6-25 HP

Garden of Joy

Hamilton t tonHamilton Post

MCCC softball team reaches collegiate World Series

By RICh FIShER

This year’s Mercer County Community College softball team’s active roster was 20 percent Hamilton Township players.

That may sound like a lot, but it’s only two.

And yet, with just 10 players (its 11th was injured), the Vikings earned a berth in the NJCAA Division II World Series, which began in Oxford, Ala-

bama on May 19.

“We didn’t envision this coming together like it did,” said coach Ryan Zegarski, a Hamilton West grad. “Once we started getting into a rhythm, getting to know each other and playing together it really took off. You’re sitting there and you’re like ‘Wow, what did I just witness?”’

You don’t envision that, and they just took to it.”

It’s one of the more amazing and impressive sports stories in

New Jersey and beyond, and a township duo was in the middle of it all.

Sophomore Makenna Spak, who played for Steinert’s 2023 state championship team, batted eighth and patrolled centerfield.

Redshirt freshman Arianna Acevedo, a West graduate, was right next to her in right field and right behind her batting ninth.

The two set the table in a big way for the top of Mercer’s

See SERIES, Page 11

Model citizens

tain local couple, everything changed. The railway has been more than saved. It has been enhanced.

Comedic actor and writer

By ThOMaS KELLy

Model railroading is an imaginative endeavor. It appeals to the mechanical, scientific and creative mind. Building the world surrounding the train tracks is a fun challenge. The train can run through cities, small towns and countryside.

There is a model railroading club in Rocky Hill, that has been steaming down the tracks since 1964, meeting at least once a week and building towns, bridges, tunnels and mountains.

In a basement of a Cape Cod house in Rocky Hill, the Pacific Southern Railway Club has been a home base for model railroad enthusiasts. The 30-member club meets weekly and hosts periodic open houses for the public to see their miniature world of transportation.

The club was nearly wiped out last fall when the owner of the house, Carlton Pate, died after a long illness. His widow Anne, wished to move out of state to be closer to family, and the home with the model railroad looked likely to be sold.

When word of the plight of the railway club reached a cer-

James Murray and his wife, Melyssa, happened to be looking for space in the Princeton area for Melyssa’s her burgeoning handmade candle business. After they read a story about the Pacific Southern Railway in the Wall Street Journal, they went to have a look at the home.

Murray is a lifelong model train aficionado, and, after seeing the layout in the basement he knew this would be a great fit. Melyssa’s younger brother is also a train enthusiast, so she was familiar with the lure of model railroading.

“When I saw the railroad layout in the basement, I was floored,” James says. “I mean it just kept going. The basement is bigger than the home! There is no way that the railroad could be moved. Relocation was not an option, as it would have destroyed 90% of the layout.”

The couple agreed to purchase the house. They took possession in April, but they did not wait until then to inject new life into the club. Since they became involved, the club has launched a new website as well as a new membership program.

“Murr” is known as one of the stars of the long-running TV show Impractical Jokers. The

Langtree Elementary School parents Angela Mendola, Lisa Schulz and Danielle Nutt at the May 10 dedication ceremony for the school’s new Garden of Joy. Story, page 6.

RWJUH Hamilton June Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Mondays, June 2 & 9; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS

Mondays, June 2 & 9; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tuesday, June 3; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, June 4; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Thursdays, June 5 & 12; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, June 11; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

THE AARP DRIVING COURSE

Monday, June 2; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Be a safer, better driver. Most insurance companies will lower your premium with a completion certificate. Bring your NJ or PA driver’s license. Fee: $20 for AARP members presenting a valid AARP card; $25 for nonmembers. Bring cash (exact change) or check (payable to “AARP”) with you on the day of the class.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, June 3; 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

YOGA CLASSES

609.584.2836 to confirm attendance.

ASK THE

DIETITIAN

Wednesday, June 4, 12; 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 9; 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.

MEDICARE 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Thursday, June 5; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

If you’re turning 65 in the next few years, or losing employer coverage, this is the class for you. Join a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare and ACA to learn how to navigate the transition and how to avoid late enrollment penalties.

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, June 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join us 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 GAMES

Monday, June 9; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, June 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join RWJ Rehabilitation, RWJUH Hamilton, for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe

Better Health is a free program

Tuesday, June 3 & 17; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, June 3 & 17; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, June 3 & 17; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. TAI CHI

Tuesday, June 12, & 26; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, June 4, 11, 18, & 25; 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. Every week is new and something different.

GAME TIME!

Friday, June 6 & 27; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Snacks and a variety of board

mechanics. Mastering body movement is leveling up your real-life stats. Play smart, move like a pro, and stay in the game longer!

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, June 17; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

For those diagnosed with prediabetes, this group is for you to connect with others affected, share and explore ways to improve lifestyle.

GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, June 17; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This group brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, education, and empowerment they need to move along the path to recovery. Topics discussed include coping with the emotional impact of cancer, adjusting to changes during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. For more information or to register, call 609-584-6680. This program takes place at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ.

BASIC CAR MAINTENANCE

Tuesday, June 17; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of the vehicle you own. Join a master mechanic and learn how to protect one of your biggest investments.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, June 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind. No experience necessary.

games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends!

LUNCH & LEARN: CUTTING THE CORD ON CABLE - YOUR GUIDE TO STREAMING FREEDOM

Monday, June 9; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Whether you are tech-savvy or just starting out, this program will guide you step-by-step on how to break free from traditional cable TV and embrace the world of streaming.

LUNCH & LEARN: BETTER SLEEP, BETTER LIFE WITH PALAKKUMAR PATEL, MD

Friday, June 13; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This program combines evidence-based medical insights with practical strategies to address common sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, as well as pulmonary illnesses such as COPD, and is being presented by Palakkummar Patel, MD, member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary-critical care

SACRED BREATHWORK

Wednesday, June 18; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Join a Reiki Master and certified breathwork facilitator to learn how sacred breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, or anything else that will make you comfortable. Chairs will be available. Fee: $15

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, June 24; 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, June 25; 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 609245-7390. Location: RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ.

medicine and sleep medicine at RWJUH Hamilton. GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK, RWJUH HAMILTON

Wednesday, June 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday, June 20; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grounds for Sculpture welcomes us for their Wellness Walk! Join us to boost your energy, connect with nature, explore art and meet new people. Better Health Member attendees are invited to enjoy GFS for the remainder of the day. Please only register for one date.

LUNCH & LEARN: ADVANCED PODIATRY CARE PROGRAM WITH JESSICA COLLINS, DPM AND JASON JOLLIFFE, DPM

Thursday, June 19; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join us for our first program focusing on podiatric conditions, including preventive care, diabetic foot management, and surgical interventions.

Jessica Collins, DPM, and Jason Jolliffe, DPM, both board-certified in podiatry, members of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, RWJUH Hamilton

WHAT’S NEW IN HEARING AIDS

Wednesday, June 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Come join us as we dive into discovering how a new technology in hearing aids uses a dual-chip design and AI-driven noise cancellation to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments and provides a more natural hearing experience. Join Lorraine Sgarlato, AuD, to learn about the latest in this hearing aid technology. Light refreshments will be served.

HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION

Wednesday, June 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health and the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and preparation while exploring hearthealthy recipes.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, June 25; 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.

WISE

WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thursday, June 26; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.

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

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

Center for Wound Healing, provide comprehensive foot and ankle care, including treatments for injury, trauma, and wound care.

NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Friday, June 20; 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

LUNCH & LEARN: UNDERSTANDING YOUR GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTHESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR AGE

Tuesday, June 24; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Navigating your gynecological health can feel complex. Join RWJ Center for Women’s Health physicians Gary Brickner, MD, and Robert Mayson, MD, both boardcertified in obstetrics & gynecology and members of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, RWJUH Hamilton, who will provide helpful information tailored to the health considerations relevant to your age and discuss minimally-invasive robotic-assisted surgical procedures.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

aROUnD tOWn

Young Entrepreneurs Academy coming to Mercer

The first Young Entrepreneur’s Academy in the state is coming to Mercer County, according to the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber, in partnership with The College of New Jersey, plans to bring YEA!, a 30-week experiential learning program, to Mercer County.

YEA! will give 30 students the opportunity to become real-life entrepreneurs. YEA! started in 2004 at the University of Rochester. Since then, the program has expanded to 38 states.

unteer instructor from the local business community, and the curriculum includes field trips to learn about local businesses, as well as guest speakers with subject matter expertise to share with the students. Each YEA! student is assigned a mentor to help bring their vision to life.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are hallmarks of our regional business community, and the chamber is excited to see what happens when we extend this opportunity to local high school students,” said Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Hal English.

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The YEA! program in Mercer County will be the first of its kind in New Jersey. Throughout the program, students selected through an application process meet once a week to generate business ideas, conduct market research, write a business plan, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their own business. Weekly classes are held on campus at TCNJ on Tuesday evenings.

Each weekly class is taught by a vol-

Applications for YEA! are due June 30. Students who attend a high school in Mercer County are eligible to apply. The application form, as well as additional information about the program and eligibility can be found at www.princetonmercerchamber.org/yea.

Organizations interested in becoming sponsors can contact Gretchen DiMarco at gretchen@princetonmercer.org.

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 WRITER

Rich Fisher

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Peter Dabbene, Thomas Kelly

AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org

Website: communitynews.org

Facebook: facebook.com/CommunityNewsService X: x.com/_CommunityNews_

40,000 copies of the Hamilton Post are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Hamilton 12 times a year.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 113 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

A proud member of:

No one plans for heart disease.

From state-of-the-art technology to the most specialized team in New Jersey, our network offers the most complete heart and vascular care. Whether you have hypertension, heart disease or a child with a heart issue, our team of nurses, cardiologists and heart surgeons deliver comprehensive, compassionate care. Our highly coordinated approach to patient care ensures that you can focus on improved health and wellness – and get your heart off your mind. Make a plan at Choose the network that handles all aspects of heart health.

rwjbh.org/heart

Langtree’s ‘Garden of Joy’ honors beloved staff members

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service to Langtree Elementary as PTA leaders, Lisa Schulz, Angela Mendola, and Danielle Nutt have unveiled their most meaningful project yet: a living tribute to two beloved members of the school community, teacher Julie Smith and longtime secretary Laurie Morgante.

Smith passed away unexpectedly in 2016, and Laurie Morgante in 2022. Both women had worked closely with the PTA, helping to shape the school’s culture through countless events and initiatives.

Their passing left a lasting impact on Schulz, Mendola, and Nutt, who began looking for a way to honor their memory.

With Lisa Schulz’s youngest daughter graduating from Langtree, Danielle Nutt recognized it was “now or never” to create a lasting tribute. The initial idea of a playground mural evolved into something even more meaningful after a conversation with Langtree Principal Joyce Gallo, who suggested revitalizing the underused front garden.

Embracing this idea, the three women formed The Friends of Langtree and named the project The Garden of Joy.

Through grassroots fundraising efforts on Facebook and direct outreach, the group raised the necessary funds—led by a generous donation from Cindy Peroni, a retired and beloved first grade teacher at Langtree. Over the winter, they designed the space, carefully selecting elements that reflect both the spirit of the school and the women being honored.

“Everything in the garden is purposeful and has meaning,” said Nutt. “We’ve reimagined what this garden can be for future students and families. We want everyone who’s walked the halls of Langtree to feel they can leave their mark— that they were here, they mattered, and they won’t be forgotten.”

“I believe there is a better option that would be more beneficial to the school community,” Gallo said. “We have the garden out in front of the school that needs love…Both ladies were avid readers, and Laurie loved plants. This way we can improve the garden and enhance the Little Free Library.”

Highlights of the Garden of Joy include

a heart-shaped border in tribute to Julie Smith’s book, “Hearts for the Homeless,” and her signature phrase, “lots of love,” as well as bricks from Langtree families embedded in the garden’s border to symbolize unity and remembrance.

There is also a stepping stone infin-

ity path, colorful plantings, statues, birdhouses and a community mailbox beneath the Little Free Library offering scavenger hunts and trivia games.

Installation began in April. A dedication ceremony was held on May 10 at Langtree.

Langtree Elementary School’s new Garden of Joy, in honor of staff members Julie Smith and Laurie Morgante, was dedicated on May 10.

Jokers are lifelong friends who do sophisticated improvisational comedy on camera with unsuspecting bystanders. Many of the bits have one or a pair of Jokers follow distinct instructions of the other Jokers who are off camera, relaying hilarious orders through a hidden earpiece.

Melyssa and James met in New York, where Impractical Jokers often filmed. They settled in Princeton 6 years ago, and were married in 2020. Melyssa was about to start a new job in her field of nursing when the pandemic struck, and the opportunity disappeared.

“I had to pivot, as we had no idea what was going to happen,” she says. She ended up starting a company called 95 Candles. The candles are soy based, which she says have no toxins and burn very cleanly. They are sold at stores in New Jersey, street fairs and festivals around the state. (Web: 95candles.com.)

And now thanks to the success of that business, the Murrays have become a major part of the Pacific Southern Railway

Club, which was founded in the 1950’s by Bob Latham, then the home’s owner, who began with an O-scale layout. He later converted his basement setup to an HO-scale railroad.

The next owner of the home was Geoff Green, also one of the founding members. Green made a huge expansion by removing one of the basement exterior walls and adding a space of 30 by 45 feet. This doubled the space for the train layout.

“The club has their own workshop also in the basement. They cut and carve wood. They create their own track, with metal rail and handmade ties,” says James. “The rails are held down with thousands of tiny spikes! It really is incredible.”

Model railroading is a hobby with clubs like the PacificSouthern Railway throughout the state. In Hamilton there is the Jersey Valley Model Railroad, which is not as old as the Pacific Southern Railway, but still has a base of loyal members. It was founded in 1978, and its HO-scale train display

has been based in Kuser Mansion on Newkirk Road ever since. The trains are on display every Christmastime as part of the holiday festivities hosted by Hamilton Township at Kuser Mansion.

For a decade, Bordentown City hosted an annual holiday model train display of its own, in Old City Hall. Locals including Joe Malone and Zig Targonski put their heart into it each year. The coronavirus pandemic put a

hold on that tradition, though it has returned in recent years.

Krissy Chiarello of Trains and Things, a model railroading store in Ewing, says that there are roughly 25 model train clubs in the state.

“Since the pandemic, model railroading is a year-round thing now,” Chiarello says. “This is our 47th year, and we are growing. This week I am shipping to Hawaii and Nebraska. We have customers as far away as

Australia.”

As for the Pacific Southern Railway, there are still original members in the club. They meet every Wednesday evening, but also stop in at other times, always work to be done in model railroading.

The club is a nonprofit that also raises funds for good causes. Using entrance fees raised during open houses, the club donates to the Rocky Hill Fire Department and First Aid Squad. To date, the club has donated more than $250,000 to local fire and EMT workers.

The Murrays’ enthusiasm has been exciting for club members to see. They say they have breathed life into the club with a different outlook and modern marketing ideas. The website has recently been redone, and now features videos, history and offers merchandise with the club’s logos.

“Every time I am here, I see something new,” James says. “The other day I noticed there is a tiny figure ziplining! There are figures doing every activity imaginable.”

Melyssa and James Murray with the Pacific Southern Railway.

HUMAN GRADE RECIPES

There are indeed untold hours of handwork and artistic know-how in this railroad. The models are steeped in American history, but operated in a very modern way. The layout covers 5,000 square feet, and there is more than 12,000 feet of operating track. Up to 15 trains can run simultaneously, controlled by computer technology and code written by a club member specifically for the railroad.

“The club members are all very learned. They are scientists, engineering and technology people,” says James. “They have been building and refining this railroad for 60 years.”

There are 30 to 40 members who are active and involved. “People need community. We all need to be engaged and active,” Melyssa says. “Doing hands-on work with others to a mutual goal or purpose keeps us focused. The club members connect here. They really enjoy their time here.”

In addition to needing space for 95 Candles, the Murrays needed space for the work they do for charity. James’ father died from complications related to Alzheimer’s last year, and the couple host an annual gala and other events to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. To date they have raised more than $250,000 for the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research, based in New York City.

This year, 95 Candles 4th annual Alzheimer’s Charity event will be held on Oct. 25. The website is 95charityevent. eventbrite.com.

The Murrays hope that the club will also benefit from Impractical Jokers fans worldwide. There is a virtual membership now available on the website, with plans to offer bi-weekly videos from Murr showing updates to the railroad, interviews with club members and highlights of the layout. The virtual membership also includes two tickets to the Holiday Open House, where the public will be invited to enjoy the railroad in person. Active and Junior memberships are also offered.

This year’s open house is scheduled for

Nov. 21 and 22. With new star power, the Pacific Southern Railway appears to be in great shape. And it’s not alone.

Jersey Valley Model Railroad club president Sean Simon says thousands come by to see the holiday train display each year. The club meets on Wednesdays and has a wide age span. The club was founded in 1969, and most of the members are local.

Simon himself joined the club at age 16. The club is unique, as several members are real life railroaders. Simon is employed as a locomotive engineer with Norfolk Southern Railroad, and has been very active in the leadership of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union.

In Bordentown, Zig Targonski and former city mayor Joe Malone started up the annual display using their own personally model train collections. Targonski died in 2021.

When the show was offline, people often asked his wife, Nancy Targonski, if the exhibition would ever return. And over the last few years it has been slowly but surely returning, a trend Targonski expects it to continue this holiday season. Whether in Hamilton, Bordentown, Ewing or Rocky Hill, traditions of the past and missions for the future appear to be going full steam ahead. Though not as historic as driving the golden spike that connected the first East-West transcontinental railroad, the chance meeting of the Murrays and the Pacific Southern Railroad Club may feel just as important to club members.

Murr says: “There is very little mystery left in this world. We are so connected to news, technology and the fear of missing out. Down here in the train room, you can disengage, get on board and follow the twists and turns of this railroad. We are thankful to be able to help people achieve this.”

On the web: pacificsouthern.org; jerseyvalleyrailroad.godaddysites.com; trainsanthings.com (not a typo).

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Are you experiencing pain in your pelvic area during sex, personal care, or urination/bowel movements? It’s time to advocate for yourself!

Join Kathie Olson, nurse practitioner and program director for Capital Health’s Center for Incontinence and Pelvic Health, to learn strategies for living your life without pelvic pain. Kathie will be joined by Rachel Hannum-Grinstead, a licensed pelvic health therapist, who will discuss the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy. All genders are welcome!

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Being proactive with your health helps you understand and manage common conditions. Join DR. CHARLES POLOTTI, a board certified and fellowship trained urologist, to learn about the latest treatments for erectile dysfunction and prostate enlargement and guidelines for prostate cancer screening.

order. Spak carried a .373 average in

with four doubles, a triple, two homers, 12 stolen bases, 33

and 45 runs

Acevedo was at .333 with three doubles, two triples, 15 stolen bases, 13 RBI and 39 runs. The duo ranked 1-2 on the team in steals.

“I call them our havoc creators,” Zegarski said. “They’re both very fast. They create havoc every time they’re on base. Bunting and running, hitting and running, stealing, going first-to-third, second-tohome. When they get on we score a ton of runs.

“They wreak havoc all the way through. They get on and just run. They don’t need a sign from me, the. They know when they can go, when they can’t go. They just put a lot of pressure on a defense and put them in predicaments they can’t figure out sometimes.”

The two are the same age, but only knew one another from being rivals in high school. They have formed a friendship and Spak loves how they have come together on the diamond.

team in 2023-24. “I’m right behind her in the lineup. She would always let me know where the pitches were and how they were getting thrown to help me adjust.”

The pupil, who also plays second base depending on who’s pitching, learned from her mentor.

“She’s done really well,” Spak said. “I’ve always known about her from playing West. I like having someone else in the outfield that’s speedy. I think we just work well together.”

“I like being next to Anna in the outfield and I feel like we can do a lot of damage at the plate together because we’re both quick,” she said. “Either hitting away or bunting, I feel it works well, and turns over the lineup for us.”

Acevedo said the two “definitely clicked’ during the season. And while the former Hornet practiced with the team last year, she sat out the games (focusing on academics) and learned the nuances from Spak.

“She would give me tips in the outfield, tell me about angling to the ball,” said Acevedo, whose sister Cierra starred for the

Spak’s presence did more than just aid Acevedo. In her three years as a regular, her Steinert teams went 60-15 with two state finals appearances, one state title and one Mercer County Tournament crown. Her winning attitude was infectious.

“One hundred percent,” Zegarski said. “She doesn’t know what losing is. She doesn’t accept defeat. She’s a grinder, she fights and that’s one of the many positive things she brought to the program. Knowing how to win, knowing how to close out games.”

Spak felt her experience at Steinert got her ready for the pressure of college tournament play.

“Being able to play at that level, those moments, those close championship games prepared me for this, where other girls who don’t have that experience don’t know what to expect,” she said. “I try to tell them a little bit but it’s hard. If you’re just nervous you gotta just try and battle through it.”

Acevedo didn’t have pressure games in high school, but that hasn’t seemed to bother her at Mercer.

“She’s very laid back and relaxed,” Zegarski said. “She goes with the flow, See SERIES, Page 12

Acevedo

Spak

she follows the sophomores. She understands what it means to be in the program after her sister played here.”

And she understood the heartbreak endured by her sister and others who played for MCCC between now and their last World Series berth in 2018.

“It was really exciting for me to see how excited the coaches were,” Acevedo said. “I know they put their hard work and time into practices and games everyday. We did it for ourselves, for the coaches and for the other girls from past years that didn’t get the chance to make it to the World Series.”

The team is more than just the two Hamiltonians, of course. Zegarski continues to prove himself a winner, guiding the Vikings to their fourth World Series appearance under him, and their first berth since 2018. He has over 600 career wins and, with a 42-4 record, the Vikes needed one win in Alabama to set the school record.

With...just...10...players.

“It’s crazy to think about,” Spak said. “We just had to be strong together. I love all the girls and we were able to press through. We all played for each other.”

Zegarski would not let the girls think in terms of small numbers but of big talent.

“Every practice and every game he let

High grad Ryan Zegarski is the coach for MCCC Vikings softball. (Photo courtesy of MCCC Athletics.)

us know this was our smallest group of girls but we’re also the strongest and most athletic and skilled,” Acevedo said. “If all of us just put our skills together we can make it to wherever we want to make it. And we like to pray before games to give the game to something bigger than us.”

Zegarski felt that the small roster had its positives and negatives. He wanted his

players to be aggressive, and they knew if they made a mistake out of aggressiveness they wouldn’t be benched, since there was no one to replace them. That led to the offense putting a ton of pressure on opposing defenses.

The downside was, if a player made excuses to, say, show up just before practice, there wasn’t much Zegarski could do since, again, he couldn’t bench them.

But the good far outweighed the bad.

“It’s been positive for us,” Zegarski said. “Once they’re on the field, they’re trying to get their stuff done. It’s been crazy what they’ve accomplished. At the beginning of the year, the goal is to get [to the World Series], but in my head I’m saying, we’re low on numbers, we have to avoid the injury bug.

It helped, he said, that several players developed as players over the course for the season. “Our defense has been phenomenal all year, and we have a lot of girls playing different positions. There were a lot of moving parts this year and that’s why you have a fall season. It’s been one crazy year. A fun year.”

In assessing the overall situation, Spak felt the team’s transformation from enemies to teammates has formed a nice cohesion.

“We all work well together and it’s nice to play with people who you might have

been rivals with in the past,” she said. “Our hitting has great little spurts when we’re on it, and it kind of falls like a domino effect. Our defense has been really good, not too many errors, we turn double plays all the time in the infield and our outfield is pretty strong.”

Acevedo admitted that she doubted Mercer could be so good at the season’s outset. But her mindset changed as the year went on.

“Everybody picks everybody up,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if somebody strikes out, somebody drops a ball. It’s just like ‘Hey let’s go, shake it up, let’s get the next play and not worry about it.’ We have a lot of heart.”

The family has the right patriarch in Zegarski.

“He’s been great,” Spak said. “He hasn’t been hesitant or down with us. He always pushes us to be our best.”

Great things in softball are commonplace for Spak. Aside from her success at Steinert, the future Rutgers student won a travel tournament in Florida and played for a second-place travel team at a Texas event. That gave her a positive outlook heading to the World Series.

“Wherever I’ve gone I’ve been happy with how it turned out,” she said. “Wherever I go, it seems to be good luck. So we’ll hope.”

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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.

Sunday, JunE 1

dairying, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Farmer Katelyn demonstrates milking the farm cow. Learn about cow breeds and milk and cream production. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. The Magical Library of Miss Miriam Buttersham at Kelsey Theatre. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Presented by Tomato Patch Jr. and Bear Tavern Project. Classic stories includingAlice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program geared toward families. All ages. abbottmarshland.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

TuESday, JunE 3

2025 Princeton Mercer Chamber Job Fair, Rider University. 1 p.m. Free to all. princetonmercerchamber.org. 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence.

WEdnESday, JunE 4

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Explore the trails of Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. Williamsport Crosscutters at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. trentonthunder.com. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

ThuRSday, JunE 5

Pickleball with young Professionals, Pickleball Kingdom. 5 p.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce outing. Geared towards professionals ages 21-40. princetonmercerchamber.org. 1100 Negron Drive, Princeton.

FRIday, JunE 6

Gilligan yacht Rock Tribute w dJ John Rossi!, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. Dining, huge dancefloor, no cover. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Frederick Keys at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. trentonthunder. com. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

Icon: The Voices That Changed Music, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. Featuring songs by Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder. With the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. morven.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton. Fiddler on the Roof, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. kelseytheatre.

org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. new Jersey Symphony Season Finale: Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich, Princeton University, Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. 8 p.m. njsymphony.org. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.

The Williamsboy, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 9 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

SaTuRday, JunE 7

West Windsor Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. wwcfm.org. Entrance from 877 Alexander Rd, West Windsor.

Strawberry Festival, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Wagon rides, tractors and playhouses, barnyard animals, games and activities. Tickets at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road. Princeton.

Old Time Baseball Game & Wash day, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm. org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. Bordentown City history in Bloom Garden Tour, Bordentown Historical Society. 11 a.m. Self-guided garden tour featuring home and community gardens. 302 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown.

Second annual abbott day Celebration, Tulpehaking Nature Center. Noon. Celebratie the life and times of Charles Conrad Abbott, whose archaeological and naturalist endeavors resulted in the Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark. Silent auction by Marsh Artists, music by Righteous Jolly, cake and ice cream, crafts, photo booth, books and photos. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Frederick Keys at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 6 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

SideArm w DJ David Matrix At Cooper’s Riv-

erview!, Cooper’s Riverview. 7 p.m. Power pop band. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Fiddler on the Roof, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. kelseytheatre. org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Renée Fleming with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Morven Museum & Garden. 8 p.m. 5-time Grammy Award-winning soprano sings her favorite arias and songs . princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

Sunday, JunE 8

YWCA Princeton’s Firecracker 5K, Veterans Park. Registration opens at 7 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m., Kids Dashes at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Pearl Bates Scholarship Fund. Register at ywcaprinceton.org/firecracker5k. 2206 Kuser Road. Hamilton.

Strawberry Festival, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Wagon rides, tractors and playhouses, barnyard animals, games and activities. Tickets at terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road. Princeton.

Frederick Keys at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 1 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program geared toward families. All ages. abbottmarshland.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Fiddler on the Roof, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. kelseytheatre. org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Sunday, June 8

Sondheim in the City, Morven Museum & Garden. 4 p.m. Melissa Errico’s cabaretSee EVEnTS, Page 16

•

GRADS & DADS

With this coupon. Expires 6/30/25.

style tribute to Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim. princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

TuESday, JunE 10

Mercer Street Friends Fifth annual Leadership awards Celebration, Mercer Street Friends Foodbank. 5 p.m. Live music, local food. Purchase tickets at mercerstreetfriends.org. 3 Graphics Drive, Ewing.

WEdnESday, JunE 11

June Business Before Business, Nassau Club. 8 a.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce networking over a morning coffee and breakfast. princetonmercerchamber.org. 6 Mercer St, Princeton.

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

ThuRSday, JunE 12

Tessa Lark, Violin: Stradgrass, Trinity Church. 7 p.m. Grammy nominated violinist/fiddler. princetonsymphony. org. 33 Mercer St., Princeton.

FRIday, JunE 13

Tosca, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. Puccini’s masterpiece with stage direction by Eve Summer, scenic design by Ryan McGettigan, and score performed by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by Edward T. Cone princetonsymphony. org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

Plush Band with dJ John Rossi!, Cooper’s Riverview. 8 p.m. David Bowie tribute. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton.

Fiddler on the Roof, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

SaTuRday, JunE 14

West Windsor Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. wwcfm.org. Entrance from 877 Alexander Rd, West Windsor. Saturday, June 14

Pleasant Valley house Tours, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Make a Donation Become A Member 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Fiddler on the Roof, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

Plaza, Trenton. Dave & Ellen Anderson, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 9 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

Sunday, JunE 15

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program geared toward families. All ages. abbottmarshland.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Fiddler on the Roof, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Presented by Theater To Go. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Sunday, June 15

Irish Session hosted by Billy O’Neal, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 3 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

Tosca, Morven Museum & Garden. 4 p.m. Puccini’s masterpiece with stage direcprincetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

TuESday, JunE 17

State of the County 2025, The Boathouse at Mercer Lake. 8 a.m. princetonmercerchamber.org. 334 South Post Road, West Windsor.

Tosca, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

Open Mic w/ Jerry & John Monk, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 8 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

WEdnESday, JunE 18

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

The Sebastians: Baroque Brilliance, Trinity Church 3 p.m. Early music ensemble featuring works by Corelli, Telemann, Vivaldi, Galuppi, and Handel. princetonsymphony.org. 33 Mercer St., Princeton.

June Business after Business, K’s Event Decorations and Rentals 5 p.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce networking event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 966 Kuser Road, Hamilton.

ThuRSday,

JunE 19

Art All Night returns to Trenton June 28 and 29.

1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

SaTuRday,

JunE 21

West Windsor Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. wwcfm.org. Entrance from 877 Alexander Rd, West Windsor. antique Car Show at Terhune Orchards, Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Antique Automobile Club of America MidJersey Region terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. ¡Viva la Zarzuela!, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton. 3 p.m. Boheme Opera NJ and Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre bring the music and rhythms of Spain in ¡Viva la Zarzuela! Zarzuela is Spain’s unique style of musical theater bohemeopera.org/viva-la-zarzuela. 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton.

Arrival from Sweden: the Music of aBBa, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

The Importance Of Being Earnest presented by Shakespeare ‘70, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.” kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Saturday, June 21

Sunday, JunE 22

With this coupon. Expires 6/30/25.

With this coupon. Expires 6/30/25.

Meet Francis hopkinson, Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center. 2 p.m. Stanley Saperstein performs as Francis Hopkinson, NJ signer of the Declaration of Independence. Hopkinson claimed that he created the Stars and Stripes. For info call (609) 737-0623. 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville.

An Evening of Pas de deux, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. Dancers from the American Repertory Ballet perform pas de deux to music played by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

The Launch Tribute to Boston, Styx and Queen, Cooper’s Riverview. 8 p.m. coopersnj.com. 50 Riverview

West Virginia Black Bears at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton. Masters of Soul, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. Music of Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, James Brown and more princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

FRIday, JunE 20

Viva Vivaldi!, Morven Museum & Garden. 7 p.m. Daniel Rowland, violin and Maja Bogdanović, cello, join an ensemble of PSO musicians play works by Vivaldi, Golijov and Max Richter. princetonsymphony.org. 55 Stockton St, Princeton.

John Savage, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 8 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton. The Importance Of Being Earnest presented by Shakespeare ‘70, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Fri. June 20 & 27, 2025 at 8pm, Sat. June 21 at 8pm, Sat. June 28 at 2pm, Sun. June 22 & 29 at 2pm. Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.” kelseytheatre.org.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program geared toward families. All ages. abbottmarshland.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

The Importance Of Being Earnest presented by Shakespeare ‘70, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.” kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

TuESday, JunE 24

Hamilton Conversations: Home Disasters-Get Ready now!, Hamilton Township Public Library. 7 p.m. Tara Heagle, professor, Hunter College and disaster researcher, on disaster planning. bahaisofhamiltonnj. org. 1 Justice Samuel Alito, Jr. Way , Hamilton.

WEdnESday, JunE

25

Women of Achievement 2025, TPC Jasna Polana. 8 a.m. Honoring Mary Gay Abbott-Young, Melissa Tenzer, Natalie Tung. princetonmercerchamber.org. 4519 Province Line

Road, Princeton.

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

Mahoning Valley Scrappers at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

ThuRSday, JunE 26

Preserve the Beauty of Summer: Flower Pressing Workshop, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 10 a.m. Register at washuingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Mahoning Valley Scrappers at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

FRIday, JunE 27

Farmstead Friday June 2025, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 11 a.m. Life on the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. washingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

The Importance Of Being Earnest presented by Shakespeare ‘70, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.” kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

SaTuRday, JunE 28

West Windsor Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. wwcfm.org. Entrance from 877 Alexander Rd, West Windsor. art in the Marsh: Create your Own Watercolor Wildflowers Cards, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Paint original wildflower botanicals on greeting cards with Margaret Simpson, artist. Supplies pro-

vided. $15. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. The Importance Of Being Earnest presented by Shakespeare ‘70, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.” kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. art all night, Artworks. Midnight 19 Everett Alley, Trenton.

Sunday, JunE 29

Ice Cream Party & Wheat Harvest, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farmer will churn ice cream in the shade of a maple tree. Live music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, kids’ games, sailboat craft, ice cream and lunch fare. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. State College Spikes at Trenton Thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 1 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Free naturalist-guided program geared toward families. All ages. abbottmarshland.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

The Importance Of Being Earnest presented by Shakespeare ‘70, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.” kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Sunday, June 29 Firefly Festival, Terhune Orchards 4 p.m. Music, food and fireflies. Free; fees for some activities. terhuneorchards.com/fireflyfestival. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. EarthShare NJ Blues Event, Cooper’s Riverview. 8 p.m. buy tickets 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. art all night, Artworks. Midnight. 19 Everett Alley, Trenton.

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Goalie Carr stands tall for Notre Dame lacrosse

By RICh FIShER

Riley Carr has a noble ambition. She wants to be the person folks can’t wait to see despite the profession she is in.

“Nobody likes the dentist,” the Notre Dame High senior said. “That’s what made me want to become one. I hated the dentist, so I want to be one that everyone likes.”

She has a nice head start in the likability factor. No need to floss out any detractors.

“Everybody loves her, it really is amazing,” Irish girls lacrosse coach Bryan Fisher said. “She’s got a good charm to her.”

The Hamilton resident has charmed her way into a variety of organizations, starting with being named Miss St. Patrick’s Day by the Hamilton Hibernians for their annual parade. She is president of the Notre Dame student government and a member of numerous school clubs, including Peer Leadership, Morgan’s Message, Joey’s Little Angels, Honor Service Religion and Catholic Athletes for Christ. She has a 92 grade point average out of 100.

“Obviously she’s like, president of everything at Notre Dame and she’s also Miss St. Patrick’s Day,” Fisher said. “But she’s been Miss Goalie for us, dude.”

It’s just the latest footage amidst the Hamilton resident’s highlight reel senior year. A soccer player at heart who came up through the Hibernians and started for ND’s varsity, Carr took over as starting goalie after learning the position as a junior.

After playing in bits of three games and making three saves last year, Carr stood

tall this season with 127 saves through 20 games for the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament finalist. She helped the Irish improve from 12-8 in 2023 to 17-3 heading into this year’s state tournament.

“It’s definitely been amazing,” Carr said. “I play alongside my two best friends (senior Grace Koziol and sophomore Fallon Parker, both defenders). I always wanted to be on the field having fun with all my friends and winning just came along with it. We all worked so well together. Grace and Fallon really helped me out, especially since it’s my first year starting. They’ve worked me in.”

And it’s working out better than the Irish could have hoped.

“A lot of our record is because we have some great kids,” Fisher said. “But her stepping into this role and excelling has really helped us get to another level.”

It’s an area that Carr never thought she would enter four years ago. Following in the footsteps of big sister Ryan, a lifetime soccer player who started lacrosse in ninth grade, Carr gave it a try her freshman year.

Discovering that she was “pretty decent at it” and that most of her friends played, Riley felt it was a good way to stay in shape for soccer. After playing defense for the freshman and JV teams, Carr was asked by Fisher to play goalie in the winter league as a sophomore.

When the team regathered in spring of her junior year, Carr was asked to be the back-up goalie to Margaret Ritson.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know how good I would be,’” she recalled. “I was kind of surprised, why would he pick me out of

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everyone? I figured ‘Hey it’s something new, I’ll try it.’”

Carr’s confidence stemmed from being part of an athletic family. Along with Ryan’s background, her sister Amanda Rossi played basketball for Hamilton West and rugby at the University of Pittsburgh. Her mom, Debbie, played high school and college soccer and coaches Notre Dame and the Hibernians, and her dad, Tom, is a football and basketball official well known for watching sports on TV and having a FanDuel account.

“She’s a good athlete,” Fisher said, adding with a chuckle: “Obviously she gets it from her mom, not her dad.”

Riley was anything but a sure bet on FanDuel entering the season, of course. At the start, she wondered what she got herself into.

“Especially when they’re right in the crease and shooting at you,” Carr said. “At practice, I’d get hit with the ball and hit with the ball, and I’m like, ‘What the heck?’”

Notre Dame played a strong preseason scrimmage schedule that helped the goalie get baptism under fire. The Irish won their first four regular-season games with Carr allowing 12 goals while making 14 saves.

“The scrimmages got my nerves out,”

she said. “We played a lot of Division I commits and I was saving their shots. I thought if I could beat a Division I commit’s shot, I can save any shot. That really changed my mindset. In our first game we won by a lot and I got my nerves out and thought ‘Yeah, I could do this for the season.’

“They could score 19 on you, but you could still be having a really good game. It’s a high-scoring game compared to soccer, which I played all my life. You have to understand that.”

Fisher was happy to see Carr’s understanding of that, knowing that the Irish were pinning their hopes on a raw goalie.

“She’s kept her composure, she plays to who she is and she knows who she is,” the coach said. “In girls’ lacrosse, goals are gonna happen. For her, just understanding goals are gonna be scored and knowing how to respond to the next shot is big. She’s found a way to really focus herself in the net.”

Carr credits Irish goalie coach Bob Henderson for helping her improve.

“It was a little hectic not knowing what I was doing, and coach Bob taught me how to do it rather than just be a body that stands in there and looks good,” she said. “He taught me to do it right, move my feet and watch the ball.”

Fisher felt that Riley’s dedication to getting better and her emergence at the posiCaRR continued from

Riley Carr made 127 saves through 20 games for Notre Dame lacrosse in 2025.

tion

the Irish team a

boost. They know she will fight for them.

“She’s got quick reflexes and she’s not afraid of the ball,” the coach said. “You have people shooting the ball at you, 60, 70 miles an hour and it’s not a Nerf Ball. She’s not afraid to put her body in front of it.”

All that crawling in the dirt couldn’t detract from Carr’s glamour on the float during Hamilton’s St. Paddy’s Day

parade. The queen waved to the crowd, with many of them calling out her name.

“It was a crazy experience,” said Carr, who waits tables at the Hibos on weekends. “I don’t even have words to describe it. It was insane. I was so excited to be more involved in the community...Seeing all the people supporting me is something I’ll never forget.”

She’s got another unforgettable Irish experience looming as Carr won the Hibo’s Billy Briggs Scholarship that sends her to Ireland this summer. She will land in Dublin and head north to the charming town of Donegal to learn about Irish heritage and its Gaelic language.

In looking back on her four-year Notre Dame career as the girl who everyone knew, Carr has great appreciation.

“It’s been crazy but also exciting,” she said. “I had so many events to go to and I enjoyed them all. I just hope I can inspire others and show them how to be involved in this community and how far it can actually get you.”

Carr’s next stop (after Donegal) is to Seton Hall, where she will take biology courses for a year before entering the dental program as a sophomore. She will then attempt to do the impossible: be the dentist that everyone wants to see.

If Carr’s recent history has taught us anything, she may just pull it off.

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Record-setting Andrewsky a leader for Steinert lacrosse

By RICh FIShER

There was a time when Dylan Andrewsky questioned his mom and dad’s sanity.

“I started off in sports playing baseball in kindergarten. I played it for two years and I didn’t think it was for me,” the Steinert senior recalled. “My parents wanted me to try a different sport. They said, ‘Pick up a lacrosse stick.’ I said, ‘Are you crazy?’”

It seemed like they were when he first started.

“I couldn’t even do it,” Andrewsky said. “I never saw myself playing lacrosse. I never really heard of it.”

As time went on, however, Mike and Rebecca Andrewsky were proven quite sane.

With one game left this season (and his career), Andrewsky had a team-high 61 goals, 16 assists and a team-high 76 ground ball pick-ups. He scored a school record 11 goals in one game against Hightstown May 13. His career total stood at 130 goals, 42 assists and 157 ground balls.

Andrewsky had a banner senior year despite Steinert losing its other top scorer from last year in Zach Meseroll, who transferred to Princeton Day School.

“There were games this year where teams just totally tried to lock him out,” coach Bob Ziegler said. “Most of the time he sees the team’s best defender, which makes it tough.”

When it got too tough, Andrewsky would step aside and sacrifice for the

team.

“A few games, I got pressed man, it caused me to have to take myself out of the play,” he said. “I would bring myself to the 50-yard line just so the offense can move the ball without me being in the way by being manned off. Some of those games I had to adapt to how I get manned off.”

For the most part, however, he was a force; scoring a hat trick or more in 10 of Steinert’s first 15 games.

He looks back on his days with the Robbinsville Lacrosse Association — when he “couldn’t even do it” — as shaping him into a polished player.

“It takes time, and the coaches when I was younger were like, ‘We’re gonna prepare you for high school,’ and they did that real well,” Andrewsky said. “I had thoughts of going back to baseball, but after my first couple years I started to like the sport a lot.”

The RLA not only helped Andrewsky score, but it stressed getting ground balls, since teams can’t score without possession.

“Our main focus was ground balls,” he said. “That’s carried throughout all my years in high school, just doing the same thing over and over and over.”

Playing sparingly his freshman year, Andrewsky scored four goals on varsity. He followed with a decent sophomore year, collecting 12 goals and five assists and making the most of his minutes.

“We were really kind of loaded at attack at that point, so he didn’t play much as a freshman,” Ziegler said. “His sophomore

With one game left in the season, Dylan Andrewsky had 61 goals for Steinert lacrosse. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)

year was probably the best team we ever had, and whenever I put him in for whatever reason, whether we were up big, down big, he would score. He would be really good in there.

“Toward the end of the year, I was like ‘I gotta play him. He’s playing too well not to put in there.’ He played a lot down the

stretch. He played a lot in that state game we almost won (vs. Northern Burlington) and he’s just continued to improve.”

Ziegler, who was football teammates with Andrewsky’s uncle Brian at Steinert, feels that Dylan’s time with the Spartans grid team helped out. As a strong safety/ outside linebacker he made 77-½ tackles in his two years as a regular.

“He’s a strong kid, he doesn’t mind mixing it up in there at the attack position and his stick skills have really improved,”

Ziegler said. “He’s a football guy too, so he’s just tough, he’s strong and his attitude has always been great.”

The coach feels that toughness is what helps Andrewsky score.

“He doesn’t mind getting hit,” Ziegler continued. “He bounces off smaller defenders, he kind of bulls through them. He’s decisively quick as well. He’s a left hander, but he’ll use both hands and he’s relentless.”

In looking back on his sophomore year, Andrewsky admitted to some frustration about not playing. He talked to several teammates who felt he should be getting regular minutes.

“That fueled me to have that extra motivation of wanting to be out there more,” Andrewsky said. “I talked to coach Zig

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about it and found myself on the field a lot more toward the end of the season. That conversation fueled me to get out there.”

After seeing what varsity was all about that season, Andrewsky blossomed last year with a team-high 53 goals to go along with 21 assists and 57 ground balls. Suddenly, he felt the pressure to have to produce again as a senior.

“I needed the chance to prove myself last year,” he said. “Coming off that big season, I didn’t know what to expect this year. I was thinking to myself all offseason: ‘Do I still have it? Will I have another successful year?’ I just stuck with it, kept working in the off-season and it definitely played a big role.”

One of Dylan’s main concerns was how he could perform without Meseroll, who had 50 goals and led the team in assists (41) and points (91). Andrewsky no longer had another big scorer to take some attention from him.

But with the continued improved play of Matt Iraca (24 goals, 30 assists) and the

Your

emergence of Tanner Sweeney (18 goals, 30 assists), the veteran attackman found room to operate.

“I thought Zach leaving would affect us way more than it did,” Andrewsky said. “He was always my second head man down on attack. With him gone, I didn’t have high expectations. But with Tanner Sweeney taking his spot, it worked out pretty well.

“I can see a lot of similarities from last year with what we do on offense and how we move the ball. We’ve stayed the same but with a new guy. It let me do what I did on offense.”

He did it well in his recordsetting effort against Hightstown, which broke Ryan Callahan’s 2022 mark of nine goals in a game.

“He set the school record against a pretty good Hightstown team,” Ziegler said. “They’re a playoff team and they didn’t have an answer for him.”

Most of his goals came after intermission as Steinert trailed 10-4 at halftime. The Spartans lost, 17-15, but Andrewsky’s performance made it close.

“In the first half, we didn’t play good as a team,” he said. “I only had one goal in the first quarter. They were playing a good defense, they knew what they were doing out there and I thought it would be hard pumping in those goals.

“Throughout the second half I just had the momentum going, I was getting good looks from Matt Iraca, Taylor Sweeney and Mason Caruso, and I was just

First Home Made Possible.

putting them in. I really didn’t expect (a record) but I got the chances.”

It was only fitting that Iraca was in on the history-making day. The two are close friends and also played football together. Next year they will both attend St. Joe’s University in Philadelphia. Andrewsky is looking to play club lacrosse, but Iraca is unsure whether he will continue playing.

“Me and Matt have been playing together since second grade,” Andrewsky said. “That definitely helps. We have a lot of chemistry.”

Andrewsky shines in the classroom. He has a 4.4 weighted GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He will major in pharmaceutical health care and business, hoping to go into pharmaceutical sales.

Andrewsky is a member of Steinert’s Italian Club, where “we cook with the Italian teacher,” and he belongs to the Teams on Fire Club, which provides community service to children in need.

“A lot of my buddies do it,” Andrewsky said. “It’s just a good time being out there doing things for other people and being surrounded by my friends.”

When it comes to strong academics, he had little choice.

“Yeah,” he said, “My mom gets on me.”

Which meant he had to do it. For as he learned long ago, his mom isn’t crazy.

Steinert senior lacrosse star Dylan Andrewsky looks to evade two defenders from Nottingham. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)

Adventures in outsider architecture

I’m not a modern architecture buff—in any traditional sense. I enjoy Frank Lloyd Wright’s style, but it wears thin after a while, and I find Frank Gehry’s work to be big, loud and mostly meaningless. You can see profiles of billionaires’ estates on YouTube, but there’s a category of more obscure, much more interesting modern architecture waiting to be discovered: outsider architecture.

The term “outsider architecture” is used by architecture scholars to indicate the builders’ lack of traditional architectural training. Projects are often driven by a unique personal vision, and tend toward the use of found and recycled materials.

I first came across an example of it without knowing this kind of thing had a formal name (indeed, a lack of formality is one of outsider architecture’s most appealing features.) In 1989 or therabouts, I listened to the album Cheval—Volanté de Rocher by the Swedish band Isildur’s Bane. It was based on the true story of Ferdinand Cheval, a 43-year-old French postman who one day found an unusually beautiful stone on his route.

Declaring “If nature wants to make sculpture, I will make masonry and architecture,” Cheval spent the next 33 years traveling 30 kilometers a day to collect stones to build his “Palais Idéal.” His fellow villagers thought he was crazy, perhaps the first example of someone “going postal.”

Cheval only attended school until age 12, but his imagination was fueled by the illustrated magazines and postcards he delivered. Completed in 1912, his final product incorporates Biblical, Hindu, and Egyptian references, among others. It bears several inscriptions, including “The work of one man,” and “10,000 days, 93,000 hours, 33 years of hardship.”

He said later about the Palais Idéal: “I wanted to prove what the will can do.”

At age 77, he began a new eight-year project, building his tomb at the parish cemetery, where he was buried after his death in 1924.

His story gives me chills, in a good way. Those looking for lessons can find them easily: the inspiration of someone following his creative vision despite obstacles and criticism; the importance of defining one’s own sense of purpose.

I had never seen pictures of the Palais Idéal until writing this column; back in 1989, the World Wide Web wasn’t a thing yet, and it hadn’t occurred to me to look it up in all the time since. But I was recently reminded of the story of Cheval, and the equally impressive achievement of Father Paul Dobberstein, who built (with one helper) The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, in West Bend, Iowa. Last year, approximately 20 years after my wife and I visited The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption as part of a long cross-country road trip, we had a relaxing visit at the much-closer Wing’s Castle in Millbrook, New York.

Toni Wing, whose late husband Peter was the driving force behind the project, gave us a tour during our stay at the castle, which is now a bed and breakfast. The project began in 1970, when Peter

proposed to Toni and promised to build her a castle.

Amid the teary fluttering of my wife’s eyelids as we heard this touching story, there were a couple of squint-eyed glares at me, communicating a silent rebuke at my failure to build a castle for her—or even a shed, for that matter.

Built with mostly recycled materials, Wing’s Castle is, like the other examples I’ve cited, an incredible monument to a singular, sustained vision. I wish Peter Wing were still alive, so I could thank him for opening his creation to the public, and also for ruining the chances of other men ever being considered romantic by comparison.

If that story is a romantic one, the next one is about as close as it gets to wackadoodle crazy. It begins on the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland, where one William (Bill) H. Cohea, Jr. visited several times. Macbeth and Duncan, kings who inspired Shakespeare’s classic Scottish play, are buried there—but a much stranger legend stems from the site.

According to that legend, Saint Oran and Saint Columba were selfexiled monks who were having trouble

building a chapel on the island. The walls crumbled every night, and Oran offered to be buried alive in the footers of the chapel, to appease the ancient energies of Iona.

Columba agreed, and buried his friend, but dug up Oran three days later. Oran was alive and well—a resurrection story somewhat familiar to Christians—and proceeded to tell Columba, “The way you think it is may not be the way it is at all.” This seems to have upset Columba’s delicate theological sensibilities, and he promptly re-buried Oran, with the consolation prize of dedicating the monastery graveyard to his frenemy’s memory.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given this backstory, Bill Cohea, Jr. had several intense dreams at Iona. Having purchased land in Bangor, Pennsylvania in 1975, he became convinced that entities from Iona, including a Guardian of the North Wind called Thor, came back to Pennsylvania with him and “took residence in the stones.”

My wife and I visited Columcille Megalith Park last year. Built in Pennsylvania by Cohea and another man, Fred Lindkvist, it sits on 17 acres,

with buildings and over 90 stone settings placed in a vaguely Stonehenge-ish Celtic theme. I wouldn’t recommend a long pilgrimage just to see it, but if you find yourself in the area it’s worth a look. Even if, like me, you don’t pay much attention to the “spirituality” of a place, it’s still a fascinating testament to the power of crazy… er, eccentric. And if you do go for sacred stones and the like, then you’ll really love it.

The Palais Idéal. Wing’s Castle. Columcille. Call them the results of mad delusions, call them the works of visionaries, call them effort-intensive, allconsuming hobbies, call them a gigantic waste of time. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what you call them, because these works are, more than most architecture, completely defined by their creators.

Another name given to these kinds of structures by architecture intellectuals

Peace of Mind.

is “naïve art,” but to me, that reads like a not-so-subtle dig at the creators’ lack of formal training. I prefer to think of these creations, conceived without regard to commercial concerns and immune to critics’ critiques, as examples of “pure art.”

As I plan to point out to my wife, that’s at least a little bit romantic, right?

Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at www.communitynews.org. He will be reading from his poetry/photo book The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems) on Sunday, June 8th at Princeton Makes, 301 N. Harrison St, Princeton NJ, 08540 at 4PM. The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems) is available through Amazon.com for $20 (print) or $10 (ebook).

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ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEWS TO KNOW

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP

Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Hamilton.

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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.

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!

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.

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Source: Unkown

Rachel Holland, Executive Director

Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co.

@thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong

Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township

#HamiltonNJStrong

Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

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

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank

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.

Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp.

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

8 questions with photographer Greg Zanoni

Thomas Kelly FIGHT IN THE MUSEUM

Greg Zanoni is a photographer who learned on his own. He put in the time, effort and capital. The results are stunning. He photographs in the macro, which are very special close ups, wildlife in action and faraway landscape shots.

Utilizing both color and black and white, the results show that all his patient learning is really coming to fruition. What is the origin of your photography work?

My passion for photography traces back to my father, an engineer and coinventor of the LCD display at RCA Institute in Princeton. In his spare time, he would take photos all around the Trenton area where we grew up. My father instilled in me a love for photography, teaching me the basics of photography and the techniques of developing prints in our home darkroom.

A pivotal moment came when my father introduced me to the work of my cousin, Carl Zanoni. Carl’s stunning floral, wildlife, and landscape images left a lasting impression, inspiring me to explore the world of fine art photography. What are you communicating with your art?

In my macro photography I strive to show the details of a flower that are not typically seen by the naked eye. They really come alive when you photograph the flowers under high magnification and ultraviolet light. The magic lies in the use of UV light sources, making the invisible visible. Flowers photographed under controlled UV lighting exhibit ultraviolet fluorescence. This unique technique causes certain petals and pollen to glow in the visible spectrum, revealing a hid-

how I could see more drama in the images especially, as the sun was setting. This changed my mindset, and I proceeded to work on a series of black and white images. I am also playing around with some architectural images and they seem to lend themselves to black and white. What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?

den world of beauty. My collection of “Floral Fluorescence” reveals the intricate details that escape the naked eye.

Have you had formal training?

I have had no formal photography training. With the internet and YouTube you can learn almost every aspect of photography. My cousin is a huge resource for me. I strive to create photos that emulate his work.

In my first attempt at wildlife photography, I captured some wonderful images, or so I thought. My family loved them. When I sent them to him for critique, he told me that it was a “good start.” I was taken back, but he followed up explaining what was wrong with all of my photos.

After digesting his comments, I realized that my photos were not very good. He not only critiqued the images, but he also told me what I should do to create better images.

Is travel required for your work?

Travel is required in some of my photography. Not my flower images. I try to grow the flowers that I photograph in my garden. It is imperative to pick the flower

just as it blooms. If you wait a couple days, rain or insects can damage the flower. You are also able to pick the flower in different states of bloom.

I also love to photograph wildlife, especially bald eagles. Some of the parks in Mercer County have nesting eagles. I will travel to the Jersey shore, Maryland and Delaware to find higher concentrations of eagles. Recently I have a new interest in photographing grand landscapes. I recently took a trip to the French and Swiss Alps with a group of photographers. It was an amazing experience. Are you always framing subjects in color and black and white before shooting?

I typically shoot in color and expect to edit the image in color. When I was in the Swiss Alps, I photographed the mountains from a helicopter. Flying over the mountain peaks gave a unique perspective. When I returned and tried processing the images in color, I was not satisfied the way they were turning out. I tried converting one image into a black and white. I was extremely happy to see the difference and

I am partially retired, so I have the time. I have most of the equipment that I need, so the biggest struggle I have is with landscape photography. You do need to travel, which is expensive, and when you arrive at your destination you are constrained by the weather. With fine art photography, you typically look for moody atmospheric conditions in the scene. A photographer’s worst nightmare is bright blue skies. Many professional photographers visit a location multiple times, waiting for the right light.

What one attribute should all photographers have?

You need to have a passion for what you are photographing. Just follow your passion and it will show in your work. Don’t get discouraged if someone doesn’t feel the same way about an image you love. It’s your expression and if you enjoy it and are proud to hang it on your wall, then you have succeeded.

What is on the horizon?

I am looking forward to visiting different UNESCO Heritage sites around the U.S. and in Europe. There are so many beautiful places to visit and photograph around the word. I would love to visit the Dolomites, in Italy, and Iceland. It would be wonderful if someday I could exhibit and sell my images for others to enjoy.

Web: gregzanoni.myportfolio.com. Instagram: @gregzanoniphotography.

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

(Photograph by Greg Zanoni.)

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What is a cardiac catheterization lab?

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The cardiac catheterization laboratory, or Cath Lab, is a unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, where cardiologists perform minimally invasive heart and vascular procedures to diagnose and treat cardiac and peripheral vascular diseases.

A variety of heart and vascular conditions are diagnosed and treated in our cath lab, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) and peripheral vascular disease (blockages of arteries in the legs, arms, kidneys or neck).

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cardiologists, radiologic technicians, and specialized nurses, along with advanced technology for the diagnosis of a wide range of cardiac disorders,” says Justin Fox, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, Chair of the Department of Cardiology at RWJUH Hamilton, and member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates.

“In my time here in Hamilton, I’m proud of the ways my colleagues and I have advanced the care of our patients in the cath lab,” Dr, Fox says.

“We specialize in performing procedures through the wrist (radial artery) at rates higher than other competing hospitals.

What Types of Procedures Are Performed

in a Cath Lab?

Cath lab procedures can include but are not limited to:

• Coronary Angiography to visualize the coronary arteries and assess for blockage.

Dr. Justin Fox

“We introduced the interventional treatment of pulmonary embolism and carotid artery stenosis. And we have consistently met and exceeded our benchmarks for quality and safety.”

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• Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries in the heart.

• Carotid stenting to clear blockages in the carotid artery using a stent to keep it open.

• Peripheral vascular intervention procedures to open blocked arteries in areas other than the heart, such as the abdomen, neck, arms or legs.

Heart and Vascular Care Close to Home.

In 2022, RWJUH Hamilton received approval from the New Jersey Department of Health to perform elective, or non-emergent, angioplasty procedures, enabling residents of Mercer County and central New Jersey to receive premier quality elective cardiac procedures in a comfortable setting close to home.

RWJUH Hamilton is ushering in a new era of heart and vascular services with a new cath lab.

“Our new 5,500-square-foot, stateof-the-art cath lab will transform how we provide cardiac and vascular care

and will provide our community with even faster, safer, and more convenient care,” says Lisa Breza, Chief Administrative Officer at RWJUH Hamilton. “A new cath lab means we can help more patients in need of care.”

RWJUH Hamilton’s heart and vascular services’ multidisciplinary, integrated, and patient-centric approach to care delivery provides patients with a network of comprehensive cardiovascular and thoracic care options. produces results that exceed national quality benchmarks, features the latest technology and innovative trials, and ensures the best team of clinicians will be by your side.

“Having this new space and expansion where we can do our most advanced procedures to take care of patients having heart attacks, patients with blocked arteries and blood clots, and patients with all sorts of cardio vascular conditions furthers our mission and equates to world-class care right here within the Mercer County area,” says Dr. Fox.

Choosing RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, brings nationally-renowned care close to home through New Jersey’s most complete network of easily accessible hospitals, centers and providers. No matter what a person’s heart may need, it’s the right place at RWJBarnabas Health, a network that handles all aspects of cardiac health. For more information go online to rwjbh.org/heart.

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Kasasa Cash Back® Checking APY1

1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, and other requirements apply. A $5 deposit is required to open the account. At least 1 Direct Deposit, ACH credit, ACH payment or bill pay transaction(s) is required each monthly qualification cycle. Enrollment and agreement to receive e-statements and at least 12 PIN-based / signature-based debit card purchases are conditions of this account each qualification cycle. When your monthly Kasasa Cash account qualifications are met, daily balances up to and including $25,000 in your Kasasa Cash account earn a dividend rate of 5.98% resulting in an APY of 6.00%; and daily balances over $25,000 earn a dividend rate of 0.75% on the portion of the daily balance over $25,000, resulting in a range from 6.00% to 1.80% APY depending on the account’s daily balance. When your Kasasa Cash qualifications are not met, the dividend rate earned on the account’s entire daily balance will be 0.01% resulting in an annual percentage yield of 0.01% and ATM withdrawal fees are not refunded. You will receive reimbursements up to an aggregate total of $25 for nationwide foreign ATM withdrawal fees incurred within your Kasasa Cash account during each monthly qualification cycle when qualifications are met. A foreign ATM fee reimbursement cap of up to $4.99 per transaction applies when qualifications are met. Limit of one account per member. Terms subject to change at any time. APY effective date 9/01/2023.

2 Membership restrictions may apply. Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, logons and other requirements apply. A $5 deposit is required to open the account. At least 1 Direct Deposit, ACH credit, ACH payment or bill pay transaction(s) is required each monthly qualification cycle. Enrollment and agreement to receive e-statements and at least 12 PIN-based / signature-based debit card purchases are conditions of this account each monthly qualification cycle. When Kasasa Cash Back qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, you will receive 4% cash back on up to a total of $250.00 PIN-based/signature-based debit card purchases that post and settle to the account during that cycle period. A maximum of $10.00 cash back payments may be earned per Monthly Qualification Cycle. You will receive reimbursements up to an aggregate total of $25 for nationwide foreign ATM withdrawal fees incurred within your Kasasa Cash Back account during each monthly qualification cycle when qualifications are met. A foreign ATM fee reimbursement cap of up to $4.99 per transaction applies when qualifications are met. Limit of one account per member. There are no recurring monthly maintenance charges or fees to open or close this account. Cash back rewards and account qualifications are subject to change at any time. Contact one of our credit union service representatives for additional information and account details.

Kasasa, Kasasa Cash and Kasasa Cash Back are trademarks of Kasasa, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.

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