HiGH sCHooL WREstLinG
Hartz rebounds from injury, reaches states
By Justin fEiL
Joey Hartz had the chance to prove what he could do when healthy this year, and the Bordentown Regional High School junior reached the Individual State Wrestling Championships.
“It was definitely like a coming in with something to prove type of moment,” Hartz said.
Hartz has been hugely successful through his Scotties career, though it came with some bumps and bruises. As a freshman, he made waves by narrowly falling to the top seed at 132 pounds in the District 23 before settling for third place to advance to his first Region 6 tournament. He was set up for a solid encore as a sophomore when a broken hand cost him much of the middle of the year. He couldn’t wrestle for weeks, only run. He fought back upon returning to take second in District 24 and sixth in the region at 138 pounds.
“I had no expectations last year,” Hartz said. “I didn’t know what I was going to look like coming back. There was a lot
of unknowns, but I feel like if I was healthy last year, I probably could have made it to states. I think I was one takedown off of making it to states.”
That run set the stage for this year. Hartz is accustomed to success having excelled through middle school and with his promising start to freshman year, and though he moved up two weight classes for this winter, there was plenty of confidence in him and expectations were high.
“Coming into the season this year, we knew he was going to be our guy,” said Bordentown coach Verlensky Joachim. “And where he was at making it to the state tournament, he was one of three guys that we saw doing that. And in the end, he was our only one.”
Hartz was the Scotties’ top wrestler through the winter.
He put together an incredible start to put himself in a strong position for the postseason.
In the District 23 tournament, he cruised to the final where he lost a 5-3 decision to Jake Volek of Ocean Township, but his second-place finish earned
see HaRtZ, Page 8
Feeding People Well: Kenny’s Meals open in Bordentown
By Lisa WoLff
Kenny Garcia didn’t set out to build a multi-location business. He set out to feed people well. In 2020, that meant cooking for himself and friends. Soon, it meant making deliveries from a rented kitchen and a van.
Today, Kenny’s Meals has grown to five locations across
Central New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, with another on the way. The newest store, on U.S. 130 in Bordentown, opened on March 15.
Garcia’s focus on healthy food is deeply personal. In his mid-20s, he was diagnosed with kidney failure and spent seven years on dialysis before
receiving a transplant from his cousin, Doris. Food stopped being a preference and became a necessity. He learned to cook to take care of himself and then began sharing those meals with others.
What started as survival became something more: a way to care for the people around see MEaLs, Page 6
Kenny Garcia inside his new shop on U.S. 130 in Bordentown. Kenny’s Meals specialized in packaged, health-conscious meals for delivery and to go.
RWJUH Hamilton April Healthy Living / Community Education Programs
CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND IMMERSION
Tuesday, Apr. 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Unwind with the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, low beach chair, or anything else you need to make yourself comfortable. Fee $15
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Apr. 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Presented by our oncology nurse navigator and certified oncology social worker at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.2836 to confirm attendance.
RECYCLING IN NEW JERSEY, FACT OR FICTION?
Wednesday, Apr. 8; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Most recyclable items placed at the curb are processed, but not all are recycled. Come learn the facts from a New Jersey recycling expert and experience a virtual tour of a recycling facility.
UNDERSTANDING THE NJ CHILDREN’S SYSTEM OF CARE AND CMO SERVICES
Wednesday, Apr. 8; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers understand New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care (CSOC), a statewide system that coordinates services for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, mental health, and developmental
needs. Participants will learn how CSOC works, who is eligible, and how families can access supports. The session will also explain the role of Care Management Organizations, which partner with families to assess needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect children to appropriate community-based services.
AM I AT RISK? TYPE 2 DIABETES SCREENING
Thursday, Apr. 9; 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Nearly 98 million American adults have prediabetes, and almost 90% are unaware of their condition. Come in for a Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment. Those who score moderate risk or higher will receive a complimentary A1C screening.
STANFORD CHRONIC DISEASE SELF -MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Apr. 13, 20, 27
May. 4, 11, 18 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This is a cost-effective, evidencebased health promotion program for people with chronic illness. This 6 session workshop is for people with any ongoing health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and similar conditions. Participants will learn practical skills to help manage their health, including problem solving, goal setting, and relaxation techniques. The interactive curriculum addresses topics such as pain and fatigue management, coping with emotions, effective communication, medication management, physical activity, nutrition and more. Participants are expected to attend all 6 classes.
NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES
Tuesday, Apr. 14; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Apr. 29; 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.
SPRING MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL
Tuesday, Apr. 14, 21, 28 & May 5, 12, 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this six-week informative series on a variety of medical topics. Enhance your knowledge through presentations from experts across different specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun. STUDENTS MUST ATTEND ALL 6 SESSIONS TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: THE NARROW PATH
Thursday, Apr. 16; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Honesto M. Poblete, MD, a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Section Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery, RWJUH Hamilton, for an informative talk on the evaluation and treatment of carotid disease. Learn when medical management or procedural intervention may be recommended. This session offers valuable insight into protecting brain health and preventing stroke. Dinner will be provided.
DEVELOPING YOUR INTUITION
Thursday, Apr. 16; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Intuition is a part of every human being’s journey and yet how comfortable are we with this bridge to knowing, feeling and sensing what is not right in front of us?
We will look at some blocks to our intuition and how we can more freely connect with our sixth sense. We will discuss and experience some “tools” to create an opening for us to unlock this powerful aspect of our human/spiritual selves.
Fee $15
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP
Tuesday, Apr. 21; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
UNDERSTANDING HAND MUDRAS
Tuesday, Apr. 21; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ever wonder why some people hold their hands a certain way during meditation?
Mudras are energetic hand gestures that have been practiced for centuries. Used to channel the flow of prana (life force), their main purpose is to redirect energy within the body to help restore internal balance and enhance different states of consciousness. Fee: $15
CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING
Monday, Apr. 27; 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.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Apr. 28; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 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.
MONTHLY
HEARING/BALANCE SCREENINGS
Wednesday, Apr. 29; 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.
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. STEPPING UP YOUR NUTRITION
Wednesday, Apr. 1; 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This is an interactive workshop for older adults who are concerned about falls and interested in improving their nutrition and strength. This 2.5hour workshop will help participants understand the connection and importance of balanced nutrition and falls prevention.
ENGAGE WITH SHAKESPEARE’S ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
Wednesday, Apr. 1 and 29; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Reading Shakespeare exercises the brain. Discussing Shakespeare with life experience is fun. We read to discuss our own lives, how they relate to the subjects and themes. Must attend both sessions.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, Apr. 2 & 30; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
GENTLE JAZZ CLASS
Wednesday, Apr. 8 & 22; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. LUNCH & LEARN: EXPLORING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DO AND MD PHYSICIANS WITH BIANCA ESTROPIA, DO
Thursday, Apr. 9; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Bianca Estropia, DO, Geriatric and Family Medicine, James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute at RWJBarnabas Health Primary Care for an informative program on the differences between DO and MD physicians. Learn about the core tenets of osteopathic medicine and experience a demonstration of osteopathic manipulative treatment, a hands-on approach used by DO physicians to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury.
INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY
Friday, Apr. 10; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were? Are you interested in discovering your roots? If you enjoy being an amateur sleuth, this class will assist you in starting your research into your family
activities. Join today!
history. Genealogy is an exciting hobby that requires persistence and an ability to think outside the box. If you are interested in delving into your family history, this class will enable you to learn some useful tips for conducting research.
GAME TIME!
Friday, Apr. 10 and 24; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY
Monday, Apr. 13 and 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
YOGA CLASSES
Tuesday, Apr. 14 and 28, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, Apr. 14 and 28, 2026; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, Apr. 14 and 28, 2026; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE SCAN THIS QR CODE
A BETTER HEALTH PROGRAM: GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE TILE PAINTING AND WELLNESS WALK
Wednesday, Apr. 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friday, Apr. 24; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Alcohol inks are known for their bold, fluid colors and tiles provide the perfect canvas, allowing the inks to flow freely and interact in unpredictable, almost magical ways. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. While your tiles dry, participants will take part in a gentle walk experiencing the surrounding beauty.
BREAKFAST AND LEARN: TINNITUS DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS, AUDIOLOGIST CAITLIN YESIS, AUD, CCC-A
Thursday, Apr. 30; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This program will provide an overview of the relationship between hearing and tinnitus. Current clinical therapies will be explained, empowering you to make informed decisions about your hearing health.
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 Township appoints Lombardo director of police
Bordentown Township has appointed Frank Lombardo as its new director of police. Lombardo was set to take office on March 30.
Lombardo has more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement leadership, including executive and commandlevel roles overseeing administrative, operational, and investigative functions. Most recently, Lombardo served as chief of police for the South Whitehall Township police department in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
Prior to that, he held several command positions with the South Brunswick Township Police Department in Middlesex County, New Jersey, including administrative commander operations commander and community services commander.
saturday, april 25 10 am - 5 pm
departments and the communities they serve. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has been actively involved in leadership development and regional law enforcement collaboration throughout his career.
Mayor Aneka Miller welcomed Lombardo to Bordentown Township.
“Frank Lombardo brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to public service,” said Mayor Miller. “We look forward to working together to continue strengthening public safety and maintaining the high standards our residents expect.”
Lombardo said he is honored to have the opportunity to serve the community.
“I look forward to working alongside the officers of the department, Township leadership, and residents to support a professional, transparent, and community-focused approach to policing,” Lombardo said.
Rain date sunday, apRil 26 saturday, april 25 10 am - 5 pm Rain date sunday, apRil 26
Lombardo holds a doctoral degree from George Washington University, where he focused his research on building trust and legitimacy between police
ordentown
urrent
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ViCE PREsidEnt of PuBLisHinG and saLEs Thomas Fritts
As director of police, Lombardo will saturday, april 25 10 am - 5 pm il 26
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The Sunday Soirée is billed as a series of events where artists, cultural leaders, and community members come together to share ideas. It was developed through the City of Bordentown’s Old City Hall Restoration Committee, a volunteer group dedicated to providing awareness and funds to restore the historic landmark building in downtown Bordentown.
Old City Hall is located at 13 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. Web: facebook. com/OldCityHallRestoration.
Bordentown Thespians set to rock with ‘The Lightning Thief’
The award-winning theater students of Bordentown Regional High School are set to give two performances of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical this month.
oversee departmental operations, strategic planning, and policy development while working closely with Township leadership and the community to support the continued delivery of professional and responsive policing services.
Old City Hall to host Sunday Soirée April 12
Indie musician Jaime Parker is the focus of Old City Hall in Bordentown’s April Sunday Soirée.
Parker is a Bordentown-based songwriter, drummer, bassist, vocalist, and co-founder of Alpha Rabbit, a band known for “blurring genre lines to create a soundscape that’s equal parts vibrant, introspective, and wildly fun.”
The group also features Jake Foy and Joe “Dim” Wolstenholme and has also been called “one of central Jersey’s best kept secrets” of Trenton’s indie music scene.”
“A lot of our songs have to do with paradoxes, wanting connection, and trying to tap into something greater,” Parker says about the band’s recent music. “A lot of consideration about the impermanence of everything. It’s important to live fully and appreciate what you have while you have it because nothing is forever.”
Parker, who is also the senior director of radical hospitality at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, connects her music to the capital city and a musical scene that “values honesty, bravery, sincerity, and conviction, all while taking itself with a grain of salt.”
The session is scheduled for Sunday, April 12 at 4 p.m. It was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 5, but has been moved because of Easter, which is also April 5.
The musical is adapted from the bestselling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz.
Shows are scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center.
Featured in the cast are Bordentown Regional High School students Atlas Planas-Borgstrom as Percy; River Skalski as Grover; Emilie Kelly as Annabeth; Nora Chestnut as Sally; Alex Martucci as Luke; Rylie Evans as Clarisse; Gabie Cuccia as Ares; Ben Sexton as Chiron; Rocco Gutin as Mr. D; Emmary McLaughlin as Charon; Sika Brenya as Silena; Alicia Kitner as the Oracle; Andi McLaughlin as Poseidon; Ellis Rominecki as Mrs. Dobbs; Anthony Nami as Gabe; Persephone Borsuk as Medusa; and Samantha Karolkiewicz as Echidna.
Also in the case are Arianaliz Rios as Katie; Nora Erdos as Hades; Alayna Ochipinti as Bus Driver; Brooke Jeffery and Oliver Sano as Greyhound Passengers; Wren Magby as the Squirrel; Angela Deleso as Train Conductor; Julianna Kelly as Farmer; Peyton Todaro as Newscaster; Ceilidh Manigrasso as Bianca; Hansika Gokavarapu as Mozart; Hasini Nandyala as Janis Joplin; Ava Dressel, Ellis Rominecki and Samantha Nowik as DJ Cerberus; and Ansley Magby as Thalia.
Bordentown Regional High School is home to International Thespian Society Troupe 6803. The Bordentown Performing Arts Center is attached to Bordentown Regional High School, and is located at 318 Ward Ave. in Bordentown.
Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased in advance at seatyourself.biz/ brhs. Tickets will also be sold at the door, cash only. This performance is intended for audiences of all ages.
Frank lombardo is Bordentown Township’s new director of police.
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him.
“This experience sparked my journey into understanding the importance of healthy eating habits and the benefits of a whole food-based diet,” says Garcia, who is from Ewing. “What started as preparing meals for myself evolved into a business driven by a mission to provide healthy, affordable, and delicious meals imbued with love, respect, and passion.”
As demand grew, Garcia took the next step, renting space at Cherry Street Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen in Trenton. Word of mouth, along with regular posts on the Mercer Bucks Central Jersey Eateries Facebook page, helped build a steady customer base, and he began accepting online orders.
manage inventory across every location. It tracks demand, tells the kitchen what to prepare, and generates labels — making it possible to restock fresh meals daily.
“We restock every store every day,” Garcia says. He explains that this practice is relatively rare in the industry and has become a competitive advantage, ensuring quality and freshness for customers.
As storefronts opened, the business shifted from 100 percent delivery to roughly 90 percent in-store sales and 10 percent delivery.
“The software allows us to scale without friction,” he said.
That system was put to the test when the Bordentown location opened. On its first day, the store sold roughly 1,000 meals.
Despite the volume, operations ran smoothly. “It ran like it had been open for years,” he added.
He handled deliveries himself, loading meals into a van and bringing them directly to customers. The operation was simple, but the signal was clear: people were looking for convenient, affordable meals that didn’t sacrifice nutrition.
Today, Kenny’s Meals operates as a self-described “food-prep company.” Walk into any location and you’ll find refrigerators lined with individually packaged meals, organized by protein— beef, chicken, seafood, and more.
Kenny’s Meals opened its first storefront in Lawrence in March 2024. Growth came quickly.
By 2025, locations in Marlton and Newtown, Pennsylvania were up and running, along with a 9,000-square-foot kitchen and headquarters. This year, Bordentown and Red Bank locations came online, with another planned for Ewing.
Customers can choose from more than 30 meal options ranging from Asian and Latin American to classic Italian and American dishes, along with high-protein breakfasts. Possible options on a given day could include hibachi shrimp, fried rice, kale and Napa cabbage; jerk chicken with coconut rice, cabbage and peppers; and blackened chicken Alfredo with penne and broccoli.
Shelves nearby are stocked with protein powders, supplements, snacks, and energy drinks.
Meals are designed for convenience: simply remove any sauce containers and microwave for under three minutes. Customers can take meals to go or heat them on-site, where most locations offer microwaves and limited seating.
The timing helped. As Covid-19 reshaped daily routines and how people accessed food, demand for prepared meals surged. Across the country, similar concepts were gaining traction, but Garcia had already begun building something that met the moment.
* * *
Before launching Kenny’s Meals, Garcia built his culinary foundation working in professional kitchens and taking coursework at Mercer County Community College. But Garcia knew the advantage wasn’t just in the food. It would also be in how the business runs.
Utilizing his degree in programming from Florida State University, Garcia developed a custom-designed system to
Garcia looks for sites near residential neighborhoods, fitness centers, and areas with strong foot traffic. Places where customers are already thinking about convenience and healthy living.
Even as the footprint expands, the focus remains on consistency and creating an experience customers recognize, trust, and return to.
Each Kenny’s Meals location shares a clean, modern design, anchored by handpainted murals from artist Sarah that give every store a distinct identity.
The customer base is just as varied. There is no single demographic — people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels frequent Kenny’s Meals. That broad appeal is intentional. All of the meat served is Halal, making the meals accessible to a wider range of customers.
In more affluent areas like Red Bank, customers stop in for convenience. In communities like Ewing and Trenton, where budgets can be tighter, the appeal is just as strong. With meals priced at $10 or less, many customers purchase several at a time, stocking up for the week.
Unlike many meal prep companies, Kenny’s Meals does not require a subscription. Even so, roughly 91 percent of customers return.
Garcia believes customers deserve to know exactly what’s in their meals and he’s made transparency central to Kenny’s Meals. Every meal includes detailed labeling with ingredients,
calories, and macronutrients to provide customers with the information they need to make informed choices.
That openness extends beyond packaging. Garcia regularly visits stores and kitchens, sharing unscripted, behindthe-scenes videos that offer a real look at daily operations.
From the beginning, Garcia has focused on people, emphasizing that he considers his staff family. Many employees who worked with him in the early days at Cherry Street Kitchen are still with the company today, a rarity in an industry known for high turnover.
He has built and retained a strong team by running the business with consistency, respect, and care for the people behind it. He pays above-market wages and offers benefits including retirement plans. At the company’s Morrisville headquarters, employees have access to amenities like free weekend childcare and shared spaces designed for rest and connection. Team outings, from bowling nights to group dinners, are a regular part of the culture.
That investment shows up in the work. When the Bordentown store opened at 8 a.m. on its first day, Garcia arrived early to check in, but found the team was already fully prepared.
“They had everything ready to go,” he said. “We opened without a hitch.”
donations could stretch further and reach more families.
Over four weeks, the Boys and Girls Club distributed 300 meals each Friday, giving families access to nutritious food not just after school, but throughout the weekend.
“We are incredibly grateful to Kenny’s Meals for their generosity in providing 1,500 meals to the youth of the Boys and Girls Club, and to the MBCJ Restaurant Coalition for bridging the partnership,” says Reggie Coleman, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County. This act of kindness goes far beyond nourishment— it sends a powerful message to our families that their community cares about them, supports them, and believes in their future. Partnerships like this truly make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”
principle that shaped his business: making nutritious food accessible to all people, especially those who need it most.
Garcia grew up in the Dominican Republic and has also lived in Ewing Township. Today he lives in Bordentown, and has three children.
He did not begin with plans for rapid expansion. But as demand has grown, so has the opportunity to reach more communities. As new storefronts open, his focus remains on quality, consistency, and accessibility, ensuring every meal reflects the same care he once put into cooking for himself.
Looking ahead, he hopes to expand both his physical footprint and his community initiatives, using his kitchens not just to serve food, but to teach, inspire, and connect.
Garcia’s commitment extends beyond his business.
When SNAP benefits were reduced last November, he stepped in. Partnering with the MBCJ Restaurant Coalition and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County, Kenny’s Meals provided 1,200 fresh, wholesome meals by lowering prices so
Garcia has continued collaborating with the coalition on initiatives in Trenton, including meal donations and a bilingual presentation at a family wellness day at Foundation Academy.
Building on that work, he is exploring ways to expand that impact, including plans to open the kitchen headquarters for cooking demonstrations and educational programs for families centered on healthy, whole foods.
These efforts will build on the same
Kenny’s Meals continues to grow, but the mission hasn’t changed. Garcia set out to feed people well and take care of his community.
For Garcia, growth is not the goal. It’s the result of doing something simple, and doing it well.
Kenny’s Meals. 182 U.S. 130, Bordentown. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Delivery typically available 10 miles from storefront locations. Web: kennysmeals.com.
A variety of Kenny’s Meals, packaged and ready to go.
Complete Restoration and Repair
his third straight trip to regions. Seeded sixth at 150 in Region 6, he edged thirdseeded Parker Quinn of Wall, 4-3, to reach the semifinals, where he dropped a 4-2 decision to Howell’s Brady Little.
“I wrestled pretty decently,” Hartz said. “I got the wins that I needed to get and I did upset some people. I was a lower seed, I was the six seed coming in so technically I was not supposed to qualify. There was five people ahead of me and I did what I had to do and I got in.”
Despite his seeding, Hartz came in confident he would advance. In the wrestlebacks, he won his first match to secure his first trip to states in Atlantic City before falling to Quinn in the thirdplace match to leave him fourth. The state’s pinnacle event of the sport is one of the most impressive environments of any sporting event and he absorbed the new setting.
“At states, it was just crazy,” Hartz said. “It was like nothing I’ve ever really done before. It was kind of like a shock, like a whoa. As soon as I walked into the stadium, I went, holy crap. It’s a big stadium. There’s a lot of energy the whole time. And it gets really crazy.”
Hartz dropped two matches to be eliminated and conclude his season with a 41-6 record, but the experience will serve him well for next year.
“It’s going to put him in a really good spot in terms of criteria heading into tournaments,” Joachim said. “But it’s also going to give him the confidence coming into the year that he’s capable of doing so again, with 41 wins on the season. And he’s a guy that’s looking to hit 100 wins next year as well. So I think he’s just going to be motivated to repeat that and hopefully win a match down there in the AC.”
Hartz now knows what to expect at
states. That first experience is a bonus for any wrestler who can come back. He’s looking forward to another chance in Atlantic City.
“Not doing what I wanted at states is definitely a motivator,” Hartz said. “And it’s also a motivator to just get down there because it’s a whole lot of fun. And I want to see that on the winning side of things.”
Hartz has built himself into a strong contender to return to states, which is just one of the big goals for next year. He’s only 17 wins away from 100 career victories (he only wrestled 22 matches in his injury-plagued sophomore season) after going 30-10 as a freshman and winning 12 times last year. He’s advanced further each successive season.
“He’s made it to the region tournament all three years so far, which is huge,” Joachim said. “It’s a big accomplishment. Last year as a sophomore, he placed sixth, and then he was top four to go into the state tournament. This year, he wasn’t gonna get denied and you could tell that from the way he was wrestling, placing second in the district tournament – I believe he could have won that match in the district final. We were up in the third period with about 10 seconds left, give up a takedown, we ended up losing in the district finals, but it’s one match at a time, control what we can control, and he did that in the bracket, beat some really good guys, and he made it happen for himself.”
The goal for next year would be not just some wins at states, but a spot on the podium. It would be another step forward to close his scholastic career before he hopes to continue wrestling in college.
“Just being down in A.C. as a junior is going to make a difference for him as a senior coming down there, seeing the high level wrestling, high level
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competition and being able to come back,” Joachim said. “He wrestles a lot in the offseason as well. So he has something to look forward to in terms of, let’s go back. I progressed all three years, but I didn’t win a match in A.C. yet. So let’s go back and hopefully let’s do that.”
Hartz got his start in wrestling after he transitioned from doing mixed martial arts. He entered jiu-jitsu tournaments as a youngster, and that’s where he recognized the importance and potential in wrestling.
“I’d always lose to people who knew how to wrestle,” Hartz said. “And I was like, then I need to get into wrestling. And I started going to Revolution Wrestling Club with Coach Tony Arroyo. I’m still with him now. I’ve been with him for seven years and only him. He’s trained me all the way up.”
In middle school, Hartz started to see a real future in wrestling. He was undefeated in the regular season and qualified for club states in seventh grade at Bordentown Middle School.
He was undefeated and won the postseason tournament and qualified again for club states in eighth grade and that set the bar when he joined the Scotties the year after his brother, Collin, a regional qualifier, graduated.
Hartz credits his continued development in high school to Joachim and Sammy Mazzella, who is head coach of the Bordentown girls team. Hartz has become a team captain who sets the example while drilling with wrestling practice partners Jeremy Moore and Hunter Novoa.
“If we’re doing something, any type of run, he’s the fittest guy in the room,” Joachim said. “He pushes the pace on everything that we do. That group of three – Novoa Jeremy Moore and Hartz – they just set the example in terms of how we should be drilling, what pace we should be drilling at. And it makes a difference because when you go out and do these matches, and that’s what we preach, that our pace is different than our opponents because we work hard in the room and Joey Hartz, his pace sets him apart from all from all his opponents.” Hartz’s defense has been a strength. He rarely gives up points and puts himself in compromising positions. That
defense along with his strong conditioning makes him tough to score on. He maintains that work ethic and conditioning year-round which has helped him advance as a wrestler.
“It’s just taking everything more seriously — not skipping practices, getting extra workouts in, lifting,” Hartz said. “I do strength and conditioning with my dad who has a business, SPARTAN Bootcamp.”
Hartz also plays in defense for the Bordentown boys soccer team that won 15 of their first 16 games and reached the sectional semifinals. And he finds some time to relax and play video games for fun. Soccer keeps him fit and helps moderate his weight coming into wrestling season. He’ll be following the same formula to prepare for his final high school season when expectations will be high to return to states after proving his potential in a healthy junior year.
“I’m happiest that it went a lot better than last season, because last season I broke my hand and I was out the majority of the season,” Hartz said. “I didn’t really get to wrestle that much, and when I got back, I didn’t really wrestle that well. And it just wasn’t really myself. I was just glad to get back.”
Bordentown junior wrestler Joey Hartz reached the state wrestling championships in Atlantic City for the first time in his scholastic career this season.
Capital Health is excited to announce that it has launched Capital Health Hepatology Specialists, a new practice that provides convenient, specialized liver care from the comfort of patients’ homes. As part of Capital Health Medical Group, clinicians from the practice offer video visit appointments for patients who have an established liver disease diagnosis, are seeking one, or are at higher risk for certain conditions.
“Maintaining good liver health is one of the building blocks of better overall health, so we’re happy to welcome Capital Health Hepatology Specialists as part of our larger Medical Group and Cancer Center,” said Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center and Liver Center of Excellence. “Working closely with referring physicians, their experienced team offers same-week video visits to help patients manage steatotic liver disease, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, cirrhosis, and related conditions.”
VIRTUAL CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH LIVER DISEASE
Dr. Lalos has nearly four decades of clinical experience and specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with liver and biliary system conditions. After receiving his undergraduate degree at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dr. Lalos received his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut and fellowship training in hepatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.
“The liver performs more than 500 vital functions each day, so patients should have easy access for an appointment when they have concerns about their liver health,” said Dr. Alexander Lalos, a board certified, fellowship trained hepatologist at Capital Health Hepatology Specialists. “We’re excited to join Capital Health with telehealth services that make it more convenient for patients in our region to get the care support they need, every step of the way.”
Elizabeth Berry is an acute care nurse practitioner at Capital Health Hepatology Specialists with 20 years of clinical experience. Elizabeth specializes in hepatology and gastroenterology. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, she received her Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For patients who are diagnosed with liver cancer, Capital Health Hepatology Specialists work closely with the multidisciplinary team of clinicians at Capital Health’s Liver Center of Excellence, part of Capital Health Cancer Center, to develop comprehensive, personalized care plans.
New Maternal Fetal Medicine Location in Hamilton
Capital Health Maternal Fetal Medicine, part of Capital Health Maternity Services, has opened a new office located at Capital Health – Hamilton (1401 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 200 in Hamilton, New Jersey). The new Capital Health Maternal Fetal Medicine – Hamilton, located directly across from Capital Health’s OB/GYN – Hamilton office, expands access to the system’s OB/GYN support services and clinicians that were previously available only at the practice’s office at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, including board certified perinatologists, master’s-prepared genetic counselors, registered nurses, a certified diabetic educator, and registered sonographers.
“With the opening of our new Hamilton location, pregnant women will have greater access to advanced ultrasounds by certified sonographers, genetic counseling and chromosome screening, nutrition counseling and diabetic management by a certified diabetes educator, and fetal echocardiography services to evaluate babies at risk for heart abnormalities,” said Dr. Thomas Westover, medical director of Capital Health Maternal Fetal Medicine. “Backed by our team of expert clinicians, patients and their referring OB/GYN clinicians can be confident that we’re with them every step of the way.”
To schedule an appointment at Capital Health Maternal Fetal Medicine’s Hamilton or Hopewell locations, please call 609.537.7252 or visit capitalhealth.org/MFM for more information.
Capital Health Maternal Fetal Medicine is part of the Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, 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.
Update on Lung Cancer Treatment
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Dr. James McPherson, director of Thoracic Surgery and co-director of the Lung Center of Excellence at Capital Health Cancer Center, will discuss the latest treatment options for lung cancer, with a focus on minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. Join the conversation to learn how this advanced technology can lead to better outcomes with additional benefits that include less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to active living.
This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Capital Health Welcomes Dozens of Area HIGH SCHOOLERS FOR A FUTURE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CAREER DAY
Capital Health recently welcomed 38 students from the Foundation Academy High School in Trenton, New Jersey to Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell for a Future Young Professionals Career Day. Students had the opportunity to explore careers in health care and interact with Capital Health representatives from nearly a dozen departments. The event was hosted by the Capital Health Young Professionals Committee and held in conjunction with the school’s Health Care Week, part of its Career Exploration Month in February.
Capital Health President and CEO Al Maghazehe joined the group for lunch, offering students the chance to connect directly with leadership.
“Part of Capital Health’s commitment to our community is supporting our young people,” said Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health. “Health care offers many opportunities for meaningful careers, and it’s my hope that we can help young people in the communities we serve learn about the many possibilities available to them in health care, including at Capital Health. This event was especially meaningful because it was planned by our Young Professionals Committee. Their enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge and excitement about careers in health care is inspiring and gives me great hope for the future of leadership here at Capital Health.”
“Experiences like this help make the future feel real for our scholars,” said Nwasha Edu, Senior Manager of Workforce at Foundation Academy Collegiate. “By connecting directly with professionals across so many areas of health care, students are able to see how their interests, classroom learning, and personal goals can translate into meaningful, family-sustaining careers. We’re grateful to Capital Health and their Young Professionals for opening their doors, sharing their journeys, and investing in the next generation of health care leaders.”
During their visit, students explored the wide range of career pathways available within the health care industry and learned how classroom learning translates into real world roles in patient care, administration, hospital operations, and more.
Students participated in interactive sessions in a “round robin” format with Capital Health employees from various departments including Radiology, Nursing, Marketing and Public Relations,
Risk Management, Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition Services, Maintenance and Facilities, Medical Administration, Information Technology, Rehabilitation, and Emergency Medical Services. Department representatives answered student questions and provided educational materials about potential future careers. Students were also given the opportunity to tour Capital Health’s Mobile Simulation Lab, gaining hands on insight into a patient care experience.
Through conversations and behind the scenes exposure, students learned about the educational requirements for a wide range of roles that support the high-quality care at Capital Health.
This event reflects Capital Health’s continued commitment to the local community, workforce development, health care education, and inspiring the next generation of health care professionals.
Capital Health is the Central New Jersey/Lower Bucks County region’s leader in providing progressive, quality patient care with significant investments in physicians, nurses and staff, as well as advanced technology. Comprised of two hospitals (Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell), a Hamilton outpatient facility, and an extensive network of primary and specialty care practices across the region, Capital Health is a dynamic health care resource accredited by DNV. To learn more or to search career opportunities at Capital Health, visit capitalhealth.org/careers.
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.
Stroke: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Free BP Screening – 5 p.m. | Lecture – 6 p.m.
Location: Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell
CURE Auto Insurance Conference Center, One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534
An Introduction to ADHD
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Do you have a family history of stroke, or have you experienced a stroke and want to learn how to prevent another one in the future? Get the latest information from registered nurses and Stroke Program coordinators Maria Gilli and Pamela Esher, who will discuss stroke signs and symptoms, types of strokes, individual risk factors, and treatment options. Get your blood pressure checked before the lecture.
Join Dr. Arvind Bhasker from Capital Health Behavioral Health Specialists for a conversation that covers the basics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition to providing guidance for understanding symptoms in adults and children, he’ll also discuss options for managing ADHD with and without medication.
WHAT’s HAPPENING?
What’s Happening is a selection of events taking place this month in our area. For even more events, go online to our website, communitynews.org/events.
Details below were believed to be accurate at time of publication. We always recommend that you confirm all necessary details when planning to attend an event.
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Receptor series: digital Paintings by Joe Lugara, princeton public library. 9 a.m. On view through June 1. 65 Witherspoon St, princeton.
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of roebling park. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
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nish Kumar: angry Humour from a Really nice Guy, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30
p.m. U.K. political comic Nish Kumar cohost of podcast “pod Save the U.K.” in the Matthews Theatre. 91 University pl, princeton.
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trivia night w/ sam the trivia Guy, Working Dog Winery. 6 p.m. 610 Windsor perrineville rd, Hightstown.
Kevin downey Jr., Catch a rising Star, Hyatt regency princeton. 8 p.m. live comedy. catcharisingstar.com. 102 Carnegie Center, princeton.
the Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center. 8 p.m. Surreal play by Tony Award and MacArthur Genius Award winner and princeton alum Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Tickets at arts.princeton.edu. 91 University place, princeton.
the Williamsboy, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 9 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.
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toy Library, First presbyterian Church. 9:30 a.m. Bring toys or tokens on the shopping day to exchange for new-to-you toys. receive tokens by contributing. cityofbordentown.com/events. 420 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown.
West Windsor farmers Market: outdoor Market, West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market. 10 a.m. wwcfm.org. 877 Alexander rd, West Windsor.
Bunny trail spring festival, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. A treasure hunt through the blooming farm. Tickets at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton. the strange Brew Crew, Needle Creek Brewery. 1 p.m. live music. needlecreek.com 91 Titus Mill rd, pennington. Kevin downey Jr., Catch a rising Star, Hyatt regency princeton. 7:30 p.m. live comedy. catcharisingstar.com. 102 Carnegie Center, princeton. the Center Will not Hold: a dorrance dance Production, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. Set to original music by Donovan Dorrance, with live percussion by drummer John Angeles, the work features 11 performers blending street, club and vernacular dance forms. 91 University pl, princeton. the Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre
Center. 8 p.m. Surreal play by Tony Award and MacArthur Genius Award winner and princeton alum Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Tickets at arts.princeton.edu. 91 University place, princeton.
sunday, aPRiL 5
Bunny trail spring festival, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. A treasure hunt through the blooming farm. Tickets at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton. family sundays: fish Printing, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Create fish with paint, brush and paper through the ancient art of Gyotaku. A Mercer County park Commission program. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
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Planning Board Monthly Meeting, Carslake Community Center. 7 p.m. 207 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
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stand tall yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. All levels welcome. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Read & Explore: Composting, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. learn about turning “garbage” back into soil. Must register at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
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Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of roebling park. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Environmental Commission Monthly Meeting, Carslake Community Center. 7 p.m. 207 Crosswicks St, Bordentown. Coltrane 100, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. Saxophonists Joe lovano and Melissa Aldana, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts in a tribute reflecting John Coltrane’s enduring influence. 91 University pl, princeton.
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the successful failures, Needle Creek Brewery. 4:30 p.m. live music. 91 Titus Mill rd, pennington.
Potteries of trenton society Expert Panel 12 a.m. Museum curators David Barquist, Ulysses Dietz and ron Fuchs talk about their collections and why they are adding Trenton ceramics to the holdings of their museums. Virtual event. register at potteriesoftrentonsociety.org.
fRiday, aPRiL 10
the Moth in Princeton, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. Five storytellers share true stories that “dig deep into the idea of the American Dream.” mccarter.org. 91 University pl, princeton.
Jimmy and the Parrots with dJ John Rossi, Cooper’s riverview. 8 p.m. live music. Tickets at coopersnj.com. 50 riverview plaza, Trenton. Lana siebel, Catch a rising Star, Hyatt regency princeton. 8 p.m. live comedy. catcharisingstar.com. 102 Carnegie Center, princeton. the Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre
Center. 8 p.m. Surreal play by Tony Award and MacArthur Genius Award winner and princeton alum Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Tickets at arts.princeton.edu. 91 University place, princeton.
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Photo framing and Matting: a Voices for the Marsh Program, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 9 a.m. register at abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Read & Explore: Composting, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. learn about turning “garbage” back into soil. Must register at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
farmers Market at Chickadee Creek farm, Chickadee Creek Farm. 10 a.m. indoor local produce, greens, meats, mushrooms, baked goods, local spirits and crafts. 80 Titus Mill rd, pennington.
Monthly Living History Programs: soldier saturdays, Washington Crossing Historic park. 11 a.m. Historical interpreters and reenactors bring a piece of history to life. washingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 river road, Washington Crossing, pennsylvania.
spring Winery Weekend Music series, Terhune Orchards. Music is from 1-4 pm. light fare available. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
the Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center. 2 p.m. Surreal play by Tony Award and MacArthur Genius Award winner and princeton alum Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Tickets at arts.princeton.edu. 91 University place, princeton.
Bordentown Historical Presentation, Old City Hall. 3 p.m. presentation by Becky Diamond Gilded Age Dining Ticket prices $5 members, $10 non-members Old City Hall 11 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
Capital Philharmonic of new Jersey presents tchaikovsky symphony no. 5, patriots Theater at the War Memorial. 7:30 p.m. Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor, Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Tickets at capitalphilharmonic.org. 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.
Lana siebel, Catch a rising Star, Hyatt regency princeton. 7:30 p.m. live comedy. catcharisingstar.com. 102 Carnegie Center, princeton. angelique Kidjo, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. live in concert. mccarter.org. 91 University pl, princeton. the Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center. 8 p.m. Surreal play by Tony Award and MacArthur Genius Award winner and princeton alum Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Tickets at arts.princeton.edu. 91 University place, princeton.
sunday, aPRiL 12
spring Winery Weekend Music series, Terhune Orchards. Music is from 1-4 pm. light fare available. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton. family sundays: feed the animals, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. sunday soirée talk, Old City Hall. 4 p.m. Jamie parker, independent musician and songwriter, founding member of the band Alpha rabbit. 11 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
Monday, aPRiL 13
City Commission Monthly Meeting, Old City Hall. 7 p.m. C lick here for the full agenda and zoom information 11 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
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stand tall yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. All levels welcome. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
WEdnEsday, aPRiL 15
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of roebling park. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
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tiny tot Explorers, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. Designed for pre-schoolers and their caregivers. register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
spring native Plant sale, D&r Greenway. 11 a.m. 1 preservation place, princeton. trivia nights in the Winery, Terhune Orchards. 5 p.m. With D.J. iron Mike in the Terhune winery. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd., princeton.
fRiday, aPRiL 17
tully’s tales, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. Nature-themed story & play time. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. spring native Plant sale, D&r Greenway. Noon. 1 preservation place, princeton. John Malkovich in the Music Critic, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. John Malkovich slips into the role of the evil critic who believes the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Prokofiev and the likes to be weary and dreary. The grand finale is “The Malkovich Torment,” a horrific review about Malkovich himself, set to music. mccarter.org. 91 University pl, princeton. simple Gifts in concert at Princeton folk Music society, Christ Congregation Church. 8 p.m. Drawing on a variety of ethnic folk styles, Tickets at princetonfolk.org. 50 Walnut lane, princeton.
satuRday, aPRiL 18
Morning Mushroom Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 9 a.m. Guided hike. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
spring native Plant sale, D&r Greenway. 9 a.m. 1 preservation place, princeton. West Windsor farmers Market: outdoor Market, West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market. 10 a.m. 877 Alexander rd, West Windsor.
open House, The lewis School of princeton. 10 a.m. Understanding and educating smart students who learn differently. 53 Bayard lane, princeton.
spring Winery Weekend Music series, Terhune Orchards. Music is from 1-4 pm. light fare available. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
Earth day Concert at Point Breeze, The Discovery Center at point Breeze. 1 p.m. Music with Jonathan Sprout. 101 East park St, Bordentown.
see EVEnts, Page 16
Now Open
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Bird Bath Basics, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 2 p.m. Workshop. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Bordentown Historical Presentation, Old City Hall. 12 a.m. presentation by Dean Howarth Ticket prices $5 members, $10 nonmembers Old City Hall 11 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
sunday, aPRiL 19
spring Winery Weekend Music series, Terhune Orchards. Music is from 1-4 pm. light fare available. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
family sundays nature art, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Use natural materials to create eco-friendly art projects. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
aeolus Quartet, McCarter Theatre Center. 2 p.m. Violinists Nicholas Tavani and rachel Shapiro, violist Caitlin lynch, and cellist Jia Kim. mccarter.org. 91 University pl, princeton.
Monday, aPRiL 20
Green team Meeting, Carslake Community Center. 7 p.m. 207 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
tuEsday, aPRiL 21
Read & Pick: Growing a Garden of Goodies, Terhune Orchards. 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Hands-on farm activity, stories. Tickets at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
stand tall yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. All levels welcome. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
WEdnEsday, aPRiL 22
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of roebling park. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
tHuRsday, aPRiL 23
Wine & design sips & Make your own Planter night, Terhune Orchards. 5:30 p.m. Join owner reuwai Mount Hanewald for an evening of planting your own patio planter. $60 per person. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd., princeton.
fRiday, aPRiL 24
4th friday Game night, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 6 p.m. An evening of board games, bingo and turtle time. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Corey R-J, The Druery Brewery. 7 p.m. Musician and singer/songwriter. coreyrj.com. 160 lawrenceville pennington rd Ste 4, lawrence.
sweet Honey in the Rock, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. 91 University pl, princeton.
the 39 steps presented by Maurer Productions onstage, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Four actors play more than 150 characters in this two-time Tony Award-winning whodunit. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton rd, West Windsor.
satuRday, aPRiL 25
inaugural team Vivian Walk, Joseph Lawrence Park. Check-in at 10 a.m. Family nonprofit raising awareness and funds for organ donation in memory of Vivian Comeau. reg-
ister at teamvivian.org. 316 Ward Ave., Bordentown. Herb & Garden Class, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Class for home gardeners to learn tips on growing and combining herb plants in the garden. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton. farmers Market at Chickadee Creek farm, Chickadee Creek Farm. 10 a.m. indoor local produce, greens, meats, mushrooms, baked goods, local spirits and crafts. 80 Titus Mill rd, pennington. spring Winery Weekend Music series, Terhune Orchards. Noon. Music from 1-4 pm. light fare available. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton. spring into sustainability, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 2 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by using household items to create decorations for the home. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
the Pink floyd Project, Cooper’s riverview. 7 p.m. Selections from Wish You Were Here, Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and Animals. coopersnj.com. 50 riverview plaza, Trenton.
tCnJ Wind Ensemble: the Joy Project, The College of New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. Concert presented in collaboration with Artivism@ TCNJ. Tickets at music.tcnj.edu. 2000 pennington rd, Trenton.
Joao Bosco Quartet, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. 91 University pl, princeton. the 39 steps presented by Maurer Productions onstage, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Four actors play more than 150 characters in this two-time Tony Award-winning whodunit. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton rd, West Windsor.
Bordentown & the art of Revolution, Old City Hall. 12 a.m. A “weekend celebration of music, politics, and words.” 11 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.
sunday, aPRiL 26
spring Winery Weekend Music series, Terhune Orchards. Music is from 1-4 pm. light fare available. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
family sundays Backyard Bingo, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Westminster Jubilee singers: the Courage to Believe, Gill Chapel rider University. 7:30 p.m. Margaret Bonds’s Credo, Mark Miller’s I Believe, and a work by Zanadia robles, rider.edu. 2083 lawrenceville road, lawrenceville.
tCnJ Chamber Music: Brass & Percussion, The College of New Jersey. 7:30 p.m. in the Mildred & Ernest. E. Mayo Concert Hall. Free. music.tcnj.edu. 2000 pennington rd, Trenton.
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Read & Pick: Chickens, Terhune Orchards. 9:30 and 11 a.m. Celebrate everything about chickens. Tickets at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil rd, princeton.
WEdnEsday, aPRiL 29
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of roebling park. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.
Lecture “When the declaration of independence Was news,” Washington Crossing Historic park. 6 p.m. part of America250pA “Lecture 250” series. Emily Sneff on her new book. 1112 river road, Washington Crossing, pennsylvania.
Joseph Borden II and the town that made him
Doug Kiovsky BoRdEntoWn HistoRy
New Jersey has cultures that are as diverse as its terrain. For such a small state, it has witnessed more military action than any other with the exception of Virginia.
Its unique role in history was baptized in blood and stained in the soil of every farm with raw emotion. Although opinions about the domination of the British Empire varied strongly across the landscape, New Jersey was no different than many other colonies by the late1700s. Citizens clashed fiercely with each other over how their laws should be governed and by whom.
Answers were slow to surface as tensions mounted. Our nation’s founding was as complex as the personalities that ushered new ideas for the prospects of independence.
Although the shadow of Joseph Borden II (1719-1791) wasn’t cast as large as figures associated with the founding of our country, within the small settlement along the banks of the Crosswicks Creek that was named after his father, he stood tall with authority and was measured by his achievements. His father established the third stage line to cross the state. His ferry service across the Delaware River was fairly successful as well. By the end of 1778, he had expanded his family’s interests by operating a stage boat between Bordentown and Philadelphia and the stage line from Bordentown to Elizabeth-Town. Behind his property on the corner of Main Street (Farnsworth Avenue) and Market Street (Park Street), the stables held a vast array of horses.
Joseph Borden II was also the proprietor of a cooperage, where he
assembled wooden barrels. As an citizen of high moral fiber, he was appointed to the bench, and gained even more respect as a judge.
In 1761, he was elected to the New Jersey Assembly. His concise oratories against England’s “taxation without representation” imposed on colonists led to his selection as one of three individuals to represent New Jersey in what came to be known as the Stamp Act Congress. This was the first time that a sitting body of the Continental Congress defied the law of the English Crown.
Borden, a citizen of high moral fiber, was appointed to the bench and gained yet more respect as a judge.
Regiment. However, by the conclusion of 1776, Hessian troops occupied the town including Hoagland’s Tavern which faced approximately across from Borden’s home.
war swung in favor of the Americans, the scars still remained.
Borden, as a Quaker, struggled with his religious beliefs as he was tormented by the fear and frustration emanating from England that swirled through the air like gunpowder waiting to ignite. As a devoted husband to Elizabeth Rogers and their six children, it was becoming increasingly difficult not to raise arms against another fellow man when our country’s liberties were at stake.
When representatives from Virginia and New Jersey established their own Committee of Correspondence and Inquiry to counter the distain for being taxed by British Parliament, it became abundantly clear that the colonies were forming a united front against unlawful acts. In 1774, Joseph Borden was chosen as one of nine men from his colony to serve on the committee. As hostilities mounted with British and Hessian forces invading our shorelines and communities, grievances were addressed with discourse.
In less than a year, Borden obtained the military rank of Colonel and was attached to the First New Jersey
Following the Battle of Trenton, the enemy was on the move again. Since travelers feared for their safety on a continual basis, Colonel Borden curtailed his ferry and stage line business until late 1778 after British troops invaded and burned structures (including Borden’s home) in retaliation for rebels conspiring to sink ships in the Delaware River during their occupation of Philadelphia. This affair was known as “The Battle of the Kegs.”
Despite losing his home, this incident paled in comparison to almost losing his 22-year-old son, Capt. Joseph Borden III, to severe injuries sustained while fighting the Battle of Germantown the previous year. Regardless, 17 townspeople lost their lives defending Bordentown. As the years passed and the pendulum of
When the war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Bordentown was rising from the ashes. Homes were rebuilt. Farms flourished with livestock. The land was replenished. And Col. Borden made repairs to the Friends Meeting House that had been a silent witness to so much carnage.
In 1788, Capt. Joseph Borden III succumbed to his war injuries and died at the age of 33. Col. Borden died three years later, as did his son-in-law, Francis Hopkinson, who was one of our nation’s Founding Fathers and designer of the U.S. flag. Many members of the Borden and Hopkinson families, including unknown patriots, are interred in the Christ Church Cemetery in town.
The ground is hallowed by their sacrifice, courage, and determination in guiding our nation to become independent and free. The small flags planted next to their places of rest are constant reminders that the story of America continues.
doug Kiovsky is the vice president of the Bordentown Historical Society.
PEPPLER
What NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation means
Ask The Doctor
When you or someone close to you is navigating a cancer diagnosis, choosing where to receive care can feel overwhelming. You may see or hear the term National Cancer Institute (NCI)designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, but what does that mean and why does it matter?
Malini M. Patel, MD, member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, Director of Medical Oncology, the Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCIdesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares the facts.
“The designation comes from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health,” says Dr. Patel. “NCI recognition may be
one of the highest honors a cancer center can achieve in the United States. It signals that the center meets rigorous standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education.”
See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7
FACT: A Commitment to LeadingEdge Research.
To earn the “comprehensive” designation, a cancer center must demonstrate excellence across several areas of scientific research. These include laboratory research that explores how cancer develops, clinical research that studies new treatments in patients and population-based research that focuses on cancer prevention and outcomes in communities.
FACT: Access to Innovative Treatments and Clinical Trials.
One major advantage of receiving treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center is access to a wide range of clinical trials. These research studies evaluate new drugs, therapies, and approaches to care that may not yet be available elsewhere.
Clinical trials can offer patients the opportunity to receive promising treatments while contributing to advances that may help future patients. Not every patient will need or quality for a clinical trial but having access to these options expand the possibilities for personalized care.
Cancer Institute. An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center is a designation reserved for cancer centers who offer an added level of expertise, research involvement, and innovation. “For cancer patients, this designation can provide reassurance that the center is meeting the nation’s highest standards for cancer care, scientific research and leadership, prevention and education, and are successful in completing a rigorous review process every 5 years,” said Dr. Patel.
FACT: New Jersey’s ONLY NCIdesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“Physicians and scientists at these centers work together to translate discoveries from the laboratory into new therapies for patients,” adds Dr. Patel. “This collaboration helps ensure that the most promising ideas move efficiently from research to real-world care.”
FACT:
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care.
While NCI designation reflects the highest standards in cancer care and treatment, it is a multidisciplinary, teambased approach that truly shapes the patient experience. The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton brings together a coordinated team of experts that includes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, nurse navigators, genetic counselors, nutritionists, social workers and supportive care experts working together to develop a personalized care plan for each patient. “We treat many types of cancer and bring together a team of experts who collaborate closely with each patient to develop a personalized, comprehensive plan of care and help patients and their families navigate every step of their cancer journey,” adds Dr. Patel.
“Another goal is to provide coordinated care that addresses not only the cancer itself but also the patient’s overall health, wellbeing and quality of life,” shares Dr. Patel. The RWJUH Hamilton Holistic Healing Program at the cancer center provides programs and services to patients and their families to support the mind, body and spirit, including art and music therapy, massage, Reiki, meditation, spiritual care, salon services, pet therapy, healing gardens and more. Learn more online at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonholistic.
FACT: What it Means for Patients. With over 1,500 cancer centers in the United States, only a select few — less than 60 — are comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National
New Jersey’s ONLY NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health provide patients access to the most advanced cancer treatment options including complex surgical procedures, immunotherapy, precision medicine, bone marrow transplantation, proton therapy, CAR T-cell therapy, and clinical trials - many of which are not available at other facilities across the state. The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton is located at 2575 Klockner Road, Hamilton Township, NJ, 08690.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/beatcancer
To schedule an appointment with one of our cancer specialists, please call (844) CANCERNJ or (844) 226-2376.
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 609584-5900 or email communityedham@ rwjbh.org. Registration is required to attend these programs.
tuEsday, aPRiL 7
Breast Cancer Support Group. 6–7:30 p.m. presented by an oncology nurse navigator and certified oncology social worker from The Cancer Center at rWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Call 609.584.2836 to confirm.
Dr. Malini M. patel
CLAssIFIED
Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Simply scan the QR code or visit communitynews.org/place_an_ad. Questions? Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.
HELP WANTED
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SERVICES
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LEGAL SERVICES Wills, power of Attorney, real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-7994674, 609-721-4358.
Volunteer Opportunities - Volunteers wanted to help combat senior hunger and isolation in our community by delivering hot meals. routes available Monday to Friday, starting at 10am. perfect for individuals, families, groups. Call Meals on Wheels of Mercer County to learn more (609)695-3483.
MUSICAL Instruments
i Buy Guitars All Musical instruments in Any Condition: Call rob at 609-577-3337.
WANTED TO BUY
Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@ verizon.net.
Cash paid for World War II Military Items Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com
Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com
HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WiTH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COlliEr’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .
We Buy Old Books, Rare Books Also Buying Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Old Postcards, Sports Cards, Pottery, Prints, Paintings, Old Toys, Coins, Stamps, Etc. Appraisals Available. Downsizing/Moving? Call Us!
Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com
