RA proof 1

Duty to serve

Board of Ed okays $4.8 million question on November ballot

Failure could result in teacher layoffs, large class sizes and elimination of courses

BY BILL SANSERVINO

The Robbinsville Board of Education voted unanimously on Aug. 9 last night to place a public question on the November general election ballot, asking voters

for $4.8 million to cover anticipated deficits in upcoming school budgets.

The need for the referendum comes as a result of no increase in aid from the state. As a result, the district needs to increase taxes over the 2 percent cap required by state law.

The school district is not asking for funding to launch new initiatives. Rather, the revenue is required to maintain the outstanding quality of the three schools, directly addressing fund-

ing shortfalls created by the state Department of Education.

“For a reason unbeknownst to us, Robbinsville consistently receives less state aid than other Mercer County school districts, forcing us to take these major steps to protect the school district’s reputation of excellence,” said Superintendent Brian Betze. “We have reached this point with heavy hearts. We cannot idly stand by, knowing the quality and reputation of the Robbinsville

See REFERENDUM, Page 7

RHS senior graduates MCCC with criminal justice degree

BY MARCUS COOK

This year, Jay DeMatteo was one of several diligent teens in Mercer County to earn not just one, but two diplomas upon graduation.

Robbinsville Police Sgt. Scott Kivet speaks at the “My Country, My Duty” event held on Aug. 10, 2023 at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. The BAPS program celebrated the value of service to the community. For more photos from the event, see page 11.

The Robbinsville High School graduate—now a rising Junior at Rowan University—was a successful participant in the state’s Jump Start dual enrollment program. Jay graduated Mercer County Community College with his associate

degree in criminal justice earlier this year.

Jay graduated from Mercer County Community College on May 18 with a 3.7 grade point average and from RHS on June 16.

“I feel proud and empowered in many ways that I received my high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously,” says Jay, who spent much of his young childhood in the foster care system.

“For so many years, I ques-

tioned many things about myself; however, reaching this goal reaffirmed the fact that if given a chance, there is nothing I can’t do or learn,” he adds. “I need the right opportunities with people who believe in me. Many people gave up on me or never took the time to give me a chance. I always give 100% in everything I do; sometimes, I learn differently.”

Dual enrollment is a standardized way to refer to pro-

See DEMATTEO, Page 8

COMMUNITY FORUM Robbinsville school funding must begin at home

BY GREGORY DELUCA

In 2008, the New Jersey state legislature passed the School Funding Reform Act to rebalance state aid according to changing economic circumstances and district characteristics. At the time, New Jersey was operating under a decadesold funding law that did not reflect current economic realities and left some districts significantly overfunded while others struggled.

The School Funding Reform Act distributes aid according to district need and accounts for such things as the number of students in poverty, students who are English language learners, special education students, and numerous other factors. The formula considers all of these elements and establishes an “adequacy budget,” or what funding it would take to adequately meet the needs of students in a district.

It also calculates how much a district should be able to raise from its own taxbase according to resident’s income and

equalized property values, known as the “local fair share” or “local cost share.”

The plan was that the state would then contribute the difference (equalization aid) between what a district could raise on its own (local fair share) and what it needed (adequacy).

However, there was zero political appetite for taking funding away from districts that had been enjoying extra state money for years or raising the funds necessary to adequately educate all students in N.J., so the School Funding Reform Act was immediately diluted with provisions that more or less kept all funding levels as they had been in years prior.

In 2018, the legislature made a new push to fully fund the School Funding Reform Act and rebalance state aid as intended. This bill, known as S2, would phase in the changes over six years beginning in the 2019–20 school year. During this time, Robbinsville experienced steadily increasing state aid until the 2023–24 school year.

For 2023–24, Robbinsville’s aid was

held flat from the previous year, as the district is now considered fully funded by the School Funding Reform Act. What happened?

Enrollment changes and a rapid increase in town wealth as determined through incomes and property values led to a large jump in Robbinsville’s local fair share, negating any increase we would have seen in state aid.

If we consider the adequacy number a reflection of the cost of educating our students, from 2018–19 to 2023–24, this cost has increased by $6,375,733. Our tax levy (what we actually collected) has only increased by $4,781,287. However, our local fair share (what we are expected to contribute) has increased by $11,154,600.

The trend is clear: our tax collections haven’t kept pace with the cost of education while the wealth of the town has increased substantially. Some may argue that these numbers do not perfectly reflect real-world conditions, but the broad strokes are hard to miss. Regardless, these are the numbers upon which

decisions are made.

Further complicating matters, districts are not allowed to raise their tax rate above a 2% cap per year without voter approval, with a few exceptions such as enrollment changes and increases in healthcare costs. Any unused cap can be accessed for up to three years before it expires (cap bank).

There is another important point we must note: Robbinsville has not reached its local fair share since 2018–19. We have been underfunding ourselves by millions of dollars. Any expectation of aid is based on demanding fealty to one part of the School Funding Reform Act formula while ignoring another.

How might we have avoided this situation, and what can we learn for the future?

Communications from the board (before the school board’s Aug. 9 referendum approval, see page 1)) varied and stated an expectation for an increase in state aid of anywhere from $1.3-2 mil-

See FORUM, Page 6

Advance Advance

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lion for the 2023-24 school year. Earlier emails said the district expected “about $2 million.”

in March of 2022, $1.6 million was shown as still available if the School Funding Reform Act was fully funded from a state-issued budget document, and in their April 2023 budget presentation, the board said they were anticipating $1.3 million. Our total shortfall for 2023–24 is $2.2 million.

According to the board, this missing ($1.3, 1.6 or 2 million) in state aid is the reason for our current crisis, meaning the 2023–24 levy ($41,274,979) + ($1.3, 1.6 or 2 million) is the line between crisis and business as usual.

It is difficult to surmise what the plan was here, as the numbers have varied, but suffice it to say that even if the state aid had materialized— the best-case scenario the board could have hoped for— their planning would still have left us short.

Let’s look at what it would have taken for Robbinsville to erase the entire $2.2 million shortfall, and then we can dial it back to examine the other scenarios.

If we had responsibly increased our levy from 2018–19, the year state aid increases began under S2, we could have erased the entire 2023–24 shortfall.

In other words, even though we’d still be facing flat state aid, we’d be over the “crisis line” of 2023–24 actual levy + 2.2 million.

To pay the 2023–24 bills and make up the $2.2 million shortfall, our school tax rate would have to be 1.8057 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

This would leave a home assessed at 400k with:

School tax bill: $7,223

Increase over 23-34 actual: $330

Daily cost increase in tax bill: $.90

To completely erase the 2023–24 shortfall, the levy and rate only had to grow in prior years to the point where a home assessed at 400k contributes an extra $.90 a day in 2023–24. And our children wouldn’t have to face the funding crisis they do now.

To make up all of the state aid that was shown as still available, ($1,645,184), our total school tax rate would be 1.7823 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. A home assessed at 400k would pay $7,140 in school taxes—a $247 increase over the actual 23–24 tax bill.

To make up just the board’s “anticipated” state aid ($1,346,055) our total school tax rate would be 1.7737. A home assessed at 400k would pay 7,095. A $202 increase over the actual 23–24 tax bill.

None of these numbers are attainable

RYANS COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE

now, they all exceed the amount the levy can increase over last year due to the constraints of the cap. But there were many ways this crisis could have been prevented. For example, in 19–20 there was 1.85 million in banked cap available. In 20–21, there was 2.1 million in banked cap available. 1.8 million in banked cap from 18–19 and 19–20 was allowed to expire.

We had multiple opportunities to responsibly grow the levy and place ourselves in a position where flat state aid wouldn’t cause the cuts and staff loss we will now experience. However, legacy board members and town leaders prioritized keeping taxes flat as much as possible. They reduced the rate in 19–20 and kept it flat for three years.

(It would be possible to raise as much as 2.9 million above the 23–24 levy for an additional $1.19 a day on a house assessed at 400k over the six years between 18–19 and 23–24)

The board has used very strong language regarding our flat state aid this year, saying that an increase was promised, that we are “entitled” to more aid, that we “deserve” it, and that we should “demand” we receive our “fair share.” But we are only ever owed what the formula dictates, and using language like this promotes the idea that Robbinsville is somehow being treated unfairly. While a rapid increase in town wealth as determined by the formula and the constraints of the 2% cap have left us in a bind, we could have at the very least better positioned ourselves to weather the situation. More importantly, this gives us an indication of what we will have to do in the future.

We weren’t seeing aid increases between 18–19 and 22–23 because our inputs into the formula were significantly changing, we were simply riding the ramp up to full funding which was going to level off in 24–25. While there may be tweaks to make funding less volatile, the overall structure of School Funding Reform Act is unlikely to change. We are now above “fully funded” according to the formula. We may have shifts in enrollment or changes in town wealth/ local fair share, but the fundamentals are going to remain the same.

That means this crisis was always coming. If we were constantly living on the margin and letting the ramp up in funding balance our budget, we always ran the risk of finding ourselves in trouble. It simply happened a little earlier due to changes in enrollment and a rapid increase in town wealth. Passing up on the opportunity to grow the levy and letting banked cap expire left us vulnerable, contributed to our current funding crisis, and made it much harder to correct.

The argument has been made that steadily growing our tax base wouldn’t

have mattered because school districts cannot sit on giant surplus funds, but this is predicated on the idea that we didn’t have things to spend on. With leaky roofs and the lowest paid staff in Mercer County, this is hard to accept. Furthermore, many are quick to point out that our current situation is doubly unfair because of how underfunded we were prior to S2. This is true, we were underfunded, but now we aren’t. Regardless, if excess cash in the past that we raised ourselves “couldn’t have been spent,” then why would excess money from the state have been any different?

Growing our tax levy responsibly would not be spending for the sake of spending, it would be growing our investment in public education and protecting it from disruption due to external forces. We now have to endure a crisis, raise taxes to the maximum allowed under the cap for several years, and possibly pass a referendum to exceed the cap.In the long run, will the taxpayers really have saved significant money? Was running the system as inexpensively as possible worth it?

This is not to say these numbers are the only way, or the precise way we could have avoided this crisis. It is simply to illustrate the point that a steady investment in our schools is preferable to keeping taxes flat whenever possible. But legacy board members prioritized and boasted about keeping taxes flat, and advocated for giving as much as possible back to the taxpayer when new aid became available. As recently as last year, legacy board members, the mayor, and other local officials specifically mentioned flattening taxes while endorsing and supporting a slate of candidates who proposed more of the same. The claim was always that this was in search of “balance,” but instead, we find ourselves unable to meet the needs of our students.

Ultimately, this is our community, these are our schools, these are our children, and they are our responsibility. Maintaining local control over a high-quality threeschool district comes at a cost. As we look towards the future, we need to think about what kind of town we want to live in and what kind of school system we want to have. The answer lies somewhere at the intersection of development, taxes, and a host of other issues that may or may not be within the school district’s purview. But there is plenty of suburbia in NJ, and you choose Robbinsville over the surrounding areas. Chances are, the school system played a part in that decision. We may have different visions of what we want our town to be, but I doubt that most people think the 23–24 school year with all of its impending cuts is what our schools should look like.

schools are being threatened.”

The Robbinsville Public Schools prides itself on its exceptional staff, diverse programs, valuable resources, vibrant athletics, and enriching clubs. The proposed funding – if approved by voters –will allow the district to safeguard these vital components, ensuring that students continue to receive an exceptional, diverse education.

The school district is facing a projected $2.1 million shortfall in fixed costs and an additional $2.7 million cut in state aid, amounting to a combined $4.8 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year. The public question, with voter approval, will bridge this anticipated financial gap and prevent any adverse impacts to educational offerings.

“By securing the $4.8 million, we can confidently plan for the next two years, knowing that the district’s financial needs are met,” the superintendent added. “Our goal is to ensure stability and maintain the high standards of education that our community expects and deserves. We want to assure you that every dollar allocated from the proposed funding will be used wisely and prudently. Transparency and accountability are the core of our values.”

School officials will be engaging with the community about the upcoming referendum, encouraging residents to learn more, ask questions and spread the word to ensure strong voter participation on Tuesday, November 7.

The school district website – robbinsville.k12.nj.us – will be regularly updated

We need to understand what prioritizing the needs of our students actually means, and make sure that those tasked with leading our schools share these goals.

Don’t feel much wealthier than years prior? Wondering why a big increase in our local fair share due to town wealth isn’t reflected in our actual tax levy?

The School Funding Reform Act does include incomes as part of the local fair share calculation, so your income did play a part in the local fair share increase. But the different ways property values are assessed helps explain the disparity between local fair share and our actual tax levy.

The School Funding Reform Act uses equalized property values, which are adjusted every year in an attempt to reflect true market value. Our property taxes are collected based on your home’s current assessment, not what you could sell it for. So when property values increase dramatically, as they have over the past few years in Robbinsville, the

School Funding Reform Act is able to account for this because it uses a much more flexible tool. But our tax levy cannot, because we do not reassess every home every year.

Consider this, from 17–18 to 23–24, our net taxable evaluation (the total value of Robbinsville, which we pay taxes on like one giant house) increased 232,614,736. But our equalized valuation increased 720,971,465. Our equalized valuation grew 488,356,729 more than our net taxable evaluation, and that means the state is basing their aid numbers off of a Robbinsville that is 583,513,069 wealthier than we view ourselves.

One of the original intentions behind funding schools through property taxes (based on assessed value) was that they tend to be more stable than incomes. But when coupled with the 2% cap and the equalized values used in the School Funding Reform Act, this can leave districts stuck during real estate booms. Changing the School Funding Reform Act to use a slower moving multi-year

grams that allow students to take college courses to fulfill their high school’s course requirements. In New Jersey, there are multiple variants of dual enrollment. The Jump Start program is the most involved, allowing students to matriculate and earn an associate degree by the end of their senior year of high school.

Kim DeMatteo, Jay’s mother, says she was apprehensive of Jump Start when she was informed about it by Jay’s guidance counselor at RHS. She had wanted her son to have the traditional high school experience that he was deprived of due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck in Jay’s freshman year. Jay and his mom had only moved to Robbinsville one year prior, when Jay was in eighth grade.

Jay says his fatigue of virtual learning drove him to seek other options for schooling. With his mother’s tentative blessing, he enrolled in a military boarding school at the start of his junior year.

By winter break of that year, the school announced they too would be going virtual after winter break, presumably due to the increasing prevalence of the Omicron variant.

“They wanted them to stay in their barracks all day long and do virtual education,” Kim explains. “In my mind that

Jay DeMatteo shows off his associate degree in criminal justice after graduating from Mercer County Community Collehe on May cktk.

didn’t work.”

Coming home from boarding school was ultimately what led Jay to speak to his guidance counselor, Lindsay Richard, to see how he could reintegrate into RHS. Since the school he was attending in the first half of the year operated on a semester system, she informed him that he was

ahead of his classmates.

Both Jay and his mother were unaware of this option until Richard enlightened him about his eligibility.

“She gave him two options,” Kim says. “Either to graduate high school a year early or be a junior and get out of school at 11 a.m.”

Technically, RHS students were required to apply to the Jump Start program in August, before the school year began, but Richard managed to get Jay into the program in the middle of the school year.

“I was very lucky to have her on my side and always advocate for me,” Jay says of Richard.

Once he was in Jump Start, Jay would start each school day at RHS. After that, he would take classes at Mercer County Community College.

“My schedule at Mercer varied, depending on the semester,” Jay says. “Regardless, endless hours were spent daily completing the work, whether it was writing papers, studying for tests, completing group projects or attending tutoring sessions for statistics.”

“He started with three classes (at MCCC), in the spring of his junior year, and then he just soared. He did summer session one, two and three,” Kim says.

In the fall of his senior year, Jay was

taking 18 credits at MCCC and two classes at RHS. However, in order to successfully complete the program, he knew he had to compromise on some things.

“I am incredibly passionate about all sports,” Jay says. “However, when I learned I could actually graduate before high school graduation, the realization that I could not do it all became evident.”

To maintain his course schedule at Mercer, Jay opted to join a basketball team outside of RHS instead of playing for the school’s team. Structured team sports outside of the school offered more flexibility in the evening hours.

In addition to playing basketball, Jay worked part time and volunteered.

According to both Jay and his mother, the benefits of the Jump Start program went far past shaving two years off college. The guidance and feedback he received from the professors and staff at Mercer proved to be invaluable to his development.

“I don’t think they will ever understand how life-changing it became for Jay,” Kim says.

“The department head of criminology and my professors pushed me in ways I never knew I could succeed. They all made me feel that I mattered and that my success mattered and was impressive,” Jay says.

They even helped him in areas where he was less proficient. “Math is an area of weakness for me but the two professors I had never gave up on me and most of all pushed me to the next level,” he says.

Though Jay had plenty of help at MCCC, he and his mother were expected to take on the burden of getting him to and from campus and paying tuition.

In the same vein, according to Kim, “the one downfall, if I had to give one, was that–it’s unfortunate and I think it’s a staffing issue– when you are a Jump Start student, you don’t have a college advisor.”

Jay could not register for classes himself—he had to email a representative in the admissions department to do so on his behalf. Even though he had started late, and despite any setbacks, Jay was on track to get his associate degree.

Kim adopted Jay in 2009 from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency—then known as the division of family and youth services–when he was five years old. He had been in foster care since he was five weeks old.

Jay will be continuing his studies in this field at Rowan University, majoring in law & justice and minoring in psychology. He plans to graduate in May of 2025.

“I chose criminal justice because I wish to combine my background and childhood history within the foster care system,” Jay says. “I wanted to combine psychology and criminology within my career.”

He says his current career goal is to work as an investigator for child protective services in New Jersey. “Every child deserves a chance for success regardless of their background and age, and I want to be a part of it. It takes only one person to change your life, and that

happened to me when I was adopted by my mom Kim.”

“As far as long-term career,” Kim says, “I could see him pursuing law school and becoming a law guardian and working that way within the system.”

Regardless of what he eventually decides, Kim is proud of what Jay has already accomplished. “He has defeated every odd, every barrier against him,” she says, recalling watching him walk at Mercer’s graduation.

Regarding whether she would recommend Jump Start to other families, Kim says she thinks “the jump start program can be perfect for anybody.”

“There are a lot of programs out there,” Kim says, “I think families just need to educate themselves on what is offered.”

“They need to become their advocates,” Jay agrees. “Decide what is right for them and not depend on anyone else to pave their path.”

He says he recommends the Jump Start program for everyone who might be interested. “I have met wonderful people, exceptional professors and encouraging staff at Mercer. I received so much more than a degree. Mercer Community College staff and professors have given me the desire to continue to excel but more than that, they showed me what it is like to be acknowledged and why putting forth 100% always will lead one to success.

“I will be forever grateful to every professor I had at Mercer Community College for not just the textbook knowledge they educated me on, but also the unconditional support, praise and recognition they gave to me. They have paved the path for my future.” * * *

Mercer County Community College welcomes high

caymen pool

Half Page H

BAPS celebrates service to the community

Top: Public servants such as police officers, firefighters and elected officials were honored for their dedication to serving their communities during the “My County, My Duty” event at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham on Aug. 10, 2023. Center: Dr.

Manjit Singh Bains (left), who is affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Cornell addresses the assembly. Mayor David Fried (right) enjoys the festivities Bottom: Service personnel from BAPS during the event.

RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

HOW AND WHEN TO BE YOUR OWN HEALTH ADVOCATE

Mon., September 11, 11:00am to 12:00pm

Join Lisa Cruser, LPN, Nurse Advocate and owner of Empowering Patients Advocacy Group while she discusses how to navigate the healthcare system, how to ask for and get a second opinion, and how to advocate for yourself and others. FREE

DOES THE RINGING IN YOUR EARS DRIVE YOU CRAZY?

Tue., September, 12; 10:00 to 11:00am

25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A. as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

NO MORE FOOD FIGHTS

Tue., September 12; 10:00 to 11:00am

We are talking about picky eating! Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Let’s explore the most current and effective tactics for healthy & peaceful meals.

WHAT IS THIS PAIN IN THE BUTT?

Wed., September 13; 6:00 to 7:30pm

David Surrey, MD from Rothman Orthopedics will discuss sciatic pain. Find out symptoms and treatment for this common condition. Dinner will be provided.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS

Thu., September 14; 6:00 to 8:00pm

Chakras are energy centers in our bodies, each corresponding to different traits, illness and times of development. Come explore how we can harness the power of these chakras for good health and vitality!

Michelle Gerdes, Princeton Doula Center, YT200. $15

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Mon., Sept. 18th 2023; 3:00 to 6:00pm

Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A. Registration is required. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

FALL MEDICATION SERIES

Wednesdays, September 20 & 27, October 04; 2:00 to 3:00pm

Learn about different classifications of medications in this 5 week series with our Pharmacists and Congestive Heart Failure Coordinator.

Week 1, September 20: Safe Medication

administration: Penny Wasylyk, Pharm D. BCPS

Week 2, September 27: Anticoagulants: Safe administration and precautions: Patricia Hafitz, RPh. CACP

Week 3, October 4: Cardiac Meds: Safe administration and precautions: Ann Mancuso, MSN RN CHFN

Week 4, October 11: Diabetes Medications: Safe administration and precautions: Shesha Desai Pharm D. BC-ADM

Week 5, October 18: Pain Medications: Safe administration and precautions: Dave Appel, Pharm D

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wed., September 20; 1:00 to 2:00pm

Learn how to rest your body and quiet your mind with the simple (although not always easy) practice of meditation. No experience necessary.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUMMING CIRCLE

Wed, September 20; 7:00 to 8:00pm

Join our drumming circle and help drum your cares away. This evidence-based program is shown to reduce blood pressure, calm stress and increase the fun in your life. Drums provided. Fee: $15. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP DANCE IT OUT!

Wed., September 25; 1:00 to 2:00pm When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome, no experience required.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? **VIRTUAL**

Wed., September 26, October 3; 12:00 to 1:00pm

All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetable are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! Taryn Krietzman, RDN MANAGING STRESS AND DIABETES

Wed., September 27– 3:00 to 4:00pm

This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION?

Wed., September 27; 6:00 to 7:30pm

The practice of focused concentration, known as meditation, brings yourself back to the moment over and over again. Explore the benefits of meditation in this informational session with optional demonstration. Matt Masiello, CCH, founder of Esteem Hypnocounseling, will guide the group through this practice.

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thu., September 28; 1:30 to 2:30pm

Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community. “Patti McDougall, BSN, RN

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLA HOOP FOR FUN AND FITNESS

Thu., September 28; 6:00 to 7:00pm

This is a very popular class, and with good reason; it’s so much fun. Hoola Hooping is so much easier with an “adult sized” hoop and the right instruction. Learn skills and techniques, hoops provided. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit Instructor. Fee- $15

THE AARP DRIVING COURSE

Tue., October 2; 9:00am to 3:00pm

Be a safer, better driver. Bring your NJ or PA driver’s license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers. Cash or check only to AARP.

FALL MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL

Tuesdays, September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6-7 p.m.

*Must attend all 8 session to receive certificate of completion *

Week 1; September 12: Gregory Cox, MD, goes through the intricate anatomy of the human eye.

Week 2 September 19: Adam Thompson, DO, will discuss how to guide the body back to health after an injury, through non-surgical alternatives.

Week 3; September 26: Maureen Stevens, DPT, and Ashley Sarrol, MS, CCC-SLP, will be discussing how Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy works in unison with other medical modalities.

Week 4; October 3: Michael Duch, MD, will have you learning visually with various MRI images and how to interpret each.

Week 5; October 10: Marc Levine, MD, goes through the spine and how surgery can enhance your mobility and improve quality of life.

Week 6; October 17: John Dibiase, MD, speaks on Sports Medicine and common injuries that can affect anyone, not just athletes.

Week 7; October 24: Javier Villota, MD, will enlighten you on what travel medicine entails and exactly what is needed when visiting abroad.

Week 8; October 31: Review and diplomas.

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

YOGA CLASSES (BEGINNER’S WELCOME)

Tue., September 5 & 19; 10:00 to 11:00am

MEDITATION CLASSES,

Tue., September 19; 11:15 to 11:45am

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wed., September 6, 13, 20, & 27; 10:00 to 11:00am

SOCRATES CAFÉ,

Wed., September 6; 2:00 to 3:00pm

GAME TIME

Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.

*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

Thu., September 7; 2:00 to 3:30pm

THE TREE OF LIFE ART WORKSHOP

Tue., September 12, 1 to 2:30

Here we are ready to start the season of autumn. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you – its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/

or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree – paints, crayons and colored pencils. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace this season together with Artist and Healing Art Instructor, Jane Zamost.

MAPS, APPS & YOU

Thu., September 14, 10:00 to 11:00 am Oh, the places you’ll go when the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association teaches you how to navigate your transportation options. Learn to use technology to get around how and when you want!

TAI CHI CLASS (BEGINNER’S WELCOME)

Thu., September 14 and 28; 1:00 to 2:00pm

SARA ALI, MD, HOSTS A

“JEOPARDY

PARTY” LUNCH AND LEARN

Fri., September 22; Noon to 1:30pm Tables will compete as teams as we test your

knowledge on things important to our aging community. Don’t panic, this will be fun and interactive and there will even be prizes along with lunch. This program is sponsored by our valued partners, Brookdale Hamilton, Hamilton Grove, Platinum Homecare, and Serenity Hospice.

LEAN ON ME!

Tue., September 26, 11:00am to 12:00pm

As you are aging, are you wondering who to lean on to facilitate discussions about your wishes, providing comfort measures, assisting with legacy projects, writing that last letter to loved ones. An end-of-life doula is a trained and compassionate individual who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families helping create an end-of-life plan.

I’m excited for you to meet Sandra Roy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, End-of Life Certification, Life Coach Certification, Clinical Pastoral

Education Certification from RWJBarnabas Health, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. This is a program that you do not want to miss.

HELP, I CAN’T GET UP, LEARN HOW TO PREVENT THE FALLS

Thu., September 28; 10:00 to 11:30am

Please join our highly credentialed experts Dr. John DiBiase, Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., Maureen Stevens PT, DPT, GCS, Cert. MDT, Senior Physical Therapist, and Anthony Notaroberto, RWJ Fitness Personal Training Manager, when they share with you how to prevent a fall, common injuries, how to strengthen your body, and how to best treat your injuries so that you can successfully continue to enjoy your life. Refreshments will be served.

*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

Project looks to rehabilitate area Jewish cemeteries

BY MICHELE ALPERIN

When attorney Albert Stark refurbished the graves of his great-grandparents, Samuel and Bessie Stark, little did he know how profoundly this act of respect would affect both himself and other descendants of the once-vibrant Trenton Jewish community.

As others followed Stark’s example and restored family grave sites, a number of native Trentonians came together, Stark says, “to do for the others what we had done for our own families.”

They created the Greater Trenton Jewish Cemetery Project in 2018 to rehabilitate five “orphaned” cemeteries on Pitman Avenue in Hamilton, and in February 2021 added People of Truth Memorial Section on Cedar Lane in Hamilton.

The project also committed itself to researching the people buried in these cemeteries and educating the wider public about them and the community they represent.

The work is ongoing in the cemeteries, whose graves date back to 1857. Much of the heavy landscaping that cleared brush and trees was completed in fall 2019.

Many fallen and tilting headstones have

been reset and sunken areas filled in. New fencing surrounds the five cemeteries and the old iron gates on Pitman Avenue have been cleaned up and repainted.

As impressive as this amazing reclamation is, what for Stark has been most important about this project is how it has create a shared consciousness of Trenton’s Jewish communal history.

“The theme of the project was never to forget what these people who were buried there did for the community and their progeny,” Stark says. “And ‘never to forget’ has created a need to discover what’s been forgotten.”

“Not many of my generation had the opportunity or took the opportunity to really explore their past with their parents or grandparents, because a lot of what they went through was the war years and before that the Depression, and not many of the grandparents wanted to talk about that,” Stark says.

This project, Stark says, “caused me to appreciate more what it took for the people who came before me to make it possible for me to accomplish what I’ve been able to accomplish.”

What did it take, he asks, for his greatgrandfather to leave his family in Vilnius

to avoid a 35-year draft of thirty-five years and strike out on his own with no money, in his late teens or early 1920s

A conversation with his uncle about family, following his father’s death in 1994, inspired Stark to search for the grave of this great-grandfather, Samuel Meyer Stark, who settled in Trenton in 1878.

When Stark visited Samuel’s grave at the Brothers of Israel Cemetery at Liberty and Vroom Streets in Trenton, with his son-in-law Ryan Lilienthal, they were quite taken aback.

“We started going through the ivy that totally covered the grave, which had fallen over. We dusted it off, Ryan did a rubbing, and my great-grandfather’s name and date of death came up,” Stark said.

Walking through that cemetery, Stark said, “I saw graves in terrible shape, fallen over, collapsed, and I said to myself, ‘This is terrible to see [the graves of] these people who were heroes who came to Trenton and made it possible for us to be who we are.’”

Stark later found the grave of Samuel’s wife, Bessie, in the Workmen’s Circle Cemetery on Pitman Avenue in Hamilton, one of five Jewish cemeteries that sat abandoned and in disrepair because the

organizations and synagogues responsible for maintaining were defunct. Weather, rain and encroaching brush and tree roots had left this row of cemeteries with fallen and tilting headstones and sunken graves.

Followed the detailed advice offered by a cemetery consultant, local contractor David Servetah of the New Jersey Monument Company handled the actual handson work. But before work could even begin, Stark’s daughter, Rachel Lilienthal Stark, got in touch with the defunct organizations that technically remained the cemetery owners and worked out agreements that gave the cemetery project the right to rehabilitate the cemeteries.

The six cemeteries are now all clearly marked and readily identifiable to visitors. The five on Pitman Avenue were largely established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; they belonged to two synagogues, Ahavath Israel and Anshe Emes (People of Truth); Workmen’s Circle Branch 90 (a social and cultural fraternal order for Jewish laborers), Beth Sholom (lodge of a national Jewish fraternal organization), and Young Judaea (chapter of U.S. Zionist youth organization).

As the most pressing issues were resolved on the ground, the education

3 Ways to VOTE:

committee began planning programs to educate the community about the cemetery and the Trenton Jewish community that thrived for many years. Jews came to the city in three waves: Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, German Jews between 1820 and 1840, and Russian and Eastern European Jews between 1881 and 1914.

Last spring the cemetery project held a cemetery tour that included presentations by several descendants, including one by Stark’s grandson, Jacob Lilienthal, 14, about his great-grandmother.

“It was like a seance,” Stark recalls. They were telling the person’s story in first person.” A similar program, this time including students from area religious schools, is planned for April.

On Sunday, Oct. 15, in one of the cemeteries the project will be opening a “geniza,” a burial place for no-longerserviceable traditional and ritual objects that cannot be thrown away because they

mention the name of God. Donation boxes at local synagogues and agencies will enabling area Jews to deposit such objects for future burial.

The project has also created a database on its website, gtjcp.org, that includes photographs of many of the stones as well as information about the people buried therein.

Stark’s family history in Trenton begins with his great-grandfather. Samuel worked first as a peddler in New York, visiting Trenton on weekends to purchase pottery to sell. In 1883 he moved to Trenton, where he became religious leader to nine German Jewish families who formed the core of what in 1883 became Brothers of Israel Synagogue.

Samuel’s son Louis lived for a period in New York, but returned to Trenton in 1906, where, with two partners, he opened a grocery that was successful until 1935, during the Depression, when Giant Tiger

See CEMETERY, Page 16

1/8 Page H

Albert Stark was a founder of the Greater Trenton Jewish Cemetery Project, which looks to rehabilitate area “orphaned” cemeteries.

Rossi bar and grill Half

put it out of business. Louis moved on to the chicken business and later laundromats. Stark, born in 1939, was particularly close to his grandfather..

“My grandfather Lou was basically my father. I was born in 1939, and my father was away because of the war. My grandfather was the person that I related to... We went to Cadwalader Park every Sunday to the monkey house, to see the bears, and to get a balloon from Mendel, the balloon man.”

Stark’s father, Sidney, was an attorney, starting out in business law. “My father’s first case was his father’s bankruptcy,” Stark says. Later he represented people hurt at work. He served on the board of Har Sinai and as its vice president.

His mother, the first of the seven kids in her family to go to college, grew up in New Britain, CT, to attend Ryder College. She started work as a stenographer, worked as Sidney’s secretary for the first years of the Depression, and when her children went to college she became a home economics teacher at Trenton High School.

Growing up, Stark’s friendships in the Irish, Black, Polish, Italian and of Jewish communities, grew out of his neighborhood and his activities at Trenton High School, where he was on the school paper and the debate team, and also played tennis. He was nationally ranked in his senior year in high school and his first year at Dartmouth College, where he majored in government and economics.

Stark wanted to become a lawyer, not to follow in his father’s footsteps, but because he was always interested “in Trenton’s demise” and wanted “to change

city planning.” His senior thesis at Dartmouth looked at how five cities, including Trenton, “balanced the need for change versus the resistance to change.” While Stark was in college, in the late 1950s, his family moved from West Trenton to Lawrenceville.

At the University of Pennsylvania law school Stark took a joint course in urban development and law. Upon graduation, he received a fellowship with the Ford Foundation to study decision-making by political leaders. Although assigned to work with Colorado governor John Love on water resource planning, at the literal last minute he was sent to New Jersey because, he was told, “Governor [Richard J.] Hughes... needs somebody like you.”

For the governor Stark drafted the legislation to set up the Community Affairs Department and the Housing and Finance Agency.

He then joined the City Attorneys office of Trenton mayor Arthur Holland, where he worked with Ronald Berman and Leonard Etz to redo the ordinances for urban development in Trenton. Stark then formed the first moderate income housing corporation in New Jersey, at Mercer Street Friends Center, which led to three large developments—Kingsbury, Trent Center West, and Luther Towers—but funding was cut off for that type of housing during the Reagan years, Stark says He also worked with city planner and developer Alvin Gershen as lawyer for his projects.

In 1966, Stark married his wife, Ellen, and in 1967, their son, Jared, was born; their daughter Rachel arrived two years later. Stark became disillusioned with gov-

The Greater Trenton Jewish Cemetery Project works to restore overgrown cemeteries, like the one pictured above.

CEMETERY continued from Page 15

ernment after seeing “cops beat up people” in 1968 and made a career change.

After gaining some trial experience, Stark started representing people with neural injuries and is particularly proud that some of his lawsuits changed products to improve safety, for example, side airbags and protective covers for forklifts.

Stark is currently president emeritus of the board of directors for National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton, which he describes as “an inner-city learning program that serves up dreams by helping young, under-resourced kids to learn not only tennis but also their schoolwork.”

Stark has three grandchildren who live on Maple Street in Princeton.

The Greater Trenton Jewish Cemetery Project not only revitalized these old cemeteries, but also created new connections, both of individual families with their own histories and among members of the for-

Peace of Mind.

mer Trenton Jewish community.

People who had “never visited these cemeteries because they were overrun,” Stark explains, were able to easily locate and their families’ graves due to the cemetery project’s inventory of the orphan cemeteries.

But the project’s influence has reached farther than visits to family graves.

“The cemetery project has in my opinion become a vehicle for people to ask questions,” says Stark, “and with the internet and genealogy and technology, people have been reaching back.”

As people learn more about their ancestors, they share their stories, which leads to new connections.

“Families have been talking amongst each other and to people they have lost contact with or never knew they were related to, which was an unintended consequence.”

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BY RICH FISHER

The Robbinsville High boys soccer team is entering a brave new world. For the first time in program history, the Ravens wear the mantle of Defending State Champion after winning the NJSIAA Group III title last autumn.

“It’s new territory, that’s for sure,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “It feels good knowing what we accomplished last year and knowing we’ve got a lot of those guys back that experienced it so we can follow it up with a strong season.”

Senior center defensive midfielder Giacomo Bottoni agreed, saying “It’s a completely different perspective for us because Robbinsville’s had a tough few years. But it just gives us more of a motivation to stay on top and not fall short of expectations.”

It is an opportunity for RHS to prove that last year was not a one-hit wonder. It doesn’t have to win it all again, but flirting with another championship would say a lot about where the Ravens are as a program.

“There are guys,” Fisher said, “that are eager to show that ‘Hey, we can come out and put together another really good season and show that Robbinsville soccer has really grown and is a team that’s gonna go out there and compete for championships year in and year out.’”

Versatile senior midfielder/forward Stefano Muscara is one of the team’s hungrier players and won’t be satisfied with anything less than a state title in his

senior campaign. Despite playing in pain the first 10 games of last season, Muscara collected four goals and six assists. Finally, a visit to the doctor revealed a broken back, sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign.

“After being injured in the state run last year I want nothing more than to go back to that and win it really bad while I’m playing with my team,” Muscara said. “It was so painful to watch. I wanted to get out there and help my team so bad. Just watching from the sidelines . . . I was so happy they won, but I wanted to do it myself too.”

Muscara is one of several players who suffered injury last season, and yet the Ravens never blinked as the “next man up” mentality was in full force. And because so many underclassmen got playing time due to injuries, the team now features ample experience.

“We have a lot of depth on this team and I have a lot of faith in the underclassmen,” Bottoni said. “They showed they can step up last year and I’m feeling good going into the season.”

Muscara’s thoughts are along the same lines.

“I think we’ll be better,” he said. “I

think we’ll have some underclassmen step up and I think that our offense that’s returning will be better than ever. We’re all more experienced, all in the prime of our soccer careers. I think we’ll do very well.”

Granted, the Ravens have to replace the graduated Sean Smith, who earned CVC Player of the Year honors from one daily paper last season, and All-CVC goalie Ronit Rijhwani. They also lost a few other starters, but have plenty of talent returning.

The biggest strength will be a seniorSee SOCCER, Page 20

Stefano Muscara (left), Giacomo Bottoni, Tyler Cohen, Jason Testa, Daniel Silva and Ethan Brown by Rich Fisher. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

SOCCER continued from

dominated offensive trio of midfielder Bora Turker (13 goals, 3 assists), who has been the team’s leading scorer all three years he has played, and twin brother forwards Adrian Ivanov (10, 6) and Alex Ivanov (4,13). Where each will be on the field could change from game to game.

“We might mix things up, move guys around and play different formations with how we want to attack teams,” Fisher said. “Alex is more of a central player, Adrian is more wide. (Senior) Daniel Silva is playing more in the center. Giacomo is more like a holding centermid for us.

“(Junior) Ethan Pagani had some big moments for us last year as a sophomore and looks really good. Mitch Shapiro is a junior who’s gonna be pushing some of these seniors. The juniors and some of

Gyro

the sophomores are really pushing our seniors. I think it’s gonna be good for the overall team.”

The big question is in the back, where Robbinsville graduated three starters along with its keeper. But there are still players with experience remaining. Senior Ethan Brown played numerous minutes before getting hurt, and senior Jason Testa stepped in after an injury to play well in the state tournament. Sophomore Max Goldberg is also being counted on, and others who could rotate in are sophomore Nico Matthews, junior Nick Grippa and senior Tyler Cohen.

“There’s some guys we’re trying to figure out,” Fisher said. “But we have guys back there where it won’t be their first varsity experience. They played last year, maybe at different positions, but they still got some experience.”

The new goalie is junior Brody Kaplan,

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

who Fisher said, “looks really good so far this summer. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does.”

So a solid cast is in place, as the Ravens are not just talented, but deep.

There is one hitch, however. They have become everyone’s big game.

“(Fisher) tells us all the time we can’t take it easy,” Bottoni said. “We have to keep pressuring and we’re the team to beat and we have to keep playing to the best of our abilities and show that.”

“Every game we expect teams to bring their all and I think we’re kind of accepting that already,” Muscara added “Now it’s more like ‘OK let’s do it again.’”

That is the attitude that Fisher began preaching throughout the summer and since training camp started.

of prepare ourselves for these tournament runs because you get to a point where you’re not playing anybody who’s not good,” Fisher said. “Sometimes it’s about the teams that are mentally tougher in the right situations and take advantage of those situations to win games. We want to put ourselves in that kind of position.”

Another goal for the Ravens is to reach the Mercer County Tournament finals. They missed out last year by losing to Fisher’s brother Bryan and his Notre Dame team in the semifinals. Beating the Irish is also something that this group has yet to do.

The bottom line for Robbinsville is that just because it has numerous starters back from a state championship team, it doesn’t guarantee another title despite what onlookers feel.

September 20th & 21st

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Greek Grill & Taverna

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

“I just keep telling them ‘You guys are gonna have a target on your back,’” said the reigning Colonial Valley Conference Coach of the Year. “‘The CVC is going to be incredibly competitive this year. You’re not gonna get anybody coming out here giving their C game against you. Everyone’s gonna have their A game trying to beat you and say they beat a group champion from last year.’

September 15th & 16th

Gyro

Gyro

September 20th & 21st

French Fries

Greek Salads

Gyro Souvlaki

Gyro Souvlakl

“We have to prepare, we have to go into every game knowing we have to prove ourselves. No one is going to come in and be scared of us just because we won a state championship. We gotta go out and earn it again this year.”

“Everybody is saying ‘Oh you have a good team coming back you’re gonna go back to back,’” Fisher said. “I think what we learned is that it’s really hard to win a state championship. It’s not necessarily going to be a success or a failure if we don’t win a state championship, but let’s give ourselves the opportunity. We have guys with experience, hopefully we can use that experience to put up another banner.”

Fisher is sure of one thing. No matter where the destination is, he is going to enjoy the heck out of the journey.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki

French Fries

French Fries

Mezedakla (Greek Appetizers)

609-890-9792

Greek Salads

Greek Salads

Loukoumades/Baklava

Greek Salads

Mezedakia (Greek Appetizer)

Mezedakla (Greek Appetizers)

Loukoumades/Baklava

Loukoumades/Baklava

Beer

Greek Music (all Folk Dancing Rain or Shine

One thing Fisher has done to prepare his team is provide a tough pre-season scrimmage schedule, including Group II state champion Delran, a Howell team that went 13-4-2 and was seeded first in CJ Group IV, and Spotswood (11-7). Regular-season non-conference games include St. Peter’s Prep, which was a South Jersey Non-Public A finalist, and always-competitive Shore Regional.

“We want to challenge ourselves, kind

“Mostly, it will be really fun because of the group of kids I have out here,” he said. “This senior class is a special class, they’re fun to be around. The juniors and sophomores are just a really fun group. Any nerves kind of get overshadowed by some of the humor and the funny things some of the guys are saying from day to day. They’re just a great group of kids.”

Who hope to do great things for a second straight season.

ree Admission Parking

Greek Folk Rain or Shine

Greek Music (all day)

Friday 20th & Saturday 21st 11 :OOam - 1 O:OOpm

Free Admission & Parking

Folk Dancers 7pm Rain or Shine

Free Admission & Parking

Friday 20th & Saturday 21st 11 :OOam - 1 O:OOpm

Crusin' Night Car Show September 20th 5PM-9PM and September 21st 3PM- 7PM

Hosted by Central Jersey Antique Car Club WWW.CJACC.COM

Friday 15th & Saturday 16th 11:00am - 10:00pm

Sponsored byAHEPA Chapter 72

Visit ahepa72.org for more info

All Welcome

Alex Ivanov (left), Kanhav Bhatnagar, Bora Turker and Adrian Ivanov.

NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualified and registered voter of Mercer County, New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the General Election to be held on November 7, 2023, the following applies:

• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

• No person may serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to

five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.

• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future elections will, after their initial request and without

further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.

• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must first opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may find a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at https://www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.

What are the benefits for an annual physical for children?

Ask The Doctor

While back-to-school is a time to shop for school supplies and the latest fashions, it is also the perfect time to check in on your child’s health with a physical exam. Parents can ease the big change and alleviate stress with the below back-toschool readiness checklist from the pediatric and adolescent health experts at RWJBarnabas Health:

• Fill out any forms your school has sent home, such as emergency contact and health information forms.

• Be sure your child has up-to-date immunizations; new this school year, children 12 and over can be vaccinated for COVID-19

• Inform the school nurse and teachers about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma, diabetes and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Arrange with the school nurse to administer medications your child might need.

• Let teachers know about conditions that may affect your child’s ability to learn. Children with ADHD should be seated in the front and children with vision problems should sit near the board.

• Be sure your child has a safe backpack and knows not to overload it.

Likhitha Musunuru, MD, Family Medicine, an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares answers to the following common questions related to back-to-school physicals:

Are well-visits, physical exams and

sports exams the same thing?

Both exams are classified as a preventative care visit – they allow your child to be examined using measurements of growth and development. These visits help keep your child healthy and focus on im provements that can be made to enhance your child’s wellness.

What can my child expect during a back-to-school visit or well-exam?

During a back-to-school physical, your provider will discuss your child’s history to discuss any concerns, ask questions about lifestyle behaviors, check their vaccination status and update their medical history. Your provider will also check your child’s vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate and temperature – and perform heart, lung, abdominal and head and neck exams.

Why do schools require back-toschool physicals each year?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, schools often require physicals to ensure students’ vaccinations are up-to-date. These exams also provide an opportunity to monitor your child’s health on a year-to-year basis to ensure he or she is hitting milestone benchmarks.

What vaccines are required for school-age children?

New Jersey schools require specific immunizations based on the age of your child. For a full list of vaccinations required all grades in New Jersey, visit nj.gov/health/cd/imm.shtml.

Does my child need any other kind of screening?

Cardiac and concussion screenings have the lifesaving potential to reduce heart-related incidents and brain injuries among school-age children and teens. New Jersey requires all school athletes to be examined by their primary care or school physician at least once per year.

Dr. Musunuru sees patients at 17

Main Street in Robbinsville. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (609) 392-6366. Learn more at rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare

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.

Monday, Septe M ber 11

How and When to be Your Own Health Advocate. 11 a.m. to noon. Join Lisa Cruser, LPN, Nurse Advocate and owner of Empowering Patients Advocacy Group while she discusses how to navigate the healthcare system, how to ask for and get a second opinion, and how to advocate for yourself and others. Free.

t ue S day, Septe M ber 12

No More Food Fights. 10 to 11 a.m. We are talking about picky eating! Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Let’s explore the most current and effective tactics for healthy & peaceful meals. Does The Ringing In Your Ears Drive You Crazy? 10-11 a.m. 25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A. as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

Fall Mini Medical School. Also Sept. 12, 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; 6-7 p.m. Join us for this 8-week informative session on different medical topics. Enhance your knowledge with the variety of specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun. *MUST ATTEND ALL 8 SESSIONS FOR A CERTIFICATE*

Wedne S day, Septe M ber 20

Fall Medication Series. Also Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 11, & 18; 2-3 p.m. Learn about different classifications of medications in this 5 week series with our pharmacists and congestive heart failure coordinator.

Wedne S day, Septe M ber 27

Managing Stress and Diabetes. 3 to 4 p.m. This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

t hur S day, Septe M ber 28

Color Me Hoopy; Hoola Hoop for Fun and

Fitness! 6 to 7 p.m. This is a very popular class, and with good reason; it’s so much fun. Hoola Hooping is so much easier with an “adult sized” hoop and the right instruction. Learn skills and techniques, hoops provided. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit Instructor. Fee-$15.

Better Health Programs

Registration required for all programs. Must be a Better Health Member. Call (609) 584-5900 or go to rwjbh.org/ events.

t ue S day, Septe M ber 12

The Tree of Life Art Workshop. 1 to 2:30 p.m. In this workshop, we will create the tree of life that speaks to you—its colors, branches, production of sprouts and/ or leaves. Bring pictures from magazines, your own photos, the colors you associate with your tree—paints, crayons and colored pencils will do. We will explore it all in this workshop and gain connection as we embrace this season together.

Friday, Septe M ber 22

Dr. Ali & Game Time Lunch and Learn. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Join us for lunch, a game, and prizes as Dr. Ali & Joyce Cantalice test your knowledge on things important to our aging community. Don’t panic, this will be a team effort created to be interactive and fun.

t ue S day, Septe M ber 26

Lean on Me! 11 a.m. to Noon. An end-of-life doula is a trained and compassionate individual who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families helping create an end-of-life plan. Meet Sandra Roy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, End-of Life Certification, Life Coach Certification, Clinical Pastoral Education Certification from RWJBarnabas Health, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.

Dr. Likhitha Musunuru

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Class size is limited for in-person events. Please register early. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

CANCERS IN WOMEN + FOCUSING ON SELF-CARE

Thursday, September 28, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Learning about cancers of the female reproductive system may reduce your risk and help you identify ways to prevent them, so it’s important to be proactive about your health.

DR. JOYCE VARUGHESE, a board certified, fellowship trained gynecologic oncologist, will lead a discussion of the programs available at Capital Health for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancers and related health challenges. Nancy McCormack, an internationally certified and registered yoga therapist from the Capital Health Wellness Center, will close the program with a demonstration of gentle yoga stretches.

SAFETY AWARENESS IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 10 a.m.

Location: Capital Health – Hamilton

1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Join Stephanie Kulak, Injury Prevention Coordinator from the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, to learn about the potential dangers in your home that could possibly cause injury. This program for older adults increases awareness of home safety and fall prevention and highlights the newer technology available to help people in the event of a fall.