace by John Henry’s.

to do that because we have proven to be excellent stewards of those funds. We understand at the end of the day once properties such as Thompson Tract and the Lavender Farm are developed, they are gone forever.

As we did in 2016, we are humbly ask ing residents to support another slight increase in the Open Space Tax on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Miry Run ended up costing signifi cantly more than we had hoped, and we want to make sure we have enough to fund and preserve some of the last sub stantial parcels in town.

also

Housing office at 640 South Broad Street, 1st floor, Room 106, Trenton, NJ 08650.

Locations & Hours: Trenton Office 640 South Broad Street – Rm 106 Trenton, NJ 08650

M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm (Wednesday open until 6:30pm)

Hamilton Office - County Connection Hamilton Square Shopping Center 957 Highway 33 at Paxson Avenue Hamilton, NJ 08690

Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm (by appt. only)

Saturdays – 4/7 & 5/5 10:00am-1:00pm (walk-ins)

Board of Chosen Edward Pattik Freeholders Housing Director

Brian M. Hughes, County Executive

Thankfully, we will be able to hold that event in May 2023. We are grateful for the extra few months to get this one exactly right, both for our beneficiary and our very generous sponsors and contributors.

I am eternally grateful to longtime Robbinsville resident Ken Blando of Pulse Productions, who worked with our Communications and Public Infor mation Officer John Nalbone to deliver another stellar State of Robbinsville Township video, which can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=NqzsUiyFfDk.

Ken’s beloved wife, Katina, was in the final stages of her years-long battle with cancer during pre- and post-production of the video, but you would never know it. Ken was a consummate professional and produced another superb archival document, and we join him and their children in mourning the loss of Katina on Oct. 1.

In the 14-minute video I thanked my incredible team in Robbinsville, led by Administrator Joy Tozzi, for their dedi cation to our residents, and the pride they take in their jobs. They set out each day to serve … and serve they have. I may get a lot of the credit, but these are the people doing the heavy lifting day in and day out—the ones that make sure our community remains one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in all of New Jersey.

This was a very tough budget year, but our department heads made great sacrifices to position us for success both this year and moving forward.

An item I do hope impacts next year’s budget is our Open Space Fund.

Robbinsville has the most aggressive Open Space program in all of Mercer County with approximately 2,000 acres preserved since I took office. It is the only area where I am proud to say we have the highest tax in the County.

We have preserved more acres than any other town, and we want to continue

Every house we do not build typi cally saves each taxpayer an average of $36,000 per year. Every acre we preserve over the long haul saves us money. It also creates more greenspace, wildlife, and a host of other benefits.

We do not use preservation reck lessly. When we set out to preserve something, we think long and hard about it. We have acquired all our Town ship parks through Open Space. It is how we buy it. It is how we preserve it. It is how we maintain it. Miry Run is a notable example.

Yes, sometimes progress is slow, but mark my words—Miry Run will be the crown jewel of Robbinsville’s open space program once our collective visions for that property are realized. Joy has done a tremendous job and spent countless hours with her staff applying for grants, gathering opinions from a wide range of focus groups and formulating a cohe sive plan for that amazing parcel of land.

We are also trying really hard to main tain farmland. It is part of our tradition. It is part of our heritage, and anyone that has been to the grocery store recently knows why we need to keep and main tain our working farms in the Township.

Remember, the best way to reach us is to email Administration at mayor@ robbinsville.net.

Even though we have had to push back this year’s Pay it Forward, we are still collecting for the “We Love Our Rob binsville Neighbors” campaign and our fiscal sponsor—the C.A.R.E. program via PayPal at tinyurl.com/mvyea5tn.

Checks may be sent to: Jodi Ste phens/Administration; 2298 Route 33; Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

Thank you to all our generous spon sors and contributors since the start of this initiative. To think that we are approaching half a million dollars raised for our friends, neighbors, and organiza tions in need since 2015 is something I could not have imagined.

Thank you, Robbinsville!

Commissioners Edward Pattik Housing DirectorBrian M. Hughes, County Executive