5-25 HE by Community News Service

The Chubby’s Project lead volunteer Tom Ledwith with area students and volunteers Alexandra Kasimatis, Emily Stenull, Allie Martin and Chubby’s founder Lyn Farrugia.

The Chubby’s Project celebrates 5 years of community connections

By JohN hANey

how far would you go if they were sick?

Since its founding in March 2020, The Chubby’s Project, a Hopewell non-profit organization, has been connecting and engaging the Hopewell Community to help neighbors in need.

Maxxe-imum impact: Rice leads HoVal lax

By rich FiSher

It’s not surprising that Maxxe Rice failed to mention in conversation that she was this year’s Hopewell Valley Central High Homecoming Queen.

“She’s a humble girl,” said Bulldogs girls lacrosse coach Sara Wagner, who was the homecoming informant.

That humility is displayed in her sport.

Rice is one of the top players on an HVCHS team that won eight of its first nine games this year. But few people realize it, because she is a defender who has never gotten a headline.

Rice said. “I naturally gravitated toward defense. I saw my brother play defense. When I first went out all the girls knew their position and knew what they wanted to play. I tested out midfield, I tested out attack. Something just kept drawing me back to defense and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

Wagner is impressed by Rice’s attitude.

“When I played I wanted to score goals,” the coach said with a laugh. “But for her it’s fun and it’s exhilarating to stop the play or prevent her attack from scoring or getting a shot off.

Now marking its five-year anniversary, the mission has remained consistent: to build and strengthen community connections in Hopewell Borough and surrounding areas.

For decades, Rose and Chubby’s Luncheonette, located on the corner of Railroad Place and Greenwood Avenue, was Hopewell’s community gathering spot serving homestyle meals. Owner Carol Montello (known locally as “Chubby”) was known to serve anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.

The Chubby’s Project was launched in 2020 in response to the pandemic by founder Lyn Farrugia, niece to Carol Montello and current owner of Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, to foster connections through the kind of intentional neighboring “Aunt Chub” was known for.

“With the help of volunteers and church leaders, we began

See ChuBBy’S, Page 8

With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment.

“On defense, it’s hard (to get publicity) because people don’t really recognize getting the ground balls and forcing turnovers,” the senior said. “Defenders aren’t usually recognized.”

And that’s just fine with Rice, because she does it for the love of the game and love of the position. Her elder brother, Jack, defended for Lawrenceville School’s national prep championship team last year, and is now playing at Swarthmore. Sister Sammy, an 8th-grader at Timberlane, also plays in the back.

“We’re a family of defenders,”

“Defenders don’t show up in the stats. You have to be selfless to begin with but also determined. You have to have that inside of you. She definitely does. That’s a family trait.”

Rice leads a defensive unit that allowed five or less goals in six of Hopewell’s first eight victories. She teams in the back with senior Aynsley Mauldin and junior Meghan Hofacker –who has already committed to play at Lake Forest in Illinois. Also rotating in are juniors Elle Sullivan and Katie Reinhart.

See RICE, Page 10

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

From the editor

Community news awards Rossi’s gift cards to newsletter subscribers

Community News Service awarded two free gift cards last month to active subscribers of our e-newsletters!

Charlie Ehid of Morrisville, Pennsylvania and Debra Richford of Whiting both received $50 gift cards to Rossi’s Bar and Grill in Hamilton.

Such as:

Replacing cracked pavers, concrete and stone

Re mortar cracked or missing joints

Settling issues • Masonry cleaning

We offer three weekly email newsletters: Headlines from Community News; Events from Community News; and Headlines from U.S. 1 Newspaper. We gather all the recent content from our print editions and websites and drop them into your inboxes for easy access.

Thousands have subscribed to our newsletters on our websites, communitynews.org and princetoninfo.com. As a thank you, we give away prizes from local organizations and businesses. Our giveaway offers have also included tickets to future Trenton Thunder baseball games.

To be eligible for prizes, you have to have opened at least one newsletter in the past month. To sign up to get our newsletters, all you have to do is scan the QR

Charlie Ehid of Morrisville, Pennsylvania won a $50 gift card from Rossi’s for being subscribed to our email newsletters.

code to the right with your phone. It will take you to our website where you can enter your email address, and that’s it. And if you already subscribe—thank you!

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hopewell Express is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Gazette does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

eDitor

Joe Emanski (Ext. 120) coNtriButiNG WriterS Rich Fisher, John Haney, Rebecca Wechter coNtriButiNG coLuMNiSt Lisa Wolff

AD LAyout AND ProDuctioN

Stacey Micallef

AccouNt eXecutiVe

Christine Storie (Ext. 115) to ADVertiSe call christine Storie (609) 396-1511, ext. 115 or e-mail cstorie@communitynews.org

community News Service

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11,000 copies of the Hopewell Express are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Pennington, Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough 12 times a year.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN ALASKA VACATION, THIS IS ONE EVENT YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!

THE

THE 2026 ALASKA CRUISEFEST

2026

ALASKA CRUISEFEST

THE 2026 ALASKA CRUISEFEST

ONLINE EVENT May 13th 2025 at 11am & 7pm

THE 2026 ALASKA CRUISEFEST

ONLINE EVENT May 13th 2025 at 11am & 7pm

ONLINE EVENT May 13th 2025

Join us online as Alaska expert, enthusiast, and tour guide

ONLINE EVENT May 13th 2025 at 11am & 7pm

Join us online as Alaska expert, enthusiast, and tour guide

Sturman shares his knowledge and experience, and virtually guides us through the ultimate Alaska adventure: from Fairbanks, through Denali

National Park, along the Midnight Sun Deluxe Rail into Anchorage, and then through Glacier Bay, down the Inside Passage and into Vancouver. All this and more, full Q&A, and special pricing and amenities for attendees.

Join us online as Alaska expert, enthusiast, and tour guide Jeff Sturman shares his knowledge and experience, and virtually guides us through the ultimate Alaska adventure: from Fairbanks, through Denali National Park, along the Midnight Sun Deluxe Rail into Anchorage, and then through Glacier Bay, down the Inside Passage and into nto Vancouver. All this and more, full Q&A, and special pricing and amenities for attendees.

Join us online as Alaska expert, enthusiast, and tour guide Jeff Sturman shares his knowledge and experience, and virtually guides us through the ultimate Alaska adventure: from Fairbanks, through Denali National Park, along the Midnight Sun Deluxe Rail into Anchorage, and then through Glacier Bay, down the Inside Passage and into Vancouver. All this and more, full Q&A, and special pricing and amenities for attendees.

For more information and to register, visit cruisestoalaska.com/alaska-cruisefest or call (800) 576 2378

RWJUH Hamilton May Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Monday, May 5 & 19; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS

Monday, May 5 & 19; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, May 7; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tuesday, May 13; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, May 27; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND IMMERSION

Monday, May 5: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Sound healing uses special instruments to create a therapeutic atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything that makes you comfortable. Fee: $15

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Tuesday, May 6; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday, May 16; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May, 28; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Meet with our Registered Dietitian for a 30-minute appointment to discuss your unique nutritional needs. Registration is required. Call 609-584-5900 to schedule your appointment.

TAI CHI

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, May 6; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Presented by The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. An oncology nurse navigator and certiﬁed oncology social worker will offer 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.

ANGELS AMONG US: CONNECTING WITH YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL

Thursday, May 8; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join us for a discussion about guardian angels and how we can connect and receive guidance from them. Fee: $15

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, May 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our monthly series. Learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices and meal planning, and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. These two sessions will occur the second Monday (daytime) and fourth Tuesday (evening) each month.

WII PLAY! VIRTUAL FITNESS

Monday, May 12; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, May 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00a.m.

Join RWJ Rehabilitation, RWJUH

Hamilton, for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is leveling up your real-life stats. Play smart, move like a pro, and stay in the game longer!

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, May 13; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, May 13; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This free support group offers community members with ostomies, or those that want to learn more, the opportunity to discuss the daily logistics and lifestyle concerns of living with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Caregivers, loved ones and family members are also invited to participate. This program is presented by Kelly Knox, BS, RN, CWCN, Wound Specialist, RWJUH Hamilton. For more information, please contact Kelly Knox at 609-286-3826.

SUPERFOOD BOWL

Monday, May 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, to learn how to make a healthy and delicious fruit

smoothie bowl. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing breakfast, a postworkout snack, or a healthy dessert, fruit smoothie bowls are a nutritious option.

CAN OTC HEARING AIDS WORK FOR ME?

Wednesday, May 21; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

To increase the public’s access to hearing aids and improve hearing, the FDA established a new category of Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults 18 years of age and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., audiologist at RWJUH Hamilton’s Balance & Hearing Center, as she talks about the availability of OTC hearing aids and who can beneﬁt from them.

FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH

Wednesday, May 21; 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.

FBI PRESENTS: FRAUD AND SCAMS AWARENESS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Wednesday, May 21; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that

Tuesday, May 1, 15 & 29; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, May 6 & 20; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, May 6 & 20; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, May 6 & 20; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

BREAKFAST & LEARN: STROKE, IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU

Thursday, May 1; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

In this program, you will learn about current stroke protocols and the advancements made in this ﬁeld, and gain valuable insight about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. Hamil Patel, MD, Stroke Director and Assistant Director, Emergency

Department, RWJUH Hamilton, will present this comprehensive and important program about maintaining good health.

GAME TIME!

Friday, May 2 & 23; 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. Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.

BREAKFAST AND LEARN WITH SARA ALI, MD: THE TRUTH ABOUT MEDICATIONS & VITAMINS

Tuesday, May 6; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Are you managing multiple medications while treating several illnesses? Adding vitamins to the mix for good health? Sara Ali, MD, a geriatric and palliative care specialist and a member of

Each year, millions of people are victims of internet, phone, and mail scams as well as identity theft. Internet predators continue to be an increasing threat. Join FBI agents Kevin Matthews and Steve Rich and local police to learn strategies to safeguard yourselves and your loved ones. Scan QR code to view, learn

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, May 27; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Join us for the Stroke Support Group, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. Share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and ﬁrsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient RWJUH Hamilton Rehab experts, Ashley Sarrol, SpeechLanguage Pathologist, & Allyson Panikowski-Berry, Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

HEARING AND BALANCE SCREENINGS

Wednesday, May 28; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join us for 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. For more information or to reserve your required appointment, call 609-245-7390.

Location: RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ.

WOMAN’S BOOK CLUB: THE WOMEN BY KRISTIN HANNAH

Wednesday, May 28; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please come prepared to share your thoughts on this month’s book about coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.

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

RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, will discuss the importance of reviewing your medications with your doctor to reduce adverse risks, duplication, and side effects while balancing the need for treatment. She will also separate fact from ﬁction about the most common vitamins.

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, & 28; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in lifechanging conversations, listening, learning, and exploring for this time in our lives. Topics created for you by you. Every week is new and something different. Join us on all the dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New members are always welcome.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: AN AFTERNOON OF DELIGHTS

Thursday, May 8; 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a disco-themed social event featuring entertainment surprises, good food, and friendship. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.

NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Friday, May 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Have some fun while learning recipes that can help fuel your brain.

BREAKFAST & LEARN: UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE

Tuesday, May 13; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

A helpful guide to navigating the sometimesconfusing world of Medicare beneﬁts. Please join us whether you are new to Medicare or already enjoying the beneﬁts.

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

Tips for avoiding tick bites

Beyond ‘Tuck your pants into your socks’

By Dorothy Aicher

Several years ago, I stepped outside onto a tiny patch of grass to put out trash. Back inside, I felt an ant on my leg. I reached down to grab the ant and discovered it was a deer tick!

Outraged, I vowed: I will buy some “tick repellent” clothing and I will have a “zero tolerance” policy for ticks on myself. I drove to a nearby Orvis store.

I lucked out! At clearance prices, I bought pants, shirts and socks, all treated with permethrin repellent. Later, I strategically bought cotton knee socks at another store and sent them to the Insect Shield Company; for a reasonable charge, the company will apply the permethrin treatment to your favorite outdoor clothing.

Do my repellent clothes promote my zero-tolerance policy? Yes. I believe that I have had zero attached ticks when I’ve worn those clothes. I have occasionally encountered a dog tick, but the repellent seemed to affect the dog tick in a way that it didn’t attach.

I keep the repellent clothing near my back door. A zealot, I won’t even walk in my yard without at least putting on my tick-repellent socks and pulling them up high on my leg.

* * *

Do I worry about bodily exposure to the permethrin pesticide? No. (See author’s note, below.) Although a miniscule amount of the permethrin might get into my body, I feel that that is preferable to the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases and having to take antibiotics.

One tip for reducing contact with the permethrin, if you are concerned: wear a comfy nontreated layer underneath the treated clothing.

Is my system perfect? Of course not. Some major challenges: children and pets (they warrant a separate discussion); and gardeners whose hands may contact ticks. I have repellent-treated gloves, plus a treated “Lymeez” arm gaiter.

The common tip about showering? Yes, I do still shower after tick-risk activities. Also, I bought a flea and tick comb and keep it in the shower. With conditioner on my hair, I pull the comb slowly along all my scalp.

Certainly, check for ticks before you shower, so that you can carefully remove them with tweezers. The comb might help you detect ticks that you missed.

Author’s Note: For info on the safety, with links to info on other repellents, go to the EPA web page at epa.gov/insect-repellents/ repellent-treated-clothing.

Dorothy Aicher does volunteer work related to tick-borne disease.

around town

Handmade Hopewell returning to Seminary Avenue May 4

Handmade Hopewell, the curated craft fair, is returning to Seminary Avenue in Hopewell Borough for another year. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first Handmade Hopewell.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Categories of vendors for the fair are apparel; bath, body and candles; ceramics; baked goods; fabric art; glass and forged art; jewelry and accessories; paint and illustration; paper goods; sculpture; and wood.

While some vendors, including Seeds to Sew, Wargo Pharm, Pezz Glassworks and State Plate Signs are local to Hopewell Valley, others come from across the state and across the region. More information, including a complete list of vendors, is online at handmadehopewell.com.

FoHVOS bringing back

Ted Stiles Memorial Hike

Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and Mercer County have announced the return of the Ted Stiles Memorial Hike at Baldpate Mountain. The event, held annu-

ally in honor of former FoHVOS president Ted Stiles, aims to celebrate his vision and dedication that led to the preservation of thousands of acres in Hopewell Valley, including Baldpate Mountain.

This year, participants can choose from three themed hikes, each led by FoHVOS staff. All hikes will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes, focusing on different topics.

After the hikes, attendees will have an opportunity to gather at the historic lodge near the Baldpate mansion for coffee, donuts and discussions.

Hike 1 is the Stewardship Hike. FoHVOS stewardship directors will talk about two decades of collaborate conservation efforts on the mountain.

Hike 2 is the Guided Botanical Walk. FoHVOS land stewards will lead a trail walk to identify some of the many plants found at Baldpate, include 24 that are classified as rare species, and discuss the types of work FoHVOS does to protect them.

Hike 3 is the Birding the Baldpate Driveway. FoHVOS staff will lead a stroll

along the Baldpate driveway, up to the summit of the mountain, in search of birds.

Those interested in taking part can register online at fohvos. org. Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) is an accredited nonprofit land trust committed to preserving the character of the Valley.

Since 1987, it has have partnered with the community to preserve land and protect natural resources. Today, FoHVOS manages over 3,000 acres of land and 17 miles of hiking trails, embodying the rural essence of Hopewell.

Regional collaboration launched to protect Stony Brook Watershed

Hopewell Township has joined Lawrence, Pennington, and Princeton in a commitment to develop a regional watershed plan for Stony Brook.

The collaborative effort, facilitated by The Watershed Institute since 2022, is aimed at safeguarding water quality,

reducing flooding, enhancing resilience to climate change and setting a precedent for watershed management across New Jersey.

The Stony Brook starts in the Amwells, in Hunterdon County, and flows through the four partner municipalities in Mercer County. Portions of these towns drain into Stony Brook carrying with them increased stormwater runoff that causes flooding and water pollution.

The Watershed Institute hosted a statewide Watershed Conference in 2024 focused on facilitating regional solutions such as green infrastructure, stream buffer restoration, floodplain reconnection, rain gardens, trees, and other runoff-capturing interventions across the Garden State. Hopewell, Lawrence, and Princeton are participating in additional regional meetings with the goal of developing watershed-based plans for the Assunpink and Millstone Rivers, demonstrating their dedication to sustainable water resource management.

A newly approved contract with One Water Consulting will look to support the

FACTS ABOUT UNDERAGE DRINKING AND THE LAW:

• It is a criminal offense in NJ to make your home or property available for allowing minors a place to consume alcohol.

• NJ’s Social Host Liability Law imposes civil penalties on social hosts who serve alcohol to minors who subsequently are involved in incidents causing death or injury.

• Drunk driving is a leading cause of death among teens in the U.S.

• Teen drinking can lead to academic problems, car crashes, unplanned pregnancies, changes in brain development, unintentional serious injuries, other drug use and alcohol dependence later in life.

• Binge drinking is common among teens who consume alcohol for the sole reason for getting drunk.

For more information

development of a comprehensive watershed plan designed to improve water quality, manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and enhance the ecological health of Stony Brook.

Founded in 1949, The Watershed Institute has the mission to protect and restore water and the environment through conservation, advocacy, science, and education. For more information about the Watershed Institute visit.

HoVal grad named Student Hall of Fame Fellow by UConn

Kayleen Yacyk, a senior marketing major with a concentration in digital marketing and analytics and a minor in communication at the University of Connecticut School of Business, has been named a 2025 Student Hall of Fame Fellow.

The Hopewell Valley Regional High School graduate began her college career as a member of the Business Connections Learning Community. During the summer of her sophomore year, she traveled with the BCLC to Sweden and Denmark to study sustainable and international business.

and their families is so rewarding, especially when they accomplish something they once thought impossible,” she says.

Yacyk’s father, Ron, is a marketing teacher and her mother, Amy, is a special education teacher, both in the Hamilton Township School District.

Yacyk volunteers at the Windham Heights After School Program, mentoring elementary students. She also works as a substitute paraeducator at Mansfield Elementary School.

Downtown Hopewell to host Hopewell Mocktail Crawl May 10

Merchants of Hopewell Borough are planning an afternoon for all ages at the Downtown Hopewell Mocktail Crawl, set to take place on Sunday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. in Hopewell Borough.

She credits these experiences, along with the guidance of the UConn School of Business, as key factors in securing two internships: one with UConn Athletics as an athletic marketing intern, and another with Rita’s Italian Ice as a marketing intern.

Yacyk served as a teaching assistant for the Career Development in Business course. As an assistant coach for the Special Olympics, she looks to brings light and energy to the athletes while also learning from their strength and joy.

“Building these connections and seeing the bonds I develop with the athletes

The event invites attendees to explore the shops and businesses of downtown Hopewell while drinking alcohol-free cocktails at each of the 15 participating merchants. Participating merchants include Art Sparks, Beth Ann Designs, Dandelion Wishes, Gallery 14, Salon Ode, Sardine Clothing Co., Seeds to Sew, Sourland Bread, Sourland Cycles, The Peasant Grill, The Treasure Trove, Típica el Quetzal, Tomatello’s Latin Cuisine, Twine and Wull and Oak.

Tickets for the event are $20 and organizers say that proceeds will benefit the Sourland Conservancy. Each ticket includes a mason jar intended to serve as a reusable cup for attendees.

Participants will also receive a mocktail passport, guiding them to each of the stops. Tickets are available online at downtownhopewell.com. Tickets can also be purchased in person at Dandelion Wishes, Seeds to Sew and Twine (cash only.)

Our kitchen was in need of serious refreshing. The craftsmanship of the cabinet doors is outstanding & Kevin and the installers were excellent, courteous and easy to work with. Thank you to “The Gurus” for a job well done! – Mary Beth, March 2025

Could your Kitchen Cabinets use an a ordable facelift?

Yacyk

cooking and delivering a few meals every week to support our neighbors,” said Farrugia. “I never imagined it would grow into the vibrant community hub that it has become.”

Since then, the project has grown into a community hub and resource. Today, The Chubby’s Project delivers fresh hot lunch and fresh-baked desserts to more than 60 area residents every week — nearly 7,000 meals last year alone. A soup program provides homemade soup on Tuesdays.

A team of volunteers also delivers groceries and fresh produce to residents. A 24/7 food pantry located outside Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette on Railroad Place is replenished twice a week through donations from the community.

The project also offers emergency food and supplies to neighbors who are temporarily homeless. School programs and events help raise awareness of food insecurity in our community.

But we are so much more than a food bank or a meal delivery service. The Chubby’s Project lovingly cooks, packs, and delivers delicious meals and groceries, including locally sourced produce. Our volunteers always make time to talk, connect, and learn about the needs of our neighbors.

Families are referred through the

consistently amazed by the generosity of our community in terms of time, talent, and financial resources.

Local donors have ongoing and growing support from those who believe in our mission and support our work through donations. Whether monthly, annually, on the spot, or by rounding up a check at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, donors allow us to do our work.

More than 80 community volunteers, ranging from 8 (and younger) to 80 (and older), form the backbone of The Chubby’s Project. They donate time and talent, including behind-the-scenes support for social media, website, and accounting.

Each week, a core of 30 volunteers helps prepare food, stock the pantry, run food drives, pack lunches, and make deliveries. Many have been with the Project since its inception.

What started as a vision and a dream has now become a viable, sustainable non-profit organization. In 2023, the project formed a volunteer board of directors to provide stewardship and guidance.

Hopewell Council of Churches, neighbors, local doctors, municipal officials, or other families in need.

“Our families are our neighbors,” said founder Lyn Farrugia, owner of Aunt

Chubby’s Luncheonette. “It might be an aging widow in need of a visit, a friend experiencing an unexpected illness, a colleague with young children who is temporarily between jobs, or a veteran who lives alone. Whoever we serve, The Chubby’s Project lends a gentle hand and loving heart while they get back on their feet.”

The Chubby’s Project has made a real difference in the lives of the people in our community. Donors, volunteers, restaurant workers, and lunch recipients benefit somehow, and the community becomes more connected.

“If not for your generosity, care, and kindness, we don’t know what we would have done. Words can’t express how we feel,” wrote one family.

The project engages community organizations, churches, civic originations, farmers, volunteers, schools, and local businesses to carry out the work. We are

Months later, they hired a part-time director to oversee the work, secure funding resources and strengthening systems to ensure the work of the Chubby’s Project continues for many years to come.

Our goal is to continue to be a resource for our neighbors and to engage our community. We are committed to remaining hyperlocal, so we do not plan to expand our reach beyond the Hopewell Community.

However, we have other goals, including a larger food storage, packing, and distribution building. We always have a wish list, and welcome new supporters and volunteers.

Web: thechubbysproject.org

haney is the executive director of The Chubby’s Project and longtime resident of Hopewell. He has served as president of the board of directors of The Arc Mercer and Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus Hopewell Council 7103.

John Haney, left, executive director of The Chubby’s Project, stands with volunteers Connie Sayen, Brad Bradhering and Townsend Olcott. The Chubby’s Project delivers roughly 180 meals every week to area residents in need.

John

FoHVOS takes aim at deer overpopulation at TCNJ

By reBeccA Wechter build

The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space are tackling ecological threats head-on. They have recently partnered with students from The College of New Jersey in Ewing to combat deer overpopulation, remove invasive species and repair damaged soils in a bold effort to restore local ecosystems and build a more sustainable future.

Kaitlin Muccio, a land steward for FoHVOS, and interns from TCNJ were at a recent event where they discussed methods to promote sustainability. The group has collected and analyzed data from the TCNJ area, resulting in four recommendations that the college can pursue as part of its stewardship plan.

These recommendations include deer management, invasive species control, prioritizing specific habitat areas and student involvement. FoHVOS’s plan to foster sustainability through deliberate human intervention can have positive effects on both physical and mental health.

Muccio described FoHVOS’ plans as “a great opportunity to not only increase ecological health but also human health and well-being.”

“Land stewardship isn’t just focusing on land; it’s focusing on stewarding community. We’re not separate from land. We use it every day. We walk on it every day,” Muccio said.

Deer populations have increased tenfold due to insufficient management, creating ecological and human health risks. Because hunting access is limited in overpopulated areas, deer numbers continue to rise, negatively affecting plant health.

FoHVOS recommends managing this issue by reducing deer density to below 20 deer per square mile. They also plan to

deer “exclosures”—fences that are designed to block deer from certain areas to allow plants to regenerate.

Invasive species cause additional problems for ecosystems, with 48 invasive species identified on the TCNJ campus alone. These species often outcompete native plants and are usually not eaten by deer. Despite the reputation of chemical control methods, including herbicides, their careful use is essential to effective stewardship. FoHVOS aims to eradicate 25 emerging invasive species by targeting widespread, highly threatening species using selective control strategies, prioritizing key areas to restore and protect native biodiversity.

Plans include converting portions of TCNJ’s ecological deserts into native meadows or shrub islands to increase biodiversity.

Student-driven project proposals include a hiking trail, herbal medicine initiative, communication and outreach programs, and student sustainability initiatives. For the hiking trail, FoHVOS plans to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants and meadow habitats, improving ecological diversity and engaging more students in stewardship. Trail markers will provide an interactive experience. Along the trail, interns plan to incorporate natural remedies, making the campus more attractive, promoting herbal medicine use, and creating opportunities for students to earn service hours.

FoHVOS seeks extensive community involvement. Without active human intervention, ecosystems risk falling into “empty forest syndrome,” in which forest floors become barren, or “infested forest syndrome,” where deer overabundance, invasive species, and altered soils combine destructively.

1 West Broad Street

Hopewell, NJ 08525

(609) 466-1960

They play in front of a freshman goalie, Lexi Jones, so Rice’s veteran knowledge is crucial.

“It’s important to have the experience Maxxe and Meghan bring,” Wagner said. “They have great one-v-one skills. Maxxe is able to keep her attacker to one side to limit the point blank shots on goal. She and Meghan give Lexi that immediate outlet on the clear. We make sure that happens. She needs that structure as a freshman.”

When it comes to one-vone plays, Rice welcomes the challenge.

“It’s just having confidence in yourself, holding your ground and knowing you have the ability to stop them,” she said. “I force their hits and try to push them to their off-hand. You want to get them using the hand they’re not comfortable with, or force them to the outside so they don’t have an angle to shoot.”

Those are situations no defender should be in if the defense is functioning properly. Rice feels for that to happen,

everyone must be working as one.

“You can’t be a good defender without having strong people helping you,” she said. “Defense is really a team position. You have to talk, you have to communicate. You always have to look out for each other. Without communication you wouldn’t be able to work as a team.”

Accountability is also important. Wagner noted that Rice is the first to admit her mistake, and will then use it as a teaching point for younger players.

“If you do something wrong, it affects the whole defense,” Rice said. “You have to hold yourself accountable and just say ‘Sorry, my bad, I’ll do better next time.’ Whenever I make a mistake I reflect on it and say ‘What can I do better next time and how can i improve on that?’

“It’s less about dwelling on my mistake and more about being cognizant of what I can do better in that situation to benefit the team. I try to give that positive outlook to the rest of the team as well. We just learn from our mistakes.”

There are those who think there was a mistake on Rice’s birth certificate considering the odd spelling of her first name. But it was all calculated.

“So with my great grand-

First Home

parents, one was named Max, one was named Maxine,” Rice explained. “My parents wanted to name me after them. I guess they wanted some unique spelling and they knew someone

that had the same spelling. They thought it was cool. And then they just decided to add the E on the end.”

As she went out into the world with her unique moniker, Rice took a while to explore lacrosse. Urged by big brother Jack to try the sport, she joined the West Windsor-based Lightning Lacrosse in fourth grade.

“The hand-eye coordination at the beginning is really tough to get down,” she said. “I always consider myself a late starter. It was kind of hard at the beginning catching up with everyone who had been playing since they literally could walk. I just got thrown into it and picked it up pretty quick. It was really great. I fell in love with it as soon as I started playing.”

Rice and offensive powerhouse Gianna Azzara – both senior captains – made the varsity as freshmen and began getting serious playing time as sophomores. Maxxe had begun impressing her coaches in the previous off-season.

“Three years ago when I was

See RICE, Page 15

Maxxe Rice in action for Hopewell Valley lacrosse. (Photo courtesy of Maxxe Rice.)

Advanced Non-Invasive Liver Tumor Treatment Arriving at Capital Health Cancer Center

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell will be the first and only hospital in the Mercer and Bucks County region to offer histotripsy, a non-invasive treatment option for liver tumors, when the Edison System arrives this summer.

DR. CATALDO DORIA, a hepato-pancreatobiliary surgeon and medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center, Dr. Ajay Choudhri, an interventional radiologist and chairman of the Radiology Department at Capital Health, and Dr. Nikhil Thaker, medical director of Radiation Oncology lead the team at the Cancer Center’s Liver Center of Excellence that performs histotripsy. This groundbreaking procedure uses advanced imaging and ultrasound energy to destroy targeted tumors in a single outpatient procedure with no cutting or probing.

“Capital Health Cancer Center consistently commits to bringing new and promising technologies like this to patients in our area,” said Dr. Doria. “Histotripsy destroys targeted tissues without the intense energy of radiation, heat damage from thermal technologies, or incisions or needles from traditional treatments that can damage surrounding healthy structures. The additional benefits of less pain, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications also help ensure patients experience the best possible clinical outcomes.”

Histotripsy is a revolutionary non-invasive solution for patients with liver cancer who are not candidates for surgery or may have previously been told their tumors are inoperable. Dr. Doria and his team use the histotripsy devices (an ultrasound machine connected to a mobile robotic arm) to deliver precisely

targeted treatment. Ultrasound pulses create microbubbles at a focal point, which break down and dissolve the diseased liver tumor tissue without piercing the skin. Histotripsy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of liver tumors, and doctors and researchers have studied it for more than 20 years, including clinical trials. There are ongoing studies surrounding the use of histotripsy for treating tumors in the pancreas, brain, prostate, kidney and other areas. As FDA approvals are granted, the team at Capital Health Cancer Center plans to expand their histotripsy program to these new sites.

Capital Health Cancer Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, is home to the Liver Center of Excellence as well as other centers of excellence specializing in breast care, lung health, neuro-oncology, pancreatic health, and robotic-assisted surgery. To learn more, visit capitalhealthcancer.org. To schedule a histotripsy consultation, call 609.537.6000.

Heart Specialists at Capital Health Regional Medical Center Perform First Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat AFib

A team of cardiology specialists from Capital Health’s Cardiac Electrophysiology Program, part of its Heart and Vascular Institute, performed the first pulsed field ablation at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC). Pulsed field ablation is a new, minimally invasive approach for treating symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AFib) that is resistant to treatment with medication. Capital Health is the first to offer this procedure in Mercer and Lower Bucks counties.

“Traditional radiofrequency ablation uses electrical energy delivered through a catheter (a long, thin tube) to destroy areas in the heart that typically trigger AFib. Sometimes this type of ablation can cause damage to surrounding tissues,” said DR. SCOTT BURKE, medical director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and a board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiac electrophysiologist with Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “We’re excited to offer our patients this new pulsed field technology that uses non-thermal electrical energy to precisely treat the affected cardiac tissue in less time than traditional thermal ablations and with lower risk of harming surrounding healthy structures.”

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the top two chambers of the heart (the atria) beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm. This can decrease the heart’s pumping efficiency, leading to a higher risk

of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications than those with normal heart rhythms. With the incidence of AFib on the rise, a safe, effective, and efficient therapy like pulsed field ablation allows the experts in Capital Health’s Electrophysiology Program to treat more patients, reduce their complications, and improve the well-being of the larger community.

Capital Health’s Cardiac Electrophysiology team, with experts from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, performs procedures like pulsed field ablation to manage and treat patients with conditions that involve abnormal electrical behavior of the heart. To make an appointment at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, or to find an office near you, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.

Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive care with a multi-specialty approach highlighted by the most up-to-date techniques and treatment options. With multiple locations throughout the greater Mercer and Bucks county region, the Institute features the most sophisticated technology guided by highly trained clinical experts in medical fields such as cardiac surgery, cardiac electrophysiology, general and interventional cardiology, nephrology, podiatry, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and wound management and hyperbaric medicine. For more information, visit capitalheartandvascular.org.

Capital Health Announces Launch of TeamBirth Program to Enhance Childbirth Experience

Capital Health today announced its launch of TeamBirth, a national, evidence-based model designed to enhance team communication and shared decision making.

Announced at Capital Health’s biannual community baby shower in Trenton, TeamBirth works to ensure that every patient feels heard and informed during their birthing experience and receives the same quality treatment. At its core, TeamBirth is a communication model that brings patients, their support people, and their care team together in huddles at regular intervals. During these huddles, the team discusses changes in the patient’s status, addresses questions or concerns, and discusses care plans. TeamBirth is being implemented at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell in partnership with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and Ariadne Labs.

“The goal of TeamBirth is to encourage shared decision-making between patients and their health care team,” said Alexandra Nelson, director of the Maternal and Infant Service Line at Capital Health. “This approach connects expectant mothers and their support people with clinicians, nurses, lactation consultants— everyone who is part of the care team—to establish consistent lines of communication. Through these important connections, patients can express their personal preferences so clinicians can get their growing families off to the safest start possible while elevating the patient’s voice.”

During TeamBirth huddles, patients participate in planning and managing care for themselves and their baby, from admission

through discharge. TeamBirth is proven to enhance the focus on patient-centered, respectful, and equitable care for all. Health care systems that have already implemented TeamBirth have reported positive impacts on patient satisfaction, clinician satisfaction, and success in addressing health inequities.

Capital Health’s Community Baby Shower, where the launch was announced, is a free community event for women who are pregnant or recently delivered (infants up to three months old) and their support person. Staff from Capital Health offer blood pressure screenings, CPR instruction, giveaways, and information tables from Capital Health Maternity Services, Childbirth Education, and Pediatric Emergency Services. Other Trenton-based community organizations also attend to share information, with lunch provided by the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen food truck along with additional food distributed by Capital Health’s Mobile Food Pantry with Arm in Arm.

Maternity Services 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.

Don’t Delay: Call 911 If You Suspect a Stroke

“When it comes to treating stroke, we always say ‘time is brain,’ which means that the sooner we can treat you, the better chance we have at a successful outcome,” said DR. DUSTIN ROCHESTIE, director of the Stroke Program at Capital Health. “At Capital Health, we have procedures in place to make sure you get the immediate, lifesaving stroke care that you need.”

The Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at the Capital Institute for Neurosciences is a major referral center for the treatment of all types of neurovascular diseases, including (but not limited to) cerebral aneurysms, strokes, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), intracranial stenosis as well as Moyamoya disease.

The only certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region, Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Trenton provides safe emergency stroke and neurovascular services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“As soon as you call 911, our prehospital alert system allows our team in the hospital to prepare for your arrival, saving valuable time to treatment,” said Dr. Rochestie. “Your call activates basic and advanced life support service to provide safe, immediate care at your location before you even arrive at the hospital.”

Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke

There are steps you can take right away to lower your risk. Get started by talking to your primary care doctor to learn about stroke screenings and how you can treat or manage controllable risk factors such as:

… High blood pressure

… High cholesterol

… Heart/blood vessel disease

Cigarette smoking

… Physical inactivity/ obesity/poor diet

Diabetes mellitus

… Atrial fibrillation

… Sickle cell disease

Visit capitalneuro.org to learn more. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, call 911.

Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, B-E F-A-S-T to know the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately.

B

E

— Balance

Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?

— Eyes

Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

F

— Face Drooping

Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?

— Arm Weakness

A — Speech Difficulty

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S

Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T

— Time to call 911

If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and check the time so you’ll know when the first symptom appeared.

Be Heart Healthy: How to Lower Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6 p.m. | Location: Zoom Meeting

High blood pressure and cholesterol are common conditions that affect your heart, but there are medical and nutritional options to help reduce your risks. Join DR. CHARLES PARABOSCHI from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists to learn about the latest medical treatments for lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol. Registered Dietitian ELIZABETH IOZZINO will discuss the importance of proper nutrition for your heart health. Register for this event at capitalhealth.org/events.

assistant with Pam (Edwards), we went to a winter league game and were just watching, and Maxxe stood out with how much she hustles,” Wagner said. “She would bring the ball up, but not shoot, and then get back on defense. And she was vocal.”

She has since become the Bulldogs defensive leader, helping to demonstrate drills and things of that nature.

“She’s my go-to girl for everything,” Wagner said.

Interestingly, Rice never played club lacrosse, but remained in the Lightning rec program until she got to high school. She did some center court clinics and went to Princeton University’s camp in seventh grade, but her experience mainly came from recreation lacrosse and playing with her dad and brother.

And yet, she thrives without playing club or travel.

“That’s not a surprise because of her work ethic,” Wagner said. “She just wanted to be really good at lacrosse. She would come out and do wall-ball at the school when no one else was doing it. She’s intrinsically determined to be the best at her position so she didn’t necessarily need club.”

Rice’s determination makes her a perfect captain. She not only tutors her fellow defenders, but young players on the offensive end as well.

“Maxxe didn’t need any lessons in that, she’s just naturally a leader,” Wagner said. “She’s got some skills you can’t teach.”

Her leadership ability is on display off the field as well. Last year, Rice established Hopewell’s Jewish American Cultural Club, which has 20 members. The group celebrates the Jewish holidays and other cultural aspects of the faith.

She is also on the National Honor Society with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, and will attend Virginia Tech next year to major in sustainable biomaterials.

“It’s kind of an unknown major,” she said. “It’s a mix of engineering and science and creating materials that will create a more sustainable future for us.”

The more one learns about the well-rounded Rice, the more apparent it becomes that she is not just an obscure defender on a good lacrosse team. She’s the exact opposite, in fact.

Wagner loves talking about the Bulldogs youth camp run by the team.

“She’s the perfect ambassador for the Hopewell lacrosse community,” the coach said. “At camp the rec girls loved her. Every day they would come up and have their hair like Maxxe or they’d be wondering what she’s gonna wear so they could be like Maxxe. When she shows up they’re like ‘Maaaxxe!’ and they’d run up to each other and tell the newer girls ‘That’s Maxxe!’”

So basically, Maxxe is a celebrity without even getting lacrosse headlines?

“She just has that magnetism,” Wagner said. “She’s a rock star everywhere she goes!”

The best kind of rock star: one who stays humble about her status.

COACH

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.

ThuRSday, May 1

thursday Dominoes, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. With librarian and domino enthusiast Chip McAuley. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Storytime, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Stories, action rhymes, songs and age appropriate crafts. Ages 2-5. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Lego club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Recommended ages 5-11. Drop-in event. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. Adult Book club, Pennington Public Library. 2 p.m. “Tastes Like War” by Grace M. Cho. penningtonlibrary.org. Pennington Public Library, 30 N. Main St., Pennington. Signum Quartet, Trinity Church. 7 p.m. Franz Joseph Haydn String Quartet in C Major, Op. 33 No. 3, “The Bird”; Vítězslava Kaprálová String Quartet, Op. 8; Antonín Dvorák String Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Op. 106. princetonsymphony.org. 33 Mercer St., Princeton.

FriDAy, MAy 2

Anthony J. Destribats

Bernard A. Campbell, Jr.

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg

Adam Lipps

Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)

Raymond C. Staub

David P. Schroth

Kimberly A. Greenberg John Ferner

Mah Jongg in the Morning, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. For players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. toddler rock, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington. Stay and Play, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 11 a.m. Stay and play after Toddler Rock. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. Mastersingers recital Series, Gill Chapel, Rider University. 7 p.m. M.M. Choral Conducting candidates lead ensemble in a short recital of diverse choral works. rider. edu. 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence. Anything Goes, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College. Classic musical. 8 p.m. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Spring Native Plant Sale, D&R Greenway. Noon to 3 p.m. Native plants and flowers. drgreenway.org. Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. Mercer county teen Arts Festival, Mercer County Community College. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Master classes, workshops and hands-on art making activities. Email teenarts@mercercounty.org for more informaiton. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

SAturDAy, MAy 3

Storytime, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Stories, action rhymes, songs and age appropriate crafts. Ages

2-5. Register. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Pokémon club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 1 p.m. Trading cards, books, games and all things Pokémon. Bring cards and handheld devices. Adult supervision required. Ages 5-10. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Sheep Shearing & herding, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Garden State African Violet club 71st Annual Show & Plant Sale, Mercer County Community College Student Center. Noon. “Violets on the Move.” Floral displays, educational exhibits, tips on growing and caring for violets, plants for sale. Email gsavcmail@gmail.com. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Washington crossing Brewfest 2025, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 12:30 p.m. Beers from local, regional and national breweries, live music, food vendors. washingtoncrossingbrewfest.com. 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Voices chorale NJ: requiem x 2, Trinity Church. 4 p.m. Mozart Requiem and Requiem by Brazilian composer José Maurício Nunes Garcia. Accompanied by Berks Sinfonietta orchestra. Pre-concert talk by David McConnell, Voices Chorale NJ artistic director, at 3:15. voiceschoralenj.org. 33 Mercer St., Princeton.

Anything Goes, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College. 8 p.m. Classic musical. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, Windsor.

PALS 2nd Annual Fundraiser, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 6 p.m. palsnj.org. 46 Yard Road, Pennington.

Princeton Art Bazaar, Arts Council of Princeton. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 100 creative vendors. Ceramics, textiles, printmaking, wood, glass, leather, jewelry, vintage and more. Triumph Brewing Co Beer Garden. All-ages open studios. Rain date May 5. artscouncilofprinceton.org. 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton.

SuNDAy, MAy 4

handmade hopewell, A Makers Street Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Small, curated makers street fair. Textiles, home goods, paintings, ceramics and more. Free, rain or shine. bethannjudge.com. 20 Seminary Ave., Hopewell.

Aces for Alexander, Mercer County Park Tennis Center. 12 p.m. Inaugural tennis tournament. alexanderswish.org/scholarship. 1638 Old Trenton Road, Windsor. Anything Goes, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Classic musical kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Westminster conservatory Showcase: celebrating our Musical community, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. 3 p.m. Featuring students and ensembles from the Conservatory and Rider University. Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors available at princeton.edu/ utickets. 68 Nassau St, Princeton. Spring cinco De Mayo Fest, Cooper’s Riverview. 5 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

MoNDAy, MAy 5

See EVENTS, Page 18

1999 Casual Family Dining

Homemade Pasta & Thin Crust Pizza Seasonal Specials • Outdoor Patio

Family Style Menu for parties of 10 or more in dining room

Off-Site Catering delivery and setup available

Wood-Fired Pizza Truck to public events or private parties

Private Dining Room for parties of 30 and more

antimositaliankitchen.com facebook.com/antimositaliankitchen 52 East Broad Street Hopewell, NJ 08525 609.466.3333

Located in Historic Hopewell Borough

canasta Meet-up, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. Open to players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. Monday Afternoon Book club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 2 p.m. Maame by Jessica George. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

crafternoon-Mother’s Day cards, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4 p.m. Recommended ages 3-8. Drop-in program. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

chess club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-11. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

tueSDAy, MAy 6

Cribbage & Coffee, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. toddler rock, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington.

crafternoon-Mother’s Day cards, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4 p.m. Recommended ages 3-8. Drop-in program. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

read to a therapy Dog, Pennington Public Library. 4 tp 5 p.m. Young readers can sign up for 15-minute reading sessions with Tiny the Therapy Dog. Recommended for ages 5-10. Registration required at readtodogmay2025.eventbrite.com. 30 N. Main St., Pennington.

WeDNeSDAy, MAy 7

Family Story time, Pennington Public Library. 10:30 a.m. No registration required. penningtonlibrary.org. 30 North Main St, Pennington.

Wednesday Scrabble, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 2 p.m. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

thurSDAy, MAy 8

thursday Dominoes, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. With librarian and domino enthusiast Chip McAuley. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Lego club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Recommended ages 5-11. Drop-in event. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. Princeton Farmers Market, Princeton Public Library. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Produce, meat, eggs, cheeses, baked goods, pet treats, flowers, jewelry and more. princetonfarmersmarket.com. Hinds Plaza, 55 Witherspoon St, Princeton.

FriDAy, MAy 9

Mah Jongg in the Morning, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. For players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Titusville Rd, Pennington.

Stay and Play, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 11 a.m. Stay and play after Toddler Rock. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Spring Native Plant Sale, D&R Greenway. Noon to 3 p.m. Native plants and flowers. drgreenway.org. Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton.

SAturDAy,

MAy 10

NJ State Button Society Spring 2025 Button Show, Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Email buttonsinnewjersey@ gmail.com. 1396 River Road, Titusville. Mah Jongg in the Morning, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. For players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Port Mercer history tour, Port Mercer Canal House. 10 a.m. Free walking tour. Register at westwindsorhistory.com/tour.html. 4278 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrence.

Mother’s Day Wine trail Weekend, Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery. Noon. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton.

Downtown hopewell Mocktail crawl. Noon. Sip, Snack & Shop!. sourlandconservancy. org. 45 W. Broad St, Hopewell. capital cup “Friendraiser,” National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tennis drills led by local pros, student tennis exhibition, breakfast, lunch and awards ceremony. Register. $105 participants; $50 spectator. njtloftrenton. org/2025-capital-cup. Trenton Country Club, 201 Sullivan Way, West Trenton.

SuNDAy, MAy 11

Mother’s Day Brunch, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 11 a.m. Ricotta pancakes, breakfast brick oven pizzas, baked goodies, wine, mimosas and bellinis. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Mother’s Day Wine trail Weekend, Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery. Noon. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton.

A Mother’s Day Family concert, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. 3 p.m. Overture to William Tell by Gioachino Rossini, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 by Edvard Grieg, and Tubby the Tuba by George Kleinsinger. Sebastian Grand, Conductor. capitalphilharmonic.org. 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.

MoNDAy, MAy 12

canasta Meet-up, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. Open to players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. crafternoon-Make a Lei, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4 p.m. Recommended ages 3-8. Drop-in program. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. chess club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-11. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

tueSDAy, MAy

13

toddler rock, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington EVENTS continued from Page 16 See EVENTS, Page 20

exploring Vegetarian cooking: huli huli cauliflower Bites, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Taste the featured dish and leave with the recipe. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. toddler rock, Mercer County Library:

When you have an eating disorder, you measure your self-worth in ounces

Serious care for a serious illness at RWJBarnabas Health

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Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington.

homeschool teens club - Discover America, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 1 p.m. Homeschooled teens will learn about our nation’s history and culture through great American art. Ages 12-16. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

crafternoon-Make a Lei, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4 p.m. Recommended ages 3-8. Drop-in program. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

too Busy for Books Book club, Pennington Public Library. 7:30 p.m. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. penningtonlibrary. org. 30 N. Main St., Pennington. Béla Fleck, edmar castañeda, Antonio Sánchez trio, McCarter Theatre Center. 7:30 p.m. mccarter.org. 91 University Place, Princeton.

WeDNeSDAy, MAy 14

Babytime, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Age appropriate books, songs, nursery rhymes, puppets. Time for socializing. Ages: 3 and under. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. the Short of it: Bernard Malamud, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 2 p.m. Discussion of Bernard Malamud short stories “Black Is My Favorite Color,” “The Magic Barrel” and “The First Seven Years.” mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Wednesday Scrabble, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 2 p.m. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Family Story time, Pennington Public Library. 10:30 a.m. No registration required. penningtonlibrary.org. 30 North Main St, Pennington.

thurSDAy,

MAy 15

thursday Dominoes, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. With librarian and domino enthusiast Chip McAuley. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Lego club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Recommended ages 5-11. Drop-in event. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

May Business After Business, Mercer County Waterfront Park. 5 p.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce networking event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

younity (formerly Womanspace) 29th Annual Awards Dinner, The Boathouse at Mercer Lake. 5:30 p.m. Honorees include Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action and Kieran John and the Princeton Area Community Foundation. younitynj.org. 334 S. Post Road, Windsor.

FriDAy,

MAy 16

Mah Jongg in the Morning, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. For players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Art talk: tempestuous Beauty, Pennington Public Library. 1 p.m. Virtual art talk by Janet Mandel, arts educator. Registration required. penningtonlibrary.org

Guided Nature Walk, Curliss Woods. 2 p.m. Mercer County Park Commission program. Registration required. Link on website. 431 Federal City Road, Pennington. Pilobolus, Matthews Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Innovative dance troupe performs. mccarter. org. 91 University Place, Princeton. New Jersey Symphony: Xian conducts Mozart, Alexander Hall. 8 p.m. Xian Zhang conductor. Eric Wyrick, Francine Storck violin. njsymphony.org. 68 Nassau St, Princeton. the Nerds, Cooper’s Riverview. 8 p.m. With DJ Dave Matrix. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

SAturDAy, MAy 17

NJ renaissance Faire, Burlington Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $30 admission. njrenfaire. com. 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus.

Pennington 5K/1 Mile Fun run, Hopewell Valley YMA & Hopewell Municipal Alliance. 1-mile kids’ fun race at 8:30 a.m. USATFsanctioned 5K race through the streets of Pennington Borough at 9:15. Register. $20-$25 for fun run; $35-$45 for 5K. hvymca.org/pennington5k. Hopewell Valley Food Pantry, 425 S Main St, Pennington.

SuNDAy, MAy 18

Sangria Making class, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 11 a.m. hopewellvalleyvineyards. com. 46 Yard Road, Pennington. the Art of Kawandi: A handstitch Siddi Quilting Workshop, Pennington Public Library. 1 p.m. Registration required at kawandi. eventbrite.com. Fee $5. Workshop facilitator: Mahdiyyah Muhammad, upcycle fiber artist. 30 North Main St, Pennington. Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me A World, Grounds

For Sculpture. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ward’s work explores geometry, Cubism, mythology, and anthropomorphism. On view through Jan 11, 2026. groundsforsculpture. org. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. NJ renaissance Faire, Burlington Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $30 admission. njrenfaire. com. 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus.

Princeton 5K run and Walk, Good Grief. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register. $30 run; $25 walk; $5 kids dash. good-grief.org. Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

MoNDAy, MAy 19

canasta Meet-up, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. Open to players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. crafternoon - Giving tree craft inspired by Shel Silverstein, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4 p.m. Making a Giving Tree craft. Recommended ages 3-8. Dropin program. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. chess club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-11. Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. 2025 Annual Golf outing, Mercer Oaks. 11:30 a.m. Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 725 Village Road West, West Windsor.

tueSDAy, MAy 20

Cribbage & Coffee, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. mcl.org. 245 Pen-

See EVENTS, Page 22

nington Titusville Road, Pennington. toddler rock, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington.

SuNDAy,

MAy 25

the Magical Library of Miss Miriam Buttersham, Kelsey Theatre. 1 and 4 p.m. Classic stories on stage including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Millions of Cats. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

&

13th Annual 13th Annual

crafternoon - Giving tree craft inspired by Shel Silverstein, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4 p.m. Making a Giving Tree craft. Recommended ages 3-8. Dropin program. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

WeDNeSDAy, MAy 21

Family Story time, Pennington Public Library. 10:30 a.m. No registration required. penningtonlibrary.org. 30 North Main St, Pennington.

NJ renaissance Faire, Burlington Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $30. njrenfaire.com. 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus.

tueSDAy, MAy 27

toddler rock, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington.

WeDNeSDAy, MAy 28

Adult craft: Watermelon coaster, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. Using materials provided, create watermelon wood coasters! Must register at mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

June 7, 2025 11 am - 7 pm June 7, 2025 11 am - 7 pm

Wednesday Scrabble, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 2 p.m. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

thurSDAy, MAy 22

thursday Dominoes, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. With librarian and domino enthusiast Chip McAuley. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Lego club, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 4:30 p.m. Recommended ages 5-11. Drop-in event. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

FriDAy, MAy 23

Mah Jongg in the Morning, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. For players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

Wednesday Scrabble, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 2 p.m. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

thurSDAy, MAy 29

Princeton Farmers Market, Princeton Public Library. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. princetonfarmersmarket.com. Hinds Plaza, 55 Witherspoon St, Princeton.

FriDAy, MAy 30

Stay and Play, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 11 a.m. Stay and play after Toddler Rock. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

toddler rock, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10:30 a.m. Emphasis on interaction with music and rhymes to build pre-literacy skills. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington.

corn Planting & Gardening, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Corn-planting day features workhorses and a circa-1900 planter. Help shell and grind corn for the pigs and chickens and learn how corn is processed for baking. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

SAturDAy, MAy 31

Mah Jongg in the Morning, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 10 a.m. For players of all levels. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington.

haying & Wagon rides, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Stay and Play, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch. 11 a.m. Stay and play after Toddler Rock. mcl.org. 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington. Memorial Day Weekend Dance Party, Cooper’s Riverview. 8 p.m. Sensational Soul Cruisers perform the best of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. $15 general admission; additional packages include buffet dinner. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

SAturDAy, MAy 24

NJ renaissance Faire, Burlington Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $30 admission. njrenfaire. com. 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus.

Pennington Farmers Market, Rosedale Mills. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and more. penningtonfarmersmarket.org. 101 Route 31, Pennington.

NJ renaissance Faire, Burlington Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $30 admission. njrenfaire. com. 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus.

Pennington Farmers Market, Rosedale Mills. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and more. penningtonfarmersmarket.org. 101 Route 31, Pennington.

Successful Failures, Needle Creek Brewery. 1 p.m. Live music. needlecreek.com. 91 Titus Mill Road, Pennington.

DAN BENSON, County Executive & The BoaRD of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Impasse persists among township, boroughs on school funding

Lisa Wolff HAPPY VALLEY

The school district expects to hold another bond referendum this November and as promised in my earlier piece on that subject, I am following the progress.

The most recent action, which may help reduce the HVRSD future referendum request, occurred on April 14 when Hopewell Township unanimously passed a resolution committing to pay $16.1 million for an addition to Bear Tavern Elementary contingent upon the boroughs dropping their lawsuit opposing the PILOT.

At the time of this writing, Pennington Borough Mayor Jim Davy had sent a letter to the taxpayers of Pennington Borough suggesting his continued support for the lawsuit.

Hopewell Borough Mayor Ryan Kennedy voiced his intention to withdraw Hopewell Borough from lawsuit. Kennedy told me that he believes the resolution is a good first step. However, he thinks that the township still needs to do more. He gave an example of a recently updated well, and claimed there are many other direct costs that exist after the township’s expansion “swallows up any excess capacity.”

He stated that the new addition provides extra space, but “new

classrooms also need teachers and supplies, and new students need transportation.” He also pointed out that the Lennar PILOT is just one of many. Since PILOTs do not impact the school budget, Mayor Kennedy hopes to see the township step up and cover more expenses outside of the school’s formal budget as this resolution attempts.

Mayor Kennedy is optimistic that this action is not a one off and will prompt future discussions for a more holistic approach to addressing Valley wide needs.

Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning shares Kennedy’s desire to partner and has stated that she anticipates the township will contribute more to schools in the future.

I sat down with HVRSD finance chair Mark Peters to discuss both the April resolution as well as their progress on the HVRSD expected November referendum.

The referendum is still six months away, and Peters reported that the district is changing its approach from the direction employed from last September’s failed attempt. “Whether we are talking about the referendum or the budget, we have been much more proactive (this time.) The whole board has kind of said that we need to do a better job of getting in front of our constituents.”

The rest of our hourlong conversation centered around Peters views about local municipal PILOTs. He is disturbed by perceived infighting among the municipalities. He stressed that the relations could change since it had only been a week since the township had issued its resolution, but that “the circumstances around the lawsuit have held the district hostage.” He lamented that PILOT communication “did not play favorably in the first referendum.”

I concurred that public confusion was rife. Taxpayers could find it difficult to vote to include a $16 million addition that had a separately committed funding source without feeling like they are paying for it twice. Peters replied: “Please share this with the world. We (the BOE) did not know what the township was or wasn’t going to provide us, at all (prior to introducing) referendum number 1.”

Under the leadership of Peters, the finance committee has been more involved with public and municipal engagement. They had many meetings with municipal officials to move from the township’s verbal commitment made when the PILOT was first inked to a formal resolution. He stressed it was a long, arduous process to get the details out and felt frustrated that the township

maintained that the borough lawsuits held them back from providing funding.

“I will share with you what I shared with the township and township officials. Everyone knows that lawsuit was dead on arrival and everybody knows the appellate was dead on arrival and to me it is a bad excuse that it was something that was used for so long,” he said.

I asked township committee member Michael Ruger, liaison to the school district, to comment on the delay. He stressed that the township has always been supportive of the schools. The school district proposed $16.1 million and the township complied without negotiation and is amenable to help but needs to act prudently.

“The township committee was pleased to adopt the resolution committing to pay $16.1 million for construction at Bear Tavern Elementary School. We committed to give the district every dollar they requested. But our attorney confirmed there is no legal mechanism to provide the money when the outcome of the litigation is uncertain. So as long as there is active litigation, we cannot provide the funds.”

Fortunately, the resolution’s delay is now water under the bridge and follow up is out of their hands.

HVRSD finance chair Peters supports the Valleywide approach endorsed by Mayors Kennedy and Peters-Manning.

Confusion over the PILOT continues

A long time ago, there was TV commercial with a customer in a dollar store asking the price of an item and the clerk responding, “a dollar.” The customer picks up another piece and says, “What about this?” to which the clerk grunts, “a dollar.” This continues with the customer requesting pricing on different items in the store as the clerk rolls his eyes and provides the same response.

Back in the day, I thought it was so funny. Even now, I’m a getting a visual and smiling over the absurdity.

For the updated version of this comedy routine, attend public comment sessions at a Hopewell Township Committee meeting and watch as the hilarity ensues.

For a quick backgrounder, Hopewell Township employed a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement as part of meeting its state mandated affordable housing obligation. A PILOT is a negotiated deal with developers that redistributes how taxes are paid. It’s above my pay grade to assess taxpayer impact, but I’d agree that taxpayers

in both boroughs may have cause for concern regarding funding reallocations. That said, a PILOT is a financial vehicle that has no impact on the school budget. Affordable housing demographics may impact the schools; however, that is separate from the PILOT. The school budget may be complex, but the budgeting process itself is quite straightforward. The school board passes its budget, the municipalities use property taxes to pay the exact amount the board approved.

Yes, but how much money will the schools lose if Hopewell Township approves a PILOT? None. The school board passes its budget, the municipalities pay the exact amount the board approved. OK, but what would have happened if Hopewell Township brought in the new housing and didn’t approve a PILOT? No difference to the schools. The school board passes its budget, the municipalities pay the exact amount the board approved.

Ya, but what happens when both Hopewell and Pennington Borough pass PILOTS to meet their affordable housing obligation, how will that impact school budgets? It doesn’t. The school board passes its budget, the municipalities pay the exact amount the board approved. OK, but will the school board change how much they budget based on how much revenue is available in PILOT funding? I would hope not. The schools should be asking for exactly what they need — no more or no less. Then the school board passes its budget, and the municipalities pay the exact amount the board approved.

I learned this lesson over a decade ago, as HVRSD board president, when I called then mayor, Vanessa Sandom regarding a much smaller PILOT.

Me: “Congratulations on attracting Capital Health Systems to Hopewell Township. I heard you employed a PILOT, and I wanted to know how much of that the schools are entitled to?”

Sandom: “None. Nada. Nothing.”

Me: “How can that be? CHS won’t pay taxes under the regular formula that allocates a portion to the schools. We’re losing money!”

Sandom: “OK, how much did you lose? The schools have received every dollar that they are entitled to. The school board passes its budget, the municipalities paid the exact amount the board approved.”

Me: “That makes sense, but since they are advancing you some tax dollars, can you please use a portion of that to help out the schools outside of our regular budget?”

Sandom: “Of course. I’ll discuss it with the rest of the committee and see what we can do.”

Coincidentally, right after that discussion, the Recreation Foundation of Hopewell Valley offered to donate a million-dollar turf field to the schools and some neighbors on PenningtonHarbourton threatened to sue the district over the proposed location of the field.

When our friends on the township committee learned of the dispute, they offered to fund a new baseball field behind Timberlane Middle School to facilitate moving the turf field to its current location. Neighbors and schools lauded the offer. The HVRSD estimate for the new field came out to $650,000 and the township funded our request from its Capital Health pilot revenues.

Similarly, on April 14, the Hopewell Township Committee passed a resolution to provide $16.1 million in PILOT revenues to fund an addition at Bear Tavern Elementary School. The resolution documented the committee’s commitment to appropriate school funding which they made in the originally negotiated Lennar PILOT.

And now we return to my favorite dollar store commercial. During public comment, Former Mayor Jon Edwards stepped up to the podium to criticize Township Committee members by accusing them of lying and other nastiness. He asked about other money due and claimed that the $16.1 million dollars is “a drop in the bucket compared to the amount that the school would have gotten if you hadn’t passed the PILOT.”

Mayor Peters-Manning responded by politely explaining the school district budgeting process and subtly corrected his inaccuracy that the schools would have received additional revenue had no PILOT been passed.

When a second public comment opened, Edwards returned to the podium to say: “Your answer to me on the establishment of budgets was the same answer that I’ve gotten from you again and again and again, and it is not very helpful.” He then continued by suggesting that school quality would suffer from schools not receiving additional money from the new developments.

Like the “one dollar” to the customer at the Dollar Store, the budget process answer will not change regardless of how many times it is asked. The district will continue to receive exactly what it budgets whether a PILOT exists or not. There is no vehicle to receive additional taxpayer funds outside of a referendum vote or special arrangement with the municipality.

Lisa wolff is the co-founder of the Outdoor Equity Alliance and an enthusiast for all things inspiring, generous, and local. Email: lwolffhome@gmail.com

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Lights, camera, Hopewell Township!

As part of Hopewell Township’s ongoing commitment to economic development, we are proud to participate in the Film Ready New Jersey certification and marketing program through the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

This exciting initiative helps position our community as a destination for film and television production—creating new opportunities for local businesses, workers, and residents.

In fact, film and TV production has been shown to generate a powerful economic multiplier effect, boosting local economies through direct spending - like cast, crew, location fees - as well as indirect spending - like hotels, catering, supplies.

And the best part? You can be part of it.

The opportunity

New Jersey has seen a surge in film and television production in recent years, with the state projected to reach $1 billion in annual production spending by 2026. While major investments like Netflix’s $850 million production complex at the former Fort Monmouth Army base make headlines, much of the action happens at local businesses and homes across the state that meet specific aesthetic or logistical needs.

We’ve already seen it happen organically right here in the Township. Just last year, a documentary filmed a segment at a local storefront—one of several productions that have already taken place in town.

attended a workshop on the certification process. Since then, he and I have been working with the state commission to begin the process for Hopewell Township.

Certification includes:

• Attending official workshops and coordinating with municipal staff

• Adopting formal policies—such as an ordinance or code of conduct—for on-location filming

• Uploading local properties and landmarks into a discoverable location database

• Submitting a directory of local businesses that support production (e.g., food service, lodging, equipment rental, construction, and more)

We are currently reviewing the best framework to ensure Hopewell Township is both film-friendly and protected. These guidelines help ensure that productions benefit our economy without disrupting our quality of life.

Where you come in

This is your chance to shine!

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager and would like your property to be considered for future film projects, we encourage you to list it in the NJ Film Ready location database.

Doing so makes your property discoverable by film directors, location scouts, and producers looking for authentic New Jersey locations.

With nearly 60 square miles of landscape, Hopewell Township offers everything from scenic farmland, rivers, and parks to industrial campuses, classic storefronts, and neighborhoods of every style.

By joining the Film Ready NJ program, we make it easier for productions to discover what Hopewell Township has to offer—while also promoting the local support businesses they rely on, like hotels, caterers, and dry cleaners.

What is Film Ready NJ?

We first learned about Film Ready NJ at the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference, after which Committee Member Michael Ruger

You can submit your property directly at nj.reel-scout.com/loc_add.aspx, or simply navigate there via film.nj.gov. There are already several Hopewell Township properties in the directory— and we’d love to see more!

We’re proud of Hopewell Township’s rich history and vibrant local economy. Film Ready NJ gives us an exciting new way to support our businesses, promote our town, and prepare for the spotlight— especially as we near the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s famous Delaware River crossing.

So when the cameras roll… we’ll be ready.

…And cut.

David Chait is the Deputy Mayor of Hopewell Township, which provided this content.

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MuSICaL INSTRuMENTS

I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.

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Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609658-2996, 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

Upgrades

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