4-23 EO

Wrestler takes girls’ state championship

By Rich Fisher

As Shellitha Collins stood upon the peak of the podium and fans at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall applauded her effort, none were aware of just how much this year’s NJSIAA 235-pound girls’ state wrestling champion once despised challenging competition.

“I started wrestling in second grade because my brother (fourthplace state finisher Lavitsky Collins) wrestled,” the Ewing High junior recalled. “I was in my follower stages in life and wanted to be like my brother. I lasted until third grade, and I felt like I was horrible. I only wrestled boys, and I just got my butt whupped.

“It was like, ‘I don’t want to compete.’ I didn’t ever stop practicing. I know my stuff now. But back then I gave up because I kept getting beat and I didn’t like it at all. I don’t like being overpowered and I don’t like losing. So I didn’t like it with the boys.”

ful and, on March 4 her journey hit its latest high point when she pinned Lakeland’s Caroline Biegel in 2:15 to become the first state wrestling champion in EHS history for either boys or girls. After a standstill first period that produced no points, Shellitha planted Biegel 15 seconds into the second.

“I won the coin flip and took bottom, and I got the reversal on her and swung her on her back,” said Collins, who finished fi fth in last year’s states. “After I won, I feel like I looked silly the way I was, like, running in place. But I was really happy. My dad jumped 10 feet into the air. My grandpa was crying in the stands. Lavitsky couldn’t be there, but he was proud of me.”

As was the entire EHS community; knowing it finally had a state champion on the mat.

how far would you go if they were sick?

“I’m honored to be the first,” Collins said a week after making history. “I know my name is going to be up there as the first one to have this accomplishment.”

Blue Devils football players reach out to the community

And yet, something about the sport itself gripped Shelitha and she would continue to wrestle at home with her brothers and attend camps. By the time she returned to the sport, boys still presented the competition but she was more prepared. Thus, when it came to wrestling girls Collins felt even more power-

It wasn’t easy, as Shellitha came a long way from those second-grade whuppins she used to take.

Welcome to Capital Health.

After retiring from competition for four years, she returned to the fray in seventh grade “because I didn’t have anything to do in the winter. I knew I couldn’t play basketball. I’m

See CHAMP, Page 8

By Rich Fisher

When Ross Maddalon interviewed for the job as Ewing High football coach, he stressed that, if hired, one of his goals was to do community outreach programs with his team.

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.

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.

Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.

And how did the players feel about that?

Pretty darn good, in fact.

One of Maddalon’s first projects was to participate in the Read Across America program, where members of his team would read from books to elementary school

students from kindergarten through 2nd grade.

“Once coach Maddalon approached us with the question of whether we wanted to read to the elementary school, with no hesitation we all signed up for the task,”

See READING, Page 6

Football team members Isaiah Harrison and Zaire Lowe, both seniors, read to Parkway Elementary School students as part of the Read Across America program.

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

One of the top 15 heart transplant programs in the nation.

RWJBarnabas Health has a passion for heart health, with the largest adult and pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state, a heart transplant program that’s in the top 15 nationally, the latest technology and medical advancements and hundreds of wellness and prevention programs to strengthen and protect healthy hearts. Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. Learn more at rwjbh.org/transplant

Credit Union of New Jersey celebrates 80 years

Incorporated in 1943 to serve State Highway Department Employees, theCredit Union of New Jersey is celebrating eight decades of providing smart financial tools,financial strength and exceptional service to generations of members.

From humble beginnings,the credit union has grown to serve all state of New Jersey Government employees and employees of 200-plus organizations.

Although many changes have taken place over the last 80 years,the credit union remains focused on their core mission,which is to provide their members with The Freedom to Prosper.

“For us,The Freedom to Prosper gives us purpose-to provide our members with the knowledge and ability to be in control of their financial lives. Those four words have helped us establish a solid foundation when it comes to helping our members achieve their financial goals,” said Andrew Jaeger, CCE president and CEO of the Credit Union of New Jersey. “From being a safe and secure place to grow their savings to offering quality loan products for every

AROUND TOWN Observer Ewing

situation,being able to thrive through 80 years of economic ups and downs is a testament to our strength,perseverance and exceptional service. We are truly grateful to our members for trusting us to be a part of their financial journeys.”

In addition to serving members through their financial products and services,Credit Union of New Jersey also gives back to the community through the Credit Union of New Jersey Foundation,which supports multiple non-profit and charitable organizations across the state.

The Credit Union of New Jersey provides financial services to 37,256 members through five full-service offices located in Mercer and Burlington Counties and an E-branch at cunj.org. Established in 1943, the $424,888,467 credit union is headquartered in Ewing Township. Membership information and current rates may be obtained by calling (609) 538-4061 or by visiting cunj.org.

Ewing Library April events

The following are programs for children at the Ewing Branch of the Mercer County Library in March. The library is located at 61 Scotch Road. (609) 882-3130.

Painting Station. Mondays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 at 10:30-11 a.m. Painting station for children, ages 5 and under with adult.

Little Scientist STEM Program. Mondays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 at 10 -10:30 a.m. Learn by doing fun experiments! Children ages 5 and under with adult.

Video Interviews with Poets. Mondays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 4:30 p.m.- 5 p.m. April is National Poetry Month, get to know some well-loved children’s poets in video interviews, for school age children!

Toddler Storytime. Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30-11 a.m. Songs, rhymes, and stories. Suggested for children, ages 5 and under with adult. Themes: April 4 Tiny Robot, April 11 Easter Egg Hunt, April 18 Earth Day and April 25 Library Storytime.

Toddlers Create! Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 11-11:45 a.m. Toddlers will create projects with a Spring theme! Suggested for children, ages 5 and under with adult.

Messy Crafts. Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 2:30-3:15 p.m. Join us for messy crafts, with different projects each week. Please dress down for messy play. Suggested for children ages 5 and under with adult.

Music and Movement. Wednesdays,

April 5, 12, 19, at 11-11:45 a.m. Join Miss Susan for music and movement action rhymes! Children 5 and under with adult.

Think Like a Scientist! Wednesdays, April 12, 19, at 5:15 -5:40 p.m. Fun science projects and experiments for school-age children ages 6-10.

Baby Time. Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:30-10:45 a.m. Join Miss Chetna for rhymes and songs! Children ages birth to 18 months with adult.

Playdough Creations. Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 11-11:45 a.m. Playdough creations based on a storytime theme. Children ages 5 and under with adult.

Homeschool Meet-up. Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 9:30-10:20 a.m.. All are invited to join Homeschool Meet-up. Some sessions will be play based, others more educational in nature. All ages and abilities are welcome! Come join us and make some new friends!

Preschool Storytime. Fridays, April 14, 21, 28 at 10:30-11 a.m. Songs, rhymes, stories and craft. Suggested for children ages 2-5 with adult.

Playdough Creations. Fridays, April 14, 21, 28 at 10:30-11 a.m. Playdough creSee AROUND TOWN, Page 4

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Ewing Observer 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.

EDITOR

Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rich Fisher

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Helen Kull

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stephanie Jeronis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: bsanservino@communitynews.org

Website: ewingobserver.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ewingobserver

Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

17,000 copies of the Ewing Observer are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Ewing 12 times a year.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

ations based on a storytime theme. Children ages 5 and under with adult.

Chess Program for School-age Children, Ages 5-12.  Sundays, April 16, 23, 30 at 3-4 p.m. Join us for a game of chess! No experience necessary, and all skill levels welcome! A limited number of chess boards will be provided.

mTiny and Sphero Ball Free Play. April 3, 4, 5, 6, 3-4 p.m. Free play with mTiny and Sphero ball, for school-age children 5-10.

Sensory Storytime. Saturday, April 1, 10:30-11 a.m., for ages 5-10 with adult. Attendance is limited to 12 families.

Volunteers Needed to Assemble Coping Box. Wednesday, April 5, 3-5 p.m. Join Toluwanimi Akinosho in making a coping box for siblings of children who have cancer. Teens looking for volunteer hours can help put items (journals, stress balls, markers, crayons, coloring books, word puzzle books, stickers, deck of cards, bubbles, mini play dough and small silly putty into box. All materials will be provided by Ms. Akinosho. The hospitals that will be receiving the boxes are St. Peter’s in New Brunswick, Capital Hopewell BMS, Children’s in New Brunswick, and Penn Medicine Princeton.

Financial Well Being for Children. Wednesday, April 5, 6-7 p.m. Planting the seeds of financial wellbeing at an early age can help build confidence and enhance financial literacy. Stay Safe Online or 8 Steps to Financial Success. There will be money games, coloring activities, crafts, giveaways, and a fun video for children 8-12. Presented by Amanda Griffith from the Credit Union of New Jersey.

Drop-in Unicorn Day Craft. Monday, April 10, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Celebrate Unicorn Day with a special craft!

Read to the Dog. Thursdays, April 13

and 20, 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Read to Theodore Finley, the Library Dog. Children can sign up for a fifteen- minute session by calling the children’s desk or register online.

Earth Slime. Wednesday, April 19, 5:30-6 p.m. Also Thursday, April 20 make Earth Slime. All Ages!

Make a Macrame Photo Wall Hanging. Wednesday, April 19, 7-8 p.m. Make a stylish macrame wall hanging to display photos for all your friends to see. Ages 13 and up!

Ask Your Teacher. National Library Week (April 23-29) This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story.” During this week, children and teens can pick up a form at the children’s desk. The form will ask you to take your favorite teacher’s picture and their favorite library book. All entries will be displayed in the library from April 24- May 12.

Pokemon Drop-in Corner Bookmark Craft. Tuesday, April 28, 10 a.m. –4 p.m. Pick-up your Pokemon Corner Bookmark Craft! * * *

Programs for Adults. Registration required. Call 609-882-3148 or sign up at mcl.org.

Poetry Month Film Series. Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. April 1: Dead Poets Society. April 15: Poetic Justice. Saturday. April 22: Bright Star.

Chess Club. Monday, April 4, 6 p.m. and Wednesday, April 19, 2:30 p.m. Join us for a game of chess. All skill levels welcome. A limited number of chess boards will be provided.

Create a Flower Bed from Scratch Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. Let the West Trenton Garden Club guide you in creating your own colorful garden bed at home. Learn how to plant and care for annuals and perennials for year-round enjoyment!

Create a Red-Hot Resume. Thursday,

April 13, 10 a.m. A one-on-one workshop for building a resume and conducting an effective job search. Four 30-minute individual appointments. Presented by volunteer Paul Martinetti, MD who has led numerous workshops at TCNJ’s career center.

Adult Craft: Drip Paint Pots Monday, April 17, 2:30 p.m. Make a colorful pot using the drip-paint technique! Registration required.

Non-Fiction Book Group: Killers of the Flower Moon. Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m. Join us to discuss Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Feel free to attend even if you have not read or finished the book.

Adult Book Discussion. Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m. Join us to discuss Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. Registration required.

Sunday Movie Series. For ages 18 and up, 2 p.m. April 2: Empire of Light. April 16: Women Talking. April 23: A Man Called Otto. Spring Fling Book Sale. Thursday, April 27: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Bag sale of leftovers on Saturday—a grocery bag full for only $5. Large inventory of books for adults, young adults, and children; DVDs, CD music CDs, books on CD, and flea market with unexpected special finds and collectibles! Hardback & Trade from $1.00. Pocket Paperbacks 50¢ or 3/$1. No admission fee. * * *

Computer Classes. Call the Reference Desk at 882-3148 to schedule a convenient time to stop in and get one-on-one instruction.

Learn to Download Library Books

to Your eReader or Tablet. By appointment only. The Mercer County Library System has hundreds of fiction and nonfiction titles that you can download for FREE to your Kindle, Nook, iPad or other eReader or tablet.

Learn How to Get Hoopla and Flipster on Your Smartphone or Tablet. By appointment only. Hoopla is a free mobile app that let you stream movies, music, TV shows, and audiobooks to your digital devices. With Flipster, you can read magazines on the go.

Cenlar employees help build affordable homes

Volunteers from Ewing-based Cenlar FSB helped frame two affordable homes in Hightstown on March 8.

The effort was part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, which seeks to empower women and help them build strength, stability and independence. Every year during the first week of March, Habitat provides special opportunities for hands-on learning so that women can suc-

ceed in changing their communities.

A team composed of mostly women from Cenlar partnered with Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey on International Women’s Day to build homes, community and hope for women in Hightstown.

Habitat SCNJ seeks to address the gaps in equity that women experience when seeking to provide themselves and their loved ones with a safe and affordable place to call home. For more than 35 years, the organization has provided permanent housing solutions to local hard-working women in need of a helping hand as they build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.

In fact, women-led households make up 65% of new Habitat Homeowners and 55% of homeowners who receive home repairs in the last 3 years. Next door to the houses under construction sit two Habitat homes that were completed and sold last year.

The Cenlar team worked from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the construction site, located at 224 and 226 S. Academy St. in Hightstown.

MCCC jazz band kicks off free concert series

The public is invited to “get jazzed” this spring with shows in and around the area performed by Mercer County Community College’s talented jazz ensemble.

Come on out to see the MCCC Jazz Band perform one of America’s most iconic art forms. Admission is free.

Directed by Scott Hornick, the MCCC Jazz Band is composed of 12 to 16 MCCC students, faculty and special guests who will present varied and exciting shows from March till May.

The repertoire includes a compilation of various jazz favorites and standards. All selections feature standout improvisations by Mercer County Community College music students.

The band will be performing on the following dates/locations:

Quakerbridge Mall, Lawrence Township, Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m.

Lawrenceville Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township. Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.

Princeton MarketFair, 3535 Route 1, West Windsor, April 26, (Time TBA).

MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre will be home to more memorable music events including the MCCC Chorus on Tuesday, May 2 and the MCCC Jazz Ensemble on Wednesday, May 3.

For information about joining the Jazz Band and/or music lessons at MCCC, go to mccc.edu/catalog/courses/mus.shtml.

For information about all events at MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre visit kelsey.mccc. edu/events.

I n j u r e d a t w o r k ?

Gary E. Adams, is a managing partner and chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Department of Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman He recently received The Jack O’Brien Service Award presented by the Workers’ Compensation Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. The award recognizes Mr. Adams’ service, dedication, and diligence during his distinguished career in the field of Workers’ Compensation law

He has been representing the interests of injured workers and union members for his entire legal career and has been certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Workers’ Compensation Trial Attorney.

Call Gary for a free consultation. There are no attorney fees unless there is a compensation award.

READING continued from Page 1

Senior Dorian Williams was pleasantly surprised that the football players were being given the opportunity to do something for the first time since Drew Besler was the head coach.

“I was definitely excited to be doing it and

looked forward to it for the weeks leading up to it,” Williams said. “It was an opportunity I did not want to pass up.”

Maddalon was certain his guys would enjoy it. He took a group of seniors that included Tavon Lattimer, Nein Davila, Andrew Ryczkowski, Isaiah Harrison, Jayden Townsend, Jay’lin Saint Clair, Williams and Lowe to Park-

way Elementary in early March. On March 23, juniors Josh Gillis, Josh Baker, Amir Latimer, Chaz Heading and Gio Zissett, and sophomore Nate Hilty visited Antheil.

The coach plans on taking another group to Lore after spring break.

“I knew it would be a good experience for them,” he said. “I’ve never done it before, I’ve

Seniors Andrew Ryczkowski, Nevin Davila, Dorian Williams and Tavon Lattimer read to students at Parkway School. senior Zaire Lowe said.

just seen schools that have done it. I’ve got a couple kids that I wasn’t sure how they would be reading in front of kids. They’re usually pretty quiet. But they came out of their shell.

“They really got into it. Especially after the first time they read. They got a comfort level that was really, really good. Each and every player was into it. I saw some of our kids talk and get into things more than they ever did on the football field. Some of them on the field were as quiet as church mice. But a lot of them, their personality came out, they were excited. They were really solid.”

Lowe said he never experienced that kind of thing when he was in elementary school, but recommended that all high school programs should give back in such a way. The book he read was The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

“When reading I tried to sound more like a narrator and go with the flow,” Lowe said. “It felt very wholesome seeing their reactions with each flip of the page.”

Although Williams doesn’t recall athletes ever performing Reading Across America narrations when he was a youngster, he does remember “older students” coming in to read and interact with special activities.

“Those times were really fun and I always catch myself thinking back to it,” he said. “Knowing how I felt when I was in the young childrens’ shoes makes this experience all the more sincere and special for me. Knowing I was able to give back and give them the experience that I loved so much.”

Williams’ book was “Box Boy.” Showing how serious he took it, Dorian actually laid out a game plan before starting to read.

“Knowing that this was a very young group of kids, I knew I would need to be

animated and exaggerate to make the book more enjoyable,” he explained. “So while reading, I changed the tone and pitch of my voice. I exaggerated every part, which made the book more enjoyable for the kids.”

The result was exactly what Williams was hoping for.

“When I started reading and saw how lively the kids were, it made me feel great,” he said. “Seeing the enjoyment on their faces was really nice. After every page I read, I heard giggles and laughs coming from them so it was heartwarming knowing they enjoyed it and had fun.”

The players went in 15-20 minute rotations with each class, and the session lasted for 90 minutes. Maddalon advised them to start slowly, and gradually get into it. He was proud of how well his guys handled it, and also the reaction of the students.

“The kids loved it,” the coach said. “The kids thought they were giants. I went to the kindergarten class and one kid didn’t even know who our kid was and he said ‘Oh you’re my favorite football player.’ So our guys’ egos were all pumped up so that’s good too. It was truly outstanding, it was better than I thought. I was very pleased with it.”

Maddalon admitted he approached his guys with a bit of trepidation.

“It’s tough to say what you think they’re gonna be like,” he said. “You’re wondering if they’re thinking ‘Oh we’re high schoolers, they’re little kids.’ You think they might be thinking ‘Well this is nice, but it’s just a way to get out of school.’ By the time it was all said and done, literally they were all into it.”

There were questions thrown out from both sides. The students would ask the players where they were going to college and what were their career plans.

The players would ask the kids how many wanted to be football players, and Maddalon was enthused by the amount who said yes.

“I only hope our numbers are that good in a few years,” he said with a laugh.

On the ride home, the coach polled the bus, asking his guys what they thought, and noted, “they all loved it.”

Which Maddalon loves hearing, considering how he thinks community work is so important for his team.

“It was just good to do something where you’re reaching out to the community a little bit,” he said. “I want the football program to lead by example. I want them to be role models, pillars of the community. I want them to be people that younger kids look up to.

“I don’t want it to be where it’s just a football program and that’s all they’re concerned about. If you’re gonna produce well-rounded and developed young individuals full of integrity, it’s gonna be kids who are getting the full experience. Going out, helping out no matter what it is. Experiences like this go a long way with them deciding how they want to be in life.”

The coach concluded by saying, “This is just the beginning. There’s a lot of other things we can do.”

Which is certainly good news for the folks of Ewing.

EWING TOWNSHIP

terribly short and horrible at jumping.”

Wrestling was the next option, though Collins said Lavitsky’s success in the sport was not her inspiration.

“I wasn’t a follower anymore,” she said. “I was gonna do my own thing.”

Due to her non-competitive workouts over the years; Collins had honed her skills to where she was better prepared to face male wrestlers. Upon her return she finished fourth in the middle school Mercer County Tournament, saying “I had a lot of good matches and I had some really bad ones. But I was wrestling all boys, so...”

“I wasn’t that nervous because the Phillipsburg setting is not as grand as Atlantic City,” she said. “It feels like the people aren’t paying attention to you because there’s so much going on around you (with simultaneous matches). I wasn’t in the finals, so I wasn’t the center of the show. All the attention wasn’t on me and I did my best to get fifth place.”

This year the NJSIAA expanded to four girls’ regions, and Collins gained a head of confidence by winning her title and pinning all but one opponent.

EWING TOWNSHIP

FREE SHRED DAY 2023

Take a step in going GREEN

FREE SHRED DAY 2023

Take a step in going GREEN

Ewing Township will host a Free Paper Shredding day to all Ewing residents who want to get rid those old unwanted files and papers that need shredding safely and securely.

Collins’ eighth-grade season was canceled due to Covid, and that set her back a bit. She gained weight during the long break and was unable to participate in outside club tournaments because of her size. She eventually cut down during her sophomore year and qualified for states before finishing fifth.

“I had one tough match (in the semifinals) against a girl who was really strong,” she said. “The only reason I thought it was a tough match is because I couldn’t pin her. I like pinning. It’s a clean finish. I prefer that. But she fought really well (in a 9-2 decision).”

This year, the girls finals moved to Boardwalk Hall. And if that wasn’t daunting enough, Collins brought unwanted attention to herself by reaching the finals.

Please Paper Only

**** NO PLASTIC, METAL OR RING BINDERS ****

Ewing Township will host a Free Paper Shredding day to all Ewing residents who want to get rid those old unwanted files and papers that need shredding safely and securely.

DATES: Saturday, May 6th and Saturday, October 14th Place: Municipal Building

2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing Time: 9am till 1pm

Please Paper Only

*** NO PLASTIC, METAL OR RING BINDERS ***

Proof of residency: Please bring ID (DL, BILL HEAD, TAX BILL, etc.)

For more information, please call 609-882-3382 or check ewingnj.org and click on recycling.

DATES: Sat., May 6th and Sat., October 14th

In girls wrestling there are no district tournaments; just regionals. Shelitha finished second in the Southern Region, reaching the finals before “I messed up and got pinned.” The top four wrestlers advanced to Phillipsburg High School, which is where last year’s girls states were held.

Since it was not the gigantic boys venue in Atlantic City, it made the experience less tense.

“There’s a spotlight on you and everything,” she said. “It was a lot of stress. It was funny, before I even went up to wrestle there was so much attention. It made me nervous. I don’t like being the center of attention or being in the spotlight all the time. I knew everybody in there was watching me. It was like a spider crawling up your spine on your skin.”

PLACE: Municipal Building

EWING TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

136 Scotch Road, Ewing (P) 609-882-3382 / Fax: 609-406-9539

2 JAKE GARZIO DRIVE, EWING

TIME: 9am till 1pm

Mike Meenan, Manager / Bert Steinmann, Mayor

PROOF OF RESIDENCY: Please bring ID (DL, BILL HEAD, TAX BILL, etc.)

For more information, please call 609-882-3382 or check ewingnj.org and click on recycling.

EWING TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

136 Scotch Road, Ewing (P) 609-882-3382 / Fax: 609-406-9539

Mike Meenan, Manager / Bert Steinmann, Mayor

Collins managed to flick the spider away once the match started, and everyone saw how good she was. Despite the giant crowd watching her every move, she maintained her focus by just tuning in to the support coming from her family members. When the ref’s hand hit the mat, Shelitha instantly gained new-found celebrity.

“I haven’t stopped hearing about it,” she said. “Everyone comes up and tells me how proud they are of me. And I’m proud of myself for being able to do it.”

She still is not enamored with the sport, noting that it has its ups and downs. But she now embraces it and, armed with a 3.5 grade point average, is hoping to do it in college.

“I don’t know if it’s fun,” Collins said. “Sometimes it’s a lot of pain while you’re wrestling. You feel like you can’t breathe. But I feel it’s a thrill. You know how people go on roller coasters for a thrill? It’s a thrill now for me.”

freshmen Alex Neuberger and Raymonda Kamara and sophomore Sam Dupee, who qualified for states with a third-place finish at regions. Kamara could not wrestle in regions due to injury.

“But she did well before that,” Collins said of Raymonda. “I love all my girls. I like to practice with the boys, but sometimes they throw the younger girls in with me so I can teach them stuff. A lot of girls that come into wrestling want to do it for fun, they don’t know that much about the sport yet. But they’ll get there.”

Just as Collins has gotten there thanks to hard work and honing her abilities.

Spring Fling Book Sale to benefit

Branch of the Mercer County Library 61 Scotch Road, near Parkway Avenue (609) 882-3130

Collins

She’s also thrilled to have become a role model for the growing number of females on the Blue Devils team. Boys assistant coach Sam DeCavalcante does most of the work with the girls. They include

“I feel like I’ve grown more with my technique,” she said. “I’m not really a strength wrestler. I am strong but I’m not a muscle woman, I’m not She-Hulk. I know that; and that;s why I use my wits and all the stuff I know about wrestling to help me. You don’t have to be the strongest person to win the match. You just have to be the smarter one.”

Armed with that intelligent, Collins went from getting whupped, to giving out the whuppins’. And making EHS history in the process.

APRIL 27

29, 2023

Spring Fling Book Sale to benefit the

Thursday, April 27, 11:am – 2:pm

APRIL

•(No Scanners for the Morning Hours) and 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Friday, April 28, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday, April 29, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Thursday, April 27, 11:am – 2:pm

Bag Sale of Leftovers on Saturday-a grocery bag full for only $5.00 (We supply the bags)

Fiction & Non-fiction...Children’s & Young Adult …Teacher’s Materials & Media...DVDs & CDs & Flea Market Finds

• (No Scanners for the Morning Hours) and 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

EWING RECREATION 2023

Friday, April 28, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm 0 pm a grocery bag full for only

Covid 19 protocols will be followed daily at pools and camp.

Early payment discount 5% for Day Camp and $25 for seaonal pool membership paid on or before April 10th

EWING POOLS: HOURS 12PM - 8 PM DAILY

Ewing Pool System locations, Hollowbrook Community Center (HCC) and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). Season dates are Saturday, May 27th - Labor Day. Open weekends and Memorial Day. Pools open full time starting June 19th. HCC is available Saturdays for private rentals only. Contact Raquel at rince@ewingnj.org for rentals. Splashpads are a popular feature at both pools! Pool patrons can pay daily fees or register for season passes at Communitypass.net. Register and pay before April 10th and save $25! Swim Lessons at HCC: Evaluations, Saturday, June 17th. Sessions are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR ALL PROGRAMS

DAY CAMP : JUNE 26 - Aug. 25 at Fisher & ESCC except for trips.

OPEN TO CHILDREN ENTERING GRADES K-7

All activities at ESCC. Camp hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Early Hours: 7:30am - 8:30am, Late Hours 4:30pm - 6:00pm. Activities: swim lessons, arts & crafts, dance, nature, drama, sports, group games, entertainers, special events and much more!

$270 for Ewing Residents, $370 for non-residents

Counselor in Training program for students entering grades 9. $60/week

Ewing Recreation Office at Ewing Senior & Community Center 999 Lower Ferry Rd, Ewing, NJ • 609-883-1776

Email: Nancy at npappano@ewingnj.org or Ted at tforst@ewingnj.org.

April

The Ewing Public Schools

Adopt-a-Survivor Program Teacher of the Year Recipients are Honored

Naziconcentration camps,the now elderly survivors ofthe Holocaust are turning toa new generation topreservetheir testimony about their wartime experiences for futuregenerations.

CONGRATULATIONS EHS

GIRLS BASKETBALL STUDENTATHLETE TE'YALA DELFOSSE

number. Manyhavemadeittheir mission toeducate the world thatanti-Semitism and racismeasilylead tomurder, and tospeak about the horrors theyand their familiessuffered. Withthe passing oftime, ithas becomeurgenttofind a new generationtocontinue the survivors’mission and telltheir stories after the survivors can nolongerdoso.

1,000 points!

CONGRATULATIONS TO EHS

GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM: 2023 GROUP III STATE CHAMPIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS SHELLITHA COLLINS!

New Jersey State Girls Wrestling Champion 235 Pound Weight Class

Score 41-38 against Randolph 2022-2023 Season: 30 Wins - 3 Losses

Group III Championship Game

March 5, 2023

OnApril 12, the Adopt-a-Survivor(AAS) program was introducedtothe Trenton areaatEwing HighSchool. Six Holocaust survivors wereadopted bytwelveEwing Highsophomores. The adopted survivors—Moshe Gimlan, VeraGoodkin,Marion Lewin,RuthLubitz, Charles Rojer and JackZaifman— wereoriginallyfromGermany, Czechoslovakia, Polandand Belgium.

FMS Student Artwork Showcased at State House for New Jersey Youth Art Month!

The AAS program pairs a survivorwithone or morestudents. The studentsembarkona joint journey withthe survivorthrough discussions about life before, duringand after the Holocaust.Participating studentswillbeabletorepresent the survivorand tellthe survivor’sstory withaccuracyand feeling in the years tocome. Inaddition, eachstudent makes a commitmenttotellthe survivor’sstory ina public venue inthe year2045, a hundred years after the liberationofAuschwitz.

March 5, 2023

(Last EHS Girls State Basketball Championship was in 1999.)

The First Wrestling State Champion in EHS School History!

March 4, 2023

Antheil has a WINNER!

Klhoee Cassagnol Selected - Social Justice Reading Contest

The twelvestudent adoptersare DaveAngebranndt, Tyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz Dunham, Emily Everett, CurtisFornarotto, Vildana Hajric, Devon Jones, Jen Meade,Billy O’Callaghan,NikytaSharmaand MelysaWilson.

This year, 8th grade Fisher Middle School student, Layla Omara's work of art, was selected to represent the state of New Jersey for Youth Art Month. Miss Omara's artwork was on display at the State House in Trenton March 13th through March 17th, alongside artwork from students throughout the state. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Miss Omara, as there were less than 100 pieces selected for this showcase!

Congratulations to Layla Omara and her art educator, Ms. Danielle Davis, who also serves as the Mercer County and New Jersey State Youth Art Month Co-chairperson.

Ewing High Students Attend Gorbachev Presentation

Whitney Lewis, EHS Freshman

On April 18, 2005 Ms. Chiavuzzo, Mrs. Walker and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several Mercer County high school and college students, and politicians to hear a presentation given by Mikhail Gorbachev at the Sovereign Bank Arena. Gorbachev was the last communist leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. During his term he instituted various policies including his political policy of Glasnost and economic policy

won two (2) tickets to the MAAC Men’s Basketball Tournament semi-finals held on Friday, March 10th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, a reserved parking pass and the best part, Klhoee was recognized on the court during the game. Congratulations Klhoee!

In February, students in Mrs. Beachem's class worked hard in hopes of winning tickets to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) men’s semifinals games in Atlantic City! The class participated in NJEA's collaboration with MAAC to promote social justice reading. Over the month of February, the students read nine books written by and about inspiring Black people. They answered questions about each of the books and submitted their responses.

Hard work and a little bit of luck, Klhoee Cassagnol, in Mrs. Beachem’s class was selected and

of Perestroika. His policies reopened churches, released political prisoners, and lifted bans on previously censored books.

Mrs. Beachem also shared the books opened up some very thoughtful classroom discussions too.

“In celebration of Black History Month, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and NJEA partnered to promote its support for black culture and social justice through a reading rewards and essay contest. As part of MAAC’s initiative, they created a “Time Out for Black Lives” online platform which features video recordings of the Conference’s head basketball coaches and players reading hand-selected books bringing attention to the greatest of black culture.” njea website

The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s presentation. The policy’smain goal was to make the Soviet economic system more efficient. Perestroika involved the transfer of control from the government to the business owners. This policy continued on page A2 continued on page A2

The recipients of the 2005 Teacher of the Year Awards were honored at a luncheon on April 29th. Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County Teacher of the Year, was a guest speaker. 1st row (L to R): Joan Zuckerman, Principal Antheil; Sharon Solomon, Lore; Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County Teacher of the Year; Inetta Emery, Principal Parkway; Danielle Miller, EHS; Superintendent Ray Broach. 2nd row: Darrell Jackson, Principal FMS; Donna Andreas, Antheil; Don Barnett, FMS; Betsy Turgeon, Parkway; Rodney Logan, Principal EHS.

Public Schools CLOSED for Spring Break: Monday, April 3 through Monday, April 10. Students welcomed back to school on Tuesday, April 11.

Ewing High School Hosts First AFRO ARTS FEST!

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) partnered with NAACP this 2023 Black History Month season for Ewing High's first Afro Arts Fest. This event was a huge success! It was a gathering of students, staff, friends, family and community in a night full of venerating the Afro Diaspora arts and culture. During the event students performed and showcased their own art, dance, and vocal/artistic talent, which was a major highlight of the night. There were both student and local business vendors including, Afro Art, handmade jewelry, costume jewelry, vintage clothing, skin care, woodwork, baked goods, and other treats. There was fun and camaraderie, line dancing, and even a food tasting.

The “dish wars” was another highlight of the night, with student Daisha Reid taking home the trophy for her homemade Curry Chicken. There were upwards of 150 students, families, and staff present for the 2023 Afro Arts Fest. The event was full of life, fun, and family; it was a true representation of the culture of the Afro-Diaspora community here within EHS.

Lore Students Learn the History of "Stepping"

To honor and celebrate Black History Month, the students and staff of Lore School watched and participated in an energetic presentation titled Soul Steps, where students learned about the African American dance tradition known as "stepping". Three amazing dancers shared their talents, while also explaining the historical use of gumboot dance, specifically in South Africa. They then discussed how members of today's African American fraternities and sororities use stepping as a means of unity and self-expression. Students joined the Soul Step dancers during the high-energy performance as well. All day, students could be heard clapping and stepping in the halls and on the playgrounds of Lore School.

vania the first weekend in April. The 2016 Mighty Monkey Wrenches are hoping to qualify to compete at Lehigh University for FIRST District Championships at Stabler Arena. Good luck!

What is FIRST Robotics Competition?

In Ms. McGinn's class at Antheil, students learned about Mae Jemison, the first black woman to travel into space. After watching a video on her life and what inspired her to become an astronaut, the students created their own spaceship and made themselves into an astronaut with the saying "______(student's name) reaches for the stars."

Ewing High School and the New Jersey School for the Deaf FIRST Robotics Team – 2016 Mighty Monkey Wrenches competition season is in full swing! The team competed in Robbinsville midMarch with a great showing placing seventh out of 31 teams and are heading to Bensalem, Pennsyl-

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, FIRST Robotics Competition is the ultimate Sport for the Mind. Highschool student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students guided by volunteer professional mentors are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.

Parkway Welcomes Back Tender

Parkway Elementary School welcomed back Tender Smile 4 Kids Mobile Dentist this March. Students were seen and treated during the regular school day which prevented students from missing school and parents from missing work. Tender Smiles 4 Kids also ensured that all children, regardless of insurance or income, could be seen and treated. Bright smiles were popping up everywhere around the building! Thank you to Tender Smiles 4 Kids for providing this community service to the children of Parkway Elementary School.

Parkway School

Read Across America

Parkway School had some very special visitors read to students during Read Across America week. Ewing police officers took time out of their busy schedule to read the Technology Tale books. Sergeant Richard Herbe shared, “Technology is a great topic to cover with this age group in particular and students really seemed to connect with the stories.”

EHS Football Program Shares Love of Reading

At The White House on March 1, President JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR., proclaimed “Read Across America Day, 2023” to be March 2, 2023, to recognize the value of literacy to our democracy. In President Biden’s proclamation it was stated, “We celebrate the books that inspire children to dream big, expand the limits of their understanding, and explore diverse perspectives and cultures through the eyes of others.”

Senior Spotlight: Meet Dorian Williams

What was or is your favorite class at EHS and why? My favorite class at Ewing High was my Peer Leadership class that I took this year. This is my favorite class because most of my friends were in it, and it was a class where I felt I was in charge. It was a class where I came up with lessons to teach the younger students, and had the freedom to make decisions without having a teacher guide me through everything.

Can you tell us a little bit about the college course you are taking this semester? I am currently taking History of Graphic Design as a college course this semester. I chose this class because in the first semester I took a digital media class which really interested me, so I wanted to continue somewhere in that area.

What activities do you participate in school? In school, I participated in Unified basketball for four years, I’ve participated in football for four years, and in my last few months of school I am looking forward to joining the track team as well.

What activities do you participate in outside of school? I am a member of my church’s CBC Bread of Life Food Pantry, where every Sunday I give out food to the less fortunate. I am also a member of the class of 2023, Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) and have been a member for my entire high school career.

MVP as well. I have also been nominated Student of the Month a few times during high school.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of being named the WJFL Defensive Player of the Year. I am most proud of this achievement, because ever since freshman year, I set out to do the best at everything I do. Through hard work and perseverance, and given that I’ve played a majority of the football season injured, I had to work even harder and persevere to even have a chance at such an award. Winning this award meant a lot to me.

What is your favorite memory of high school to date? Winning our Divisional championship football game last year under the Friday night lights. The energy and atmosphere was something I hadn’t experienced in any other game before.

Who or what has impacted your life in a positive way? My dad has had such a big impact on me throughout my football career, and as a young man in general. I can’t remember a single game he hasn’t been to since I started playing. I can count on him for everything. He keeps me on the right track, showing me how to be a man. I wouldn’t trade away the lessons he taught me for anything in the world.

The Ewing High School (EHS) Football Program, under the direction of Head Coach, Ross Maddalon, and his student-athlete football players, believe in big dreams, and know the first step to achieving those dreams is by starting to read books at a young age. To share their love of reading, eight of the EHS Football Program’s outgoing, Class of 2023, Seniors, visited Parkway Elementary School on March 2nd to kick-off “Read Across America Day” by reading to groups of students ranging from kindergarten to second grade. It was a tremendous experience!

What awards or acknowledgements have you received in school or outside of school? I have received many football awards. Some of the ones I am most proud of are my Times of Trenton Defensive Player of the Year award, my school record of 22 tackles in a single game, and being named one of the Delaware Valley Chapter National Scholar Athletes of the Year. Last year, I was named Unified partner

What is your favorite quote or book? My favorite book is The Road by Cormac McCarthy, which I just read this year. In the book, a father and his son travel painstakingly for several months across an America that has been ravaged by an unknown catastrophe that has wiped out industrial society and practically all life. The lessons within this book about a father and his will to survive, not for himself, but for his son, is what makes this book so intriguing to me.

What do you want people to remember about you after you graduate from high school? I want people to remember the type of person I was, and the impact I was able to leave on the teachers and other students. I want people to remember that I was kind, compassionate, and loved to help others.

On March 23rd, the EHS Football Program had a few select juniors and sophomores travel to Antheil Elementary School during the school day to read to Antheil kindergarten through second grade students. The program is looking forward to their future visit at Lore Elementary School on April 13th, to continue to inspire, and foster, the power reading has to make big dreams come true.

Ewing’s Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awardee

The Ewing Public Schools

April 2023 Schedule in Ewing Schools

Apr 3-10 SCHOOL CLOSED – Spring Break

Apr 11 FMS - FPA Meeting @ 6:45pm

Apr 12 TEMPO Parent Meeting @ 8pm

Apr 13 Antheil - PTO Meeting @ 6:30pm

Apr 14 Wash & Learn Reading Event at the Laundry Depot @ 4-5pm

Guest: Local Author Emmanuela Macri

Apr 18 Concert: Jazz through the Decades (FMS/EHS) –

7pm @ EHS Auditorium

Lore - Multi-Cultural Book Night @ 6:30pm

Apr 19 Parkway - Title 1 Family Bingo Night @ 6:30pm

Apr 20 Antheil - Title 1 Family Bingo Night @ 6pm

EHS Athletic Office: College Athletic Prep Parent Assembly –

EHS Auditorium @ 6:30pm

Parkway - PTA Virtual Meeting @ 7pm

Apr 24 BOE Meeting: Public Hearing on Budget/Approval of Final Budget –

EHS Auditorium @ 6pm (Public Session @ 7pm)

Apr 25 EHS - Spring Band & Orchestra Concert @ 7pm

Apr 26 EHS - Ring & Sing @ 7pm

Apr 27 SCHOOL CLOSED – Staff Development Day

Apr 28

Apr 29

It

FMS Musical - MOANA JR. @ 6:30pm

FMS Musical - MOANA JR. @ 6:30pm

EHS - Drama Club Murder Mystery Event @ 7pm

FMS Musical - MOANA JR. @ 2pm & 6:30pm

POAC Autism Walk for a Difference - 11am-2pm @ EHS

show! Buy

Grants and scholarships could not be possible without the continued generosity and support through personal donations from individuals like you as well as corporate donors. Please visit us at www.epef.org for information on how to make a donation so we can continue our mission in supporting our students in the Ewing Public Schools.

For questions or information, please contact the Superintendent's Office:

Design and Layout by Daniella Crescente

GoodNews is an official publication of The Ewing Public Schools. ©2023 GoodNews

Ewing Medical welcomes nurse practitioner Chantel Hale

By Bill Sanservino

If patients who go to Ewing Medical Associates think that new nurse practitioner Chantel Hale looks familiar, they’re probably right.

Hale, who started in March, worked previously at the practice during her preceptorship—an experience where a novice is mentored by a practicing physician or nurse practitioner. Not only that, Hale also went to Ewing Medical as a child with her grandfather.

A nurse practitioner can see patients, and act as their primary care provider. Hale says the difference between the nurse practitioner and a physician is the model in which they practice. “We both treat, diagnose and prescribe medications,” she said.

One difference is that nurse practitioners have to collaborate with a physician. “So if I had my own practice, I still would need a physician to collaborate and consult with, whereas a physician would not need any of those things to practice,” she said.

Hale says that her past experiences at Ewing medical have been helpful in her new role. “Because I had seen people here already, it was easy for me to see some of the doctors’ patients who needed follow ups or the physician assistant patients. And then, as I was seeing them in the beginning, I started to add more new patients. So it’s all integrated for me.”

Hale, 39, is a 2001 graduate of Trenton Central High School and began her nursing education/career at Mercer County Community College. She then went on to graduate cum laude from Walden University with a Master of Science degree as a

family nurse practitioner. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in nursing from Walden University.

Hale is a first-generation college graduate—her father worked in a steel mill and her mom was employed by the state Department of Health until she retired.

“I didn’t have any specific role model to pursue a career in medicine,” said Hale. “It was literally a long path. I’m the Denise Huxtable of my family. I tried many things, but in all the things that I tried, it was literally me helping people. It didn’t matter what the genre was.”

Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Hale worked in a number of jobs, including the music industry and radio.

“I was always the person who did the advice columns, or I did the counseling, interviews, journalism, photography,” she says.

“I wanted to be a fashion photographer at one point, so I always found myself in a situation where I was helping people feel better about themselves.”

Hale decided to pursue medicine while working in a job in sales at a waste management company. She says she was inspired after meeting up one day with a friend who was going to school to become a nurse.

“I had already been connected to a nurse when my sister passed away,” Hale says. “She passed away at the age of 27 from a severe asthma attack, and there was a nurse who impacted me during that time. Since then, I kind of had the idea of being

a nurse in back of my head, but never pursued until I saw my friend going to school. She encouraged me to do it, and said I would be a good candidate for it. That started my journey of nursing.”

Hale says that once she got into nursing, she had the desire to do more.

“I wanted to have more control, because I didn’t like having to wait on the provider to make a decision when I was looking at the patient and I knew what they needed,” she says. “I had no control over that, and that made me pursue my own nurse practitioner journey. That’s how that it came full circle for me.”

Hale was born in Toms River and moved to the Mercer County area in 1996. She grew up in Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton.

Now a permanent resident of the Ewing area, Hale is married to her husband, Donnell, and has two daughters, Lyric and Makenzie, and a bonus son, Donnell. Lyric is going to school to study veterinary science and the younger children attend Ewing Public Schools.

Hale credits Donnell for helping her reach her career goals. “My husband is great,” she says. “He has been with me the whole journey and he’s been so supportive.”

Hale keeps busy outside of the office as well. She is currently a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and New Jersey Nurses Association, where she

currently is a board member and vice president of Elections and Nominations.

She is currently a nurse mentor for The College of New Jersey and Thomas Edison University, where she taught the accelerated Women’s Health course.

Hale says that in her keisure time she enjoys listening to music, podcasts and outdoor activities. “I am a daredevil, so for my 40th birthday, I’m going skydiving. I like roller coasters, amusement parks and things like that. I also love to read. Any chance I get, I read.”

Ewing Medical Associates began in 1965 as a small family doctor’s office that has blossomed into a practice specializing in internal family medicine. The practice always welcomes new patients and features physicians Dr. Eugene Ryfinski, M.D. and Dr. Paul Walker, D.O. and physician assistant Maya Man, PA-C in addition to Hale.

“I love it here because I’m a community girl,” Hale says. “I grew up here. A lot of the patients that I see are from the community, so I’m able to give them resources and have conversations with them very candidly.”

She adds: “This is a very family oriented practice. So from the office staff to the phlebotomists to the doctors, I don’t have an experience where I’m nervous to practice medicine because they make it so accessible for me.”

While she took a somewhat circuitous path to get there, Hale says she loves working at Ewing Medical Associates. “I am excited to join of such a dynamic team of family practice providers.”.

Ewing Medical Associates, 1539 Pennington Road, Ewing. Phone: (609) 883-4124.

Hale

New Name and Major Expansion for CAPITAL HEALTH CARDIOLOGY PRACTICE

Capital Health Medical Group’s outpatient cardiology practice has seen significant expansion in recent years to meet the growing heart health needs of residents in the Mercer and Bucks county region. As part of the practice’s evolution and advancement, Mercer Bucks Cardiology has joined Capital Health Medical Group and, combined with the practice formerly known as Capital Health – Heart Care Specialists, is now collectively called Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. With office locations in Columbus, Hamilton, Hopewell Township, Lawrenceville, and Robbinsville in New Jersey and Newtown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, patients have greater access to board certified cardiology specialists.

“As Capital Health – Heart Care Specialists, our team of expert providers has been known for providing advanced interventional cardiology, cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, structural heart interventions and preventive cardiology services to patients in Central New Jersey and Lower Bucks County in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Joshua Eisenberg, chief medical officer of Capital Health Medical Group and medical director of the Capital Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “Mercer Bucks Cardiology has had a similar mission in local communities for 25 years, and by joining us under one banner as Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, our greatly expanded team gives residents throughout Mercer, Bucks and Burlington counties even greater access to the advanced care they need to help promote heart healthy living.”

Providers at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists include board certified cardiology experts who are highly trained in interventional cardiology, cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, structural heart interventions and preventive cardiology. Working closely with patients’ primary care providers and referring physicians, they provide complete and accurate evaluations of cardiac conditions and ensure continuity of care.

All Capital Health Medical Group offices use a shared electronic medical records system, which allows providers to access medical records on a secure network, making it convenient for patients to continue their care

across the network of primary and specialty care providers. Patients can also manage their health easier using Capital Health Medical Group’s patient portal, which allows patients to conveniently access information about any of their office visits online.

To learn more about Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org for more information.

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Columbus 23203 Columbus Road, Suite I, Columbus, NJ 08022 609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/columbus

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hamilton 1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 110 Hamilton, NJ 08619

609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/hamilton

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hopewell

Two Capital Way, Suite 385, Pennington, NJ 08534 609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/hopewell

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Lawrenceville 3140 Princeton Pike, 2nd Floor, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

609.895.1919 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/lawrenceville

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Newtown

796 Newtown-Yardley Road, Suite 200, Newtown, PA 18940

609.303.4838 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/newtown

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Pheasant Run 104 Pheasant Run, Suite 128, Newtown, PA 18940 215.860.3344 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/pheasantrun

Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Robbinsville

1 Union Street, Suite 101, Robbinsville, NJ 08691

609.632.0140 | capitalhealthcardiology.org/robbinsville

Colorectal Screening: When Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

Colorectal cancer numbers are unfortunately rising in young people – meaning before 50 years old. The reason is not clear, but it goes to show why it’s more important than ever to understand screening recommendations and processes, and how they are crucial to your health.

Abnormal cells that form into polyps in the body take about 10 to 15 years to potentially develop into colorectal cancer. By screening and identifying these abnormal cells and polyps through tests such as a colonoscopy, you and your physician can intervene and remove them before they have the chance to turn into cancer. In addition to detection and intervention, screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when it’s smaller and easier to treat.

Screening Recommendations

Colorectal cancer almost always develops in precancerous polyps – growths – in the colon or rectum. Screening identifies these polyps, and removing them prevents cancer from forming. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancers don’t always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.

The American Cancer Society recommends colon screening for everyone, beginning at age 45. If you have a strong family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, talk with your doctor about your risk level. Earlier screening may be recommended.

Screening Options

As the only test that examines the entire colon, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon screening. However, other screening processes are available, so it’s important to speak with your physician to learn about the various screening types and determine which option is best for you.

Stool tests look at the stool for possible signs of colorectal cancer or polyps. They are typically done at home, so many people find them easier than tests like a colonoscopy. However, this type of test needs to be done more frequently and has a higher false positive rate than a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy will be required if stool test results are abnormal, so if you used your insurance to pay for the at-home test, the follow-up colonoscopy may not be covered.

Colonoscopy is a screening test that involves a colonoscope – a lighted camera on the end of a flexible tube – that passes through

your anus and rectum into your colon. Along the way, it sends pictures of the inside of your large intestine to a screen that helps your physician identify any polyps that are present. Polyps can also be removed during the procedure, and tissue may be biopsied afterward. Some preparation is required for a colonoscopy, but your physician will guide you through the process, which can begin a few days before the screening. Some find the preparation challenging, but the benefits of cancer prevention are invaluable. A colonoscopy also has the longest interval between tests if the exam is normal. To schedule a colonoscopy at Capital Health, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/colonoscopy or call 609.303.4444.

Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not show any signs or symptoms, which is just another reason why screening is so important. However, if you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial that you speak with your doctor to discuss what it could mean.

… Sudden diarrhea, constipation, or other unusual bowel habits such as narrowing of the stool, that last for more than a few days

… A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one

… Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

… Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black

… Abdominal pain or cramping

… Weakness and fatigue

… Noticeable weight loss

Two Board Certified Family Medicine Physicians Join Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor

Dr. Shital Kayastha and Dr. Aviral Yadav, two board certified family medicine physicians, have joined Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor, located at 352 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, New Jersey. They are part of a growing team of board certified doctors at the West Windsor office that includes Dr. Sumiya Ahmed and Dr. Radhika Laskarzewski.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Kayastha and Dr. Yadav to our West Windsor office,” said Dr. Radhika Laskarzewski, lead physician at Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor. “Adding two board certified family medicine providers to our team enables us to continue to serve the needs of our patients and the community by helping prevent illness, handling everyday medical needs, managing chronic health issues, and providing care for children (newborns and older), adolescents, and adults.”

DR. KAYASTHA is board certified in family medicine. After receiving her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia, she completed her family practice residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York.

Oh, My Aching Head!

Monday, May 1, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Do you or someone you know suffer from frequent headaches? Join DR. DWAYNE BROWN, director of the Comprehensive Headache Center at Capital Institute for Neurosciences, to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the most common headache disorders, including migraine, tension and cluster headaches.

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

DR. YADAV is board certified in family medicine. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida and completed his residency in family medicine at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His clinical interests include obesity medicine and preventative medicine.

As part of Capital Health Medical Group, a network of more than 500 physicians and other clinicians who provide primary and specialty care, Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor offers in-person and virtual primary care visits, as well as easy access to experienced specialists and the most advanced care in the region at nearby Capital Health hospitals.

Office hours at Capital Health Primary Care – West Windsor are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Wednesday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). To make an appointment with Dr. Kayastha or Dr. Yadav, call 609.537.7400 or visit capitalhealth.org/westwindsor.

Capital Health – East Trenton Opens Offering Emergency Department Services and Continued Outpatient Medical Clinic Services

On December 21, Capital Health assumed responsibility for health care services previously provided by St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. That campus, which now operates an Emergency Department and some outpatient services, has been renamed Capital Health – East Trenton and no longer operates as an acute care hospital.

“Without this transition, Trenton would have lost desperately needed health care services, including emergency services, behavioral health, and cardiac surgery. This would have been

KEY INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW SERVICES

The Emergency Department remains open 24/7 in the same location. Patients needing hospital admission will be transferred appropriately for the care they need.

… The Outpatient Primary Care Clinic, located next to the Emergency Department, remains open in the same location. Specialty Care Clinic Services are available at various locations.

The CARES child wellness program remains open in the same location.

The LIFE program is now called Capital Health LIFE and remains open in its Bordentown location. Assisted Living Program patients continue to receive care as they did prior to the transition.

… Some primary care physicians, specialists, and surgeons who were previously with St. Francis Medical Associates have transitioned to Capital Health Medical Group practices. Visit capitalmedicalgroup.org to find your physician’s new location and phone number. If your physician did not move to Capital Health, visit capitalhealth.org to find the physician you need and complete contact information.

Cancer Center services, including infusions, are available at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. Visit capitalhealthcancer.org to learn more, or call 609.537.6363. For infusion appointments at Capital Health, call 609.537.7226.

Patients receiving care as part of the Infectious Disease, HIV and Lyme’s disease programs can be seen at Capital Health –Infectious Disease Specialists, located at 40 Fuld Street, Suite 305 in Trenton. Call 609.394.6338 to make an appointment.

devastating to the residents. I want to thank everyone who partnered with us to make sure key services did not leave Trenton,” said Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health. “We are committed to continuing to provide critical medical services in the city of Trenton and working closely with members of the community, local officials, and other key stakeholders.”

Learn more about the services Capital Health offers at www.capitalhealth.org.

Sleep services are available at Capital Health – Hamilton, located at 1401 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. Call 609.584.5150 to schedule an appointment.

The Behavioral Health Inpatient Program is at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

Wound Care patients can call Capital Health’s Center for Wound Management and Hyperbaric Medicine at 609.537.7457.

Outpatient diagnostic testing services are available at other Capital Health locations, including Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Call 609.394.6695 to schedule an appointment.

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttles from the Hamilton Avenue campus to Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) leave every hour, on the hour, beginning at 6 a.m. with the last shuttle leaving at 8 p.m. for RMC. All shuttles depart from the turnaround in front of the old Main Lobby on Chambers Street at the new Capital Health – East Trenton location. Return shuttles run every half hour from 6:30 a.m., with the last departure for Capital Health – East Trenton at 8:30 p.m. This can be used by patients or visitors.

MEDICAL RECORDS

If you need a copy of your medical records for services you received at St. Francis Medical Center before December 21, 2022, call 609.394.4460 or visit Capital Health’s website for other options.

MAIN NUMBERS

Capital Health – East Trenton: 609.599.5000

Capital Health Regional Medical Center: 609.394.6000

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell: 609.303.4000

EHS girls’ basketball team wins NJSIAA Group III title

By Rich Fisher

As Princeton University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams enjoyed NCAA Tournament success this year, they proved to the nation that academic powerhouses can also succeed on the basketball court.

What some folks may not realize, is that a high school team that hails from the same county as PU, already proved that in early March when the Ewing girls claimed the NJSIAA Group III championship. The Blue Devils capped a monumental 30-3 campaign by defeating Randolph, 41-38, in the title game at RW Barnabas Arena in Toms River.

It was the fourth title this year for the still-young Devils, who won the WOBM Holiday Tournament and their second straight Mercer County and Central Jersey Group III titles.

And not once did they sacrifice their classroom work to do it.

“At the end of the day, these studentathletes are every bit ‘the student’ as they are ‘the athlete,’” coach Dan “Monty” Montferrat said. “Our team GPA (grade point average) this season was a 3.8 and maintaining the balance of academics

with athletics is something we take a lot of pride in within our program. In addition to that, they are just outstanding leaders in the school and in the community. They are role models and volunteers; just great ambassadors for the Ewing school district.”

Montferrat was quick to point out the phone calls and texts he got during the season from the players’ former teachers; along with coaches and parents from around the Colonial Valley Conference who complimented his players as being good people.

“That’s something that we talk about a lot,” guard Rhian Stokes said. “It’s important that we always set a good example because there are little girls and citizens of Ewing that are looking up to us and rooting for us.”

Guard-forward Joi Johnson added that “Monty reminds us daily that we not only represent Ewing and the basketball team, but we represent ourselves and need to be a positive example for each other and our peers.”

Guard-forward Te’Yala Delfosse feels that philosophy can go far not just in the community, but in helping younger teammates.

“It’s always been in my head to help and create bonds with those that get overlooked,” Delfosse said. “ When we are in games and my teammates feel down or left out, I do my best to be there and lift them up. It’s important to me to do that because I know how it feels to be a person that some people didn’t even know I was on the team when I was younger. But to continue showing people that growth, hard work, and dedication can change the whole game for someone. That is important to me; letting the younger ones know that hard work does really pay off.”

That kind of attitude is what gives the state champs an added dimension. It’s not just all about basketball with the Blue Devils, it’s about so many other things.

But man, can they play basketball.

And the beauty of it is, that they are all back next year. Stokes, Delfosse, Johnson and guard Shawnae Biggs are juniors that are all getting Division I interest. The fifth starter, Mekyla Durham, is a sophomore. Reserves are sophomore Malayah Miller and freshmen C’Ianna BrownUpshur and Taylor Miller.

The four juniors have stuck together despite temptations to go to a prep or parochial school. As freshmen, they

flashed their amazing skills in a Covidshortened season that produced a 13-0 record. As sophomores they went 25-2, winning the WOBM, county and sectional titles. Their lone losses were to state powerhouse Saddle River and to Mainland in the Group III semifinals.

This year, they gained the holy grail of a state crown as the potential blossomed into full realization.

“As freshmen, they didn’t get to truly show their stuff at the state level,” Montferrat said. “As sophomores they were highly motivated to come out and show everybody what they were capable of. To come up just short in the Group Three semifinal really fired them up for this year. Last year we checked off three out of four boxes, this year we came out and hit all four (by winning states).

“I think we are right on schedule. This group feels like they have the opportunity to be one of the best around; and after winning the whole thing this year, they will be just as fired up to do it all again next year.”

They already made Ewing girls basketball history by winning the MCT in consecutive years; and became the first girls team to win states since 1999.

See BASKETBALL, Page 20

EWING CYO at Hollowbrook SUMMER CAMP PRE-SCHOOL

• June 26th - August 25th (7:30AM - 5:30PM)

• Openings for children entering 1st grade - age 10

• Small group sizes

• Free breakfast, lunch and snacks

• Child Care Connection and Mercer County vouchers accepted

• Private subsidies available on a limited basis

• Large playground and newly renovated, fully air-conditioned facility

• Daily swimming in the Hollowbrook Pool and SPLASH PAD

• Immediate Openings

• Ages 21/2 - 5

• Hours 7:30AM - 5:30PM

• Free Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

• All vouchers accepted

• Private subsidies available on a limited basis

• Large playground

• Beautiful suburban setting

“That means a lot because we like making ‘her-story’ while we are still only juniors,” Biggs said. “We have been winning the MCTs since middle school so we are definitely used to doing what it takes to win. It is a great feeling to be a county, sectional, and state champion, especially as a junior.”

Stokes concurred, saying that “It means a lot. The work that my teammates and I have been putting in since our freshman year has gotten us to this point. We just continue to grow and learn with each other to be successful on and off the court.”

Winning the states, of course, was the biggest accomplishment of all. Johnson said the elation she felt on that Sunday afternoon had not waned as time went on.

“Now that a few days have gone by, the feeling of being a state champion feels just as great as it did on the day we won it,” Johnson said in mid-March. “The congratulations and praise received from everyone around has built an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.”

In stating what the Group III title meant to her, Delfosse said, “It just shows the hard work we’ve been doing and how much we believed in ourselves to get this far, no matter the competition.”

That competition grew tougher as the

Ewing POOLS: 12pm - 8pm daily

Ewing Pool System locations, Hollowbrook Community Center (HCC) and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). Season dates are Saturday, May 27th - Labor Day.Open weekends and Memorial Day. Pools open full time starting June 19th. HCC is available Saturdays for private rentals only. Contact Raquel at rince@ewingnj. org for rentals. Splashpads are a popular feature at both pools! Pool patrons can pay daily fees or register for season passes at Communitypass.net. Register and pay before April 10th and save $25! Swim Lessons at HCC: Evaluations, Saturday, June 17th. Sessions are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The EHS girls’ basketball team poses for a picture after winning the state championship. Standing are assistant coach Tanya Kauffman, assistant coach Jamie VanHise, Ginika SIbeudu, C’ianna Brown-Upshur, Sanai Glover, Rhian Stokes, Lillie Alston, Mekyla Durham, Joi Johnson, Shawnae Biggs, Joy Torbor, Taylor WIlliams Malayah Miller, head coach Daniel Montferrat and assistant coach Patrick Reddington. Kneeling are Precious Quaye and Te’Yala Delfosse.

states went on. After winning their first three games by a combined 120 points, the Devils had to scrap past Ocean Township in the CJ III finals and Ocean

City in the Group III finals. The biggest test came in the title game, when Ewing trailed Randolph by four entering the fourth quarter before pulling it out.

Day Camp

OPEN TO ChILdREN ENTERING GRAdES k-7

Camps run from June 26 through August 25

Register and pay before April 10 and save 5%.

Camp days include swimming, arts and crafts, nature, special events, entertainers, theme days, athletics, dance and drama.

$270

Residents, $370 for non-residents Counselors

Training (Grade 9.) (CIT) is $60 and

only open to Ewing residents. Additional fees for early and late hours. Multi-child discounts are available. Financial assistance is available.

TEEN TRAVEL: July 5 - August 18

Travel 4 days a week and one day at camp. Trips to Amusement parks, beaches, aquarium, rock climbing, bowling , laser tag, skating and much more. $370/week for residents. Campers can attend day camp weeks of June 26 and August 21.

All activities at ESCC and Fisher school, except trips.

Stokes had 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists in the victory, while Delfosse had nine points (including her 1,000th) and five rebounds and hit the game-clinching free throws.

For the Devils, it was a nice way to show that they could win a big game under duress, as opposed to all the comfortable blowouts they enjoyed

“Being able to pull out the win during the championship showed that our team is capable of operating and being successful even under pressure,” Johnson said. “It showed the true teamwork and determination each of us have.

“It showed that we wanted that state championship more and how much it meant to us, which was a lot,” Biggs said. “We know that there are great teams out there, but we do what we have to do every time.

Stokes felt that kind of game was exactly what the Devils needed to prove just how good they could be when it counts the most.

“Winning close games while being challenged was good for us,” she said. “It was a chance for us to truly show what we have been working on all season. We all got to show the crowd different things that we wouldn’t normally do in a blowout game. I feel like our three losses against St. Rose, St. John Vianny, and Rutgers Prep all

helped prepare us for moments like this.”

And who better to sum up what that game meant, than that great philosopher, Monty.

“The quote that is often said during this time of year is, “Pressure can burst pipes, but it also can also make diamonds.’ I added my own little twist and joked with the kids, ‘and we are in the business of diamond making,’” said Montferrat, who was assisted by Tanya Kauffman, Jamie Van Hise and Patrick Reddington. “I reminded the girls of that notion just before our sectional final game and every game from then on. We scheduled as many out-of-conference games as we could this year to truly test ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally for those pressure situations and in the end, we saw how those prepared us for the tough games down the stretch.

“From my vantage point, in every way, these young ladies responded with fortitude and strength. In those down-to-thewire games, our resilience was on full display as was the character these ladies have. They refuse to lose. Plain and simple. When the stage is that bright, that’s when these amazing young student-athletes shine through.”

And as the coach likes to point out, they are students every bit as much as they are athletes.

We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.

We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.

Girls’ bowlers finish 18-1 and fare well in state competition

By Rich Fisher

After the Ewing High girls bowling team graduated high-scoring Sierra Reid from its 2022 state championship team, it didn’t look like the Blue Devils would have enough power to make another run at a state crown this year.

But when the northern winds blew in, they brought with them Nottingham High transfer Kennedy Jenkins and suddenly, a key piece had been re-inserted to the puzzle.

With Jenkins qualifying for the individual state finals and senior Mia Siminitus having her usual outstanding year, the Blue Devils once again carried the Colonial Valley Conference banner high as the CVC’s lone program.

Ewing finished 18-1 with its only loss coming to Group I state champion New Egypt. It won the Burlington County Athletic League championship, and finished third in both the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II, and Group II state matches.

“I’m extremely proud of how they bowled all year,” veteran coach Dave Angebranndt said. “ I kind of had the expectations at the beginning of the year that we would find ourselves in state championship contention with the team we had coming back. It was a matter of if they were gonna believe in themselves to do it.

“As we got closer toward the end of the season, I think that loss to New Egypt was kind of the humble factor of ‘Yeah, this might be a confident group but we’re gonna come up against teams that are gonna beat us.’ It was kind of ‘Hey let’s take a step back, re-evaluate and get ourselves back to where we need to be.’”

The New Egypt loss occurred on Jan. 6 and Ewing rebounded with eight straight wins to end the regular season. In the sectionals the Devils knocked down 2,345 pins to earn a wild card after finishing behind Brick Memorial (ranked No. 1 in the state) and Brick Township. In the state finals, Memorial won its fourth straight state title (winning Group III the previous years) and Brick Township and Ewing were second and third.

“When it’s all said and done, finishing in third place in the state final behind two Shore Conference teams with a tremendous feeder system is not bad,”

Angebranndt said. “Our girls all came back this year with a lot of confidence, but having Kennedy come in and provide that consistency was a huge help. After the loss of Sierra, how were we gonna replace a 180-plus average? Kennedy came in and kind of solidified herself as one of the leaders in the program.”

At the urging of her grandparents, Jenkins began bowling in Slocum’s junior league as a youngster.

“We just bowled for fun, I really enjoyed doing it, so I thought ‘Why not? Let’s try it,” she recalled. “I guess you can say it runs in my family because everyone bowls.”

Unfortunately for Jenkins, Nottingham did not have a bowling team and no one ever informed her she could bowl in the states as an individual. Once she trans-

ferred to Ewing last summer, the junior immediately signed on with the bowling team.

“It was very overwhelming at first,” she said. “Going to a new school; having to meet new people and acclimate to a new team. But the team was very welcoming. I really enjoyed myself this season and I’m definitely looking forward to next year.”

Jenkins averaged 187, and rolled a high series of 663 against Pennington. She had her high game of 258 when she had a set of 231-258-169-657 in the Central Jersey sectionals.

“I surprised myself with that,” she said. “But toward the middle of my first game I had a feeling that was how I was gonna bowl the rest of the day and I guess my feeling was right.”

She struggled in the state finals, however, shooting 182-218-158-558, but embraced the experience.

“It was nerve wracking at first,” Jenkins said. “But hearing my family and friends cheer for me helped.”

As for the regular season, it was the first time Jenkins bowled in a team format, and she fit in beautifully.

“Whether you throw a good ball or a bad ball the team is always on your side, picking you up, encouraging you to try your best,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. It was confidence boosting too, to see that I could be successful, and we could be successful as a team.”

Angebranndt was impressed at how quickly Jenkins became someone the other girls looked up to.

“Kennedy came in as that unsung silent leader, that lead-by-example role model,” the coach said. “She’s positive, she’s cheerful, always willing to pick teammates up. She brought a different vibe to the group, and broke the seriousness of certain matches that got a little tense.

“She was always doing what she was asked, always willing to make an adjust-

Easter is Sunday, April 9th

The EHS girls’ bowling team celebrates after taking third at state Group II tournament. Pictures are Amanda Curtiss (left), Janelis Cedeno, Kennedy Jenkins, Mia Siminitus, Megan Rosiejka, Ellie Otto and Amber Porter.

ment if she needed to. She brought that leadership role; and along with having Mia, it gave you the ability to have two leaders.”

Siminitus led in more ways than one, as she was also the team’s top scorer with a 201 average. Mia had a high game of 289 against Pennsauken, when she recorded her high series of 691. At the star-studded South Jersey Super Bowl, she had the tournament’s high game (232) and high series (645).

Unfortunately for the senior, she struggled in sectionals and was unable to reach the state finals.

“She may have put a little too much pressure on herself to be in a certain spot instead of allowing her bowling ability and confidence to take over,” Angebranndt said. “She didn’t bowl well in the first game and she knew she had to bowl really well the second and third game. Her inability to make adjustments on the lanes kind of got to her a little bit; but for us to be able to advance as a team that day as a wildcard made her happy.”

Despite her tough finish, Siminutus will long be remembered as one of the greats in EHS girls bowling annals.

“She made a long lasting impact on the program,” Angebranndt said. “I can’t tell you the last time I had a girl or guy average over 200. She had a lot of accolades. I told her ‘You don’t have to hang your head just because you didn’t advance as an individual. There are a lot of things you did this year and in your career that were a success.’

“She’s going to Alvernia on an academic scholarship but their coach came to watch her bowl a few times and she will bowl there. She’ll succeed and live up to her expectations. Having her out the last

four years has been an honor and a pleasure to watch her grow as a bowler.”

While Angerbranndt is sad to see Siminitus go, he’s thrilled to have a strong core back. Along with Jenkins, sophomores Amanda Curtiss (173 average, 576 high series, 223 high game) and Ellie Otto (141 average) will return, along with juniors Megan Rosiejka (145) and Janelis Cedeno.

“They exceeded all my expectations,” Angebranndt said. “They put a lot of work in over the summer. Amanda would go to Slocums a lot on Saturday and bowl with the guys. Megan and Ellie would also join. Mia took Megan under her wing and bowled in Morrisville over the summer.

“Amanda and Ellie really stepped up and became more consistent. As freshmen they were new to the whole match style and getting into that high school mode where it’s a little more serious. They made some adjustments from last year, understood what their roles were on the team and were consistent making their spares.

“Megan made drastic improvements as well. She opened up a little this year. She wanted to get better, she spent time practicing with Mia in the off-season. Her willingness to make adjustments in practice was shown this year. She started to get the hang of it and throw the ball better, and got more confidence on the lanes.”

And as his bowlers’ confidence improves, so does Angebranndt’s confidence that his team will continue to be among Central Jersey’s finest.

“Hopefully we get a quality program out every year,” he said. “We want to make some noise and represent Mercer County as its lone bowling program.”

Owner/Director

‘We want to make some noise and represent Mercer County as its lone bowling program,’ said coach Dave Angebranndt.

When it’s time to see a doctor about a wound that isn’t healing

Ask The Doctor

The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton) Center for Wound Healing can help those suffering from a wound that won’t heal.

“We have been extremely successful in treating chronic wounds that have previously resisted healing,” says Reza A. Shah, DO, FACOS, FACS, FAPWCA, CMET, Co-Medical Director at the Center for Wound Healing at RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

“Our skilled staff of physicians and nurses have advanced training in wound management and hyperbaric medicine, and can develop and implement an individualized course of treatment specific to a patient’s diagnosis and needs.”

What are some common types of chronic wounds?

We treat wounds associated with different conditions, but the most common ones we see are diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers

and pressure ulcers. Sometimes people with diabetes may suffer nerve damage and lose sensation in their feet. This can be a problem because even a small cut may go unnoticed and then become more serious. We also help with slow-healing wounds, crush injuries, compromised surgical grafts and radiation-related wounds we see in some cancer patients receiving radiation treatments.

How can I prevent a chronic wound?

If you have diabetes, check your feet daily and avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes that rub on your feet. Circulatory issues, including poorly functioning arteries and veins, can also contribute to chronic wounds by limiting the supply of oxygen needed for healing. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns. Delaying treatment can lead to infection and in severe cases possible amputation. What treatments are available?

We use multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach, with advanced modalities that are

INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING INTRO DUCING

We may consult with other doctors and conduct testing, such as an assessment of blood vessels to identify and treat circulatory issues. Working as a team, we have an acute focus on quality and monitoring the support for the best possible healing rate.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a simple, non-invasive, painless medical treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process and strengthens the immune system. Delivered by trained specialists, HBOT therapy is an effective treatment option for most chronic wounds, resulting in more rapid and complete healing for patients. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you breathe 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber.

The pressure inside is about 2 ½ times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. We have two hyperbaric chambers at RWJUH Hamilton and these can also be used when treating treat wounds like gas embolism, acute carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide poisoning and decompression sickness.

After an initial evaluation and consultation, wound assessment and health evaluation, we can develop a treatment plan for the patient. Our patients are given instructions on at-home wound care, including dressing changes and protection of your wound from additional injury and further complications,” adds Dr. Shah. To make an appointment or learn more, call The Center for Wound Healing at Robert Wood Johnson University.Hospital Hamilton at 609-249-8300.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Orthopedic Open House: Joint Replacement. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Discover the latest advances in knee and hip replacement surgery. Learn how the Center for Orthopedic & Spine Health and our rehabilitation team prepare you for a successful joint replacement. Presented by Arjun Saxena, MD, MBA, a fellowship trained, board certified orthopaedic surgeon, along with Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert MDT, and Courtney Fluehr, PT, DPT. Dinner is included. Does The Ringing in Your Ears Drive You Crazy? April 5; 10 to 11 a.m. 25 million Americans suffer from Tinnitus and sound sensitivity.

For more information or to make an appointment with an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group Primary Care Provider, scan the QR code at right or call 888-724-7123.

Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., A.B.A., as she discusses the phenomenon of Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Syndrome and various treatment options for relief.

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

Holistic Health Fair. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A FREE wellness community event offers incredible healing, uplift and transformation! Explore what’s new in holistic health, mindfulness and spiritual growth. Learn from the finest holistic experts and practitioners, and enjoy featured vendors, mini sessions, workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers.

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Real Self-Care for All Caregivers. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Caring for aging loved ones, children, or clients; we can’t truly care for others until we care for ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish, rather, it’s essential. Fee:$15 Michelle Gerdes, Princeton Doula Center, YT200.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Diabetes Q&A. 2 to 3 p.m. This informative session with Shesha Desai, Pharm D, Rph, BCADM will bring clarification to any questions you may have about diabetes.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Spring Cleaning: Organize Your Kitchen. 10-11 a.m. Give yourself and your kitchen a fresh start this spring! Learn new ways to organize your space and maximize efficiency for a tidy kitchen you will love to cook in.

Better Health Programs

These complimentary programs for those ages 65+ will engage your mind, encourage you to move and help you reflect. Registration required for all programs. Call (609) 584-5900 or visit us on the web at www.rwjbh.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group. Also April 12, & 19. 10 to 11 a.m. Join us for our ongoing program “Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. If you would like to submit topics, please email bhprogram@ rwjbh.org. All requests will be anonymous.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Discussions with Sara Ali, MD - Defeating Diabetes. 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. Ali and Lalitha Sukumar, Pharm.D, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist will breakdown what you need to know to understand and manage your diabetes effectively.

Dr. Reza Shah

NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualified and registered voter of New Jersey who wants to vote by mail in the Primary Election to be held on June 6, 2023, the following applies:

• You must be registered as a Democrat or Republican by no later than April 12, 2023 to be able to receive a mail-in ballot.

• You must complete the application form below and send it to the county clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the county clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

• The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

• No person may serve as an authorized messenger

or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election but a person may serve as such for up to five qualified voters in an election if those voters are immediate family members residing in the same household as the messenger or bearer.

• No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

• A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application so that it is received at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the county clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

• Voters who want to vote by mail in all future

elections will, after their initial request and without further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

• Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone. Or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned.

• If you are currently signed up to receive mail-in ballots, but wish to now vote at the polls, either on Election Day or before, in accordance with NJ’s new “Early Voting” law, you must first opt out of vote by mail by notifying the county clerk in writing at the address below. You may find a form for removal from the permanent list on the Mercer County Clerk’s website at www.mercercounty.org/ government/county-clerk/elections.

Dated: April 11, 2023, Mercer County Clerk, Paula Sollami Covello, 209 S. Broad St., Election Dept., P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ

Senior Corner

April 2023

ALL PROGRAMS HELD AT HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER, 320 HOLLOWBROOK DRIVE

MONDAYS

10 AM Exercise- Karen Martin

NOON Tech/Trends For Seniors 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month

1 PM Jewelry/Craft-Anne’s

TUESDAYS

10 AM Exercise- Karen Martin

12 PM Bible Study

12:30 PM Bingo

1 PM Senior Scholars

WEDNESDAYS

9:30 AM Knitting/Crochet

11 AM Chair Yoga- Lisa Caruso

1 PM Mexican Train

10:30-1 PM Water Color - Ally Lyons Mercer County Library– Ewing Branch

2 PM Mahjongg - Christine Kamph

THURSDAYS

10 AM Exercise - Karen Martin

1 PM Pinochle - Mercer County Library– Ewing Branch

1 PM Rummikub

1 PM Balance Class - Bob Kirby

1 PM Bid Whist

1:30 PM Learn Chrome/OS

FRIDAYS

9:30 AM Line Dancing– Joanne Keephart

12:30 PM Circuit Training– Jeff Prunetti ( $5 session)

SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION (SCAC): 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, General Body 10 AM meeting is open to the public.

Live Wires—11 AM ( 2ND Thursday of the month) RM# 201-202

Busy C’s—11 AM ( 3RD Tuesday of the month) RM# 201-202

Club D—11 AM (1st Thursday of the month) RM# 201-202

HB Seniors—1 PM (2ND Friday of the month) RM# 201-202

SENIOR LUNCHEON SHOW (4/21): “FRANKIE CIRELL” ( Powerful, Singer, Comedian, and Impressionist). Noon-2 PM. $8 PP/$13 Couple. Tickets available Hollowbrook Community Center (M-F 8:30-4:30 PM)

MERCER COUNTY NUTRITION: Seniors 60 and older or anyone married to a person 60 and older is welcome to participate in the nutrition program. The program is located at Hollowbrook Community Center. A person is asked to donate a $1. Your donation is confidential. A delicious balance meal is served. Contact Ms. Wanda (609) 883-4150.

REGISTER FOR ALL PROGRAMS: HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY

CENTER 2nd Floor Rm# 207 Senior Office

QUESTIONS: 609-883-1776

Senior Corner is paid content by Ewing Township.

Our commercial society

ILENE BLACK

BETTING ON BLACK

Do you watch network TV? I usually don’t watch much network TV, but lately, for some reason, I have been. Many times, it’s either watch TV or clean the house. Clear choice, in my book. With all this TV watching I’ve been doing, I have noticed that the commercials are getting more and more annoying.

There are several commercial characters I would like to see vanish right quick. Jan from Toyota, that stupid green Geico lizard, the annoying emu from Liberty Insurance, and any spokesperson for a car dealership, to name a few. I like Flo from Progressive, so she can stay. Plus, some of these commercials share wayyy too much information, in my opinion. You know the ones I mean. I do not want to know about your physical relationship problems, nor do I want to see you and your partner sitting in bathtubs on a cliff. No, thanks. Keep that little problem between you and your partner, please.

And the commercials for medications? It feels like every 5 minutes there’s a commercial for medication. I do not remember ever seeing medication commercials when I was growing up. Over the counter stuff, maybe. But Big Pharma is going way too far with their commercials lately. They go into great detail, too, warning us of potential side effects.

Example: “Stop taking UselessandExpensiveDrug if, after taking the recommended dosage, you feel the need to break out into a Barbra Streisand song during staff meetings at work. If you begin seeing large purple insects crawling up your walls, discontinue usage until an exterminator can be called. If the song ‘Rocky Mountain High’ by John Denver or anything by The Bangles loops in your mind for more than 3 weeks, then please stop taking this medication.

“If you wake up and find yourself on your neighbor’s roof preparing to do a skijump into the shrubbery while dressed in a toga, then consult with your doctor. If you are suddenly struck by the urge to lope around on all fours while neighing, then contact your healthcare professional immediately.”

There’s one that cracks me up. I’m

not going to mention the name of the drug, but it’s for people who want thicker eyelashes.

A doctor actually has to prescribe this for you. Think about this for a minute. You call your doctor to make an appointment and the receptionist asks you what you need the appointment for. Do you say, “It’s a real emergency. I have thin eyelashes?” By the way, this drug cost over $100 for one bottle. I think I’ll stick to my $6.99 tube of Maybelline waterproof and smearproof mascara, thanks.

But my favorite thing about the drug commercials is the list of things that can go wrong if you take the medication. “This medication can cause dry mouth, dry eyes, hair loss, stomach problems, digestive problems, bruising and bleeding, rapid heartbeat, sweating, headaches, tooth decay, muscle cramping, numbness in extremities, sensitivity to cold weather, diminished ability to avoid starting fistfights, ingrown toenails, desire to live in a house made of Legos, joint aches, freckling, frequent urge to make rude hand gestures at fellow drivers, neck pain, foot odor, sudden impulse to learn how to samba, expanding waistline, inability to focus on boring stuff, and intolerance of everyone.

“Do not take this medication if you have ever had detention, colored your hair, got a parking ticket, prefer bold colors to pastels, made chili, driven more than 5 miles over the speed limit, gone to the beach, spend more than you should have on a dress for a wedding, had evil thoughts about your partner, wished upon a star, mowed the lawn, or burped.”

I guess they have to cover every angle in these days of lawsuits, but still. What happened to the feel-good commercials, the ones with the catchy jingles? There is one I like, for Amazon, with the dog who is left alone during the day when everything opened up after Covid restrictions were lifted. I love the song and the whole theme. Feel-good. We need more of that. No matter what the commercials are like or how annoying they can be, watching them is way better than cleaning the house.

Ilene Black has been a resident of Ewing for most of her life and lives across the street from her childhood home. She and her husband, George, have two sons, Georgie and Donnie.

‘I’m not going to mention the name of the drug, but it’s for people who want thicker eyelashes.’

D&R Canal Park: A Jersey gem

HELEN KULL EWING THEN & NOW

We continue our exploration of the “ribbon of transport” along the western border of Ewing this month with a consideration and appreciation of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, most definitely a “gem” within Central Jersey.

And while I fully realize that the portion of the park which is actually located in Ewing (maybe 3 miles long?) is tiny when compared with the entire park (about 70 miles long), much of the park is not that distant from Ewing, and provides a wonderful opportunity for all sorts of recreation and enjoyment of wildlife and natural beauty within our densely populated state. So we’ll consider the park in its totality.

As I write this a few days before the official first day of Spring (not that this year we had any Winter, really - but that’s a different column!), a reminder of the many benefits of living near the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is most timely. The Park provides many opportunities to engage with the natural world around us.

So, we know that the “heyday” for the Canal (both the main and feeder canals) was in the 1860s and 1870s, when millions of tons of coal and other goods were transported by barge along its length. As the railroads developed and grew, the efficiency of barge or even steam-powered canal transport could no longer compete, and canals lost commercial traffic. While personal/ pleasure boat traffic increased, it could not match the revenues needed to maintain the canal, and in 1933, the D&R Canal ceased commercial operations. After three years, per the original lease, the canal, now considered “abandoned,” was turned over to the State of NJ.

For some years in the 1930s and 1940s, the main and feeder canals were primarily used for water recreation. But in 1944, the Division of Water Resources for the State began to improve the waterway for use as a water supply. Locks were removed, and sluices and spillways were constructed in order to control the flow of water.

The canal became a source of water for the growing population in the area post-WW2. Today, under the control of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, it continues to provide water for some NJ residents.

But what of the land surrounding the

canal and its water? In the early 1970s, thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of a small grass-roots group of enthusiasts, the Delaware and Raritan Canal and many of its related structures (bridgetender houses, etc) were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A year later, the State passed legislation to create the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, comprised of more than 60 miles of canal and thin strips of land on both sides of the canal, preserving the history and natural beauty of the area. In the 1980s, additional land previously used by the BelDel tracks was added to the park. In the 1990s, the park’s trail system was designated a National Recreation Trail. Today, the entire park is used and enjoyed by more than one million people each year. Some of the ways the park can be used are summarized in this information from the DEP’s State Park Service website at nj.gov/dep/ parksandforests/parks/ drcanalstatepark.html.

Biking

D&R Canal State Park’s multi-use trail (link accesses map) provides more than 70 miles of wide, flat pathway along the Canal. Numerous access points make it ideal for a bike trip.

Hiking

The trail is also ideal for a day hike, for all ages and physical abilities. Both the main canal and the feeder canal are ADA accessible.

Boating

Canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards and non-motorized boats are allowed along the entire length of the D&R Canal. The gently-flowing waterway is perfect for beginners or those looking to enjoy a leisurely paddle. Portage may be required in some locations. Of course, all NJ boating regulations apply.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted along the entire length of the D&R Canal and Delaware River. Trout are stocked at various locations during spring months, and there are also warmwater fish, migratory American shad and striped bass. All fishing is subject to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations. We are blessed with this wonderful resource!

Ewing Recreation

April 2023

The Ewing Recreation Department is offering a 5% discount for all money paid on or before Monday, April 10 for the Summer Day Camp or Teen Travel Camp and a $25 early registration discount on purchasing a seasonal pool system pass.

If you want to work for Ewing Recreation Department this summer, we are still hiring Swim Lesson Instructors and Water Aerobic Instructors. To apply go to ewingnj.org, departments, Human Resources and apply soon.

The Moody Park Summer Basketball League is accepting registration for boys in 4th – 8th grade, Register at communitypass. net. Deadline is May 15. The season starts Monday, June 5. For more info go to the league website at moodyparkbb.com.

The Ewing Community Pools System offers two pools for seasonal members and daily patrons. The Hollowbrook Pool located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive, is scheduled to open on weekends & Memorial Day on Sunday, May 28. Operating hours are Sunday – Friday, noon – 8 pm. Saturdays can be rented for private events, email Raquel at rince@ewingnj. org to schedule an event. The ESCC pool will open on weekends & Memorial Day starting Saturday, May 27 and both pools will open full time starting on Monday, June 19 from noon –8 pm. Swim lessons start with evaluations on Saturday, June 17 and space is limited. Senior Swim and Senior Water Aerobics are offered and will start on Monday, June 19, seniors register at the Senior Office for these programs. Online registration for seasonal memberships, swim lessons and Senior Swim/Water Aerobics is required at communitypass.net.

The Ewing Recreation Summer Camp will run from June 26 – Aug. 25 for grades K–5 and is held on the grounds of the Fisher School and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). Hours are from 8:30 – 4:30 pm, Mon-

day – Friday. Early hours are from 7:30-8:30 am and late hours are from 4:30- 6 pm. Online registration is required at communitypass. net. Teen Travel will be for grades 6–8 and run from July 5–Aug. 11. The camp will travel 4 days a week and stay in Ewing the other day. Campers can participate in day camp on weeks Teen Travel is not being held.

Ewing Recreation Basketball Camp is scheduled for Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30 at Ewing High School, from 9 am–3 pm. The camp is for kids in grades 4–8, and will be directed by Shelly Dearden, she will be assisted by other staff members and players. Daily sessions will include work on individual skills, drills, 3 v 3 and full court games, competitions, daily prizes, guest speakers and end of camp championships. Cost is $95 and includes a camp shirt and more. Register at communitypass.net.

Ewing Recreation Department is taking applications for picnic area permits at the following parks, John Watson on Upper Ferry Rd., Banchoff on Mt. View Rd., Higgs Park on Summerset St., Betor Park behind the Municipal building. Email Nancy at npappano@ewingnj. org or contact the office for more information or to reserve a date. The ESCC camp picnic area will be closed for use this season.

The ESCC, 883-1776x2 and Hollowbrook Community Center, 883-1199 have rooms available for rent for small groups to large parties. Kitchen facilities are available.

For more information on these or any other programs you can contact the Recreation Office at (609) 883-1776, online at ewingnj. org/communityaffairs. The Recreation Office is located at Hollowbrook CC and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

The Ewing Recreation column is paid content provided by Ewing Township.

Helen Kull serves as an advisor for the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.

Blink and they’re grown.

4.25% APY *

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate is effective as of February 15, 2023 , and is subject to change without notice. Penalty for early withdrawal may apply. Fees could reduce the earnings. A $5 Membership Account is required for this promotion. New money only. One certificate, business certificate or IRA certificate per person with a minimum deposit of $500 and a maximum deposit of $500,000. The 7-month certificate will renew as a 12-month certificate at the end of the 7-month period. The 13-month certificate will renew as a 12-month certificate at the end of the 13-month period . The 17-month certificate will renew as an 18-month certificate at the end of the 17-month period.

*Restrictions apply. Visit gocunj.com/saving for complete details.

Federally insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender