Cranbury Press & Windsor-Hights Herald

Hightstown: Primary election

By LEA KAHN

There

received 179 votes and Gulati received 167 votes from Hightstown Borough Democrats.

The Republican Party did not field any candidates for Hightstown Borough Council.

The results as of press time June 5 are unofficial and will remain so until they are certified by the Mercer County Clerk’s Office.

The Pennington School celebrates student athletes

The Pennington School celebrates numerous student athletes who have committed to teams at colleges or universities for the fall of 2024.

Hailey Adamsky will be playing soccer in the Ivy League, and Keane Brown, Justin Davidyock, Kieran Karp, Morgan Kotch, Matthew Lynch, and Kendall Malmros will all be playing Division I soccer. Also continuing their soccer careers in college are Pablo Carnicer Cozar, who will play at the Division II level, as well as Felix Shapiro and Sophia Murphy, who will both play for Division III teams. Dowon Zio Kim has committed to playing Ivy League basketball and Morgan Matthews will be playing Division I basketball. Bryce Meccage has committed to Division I baseball and Emma Nelson has committed to Division I field hockey. Paloma Szyfer will also continue her field hockey career at the Division III level. Also playing at the Division III level are Polaris Hayes, tennis; and Quaadir Durden and Nicholas Esposito, lacrosse.

The following students, listed by hometown, have committed to playing a sport in college.

In New Jersey:

• Basking Ridge: Dowon Zio Kim, basketball, Princeton University

• Crosswicks: Matthew Lynch, soccer, Rutgers University

• Hamilton: Morgan Kotch, soccer, Villanova University

• Lawrenceville: Hailey Adam-

sky, soccer, University of Pennsylvania–Wharton; Morgan Matthews,

• basketball, George Washington University; Sophia Murphy, soccer, Stevens Institute of Technology

• Pennington: Pablo Carnicer Cozar, soccer, University of Tampa; Kieran Karp, soccer, University of

• South Carolina, Bryce Meccage, baseball, University of Virginia

• Princeton: Felix Shapiro, soccer, Carleton College

• Trenton: Polaris Hayes, tennis, California Institute of Technology

• West Orange: Paloma Szyfer, field hockey, Oberlin College

In Pennsylvania:

• New Hope: Keane Brown, soccer, US Naval Academy; Kendall Malmros, soccer,

• Fordham University

• Newtown: Justin Davidyock, soccer, US Military Academy at West Point

• Philadelphia: Quaadir Durden, lacrosse, College of Wooster

• Yardley: Nicholas Esposito, lacrosse, Hampden-Sydney College; Emma Nelson, field hockey, Quinnipiac University

‘The Pennington School is an independent coeducational school for students in grades 6 through 12, in both day and boarding programs.

The curriculum is college preparatory, with an emphasis on individual excellence, fostering the development of the whole student through academics, athletics, community service, and the creative and performing arts.

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 ex-

cellence 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:

• Crosswicks:

Lynch, Jr.

• Ewing: Onan Javier Benedith, Micah Breyanna Bowser

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 Mahade-

See PENNINGTON, Page 3A

Juneteenth and Pride celebrations

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

Mercer County has a number of events lined up to celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month.

Juneteenth

What We Commemorate on Juneteenth – A Discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13 as a virtual program at the Mercer County Library System. For more information call (609) 882-3148 or visit mcl.org.

Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, but do

we really understand what this day represents? Dr. Richard Bell, professor of History at the University of Maryland, discusses the struggles of enslaved African Americans during the Civil War and the events leading up to their emancipation on June 19, 1865.

The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County will hold a Juneteenth Festival from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 15 at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. For more informa-

tion call (609) 474-4073, email trentonaapride@gmail.com, or visit taacf.com/juneteenth-performers. The festival will feature music, performances, food, and other festivities. Hosted by Kevin “Deekay” Francois, this day-long celebration will feature singer Vivian Green, and other performances by Farafina Kan, Lin Rountree, DJ Fatha Ramzee, Cintron Band, Chelsey Green and the Green Project, DJ Ed Ward, Queen Samut, and more

See CELEBRATION, Page 3A

Brett Samuel Morr

Matthew Jude

, Jonah

Courtesy of The Pennington School

Courtesy of Pennington School

Pennington

Continued from Page 1A

van, 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,

Celebration

Continued from Page 1A

Attend a day of Juneteenth festivities in Princeton from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Kick off the day with a Flag Raising with the Municipality of Princeton at Monument Plaza. At 4 p.m., head over to Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., to participate in the community gathering with crafts and educational activities with partnering anti-racist organizations from the greater Princeton area. Step inside an antique phone booth recording studio, as part of the “Let Freedom Ring” project, where you’ll be prompted to record your own reflections, thoughts, hopes, and dreams for Juneteenth and the future. For more information call (609) 497-0020, email info@ princetonsymphony.org or visit princetonsymphony.org.

The finale of the celebration is a concert featuring Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” among other choral selections conducted by Vinroy D. Brown. He will be leading the joint choral forces of the Capital Singers of Princeton, Caritas Chamber Chorale, and Elmwood Concert Singers, in addition to vocalists from St. David the King and Union Baptist Church in Trenton. Come be a part of this communitywide event and get your tickets for the evening performance starting at 7 p.m.

Juneteenth Black-owned business mar-

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

ketplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness –Conference Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road. For more information email info@sbdcnj. com.

LGBTQ+ and Pride Month

LGBTQ Film Screening of “A League of Their Own” will show at 2 p.m. June 9 at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike. For more information call (609) 883-8292 or visit mcl. org.

Trenton Pride Afters Trenton Pride Center to hold a Trenton Social from 8-11:30 p.m. June 22 at 449 S. Broad St.

‘Community is really important’

Hun School students create autism nonprofit

Two students at the Hun School of Princeton created an Autism Awareness Alliance nonprofit in efforts to celebrate and embrace neurodiversity.

On Saturday April 27, Sean X. and Tom C., hosted “Beyond the Spectrum,” an allday community event that celebrates Autism Awareness Month. The event was held in downtown Princeton, between the Dinky Bar and McCarter Theatre with over 150 local families with children on the spectrum in attendance. The fun-filled celebration kicked off with a keynote speech from Mayor Mark Freda followed by endless activities including musical performances, lion dancing, carnival games, and prizes, according to a press release through the school.

As one of the leaders of the Autism Awareness Alliance, Sean’s goal in hosting this event was to celebrate and embrace neurodiversity within the Mercer County community.

“We aim to enrich the lives of children with autism by fostering awareness and building meaningful interactions between these children and other community members. We also hope to help families find additional resources,” he said.

Sean and Tom established the Autism

Awareness Alliance in the summer of 2023 and soon after partnered with the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. After many weekends spent volunteering at the hospital, Sean and Tom decided that they wanted to begin their fundraising efforts. Over the summer, they raised $7,000 for the foundation by attending local farmers markets and other community events in Mercer County. Sean and Tom hope to raise $15,000 by the end of this year.

“Community is really important to both Sean and me,” Tom said. “And community means building connections with everyone despite our differences and coming together to support each other. We believe that our differences are what make us special to society; we are all human yet we all see the world so differently and that is why we are choosing to put so much of our time and effort into fundraising and creating a network of support for local families with children on the spectrum.” Tom and Sean, who are part of the Class of 2026, are already busy planning next year’s Autism Awareness Month celebration and are eager to find ways to continue to engage the local community as well as the Hun community.

Photo Courtesy of The Hun School of Princeton

TOWN FORUM

THE STATE WE’RE IN

By Alison Mitchell, Co-Executive Director, New Jersey

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

In 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 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

HEALTH MATTERS

Coral

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 gar-

By Omodele Hogan, MD

dens. 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

See POLLINATORS, Page 5A

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 (milli-

grams)/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 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.

Courtesy of Bill Lynch

hairstreak.

Pollinators

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.

• 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.

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

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-

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 Pathways at CPL Chess Club.

Cranbury Arts Council

Gourgaud Gallery

Gourgaud Gallery is located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main St. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9

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

a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit cranburyartscouncil.com 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 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:

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

Mason Hammer Meyerson Natsuki Miller

Edward Samuel Molner

Brett Samuel Morr

Sophia Marie Murphy

Brandon Christopher Napoleon

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

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

Teagan Ceri Walsh

Jiani Wan Ziyi Wang

Tess Gabrielle Zabele

Cassidy Downs Zelt

The Pennington Class of 2024 will be matriculating at the following colleges and universities: Arizona State University (Tempe)

Babson College

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,

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.

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.

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: PlayDoh 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.

See CALENDAR, Page 8A

Lifestyle Lifestyle: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2024

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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tion seamlessly blends Shakespeare’s iconic text with chamber music and modern songs. 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 Studio lifetime member Clara Tristan as Juliet and recent Actors Studio MFA graduate Jorge Carrion 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.

Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol

Continued from Page 6A

June 12 – 10:30-11 a.m. –

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.