8-25 LG by Community News Service

Lawrence LL wins 50-70 title

By RiCh Fisher

how far would you go if they were sick?

While Nottingham and Sunnybrae dominated the District 12 tournament trophies this summer, Lawrence did manage to prevent a clean sweep by winning the district’s 50-70 tournament.

And while that was nice, manager Matt Heady said it was basically a byproduct of what the Lawrence Little League is actually trying to do.

“Collectively amongst the presidents (Paul Vichroski of the LTJBSA, the baseball and softball Board and Paul Alfieri of Little League) and president of travel (Ken Dobkin), the objective became to develop these kids and get them prepared for high school as opposed to having a short-term objective of winning a little league tournament,” Heady said.

Welcome to Capital Health.

He added: “If the outcome of you developing the kids playing at a higher

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

level is winning a 50-70 tournament, that’s icing on the cake. The real goal is to have them be competitive when they reach the high school level.”

For the second straight year, the same group of 11- and 12-year-olds played up against 13-year-olds during April. Last year they dropped back to the 46-60 fields for the District 12 tournament but had trouble re-adjusting.

“It’s a different game of baseball,”

See LITTLE LEAGUE, Page 11

By Sara Hastings

The bonds of sisterhood and the bonds of simply being humans sharing this earth underpin two concurrent exhibitions by local artists at Artworks Trenton.

“The World We Share” is a collaboration by two sister artists, Marzena Haupa and Magda Dodd that is on view through Saturday, August 16.

The inspiration for their art comes from many shared experiences; a love of nature, people, and art. They venture out into nature by bike or on foot, visiting galleries, enjoying the arts, and meeting diverse communities of artists and art lovers.

Their paintings capture and embody the beauty of the nature they experience as well as the people they meet, admire, and love.

The exhibit features both portraits and paintings of nature. The collection of portraits is an attempt to capture these people in a moment, with their colorful personalities, physical characteristics, and the depth of their emotions.

The collection of paintings dedicated to nature captures lakes, rivers, streams, mountains, flowers, and lots of forest, which Haupa is mesmerized by. The paintings show the beauty of nature from a slightly different vantage point, with an element of surprise.

“The world is full of diverse communities with beautiful, extraordinary people looking for love, lust, acceptance, and fulfilment,” Haupa says.

“The whole collection is all about positive feelings,” Dodd adds. “It is happy art created with bright happy colors and positive emotions. It is meant to ignite these positive emotions in the audience.”

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

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

The Lawrence Little League 50-70 baseball team shows off their District 12 championship banner.

RWJUH Hamilton August Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS

Mondays, Aug. 4 & 18; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

8/4: Signs that Your Loved One Might Need Assistance

8/18: Home Care vs. Placement

Providing care and support for your parents later in their lives can be difﬁcult and taxing. A caregiver specialist will moderate and facilitate this supportive group experience.

MOMMY

& ME CRAFTING GROUP

Tuesday, Aug. 5; 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Enjoy time bonding with your little one through simple crafts designed to help mothers enjoy the simple moments life brings. This class is for children ages 2-5 with a focus on creative expression and building ﬁne-motor skills.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Aug. 5; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Presented by our oncology nurse navigator and certiﬁed oncology social worker at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.2836 to conﬁrm attendance.

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Aug. 11; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join our monthly series to learn how

to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes.

PARENT ZEN

Monday, Aug. 11; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This program aims to provide muchneeded support and community connection for parents. Drawing from personal experiences, Parent Zen offers guidance, relaxation, and connection to help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood.

REIKI REFRESHER

Wednesday, Aug. 13; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Have you been Reiki Certiﬁed, and it’s been a while since you’ve practiced?

Do you wonder if you still “have it”? Yes, you do! Join us for an evening of rediscovery. Fee: $20

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Aug. 19; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Aug. 19; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This program is facilitated by Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Certiﬁed Oncology Social Worker, at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. This support 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 change during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. This support group meets at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ. For more information or to register, call 609584-6680.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, Aug. 20; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE HOME

Wednesday, Aug. 20; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Experiencing emotions, whether positive or negative, is not a problem. It is what we do with those emotions that counts. This seminar will help parents explore how to increase their emotional intelligence at home for better understanding, communication, and relationships.

WII GAMES

Friday, Aug. 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join RWJ Rehabilitation at RWJUH Hamilton for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living. Play smart, move like a pro, and stay in the game longer!

HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION

Monday, Aug. 25; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join us for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, August 6, 13, 20, & 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

TAI CHI

Thursday, August 7 & 14; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs, and increases ﬂexibility and stability in the ankles. It can also help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.

GAME TIME!

Friday, August 8 & 22; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game!

Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own.

A great way to meet new friends!

A BETTER HEALTH PROGRAM: GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE CRAFTING WITH CLAY, RWJUH HAMILTON

Wednesday, August 13; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 14; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Clay is one of the oldest known materials for creative expression. As we push and pull the clay into shape, we enter into a dialogue with ourselves and each other and form a visual language of our collective ideas. The focus is on hand-building techniques using air-dry clay. Adaptable to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Please only register for one date.

making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and preparation. Explore heart-healthy recipes.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

Tuesday, Aug. 26; 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Aug. 26; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A place for survivors and caregivers to build a community through shared personal experiences, feelings, and recovery strategies on managing life after a stroke. Join the RWJ Rehab team, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, & Allyson PanikowskiBerry, Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

CREATE YOUR OWN VISION

BOARD

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

Create a physical manifestation of what you would like to be, do or have, and bring your dreams to life! Please bring scissors; all other materials are provided.

NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Friday, August 15; 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, August 19 & 26; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join us for this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques. Pose modiﬁcations will be offered so that you can conﬁdently participate. Beginners welcome. Registration is required.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, August 19 & 26; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Join us for a meditation class that will focus on reducing stress and achieving inner peace. Learn how easy it is to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.

MENTAL HEALTH SERIES: BEYOND TRAUMA

Wednesday, Aug. 27; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

This psychoeducation group focuses on understanding how you can be inﬂuenced by your past trauma. This session will create a safe environment that will empower you to begin your journey towards healing.

REIKI SHARE

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

For folks who have been Reiki certiﬁed to come share the gift with fellow practitioners. Give a session, get a session.

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP: LET’S TALK MOVIES

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

Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and ﬁnd purpose, meaning and community.

WANT THESE PROGRAMS EMAILED TO YOU

SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

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

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, August 19 & 26; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who may not have moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury, or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch.

SCAN THIS QR CODE

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

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Lawrence Gazette 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.

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Haupa, based in Princeton and formerly a Lawrence Townshipo resident, is a member of West Windsor Arts, Artworks Trenton, and New Hope Arts, where her artwork is often exhibited.

She participates in many local exhibitions and juried art shows and is a resident artist at Arete Gallery in New Hope, where her art is exhibited and available for purchase. As a contemporary artist, she works with several different mediums to create her art; this includes acrylic, sprays, and oil pastels.

“Painting is my passion,” Haupa says. “I discovered it during the time of the pandemic. Through painting I found inner peace and equilibrium. I love nature and people so this is what I paint. Through the means of contemporary art, I can capture the beauty I find around me and share it with others. I consider myself to be a modern expressionist.”

She adds: “The style I use, a combination of abstract art and figurative painting, allows me to capture the emotions, character, mood, and beauty in nature and people. Vibrant colors, shapes, lines, and patterns give me the emotional freedom of interpretation to create a specific atmosphere for each painting.”

View Haupa’s art on Instagram: @marzenah_arts or @marzenahaupa, or on Facebook @M.Haupa Art.

Dodd, who lives in Lawrence, draws inspiration from her surroundings, color combinations, and subjects to create art that makes you look at the world differently.

“Painting is a mystery to me. Not only do I not understand it, but I’m also not convinced I am supposed to,” she says. “When I paint, I release my feelings without words. I become focused in total chaos and emotions fly. I tend to see things which I could never see before, even though they were always present just there.”

Dodd is a member of West Windsor Arts and is also represented By Arete Gallery, where her art is exhibited. Visit her on Facebook @magda.dodd.

“The body of work created by Magda and Marzena is so bright and colorful, perfect for mid-summer,” said Addison Vincent, artistic director of Artworks Trenton. “We encourage everyone to come and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gallery on a hot summer day.”

“We Are All Connected Art Project” by Miami-based abstract artist and poet Beatricia Sagar is an exhibition without borders or boundaries.

The living, conceptual work of art is made up of puzzle pieces, distributed to artists from more than 60 countries who decorated and then returned the piece, which was added to a 20-piece puzzle with

a unique patterning, randomly interconnected into one large work of art.

It is an artistic vision with deep meaning at a time when there is so much division in the world.

“We’re delighted to showcase this body of work from such an innovative artist,” Vincent said. “We are proud to host this beautiful conception.”

“The World We Share” and “We Are All Connected Art Project,” Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. On view through August 16. artworkstrenton.org.

St. George Preschool

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Excellence in Early Education

Angela Gering Director

Call for more information: (609)586-ABCD (2223)

A painting by Magda Dodd

Si Hablamos Español

Lawrence High School Class of 2025 Top 10 seniors

Rohan Rao (Valedictorian) Purba Karmaker (Salutatorian)

Cassidy Freeman

Grace Chang Ruhi Parekh

Travis Schubert Edison Ryan

Rishi Anarkat

Jiya Revenkar

LHS Field Hockey Wins

Mercer County Tournament!

Golden Heart Week at SWS

Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!

Rangoli

Honoring Milestones: LTPS Celebrates Every Step of the Journey

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!

At Lawrence Township Public Schools, we believe that every step in a student’s educational journey deserves recognition. Each transition, from early childhood through high school, marks an important milestone—and we take great pride in celebrating those moments with joy, meaning, and community. is spring, that spirit of celebration was on full display. Our PreK students marked their rst major milestone with charming graduation ceremonies that lled rooms with songs, smiles, and proud families. As students prepared to leave elementary school, third-grade “clap outs” gave them a memorable sendo , with students and sta lining the halls to cheer them on to the next chapter. Sixth graders celebrated the end of their intermediate school years with a festive parade and a picnic in the park, where they enjoyed games, treats, and time to make lasting memories with friends and teachers.

The Lawrence High School (LHS) Cardinals defeated Princeton Day School (PDS) 5-4 in sudden death overtime to become the 2021 Mercer County Field Hockey Championsthe first county championship for the Cardinals since 1983!

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Students learn the art of Rangoli

Eighth graders closed out their middle school experience with a special farewell celebration at Rider University— an event lled with laughter, re ection, and anticipation for high school. And of course, the culmination of the year came with the high school graduation ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, where the Class of 2025 was honored for their achievements, perseverance, and growth.

Senior freshman the tie-breaking goal.

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico

Mrs. Shanbhag, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader Reema Cyrus, visited Mrs. Leventhal’s and Mrs. Smoots’ class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

At LTPS, we understand that student success is not just about reaching the end—it’s about celebrating the journey along the way. ese events re ect our deep commitment to honoring the hard work and growth of our students at every transition point. Each phase is a reason to celebrate, and we are proud to walk alongside our students as they move forward, step by step, with pride and purpose.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!

Also this season, Talia Schenck made history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!

A Night with the NJ Devils

LIS Students to Explore the Future Through Virtual Reality Thanks to LTEF Grant

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

Discounted group tickets are $40 eachthe PTO receives 15% of each ticket sale. We will all be seated together in the same section and they will broadcast our school’s name on the scoreboard. Everyone that attends gets a special gift! Purchase your tickets on the PTO website at lmslhspto.com/fundraisers

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

anks to a generous grant from the Lawrence Township Education Foundation (LTEF), students at Lawrence Intermediate School (grades 4–6) will soon have the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths through immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations. e grant, titled “LIS Career Exploration VR Simulations,” brings cutting-edge Transfr VR headsets and tools to LIS, allowing students to experience hands-on simulations of real-world jobs in a variety of industries. From healthcare and construction to technology and the arts, this program o ers students a chance to “try on” careers they might not otherwise encounter. is initiative addresses the important goal of providing equitable access to career exploration and college readiness opportunities, especially for students from underrepresented groups. By engaging students with interactive and personalized experiences that align with di erent learning styles and interests, the program supports a stronger sense of belonging and connection to their education.

Also this season, history by being the first NJ field hockey player to score 100 goals in a single season! She's the third field hockey player in State history to score 200 career goals and is one of only eight players in the country to accomplish that feat!

We are grateful to LTEF for making this innovative program possible and for continuing to support initiatives that empower our students and prepare them for a bright future.

Research shows that intermediate school is a critical time for students to begin forming ideas about their future. rough this program, students will be encouraged to re ect on their interests, values, and strengths— laying the foundation for more informed and con dent decision-making in the years to come.

Many children grow up with a limited view of available career options, o en shaped by what they see at home or in the media. is grant gives LIS students the chance to broaden their horizons and discover possibilities they may never have considered before.

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Behind the Scenes in the Summer: LTPS Prepares, Plans, and Builds for the Future

Even during summer break, Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS) is anything but quiet. While July o en brings images of beach days and backyard barbecues, the district is buzzing with activity as sta members work tirelessly to ensure the upcoming school year begins smoothly, safely, and successfully.

Across the district, preparations are underway on multiple fronts. Safety remains a top priority, and this summer, the LTPS leadership team has been engaged in intensive emergency preparedness training. e sessions include CPR, First Aid, EpiPen administration, and Stop the Bleed instruction, as well as practice for the district’s reuni cation plan in the event of an o -site evacuation. While these measures are precautions we hope never to use, they re ect the district’s unwavering commitment to keeping students and sta safe.

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

Congratulations to the team and coach Megan Errico on this well-earned win!

Golden Heart Week at SWS LTPS Expands “Cardinal Kids” Free Preschool Program Across the District

Serving More of Our Youngest Learners an Ever Before

A Night with the NJ Devils

Lawrence Township Public Schools is proud to share exciting news about the continued growth of our Cardinal Kids preschool program, thanks to the Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) from the state of New Jersey. As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, we are signi cantly increasing access to free, full-day preschool for families across the district.

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Summer also brings opportunities for students to continue learning. Programs such as Extended School Year (ESY), instrumental music lessons, and the Eagles program—designed for multilingual learners—are in full swing. ese initiatives ensure that students have access to enriching educational experiences even when regular classes are not in session.

Educators, too, are taking advantage of the season to grow and collaborate. Professional development sessions are helping teachers re ne their skills and plan curriculum for the year ahead. In addition, preparations are underway for the August New Sta Induction program, which will welcome new educators into the LTPS community and provide them with the tools they need to succeed from day one. Behind the scenes, other essential work continues at a steady pace. Custodial teams are deep-cleaning every classroom, hallway, and common space—waxing oors, repairing xtures, and making sure every building shines for the rst day of school. e technology department is equally busy, preparing devices, upgrading classroom tools, and ensuring that systems are ready to support teaching and learning across the district.

ese e orts underscore a simple truth: LTPS is more than a district—it’s a community dedicated to ensuring that every student and family feels safe, supported, and seen. Even during the quiet days of summer, that mission drives everything we do. Together, we are LTPS. is is us.

In the 2024–2025 school year, LTPS operated 8 preschool classrooms with 110 students enrolled, including children with IEPs. “ anks to (Superintendent) Dr. Klim prioritizing this goal, along with expanded state funding, the district will more than double that number in the coming school year,” said Egnita Pardo, LTPS Early Childhood Supervisor. is year, Lawrence Township will operate 17 PEA classrooms, serving approximately 255 students. In addition to these classrooms, LTPS will continue to have three Preschool Disabled classrooms, providing high-quality, individualized instruction for young learners who need additional support in their learning and development.

Students learn the art of Rangoli

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

is year, we’re also excited to announce the addition of Lawrence Day School (LDS) to our roster of preschool sites. is partnership helps us ful ll a key requirement of the PEA program: establishing “community provider” partnerships to expand access beyond our in-district school buildings. By working with local providers like LDS, we are better able to meet the diverse needs of families across Lawrence Township, while helping a local business thrive.

Here’s how classrooms will be distributed in 2025–2026:

Mrs. Shanbhag Elementary School 3rd grader visited class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

•Lawrenceville Elementary School (LES): 4 classrooms

•Slackwood Elementary School (SWS): 3 classrooms

•Eldridge Park School (EPS): 3 classrooms

•Ben Franklin Elementary School (BF): 2 classrooms

•Lawrence High School (LHS): 1 classroom

•Lawrence Day School (LDS): 4 classrooms

“ is expansion brings LTPS closer to our ultimate goal: serving 90% of our “total universe” of age-eligible preschool students in Lawrence — a number that equals approximately 475 children,” Pardo said. e “total universe” refers to all 3- and 4-year-olds residing in the district.

For the 2025–2026 school year, we anticipate being able to serve 54% of that 90% target, which means we’ll be reaching more than half of our entire preschool-aged population — a critical milestone in our ongoing commitment to early childhood education.

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Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow this vital program and give more Lawrence families access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experiences from the very start.

Congrats to our LHS Senior Athletes on “Signing

Golden Heart Week at SWS

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

LTPS Students Take on Global Challenges in 3rd Annual World Peace Game

Students learn the art of Rangoli

Community Forums Planned to Guide Referendum Projects

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

anks to a partnership between Lawrence Township Public Schools and its teachers’ union, the Lawrence Township Education Association (LTEA), 22 rising 6th-grade LIS students had the unique opportunity to participate in the famous World Peace Game summer camp. e program, which was funded through a National Education Association (NEA) grant, was run by the World Peace Game organization, the teachers’ union, and LIS sta members. e World Peace Game is an immersive selfdiscovery and learning experience in the form of a geopolitical simulation.

Four countries are pitted against each other as players take on the roles of prime ministers, cabinet members, arms dealers, etc. Amongst them is a wily Saboteur who secretly works to undermine world peace. Students face oil spills, food shortages, political and economic tensions, all while on the brink of armed con ict. e World Peace Game creates the space for children to connect with their own inherent wisdom, creativity, and compassion.

e World Peace Game took place in the Lawrence Middle School library from July 14-18. is was the third year the World Peace Game has come to Lawrence Township Public Schools. e organization chose LTPS as its host because of the district’s strong academic reputation and its collaborative relationship with its local teachers’ union.

, mother of Ben Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader visited Mrs. Leventhal class to teach about Diwali and how to create a Rangoli with colored sand.

We are deeply grateful to the Lawrence Township community for your overwhelming support in passing the LTPS Referendum to renovate and expand our 75-yearold Lawrence Middle School. is transformative project will not only modernize learning spaces but also allow us to welcome 6th grade students to the Middle School once construction is complete. e district is now working closely with architects and design teams to map out the construction timeline. One of the rst major projects will be the renovation of the LMS auditorium—a space that serves as a hub for student performances, assemblies, and community events. We are committed to involving our community every step of the way. roughout the 2025–2026 school year, LTPS will host a series of community conversations focused on project design and planning. Please save the date for our rst session, which will take place on Wednesday, October 15 in the LMS Auditorium. More details will be shared as the date approaches. ank you again for investing in our schools, our students, and the future of Lawrence Township.

From Le to Right: Mahmoud Ali - Carnegie Mellon - Football. Emma DobkinRowan University - So ball. Peyton Valentino - Eastern University - So ball. Platon Tro mchuk - Stockton University - Soccer. Beckham Dipierro - NJIT - Diving Tala Howe - TCNJ - Diving. Triston Jusino-Lansing - Mississippi College - Track and Field

LTPS Announces New District, LIS Administrator Posi�ons

Lawrence Township Public Schools is proud to announce three important leadership appointments for the upcoming school year.

Golden Heart Week at SWS

Dr. Alyson Fischer, Principal of Lawrence Intermediate School, will step into a new districtwide role as Director of School Counseling and Student Supports. Dr. Fischer is entering her 14th year as an administrator in LTPS and brings a deep commitment to student well-being, family engagement, and inclusive school communities. During her six years as Principal of LIS, she guided the school through the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives—including the Character Counts house system, expanded 4th grade transition supports, student-led restorative practices, and a heightened focus on mental health. Her prior leadership roles at Lawrence High School and in the district’s Health, PE, and Athletics department re ect her long-standing dedication to equity, wellness, and student growth. We look forward to all Dr. Fischer will accomplish in her new position and are grateful for her continued service to our district.

Career Skills Development Program Thanks Community Partners

Slackwood Elementary School (SWS) recently ended their Golden Heart Week. Students gathered in an amazing heartshaped formation to cap off the week of valuable character education.

Students and sta from Lawrence High School’s Career Skills Development Program would like to thank the community partners who have played a vital role in supporting the program throughout the 2024–2025 school year. ese partnerships provide students with invaluable opportunities to develop real-world career skills, gain hands-on experience, and build con dence as they prepare for life beyond high school. e Lawrence High School Student Services Department extends sincere thanks to the following organizations for their continued partnership and support: Burlington, HomeFront, DSW, Barnes & Noble, e Brookwood Café, Pennington Quality Market, and Plato’s Closet. Programs like this thrive because of the generosity and involvement of local businesses and organizations. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact these partners have on our students and their future success. In the last week of school, the students presented our community partners with certicates and tokens of gratitude, pictured here.

Senior Talia Schenck completed a pass to freshman Caroline Rotteveel, who scored the tie-breaking goal.

A Night with the NJ Devils

With Dr. Fischer’s transition, we are excited to announce that Ms. Sharin Rello has been named the next Principal of Lawrence Intermediate School. A respected member of the LIS community for more than 20 years, Ms. Rello has served as Assistant Principal since 2018 and has been a passionate advocate for supporting the whole child. She has made a lasting impact through programs like the LIS House system and peer-led intervention circles, helping to build character, reduce con ict, and foster student engagement. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships and trauma-informed, social-emotional practices that help students thrive. Before becoming an administrator, Ms. Rello was the LIS music teacher, where she inspired students through musical theater, a district-wide jazz festival, and performances with guest artists. She has also contributed to district initiatives in curriculum, grading, character education, and equity. We are excited for all that lies ahead under her continued leadership at LIS.

Students learn the art of Rangoli

Join the LMS/LHS PTO for a special night out with the NJ Devils! Come to the Rock on November 9 and watch the Devils take on the Florida Panthers.

We are also thrilled to announce that LIS teacher and House Leader, Ms.Tori Hart, has been named Assistant Principal of Lawrence Intermediate School. Over the past 14 years, Ms. Hart has served as a teacher, House Leader, and trusted leader within Lawrence Township Public Schools. Her work has consistently focused on building meaningful relationships and fostering a school culture where every student feels safe, valued, and heard. Ms. Hart genuinely values the relationships she’s built with the LIS team over the years. As she steps into this new role, she is proud to continue to work alongside colleagues who are so deeply committed to students and is excited to grow and lead within such a supportive and inspiring school community.

Robyn A. Klim, Ed.D., LCSW Superintendent of Schools

Neel Desai

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Vanessa Bekarciak

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Tom Eldridge

Business Administrator/ Board Secretary

Sean M. Fry Director of Personnel

Jennifer Baldassari Communications & Operations Manager info@ltps.org

We pride ourselves on growing leaders here in our district and these three appointments are examples of this vision. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fischer, Ms. Rello, and Ms. Hart on these well-deserved appointments!

Please scan the above code with your phone's camera to complete a brief survey on how well you like The Link!

Heady noted. “It’s not just the distance on the field. The baserunning is different. In 50-70 you can take leads and things like that. Adjusting from a pitching standpoint is challenging as well. It’s a different game all the way around.”

Lawrence High School coach Jim Maher, who pays close attention to his little league feeder system, agreed, saying “When you’re playing 50-70 the ball’s not getting on you as quick. It’s a big adjustment to hitting. I would think the velocity is probably much better at 46-60 than 50-70 at that age.”

The downside — or in this case the more demanding side — of playing 50-70 is that Lawrence was going against teams of predominantly older players.

“Lawrence does not allow 13s to play in Little League which is the right decision in my opinion” Heady said. “ But that means you’re going up against a group of 13 year olds with 11 and 12 year olds. For the most part that never bothered our guys. It was never an issue or question in their mind, but we do run into some big kids and strong kids. Princeton had a couple kids that put the ball out of the park. It creates more of a challenge.”

Granted, a three-team tournament does not seem like much of a challenge. But considering the competition was against older players, that balanced the scales somewhat.

And Lawrence was ready.

After blasting Nottingham, 14-4, in the opener, Princeton scored two seventh-inning runs to take a 4-3 win over Lawrence. The locals once again defeated Nottingham, 14-4, in an elimination game, then came back to take victories of 7-6 and 10-9 over Princeton.

In the championship game, the Nassau squad trailed 10-5 before scoring four runs and putting two runners on in the seventh inning. Bryce Davison then retired Jason

Lutz, Princeton’s most dangerous hitter, to clinch the fourth baseball district championship and 10th overall in Lawrence LL history. The 11-year-old softball team won the league’s last district title in 2022 and the 12s won the last baseball crown in 2018.

“Princeton was resilient, they were persistent and wouldn’t go away,” Heady said. “I thought our guys did a great job pitching early on; towards the end we gave up a couple runs but we were able to hang on and fight them off. There wasn’t a singular big moment, just our persistence and we battled. The last inning of that last game was scary but we survived.”

Along with Davison, the roster consisted of Myles Eldridge, Luca Agosto, Benny Heady, Logan Armstrong, Ryan Ewig, Gio Vecchiolla, Henry Thomas, Jaiden Hughes, Colton Spiteri, Will Furda and Emmett Parsons.

Agosto, Armstrong, Davison, Eldridge, Ewig, Heady, Thomas and Vecchiolla have played together on all-star teams since 2021, and most played travel ball with the Lawrence Thunder since 2020. They won their third USABL championship prior to winning districts.

Eldridge was symbolic of the team’s dedication, as he talked his parents into allowing him to stay home for the final game when they had to drop his brother off at the Naval Academy. Agosto, Armstrong, Thomas and Hughes all had strong outings on the mound, while Hughes doubled in what proved to be the winning run in the title game.

Heady, this year’s Jim Davis Sportsmanship Award winner for LLL, caught all but three innings over five straight days of stifling heat. Ewig made a diving catch in left field to preserve the first win over Princeton and Vecchiolla also had some diving grabs in the outfield. Spiteri closed out the second win over Nottingham, Will Furda

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collected four hits and Emmett Parsons helped build a rally in the second win over Nottingham with a bunt single.

“We had to play five games in a row in that oppressive heat,” Heady said. “We fought through (the elimination bracket) to get back. This kids are tough kids, they’re hard workers. If you have a 6 o’clock practice and show up at 5:59 you’re 10 minutes late. They’re on task all the time.

“They had a goal to become the first Lawrence 50-70 team to win the title. That’s part of what we talked about. We had an opportunity to make history and they bought into that. It was exciting and they played their hearts out.”

Lawrence lost two straight in the Section 3 tournament against some tough competition.

“We played a team where some of the kids were bigger than the entire coaching staff of both teams,’ Heady said with a laugh. “You had some big 13-year-olds. Our kids played tough, both games were close going into the late innings.

“One umpire found out we had all younger players and said ‘You guys should come back; you’ll be great in this tournament next year.’ But they’re all going into middle school next year. There’s no reason to look back at 50-70. The 12s will move up to Babe Ruth.”

And while Babe Ruth baseball has fallen

of drastically over the past decade, it seems to be surviving in Lawrence.

“We’ve been doing well in Babe Ruth; they’ve been fielding a bunch of teams. Carly Vichroski (wife of Paul) is president and she does a great job of pulling people in. Babe Ruth is a challenge when you have school ball and travel ball. Kids are pulled in every direction; it makes it difficult. But Lawrence has been doing OK.

“These are the first group of kids coming through the travel program created by Ken Dobkin. The objective is to get them ready for high school. We want to challenge kids and develop them. It’s a mindset and something the folks in the organization have bought into.”

When asked if he liked the LLL’s mandate, Maher said it didn’t matter how they did it, it’s just a matter of Lawrence kids being on the diamond consistently.

“My thing is as long as they’re playing and they’re playing together; that’s the most important thing,” the Cardinals coach said. “I’m happy the kids are playing together and they’re having some success. I saw the league did well. The 10-year-olds finished third (in districts), the 9-year olds went to the finals.

“Baseball right now is doing well in Lawrence. It’s starting to grow in this town. I think a lot of what we’ve done in high school has excited the town. Kids want to be part of it.”

City of Trenton Awarded Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health Prize

The City of Trenton, New Jersey is one of nine communities from across the United States to receive the 2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize. The prize recognizes communities that are committed to finding healthier and more equitable solutions to structural racism and other injustices.

“As the only hospital in Trenton, Capital Health has been a driving force in creating an environment where all residents have the opportunity to thrive,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Our responsibility extends well beyond the scope of traditional care, and we are proud of the role we played to help our city join the ranks of RWJF Culture of Health Prize alumni, all of whom are committed to building a healthier future for their communities.”

“Every community faces its own unique health challenges, and Capital Health has been helping Trenton residents navigate them for more than 125 years,” said Dr. Eric Schwartz, vice president of Community Health and Transformation and executive director of Capital Health Institute for Urban Care. “Outside the walls of our hospitals, we remain committed to working with community partners like the city’s health care providers, local government, and churches, schools, and food banks throughout the city to create a safer and healthier environment for our neighbors.”

Capital Health and its Institute for Urban Care currently lead or provide support by working with community partners for programs for Trenton residents:

… The Violence Intervention for the Community Through Outreach Recovery (VICTORY) program aims to break the cycle of violence by reaching out to victims of violence when they receive medical treatment at the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation (MIHI) Authority reduces maternal and infant mortality with a focus on black and brown birthing people. An MIHI Center is being built in Trenton with Capital Health as one of three lead tenants.

… Family Connects is now a statewide home-visiting program for growing families. When Trenton stepped up to be the pilot for the program, Capital Health and other partners provided home visits and referrals to thousands of growing families and ensured that most of them completed the critical post-partum visit.

… For My Baby and Me provides comprehensive services for pregnant people impacted by opioid use disorder.

… Mobile Food Pantry events, in partnership with the Arm in Arm Hunger Prevention program and Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, are held weekly at health clinics in Trenton.

In addition, Capital Health’s Trenton Neighborhood Initiative works with Trenton Health Team and other community partners to address the social determinants that influence the health of Trenton residents.

To learn more about Capital Health’s Institute for Urban Care, visit capitalhealth.org/urbancare.

To learn more about Capital Health’s Trenton Neighborhood Initiative, visit tnitrenton.org.

Capital Health Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has received the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) NCDR Chest Pain MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. Home to the first hospital in the Mercer/Bucks County region to receive full accreditation with PCI as a Chest Pain Center, Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to receive the Platinum Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes Capital Health’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that the Chest Pain Center at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

“This accreditation from the ACC validates the unwavering dedication of our entire team,” said Dr. Lara Samson, medical director of Capital Health’s Chest Pain Center. “It also demonstrates to our patients and the larger community that we remain up-to-date on the latest best practices, and they can expect to receive the highest quality emergency cardiac care backed by data from other leading programs across the country.”

“Receiving the Platinum Performance Achievement Award is a big step for our Chest Pain Center, which has been consistently recognized by the ACC for excellence in heart attack care,” said Harit Desai, medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Capital Health. “As part of the ACC registry, the significant contributions our doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals make to quality improvement here at Capital Health also help establish higher national standards for similar programs throughout the United States.”

To receive the Chest Pain MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Capital Health has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain MI Registry for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

If you or someone you know is having a heart attack, calling 911 should be your first step to talk with a trained dispatcher and have an ambulance sent to your location as quickly as possible. Treatment can begin on site when the ambulance arrives and may include medication and EKG testing. If on-site testing determines that a heart attack is occurring, Capital Health’s pre-hospital alert system immediately mobilizes specialized medical teams in the Emergency Department and Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell to perform additional testing or an emergency procedure as needed when the patient arrives.

To learn more about Capital Health’s Chest Pain Center, visit www.capitalchestpain.org. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive care with a multi-specialty approach highlighted by the most up-to-date techniques and treatment options. With multiple locations throughout the greater Mercer and Bucks county region, the Institute features the most sophisticated technology guided by highly trained clinical experts. For more information, visit www.capitalheartandvascular.org.

Structural Issues Force Emergency Closure of Leased Capital Health Satellite Emergency Department Space

Recently, Capital Health learned that space it is leasing from Trinity Health at the former St. Francis campus needed to begin shutdown activities immediately.

This included a shutdown of the Satellite Emergency Department and the outpatient clinic located on Bert Avenue in Trenton (cross street of Hamilton Avenue). Capital Health was advised by structural engineers, architects, and demolition experts that significant structural issues with another adjoining building posed a threat to the integrity and safety of the building these medical services were located in. To protect the safety of employees, patients, visitors, and students, the health care system had no choice but to cease operations at this location without delay.

As a result, as of June 5, the Satellite Emergency Department no longer accepts patients. The outpatient clinic closed as of June 4, with patients being diverted to other facilities for medical care (see sidebar).

For patients in need of emergency and acute care medical services, Capital Health operates two other comprehensive emergency departments and inpatient hospitals in Mercer County — one on Brunswick Avenue at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton (around two miles away), and another one at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell on Scotch Road in Pennington (just over eight miles away).

Emergency medical services (EMS) agencies have been asked to take ambulance transports to other area emergency departments. Patients with emergency medical conditions should call 911 so EMS can transport them to an appropriate emergency department. Patients who choose to transport themselves for medical care should not come to the Hamilton Avenue campus and should instead go to another area emergency department.

Patients who typically used the outpatient clinic for primary or specialty care will be cared for at Capital Health’s 433 Bellevue Avenue and 832 Brunswick Avenue locations. Patients who utilize the clinics can call 609.815.7296 for help with any questions they may have.

“We are deeply frustrated and disappointed by the circumstances that have led to the emergency closure of our Satellite Emergency Department and other services in East Trenton. Since assuming services from St. Francis two years ago, and leasing this space from Trinity Health, our staff has worked tirelessly to preserve services in the

Patients who used the outpatient clinic at Capital Health – East Trenton for primary or specialty care can call 609.815.7296 to find a clinic at one of the following Trenton locations:

Capital Health Family Health Center 433 Bellevue Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618

Capital Health Primary Care – Brunswick Avenue 832 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638

city and at this location,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “With the former St. Francis location no longer safe for us to occupy, we will be working to identify the best path forward to ensure Trentonians, and those in close proximity to this location, have continued access to the care they need. We will work closely with the city, other partners, and the community as we move forward.”

Capital Health Family Health Center

Capital Health Primary Care – Brunswick Avenue

Not Feeling Well? Try Virtual Care

Capital Health Virtual Care, part of Capital Health Medical Group, offers telehealth services to individuals age 16 and older who wish to receive support in managing common health issues from the comfort of their home or anywhere in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Capital Health’s team of more than 50 virtual primary care providers can address a wide range of health conditions, including (but not limited to) symptoms of COVID-19, sinus problems, upper respiratory infection, sore throat, urinary tract infection, cough, flu, rash, common cold, eye infection, and more.

To learn more or to request an appointment, visit capitalvirtualcare.org or scan the QR code to complete the online form.

WHAT WE CAN TREAT DURING A VIRTUAL CARE VISIT

During virtual care visits with patients who aren’t feeling well, our clinicians address symptoms of numerous health conditions and issues, including but not limited to:

… COVID-19

… Sinusitis

… Upper respiratory infection

… Sore throat

… Urinary tract infection

… Cough

… Influenza (Flu)

… Rash

… Common cold

… Yeast infection

… Allergies

… Eye infection

… Insect bites

… Nausea

… Back pain

… Tick bites

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.

Friday, august 1

First Friday Farm Fun, Cherry Grove Farm. 3 p.m. Summer hayride, vendors, kids’ activities, music, yoga and more. cherrygrovefarm. com. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville.

Live Music on the Patio: Curnie, Nassau Inn. 6 p.m. 10 Palmer Square W, Princeton. Mahoning Valley scrappers at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

the Ballad of Mulan, Kelsey Theatre. 7 p.m. Presented by Huaxia Chinese School at Plainsboro. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

saturday, august 2

Honey Harvest, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. With the hives open and the bees on their best behavior, the Howell Farm beekeeper invites visitors to look inside the supers and meet the worker bees. Hive opening at 11 a.m., honey extraction at 1 p.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. the Ballad of Mulan, Kelsey Theatre. Shows at 1 and 4 p.m. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old

Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

Mozzarella stretch with Burrata Workshop, Cherry Grove Farm. 2 p.m. Make fresh mozzarella and burrata to take home. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville.

New yacht City, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 5 p.m. Live yacht music and R&B-inspired music of the 70s and 80s. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington.

suNday, august 3

the Ballad of Mulan, Kelsey Theatre. Shows at 1 and 4 p.m. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

summer Music series: Peter Maness & the Master Keys, On the Green at Palmer Square. 1 p.m. Rescheduled from June 14. Live music. 40 Nassau Street, Princeton.

Mahoning Valley scrappers at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 5 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

MoNday, august 4

sensory science: oceans, Mercer County Library: Lawrence Headquarters Branch. 11:00 a.m. Registration is required prior to the event. mcl.org. 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence.

tuesday, august 5

story time and Craft Program, New Jersey State Museum. Noon. 205 W State St, Trenton.

WedNesday, august 6

Concerts on the Landing, Patriots The-

ater at the War Memorial. Noon. Live music at lunchtime on the steps of the War Memorial. Aug. 6: Rob Silvers - 80s Undercover. Aug. 13: Dennis Rogers – Funk/Classic Rock/R&B. 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.

Frederick Keys at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

tHursday, august 7

Frederick Keys at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

opera Carmen, Mercer County Community College. 7:30 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

Friday, august 8

Live Music on the Patio - rob Messina, Nassau Inn. 6 p.m. 10 Palmer Square W, Princeton.

Frederick Keys at trenton thunder, Tren-

ton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

opera Carmen, Mercer County Community College. 7:30 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

saturday, august 9

Potato Harvest, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Follow behind workhorses Bill and Jesse as they unearth rows of potatoes for picking. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Jasmine’s Nadas: Jeep Jam 2025, 960 Spruce Steet. 11 a.m. Trophies and prizes will be given to the top in categories such as Best in Show, Most Muddiest/Best Beast, Best His & Hers, and People’s Choice. DJ and face painter. 960 Spruce St, Lawrence Twp, Lawrenceville.

opera La Boheme, Mercer County Com-

See EVENTS, Page 19

EVENTS continued from Page 17

munity College. 2 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

opera opening gala Carmen, Mercer County Community College. 7:30 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

dave & ellen anderson, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 9 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

suNday, august 10

Foraging & Feasting, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Identify and taste fresh edible weeds. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville.

opera La Boheme, Mercer County Community College. 2 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

tuesday, august 12

story time and Craft Program, New Jersey State Museum. Noon. Each week a different book and craft will be featured. 205 W State St, Trenton.

Williamsport Crosscutters at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

WedNesday, august 13

Concerts on the Landing, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. Noon. Live music at lunchtime on the steps of the War Memorial. Aug. 6: Rob Silvers - 80s Undercover. Aug. 13: Dennis Rogers – Funk/Classic Rock/R&B. 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.

Williamsport Crosscutters at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

tHursday, august 14

trivia Nights in the Winery, Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery. 5 p.m. With D.J. Iron Mike. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

Friday, august 15

sunset sips & sounds, Terhune Orchards. Noon. Terhune wine and music. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

Live Music on the Patio - Nuevo Jazz, Nassau Inn. 6 p.m. 10 Palmer Square W, Princeton. Movie Nights on the green, On the Green at Palmer Square. 8:30 p.m. Free admission. Bring blanket or lawn chair. palmersquare.

com. 40 Nassau Street, Princeton.

saturday, august 16

terhune orchards 50th anniversary Community Celebration, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Live music, games, special anniversary activities, and interactive entertainment. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

Lata Patel Bloom Bar Flower arranging Workshop, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 10 a.m. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard

Rd, Pennington. Canning day & Pickling, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Learn the ins and outs of canning and help “put up” summer produce for use in the fall and winter. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

suNday, august 17

august sangria Weekends, Terhune Orchards. Noon. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

See EVENTS, Page 20

tuesday, august 19

read & Pick: green Beans, Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery. 9:30 a.m. Sessions at 9:30 and 11 a.m. $12 per child. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

WedNesday, august 20

Frederick Keys at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

tHursday, august 21

Frederick Keys at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

Friday, august 22

Live Music on the Patio: Paul Plumeri, Nassau Inn. 6 p.m. nassauinn.com. 10 Palmer Square W, Princeton.

Williamsport Crosscutters at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 7 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

saturday, august 23

Fiddlin’ on the Farm, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Area musicians bring their talents to the farm during the annual contest. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell. Williamsport Crosscutters at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 6 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

suNday, august 24

com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence. summer goat yoga, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Noon. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington.

tuesday, august 26

story time and Craft Program, New Jersey State Museum. Noon. Each week a different book and craft will be featured. 205 W State St, Trenton.

WedNesday, august 27

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Easy group walk in Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

tHursday, august 28

author talk: dr. tasha eurich. 2 p.m. Virtual event. How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos with Organizational Psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich. Register online at penningtonlibrary.org.

Friday, august 29

sunset sips & sounds, Terhune Orchards. Noon. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence.

saturday, august 30

tempting the tides/Naj!anna & the Noise/ rat sauce, School of Rock Princeton. 5:30 p.m. All Ages. Admission $10. schoolofrock. com/locations/princeton. 1761 Princeton Ave, Lawrence.

state College spikes at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 6 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

suNday, august 31

state College spikes at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 1 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

the 42th annual Howell Farm Plowing Match, Howell Living History Farm. 12 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

A special summer edition: A student’s take on summer break

Dr. Klim’s Corner

Robyn A. Klim, Ed.D., LCSW

The Superintendent usually pens this monthly column but we’re shaking things up for summer!

While you can find updates on what LTPS staff members are doing to prepare for the year ahead in the LINK insert in the edition of the Gazette, we thought it would be fun to hear directly from one of our high school students about what summer looks like through a teenager’s eyes.

So this month, we invited our student intern in to share her perspective on that all-important question: What do students do all summer?

Summer

By Caitlyn Grimes, LHS 11th grader

Summer! It feels so good to type that word. The school year can be so draining, and for me personally, once June hits, I’m mentally checked out. Now, if you’re a graduate, I’m sure you’re not reading this—but perhaps your parents or grandparents are.

If the graduates were reading this, I’m sure they’d agree: Senioritis is real! Once June rolls around, they’re more than ready for prom, final grades to be submitted, and graduation day to arrive.

But enough about them. After all, they’re leaving the Cardinals’ nest to begin their lives beyond high school. Best of luck, graduates—we’ll miss you, and we’re wishing you success in all your future endeavors! Now, back to summer. Have you ever watched Frozen? If you’re a real fan, you know that Olaf does not play about his summers—at all!

I’m sure you’re curious about what summer means to a high school teenager, so let me introduce myself.

Hi! My name is Caitlyn Grimes, and I’ll be a rising junior this September. Although I’m still in deep, deep, deep denial about becoming a junior at Lawrence High School,

I’ve accepted that we all have to elevate ourselves to the next level if we’re ever going to graduate. But maybe I’m thinking too far ahead.. right?

This summer, like many teens, I’ve stayed busy. I’ve been involved in a multitude of activities every day for the past two weeks. Each day begins with an English summer bootcamp, a course taught by Mr. Cameron Foster.

After that, I serve as a teacher assistant in the Summer Science Scholars pro-

gram, led by Ms. Gwenn Andahazy. Once that’s done, I head over to the board office to complete my four-day student internship.

In between all that, I’ve also been working on my summer assignments. Anyone taking English III Honors with Ms. Michele Haughey, or AP African American Studies with Dr. Jametta Clarke, knows that summer can’t just be about relaxing.

I spend about six hours working through both of these assignments. For English III Honors, I’m reading the British literature classic Jane Eyre. Once I finish that, I’ll move on to The Canterbury Tales, and luckily we students get to choose which tales we’d like to read.

After I put in three hours on English, I move on to my AP African American Studies work.

That assignment has four parts, including prepping for the class, studying a map of Africa, staying up to date on current events, and learning best practices for analytical writing.

After six hours of academic work, I’m ready to pass out. And I can only imagine how tired my peers must be if they’re taking even more AP or honors classes. To all of you enrolled in those rigorous courses—best of luck. Don’t stress yourself out too much! It’s important to know when to take breaks and rest.

After all, that’s what summer should be about—enjoying yourself and making memories.

Sounds like advice I should be giving myself, right? Well, enough about me. Let’s dive into what some of my peers are up to this summer! Contrary to popular belief, we’re not all couch potatoes.

I asked around to see how other LHS students are spending their time off. Jakub M. told me he’ll be “living spontaneously.”

Oliver G. will be out on the golf course. Sebastian A. plans to go freshwater fishing and play guitar. Dana G. will be getting her beauty rest and dancing, while Patryk R. also plans to fish—hoping to catch some big ones in the lake.

Marina J. will be working hard on her summer assignments for multiple AP classes, attending summer programs, and taking time to relax at the beach.

Tanvi M. also plans to split her time between assignments and beach days.

Ridhima P. is working, hanging out with friends, and visiting the beach too.

Lainey R. will be volunteering at Safety Town, where she’ll help little kids and serve as a role model.

Iman I. plans to catch up on movies,

get some rest, and do some swimming. Klarissa P. is excited to read some of her favorite books and volunteer in her free time.

Vanya will be sleeping in and volunteering at local festivals. Ayaan S. says he’ll be using the summer to catch up on sleep.

Sraddha V. is heading to the pool, while Adam T. will be splitting time between swimming and sleeping.

Ben L. told me he’ll be sleeping, going out with friends, and spending time at the beach. Dhanush S. plans to play video games and chase some high scores.

So you see—not all teenagers are spending summer glued to TikTok or scrolling their lives away. By staying engaged academically, socially and through community involvement, this group of teens is making the most of their summer.

Whether it’s volunteering, relaxing, or gearing up for challenging coursework, they’re finding a balance. And most importantly—they’re making time for themselves.

Dr. Robyn Klim is the superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.

Reset your health before fall routines take over

Ask The Doctor

As we enter August, many families— especially adults juggling work, parenting, and health responsibilities— begin to feel the weight of summer burnout. Long days, irregular schedules, disrupted routines, and mounting fall preparations can all lead to fatigue, stress, and overlooked health needs.

“The end of summer is the perfect time to pause, reset, and prioritize your family’s well-being before the rush of fall begins,” says Dr. Anjali Bhandarkar, MD, Internal Medicine Physician. “It’s an ideal time to check in with your own health, as well as the needs of your family.”

While most people focus on backto-school plans for children, adults are just as likely to feel the effects of this seasonal transition. Here are a few health-focused strategies to help the

whole household head into September feeling balanced and recharged. Restore a Sleep Routine.

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Erratic sleep schedules are a hallmark of summer, but adults and children alike function best with consistent, quality sleep. Begin resetting your routine now by going to bed and waking up 15 to 30 minutes earlier each day until you’re back on track.

“Sleep isn’t just about rest—it supports metabolism, immune function, and emotional regulation,” explains Dr. Bhandarkar. “Chronic sleep debt often leads to burnout, especially in working parents.”

Revisit Nutrition Habits.

portion sizes, sugar intake, and nutrition. Encourage family involvement in meal prep to make it fun and sustainable. Adults managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure or prediabetes can especially benefit from resetting their dietary habits before the busy fall season.

Prioritize Hydration.

Dehydration often builds up quietly during the summer months, especially for adults drinking more caffeine or alcohol. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily and carry a refillable bottle throughout the day.

& Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619--unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend programs.

TUESDAy, AUGUST 5

Mommy & Me Crafting Group (Community Health). 9–10 a.m. Open to children ages 2-5 with a focus on creative expression and building fine-motor skills. Enjoy time bonding with your little one through simple crafts designed to help parents/guardians enjoy the simple moments life brings.

WEDNESDAy, AUGUST 6

Summer eating can be heavy on convenience and light on structure. A return to routine is the perfect time to refocus on whole foods—vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and high-fiber grains. Preparing meals at home, even simple ones, gives you better control over

“Hydration impacts everything from focus to weight management to digestion,” says Dr. Bhandarkar. “It’s one of the simplest and most effective wellness tools we often overlook.”

Schedule Daily Movement. When it comes to exercise, consistency beats intensity. Take a 20-minute walk, stretch before bed, or do a quick home workout. Not only does movement improve cardiovascular health, it boosts mood, reduces inflammation, and relieves stress— especially important for adults balancing caregiving roles.

Make Time for Mental Reset.

Adults are just as susceptible to burnout as kids. Take a few minutes each day to unplug. Whether it’s journaling, meditation, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, small acts of mindfulness help reduce mental clutter and improve clarity.

End-of-summer burnout affects the whole household. With small, intentional steps focused on rest, nutrition, hydration, and movement, families can transition into the fall season healthier, more focused, and better prepared.

For more information about Dr. Bhandarkar or to make an appointment at her Hamilton practice location, please call (609) 245 7430.

Or to locate a provider near you, visit rwjbh.org/medicalgroup

Programs at RWJUH Hamilton this month

The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health, open to all and all ages, and Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness

Social Hour for Seniors (Better Health). Also Aug. 13, 20 & 27. 10–11 a.m. Members, don’t miss an opportunity to participate in lifechanging conversations, listening, learning, and exploring for this time in our lives. Topics created for you by you. Every week is new and something different. New members are always welcome. Join us on all the dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice.

FRIDAy, AUGUST 7

Game Time for Seniors (Better Health). Also Aug. 22. 1-3 p.m. Members, join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.

WEDNESDAy, AUGUST 13

Reiki Refresher (Community Health). 5-8 p.m. Have you been Reiki Certified, and it’s been a while since you’ve practiced? Do you wonder if you still “have it”? Yes, you do! Join us for an evening of rediscovery. Fee: $20

WEDNESDAy, AUGUST 20

Emotional Intelligence in the Home (Community Health). 6–7:30 p.m. This seminar will help parents & guardians explore techniques to increase their emotional intelligence at home for better understanding, communication, and relationships. Experiencing emotions, whether positive or negative, is not a problem. It is what we do with those emotions that counts.\

FRIDAy, AUGUST 22

Game Time for Seniors (Better Health). 1-3 p.m. Members, join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Snacks and a variety of board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.

MONDAy, AUGUST 25

Heart-Healthy Nutrition (Community Health). 1 -2 p.m. Join us for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and preparation. Explore hearthealthy recipes.

Dr. Anjali Bhandarkar

Booking a classiﬁed ad has never been easier! Simply scan the QR code or visit www.communitynews.org/place_an_ad. Questions? Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.

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

Guitar, Ukulele and Drum lessons for all. Call Jane 609 510-1400. $25.00 per lesson.

Emergency child care Emergency child care –need a date? At a loss for child care sometimes? Need a few hours to yourself? Hello, I’m Eileen. I taught preschool for 39 years as well as being a clown. Ages 2 1/2 -6 years. 609-477-4268.

Senior Concierge. Here to assist you. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Holidays and weekends no problem. Very good references. Call Mary Ann, 609-298-4456 Text: 609-676-4530. Taking appointments again starting May 1st.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

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

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.

Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com

Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com

HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .