Hopewell
October 2020
Dhruv Kapadia
Fighting for Change
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet
A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
Expert Contributors
Letter from the Publisher Welcome to the October edition of Hopewell Valley Neighbors.
Dermatology Windsor Dermatology Wendy Myers, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ 609-443-4500 windsordermatology.com I #freezefat
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC. Christina Nash – President & CEO 2 Tree Farm Rd., Suite B100, Pennington, NJ 609-216-7440 Christina@knoxgrove.com I knoxgrovefinancial.com
Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com
As clichéd as it sounds, it is hard to believe it is already October. With a unique ‘Back to School’ season has passed us by, and autumn is in full swing. This time of year always seems to symbolize the passage of time. Leaves change color from ripe summer green to crisp red and orange and fall to the ground, gone until next spring. Only two months remain until the start of a brand new year. With this atmosphere of change comes one of growth. Autumn is traditionally the season of harvest, when we reap what has been growing all summer long. We finally see the results of the things we have been working on for months and months.
Designer: Micalah Taylor
Medical Center RWJ University Hospital Hamilton 1 Hamilton Way, Hamilton, NJ 08690 609-586-7000 www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-hamilton/
Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com
Orthodontics DeSimone Orthodontics Dr. Karen DeSimone, DDS 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B-200, Pennington NJ 08534 609-737-8000 info@desimoneorthodontics.com www.desimoneorthodontics.com
Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, Kenneth Marples, Lisa Wolff Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
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This month’s featured resident, Dhruv Kapadia, is an inspiring young man who is driven to enact change regarding the state of race relations and equity within our community and country. At just 18 years old, he has already done so much, giving speeches and presentations, completing many hours of research, drafting petitions, and more, in the hopes of achieving a more equal society. Dhruv has inspired me, and I know he will inspire you, too. Please enjoy this issue and the stories we bring to you! Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786 It was a privilege to be able to speak with Dhruv for the story this month. Although he is a freshman in college, he has accomplished more than many of us who are much older. Dhruv’s motivation for the work he does comes from a selfless desire to create a more equal and just space for people of all backgrounds, skin colors, ethnicities, the list goes on. His story is an important one; please reflect on your own privileges as you read it.
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
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October 2020
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Recipe
INVEST IN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACES
There is no “butter” in Apple Butter! From Our Friends at Terhune Orchards
Apple Butter is a Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Fruit Spread—easy to make—this tasty treat has many uses from livening up your morning toast to a delicious Apple Butter Cake recipe. Cook, uncovered, 1 or 2 hours over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened. Pour apple butter into 7 hot ½ pint jars which have been sterilized. Seal at once. After fully cooling, keep refrigerated. — Enjoy!
Ingredients: •20 medium sized Terhune Orchards apples •2 cups of Terhune Orchards apple cider •½ tsp ground nutmeg
Visit Terhune's Farm Store located at 330 Cold Soil Road in Princeton or call to find out more about apple and pumpkin picking—fun for the whole family! 609.924.2310
•½ tsp ground cloves •½ tsp ground allspice •2-tsp cinnamon Sugar to taste up to ½ cup per cup cooked apples Directions: Core and quarter apples. Put the apples into a large stock pot. Add 2 cups of apple cider and cover. Cook on medium-high heat for 30 minutes or until the apples are very soft. Cool slightly uncovered. Put the apple mixture through a food mill. (if you do not have a food mill, peel your apples before cooking and put them in a blender or simply mash them once they are soft). Add spices and sugar.
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We extend our thoughts, prayers and concerns to all who are affected by this global crisis. Blackwell Memorial Home is here to continuously provide service and support to those that are experiencing a loss throughout this time.
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Elizabeth Blackwell Davis
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Continuous family service since 1881 • Please contact us in your time of need to review options available
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October 2020
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Expert Contributor
Lots of Help for People with Psoriasis By Dr. Jerrry Bagel | Windsor Dermatology, MD, MS
In the past 10 years there have been more therapeutic breakthroughs in psoriasis than any other disease other than HIV. That's right, more than multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or cancer. Only HIV therapy has made more advances in the past decade. Understanding that psoriasis is an immunologic disease has been the basis for these advances. At the beginning of the 21st century, psoriasis was thought to be a disease of the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin. Whereas this in fact is true, the cause of abnormal epidermis is an irregular response of the white blood cells (T-cells) of the immune system in the dermis. The T-cells in the dermis in their normal state help fight bacteria, virus, and fungal pathogens.In psoriasis, the T-cells in the dermis are abnormally hyperactive. This hyperactivity is due to an abnormally high proliferation of T-cells that produce excessive pro-inflammatory molecules. These molecules such as TNF, IL-17, and IL-23 induce the epidermis to hyper-proliferate. Normal epidermis takes 28 days to grow. In psoriasis, the epidermis grows in four days however the maturity process is abnormal. In psoriasis the epidermis is thickened, scaly, rough, and the dermis is red due to excessive blood vessels. As mentioned, these abnormalities are due to an excessive production of TNF, IL-17, and IL-23. Over the past decade discoveries have been made about many new biologic (protein molecules-mostly antibodies) which bind either TNF, IL-17, or IL-23. By neutralizing these molecules, they no longer induce the epidermis to proliferate seven times the rate of normal. Subsequently the skin returns to a normal state.
The most recent FDA approved treatment for psoriasis has been IL-23 inhibitors, i.e. Tremfya, Skyrizi, and Ilumya. They are subcutaneous injections, administered either every eight or twelve weeks, at home or in the physician’s office. The results are remarkable. Within 12 weeks, 50% of people will clear and remain clear for five years (as long as the clinical trials have been evaluated). 75% will be 90% improved; that is to say if someone had psoriasis on 20% of the body, within 12 weeks the person will have it on less than two per-cent of the body. Our understanding of the immune system has ensured that the treatments are more specific efficaciously and also decrease adverse events. Whereas in the earlier effective generations of therapies, i.e. TNF antagonists and IL-17 antibodies, there were concerns for TB -with TNF and controversial risks of Inflammatory Bowel Disease with IL-17, the newer generation of Il-23 doesn't have any black box warnings. Thus they are safer and more efficacious than previous generation of psoriasis therapy. Another key point in the treatment of psoriasis is that medication is not the only treatment. An Italian study revealed that 16 weeks of a Mediterranean diet, i.e. 2000 calories or less, veggies, fruits, grains, nuts, avoid red meat, plus 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a week resulted in 40% improvement in psoriasis. Call today to make an appointment 609-443-4500 or visit Windsor Dermatology at www.windsordermatology.com.
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October 2020
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature
Dhruv Kapadia Fighting for Change
By Catherine Bialkowski I Photos by Benoit Cortet
D
hruv Kapadia is a current first-year student at Boston University and lifelong resident of Hopewell Valley. At only 18 years old, Dhruv has already done a significant amount of work for race relations and equity for his community.
Dhruv, whose parents both immigrated to the United States from India, has always been aware of his own privilege, living in a community like Hopewell, while at the same time recognizing that the community is largely affluent and racially homogeneous (the community is 85.71 percent white). Since the eighth grade, he has found it extremely important to use his voice to speak out about injustice in the hope of progressing toward a more equal society, both here in Hopewell and in the country— and world—at large.
Dhruv’s eighth grade English teacher suggested The Autobiography of Malcolm X to him as independent reading due to his interests in history and politics, and this book, says Dhruv, is what spurred him to take a stand against social injustice in his own life. “I started to learn about people of color who were empowered throughout history,” he says. He began to strive for equality with urgency. During his senior year, Dhruv conducted an independent, concentrated study on the state of racial, socioeconomic, and educational segregation in Mercer County. “Throughout the study, I applied multivariate statistics and sociological theories towards understanding and interpreting local demographic trends and microeconomic policy,” says Dhruv. “Through an amalgamation of independent social research and statistical analyses using Census, American Community Survey, and NJ Department of Education data, my study drew statistically significant connections between residential, socioeconomic, and educational disparities. I ultimately presented my project to members of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman's office, State Assemblymen, esteemed BU college professors, and the administration of Hopewell Valley Regional School District." Through his project, Dhruv wanted to demonstrate how different modes of segregation are interrelated. He used primary sources from the entire 20th century, researching history as well as theory. The reality, says Dhruv, is that we, as humans, often fail to tackle issues we don’t want to look at, preferring to stay within our comfortable bubbles. Through his concentrated study Dhruv wanted to point out some of these issues, unpacking them in an accessible, comprehensible way, in an effort to teach and enlighten. The median household income in Hopewell Valley is $130,423; in Trenton, it is $35,387. Similarly, life expectancy is pointedly different in these communities; “the life expectancy of the average resident in Hopewell/Pennington sits at 82.72 years, while only being 74.60 years in Trenton,” says Dhruv. “Between two towns ten minutes apart, residents have a life expectancy difference of almost eight years.” The discovery of these stark discrepancies through research, using sources like the 2014-18 American Community Survey
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October 2020
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature Estimates, left Dhruv feeling both inspired and disheartened. It has become his passion to fight these kinds of inequalities while simultaneously raising awareness. Aside from his concentrated study, Dhruv has progressed on his journey of achieving equity in a number of other ways. "In the winter of my junior year, I successfully spearheaded a movement to have Diwali and Chinese Lunar New Year recognized on my school district’s calendars,” he says. “My analysis of demographic trends within my district’s student population, which was bolstered by a petition that garnered support from over 700 community members, was the bedrock of my presentation to the school board.” One of the trends Dhruv discovered during this study was that the Asian population is the fastest-growing demographic in Hopewell Valley. To not have important holidays like Diwali and Chinese Lunar New Year recognized on calendars was an injustice. In March of 2019, the school board passed the motion, and these holidays were added to the district calendars. Dhruv also received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, an award that recognizes individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. “The award is given to two students in the state of New Jersey. My essay focused on the necessity to bridge our nation’s polarized hyper partisan political divide and appeal to the working class of America in order to energize the next generation of American citizens." On June 15 of this year, Dhruv presented to the HVRSD Board of Education, touching on a petition he had recently created after extensive research. “I concluded the presentation by outlining the three reforms mentioned in my petition aimed at creating a culturally competent environment in HVRSD.” These three reforms were to hire a race relations counselor, reform history and English course curricula, and create a halfyear “cultural competency” high school graduation requirement.
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Not long after, on July 18, Dhruv spoke at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building. His speech covered his “personal experiences as a South Asian American growing up in Hopewell;” the “subtle differences and overwhelming similarities between the white liberal and the white conservative;” and “actions we can take to show our true allyship.” In addition to Dhruv’s achievements toward equality, he was also president of the Model United Nations, captain of the varsity tennis team, class treasurer, and president of the National Honor Society during his years at Hopewell Valley Central High School. And his work is far from over; Dhruv, double majoring in political science and economics with a minor in statistics, plans to do big things at Boston University. His majors and minors, he says, will allow him to “cultivate the skills necessary to take on inequality and help people across the nation,” he explains. “I have spent the past four years defining and analyzing the role that identity plays in politics and economics, and I look forward to spending another four tackling these issues head on as a student at Boston University and a resident of Pennington. As an aspiring data-driven public servant and lawyer, I look forward to fighting for equality, manifesting political change, and serving the working class of America in our nation’s capital." Dhruv has completed a tremendous amount of work thus far in his 18 years, and will undoubtedly go on to change lives in his future. He encourages us all to do everything we can to expand our own worldviews, step out of our own bubbles, and begin to recognize the injustices surrounding us on a daily basis.
Keeping your business moving forward is a worry for all business owners these days. If you are a small business owner with questions about how your business interruption insurance policy should be interpreted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the experienced attorneys at Stark & Stark can help you understand your options. J. Randy Sawyer, Esq. • 609.895.7349 • jsawyer@stark-stark.com
www.Stark-Stark.com • 1-800-53-LEGAL 993 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Contact 10 Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! September 2020 Rachel Donington at rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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In The Arts
Expert Contributor
Improve Your Physical and Financial Behavior
Hopewell Valley Arts Council's Sixth Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve Drive-Thru
By Christina Nash, CFP® | President & CEO, Knox Grove Financial, LLC
By Carol Lipson | Hopewell Valley Arts Council Board of Trustees Do you think there is a connection between your physical health and wellbeing, and your financial plan? At Knox Grove, we believe that taking care of yourself has a direct effect on your financial wellness. Maintaining a healthy mind and body not only reduces your short and long-term health care costs, but it can also have a positive impact on the financial decisions you make. Physical fitness and fiscal fitness go hand in hand and having financial peace of mind goes a long way in reducing stress and anxiety.
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is back for its sixth year—from the comfort and safety of your car! Dozens of colossal pumpkins will be carved and electrified by many of the area’s most talented artists and displayed in a beautifully illuminated drive-thru. The event, presented by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, will bring spectacular art and Halloween fun to our local community from Wednesday, October 7, through Sunday, October 11 at Woolsey Park in Hopewell Township. Price is $25 per car, benefitting the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and Howell Farm’s Share the Harvest.
As we’ve witnessed over the last several months, not everything from a health perspective is under our control. However, choosing a healthy lifestyle and taking time to understand your health insurance costs are two areas in which you are in the driver’s seat.
For all the details, please visit www.hvartscouncil.org/amazingpumpkincarve.com
Where Children Who Learn Differently Thrive Ⓡ
This month marks the beginning of Medicare open enrollment which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2020. If you are 65 or older, or 65+ and discontinuing an employer plan, you are eligible to enroll. If you fall into this group, Medicare insurance is an important component of your overall financial plan. Having a good grasp on how it works and how it fits into your financial strategy can reduce the fear and apprehension that comes with changing your medical plan.
Proven Leader in Educating Students with:
If you’re confused about your Medicare options, you’re not alone. There are a lot of moving parts, and because Medicare health and drug plans change each year, it’s important to speak with someone who is well-versed in this field. Bill Stolow is Knox Grove’s resident Medicare Specialist. He’s helped many of our clients navigate the enrollment process, choose the coverage best suited to their situation, and avoid costly Medicare mistakes like missed deadlines or coverage gaps. Last year Bill became a beneficiary and literally went through the process himself.
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Carving by Michael Davies, 2019 Amazing Pumpkin Carve, "Funniest Pumkin"
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
Dr. Modarressi earned a Bachelor of Arts in molecular biology from Princeton University and his medical degree from New York University. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Christina Nash, CFP® President & CEO Knox Grove Financial, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 Pennington, NJ 08534 KnoxGroveFinancial.com
vvv Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced
Christina A. Nash, CFP® Knox Grove Financial, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 Pennington, NJ 08534 P: 609-216-7440 www.knoxgrovefinancial.com Info@knoxgrove.com
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HUNTERDON FAMILY & SPORTS MEDICINE AT HOPEWELL VALLEY 84 Route 31 North, Suite 103 • Pennington, NJ 08534 To schedule an appointment, call 908-237-6990.
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You've worked hard and invested wisely to ensure you can retire comfortably. Now, you need to understand how Medicare fits into that plan.
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• Cholesterol Disorders • Parathyroid/Calcium Disorders • Metabolic Disorders
Remember, the overall impact of health on your everyday life, your relationships, the quality of your retirement, and your financial wellness is tremendous. Take the time to improve your health habits now and be proactive about understanding your health care costs and plan options, especially when it comes to Medicare.
Does Your Retirement Plan Address Health Care Costs?
NOW SEEING PATIENTS IN PENNINGTON
• Diabetes • Osteoporosis • Pituitary/Adrenal Disease
There is no extra cost to meet with Bill and review your Medicare options. Whether you’re making changes to your current plan or enrolling for the first time, don’t miss the opportunity to discuss your personal situation with someone who truly understands the role Medicare plays in your health and financial security. To set up an appointment with Bill, call our office at 609-216-7440.
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To schedule an appointment to talk about your financial future, call my office at 609-216-7440
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Not endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program
Your full circle of care.
www.hunterdonhealthcare.org
October 2020
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15—December 7, 2020 Whether you are enrolling for the first time or renewing your coverage, contact our office to speak to our Medicare Specialist, Bill Stolow.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Community Spotlight
The Importance of Land Stewardship By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
Everywhere I look people are discussing spotted lanternflies. Social media shows photos of people catching them in bottles; spiders eating them; Trees infested. Friends are texting me pictures and questions. Discussing this invasive bug has penetrated the New Jersey psyche. It used to be just the tie-dyed, Birkenstock gang discussing tree canopies and invasive species but now it’s mainstream. For the rare individual that may read my column but is unaware of spotted lanternflies, (or SLF, to the acronym crowd), these pesky critters are everywhere but prefer to dine on Tree of Heaven. If you live in Hopewell Valley you should be aware of the quarantine and I’m not talking about COVID-19. Mercer, and several other counties in NJ and PA, are under quarantine. According to the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture, “The Spotted Lanternfly is a plant hopper and can only fly short distances. However, it is an excellent hitchhiker and has been known to ride on any kind of transportation. The Department asks that anyone who travels in a quarantined county do a quick inspection of their vehicle for the Spotted Lanternfly before leaving.”
Jenn believes that the most effective way to achieve the greatest impact is through coordinating efforts as teams throughout the state. She said that the State is helping offset the costs of expensive treatments and that she enjoys working with the statewide group, the FoHVOS New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. Our Strike Team protects our natural lands from future damage through coordinated strategic invasive species management involving a team of partners and volunteers. They focus on eliminating threats posed by newly emerging invasive species before they become widespread pests and protecting our most pristine lands and rare species habitats.
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The invasion of spotted lanternflies is an example of the increased awareness, coordinated teamwork, and the importance of land stewardship that can transform how we think about conservation, climate change and burgeoning green job opportunities. Lisa Wolff is the executive director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS). She can be reached by email at lwoff@fohvos.org.
I spoke with Jenn Rogers, County Naturalist, about the steps Mercer County Parks Commission is taking to address widespread SLF issues. She shared that they are taking a very aggressive approach of using herbicides to kill the majority of the Tree of Heaven population as the SLF preferred host. Interestingly, she revealed that they save some of the largest, most mature, male trees to use as a trap. They apply insecticide to the trees and as the spotted lanternflies feed on the sap, it can wipe out entire populations and that’s the goal. I was curious about her specific mention of saving “male” trees. It turns out that there isn’t a misogynistic plot amongst naturalists but a scientific basis to their approach. Female trees tend to seed and flower so killing them is key to stopping the spread. We also discussed symptoms of spotted lanternfly feeding which include sap oozing on a trunk, wilting of foliage, branch dieback, and sometimes a black sooty mold present on the trunk. She explained that insect also secretes honeydew (sticky, sugary substance) on which sooty blotch grows. She also gave me the gross warning to avoid walking under infested trees since it can feel like it’s raining from excessive honeydew secretion! Changing the subject quickly, I asked, “Can you think of any good news associated with this outbreak?” She thought about it a minute and shared, “Yes. The good news is that our battle against this invasive insect is on the forefront of people’s minds. People say to me, ‘these spotted lanternflies are new and are really changing how you work!’ The concept of fighting invasive species may be new the community, but has always been a part of my job as a naturalist.” She was pleased that the general public has a new appreciation of combating invasive species and the Importance of Land Stewardship.
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Jennifer Rogers, Director of Stewardship—Mercer County Park Commission, hugging trees before it became mainstream
October 2020
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
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609-392-1039 Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.