Seniors shine
Two teams vie for WW leadership
BY BILL SANSERVINO
West Windsor voters will have two slates to choose from in the Nov. 4 nonpartisan municipal election.
Up for election are the mayor and two council seats, each for four-year terms.
Incumbent Mayor Hemant Marathe and his “Proven Leaders for West Windsor” slate are seeking re-election against the rival “West Windsor Together” slate, led by Sujit Singh for mayor.
mately unable to reach a consensus on the forum’s format,” the group said in a Sept. 18 statement.
The election comes as West Windsor faces pressing questions about growth, affordable housing mandates, traffic congestion, budgeting priorities and environmental sustainability. Both slates have made development and quality of life central themes in their campaigns.
To help inform voters ahead of Election Day, The News asked each candidate to provide a biography and answer a series of policy questions.
Song sparks North girls’ volleyball
BY JUSTIN FEIL
how far would you go if they were sick?
Chloe Song made a big change of courts going into her freshman year at High School North.
She grew up playing — and excelling — on the tennis courts. Her family all plays tennis, including older brother Kyle, who played in high school at the
Peddie School. Her longtime coach saw a promising future in Song.
But after attending a volleyball camp in the summer before her first year of high school, Song was hooked on a new potential fall sport. She put away her tennis racket to see how good she could be on the volleyball court.
“I look back on it and I don’t
When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.
regret it because I think that there are a lot of things in my life that I appreciate because of volleyball now,” Song said. “And I know that if I picked tennis, I would have regretted that a lot.”
Song has blossomed into a three-year varsity starter at outside hitter and a reliable leader for the North girls volleyball
With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment.
Marathe and Council Vice President Linda Geevers are running with Joe Charles, a certified public accountant and 17-year township resident, who is seeking a Township Council seat. Singh is teamed with council candidates Ajay Tomar and Andrew Winters.
The six candidates were expected to face off in a forum on Sept. 28, but the event was canceled about a week earlier.
West Windsor Forward, the local group that planned the nonpartisan event, said the two sides could not agree on the forum’s rules.
“Unfortunately, despite months of effort, the campaigns for mayor and council were ulti-
The Marathe-Geevers-Charles team submitted individual responses as requested. Meanwhile, the Singh-Tomar-Winters team opted to submit one consolidated response, which The News informed the slate would be acceptable.
All of the candidates’ responses are presented below as submitted, with light editing for style, spelling and readability.
Mayoral candidates
Hemant Marathe and his wife, Punit, have lived in their current home in West Windsor for more than 31 years. The
ELECTION,
Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.
Plainsboro residents Suman Arora, Sharon Mitchell, Cynthia Soumoff, Bart Ford, Manik Choudavarapu and Naresh Babu show off their medals from the N.J. Senior Olympics. See page 4 for story.
RWJUH Hamilton October Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
CANCER: THRIVING AND SURVIVING
Wednesdays; Oct. 1, 8, 15 & 29 and Nov. 5 & 12; 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
This evidence-based class offers techniques to deal with cancer symptoms and treatment such as fatigue, pain, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration related to cancer, cancer treatment, and cancer recovery. This is a very experiential program.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Oct. 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Presented by our oncology nurse navigator and certified oncology social worker at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.2836 to confirm attendance.
2ND ANNUAL, IN YOUR BREAST INTEREST: YOUR BREAST CARE QUESTIONS ANSWERED LIVE
Wednesday, Oct. 8; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join our panel of breast specialists, from the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS, Breast Program Director, Surgical Oncology; Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncology; and Rachana Singh, MD, Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology for an informative Q&A session. Learn the facts about breast health, the latest treatments, and the importance of early detection, screening, and prevention. Registered attendees will be offered a wellbalanced and healthy dinner.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Oct. 7; 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Support and information for family and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease. A caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups and facilitate a supportive group experience.
THE POWER OF FOOD:
NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES
Monday, Oct. 13; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 28; 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. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.
WII GAMES
Monday, Oct. 13; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24; 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. Play smart, move like a pro, and stay in the game longer!
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday, Oct. 15; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind. No experience necessary.
MIND YOUR
MIND
Wednesday, Oct. 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
There is a strong correlation between mental and physical health. We will learn about strategies to help deal with stress on a daily basis, as well as foods to help enhance mental health. Ekta Makani, FNP-C, MSN, APN.
CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH
Thursday, Oct. 16; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Relax to the soothing sounds of crystal bowls, allowing your body and mind to return to a restful state. Please bring a yoga mat, blankets, and anything else that makes you comfortable. Chairs available as well. Fee: $15.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Oct. 21; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
REIKI SHARE GROUP
Wednesday, Oct. 22; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
For folks who have been Reiki certified (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.
WISE WOMAN DISCUSSION GROUP: WHAT ARE YOU READING?
Thursday, Oct. 23: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a community of women to discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.
ASK THE DIETITIAN
Friday, Oct. 24; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Meet with our Registered Dietitian for a 30-minute appointment to discuss your unique nutritional needs.
CAREGIVER CONFERENCE
Monday, Oct. 27; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Supporting a person with memory loss can bring both communication and financial challenges. A geriatric specialist will discuss the progression of dementia and share verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to help strengthen relationships. An elder care attorney will present guidance on asset preservation within the context of Medicaid planning for long-term care, as well as the importance of estate planning documents.
HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION
Monday, Oct. 27; 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join us for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and preparation. Explore heart-healthy recipes.
CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING
Tuesday, Oct, 28; 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Junk journaling is a stress-reducing activity that allows you to express yourself through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art. Grab some “junk” and get crafty while working on your mental health and wellness.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Oct. 28; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A place for survivors and caregivers to build a community through shared personal experiences, feelings, and recovery strategies on managing life after a stroke. Join the RWJ Rehab team, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, & Allyson Panikowski-Berry, Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.
IS IT LAZINESS, ADHD, OR PERHAPS AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER?
Wednesday, Oct. 29; 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is often mistaken for hearing loss, as those diagnosed may struggle to follow conversations or understand instructions. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, AuD, from the Balance and Hearing Center, to learn how APD affects children and adults, and the most effective treatment options available to improve quality of life.
BASICS OF ESTATE PLANNING
Thursday, Oct. 30; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
This informational presentation includes concepts such as wills, trusts, probate, and the advantages of naming beneficiaries. Protect your loved ones and plan for the future.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in life-changing conversations, listening, learning, and exploring for this time in our lives. Every week is new and something different. Join us on all the dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New members are always welcome.
HOPE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE LUNCH: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS & CRAFTING
Thursday, Oct. 2; 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a meaningful and uplifting afternoon designed to inform and inspire. After lunch, create a simple craft you can donate to the Better Health Education Center for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, or take it home to enjoy. After we’ll join Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, Breast Program Director, Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, who will discuss what you need to know about breast cancer after age 65.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026?
Tuesday, Oct. 7; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us to learn what you need to know about your 2026 Medicare benefits and how to compare health and drug plans to find the best coverage and save money. Kelly Ott, Director of the NJ State Health Insurance Assistance Program, (a Medicare information program sponsored by the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services), and Michele Lee, Medicare and Program Specialist, will present. Light Refreshments will be served.
FALL HEALTH FAIR AND BREAKFAST
Thursday, Oct. 9; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join our RWJUH Hamilton team members for this informative fair designed to empower you with the tools you need to live healthier lives. A variety of screenings and assessments will be available. Breakfast included.
NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Friday, Oct. 17; 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Have some fun while learning recipes that can help fuel your brain.
LUNCH & LEARN: MEET SARA ALI, MD, & THE RECENTLY EXPANDED GERIATRIC TEAM
Tuesday, Oct. 21; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
A compassionate, multidisciplinary team welcomes patients, led by board-certified geriatricians Dr. Sara Ali and Dr. Bianca Estropia, along with a nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, and medical assistant. Together, they provide personalized care that supports older adults and their families—prioritizing independence, quality of life, and overall well-being.
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE PUZZLING PAINTING
Wednesday, Oct. 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
NJ STATE SENIOR RESOURCE PROGRAM
Thursday, Oct. 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover state programs that provide seniors with financial, health, and food assistance. Presenters Include: NJ Division of Aging Services, NJ Division of Taxation, NJ SNAP .
AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY
Monday, Oct. 27; 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. When body, mind, spirit, and emotions are in balance, health and well-being become more attainable.
RECURRING MONTHLY PROGRAMS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE
Local athletes see success at N.J. Senior Olympics
Age was no barrier for eight Plainsboro residents who brought home medals — and plenty of pride — from the New Jersey Senior Olympics earlier this month.
The athletes joined hundreds of competitors from across the state in Woodbridge Sept. 5-7, showcasing their skills in pickleball, bocce, basketball, swimming and even miniature golf.
Pickleball drew the largest Plainsboro contingent, with Sharon Mitchell, Mary Coen, Bart Ford, Satyen Parikh, Manik Choudavarapu and Naresh Babu taking the courts at Ford’s Park in round robin play in their age divisions.
Over at the Woodbridge Community Center, other Plainsboro athletes spread out across the events.
Cynthia Soumoff, Mitchell and Suman Arora challenged the bocce courts, while Mitchell also tried her hand at basketball accuracy and foul shooting.
Arora took on miniature golf, and Soumoff dove into the pool for the 200- and 500-yard freestyle races.
By the end of the three-day competition, the Plainsboro team had tallied an
impressive medal count: eight golds and three silvers.
For the athletes, the event was about more than just wins. The games highlighted the camaraderie, energy and determination of older adults who continue to find joy in sport.
The New Jersey Senior Olympics are held each September in Woodbridge Township, bringing together more than 1,500 athletes age 50 and older from across the state.
Competitors are divided into five-year age groups and vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, with many events serving as qualifiers for the National Senior Games.
This year’s games featured 22 sports ranging from track and field, swimming and tennis to bocce, cornhole and miniature golf. Pickleball remains one of the most popular events, alongside basketball foul shooting, racquetball, volleyball and archery.
The Olympics are open to all New Jersey residents age 50 and older, with registration typically closing in late August.
We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The West Windsor and Plainsboro News is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.
SENIOR COMMUNITY EDITOR
Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Justin Feill
CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
Paul Ligetti
AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION
Stephanie Jeronis
ACCOUNT SALES EXECUTIVE
Gina Carillo (Ext. 112)
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West Windsor’s Mayor/Council Race
MARATHE GEEVERS CHARLES
Decades of experience in local govt: Mayor Council
Planning Board
Zoning Board
School Board
Affordable Housing Committee
Parking Authority
Extensive involvement with local West Windsor civic groups:
WW Arts Council
WW Bicycle & Pedestrian Alliance
Friends of WW Open Space
WW Lions Club
WWFD Fire Police
Girls Rec Basketball Coach
WWP Soccer Association
WW Little League
Demonstrated accomplishments & results. Clearly stated future goals (TeamMarathe4WW.com)
Supported successful “Vote No” campaign to defend our NonPartisan elections. Won by 2-1 margin
Free from outside political influence. Committed to local communitydriven governance
No campaign donations accepted from political parties, PACs, or other political entities EVER
ZERO experience in local government
OUTSIDE INFLUENCE
ZERO involvement in local West Windsor civic activities
Vague phrases and buzzwords on campaign website. No actual plans
Hosted county-wide event for pro-partisan “Vote Yes” campaign to turn our elections partisan
Openly promote affiliations with entrenched county political figures and party machinery
Unknown funding sources. Will they take special interest money like the “Vote Yes” group did?
New Voices and Smarter Choices
Its Time for New Leadership in
Eight years of excuses from the current administration has left West Windsor residents paying more and getting less. That’s not leadership, it’s neglect.
The Incumbents have proven one thing: they’ve led West Windsor into disrepair. The current administration has failed us! Taxes have skyrocketed, our infrastructure is crumbling and their only plan is to build more warehouses. It’s time for change. It’s time for leadership that delivers.
continued from Page 1
couple has four daughters who graduated from the West Windsor–Plainsboro Regional School District between 1995 and 2015.
Marathe holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, a master’s degree from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
He has owned multiple small businesses in various fields over the past 35 years, beginning after his graduation from the University of Washington in 1991.
Since moving to West Windsor, Marathe has been active in community organizations. He served with the Dutch Neck PTA beginning in 1995 and later the PTAs
at Millstone River School, Village School, Community Middle School and High School North.
He has also been a member of the Lions Club, a recreational soccer coach, and a member of Friends of West Windsor Open Space, the West Windsor Arts Council and the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance.
In elected roles, Marathe has served as a member and president of the West Windsor–Plainsboro Board of Education, a member of the West Windsor Township Council, and currently as mayor of West Windsor.
Sujit Singh, 52, is married to Manisha Singh. He lived for 12 years in the Midwest and has lived in West Windsor since 2011. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elec-
tronics engineering from Shivaji University in Kolhapur, India, and holds an entrepreneurship development certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management.
Singh has 30 years of professional experience, including business enterprise transformation consulting with Tata Consultancy Services. He also worked with Accenture in technology consulting and in product development at Oracle.
He has been active in community service for more than a decade, serving as a member and board member of cultural and nonprofit organizations, including West Windsor-based Beacon Specialized Living of New Jersey (formerly Enable Inc.), which provides care for individuals
with intellectual and mental health disabilities. In that role, he provided strategic guidance and board oversight to senior leadership.
In January 2018, Singh submitted his nomination to fill a vacant township council seat but was not elected. He says he remains engaged in issues affecting West Windsor residents.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Singh enjoys playing volleyball and golf and is active in the local community.
Council candidates
Joe Charles, 51, is a 17-year resident of West Windsor along with his wife, Deborah. The couple has been married for 20
See ELECTION, Page 10
Cunningham 609 802 3564
Marathe Singh
Charles Geevers
Tomar Winters
ELECTION
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years and has two children in the West Windsor–Plainsboro schools.
He graduated from Lehigh University, where he has been a guest lecturer for the past 15 years and was the keynote speaker for the 2025 accounting banquet for students and faculty. He served on the Accounting Advisory Board for nine years, including two as chair.
Professionally, Charles is a certified public accountant with 29 years of experience in accounting and finance. He is a partner in his firm and deals with challenging issues daily. “I serve as a trusted adviser, people leader, and inclusive mentor,” he says.
Charles has served on the boards of charitable organizations, including the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and Young Audiences of Eastern Pennsylvania. Locally, he has been active in youth sports and served as a coach or assistant coach for West Windsor soccer and baseball organizations. He also cohosted the Little League’s charity fundraising grill for two years.
He and his wife have fostered 15 rescue dogs over the past seven years, two of which they adopted and four that were placed with West Windsor families.
As the vice chair of Keep West Windsor Nonpartisan (“Vote No” effort) in 2024, he
advocated for keeping partisan politics out of West Windsor, resulting in a 2-to-1 margin of victory.
Linda Geevers, 66, has lived in West Windsor for 30 years with her husband, Neil. The couple raised three daughters who attended West Windsor–Plainsboro schools K–12.
Geevers was first elected to the West Windsor–Plainsboro Board of Education in 1999 and was re-elected in 2002, serving in several leadership roles including vice president. In 2005, she was elected to the Township Council, where she has served for 20 years. She has been council president and is currently vice president. Additional service includes nine years on the Planning Board and various liaison committee assignments.
Geevers is a fire police officer with the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. She serves on the West Windsor Lions Club board of directors and was honored with the 2023–24 “Lion of the Year” award in recognition of exceptional service. She also coached girls recreational basketball and belongs to the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, West Windsor Arts Council and Friends of West Windsor Open Space. She holds a residential real estate license in the referral network with Keller Williams Real Estate–Princeton and has
worked in radio news as a reporter/producer. Geevers is a graduate of Cornell University with a B.S. in communication arts.
Ajay Tomar has lived in West Windsor/Princeton Junction since 2007. He and his wife, Geeta, have a son who graduated from West Windsor–Plainsboro High School North in 2019.
Tomar earned a graduate degree in business administration from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
He has more than two decades of experience in technology and business development at companies including Oracle, Smartsheet and Blue Prism.
Tomar has served as a board member and treasurer for Siksha Prayas since 2012, a charity that has helped thousands of underprivileged children stay in school and pursue higher education.
In his free time, Tomar enjoys playing golf and cooking.
Andrew Winters, 37, grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and moved to New Jersey after college to begin his career as a consultant. He has since focused on corporate and finance strategy, working on complex challenges with innovative solutions.
Winters lived in Harrison, East Rutherford, Jersey City and Hoboken before moving to West Windsor about 18 months
ago with his spouse and two children, ages 6 and 8. Both children are enrolled in the district’s dual-language immersion Mandarin program.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He works at Barclays in finance strategy for a U.S. division.
Outside of work, Winters enjoys home improvement projects, tennis, and coaching sports, including ski coaching in the winter.
Candidate Q&A
1. How would you balance the need for economic development — such as commercial, warehouse or housing projects — with concerns from residents about traffic, school capacity and neighborhood character?
Marathe: If given a choice, I would keep new housing developments in West Windsor to a small scale and restrict commercial development to industries that are less labor intensive and along Route 1. We are preserving neighborhood character by setting standards, as the planning board is doing with Penns Neck and Berrien City.
However, given state mandates and the need to build a certain number of afford-
Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor
“Paper Shred Event”
Saturday, October 4, 2025 8AM – 12PM
NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred truck reaches capacity Open to Residents ONLY, No Businesses – Proof of Residency Required
Limit papers to confidential/sensitive materials only
Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents. No need to remove paper clips, staples, rubberbands, heavy file folders. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips due to fire danger. NO magazines, hardcover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides – these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, plastic credit cards or 3-ring binders.
*LIMIT 8 boxes–Max 20lbs each* Paper must be in a liftable, manageable container. If it is hard for you to bring to your car, it is too heavy! NO plastic bags. Use a box, crate or other sturdy container – it will be returned to you!
**ALSO ON SITE AT THIS EVENT**
FOOD DRIVE
Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned & Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned & Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.
CLOTHING DRIVE
Don’t need it anymore? Don’t throw it away! RECYCLE BY DONATING YOUR CLOTHING
GOODWILL will be on site collecting clean gently used women, men and children’s clothing & accessories such as shoes, hats, scarfs, gloves, coats, purses, belts & ties.
able units every 10 years, I have been very proactive. I have aggressively purchased open space, engaged land so less is available for housing, and used all available credits to minimize new housing units.
To address traffic concerns, we hired eight new police officers to increase enforcement. We collaborated with neighbors and the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance to identify and fix local issues. We added a right-turn lane from Village to North Post Road and banned right turns on red at certain intersections.
Whenever we do a road project, we pay special attention to what can be done to make the roadway safer for all.
Charles: New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation, and our town does not need more endless development, sprawl, traffic and higher property taxes.
That said, we are constrained by state mandates and a legal framework that is more favorable to developers than to towns trying to preserve character and maintain open space.
To mitigate the tax burden on residents, we need to balance any future residential growth with commercial ratables that contribute to the tax base.
Geevers: As West Windsor continues to expand, my 20 years on Township Council and experience on the Planning
Board have given me the perspective to balance community needs.
I have worked on ordinances, the master plan, annual budgets and various boards and committees, and I strive to listen to residents at public meetings, community events and privately.
There are significant needs for additional police, fire and EMS services, and the township has hired additional public works employees to keep up with park maintenance and tasks like leaf and brush pickup.
With per-student annual costs at about $21,000, we need increases in commercial ratables. Residents have expressed major concerns about taxes, especially those who want to remain in West Windsor after retirement. Attracting businesses helps people of all ages and incomes live in our welcoming, diverse community.
West Windsor Together: Balancing Economic Development with Quality of Life — Economic development must be pursued thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of its long-term impacts on quality of life, infrastructure, neighborhood character, and environmental sustainability.
The colossal Bridge Point 8 was grossly ill-conceived, and ongoing rightful litigation will significantly delay the process and any potential tax revenue from
that land. It will bring increased traffic, safety hazards, and environmental pollutants—air, noise and light pollution—without delivering proportionate benefits to residents.
The warehouse on Rt. 571/PrincetonHightstown Road was built in record time and is an enormous eyesore that doesn’t blend with the character of West Windsor.
Economic gain from warehouses is not worth the sacrifice to a community’s quality of life.
Available data from nearby towns such as Robbinsville, Cranbury and South Brunswick indicate that warehouses generate as little as $0.99 per square foot in tax revenue, including PILOT programs.
The current administration miscalculated grossly. In addition to the Rt. 571 warehouse project, the current administration approved the Bridge Point 8 complex, which aims to have 7 warehouses with 910 loading docks, decimating 64 acres of wetlands. BP8 is still under litigation and missing permits.
The contrast between warehouses and well-designed mixed-use developments is important to address, as the combination of residential, retail, and commercial uses can generate significantly higher tax yields per square foot while requiring far less land—helping preserve open space and reduce traffic congestion.
Rather than paving over farmland, wetlands, and other environmentally sensitive areas for low-ratable, high-impact warehouses, we propose a smarter approach: investing in vibrant, community-oriented mixed-use development that supports both our local economy and makes West Windsor a great place to live.
2. Given the glut of warehouses throughout the state, and the slow office market, what other ideas for development are viable for the township?
Marathe: I took criticism for approving warehouses on the former Howard Hughes property. That difficult decision has turned out to be a win-win because it prevented us from building more than 2,000 homes during the fourth round (of affordable housing requirements). The warehouse market has changed, so it may take many years before those buildings are constructed, if ever.
We have been aggressively pursuing an indoor sports facility for soccer, cricket and pickleball. I discussed this early in my first term with the West Windsor Soccer Association. We have had advanced discussions with commercial developers, and I am confident West Windsor will see a sports facility sooner rather than later. We are working with Princeton UniSee ELECTION, Page 12
versity and the New Jersey State AI Hub, based in West Windsor, and have interacted with many companies and individuals interested in working with the hub.
We remain attractive to small businesses. Most of our commercial and retail establishments survived the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in West Windsor’s history, we have two fine-dining establishments—Seasons 52 and Eddie V’s—and a planned Fogo de Chão.
Charles: Industries that may be desirable include pharma/life sciences, medical, technology/AI, sports facilities and restaurants/retail. These can diversify ratables and better match community needs than additional warehouses.
Geevers: Artificial intelligence businesses and research are a strong match. The AI hub on Alexander Road is a collaboration between Princeton University and the State of New Jersey to support new innovators and drive long-term growth.
Along Route 1, Eddie V’s has opened at MarketFair, and a Fogo de Chão and Chick-fil-A are anticipated behind the new Wawa. There is popular demand for additional athletic facilities for indoor and outdoor sports.
West Windsor Together: Viable Alternatives to Warehouses and Offices —With
a statewide oversupply of warehouses, far too many standing vacant, it’s imperative to apply creative, innovative solutions in development that will enhance the daily life of those in West Windsor.
Our town lacks vibrant social and dining spaces: places where families and neighbors can gather. We need walkable and bikeable hubs that include restaurants, cafés, specialty retail, and local businesses, fostering a sense of community.
We will promote hospitality, wellness, and recreational businesses that are environmentally responsible and economically beneficial. These establishments not only provide higher ratables but also create jobs and attract visitors, all while building the spirit and sense of community in West Windsor.
We will support, advocate, and facilitate NJ AI Hub (njaihub.org/) in West Windsor Township. It will bring diverse, highvalue ratables to enable more jobs in the region and stabilize taxes.
3. All towns in New Jersey must meet affordable housing obligations. What is your opinion of the town’s plans to comply while preserving quality of life?
Marathe: I was elected to council at the end of the third round and learned from that experience. As mayor, I planned for
the fourth round (2025-2035) by engaging large parcels so we would not be forced to build a large number of housing units. By approving development on the former Howard Hughes property, we reduced our fourth-round obligation by about 500 affordable units, or 2,000 total units. The state initially wanted 661 units; we reduced that to 480 in the first court hearings and are currently arguing that the real number should be 238.
For the fourth round, we selected sites that take advantage of bonus credits while minimizing disruption to existing residents. Careful planning has allowed compliance while minimizing impacts on quality of life.
Charles: This is a critical long-term issue. State-mandated obligations are based on macro-level formulas that do not fully account for roads, traffic and schools. Some towns simply accepted the state’s number. That was 661 units for West Windsor.
Assuming we integrate residents into the community and keep projects economically viable without local subsidies, West Windsor has historically aimed for 20%–25% affordable units in new developments. At 25%, 661 affordable units implies 2,644 total units—bringing significant traffic, student growth and service
costs that residential taxes alone won’t cover without corresponding commercial development or higher property taxes.
The Planning Board thoughtfully reviewed the state’s numbers—which can be flawed—and proposed 238 units. I read the 108-page plan and attended the Planning Board/Council meeting where it was discussed.
Residents near Alexander Road/Canal Pointe Boulevard raised concerns about a specific proposal there; those concerns need to be addressed. Overall, the plan is a well-reasoned response. While 238 may face litigation, the approach is sound.
Geevers: In June, the Planning Board met the statutory deadline and unanimously adopted the housing element and fair share plan after a public hearing, and the Township Council unanimously endorsed it by resolution. The plan was carefully crafted by the administration and was generally well received.
For example, it repurposes the existing Bristol Myers Squibb building near Nassau Park, allowing bonus credits for affordable units constructed on previously developed sites. Another site in Carnegie Center will benefit residents who want to live and work nearby. Other sites have minimal impact on surrounding areas, support retail, or provide a group home
for developmentally disabled individuals. Fourth-round sites are distributed to avoid further impacting areas being built for third-round obligations.
West Windsor Together: Affordable Housing and Preserving Community Quality — We recognize the importance of fulfilling our state-mandated affordable housing obligations, but we must do so in a way that safeguards West Windsor’s infrastructure, schools, and neighborhoods. Our approach will be phased, datadriven, and sensitive to the local context. We will work closely with planners to distribute affordable housing projects equitably across time and space, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with the community.
Preserving open space, traffic flow, and school quality is non-negotiable. We can meet our legal obligations without compromising our values, and we will do so in an engaging, transparent manner with the community.
Affordable housing is misunderstood by too many. AH is for a diverse population including young professionals, young families, seniors, teachers, EMT workers, firefighters, and police officers.
They are integral to our community, and extending affordable housing to them not only enhances our town’s appeal but also promotes a great sense of community.
4. What are your top priorities for addressing traffic congestion, especially along Route 571, Alexander Road and the Penns Neck corridor?
Marathe: Traffic congestion correlates with housing development. The most effective way to control it is to limit new housing. Traffic would be far worse if 2,000 homes had been built on the former Howard Hughes property, or if the 575-apartment complex on Route 571 had been approved.
I am committed to building the Penns Neck bypass and the Vaughn Drive bypass. The first phase of Vaughn Drive is operational and allows Avalon residents to go directly to Alexander Road, and we are working to connect it directly to Vaughn Drive. My record on Vaughn Drive should give residents confidence that the Penns Neck bypass will be built.
On Washington Road, we worked with the county to make it more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. The plan is for a single lane in each direction with a center turn lane and bike lanes between Cranbury and Clarksville Road. The project is funded and expected to start in 2026.
Charles: I’ve knocked on doors in the Route 571 area. The initial Vaughn Drive bypass opened very recently, providing another connection between Route 571 and Alexander Road so traffic can reach Route 1 via Alexander instead of Route 571.
A phase-two Vaughn Drive bypass is planned to create a more direct connection. If the Sarnoff property is redeveloped (previously approved for office, R\&D and a hotel conference center), the goal is a new Penns Neck bypass connecting the Route 571 circle by the Avalon development to Route 1 near Lower Harrison Street. That would relieve congestion on Washington Road at Route 1.
On Old Trenton Road, we recently met with leaders at the MCGP to see firsthand how traffic exiting the mosque can be improved through changes to entrance/ exit flow.
Geevers: Traffic on Washington Road (a county road) is being addressed with the new roundabout near the mostly residential development at the train station. Further data may be needed to determine whether a traffic light is justified in Penns Neck to allow left turns onto Washington Road.
When the SRI property is redeveloped, a Penns Neck bypass will be required as part of the application, moving vehicles off Washington Road to a northerly point on Route 1 and alleviating congestion.
In the Berrien City area, Alexander Road speed limits will be 25 mph in both directions upon adoption of an ordinance already introduced by council. Safety enhancements—improved crosswalks and flashing beacons—are being added there and elsewhere. The Vaughn Drive bypass has recently opened, and the Community Development/Engineering Department is considering plans to extend it directly to Vaughn Drive.
West Windsor Together: Addressing Traffic Congestion - Traffic congestion, particularly along Route 571 (PrincetonHightstown Road), Alexander Road, Washington Road, and the Penns Neck corridor, is a pressing concern for our residents.
Unfortunately, it has been worsened by unwise approvals of high-impact development without sufficient infrastructure planning.
Our priorities include:
• Investing in smart traffic signal technology to improve flow and reduce delays.
• Prioritizing pedestrian and bike safety, including more sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways on the following major streets and roadways:
• Review feasibility to build a bikeway on Rt. 571 from Southfield Road to Princeton Junction Train Station.
• On North Post Road from Village Road to Princeton Junction Train Station.
• On Penn Lyle Road from Village Road to Princeton Junction Train Station.
• Advocating for NJ Transit improvements and regional coordination to reduce car dependence.
• Unlike the current administration, See ELECTION, Page 14
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which hasn’t participated in the Vision Zero Initiative, we will be committed to the Vision Zero Initiative. A 12-year-old girl and her dog were fatally hit in an accident about two years ago on Rabbit Hill Road and Abbington Lane. Had there been a flashing pedestrian crossing at that intersection, pedestrian tragedies could be preventable. Road safety must be a priority.
• Introducing development impact assessments before any project approval to understand how new buildings will affect traffic and require mitigation.
Traffic isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a quality-of-life issue, and we will treat it as such. Fostering collaborations with regional leaders in Mercer County is a priority when addressing traffic issues.
5. How would you craft a municipal budget that addresses resident needs while minimizing the property tax burden?
Marathe: My experience as school board president and small-business owner has helped minimize the property tax burden over the past seven years. During this time, the increase in municipal taxes for an average home has been about \$8 a year. Many taxpayers are unaware of municipal performance because county and school taxes keep rising.
Beyond a tax-increase cap, the state
imposes an appropriation cap that restricts spending each year. We have hit the cap every year. My challenge is prioritizing spending so the highest priorities are addressed. I canceled second garbage pickup during summer months to reallocate funds to higherpriority items such as lights and sidewalk repairs. With the appropriation cap, we cannot do every project residents desire; projects are chosen with input from police and engineering.
Charles: As a CPA, I focus on rational cost-benefit analysis. A prime example is twice-a-week summer garbage pickup, which was changed to once a week this summer.
Continuing twice-weekly service would have meant an increase of \$2.92 million over five years vs. \$1.78 million by moving to once a week—about a 64% higher increase for just three months. The \$1.14 million savings can go to police, lighting, emergency services and other priorities. While unpopular with some, it’s common sense.
In the budget, I will prioritize police/ fire/EMS, traffic safety, and bicycle and pedestrian safety over “nice-to-have” items like twice-weekly summer pickup.
Geevers: For the past eight years, municipal taxes have been mostly flat due to Mayor Marathe’s stewardship and
council’s diligence. Careful budgeting has come from a needs-vs.-wants analysis using data from the administration.
Council holds public budget meetings with department directors, with time for public comment. Overall tax bills have risen due to Mercer County and school district increases, which the township does not control.
West Windsor Together: Responsible Municipal Budgeting — We are committed to fiscal discipline with transparency. We will prioritize public safety and basic necessities services. Our first step will be a comprehensive audit of the municipal budget, identifying inefficiencies, duplications, and outdated contracts.
We aim to:
• Make smarter spending choices: reduce non-essential costs by at least 5% and invest in the core services our community relies on.
• Explore shared services with neighboring towns to reduce overhead without cutting services.
• The current administration reduced summertime garbage pickup from twice a week to once a week; however, they neglected to be transparent about their decision and where the savings from the reduction in service would be deployed to ostensibly improve other services.
• Introduce a priority-based budgeting
model so residents’ needs are met.
Our goal is simple: better results with smarter spending.
6. How will you ensure that township council decisions are made transparently and communicated clearly to residents? What would you improve?
Marathe: West Windsor has been one of the most transparent and communicative governments. I respond to residents by email, social media and phone. I attend town halls and homeowner association meetings to address neighborhood-specific issues.
We have reached out to Verizon, PSE&G and JCP&L on behalf of residents. During my last reelection, an opponent mocked me as “Facebook mayor.” I take that as a compliment and proof of responsiveness.
We are upgrading our website to improve user experience and make it easier to report issues and find information. The new site is expected next year.
Charles: Our government is more transparent than most. Every council meeting is livestreamed and available for playback on YouTube—something other towns and the county do not consistently provide.
I am committed to being transparent and responsive on social media, where the “Peeps” Facebook group functions as a
de facto town forum. Our opponents have chosen to ignore resident questions there; I will not.
Geevers: Council holds publicly noticed business meetings, often focused on specific subjects. Public comments are taken at the beginning and end, and during hearings. Meetings are posted on the municipal website and sent via an e-bulletin residents can subscribe to. We also livestream meetings on YouTube for rebroadcast.
I hold monthly open-house hours at the municipal building for residents. Council could consider posting on the website a synopsis of major issues before and after decisions.
West Windsor Together: Transparent and Accountable Governance — Our administration will prioritize radical transparency and genuine community engagement. Residents deserve to know what’s happening in their government and to have a voice in shaping it.
We aim to:
• Launch a West Windsor Civic App for residents to report issues, submit concerns, and receive real-time updates. The community issue list will be reported monthly so the community knows how the municipal administration is responding to concerns.
• Publish quarterly budget updates and project status reports on the township website.
• Hold town hall meetings—in-person and virtually—to maintain open lines of communication with residents.
• Ensure all council decisions are publicized in plain language, with clear rationales and community input reflected.
We’re not here to hide in back rooms. We’re here to serve, with full accountability.
7. What environmental sustainability initiatives—such as open space preservation, stormwater management or green building practices— would you support or expand?
Marathe: I support open space purchases and have pursued them whenever
possible, including condemning property when necessary, as with the Hall farm.
The Planning Board adopted a Green Development Checklist to ensure future projects are environmentally friendly; we will update and expand it this year.
We support zero-emission vehicles by encouraging EV charging stations in new developments and have added two EVs to the municipal fleet. We also plan an Adopt a Drain program with volunteers to prevent stormwater blockages.
We are proud of our Sustainable Jersey Silver, SolSmart Silver, Tree City USA and League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community certifications.
Charles: Open space preservation is a top priority. Preserving land prevents further sprawl. New Jersey has 1,263 people per square mile—the most in the U.S.—so I will advocate purchasing available parcels, preserving farmland and otherwise engaging land to prevent unnecessary sprawl.
Geevers: I’ve supported adding EVs to the township fleet, Sustainable Jersey Silver initiatives, stormwater improvements to address flash flooding and green building practices for the municipal complex renovation.
We are considering an “Adopt a Storm Drain” program and initial consideration of a township composting program through the Environmental Commission. The township is currently more than 50% preserved open space, and I will continue to support future purchases.
West Windsor Together: Environmental Sustainability and Open Space Preservation - We are deeply committed to preserving West Windsor’s natural beauty and ensuring sustainable growth. Under the current administration, environmentally sensitive areas have been approved for warehouse development, threatening not only ecosystems but also public health and safety.
Our initiatives include:
• Aggressively pursuing the conversion of available properties to Open Space
Wants: A home with room for the kids.
Needs: A home with rooms to get away from the kids
No matter what you’re looking for in your forever home, I’ll help you find it.
or Green Acres. Roughly 200 acres of land are available in West Windsor that are considered viable for development.
• Revisiting the ordinance that the township adopted to align with the statemandated Inland Flood Protection Rule. We must elevate the ordinance to meet the highest standards, not the bare minimum (as the current administration did). We will work to incorporate the Watershed Institute’s recommendations to enforce modern stormwater management practices to reduce runoff and flooding now and into the future.
• Promoting green building standards for all future development.
• Investing in tree canopy preservation, native planting, and habitat restoration.
• Exploring solar energy partnerships and EV infrastructure expansion.
vices to all residents.
Sustainability is not a slogan; it’s a responsibility to future generations.
8. Are there any other issues residents should know about you or your campaign?
Marathe: I have a 24-year record of public service. I tell it straight about what can and can’t be done and ask voters to judge me by my record. Even if I disagree with you, I will listen, understand your concerns and explain my decisions.
Everyone will be treated with respect.
It has been an honor to serve West Windsor, and I hope to earn your vote.
Charles: Our campaign has no ties to outside political organizations, and we do not accept donations from political parties, committees, PACs or super PACs. I am not beholden to outside influence—I have West Windsor’s best interests in mind.
increases for additional streetlights, repaving deteriorated residential roads and continued funding for sidewalk replacements and extensions.
I ask for your vote to re-elect me to council, and for my running mates—Mayor Hemant Marathe and Joe Charles—for council.
West Windsor Together: Final Message to Residents — This election is about the future of West Windsor—and what kind of town we want to be. The current administration has repeatedly prioritized outside interests, warehouse developers, and short-term revenue at the expense of our residents’ quality of life.
sional experience, community values, and a commitment to serving all residents. Our campaign is committed to smarter development that protects quality of life, responsible budgeting that strengthens core services, and community-driven leadership that ensures every resident has a voice. With Sujit Singh for Mayor, and Ajay Tomar and Andrew Winters for Township Council, we will deliver fresh perspectives, professional expertise, and a sustainable, vibrant future for West Windsor.
We believe West Windsor can be financially sound, environmentally sustainable, and a wonderful place to live for families, seniors, and future generations—while moving it forward and retaining its charm.
It’s time for a new direction with innovative leaders. Let’s build it together:
• Providing food waste composting ser-
Publish within 10 days of drawing for position on ballot – publish in 2 newspapers N.J.S.A. 40:45-13
Geevers: I will support funding
NOTICE TO WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP VOTERS
A Municipal Election will be held during the General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The following candidates having filed petitions of nomination will appear on the ballot in the following order:
MAYOR (VOTE FOR ONE)
Sujit Singh - West Windsor Together
Hemant Marathe - Proven Leaders for West Windsor
MEMBER OF COUNCIL (VOTE FOR TWO)
Ajay Tomar} West Windsor Together Andrew Winters} West Windsor Together
Linda Geevers} Proven Leaders for West Windsor
Joseph “Joe” Charles} Proven Leaders for West Windsor
Sample ballots will be sent to all registered voters prior to the election. Please note your election voting district, polling place/address are indicated on the sample ballot. See the Township web-site for detailed election information www:westwindsornj.org.
We are running to bring balance, transparency, and vision to West Windsor’s local government. Our slate—Sujit Singh for Mayor, Ajay Tomar and Andrew Winters for Township Council—will bring fresh perspectives grounded in profes-
Sujit Singh for Mayor, Ajay Tomar for Town Council, Andrew Winters for Town Council!
ANNIVERSARY
D. Sheehan, West Windsor Township Clerk
Tony Nami Owner/President
Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton Offices MOVE TO NEW, CENTRALIZED LOCATION
Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 600 physicians and other clinicians who offer primary and specialty care, has consolidated three of its Primary Care – Hamilton practices into a brand new, spacious office located in the Mercerville Shopping Center.
The new Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton, located at 346 Route 33, Hamilton, New Jersey will be led by a team of experienced physicians, including Drs. Jerrold Gertzman, Christine Castillo, Andrew Chiromeras, Nauman Diwan, Siddiq A. Faisal, Navjot Kaur, Smriti Sharma, John Stabile, Michael Stabile, Laisa Vadakara, and Lukose Vadakara.
“Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton was one of the offices that helped launch our primary care network, and it’s amazing to see how much the practice has grown since it first opened more than 20 years ago,” said Dr. Jerrold Gertzman, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Health. “With our entire Primary Care – Hamilton team working together under one roof, patients will benefit from more streamlined access to care and the collaborative environment we maintain in all our primary and specialty care offices.”
As part of Capital Health Medical Group, the board certified team of physicians at the brand new Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton is available to keep you on the path to better health.
As part of Capital Health Medical Group, Primary Care – Hamilton also offers easy access to experienced specialists and surgeons
when necessary and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals when patients need it most.
Office hours at Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Wednesday and Friday (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and Saturday for same-day appointments by calling ahead (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). To make an appointment, call 609.587.6661 or visit capitalhealth.org/hamilton.
Capital Health Hospitals Achieve NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR STROKE CARE
Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey and Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell recently received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get with The Guidelines® –Stroke Quality Achievement Award. This award recognizes Capital Health’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
As one of 15 state-designated comprehensive stroke centers in New Jersey and home to Capital Institute for Neurosciences (for patients who require the most advanced treatments for neurovascular and stroke care), Capital Health Regional Medical Center received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite Plus award and the Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award. To qualify for these recognitions, Capital Health Regional Medical Center must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between a patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with clot-busting medication. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite Plus award.
Additionally, Capital Health Regional Medical Center and Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell each received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Hospitals that qualify for this recognition ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
“Our community depends on Capital Health to provide the most advanced stroke care possible according to the latest treatment guidelines,”
said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of the Stroke Program and director of Neurology and
Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, B-E F-A-S-T to know the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately.
B Eyes
Balance
Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?
E
Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
F
Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
Arm Weakness
A Speech Difficulty
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T
Time to call 911
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and check the time so you’ll know when the first symptom appeared.
Neuro Critical Care at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. “The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines initiative fosters environments at both hospitals where our teams can put proven knowledge to work and help patients in the Mercer and Bucks County region experience better outcomes and longer, healthier lives.”
To learn more about Capital Health’s commitment to providing advanced care for stroke patients and those with other complex disorders of the brain and spine, visit capitalneuro.org.
MAJOR EXPANSION OF HEART AND VASCULAR CARE in Trenton at Capital Health Regional Medical Center
Capital Health has officially opened a new, state-of-the-art Heart and Vascular Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC), located at 750 Brunswick Avenue in Trenton, marking a significant expansion that covers 12,650 square feet with three operating rooms: one cardiac surgery room for open-heart procedures, one hybrid operating room, and one catheterization laboratory for interventional procedures. The new center also includes six pre-/post-op bays (two dedicated to cardiac surgery), support offices, and staff accommodations.
“Born in Trenton, I take great personal satisfaction in knowing what this means for our neighbors and community and their health care. For more than 125 years, Capital Health has been a part of the Trenton community. Preserving cardiac surgery and developing this resource for patients was incredibly important to all of us,” said Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., chairman, Capital Healthcare Inc. Board of Trustees. “Thanks to the support of our elected officials, the Department of Health, and other partners, our new Heart and Vascular Center provides residents of Trenton and surrounding neighborhoods greater access to the most advanced cardiovascular care possible.”
“The people who live in New Jersey’s capital city deserve to have a health care system that provides the full range of acute life-saving services. With cardiac surgery, advanced stroke and neuroscience care, and trauma services all under one roof, our Regional Medical Center is an incredible health care resource - which is what Trenton deserves,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “I am enormously proud of the entire Capital Health team and grateful to all of our partners in state government and the community for the work it took to get this done.”
“As physicians, we are excited to be able to begin caring for patients in these state-of-the-art facilities,” said Dr. Joseph Auteri,
board certified, fellowship trained cardiothoracic surgeon and medical director at Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute. “This new suite of operating rooms will allow us to provide the latest treatment options - often combining open procedures and endovascular procedures into a single operative case for patients. This allows for quicker recovery and better outcomes, and it allows us to treat more complex problems. We’ve already assembled a multidisciplinary team of physicians that work together for the best patient outcomes; now we have the facilities to execute this exceptional care.”
The project was made possible through $22 million in state grant funding awarded in partnership with Governor Murphy and representatives for state Legislative District 15, which includes Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli.
Clinical teams from the Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute will be providing a wide range of advanced services in the new Center, including cardiac surgery, open and minimally invasive vascular surgery, cardiac catheterization, cardiac electrophysiology (minimally invasive treatments for irregular heartbeats and other disturbances of the heart rhythm), and structural heart care (minimally invasive treatments for heart valve conditions, atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovale and other structural issues of the heart).
The Heart and Vascular Center at RMC is part of the larger Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute, which offers comprehensive care with a multi-specialty approach. For more information, visit www.capitalheartandvascular.org.
FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS
Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Class size is limited.
Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date.
Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Update
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Location: Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell NJ PURE Conference Center, One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive disorder that can affect any blood vessel outside the heart and lead to complications in your legs, feet, and other areas of the body. Join DR. KOGULAN NADESAKUMARAN, a board certified vascular surgeon from Capital Health Surgical Group, for the latest information about PVD, including risk factors, prevention, detection and treatment. Staff from the Capital Health Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Department will also discuss current rehab options for PVD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Learn What to Do
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, typically in winter months. Jenna Straus, a licensed clinical social worker from Capital Health Behavioral Health Specialists, will discuss symptoms, causes, and evidence-based treatments.
team. She is one of 10 seniors for the Knights, who have a new head coach in Jennifer Halterman and a promising outlook because of their veteran group.
“We have a lot of returning varsity players so there’s a lot of good leadership,” said Halterman. “There’s a lot of experience. I’m really excited because we have solid outsides, we have solid middles. They’re all seniors. So hitting power, we’re looking good. Passing, we’re looking really good too. And we have an incoming freshman who’s starting lib, so that’s really exciting.”
Freshman Olympia Xu has taken the libero spot to earn a chance to play with her senior sister, Olivia Xu, and most of the top contributors are seniors, though the defense is young. Leaning on the veterans has helped them off to a better start. After going 9-16 last year, the Knights have started the fall 3-2, with one of their losses coming at the hands of defending state champion Princeton High. They pulled out an exciting 2-1 win over Hopewell Valley and defeated Collingswood and Princeton Day School as well.
“I really, really like the team this year,” Song said. “I think us girls get along really well and we’re playing pretty good together. I’ve been waiting for my senior season for my entire high school time and
SUJIT SINGH
“West Windsor deserves leadership that listens, plans openly, and delivers. Together, we will ensure that our township puts families and the future generations first.”
AJAY TOMAR
it’s been really fun recently.”
Song’s biggest move came with her decision to take up volleyball. While she might still catch herself wondering how she would have done with high school tennis, joining volleyball was the right choice coming into high school. Tennis had helped her grow athletically, but it had lost some of its appeal by the time she was in middle school.
“Basically, it just caused a lot of stress on me to the point where I didn’t really enjoy it as much,” Song said. “And so I decided to make the switch to volleyball because first off, volleyball’s with the team, and I really wanted to get to know more people. And also, I’ve never played a team sport before, so it was something new and something that I thought would be more fun.”
She knew she could explain to her family why volleyball was her pick. She worried mostly about how her tennis coach would react.
“I kind of just had to like rip off the Band-Aid when I decided because I was scared of his reaction because I knew that he would be disappointed,” she said. “But at the same time, I had to do. I knew that I wouldn’t be as happy and I would feel like I would regret it if I picked tennis over volleyball.”
Song’s emergence into a key contribu-
hand-eye coordination you need for both,” Song said. “And so because I played tennis for so long, a lot of skills in volleyball came pretty naturally to me and I think that’s especially true with my serve and my hitting. A lot of people, when I serve and when I hit, many people ask me, ‘You played tennis in the past?’”
After a year starting on the junior varsity, she moved into the starting lineup for the varsity as a sophomore. She delivered 68 kills, 47 digs and 18 aces as a sophomore.
“I think that recently our program has gotten a lot more talent because looking back, I was not that good in my sophomore year,” Song said. “But I had opportunities to actually play in games and stuff like that. I think that’s definitely played a big part as to how I grew and developed and improved as a player.”
“I am committed to fixing West Windsor’s infrastructure and making our roads and public spaces safer. I will streamline operations to deliver an efficient and responsive government.”
ANDREW WINTERS
“Every resident of West Windsor deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. I will advocate for all residents so that they feel respected and protected by the township’s decision making processes.“
tor on the volleyball court did not take as long as she expected. She found that her former sport helped her new one.
“A big thing that helped me is that I also played tennis for pretty much my entire childhood and I think tennis and volleyball are pretty similar sports, just with kind of the technique of it and then the
Last year, Song made another big jump on the court. Her numbers climbed to 88 kills and 138 digs, along with 38 aces. Her confidence climbed too, and that set her up for this season when she has returned as an important member of the team.
“She’s always positive, has a good mindset, she’s aggressive with the ball,” Halterman said. “She doesn’t give any free balls and I really appreciate that aggressive mentality, at least it’s a down ball or plac-
See SONG, Page 22
SUJIT SINGH
AJAY TOMAR ANDREW WINTERS for Mayor for Council
West Windsor Together will tackle real issues: warehouse sprawl, traffic fatalities, crumbling sidewalks, unsafe bike paths, disappearing open space, rising property taxes, and poor visibility on how tax dollars are spent. Our goal is a town that is financially sound, environmentally sustainable, better connected, and safe for every resident.
Safer Streets. Maintain and upgrade sidewalks, bike paths, streetlights, and roads. Join the Vision Zero Task Force to eliminate vehicular fatalities. In 2024, West Windsor saw three fatal accidents. Safety is non-negotiable.
Modern Township Operations. Implement systems for residents to easily report problems and stay informed of township business. Streamline permitting processes and lead West Windsor with a community-first approach.
No More Warehouses. The risks far outweigh the benefits. We will work with county, state, and regional leaders to pursue smarter, sustainable development.
Fix Flooding Issues. Modernize flood plans to match climate change realities and adopt recommendations from leading environmental groups such as the Watershed Institute.
21st Century Public Facilities. Build neighborhood hubs and a community center for all ages. Partner with County government to revitalize our beloved West Windsor library.
North volleyball player Chloe Song readies a serve.
MERCER COUNTY
MERCER COUNTY
MERCER COUNTY
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2026 PROGRAM BEGINS October 1, 2025
LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) 2026 PROGRAM BEGINS October 1, 2025
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season begins October 1, 2025 and will June 30, 2026. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance: apply?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season begins October 1, 2025 and will continue until June 30, 2026. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season begins October 1, 2025 and will continue until June 30, 2026. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the following income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance:
MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES
MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES
MONTHLY INCOME GUIDELINES
How can I apply?
https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
1. Online - https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
640 S. Broad St, Trenton NJ, 08611. Appointments are not required at this time.
2. In person at 640 S. Broad St, Trenton NJ, 08611. Appointments are not required at this time.
housing@mercercounty.org
3. By email housing@mercercounty.org
full name, social security number, email address and a phone number.
Please include: full name, social security number, email address and a phone number.
appointment with Mercer County LIHEAP by calling the appointment hotline at 609 -337-0933. call 609-989-6858 or email housing@mercercounty.org.
ing it well. Passing, she’s very consistent. So that’s a huge benefit to have an outside that passes. She’s always an option in the back row to run the pipe as an offensive option. Her serve is a high-risk, highreward serve, which I love. Instead of just like your standard float, she’s got that topspin. So high-risk, high-reward, she gets after it. And I just like that her mentality is really strong to get after it.”
Song has tried to be a good influence on the team. She helped introduce daily journaling to the team, with players recording their goals and how they’re feeling before and after practices.
SONG continued from Page 21 high school, especially amongst different grades,” Song said. “My freshman year I was able to immediately make friends with some upperclassmen and some people that I didn’t really talk to before and it really is a way to get to know so many different people because in school itself, you really just talk to your close people who are in your classes. Right now most of the girls on the team I don’t have any classes with and so without volleyball I wouldn’t know them and I wouldn’t be friends with them and so that’s why I owe so much to this program.”
“It’s kind of just like goal setting to set our intentions and have something written down so that we know what we’re striving for and what we want to focus on during practice or during games,” Song said.
The practice has helped the Knights focus a bit more on what they want to accomplish. The goals are bigger for them this year. North would like to be at least .500, and they are hoping to reach at least the third round of the state tournament.
Song also has made friends as a sprinter in the North track and field program, another sport that she’s participated in throughout high school that allows her to showcase her athleticism. Outside of school, she enjoys helping those less fortunate in the community. She volunteers with several clubs. She has spent the past few summers volunteering at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
“We get groceries and packed goods and stuff and then we pack them into the bags and then we distribute them to people in the area who need it,” Song said. “It sustains them for about a week and so we do that weekly, giving out these grocery bags for them. It’s really fulfilling. I really like doing it.”
4. Schedule an appointment with Mercer County LIHEAP by calling the appointment hotline at 609 -337-0933. You may also call 609-989-6858 or email housing@mercercounty.org.
*Federal income limits are subject to change during the program year. Please call for incomes above 8 persons.
How can I apply?
1. Online - https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website: https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-communitydevelopment-programs
County Commissioners
“My goal for them is to get them above .500 for the season,” Halterman said. “And get past that state round that they keep getting stuck on — the second round. So my win-loss goal aligns more with them. I’m really just trying to have their experience in high school volleyball be a good one, a learning one. It’s not going to be easy. They have to understand it’s hard to balance everything. Hopefully they learn from it in that regard and are better for it.”
Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website: https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-communitydevelopment-programs
Board of County Commissioners
2. In person at 640 S. Broad St, Trenton NJ, 08611. Appointments are not required at this time.
Edward Pattik Housing Director
Edward Pattik Housing Director
Song has learned a lot about herself over her career. It started with making a tough choice to take up the sport, and then she had to play catch-up against players who were doing club volleyball outside of school or had been playing longer. She drove herself to improve each year.
Song hopes to study business marketing in college. She won’t be playing volleyball or running track in college. She has in recent years picked up her tennis racket again to just play for fun with friends.
“I’m definitely happy with my decision because I really do enjoy playing volleyball and I don’t think I would ever have an opportunity to play like this in any other setting other than high school,” she said. “But sometimes I do think about like, what if I did play tennis? And I think about if I would enjoy it more, but at the end of the day I know I wouldn’t have.”
3. By email housing@mercercounty.org
Daniel Benson, County Executive
Daniel Benson, County Executive
Please include: full name, social security number, email address and a phone number.
4. Schedule an appointment with Mercer County LIHEAP by calling the appointment hotline at 609-337-0933. You may also call 609-989-6858 or email housing@mercercounty.org.
Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website: https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-communitydevelopment/housing-and-community-development-programs
“My first two years, I was really timid on the court,” she said. “I didn’t really want the balls as much because I was scared that I would mess up. And when there’s upperclassmen on your team playing alongside you, you feel pressure to do well because they’re older and you don’t want to ruin it for them. But now that in the past two years, once I’ve gotten older, gotten more experienced on the court, I definitely have felt a lot more confident and then also more willing to take risks and try new things in order to see what works well for me.”
Song has gotten more out of playing volleyball than just the development on the court. It’s brought her life enrichment. It’s given her more than she anticipated when she made the move.
“Being a part of this program has given me so many friends and people that I wouldn’t have known or talked to in
Chloe Song is off to a great start to the end of her high school volleyball career. She posted five kills and four digs in the three-set win over Hopewell Valley and has 12 kills and 15 digs, along with a pair of aces, in helping the Knights start at .500 at 3-3 through six games. She had an incredible seven aces in a 2-1 loss to Hightstown. She’s been a leader and positive influence for the North girls while trying to make the most of her last year on the court.
“A lot of girls on our team play volleyball outside of school and stuff and so we have a lot of people with a lot of experience,” Song said. “And in our games recently, we’ve been playing really good. We have chemistry and then we also have been performing well, minimizing our errors and our mistakes. And so I think as the season goes on and obviously we’re going to get better during the season as well so I could see us doing really well this season.”
Facts about the Single Warehouse on Route 571: Our opponents have no real solutions, only complaints.
Their
Best
of experience
¥ No kids added to the school system
¥ Continue farming 25-acre farm
¥ $1.1 million in affordable housing fee (revenue)
¥ $900,000 in annual tax revenue
The alternative was 580 apartments, destroying the farm
¥ 850+ cars driving through West Windsor
¥ 300+ kids flooding the school system
¥ No open space left
¥ Tax increase on residents for schools
Don’t let scare tactics fool you. The warehouse is being hidden by berms, plantings, and setbacks. It will not be visible from any home, just as McCaffrey’s is not visible from the homes behind it.
Similarly, the warehouse project on Quakerbridge Road is a win-win for West Windsor. It eliminated the threat of 2,000 homes, cleaned up 40+ structures and toxic contamination on the property, and would take several years to build. If built, it will contribute $14 million in annual tax revenue.
The Choice Is Clear. Marathe Geevers Charles
View from East Kincaid Dr
View from Route 571
Community forum
Letters and commentary are printed on a space-available basis. For more, see our website at communitynews.org.
Endorsements for Marathe, Geevers, Charles
I was proud to work side by side with Joe Charles during the last election to preserve our township’s nonpartisan form of government. Together, we helped secure a decisive 66% victory for residents who value fairness and equal opportunity in our elections.
Joe’s role in that campaign was critical. He rolled up his sleeves, built consensus and spoke with clarity about why keeping our elections nonpartisan was essential to maintaining West Windsor’s unique spirit. He showed then that he is not afraid to stand up for what is right and bring people together for the greater good.
Now, as a candidate for council, Joe brings that same independent perspective and dedication to service. I have no doubt he will be an effective and thoughtful addition to the governing body. He will join Mayor Hemant Marathe, who has led with both vision and humility.
Hemant’s steady leadership has ensured that West Windsor continues to grow responsibly while keeping the best interests of residents at the forefront of every decision. Alongside them is Councilwoman Linda Geevers, whose long record of service is a testament to her deep care for our community. Linda is approachable, responsive and consistently puts the needs of residents first.
Together, Joe, Hemant and Linda offer West Windsor a balanced team: new energy, proven experience and unwavering integrity. They are committed to keeping our township strong, inclusive and well-prepared for the future. These are the qualities that define Proven Leaders for West Windsor — and I am proud to support them.
Andy Lupo West Windsor * * *
As a resident for 65 years and an employee in the township for more than 35 years, I have developed a deep appreciation for our community’s values, needs and aspirations. Over the decades, I have had the opportunity to observe and interact with many individuals who have led
our township. Today, I would like to share my views on three notable candidates: Hemant Marathe for mayor, and Linda Geevers and Joe Charles for council.
I worked closely with Hemant Marathe when he was a member of council and as mayor, and although we may not have always agreed on some of his decisions, he was always willing to hear my point of view not only as a staff member but also as a longtime resident.
I have also observed his willingness to engage with residents and listen to differing viewpoints, which is crucial for effective leadership in a diverse community like ours. Over the past eight years, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to fiscal responsibility, such as keeping municipal taxes with little or no increase.
His approach to township governance often centers on careful planning and ensuring that residents’ tax dollars are used efficiently. From his time on the school board to his tenure in township leadership, he has been consistent in advocating for transparency and accountability. Hemant has been active in many volunteer organizations within the township, which is a quality I commend.
Cholesterol
“My
Taher Modarressi, MD, FNLA
During my time working at the township, I worked closely with Linda Geevers, who always reviewed each item before council, asked tough questions and did her research. Linda’s long-standing service to West Windsor is hard to overlook, both while on the school board and as a council member.
Her background in public service has given her a broad perspective on the township’s evolving needs. I have found her to be approachable, open-minded and genuinely invested in the well-being of all residents.
Linda consistently seeks balanced solutions, particularly on issues related to development, open space and community services. Her experience is an asset, especially when navigating complex municipal challenges. Linda has been engaged in the community not only as a member of the council but also as a volunteer in many organizations throughout the township.
Joe Charles brings a fresh perspective to township leadership. Having seen various administrations come and go, I recognize the importance of new ideas and energy. Joe’s background in community involvement, especially with the “Vote No”
campaign last year to maintain our current form of government, and his proactive stance on civic engagement resonate with many residents who seek more direct communication with their leaders. While he may not have as many years of direct township service as his fellow candidates, his enthusiasm and willingness to learn are commendable. Joe would represent the interests of a new generation in West Windsor.
Gay M. Huber
Huber is the former Township Clerk.
The 2025 public election cycle is upon us, and election-related signs are popping up all over town. Some of my friends are a little perplexed when they see them and ask if I’m running for a West Windsor council seat. A few have even called. The fact is, I am not running.
West Windsor is a great place to live and raise a family. Public service is tough work, and you get much more criticism than your fair share. In my opinion, Hemant is inclusive and responsive to our township and the communities within it.
He is always accessible and ready to listen to concerns or new ideas. He has been doing it well for a long time and works hard at it. He is at the forefront of ensuring that our township has a fiscally responsible government and is prepared
to address its needs.
Linda has given her heart and mind to public service in West Windsor for more than two decades. She has always been involved in conversations with township residents to understand their needs and work to address them.
I am also excited that Joe has put his hand up for West Windsor council. Last year, our town faced a major challenge to its nonpartisan form of government. Joe demonstrated excellent leadership and organizational skills in raising awareness among township residents.
Prabhat Tomar
West Windsor
As a former member of the township government of West Windsor, including two terms as mayor, I am endorsing and supporting Hemant Marathe for mayor of West Windsor Township.
He has a proven track record of substantial success in leading the government of West Windsor during his term as mayor and has many notable accomplishments, as well as plans for more.
These include stabilizing the tax base, supporting public safety, managing township growth, advancing environmental plans and creating community space planning. These achievements have been demonstrated and documented throughout his
service to West Windsor.
I ask that you support Hemant and his leadership team in this election. I also ask that you support Councilwoman Linda Geevers for re-election for her commendable work and dedication to our community. In addition, CPA Joe Charles brings valuable experience to the council. Joe has proved his commitment to the West Windsor community over the past several years.
Bob Murray Murray is a former West Windsor mayor.
WW deserves better than ‘traffic village’
West Windsor has always been a town where families come to build a future where safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and thoughtful growth go hand in hand. With the right leadership, we can make smart investments that strengthen our community, reduce traffic, and create vibrant spaces for families, seniors, and businesses alike.
But under the current mayor’s leadership, that vision has been lost. The muchpromised “Transit Village” is looking less like a hub of opportunity and more like “Traffic Village.” Instead of a balanced, walkable community with retail, restaurants, and gathering spaces, the project is shaping up to be exclusively high-den-
sity residential with none of the promised benefits.
The result? More cars. More congestion. More flooding. More strain on our roads and schools. After eight years, the incumbent has overpromised, underdelivered, and left West Windsor with worsening traffic problems and missed opportunities.
We deserve better. Singh, Tomar, and Winters have a fresh vision for growth that works for everyone. We will insist that development comes with the infrastructure improvements it requires: safer roads, better traffic management, and real commercial spaces that boost our economy. We believe in creating a walkable, familyfriendly, and economically responsible community, not repeating the same stale mistakes.
This election, we can say no to broken promises and yes to a brighter future. By voting for Singh, Tomar, and Winters, you’re voting for leaders who will put residents first, demand accountability, and build the West Windsor we all deserve. Safe, smart, and sustainable growth is possible. Together, we can make it happen.
Sujit Singh, Ajay Tomar, Andrew Winters
Singh is running for West Windsor mayor and Tomar and Winters are council candidates.
Travel Talk with Caryn and Aron Milestone moments
This past weekend Aron and I traveled to New Orleans to review the location for our youngest son’s wedding. This year has been a very meaningful year full of mitzvahs – new baby’s, an engagement in Barcelona and a milestone birthday. We have various trips planned to celebrate each of these events from a cruise, to a destination wedding to weekend getaways.
Life’s most meaningful moments deserve extraordinary settings that transform celebrations into lasting memories. Whether reuniting extended families, rekindling romance, or rewarding academic achievements, these carefully curated experiences elevate special occasions into unforgettable adventures.
Honeymooning and anniversary escapes. Adults-only sanctuaries elevate romance to an art form. Sandals Resorts offer butler-serviced suites with private plunge pools, while Secrets Cap Cana specializes in private beachfront dinners with waves as background music. For elegant voyages, Celebrity Cruises’ The Retreat provides exclusive spaces reserved for suite guests. River cruising with Viking through Europe’s romantic waterways offers docking in the heart of charming villages and returning to your floating boutique hotel each evening.
Family reunions: All together now. Cruise ship reunions eliminate the age-old “who’s cooking tonight?” question. With Norwegian’s “More at Sea” perks—drinks, WiFi, and specialty dining—budgeting becomes straightforward for multigenerational gatherings. Grandparents sip wine, parents hit the spa, teens tackle the rock wall, and kids dive into fun. The real magic? Everyone reconnecting at dinner— no cleanup, no kids’ table shuffle. We can even plan private onboard events to make it extra special.
Friendcations. Friendship deserves celebration, too. For wellness-focused groups, destination spas offer customized retreat programs. Active friends might prefer Hotel Xcaret Mexico, where adventure meets luxury with included excursions to natural parks and Mayan ruins. Or, try Virgin Voyages, which shatters traditional cruise molds by trading buffets for trendsetting eateries and family- friendly shows for festival-like entertainment—perfect for friends who want unique experiences.
Holiday escapes. Transform winter holidays into remarkable getaways. European river cruises showcase magical seasonal markets along the Rhine and Danube, where medieval towns transform
into wonderlands of handcrafted ornaments and mulled wine. Rather avoid winter altogether? Caribbean cruises let you trade snow shoveling for snorkeling and holiday cooking for onboard feasts. For distinctive celebrations, ring in the New Year in Australia or Japan celebrating hours before friends back home.
As a travel professional, we are your trusted advisor, from the time of our initial meeting, throughout the research, planning and booking process, to the time you leave on your vacation. We are just not an anonymous click on a button and book at trip. We offer you travel tips and guidance throughout the process. But it doesn’t stop there! We are also available 24/7 if you need us while you are travelling. We look forward to welcoming you home and hearing about all the wonderful vacation memories you have created. So, the next time you sit down to discuss your travel vacation plans make sure it is with a travel professional.
There is still time to book your last minute summer and fall travel and now is the time to start planning your winter break getaway. And don’t forget to purchase travel insurance.
Contact us today at 609-750-0807 or cberla@cruiseplanners.com to discuss your travel plans. At Cruise Planners we are Luxury Travel Specialists. We do not charge any additional fees for our vacation planning, and whether you are looking for a Cruise, an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation, or a European Land Tour, we will provide you with the exceptional service you should expect from a travel agent. Visit us at www. makingvacationmemories.net to register for either our regular or for our Luxury newsletter to be delivered directly to your inbox and follow us at www.facebook.com/ familycruising. Unlike big online travel sites, Cruise Planners - ABC Family Cruising and Travel delivers the personal touch.
CLASSifiED
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VACATION RENTAL
Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Dates are still available 1 br condo on beach. Call for details @ 609-577-8244.
SERVICES
My name is Karolina, and I’ve always enjoyed creating order around me. Cleaning is not just a job for me, but true satisfaction seeing a home sparkle or an office shine. I offer cleaning for homes and offices with care and attention to every detail. 640-466-1378.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR PET/S OR TIRED OF LIVING ALONE??/ DO YOU HAVE EXTRA SPACE FOR A 63 YEAR OLD CHRISTIAN WOMAN LOOKING FOR A PEACEFUL LIVING ARRANGEMENT? CAN CONTRIBUTE $400 CAN HELP WITH LIGHT HOUSEWORK DOES NOT SMOKE OR DRINK. SMALL WELL TRAINED DOG INCLUDED contact me Bridget4488371@gmail.com
F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.
Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.
LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education
Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.
Guitar, Ukulele and Drum lessons for all. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.
Emergency child care Emergency child care –need a date? At a loss for child care sometimes? Need a few hours to yourself? Hello, I’m Eileen. I taught preschool for 39 years as well as being a clown. Ages 2 1/2 -6 years. 609-477-4268.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.
WANTED TO BUY
Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.
Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com
Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com
HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .
NOTICE
I Vijay Singh father of Vaishnavi, holder of Indian Passport No B6233719, issued at New York on 10/18/2024, permanent resident of C-28 Gokul Vihar, Rohta Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, 250002 and presently residing at 9108 Tamarron Dr., Plainsboro, NJ, 08536, do hereby change my daughter name from Vaishnavi to Vaishnavi Singh, with immediate effect.
I Vijay Singh father of Dhurv, holder of Indian Passport No B6233718, issued at New York on 10/18/2024, permanent resident of C-28 Gokul Vihar, Rohta Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, 250002 and presently residing at 9108 Tamarron Dr., Plainsboro, NJ, 08536, do hereby change my son name from Dhruv to Dhruv Singh, with immediate effect.
DIRECT: 609-903-9098
609-987-8889
donnalucarelli25@gmail.com www.donnalucarelli.com
OFFICE: 609-987-8889 donnalucarelli25@gmail.com www.donnalucarelli.com
“My experience with Donna Lucarelli was in one word AMAZING!!!
PRODUCING REALTOR FOR 24 YEARS
“My experience with Donna Lucarelli was in one word AMAZING!!! Donna is clearly experienced and professional. She offers a wide range of services beyond just seller and or buyer representation. We valued her expertise in ALL aspects of our selling process and she provided us with a great deal of confidence in that time. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND her for your real estate transaction. Donna was able to provide us with time saving ideas and tips that made our experience painless. Not to mention the BEST OFFERS possible. We got OVER ASKING PRICE. Consider the value of your time and then call DONNA LUCARELLI. You will be glad you did.”
“Donna is The QUEEN! The recent sale of our home in West Windsor was our 4th transaction with Donna, and as my wife and I are fond of saying, “we are in good hands with Donna.” Her energy, passion and love for her work in something you rarely see. We are a busy family and Donna took care of so many things for us, dare I say it was... easy?!? Highly recommended for everyone, but especialy for folks who need a full service agent. To say that Donna went above and beyond doesn’t really do her justice.”
Donna is clearly experienced and professional. She offers a wide range of services beyond just seller and or buyer representation. We valued her expertise in ALL aspects of our selling process and she provided us with a great deal of confidence in that time. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND her for your real estate transaction. Donna was able to provide us with time saving ideas and tips that made our experience painless. Not to mention the BEST OFFERS possible. We got OVER ASKING PRICE. Consider the value of your time and then call DONNA LUCARELLI. You will be glad you did.”
“Donna is The QUEEN! The recent sale of our home in West Windsor was our 4th transaction with Donna, and as my wife and I are fond of saying, “we are in good hands with Donna.” Her energy, passion and love for her work in something you rarely see. We are a busy family and Donna took care of so many things for us, dare I say it was... easy?!? Highly recommended for everyone, but especialy for folks who need a full service agent. To say that Donna went above and beyond doesn’t really do her justice.”