2-22 TD

downtowner Trenton’s City Paper

February 2022 |

communitynews.org

Coffee Culture

Cristina Salerno and Viviana Garcia at Palo de Azucar are part of the perky blend of shops that warm up the city.

Page 6.

Photography meets family at Artworks, page 2; Winter events in the capital city, page 14.

UP FRONT

Trenton photographer celebrates family struggles and successes MERCER COUNTY AND UCEDC OFFER

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A

rtworks Trenton presents Bronxraised Trenton photographer Edwin Torres’ exhibition of family documentary photographs, “Towers: Holding On” through February 26.

According to Artworks material, Torres, born in 1989, is an award-winning photographer “preoccupied with uncovering stories about family life and disenfranchised communities that are often overlooked.” That includes his own Puerto Rican heritage.

The visual content director for the State of New Jersey Office of Governor Phil Murphy and former staff photographer for the New York City Mayor’s Office, Torres is also a freelance photojournalist whose work has been published in the New York Times, the Atlantic, and ProPublica.

The Artworks exhibition celebrates Torres’ family — Torres in English is Towers — and is dedicated to the photographer’s mother, Nitza Magalay Garay, who died in April, 2020.

“It was early in the pandemic — too early to know the risks of undergoing an elective surgery or convalescing in a rehab facility in New York where COVID-19 would go on to take many thousands of lives,” writes Joanne Torres, Edwin’s fiancee, in the exhibition statement.

“My mother was one of the strongest women I’ve ever seen in the world. She lived a life where she had

An image from Edwin Torres’ ‘Towers’ exhibit at Artworks through February 26. encountered a lot of blockages and succeeded,” Torres said during a recent Community News Service interview. “Every time I think of how fortunate I am and where I am, it is because of her. She’s the person who could take (people) out of the environment and put them in a place where they could succeed. My mother was very loving and caring. She was central to the family.”

“These are the photos he has chosen to show us to preserve the memory of his family,” continues Joanne.

“They are honest moments, not the kind typically broadcast for public consumption, but the kind that take root in our foundation and form a family’s history. Their story is one of courage, migration, loss, joy, pain, perseverance, and triumph. It is set in Puerto Rico and the Bronx, NY. The protagonists are strong, full of life, flawed, but admirable.” They are also universal.

Towers: Holding On, Artworks, 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street. Through February 26. Opening reception, Saturday, February 5, 6 to 8 p.m. www.artworkstrenton.org.

DOWNTOWNER Phone: (609) 396-1511 Fax: (609) 844-0180 Website: communitynews.org SENIOR EDITOR Dan Aubrey MANAGING EDITOR Sara Hastings SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113) ADMINISTRATIVE ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Gina Carillo

To start the process, please fill out our Loan Pre-Qual Form on the webpage below or speak to one of our loan officers at 908-527-1166.

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2Trenton Downtowner February 2022

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February 2022 | Trenton Downtowner5

Warming up the city and season the Trenton coffee way

By Dan Aubrey

T

rentonians looking to escape the winter chill need only take a quick trip to a local coffee shop to order a cup of warmth — and optimism.

After all, despite the havoc caused by the pandemic and community leaders bickering, it’s these city hot spots that keep city life perking and suggest that something good may be brewing in the future.

A visit to the Palo de Azucar (Sugar Cane) at 862 South Broad Street is a case in point.

Cristina Salerno and Viviana Garcia opened their café two months ago where Finca Café opened two years ago — only to be flattened two months later when it became a COVID casualty.

“It was 100 percent COVID,” says Finca owner Guillermo Gomez about the café’s faltering. The real estate agent-turned-coffee shop proprietor has gone back to real estate and runs his office over the shop he owns and rents to the mother/daughter team.

Gomez and his wife, Dina, purchased the former Johnny’s Delicatessen and see themselves as part of a new wave of Trenton pioneers who believe in the city. “We are passionate about the city of Trenton. We have our roots in the business, and all our family is here,” he says.

They also see potential in the number of Spanish-speaking immigrants coming into Chambersburg. That includes them.

Dina came to Trenton when her shoe factory worker father brought the family from Guatemala to find more opportunities. Guillermo came from Colombia to stay alive.

“I had to flee the country and seek political asylum,” he says. “My father was killed two months before coming here. Guerrillas threatened our family.

We couldn’t be there anymore, even after my father was killed. (Guerrilla members) were coming to my school because I saw the people who took him.”

Similarly, the two new café operators also came from South America to Trenton to join family members.

Speaking Spanish translated by Gomez, who was down from his office, Garcia says, “I was born in Italy and then raised in Venezuela,” giving an indication of why the café with a Spanish name features a large mural of the city of Venice.

“We had experience. The opportunity presented itself to do what we originally did in Venezuela. We took advantage of it. We find it advantages that many Latin Americans live here.”

Gomez says both are strengthening their English speaking but are doing well because many in the area speak Spanish.

Another touch of Italy meets Venice is the coffee, Kaldi Coffee’s Semi-Italian blend: a smooth, light blend.

Left, Cristina Salerno and Viviana Garcia mix Latin American and Italian influences at Palo de Azucar. Right, Vince Camiolo caters to coffee connoisseurs at One Up One Down.

One Up One Down

front of you, to have the balance to overcome any obstacle or not seeing round the corner things are perk- something as an obstacle to begin ing up at One Up One Down with,” he says.

Roastery and Caffe at 750 Cass Street.

He says he also incorporated a SparVince Camiolo and his wife, Natalie tan business approach. “We’re doing it Rockwell, opened their doors just as debt-free. We’re doing this with mostGomez’s was being shut. They kept ly savings. We haven’t taken any loans theirs open with other work and a or investors. We want to stay lean for partnership with friend and drummer now,” he says.

Erik Hischmann.

He says it was a chance meeting with Located in the former Polish Fal- Wilkinson at a party where he heard cons Club buildthat Wiswall was ing now owned moving out.

by Trenton art“I had been to ‘I want to attract anyone (Wiswall’s) ists and arts shop coordinators once,” says Cawho likes coffee — from Lauren Otis and miolo. “We talked Palo de Azucar, 862 South Broad Andrew Wilkinsnobs or someone coffee. My wife Street, Trenton. Check for hours. son, the shop had been there a 609-218-6694. who gets it at the gas site is the former few times. It was home of Abdul our kind of place, station,’ says Vince Quadir Wiswall’s down to earth. It Camiolo.

Trenton Coffeehad an oasis kind house Roaster of vibe. I didn’t FELTUS — a city coffee know Andrew destination and a place for artists and was the owner. He and I talked, and it INSURANCE musicians to gather. seemed a good fit for both of us.”

Camiolo says in a past interview Talking a broad look at his busiSERVICES that the business’s name — printed on ness, Camiolo says, “There are a lot of a logo based on the couple’s dog’s up specialty coffee roasters that seem to BETH FELTUS and down ears — represents two dif- be popping up in the area. I try to take ferent ideas. a very down-to-earth approach to speEMPLOYEE BENEFITS SPECIALIST One relates to their main product cialty coffee. It can be elitist and preSpecializing Small 50 Employees Licensed in NJ ·inNY · PABusinesses · KY · TN · of OH2 ·- WV · GA · LA · IN and their commitment to producing tentious. I want to attract anyone who balanced-tasting coffee. likes coffee — from snobs or someone Phone (609) 393-1556 • Fax Email Beth@BethFeltus.com (609) 393-1556 O. (877) (609)393-0996 233-4113• C. (609) 498 7900 F. The other reflects Camiolo’s inter- who gets it at the gas station.”

104 Jackson St., Trenton, NJ 08611 est in living a balanced life. “It’s influEmail Beth@BethFeltus.com He credits his father’s habit of enced by Greek philosophy, stoicism. www.bethfeltus.com www.BETHFELTUS.com Moving forward no matter what is in See COFFEE, Page 8

6Trenton Downtowner February 2022

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February 2022 | Trenton Downtowner7

counter where one can get a cup of coffee from the Lacas Company — whose drinking coffee black for developing website boasts that “since 1921, Lacas his tastes. “I always drink it black and Coffee Company has filled the mugs notice different qualities and origins.” of New Jersey diners and beyond.”

It also helped him to determine the The ones in Trenton have been factors that make a “good” cup of cof- used by mayors, city council memfee. “Balance is important. I don’t want bers, county freeholders, workers to taste any elewith collars of evments of smokiery color, artists, ness or char. I’m writers, regular A draw at Pat’s Diner not a dark roast Janes and Joes, kind of guy and and those just is the old-fashioned don’t roast anydown on their counter where a cup of thing dark. I want luck. some citrus. But Pat’s is alLacas Company coffee is if it is going to legedly named at the ready. be floral or fruity, after the daughcitrus, and acidic ter of George I want it balanced Kohlmayer, who with base notes opened the shop like chocolate — milk or dark choco- in 1926 and sold hot dogs, hamburglate. I like the idea the idea of coffee ers, and coffee from a corner store tasting sessions and not getting fa- into the 1950s. tigued by an overwhelming flavor.”

Then there were several other ownOne Up One Down Roaster y ers who turned it into a pasta house and Caffe, 750 Cass Street, Monday and then members of Mastoris’ family who in the 1980s enlarged the original through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdining car. day and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.

“I like the people around here,” oneuponedowncoffee.com.

Mastoris says about his arrival and taking over an important part of TrenPat’s Diner ton dining history. “They’re friendly. t’s a landmark,” says owner John They’ve been good to me. I came here Mastoris, the Greek-born mem- as a new owner, and they did not turn their backs to me, they supported me. ber of the family that owned the So that is a plus for me.” famed Mastoris Diner formerly in At the end of our talk, he says, “I Bordentown. hope for a better Trenton and that “I don’t know many restaurants or sign on the bridge, ‘Trenton Makes, diners being in business 80 years or the World Takes,’ will come to life so,” he says. “I have people in their again.”

90s who come here and say, ‘I was Pat’s Original Diner, 1300 South here when I was seven or ten. My father and my grandfather brought me Broad Street, Trenton. Open 24 hours.

609-392-2024. here.’”

And while the diner menu is one draw, one of the main draws is the COFFEE, continued from Page 6

‘I

8Trenton Downtowner February 2022

Starbucks

Left, John Mastoris at the counter at Pat’s Diner. Above, former obert Torricelli was instrumensenator Robert Torricelli at tal in getting Trenton’s first Starbucks. He’s a former U.S. congress- Trenton’s Starbucks.

R

man and senator and current partner in Woodrose Properties.

A decade before its opening in 2017 Torricelli traveled to a mayor’s conference in Las Vegas with Trenton’s thenmayor, Doug Palmer. Torricelli was there when the mayor, in a speech, called out the CEO of Starbucks, who was in the audience, and asked him why every state capital except Trenton had a Starbucks.

Torricelli says in a past interview that he and others never gave up on the idea.

Now despite some recent bumps — COVID closing the state and other downtown businesses and the sudden death of a young manager — new manager Kiana Justinian is overseeing the creation of hot grandes brewed from beans from South American and Arabia and rotation of artwork curated

by Trenton artist C.a. Shofed. And returning this month is Open Mic Night, Saturday, February 12, 4 to 6 p.m. and Trivia Night, Friday, February 18, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Starbucks, 102 South Warren Street, check for hours, www.facebook.com/sbuxtrenton/

Dunkin

S

everal Dunkin stops around Trenton make filling up with a hot cup made of South American-beans as easy as pie — or, in this case, donut.

While the spot on the corner of Broad and State streets is in the heart of downtown, other sit-down counter stops include the shop at 1 John Fitch Way, 1072 Chambers Street, 225 East State Street, 25 Market Street, 275 Parkway Avenue, 410 Lalor Street, and 72 South Clinton Avenue.

Courthouse Cafe And let’s not forget the place where across the street from the Mercer County Court House on South Broad Street. It’s where judges, jurors, attorneys, defendants, and the innocent bystander all get served with a cup hot java. One of the city’s last old-style diner atmospheres, it may just be the thing to warm you up on a bright cold day — or a dark day in court.

Courthouse Cafe, 192 South Broad Street. www.facebook.com/Courthouse-Cafe-Catering-135697603132221/ about/?ref=page_internal.

SIX09 ARTS > FOOD > CULTURE

thesix09.com | FEBRUARY 2022

Let’s Get Cozy

Valentine’s Day activities to warm hearts and souls. Page 2.

The best cheesesteaks? They might be in New Jersey. Introducing Donkey’s, page 7.

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from the cover Seasons of love

By RebeKaH SCHrOeDer

Learn the love languages of New Jersey with this guide to food, events, retail opportunities, and romantic giveaways throughout the state. From decadent chocolate-covered strawberries to a perfect wintery scenery, there are options for anyone looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether doing so with partners, friends, or family.

Food

Serving up French fine dining at the Grounds For Sculpture, Rat’s Restaurant’s romantic experience for this Valentine’s Day is an à la carte menu with featured wine and dinner specials. Guests at Rat’s Restaurant can dine on options for the holiday such as duck confit en croûte, oysters rockefeller refaire, squid ink crab pasta, a 16-ounce veal porterhouse, and for dessert, a sacher torte.

Because Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year when Rat’s is usually closed, the restaurant will be open solely for dinner on Feb. 14.

Sasha Peatman is not only an assistant general manager at Rat’s Restaurant, but a master sommelier. Subject to the day, she will be curating featured wine pairings to accompany the specials.

“I wanted to open some really nice bottles that you normally wouldn’t be able to have by the glass, just for this

special weekend,” she said.

“We have eight outside tables that are covered by a glass awning and have heat lamps installed in the ceiling, so we actually still are offering outdoor dining to guests that are not comfortable with sitting inside,” Peatman said. “It is obviously still a little bit chilly out there, but you’re very well-protected, and all of those outside tables are around our pond and have a view of the Monet’s Bridge, so the ambience out there is still very lovely.”

Rat’s Restaurant, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Saturday through Monday, February 12 through 14, 4 to 9 p.m. www.ratsrestaurant.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Employees wear masks, customers are not required to wear face masks if fully vaccinated, and outdoor seating is available. *** Hopewell Valley Vineyards is hosting a private, ticket-only event with midday meal favorites like imported and local cheeses, wine, brick oven breakfast pizzas, roasted potatoes, meats, and other enticing fare.

“Our brunch menu is very extensive,” said Violetta Neri, who owns the vineyard alongside husband Sergio Neri, the winemaker and chef. “It’s really amazingly customized to us.

Our chef and winemaker being ItalSee VALENTINES, Page 4

SIX09

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

An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.

Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect Community News Service LLC Publications. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher.

We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe.

So if you’ve put off any medical care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.

CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold

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MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts

PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski

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VALENTINES, continued from Page 2

ian, he makes ricotta pancakes and a berry sauce for [them] from scratch.”

The brunch also comes with mimosas and bellinis using a prosecco-style wine. Violetta Neri says that in the past, this menu for private events has been very well-received.

Personally, she recommends their thin-crust nutella pizza that “comes [out] piping hot out of the oven” with the chocolate-hazelnut spread and powdered white sugar.

Violetta Neri is also hoping to have their chocolate port wine ready by the day of the event. In a similarly sweet fashion, Hopewell Valley Vineyards will be selling chocolate-covered wine

bottles as gifts in white, red and rosé flavors.

Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Sunday, Feburary 13, 11 a.m. $32.00 each plus gratuity ($38.40) and tax. Reserve by February 9 at 609-737-4465 or www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Hopewell Valley Vineyards follows state mandates that are subject to change. Anyone is permitted to wear masks according to their comfort level. *** With elevated American cuisine and a seasonal flair, The Meeting House will have an à la carte menu, as well as featured specials, available for Valentine’s Day. The Meeting

House would typically be closed on Mondays, but due to the holiday, the restaurant will be open exclusively for dinner. Owner Amar Gautam said that guests can now make their reservations online.

The Meeting House, 277 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. Monday, February 14, 4:30 to 9 p.m. www.meetinghouseprinceton.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: The Meeting House follows local Princeton mandates that are subject to change. *** K’s Events and Decorations specializes in packages that combine food and flair for customers at home.

Customizable for a private date night between two, multiple couples com-

From left: The Pavilion at Rat’s set for a past Valentine’s Day; heart-shaped pizza from Brother’s; and a fruit and chocolate bouquet from Carella’s.

ing together, or a celebration with friends, Antonia James, the owner, brings along a picnic setting and a three-course dinner provided by Under the Moon Cafe Catering.

“It’s not limited to one couple,” James said. “You get a discount if you add more couples to the ticket…[or you could] grab a couple of girlfriends and do it as a Galentine’s night.”

Supplying pillows, benches, candles, centerpieces, and “the whole nine yards,” James ensures that pairs

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or groups can have enjoyable, elevated meals even from the comfort of their own homes. If there is not enough space available for the picnic setup, James and her team can adapt to place the spread on a dining room table.

The options for the dinner consist of salmon, short ribs, or a vegetarian choice, as well as dessert. Now inside of a new location at Dragonfly Farms, K’s Events and Decorations also has balloon and floral arrangements available for additional purchase.

K’s Events and Decorations, 966 Kuser Road, Hamilton (inside Dragonfly Farms). Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $300 for two people; $100 for each additional person. www. kseventdecorations.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Mask, gloves, and sanitizer required for staff. Customers are not required to wear masks. *** For the romantic who is truly cheesy at heart, Brother’s Pizza will be selling heart-shaped pizzas all the way through Valentine’s Day for an estimated price of $18.95, plus toppings. Pre-ordering is recommended and can be done either online or over the phone.

Brother’s Pizza, 871 Route 33, Hamilton. Valentine’s Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Regular hours: Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 609-586-2707 or www.brothers­

pizza33.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Employees are encouraged to wear masks according to their comfort level or if not vaccinated, customers not required to wear masks.

Events

Last Christmas might be a figment of the past, but sleigh rides and the like are still in season at the Mercer County Park Commission’s Howell Living Histor y Farm, giving couples and families multiple ways to cruise around “the farm’s wintery landscape.” Couples can choose a two-seater sleigh or a horse-drawn carriage, while families can ride a

bobsled or a hay wagon.

“Imagine it’s February of 1890, and you look out the window to see your Valentine pull up the driveway in a sleigh pulled by two horses,” administrator Kevin Watson said of either the “one-of-a-kind date” or the “family fun” options. Watson, who recommends arriving early, said that the rides run from 10:30 to to 3 and are first come, first served.

Children are encouraged to make Valentine’s Day cards as part of a crafting program from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “for a small materials fee.” Soup will be available at the farmhouse, warmed by the stovetop on a chilly February day.

Howell Farm’s Kevin Watson enjoys a sleigh ride with his fiancee, left, and Emery Frick and Tom Donnelly of Piscataway show their handmade Victorian valentines at Morven.

Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville. OldFashioned Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Febraury 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www. howellfarm.org.

COVID-19 Protocols: Masks required to be carried by customers and worn when unable to social distance from others. *** See VALENTINES, Page 6

February 2022 | SIX095

VALENTINES, continued from Page 5

Using pressed flowers from Morven Museum & Garden’s gardens, attendees can make Victorian-style Valentines with Morven’s curator of education and public programs, Debi Lampert-Rudman. Before the workshop, there will be a visit to the museum included. Materials and instructions will be provided. No previous experience is required, and spaces are limited. Ticket price also includes “take home” refreshments and admission.

“Morven is the home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton, and his wife, Annis Boudinot Stockton, one of the first female published poets in America,” Lampert-Rudman said.

Years later, it became New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion.

During the Victorian Era, LampertRudman continues, a lush greenhouse was a sign of affluence. The flowers are not blooming at this time of year, but the Victorian Valentine’s program is “an homage” to the gardens of that era.

“It’s been a very successful [event] for several years and our last in-person pressed flower workshop was just this past November,” Lampert-Rudman said.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Victorian Pressed Flower Valentine Workshop, Saturday, February 5, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $45 per general admission ticket ($35 for members). www.morven.org.

COVID-19 Protocols: Masks required, vaccinations preferable.

Attendees will be seated in the same groups or ‘pods’ as those they registered with or individually, all socially distanced at least six feet from other tables in a large room. *** Harkening back to an era of The Great Gatsby and jazz music, Bordentown Walking Tours and the Downtown Bordentown Association are co-sponsoring a historic journey across town with an insightful look at Bordentown’s speakeasies.

“Building on the success of our Revolutionary Pub Crawl over Independence Day weekend last summer, we are again looking forward

6SIX09 | February 2022

to a fun, informative and entertaining pub crawl featuring four great establishments in beautiful, historic, and walkable downtown Bordentown City,” said Mark Neurohr-Pierpaoli, the founder of Bordentown Walking Tours. The tour also includes “a bite to eat” at every stop over the course of four hours.

While the tour guides telling stories of Prohibition and the Roaring 20s in Bordentown will be in costume, guests are also “encouraged” to wear their best gangster or flapper attire.

Patrons must be 21 or older with proof of ID. Roaring 20s Pub Crawl, Old Town Pub, 135 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown. Saturday, February 12, noon to 4 p.m. $75 per ticket (includes four drink tickets and food). Guests (21+ only) can reserve their tickets online. www.oldtown.pub.

COVID-19 Protocols: The event will follow all current guidelines. Indoor requirements vary by establishment.

Neurohr-Pierpaoli said that when together outdoors as a group, masks and social distancing are encouraged, but not required.

Retail

Boasting “the widest selection of chocolates in Mercer County,” Carella’s Chocolates and Gifts, a womanrun, family-owned chocolatier offers trays of assorted chocolates in flavors that customers can pick and choose from to fill out their boxes. Carella’s also has chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit bouquets with Valentine’s Day designs, and chocolate-covered wine bottles.

Owner Connie Dalton said that customers can bring in any wine, spirits, or soda for the process. Carella’s then puts a food safe bag around the plastic or glass to ensure that the chocolate never touches the bottle.

“We dip it in our kettle, and it’s real high quality chocolate,” she continued. “We usually do dark chocolate, because that’s the best paired with wine.”

The dipped bottles sell for $28, the same price as the chocolate-covered strawberries. The bouquets range in price depending on the order, which can include both their signature chocolates, chocolate-covered fruits and

an assortment of fresh fruits.

Carella’s Chocolates & Gifts, 2503 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ThursdayFriday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. www.carellaschocolates.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Masks appreciated, staff vaccinated and boosted. *** For those with an insatiable sweet tooth, David Bradley Chocolatier is selling heart cocoa bombs, as well as heart smash boxes, for Valentine’s Day. The boxes come in two dimensions, a large size and a ‘cupcake’ size for younger choc-a-holics. Along with the purchase, customers are given a wooden mallet to break the surface.

“Inside, there’s a couple pretzels, nonpareils, and little beads that come tumbling out when you smash it with that hammer,” Chris Hicks, David Bradley Chocolatier’s owner, said.

“Of course, no matter what I do, you can’t get away from the chocolate-covered fruit,” she continued.

“Strawberries are still the number one seller.”

David Bradley Chocolatier, 92 North Main Street, Windsor. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. www.dbchocolate.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Employees wear masks, customers are not required to wear face masks. Sanitizer available and plastic shields up in the store. Samples are currently being handed out by employees instead of having customers reach in themselves.

To ensure safety, David Bradley also has a paging system in place if the store becomes too crowded so that customers can wait in their cars until buzzed to come inside.

Romantic Getaways

For a breath of fresh air, guests at Hotel LBI can “escape” to a suite — one that has both discounted rates for staying longer and a full kitchen.

“Hotel LBI is open year-round and is a perfect place to escape for that much-needed staycation,” said Liz Santoro, area director of sales for Hotel LBI. “[It’s] a short drive and centrally located between NYC, Philly and AC. It is the perfect place

Accommodations at Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom, left, and the Colonial Inn in Historic Smithville.

to unwind.”

To kick off their relaxation, Santoro added that guests can choose from relaxing at the indoor pool and hot tub, sipping a cocktail by the fire, and experiencing fine dining, all in close proximity to Long Beach Island. Winter Escape is applicable to new reservations only and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Hotel LBI, 350 West 8th Street, Ship Bottom. 20 percent off winter rates when you stay two nights or more (Offer Code: WINTER) through March 31. www.hotellbi.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Masks recommended, areas of high contact and public spaces sanitized frequently. *** Historic Smithville is known as a shopping village priding itself on oldfashioned charms, and The Colonial Inn is no different. As part of two current promotions, guests can stay two nights and get another for half price from Sunday to Thursday.

If guests want to stay longer, the Four Seasons Weekday Getaway lets them pay for three nights and receive the third at 50 percent off the weekday price. Likewise, they can pay for four nights and receive the fourth night completely free from Sunday to Thursday. Weekday deals must be requested upon making a reservation, with advance reservations encouraged.

“All the 60+ shops are open, all the restaurants are open in the village, so it’s still a great time to come,” said Taylor Walsh, The Colonial Inn’s marketing manager.

Walsh said that The Colonial Inn’s Valentine’s Day packages can include indulgences such as roses and champagne, strawberries and wine, and cheese from Magnifico’s Say Cheese.

The Colonial Inn Bed & Breakfast in Historic Smithville, 615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville. www.colonialinnsmithville.com.

COVID-19 Protocols: Masks not required when checking in, no-contact check-in available, rooms cleaned frequently.

what’s cooking?

Fueled by

MERCER EATS

A new cheesesteak joint gives something to chew on

By Dan Aubrey

The ongoing regional argument about who makes the best cheese­ steak — in and out of Philadelphia — got a new twist in 2015.

That’s when a world-famous food critic weighed in and delivered a decisive one-two shot into the guts of self-proclaimed Delaware Valley cheesesteak connoisseurs by giving a greasy thumbs up to a steak joint not only off the road less traveled but outside of Philadelphia.

With that anointed cheesesteak maker just opening a new shop close enough to the U.S. 1 region, now is the time for area food adventurers to make a trip, get a quick bite out, and join the debate.

The food critic was the late New Jersey-native and host of the popular cable television show “No Reservations,” Anthony Bourdain.

The show featured former New York City celebrity chef globe-gobbling with no reservations about eating local delicacies — including concoctions stirred up with maggots, testicles, and animal eyes. The program attracted a large audience up to the host’s suicide in 2018.

But in 2015 he and the show’s producers decided to put the focus on the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area.

Since Philadelphia and cheesesteaks are akin to the connection between London and fish and chips, it was clear that the show’s menu needed to include a highly visible test taste and that Bourdain would have to face the ensuing fire from legions of cheesesteak fans.

But first, let’s put the delicacy in perspective.

“A cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sauteed rib-eye beef and melted cheese,” posts Visit Philadelphia, the official city visitors’ port for regional info.

Its writer — agreeing with numerous others (including this one) — readily says the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz — a glowing, mild-tasting processed cheese sauce developed by Kraft foods in the 1950s. But American and provolone are acceptable substitutions.

South Philadelphia hot dog vendor Pat Oliveri is credited with the creation in 1930. A Thomas Edison of caloric intake, Oliveri cooked up the idea of putting grilled beef on a hotdog roll and giving it to taxi driver client.

The driver in turn had a mouthful to say about the concoction and drivers, and their clients soon headed to Oliveri’s corner — where he spiced up the menu by adding cheese.

Oliveri and his co-partner brother eventually opened the shop on the

Donkey’s cheesesteak has been touted as a regional favorite, but it lacks the traditional presentation on a long, crusty roll.

corner of 9th Street and Passyunk Donkey’s Place on Haddon Street in Avenue, the site of the now well- Camden.

Donkey is the late Leon Lucas. He known Philadelphia stop, Pat’s King of was a lightweight boxer who repreSteaks.

In true Philadelphia fashion, a com- sented the U.S. in the 1928 Olympics. petitor opened Geno’s Steaks across His nickname is connected to a punch the street and ignited the long-stand- that was likened to a donkey’s kick.

Lucas purchased the place in 1943, ing argument regarding the better gave it its lively name, and added cheesesteak.

Although cheesesteaks have cheesesteaks with his own special become as plentiful as hot dogs or hot sauce to the menu.

Eventually the reputation of Donpretzels in Philadelphia and around the region, the who-serves-the-best- key cheesesteaks gained steam, and in 1998 then-Philand-why arguadelphia mayor ment has only Ed Rendell got a intensified.

Although taste of the CamNow cheesden competition esteak aficionacheesesteaks have and asked Donkey dos often argue become as plentiful to come to Philatheir preferdelphia. He didn’t ence for a paras hot dogs or bite. ticular vendor Donkey’s is a with the same hot pretzels in family operation. fervor used for After Leon, the bar sports teams Philadelphia and was run by Donand political parties — even to around the region, the key’s son, Robert Lee Lucas, and the point where who-serves-the-best- now by his son, Joe a server at a Lucas. noted Philadeland-why argument Robert had phia restaurant moved to Medford, advised ignoring has only intensified. where the family the cheesesteak opened a Donkey’s on the menu outpost several and heading to a small place several blocks away. She years ago.

Now back to 2015’s game-changing also noted — rightfully — that Pat’s visit. and Geno’s were for tourists.

A quick review of newspaper Bourdain’s entry into the cheese­ steak dispute was like tossing two reports show that Bourdain was out splashes of fresh grease on the an about in the area and even sighted in the Pinelands. already sizzling controversy.

But, as we know, the show stopper The first was that he didn’t venture into Philadelphia — a place he was his stop at Donkey’s. And since dubbed the cheesesteak capital of the cheesesteaks are the only sandwich on the menu, it was clear why Bouruniverse.

The second was that his sweet dain was there.

As the Camden-area Courierhot spot was on a road less traveled:

Post newspaper reports, Bourdain “stopped by Donkey’s Place in Camden in late January for not one, but two of its special cheesesteaks, featuring candy caramelized onions and a poppy-seeded Kaiser roll.”

But in the “Parts Unknown: New Jersey” broadcast segment, available for viewing on YouTube, one can watch the historic account unfold.

Bourdain sits at the bar. Lucas places the sandwich before him. And Bourdain intones the following narrative: “It’s round. It’s got steak, spices, browned onions, and real American cheese — such as it is. And it is sublime.”

Bourdain then tastes, gazes at the chef, and says, “Man, this should be a national landmark right away. This sandwich is unbelievably good.”

One can only imagine the chefs at Pat’s, Geno’s, Jim’s (my go to place), and Tony Luke’s eating their hearts out — with wiz — as a Camden joint gets international attention for Philadelphia’s phenomenon.

With Donkey’s Place opening its third location in Mt. Holly — about a 35-minute ride from Hoagie Haven in Princeton — I decided to do some taste testing for myself.

As noted, I’m a fan of Jim’s Steaks on South Street in Philadelphia and use that as a standard.

Here’s some quick taste-making background. According to former Philly Voice and current New York City-based food writer Allie Miller, Jim’s takes a spot with Pat’s and Geno’s as one of “big three” Philly cheesesteak places.

But more importantly, as Miller reports, “Jim’s recipe is slightly different from the others. Their menu states that they use top round black Angus beef for their meat. Also, Jim’s tends to be more partial to Cheez Whiz over other dairy options.” It’s also served on soft submarine roll that absorbs the juices and flavor but maintains its body for easy lifting.

And while it doesn’t have the street scene that Pat’s and Geno’s have, Jim’s has gotten Philadelphia Magazine’s nod for best cheese­steak in the city and the recipient of four Best in Philly awards.

So with a tuned palate, I took a trip to Camden to get a taste of Donkey’s real deal before heading to its new digs in Mt. Holly.

Donkey’s Haddon Avenue place is in the northern section of the city and is easy to access from the area where Routes 30, 130, and 38 meet. A few minutes’ ride up Kaighn Avenue and a left hand turn onto Haddon gets you there.

There is parking on the street and See DONKEY’S, Page 8

February 2022 | SIX097

Top Ranked for Quality and Safety.

DONKEY’S, continued from Page 7

rwjbh.org/hamilton

in a lot for Donkey’s patrons. And while urban decay is nibbling at the area, people coming and going seem lively and upbeat.

A quick few steps later I’m in the tavern and sucking up the scent and sound of onions sizzling, the lively banter of workers and patrons sitting at the modest sized bar, and the anticipation of the waiting customers gazing at the cooks over the grills behind the bar.

My sense that the march of time had somehow missed Donkey’s was supported by the observations of a Philadelphia Inquirer writer who called it “a bit of Camden in amber” and “maybe a shrine” where the only major change “is that while it looks like a bar (circa 1943) and feels like a bar, it is really more a cheesesteakery these days, the Lucas family’s magnificent version of the sandwich having triumphed over the booze (especially since the place now closes at 6 p.m., though an adjoining take-out window cranks out the steaks until midnight).”

The writer also then went onto the building’s pedigree: a Prohibitionera speakeasy serving Jewish clientele and later the watering hole for shipyard workers, RCA assemblers, Campbell Soup-makers, and hospital workers.

Since my plan is to test taste the Camden and Mt. Holly sandwiches to see if there is any difference, I

8SIX09 | February 2022

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Donkey’s original location in Camden has an old-timey vibe.

order, pay ($11 per steak), joined the wait line, and pass time by looking at the rack of Donkey’s Place T-shirts.

There’s “A Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” printed over a donkey holding a sprig over its backside or “Fuck Long Rolls” (the bar’s declaration of independence from the expected long submarine roll).

I also watch as Lucas prepares his magic with the standard recipe, described by the Inquirer reporter as “a block of thin-sliced ribeye folded on the grill, poked at with the corner of a spatula to loosen the texture — but never chopped. The hot, chopped red pepper relish is from K&Z, the Camden pickle maker. The rolls are, yes, round, their tops set on the sizzling steaks to breathe their steam and give them character. They are the same oversize poppy-seed kaisers, baked to Donkey’s specs by Del Buono’s Bakery in Haddon Heights, just as they have been since opening day. Finally, there are the sweet onions. They were delivered in a little red wagon years ago by a vendor who lived two blocks away. Now it is his son who delivers them. They are ordinary onions.

But they become special on the grill, mounded up and around the steaks for close to an hour, sucking up the beefy juice, seasoned with secret seasoning (garlic? paprika?), furrowed and

The Donkey’s takeout window now open in Mt. Holly serves an equally good sandwich to its sister shop in Camden with a very different vibe.

Trenton. The place stays close to the basics and provides a comforting youget-what-you-expect sandwich.

YEARS

of chewy meat, American or Provolone cheese, sweet fried onions, and a roll from Italian Peoples Bakery in

YEARS

plowed until they are as tender and took it to another level.

I immediately turned my attention caramelized as the onions in French to the Mt. Holly version and again onion soup.”

After hearing my garbled name checked its appearance, scent, heft, and order called, I step forward and and taste and happily found that it was have one of the staff members give up to the standard of the original — me a friendly slap on my shoulder, a but with even sweeter onions.

Since one sandwich was too much cheery good afternoon in my ear, and a bag with a noticeably weighty sand- to eat at one sitting, I had the opportunity to revisit the cheesesteaks over wich put into my hand.

In a few minutes I am on my 20-mile the next day and was more impressed trek to Mt. Holly — with the scent of with each bite.

However, as good as it was (and is), steak and onions filling the car.

Since I had once lived in Mt. Holly, I was not convinced it was the best I didn’t think I would have trouble cheesesteak in the region — or even finding the 37 Washington Street a cheesesteak to begin with.

That’s because the Donkey’s verDonkey’s shop, especially since it is one of the town’s major roads. But I sion goes against the basic form perfected on the streets of Philawas wrong.

After driving around the block delphia — a recipe that calls for the and trying to make sense of the simple arrangement of steak, onions, GPS directions, I finally figure out and cheese on a basic long roll. It’s a that Donkey’s was in the parking lot simple formula that challenges cheesbehind the façade of Washington esteak chefs to excel and find their own special mojo to make the taste Street buildings.

That is just one of the striking dif- buds sing.

It’s even a point Bourdain alluded ferences between the Camden and Mt. Holly Donkey’s. Another is that to when he told a reporter he was while the old city place is marinated used to a cheesesteak served on a by decades of onion fumes and bar long roll.

Donkey’s round talk, the new one is a roll version, on frill-free take-out only the other hand, is window-counter of With a tuned palate, I more like a roast the sort one finds on beef sandwich the boardwalk. The took a trip to Camden with a Philadelolder place is run by phia accent and an older gang that to get a taste of attitude. It’s a has eaten too much Donkey’s real deal thing in a league of of its own fare and its own. needs to see some before heading to its But why take sunlight, the other my word for it? by a team of slim and new digs in Mt. Holly.

A short trip will perky young people. bring you into the And the Camden place has a community vibe, while the long rolling argument that continues new one is surrounded by empty cars. to feed our area’s fascination with The contrasts made me wonder if cheesesteaks.

Donkey’s Place, 37 Washington the sandwich would be different too — and perhaps generate an argument Street, Mt. Holly. Open seven days a about which Donkey’s cheesesteak week. donkeysplacedownto.wixsite. com/mountholly. was the best and most authentic.

However, those needing a quick After several minutes of waiting in the great outdoors, my order cheesesteak break can find several was ready and I was heading home great places in the region. Here’s just to taste test — and resisting the fra- a few: Meatheadz on Brunswick Pike in grance and the temptation to stop the Lawrenceville. In the former Stewcar and dig into the bag.

When I got home, I headed directly art’s Root Beer stop, it made big to the kitchen, put the steaks on the food news in July, 2019, when it was table, got out a notebook, and dove in. rated No. 1 by an aficionado with 295 The first thing I noticed when I regional cheesesteaks under his belt.

Pete’s Steak House. With its roots lifted the sandwich from the Camden bag was that the wax paper was moist in Chambersburg’s fabled Italian reswith juice. Then I unfolded the wrap- taurant culture, the tasty tradition per and, like Bourdain, was struck by endures on Whitehorse Avenue in the look of the sandwich — a substan- Hamilton.

Gaetano’s on Route 33 in Hamiltial mound of steaming meat, onions, and cheese under an equally substan- ton is part of a chain that has a winning mixture of a hefty layer of thinly tial poppy-seed dome.

After taking a deep whiff of the sliced meat, an equally hefty sesame sweet scent of onion and spices, I seed roll especially made for them by carefully lifted the sandwich, studied DeLuca’s Bakery in Riverside, sweet it, and found that while the roll was fried onions, and, although it comes moistened by onion and meat it was with American cheese, the opportuhard enough to keep the sandwich nity to request Cheez Whiz. While the “Where size matters” slogan may set together but invitingly soft.

Then there was the bite and the the eyes rolling, it is more than hype: immediately realization of what all the The small sandwich is 12 inches long.

And, finally, Hoagie Haven on fuss was about. Donkey’s met the best of what I had previously experienced, Nassau Street in Princeton keeps it but its spices, bread, and secret sauce simple with a respectable layering

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medication, an extensive range of nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. Dr. Patel is also a certified prescriber of medical marijuana under the State of New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program.

Patients of Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute benefit from the availability of same-day or nextday appointments and secure telehealth technology for remote consultations.

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niques to deliver effective treatments. While their particular focus is on orthopedic care for back and neck pain, the Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute providers have expertise in treating conditions as varied as arthritis, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), peripheral neuropathy, and migraines.

The innovative, multimodal approach of Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute targets the source of chronic pain wherever possible, using regenerative medicine methods such as plateletrich plasma (PRP), stem cell, and exosome injections. These natural, biological therapies use the patient’s healing cells in concentrated form to stimulate faster and more vigorous healing of damaged and diseased tissues.

Other treatments available include viscosupplementation for knee pain, peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation, physiotherapy, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, epidural injections and joint injections containing steroid

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Also Buying Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Old Postcards, Paper Ephemera, Pottery, Prints, Paintings, Old Toys, Coins, Stamps, Etc. Appraisals Available.

Downsizing/Moving? Call Us! Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com

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To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to mdurelli@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 105.

classified HELP WANTED CDL-OTR DRIVERS WANTED: Imarich ventures limited liability company is seeking to employ dependable and efficient OTR CDL truck drivers with great physical and mental stamina and able to withstand long hours on the road. Must be organized, pay attention to detail and comfortable working independently. Should have a clean driving record with at least two years experience. Call 609-6472293 email: p.nyamah@ imarichventures.com Looking for a parttime/full time job that provides meaningful work and competitive compensation? Consider a position in a State Farm Agent’s office. Successful State Farm Agent Shilpa Rathi, Bordentown is seeking a qualified professional to join their winning team for the role of Office Assistant - State Farm Agent Team Member.

We seek an energetic professional interested in helping our business grow through valuebased conversations and remarkable customer experience. If you are a motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, then this is your opportunity for a rewarding career with excellent income and growth potential. Call 609400-5958 or email shilpa@ shilparathi.org for more information.

Rose Hill Assisted Living is hiring a P/T cook.

10:30-6:30 p.m. Alternate weekends. Must have serve safe certificate or willingness to obtain one.

609-371-7007.

Rose Hill Assisted Living is hiring F/T Wait Staff (7-3 p.m.) & P/T dietary aide 3:30-6:30 p.m. Some Weekends Required. Food service experience a plus.

609-371-7007.

Rose Hill Assisted Living is

hiring experienced LPNs to work part time on all shifts. Some weekend hours. Competitive hourly rate based on experience.

Must have a valid NJ LPN license and minimum 1 year experience in assisted living or LTC. 609-371-7007.

SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES -Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674.

F,D,Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www.sweetbeginnings.info.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel.

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WANTED- QUALITY CAMERAS AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT, FOUNTAIN PENS AND OLDER WATCHES, FAIR PRICES PAID CALL JAY609-689-9651.

Looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, Signed books, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, The Happy Hollisters, ect WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), old postcards, non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks (also Avon,Popular Library, Dell, Ace, BEACON, Monarch, Midwood pbs) old COSMOPOLITAN 1920’s-1940’s. Call 609-619-3480 or email BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

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Cash paid for World War II military items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@optonline. net Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.

609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@optonline. net HOUSING FOR RENT COTTAGE FOR RENT (Cream Ridge/Upper Freehold) One-Bedroom on a quiet farm near Imlaystown (Exit 11 I-195 Utilities included) No Pets or smoking, $1,200.00/month. 732-4929292 or 609-529-1831.

VACATION RENTALS Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609-577-8244 for further information COMMERCIAL SPACE COMMERCIAL END UNIT FOR LEASE Approx 1090sf, Ideal for professional offices/retail store. Highly traveled & very visible location on YardvilleAllentown Rd. Easy access to NJTP, Rt.130,I95. $2,400/ month. Call for details DiDonato Realty 609-5862344/ Marian Conte BR 609-947-4222.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to sell.

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Large space, great potential.

Call 609-462-0188.

BURIAL PLOTS For Sale: 2 in-ground, side by side, cemetery plots in beautiful section of Ewing Presbyterian Cemetery.

Open to All Faiths. Prime location in Mercer County.

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(M-F 8-6 ET) Health & Fitness Dental insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit!

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on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option.

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Free 7-yr extended warranty $695 value! Request a free quote today! Call for terms & conditions. 1-844-334-8353 Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection.

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production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 833-719-3029 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ acp Paying top cash for men’s sportwatches! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 833-6033236 Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity.

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HEALTH

FEBRUARY 2022

@capitalhealthnj

HEADLINES

B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H

CAPITAL HEALTH LICENSED TO PERFORM ELECTIVE CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION LAW PASSED IN 2021 ENABLES EXPANSION OF CARDIAC SERVICES Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell in Pennington, New Jersey recently received formal approval from the New Jersey Department of Health to perform elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)—also known as elective angioplasty—a lifesaving procedure to prevent heart attacks and provide patients relief from symptoms of obstructed arteries without the need for invasive heart surgery. Capital Health now has two licensed cardiac catheterization labs at its Hopewell campus and expanded offerings in its Heart and Vascular Institute. This expansion is the result of a New Jersey law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in early 2021 that allows all qualifying hospitals to perform non-emergency angioplasty.

As part of the new law, hospitals like Capital Health are required to partner with a cardiac surgery center and develop shared protocols – including transportation of patients, data sharing through electronic medical record (EMR) access, regular consultation between providers, standardized data collections, and the creation of quality committees. Capital Health has partnered with Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, Burlington County, building on a relationship that began in 2019 when Capital Health assumed operation of the satellite emergency department on Deborah’s campus.

“Thanks to the 2021 law that expanded access to elective angioplasty and related interventions, our ability to provide these lifesaving measures makes Capital Health a more comprehensive option for cardiac care than ever before,” said Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health. “Our partnership with Deborah is built on our shared commitment to the health of our

patients, which will invigorate services that are part of our Heart & Vascular Institute, such as our nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, state-of-the-art operating room for interventional vascular surgery, and a comprehensive cardiology program with some of the area’s best general and interventional cardiologists.”

“With Capital Health now performing elective angioplasty, patients receive lifesaving care closer to home,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, director of Capital Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute and Chief Medical Officer of Capital Health Medical Group.

“In the past, our patients would have to travel to another health care institution to have the procedure done, but by offering elective angioplasty in house, they receive a streamlined continuum that is more likely to lead to shorter hospital stays and better outcomes.”

“With more than 60 years of performing comprehensive cardiac surgery, Deborah is ready to provide Capital’s physicians with back-up coverage when the need arises,” said Joseph Chirichella, President and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center. “Our cardiovascular team is ready to provide Mercer County residents with comprehensive care, and our already established working relationship with Capital will ensure seamless delivery of emergency cardiac care when needed.”

Partnership around patient access is not new for Capital Health and Deborah. In addition to the satellite emergency department on Deborah’s Browns Mills campus, Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 primary and specialty care providers, opened primary care and OB/GYN offices at Deborah in 2020, and Capital Health’s neurosciences team also provides tele stroke services for inpatients at Deborah. In turn, Deborah Specialty Physicians, a physician practice comprised of members of Deborah’s Medical Staff, provide complex and advanced heart failure patients with on-site inpatient evaluation and management at Capital Health with offices conveniently located in Lawrenceville and northern Burlington County.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Trenton Downtowner 9

Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center Sign Definitive Agreement for

Capital Health to Acquire St. Francis

Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Trinity Health, have entered into a definitive agreement to move forward with Capital Health’s acquisition of St. Francis Medical Center.

The addition of St. Francis Medical Center to the Capital Health network of health care services will result in an integrated, comprehensive, and sustainable non-profit health care system for communities in the greater Trenton area.

The definitive agreement was reached after a non-binding letter of intent was signed in the spring and a subsequent due diligence period. The due diligence process evaluated how to best enhance capabilities and fulfill the organizations’ shared mission to serve the City of Trenton, surrounding communities, and their residents. The agreement will now move through required state and federal regulatory approvals, a review process that can take more than a year.

“Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center have had a shared mission to support our community for more than a century,” said Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health. “Over the last several years, as Capital Health has continued to grow and expand its geography, one thing I have been very clear on is our enduring commitment to Trenton. This undertaking demonstrates that and will be complemented by other significant investments Capital Health will make to develop programs focusing on the broader needs of our neighbors, bringing a holistic approach to their well-being. We are truly excited for this next chapter in health care for our region.”

WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH Thursday, February 24, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting If you’re like most women, you’re probably busy taking care of everyone else. You and your heart health need equal time and attention. DR. SATVIK SHAH, fellowship trained cardiologist (and Lawrence Township native) from Capital Health Heart Care Specialists, will review gender differences in heart conditions and symptoms of heart disease. Become your own heart hero!

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom.

Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date.

Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

10Trenton Downtowner | Health Headlines by Capital Health

“In completing the due diligence process, we have concluded months of planning and discussion and can now start a plan to bring our organizations together with a goal of greater care options for the community,” said Daniel P. Moen, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Francis Medical Center. “Serving our community is at the heart of each of our organizations, and it is through this shared mission and aligned approach to care that residents will receive improved access to high-quality care.”

As a result of the definitive agreement, Capital Health plans to offer an enhanced complement of integrated services with community and tertiary levels of care to more efficiently meet the needs of area residents. Preserving and strengthening health care services in Trenton will be a priority. Capital Health’s acquisition of St. Francis will combine St. Francis’ specialized cardiac services with Capital Health’s specialized service lines including neuroscience, trauma, cancer, maternity, and orthopedics, as well as preserving other critical programs in the areas of emergency and behavioral health services. It will also align all of these complementary services with Capital Health Medical Group, which includes more than 20 primary care practices and dozens of specialty practices throughout the region. In addition to St. Francis Medical Center, the acquisition will include related operations, including LIFE St. Francis, St. Francis Medical Associates, its Schools of Nursing and Radiologic Technology, and internal medical residency program.

“The City of Trenton and the surrounding communities are a critical part of our shared mission to care for the underserved and I am extremely excited by what this agreement means for residents in the immediate community and the larger region,” said Samuel J. Plumeri Jr., Chairman, Capital Healthcare Inc., Board of Trustees. “The comprehensive model of care achieved will have a significant, positive impact on the health of our community.”

“This definitive agreement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to provide area residents, including the underserved, with high-quality, comprehensive care,” said Joseph Youngblood, II, J.D., Ph.D., chairman, Board of Trustees, St. Francis Medical Center. “The Trustees of St. Francis Medical Center spent countless hours identifying the best solution to continue the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis to provide health care in the City of Trenton. Our strengths, coupled with those of Capital Health, a regional health care leader, will improve services for residents by offering a fully integrated network of services in the City of Trenton. The result will be improved access and delivery of care for area residents.”

Both hospitals are known for providing advanced care and for ensuring local access to high-quality, affordable health care services.

Throughout the regulatory process, Capital Health and St. Francis remain committed to sustaining and advancing the comprehensive, high-quality services they provide to residents of the greater Trenton area.

Robbinsville Resident Feels Better Than Ever After Capital Health Cardiac Rehab On a sunny June afternoon, 59-year-old Stan Winnick of Robbinsville, New Jersey was having a perfect day, enjoying a cycling trip with one of his two adult sons as part of a visit to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Part way through their planned route, Stan began noticing that he wasn’t feeling well and decided to cut the ride short and head back to their car.

This turned out to be a lifesaving decision. He was having a serious heart attack and collapsed on the side of the road in a very desperate situation.

“No one wants to have a heart attack, but I was very lucky to have it where and when I did,” said Stan. “A couple of people were quick to help take care of me.”

One passerby was a fellow cyclist who was trained and experienced in CPR. Eventually, a nearby resident (and retired emergency medical technician) helped with CPR until Stan was transported by ambulance to a small hospital in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, where he spent 12 days in the intensive care unit.

Stan’s fitness routine included cycling/mountain biking, running, boot camp workouts, boxing, and two gym memberships, so it was hard for him to understand what was happening. It was determined that Stan had 100% blockage in his left anterior descending (LAD) artery, most likely from plaque that had broken loose.

“When I got home, I couldn’t do any of the things I enjoyed,” Stan recalled. “I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to do them again.”

Stan’s wife, Susan, connected him to Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell, which is home to Capital Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Stan entered the program in late August, and he was pleasantly surprised by the people, services, and amenities that are available for cardiac rehab patients like him.

“The space is beautiful and cheery,” said Stan. “It felt like a resort—everyone was kind and welcoming and answered any questions I had!”

Capital Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation team assured Stan that not only could he expect to resume his normal routine, he’d be doing it even better than before with their guidance.

“I was very weak at the beginning,” said Stan. “But everyone there put in the time and effort that was needed to give me confidence and push myself to get stronger.”

Capital Health’s team of physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians coordinate with referring physicians to help each person achieve their heart healthy goals. Stan’s team included Exercise Physiologist Jack Stolte, registered nurses Kathy Rowe and Kathy Ziegler, Dietitian Loni Pereszlenyi, Department Secretary Amber Chambers, and Cardiopulmonary Rehab Supervisor Laurie Beck, all of whom worked to ensure Stan achieved his goal of getting back to his old self.

After they complete their personalized cardiac rehab programs, patients are given verbal and printed recommendations for continuing exercises on their own. The Program also offers individual and group classes on topics such as heart health, risk factor reduction, nutrition, stress management, exercise, and medication guidelines.

Now, Stan isn’t just back to his old self—he’s a new man. And although Stan is thrilled by his results with Capital Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, he admits to missing his time there. “From a cardio standpoint, I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been,” he said. “I went from a dark place where I was kind of depressed to having a very optimistic view of the future.”

To learn more about Cardiac Rehabilitation at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacrehab. To schedule an appointment, call 609.537.6420.

Health Headlines by Capital Health | Trenton Downtowner 11

Two Experienced Family Medicine Physicians Join CAPITAL HEALTH PRIMARY CARE – HAMILTON Dr. Joseph Bordieri and Dr. Jared Newman, two board certified family medicine physicians, recently joined Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton, located at 1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 103, Hamilton, New Jersey 08619. Drs. Bordieri and Newman have experience in providing care for people ages 5 and older, as well as addressing specific health issues for older adults.

“The past two years have shown us that maintaining your health is more important than ever,” said Dr. Jerrold Gertzman, medical director of Capital Health Medical Group’s primary care network.

“Dr. Bordieri’s and Dr. Newman’s combined experience adds significant depth to our team, and their approaches to care will benefit families in Hamilton who are looking for guidance in managing their everyday health care needs.”

DR. JOSEPH BORDIERI received his medical degree from UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey and completed his family practice residency at Union Hospital in Union, New Jersey, where he served as chief resident and earned Resident of the Year honors in his second and third year. Dr. Bordieri is an avid endurance athlete and promotes exercise to maintain overall health. He is a four-time Ironman Lake Placid finisher and has competed in more than 46 triathlons. Dr. Bordieri was named Top Doctor New Jersey by NJ Top Docs from 2020 through 2022 and is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice, and the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.

DR. JARED NEWMAN received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri and completed his residency at Union Hospital in Union, New Jersey. He is a ten-time recipient of Vitals Compassionate Doctor Recognition and Patients’ Choice Award and a member of the American Osteopathic Association.

Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Bordieri and Dr. Newman led Central Jersey Family Medical Group in Jamesburg, Middlesex County, New Jersey for more than 15 years. They now offer their services as part of the team at Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton to help children, adolescents, and adults prevent illness, handle everyday medical needs, and manage chronic health issues. As part of Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 physicians and clinicians who offer primary and specialty care, Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton offers easy access to experienced specialists and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bordieri or Dr. Newman at Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton, call 609.587.6661 or visit capitalhealth.org/hamilton for more information.

COVID-19 AND CHILDREN: AN UPDATE ON VACCINES AND THE DISEASE Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, there is a rising number of children contracting COVID-19 in the U.S. Join DR. PUTHENMADAM RADHAKRISHNAN, a board certified pediatrician in the Pediatric Services Department at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, to get the facts on how best to protect your children. Dr. Radhakrishnan will share information about vaccine advances, approvals, safety and information on incidence of COVID-19 in children, including increasing hospitalizations.

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address.

Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

12Trenton Downtowner | Health Headlines by Capital Health

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February 2022 | Trenton Downtowner13

Art, culture, music, and more fill Trenton’s winter calendar

By Dan Aubrey

T

he city’s cultural organizations continue to mark 2022 with exhibitions, theater, and music and offerings ranging from bold new work and traveling exhibitions. So, start marking your calendars and enjoy city life.

Museums and Galleries New Jersey State Museum.

“Posing Beauty in African American Culture” is a touring exhibition that museum materials say “explores the contested ways in which African and African American beauty have been represented in historical and contemporary contexts. Throughout the Western history of art and imagemaking, the relationship between beauty and art has become increasingly complex within contemporary art and popular culture.” The exhibition was organized by the department of photography and imaging at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, and curated by its chair, Deborah Willis. Through May 22.

New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton. 609292-6464 or www.nj.gov/state/ museum.

Trenton City Museum. “Painting the Moon and Beyond: Lois Dodd and Friends” highlights the artistry of the nationally known New Jersey-born artist who began her career in New York City in the 1940s, stayed committed to painting figurative scenes despite changing fashions, and is now represented in the permanent collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Modern Art, Cooper Union, and others. Through April 29.

Trenton City Museum, Cadwalader Park, Trenton. 609-989-3632 or www.ellarslie.org.

Artworks Trenton. “Towers: Holding On” opens the important city art center’s new year with photographer Edwin J. Torres’ family documentary photograph series that he began after the death of his mother at the start of the pandemic. The Trenton-based photographer who provides work for the Office of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has published in the New York Times, Atlantic, New York Daily News, ProPublica, and others. February 1 through 26. Opening Reception, Saturday, February 5, 6 to 8 p.m.

Artworks, 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. www. artworkstrenton.org

in 2022 with a series of works developed by the company’s PlayLab Program.

First up is “The OK Trenton Project.” The documentary-style production uses the actual 2016 Trenton incident of the City of Trenton removing a student-created work of art — a giant hand giving the “OK” symbol — because the police claimed it was gang related. The work uses verbatim interviews with participants and community members to examine art, censorship, and community. February 3 to 20.

“Junior High #2: The HedgepethWilliams Story” is the company’s Theatre for Families and Young Audiences Show opening in late March. Created with the famous Trenton school’s current students, the story focuses on the historic story of two Trenton mothers, Gladys Hedgepeth and Berline Williams, whose challenge to the Trenton Board of Education segregation practices led to the 1944 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that ended segregation in New Jersey public schools and led the way to 1954 United State Supreme Court ruling “Brown vs.

Board of Education,” making public school segregation unconstitutional.

March 30 through April 3.

“Group!” ends the season in May. The world premiere musical tells the story of six women of different backgrounds and economic class who are brought together by their common battle against addiction. May 5 through 22.

Passage Theater at Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton.

609-392-0766 or www.passagetheatre.org.

CURE Insurance Arena. “Trolls LIVE!” is a live version of the animated TV show. The two-act interactive production features singing, dancing, scene projection, puppetry, and special effects. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 10 and 11.

Cure Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton. 609-656-3200 or www.cureinsurancearena.com.

Concerts

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey. “Porgy & Bess,” the concert version, opens the year in February and features noted baritone Keith Spencer, soprano Heather Hill, and the Lincoln University Concert Choir.

Sunday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.

“Carnival of the Animals” follows in the War Memorial Ball Room in March. In addition to French composer Camille Saint-Saens’ 1886 work Theater that gives the concert its name, the Passage Theatre. Trenton’s nonprofit professional theater gets going zoologically themed event includes

14Trenton Downtowner February 2022

Clockwise from top left: ‘Posing Beauty in African American Culture’ is currently on view at the New Jersey State Museum; the sculpture of the hand gesturing ‘OK’ sparked the controversy that inspired ‘The OK Trenton Project’ at Passage Theater; and Russian Ballet Theater’s ‘Swan Lake’ comes to the War Memorial in February.

19th century Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee,” Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze,” Gershwin’s “Walking the Dog,” and others. Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.

“The Genius of John Williams” wraps up CPNJ’s season in April.

A celebration of Williams’ film and event compositions, the program includes the “Star Wars Suite,” “E.T. Adventures on Earth,” “Olympic Fanfare,” and “Escapades for Saxophone and Orchestra from ‘Catch Me if you Can,’” the latter featuring guest saxophonist Jonathan Wintingham. Saturday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.

Capital Philharmonic, War Memorial Building, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. www.capitalphilharmonic.org.

Capital Singers of Trenton. The city-based choir group goes on the road in March and bring its “The Pass-

ing of the Year” concert to Incarnation-St. James Parish, 1545 Pennington Road, Ewing, Saturday, March 12, 7:30 p.m., and St. David’s Episcopal Church, 90 South Main Street, Cranbury, Sunday, March 13, 4 p.m.

Then look for its annual spring concert. Titled “Looking Back/Moving Forward,” it is set to be presented at Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad Street, Trenton, Sunday, May 1, 4 p.m.

More information: www.capitalsingers.org.

Dance Russian Ballet Theatre’s production of “Swan Lake,” featuring the choreography of Mariinsky Theater and State Music Theatre artist Nadezhda Kalinia, arrives in Trenton as part of its national tour. $35 to $90. Tuesday, February 15, 7:30 p.m.

‘Trolls LIVE!’ visits CURE Insurance Arena in May, above. At right, the Capital Philharmonic kicks off 2022 with a concert version of ‘Porgy and Bess’ on February 27.

Patriots Theater at Trenton War and $10 drink minimum. It is located Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. at 24 Passaic Street. www.jazztrenwww.r ussianballettheatre.com/ ton.com. tickets.

And the Basement at the Mill Hill Saloon has an erratic schedule of performances by bands everywhere from Jazz and Underground Trenton and the region to national and The Candlelight Lounge. The region’s most authentic jazz club offers international groups.

Find them at 300 South Broad Street Saturday concerts featuring seasoned working artists. Shows run from 3:30 or check the Facebook page at www. to 7:30 p.m. and include a free buffet facebook.com/millhillsaloon.

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