5-25 HP by Community News Service

Volunteers keep Signal 22 canteen unit

rolling

BY THOMAS KELLY

Fire fighters and other first responders work around the clock. When they are called, they go and fight fires, aid in rescues, assist in accident scenes and natural disasters.

They do not know if they will be on a site for two hours or overnight. Many firefighters work 24-hour shifts.

To aid the army of first responders for these events, is the volunteer squad of Signal 22 Canteen Unit. The name came from the number 22 being sounded to announce a two-alarm fire. Two alarms are when the emergency is large enough to warrant two fire companies to respond.

In summer 1941 in Trenton, a lumberyard fire drew multiple fire companies to South Broad Street to combat it. Some concerned bystanders saw the need and provided sandwiches and cold drinks for the fire fighters.

The group organized and aided more emergency scenes going forward. The organization that was born that hot day is still on the job today, 85 years later.

Signal 22 Canteen Unit is staffed by volunteers, many with ties to the fire companies themselves. Signal 22 President Peg Beyrouty is mother to Trenton Fire Department Battalion Chief Kevin Beyrouty.

See SIGNAL 22, Page 14

Hamilton t tonHamilton Post

Mick Chorba, Ron Bechamps, Rob Martin and Pete Smith are The Successful Failures, a locally based band that performs at venues throughout the area.

The Successful Failures: succeeding for 20 years

BY EDDIE YOUNG

On March 4, The Successful Failures celebrated their 20th anniversary together as a band.

Twenty years after their first practice, the New Jersey-based band with ties to the Mercer County community is still going strong, continuing to play original music with the passion and desire of a new band trying to make themselves known. Nowadays, a band sticking together for

as long as The Successful Failures has is almost unheard of. However, for Mick Chorba, Ron Bechamps, Rob Martin and John Williams, similar goals and a friendship that has developed over the 20 years together has kept the band intact with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The Successful Failures all started on the back of Chorba. Chorba is a current Chesterfield resident, but he grew up in Mercerville, graduating from Nottingham

See SUCCESSFUL, Page 10

Community remembers a diamond standout

Motorcycle accident claims life of former Steinert hurler Casey Navarro, 23

BY RICH FISHER

As mourners approached Casey Navarro’s family at his Apr. 15 viewing, they struggled to find the right words. Even in their grief, mother Carol, father Len and sister Ashley tried to make it easy for everyone by politely telling them “There’s nothing you can really say.”

At that moment, there was not. What can anyone say about the tragic motorcycle accident that ended Casey’s life at age 23? Who can make sense of why this would happen? Trying to find words when there aren’t any made it fruitless.

But when it comes to talking about Casey Navarro’s life, there is plenty to say.

And all of it’s good.

Talk to those who knew him either as a Steinert/Hamilton Post 31 baseball pitcher, as a student or just as a person, the theme was constant – he loved to have fun, he loved people and people loved him.

Here are some examples: See NAVARRO, Page 21

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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,

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

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.

LO VE where you Live!

There’s lots to love about Vintage at Hamilton, the Award Winning* community of 122 luxury townhomes and duplexes in Hamilton Twp., Mercer County...exclusively for active adults 55+. Our residences offer luxury living without sacrificing space or location! Enjoy the flexibility to work from home, plenty of room for guests and low-maintenance living! Conveniently located near shopping, dining and commuting via I-95, NJ Turnpike and the Hamilton train station with service to NYC and Philly.

• 3 bedrooms • 2 ½ baths • 1-2 car garage

• Full basement (with option to finish)

• Clubhouse with pool, pickleball, and more (Coming Soon!)

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 code to the right with your phone. It will

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

take you to our website where you can enter your email address, and that’s it.

And if you already subscribe—thank you!

Hamilton Post

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Hamilton Post 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, Eddie Young

ConTRiBuTinG CoLumnisTs

Peter Dabbene, Thomas Kelly

aD LayouT & PRoDuCTion

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

senioR aCCounT eXeCuTiVe

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P23 Tea café celebrates grand opening in Hamilton

P23 Tea, a new tea café in Hamilton, held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony in February, attended by Hamilton mayor Jeff Martin.

Located in the Concord Square Shopping Center on Route 33, P23 Tea aims to be more than just a place to grab a drink. The café offers a selection of teas, milk teas, and locally sourced desserts. Specializing in private parties, P23 Tea caters to a wide range of events, from children’s tea parties to adult gatherings.

The café is the brainchild of owner D’Andra Henriques, who has spent years

dreaming of bringing a unique tea experience to her community. “I had always dreamed of opening a café, but never took the leap,” Henriques says.

For 20 years, Henriques has worked as a hair stylist. Over the last four years, she owned a local Hamilton hair salon. As a single mother of four, she found it challenging to venture into something new.

“But after meeting my husband (Arthur Long), I finally found the courage to pursue my café dream. With his support, we brought it to life together,” she says.

See NEWS, Page 7

At the P23 Tea grand opening: Chantal Bailey, hHead of human resources; CEO D’Andra Henriques-Long; co-CEO Arthur Long; Mayor Jeff Martin; manager Ela Jaquez; and staff member Jacy Santiago.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

The name P23 Tea is inspired by Psalms 23, which holds a special meaning for Dandra. “It reminds me that even through the darkest times, I have always made it through, and as a woman, we don’t have to constantly pour from an empty cup.”

She added: “We’re not just about tea. We want to create a space for people to come together, enjoy great food and drinks, and make lasting memories.”

P23 Tea also features co-working space. Café hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 1905 Route 33, Hamilton NJ. (Near the intersection of Route 33 and George Dye Road.)

Williamspace Furniture opening first physical store in township

Online retailer Williamspace Furniture will open its first brick-and-mortar store at Hamilton Plaza, bringing the 175,000-square-foot shopping center to full occupancy.

Levin Management Corporation, which manages and leases the Mercer County shopping destination, announced the 4,400-square-foot lease agreement. The shopping plaza is at the intersection of Route 33 and Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road.

Williamspace Furniture is known for its high-quality modern furniture products for home and office, including sofas, coffee tables, chairs, dining tables and more. Until now, the company has operated exclusively online.

“Williamspace Furniture is a perfect match for the property, and we are pleased to bring another high-quality

addition to the Hamilton community,” said Ed Vasconcellos III, leasing representative at Levin Management Corporation.

He added: “The company’s decision to establish a physical presence at Hamilton Plaza reflects the ongoing trend of digitalfirst brands recognizing the relevance and strategic importance of in-person retail.”

Real-time traffic data from Placer.ai indicates Hamilton Plaza draws approximately 3.4 million visitors annually.

The center is anchored by an 81,000-square-foot ShopRite supermarket and hosts tenants such as Ivy Rehab, The Goodwill Store, Dollar Tree, Petco, Mattress Firm and Norman’s Hallmark.

Restaurants at the center include Texas Roadhouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and A Slice of Brooklyn, Poke Brothers and Habit Burger.

Hearten LLC holds

Hamilton grand opening

Last month, Hearten LLC held a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for its new day program location in Hamilton Township.

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin, Councilman Anthony Carabelli and Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy were among the officials present at the grand opening.

Hearten LLC’s Hamilton Day Program, located at 2275 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd., Suite 3, Hamilton, NJ 08619, was created to empower young adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in 2023, the organization seeks to provide a supportive environment that promotes independence through behavior support, vocational training, community engagement and daily living skills development.

The Hearten Day Program, launched

See NEWS, Page 8

continued from Page 7

in September 2024, is the organization’s flagship initiative. The program is designed to creates a space where young adults with autism can explore their interests and develop the skills necessary for independent living.

“Opening this new location in Hamilton Township is an exciting step for us, and we’re grateful for the support of the local community and officials,” said Avi Weinstein, co-founder of Hearten LLC. “Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where young adults can discover their potential, build confidence, and prepare for a fulfilling and independent life. Together, we can help them achieve their dreams.”

Spring Spin Fest Comforter Charity Drive to benefit Homefront

Spin Doctor Laundromat, 1070 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road at Kuser Road in Hamilton Township, has launched its annual Spring Spin-Fest comprising discount comforter wash coupons (found in local newspapers and online) for self-service use of its Electrolux Comforter Wash Cycle, or wash, dry and fold (drop-off or delivery) service; a prize giveaway for registered customers, and a $2 company

First Home

Hamilton Councilman Anthony Carabelli, Mayor Jeff Martin, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy and Hearten Day Executive Director Avi Weinstein at the Hearten LLC grand opening held in March.

match charity fundraiser for every comforter washed through May 31.

Spin Doctor reports that the recipient of this year’s charity donation was also the 2018 winner: Homefront, located in

Ewing Township. HomeFront is a social services agency with programs designed to help families in economic crisis. Homefront offers emergency housing, feeds thousands of hungry households a year, provides necessities such as diapers and personal and household items.

Spin Doctor Laundromat is an awardwinning, certified woman- and veteranowned business featuring Electrolux comforter-size washers along with large dryers. Wash, dry and fold services and delivery available. Amenities include a 3,000-square-foot store with big screen TVs, laundry products, copy services, security systems and a child play area.

‘Aces

for Alexander’ to support college-bound students

Alexander’s Wish For Kids has plans to host the first ever Aces for Alexander tennis tournament on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The tournament at the Mercer County Park Tennis Center coincides with what would have been Alexander Dodson’s 18th birthday, and aims to uplift local youth through educational support.

Alexander Michael Dodson, son of Dan Dodson and Michelle Emerson, was born May 3, 2007. On Dec. 19, 2008, Alexander’s parents put him to bed, and he

never woke up again. Alexander’s Wish For Kids is a nonprofit organization that seeks to raise awareness and help put a stop to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, or SUDC.

Organizers say that proceeds from the tennis tournament will fund $1,500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors entering college in fall 2025. Scholarships are available to students living in Mercer and Bucks County who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Applications are open now through May 15 at alexanderswish.org/ scholarship.

The event is scheduled start with warmups at noon, followed by men’s and women’s doubles at 12:30 p.m. Doubles finals and lunch are scheduled for 2 p.m.

Mixed doubles are scheduled for 3 p.m. Registration fees are $100 per player for one division, and $150 per player for two divisions. Players of all levels are invited to participate in this day of friendly competition and community spirit. The registration deadline is April 28, 2025.

“Alexander should be turning 18 this May and preparing for college,” said Emerson. “While we deeply miss him, we’re channeling our love into something meaningful—helping other young people achieve their dreams.”

High School. It was there where Chorba really fell in love with music.

A self-proclaimed “band kid,” Chorba learned the saxophone and the piano before eventually learning the guitar, which is his main instrument with The Successful Failures. He first joined a band as a teenager and played local venues like City Gardens and The Rat at The College of New Jersey (his alma mater) and The Stone Pony in Asbury Park

“[Music] was my identity as a kid,” Chorba said. “Everybody tries to find their drive. For me, it was playing music.”

After graduating from TCNJ (then known as Trenton State College), Chorba and a friend from high school got involved with the Dipsomaniacs, another Mercer County-based band. However, after about 10 years with them, Chorba started to look for help on another project to record some original songs he had written.

“I’m a songwriter, and I had a

bunch of stuff that didn’t seem to fit into the main band,” said Chorba. “[The Successful Failures] started as a side project

for material I wanted to try out with different people.”

Chorba reached out to Bechamps, whom he had met

through the music scene online; Martin, who had played drums with the Dipsomaniacs in the past; and Greg Potter. Together,

they created The Successful Failures.

“We stayed in touch, and [Chorba] called me when he was ready to put things in motion,” Bechamps, the band’s bassist, said. “I didn’t really know anybody before I joined.”

Bechamps, who grew up in Jackson, lives today with his family in Robbinsville. He and his wife met at TCNJ, though, and they made the decision to stay in the area after graduating. He is a self taught musician, playing the guitar, the bass and even the mandolin, which he sometimes breaks out for The Successful Failures’ performances.

His first experience in a band came during his freshman year of college, and he started to seek out people who wanted to produce original music after he graduated, leading him to cross paths with Chorba.

Bechamps was ready to go when Chorba called him about The Successful Failures, and the two have been making music from that moment.

The Successful Failures live on stage: Ron Dechamps, Pete Smith, Mick Chorba and Rob Martin.

After the band released its first, selftitled album, Williams replaced Potter on the guitar. The group of four has been together ever since.

One thing that has made the band last so long is the fact that it has never been any of the members’ number one priority. Everyone has a full-time job and a family too.

“The band is the passion, and the job is the enabler,” said Bechamps, who is a mechanical engineer in the telecommunications industry. “You don’t want [the music] to turn into a job where it gets to be more of a hassle than a passion. It’s complete enjoyment rather than anything else.”

Chorba, now a retired high school English teacher, said that having a full-time job made it so that he didn’t have to rely on the music to pay the mortgage. “In some ways it frees you up to follow your muse,” he said.

Chorba’s job teaching AP English Literature and Composition at Northern Burlington High School has leaked its way into The Successful Failures many times. For starters, the name of the band itself is pulled from a Jack London short story, “The Minions of Midas.”

“When I was younger, I had a part of

my notebook where I would jot down possible band names,” Chorba said. “The Successful Failures was one of them, and I had written a fictional story about a band with that name, so we chose it for the band.”

Chorba’s life in literature did not only affect the name of the band, though. As the band’s main lyricist, he sees the works he read as an English major and taught as an English teacher seep into his songwriting.

“A lot of my inspiration does come from literature,” Chorba said. “A lot of historical fiction, American history, Shakespeare, and I like poetry too. It will pop up in my songwriting without me necessarily intending it to.”

The inspiration has kept on coming to Chorba over the years. The Successful Failures have released 11 studio albums during their 20 years together. Their most recent album, Enemy Sublime, came out in October. All told, the band has recorded well over a hundred original songs — and looks forward to making more.

“I feel like our trajectory is still on the incline,” Bechamps said. “We just keep getting better and better.”

For Chorba, songwriting is a regular

See SUCCESS, Page 12

Experience matters.

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How to Make A Difference

activity. He is constantly jotting down ideas in notebooks, sharing unfinished songs on his Substack and listening to other music to gain writing inspiration.

“Writing isn’t something that you can sit around and wait for,” Chorba said. “You just have to put in work, and there is a lot of satisfaction.”

He referenced a moment in Keith Richards’ memoir, Life, where Richards and Mick Jagger were changed people once they started writing songs for The Rolling Stones.

of times a year, it keeps it fun,” Chorba said. “We do long weekend tours, play new venues, and it has helped to keep the band together.”

It’s great to play places that haven’t seen us and heard the band before, Bechamps said. “If we get a handful of new fans along the way, it’s worth it.”

These mini-tours are not new for The Successful Failures. Chorba estimated that they have played in 15 states over the years.

One might think that as you get older, traveling to play somewhere new might start becoming a tougher and tougher task. However, both Chorba and Bechamps felt that it was quite the opposite.

Please consider what you can give and share as generously as you can. You can donate online or write to “The Maker’s Place” at P.O. Box 54, Trenton NJ 08601.

How to make a D ifference

When you make a donation in honor of or in memory of a special woman in your life, we’ll publish the name of your honoree on our website, letting them know that essential items and support services have been donated to a Trenton-area mom in their name!

How to Make A Difference

Please consider what you can give and share as generously as you can. You can donate online or write to “the maker’s Place” at P.o. Box 54, trenton nJ 08601. When you make a donation in honor of or in memory of a special woman in your life, we’ll publish the name of your honoree on our website, letting them know that essential items and support services have been donated to a Trenton-area mom in their name!

“Once [Richards] started writing songs, it changed the way he viewed the world,” Chorba said. “He paid attention to the way people said words, and I started doing the same thing, looking to the world for inspiration.”

Chorba has a studio in his home, which gives the band easy access to a place to record their music. They have also recorded the Gladwell House in Haddon Heights and at another studio in Red Bank in the past.

“For me, it was harder when my one son was younger,” Chorba said. “It’s getting easier now ‘cause I’m not juggling as many things. Juggling your family and your job is tough.”

Bechamps agreed.

“There’s less coaching involved, so we can dedicate a little bit more time to the music. And we’re doing it in such a way that it is never a drag.”

Donate at www.makersplace.org/inhonorofmom

The Maker’s Place hello@makersplace.org • (609) 751-9128

Please consider what you can give and share as generously as you can. You can donate online or write to “The Maker’s Place” at P.O. Box 54, Trenton NJ 08601. When you make a donation in honor of or in memory of a special woman in your life, we’ll publish the name of your honoree on our website, letting them know that essential items and support services have been donated to a Trenton-area mom in their name!

P.O. Box 54 • Trenton, NJ 08601

However, topping all of those studios is Sun Studios, the studio in Memphis, Tennessee where Elvis Presley recorded his music. The group will be in Memphis in May to record some songs there.

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The Maker’s Place hello@makersplace.org • (609) 751-9128

P.O. Box 54 • Trenton, NJ 08601

They will not just be recording music during their Tennessee trip, though. They will also be playing shows in Bristol, Memphis, Knoxville and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, really making the most of their trip. For The Successful Failures, this excursion is a celebration to commemorate their 20 years together.

“It’s really important to travel a couple

While The Successful Failures enjoy playing in other states, they are a staple of the Mercer and Burlington County music scenes. Following their trip to Tennessee, they have a few shows planned that are much closer to home.

On Saturday, May 10, they will be playing at the Chesterfield Porchfest at 2 p.m. Then, on Saturday, May 31, they will be playing the Needle Creek Brewery in Pennington at 1 p.m. Following up that gig, they will be at Bent Iron Brewing in Hamilton on Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m.

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

Serious care for a serious illness at RWJBarnabas Health

Like any other disease, an eating disorder won’t just go away if left untreated. In fact, eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness in the US. It’s one reason we’ve transformed our center for eating disorders. In our completely redesigned, state-of-the-art 20-bed facility at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, we treat out- and inpatients as young as 14. In fact, we have the state’s only specialized eating disorders unit just for adolescents, with counseling and services for the family as well. Our experienced, compassionate team of physicians, licensed clinical therapists, creative arts therapists, nutritionists and other eating disorders specialists provide each patient with individualized treatment and skills they can use for a lifetime. Let us help. To learn more, visit rwjbh.org/eatingdisorders

“We are family, friends and people with ties to the first responders.” says Beyrouty about the Signal 22 volunteers. There are about 30 members, who serve the 30 miles radius centered in Mercer County.

The Signal 22 team responds to larger fires, rescue scenes, flooding situations, auto accidents, power outages and severe weather occurrences. They respond to calls that come into Mercer County and the surrounding areas, such as Burlington and even eastern Pennsylvania.

The squad has three vehicles which aid in their mission. The vehicles provide the ability to cook, make coffee, refrigerate drinks and provide a small shelter for the first responders, with extendable awnings for the bad weather.

more far flung.

Volunteer Debby Bussey got involved after her daughter began dating an area fire fighter. “I heard about Signal 22 and wanted to help to keep the first responders nourished so they can do their job.”

The company provides food for the fire personnel and other first responders. Pork roll sandwiches, hot dogs, water, Gatorade, snacks, coffee and hot chocolate.

Signal 22 is looking forward to their 85th anniversary and are changing for the times. A new truck will be coming online within the next few weeks and will be larger, have more capacity and more modern amenities.

The 36-foot custom apparatus has been in the works for 15 years with much fundraising and grants providing funding. The stainless steel interior has sinks, 6 burner stove, microwave and large coffee maker. The truck’s exterior is wrapped in images of first responder vehicles and emblazoned with the logo Serving Our Heroes Since 1941.

Signal 22 is housed on South Clinton Avenue in Trenton and at Colonial Fire House in Hamilton. The members come from the local area, but also may be a little

The job the first responders do is never defined for length. Some calls are over quickly, and others such as the Goodall Rubber plant on Whitehead Road in Hamilton can stretch on for days. That particular fire was a four alarm blaze which had 14 fire companies responding.

Many of the Signal 22 volunteers are longtime supporters.

“We have a slightly older group and are always looking for volunteers. We may work in shifts for some of the longer calls, so the more staffing we can provide, the better,” says Peyrouty.

Not all calls are for fires. “We have provided meals at police standoff situations, which may also be of long durations,” says Peyrouty.

The operating budget comes from fundraising, which seems to be a perpetual

See SIGNAL, Page 16

The Signal 22 canteen unit has been on the road for 85 years.

Hamilton Township Library – Lower Level

1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton, NJ 08619

Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Summer Camp 2025

endeavor. Peyrouty says: “We have fundraising events at area businesses such as Eet Gud Bakery, Captain Paul’s Hot Dogs and in the future, Killarney’s Publick House. We put a donation box out at events we attend and are always thankful for donations. Many people connected to first responders and very happy to donate.”

There are also sports event fundraisers with competitions between police and fire departments for example, which can help bring in funds for Signal 22 to keep to their mission.

A shiny new truck is nothing without the volunteers to staff and provide the labor. One person that keeps the vehicles moving is Deputy Tom Vasey. He is

officers and the cooking, serving and clean up can be done by all.

“It is hard with two-workingperson households, to get volunteers around the clock when emergencies can happen. A lot of our team are retired, who are looking for a way to stay engaged, active and help a great cause,” says Peyrouty.

The team answers 30-50 calls a year and never know what may be called out over the intercom. The squad has to be ready for anything.

As volunteer Debby Bussey states: “I like to volunteer, to assist with the fire fighters and keep them comfortable.” When asked what her specific tasks are, she said: “I do whatever is needed.”

There is a rich history of ser

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.

Amanda Ruch, team photographer and Navarro’s Algebra 2 teacher as a junior: “From the moment I met Casey, I could tell he was a fun-loving, lighthearted kid. In the year I had him as a student, and the years spent with him in the dugout, he always had a smile on his face and could effortlessly find a way to brighten someone’s day.”

Rick Freeman, Steinert pitching coach/Hamilton Post 31 head coach and former coach of both Len and Casey: “He was a great kid. Very popular with his teammates. Loose, outgoing, always in a good mood. People liked him and gravitated toward him. On the mound he competed every day in his bullpens, his games. He was a competitor and that’s the best thing I could say about anybody, is that they competed.”

Josh Lyons, lifelong friend and baseball teammate: “He was a lively, fun-loving, enjoyable guy to be around. He never took things to heart, he was always there for somebody to support them. He had that smiling face whenever you needed it. He was kind of like a light for people in a lot of ways at all times in his life.”

Mike Hastings, Steinert baseball coach: “He was an energetic kid. He had a life to him; always had a smile on his face. A fun-loving kid. Guys rallied around him.

of Casey: “Lenny was a stud in baseball, he’s a great guy and great coach. We coached together when our boys were nine for Nottingham Little League and also coached together when they were 13. Casey was a great athlete like his parents. He was fun in the dugout. Casey always had a smile on his face. A distinguished one.”

Rich Giallella, Post 31 coach: “He was a happy-go-lucky kid. Always a smile on his face and he enjoyed being out there with the kids. He grew up playing baseball and enjoyed playing the game and competing. This hits the whole community. Knowing his whole family like I do, it’s just so sad to see a young kid who could contribute to our society leave us so early.”

He was tough on himself, he wanted to be perfect. That’s why at the viewing, every teammate he had was there. He meant so much to his teammates.”

Brian Giallella, Steinert head coach: “He was a little bit of a carefree kid. He

enjoyed life, but on the field was a competitor. He cared greatly about his teammates and about the game of baseball. He was always a likeable kid.”

Steve Harris, former Notre Dame classmate of Len Navarro and youth coach

The Navarro family, as taken from his obituary: “To know Casey was to love him. He had the kind of presence that could instantly light up a room, with a contagious laugh and the most genuine, goofy smile. Whether he was cracking a joke, lending a helping hand, or simply waving at you from his car window with that signature grin, Casey had a way of making people feel seen, appreciated, and loved.”

It was pretty much unamimous. Great guy, happy guy, serious guy when he had to be.

See NAVARRO, Page 23

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Evening Swim Lessons

A swim lesson program for children ages 4 - 14 at our Yardville CYO Camp Pool on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. e program runs 8 weeks from June 23rd to August 13th. e 45 minute classes will start at 6:00pm or 7:00pm. e program is certi ed by the American Red Cross. ese popular classes ll quickly! Sign up today! e cost is $119 per swimmer.

Steinert baseball coach Michael Hastings on Casey Navarro: “He had life to him, always had a smile on his face. A fun-loving kid.” (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)

a featured speaker and panelist regarding issues in nursing home litigation and has worked to obtain favorable decisions on behalf of nursing home residents, including a notable case involving forced arbitration. Her eﬀorts have resulted in millions of dollars for her injured clients. Together, PR&A and Ms. Warfel will provide unrelenting representation to nursing home clients to ensure they are compensated fairly.

Navarro played for Nottingham Little League and Babe Ruth, the Hamilton A’s, Steinert and Post 31. He was named the Spartans Pitcher of the Year in 2019 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree at Mercer County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree at The College of New Jersey.

Asked what made him so popular, Brian Giallella said: “A smile and a good heart. He just cared about being out there. You could see that through his actions.”

Ruch noticed it right away when photographing Post 31 games.

“It was the summer after his sophomore year, and even though he was one of the younger guys on the team, he was always the first one to greet his teammates on their way in from the field, or to be up at the fence cheering his team on.”

Casey was more than just baseball, of course.

He and Meghan Fowler, his girlfriend of four years, would snowboard, hike, fish and just enjoy the sunsets at Assunpink Creek. He also had countless fun times with his buddies.

“I have a video of him crushing a Red Bull in like, a second, and running out to the mound,” Lyons said with a laugh. “He’s always an entertainer, always trying to make people feel great. He’d go rope swinging and try to do flips off the rope swing. He was always trying to push it and have fun and enjoy himself, and he wanted everybody around him to feel good and have fun.”

That attitude was also prevalent in the classroom, where Navarro even had ways of turning a teacher’s bad day into a good one.

“A distinct memory I have was on a day when I was in a bad mood and not my typical self, Casey asked me what my favorite song was,” Ruch recalled. “I thought he was just trying to distract me from teaching algebra. He then proceeded to blast the song at full volume and have his classmates sing along until I was grinning

Steinert’s Casey Navarro at a Mercer County Tournament game against Notre Dame, May 8, 2019. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)

from ear to ear.

“He would continue to do that for the rest of the year whenever I was having a bad day. In the years that have followed, whenever a student would ask me my favorite song, I would tell them about Casey.”

With that being said, Navarro was not just all-play and no-work. When it was time to buckle down, he did so.

“It’s not that Casey couldn’t be focused and determined when he wanted to be,” Ruch added. “He ended up doing very well in my class, and in everything he put his mind to.”

It was the same way on the baseball diamond, much to the amazement of his teammates.

“He could turn it on, it was like a switch with him,” Lyons said. “I remember we’d

See NAVARRO, Page 24

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NAVARRO continued from Page 23

sit in the bullpen before a game he was pitching, and he’s smiling, cracking jokes half the time and we’re like ‘This guy’s gonna go out there and start the game for us?’’ But he’d always lock it in.”

guess he had more of Carol’s side. I don’t think he met anybody he couldn’t become friends with.”

And when it came to baseball, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“When Casey and my son Brett were 10 they both were cut from the All-Star team after playing on it the previous years,” Harris said. “When Casey was 12 he wanted to try out for the team and made it, and he hit a three-run homer to win a game. The important thing is that Casey never gave up.”

That fierce desire was no surprise, since he came from a family of great athletes. His dad was one of the CVC’s top pitchers for Notre Dame. His mom and his uncle, Todd Kokotajlo, are both Steinert Hall of Fame inductees and his sister was a Spartans track & field standout.

“I coached Lenny at Mercer,” Freeman said. “He and Casey were both strike throwers and had good change-ups and good breaking balls. Mentally they were tough as nails. I also saw Carol at Mercer when she was playing softball (and making All-American). She was a tremendous pitcher and all that combined to make Casey who he was.

“Lenny was quiet, Carol was outgoing. I

Lyons was proud to call him a friend. The two got close in kindergarten and stayed that way. They played ball together, worked at Stewart’s Root Beer together in high school and remained buddies after graduating from Steinert.

Like everyone else, the news hit Lyons hard when he heard it.

“You read what happened and you freeze,” he said. “I remember just sitting at my counter for 35 minutes unable to process what happened because you think so fondly of him smiling and laughing.

“Nothing can prepare you for something like that. I know it comes for all of us in the end but to be as young as we all are, you never expect something like that. It really rocks your world. And then you think about it and you’ve gotta come to terms with, ‘Oh my God, there’s just nothing anymore.”

Ah, but there is. The memories will always be there.

They will not fill the void, of course. But they will bring a smile to the faces of all who knew him.

So rest in peace Casey, and thanks for making everyone’s life a little better and a little happier during your time here.

Casey Navarro on the mound for Steinert against Hopewell Valley, April 30, 2019.

(Photo by Amanda Ruch.)

By Joe emanski

Five years ago, empanadas were treats that were difficult to come by in the Mercer County area.

Popular throughout the Latin American world, from the Florida and Texas all the way down Chile, the pockets of dough typically filled with beef, chicken or cheese, then fried or baked, simply had not made it this far north.

Back in 2020, Andrea and Joshua Pan-

toja knew something that everybody in the area would soon learn. Not that empanadas are delicious; that is simply a fact of life. But what they knew, or at least, what they were counting on, was that empanadas, once offered regularly, would quickly become a favorite snack or meal even for those who had never had one before.

They knew this because when they started their first food truck, Arepa Express, it wasn’t the arepas — a Venezuelan staple, similar to empanadas, but made

Andrea and Joshua Pantoja of Hotpanada Food Truck in their Cherry Street Kitchen, frying what they hope is the world’s largest Puerto Rican-style empanada. (Photo by Joe Emanski.)

DAN BENSON, County Executive & The BoaRD of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

with corn meal dough — that sold the best. It was the Puerto Rican-style empanadas. (Andrea’s family hails from Venezuela, and Joshua’s from Puerto Rico.)

That being the case, they made the decision to close down, rebrand and relaunch as Hotpanada. They reopened in May 2020 with their new identity.

Five years later, it is easy to say that they made a good decision. Hotpanada is thriving today, a small-business success story all the more remarkable for getting its start during the coronavirus pandemic.

They have done almost all of it while parked in a single location — a parking lot in Hamilton Plaza on White Horse Mercerville Road, what many still may think of as the KMart shopping center, though KMart has been closed for six years.

“We owe so much to the community,” Andrea says. “They support us so much. We see a lot of customers who come by three to five times a week.”

The Pantojas wanted to come up with something special to celebrate their fiveyear anniversary. They thought big — as in, the biggest ever.

In recent months, they have been perfecting a recipe for what they hope will soon be confirmed as the world’s largest Puerto Rican-style empanada, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

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Working at their commissary, the Cherry Street Kitchen in Trenton, they made a series of oversized empanadas, each one larger than the last, but all at least two feet long. They gave these giants a variety of fillings just to see how they would work: beef, cheese, BBQ chicken. Each weighed somewhere between four and five pounds.

They set up a special oversized fryer to do the frying. Once the oil was up to temperature, they gently lowered the first empanada in, measuring in at 26 inches by 10 inches. It bobbed on the surface, gently bubbling.

After less than 10 minutes, the whole thing had a perfect golden crust. Not even a little bit of filling leaked out into the oil. It lost an inch and a half in length during the frying process.

Declaring the first attempt a success, they jumped straight to the largest empanada. And 10 or so minutes after that, that one was ready too — also a success. Cooked, it measured 31 inches in length.

The world record for largest (or longest) empanada is up for debate. Joshua says that the current record holder was baked, not fried, and was shaped more like a square than the typical half-moon shape of an empanada. At any rate, he and Andrea are content to settle for the record

See EMPANADA, Page 28

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Settling issues • Masonry cleaning

of largest Puerto Rican-style empanada ever made.

The first steps in the process of getting certified by Guinness entailed not only successfully making a test empanada, but also filming the attempt so that they could send the video to Guinness for verification.

Once the video is accepted, the next step would involve making another (larger?) empanada with an official Guinness judge as a witness.

Having the record would be a feather in their caps for Andrea and Joshua, but by no means do they need it to validate their success.

The first day they were open, back in May 2020, they sold 17 empanadas. Now, they expect to sell between 450 and 500 empanadas every day they are open — and more on weekends.

“Every year, we have seen growth,” Andrea says.

The Pantojas reside in Mansfield today, after many years living in Hamilton. Joshua grew up in Trenton, and Andrea in Hamilton, where she went to Nottingham High School.

Mondays and Tuesdays are for prep at Cherry Street Kitchen. They make around 2,500 empanadas for every week,

pastelonada is a play on it.

Empanadas can be sweet, too, and one of the most recent permanent additions to the menu is the cannolinada, which as one might expect is an empanada stuffed with cannoli-style filling.

They originally introduced it last year as a seasonal item, but so many customers have been asking for it that they have made it a regular feature for 2025.

Hotpanada remains a two-person operation, as it has been since the beginning. Joshua and Andrea have spent the past five years streamlining their business, learning how to maximize efficiency.

Like most in the food service business, they have had to raise prices slightly in recent years due to inflation. But they strive to provide consistent service and prices without compromising on quality.

to be sold Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hamilton Plaza.

Andrea says that they have sold more than 194,000 empanadas since opening, an average of nearly 40,000 a year. Beef is the most popular, accounting for more than a quarter of all empanadas that Hotpanada has ever sold.

But every customer has their favor-

ite among the various varieties, which include chicken, BBQ chicken, Buffalo chicken, Philly cheesesteak and shrimp. Bean and cheese is the most popular variety among vegetarians.

The Pantojas have a saying: Andrea makes everything taste good, and Joshua makes everything look good. Typically, she develops the recipes for the things they sell from the truck. Joshua likes to come up with new ideas for empanadas.

“We are also consumers. We’re foodies too,” Joshua says. “When we spend our money, when we go out, we want to get quality food and a quality experience at a fair price. We understand that.”

In addition to regular scheduled hours, the Hotpanada truck is also available to do catering for private events. But not on Sundays. Sundays are reserved for their family, which includes their three children: Junior, 19; Gabriela, 14; and Samantha, 8.

So what’s on the horizon? The next big thing, other than a Guinness record, might be to add a second truck to the fleet. The Pantojas are busy during off hours getting a new truck to hit the road, which they hope will happen soon.

They are also embarking on a new partnership that will see them expand the

While the majority of items on the menu are regulars, they also add new recipes from time to time. Those that are popular with customers sometimes get promoted as permanent or semi-perma nent additions to the menu.

One more recent creation that has been a hit has been the pastelonada. Pastelón is a Puerto Rican dish made with ground beef, cheese and sliced plantains, and the

Scheduled appointments and same day sick visits are available weekdays, evenings, and Saturday mornings.

Andrea and Joshua Pantoja with the Hotpanada food truck. (Facebook photo.)

Alon Baker, DO, FAAP, FACOP • Sonya Boor, MD, FAAP

Laura Brandspiegel, MD, FAAP • Stefanie Fiderer, DO, FAAP

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

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

Donations Wanted, Hamilton Township Public Library. 9 a.m. The nonprofit Friends of the Hamilton Township Public Library is a voluntary is accepting books, DVDs, to restock for its June 7 and 9, 2025 sale. hamiltonnjpl.org. 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. Way, Hamilton.

student art show, Outside the Lines Art Studio. 6 p.m. 1710 Kuser Rd., Hamilton. anything Goes, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College. Classic musical. 8 p.m. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. The Williamsboy, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 9 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

Balanced Breakfast Band, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

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

First saturday Wellness Walk, Point Breeze. 10 a.m. Walk on the grounds of former Divine Words Missionaries. abbottmarshlands.org. 101 Park St., Bordentown.

kite Day, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Bring your own kite or choose a ready-made kite from the store. Country music and entertainment all weekend. Admission $15 in advance or $18 the day of (ages 3 and up). terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton.

sheep shearing & Herding, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

4th annual Bordentown Porch Fest. 12 p.m. Free community event inviting musicians to play music on the porches throughout town. Visit porchfest.bordentownkiwanis. com for more details.

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.

Bob Daley, Working Dog Winery. 1 to 5 p.m. Live music plus food truck from Beach Shack. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor. midnight sun Band, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

spring Celebration, Isles Inc.. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Local food, spirits, music, and art. Honorees Skip Cimino and DuEwa Edwards-Dickson. Register. $150. isles.org. Social Profit Center at Mill One, 1 North Johnston Avenue, Hamilton. 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, 2 to 4 p.m. Rain date May 5. artscouncilofprinceton.org. 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton.

West Windsor Community Farmers’ market, Vaughn Drive Lot. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Up to 50 farms and other vendors. Live music. wwcfm.org. 877 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

Plant sale, Grounds For Sculpture. Noon to 4 p.m. Free with park admission. groundsforsculpture.org. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton.

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.

HomeFront’s Women’s initiative spring Luncheon, Grounds For Sculpture. Noon. Buffet brunch, live music, artisan shopping vendors. Includes access to the grounds. homefrontnj.org. 80 Sculptors Way,

See EVENTS, Page 32

Please Join the

in celebrating our 100 Year Anniversary a er the Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2025 with our special guests & parade participants at 200 Mercer Street Hamilton Square, NJ

Memorial Day Parade May 26th Parade starts at 10:30 am Rain or Shine Nottingham Fire Company’s 100th Anniversary After Party 11:30 am- 3 pm • 200 Mercer Street

Special Guests: 3 Mummer’s Bands | Live Music by e Grease Band Food by Yooocuz Food Trucks Free to all who attend | Rain or Shine

Hamilton.

aces for alexander, Mercer County Park Tennis Center. 12 p.m. Inaugural tennis tournament. alexanderswish.org/scholarship. 1638 Old Trenton Road, Windsor.

Family sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program. All ages. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

anything Goes, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Classic musical kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

spring Cinco De mayo Fest, Cooper’s Riverview. 5 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Rob silvers, Working Dog Winery. 1 to 5 p.m. Live music. Food truck Dani’s Burgers. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

Plant sale, Grounds For Sculpture. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free with park admission. groundsforsculpture.org. 80 Sculptors Way,

WeDnesDay, may 7

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

THuRsDay, may 8

Vinny Rugnetta, Working Dog Winery. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Live music. workingdogwinerynj. com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

FRiDay, may 9

Tanglewood Band Rochelle, Working Dog Winery. 4 to 8 p.m. Live music. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

Jimmy and the Parrots, Cooper’s Riverview. 8 p.m. With DJ John Rossi. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

The Weeklings, Randy Now’s Man Cave. 7 p.m. Beatles tribute band. $40. randy-nowsman-cave.ticketleap.com. 119 West Ward Street, Hightstown.

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.

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. Jersey surecats, Working Dog Winery. 1 to 5 p.m. Live music. Food truck Legends Grille. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor. The influence Band, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. High Energy ‘80s Tribute with guest DJ Cesar Cab. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Capital Cup Friendraiser, National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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. younitynj.org. 334 S. Post Road, Windsor.

Dave Bermingham, Working Dog Winery. 4 to 8 p.m. Live music. workingdogwinerynj. com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

FRiDay, may 16

Tully’s Tales, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. Nature-themed story and play time. Stories, crafts and games designed for preschoolers. Free. abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Guided nature Walk, Curliss Woods. 2 p.m. Mercer County Park Commission program. Registration required. Link on website. 431 Federal City Road, Pennington. Visions Vol. 1 by sofijazz, West Windsor Arts.

thology, 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.

monDay, may 19

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

open mic w/ Jerry & John monk, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 8 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

WeDnesDay, may 21

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

THuRsDay, may 22

Ronnie Brandt, Working Dog Winery. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Live music. workingdogwinerynj. com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

FRiDay, may 23

William’s Boy, Working Dog Winery. 4 to 8 p.m. Live music. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor. 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. coo-

persnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

saTuRDay, may 24

on the Town Food Tours, Downtown Bordentown. 1 p.m. Three-hour walking food tour includes history, art gallery stop. May sell out. $80. onthetownfoodtours.com.

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.

The Verdict Reggae/soca Band, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Rave on, Working Dog Winery. 1 to 5 p.m. Live music plus food truck by Beach Shack. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

The Verdict Caribbean Party, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. Reggae/Soca band. Reservations recommended. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

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.

West Windsor Community Farmers’ market, Vaughn Drive Lot. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Up to 50 farms and other vendors. Live music. wwcfm.org. 877 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

sunDay, may 25

The magical Library of miss miriam Butter-

sham, 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.

Family sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program. All ages. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Rob messina, Working Dog Winery. 1 to 5 p.m. Live music. Food truck Roy’s Deli. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

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

WeDnesDay, may 28

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

THuRsDay, may 29

Hamilton Conversations: Trenton area soup kitchen: Turning Hunger into Hope, Hamilton Township Public Library. 7 p.m. Michelle Wexler of TASK will talk about soup kitchen programs and services. hamiltonnjpl.org. 1 Justice Samuel Alito, Jr. Way, Hamilton.

FRiDay, may 30

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

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

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

Chris swatt, Working Dog Winery. 1 to 5 p.m. Live music. Food truck La’Acquario Seafood. workingdogwinerynj.com. 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, East Windsor.

Word on Front: Return to Harlem Renaissance, Passage Theatre. 4 p.m. Live music, poetry, food hosted by local playwright and poet Todd Evans. passagetheatre.org. Mill Hill Amphitheater, Mill Hill Park, Trenton. nJ Renaissance Faire, Burlington Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $30 admission. njrenfaire. com. 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus.

West Windsor Community Farmers’ market, Vaughn Drive Lot. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Up to 50 farms and other vendors. Live music. wwcfm.org. 877 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

art Walk, West Windsor Arts Council. 4 to 7 p.m. Family-friendly carnival fundraiser. Family fun walk, fitness challenges, games, art projects, music. Register. $25 per family/$10 per person. westwindsorarts.org. 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor.

Kathleen Scott Chasar, Esq.

Kschasar.law@gmail.com

SPORTS

Who’s scoring for Hornets lacrosse? Chances R it’s Ava

By RiCH FisHeR

Separated at birth?

Hmmm, let’s think about this.

Well, both Hamilton West seniors share the same first name and same first initial of the last name. Both stand 5-foot-1. Both have the same hairstyle.

Need more?

Both never played lacrosse before their freshman year. Both have high grade point averages and their career plans are mapped out.

And most importantly to the Hornets’ girls lacrosse team, both are helping to fill the scoring void left by Hamilton Township’s all-time and single-season goalscoring leader Morgan Bressler.

Through the Hornets 3-5 start, Ava Rogalinski led the team with 14 goals, while Ava Riley was second with eight and tied for second with 11 ground balls.

“Someone had to work and step up to score,” Riley said. “I was just thinking, ‘All right, I know I’m not as physical as Morgan, but I can at least get some goals and some passes.’ I was gonna just try and score and hope for the best.”

Rogalinski is mostly on the attack, where she scored 24 goals last year to finish third on the team behind Bressler and Amelia Reed. Now a junior, Reed is also contributing, as she scored seven goals in her first five games back after surgery.

Riley is a midfielder who does it all, whether defending or attacking.

“They will play wherever is needed in the game,” coach Katie Bloodgood said. “They’re versatile. They’re definitely fueling a fire and getting some sparks going. They’re creating that momentum that we needed. It finally clicked after our third game where they really started scoring big.”

Hamilton scored a combined six goals in an 0-3 start, but in game four Rogalinski scored five and Riley was one of three players with two as the Hornets took a 12-11 win over Stuart. That started an offensive explosion as West tallied 50 goals in a five-game span. Riley had seven in that binge while also defending, and Rogalinski tallied 12.

The two players, who have become closer off the field during their four years as teammates, agree that their chemistry helps.

“It does help playing together and

we’ve been friends for a while,” Riley said. “That connection’s really strong, it’s not something you get every day.”

Rogalinski agreed, saying that, “We always try to look for each other. She’s a lefty, I’m a righty so we both come from different directions. When she’s up top I can look for her or she can look for me.”

Bloodgood can see the cohesiveness between the two from the sidelines.

“Just playing together for the past four years they know how each other works and what kind of passes they like,” the coach said.

The duo arrived at West on different playing fields as freshmen. Even then, their classmates had the “separated at birth” theory.

“It’s funny,” Rogalinski said. “Everyone asks, ‘Are you guys sisters? You guys look alike.’”

They weren’t together initially, as Riley played soccer and Rogalinski was a field hockey player. They were both talked into lacrosse — a sport neither had ever done — by their teammates who were either going out for, or already were on, the team.

“I thought I should try it,” Riley said. “It seemed fun. And I was good at it so I stuck with it. It came to me naturally. I worked really hard to make sure I got it down. And then I did the winter league to make sure I was good and it paid off.”

Rogalinski did not adapt immediately, but slowly got it.

“I did not know what I was doing at all freshman year. I think I’ve come a long way,” she said with a laugh. “But I loved playing lacrosse more, I quit playing field hockey and ever since then it’s just lacrosse. It came naturally as I went along. Obviously you’re not gonna be the best when you start, but as you keep going you get better and better so I think it was pretty easy to pick it up.”

The girls combined for five goals and one assist as freshmen. Earning more playing time as sophomores, Rogalinski had 17 goals and three assists and Riley had 16 goals and four assists. Although Bressler was the go-to girl, the Ava Rs were learning to play with each other.

“Having Ava helps a lot because every time I run down she’s always there cutting,” Riley said. “For some reason we always connect. I always find her and she always finds me and we always get a lot of

assists and goals together.

“She’s really good at catching high balls. She can jump, that’s what I like about her. I can just throw the ball toward her and it will go right into her stick and she’ll turn and shoot.”

About the only thing Rogalinski does wrong in the world of West athletics is –gasp! – root for Steinert in the Thanksgiving football game since she dates Spartan linebacker Remy Feniello.

“I probably own more Steinert clothes than Hamilton,” she quipped.

But her heart is with the Hornets on the lacrosse field and despite her small stature, Rogalinski makes up for it with some hops.

“I tend to jump for the high passes and just shoot it right in,” she said. “Or I roll around the cage, coming from the right and just get the ball and shoot.”

While Rogalinski likes to score off the pass, Riley will take it to the goal.

“I get the ball outside and just drive in, I just go for it,” she said. “And I do a good whip shot.”

Both players feel that their slight size can be used to their advantage.

“You’re tiny so you can probably make your way through things easier,” Rogalinski said.

“A lot of defenders are bigger and you can just duck right around them, or they’ll get a lot of foul calls on them,” Riley added. “So it helps a lot, especially in free positions.”

In assessing the two, Bloodgood said Rogalinski “has beautiful catches and quick whip shots.”

She praised Riley for being all over the field.

“She has gotten so great at getting back on defense and helping defend as a mid, and just being that transition person we need to get the ball up the field,” the coach said. “If she needs to drive on goal she’s willing to do that. She’s been huge getting back and not complaining about the running. She’ll do draws. She’s everywhere I need.

“And they’re both willing to flip flop if needed. I tell them they have the right if they need to switch to be able to get things done.”

When they’re not playing lacrosse, the two are busy pounding the books. Riley has a 3.75 GPA while Rogalinski is 4.1 weighted.

Riley will begin working at Capital Health as an EMT in September. She has prepared by taking classes in anatomy and sports medicine and, after two years, plans on going to nursing school.

Rogalinski has taken cosmetology classes at Mercer Vocational School and also has a job waiting after graduation. Her mom, Kristin, and her aunt, Sherri Hendrickson, opened the Beauty Loft Salon in Chesterfield last August and Ava has a chair waiting.

When asked if Riley will go there to get her haircut, Rogalinski smiled.

“I do her hair now,” she said.

Gee, there’s a surprise.

STARTING AT $10,500

Ava Riley and Ava Rogalinski are among the team leaders in goals for Hamilton West lacrosse despite the fact that neither played the sport prior to high school. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

Simonka keeps pouring it on for Steinert softball

By RiCH FisHeR

As the winning pitcher in the past two NJSIAA Group III state championship games — albeit in different ways — and with a veteran cast surrounding her this year, the whole New Jersey softball world seems focused on Steinert’s Katie Simonka.

That’s a lot of pressure.

“Coming off the past two years there’s not an article that’s not saying something about her, so she’s gotta keep her head level and clear,” Spartans coach Jen Melker said. “Her mindset is all about this year. She knows moving forward to play at the level she wants to play.”

The senior hurler doesn’t seem fazed by it all. She just focuses on needs.

“In order to keep a level head I ignore all of the outside voices and focus on what the team needs and what I need to do in order to help us get to where we need to be,” Simonka said. “I focus on taking it inning by inning, game by game, and only controlling what I can control.”

Whenever entering the circle, she seems in complete control.

Through Steinert’s 6-1 start this year, Katie was 4-1 with a 0.93 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 30 innings. She had allowed 10 walks and 11 hits for a remarkable 0.70 WHIP.

Simonka has been more dominant than in her junior year, where she kept getting in and out of jams after coming back from off-season injuries. But even then, she went 17-4 with a 1.25 ERA and 172

Peace of Mind.

Your

strikeouts in 128-2/3 innings. In the state tournament the lefthander went 5-0 with a 1.11 ERA in 38 innings. She struck out 38 and was able to survive 22 hits and 22 walks with downright clutch pitching in tight situations.

It was in the 2023 state final where Simonka first drew statewide attention. After throwing just 12 regular-season innings, the sophomore got the win in the Group III semifinal win over Shawnee with 2⅓ innings of scoreless relief.

She was like a Marvel superhero in the state final. When starting pitcher Izzy

Bonnaci injured herself at bat in the top of the second, Simonka entered with a 3-0 lead and allowed one earned run in six innings to win the biggest game of her career at that point.

It became quickly obvious that Simonka was a big-game pitcher.

“Thinking back on those huge moments I really do wonder how I did it,” she said. “If you told me my freshman year that any of that would happen, I wouldn’t believe you. I wouldn’t say that I had no preparation (as a sophomore). I would consider it more of a challenge that prepared me for the next coming years. By the coaches putting me in these challenging situations, it helped me come out of my shell and blossom mentally in the game.”

Melker just shakes her head in amazement.

“How she’s grown is incredible,” the coach said. “Coming in for Izzy her sophomore year in that circumstance, it’s not easy. It’s a hard toll to put on somebody.

“And then to come out big like that and carry it into her junior year and doing what she did. I sat down with her junior

year and had that discussion about how that target just keeps growing. People are gonna just keep talking and saying things and keep expecting because of what you’ve proven. It’s a matter of putting in that effort mentally and not just physically.”

Simonka has been thinking about baseball since she was a 5-year-old recreation player. She actually started as a catcher and played first base in 8U travel. Since she was lefty her dad, former CVC baseball ump George Simonka, had her take pitching lessons with the highly respected Jerry Herrera Sr., and there was no turning back.

She started travel with the Hamilton Hurricanes at age 7 and remained there until joining the New Jersey Outlaws 18U Gold Skelly team last year. Both were key to her progress.

“Growing up in the Hurricanes organization helped me learn the game and develop my skills,” she said. “My dad was not only my coach but my number one supporter thought it all. I truly cannot thank him and Mike Walsh enough for giving me the tools I needed to be successful and putting in the time.

“The Outlaws, specifically Dan Berg and Jamie Skelly, gave me the confidence I needed to play to my full potential and were a huge part in helping me make my dreams of becoming a Division 1 pitcher a reality.”

Simonka is headed for FDU of the Northeast Conference next year. Her recruiting search took her to numerous schools at Division I, II and III levels “but my eyes were always set on FDU. I thought that I would be perfect there and I am beyond excited to go there.”

happens.

YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT

1260 Route 33 South

Jennifer Woloszyn

1260 Route 33 South

Jennifer Woloszyn

But first there is the little matter of trying to pitch the Spartans to a record thirdstraight state title, something no Steinert girls program or CVC softball team has ever done. Simonka, however, does not look at it that way.

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

Hamilton, NJ 08690

1260 Route 33 South

Jennifer Woloszyn

Counselor

Jennifer Woloszyn

Counselor

Jennifer Woloszyn

Counselor

Her mindset is only on performance, knowing that the results will take care of themselves.

Counselor

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Hamilton, NJ 08690

“It has personally never been about the titles for me,” Simonka said. “I truly believe that you get what you put into it. At the end of the day, we aren’t worried about titles. The titles come with our focus of taking every game and inning one at a time and having small successes which eventually lead to bigger ones.”

Hamilton, NJ 08690

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Cell: (609) 337-2366

Ph: (609) 631-4286

Cell: (609) 337-2366

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jwoloszyn@aca.aaa.com

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They also come with hard work. After her injury-plagued junior year, Simonka did ample physical therapy this past year which has made her stronger. Combine that with a change in her windup that helped increase velocity (and take pres-

sure off her arm) and her strikeout rate has exploded to just over two per inning.

“She’s throwing some serious gas,” Melker said.

Having a veteran catcher like Addison Hassan also helps.

“”My relationship with Addison has always been a huge, positive influence in my life on and off the field,” Simonka said. “Having her call the game relieves a lot of the stress that comes with being a pitcher.

“We agree almost 100 percent of the time and we have a certain trust within each other that we will always put the team’s needs before ours. She has always had my back no matter what, and I can’t thank her enough for being there for me, not only physically on the field but mentally off the field.”

That mental outlook will be important on the field in the high-pressure games that Steinert is likely to play again this year. Simonka makes sure a state final in June is the same as any April non-conference contest.

“In order to lock in on big games, I treat it like any other game,” she said. “I treat every single game like a state final, so it becomes routine and natural to always feel like the stakes are high. Then, when the state games come, it feels like any other game.”

Much of that attitude is imbedded by Steinert’s coaches, who know the secrets to winning.

“As a coaching staff we try to stay on top of it all around; not just her pitching but the mental part of it too,” Melker said. “If a walk gets on, or if she gives up a hit, the mindset has to be that if you aren’t

perfect, if you have one misstep, how are you challenging yourself to get back to what you know you can do?”

Melker knew what Simonka could do the minute she first tried out.

“Right off the bat you saw the talent,” the coach said. “We had to work on the mindset a little but the talent was easily seen.”

Simonka pitched nine innings and had 48 at-bats as a freshman, which was all she was looking for. She also studied Bonacci.

“I had so much respect for Izzy and learned so much from her that prepared me to take on a huge role in the circle,” Simonka said. “I never expected any pitching time as an underclassmen but was grateful when given the opportunity.”

Flash forward three years and as her high school days wind down, she hopes to gear up for possible CVC and state runs.

Whatever happens in the months of May and June, Simonka will have no regrets.

“I have absolutely loved playing softball for this group of people that I am so lucky to call my second family,” she said. “I have grown so much as a person and the coaches are a huge part of that. They have pushed me to be the best player I can be on and off the field. They taught me how to handle failure best, how to overcome adversity and challenges, and brought me out of my comfort zone in order to break me out of my shell and get me to my full potential as a player.”

More potential than her coaches even realized.

“She met it and rose a little bit above it,” Melker said. “For where we set the bar for her, she blew the head off of that.”

Katie Simonka in the pitcher’s circle for Steinert softball. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)

Lipman steps it up at the plate and in the field for ’Stars

By RiCH FisHeR

Aidan Lipman feels it’s important to be well rounded, which is why he is part of Nottingham High’s Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Peer Leadership group and varsity soccer team.

But there’s one activity that sparks him on to all the others.

“I can’t imagine life without baseball,” Lipman said. “I’ve been playing since I started walking and it’s been my drive for all these years. I’ve worked really hard. It’s been good to see my success.”

He enjoyed pretty good success as a junior and is doing even better as a senior. Last year, with a strong cast of seniors carrying the load, Lipman flew under the radar and hit a solid .304 with 11 RBI and 13 runs scored. This season, as one of two seniors along with Brandon Rigas, the pressure is on to produce and Lipman was doing so early in the season.

Through Nottingham’s 5-5 start, he was batting a team-high .375 with two doubles, five walks, a .459 on-base percentage, .438 slugging percentage and .897 OPS.

“We kind of moved him around from the top to the two hole,” coach Charlie “Sir Sushi” Iacono said. “Wherever we put him he’s willing to do anything for the team. He can bunt, hit and run. He’s done a great job in the two hole getting our lineup started.”

Lipman batted fifth and sixth last year, but has welcomed moving higher in the lineup. “It’s definitely different,” he said.

“You really have to look for that good pitch. I try to find something early in the count to hit. But I’m also very comfortable hitting with two strikes.”

One of the main reasons for the righthanded swinger’s higher average is his willingness and ability to hit the ball to the opposite field.

“I’ve had to work on that,” Lipman said.

“I’ve always been a pull kind of hitter. This year I’ve been a lot better spraying the ball all over the place. If I just hit the ball to the pull side they’re gonna stand there and wait for it.”

Iacono felt it was almost a must that Lipman be better at hitting the ball where it’s pitched.

“Not just him but everybody,” the coach said. “A typical high school hitter struggles to hit the mid-away pitch to the opposite field and if you look at the good teams in the CVC that’s how they beat you. They use the whole field, they battle with two strikes.”

Lipman began his career playing rec ball with HTRBA and Nottingham Babe Ruth. He also played travel for the Hamilton A’s and Trenton Thunder Baseball Academy.

When he got to Nottingham, his parents encouraged Lipman to go out for a second sport to stay active and make friends, so he chose soccer and ended up playing all four years.

Senior Aidan Lipman was batting a team-high .375 for Nottingham this season. (Photo by Wes Kirkpatrick.)

“That was more about having fun and connecting with people,” he said. “It was fun, I really enjoyed it even if I’m not the best at it. And I’m a little shy so it was a good way to start making friends my freshman year.”

question we were looking at,” Iacono said. “We knew he’d be one of the top two or three guys to replace Jordan. He said ‘Yeah let me go out there and play.’

He played shortstop for the JV team as a freshman, and got just one varsity at-bat that year. The following season he hit .277 in 47 at-bats while playing second base. He climbed over .300 last year and was flirting with .400 as of Apr. 23 of this season. Aside from hitting, Lipman also had to take over shortstop for the graduated Jordan Raba, one of the CVC’s best at that position this decade.

“Filling that void at shortstop was a

“We started him in the scrimmages and there’s been no looking back. He’s there for the whole year, he’s doing a great job, making all the routine plays and just being a leader in the dugout. There’s a lot of youth on this team, we’ve only got two seniors. He sets a good example by doing the right things every single day.”

Having played shortstop in the past, Lipman made it his goal to return there.

“I knew Jordan was graduating and I’d have to work for it, and it would be mine if

I could take it,” he said. “I knew it would be a challenge moving to short, but I feel like I’ve done a good job so far.”

Lipman prepared for the campaign with rigorous off-season work at Centercourt Lawrence. He took ground balls religiously, saying “I’m always trying to get as much work as possible because I want to do as good as I can all the time.”

Oftentimes, when a player switches to a new position — especially one as important as shortstop — it can affect their hitting because of the focus they are putting on defense. But Lipman has stuck to his usual routine.

“When I go up I try not to put pressure on myself,” he said. “Just take it one pitch at a time. I take a deep breath before every pitch. I step back and collect myself and just do the best I can.”

Along with accepting a new position and new spot in the lineup, Lipman and Rigas (who was batting .321 through 10 games) also have to lead an extremely young team that includes four freshmen and four sophomores.

Lipman is a lead-by-example guy.

“Aidan is a coach’s dream,” Iacono said. “He’s done whatever we’ve asked him to do. He did a lot in the off-season with the legion team and doing his lifting. He’s a gamer on the field. He’s doing a great job with everything we expect as a leader, as

a baseball player and in the classroom.”

Lipman doesn’t mind leading, but feels he has help.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys and they know they can come to me whenever, and I’m always there to give them advice,” he said. “But really everyone’s a leader on this team, it’s not just one guy. We all fit in very well. We’re all like pieces to the puzzle.”

One thing that’s not puzzling to Lipman is his academics, as witnessed by a 4.48 weighted GPA.

“The classroom is very important to me,” he said. “Getting good grades is something my parents want me to do and that’s more important than baseball sometimes. I’ve gotta balance it.”

His next stop is the University of Delaware, where he will major in sports management.

“Sports is my life, I want to stay connected with that any way I can,” he said. “Whether it’s working with a major sports team or any way I can stay connected, that’s what I want to do.”

As for baseball, he said “I’m considering playing club baseball. I love this game. I love playing. Any way I can still play, I’ll be happy doing it.”

And why not? It seems to be the key that opens up all the other great things he does with his well-rounded life.

MEGAN S. SEIBER, ESQ. ATTORNEY AT

631-9109 Facsimile

Notary Oath Night

Thursday, May 1, 2025 3:00PM - 7:00PM

The Mercer County Clerk’s office will administer the oath to newly commissioned and renewing Notaries.

To schedule an appointment please call: (609) 989-6466 or email: espagano@mercercounty.org

Lawyers C.A.R.E. FREE 15-Minutes with an Attorney (VIRTUAL)

Thursday, May 8, 2025 5:00PM - 6:00PM

In collaboration with Mercer County Connection, the Public Education Committee of the Mercer County Bar Association offers FREE 15-minute consultations with an attorney.

*All Lawyers C.A.R.E. meetings will take place virtually. *

To register please call (609) 890-9800

For additional information please call (609) 585-6200 or visit www.mercerbar.com

Steinert’s Weaver to play in North-South All-Star Game

By eDDie younG

Steinert High School’s Jon Weaver has been named to play in Phil Simms’ NorthSouth All-Star Game.

Weaver will be at least the sixth Spartan to represent Steinert in this game since it was first played in 1979, and the first since 2016. The game is scheduled for June 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Kean University.

“It’s still kind of settling in,” Weaver said about the recognition. “It’s truly an honor. I take a lot of pride in getting onto this team and being able to put Steinert on the map.”

Weaver starred for Steinert as a tight end during his senior season this year. He led his team in receiving yards, with 308, and receiving touchdowns, with 4.

He also had a stellar year on the defensive line, recording 9.5 tackles for loss and 44.5 total tackles on the season. His all-around play earned him many awards to go along with the selection in the North-South All-Star Game, including the Walt Wilkinson Award (team MVP) and First-Team All-Conference in the West Jersey Football League.

could be coming his way.

“It wasn’t until after the Thanksgiving game where I realized, ‘Hey, maybe I can get this,’” Weaver said. “I had played other great tight ends and competed with them. I know what I can do.”

Weaver helped his Steinert squad take a 38-0 victory over in-town rival Hamilton West in the aforementioned Thanksgiving game. His 26-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter helped to cap off his football career at Steinert.

During the team’s end-of-year banquet in January, Weaver found out that head coach Thaddeus Richards had nominated him to be considered for the All-Star Game.

“For the next month or so, I had people constantly texting me asking if I had made the team or not,” he said.

It was not until February that Weaver received a phone call from Luther Johnson, the general manager of the South team, notifying him that he had been selected to participate in the game.

“I saw a random number and thought it was a spam call at first,” Weaver said. “I’m really glad I picked up.”

The Steinert senior’s football journey began in fourth grade, following a few years playing soccer.

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Weaver will be one of three tight ends representing the South team during the All-Star Game, and is one of the five total that were invited. For the three-year varsity player, an invitation to this game had been long in the works.

“I had become aware of this game after seeing some posts about it on Jersey Sports Zone during my freshman year,” Weaver said. “I eventually wrote down goals I had in mind for my football, and making this game was one of them. This one ended up coming true.”

“Football has always been a passion of mine,” he said. “I started with soccer, but once I got a little older my parents let me get into contact sports.”

“At first we were a little hesitant to let him play,” Lee Weaver, Jon’s mother, said. “My husband started playing in high school, and he was going to let his boys play before high school cause he wasn’t able to. He wanted to give them more experience.”

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Throughout the season, though, Weaver focused on his play, not paying any mind to what postseason awards

Weaver’s football journey will not be

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grams across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York and across all three Divisions, Weaver ultimately made the decision to continue playing at The College of New Jersey.

It was offensive coordinator Aaron Mershman who did most of the recruiting to get Weaver to join the Lions.

“Mershman is a great coach,” Weaver said. “He stayed in contact throughout the off-season. I ultimately fell in love with the school and the team and what they do.”

Mershman has been the offensive coordinator at TCNJ since 2022, and has helped develop tight end Tommy Burke into an All-NJAC player. Weaver will be hoping that Mershman will have the

same success helping to develop him.

At the end of the day, Weaver was very appreciative of his coach and the guidance he received throughout high school.

“I want to thank Coach Richards for everything he’s done for me,” he said.

“He’s a guy I really look up to, and I have a lot of respect for what he does. I wouldn’t be here without him.”

He also thanked his parents, Joe and Lee.

“My parents have always been here for me to lean on,” he said. “I wouldn’t be the young man I am today without them.”

Other area athletes selected for the South roster include LB Cameron Bailey (Notre Dame), OL Roger Chapdelaine (Bordentown), DE Sterling Newlin (Hightstown) and QB Matt Schweitzer (Allentown).

Steinert football players wear their future colors on National Letter of Intent signing day. From left to right: Anthony Giglio, Remy Feniello, Jon Weaver, Tyler Carocci and Isaiah Jordan.

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NEWS TO KNOW

Pass the protein, please

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Peter Dabbene ComPLeX simPLiCiTy

with her slightly lower protein-content cousin, Chlorella.

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As you shop this summer please remember to support our local small businesses and our neighbors and friends who own them.

Visit our websites Hamilton-Strong.com and ShopHamiltonNJ.com

Jeannine Cimino Board Chairman Rachel Holland Executive Director

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino, as newly elected Chaiman of the Board and Rachel Holland as the newly appointed Executive Director.

The latest food fad, following in the footsteps of low-fat, low-carb, and glutenfree, is high-protein. It’s understandable, I guess, because once you’ve established as a society (correctly or incorrectly) that it’s desirable to eat lower amounts of carbohydrates and fats, the intake of the only remaining option from the three categories of macronutrients—protein— must go up. It’s simple math, really, along with some simple human psychology.

It’s not like we’re going to just eat less overall and be happy about it. Instead, our friendly food manufacturers are happy to accommodate our demands as we look to buy (and eat) our way to better health.

Cricket flour, whole insects, barnacles ... if it’s got protein, we want it, no matter how unusual. In addition to straight substitution, many people use protein supplements, mostly in the form of powders that are then mixed into water, milk, or smoothies.

Powders come as “concentrates,” “isolates,” and “hydrolysates,” in lowestto-highest order of expense. Offerings include soy protein, egg white protein, pea protein, hemp protein, casein protein, and whey protein. Casein and whey are proteins found in milk, and whey is probably the most popular protein powder around, because of its nutritional profile and its comparatively low price. If she were transplanted to 2025 America,

I’m convinced that part of the reason we’re protein-obsessed is the word “protein” itself. Would anyone want to eat contein?

Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Executive Director

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino Board and Executive Director.

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

Sometimes this can be accomplished by substituting higher protein foods for their similar, but protein-poor, counterparts. For example, our household consumes several large containers of yogurt every month, but I haven’t bought “regular” yogurt in years.

Ever since our kids became more health-conscious, the idea of eating nonGreek yogurt is anathema, because while Greek yogurt is slightly more expensive, it’s also higher in protein. If the yogurt ain’t Greek, it ain’t the one we seek.

Little Miss Muffet, no longer satisifed with being “little,” might finally get off her tuffet and pump some iron, spurning the curds and favoring the whey after her workouts.

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Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

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Rachel Holland, Executive Director

Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co.

The substitution phenomenon allows us to eat the same foods we ate before, only better. Food companies are stuffing protein into cereal, energy drinks, and candy. There’s now somethng called highprotein water, and even protein chips.

Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township

Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank

Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp.

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government o cials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success. @thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong #HamiltonNJStrong

(Since they’re never referred to as “high-protein potato chips,” I was curious to learn what these snacks were actually made of. After some individual research, and questions posed to several AI services, the best I could come up with was “protein blend,” which is getting awfully close, euphemistically speaking, to “mystery meat.”)

I’m convinced that part of the reason we’re protein-obsessed is the word “protein” itself. It derives from a Greek word meaning “of the first rank” or “primary,” but more obvious is the positive connotation of the “pro” prefix. “Pro” is short for professional, and professional athletes are at the top of the modern-day hero hierarchy. There’s also the implication of “pro” as opposed to “con,” something seen as an advantage instead of a disadvantage. These points might not register consciously or have a major impact on our protein consumption, but I have to wonder: would anyone want to eat contein?

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

We’re not just stuffing protein into our old favorites, we’re discovering new sources from around the globe. Spirulina, a high-protein algae, is bought and consumed in tablets, capsules, and as a powder—even if the name “Spirulina” sounds like a disease-causing microorganism, or, alternately, the heroine of a high-protein fairy tale, along

We think so highly of the word “protein” and what it represents—health, well-being, fitness, strength—that at many casual restaurants we ask for it, or are asked to ask for it, by name. They’d never say “Choose your carb,” or even worse, the surefire guilt-inducer “Choose your fat,” but the phrase “Pick your protein” is now common to menus everywhere.

The similarity to another phrase, “Pick your poison,” is not just apparent, but potentially meaningful. One gram of protein per pound of body weight per day is the maximum amount recommended for building muscle through high-

intensity strength or endurance workouts. The side effects of too much protein can be serious, and not as much fun as, say, turning into the Incredible Hulk. Kidney and stomach problems may result; apparently, muscles aren’t the only part of the body that can get “swole” with a high-protein diet.

I’m pro-protein, but I’m also proteen, and there’s been an increase in muscle dysmorphia in the last decade, particularly among teens and young men. Muscle dysmorphia involves an unhealthy obsession with a muscular appearance—it was originally called “reverse anorexia.” Young men stand in line for hours to meet YouTube influencers and buy the nutitional supplements they promote; it’s a safe bet the hypermasculine “bro” culture and its emphasis on getting bigger and stronger, without any sense of overall fitness or a larger athletic purpose, has contributed to the rise in body image disorders.

A few healthy food fads have included at least some inherent benefits, like reductions in saturated fats and trans fats. The protein push might allow people to add more muscle, but it’s not an instant fix. You still have to go to the gym and exercise, or you’re just throwing money at a fantasy.

For all the talk about extra protein and

peak performance, most of us don’t need more protein to perform our daily tasks. The preponderance of protein is mainly driven by a desire to look and feel better about yourself, even if it doesn’t actually improve your vital stats at all.

With protein, as with many things, moderation is the key. Unfortunately, details and nuance are lost as moderate voices are drowned out by histrionic ones. There are hundreds of YouTube influencers giving all kinds of conflicting and often unqualified diet advice, many of them driven by a desire to sell supplements, or at least say things that are outrageous enough to cut through the swath of competitors and find an audience.

So don’t feel bad about saying “pass the protein,” at the dinner table, even if I think that phrase sounds clunky, unappetizing, and a bit robotic. But also don’t feel bad if you’re presented with an opportunity for extra protein, and you decide to say, “I’ll pass.”

Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at communitynews.org. His poetry/ photo book “The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems)” is available through Amazon for $20 (print) or $10 (ebook).

10 questions with painter Jane Zamost

Thomas Kelly FiGHT in THe museum

Jane Zamost incorporates color, movement and shape. She straddles the line between abstract and representational. She works at a larger size and her works are very impactful. Inspiration can come from anywhere and she recognizes a link between art and healing.

Her work can be both very personal and at the same time universal. When and how did you begin in the arts?

I always have had some type of craft or fine art project going on in my life. As a young child, all types of mushrooms were blossoming, ones with polka dots, stripes, checkerboards; on mountaintops, along the sea and sky. As I got older, I created collages with a vast menagerie of ephemera, those I found in nature, scraps of fabric and papers, and paint. During high school, college and while studying abroad in London, I became passionate about enameling, then lithography, sculpture yet have continually come back to my love of paint and mixed media.

Which media do you work in?

I work in paint and mixed media. My works commence with an acrylic base, followed by water based oil, oil stick, cold wax and pan pastel. I love how each layer adds texture; every surface, intrigue.

How do you decide what to paint?

Traditionally, I don’t decide. I begin with a mark, color or an emotion as my starting point. And then, I summon my hands and feelings to move me. I love the feeling of not knowing where my piece will end up, it’s very thrilling. Interesting, too, is how my works evolve. Often I complete a piece only to determine a month later, sometimes even years, to continue on.

Why do you feel art links to healing?

Firstly, I know it does. Life, as we all have experienced, is a full array of emotion; happiness, sadness, excitement and frustration, the list goes on and on. All of these expressions are visible on my canvases. My art gives these emotions space to speak. And, through challenging times, it offers me release of pent-up feelings that require air to make me breathe more easily.

My biggest struggle is time. I have so many ideas in my head that want to materialize. It’s challenging to find the time to bring all of these projects to fruition. Over the last decade, I’ve kept a bucket list of ideas in a notebook. The items that keep re-appearing are my current projects. What are you working on now? I’ve had on my bucket list for some time the making of a chandelier for my bedroom. I’m happy to say it’s currently hanging, not yet perfected. I’m still working on it. And, I’ve just completed the second in my “Whispers & Secrets” series for fabulous new clients. Fortunately for me, they love my favorite colors of purple, blue and pink. These colors plus their contagious enthusiasm for the process made it a fabulous project.

Another bucket list item: a children’s book that’s been in my head since my eldest granddaughter was born nearly four years ago. I just completed its first rendition and am anxiously awaiting receipt of the first copy. I’m very excited about “What Does Love Look Like?”

When I ran the Arts & Healing Program at Capital Health, I repeatedly witnessed the magic of making, viewing and experiencing art. Patients so incapacitated sat up in moments when given paint and a brush. Children crying hysterically were laughing within minutes.

Come the summer, I’ll be in the LBI Artist Studio Tour. There will be a one night only event at Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts & Sciences in July, followed by the artist tour on Saturday, Aug. 9. And, in Hamilton and Trenton, I’ve teamed up with Artworks Trenton and rented my artworks at two corporations (so new for me/love this opportunity!), Princetel, Inc. in Hamilton Township and Taft Communications in Trenton.

Tell us about teaching and how it is received.

It’s unbelievable to see how creating can self soothe. I shared then, and I encourage now in my workshops to “let go;” permit your mind to wonder and travel freely, make mistakes (sometimes they become your best works) and listen to all types of music. You’ll discover that different music genres will encourage you to make art differently.

Who are some of your inﬂuences?

I love the whimsy of Marc Chagall, his mysticism, color sense and lack of realism beckons me to look at his works with a free eye. The faces of Modigliani call me, my parents had a lithograph in our family dining room, and I sat across from it for years. I think his influence has played a big role in my own depiction of faces. I love the fabric works of Bisa Butler, they are unbelievably detailed and simply gorgeous. I have found on Instagram Rene Romero Schuler; her girls speak to me. And I simply adore the abstracts of Helen Frankenthaler.

I love making art, yet it is solo work so the opportunity to teach gives me the socialization I so love and need. I guide participants to engage in my workshop to enjoy, with no goals beyond the pleasure of creating.

Your colors are wonderful. Do you set out to make a painting with speciﬁc colors in mind?

I love color, probably jewel colors most of all. Yet when painting, I push myself to go out of my comfort zone and pick a variety of colors, some not necessarily my favorites.

What ﬁght/struggle do you have regarding your art?

What is a dream project of yours? I just began materializing a workshop with author Rachel Levy Lesser, “What We Keep.” It’s about the things we keep in our drawers or shelves that we never look at or use yet every time we purge, we simply can’t part with this memory piece. Rachel and I are encouraging participants to bring this special something to our workshop. I’ll guide folks on how to bring it new life with art and, Rachel, with words. Together, we’re going to integrate the two.

Other dream projects? Developing permanent hospital exhibits, working with clients on their homes, hotels and corporations.

Web: janezamost.com.

Thomas Kelly is a Hamilton-based artist. On the web: thomaskellyart.com.

“About a Boy” series, paintings

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Stroke awareness: What everyone should know

Ask The Doctor

What’s good for your heart is generally good for your brain. May is National Stroke Month, and Rao Pasupuleti, MD, Neurology, at RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares key steps like these which can reduce your risk of a stroke.

1. Keep Your Blood Pressure in a Healthy Range. High blood pressure is the #1 risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and can increase the risk of a blockage. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and aim to keep it below 130/80. Healthy eating, exercise, and medicine (if needed) can help.

likely to be.”

The memory trick known as “B.E. F.A.S.T.” makes it easier for people to better connect suspicious symptoms with the possibility that a stroke is causing the issue. Warning signs include:

B for Balance: Dizziness, a fall or vertigo.

E for Eyes: Blurred vision or loss of vision.

F for Face: A slight droop, an uneven smile or a change in the way the eyes look.

Dr. Rao Pasupuleti

2. Eat a Heart-and Brain-Healthy Diet. Choose foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy. Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Diets like the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet have been shown to protect some against stroke.

3. Drink Alcohol in Moderation. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase stroke risk.

4. Keep Diabetes Under Control. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and i ncrease the risk of stroke. If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar and A1c levels in a healthy range.

5. Quit Smoking for Good. Smoking hurts your blood vessels, raises your risk of blood clots, and doubles your stroke risk. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health — it’s never too late to stop.

6. Be Active Every Week. Moving your body keeps your heart and brain strong. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking, biking, or swimming) each week. Even multiple short walks add up!

Knowing the signs of stroke and acting fast can make all the difference.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke could save a life—perhaps your own—and minimize a stroke’s potential life-changing effects. “Unfortunately, people with stroke symptoms often put off calling for an ambulance because they think the symptoms will pass or don’t signify a more significant health issue,” says Dr. Pasupuleti, MD.

“When someone notices a friend or family member not acting like themselves, they should call an ambulance and also make note of the time,” she says. “The sooner a doctor sees a patient, the sooner they can determine whether the underlying cause of the symptom is a stroke—and the more effective treatment is

A for Arm: Is one arm weak or does it feel heavy and difficult to lift?

S for Speech: Is there slurred speech or an inability to get words out?

T for Time: Time to call 911.

Don’t delay help for a potential stroke victim. Call 9-1-1 rather than calling a doctor or driving the ill person to the emergency department. Emergency responders can communicate effectively with the hospital and even begin treatment on the way there, Dr. Pasupuleti explains.

Learn more at rwjbh.org/neuro

Programs at RWJUH

Hamilton this month

The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health, open to all and all ages, and 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 Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619--unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend programs.

Tuesday, May 27

RWJuH Hamilton, stroke support Group –Held every 4th Tuesday of each month. 4-5 p.m. Open to the public and free, this Stroke Support Group allows survivors and caregivers to come together to share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. The group is facilitated and presented by RWJ RehabilitationHamilton team members, Ashley Sarrol, SpeechLanguage Pathologist, and Allyson PanikowskiBerry, Occupational Therapist. Stroke survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are welcome.

THuRsday, May 1

RWJuH Hamilton, Better Health Program. Breakfast and Learn: stroke, It Can Happen to you. Open to all ages 65+ and older 10-11:30 a.m This complimentary program is being offered to our Better Health Program members and will help them 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. If you are 65+ years old, become a member and register for this program, free of charge, by contacting us at 609-584-5900.

Recognize the symptoms of stroke

While each individual may experience different stroke symptoms, the ones below are most common. Time is crucial when treating and recovering from a stroke. Act quickly. Don’t wait. Stroke is a medical emergency and every second counts.

di culty or slurring of speech Sudden terrible or “thunderclap” headache with no known cause