May 2019
Sara Cooper A Journey of Hope
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet
A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
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May 2019
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents, Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, John Finnegan, Kenneth Marples, Lisa Wolff
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They can mean different things to all of us, depending on what we have each been through in our lives. Amid the chaos of the daily details of these busy lives, it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of the simple things that are truly important, the things that inspire us and give us hope for the future. Inspiration is the process of being moved to feel something, and driven to do something that has special meaning. For me, Jerri and Jim Golis are an inspiration through their compassionate dedication to Cory’s Ride, which you will read about on the following pages. Hope is an anticipation and desire for something to happen. We are all different, and have our struggles. Sara Cooper’s story of strength and courage is an incredible portrayal of hope that has moved me and I know it will move you, too. She is a fighter, and I am truly honored to stand with her on her journey. These stories of inspiration and hope are what brought this issue together. They contain sadness and pain, but hope, bravery, and a spirit of giving ultimately prevail, teaching us all valuable life lessons we may not have known we needed. I am proud to share them with you.
Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Feedback/Ideas/Submissions Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are 25th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: Edition Date: November 25.................................... January December 25.................................. February January 25............................................March February 25............................................ April March 25.................................................. May April 25...................................................June May 25......................................................July June 25............................................... August July 25.......................................... September August 25.........................................October September 25 ������������������������������ November October 25................................... December
hat do the words inspiration and hope mean to you?
Here’s to all of us continuing to follow—and even change—our paths. Here’s to being inspired and remaining hopeful. Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
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s I spoke with the people in the stories for this month’s issue and then wrote the words, I was filled with many emotions: sadness, gratitude, admiration, inspiration, awe. There is so much heartbreak in the world, and yet so much light. The stories of Cory’s Ride and of Sara Cooper moved me to tears of both sorrow and joy as I learned about people who give and give and give, people who are going through their own difficult times and yet still think of others. Both of the features this month are inspiring in every sense of the word; I hope they touch your lives as they did mine. Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. ©2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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May 2019
Resident Feature Revisited
Revisiting Our Neighbors: Ray Disch Hey Ray, What’s Happening at Sourland Mountain Spirits? By Rachel Donington | Photo by Benoit Cortet
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hey’re all about spirit! We met Ray Disch and family in the March 2018 issue of Hopewell Valley Neighbors.
Ray Disch
Sourland Mountain Spirits founder Ray Disch decided he was ready for a new challenge back in 2014. Just the year before, craft distilling became legal in New Jersey so creating a local distillery in his hometown of Hopewell Borough seemed like an exciting endeavor. orking with a team of accomplished, visionary partners who listened W to his dream and helped him bring it to life, Ray was able to grow Sourland Mountain Spirits from a mere idea to a real business which is now the “New Jersey’s Farm Distillery”. The Sourland Mountains with their rich history of farmers, bootleggers, rebels, patriots, fine craftsmen and artisans, is the perfect setting for the Distillery. Drawing from an aquifer at the base of the Sourland range, their spirits are made using pure water filtered through micro-fractures in the geologic formations of the mountains, protected by the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. The distillery’s location surrounded by farms gives them the opportunity to develop a program of incorporating the freshest ingredients into their carefully crafted spirits. From herbs to fruit to
AMERICA’S FARM DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR 2018 American Distilling Institute (ADI)
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Sourland Mountain Spirits recently completed a renovation and an addition to the distillery. The first floor is a tasting room and store open to the public for all of their products. The second floor is designed as a community meeting room available to groups of up to 15 people free of charge. Please visit Ray, his family, and the entire Sourland Mountain Spirits team by visiting their beautiful distillery home in Hopewell Borough. And please, be certain to purchase their fine spirits in stores where ever you see them displayed.
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www.SourlandSpirits.com (609) 333-8575 Learn more at SourlandSpirits.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, & Follow us at @SourlandSpirits • 130 Hopewell-Rocky Hill Rd., Hopewell, NJ 08525
Sourland Mountain Spirits Distillery is located at 130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Rd, in Hopewell Borough, and online at www.sourlandspirits.com.
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May 2019
Profile on Community
Cory’s Ride A Legacy of Giving
By Catherine Bialkowski | Photo by Benoit Cortet
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hroughout the past 21 years, Cory’s Ride has raised over $200,000 in scholarships for over 150 high school students and recent graduates, furthering their educations and helping them achieve their career goals. A bicycle ride to promote funding for the Cory Golis / Anchor House Foundation Scholarship Fund, Cory’s Ride has changed countless lives. In addition to providing tuition assistance to many young men and women, the Ride has honored the legacy of its namesake, Cory Golis, and kept his giving spirit alive.
Shannon, Jerri, Chris, Jim, Jeremy, Tyler, and Lauren
In 1998, Cory, 15, was participating in the Anchor House Ride for Runaways with his brother, Jeremy, and father, Jim when he was struck and killed by a car. Soon afterward, his family worked with Anchor House to set up a scholarship in his honor. This kind of memoriam, a way to give back and provide for people in need, seemed an ideal way to honor Cory, a selfless and kind-hearted young man who showed constant concern and care for others. Jim has been involved with Anchor House, a safe haven for homeless and other at-risk youth, for many years. When his two sons were old enough to participate in the Ride for Runaways, they were excited to be able to give back alongside their father. “Cory was a very tender, helpful person,” says Jim. “He was always out to help people. That is one of the reasons he got involved with the Ride.” That year, Cory collected $500 in coins, going door-to-door to ask his friends and neighbors for donations. His spirit of giving lives on through the many lives that have been changed through the Ride set up in his memory.
even after Cory’s passing. Today, she has a turtle collection, to remind herself of her son. And the turtle has become somewhat of a symbol to others who knew Cory, as a representation of all that he was: selfless, caring, kind, and always looking to help others.
“The dedication we’ve seen has been absolutely amazing,” says Jim. “And so are the kids’ reactions to receiving the scholarships.”
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“Cory’s Ride has helped me understand better the spirit between our privileged lives in Hopewell Valley and the true Anchor House lives in the heart of the City of Trenton,” says Jerri, Jim’s wife and Cory’s mother. “It’s really humbling.”
We hope to see you at Cory’s Ride this year on Saturday, June 8, at Rosedale Park! Please visit www.corysride.org to register and learn more about becoming a sponsor.
“Knowing that the generous donations Cory’s Ride receives helps to give these kids the ability to realize their dreams brings our family such joy,” says Lauren, Jeremy’s wife and Cory’s sister-in-law. “Cory’s memory lives on through the hope each scholarship provides. It is also wonderful to see our children, Shannon, Chris and Tyler learn about their Uncle Cory’s legacy and find their own special ways to donate to the cause.”
Jim and Jerri would like to thank Bill Arland, Kathy Drulis, Jeremy and Lauren Golis, Julia Obetz, Debbie Hutchinson, Bill Ward, and Marti Moseley for their dedication and support for Cory’s Ride throughout the years.
The entire Golis family is grateful for the continued support Cory’s Ride has received for over two decades. And although bicycles still represent a painful memory for their family, they find joy in giving back to the community. As Cory was training for the 1998 Ride, he came across a little box turtle on the road one day. It had a missing eye and its face was pushed in. “Mom, you have to keep this turtle alive,” he said to Jerri, referring to the time he would be participating in the Ride and unable to care for it. He took time to show her how to properly care for the turtle, and how to dig for worms for it to eat. The turtle’s safety was very important to Cory. And Jerri kept her word, caring for the turtle
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature Jodi and Sara at work
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May 2019
Resident Feature
Sara cooper’s Story
A Journey of Hope Living Courageously with ALS By Catherine Bialkowski
I Photos by Benoit Cortet
Who is Sara Cooper? She is a business owner, a neighbor, a wife, a dog-owner, a chef, a friend. She is funny, warm, quick-witted, courageous, and kind. In November of 2018, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord that signal and control the muscles.When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. Sara is embracing what life has thrown at her and has made the decision to fight against the disease, both physically and by spreading awareness to help others with the same condition. Two and a half years ago, Sara had a bad fall in which she broke her left leg and right arm. She was in a wheelchair during her recovery for four months. “In late September of 2017, I realized I wasn’t able to cut food and do basic things with my left hand,” says Sara. After all kinds of therapy and extensive blood-work, and over a year of ruling out other diseases, she was formally diagnosed. “The diagnosis is pretty terrifying, but I am not a person to sit back and cry and wonder what I’m going to do,” says Sara. And she certainly hasn’t. The morning after her diagnosis, she called Jodi O’Donnell-Ames, her neighbor and longtime friend who runs an organization called Hope Loves Company for children of patients with ALS. Jodi lost her husband, Kevin, to ALS in 2001, and has dedicated countless hours since then to supporting the family members of those with the disease. “In 1995 my late husband was diagnosed with ALS,” says Jodi. “He was almost 30. We had a toddler at home.” Things were hard for Jodi and her family, but they, like Sara, immediately got involved with the ALS community, spreading awareness and offering love and support to those affected by the illness. “My husband passed away in 2001, but I continued to fight.” Jodi has been involved ever since. In 2003, she married Warren Benton Ames, who lost his wife to ALS, and became a mother for his two children, Nora and Adam, in addition to her daughter Alina. Jodi started Hope Loves Company because she understands that life is chaotic to begin with—but when you add in a life-changing diagnosis, the world can turn upside down. When Sara called Jodi, the person whom she knew would truly understand the weight of what she was now going through, Jodi was able to secure a spot for Sara in one of the world’s top ALScertified clinics at Temple Health within a week. “Since my diagnosis, I have had mostly really good days,” says Sara. “One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning to ask for help. I am extremely independent, but getting much better at that.” Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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“I am a fighter, and I want to make a difference.�
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May 2019
Resident Feature Sara’s husband, Mike, has so much admiration for his wife, whom he calls intelligent, creative, good at attention to detail, and, above all, kind. “She is an incredibly versatile woman,” he says, sharing that she won a “In Celebration of Women” Organizational Commitment Award in 2000 for her catering company, Four Girls Catering, presented by the YWCA of Trenton. “No one thinks about others more than Sara.” She always puts things in perspective, he says, and stays grateful. She continues working at Cooper Creative Group, her award-winning local marketing and branding business. She has also dedicated much of her time to interacting with different branches of the ALS community, educating Mike and Sara
herself on insurance and medical aspects and doing what she can to help improve the quality of life for other ALS patients. ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and it is estimated there are more than 20,000 Americans who have the disease at any given time. There are currently only two medications approved for treating the disease, and little is yet known about its progression. Sara’s friends and family have set up a nonprofit called Help For ALS which accepts donations through GoFundMe with a goal of helping those with financial need in their struggle. “My career has been mostly in PR,” says Sara. “I am utilizing every resource I have to try to spread awareness about this disease.” She has spent her fair share of time navigating health insurance, and she knows how daunting it can be, which is why she has also begun to develop a sort of roadmap for ALS patients that will address more difficult and confusing issues that come up after diagnosis. Sara is so grateful to live in a community like Hopewell Valley, especially at this time in her life. “Our community is so awesome,” she says. “The support I have received since my diagnosis is so humbling. I’m getting cards and emails from people I may have just met at a meeting, and I have so many friends who are so supportive. It speaks volumes about the kind of community we live in and are so fortunate to be a part of.” Sara is a courageous fighter, and her selflessness is humbling; receiving an ALS diagnosis is lifechanging in many ways, yet Sara’s first instinct was to help others in her situation. “I am a fighter, and I want to make a difference.” Please contact Sara at saraekcooper@aol.com to learn more about Help For ALS. Please visit the Hope Loves Company website at www.hopelovescompany.org.
vvv Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact Rachel Donington at rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Real Estate
Hopewell Valley Market Activity MARCH SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS 37 Lafayette Ave 220 Pennington Hopewell Rd 460 Lambertville Hopewell Rd 19 Academy Ct 8 Eaton Ct 101 Nursery Rd 153 Lambertville Hopewell Rd 305 Kentshire Ct 600 Bollen Ct 69 Haddon Ct 231 Concord Pl 26 Woosamonsa Rd 265 Colt St 409 Reading Ave 423 S Main St 139 E Delaware Ave
BEDS 4 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3
BATHS SOLD PRICE 1.5 $162,500 1 $220,000 1 $229,000 2.5 $232,000 1.5 $330,000 2 $346,000 2 $347,000 2.5 $350,000 2.5 $358,000 2.5 $360,000 2.5 $366,000 2 $389,000 2.5 $440,000 2.5 $460,000 2.5 $470,000 2 $475,000
6 Coventry Ln 6 Cotswald Ln 16 Elm Ridge Rd 13 Honey Brook Dr 19 Harbourton Ridge Dr 13 Chadwell Ct 11 Coach Ln
5 3 3 4 4 4 6
3 2.5 2 2.5 3 2.5 5.5
$515,000 $600,000 $610,000 $630,000 $825,000 $849,000 $1,125,000
RESIDENTIAL RENTALS ADDRESS 101 Haddon Ct 74 Haddon Ct 6 Voorhees Ct 83 Manley Rd 222 Colt St 6 Aqua Ter
BEDS 3 3 3 3 3 4
BATHS SOLD PRICE 2.5 $2,300 2.5 $2,350 2.5 $2,600 2.5 $2,600 2.5 $3,100 2.5 $4,100
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
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HOPEWELL VALLEY OFFICE 800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
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May 2019
In The Arts
Hopewell Valley Arts Council News By Mary Galioto | Public Relations and Media Coordinator, Hopewell Valley Arts Council
Pennington Day 2019 is on Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. For the sixth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council will anchor Pennington Day with an artful takeover on the Howe Commons lawn, at 65 South Main Street in Pennington, next to the music stage and food court. This year, the HV Arts Council will introduce the Art Spire project, as part of our new initiative, Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees, commemorating the devastating loss of the ash tree, one of the primary native trees in Hopewell Valley. Stop by to join in creating a “art spire” —a work of art that will remain in the community!
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“The Parade” by Barbara DiLorenzo, a local Hopewell artist
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Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings
Every Monday at Mercer County Library—Hopewell Branch Guided Mediation Mira Desai teaches guided meditation series during the winter. Participants should wear comfortable clothing, and if you’d like, bring a towel or yoga mat. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:10:30am-12pm No registrationnecessary. Every Wednesday at Mercer County Library—Hopewell Branch Knitting Group Bring your current needle-craft project and join us for an hour of knitting (or crocheting...or need-craft of your choice!). @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:starts at 7pm No registration necessary. Wed., May 1 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Gardening Book Club – The Triumph of Seeds Join us in reading and discussing works of fiction or non-fiction having to do with gardening, plants, nature, or the land. All are welcome to discuss this month’s title, The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:2-3pm No registration necessary. Fri., May 3 Mosquito Control: Information and Answers Stop in to find out about the Mercer County Mosquito Control operation including how they protect public health. You can learn about the mosquito life cycle, what they look like at different points throughout their development and different ways to maintain a MOSQUITO FREE yard! @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:10am-12pm Stop in and bring your questions! No registration necessary. First Friday Film -- Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) A woman grapples with running her mother’s villa while also expecting her first child and worries that she won’t be able to handle everything on her own, so she enlists two of her mother’s friends for assurance, help and guidance (PG-13, 114 minutes). @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:1:30-4pm No registration necessary. Sun., May 5 Cinco de Mayo Mon., May 6 Early Dismissal—Staff Development All Schools @ Hopewell Valley Regional School District Documentary – The September Issue (2009) Filmmaker R.J. Cutler chronicles the making
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of Vogue’s now-infamous September 2007 issue, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the world of fashion maven and Vogue editor Anna Wintour (PG-13, 90 minutes). @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:1:30-4pm No registration necessary. Wed., May 8 The Short of It -- Agatha Christie Each month we read and discuss three short stories by the same author. This month’s author is Agatha Christie and her short stories, “Wasps’ Nest,” ”The Golden Ball,” and “Witness for the Prosecution. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:2-3pm No registration necessary. Thurs., May 9 Declutter Your Home! One of the biggest challenges for many homeowners is going through their “stuff” at home, and deciding what to do with everything, and having the motivation to get through this very dreaded process. We will create an action plan and talk about common clutter misconceptions, making decisions, motivation, investing time in this process, getting family and kids involved and getting to the finish line a winner! @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:7-8pm Registration requested. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to subscribe. Fri., May 10 Elder Care Fair Join us for our 1stever Elder Care Fair! Come meet local Homecare Agencies, Elder Care Attorneys, Geriatric Care Managers, Assisted Living Communities and more! @ Hopewell Township Municipal Building, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville. Time: 11:00am-1:00pm FREE lunch provided by Brandywine Living at Pennington. Dealing with Dizziness & Vertigo Learn more about the anatomy and physiology of the inner ear, common causes of dizziness, vertigo and loss of balance. Presentation by Eileen Kast, PT, OCS, physical therapist and Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist at Princeton Medical Center Princeton Rehabilitation. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:10-11am Registration requested. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to subscribe. Hopewell Valley Education Foundation Boot & Bling Gala! Join us for a fun evening dedicated to celebrating our amazing teachers and support staff. Dust off your cowboy boots and hats and dress them up with your favorite bling!
@ The Barn at Glenmore Farm Time: 6:30-10:30pm Sun., May 12 Mother’s Day Wed., May 15 Capital Health Mobile Stroke Unit Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the US. Join us as Capital Health’s Mobile Stroke Unit visits the Hopewell Valley Senior Center, take a tour of the unit and learn some valuable information. @ Hopewell Valley Senior Center, 395 Reading Street, Pennington Time: 10am
Essential Oils 101: Summer Wellness Guide Learn about replacing typical summer sun products with powerful non-toxic, essential oil-based options! Child-friendly program. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 1-2pm No registration necessary. Sat., May 18 43rdAnnual Pennington 5K The Pennington 5K Race is a community event which brings runners to benefit the Hopewell Valley YMCA and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. @ HVRSD Administration Office, South Main Street, Pennington Time: 8am For more information, visit HVYMCA.org. Pennington Day Pennington Borough’s Signature Community Event! A street fair of local businesses, artisans and non-profits along South Main Street, in Pennington. Come out and Play! @ South Main Street, Pennington Time: 10am – 4pm Rain or Shine
Center, 395 Reading Street, Pennington Time: 10am Presented by Alzheimer’s Association. Register by calling (800) 272-3900.
National Stroke Awareness Month Blood Pressure Screening and Stroke Awareness Free blood pressure screenings in the community. Get screened by a registered nurse and receive information on things you can do to help lower your risk for stroke. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-12pm No registration necessary. May 25 – 27 Memorial Day Weekend All Schools Closed @ Hopewell Valley Regional School District Wed., May 29 Acupuncture Treatment for Back Pain Learn about using acupuncture treatment for lower back pain. Presented by Dr. Patricia Graham, a board-certified physiatrist with accreditation in acupuncture. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:10-11am Registration requested. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to subscribe.
Let us help promote your local community event! Please join our Hopewell Happenings Page by sending us your Event Listing. Open to all Hopewell Valley organizations, clubs and local businesses. You can email your submissions to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
Tues., May 21 A Day in the Life of a State Trooper Join us as we learn about the NJ State Police. The variety of services and resources they provide to New Jersey residents’ safety and protection. Presented by Trooper Charles Marchan, New Jersey State Police’s Public Information Bureau. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time:10-11am Registration requested. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to subscribe. Wed., May 22 Healthy Living: Tips for Optimizing Physical & Cognitive Health This workshop will cover research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement. Hands-on tools to incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging—at any age! @ Hopewell Valley Senior
May 2019
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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609-392-1039 Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.
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May 2019
Hopewell Valley Sports
NICOLE APAI Bulldog of the Month By Kenneth Marples
Nicole Apai
M
any wonder what it’s going to take for women’s sports to get the same attention as men’s sports, meaning an equal number of fans, television rights, salaries, marketing endorsements, you name it. Is such a day even possible? Despite all the inequities, this hasn’t stop professional female athletes from being a source of inspiration to thousands of young women across the country. One of these young women is Nicole Apai. An integral outfielder of the Hopewell Valley Central High School varsity softball team, Apai remembers being inspired by watching the USA Softball Women’s National Team play in the Olympics. “I got to see national team-caliber players compete right in front of me and that was such an amazing experience for me,” she shared. What started out as throwing catch with her dad in the backyard blossomed into a four-year high school varsity career that will continue into college at Christopher Newport University, in Newport News, Virginia. Like many young Hopewell Valley athletes, Apai started off playing softball with the Hopewell Valley Baseball Softball Association (HVBSA), transitioned into travel team sports, and continued playing in high school. “The HVBSA rec programs was the catalyst for my career,” she explained. Most young athletes find it hard enough to participate in a single varsity sport, but how about three? Apai started off playing softball and soccer when she was very young, then decided to pick up playing basketball when she got to high school. “It’s been really hard balancing academics and multiple practices a night, but it means a lot to me to play for CHS,” she said. She certainly hit her stride at Hopewell Valley Central High School, and nothing could stop her. Apai has played on the softball varsity team since her freshman year, got pulled up onto the varsity soccer team for their playoff run, and has played three years of varsity basketball. That’s impressive. Even more impressive, Apai has posted strong numbers in nearly every category on all three teams, but one stands out the most—her basketball career included 60 assists in her combined years of playing on the varsity team. And when you look at her soccer statistics, she had 10 assists last year alone.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
“I have a really unselfish mentality. If I see someone that’s open that has a better opportunity than me, I’m going to get the ball to them,” Apai said. It’s this sort of team mentality that has helped her reach such great heights in her high school career. Her sophomore year, Hopewell Valley Central High School girls’ soccer team won the Mercer County title for the first time in program’s history. That same year, the girls’ basketball team upset higher ranked teams such as Ewing and Allentown. And early in her softball career, the Bulldogs went to the County and State tournaments. With all of the practices and games, it’s certainly a precarious juggling act, but one that Apai has become used to. In fact, she said that if she didn’t have a practice or a game, it would be sort of weird to have free time. When asked what she would do with a whole weekend to herself, Apai admitted she couldn’t even remember the last time she had a weekend without sports. “One of my favorite things to do is go to the beach, so if I had a day off, I would definitely spend it on the beach,” she said.
vvv
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bornness on from ol that ence.”
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• 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University • 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate of The Lewis School • 2017 The Lewis School of Princeton Honor Society Inductee • 2017 Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University
A Leading • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet Research-based K-12 • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University College Preparatory • Accepted to all of his top ten colleges Day School • 2017 Most Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Country Team
“When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a • 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University Where thewritten Gifts of lecture Teachers situation Champion and by longer assignments, research and managing the load • 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate of The course Lewis School “I have faith, stubbornness and an education from Learning Differently, the Value Thinking in reading. I avoided writing whenever I could. However, theSchool work ethic Honor and Society teamwork • 2017 The Lewis of Princeton Inductee that The Lewis School that give me confidence.” • 2017 Dean’s List at Fairleighathlete. Dickinson University thecarried Box™ me through I learnedOutside at Lewisof have as a successful college I know that the June 24 - July Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Country Team Andrew McTigue at• 2017 lessons I learned from my teachers Fairleigh and coaches TheMost Lewis School will stay with me in athletics Dickinson University • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet Class of 2020 and in personal successes yet toProcessing come.” Language and Learning | Auditory The Lewis School of Princeton, • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University Athletics | Performing &“The Visual Arts Lewis School helped me to realize that I should not be afraid to approach success in my own way. Before attending Lewis, I never thought about success or that it would come easily, if it came at all.”
SAT | STEM | Math | Speech & Language
2011- 2016
• Accepted to all of his top ten colleges “When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a lecture situation and by longer written assignments, research and managing the course load in reading. I avoided writing whenever I could. However, the work ethic and teamwork that I learned at Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. I know that the lessons I learned from my teachers and coaches at The Lewis School will stay with me in athletics and in personal successes yet to come.”
Open Houses Saturdays 10:00 AM April 13 ~ May 11 ~ June 1
“I have faith, and an edu The Lewis give me co
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Andrew M
Fairleigh Dickin Class o The Lewis Scho 2011-
“The Lewis School helped me to realize that I should not be afraid to approach success in my own way. Before attending Lewis, I never thought about success or that it would come easily, if it came at all.”
Topics and Trends in Education Seminars Wednesdays 1:00 PM April 24 ~ May 15
53 Bayard Lane, Princeton NJ 08540 www.lewisschool.org (609) 924-8120 53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924 -8120 | www.lewisschool.org info@lewisschool.org
n, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924 -8120 | www.lewisschool.org 18
53 Bayard
May 2019
Spotlight on Community
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
W
hile Hopewell Valley has long been ecologically motivated, the wider stage has oft been fraught with a frustrating indifference. Lately, attention-grabbing headlines about environmental challenges worldwide have instilled in many of us a new sense of urgency that encourages local conservation efforts. I love the fact that Hopewell Valley is home to so many environmentally friendly organizations and, as a community, tries to stay ahead of the curve in our earth friendly initiatives. It is interesting to review where we stand on some pressing issues.
Let’s begin with a baseline understanding, because conservation can take many forms. A quick definition: con·ser·va·tion - prevention of wasteful use of a resource. Single-use plastic is particularly harmful since the growth of plastic production has far outstripped the ability of waste management to keep up. According to National Geographic ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year. And according to Reuters, the European Parliament voted to ban single-use plastics including plates, balloon sticks, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. These are the most commonly found items on EU beaches. While there are no federal efforts to reduce singleplastics, California and Hawaii both have legislation in place to ban plastic bags and according to Slate.com New York has reached an agreement to do so. Our own Hopewell Borough has enacted a plastic bag ban. In August 2018 it was introduced with little fanfare and just FoHVOS speaking in favor of the ban. Council members lamented the absence of an educational component and once education was added the Boro passed the ordinance on November 1 with added support from the Hopewell Elementary Green Team and representatives from the Watershed. Please remember REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE, in that order. For more tips about local recycling visit hopewellvalleygreenteam.org.
The need to care for our earth is undeniable. A December 2018 Monmouth poll shows a majority of people from both political parties generally support greening concepts. While it is somewhat scary to consider worst-case scenarios, it is an exciting time as local coalitions form to take steps to improve the earth we leave for our children.
vvv Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space is an accredited non-profit land trust that is dedicated to conserving the Valley’s character by collaborating with the community to preserve land, protect natural resources, and inspire a new generation of conservation. To learn more about information about Community Conservation, Clean Communities or FOHVOS. Reach Lisa at lwolff@fohvos.org or visit their website at fohvos.org.
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