Hillsborough Beacon

Arts&EntertainmentIssue!

Hillsborough middle school student’s artwork selected for Teen Arts travel exhibition

Kripa Remesh, an eighth grader at Hillsborough Middle School, is one of two students who were selected to participate in the Teen Arts New Jersey – Visual Arts Traveling Exhibition.

Her artwork titled “Blue Portrait” will tour through New Jersey from August 2024 to May 2025.

Remesh’s artwork was selected along with Brigid Moffitt, a junior at Bridgewater Raritan High School, with her artwork titled “Exotic.”

The Cultural and Heritage Commission celebrated the creative talent of students across Somerset County at their 2024 Teen Arts Festival on May 16. Nearly 900 students and teachers from 12 Somerset County schools attended the activity-filled festival at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), according to a press release through Somerset County.

The Somerset County Teen Arts Festival is an annual arts-ineducation program providing the county’s middle school and high school students, aged 13-19, with the opportunity to showcase their

skills across seven artistic disciplines. In addition, students had the opportunity to participate in 28 workshops or masterclasses, taught by talented and diverse artists, that included everything from woodworking and papermaking to acting and dancing.

Some popular workshops included:

• Talk About Art with the Savannah College of Art & Design – with

Aimee Dolich, senior assistant director of admissions

• Handmade Papermaking from Recycled Fabric – with Frontline Arts

• Classical Ballet – by the Roxey Ballet Company

The festival enlisted the expertise of 34 professional artists, many of whom represent art organizations within Somerset County, to help students embrace their creativ-

‘It’s been a privilege’ Riding For Warriors

Air Force veteran Michael Nehlsen is set to lead his 10th annual Riding For Warriors motorcycle ride overseas this August beginning in Geneva, Switzerland benefiting Hope For The Warriors and its Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships programs.

Sponsored by Union-based Hillmann Consulting, this year’s motorcycle journey is the Jonn F. Ward Memorial Ride, honoring fallen and deceased heroes. Nehlsen, of Hillsborough Township, will be joined this year by U.S. Marine veteran Maj. Gen. Jim Kessler and his wife, Debbie.

The John F. Ward Annual Memorial Ride is honoring World War II veterans in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day while supporting the post9/11 warrior community.

Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength, and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families, according to a press release through Hope For The Warriors.

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ity and artistic strengths, while also providing constructive feedback and recommendations for growth.

Students displayed their visual artwork in the RVCC Art Gallery, submitted original film and creative writing samples, and presented over 60 performances in vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and theater.

Students that particularly excelled in their artistic discipline and showed immense skill, talent, and creativity were nominated by adjudicators to participate in the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival, held from June 4 to 6 at Middlesex College.

The next Teen Arts Festival is scheduled for May 2025. For more information on participating in the festival, contact Festival Coordinator Katie Himics at culturalheritage@co.somerset.nj.us or call (908) 231-7022.

The Somerset County Teen Arts Festival is made possible in part by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

motorcycle ride kicks off on 10th year

Since 2006, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as they assume critical roles in the financial wellbeing of their families.

The nonprofit has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, mental health care services.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit The Riding For Warriors Scholarship Fund, sponsored by Hillmann Consulting, LLC, and Nehlsen, funding two military spouse and caregiver scholarships for multiple semesters. The goal of the scholarship fund is to award recipients for multiple se -

mesters, allowing them to achieve their educational goals without interruption.

The recipients include Laura Hentig, a military spouse and caregiver based in Colorado who is pursuing her Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Also receiving a military spouse and caregiver scholarship is Florida-based military spouse and caregiver Leslie Blankenship, who is pursuing her associates of nursing at Allegany College of Maryland.

The 11-day European journey will begin in Geneva, Switzerland, and travel through France with multiple stops, including Macon, Bourges, Le Mans, the D-Day Normandy Beach areas, Mont Saint-Michel, La Rochelle, Lourdes, Montpellier, Lyon, and winding up back in Geneva.

“For 10 years, I’ve had the honor of serving my fellow military community through Riding For Warriors while supporting Hope For The Warriors and a variety of its programs,” Nehlsen shared. “From assisting with

granting Warrior’s Wishes veterans, to providing higher education scholarships to military spouses and caregivers, it’s been a privilege.”

“As the ride continues to provide support to post 9/11 service members, veterans and their families, we must not forget veterans who served in other conflicts. That is why we’ve decided to take the ride overseas to honor WWII veterans in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. I continue to be deeply grateful for all who have served, and it is an honor to support the military community in any way I can.”

In nine years, Nehlsen has traveled over 37,000 miles on his motorcycle, raising over $469,000 for Hope For The Warriors’ programs.

“Michael never ceases to amaze us with his creative and impactful ways he supports HOPE and the military families that we serve,” said Robin Kelleher, founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “It’s important to never forget all who have served and commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day while paying it forward to post-9/11 military families is outstanding.

“The Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship is one of HOPE’s original programs and it’s monumental to see how many spouses and caregivers we’ve served with scholarships thanks to continued support from donors like Michael and Hillman Consulting, LLC.” Key sponsors for Riding For Warriors include Hillmann Consulting, LLC, Bill Nelson, and The Wawa Foundation.

For more information on Riding For Warriors or to make a donation, visit hopeforthewarriors. org/ridingforwarriors2024.

For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Hillsborough Township: Primary election

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

Voters in Hillsborough Township went to the polls June 4 to choose candidates to run for an array of municipal and state offices in the Democratic and Republican primaries.

Two seats are available for township committee.

Two people ran for the committee seat in the Republican primary. Incumbent Shawn Lipani received 1,755 votes and Incumbent Robert Britting Jr. received 1,738 votes. There were 31 write in votes.

Two people ran for the committee seat in the Democratic primary. Hermes Vallejo received 1,864 votes and James VanderVliet received 1,840 votes. There were 21 write-in votes.

The results listed here reflect what has been posted online by the Somerset County Clerk’s Office as of June 5. The results of the election will remain unofficial until they are certified.

The Democratic and Republican candidates will vie for the two township committee seats in the Nov. 5 election.

Hillsborough Township police investigate high-end vehicle thefts

Hillsborough Township Police Chief Mike McMahon urges residents to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and vehicles against recent thefts.

“This includes active security systems, such as alarms, surveillance cameras, and motion-activated lighting, to deter potential burglars,” he said. “The police department is vigorously patrolling neighborhoods, but it is difficult to measure what crimes have been deterred through this process.

“As always, we rely on residents to timely report all suspicious activity whenever it is observed.” In recent months, the township has seen an escalation throughout the state in the methods car thieves are willing to use to obtain high-end vehicles, police said.

This includes entering homes to obtain vehicle key fobs.

Two such incidents occurred in Hillsborough Township where actors allegedly entered a home on Hillsborough Road and Boehm Way for this purpose.  There was also an attempt to enter a home on Hendrickson Court. This attempt was thwarted by the homeowner who activated a rear security light scaring off the would-be burglars, police said.

The Boehm Way incident occurred in early April where the actors entered the home through an unlocked window. Once inside they located the vehicle key fob and fled See THEFTS, Page 6A

Courtesy of Riding for Warriors

Courtesy of Somerset County Kripa Ramesh, Grade 8; Title of Piece: “Blue Portrait;” School: Hillsborough Middle School.

Courtesy of Somerset County Brigid Moffitt, Grade 11; Title of Piece: “”Exotic”; School: Bridgewater Raritan High School.

Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, manager of NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906

from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to give – donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center – Central New

Jersey

707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:30-7:15 p.m.

Thursday: 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The American Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels, and we now face an emergency blood shortage. In recent weeks, we’ve had to limit our distributions of some of the most transfused blood types to hospitals. We need donors now, and in the weeks ahead, to help rebuild the blood supply.

Pennington

June 8 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. James Church, 17 Eglantine Avenue.

Skillman

June 8 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. Charles Borromeo Church, 47 Skillman Road.

Hillsborough

June 9 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Hillsborough Reformed Church, 1 Amwell Road.

Nutrition

The Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults has in-person lunches at nine of its locations.

The Nutrition Program for Older Adults provides a daily nutritionally balanced meal Monday through Friday, except for county and/or municipal holidays.

All meals meet the required one-third of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) daily referenced intake of nutrients for an individual 60 years or older.

Meals are available to Mercer County residents age 60 or older and their spouses (regardless of age), any county resident with a disability whose primary caregiver is a program participant, anyone volunteering in the program, and the personal care aides of program participants when they accompany a participant to the site where the meals are provided.

In-person services will be hosted at: Jennye Stubblefield Senior Center and Sam Naples Community Center in Trenton, Lawrence Township Senior Center, Princeton Café for Older Adults, John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center in Hamilton, Hamilton Senior Center, Hopewell Valley Senior Center, Hollowbrook Community Center in Ewing, and Robbinsville Senior Center.

Most meal services begin at 11:30 a.m., although times may vary by location, so call 609-989-6650 or inquire at a local site.

No payment is required for a meal; however, there is a suggested donation of $1 for each meal provided.

Reservations are required; call 609-9896650 to reserve a spot.

Monthly menus can be found on the Nutrition Program for Older Adults web page. If transportation is a barrier to participating in the congregate meals, Mercer County TRADE may be able to help; call 609-530-1971 or email trade@mercercounty.org. Some of the sites also may have transportation options for its participants. There may be home-delivered options. For more information, call 609-9896650 or email adrc@mercercounty.org.

Hiring

Mercer County Correctional Police is hiring. Send resume to mcorrectioncareers@mercercounty.org.

The Mercer County Board of Elections is asking county residents for their help. Election Board Workers – citizens who

The Pennington School

Mason Hammer Meyerson Natsuki Miller

Edward Samuel Molner

Brett Samuel Morr

Sophia Marie Murphy

Brandon Christopher Napoleon

Frederick Hillman Tristan Remi Hocquaux Tyler Robert Bryant

Elizabeth Howe William Hyndman VI

Avery Janvier Catie Marie Kain Kieran Ryan Karp Dowon Zio Kim Nicolette Boyana Kirikian Mackenzie Ann Kotch Morgan Elizabeth Kotch Samantha Joan Lambdin

Alexander Yoonseo Lee

Gavin Nicholas Leeds

Caleb Jesse Li

Qingcheng Li Shinyi Li

Matthew Jude Lynch, Jr.

Hadrian Lynn Ananya Reddy Madireddy Sandhya Bala Mahadevan

Kendall Martha Malmros

Morgan Alexis Matthews Jack Edmond McCune

Bryce Robert Meccage

Maya Meehan-Ritter

Riya Chatha Mehra Shayna Mehta

The Pennington Class of 2024 will be matriculating

check in voters during elections and assist in the Election Day process – are still needed for the upcoming June Primary and November General Elections. Mercer County residents who apply and undergo a required training session can make up to $300 during a full day shift. Half day shifts are available and offer $150. Additionally, bilingual residents who speak English, as well as Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin are especially needed. For more information visit https://www.mercercounty.org/ boards-commissions/board-of-elections.

Bordentown

Wednesdays

The Bordentown Township Police Department offers Straight to Treatment on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Insurance is not necessary to receive assistance. Neither is residency in Burlington County. No appointment is needed. For more information visit www. straighttotreatment.com or email treatment@co.burlington.nj.us.

Bordentown Library events

Bordentown Library is located at 18 E. Union St., Bordentown. For more information about the events below call 609-2980622 or visit https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/ locations/bordentown-library.

June 7 – 10:30 a.m. – Parachute Time.

June 7 – 1 p.m. – Mahjong Meetup.

June 10 – 10 a.m. – ELL – English Language Learners.

June 10 – 5:30 p.m. – Gentle Yoga.

June 11 – 10 a.m. – Father’s Day Card Kit Grab and Go.

June 11 – 10:30 a.m. – Baby and Toddler Time.

June 11 – 6:30 p.m. – The Craft Table: Flip Flop Keychains.

Juen 12 – 10 a.m. – ELL – English Language Learners.

June 12 – 5 p.m. – Table Top Role Playing Game Night: Tiny Frontiers.

June 13 – 2 p.m. – Resume Basics.

June 14 – 1 p.m. – Mahjong Meetup.

Saturday, June 8

The Bordentown Green Fair will return to the Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy local food vendors, children’s activities, eco-friendly goods, live music, and so much more! Sponsored by the Bordentown City

and Bordentown Township Environmental Commissions. This event is rain or shine, and admission is free.

Mayor/Citizen meetings

Mayor Eugene Fuzy and Deputy Mayor Aneka Miller are hosting informal Mayor/ Citizen Meetings at 7 p.m. at the Senior Community Center. Next meeting dates are June 21, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15.

Cranbury

The Cranbury Public Library (CPL) is located at 30 Park Place West. For more information on listed events please call (609) 722-6992.

June 7 – 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Senior Mah Jongg Group.

June 10 – 1 p.m. – Senior Social Hour.

June 11 – 3-4:30 p.m. – Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group.

June 11 – 6 p.m. – Pride Month Screening – “The Times of Harvey Milk” Documentary.

June 12 – 11 a.m. – Family Storytime.

June 12 – 7:30-10 p.m. – Cranbury Digital Camera Club.

June 13 – 11 a.m. – Senior Beginner Cell Phone and Internet Classes.

June 13 – 2-2:45 p.m. – Mindful Movements and Guided Meditation.

June 13 – 3:30 p.m. – Thursday Crafternoon Design a Whirligig!

June 13 – 7 p.m. – Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees meeting.

June 14 – 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – New Jersey Makers Day board meeting.

June 14 – 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Senior Mah Jongg Group.

June 14 – 3:30 p.m. – Pawns

and gourgaudgallery.com.

As part of a non-profit Cranbury Arts Council, the Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of art sales to the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs that support the arts in

See CALENDAR, Page 3A

Mar Ndiaye

Emma Rose Nelson

Nkechinyelum Ellen Nwoye

Sanjana Jyothy Padmanabhan

Yingying Ulrica Peng

Alexander Wise Philbrick

Samantha Leonor Rajan

Jai Pranav Raman

Charlotte Leigh Reinhardt Elias Sebti

Ian William Sendak

Mia Catherine Seyfarth

Hunter Christian Shaffer

John Thomas Shamsey

Felix Waite Shapiro

Ava Marie Surtz

Lucas Matthieu Sweetman

Paloma Rose Szyfer

Lia Beverly Taranto

Makayla Veronica Tudor

Ceri

Tess Gabrielle Zabele

Cassidy Downs Zelt

Class

CALENDAR

the community. Cash or a check made out to the artist is accepted as payment.

East Windsor/Hightstown

The Hightstown High School (HHS) Class of 1984 is seeking class members, as well as other HHS attendees that are friends and siblings of the Class of 1984 to join them as they celebrate their 40th reunion. It will take place on Sept. 28th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton. For more information contact: Debralini@optonline.net, Mindyrobyn@aol.com or connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Classof1984HHS

Hickory Corner Branch Library

Hickory Corner Branch Library is located at 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.

June 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Story and Snack: Strawberries.

June 7 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.

June 7 – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.

June 7 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.

June 8 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Fun Time.

June 8 – 2:30-3 p.m. – Slime Time: Fluffy Lemonade Slime.

June 9 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.

June 10 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Messy Monday.

June 10 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – ESL Conversation.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 5-5:30 p.m. – School-age STEAM: Bees.

June 10 – 7-8 p.m. – Kids Can Paint Like … Beatrix Potter.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime.

June 11 – 10:30 a.m. to noon – Scrabble for Adults.

June 11 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Read to the Therapy Dog.

June 11 – 7-8 p.m. – NJ Health Insurance Workshop: Special Enrollment Period.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Discovery Time.

June 12 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Hickory Corner Book Club.

June 12 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Current Events Chat.

June 12 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Chess Club.

June 12 – 6:30-7 p.m. – Evening Storytime.

June 13 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Time.

June 13 – 11 a.m. to noon – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.

June 13 – 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Crochet and Knit Corner.

June 13 – 5-5:30 p.m. – Crafternoon: Quilled Turtle Craft.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 14 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creation Station.

June 14 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Dance Party.

June 14 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Basic Skills Craft for Adults.

June 14 – 2-4 p.m. – Matinee Movie.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Hightstown Branch Library

Hightstown Branch Library  is located at 115 Franklin, Hightstown.

June 8 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Paint-a-Canvas in Acrylics for adults.

June 8 – 2-3 p.m. – Citizenship Exam Preparation.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 6 p.m. – Grades 1-8 Tutoring.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 5-8:15 p.m. – Learning English.

June 12 – 10 a.m. – PRIDE – Wiggle, Giggle, Read.

June 12 – 4-5 p.m. – Citizenship Exam Preparation.

June 13 – 10 a.m. – Shape a Story: Play-Doh Story Time.

June 13 – noon to 12:45 p.m. – Guided Meditation.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Planning for Retirement.

June 14 – (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Twin Rivers Branch Library

Twin Rivers Branch Library is located at 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor.

June 10 – 2-3 p.m. – Nonfiction Book Club.

June 10 – 2-3 p.m. – Relax and Draw.

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 2-3 p.m. – Only Murders in the Library: Mary and Bill.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Time.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Bingo.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Child Passenger Seat Inspections

To promote child passenger safety, Mayor Janice S. Mironov, members of council and the police department will be hosting free Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections for East Windsor Township residents, underwritten by a New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Division grant. Participants will have their child car seats inspected to ensure proper installation and will receive educational materials on how to properly and safely restrain children passengers.

The program will be held on several dates at the following locations:

• Wednesday, July 10

• Tuesday, Aug. 6

• Monday, Sept. 16

Dates July 10 and Sept. 16 – inspections will be held from 3-7 p.m. at the East Windsor Township police/court building, 80 One Mile Road. On Aug. 6, the inspection will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the East Windsor PAL complex, 30 Airport Road, during National Night Out.

Sunday, June 16

Jazz for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Americana Kitchen and Bar team up for their 4th annual Jazz4Dads Father’s Day Dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m., 359 U.S. 130, East Windsor. The event aims to raise funds to strengthen the organization’s year-round awareness campaign to advocate for men’s wellness by supplying accurate information about prostate cancer while

increasing exposure to live Jazz music. For more information visit https://jazz4pca.org.

Hillsborough

Photo submissions

The Administration/Clerk’s Office invites Hillsborough residents to share scenic photos of Hillsborough for the annual township calendar and planner. In the past, the calendar has showcased the township’s gorgeous open space and scenic locations including wildlife, farmland, parks, and rivers. When submitting photos, please don’t include people and pets, and avoid objects that distract including roofs, fences, and car windows. Please save pictures with your name and the location’s name before sending them to Deborah Ng at debng@hillsborough-nj. You will also need to fill out a photo release form that is located on the Hillsborough Township website.

Hillsborough Branch Library

The library is part of the Somerset County Library System at 379 S. Branch Road. For more information on the events visit sclsnj.org.

June 7 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby Explorer.

June 8 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Saturday Drop-in Fun. June 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Basic English Conversation Group.

June 10 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Line Dancing with Pam. June 11 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – My First Adventure.

June 11 – 11 a.m. to noon – Tech Bytes.

June 11 – 1-2:30 p.m. – English Conversation Group.

June 12 – 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Mid-Week Movie Night.

June 13 – 4-5 p.m. – Pride Hangout.

Juen 14 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime with Mr. John. June 14 – 6-9 p.m. – PRIDE Prom 2024.

Hopewell Valley

Saturdays at Howell Living History Farm

The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township and is a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information on the events listed call 609-737-3299 or email info@howellfarm.org.

June 8 – 10 a.m. to 4

TOWN FORUM

HEALTH MATTERS

PBy Omodele Hogan, MD

Address Elevated Blood Sugar Early to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

roduced by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in your blood and works to keep your blood sugar levels in balance.

However, when the cells in your body become less responsive to insulin a condition known as insulin resistance can develop.

And in some people, insulin resistance can be a precursor to prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes.

That is why it is so important to see your doctor for regular check-ups so they can monitor your blood sugar levels and detect any potential problems before they cause serious health complications.

A Finely Tuned Process Begins to Break Down

Glucose is a type of sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for your body. It is a simple carbohydrate found in many foods, such as fruit, bread and pasta.

In simplest terms, glucose provides the energy needed to power your body.

When you eat foods containing carbohydrates, your digestive system breaks them down and sends the glucose into your bloodstream.

Your pancreas responds by releasing insulin, which helps your cells take in the glucose they need for energy. Excess glucose that is not immediately used for energy is stored in the liver and muscles for future use.

If your cells do not respond to insulin as they should — if they are insulin resistant, in other words — your pancreas will keep producing more and more to try to regulate your blood sugar.

Over time, however, your pancreas may not be able to keep up and this finely tuned process can begin to break down, resulting in blood sugar levels that remain elevated. This can lead to prediabetes and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is characterized by fasting blood sugar levels that are higher than normal — between 100 and 125 mg (milligrams)/dL (deciliter) — or an A1C (level) between 5.7 – 6.4%. While these levels are elevated, they are not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Diabetes is characterized by a fasting blood sugar level of 125 mg/dL and over or an A1C of 6.5% and higher.

An estimated 98 million – more than 1 in 3 – adults in

THE STATE WE’RE IN

Ithe United States have prediabetes and another 36 million are estimated to have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

No Early Warning Signs

Insulin resistance and prediabetes typically don’t have any symptoms, which means you could live with the conditions for years and not know it.  If prediabetes progresses to type 2 diabetes symptoms could include:

• Increased thirst.

• Increased urination.

• Blurry vision.

• Feeling very tired.

• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

Left undetected and untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause serious health complications, such as heart attack, stroke, vision loss, or kidney failure.

Are You at Risk?

The risk factors that contribute to the development of insulin resistance and prediabetes are the same risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. You may be at risk if you:

• Are overweight or obese, especially if the weight is in your abdomen.

• Do not exercise at least three times a week.

• Eat an unhealthy diet.

• Have a family history of diabetes.

• Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Alaska Native person.

• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

• Have high blood pressure.

By Alison Mitchell, Co-Executive Director,

• Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. If you are concerned about your risk for high blood sugar, talk to your doctor.  A simple blood sugar test can determine whether you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Take Steps Now to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Later Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your blood sugar and treat prediabetes now before it progresses to type 2 diabetes later.

• Lose excess weight. If you are overweight, losing just 5% of your total weight can help lower your blood sugar and treat prediabetes.

• Eat a healthy diet. Choose foods such as non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu), healthy fats (olive oil, avocado) and water and unsweetened beverages. Avoid processed foods, foods with trans-fat, sugary drinks and alcohol. Control portion sizes.

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week. To do this, aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Sit less. Set a timer to remind you to get up every hour to move around and stretch.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking may increase the risk for insulin resistance and prediabetes and can increase the risk for complications from diabetes.

• Be sure to visit your doctor annually for a complete physical and blood glucose test to check your blood sugar levels. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a continuous glucose monitor to reveal how your body responds to the foods you eat and identify opportunities to fine tune your diet to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

Though distinct conditions, insulin resistance and prediabetes are interconnected and play a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes. By eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, you can manage your blood sugar and prevent or slow the progression of more serious disease.

To find a physician with Penn Medicine Princeton Health, call (888) 742.7496 or visit www.princetonhcs. org.

Omodele Hogan, MD, is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and is a member of the medical staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

If you build it, they will come – pollinators, that is

n the movie “Field of Dreams,” a struggling Iowa farmer hears a voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.” Acting on a vision, he turns a cornfield into a baseball diamond. The ghosts of old baseball players visit, as well as the farmer’s late father.

But the film is about more than baseball. A deeper message is that if you create something needed and wanted, those it was intended for will find their way.

The quote from “Field of Dreams” comes to mind when thinking of insect pollinators, which are essential to nature’s food web and human food production, but are struggling to survive at a time when non-native plants are spreading and pesticide use is wiping out beneficial insects.

Many conservation groups and park commissions throughout New Jersey are responding to the loss of pollinators by building their own fields of dreams – native wildflower meadows where bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators can thrive.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 80% of the plants that produce fruits and vegetables worldwide require pollination. While some plants can be pollinated by wind, most require insect pollinators to carry grains of pollen from flower to flower.

Here in the Garden State, many apiarists keep domesticated honeybees on farms, or truck hives from farm to farm to pollinate crops. But honeybees are not native to New Jersey – they were brought here from Europe – and shouldn’t be considered a replacement for wild native pollinators.

According to the Xerces Society, which works to conserve invertebrates, North America has more than 3,600 native wild bee species, and many aren’t doing well: “Twenty-eight percent of bumble bee species are considered threatened, and more than 40 percent of invertebrate pollinator species (particularly bees and butterflies) may face extinction in the coming decades.”

In a blog post, the Xerces Society noted that introduced honeybees harm native pollinators by causing food shortages when their hives are placed adjacent to healthy natural habitats.

The solution? Keep building new and restoring degraded pollinator habitats.

“Creating pollinator habitat has broad benefits from in-

creasing biodiversity to combating climate change, and such habitat can be situated anywhere—in backyards, on balconies and porches, on rooftops, in office landscapes, in local parks and community gardens,” said the Xerces Society. “Honeybees are fascinating to observe and manage, and can inspire people to learn more about insects. But a better approach to bee conservation is to focus on habitats for native pollinator species. Know that if you build good habitat, they will come!”

For native pollinators to thrive, they need native plants – not exotic imports from other parts of the world. Many pollinators are “specialists,” meaning they have evolved to depend on certain plants. For example, monarch butterfly caterpillars eat only the leaves of native milkweed plants. Adult monarchs can feed themselves by sipping nectar from a variety of flowers, but they must lay their eggs on milkweed in order for the next generation to survive.

In New Jersey, pollinator meadows are typically planted with a diversity of native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. In addition to milkweeds, popular species include bee balm, common yarrow, red columbine, serviceberry, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, mountain mint, various aster and goldenrod species, American witch hazel, swamp verbena and pussy willow.

And while pollinator meadows usually cover several acres, native plants also do well in smaller spaces like yards and gardens. In his book “Nature’s Best Hope,” ecologist and professor Dr. Douglas Tallamy urges homeowners to use native plants to create little havens of biodiversity that he calls “Homegrown National Parks.”

Another important way to support pollinators is by reducing or eliminating the use of chemical pesticides. The class of

pesticides known as neonicotinoids, or “neonics” for short, is especially dangerous to pollinators.

Neonics affect insects’ nervous systems, causing paralysis and death. Recent studies also point to neonics as the most likely cause for declining numbers of farmland and grassland birds – including many found in New Jersey, such as bobolinks, savannah and field sparrows, kingbirds and many swallow species.

In January 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the “Save the Bees” bill to limit neonic use. The law banned neonic applications in non-agricultural settings such as gardens, lawns and golf courses. However, neonics are still allowed for agricultural uses, and are widely used in growing corn and soybeans.

This past December, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the nation’s strongest neonic ban, known as the “Birds and Bees Protection Act.” In addition to banning neonics for residential use, the law will prohibit the sale of corn, soybean, and wheat seeds coated with neonics, effective in 2029.

Now that our large, agricultural neighboring state to the north has moved to prohibit most neonics for agriculture, New Jersey should step up and do the same. This action would help populations of our state’s insect pollinators, as well as our birds, waterways, and food supply.

The late biologist and author E.O. Wilson called insects “the little things that rule the world” for their critical role in sustaining ecosystems. “If we were to wipe out insects alone on this planet, the rest of life and humanity with it would mostly disappear from the land. Within a few months,” he wrote.

Let’s help our bees, butterflies and birds – and ourselves — by banning neonics and creating more pollinator habitat. If you build it, they will come!

For more information on pollinators and creating habitat, go to https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation. For a focus on New Jersey pollinators and plants, check out https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/gardens/pollinatorgarden/.

And to learn more about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.

Courtesy of Bill Lynch

Coral hairstreak

CALENDAR

June 10 – 4-4:30 p.m. – (Virtual) Guided Meditation.

June 10 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon: Happy Father’s Day Cards.

June 11 – 10 a.m. to noon – (Virtual) ESL Conversation Group for Adults.

June 11 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Outdoor Toddler Rock.

June 11 – 4-5 p.m. – Crafternoon: Happy Father’s Day Cards.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby time.

June 12 – 2-3 p.m. – The Short of It: George Saunders.

June 12 – 4:30-5 p.m. – Reading Rebels: A Guided Reading Book Club.

June 12 – 6-6:30 p.m. – Storytime.

June 13 – 10-11 a.m. – Cribbage and Coffee.

June 13 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Outdoor Storytime.

June 13 – 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Lego Club.

June 13 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – (Virtual) What We Commemorate on Juneteenth.

June 13 – 7-8 p.m. – Sports Book Club.

June 14 – 10 a.m. to noon – Mah Jongg in the Morning.

June 14 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Toddler Rock.

June 14 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Stay and Play.

June 14 – 3:30-4:30 p.m. _ (virtual) Teen Advisory Board.

Pennington Public Library

Pennington Public Library is located at 30 N. Main St. For more information visit www. penningtonlibrary.org.

Through June 30 – Every Saturday –Hopewell Valley Come Outside and Play: Story Stroll and Rock Art.

June 11 – 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Too Busy for Books Book Club.

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. – Family Storytime.

June 12 – 7-8:15 p.m. – Andy Warhol: One Singular Sensation.

June 13 – 8-9 p.m. – Author Talk with Frieda McFadden.

Sundays at Washington Crossing Park

The Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) will lead tours of the State Park on various Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m.

Tickets are free. As space is limited, all tickets must be reserved at Eventbrite. (https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/free-washingtoncrossing-state-park-historic-walking-tours-tickets-634898156477)

Tours begin at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum with a tour overview and a screening of the film, Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty. Tour guides and state park historians will introduce participants to the Museum’s world-class Swan Historical Foundation Collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. They will also discuss Lloyd Garrison’s painting of Washington’s Crossing, and how it compares to other depictions of the 1776 Crossing.

Next, visitors will walk down Sullivan Drive to the entrance to Continental Lane, where you will engage in a discussion on the reasons why Gen. George Washington chose this spot for his history-changing campaign. From there, participants will walk to the park’s Stone Barn where they will examine a map of the Battle of Trenton and a large diorama of Washington’s Crossing, the March to Trenton, and the Battle of Trenton.

Finally, visitors will walk to the nearby Landing Overlook, where they will discuss the significance of the nearby 1740s Johnson Ferry House, and the importance of ferryboat operations to the Crossing and Landing.

Tours are free but donations to the Washington Crossing Park Association are gratefully accepted. Tours are contingent on the weather. For updates: call the Visitors Center at (609) 737-0623. You may also visit https:// www.wcpa-nj.com/historic-tours for more information.

NOTE: There are no park entrance fees until July 1st. After that, a $5 per car (cash only) entry fee applies on weekends until Labor Day. Contact Information: WCPA, Executive Director Annette Earling, info@washingtoncrossingparkassociation.com.

Lawrence Township

The Lawrence Township Library Branch is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. For more information contact (609) 882-9246.

June 7 – 10-10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers.

June 7 – 2-3:30 p.m. – Open Lab.

June 7 – 3-4 p.m. – Drum Circle.

June 8 – 11-11:30 a.m. – Mini Scientists: Dinosaurs.

June 8 – 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Information Table: League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township.

June 9 – 1:30 p.m. – Paper Circuits.

June 9 – 2-4:30 p.m. – LGBTQ Film Screening: “A League of Their Own” (1992). See CALENDAR Page 6A

Honoring the ‘suffering, sacrifice, and triumph’

Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum to hold third annual Juneteenth celebration

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), Central New Jersey’s only museum sharing the history of African Americans since the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, will hold its third annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, from noon to 4 p.m.

The family-friendly event will take place at the National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church and historic True Farmstead in Skillman. Join for live gospel music, original performances, games for kids, and mouthwatering cuisine, including vegan options.

“If you attended SSAAM’s Juneteenth event last year, you’ll certainly recall how amazing it was to celebrate this holiday of African American freedom from enslavement on the grounds of the historically African American-owned, True Farmstead,” said SSAAM Executive Director Donnetta Johnson.

The True Farmstead was originally owned by William Reasoner, a Black Civil War veteran. His widow Corinda later married Spencer True, a descendant of an enslaved man named Friday Truehart. In 1780, at age 13, Friday Truehart was taken from his mother Dinah in Charleston and brought to New Jersey by his enslaver, the pastor of the Hopewell Old School Baptist Church. He gained his freedom in 1802, at the age of 35.

In the early 1800s, more than 12,000 enslaved people like Friday Truehart lived and labored in New Jersey. SSAAM co-founder Beverly Mills and Board member Patricia True Payne are two of his direct descendants.

“I can’t help but appreciate the importance

of recognizing and honoring the suffering, sacrifice and triumph of those enslaved African men, women and children whose skills, expertise and labor built the wealth of this region and indeed this country,” Johnson said.

“It is outstanding that we get to celebrate Jubilee or Juneteenth, a day commemorating freedom, on the very grounds where the Reasoner and True families most certainly appreciated what it meant to be free from bondage as African American landowners in the Sourland region.”

On the day of the event, free shuttle buses will run from the Montgomery High School parking lot to and from the event at SSAAM every 15 minutes, from 11:45 a.m. through 3:15 p.m. Limited parking will be available at the True Farmstead for the handicapped, those with limited mobility, event vendors and performers. All others should take the convenient shuttle buses.

SSAAM invites all to come together and celebrate this special day of music, art, poetry, fun, and food and join SSAAM in moving Freedom Forward.

Event sponsors include Somerset Patriots, Princeton University Art Museum, and Bloomberg Corporation. The event is also made possible by a generous Preserving Black Churches grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as many local institutions, businesses and corporations.

The event will be held rain or shine at the museum, 189 Hollow Road, Skillman. For more information visit https://www.ssaamuseum.org/juneteenth-2024.

BRYN MAWR COLLEGE

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

DICKINSON COLLEGE

DUKE UNIVERSITY

EMERSON COLLEGE

FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE

HAMILTON COLLEGE

HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE

LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (2)

PRATT INSTITUTE

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY (2)

SKIDMORE COLLEGE

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (3)

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

The Masque of Night Brings Romeo & Juliet to Hopewell, NJ

The New Place Players are set to captivate audiences with their critically acclaimed production, The Masque of Night, in Hopewell, New Jersey. This unique Romeo & Juliet cabaret will be performed at the enchanting Hopewell Mountain Christian Church (11 Mountain Church Rd, Hopewell, NJ 08525) on June 7th and 8th at 8 pm. Tickets are $50 and available at https://www.

eventbrite.com/e/the-masque-of-night-athopewell-mountain-church-june-7-8-tickets873559980417?aff=erelpanelorg.

The Masque of Night offers a fresh, intimate take on Shakespeare’s timeless love story. Directed by Craig Bacon, whose illustrious 40-year career spans New York City and Europe, and co-directed by Janina Picard, a German-born actor and director, this produc-

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The performance features compositions by David Bowie, Depeche Mode, and Rufus Wainwright, alongside original music by the production’s Musical Director, Flavio Gaete. The venue itself adds to the enchanting atmosphere. Hopewell Mountain Christian Church, originally built in 1844 as an African American congregation, has been transformed into a beautiful living and performance space, featuring a stunning barrel vault great room, extensive original millwork, an interior balcony, and the original functioning church bell. This intimate setting, with seating for only 40 guests, enhances the personal and immersive experience of the performance.

The cast includes Actors

MFA

Actors

Alvarez as Romeo. They are supported by Flavio Gaete, a classical musician from Chile, and Anna Bikales, a harpist and Actors Studio MFA graduate, who bring the characters to life through music and performance.

Audiences can expect a moving and intimate journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s most beloved play.

Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical event. Secure your $50 at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-masque-of-night-athopewell-mountain-church-june-7-8-tickets873559980417?aff=erelpanelorg.

tion seamlessly blends Shakespeare’s iconic text with chamber music and modern songs.

Studio lifetime member Clara Tristan as Juliet and recent

Studio

graduate Jorge Carrion

Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol