Big four pace Cardinals to best swim season in years
BY RICH FISHER
Josh DeMarco recalled his freshman year, when the Lawrence High boys swim team was just skimming by.
“We couldn’t even fill a full roster,” the Cardinals senior said. “We had 12 people and we still made it to quarterfinals of states. It’s cool to see how its developed. Everyone has gotten better. It’s just crazy to see how everyone is progressing.”
Lawrence progressed to its finest showing in the NJSIAA Central Jersey sectionals in nine years, as the Cardinals reached the CJ C finals before falling to powerful Moorestown. They finished 10-3 overall, took second in the Colonial Valley Conference Championship and earned eight firstplace medals at the CVC meet.
“Every year our goal is to get one step further in states,” head coach Ryan Shive said. “We kept making the semifinals and coming up a little bit short.”
Not this time.
“We knew we had a special group; we rebounded our numbers a little bit,” said Shive, who was assisted by Emily Palombo and Hillary Hargraves-Dix. “This year our swimmers are dedicated and motivated. They practiced really strong. We’re really proud of how well they were dedicated to the sport, and taking advantage of their potential to have such a great year.”
The Cardinals were paced by four powerhouse swimmers – seniors DeMarco and Nick Straka and juniors Aidan Verga and Yusef Kurbetinov. The four combined to set all three school relay records, while DeMarco owns the 200 IM (2:08.03) and 100 breast (1:03.59) records, and Straka set the standard in the 100 free (52.43) and 100 back (52.09).
“Josh broke the breaststroke record as a freshman in his first swim meet and that was a 20-year-old record,” Shive said.
See ChAMPS, Page 17
Jake Nerwinski gives back after MLS retirement
BY RICH FISHER
Back in elementary school, Jake Nerwinski attended Dave Boggs’ soccer camp in Lawrenceville and loved it. As a professional player, he returned to what’s now the BoggsBarrett Soccer Camp as a guest speaker.
And loved it just as much.
“That was really cool coming back to where I went as a kid,” Nerwinski said. “To be able to speak to the kids there was actually really special for me.”
And so, forced to step away from his Major League Soccer career, Nerwinski knows what he wants to do next.
After playing six seasons with the Vancou-
ver Whitecaps FC and two with St. Louis City SC, he had to retire due to injuries. Facing life without soccer for the first time, Nerwinski spent the past year exploring careers in the “real” world but something was always missing.
Soccer.
He just couldn’t leave he sport.
Thus, he plans to become a soccer agent while also opening a new training academy in Mercer County.
“The past year I was looking to get back in (as a player) but also looking to the future to see what life without playing soccer would look like,” Nerwinski said. “Ideally I would like to do both. To offer (being an agent) with
CHILDREN & ADULTS
my training would be something very strategic and positive.
“I’m very well connected with a lot of different front office people in MLS. I know that world, I think offering that type of network to aspiring youth soccer players in Mercer County could be something great.”
One of Mercer’s well-known soccer personalities feels that Nerwinski’s return would be beneficial to area players.
“Having someone like Jake returning to his roots and giving back to the youth of the sport is huge!” said former Lawrence High player PJ Barrett, the other half of the BoggsBarrett camp. “It’s a testament to his charac-
See NERWINSKI, Page 18
LHS swimmers Nick Straka(left), Yusuf Kurbetinov, Josh DeMarco and Aidan Verga pose for photo after combining for eight gold medals in the Colonial Valley Conference Championship.
Jake Nerwinski
RWJUH Hamilton March Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES
Monday, Mar. 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 24; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our monthly series to learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.
BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Mar. 10; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: MODERN ADVANCES IN COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION & TREATMENT
Monday, Mar. 16; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for an informative lecture on colorectal cancer with Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncologist, and Rachel Perez, GI Navigator, the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. Learn about the importance of early detection, innovative treatments, and lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk. Dinner provided.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Mar. 17; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH PROBLEMS AND CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS EXPLORED
Thursday, Mar. 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
A look at stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, painful intercourse, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and constipation. Learn conservative measures to help manage bladder/ bowel problems, led by Giselle Oriendo, PT, DPT, CLT, of RWJ Rehabilitation Hamilton.
AM I AT RISK? TYPE 2 DIABETES SCREENING.
Sunday, Mar. 22; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nearly 98 million American adults have prediabetes, and almost 90% are unaware of their condition.
Understanding your risk is vital. Register for a Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment. A complimentary A1C screening will be completed for those who score moderate risk or higher.
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: STRONG SHOULDERS AHEAD
Monday, Mar. 23; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Michael R. Duch, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, member of the Orthopedic & Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton, and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. Shoulder pain slowing you down? Dr. Duch, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, will provide an
eye-opening session on rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement and bursitis — three common conditions that can impact your day-to-day comfort. Learn what causes them, how they are treated, and the steps you can take to stay strong and mobile. Dinner provided and registration required.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Mar. 24; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join the Stroke Support Group at RWJUH Hamilton, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol Speech- Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.
FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH
Wednesday, Mar. 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our bimonthly heart healthy cooking class. Have some fun learning how to cook nutritious and delicious hearthealthy meals. Explore heart-friendly ingredients and cooking techniques.
WOMAN’S BOOK CLUB: “A VIEW FROM LAKE COMO” BY ADRIANA TRIGIANI
Wednesday, Mar. 25; 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Please come prepared to discuss the book. “A novel about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late.”
CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING
Wednesday, Mar. 25; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art. Grab some “junk” and get crafty while working on your mental health and wellness.
UNDERSTANDING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS
(IEPS & 504 PLANS)
Wednesday, Mar. 25; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The session explains parents’ rights and roles at each stage of the special education process, emphasizing collaboration between families and schools to support student success. Learn about the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans, including who qualifies for each, what supports and accommodations they provide, and how they are developed and reviewed. Parents will gain practical guidance on reading plans, preparing for meetings, advocating for their child, and knowing what to do if concerns arise.
AVOIDING ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS IN THE HOME
Thursday, Mar. 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Toxins are all around us: in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat. Learn what these toxins can do to our body and ways to avoid
them and live a cleaner life.
MONTHLY HEARING/BALANCE
SCREENINGS
Monday, Mar. 30; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FREE screenings on the last Wednesday of every month! These 15-minute appointments are designed to help assess your hearing health or your balance health/fall risk. To reserve a required appointment time or to learn more, call 609-245-7390, the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center at RWJUH Hamilton, located at 2 Hamilton Health Pl., Hamilton, NJ.
SACRED
BREATHWORK
Monday, Mar. 30; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Sacred Breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Join us for this powerful work. Please bring a yoga mat, low beach chair, blankets or anything else that will make you comfortable. Chairs available as well. $15
WHAT IS AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER AND HOW DOES IT RELATE TO HEARING
Tuesday, Mar. 31; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join Teresa Cole, AuD, of RWJUH Hamilton’s Balance and Hearing Center, where she will discuss what Central Auditory Processing Disorder is and how it relates to hearing loss. Central Auditory Processing Disorder is a deficit in how our brain interprets the sounds we hear. Contrary to common belief, all ages can be impacted by these deficits. All are welcome to join!
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today!
To accommodate more members, Yoga, Meditation, and Chair Yoga have been expanded into a morning session and an afternoon session. Please only register for one meditation and ONE TYPE of yoga on any single day. Multiple registrations will not be honored.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 17and 31, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 17 and 31, 2026; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 17 and 31, 2026; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, Mar. 4, 18, 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
GENTLE JAZZ CLASS
Wednesday, Mar. 4 & 18; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH AND LEARN: MOBILITY AND FALL PREVENTION WITH BIANCA ESTROPIA, DO
Thursday, Mar. 5; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join us as we welcome Bianca Estropia, DO, Geriatrician with the James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute at RWJBarnabas Health Primary Care in Hamilton, and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. Learn about the importance of mobility and fall prevention as we age, along with recommended exercises to improve balance.
SOCRATES CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar. 12; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This class encourages open discussion and the sharing of thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and personal experiences. An unofficial mantra is that we learn best when we ask questions and explore them together. This is a safe and welcoming space where all viewpoints are respected. Come with an open mind, respect for one another, and curiosity about where the conversation may lead.
TAI CHI
CLASSES
Thursday, Mar. 12 & 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. GAME TIME!
Friday, Mar. 13 & 27; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own.
GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH: DIGITIZED AND AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Thursday, Mar. 19; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
After the legalization of online wagering, the environment around gambling has changed considerably. For many, it is still a fun and harmless pastime. However, the risks for some can lead to severe financial distress, mental health issues and damaged relationships. This presentation will explore the powerful factors behind gambling today, the dangers of addiction and the importance of responsible play.
TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE SCAN THIS QR CODE
INTERGENERATIONAL MEETUP LUNCH AND SOCIAL
Friday, Mar. 20; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This intergenerational meetup pairs local high school students with seniors for a lively exchange about how daily life differs from “then” to “now.” Participants will swap stories on everything from vintage technology and fashion to how social trends have shifted over the decades.
LUNCH & LEARN: HEALTHY AGING AND MEDICATION SAFETY WITH GABRIELA ALVAREZ, PHARMD, BCPS, BCGP
Thursday, Mar. 26; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Gabriela Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, will discuss essential tools to manage prescriptions safely while exploring the core pillars of healthy aging, such as nutrition, physical activity, and social engagement. By combining medication safety with proactive wellness strategies, this session will empower attendees to maintain independence and improve their overall quality of life.
Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more
AROUND TOWN
$60.47M budget proposed
BY BILL SANSERVINO
Lawrence Township is proposing a 2-cent increase in the municipal tax rate as part of its $60.47 million budget for 2026, marking the first municipal tax increase since 2023.
Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski presented details of the proposed spending plan in his 2026 Budget Message, which he read into record during the Feb. 17 council meeting.
The recommended municipal tax rate would rise to 67.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, up from 65.2 cents last year. One penny on the tax rate generates $477,582 in revenue.
The amount to be raised by taxation in 2026 is $32.93 million, an increase of $1.09 million over 2025.
Property taxes would account for 53.08% of total revenues, up from 51.33% last year, reflecting greater reliance on the local tax levy to balance the budget.
For the owner of a home assessed at the township’s 2026 average residential
value of $289,900, the municipal portion of the tax bill would increase from $1,874.96 to $1,948.13 — a $73 rise.
The total proposed budget is $60.47 million, essentially flat compared to the 2025 budget of $60.45 million.
Nerwinski said that proposed budget was crafted within the state’s 2% levy cap and does not use any available levy cap bank.
In an interview with the Gazette befiore the Feb. 17 meeting, Mayor Chris Bobbitt said rising benefit costs are the biggest factor pushing the 2026 spending plan.
“I think for the most part, this year’s budget is really being driven by healthcare costs right now,” Bobbitt said.
The township’s current health insurance coverage is through the N.J. State Health Benefits Program, which provides medical and prescription drug coverage to active and retired state employees, local government employees, and school board/county college employees.
The insurance appropriation is increas-
See BUDGET, Page 4
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BUDGET continued from Page 3 ing by $1.38 million, a 26.32% jump over last year. Employees are projected to contribute $1.98 million toward their health coverage in 2026, up from $1.45 million in 2025.
Bobbitt said the township hopes to work with the state on the rising costs, but said the increases have been difficult to absorb.
“Hopefully we can work in partnership with the state. Control those costs, but right now it’s been a real challenge,” Bobbitt said.
He added that township is trying to limit growth in other areas, because additional major costs are on the horizon.
“Most everything else is pretty much staying flat, most areas, with a few exceptions of course,” Bobbitt said.
He pointed to upcoming needs tied to the fire service and municipal facilities, including the likelihood of a new firehouse and major work at the community center. He said earlier estimates for the community center were in the $3 million range, and he expects that figure would be higher now.
Salary and wage costs are increasing by $1.15 million. Bobbitt said inflation and the broader cost of living are affecting the township’s labor negotiations, too.
“It’s definitely impacted our contract negotiations with our bargaining units slightly above where it’s been in the past,” Bobbitt said. “Keeping their salary flat would be a salary decrease.
He said the township is focused on retaining employees by keeping compensation competitive, while also looking for non-monetary issues that can be addressed at the bargaining table.
Pension costs for the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System and the Public Employees Retirement System are rising by a combined $217,826.
The township’s joint insurance fund contribution is increasing by $156,660.
Recycling costs through the Mercer County Improvement Authority are rising by $66,485, and Social Security and Medicare contributions are increasing by $49,000.
Combined, the major listed increases in appropriations total $3.02 million.
The 2026 budget also includes consistent annual contributions of $55,000 to the township’s unemployment fund, $120,000 to the self-insurance trust fund and $51,000 to the accumulated sick leave trust fund.
seen with how we deal with municipal operations is we’re pretty lean,” Bobbitt said.
Despite the operating increases, Lawrence continues to reduce its outstanding debt.
The 2025 year-end debt balance fell to $5.99 million from $8.37 million the previous year, a reduction of $2.42 million.
Another $2.42 million in debt reduction is budgeted for 2026. The township’s net valuation taxable increased to $4.78 billion, up $21.361 million over last year.
While the growth in ratables helps support the budget, the increase is about 35% lower than the gain experienced in 2025.
Bobbitt said having room under state caps has helped the township manage the health cost increases.
“Thankfully we banked both on the levy side and the appropriations side, because on the appropriation side, we have to use some of that cap space for these health cost increases,” Bobbitt said.
Lawrence will use $9.32 million in surplus as revenue in the 2026 budget, unchanged from last year. Surplus represents 15.41% of total revenues.
The year-end surplus balance is down $807,764 from 2024.
After applying surplus to support the 2026 budget, the remaining balance will be $11.97 million. Miscellaneous revenues will account for 29.61% of total revenues, down from 31.34% in 2025.
The township anticipates $1.15 million in receipts from delinquent taxes, unchanged from last year.
Bobbitt said one area the township is watching closely is revenue tied to cannabis sales, which he said has dropped as more dispensaries have opened across the region.
“Our tax rate, our income was about, I want to say $900.,000,” Bobbitt said. “And that has decreased, I think we’re assuming about $300,000 this year,” Bobbitt said.
He said the township is encouraged by what he described as stabilization in major retail areas, including investment and new tenants at Mercer Mall and steadier conditions at Quaker Bridge.
He called those large commercial properties important to the township’s tax base.
“Those are the two big retail ratables that keep me up at night,” Bobbitt said.
Bobbitt said Lawrence is able to manage cost pressures in part because the municipal operation has remained lean for years, including through cross-training and shared responsibilities between departments.
“One of the great things I’ve always
The reserve for uncollected taxes, a state-mandated appropriation to ensure sufficient cash flow to meet school, county and municipal obligations, is decreasing to $4.05 million from $4.50 million.
The governing body is expected to review the spending plan before holding a public hearing and voting on final adoption later this year.
C A M P S MERCER
“THIS SUMMER IS GOING TO BE GREAT”
Summer CampS 2026 Area camps offer a wide variety of summer options
As the school year winds down and calendars begin to open, families across Mercer County turn their attention to one of summer’s biggest planning decisions: how children will spend their time once classes end.
With dozens of options available locally, this month’s Summer Camps section showcases a wide range of programs offered throughout the region.
The guide helps families compare camp types, schedules and focus areas, making it easier to match a child’s interests with summer availability.
For many households, summer camps strike a balance between structure and freedom, learning and play, supervision and independence.
What was once a single type of day camp experience has evolved into a variety of programs tailored to different interests, ages and schedules. Today’s camps reflect shifting educational priorities and a recognition that children thrive when they can explore what excites them.
Traditional day camps remain a popular choice. These programs typically offer full- or half-day schedules built around outdoor activities, organized games, arts and crafts, and social interaction.
Swimming, team sports and creative projects are often part of the daily routine, giving campers a mix of activity and downtime. For younger children especially, traditional camps provide consistency and opportunities to build social skills in a relaxed setting.
Many traditional camps incorporate themed weeks or rotating activities. One week might focus on outdoor adventure, another on creative arts and another on group challenges.
such as drawing and painting, or on performing arts like theater, music and dance. Campers might rehearse a play, learn new techniques or explore storytelling and creative writing. Many culminate in a showcase or performance for family and friends.
Sports and recreation camps continue to attract families seeking active programs. Some focus on specific sports such as soccer, basketball or swimming, while others introduce campers to a variety of games and fitness activities. Emphasis is often placed on teamwork, sportsmanship and skill development rather than competition alone, creating an inclusive environment for children of all experience levels.
Nature and environmental camps appeal to children who enjoy time outdoors. Taking advantage of local parks and open spaces, these programs may include hiking, wildlife observation, gardening and environmental science projects.
Campers explore ecosystems, learn about conservation and participate in handson activities that promote stewardship while building independence and resilience.
Academic enrichment camps represent another growing category, particularly for older students. These programs may strengthen skills in reading, writing or math, help students prepare for new grade levels or offer advanced topics for those seeking additional challenges. Smaller group settings and interactive projects help keep students engaged.
This approach offers flexibility and allows children to try new experiences without committing to a single focus for the entire summer.
STEM and STEAM camps have grown increasingly popular. These programs emphasize science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through handson, project-based learning.
Specialty camps focus on niche interests such as cooking, maker workshops or leadership development. Multi-interest camps combine elements from several categories, offering rotating schedules that might include art in the morning and sports in the afternoon. Additional options may include overnight programs, adaptive camps, and faith-based offerings.
With so many choices, selecting the right camp often involves balancing a child’s interests with practical considerations such as age range, schedule, session length and cost. Early planning is important, as many programs fill quickly.
Rather than focusing on classroom-style instruction, campers might build simple machines, experiment with chemistry, design structures, or explore coding. Activities encourage collaboration and problemsolving while keeping learning engaging.
Arts and creative camps provide enrichment through expression and performance. Programs may focus on visual arts
Whether families are seeking enrichment, adventure or simply a fun place for children to spend their days, Mercer County area camps reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
For a guide to camps for all ages and interests in Mercer County and beyond, visit mercercamps.com.
Summer CampS 2026
YMCA Camp Mason
Why Camp Matters
For more than 125 years, YMCA Camp Mason has welcomed campers to be a part of our caring, inclusive community. We strive for excellence, relevance and innovation and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our camp focuses on facilitating a break from technology, encouraging engagement with the natural world, and participating in an assortment of activities aimed at personal development. Our proven programs and caring counselors engage and encourage young people and deliver meaningful and memorable experiences year after year.
We could go on and on about the benefits of YMCA Camp Mason, but our campers say it best!
“I made so many new friends and now I know I can do anything!” – 14 year old girl
Our schedule allows campers to try new things and improve their skills while developing confidence, gaining a sense of independence and having fun! Campers enjoy a varied daily schedule that includes choice activities, group games, swimming and a period of recreation time. The friendships gained from their time at camp last a lifetime.
“I come to camp for all of the great activities.” –13 year old boy
From canoeing to ziplining through the trees to performing at the talent show, there is something for everyone! We offer archery, swimming in our heated pool, boating, arts and crafts, drama, music, a climbing tower, zipline, dance, movie making, basketball and other court sports, a skate boarding park, mountain biking, hiking, aerial silks, yoga and countless other activities. Campers can even sign up for FREE off-site trips to explore our fantastic natural surroundings in the Delaware River Gap National Recreation Area.
“Camp Mason is my home away from home!” –10 year old boy
Campers stay in comfortable cabins with each cabin group determined by age and with two counselors who live alongside the campers, ensuring there is always a caring, watchful eye on your child. Our counselors, from around the US and the world, are professional, trained mentors. We teach and live our values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, integrity and inclusion throughout the camp day.
“At camp I can be myself.” – 11 year old girl 98 percent of our camper parents report that their child felt a sense of belonging at camp, and 93%
of parents indicated that their child’s self-image improved as a result of attending YMCA Camp Mason.
Don’t miss out and join us at YMCA Camp Mason for the BEST SUMMER EVER! If you are ready for your child to out down their phone, thrive, build a positive sense of self, grow in empathy and caring and experience a sense of discovery, then please take a moment to look at our website at www.campmason.org, call 908-362-8217 or email shani@campmason.org for more information or to register.
Summer CampS 2026
Hamilton Area YMCA
More Than a Summer: The Lasting Benefits of Sawmill Summer Camp
At the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Summer Camp, the fun is evident. The pool splashes, the fields buzz with games, and laughter echoes across 50 acres of outdoor adventure. But what makes camp truly powerful isn’t just what children do; it’s who they become.
Camp is a place where kids try new things without the pressure of grades, teams, or comparison. They attempt the climbing wall. They test the deep end. They speak up during group activities. Each small win builds confidence. And that confidence doesn’t stay at camp; it shows up in classrooms, on sports fields, and in everyday life.
ing their backpacks, navigating new friendships, or participating in leadership activities as Trailblazers or CITs, campers learn responsibility in ways that feel natural and empowering. With trained staff, low camper-tostaff ratios, and a supportive environment grounded in the YMCA’s core
values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, children are encouraged to grow, knowing they are safe and supported.
Camp fosters authentic connections. Without screens or social media, kids build real friendships through shared experiences such as
team challenges, group games, theme weeks, and creative projects.
They learn how to work as part of a team, resolve conflicts, include others, and lead with empathy. These socialemotional skills are some of the most valuable long-term benefits of camp.
From daily swim time in Mercer County’s largest pool to sports, field games, STEM, and specialty programs, campers are busy and on the move all day long. They build strength, coordination, and endurance while associating physical activity with fun.
Swim lessons, taught by certified instructors, provide life-saving skills that benefit children for years to come.
Camp gives children permission to imagine boldly. Arts and crafts, science experiments, performing arts, specialty sports camps, and themed weeks encourage campers to explore new interests and discover hidden talents. In a space free from fear of failure, creativity thrives.
As campers grow, so do their opportunities. Older campers step into
Summer CampS 2026
leadership roles, participate in community projects, travel on field trips, and even train alongside counselors in our CIT program. They learn what it means to guide others, take initiative, and make a positive impact. Skills that shape future leaders.
For over 20 years, the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Summer Camp has created spaces where every child belongs. Financial assistance is available because we believe camp should be accessible to all families.
When parents drop their children
off at Sawmill, they’re not merely sending them to camp. They’re offering them confidence, independence, enduring friendships, and unforgettable memories, all while fostering healthy habits and leadership skills.
The sunshine fades at the end of August, but the growth lasts all year.
This summer, give your child more than something to do. Give them something that shapes who they become. To learn more, visit www. hamiltonymca.org/summer-camp/ sawmill-branch-2026
Ewing Recreation Department
Camps & Pools Set for 2026
The Ewing Community Pools System offers two pools for seasonal members and daily patrons. The pools have shaded areas, pool furniture, changing rooms, and shower facilities, and ESCC has a snack bar. The Hollowbrook Pool located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive is scheduled to open on weekends & Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23. Operating hours are, Saturdays, 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday – Friday noon to 8 p.m. 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 23, and both pools will open full time starting on Monday, June 17, from noon to 8 p.m. Swim lessons start with evaluations on Saturday, June 13, and space is limited. Senior Swim and Senior Water Aerobics are offered and will start on Monday, June 22; seniors needing assistance registering can register at the Senior Office for
these programs. Online registration for seasonal memberships, swim lessons, and Senior Swim/Water Aerobics is required at ewingnj.org/ recregistration. Labor Day is the last day that the pools will be open.
The Ewing Recreation Summer Camp will run from June 29 – August 22 for grades 1 – 6 and is held on the grounds of the Fisher School and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). The hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Early hours are from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and late hours are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Online registration is required at ewingnj.org/recregistration.
Teen Travel will be for grades 7 –9 and will run from July 1 – August 16. The camp will travel four days a week and stay in Ewing the other day. Campers can participate in day camp on weeks Teen Travel is not being held. Camp also offers a Counselor in Training program for children entering grades 9 and 10.
For more information on these programs call the Ewing Recreation Office at 609-883-1776 x6203. You can also go to ewingnj.org, Community Affairs.
June
July
Summer CampS 2026
RSM Princeton
Advance Your Child’s Math Learning This Summer!
Summer math classes at RSM Princeton are now enrolling!
RSM is an award winning, afterschool math enrichment program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 80+ locations in North America. Our unique approach consists of a continuous K-12 curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year after year.
Featured in NPR and The Atlantic as a key player in the “Math Revolution” and ranked one of the best schools in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM uses the rigorous study of mathematics to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.
Why Choose RSM’s Summer Program?
A Program for All Students: RSM offers summer classes for K-12 students looking to strengthen their grasp of the fundamentals, prepare for the upcoming school year, or experience additional challenges.
Prevent Summer Learning Loss: RSM’s program ensures that students retain and strengthen their math knowledge, keeping them on track when they return to school in the fall.
Talented Faculty: All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or a related field and a deep passion for the subject.
Classroom Environment: Students are instructed by an expert teacher leading an interactive lesson in an in-person class environment.
Summer Program Details: The 6-Week Summer Program runs June
22 – July 30, in-person or online, on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. The 3-Week Summer Program runs in person August 3 – 20 Monday through Thursday with no homework.
Summer Math Competition Preparation Classes: Math Competition Preparation classes are designed for students interested in advanced mathematical topics and preparing for elite state, national, and international competitions (Math Kangaroo, MOEMS, AMC 8, 10, 12, USA(J)MO, and more). The program focuses on teaching students how to approach competition-level problems. These classes are available for grades 2 through 10 as 6 or 3-week courses meeting twice per week.
STEAM Program at RSM Edison: We are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Summer STEAM Program, designed for students entering grades K-5. This one-week program is designed to spark curiosity in young learners with hands-on activities in Math, Science, Engineering, Chess, Coding, Dance and Art. There is a new session each week and students can sign up for multiple sessions. There are 5 4-hour classes per week grouped by grade for best learning experience and open to all ability levels.
Summer Chess Classes: Chess makes its debut at RSM Princeton this summer! Not only is it a lot of fun, but it is also a great tool to improve your child’s cognitive development, decision-making, creative, and critical thinking skills. The in-person program meets Monday through Thursday for 3 weeks.
Get Started Today! Visit www. mathschool.com to view the summer schedule for RSM Princeton and other RSM NJ locations and enroll your child today.
Body Language Dance Center
The Stage Is Set for Movement
This summer, the stage is set for movement, music, and memorable classes at Body Language Dance Center, where creativity and community come together under the direction of Travis Breen and Eric McCotter.
Located at 5 Scotch Road in the heart of Ewing, the studio continues to be a vibrant hub for dancers ages 2.5–18. The Summer Dance program features an exciting lineup of classes designed to inspire both new and returning students. From high-energy hip-hop and acro to classical ballet and jazz, each class blends strong technical training with expressive artistry in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Breen and McCotter share a deep passion for dance education and performance excellence. Their leadership emphasizes not only precision and skill development, but also confidence, teamwork, and personal growth. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, explore new styles, and discover their unique voice through movement.
In addition to its recreational classes, Body Language Dance Center is proud to be home to an award-winning competition team that consistently
earns top honors at regional and national events. The team exemplifies dedication, artistry, and sportsmanship, providing dancers with opportunities to grow, perform, and represent the studio with pride.
Classes begin in July, giving students the perfect opportunity to stay active, refine their technique, beginner level through advance, and make the most of their summer break.
Families throughout the community praise Body Language Dance Center for its welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff. Many students return year after year, drawn by the studio’s commitment to high-quality instruction and positive mentorship.
As the summer season unfolds, Body Language Dance Center remains a place where discipline meets joy — and where every dancer, from beginner to advanced, is empowered to move with confidence and purpose.
Registration for Summer Dance is now open. For more information about class schedules and enrollment, visit BodyLanguageDanceCenter.com or call 609-882-3222.
$275/Week, $375/Week for non-residents
Counselors in Training (Grade 9 & 10.) (CIT) is $60 and is only open to Ewing residents. Additional fees for early and late hours. Financial assistance is available. Register and pay
Summer CampS 2026
D1 Training
Newtown
Building Stronger Athletes and a Stronger Community
Families in the Mercer and Bucks areas seeking structured, coach-led fitness, and athletic development now have a dedicated destination at D1 Training, located just outside Newtown in Langhorne, PA. The facility delivers a sports science-backed approach designed to help youth and adults improve performance, build strength, and develop long-term healthy habits.
Unlike traditional gyms, D1 Training follows a structured model rooted in athletic principles. Each workout is organized around five tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core and conditioning, and cool down. This system focuses on training the whole body while supporting safe, consistent progress for participants at every level. The Newtown location is owned by Matt and Tracy Kueny, whose professional backgrounds combine athletic coaching and operational leadership. Matt brings more than 20 years of experience as a Junior Olympic softball coach, guiding high school athletes to refine their skills and pursue higher levels of competition. Tracy has spent 14 years at Princeton University as Senior Financial Manager in the Office of the Dean of the College, overseeing initiatives at one of the nation’s most respected institutions.
Leaping Dog & Sleeping Cat Art Studios
Never a Dull Moment at Art Camp!
Leaping Dog Art Studios and its new second location, Sleeping Cat Art Studios, is a communitycentered art studio providing art classes, art camps, private art lessons, and art parties for both kids and adults in drawing, painting, pottery, and more in downtown Bordentown City.
Unlike a traditional art school with grades and critiques, Leaping Dog & Sleeping Cat offers a more relaxed educational atmosphere, free of judgment, and strives to meet students where they are at in their creative journey and help them to grow as an artist. Their kids Summer Camp program in particular has become a popular choice for local parents since they first opened back in 2014 and are known to fill up fast. What makes their camps special?
For one thing, they always keep camp numbers small (under 15) to make sure that each camper gets individualized attention by caring and talented instructors. Secondly, camp at Leaping Dog, and now Sleeping Cat is never dull! With a full load of artful themes offered throughout the entire ten weeks of summer, instructors and campers alike
For the Kuenys, opening the facility represents both a business venture and a personal mission. As parents of two former college athletes, they understand the preparation and discipline required to compete beyond high school. That perspective shapes how they engage with members and families who walk through the doors.
Programming is organized by age and stage of development, with Rookie training for ages 7 to 11, Developmental for ages 12 to 14, Prep for ages 15 to 18, and adult options. In addition to group sessions, members can choose semi private or one on one coaching. This structure allows individualized attention within a motivating team environment.
Beyond daily training, the owners aim to make an impact in the broader community. They have expressed interest in creating a grant program to support underserved youth athletes who may not otherwise access this type of training. The goal is to expand opportunity while reinforcing the life skills that sports can teach.
D1 Training was founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew and has grown into a national brand with more than 150 locations and many additional facilities in development. Its 5 Star Training System emphasizes total body development and measurable progress rather than short term trends.
For local residents, the facility offers a place where athletes, students, and adults can train with intention and accountability. Coaches work closely with members to set goals, track improvement, and
are always excited to see what new things they get to do and create each day and each week. For example, one day we may be learning to draw faces and another day, we’re making magic wands or potions and creating fantastical creatures out of clay or with paper mache.
While all ceramics or clay-centered camps will be offered at the Leaping Dog location (including “Foodie Clay Camp” and “Pottery Wheel” camps), camps at Sleeping Cat will focus on two-dimensional and performance art related themes including “We Love Music & Theater Art” Camp, Fashion Design Camp, Cartooning and Digital Art Camp and
celebrate milestones. The environment encourages consistency, effort, and confidence, qualities that extend beyond workouts into school, careers, and daily life. As Newtown area families continue to prioritize health and activity, D1 Training Newtown stands as a resource committed to helping individuals reach their potential and sustain active lifestyles for years to come.
With expert coaching, thoughtful programming, and a community minded approach, the facility positions itself as a long term partner in personal fitness, athletic development, and overall wellness for residents throughout the region. Looking ahead.
D1 Training | Newtown, 864 Town Center Drive, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. d1training.com/facility/ newtown.
the eco-friendly, play-based “Cardboard Creations” camp, which are new themes this year.
Summer Camps at Leaping Dog and Sleeping Cat complement each other as “two studios, one creative home,” says director Jennifer Szeto. “Both spaces feel as part of the same studio. Our beloved instructors work at both locations and we are excited to welcome some new, enthusiastic instructors on staff this coming summer for 2026. Our studio is a safe space, a positive space and each summer we cannot wait to meet new campers and welcome back returning campers as one does family. The fact is, many of our campers have been coming and often they come for multiple weeks each summer. We have become like a second home, a creative home for these students, a place where they feel safe in, can meet new friends, try new things, learn new skills, gain confidence and feel inspired.”
Online Registration is now open.
For more info and to find the latest schedule of classes and events, including “Arty Pizza Nights”, “Bookish Art Club” meetings, “Coffee and Crafternoons” and monthly musical performances like Open Mic Nights and Jazz Jams, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leapingdogartstudios or visit their website at www.leapingdogartstudios.com.
Matt and Tracy Kueny with A J Brown from the Eagles.
Summer CampS 2026
Tomato Patch at Kelsey Theatre
Now Registering for Its 53rd Year!
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer is now registering for Tomato Patch!
Now in its 53rd year, Tomato Patch is the longest-running, most successful multi-disciplinary Visual and Performing Arts program in Central New Jersey. Featuring classes for ages 10-18, Tomato Patch is taught by a talented staff of professional artists. Check us out online at www.tomatopatch.org.
Here are some fun things about Tomato Patch:
First: It is truly multi-disciplinary. You choose a major in the morning in either theater, dance, vocal music or visual art and have classes in your
Centercourt
major, then after lunch you have four electives — and you can mix and match between theater, dance, music,
More Than Sports: Summer Fun with a Purpose in Lawrence
Centercourt Club & Sports has become a trusted hub for youth sports in the community, offering year-round training, development programs, and structured leagues for multiple sports across the region. As summer approaches, the facility is inviting parents to take advantage of flexible camp options designed to fit every child’s interests and goals.
The message this season is simple: design summer your way.
Conveniently located in Lawrence Township, Centercourt offers a range of camp experiences that allow families to choose the structure, sport focus, and environment that best fits their child.
For families seeking a well-rounded, highenergy experience, Centercourt’s Multi-Sport Summer Camp delivers action-packed days built around movement, teamwork, and fun. Campers rotate through structured sports sessions including soccer, flag football, wiffle ball and field games, along with team challenges and themed programming. The focus goes beyond simply staying active — it is about building confidence, encouraging sportsmanship, and creating friendships that last well beyond the summer months.
For younger campers, Centercourt’s Pre-K Camp provides a supportive and engaging introduction to group activities. Designed specifically for early learners, the program
visual arts and video.
Second: It culminates in a Festival of The Arts Performance and Gallery
emphasizes age-appropriate skill development, cooperative play, and structured fun in a safe and nurturing environment. It is an ideal first camp experience for families looking to build routine and social confidence before the school year begins. Baseball players have a unique opportunity this summer with Michael Rogers Baseball Camp. Known for his player development expertise and ability to connect with young athletes, Rogers brings a high-level instructional approach. Campers receive focused skill instruction, position-specific training, and game-based learning designed to elevate performance while maintaining
A production of ‘Beetlejuice’ from a previous year’s Tomato Patch Workshop.
Exhibit.
Third: You will make lasting friendships — something we have seen for many years, as you find friends that have a lot in common with you.
Tomato Patch Workshops this summer has 2 sessions:
Session 1 for ages 13-18, June 29July 24 (four weeks).
Session 2 for ages 10-12, July 27-August 13 (3 weeks).
We also feature a Master Class in Acting which is full-day 3 week theater intensive summer program for ages 13-19. July 27-August 14.
The Master Class in Theater culminates in A Night of One Acts! Call 609-570-3566 for more information.
the excitement that makes summer baseball memorable. Baseball camp takes place at Fenton Lane Park in Chesterfield.
Adding to the lineup this year, there are four brand new indoor Volleyball courts, expanding to trainings, league, and Volleyball Camp. As volleyball continues to grow in popularity across the region, Centercourt is proud to introduce enhanced training opportunities and gameplay. Athletes will work on fundamentals, strategy, and team play under experienced coaches, making it an exciting new option for both beginners and experienced players. The best of both worlds, Multi-Sport + Volleyball Combo Camp includes a half day of Volleyball and a half day of Multi-Sport activities.
Additional sport-specific camps, including Softball, Football, and Lacrosse, will be announced soon, giving even more athletes the opportunity to train and compete in a structured summer environment.
What connects all of these programs is Centercourt’s commitment to coach-led instruction and intentional programming. Each session is supervised and thoughtfully designed to promote both athletic development and character growth.
Families are encouraged to explore the full lineup of camp options and secure their spots early, as sessions typically fill quickly. To see all Centercourt Lawrence camp offerings and register, visit www.cntrcrt.com/lawrence-camps.
At Centercourt Lawrence, summer is not one-size-fits-all — it is built around flexibility, development, and community, giving every family the opportunity to design a season that works for them.
Summer CampS 2026
Liberty Lake Day Camp
Marking 25 Years With Expanded Leadership, Safety Initiatives, and Growing Regional Demand
As Liberty Lake Day Camp enters its 25th year serving families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the well-known Bordentown program is marking the milestone with strengthened leadership, expanded safety initiatives, and continued emphasis on inclusion and youth development.
Founded in 2001 by educator and former American Camp Association (ACA) NY/NJ President Andy Pritikin, Liberty Lake Day Camp has grown into one of the region’s most established summer day camps. These 60 shady acres are the summer home base to thousands of campers each season, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, instructional activities, and values-based programming.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate but also to continue raising the bar,” Pritikin said. “The needs of children and families evolve, and we want to grow with them.” If you are looking for more details about “life in the day of a camper”, on December 24, 2025 — Liberty Lake Day Camp announced the release of its 2025 Video Yearbook, highlighting a summer filled with confidence-building programs, meaningful friendships, and personal growth…great video!
Leadership Expansion: A Second Generation Joins the Team. The camp’s 25th anniversary also marks the return of Justin Pritikin, Andy’s
son, to the leadership team. Justin, a former Liberty Lake camper, brings experience in youth programming, staff training, and leadership development.
His professional background includes roles in corporate leadership at lululemon and program oversight at Everwood Day Camp, Liberty Lake’s sister camp in Massachusetts. Justin is also known for his TED Talk on resilience, inspired by his seven-year battle with childhood leukemia. His full biography appears here
“Coming back to Liberty Lake feels like the right moment,” Justin said. “This place shaped me as a child, and I’m honored to contribute to its next chapter.”
Safety Enhancements Remain Central to Camp Operations.
Safety continues to be one of the most scrutinized aspects of youth programs, and Liberty Lake Day Camp has worked to maintain what many parents describe as a “proactive and visible” safety culture.
The camp regularly exceeds New Jersey’s staffing and training requirements, particularly in its waterfront program, where additional certified lifeguards and layered supervision are standard practices. Staff complete multiple rounds of emergency-preparedness training, and daily risk assessments are part of the camp’s routine. A detailed summary of Liberty Lake Day Camp’s safety procedures is available.
“Our philosophy is that safety should be built into every aspect of operation,” Andy Pritikin said. “It’s not a document — it’s a culture.”
Growing Focus on Inclusion and Social-Emotional Support. Alongside traditional activities, Liberty Lake Day Camp has expanded its inclusion and social-emotional programming. Counselors receive training in supporting neurodiverse campers, managing peer interactions, and fostering communication skills. The camp’s long-standing 5-Star Points — Independence, Integrity,
Inspiration, Teamwork, and Friendship — remain at the center of its youthdevelopment model.
“Parents today are looking for camps where their children feel welcome and understood,” Justin said. “We want every child to feel successful here.”
Regional Interest From Both NJ and PA Families. Liberty Lake Day Camp draws campers from Burlington, Mercer, Camden, and Gloucester counties, as well as from across the river in Philadelphia and Bucks County. Many families cite the camp’s leadership, staff stability, and safety practices as deciding factors in enrollment.
Families new to the camp often look for information on schedules, meals, transportation, and program structure.
A resource page answering these questions is available at: libertylakedaycamp.com/liberty-lakeday-camp-top-questions-guides/ Looking Ahead: Planning for the Next 25 Years. As Liberty Lake Day Camp celebrates their 25th anniversary, this milestone also marks its next chapter. Andy and Justin say their focus remains consistent: delivering high-quality programming that helps children grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
“The elements that make camp meaningful have stayed the same,” Andy said. “Children need outdoor experiences, friendship, and opportunities that help them step outside their comfort zone. We’re committed to providing that for the next generation.”
Enrollment for the upcoming summer is currently open, with certain age groups expected to reach capacity based on prior years’ trends. Visit www.libertylakedaycamp.com.
Hamilton Area YMCA
Hamilton Area YMCA
Sawmill Summer Camp 2026
Sawmill Summer Camp 2026
SUN, SMILES &
OPEN
10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. HOUSES at Sawmill: 3/7 & 3/28
HOUSES at Sawmill: 3/7 & 3/28
OPEN HOUSES at Sawmill: 3/7 & 3/28 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
REGISTER NOW!
REGISTER NOW!
SAVE UP TO $90 PER WEEK - Camp as low as $316 per week!
SAVE UP TO $90 PER WEEK - Camp as low as $316 per week!
Plus, make convenient monthly payments through May!
Plus, make convenient monthly payments through May!
Day Camp & Specialty Camps providing: 50 acres of outdoor space | STEM | sports games | swimming | special events | theme weeks
Day Camp & Specialty Camps providing: 50 acres of outdoor space | STEM | sports games | swimming | special events | theme weeks
“He broke it again by five seconds. It’s incredible.”
His school record time is also a CVC meet record, as it broke the 2023 mark of 1:03.84 set by Princeton’s Daniel Baytin in what was then the Mercer County meet. DeMarco was there for Baytin’s feat.
“Ever since I saw that record broken my freshman year I wanted it,” he said. “I was in the heat before (Baytin). I was like ‘That’s gonna be mine before I graduate.’ Breaking it was honestly one of the best feelings I’ve had in a long time.
“My sophomore and junior year I wasn’t focusing on breaststroke, I was developing other strokes. And it showed. This year I’ve been working really hard on it. I almost broke two records that day, I came really close to the 200 IM. But I’ll take the one. That was my goal.”
The Cards won eight gold medals that day and finished second overall to a West Windsor-Plainsboro South team with a lot of depth. DeMarco earned MVP honors, edging out Straka. Both won four events, but DeMarco’s record swim tipped the scale.
“Coaches were asking me who should be Swimmer of the Meet, Nick or Josh?” Shive said. “How could I even choose? I even had a conversation with them. I said ‘However this is gonna fall, in our eyes you are both swimmers that deserve it.
“Nick deserved it but Josh ended up being the fastest breaststroker in the history of the tournament so he earned that award. We weren’t anticipating that, we were hoping he’d take first in the breaststroke. But the record? We didn’t know that was in the Cards. He went out and put it all out there.”
DeMarco also felt Nick was a worthy candidate and figured his breaststroke effort was probably the deciding factor.
“Nick is my best friend, I’ve been swimming with him since I was 11,” DeMarco said. “I wouldn’t want it to come down to a tie-break. If I didn’t break a meet record we’d both have four golds and no records. If that happened I would happily cut the plaque in half and given it to my best friend. I’m happy there wasn’t a debate. If you break the record it kind of seals the deal for MVP.”
DeMarco also won the 200 IM while Straka took the 100 and 200 free. Kurbetdinov claimed the 400 free, Verga won the 100 back and all four combined to cop the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.
“They’re incredible athletes, we are very fortunate to have them on our team all at the same time,” Shive said. “Josh and Nick’s success is four years in the making. For the past couple years at CVCs they were the top three swimmers, just waiting to take that extra step to take first.”
Verga, Straka and DeMarco swim together on the Express swim team and Kurbetdinov swims for Excel. They are all
tight with one another.
“I would say our chemistry is very good together,” Shive said. “We’re each only good at specific things that are other person’s weaknesses. Aiden and Nick are good in backstroke and sprint freestyle, which me and Yusef both struggle in. Me and Yusef are short access people and longer distance people.
“We do push each other and have a good friendship, joking with each other. But at CVCs we were serious, so pumped. It’s a joking around friendship but serious when we have to be serious.”
Shive noted that seniors Aiden Crowley, who came out for swimming for the first time this year, and captain Carter Edwards both contributed, as did sophomore Anthony Pawlak.
“Carter Edwards is one of our utility swimmers, he goes in where we need him and is a great leader,” the coach said. “Aiden has also been a great contributor, mostly in our relays.
“Anthony Pawlak also can kind of go anywhere, he’s like Aiden Verga but a year younger. He does a lot of clean-up work getting thirds and seconds behind the top four.”
DeMarco noted that the Cardinals also has some young talent that will help offset the loss of this year’s seniors, and that helped out the current team as well.
“We got a wave of freshmen and sophomores,” he said. “We always had those people to take first but we never had those people to take fourths and fifths. Against (West Windsor) North (in the CJ C semis) it was a closer meet. We took first in every single event and we had people step up and get their places we needed them to get and we won by 30. That definitely was a driving force.”
He was referring to guys like sophomores Jackson Gauthier, Ian Abramowitz, Yaroslav Bondarenko, Travis Sisk and Rian Wijesuriya, and freshman William Nelessen, who all contributed points in two straight wins over the Northern Knights.
The sectional semifinal victory will live large in DeMarco’s memory.
“We came into this season with more edge than we ever had,” he said. “Last season we got bumped out at the semifinals and we had to drive an hour to the meet just to lose. And this year our goal was to make it to the sectional finals, regardless of winning or losing. It was incredible to finally see that happen.”
Despite the loss to Moorestown, the Cardinals were still smiling as they awaited the state individual meet, in which all the Big 4 will be participating in various events.
“At the end of the day the message to the team was that this was the furthest we’ve gone in a long time and we lost to a tremendous team,” Shive said. “We wanted to leave everything in the water. Regardless of the outcome we trained our hardest.”
ter and love of the sport.
“New Jersey, and Mercer County in particular, is rich in soccer talent and has produced many local legends like Mooch Myernick, Bobby Smith, The Fink brothers, Billy Gazonas and Ping Pong (Charlie Farrauto), to name a few. Their influence was tremendous in this area. Jake grew up watching these guys and is now helping guide and instill a love of the game for the next generation of future stars.”
Nerwinski graduated as Notre Dame High’s all-time leading scorer with 29 goals and 24 assists. He went on to a successful career at the University of Connecticut before being drafted by Vancouver. His father Kevin, Lawrence Township’s Municipal Manager, and uncle Frank Nerwinski also played at Notre Dame.
Former Irish coach Mike Perone echoed Barrett’s thoughts on Nerwinski’s return.
“They grow up here, they get their roots here and it’s just something great that those kind of guys want to give back,” Perone said. “We were lucky enough that they do come back and we can learn something from them. Jake’s a level-headed guy. He doesn’t forget where he came from.
“Kevin and Frankie were always like that. It’s inborn in that family. Jake learned his lessons from home, that’s for sure.”
At 31, Nerwinski has already enjoyed a life some can only dream about. He has put himself up there with the Myernicks and Smiths when it comes to recognition, as the younger generation of players look up to him with awe and admiration.
“He spoke at our camp about loving the game, being a good teammate, setting goals and working hard in the classroom,” Barrett said. “You could see the starstruck look in the campers eyes -- and some of the parents -- as he spoke. He stayed to take questions, sign autographs, take pictures with all the campers. It was a really great, heart-warming experience and a great moment for our campers.”
Since Nerwinski spent eight seasons focused on competing and keeping his job as a professional, it didn’t quite resonate as
Jake Nerwinski at the Barrett-Boggs camp last summer. to what he was actually experiencing. Now that it’s over, he reflects on it with great pride.
“When I was going through it I didn’t recognize how special that time really was,” Nerwinski said. “You always think it’s gonna go on forever. It will come to an end but hopefully not as abruptly as it did for me. I was able to live out a childhood dream that I never knew was even possible.
“A lot of kids aspire to be professional athletes. To actually be able to do it, I’m so grateful and I’m proud and I tried to enjoy every step of the way. I got to meet so many different people around the world. I got to play against top players – (Lionel) Messi, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, David Villa. Those are guys you grew up watching on TV and idolizing. That was probably my favorite part. I’m just so grateful for that journey and that ride.”
The ride came to a jarring halt before Nerwinski expected. After the 2024 season he hoped to re-sign with St. Louis as a free agent. “I had a verbal agreement, unfortu-
nately it never went to paper,” he said. “It kind of fell through.”
Nerwinski was then asked to go on trial with San Diego FC and two days into that he tore his quad.
“I went back to our house in St. Louis, packed up everything and we moved back to New Jersey,” said Nerwinski, who is enjoying life at the beach in Belmar. “I did my rehab and had intentions of trying to find a club in the summer.
“After three months of rehab I was cleared to play and started playing pick-up in Metuchen and Hoboken trying to get back the fitness. Three weeks after being cleared, I tore my ACL playing pick-up in late May. I got surgery at the end of July.”
Facing nine to 12 months of rehabilitation, he knew it was over. Nerwinski was certain he had some productive years left in him had he stayed healthy.
“It was interesting timing,” Nerwinski said. “I gotta believe it happened for a reason. I’m still grappling with that but I’m trying hard.”
One advantage Nerwinski has as he starts anew, is a strong mindset. Perone noted that being a defender in the MLS suited him because “he just had that attitude of ‘You’re not gonna beat me, that’s not happening.’”
Nerwinski returns home a different person from when he entered MLS. He has gone from an uncertain rookie into a mature young man.
“I was drafted to Vancouver and the next week I was across the continent in a new city all alone,” he recalled. “I’m 22-years-old living in a one bedroom apartment just trying to build my career. I was in direct competition with a 28-year-old who was well established in the MLS and had a daugh-
ter. He’s fighting for his family and I’m just starting out.
“It’s just something that you really have to jump into fully and get accustomed to as quick as you can. It’s the real world and it’s based on full-on competition and you wanting to go as far as you can with it.”
He also had to speak to the media on a larger scale, which he felt “definitely shapes how you interact with people. MLS is a growing entity and a world a lot of people watch so you’re in the spotlight.” He would also play before crowds that sometimes reached nearly 60,000 after playing before 1,500 at UConn.
“It’s a sink or swim, you either grow up quick and you’re accustomed to it and all in on it, or sometimes it gets the best of you,” Nerwinski said. “I was able to lean into my mentality and all the things I experienced leading up to that, and it kept me afloat in that environment.”
One great memory for Nerwinski is the last game of his career. Usually a right back, he was inserted at left back against the Houston Dynamo and scored the fifth and final goal of his career.
“I’d never really played on the left side,” he said. “Looking back now, what better way to go out? I didn’t have many of those in my career so having it be on one of my last touches was pretty cool.”
Great recollections aside, Nerwinski must now find another way to provide for wife Allie, who he started dating at Notre Dame, and daughters Laine (3½ years old) and Lily (1½).
Nerwinski met with influential Pennington School coach Chad Bridges in mid-January to discuss opening a training facility.
“We were just bouncing ideas off each other about what it could look like if I go that route and where I can kind of tap into,” Nerwinski said. “There are so many soccer clubs and good players in Mercer County. I think being able to get out in front of them; it would be great to share my story and also share things on the field as well as what it took for me to get where I am.
“I was in that environment for eight years and I can mold my training into an elite professional training environment. Sometimes when you’re just on a club team and you’re one of 18 players that’s training three times a week, you’re not getting that specialized treatment for what you want to work on.”
Perone feels Nerwinski has the right personality for that profession.
“He’s a nice kid, he was very coachable,” he said. “When you go into that type of business the kids aren’t gonna get it right away. He’s someone that will patient, he’ll say ‘Try it this way, try it that way.’ He was always good that way.”
And he has a wealth of experience to impart, going all the way back to Boggs soccer camp.
Lawrence Township Public Schools
Strategic Planning
Golden Heart Week at SWS
The Board of Education invites you to participate in a Strategic Planning initiative along with your neighbors, community members, friends, teachers, students, and school district administrators to create a shared vision for the future of the Lawrence Township Public Schools. This process will be facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association.
Lawrence Township Public Schools Invites Community to Strategic Planning Sessions
LHS Field Hockey Wins
LHS Field Hockey Wins
We will be creating a shared vision for the district, discussing the strengths of the district, the challenges that we face, and ways in which we can tackle those challenges. We are inviting staff members, parents, guardians, students, community leaders and other interested members of the public to contribute their thoughts, ideas and hopes – so that we can effectively plan for the future of our students.
Mercer County Tournament!
Mercer County Tournament!
e Board of Education invites you to take part in a districtwide Strategic Planning initiative to help shape the future of Lawrence Township Public Schools. is collaborative process, facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association, will bring together neighbors, families, sta , students, administrators, and community members to chart a clear path forward.
Participation in any or all three of our meetings will be greatly appreciated.
Week at SWS
Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.
A Night with the
NJ Devils
A Night with the NJ Devils
PLEASE PLAN TO AT TEND THESE IMPORTANT MEETINGS
Together, we will examine our district’s strengths, consider the challenges ahead, and explore meaningful solutions and opportunities for growth. Your ideas, insights, and hopes are essential as we develop a shared vision that supports the success of every student and strengthens our community.
Dates: April 15, May 27, June 8, 2026
6:00 p.m. (sign-in at 5:45 p.m.)
All interested residents are encouraged to participate in any or all of the meetings. Your voice matters, and we look forward to your involvement.
The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!
Students learn the art of
Dates: April 15, May 27, June 8, 2026 6:00 p.m. (sign-in at 5:45 p.m.)
Location: Lawrence High School Media Center
Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.
Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico
The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!
The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!
Location: Lawrence High School Media Center
Senior freshman the tie-breaking goal.
Senior Talia Schenck freshman the tie-breaking goal.
Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico
Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico
Also this season, history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!
Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.
Also this season, history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!
Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.
LTPS Celebrates Black History Month
Students learn the art of
, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.
Last month, Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS) proudly celebrated Black History Month with a series of meaningful learning experiences that highlighted Black history, culture, and contributions across the district.
Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.
Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers
anks to a generous grant from the Lawrence Township Education Foundation (LTEF), students and sta at Lawrence High School experienced a powerful reenactment honoring the life and legacy of Phillis Wheatley, the rst published African American woman poet. rough dynamic storytelling and performance, Wheatley’s words and experiences were brought vividly to life, o ering students an engaging and memorable connection to history.
Wheatley’s poetry challenged 18th-century beliefs about race, intellect, and freedom at a time when such voices were rarely heard. e reenactment allowed students to explore her impact in a way that was both educational and deeply moving, reinforcing the relevance of her work and the importance of diverse perspectives in American history.
, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.
Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers
High school students also participated in an engaging Intergenerational and Interracial Panel Discussion featuring a diverse group of students, faculty, and community stakeholders. e panel created a true living classroom experience, moving beyond textbooks to real-world dialogue. Students heard rsthand stories across generations, engaged in thoughtful conversations about Black history, and experienced the power of collaborative learning in action.
Schools districtwide engaged students in thoughtful lessons, discussions, poster making (pictured above), door decorating and other activities designed to celebrate Black history and amplify the stories and contributions of Black leaders, artists, and change-makers.
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e month concluded with a districtwide celebration on Saturday, February 28, bringing the community together to re ect on learning, honor history, and rea rm LTPS’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful education for all students.
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Golden Heart
REFERENDUM UPDATE: ONE YEAR LATER
From Vision to Reality
LHS Field Hockey Wins
Golden Heart Week at SWS
On March 11, 2025, the Lawrence Township community made a powerful statement about its commitment to students, schools, and the future by approving a $98 million referendum. One year later, we pause to re ect and remind the public why the referendum was needed, what it is making possible, and where we are headed over the next ve plus years.
Mercer County Tournament!
Why a Referendum?
e referendum was driven by a clear, long-term goal: to meet our growing student needs, modernize educational practices, and align our district with the New Jersey Department of Education recommended grade-bands.
Beginning in the 2029–2030 school year, third grade will move to Lawrence Intermediate School, and sixth grade will move to Lawrence Middle School. is shi will transform Lawrence Intermediate School into an upper elementary school serving grades 3–5 and expand Lawrence Middle School into a true middle school model educating grades 6–8. is model supports both academic growth and social-emotional development at critical stages of learning.
What the Referendum Is Funding
The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!
Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.
e $98 million referendum supports a comprehensive set of construction and renovation projects, including a new classroom wing at Lawrence Middle School, an “all-school” gymnasium specially designed for community use, an expanded cafeteria, a fully renovated auditorium, an outdoor learning courtyard, and a new turf athletic eld replacing an aging grass eld with poor drainage to safely support an additional grade level in school athletics.
Where We Are Now
Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.
A Night with the NJ Devils
Community Conversa�on Highlights Grade-Level Restructuring and School Improvements
Students learn the art of Rangoli
Phase One of this work, the full and complete renovation of the Lawrence Middle School auditorium, is already fully underway. is project represents a visible and exciting rst step in bringing the referendum plan to life and will result in a modernized space that supports student performances, assemblies, and community events, starting as early as next school year.
Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!
What’s Still to Come
Over the next ve years, construction, taking place in phases, will continue as the district prepares for the 2029–2030 school year transition. Each step will be carefully planned to minimize disruption while ensuring our schools are ready to meet the needs of future learners. Lawrence Township Public Schools will continue to hold Community Conversations and Information Sessions to keep the community informed and involved in all referendum projects every step of the way.
Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.
On February 18, families, community members, and stakeholders gathered in the Lawrence High School Library for a meaningful community conversation focused on the future of Lawrence Township Public Schools. e evening centered on current and upcoming renovations and expansions at Lawrence Middle School (LMS), and how these projects will support districtwide grade-level restructuring in the future.
Representatives from Higley Construction and FVHD Architects shared detailed updates on work already underway, including the long-anticipated renovated LMS auditorium, and future signi cant building upgrades including a new wing at LMS. ey also discussed how the projects will improve tra c ow, parking, accessibility, and learning environments for all students, including those with special needs.
Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers
Families asked many thoughtful and insightful questions throughout the evening. Much of the discussion focused on how grade-level restructuring will a ect current students, (e.g. what grades children will be in by the time construction is complete, and which schools they will attend once the new structure is in place). School and district administrators were able to address these questions directly, helping families better understand the long-term vision and timeline, with full implementation anticipated in the 2029-2030 school year.
e conversation re ected years of careful planning, collaboration, and community support. With these projects, Lawrence Township Public Schools is moving into alignment with best practices and state recommendations, creating spaces and structures intentionally designed for how students learn and grow at each stage.
Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.
is work is about more than buildings. It’s about investing in a strong future for Lawrence schools and ensuring that our students have the environments they need to thrive for generations to come.
e referendum was a promise to our students today and to generations to come. One year later, that promise is becoming reality, thanks to a community that believes in investing in strong schools and a strong future for Lawrence Township.
Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!
Did you know? You can follow along with the Lawrence Middle School auditorium renovation on our website. Each week, a new construction eld report is posted with current photos of the project. We invite you to check it out and see the progress for yourself.
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Golden Heart Week at SWS
Naviga�ng the Future: Lawrence High School Hosts AI Workshop for Families
Lawrence High School recently hosted an AI Parent Workshop, an evening dedicated to demystifying the role of Arti cial Intelligence in today’s classrooms. As technology evolves, Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS) remains committed to ensuring that families are partners in the journey toward responsible and innovative learning.
e workshop provided a deep dive into how AI tools can enhance instruction, promote critical thinking, and support student engagement. Rather than viewing AI as a shortcut, the district presented it as a sophisticated tool that, when used with intention, can amplify a student’s ability to analyze, create, and re ne their work.
e AI Use Scale: Task-Based Clarity
The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!
Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.
Lawrence Township Public Schools & St. Baldrick’s: More Than a Fundraiser — A Tradi�on of Heart
Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.
Students learn the art of Rangoli
A central feature of the district’s strategy is the AI Use Scale, a framework that provides “Task-Based Clarity” to protect the space for critical thinking. is model guides students through di erent levels of engagement, from “No AI Use”—where students rely solely on their own cognition—to using AI as a “Pre-Task” spark for brainstorming and inspiration, “During Task” as an iterative partner to clarify thinking, or “Post-Task” to assist with polishing, quality checks, and self-assessment. is framework shi s the fundamental question from “Did you use AI?” to a more meaningful inquiry: “How did you use AI to support your learning?” By positioning students as the primary decision-makers and teachers as designers of intentional learning experiences, LTPS is teaching students to be discerning users of technology rather than passive consumers.
Preparing for a New Professional Landscape
Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!
At Lawrence Township Public Schools, preparing students for college, careers, and the future workforce remains a top priority. In a world where AI pro ciency is becoming a vital skill, LTPS is taking a proactive approach to instructional practice, ensuring that all exploration occurs within a secure environment backed by rigorous safety and privacy guidelines.
Opportunities like this workshop help keep our families informed and connected as we adapt to emerging technologies together.
For more than a decade, Lawrence Township Public Schools students and sta have stepped up — and shaved down — in the ght against childhood cancer. What began as a school-based e ort has grown into a powerful community tradition. Each year, Lawrence students raise money for childhood cancer research through St. Baldrick’s Foundation events, with many participants courageously shaving their heads in solidarity with children undergoing treatment.
Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.
And the impact is extraordinary. From 2014 through 2025, Lawrence school-based teams have raised more than $800,000 for childhood cancer research. In addition, the Lawrence community’s partnership with the Amal ’s St. Baldrick’s events has generated close to $2,450,000 over the years. at brings the known total connected to Lawrence participation to more than $3.2 million raised to support lifesaving research.
e numbers are impressive. But what makes this story remarkable is not just the money raised; it is the message sent. Students as young as elementary schoolers stand in front of their peers, families, and teachers and choose to shave their heads. ey do it to honor friends, family members, and children they may never meet. ey do it to show that no one ghts alone.
Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers
ey learn empathy. ey learn courage. ey learn that their actions matter. Year a er year, Lawrence students demonstrate that service is not something you wait to grow into; it is something you live.
Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.
St. Baldrick’s in Lawrence is not simply an event. It is a re ection of who we are. It is students organizing teams. It is sta members leading by example. It is families donating, cheering, and supporting. It is a township that shows up. Lawrence Township Public Schools has long emphasized belonging, unity, and the importance of making a di erence beyond our classrooms. is tradition embodies that spirit.
More than a decade of participation. More than $3 million raised. Countless shaved heads. And immeasurable heart. at is Lawrence.
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Golden Heart Week at SWS
Sophomores Explore Future Pathways at
Annual Career Day
Lawrence High School sophomores took an exciting step toward their futures during the annual LHS Career Day, hosted at Rider University. e experience gave students a meaningful opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths aligned with their interests while also getting a taste of college life.
Slackwood Elementary School (SWS)
recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.
roughout the day, students participated in engaging career sessions held in Rider classrooms, learning directly from professionals about real-world pathways, required skills, and next steps a er high school. Students also enjoyed lunch in the University cafeteria, adding to the authentic college campus experience.
The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!
Career Day emphasized learning, re ection, and thoughtful preparation for life a er LHS, encouraging students to think critically about their goals and the many possibilities ahead. A sincere thank you to Rider University for their continued partnership and hospitality, to keynote speaker Darren “Freedom” Green for his inspiring message, and to all of our presenters who helped motivate students to think big and plan for success.
Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.
Families Explore Learning at K-6 Curriculum Night
Students learn the art of Rangoli
LHS Awarded Bronze Level AP Honor Roll Recogni�on
Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!
Lawrence High School has been named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll for the 2024–25 school year, earning Bronze-level recognition for its commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses and supporting student success.
e AP School Honor Roll celebrates schools that have demonstrated outstanding efforts to welcome more students into AP coursework and help them succeed in collegelevel learning. At Lawrence High School, students took 25 di erent AP exams during the past school year, re ecting the breadth of course o erings and strong student participation.
During their high school experience, 41% of LHS seniors took at least one AP exam, with 32% earning a score of three or higher on at least one AP exam. Additionally, 6% of seniors took ve or more AP exams, highlighting a high level of academic engagement and perseverance.
Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!
Lawrence Township families gathered at Lawrence High School for our recent K–6 Curriculum Night, an engaging evening focused on learning, resources, and partnership.
Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.
Parents and caregivers explored curriculum displays that highlighted how reading, writing, math, science, and social studies are taught across our K–6 schools. Sta members were available throughout the evening to answer questions and share practical strategies families can use to support learning at home.
Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers
Families also connected with representatives who shared information about at-home learning resources, including NJSLA assessment details, as well as Special Education services, K–6 counseling supports, Multilingual/ESL programs, Title 1 information, kindergarten registration, and enrichment and gi ed services. e event provided a comprehensive look at the academic experience from kindergarten through sixth grade and helped families better understand the supports available to their children. ank you to everyone who attended and engaged in thoughtful conversations with our educators. Strong school–family partnerships make all the di erence, and we are grateful for our involved and supportive Lawrence community.
Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.
Research consistently shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. Students who earn college credit through AP are o en able to accelerate their path to graduation and enter college with increased con dence, while those who do not earn credit still bene t from early exposure to rigorous, college-level expectations and help build a strong college-going culture.
Earning Bronze recognition re ects a signi cant, schoolwide e ort. It takes the dedication of teachers who deliver engaging and challenging instruction, counselors who guide students toward opportunities, administrators who prioritize access and equity, and families who support their students. Most importantly, it re ects the hard work and commitment of Lawrence High School students.
Honoring Women’s History Month
Dr. Klim’s Corner
Robyn A. Klim, Ed.D., LCSW
Honoring Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women who paved the way, those who lead today, and those who are just beginning to imagine what is possible. One quote that has been resonating with me lately is simple but powerful: “Empowered women empower women.” I see the truth of that statement every day in our schools, our community, and in the conversations that shape our future.
Later this month, I will have the honor of presenting at the New Jersey Association of School Administrators Women in Leadership Conference alongside several other female superintendents. Together, we will share our nontraditional paths to school leadership, stories that reflect perseverance, growth, and the courage to step forward even when the path is not clearly defined.
Those stories matter. According to the New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, only 36 percent of New Jersey public school superintendents are women. Nationally, that number is even lower, closer to 24 percent. While progress has been made, research from Rutgers University reminds us that women continue to face barriers in reaching the superintendent role. Much of the work lies in encouraging more women to pursue the principalship and other high level supervisory and administrative positions. This is the pool from which superintendent candidates are drawn, and the more women working in these roles, the better their chances of being considered for the top position.
At Lawrence Township Public Schools, we are proud to be part of this important
work. Our Inspiring Leaders Program, open to educators and staff of all genders, provides teachers and other professionals with opportunities to learn directly from district administrators who are committed to mentoring future leaders. This program reflects our belief in growing leadership from within and creating pathways for talented individuals to advance here in our district.
This month, I was also reminded that inspiration does not always flow in one direction. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a high school student who came to interview me about my path to the superintendency. She hoped to gain insight into what courses to take in college and what path to pursue, as she begins her Educational Leadership journey. I told her honestly that she inspired me just as much as I may have inspired her.
At just 19 years old, her poise, dedication, and wisdom beyond her years made me pause. She will be the first in her family to attend college and is approaching that milestone with intention and determination. She is a member of student government and other youth leadership and managerial roles, works after school in her field of interest, and remains eager to learn and grow.
Her focus and drive filled me with hope. In that moment, we empowered one another. She reminded me why representation, mentorship, and opportunity matter so deeply, not just for today but for generations to come.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am grateful for the women leaders who came before us, inspired by those leading alongside us, and hopeful for the young women who are already shaping the future. Their voices, vision, and leadership give me great confidence in what lies ahead for Lawrence Township and beyond.
Dr. Robyn Klim is the Superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
• Basketball
• Outdoor Play
• Arts & Crafts
• Games
• Swimming
Ewing CYO Summer Camp
• Special Guests and In-house programs
June 22nd - August 21st
Monday through Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Activities
•Basketball
• Outdoor Play
• Arts & Crafts
• Games • Swimming
• Special Guests and In-house programs
Ewing CYO Preschool
Open daily from 7:30am - 5:30pm.
Full time and part time enrollment available for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 (must be potty trained).
1st grade to register)
Ages 5 - 10 (Must be entering 1st grade to register)
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided.
Curriculum follows the NJ State Preschool Standards.
Capital Health Named One of U.S. News & World Report’s
BEST HOSPITALS FOR MATERNITY CARE IN 2026
U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell as a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study, now in its fifth edition.
Capital Health is one of 27 hospitals in New Jersey and the only hospital in the Greater Mercer County area to earn this recognition. This is the third consecutive year that Capital Health earned a place on the U.S. News High Performing Hospitals list for Maternity Care and the fourth time in five years since U.S. News published its first list of Best Hospitals for Maternity. U.S. News also recognized Capital Health in April 2024 for achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean sections and unexpected newborn complications among black patients.
Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices, among other measures.
“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital for the third year in a row—and four out of the five years the study has been published—is an important
honor for our Maternity Services team and our patients at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell,” said Dr. Kira Przybylko, medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Capital Health. “It validates all the hard work our incredible staff does every day at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center, and it tells expectant mothers that we consistently provide highest level of care as we help their growing families get off to the healthiest and safest start possible.”
“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “It’s a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced –when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”
The Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell makes up the most complete maternity facility in the area. From routine deliveries to high-risk needs, staff at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell provide a full range of prenatal, obstetrical, postpartum, and neonatal care options so newborns have the greatest chance for a healthy start. The designated Regional Perinatal Center provides neonatal care, including Mercer County’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for at-risk births. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/maternity.
Capital Health Receives Five-Year Grant Award from Merck Foundation to Launch New Initiative to Improve Cardiovascular Care in Trenton
Capital Health has been awarded a grant through the Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care, a five-year initiative funded by the Merck Foundation aimed at enhancing access to high quality, person-centered health care for people living with heart conditions in the United States. As one of 11 awardees in the United States, Capital Health will receive $1.7 million over five years to develop its Cardiac Opportunities for Resilience and Empowerment (CORE) Program as part of its Institute for Urban Care. The program’s goal is to help to close gaps in the delivery of cardiac care to underserved communities in Trenton, New Jersey.
“Capital Health has a long history of working with community partners to address the health care challenges that impact Trenton residents every day,” said Dr. Eric Schwartz, executive director of Capital Health’s Institute for Urban Care and director of the CORE Program. “Our CORE Program aims to connect people living with heart conditions with care providers, community education programs, and guidance for healthy eating, all of which will enable them to better self-manage their heart health.”
Residents in the City of Trenton face a number of systemic barriers and inequities. Life expectancy is 4.4 years less than other measured cities, 26% percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, impacts more than one third (36.1%) of the community.
Through the Merck Foundation’s Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care, Capital Health’s CORE Program will build sustainable community partnerships to address barriers to cardiac care and improve outcomes and quality of life for people with heart conditions. Capital Health will work with Trenton Health Team and other community partners to manage and monitor the CORE program.
“Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death for men and women living in the U.S., and its burden hits under-resourced communities the hardest. By addressing the medical and social needs of people living with heart conditions, the Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care will have a significant, lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and
communities across the country,” said Kalahn Taylor-Clark, vice president and head, Social Impact & Sustainability, Merck.
Capital Health recently opened its new, state-of-the-art Al Maghazehe Heart and Vascular Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, marking a significant expansion that covers 12,650 square feet with three operating rooms: one cardiac surgery room for open-heart procedures, one hybrid operating room, and one catheterization laboratory for interventional procedures. The new center is part of the larger Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute, which offers comprehensive care with a multi-specialty approach at locations throughout the greater Mercer and Bucks county region.
In addition to Capital Health, Merck Foundation’s program grantees include La Clínica del Pueblo, Public Health Institute/ Population Health Innovation Lab, University of Chicago, UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care, Providence Medical Foundation, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Zufall Health Center, Georgia State University Research Foundation/ Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement, MedNorth Health Center, and Gallup Community Health.
Capital Health Institute for Urban Care works to advance the health and well-being of Trenton residents by growing and aligning Capital Health’s services with a robust network of community partners in the City of Trenton to improve medical care while overcoming the complex social determinants of health. To learn more about the Institute, visit capitalhealth.org/urbancare.
Capital Thrift Named Best Thrift Store of 2025 in Mercer County
Capital Thrift has been recognized as the Best Thrift Store in Mercer County for 2025. This honor was certified by BusinessRate, an online platform that provides comprehensive performance metrics for businesses against local competitors based on advanced Google review data. Located at 2783 US-1 South in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Capital Thrift is organized and operated by volunteers from Capital Health and Capital Health Foundation. The shop received top honors for excellence in customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and service excellence.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication, warmth, and commitment of the incredible volunteers who manage and operate Capital Thrift with care and purpose each day,” said Leslie Gibbons, volunteer store manager. “Their efforts not only create a welcoming retail experience but also advance Capital Health’s mission by supporting programs that benefit our patients and community.”
Capital Health Foundation works to raise and steward charitable funds to advance Capital Health’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the urban and suburban communities it serves. Through philanthropy, the Foundation partners with corporations, community organizations, community leaders, Capital Health colleagues, and grateful patients and families to drive impact and transform health care in the Mercer and Bucks county region. To learn more about the Capital Health Foundation, or to make a gift of support, visit CapitalHealth.org/Foundation. To learn more about Capital Thrift and for store hours, find them on Facebook at Capital Thrift NJ or call the store at 609.882.4717.
FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS
Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Class size is limited. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Is That Bump a Hernia? A Free Screening Event
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell
NJ PURE Conference Center, One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534
Hernias can affect many areas of the body, often appearing as a bump under the skin in the abdomen or groin and causing varying levels of pain.
If you have pain that affects your ability to perform day-to-day activities and think it might be a hernia, join Dr. Jooyeun Chung, director of Capital Health’s Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program, for a free hernia screening and a discussion of the latest treatment options. Staff will be available to schedule follow-up appointments, as needed. Please wear loose clothing.
Registration is required. Visit capitalhealth.org/events to reserve your spot today.
Prediabetes: What It Is and How to Prevent Diabetes
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Prediabetes affects millions of people and often has no clear symptoms, yet it can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health problems if not addressed early. Join Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist LaShanta Dawkins as she explains what prediabetes is, who is at risk, and how it can be detected through simple health screenings.
ADDITIONAL FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS:
LATEST UPDATES ON ATRIAL FIBRILLATION MANAGEMENT
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
OUR KIDNEYS MATTER: A GUIDE TO CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE Monday, March 30, 2026 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
STOP THE BLEED
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Capital Health EMS Education 2480 Pennington Road, Suite 107 Pennington, NJ 08534
Listening, leading and serving Lawrence
Christopher Bobbitt Mayor’s Column
Last month I was invited to speak with the Webelos of Cub Scout Pack 206 at the Municipal Building. As someone that grew up in a big city, my elected officials were people I would only see on television or in the newspaper. To be able to talk with a group of 4th graders was an opportunity for me to share what I have learned over the last 10 years on council and connect.
I was not surprised at some of the silly questions and jokes, but they also surprised me, asking about my thoughts on increasing mobility for pedestrians and cyclists in the Township. There was a curiosity about what I really do serving on council and how my work impacts them and their families’ lives.
I share this story because it encapsulates many of the reasons why I was interested in the possibility of writing a monthly column in the Lawrence Gazette to give some insights into what it is like serving on Township Council as well as how we think about setting policy for the municipality. I am grateful to the Gazette and excited to begin this journey.
As one might expect, I am the result of a variety of experiences and interests. Growing up I discovered the thrill, and responsibility, of being able to ride a bike or skateboard to see my friends or go to the local convenience store.
Living at the edge of the suburban sprawl in Los Angeles, I gained an appreciation for being in nature both for play as well as relaxation. As I got older, I studied the built environment and became a practicing architect. When I moved to Lawrence Township, I became involved with a township committee that focused on small businesses. These experiences all help to shape and inform my positions and decisions serving on council.
I have already written as a candidate about the large community issues that we are facing in the next few years. They are the fire service, the community center, housing and the master plan, and Trenton Water Works.
These issues go to the heart of municipal government which is to deliver services that impact the quality
of life for the residents, businesses, and visitors to our town. As council navigates these issues, I believe it might be helpful to share my thoughts with the community.
Over the years, I have stated that Lawrence Township delivers the best value in services received to property taxes paid in Mercer County. On the tax side, one can look at state data that allows one to compare property taxes among all 565 municipalities.
Last year, our municipal tax share was 21.6% of the total property tax. The equalized rate of 0.503 cents per 100 dollars of property value and the average municipal tax of $1,973 are both lower than the Mercer County and state averages.
On the service side, one can look at the fantastic level of service each of our departments provides to the township. From the public safety that our police, fire and health departments provide to the quality-of-life services that our construction department, municipal clerk, public works, and recreation department provide, our municipal staff deliver at an elevated level on a daily basis.
They achieve this high standard by having a municipal manager that encourages teamwork and collaboration and a finance department that creates a focused annual budget.
I would urge you to watch our recent council meetings, especially the March 3 meeting when the various departments gave their budget presentations to council. The township website is a good place to review the budget documents that the finance department shares every year. To get a sense of the township finances, one should start with the budget message from the manager.
That document highlights the big picture issues, the proposed tax rate as well as some reasoning behind the numbers.
My goal for this column is to highlight an emerging or relevant topic each month to bring some insight, but I am open to answering questions about a specific topic or a general one. Feel free to email me at cbobbitt@lawerenctwp. com. Until next month, take care.
Christopher Bobbitt is a councilman and mayor of Lawrence Township
OPEN HOUSE
April 16th from 5-7 pm
OPEN HOUSE
April 16th from 5-7 pm
Reserve your spot today! Register now at vi llavictoria.org/admissions
MIDDLE SCHOOL | UPPER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL | UPPER SCHOOL
Reserve your spot today! Register now at vi llavictoria.org/admissions
Experience matters.
At Juniper we take great pride in who is on our team. Our people are the key to what makes Juniper the most trusted choice in senior living.
Not only are we fully staffed, but we also consistently exceed state-required staffing levels. We do not use temporary staffing agencies. Employee turnover is low and tenure is long. This perfect combination makes you feel at home.
Stop by and ask a caregiver why we were named a Great Place to Work® for the past four years. Don’t be surprised if you hear, "I’ve felt that way about working at Juniper for many years!”
Juniper Village at Hamilton 1750 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 I 609.439.6859
junipercommunities.com
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For colorectal cancer screening, 45
Ask The Doctor
See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that people with average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, rather than 50, which was the previous recommendation.
The updated guidelines consider the benefits of early detection and treatment for adults with no personal history or increased risk of the disease.
Meera Yogarajah, M.D., shares more about this change and why it is important. Dr. Yogarajah is at the Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Why did the recommendation change? The diagnosis rates of colorectal cancer have increased in people younger than 50 years of age, by 2.9% per year from 2013 to 2022. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and women under 50, with deaths rising by 1.1% annually.
These cancers may be associated with poorer outcomes, as they are diagnosed later. In response to this trend, the USPSTF, an independent volunteer group of experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, reviewed new data and concluded that screening for colorectal cancer in adults who are 45 to 49 years old can be helpful in preventing more people from dying of colorectal cancer.
There are several types of colorectal cancer screening methods including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography and stool-based tests.
Colonoscopy is a highly sensitive screening method which uses a colonoscope to inspect the rectum and entire colon. If your doctor finds polyps, they are removed and sent to a lab for further testing. The advantage of colonoscopy is removal of benign polyps, and this will prevent these polyps from turning into a cancer.
In sigmoidoscopy, the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidoscope. During sigmoidoscopy, abnormal growths in the rectum and sigmoid colon can be removed for analysis (biopsied). However, only the last 20 percent of the colon is examined.
RWJUH Hamilton support groups this month
The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Education, open to all and all ages, and the Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton unless otherwise noted. A full calendar of programs is online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms. For for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900 or email communityedham@rwjbh.org. Registration is required to attend these programs.
MoNDAy, MARCh 16
What does colorectal cancer screening entail? Colorectal cancer screening tests are used to detect cancer and remove precancerous polyps.
Both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed, and stool tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen visually. With these tests, stool samples are collected by the patient using a kit, and the samples are returned to the doctor. People who have a positive finding with these tests will need to have a colonoscopy.
Additionally, some newer stool tests rely on detection of DNA from tumors in the stool sample, increasing the accuracy beyond using detection of trace blood alone.
Why is it important to follow these guidelines? According to the American Cancer Society estimated new cases for 2026 include approximately 108,860 cases of colon cancer and 49,990 cases of rectal cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the nation with expected deaths of 55,230 in 2026.
Colorectal cancer usually does not cause any symptoms until it is advanced and starts to spread through the body. Most colorectal cancers can be prevented through screening and testing at regular intervals, leading to detection and removal of polyps.
Colorectal cancer is largely preventable. This is why it is extremely important to follow the recommended guidelines and get an initial screening at 45 years of age for those at average risk or earlier for those at higher risk. Stop colon cancer – get screened! Visit rwjbh.org/colonscreening to make an appointment near you.
Dinner with a Doctor: Colorectal Cancer Prevention & Treatment. 6 –7 p.m. Join us for an informative lecture on colorectal cancer with Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncologist, and Rachel Perez, GI Navigator, the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. Learn about the importance of early detection, innovative treatments, and lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk. Dinner provided and registration required.
ThURSDAy, MARCh 19
Pelvic Floor Health Problems and Conservative Treatments Explored. 6 -7:30 p.m. A look at stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, painful Intercourse, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and constipation. Learn conservative measures to help manage bladder/ bowel problems, led by Giselle Oriendo, PT, DPT, CLT, of RWJ Rehabilitation Hamilton.
MoNDAy,
MARCh 23
Dinner with a Doctor: Strong Shoulders Ahead. 6 –7 p.m. Join Michael R. Duch, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, member of the Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. Shoulder pain slowing you down? Dr. Duch, a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon, will provide an eye-opening session on rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement and bursitis — three common conditions that can impact your day-today comfort. Learn what causes them, how they are treated, and the steps you can take to stay strong and mobile. Dinner provided and registration required.
TUESDAy, MARCh 31
What is Auditory Processing Disorder & How it Relates to Hearing. 11 a.m –Noon. Join Teresa Cole, AuD, of RWJUH Hamilton’s Balance and Hearing Center, where she will discuss what Central Auditory Processing Disorder is and how it relates to hearing loss. Central Auditory Processing Disorder is a deficit in how our brain interprets the sounds we hear. Contrary to common belief, all ages can be impacted by these deficits. All are welcome to join!
Dr. Meera Yogarajah
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LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.
Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com
Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com
HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .
Do it right. Here.
When joint surgery affects more than just you, closer is better.
When you need relief from joint pain, you want nothing less than the highest level of orthopedic care. At RWJBarnabas Health, you’ll find board-certified surgeons using the latest treatments and technology, including robot-assisted joint replacement and other minimally invasive procedures, with physical therapy right on site. Visit rwjbh.org/ortho to learn more.
