Register News

‘My hard work paid off’

Petty Officer 2nd Class Alec Chilcote, a native of Bordentown, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 16.

Chilcote graduated from Burlington County Institute of Technology in 2018.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bordentown.

“I’ve worked since I was 13 and that taught me how to work hard,” Chilcote said, in a release through the Navy Office of Community Outreach. “Without hard work, the mission does not get done.”

Chilcote joined the Navy four and a half years ago. Today, he serves as a naval air crewman (operator).

“I joined to explore the world outside of my hometown and I found the Navy provided a good way to travel,” he said.

Members of VP 16 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft fly around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United

‘We

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

are beyond thrilled’

After several years of “speculation and worry,” the oldest stone masonry arch Farnsworth Avenue bridge will be repaired.

States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Chilcote has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is getting fully qualified as an aviation warfare operator,” he said. “I am proud of that because it took years to accomplish. For our job, that is what you are working towards from the day you graduate boot camp so it was a lot of hard work and then getting fully qualified showed that my hard work paid off.”

Chilcote serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means being an example for others to look up to,” he said.

Chilcote is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my dad, Chad Chilcote, and my mentor, Naval Aircrewman Operator 1st Class [Kevin] Wilson, for helping me a lot since I have been in the Navy,” he said.

New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) Acting Commissioner Francis O’Connor recently joined Bordentown City officials and state Sen. Troy Singleton to tour the historic Farnsworth Avenue bridge. O’Connor officially announced that “the bridge will be repaired, rather than torn down and replaced.”

“We are beyond thrilled … ,” Bordentown City officials said on their social media website.

In 2019, NJDOT had proposed plans to replace the bridge calling it “deficient.” In the proposal, Farnsworth Avenue would be closed for a two-year period. The Veterans Memorial was going to be removed and stored during bridge construction and then reassembled once the construction was complete.

“In a tremendous victory for the entire Bordentown community, the commissioner also announced that Farnsworth Avenue will remain open while the work is conducted, mitigating the potential impact on the Veterans Memorial and the downtown business district,” officials said.

As the oldest stone masonry arch bridge spanning a railway in

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

the entire country, the historical and geological implications of replacing the bridge would have been significant. Farnsworth Avenue was expected to be closed to traffic for upwards of two years if the bridge were to be replaced, and the physical and economic impact on the surrounding community could have been potentially devastating, officials said.

Together, city officials, Sen. Singleton’s office, and a number of city organizations rallied. They met and communicated with DOT officials numerous times, passed a governing body resolution, and signed petitions to advocate for repairing, rather than replacing the bridge.

“On behalf of the governing body, we cannot thank New Jersey DOT and Commissioner O’Connor enough for their willingness to listen to our concerns and work with us to craft a win-win situation for everyone,” Mayor Jennifer Sciortino said.

“We also owe Sen. Singleton and his staff a debt of gratitude for quickly jumping into action and advocating for Bordentown City every step of the way, which ultimately helped us forge this compromise.

“This solution will protect public safety without creating any major disruptions that could have harmed our small, local businesses, the Veterans Memorial, or any number of historical features in our downtown, including the bridge itself.

“A special thanks also goes out to the members of the Veterans Memorial Committee, the DBA (Downtown Bordentown Association), and the [Bordentown] Historical Society who played a pivotal role by lending their time and expertise to advocate for repairing this historic bridge,” Sciortino said.

“This was truly a team effort over the last few years with the community at large coming together and rallying to preserve our historic charm.”

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josiah Trombley

Photos Courtesy of Bordentown City

CALENDAR

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 1-800RED CROSS.

American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center – Central New Jersey

707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:307:15 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 609-5301971 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 609-989-6650 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 check in voters during elections and assist in the Election Day process – are still needed for the up-

coming 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 609-298-0622 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) 7226992.

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.

Cranbury Arts Council Gourgaud

CONGRATULATIONS

Calendar

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 –

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

June 14 – 2-4 p.m.

Burlington County Clerk to officiate weddings at Bordentown Pride and Community Day

The Bordentown Pride and Community Day is returning next month, and Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz is inviting couples to marry that day as part of the celebration of equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Schwartz will officiate weddings on Saturday, June 29, during the event. This year marks the fourth year the historic city has hosted the event and the second that Schwartz has participated by officiating weddings. She also plans to join in the event’s march.

Weddings will be held that day in Bordentown’s Old City Hall, located at 11 Crosswicks Street.

A panel from the National AIDS Quilt will also be displayed in the building as part of the festivities. The event will also have a community fun area with face painting, arts and crafts, pet fashion contest, henna tattoo art, music and more.

Couples interested in being wed that day should contact the Burlington County Clerk’s Office at (609) 265-5233 to book a time on June 29. There is no fee for the service, but couples must obtain a marriage license from the municipality

Courtesy of Burlington County Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz officiates the wedding of Eileen Perez and

Etronila Polanco during Bordentown Pride and Community Day last year.

TOWN FORUM

THE STATE WE’RE IN

IBy Alison Mitchell, Co-Executive Director, 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 inver-

tebrates, 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 increasing 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

HEALTH MATTERS

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

By Omodele Hogan, MD

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/pollinator-garden/. 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.

Address Elevated Blood Sugar Early to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Produced 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 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.

• Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

If you are concerned about your risk for high blood sugar, talk to your doctor.  A sim-

ple 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

Courtesy of Bill Lynch Coral hairstreak.

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 Amer-

ican-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

Burlington County seeking nominations for 2024 Outstanding Women Awards

Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson and Commissioner Allison Eckel announced that nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards are now open.

The commissioners and the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council will honor the outstanding contributions and leadership of women from the county. This

year’s awards will include a new category recognizing excellence in humanities, such as the arts, film, history, music, theater or writing. Applications will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, June 28.

The awards are sponsored by the Women’s Advisory Council and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners.

The council is looking

for women who have made significant contributions in their chosen field and who have demonstrated their support for women in our communities. The nominees may have acted as mentors, role models or advocates for other women.

In addition to the new humanities category, the council will select women to honor in the following categories: community service and volunteerism, diversity/inclusion, military or veterans service, education/mentorship, first responder/law enforcement, government, health care and law.

Nomination criteria and forms are available online at https://burlingtoncountynj. formstack.com/forms/outstandingwomen2024. Questions can be emailed to womenscouncil@co.burlington. nj.us.

Winners will be honored at the annual Outstanding Women Awards Banquet in September.

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.

Courtesy of Burlington County Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson and Commissioner Allison Eckel present the 2023 Burlington County Outstanding Women Award for diversity and inclusion to Ashanti Holley, assistant superintendent and chief diversity officer for the Burlington County Institute of Technology and Burlington County Special Services School District, during last year’s ceremony.

The Pennington School holds 183rd commencement

The Pennington School held its 183rd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 1. Head of School William S. Hawkey, Ph.D. granted diplomas and certificates to the 104 members of the Class of 2024, which includes students from six states and five countries outside the United States.

The Commencement speaker was Dr. Jacob N. Shapiro, professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University. Senior prizes were awarded on May 31. Polaris Hayes of Trenton and Zixi Yu of Belle Mead were valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Hayes earned The George Parnos Award for Excellence in Science which is awarded for individual excellence in scientific challenges. She also shared The Howard Cressman Memorial Award for Excellence in Mathematics with Yu. Additionally, both Hayes and Yu earned certificates in applied science and were recognized as members of the Cum Laude Society. In the fall, Hayes will attend California Institute of Technology and Yu will attend Princeton University.

Students from New Jersey include:

Basking Ridge: Dowon Zio Kim

Belle Mead: Zixi Yu

Bordentown: Ashton Gabrielle Bridges, Ananya Reddy Madireddy

Branchburg: Tyler Robert Bryant Hope

Cresskill: Brett Samuel Morr

Crosswicks: Matthew Jude Lynch, Jr.

Ewing: Onan Javier Benedith, Micah Breyanna Bowser, Jonah William Celentana, Samantha Joan Lambdin, Cassidy Downs Zelt

Flemington: Shayna Mehta

Hamilton: Mackenzie Ann Kotch, Morgan Elizabeth Kotch

Lambertville: Makayla Veronica Tudor

Lawrence Township: Tristan Remi Hocquaux

Lawrenceville: Hailey Marie Adamsky, Shahrin Naeem Akhtar, Broderick Roy Coddington, Sebastian Drezek, Sandhya Bala Mahadevan, Morgan Alexis Matthews, Mason Hammer Meyerson, Sophia Marie Murphy

Maplewood: Adam Fisher, Aiden Jonah Haase Monmouth Junction: Jai Pranav Raman, Mia Catherine Seyfarth

Pennington: Alexander Atwell Brackin, Drew Chadwick Bridges, Pablo Carnicer Cozar, Mei Mei Li Castranova, Thomas Wilder Craig, Owen Scott Doughty, Ishan Gupta, Anna Jane Hallgren, Emily Elizabeth Howe, Kieran Ryan Karp, Shinyi Li, Bryce Robert Meccage, Sanjana Jyothy Padmanabhan, Lucas Matthieu Sweetman, Teagan Ceri Walsh

Piscataway: Nkechinyelum Ellen Nwoye

Princeton: William Joseph Arthur, Maya Marie Brooke, Benjamin Michael GrazianoKastner, Hadrian Lynn, Maya Meehan-Ritter, Natsuki Miller, Alexander Wise Philbrick, Felix Waite Shapiro

Princeton Junction: Jack Alexander Bluni, Olivia Elena Davis, Gabriella Grace DiRusso*

Ridgewood: Elias Sebti

Robbinsville: Sophia Farajallah, Ava Marie Surtz

Skillman: Rishi Hirsch Braham Duggal, John Thomas Shamsey

South Orange: Adina Ann Gregson

Stockton: John Frederick Hillman

Summit: Charlotte Leigh Reinhardt

Trenton: Polaris Chaena Hayes, Brandon Christopher Napoleon

West Orange: Paloma Rose Szyfer

West Windsor: Jack Edmond McCune

Bordentown Historical Society seeks donations to refresh aging mural

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

A mural next to the Bordentown Friend’s Meeting House is showing its age and the Bordentown Historical Society is asking for the public’s help.

It was created 47 years ago by Abby Varley, president of the Bordentown Historical Society at the time in 1977.

A key part of the historical society’s mission is to preserve and promote Bordentown’s unique history. And to the delight of members of the society, Bordentown artist Erik Weedeman offered to refresh the mural in his free time.

Weedeman, an illustrator, painter, muralist and sign painter, is no stranger to public artwork, according to his website. His artwork is displayed on the walls of Turtle

Beans

on

and his public art has been

on the streets of Philadelphia.

His artwork consists of acrylic paintings on canvas and pen and ink sketches on paper.

The Bordentown Historical Society is seeking donations for paints, sealant and supplies in order for Weedeman to get started.

People can drop off donations in the form of a check or cash at the Friends Meeting House at 302 Farnsworth Ave., or mail a check to BHS, P.O. Box 182, Bordentown, NJ 08505.

Mark the donation with “paint supplies for mural.”

For those interested in seeing the mural in person can step through the historical society’s gate and head around the left side of the Friends Meeting House.

Citing ongoing need, the Burlington County Commissioners announced the launch of a new $1 million grant program to support local food pantries and other organizations assisting food insecure households.

The Burlington County Grants for Food Banks and Food Pantries program will offer grants up to $75,000 to nonprofit organizations that are providing food assistance to residents in Burlington County and have experienced increased demand since the beginning of COVID.

As of 2020, an estimated 31,800 Burlington County residents, including 9,000 children, were considered food insecure because they lived in households without consistent

access to adequate healthy foods.

The food grants program is funded with federal aid the county received from the American Rescue Plan Act and is being administered by CGP&H. Applications are now being accepted and awards will be made on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

The commissioners appropriated $1 million for the program. Grants can be used to purchase and distribute food or acquire or upgrade equipment such as stoves, freezers, coolers and shelving.

Nonprofits interested in applying for a grant can request an application by emailing BurlCoFood@cgph.net or

Specialty Coffee

Farnsworth Avenue

displayed

Courtesy of the Bordentown Historical Society

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2024

Lifestyle Lifestyle:

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

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

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.

performance features

cast includes Actors Studio lifetime member Clara Tristan as Juliet and recent Actors Studio MFA graduate Jorge Carrion Alvarez as Romeo. They

PRAYER

Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this petition There are none that can withstand your power Oh, show me herein you are my Mother Oh Mary con‐ceived without sin pray for us who have recourse in thee (3Xs) Holy