5-26 TD

downtowner

May 2026 | communitynews.org

Trenton’s City Paper

Photo by Zeete

Trenton set to come alive for America’s 250th Seeds of Liberty Passports offer a tour of the city’s Revolutionary history. Page 8

Casa Cultura Center events, page 3; East Trenton losing an environmental health ally, page 6.

RWJUH Hamilton May Healthy Living / Community Education Programs ASK THE DIETITIAN

Thursday, May 7; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meet with our Registered Dietitian for a 30-minute appointment to discuss your unique nutritional needs.

TYPE 2 DIABETES SCREENING Thursday, May 7; 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Come in for a Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment. Those who score moderate risk or higher will receive a complimentary A1C screening. Must call or email to schedule an appointment.

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION FOR DIABETES

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

Tuesday, May 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join us to learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels.

Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.

RENT SMART: UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASE AGREEMENT Tuesday May 12; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

This program is designed to help current and future tenants navigate lease agreements. With 75% of renters failing to read their leases, this session emphasizes reading before signing to avoid costly pitfalls. Gain the knowledge needed to sign with confidence.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, May 12; 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.

THE HEALING POWER OF FREQUENCIES WITH TUNING FORKS

Tuesday, May 19; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Are you curious about the healing power of sound frequencies? Tuning forks are WALK AND TALK WITH DOCTORS simple yet powerful tools that anyone can Wednesday, May 13; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. use to support self-healing and restore balance, bringing your body back into This program features Firas G. harmony. No prior experience is needed, Eladoumikdachi, MD, Breast Surgical just come with an open mind and a Oncologist and Director of the Breast Program at the Cancer Center at RWJUH willingness to explore. Fee: $15 Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR facility, in partnership with Rutgers BEGINNERS Cancer Institute, the state’s only Wednesday, May 20; 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Learn how to help heal your body and relax Center, and Naveen Ahuja, MD, Plastic your busy mind. No experience necessary.

Surgeon. Registered attendees will take a short walk on a flat paved path outside DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT on the hospital’s campus.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

FORWARD

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

Join RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers and board-certified podiatrists, Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group Jason Jolliffe, DPM, and Jessica Collins, is for you to connect with others affected. DPM, for an engaging talk on diabetic Share and explore ways to improve foot care, focusing on prevention, early lifestyle changes. detection and advanced treatment strategies. Learn how proper foot care GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER and timely intervention can reduce SUPPORT GROUP complications and improve quality of life Tuesday, May 19; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. for individuals living with diabetes.

This group brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, STROKE SUPPORT GROUP education, and empowerment they need Tuesday, May 26; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to move along the path to recovery. For Join the Stroke Support Group at RWJUH more information or to register, call Hamilton, a place for survivors and 609-584-6680. This program takes place caregivers to build a community. The at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, group will share personal experiences, 2575 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ. feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated Tuesday, May 19; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol SpeechLanguage Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist.

Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND IMMERSION

Tuesday, May 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Unwind with the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, low beach chair. $15

WOMAN’S BOOK CLUB: BECOMING MADAM SECRETARY Wednesday, May 27; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Please come prepared to discuss this captivating and dramatic work of historical fiction about the American heroine, Frances Perkins.

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thursday, May 28; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join this lively group of women as we discuss a theme. This month’s topic: “Nurturing Ourselves”.

GARDEN PARTY FOR GOOD HEALTH

Thursday, May 28; 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join RWJUHH at Bromley Park, for a an event featuring a farmers market, children activities, community resource tables, food, and so much more. You will also get to learn about the community garden located within the park. The event is located at 1651 East State St, Trenton, NJ, 08609.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

Wednesday, May 27; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art. Grab some “junk” and get crafty while working on your mental health.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, May. 27; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

For folks who have been Reiki certified (at any level) to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session. Please bring a sheet and small pillow.

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

Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today!

YOGA

Tuesday, May 5 and 26; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, May 5 and 26; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, May 5 and 26,; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY

Monday, May 11 & Friday, May 29; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Ageless Grace is a practice designed to intentionally nourish the brain-body connection and support overall health and wellbeing. It helps reduce stress, keep the brain agile, and the body responsive. When body, mind, spirit, and emotions are in balance, health and well-being become more attainable.

LUNCH AND LEARN: HUNGRY FOR A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS MORE? THE SCIENCE OF GLP-1S AND THE STRATEGY OF FOOD WITH GABRIELA Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20 and 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

ALVAREZ, PHARMD, BCPS, BCGP AND GAME TIME! LORI HAGER, MS, RDN Friday, May 8 and 22; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, May 14 & 28; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Discover the biological “how” behind GLP-1 medications and the essential dietary shifts needed to make them truly effective. This program bridges the gap between clinical treatment and daily habits, focusing on nutrient-dense eating, muscle

preservation, and managing side effects to ensure your results are both powerful and sustainable.

A BETTER HEALTH PROGRAM: GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK Wednesday, May 13; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday, May 15; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grounds for Sculpture welcomes us for their Wellness Walk! Whether you are a fast or slower walker, there will be a group for you. Join us to boost your energy, connect with nature, explore art and meet new people. Member attendees are invited to enjoy GFS for the remainder of the day. Please only register for one date.

BREAKFAST AND LEARN: STROKE, IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU Thursday, May 14; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

As we age, the risk of stroke—a serious “brain attack”—rises significantly. Recognizing the signs quickly is one of the most critical factors in improving outcomes and recovery. Join Hamil Patel, MD,

Stroke Director and Assistant Director, Emergency Department, RWJUH Hamilton, for an informative program on stroke prevention through proactive health management and how to identify symptoms early.

LUNCH AND LEARN: YOUR BREAST HEALTH AT THIS AGE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Thursday, May 21; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Aging women may think they’ve “graduated” from certain screenings and annual checkups, but a regular visit with a gynecologist is one of the best ways to learn what’s new or recommended. Since the risk of breast cancer can increase as we get older, regular visits offer peace of mind through checkups, screenings, and early detection. If you ever need specialized support for your breast health, we offer a team of experts close to home. Join our featured RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers, Stacey A. Anderson, MD, board-certified gynecologist, and Natalie Lopyan, MD, breast surgical oncologist, at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, for this informative program for women 65+.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above.

Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

2  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

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

CITY CENTER Casa Cultura Spring Cultural Series to feature art exhibition, live music

Casa Cultura has announced a lineup of spring cultural programming celebrating art, music, and cultural expression at its community arts space in Trenton.

The series features a visual art exhibition and two live musical performances that highlight artistic excellence and cultural traditions. These events are designed to bring the community together through accessible, high-quality arts experiences.

The series begins with the Jazmyn Jones Art Exhibit, whose body of work is rooted in identity, expression and lived experience. Through her art, Jones aims to explore themes of self-discovery, culture, and storytelling, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with powerful visual narratives.

The opening reception will take place on Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view through June 10.

The event is free and open to the public.

On Friday, May 23, Casa Cultura will host an evening of traditional Puerto Rican music featuring Gabriel Muñoz, widely recognized as one of the premier Puerto Rican cuatro players.

With a mission to preserve and elevate Puerto Rico’s national instrument, Muñoz brings audiences a night of music rooted in culture, tradition, and heritage.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and general admission tickets begin at $25. Tickets are available online at casaculturacenter.org.

The spring series concludes on Friday, June 20, with a jazz performance by the Marel Hidalgo Organ Trio. The trio features Marel Hidalgo on guitar, Ana Petrova on organ, and Winard Harper on drum. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and general admission tickets are $35, available online at casaculturacenter.org.

All events are held at Casa Cultura, located at 750 Cass Street. Casa Cultura is a community-based cultural organization dedicated to expanding access to the arts, preserving cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for artists and residents to connect through creative expression.

Citywide Cleanup Initiative gets underway May 2

The City of Trenton is gearing up for this year’s Citywide Cleanup Initiative.

Each of Trenton’s four wards will see one Saturday in May designated for clutter

VOTE - TUESDAY, JUNE 2nd

Proven Democrat Leaders Moving Mercer Forward Lucylle

Walter Cimino John

Jazmyn Jones’ art will be the focus of an exhibition at Casa Cultura Center starting May 8. (Photo by Gabriel Ramos.) collection in that area.

Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, the City of Trenton City Council, and interim director of the Department of Public Works Hector Weah are encouraging residents to participate in the community effort to reduce illegal dumping, tackle waste, and keep neighborhoods safe and clean.

“We are calling on residents to take part in the initiative and dispose of bulk items correctly,” said Gusciora. “Our city belongs to all of us and keeping it clean is a shared responsibility. When we come together with shared purpose, small actions can make a lasting impact.”

Each ward will have a designated Saturday in May for collection: West Ward, May 2; South Ward, May 9; East Ward, May 16; North Ward, May 23.

Residents should place items at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled day. Crews will collect yard waste and furniture.

Items not accepted include construction debris, chemicals, televisions, electronics, and unbundled branches longer than 4 feet. To arrange pickup for those materials, residents can call the Street Division at (609) 989-3200.

“Our crews will be in each ward throughout the week ahead of each scheduled Saturday cleanup, proactively addressing illegal dumping and improving conditions on each block,” Weah said.

See NEWS, Page 4

MERCER COUNTY COMMISSIONER Commissioners Lucy Walter and John Cimino are working

tirelessly to make Mercer County a place where all families can prosper and our most vulnerable neighbors are always supported.

•

Economic Stability: Delivering balanced budgets and protecting your tax dollars while maintaining essential services.

•

Infrastructure & Growth: Modernizing our county’s infrastructure and supporting smart redevelopment.

•

Community Advocacy: Championing education, environmental sustainability, housing and healthcare equity.

•

Experienced Leadership: Years of combined service navigating complex challenges with transparency and integrity.

Paid for and authorized by the Election Fund of Lucylle RS Walter and Friends of John Cimino.

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner3

NEWS continued from Page 3

Isles, Trenton Health Team secure millions to advance neighborhood revitalization across city

Old Mill Hill Society’s 35th Annual Garden Tour

Seeds of Liberty Saturday, June 6, 2026 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Rain or Shine / Tickets $20

Isles, Inc. and Trenton Health Team have received a combined investment of nearly $2.3 million in Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit grants from the Department of Community Affairs, awarded on behalf of Gov. Mikie Sherrill and DCA commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez.

The funding will support revitalization work across three Trenton neighborhoods: Isles’ Downtown Trenton program receives $800,000; the East Trenton Collaborative, a program of Isles, receives $800,000 for East Trenton; and Trenton Health Team receives $688,493 for the North Trenton/Battle Monument area.

The three organizations coordinated their grant applications to ensure each secured vital NRTC funding, collectively increasing total investment in Trenton from $2 million to nearly $2.3 million.

Isles’ $800,000 Downtown Trenton award supports a comprehensive revitalization strategy centered around the commercial corridor on South Warren Street and State Street and the Mill Hill

Park neighborhood. Isles’ work is guided by a community vision for downtown to become “a dynamic economic, social, and cultural hub that meets the needs of all residents, commuters, and visitors through safe, affordable and healthy housing, and engaging recreational and entertainment opportunities.”

Funded initiatives include the development of 15 units of affordable housing on vacant lots — including a three-unit building on Montgomery Street that will mark the first new residential construction in the neighborhood in more than a decade — and home improvement grants of up to $10,000 to help property owners preserve the historic character of their homes.

Isles will also provide free indoor air quality sensors to downtown residents in coordination with its Lead & Healthy Homes Initiative.

On the economic development front, Isles will continue to provide small business grants to downtown minority- and locally-owned businesses, which will include physical improvements like signage upgrades and facade repairs, and small business mentorship. Funds will also support the continued redevelopment of 120 E. State St., a historic Presbyterian church complex with Revolutionary War-era roots being transformed into See NEWS, Page 15

downtowner

Phone: (609) 396-1511 website: communitynews.org

Community news service 24 South Main Street, Suite 2 Allentown, NJ 08501

edItoRs Joe Emanski, Sara Hastings

Phone: (609) 396-1511

Ad lAyoUt And PRodUCtIon Stacey Micallef

VICe PResIdent oF PUBlIsHInG And sAles Thomas Fritts

senIoR ACCoUnt eXeCUtIVe Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

MAnAGInG edItoR, MetRo dIVIsIon Sara Hastings

ACCoUnt eXeCUtIVe Christine Storie (Ext. 115)

Scan the code for details and to purchase tickets.

Tour starts at Artworks 19 Everett Alley and Stockton St. - Trenton Proceeds help fund historic preservation

www.trentonmillhill.org

news: news@communitynews.org events: events@communitynews.org website: communitynews.org Facebook: facebook.com/TrentonDowntowner

A proud member of:

dIReCtoR oF dIGItAl InItIAtIVes Joe Emanski

PRodUCtIon MAnAGeR Stacey Micallef The Trenton Downtowner is award-winning publication. © Copyright 2026 LTD Media. All rights reserved. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the publisher.

3,000 copies of the Trenton Downtowner are bulk distributed in Trenton 12 times a year.

to AdVeRtIse call (609) 396-1511, Ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

4  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

When joint surgery affects more than just you, closer is better.

Do it right. Here.

When you need relief from joint pain, you want nothing less than the highest level of orthopedic care.

At RWJBarnabas Health, you’ll find board-certified surgeons using the latest treatments and technology, including robot-assisted joint replacement and other minimally invasive procedures, with physical therapy right on site. Visit rwjbh.org/ortho to learn more.

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner5

East Trenton has one lead tester — and he’s leaving in May

By Anna Mattson, Inside Climate News This story was produced by Grist and co-published with NJ Spotlight News.

Kim Booker never thought much about lead during her roughly 27 years living in Trenton.

Born and raised in the once-industrial powerhouse, she first heard about the heavy metal at community meetings organized by the East Trenton Collaborative, a local nonprofit that works on environmental health and safety issues in New Jersey’s capital city. There, she learned that the prevalence of lead-laden pipes and paint, a legacy of the city’s manufacturing past, could have contaminated the drinking water in her home and the soil around her property.

She knew that her three-bedroom home was old, making it likely to have lead pipes.

Booker noticed the paint on the walls chipping off. And she re-

alized, too, that her late grandmother and sister were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which researchers have tied to lead exposure. She wanted to know if she was being poisoned by the lead in her environment.

With few free, comprehensive testing resources available to her, Booker turned to Shereyl Snider, one of the leaders of the collaborative, who connected her with Sean Stratton, a doctoral student in public health at Rutgers University in late 2023. At the time, he was taking samples to get a clear picture of how lead had contaminated Trenton homes for his dissertation work. Once Booker agreed, Stratton was soon at her home, testing for lead in her paint, yard and water.

When the results came back, Booker learned that her home was — as she’d suspected — contaminated with lead and that she had low but detectable levels of lead in her bloodstream.

Lead levels in her yard were

more than 450 parts per million, Stratton’s testing revealed, above the Environmental Protection Agency’s hazard level. If not for Stratton, she would not have known.

“The city shouldn’t rely on a student to do this work,” Stratton said.

Scores of homes

Comprehensive lead testing of the kind that Stratton provided costs upwards of $1,000.

Over the past two years, Stratton has tested the soil, water or paint in more than 140 Trenton homes and has been assembling the clearest, most cohesive picture yet of a crisis that permeates the state.

In July, the EPA added the entire neighborhood of East Trenton to the Superfund National Priorities List after testing found widespread soil contamination in residential yards, schools and parks. Despite the designation, there has been no comprehensive door-to-door

testing effort, leaving residents like Booker to rely on Stratton.

His project, though, is coming to a close. Stratton defended his dissertation in February and will graduate in May, leaving uncertain who — if anyone — will continue the work. Community groups like East Trenton Collaborative worry the neighborhood could lose its only accessible source of household testing.

“We don’t want to stop working together,” Snider said. “I don’t see it ending, but I don’t know how we can continue unless we have big supporters to help support our future endeavors together.”

New Jersey has some of the highest legacy lead burdens in the country. The state has an estimated 350,000 lead service lines — placing it among the top 10 states, behind Illinois and Texas. It has received more than $100 million in federal funds for lead pipe replacements, but it doesn’t address legacy soil contamination, in-

terior lead paint or proactive household-level screening.

Despite the patchwork of testing options available — blood lead screening through the health department, water sampling through Trenton Water Works and occasional environmental assessments from state or federal agencies — Stratton said the system rarely functions as a coherent whole.

The state health department conducts home paint surface inspections, but only after a child has been poisoned, which is often first detected by mandatory lead testing. In New Jersey, children are required to test for lead at 1 and 2 years of age.

Testing is free from local health departments for kids who are underinsured or uninsured.

Older children and adults have to pay their own way.

Trenton Water Works provides lead water test kits for homes built before 1986, but residents must coordinate testing with a private lab and pay for

EARLY VOTING

MAY 26 — MAY 31

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, JUNE 2

TUESDAY - SATURDAY 1O:OO AM - 8:OO PM • SUNDAY 1O:OO AM - 6:OO PM EAST WINDSOR MERCER COUNTY LIBRARY

HAMILTON

PENNINGTON

801 Kuser Road Hamilton, NJ 08619

120 Broemel Place Pennington, NJ 08534

COLONIAL FIREHOUSE CO.

HICKORY CORNER BRANCH

138 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor, NJ 08520

EWING

MERCER COUNTY OFFICE PARK 1440 Parkside Avenue Ewing, NJ 08638

MERCER COUNTY LIBRARY WEST WINDSOR BRANCH

333 H, Pest Read Wost Windsor, NJ 80558

LAWRENCE

TRENTON

LAWRENCE BRANCH

244 Perry Street Trenton, NJ 08618

MERCER COUNTY LIBRARY 2751 Brunswick Pike Lawrence, NJ 08648

DAN BENSON

Mercer County Executive 6  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

PENNINGTON FIRE CO.

TRENTON FIRE HQ

WALKER M. WORTHY, JR. Superintendent of Elections and Commissioner of Registration

weST WINDSOR

PRINCETON

PRINCETON MUNICIPAL BLDG. COMMUNITY ROOM

400 Witherspoon Street Princeton, NJ 08540

SHERRY L. HENDERSON

Deputy Superintendent of Elections

4/10/25 1:37 PM

the cost of the analysis, which can run $20-$100. No agency reliably tests for lead in soil unless the EPA steps in to investigate.

Each test addresses only a narrow slice of the problem, leaving families with fragmented or incomplete information. Results can take weeks to arrive, if they arrive at all. One resident, Amber DeLoney-Stewart, said she never received her home inspection results from the city, even after blood tests revealed her child was lead-burdened.

‘Very siloed’

Without coordination, doorto-door outreach or a mandate for proactive household-level screening, the burden falls on residents to navigate a maze of programs — and too often, Stratton said, people who need the information most don’t receive it.

“It just doesn’t ever seem to be enough,” Stratton said. “It’s very siloed.”

Stratton’s work reflects a broader pattern in environmental health research across the

City of Trenton officials removing and replacing lead service lines.

(Photo courtesy of the East Trenton Collaborative.)

United States.

In some communities concerned about pollution, residents turn to university researchers for help testing soil or water when government monitoring is limited. In Atlanta, for example, a soil-testing project launched by a graduate student at Emory University and community partners uncovered elevated lead levels in residential yards, prompting a

federal investigation. And last year, the University of California, Los Angeles, offered free soil testing to residents affected by wildfires.

Efforts like these often depend on temporary research projects, meaning they can end when students graduate or grant funding runs out.

Stratton’s research in East Trenton has been supported by two grants — one from the Na-

tional Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and another directly from the federal government. As the Trump administration cuts billions of dollars of grant money, Rutgers’ Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute saw some grants rescinded. Other projects remain in limbo.

Stratton’s grants somehow made the cut, even with “environmental justice” in their titles.

Brian Buckley, the institute’s executive director, said further budget cuts mean far fewer opportunities to continue research.

“We’ve been playing dodge the bullet,” he said.

Warning from Flint

Stratton didn’t set out to investigate lead contamination.

After he graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science in 2015, he worked in consulting in New Jersey, sampling soil, air and water and designing remediation strategies for contaminated sites.

Around that time, Flint, Michigan switched its water supply to

the Flint River from Detroit and triggered a public health crisis when corrosive water caused pipes to leach lead, exposing more than 140,000 people to dangerous levels of the metal.

A friend of Stratton who was concerned about the events asked him to sample water at his New Jersey home and send it to a lab to test for lead. The results came back extremely high: more than 78 parts per billion of lead, more than five times the EPA’s action level.

Confused, Stratton began digging through public records, water reports and federal regulations. He noticed that his own town of East Brunswick was not testing the correct location type. Federal rules require that cities test homes that are most likely to have lead service lines, but Stratton said the agency was largely testing homes less likely to have them.

Alarmed at the discrepancy, he began filing public records requests with water utilities across the state to see whether similar gaps existed elsewhere.

See LEAD, Page 8

Attention Voters

some polling locations have changed for the upcoming primary election!

CheCk your sample ballot for distriCt and loCation avoid delays - bring your sample ballot to the polls Check your location here: www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote-polling-location.shtml Call the Board of Elections: (609) 989-6522 or (609) 989-6750 early voting: May 26th - May 31st | Polls Open: 10:00am - 8:00pm | 6:00pm on Sunday election date: June 2, 2026 polls open: 6:00am | polls close 8:00pm the last day to register to vote for the primary election is may 12th

Dan Benson

Mercer County Executive

Walker M. Worthy Jr. Superintendent of Elections

sherry L. Henderson Deputy Superintendent of Elections

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner7

LEAD continued from Page 7 “I started arguing with the DEP,” said Stratton, referring to the state Department of Environmental Protection. “And then I decided I needed to go back to school, because I felt like I needed to get more credibility.”

East Brunswick’s lead testing plan follows federal rules that require water systems to prioritize homes most likely to have lead service lines, an agency spokesperson said in a statement. When too few of these higher-risk homes are available or willing to participate, utilities can test lower-risk homes to meet the required sample sizes, according to the statement.

Spurred by what he’d learned about the prevalence of lead contamination, Stratton in 2017 ran for assembly as a Green Party candidate. His candidate profile says that he would “continue to fight to ensure that our water is suitable to drink.”

Stratton lost the race, and he returned to Rutgers three years later to earn a master’s degree in public health and then continued into a doctoral program.

Running the tap

Stratton’s doctoral project had three main objectives: verify whether Trenton residents are exposed to lead, determine where the exposure was coming from and uncover how residents can reduce exposure.

In his testing, Stratton used an X-ray fluorescence gun to scan every wall in a willing volunteer’s home to see how much lead was in the paint. He dropped off water vials for residents to fill in the morning from the kitchen sink — first thing in the morning, before using any water. In the yard, he filled a small vial with soil.

Then he packed his bag, put it all in the trunk of his car and drove back to the cluttered Rutgers lab, where he would run tests. Afterward, Stratton provided residents with full results, tips on what to do next, medical information about where to get blood lead checked — and his phone number, along with his supervisor’s at Rutgers, to call if they had questions.

In late February, Stratton presented his findings to a team of

8  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

Rutgers professors during his dissertation defense. His findings were stark. Most homes he tested had lead, whether in dust, paint or pipes. All homes measured for floor dust had detectable levels of lead, with 86% of them exceeding the EPA’s action level.

Trenton homes without leadbased paint are still at risk of elevated levels because of the legacy lead dust outside, he found. That outside dust in Trenton comes from myriad sources, including gasoline, atmospheric aerosols, and coal and soil contamination from its history of lead-based ceramics manufacturing.

He also found that running the tap for five minutes before using the water — a common recommendation from public health experts — was an inadequate amount of time to flush lead traces. He suggested, in his results, that lead safety guidelines should expand to include reduction strategies, like using a water filter.

A week later, he welcomed more than 30 people into a

Rutgers classroom for a presentation of his findings. He wanted collaborators and community members to celebrate with him. As gifts, he handed out little square 3D printed urban maps of East Trenton, with streets and raised buildings, to those he’d worked with over the years. Among those in attendance were partners who helped connect Stratton with residents, including Snider of East Trenton Collaborative and Anthony Diaz of the Newark Water Coalition.

Vacuum, yes.

Sweep, no.

The EPA’s decision to list East Trenton as a Superfund site means a cleanup is coming — though slowly, and only for the soil, not the pipes or the paint. The designation triggers more sampling, long-term soil removal plans and years of federal oversight.

Still, none of that has started yet. A remediation plan hasn’t been developed. And in a state dotted with Superfund sites that

have languished for decades, residents know what a long wait can look like.

For now, Stratton’s research has offered immediate answers for concerned residents.

Booker, since learning about the lead in her home, has tried to reduce her exposure.

“I use a vacuum to clean my floors and carpets instead of stirring up dirt and dust particles by sweeping,” Booker said.

“When my nieces come over and want to run around in the yard, I make sure they remove their shoes when they come inside and wash their hands.”

She said Snider, Stratton and the East Trenton Collaborative have sounded the alarm on the lead issue in Trenton. Now, she hopes that the community will continue to fight so that the city can be a place where children and families can be healthy and thrive.

“Knowledge is only powerful and beneficial if its effects change,” Booker said. “We can know there is a problem, but without action, the problem simply remains.”

Trenton set to come alive for America’s 250th Seeds of Liberty looks to transform annual Garden Tour into a moving history experience

On Saturday, June 6, Trenton will transform into a living, moving history experience.

Through gardens, historic landmarks, and a citywide shuttle narrated by George Washington himself, the Old Mill Hill Society’s 35th Annual Garden Tour, Seeds of Liberty, invites visitors to step directly into the story of America’s founding.

Though the event is scheduled for June, the society is getting the word out early this year in an effort to boost attendance for the special occasion.

Taking place from noon to 5 p.m. this year’s tour expands beyond its celebrated tradition of showcasing private gardens.

In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Seeds of Liberty: A Moving History Experience reimagines the garden tour as an immersive, citywide journey,

Historical interpreter Bill Agress as Gen. George Washington. one that connects Trenton’s past to its present through movement, storytelling, and place.

Mill Hill is not merely adjacent to his-

tory; it is embedded within it. Its streets, homes, and surrounding landmarks reflect the layered evolution of Trenton from colonial settlement to industrial center to vibrant cultural city.

The program extends beyond the neighborhood itself, linking visitors to a network of historic sites that together illuminate Trenton’s pivotal role in the American narrative.

“This year’s tour is about more than opening our gardens, it’s about opening the city itself,” said Simran Riar, president of the Old Mill Hill Society. “Seeds of Liberty invites people to move through Trenton as history unfolded; across neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that continue to shape who we are today.”

At the center of the experience is a continuous shuttle loop that transforms transportation into storytelling. Circulating throughout the afternoon, the shuttle connects five key locations: • Artworks Trenton • Mercer Cemetery at Trenton • The Old Mill Hill Neighborhood • 1719 William Trent House Museum • Old Barracks Museum

More than a means of travel, the shuttle becomes a mobile classroom. Onboard, visitors encounter historical interpreter Bill Agress portraying Gen. George Washington. Drawing from letters, military accounts, and personal reflections, Washington speaks directly to passengers, bringing urgency, strategy, and human perspective to the events that unfolded in Trenton.

Complementing the journey is the commemorative Seeds of Liberty Passport, a printed booklet that guides visitors through the day. Guests collect stamps at each location, marking their movement through Trenton’s historic landscape.

Each stamp represents more than a visit; it signifies participation in a layered narrative that spans generations. Upon completing the journey, guests return to Artworks, where the experience comes full circle.

Completed passports also qualify guests for a raffle featuring free sports and entertainment tickets, distributed on a first-come basis while supplies last.

See SEEDS, Page 10

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner9

Trent Jewelers family owned and operated since 1981 SALE Remount your Diamond Engagement Ring and Save up to 30% ends May 31st

CASH FOR GOLD Bring in your broken or unwanted jewelry for our BEST OFFER

16 EDINBURG ROAD & 5 POINTS MERCERVILLE 609-584-8800 WWW.TRENTJEWELERS.COM Closed Sunday Monday and Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday 10:30-5:45 Friday & Saturday 10:30-4:45

SEEDS continued from Page 9 Each stop along the route contributes a distinct chapter to Trenton’s story:

Artworks Trenton

The journey begins at Artworks Trenton, serving as the central hub for ticketing, orientation, and departure. As a vibrant arts center, Artworks represents the continuity of cultural expression, linking Trenton’s historic past with its creative present.

Mercer Cemetery

Established in 1843, Mercer Cemetery offers a space for reflection on the individuals who shaped the city across generations. Visitors will encounter newly installed murals led by artist Leon Rainbow, plein air artists working throughout the grounds, and live jazz and blues performances in the afternoon.

QR-coded markers throughout the cemetery provide deeper insight into notable figures, blending tradition with Trenton’s historic Old Mill Hill modern interpretation. neighborhood is a centerpiece of the Seeds of Liberty tour.

Old Mill Hill

At the heart of the tour, visitors explore more than 25 private gardens within this historic residential district. These spaces reflect both preservation and personal expression, evoking colonial planting traditions, medicinal uses of herbs, and the enduring relationship between people and land.

William Trent House

One of the earliest surviving structures in Trenton, the 1719 William Trent House offers insight into early colonial life and settlement. As part of Seeds of Liberty, the site will feature guided tours, an ice cream social, and a curated afternoon of cultural programming, including music, dance, and a Great Migration talk.

June 6 also marks the 90th anniversary of the Trent House Commission.

Old Barracks Museum

A key site in the Battle of Trenton, the Old Barracks connects visitors directly to the Revolutionary War. Originally built to house British troops, it later became central to the American victory that helped shift the course of the Revolution.

As the site prepares for its grand reopening on July 4, guests can enjoy outdoor programming and receive $10 off admission with a Seeds of Liberty Garden Tour wristband. *** As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Seeds of Liberty offers a place-based reflection on the American story; one rooted in Trenton, where the outcome of the Revolution shifted

10  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

decisively. By linking sites, stories, and communities, this initiative highlights how liberty was not only declared, but defended, sustained, and continually redefined.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the shuttle system allows visitors of all ages and abilities to fully participate. The flexible, hop-on/hop-off format encourages exploration while removing barriers between sites.

Seeds of Liberty: A Moving History Experience invites visitors to encounter Trenton as a connected historical landscape; one that continues to evolve.

Through movement, storytelling, and shared experience, the past becomes present, and the city’s story continues to unfold with each participant who journeys through it.

“At its heart, this day is about bringing people together; through gardens, through history, and through shared experience,” said Terry West, chair of the 2026 OMHS garden tour. “We’re proud to open our neighborhood and our city to everyone.”

Seeds of Liberty: A Moving History Experience will take place on Saturday, June 6 from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $20. The tour begins at Artworks, located at 19 Everett Alley, Trenton.

Ample parking is available. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to fully experience all that the day’s programming has to offer.

Online: trentonmillhill.org.

MAY 2026

B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H

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 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

… Cigarette smoking

… Diabetes mellitus

… High cholesterol

… Physical inactivity/

… Atrial fibrillation

obesity/poor diet

… Sickle cell disease

… Heart/blood vessel 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.

Balance B — Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?

Eyes E — Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

Face Drooping F — Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?

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

Speech Difficulty 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?

Time to call 911 T — 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.

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner11

NEW SUPPORT PROGRAM AT CAPITAL HEALTH

Helps Women Navigate Healing and Intimacy After Cancer Treatment certified sex and relationship therapists, and rehabilitation services provided by pelvic floor physical therapists and certified lymphedema occupational therapists.”

“Whether they’re experiencing discomfort, hormonal changes, or relationship challenges after cancer treatment, patients just want to feel whole again,” said Kathie Olsen, program director of the Capital Health Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health. “Our program lets them know they don’t have to navigate the process alone. The IMPACT team creates a safe, judgment-free space where participants can openly address the physical and emotional effects of cancer treatment, receive the care they deserve, and reclaim their confidence and comfort with intimacy.”

While cancer treatment can be lifesaving, experts at Capital Health Cancer Center believe there’s more to survivorship than follow-up scans and checkups. For women who have received treatment for breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, colorectal cancer and others that may affect hormonal balance, pelvic function, or sexual health, Capital Health Cancer Center offers the IMPACT Program to help women navigate Intimacy, Menopause, and Pelvic Health After Cancer Treatment.

“For women living with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or gynecologic cancer, treatment for these conditions may affect their hormonal balance, pelvic function, and sexual health,” said Dr. Joyce Varughese, medical director of the Center for Gynecologic Oncology at Capital Health Cancer Center.

“New participants start the program with a consultation to identify their specific areas of concern. After that, we develop personalized, evidence-based care plans through a multidisciplinary team of specialists that may include oncology clinicians, an oncology nurse navigator, menopause specialists, behavioral health experts,

12  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

The IMPACT Program is also for women with genetic mutations that increase their risk for cancers and have undergone treatments that can similarly affect their pelvic and/or sexual health.

Services may include pelvic floor therapy for pain, incontinence, or discomfort; lymphedema management, including manual lymphatic drainage, therapeutic wrapping, and exercise; nonhormonal or hormonal treatment options for vaginal dryness or atrophy; counseling or therapy for sexual intimacy and relationship support; lifestyle and nutrition recommendations, and mind-body approaches to support healing.

For details about the IMPACT Program at Capital Health Cancer Center, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/impact, or call 609.303.4474 to schedule an appointment.

In addition to the IMPACT Program, Capital Health Cancer Center offers a wide range of support services to help patients connect with others who are undergoing cancer treatment, consult with doctors about lifestyle decisions, and enroll in programs designed to help them become healthier versions of themselves.

Learn more at capitalhealthcancer.org/supportservices.

LONGTIME AREA RESIDENT NAMED

New Chief Nursing Officer for Capital Health Capital Health has named Melissa Chichilitti as the organization’s new chief nursing officer.

In this role, Chichilitti is responsible for nursing and patient care services at Capital Health, including adult and pediatric nursing, Maternal Child Health Services, adult and pediatric clinics, ICU/CCU, adult and pediatric emergency departments, operating rooms, observation units, Respiratory Therapy, and Mental Health and Dialysis departments.

In her new role, Melissa will continue to oversee Logistics and Throughput, Care Management, and Environmental and Escort Services.

“Melissa started with Capital Health as a unit secretary more than 25 years ago, and after becoming a nurse, she has held progressively responsible roles, from staff nurse in the MedicalSurgical ICU to Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Capital Health Regional Medical Center,” said Arlene Walsh, Chief Operating Officer at Capital Health. “With nursing leadership experience across service lines and departments, Melissa has a deep understanding of the complex processes that drive our organization and the passion to continue the award-winning tradition of patient care that she helped establish.”

“Capital Health has a clear commitment to nursing excellence and it’s a commitment I am proud to continue,” said Chichilitti.

“During my time at Capital Health and while serving in various nursing roles here, it has been a privilege to be part of a team that is always striving to advance patient care. As CNO, I’m excited to continue this tradition and lead our nurses to new heights as we meet the health care needs of the communities we serve.”

A graduate of Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA, Melissa earned her Master of Science in Nursing from The College of New Jersey and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Drexel University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University. She also holds a certification as a critical care registered nurse.

Heart Failure Support Group Second Wednesday of Every Month | 12 – 12:45 p.m.

Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting Led by a licensed clinician from Capital Health’s Heart Failure Program, this support group is for patients who have heart failure, a condition where the heart’s muscle has decreased ability to supply enough blood to the rest of the body. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or currently managing heart failure, this group offers patients and their loved ones the opportunity to share experiences and learn how to modify their daily routines for a better quality of life. A new topic will be featured every month, led by a special guest speaker.

Registration is required. Scan the QR code, or register online at capitalhealth.org/events. Be sure to include your email address.

Microsoft Teams meeting details will be provided via email before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner13

Capital Health Adds Pulsed Field Ablation System Improving Access to Care for AFib Patients in Mercer and Bucks Counties Specialists from Capital Health’s Cardiac Electrophysiology Program, part of its Heart and Vascular Institute, unveiled a new, minimally invasive pulsed field ablation system at the Al Maghazehe Heart and Vascular Center located at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC). The addition of the new system doubles the hospital’s capacity to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients who are candidates for ablation. Capital Health was the first to offer this procedure in Mercer and Lower Bucks counties when their Cardiac Electrophysiology team performed its first pulsed field ablation at RMC in March 2025.

“With the incidence of AFib on the rise, greater access to a safe and effective treatment like pulsed field ablation allows us to treat more patients in less time, with fewer complications, and less risk for damage to healthy structures near the targeted site,” said Dr. Scott Burke, medical director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and a board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiac electrophysiologist with Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “The addition of our second pulsed field ablation system immediately doubles our capacity, which will go a long way to improving the well-being of communities across our region.”

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. Traditional radiofrequency ablation, which uses thermal electrical energy to destroy areas in the heart that typically trigger AFib, has the potential to damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The minimally invasive pulsed field technology used by experts in Capital Health’s Cardiac Electrophysiology Program allows them to precisely treat the affected cardiac tissue with non-thermal electrical energy with lower risk for harming nearby healthy structures.

14  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

Capital Health’s Cardiac Electrophysiology team, led by experts from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, performs procedures like pulsed field ablation at the Al Maghazehe Heart and Vascular Center at RMC. Part of the larger Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute, the Center’s opening in 2025 marked a significant expansion in cardiovascular care for the region with advanced services that include cardiac surgery, open and minimally invasive vascular surgery, cardiac catheterization, cardiac electrophysiology (minimally invasive treatments for irregular heartbeats and other disturbances of the heart rhythm), and structural heart care (minimally invasive treatments for heart valve conditions, atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovale and other structural issues of the heart).

To make an appointment with Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, or to find an office near you, visit capitalhealthcardiology.org.

Visit capitalheartandvascular.org to learn more about Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute.

the people who live here.” *** The East Trenton Collaborative, a program of Isles operating out of the East Trenton Center at 601 N. Clinton Ave., will use its $800,000 award to advance revitalization across five program areas.

A resident-driven home repair program will assist low- and moderate-income owner-occupants with critical health and safety repairs, building on ETC’s track record of completing repairs on more than 142 neighborhood properties; at least 50% of the repair work will be performed by local microenterprise contractors.

ETC’s Youth Employment Program will provide paid internships to eight East Trenton youth ages 14 to 20, placing them with local nonprofits and microenterprises and pairing employment with educational and civic enrichment activities. Since 2017, the program has served more than 170 young people from the neighborhood.

Workforce and entrepreneur support will include individual business coaching and access to UEZ resources for five neighborhood businesses, as well as certification courses, language learning, and technology training for residents seeking to increase their employability.

NRTC funding will also support facil-

ity upgrades at the East Trenton Center to expand capacity for these and future programs.

Community organizing and programming — including monthly resident meetings, issue-based committees, beautification projects, and a slate of community events — remains at the core of ETC’s work, alongside a new Welcome Package initiative for new residents and continued environmental justice advocacy.

“East Trenton residents have always been the driving force behind everything we do, and this funding lets us keep delivering the programs they’ve asked for,” said Caitlin Fair, ETC Program Director.

“From fixing up homes to putting young people to work to strengthening local businesses, these investments go right back into the neighborhood and the people who call it home.” ***

THT’s $688,493 award will support community development in the North Trenton/Battle Monument area, roughly bounded by Calhoun Street to the west, Pennington Avenue to the south, Route 1 to the east, and Capital Health Regional Medical Center to the north.

Programs include financial counseling and down payment assistance for firsttime homebuyers, home repair support, financial guidance for homeowners, and skill-building for local business owners and entrepreneurs.

This work builds on nearly a decade of THT investment in the area, including improvements to the intersection of Brunswick Avenue and Southard Street, participation in the North Trenton/Battle Monument Choice Neighborhoods steering committee, and delivery of small business and family supports through See NEWS, Page 18

YEARS

NEWS continued from Page 4 a community and performing arts hub.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority recently approved a $12 million Historic Property Reinvestment Program tax credit award for the project, building on more than $6 million in prior preservation funding.

NRTC will support local artists and creative businesses as part of the Creek to Canal Creative District, including the monthly Capital City Open Mic at Classics Books, art studio stipends at Hanover Creative (a recently opened creative makerspace on Hanover Street), Creative Network Grants to local artists, and additional programs/events throughout the year. Funds will continue to empower grassroots efforts, including support for community small grants, distributed through I Am Trenton Community Foundation, and resident outreach and organizing through nonprofit HelpSelf.

“This NRTC funding is essential to our ability to build on the real momentum we’re seeing in Downtown Trenton,” said Jason Allen, Managing Director at Isles.

“New housing is coming online, businesses are growing, and residents are invested in their neighborhood. With these resources, we can keep that progress moving forward in a way that works for

ANNIVERSARY

609-584-5252 www.priornami.com 1666 Hamilton Ave. Hamilton, NJ 08629

Featuring: Cyber Compliance & Security Remote and Onsite Support System Monitoring Managed Endpoint Detection & Response Network Protection Services Email Protection Services System Monitoring Data Backup Antivirus Protection

Sales | Service | Supplies | Leasing | Rentals | Free Estimates attes |Authorized |Au Auuthorized Technicians

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner15

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN ALASKA VACATION, ONE EVENT YOU AN DON’T WANT TO MISS! IFTHIS YOUISARE CONSIDERING ALASKA VACATION, IF AN ALASKA ALASKA VACATION, IFYOU YOU ARECONSIDERING CONSIDERING THIS IS ARE ONE EVENT YOU DON’T WANTVACATION, TO MISS! THIS YOU WANTTO TOMISS! MISS! THE ALASKA CRUISEFEST THISIS2026 ISONE ONEEVENT EVENT YOU DON’T WANT THE 2026 ALASKA CRUISEFEST th THE ALASKA ONLINE EVENT May 13 CRUISEFEST 2025 at 11am & 7pm THE 2026 ALASKA CRUISEFEST THE2027 2026 ALASKA CRUISEFEST

THth 2025 at 11am & 7pm ONLINE EVENT May 13 ONLINE EVENT May 12 2026 at 11am & 7pm th th Join us online as Alaska expert,

ONLINE at 11am 11am&&7pm 7pm ONLINEEVENT EVENTMay May 13 13 2025 at

enthusiast, and guide Jeff Join us online as tour Alaska expert, Join Joinususonline onlineasasAlaska Alaskaexpert, expert, enthusiast, and tour guide Jeff Sturman shares his knowledge enthusiast, enthusiast,and andtour tourguide guide Jeff Jeff Sturman shares his knowledge and experience, and virtually Sturman shares his knowledge Sturman shares his knowledge and experience, and virtually guides us through the ultimate and experience, and virtually and experience, and virtually guides us through the Alaska adventure: from guides usus through the ultimate guides through theultimate ultimate Alaska adventure: Fairbanks, throughfrom Denali Alaska adventure: from Alaska adventure: from Fairbanks, through Denali Fairbanks, through Denali National Park, along the Midnight Fairbanks, through Denali National Park, along National Park, along the Midnight National Park, along theMidnight Midnight Sun Deluxe Rail intothe Anchorage, Sun Deluxe Rail into Anchorage, Sun Deluxe Rail into Anchorage, Sun Deluxe Rail into Anchorage, and then through Glacier Bay, and then through Glacier Bay, and then through Glacier and then through GlacierBay, Bay,into down the Inside Passage and down the Inside Passage and into down the Inside Passage andinto down the Inside Passage and into Vancouver.

All this and more, full Vancouver.

All this and more, Vancouver.

All this andmore, more,full Vancouver.

All this and Q&A, and special pricing and full Q&A, and special pricing and Q&A, and special pricingand and Q&A, and special pricing amenities for attendees. amenities for attendees. amenities for attendees. amenities for attendees.

For more information and to register, visit For more information and to register, visit For more information and to register, visit For more information and to register, visit cruisestoalaska.com/alaska-cruisefest or call (800) 576 2378 cruisestoalaska.com/alaska-cruisefestor or call (800) 576 cruisestoalaska.com/alaska-cruisefest orcall call(800) (800)576 5762378 2378 cruisestoalaska.com/alaska-cruisefest 2378 16  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner17

DESTRIBATS CAMPBELL STAUB & SCHROTH, LLC established 1972

criminal law • municipal court law • wills & estates criminal law • municipal court law medical malpractice • personal injury • general litigation wills & estatescompensation • medical •malpractice employment • workers corporate/tax law real Estate injury • real estate tax appeals litigation • family law personal • general

employment • workers compensation Anthony J. Destribats corporate/tax law • real Estate Bernard A. Campbell, Jr. real estate tax appeals • family law Raymond C. Staub David P. Schroth Kimberly A. Greenberg

Adam Lipps Anthony J. Destribats ••• Bernard A. Campbell, Jr. Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015) Raymond C. Staub David P.Avenue, Schroth 247 White Horse Avenue 795 Parkway Suite A3 Hamilton, NJ 08610 Ewing, 08618 Kimberly A.NJ Greenberg Phone (609) 585-2443 • www.destribatslaw.com John Ferner ••• Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)

247 White Horse Ave • Hamilton • NJ • 08610

(609) 585-2443 • www.destribatslaw.com

DELHAGEN

Financing Available ALL HVAC EQUIPMENT COMES WITH A 10 YEAR PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY

Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. 609-586-4969 Hamilton Square, NJ www.delhagen-nj.com

Plumbing Lic # BI0104900 I Lic # 13VHO1158200 | HVAC Lic # 19HC00456500 Service & Maintenance I Agreements Available

delhagenplumbin@optonline.net

Call Now to Schedule your Service/Maintenance Appointment.

NEWS continued from Page 15 Capital Health’s Trenton Neighborhood Initiative.

“The momentum for progress in North Trenton is driven by its residents, and THT is proud to be a dedicated partner in their ongoing work,” said Alix Fellman, Director of Community Development at THT. “This critical NRTC funding allows us to continue to deliver the services the community has asked for, which strengthens our collaborative efforts with local partners to realize their vision.”

Together, Isles and THT bring decades of NRTC-funded experience to Trenton’s neighborhoods, partnering with residents, businesses, artists, and community organizations to advance revitalization that is equitable, inclusive, and community-driven.

Trenton Made festival to celebrate city’s hip-hop legacy

Trenton’s historic Old Mill Hill neighborhood is a centerpiece of the Seeds of Liberty tour.

Trenton Music Experience will present the Trenton Made hip-hop festival May 7–9, inviting the community to celebrate the artists, DJs and creatives who helped shape the culture and sound of hip-hop.

The three-day event will feature a curated pop-up museum, panel discussions and live performances at venues throughout the capital city, highlighting Trenton’s role in the genre’s development over the past 50 years. Organizers say the festival reflects the group’s mission to preserve and promote the city’s musical history and cultural contributions.

“Trenton Made is more than an event.

It’s a living timeline of hip-hop in our city, honoring the pioneers who laid the groundwork and the new voices pushing the culture forward,” said DJ Fatha Ramzee.

Events begin Thursday, May 7 with a meet-and-greet and pop-up hip-hop museum from 4 to 9 p.m. at The Lobby Club.

The evening will include appearances by

DJ Fatha Ramzee, Culture Freedom and Ada Johnson, along with other members of the local hip-hop community, and will feature a display of memorabilia. Admission is $25.

Programming continues Friday, May 8, with a live performance and panel discussion from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mill Hill Playhouse, featuring DJ Fatha Ramzee, Don Black, KD, Culture Freedom and others.

Admission $20.

On Saturday, May 9, the festival concludes with graffiti art and breakdancing clinics from noon to 3 p.m. at TrentTowne Market. The graffiti workshop will be led by artist Leon Rainbow, and the dance clinic will be taught by Tres Coronas, a competitive breakdance group. The program is free and open to ages 10–18, though registration is required and participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult who signs a release form. Sign-up: trentonmusicexperience.org.

Serving: Hamilton, Robbinsville, Bordentown, Ewing, Lawrenceville, Princeton, Yardville, Allentown, West Windsor & East Windsor

Special Limited Time Offer!

Pre Season Special

$200 OFF

$89

Installation of Complete “Amana” Air Condition & Heating System Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers.

+ tax

HVAC Inspection Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Expires 5/31/2026

$75 OFF

$25 OFF

Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers.

For a limited time only.

Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers.

For a limited time only.

Any Water Heater or Boiler Installation

We Carry Fresh Flowers!

Any Service or Repair Call Over $175

18  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026

Spoil Mom with cards, sweets and little treats this year!

Your local One Stop Shop for Pharmacy, Gifts, Snacks & more!

609-882-2404

HOURS:

Mon-Fri: 9AM-7PM | Sat: 9AM-6PM | Sun: 10AM-2PM

therobbinspharmacy.medicineshoppe.com

2108 Pennington Rd, Ewing Township, NJ 08638

classified Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Visit communitynews.org/place an_ad.

Questions? Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.

HELP WANTED Work From Home -

LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.

Affiliates Needed Immediately! Work from Home or Anywhere! PT/ FT Without Disturbing your current work. Must be 18 or older. Students, Housewives, Professionals, Retired, Employed and Unemployed. Earn Extra Income work 2-4 hours per day.

Training and Support Provided.

No Experience and Qualifications Required. Call or Text 640-202-0791 If Interested!

HOME SERVICES

ITEMS WANTED

lEGAL sERVICES

F.D.Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Concrete. No job too large or small, Fully insured and licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900

pERSONAL SERVICES PERSONAL SERVICES Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. A new year is here. Sweet Beginnings, 215-5392894

Cash paid for World War II Military Items.

Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@ gmail.com Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys - Nancy Drew -etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULPS magazines D&D items non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine.

Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com.

We are STAIRMASTERS! We specialize in restoring and renovating steps and porches without the “start-over” price tag.

• Fabrication Without Removal: We can fabricate a brand-new design directly over your existing steps.

• Total Restoration: We breathe new life into old, wornout porches.

• Massive Savings: Get the look of a total replacement for a fraction of the cost.

no MASonRy job Too bIg oR Too SMAll

609-751-3039 Renewmason@gmail.com www.RenewMasonRepair.com May 2026 | Trenton Downtowner19

Home Equity Line of Credit

Unlock the Value You’ve Built in Your Home.

Rates as low as

7.24%

APR1

Why Choose Our HELOC? With CU of NJ you get flexible borrowing, competitive rates, and you pay only for what you use.

Tap into your home’s equity and watch your renovation ideas flourish.

Apply Today! Visit gocunj.com/home to learn more and start your application. Let’s make this spring the season your home truly shines.

Learn more at

Borrow up to1

$500,000

gocunj.com/home

¹ APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR is subject to change without notice. The variable APR applicable to your account will be indexed to the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. As of December 11, 2025, the current Prime Rate is 6.75%. The maximum combined loan to value for all liens is 80% to receive a rate as low as 7.24% APR and is 90% to receive a rate as low as 8.24% APR. APR that can apply is 18.00% or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is less. APR may vary depending on credit history. Homeowners insurance is required. Flood insurance is required where necessary. Member eligibility required.

Appraisal or other home valuation method fee is applicable for opening this account and varies from $18 to $70 for loans under $50,000 and $390 to $715 for loans $50,000 to $500,000.

Credit Union of New Jersey, A Federal Credit Union | Federally insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender

20  Trenton Downtowner | May 2026