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downtowner Trenton’s City Paper

January 2026 | communitynews.org

40 years later, area musicians relive Trenton’s Jam for Hunger in song and film. Page 10. Grants and redevelopment opportunities in the city, page 4; Winter Wellness special section, 5.

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around town New CCRC grant program to support downtown Trenton

tivate Trenton’s Downtown (@Downtown) program, which is accepting applications until Friday, February 6, 2026. Nonprofits may apply for funding for he Capital City Redevelopment projects and programs that: Corporation (CCRC) is launching a • Support Trenton’s art and maker new grant program to support projects to boost economic and social activity in communities; downtown Trenton. Projects must be • Increase visitation and demand located within the Capital District . for local businesses through projects Created in 1988, the CCRC promotes and programs that highlight Trenton’s the public and private development of notable contributions to history and/or the Capital District, with the goal to highlight Trenton’s art communities; enhance the vitality of the district as a • Provide new opportunities for civic place of commerce, recreation, and culand social events and activities, and; ture. Up to $1.25 million in grant funding • Increase street-level energy, comwill be made available through the Ac- fort, and safety by activating ground-

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floor building spaces and / or by making “placemaking” investments. Funding awards will range from $25,000 to $300,000. Complete grant application procedures are detailed in the NOFA document accessible from www.nj.gov/ccrc/ nofa-downtownshtml.shtml. Questions about the @Downtown grant program should be submitted by email to CCRC@treas.nj.gov.

City opens RFIs for development opportunities

he City of Trenton’s Department of Housing and Economic Development has released multiple Requests for Information (RFIs), inviting qualified developers, builders, and community development organizations to submit information and expressions of interest for the redevelopment of infill housing, mixed-use projects, and historic residential properties. These RFIs are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to expand housing opportunities, strengthen mixed-use corridors, and preserve historically significant buildings. Historic Renovation: 48-54 Passaic Street. The City invites qualified developers, builders, and community development organizations to submit information and expressions of interest for the preservation and redevelopment of a historic residential property. Originally constructed in 1690, it was a stone structure as first built as a barn for storing goods along Canal Street, reflecting Trenton’s early colonial roots. Over time, the building was converted into townhouse-style residences, featuring private yards, full baths and gas heat. Believed to date back to the early 1700s, the building originally served

Trenton seeks Historic Renovation RFIs for 48-54 Passaic Street. as a stone barn along the Delaware & Raritan Canal, reflecting Trenton’s early industrial and colonial roots. Over the centuries, it evolved into a row of townhouse-style residences. Mixed-Use Development: 12501260 MLK Boulevard. Redevelopment of six contiguous city-owned parcels. Infill Residential Development: 100 Asbury Street, 102 Asbury Street, and 2 Asbury Place. Redevelopment of three contiguous city-owned parcels. Redevelopment of five contiguous City-owned parcels located at 618 Edgewood Avenue, 620 Edgewood Avenue, 622 Edgewood Avenue, 624 Edgewood Avenue and 626-628 Edgewood Avenue, Trenton. Redevelopment of two contiguous City-owned parcels located at 53 Asbury Street and 55 Asbury Street, Trenton. Redevelopment of three contiguous City-owned parcels located at 58 Asbury Street, 60 Asbury Street and 62 Asbury Street, Trenton. Redevelopment of six contiguous City-owned parcels located at 241 Third Street, 111 Temple Street, 113 Temple Street, 115 Temple Street, 117 Temple Street, 119 Temple Street, Trenton. Redevelopment two contiguous Cityowned parcel lots located at 233 North Broad Street, 235 North Broad Street, 237 North Broad Street, 245 North Broad Street, 249 North Broad Street, 251 North Broad Street, 253 North Broad Street, and 255 North Broad Street, Trenton. Full details of the RFIs can be viewed on the City of Trenton’s website at www. trentonnj.org/buyproperty.

winter wellness 2026

Hamilton Dental Associates 2026: The Year of the New Smile! Smile, it’s a new year! A time that for many means resolutions, and a renewed commitment to health and improvement. A healthy smile is a big part of that, and now you can care for your and your family’s teeth all in one place. When families come to HDA, they are happy because they can take care of their own dental needs while everyone in their family’s oral health is being looked after at the same time. “It’s a win-win,” commented Dr. Irving Djeng, pediatric dentist, “kids get attentive, gentle treatment by a dedicated, specialist team that works only with kids, while parents and adult patients are cared for by our experienced adult staff right down the hall.” Dr. Lauren Levine, pediatric dentist, also commented, “We go to great lengths to make the children feel comfortable because we know that teaching children good oral hygiene at a very young age prepares them for a lifetime of healthy smiles.”

You may have heard the term 6-Month Dental Recall, but what does that mean? A “recall” or “dental recall” visit is a regularly scheduled checkup appointment to help dentists have an ongoing knowledge of the status of their patients’ oral health. These visits are vital to both practice and patients. The more often a patient can meet with their dentist, the better care that doctor can provide. The frequency of appointments is determined by each dentist and usually coincides with a hygienist visit, usually every 6 months or twice a year. A recurring 6 month recall to your dentist is so important to supporting oral and overall bodily health, that many insurance companies outright cover many of recall services included in the visit! The basic components of the preventive dental appointment consist of: • Review and update medical and dental history • Blood pressure screening • Oral cancer examination •Examination of the teeth and periodontal tissues (i.e. gum tissue and supporting bone). This includes a visual examination for signs of dental caries (cavities), other problems with the teeth (chips, broken fillings, etc.),

looking for signs of inflammation and infection, and periodontal probing, which measures the depth of the gum pocket. • Radiographic exam. The content and timing of dental x-rays can vary and are customized to the needs and disease susceptibility of the patient. The dental team weighs risk vs. benefits when taking dental x-rays, keeping radiation exposure to a minimum •An actual prophylaxis (cleaning) to mechanically remove any build up or plaque from tooth surfaces. •Application of a topical fluoride agent, when indicated. Usually at the end of the appointment, the dentist will review all the findings and radiographs, make any necessary diagnoses, and recommend treatment, if indicated. Hamilton Dental Associates (HDA) has been serving Hamilton and the Greater Central New Jersey area for over 50 years. While HDA’s roots are in pediatric dentistry, they also specialize in adult and cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, and endodontics. Patients are treated by specialists in their field. For example, orthodontic treatment is done by an orthodontic specialist, and

patients requiring a root canal will be treated by an endodontist — a dentist who specializes in root canals. It’s all done under one roof which is time saving and eliminates the need for multiple referrals. Come see what all the smiling is about! To request an appointment, call 609-586-6603 or visit HamiltonDental. com. Locations are 2929 Klockner Road and 2501 Kuser Road, Hamilton, New Jersey. Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing your smile!

Januar y 2026 | Trenton Downtowner5

WINTER WELLNESS

Hand & Stone – Bordentown The Healing Power of Touch: Massage, Facials, and Intentional Care At Hand & Stone – Bordentown, we believe wellness isn’t about indulgence—it’s about intention, consistency, and care that meets you where you are. In a world that constantly pulls our attention outward, massage therapy and professional skincare offer something increasingly rare: the opportunity to slow down, reset, and reconnect with yourself.

Supporting the Nervous System, Not Just Relaxation Massage therapy does far more than relax muscles. It helps regulate the nervous system by lowering cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine — chemicals that support calm, balance, and emotional well-being. This shift allows the body to move out of “fight or flight” and into a state where healing, digestion, and restoration can occur. At our spa, every massage is approached with this understanding. Sessions are thoughtfully customized, not rushed, and designed to support both physical relief and mental clarity.

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Circulation, Recovery, and Whole-Body Health Through improved circulation and lymphatic flow, massage delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, supports immune function, and reduces inflammation. Whether you sit at a desk all day, stay active, or manage chronic tension, regular massage can help your body function more efficiently and recover more fully. Facials at Every Age: Skin Health, Not Trends Facials are often misunderstood as cosmetic or age-specific, but healthy skin is important at every stage of life. At Hand & Stone, our facials are about maintaining the skin’s integrity — supporting hydration, barrier function, circulation, and balance. From teens to mature skin, our estheticians tailor each facial to address current needs, whether that’s acne, sensitivity, dryness, or signs of aging. Like massage, facials also offer profound relaxation, helping quiet the mind while nourishing the skin. Consistency Is Where the Magic Happens We believe the greatest benefits come from consistent care, not

one-time treatments. Just as regular exercise strengthens the body, ongoing massage and skincare support long-term wellness — better sleep, reduced stress, improved mobility, and healthier skin over time. This is why we focus on building relationships with our clients, understanding their goals, and evolving care as their needs change. More Than a Service — The Best Hour of Your Month At Hand & Stone – Bordentown, our philosophy is simple: you should leave feeling better than when you arrived — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you come for massage, a facial, or both, we invite you to experience care that is thoughtful, personalized, and deeply restorative. Let us help you “make your visit the best hour of your month”. An hour dedicated to feeling grounded, supported, and well. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, 274 Dunns Mill Road, Bordentown. 609-982-7581. handandstone.com/locations/ bordentown

Hamilton Dental Associates is honored to be named 2025 Large Business of the Year. Thank you for trusting us with your family’s care for over 50 years.

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WINTER WELLNESS accessible, high-quality care from a team dedicated to providing long-term solutions — not temporary fixes. A Regenerative Approach to Healing. Regenerative medicine Advanced Relief Through Regenerative Medicine, PRP, is transforming the way physicians address pain, injury, and degeneraand Stem Cell Therapy tive conditions. Instead of relying on Chronic pain can make even simple long-term medications or surgery, regenerative therapies focus on reactivities a challenge. For patients pairing damaged tissues and restoring across New Jersey, Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute (RSPI) offers function. At Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute, this approach includes innovative, minimally invasive soluPRP, stem cell–based therapies, and tions designed not just to ease pain, other biologic injections designed to but to promote true healing. Led by stimulate the body’s innate healing double board-certified pain managecapacity. ment specialist Dr. Ronak D. Patel, Why PRP Is Cutting-edge Therapy RSPI specializes in regenerative PRP therapy is one of the most medicine — with Platelet-Rich Plasma innovative options today. The proce(PRP) therapy as one of its leading dure begins with a simple blood draw, treatment options. after which the patient’s platelets are Here’s the best news: Neither concentrated and reinjected into the PRP nor stem cell therapy involves injured area. Because these platelets drug use surgical procedures. Both are rich in growth factors that promote PRP and stem cell treatments use tissue repair, PRP encourage healing the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — in a way traditional treatments cannot. Patients choose PRP for several and the results are quite remarkable. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success reasons: • It’s natural and safe — using the implementing these cutting-edge patient’s own blood, with no donor treatments on hundreds of patients tissue. suffering from pain-related issues. • It targets the root cause of pain With convenient locations in Plainsboro and Freehold, the practice offers — helping repair tendons, ligaments,

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‘From the Mains of Trenton’ blogger documents Water Works’ woes by engineers for other engineers. There’s never really a resident or consumer in hen frazil ice clogged Trenton mind when those letters and reports are Water Works’ raw water intake written,” Leckington said. “What I do is on December 12, forcing a shut- take something from a report, then find down of the city’s filtration plant, state related inspection letters or follow-up corregulators directed the utility to issue a respondence that adds context. Often the most important information is scattered water conservation advisory. But residents and officials in the five across multiple documents on different municipalities served by the utility didn’t parts of the DEP website.” He said that when it gets to the point learn about the situation for several days — and many only learned of the shut- where people are not only afraid to drink down through reporting by From the the water themselves, they don’t want to Mains of Trenton (trentonwaterworks. give it to their pets, “that tells you trust substack.com), an independent Substack has completely eroded.” He added: “Once trust is gone, people blog run by Trenton resident Marc Leckstop believing reassurances, even when ington. TWW didn’t publicly release a public they’re accurate. That’s where Trenton water conservation advisory until it sent Water Works is now. People don’t trust out an alert on December 18, and that what’s coming out of City Hall, so they notice did not disclose that the filtration rely on bottled water, filtration systems, and word of mouth. That’s not sustainplant had been shut down. The lack of communication during the able.” TWW provides drinking water to more incident is exactly than 200,000 resiwhy the blog site dents across five was created. municipalities. The ‘Once trust is gone, From the Mains utility has been of Trenton pubpeople stop believing under heightened lishes stories alscrutiny for years most every day reassurances, even due to water quali(in addition to an when they’re accurate,’ ty issues, including email newsletter) multiple cases of covering subjects Leckington says. ‘That’s Legionnaires’ dissuch as regulatory ease in 2022 that where Trenton Water cor respondence, resulted in three inspection reports, Works is now.’ deaths. and system vulner“When people abilities that otherrealize that their wise receive little water system has a body count, it fundapublic attention. Leckington states on the website that mentally changes how they think about it is “dedicated to uncovering the truth it,” Leckington said regarding the outbehind one of the most urgent — and breaks. DEP investigations found that while underreported — public health crises in New Jersey: the slow-motion collapse of water leaving the filtration plant generally met standards, conditions within the agTrenton Water Works.” Leckington is no stranger to navigating ing distribution system created risks for complicated government issues, a skill Legionella growth, particularly in areas developed over years of working within with low water use or limited circulation. According to Leckington, public mescity government and advising public saging often focuses on water quality at agencies on complex regulatory matters. He is president of Leckington Advisors the treatment plant, but more significant LLC, where he assists municipalities, risks can develop after water enters the nonprofit organizations, and developers aging distribution system. “There are 683 miles of pipe in the with the implementation and administraTrenton Water Works system,” he said. tion of HUD entitlement grants, New Jersey’s Uniform Housing Affordability Con- “Legionella thrives in stagnant water, estrols, and Fair Share Housing obligations. pecially in older infrastructure.” The frazil ice shutdown on December In an interview with the Trenton Downtowner, Leckington said the blog’s pur- 12 also underscored the system’s reliance pose is to help explain what is happening on the Pennington Avenue Reservoir, an uncovered finished-water reservoir that inside the water system. He also works to connect information serves as a critical buffer during plant that is often scattered across multiple outages and power disruptions. During the shutdown, DEP reported government agencies and give residents context about both immediate risks and that reservoir levels dropped below normal operating levels while the plant was long-term implications. “A lot of what DEP releases is written offline. At the same time, multiple water

By Bill Sanservino

main breaks occurred across the system, continuously drawing water from storage. Interconnections with neighboring water systems can supply only a portion of daily demand, leaving the system vulnerable during prolonged disruptions, Leckington said. Prolonged pressure drops could affect firefighting capacity and basic household use, even if water service does not fully fail. “That’s the scenario I’m trying to get people to understand,” he said. “The system is fragile enough that a prolonged shutdown could lead to severe shortages.” Leckington warned: “We’re not far from a scenario where the National Guard is distributing water. I don’t think that’s alarmist. I think that’s a very real possibility this winter.” Leckington said his reporting relies almost entirely on public records from state websites, including inspection reports, correspondence, and enforcement actions. “If it weren’t for DEP’s website, I’d have a fraction of the content,” he said. Leckington said that ultimately, he is trying to help residents understand what those documents mean and why they matter. “The goal is to activate people,” Leckington said. “Most residents don’t realize how close the system is to a real failure.” “This isn’t about fearmongering,” he said. “It’s about transparency. People deserve to know what’s happening with their water system. Once they understand that, they can decide how to respond. And that’s really what From the Mains of Trenton is about.”

he several-hour shutdown on December 12, confirmed by DEP in a letter to the city, mirrored a similar frazil ice incident nearly one year earlier and came despite prior regulatory warnings about vulnerabilities at the intake system. In its letter, DEP described the intake as a critical point of failure and said the shutdown, combined with ongoing water main breaks and planned intake cleaning, caused reservoir levels to fall below normal operating ranges. DEP also directed the utility to postpone nonessential intake work until warmer months and to prepare emergency response measures for the remainder of the winter. Frazil ice is a slushy accumulation of tiny ice crystals that forms in supercooled, turbulent water. It can adhere to submerged structures and intake screens, growing into blockages that restrict the flow of water into treatment plants. In its letter, DEP told TWW to notify

customers to conserve water until further notice while frazil ice conditions exist, and to provide daily operational updates to the state through March. But the utility did not immediately inform customers or officials in the municipalities it serves — Trenton, Hamilton, Ewing, Lawrence, and Hopewell. “Cold weather impacts the performance of our water infrastructure, and we are ready to address any operational issues,” said TWW Director Sean Semple in the December 18 press release. Semple said freezing conditions affect the filtration plant’s ability to pump water from the “supercooled Delaware River” and place stress on water mains and service lines throughout the system’s 683mile distribution network. “Although there is no disruption to treatment or distribution, freezing temperatures and prolonged cold weather conditions affect TWW’s water filtration plant’s ability to pump water from the supercooled Delaware River and water mains and service lines,” Semple said. Semple added that the filtration plant “continues to operate normally and is capable of meeting drinking water demand,” and said the conservation advisory is intended to ensure system reliability during extreme cold temperatures. The almost week-long delay between the shutdown and when TWW issued its first alert drew sharp criticism from local officials. In a joint statement, Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann, Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning, and Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin sharply criticized Trenton Water Works and said the utility has had nearly a year to address frazil ice risks following the similar shutdown last winter. “If it did not have real world impacts, we would think this is a bad comedy show,” the mayors said. “Under their current leadership, TWW has failed time and time again . . . If we weren’t already worried about brown water or legionella; now we again must worry if we even have any water.” The mayors called on state legislators in Legislative Districts 14 and 15 to amend the Water Infrastructure Protection Act to allow DEP to determine whether a water system faces emergent conditions and to initiate public reformation hearings. “If the people who are failing to lead are the only ones allowed to determine if a system should be reformed, the cycle of incompetence will only continue,” the statement said. The mayors also said they would work with the state to explore whether municipalities served by Trenton Water Works could form a separate water utility independent of the city.

Januar y 2026 | Trenton Downtowner9

Listen Up! New song and documentary revisit Trenton music history By Susan Van Dongen

t’s amazing — and a little scary — how the last 40 years have flown by. In the summer of 1985, music fans around the world were laser focused on the historic Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia. But closer to home, a group of Trenton-area musicians were inspired by this charitable movement within the music community and got together to record and perform their own original song, “Have You Ever Seen Their Eyes (by Dave Hart, Marty Hegyi, and Frank Pinto).” Proceeds from record sales — and the Jam for Hunger concert at City Gardens that followed — helped raise funds for Ethiopian hunger relief through World Vision International. Musicians from the Trenton area such as Hart, Hegyi and Pinto, Ernie White, in Lambertville) saw the post and said, Joe Zook, Ricki Collins, Brian Leahy, ‘wouldn’t it be great to re-create the song Joe Mancuso, and Bob Scanella, with as- with the same performers, and docusistance from the Trenton Central High ment the studio sessions reunion as kind School Choir, recorded the song at Tom of a living history tribute?’ Art then got Marolda’s Song Gram Studios in Mer- Frank and me together, and of course cerville during the spring of 1985. The we said yes to the project without hesitaparticipants all donated their time, as did tion,” Hart says. “The rub, however, was that world Comcast in providing two music videos hunger relief was no longer the global of the unfolding events. One documented the recording of the lightening rod it was 40 years ago,” he single released on Hopewell Records and adds. “Thus, finding an appropriate the other, also produced by Comcast’s charitable cause to lend our talents and Brian McLendon, captured the matinee resources to became an issue. Naturally, and evening shows of several local all-star there is still plenty of hunger, poverty, war and disease bands performing in the world to go live in front of an around, but most enthusiastic audi‘The film is both a tribute of these concerns ence during the are mired in poand a reflection — an follow-up Jam for litical muck that Hunger concert. honest portrait of a city could come across Between the conas being divisive whose music continues certs and record rather than galvasales, the musito entertain and inspire, nizing.” cians raised a couThat’s when ple thousand dolsustained by the people Hart and Pinto lars for the charity. struck upon the who lived it, loved it, and “Comcast ran idea of combining the videos continunever stopped making the 40-year anniously for several versary of the reweeks on their old it,’ writes filmmaker Art lease of “Have You local access chanEver Seen Their Varga of the ‘Listen Up!’ nel,” Hart, a West Eyes” with a tribTrenton resident, documentary. ute to the City of remembers. “What Trenton’s musical really surprised me history. was that, 40 years The result is a new song, “Listen Up! later, former WPST DJ Tom Cunningham went through his archives for the Trenton Makes Music,” by Hart and 40th anniversary and posted the original Pinto, a reunion of most of the 1985 ensong’s cast picture on Facebook. That semble, and Varga’s documentary, which photo got re-posted numerous times, will be shown Saturday, January 31, at 7 and suddenly a lot of people were talking p.m., at the ACME Screening Room in about the song, the video, and the con- Lambertville. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchcerts again.” “That’s how we got reinvolved. Film- en (T.A.S.K.). In addition to the film, the maker Art Varga (of Running River Films event includes live music and a lobby re-

10Trenton Downtowner | Januar y 2026

The documentary ‘Listen Up!’ screens at the ACME Screening Room in Lambertville on Saturday, January 31. Above, vocalist Tom Krawiec, left, with Frank Pinto, center, and Dave Hart, who wrote the song ‘Have You Seen Their Eyes’ for the 1985 Jam for Hunger as well as the 40th anniversary song, ‘Listen Up! Trenton Makes Music.’ ception. After that, there are screenings planned for Saturday, March 7, at the Lambertville Elks Lodge, and Sunday, March 15, at the Starving Artist Café in Stockton. Veteran documentarian/filmmaker and owner of Running River Films, which produces commercials, music videos, social media videos, etc., Varga reflects that Trenton has faced years of decline, yet its creative music spirit endures. “The film is both a tribute and a reflection — an honest portrait of a city whose music continues to entertain and inspire, sustained by the people who lived it, loved it, and never stopped making it,” he writes. “‘Listen Up! Trenton Makes Music’ explores the deep musical legacy of Trenton from the 1960s to today,” he continues. “Through interviews with artists, historians, and community voices, the film looks at the city’s once-vibrant music scene and the gifted performers who shaped it — some who reached national stages and others who devoted their lives to local audiences.”

s for the song, Hart and Pinto crafted a heart-felt rock ballad, Jersey style, with shout-outs to a couple dozen people and places that will resonate with Trenton-area music lovers. “Listen Up” was recorded and engineered at musician/ producer Tom Reock’s Squirrel Ranch in

Hamilton. Although not all of the original Trenton ensemble were able to participate in the recording — they’re spread all across the United States — many members of the group came together to sing and play. The new ensemble features Hart and Pinto, but also Billy Hill, Ernie White, Meg Hanson, Paul Plumeri, Joe Zook, Joe Kramer, Jerry Monk, Bob Scanella, Brian Leahy, D.D. Worek, and Tom Krawiec, all of whom are from in and around Mercer County. “(Back in the 1980s) my wife was a counselor at Trenton Central High School, and that’s how we got their choir to sing on ‘Have You Seen Their Eyes,’” Hart says, adding that “it was great outreach for the children, too. We’re hoping to do the same with the new song.” “Listen Up” is almost a mini historical piece, something that educates a Central Jersey newbie to the national and international accomplishments of the region’s musicians. For example, the songwriters namecheck the Van Eaton brothers, who were signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records label. (“An interview with Lon Van Eaton is being sought for the documentary,” Varga acknowledges.) Marty Muehleisen was Jim Croce’s excellent guitarist; his work shines on in such great songs as “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.”

See LISTEN UP, page 8

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Healthy Eating After the Holidays Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting Get back on track after the holidays with DR. KASHIF ANWAR and registered dietitian EMILY SANTORA from Capital Health Metabolic and Weight Loss Center. They’ll share tips for creating healthy eating habits that last, including mindfulness, exercise, and healthy nutrition.

FREE EVENT This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Januar y 2026 | Trenton Downtowner11

LISTEN UP, continued from Page 6

Sarah Dash is mentioned; not only was she part of R&B royalty with LaBelle, but she sang and toured with the Rolling Stones and Keith Richards’ solo project, the X-Pensive Winos. Dash also sang with Alice Cooper, David Johansen, and the O’Jays to name just a few. “Listen Up” is about 6 ½ minutes long, but “it would have been a 30-minute-long song if we’d included all of Trenton’s famous singers and musicians,” Hart says. As many as Trenton’s acknowledged music “Authority” Tommy K (Krawiec) could remember are listed alphabetically in the film’s ending credits. And there’s a lot of love for local and regional talent, as in this stanza:

Blues Deluxe down at Billy D’s Joe Zook kept us company Another guy who’s paid his dues Paul Plumeri, the Bishop of the Blues. Songwriter, author, historian and researcher Hart, who is a family descendant of John Hart (one of the five New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence), says he has been writing songs for about 50 years, mostly together with versatile musician, singer-songwriter Frank Pinto. “I’ve played in a couple of early bands, but now I mainly write music with Frank,

Central New Jersey-area musicians involved in ‘Listen Up! Trenton Makes Music’ include, clockwise from top left, Meg Hanson, Joe Kramer, Tom Reock, Drew Worek, and Jerry Monk. and we get the most talented folks we can find to record the songs with us,” he says. He also writes screenplays and books, including Plexus Publications’ “Adventures Along the Jersey Shore” and “Trenton,” co-authored with John Calu. In addition, Hart wrote, directed, and produced the documentary “John Hart: Portrait of a Patriot,” an intimate look at the life of his famous ancestor. His songwriting partnership with Pinto

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goes back more than 40 years. “In 1982 I went with my college roommate to see him perform at the old Colonial Lakes Bowling Alley, and Frank was in the band,” Hart says. “As soon as I heard him singing and playing the Johnny Fuller Four standard ‘I Fought the Law,’ I knew I wanted to work with him.” “A month later, I was at my roommate’s wedding, and we were introduced. The rest is, as they say, history. Frank’s such a gifted writer and musician. He’s like Paul McCartney in that he can play all these instruments — he’s like a one-man band,” he continues. “Frank is also putting instrumental music together for the ‘Listen Up’ film, and he did the music for my John Hart documentary. He’s a special guy, and I am lucky to be able to afford him,” Hart says, with a little chuckle. There are names galore mentioned in “Listen Up,” but Hart and Pinto’s lyrics also recall such venues as Brothers Saloon, City Gardens, and the Satellite where, Hart recalls, Frank “Eye of the Tiger” Stallone performed as front man with the band Valentine. Perhaps the summary of the song and

film project can be found in one of the last stanzas:

Hail to those who keep the flame alive Ain’t it great the music survives The memories here will never die Get up, go out…and listen one more time! “Listen Up: Trenton Makes Music,” a documentary by Art Varga, will be shown at the ACME Screening Room, 25 South Union Street, Lambertville, Saturday, January 31, 7 p.m. Live music and a reception. 609-483-5237. Tickets cost $23. ci.ovationtix.com/35991/productio n/1260490?performanceId=11734 329. The film will also be shown at the Lambertville Elks Lodge, 66 Wilson Street, Saturday, March 7; and at the Starving Artist Café, 18 Bridge Street, Stockton, Saturday, March 15. On the Web: www.runningriverfilms.com.

RWJUH Hamilton January Healthy Living / Community Education Programs VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Wednesday, Jan. 7; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

A Vision Board is a physical manifestation of what you would like to be, do, or have for the upcoming year. Start the New Year off right by setting your intentions for the year ahead. All materials included.

SELF-ESTEEM & DECISION MAKING

Wednesday, Jan. 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This session focuses on helping students aged 12-18, recognize their strengths, build confidence, and practice making positive choices. They’ll learn how to handle peer pressure, think through decisions, and celebrate their unique qualities. By the end, students will understand that believing in themselves helps them make smart and healthy choices.

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Friday, Jan. 9; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Meet with our Registered Dietitian for a 30-minute appointment to discuss your unique nutritional needs.

GET COVERED NJ MARKETPLACE UPDATES

Saturday, Jan. 10; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join this informative presentation to understand health insurance options, recent changes to the Marketplace, and the financial impacts of coverage decisions.

AM I AT RISK? TYPE 2 DIABETES SCREENING

Assessment. Based upon your results, a complimentary A1C screening will be completed.

SOUND HEALING: HIMALAYAN SINGING BOWLS

seed starting techniques. A gardening starter kit will be provided to individuals who attend all three sessions.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Step into the stillness of winter and welcome the New Year with a Vibrational Sound Journey. Let the Himalayan singing bowls, shimmering chimes, and other sacred instruments guide you through a landscape of resonance, release, and renewal. Please bring a yoga mat, blankets, or anything else that makes you comfortable. Fee: $15

FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH

Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art.

Monday, Jan. 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join us to learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Get tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.

WII GAMES

Monday, Jan. 12; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join RWJ Rehabilitation at RWJUH Hamilton, for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jan. 13; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.

Saturday, Jan. 10; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Come in for a Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Wednesday, Jan. 14; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

PREDIABETES CONNECT

Tuesday, Jan. 20; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

INTERNET SAFETY CLASS

Tuesday, Jan. 20; 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Safeguarding your child’s digital life is crucial in today’s world. This workshop provides strategies for monitoring online activity and fostering conversations about digital responsibility. Join us to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to help your family navigate the internet safely and confidently.

DIG IN: YOUR GUIDE TO GROWING AND EATING GREEN

Wednesday, Jan. 21; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

This three-part series is designed to go over essentials for a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Learn principles for healthy eating, followed by composting techniques to enrich your soil and reduce waste. The series concludes with a guide to seasonal gardening, including planting compatibility, pest management, and

Monday, Jan. 26; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join our heart healthy cooking class. Have some fun learning how to cook nutritious and delicious heart-healthy meals. Explore heart-friendly ingredients and cooking techniques.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jan. 27; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Stroke Support Group is a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Facilitated by outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol Speech-Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, Jan. 28; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: RECOGNIZING HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES Thursday, Jan. 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Heart attacks and strokes can strike without warning. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Join Lasanta Horana, MD, Vice President, Medical Staff Leadership, and Chair, Department of Emergency Services at RWJUH Hamilton, to learn how to recognize early signs, lower your risks and protect yourself along with your loved ones. Dinner provided.

WOMAN’S BOOK CLUB: THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY

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Wednesday, Jan. 28; 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Come prepared to discuss this novel of charm, humor and profound insight into the thoughts & feelings we all bury deep within our hearts.

*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today! To accommodate more members, Yoga, Meditation, and Chair Yoga have been expanded into a morning session and an afternoon session. Please only register for one meditation and ONE TYPE of yoga on any single day. Multiple registrations will not be honored.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Jan. 6 and 20, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Jan. 6 and 20, 2026; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Jan. 6 and 20, 2026; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

this group is a great place to get to know members and to be part of a weekly program.

GENTLE JAZZ CLASS

Wednesday, Jan. 7 & 28; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY Monday, Jan. 12; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

New to the Better Health Program is Ageless Grace, a practice designed to intentionally nourish the brain-body connection and support overall health and wellbeing. It helps reduce stress, keep the brain agile, and the body responsive.

LUNCH & LEARN: MEN’S UROLOGICAL HEALTH, PRESENTED BY BHAVIK MEHTA, APN, MSN, AGNP-C

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS Tuesday, Jan. 13; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Whether we enjoy casual conversation or share deep discussions about current challenges or obstacles,

Explore common health concerns that affect men, including prostate health, urinary tract conditions, sexual function, and kidney wellness. This class

provides practical information on prevention, early detection, treatment options, healthy lifestyle choices, routine screenings, and effective communication with healthcare providers to support long-term well-being and quality of life.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, Jan. 15 & 29; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

BREAKFAST AND LEARN: COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR HEARING LOSS, BALANCE, AND TINNITUS WITH AUDIOLOGIST CAITLIN YESIS, AUD, CCC-A Thursday, Jan. 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Join us to learn practical tools to improve communication, daily functioning, and confidence. Topics include enhancing listening environments, using assistive technologies, and applying effective communication techniques with family members, caregivers, and health care providers. This program promotes inclusion, safety, and quality of life by bridging medical knowledge with supportive, real-world communication practices.

TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE SCAN THIS QR CODE

BREAKFAST AND LEARN: WOMEN’S UROLOGICAL HEALTH WITH UROLOGIST VITALY ZHOLUDEV, MD Monday, Jan. 26; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

This class is designed to support women over the age of 65 in understanding and managing urological health concerns that commonly arise later in life. Topics include bladder health, pelvic floor changes, urinary tract infections, incontinence, and kidney wellness, with attention to how aging, menopause, and chronic conditions may influence these issues.

INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY

Tuesday, Jan. 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

If you enjoy being an amateur sleuth, this class will assist you in starting your research into your family history. Genealogy is an exciting hobby that requires persistence and an ability to think outside the box. If you are interested in delving into your family history, this class will enable you to learn some useful tips for conducting research.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more Januar y 2026 | Trenton Downtowner13

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Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.

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YEARS

Thursday January 8

Cosmic Jerry Band, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. www.coopersnj.com. Grateful Dead tribute. 7 p.m.

1666 Hamilton Ave. Hamilton, NJ 08629

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Outdoor

Friday January 9

Jimmy & the Parrots, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. www.coopersnj.com. Tickets via EventBrite, $13 and up. 8 p.m. Get Out of Your Own Head, Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley. www.artworkstrenton.org. Hosted by artist and educator Alia Bensliman, this session explores “drawing with pebbles” to create using pebbles dragged and swept across surfaces. Ages 21+ only. BYOB. Register. $35. 7 to 10 p.m. Webinar: Know Your Rights Part 1 – Disability and Employment, New Jersey State Library. www. njstatelib.org. Series from the NJ Division of Civil Rights to discuss your employment rights if you suffer from a disability or require ADA accommodations. Register. Free. Noon to 1 p.m. Webinar: Crime of the Century: The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping, The Trial, and The Price of Fame, New Jersey State Library. www. njstatelib.org. Join James Calaski for a lecture that goes beyond the headlines to dissect this infamous saga. Register. Free. Noon to 1 p.m.

Saturday January 10

Flying Circus, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. Led Zeppelin tribute. 7 p.m.

Tuesday January 13

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Webinar: Culinary Herbs, New Jersey State Library. www.njstatelib.org. Vicki Dole, Rutgers Master Gardener, shares how to grow and use herbs creatively. Register. Free. Noon to 1 p.m.

Friday January 16

Bigg Romeo, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. www.coopersnj.com. 7 p.m. Get Out of Your Own Head, Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley. www.artworkstrenton.org. Session explores “Sound, Touch, Intuition: Challenging Comfort Zones & Trusting the Body.” 21+. BYOB. Register. $35. 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday January 17

El Ka Bong, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. www.coopersnj.com. 7 p.m. Trenton Makes Improv 14 - Granny’s Marinara Cookies, Passage Theater, Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street. www.passagetheatre.org. Register. $15. 7:45 p.m.

Small Explorers Story Time, New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street. www.nj.gov/ state/museum. Read “What Can a Citizen Do?” by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris, then make a related craft to take home. For children ages 2 to 8 with a caregiver. Free. 10 a.m. Spirit Brands Northeast Championships, CURE Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Avenue. www.spiritbrands.org. Cheerleading competition. $35.75 general admission. 6 p.m.

Friday January 23

Hotlanta! The Allman Brothers Experience, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. 7 p.m. Get Out of Your Own Head, Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley. Session is “Unseen. Unlearned. United.” 21+. BYOB. Register. $35. 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday January 24

Brown Sugar, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. Rolling Stones tribute. 7 p.m.

Thursday January 29

Muleheaded, Passage Theater, Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street. www.passagetheatre.org. Harlem Renaissance writers Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston attempt to collaborate on a Broadway play called Mule-bone. Preview night. Pay what you can, $0 to $25. Continues through February 15, $35. 7 p.m. Webinar: Gentle Yoga to Lift the Mood, New Jersey State Library. www.njstatelib.org. Relaxing and mindful virtual yoga session. Register. Free. Noon to 1 p.m.

Friday January 30

Get Out of Your Own Head, Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley. www.artworkstrenton.org. Session explores “collective gestures” to create art with your hands tied, either to yourself or with a partner. Ages 21+ only. BYOB. Register. $35. 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday January 31

The Verdict, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza. www.coopersnj.com. Reggae/Soca band with DJ Cesar Cab. 7 p.m. Stones to Sky, The LOTUS Project, St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 200 Grand Street. www. thelotusprojectnj.org. The program traverses centuries and continents: the elemental power of Veljo Tormis’ “Raua Needmine” to the modern reflections of Vienna Teng’s “Hymn of Axiom” and Marie-Claire Saindon’s “The Girl with the Numbers.” $25 suggested donation. 7 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Water Conservation Advisory DECEMBER 18, 2025

What is happening? During this holiday season, Trenton Water Works (TWW) is asking all customers and service-area residents to conserve water voluntarily until further notice. TWW has issued this request as a precautionary measure due to prolonged cold weather conditions, seasonal operational challenges associated with winter temperatures, and a state drought advisory currently in effect. There is no disruption to water service, and tap water remains safe and available, meeting all regulated and monitored Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

How can customers and service-area residents help? We encourage customers and service-area residents to prioritize essential water use for drinking and cooking, sanitation and personal hygiene, and fire suppression and emergency needs. We ask customers and service-area residents to temporarily reduce non-essential water use: washing vehicles, watering lawns and landscaping, filling pools or operating decorative fountains, and running dishwashers or washing machines with partial loads.

Why is this Water Conservation Advisory important? Extreme cold can affect water infrastructure performance, including the water filtration plant's raw water intake, a physical structure submerged in the Delaware River, and water mains and service lines in TWW's 683-mile distribution system. TWW's water filtration plant on Route 29 South in Trenton continues to operate normally without disruption to treatment or distribution and is capable of meeting drinking water demand. This Water Conservation Advisory helps ensure system reliability and performance during extreme winter temperatures.

About TWW System Operations TWW plant operators, who are highly qualified and state-licensed, are actively managing winter conditions by monitoring the filtration plant's raw water intake performance, implementing operational protocols approved by state regulators, and maintaining Pennington Avenue Reservoir levels to support system demand.

Questions? Call our Office of Communications and Public Outreach at (609) 989-3033.

OCPO-90 Water Conservation Advisory

New Jersey Public Water System Identification Number NJ1111001

Januar y 2026 | Trenton Downtowner15

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¹ Annual Percentage Rate (APR) effective as of October 1, 2022. Subject to credit approval. Financing available up to 60 months. Rates as low as 7.24% for 36 months, 8.24% for 48 months, and 9.24% for 60 months. Rates are based on creditworthiness. Payment amount is determined by APR and term. The loan payment is $30.99 per $1,000 borrowed at 7.24% for 36 months. The loan payment is $24.53 per $1,000 borrowed at 8.24% for 48 months. The loan payment is $20.88 per $1,000 borrowed at 9.24% for 60 months. Rates subject to change at any time. 2

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16Trenton Downtowner | Januar y 2026