8-25 WWP by Community News Service

Rolling toward better access

how far would you go if they were sick?

County provides towns with buses for seniors and disabled people

EDiteD By Bill SAnseRVinO

Mercer County has provided municipalities with new 20-seat buses to enhance local transportation services for seniors,

veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

“We’re ensuring that everyone in Mercer can access the critical services they need, whether that’s a medical appointment, a community center, or a food pantry,” Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.

handicapped-accessible buses designed to serve residents with mobility challenges. The City of Trenton received two vehicles, and the other municipalities received one.

Welcome to Capital Health.

East Windsor, Ewing, Trenton, and West Windsor each submitted requests to Mercer County for new ADA-compliant,

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

The county says that the new vehicles were funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 program.

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.

Paging Dr. Rock

Penn Medicine

physicians form classic rock band Full Code

By SusAn VAn DOnGen

Do they play Jackson Browne’s “Doctor My Eyes?”

Well, no — but Full Code, the band composed almost completely of doctors from Penn Medicine Princeton Health in Plainsboro, plays all kinds of other classic rock.

They cover songs by performers such as the Grateful Dead, Weezer, Tom Petty, Coldplay, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, and Elvis Presley.

You can see for yourself, when Full Code plays an afternoon concert at Hinds Plaza, adjacent to the Princeton Public Library, on Sunday, Aug. 17.

They also perform an early evening concert at the Cranbury Public Library, Wednesday, Aug. 20. Both shows are free and open to the public.

According to Dr. David Barile (percussion/guitar/vocals), who is medical director of the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at Penn Medicine Princeton

Health, the men chose the name Full Code because “it’s a little play on what we have to deal with every day.”

Full Code members include saxophonist Samuel YennBatah, a West Windsor resident who works as the medical center’s director of Hospital Spiritual Care and Well Being.

Also in the band are Dr. Craig Gronczewski, chief medical officer at the hospital, on lead guitar/vocals; Dr. Jasmeet Bajaj, medical director of Critical and Intermediate Care, on keyboards/guitar/vocals; Dr. Gabe Smolarz, board certified endocrinologist, on bass; and drummer Dr. Kevin Skole, gastroenterology.

The band has a manager, Cranbury resident Alan Stefanowicz, a laboratory courier at Princeton Medical Center’s Clinical Lab, who has been doing media relations and other managerial tasks for Full Code for about six months.

“The band first came to my attention through word of mouth at the hospital,” Stefanowicz says. “Given that I had always been a fan of classic rock, I just knew I had to meet these guys. After my initial meeting with one of the band members, I was asked to become their per-

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

WW Council vice president Linda Geevers, president Andrea Mandel, Mayor Hemant Marathe, county executive Dan Benson, council members Sonia Gawas and Dan Weiss receive delivery of a new bus.

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

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!

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

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.

TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE

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

“Transportation remains a major barrier to healthcare and socialization for many of our seniors, who still live independently but may no longer drive,” said Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann.”

“Trenton is a city that depends heavily on public transportation, and with nearly 30 percent of our residents lacking access to a personal vehicle — a percentage likely even higher among our senior population — reliable transit options are essential,” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. * * *

Also recently announced: The Mercer County Board of Social Services (BOSS) unveiled a new Community Outreach Van aimed at expanding access to county services. The van will travel to neighborhoods across Mercer County, intending to bring BOSS resources directly to residents— particularly those who face barriers to transportation.

“This initiative opens the door for residents who may not otherwise engage with us to learn how we can support them,” Benson said.

BOSS director Jeff Mascoll emphasized the importance of outreach in raising awareness and ensuring accessibility.

“The Board of Social Services provides essential support in areas such as food assistance, financial aid, employment services, and more,” said Mascoll. “But too

often, people simply have difficulty connecting with us. This outreach van gives us the opportunity to connect with individuals and families in their own communities— and ultimately improve their quality of life.”

The Community Outreach Van will begin operations this summer, with a rotating schedule of stops throughout Mercer County.

Grover School student wins history prize

Emily Fou, a student at Thomas Grover Middle School in West Windsor, New Jersey recently competed in the National History Day National Contest, held at the University of Maryland at College Park from June 8–12.

Fou was awarded the E Pluribus Unum Special Prize, which celebrates people in history who challenged the status quo.

The 2025 contest theme was Rights and Responsibilities in History. Fou joined more than half a million students globally who completed historical research projects in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website.

She created a Junior Individual Documentary project titled: “The Draft That Shaped A Nation: The Struggle Between Duty and Freedom During the Vietnam War.”

tional schools are invited to compete in the annual NHD National Contest.

540 historians and education professionals served as judges for the students’ work. More than 100 students took home cash prizes between $250 and $2,000 for superior work in a particular category of judging.

NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history.

Established in 1974, NHD currently engages more than half a million students each year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest and supports teachers through professional development opportunities. For more information, visit nhd.org.

WW Arts exhibit keeps late artist’s message alive

After completing their projects, students competed in a series of contests beginning at the local level.

Fou earned 1st place at the New Jersey Regional competition and 1st place at the New Jersey State competition.

The top students in each project category from both middle and high school divisions in 49 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and interna-

West Windsor Arts will host a summer art exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of late Princeton artist Priscilla Snow Algava.

The show, “See Beauty Everywhere: Art by Priscilla Snow Algava,” is on view at West Windsor Arts through Friday, August 8, and proceeds from sales will benefit the scholarship fund established in her name.

“Priscilla’s daughters, Alisa and Carin

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The West Windsor and Plainsboro News 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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Community News Service

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Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

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Emily Fou, a student at Thomas Grover Middle School.

from being around her. She loved creating art. It is magical to see what she was able to do.”

The exhibition will feature a selection of Priscilla’s joyful, expressive works — art that, as her family says, continues to bring healing, light, and inspiration to those who see it.

The healing power of art became especially important to Priscilla during her cancer treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She would often go into their art therapy studio and create, finding solace and strength through the hospital’s art therapy program.

“She saw that art therapy room as her support group,” Alisa Algava said. “She felt connected to herself, the art therapist and the other participants. It was an incredibly powerful experience.”

Algava, and her grandson, Drew Algava, came to us with the idea for this show, which will feature a selection of Priscilla’s artwork that together, we personally curated from her warehouse,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. All proceeds from the sale of artwork from the show will go directly to the Priscilla Snow Algava Scholarship, established in 2018 to enable people of all ages who wish to pursue art classes at West Windsor Arts to do so despite any financial obstacles.

The show also celebrates what would have been Algava’s 85th birthday and inspired two healing art workshops that will take place at the arts center this summer. Both the show and the workshops keep Priscilla’s message of hope and love alive, and were sparked by an idea Drew Algava had when he was only 11 years old.

“After my grandmother passed away in 2019, I thought that it would be fitting to have an art show that honored her life and legacy,” said Drew Algava. A few years later, he put his dream into action and applied for and received a $3,000 Moses Brown grant to fund this special exhibition and sale.

“When Mom died, Drew made a list of things that were beautiful to him and started the ‘See Beauty Everywhere’ movement in her honor,” Carin Algava said. “He raised more than $7,500 for cancer research in her name for his Bar Mitzvah project.” This art show and sale is a continuation of that mission.

“The mission of the ‘See Beauty Everywhere’ movement is not only to share my grandmother’s message but also to get her artwork into the world,” Drew said. “Grandma Silla made friends wherever she went and made everyone feel better just

In partnership with Debbie Rice, the same Memorial Sloan Kettering art therapist who worked with Priscilla, West Windsor Arts will host two free workshops during the exhibition for individuals and families impacted by cancer or chronic illness.

Beyond Words II: Collage Open Studio takes place West Windsor Arts on Saturday, August 2, from 10:30 am to 1:30 p.m.

In this family-friendly drop-in workshop participants will engage in the accessible and expressive art of collage-making as a way to explore themes of hope, resilience, and connection. No artistic experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

Both workshops are free, but registration is required.

West Windsor Arts is located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor. For more information about the exhibit, to register for the workshops, or to contribute to the scholarship fund, visit westwindsorarts. org/exhibitions.

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‘Free’ by Priscilla Snow Algava.

sonal manager.”

The idea for the band came about when Princeton Health (formerly Princeton Hospital) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala in November of 2019. The festivities included a talent show for doctors, employees, and volunteers, and a couple of future Full Code members hit the stage.

“A bunch of people performed at the talent show, and I knew two of them had been playing together for a while, so I thought, why not put a group together,” Barile says.

As 2020 dawned and the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone their separate ways, Full Code came together and began polishing a modest set of songs, sharpening their individual skills and, essentially, learning how to be a band.

At first, they rehearsed in Barile’s spacious backyard in Princeton, but currently they practice in a studio at Gronczewski’s home, also in Princeton.

Full Code started to get quite good, the word got around, and the band was asked to play a few private back yard shows.

“We also played twice at Princeton Porchfest, and at a fundraiser for Greenwood House, but we haven’t hit Europe yet,” Barile says, with a little laugh.

The guys are not musical newbies —

ing the set list wasn’t as easy as Barile thought it might be. Songs he’d heard his whole life turned out to be more difficult than they seemed.

“Those I thought would be complicated were so easy, and those I thought would be easy were complicated,” he says, singling out the George Michael song “Waiting for That Day” as challenging.

“Elvis Presley’s ‘Suspicious Minds’ is like that, too, and so is the Beatles’ ‘Here Comes the Sun,’” Barile says. “They’re difficult because of the time signature changes, for one thing. They took a while to get it together.”

“Also, the songs that are quieter and slower are more difficult,” he continues. “We do a couple of very popular songs, just a voice and one or two instruments, and it’s hard to pull off, to be quiet and more subtle.”

Naturally, if the crowd is rocking out to something loud and fast, they’re less likely to be listening carefully. But a song in a more moderate tempo can make a band vulnerable.

all of the members of Full Code played in groups before, some since their youth. Barile himself picked up the guitar about 10 years ago, “just looking for something to do with others,” he says.

Then he shifted to drums, fulfilling a desire he’d had since childhood. In fact, he was the original drummer for Full Code, before Skole.

Gelling as a musical unit and perfect-

Speaking of vulnerability and exposure, what’s it like for the docs to shed their stethoscopes and step up to the microphone as lead singers? Is there an issue with stage fright?

“Yes and no,” Barile says. “We’ve all

Members of Full Code include David Barile, back left, Kevin Skole, Jasmeet Bajaj, Gabe Smolarz; and Samuel Yenn-Batah, front left, and Craig Gronczewski. The band performs in Princeton on Sunday, Aug. 17, and at Cranbury Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

given lectures and instructions in front of large groups, so I don’t think any of us are afraid to get up in front of people. But it’s different getting up and singing.”

“We all sing, or try to sing,” he adds. “Greg and Jasmeet carry the majority of the songs, I sing two or three, and the others will pick up a song or two.”

Barile says that his major musical influences are roots rock, Americana, rhythm and blues, gospel, and acoustic blues. He is especially interested in how American blues evolved into rock and roll.

“It really started in the 1930s with Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a guitarist (and singer) who did blues and gospel,” he says. “She was doing what Chuck Berry did 20 years later. I am a history buff, so I love America’s history of music.”

“That’s what is unique about the band,” he adds. “We’re all in different fields of medicine, but our interests in music are all varied as well, so we bring different kinds of spice to the band.”

Be sure to catch Full Code live this summer because later this year they’ll be retreating into the studio to work on original material.

“We’re trying to write our own stuff,” Barile says. “We have a couple of originals already and we’re working on more.”

“I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s been incredibly therapeutic, to come

together with people you work with and play music, and it’s really good for the aging brain,” Barile says.

It’s true: learning and playing a musical instrument activates multiple brain regions and enhances cognitive functions like memory and attention, as well as executive tasks like planning and problem solving. Musicianship also requires fine motor skills and coordination and promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new neural connections.

However, sharing a creative project also stimulates the soul. For Barile, all these factors have been bonuses for being in Full Code.

“We commiserate, talk about our day jobs, and share our enthusiasm for music,” he says. “It’s been great for me and the other guys, to be able to have a band and play live music, especially during COVID, when we were all on the front lines.”

Full Code will be in concert at two locations in the area:

Hinds Plaza, adjacent to the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Sunday, August 17, 4 p.m. Free. 609-9249529. princetonlibrary.org.

Cranbury Public Library, 30 Park Place West, Cranbury, Wednesday, August 20, 6:30 p.m. Free. 609-722-6992. cranburypubliclibrary.org.

Township of West Windsor Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor “Paper Shred Event”

October 4, 2025 8AM – 12PM

NOTE: May end prior to 12pm if shred truck reaches capacity Open to Residents ONLY, No Businesses Proof of Residency Required

Limit papers to confidential/sensitive material only

Protect against identity theft – shred materials with your Social Security numbers, account numbers, confidential passwords, medical information, financial records and other confidential/sensitive personal documents. No need to remove paper clips, staples or rubberbands. Please remove heavy metal-backed binder clips/3 ring binders.

NO magazines, hard/soft cover books, newspapers, junk mail, online catalogs, coupon circulars, travel guides; these items can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. NO photos, x-rays, CD’s, VHS tapes or plastic credit cards

*LIMIT 8 boxes – max 20lbs each* Paper must be in a liftable, manageable container. If it is hard for you to bring it to your car, it is too heavy! NO plastic bags. Use a box, crate or other sturdy container - it will be returned to you!

ALSO ON SITE AT THE EVENT

FOOD DRIVE

Send Hunger Packing WW-P and The Little Free Pantry are local programs of Mercer Street Friends addressing food insecurity. Food donations are needed to support these important programs. Shelf stable items most in need: Cereals (individual bowl or small boxes), Oatmeal, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned/Microwavable Soup Bowls, Canned/Tuna to go (Starkist, Bumble Bee or vegetarian equivalent), packaged Dried Fruits, Chef Boyardee Microwave Bowls or vegetarian equivalent, Hormel Complete entrée or vegetarian equivalent. Grocery store cards are also welcomed. NO GLASS items please.

CLOTHING DRIVE

Don’t need it anymore? Don’t throw it away!

RECYCLE BY DONATING YOUR CLOTHING GOODWILL will be on site collecting clean gently used women, men and children’s clothing & accessories such as shoes, hats, scarfs, belts, gloves, coats, purses & ties.

Buyers fall in love with outdoor living Listing or photographing your home now ensures your backyard steals the show. Reach out to me at 609 865 3696 to explore your options

Eva Petruzziello

REALTOR® Associate CRS, ALHS, SRES

sports

North soccer’s Budhiraja looks to build on breakout season

By Justin Feil

Prema Budhiraja can be hard on herself, but there was a lot to be happy about last year in her third year on the North girls soccer team.

Budhiraja was second on the team in scoring behind Ginny Choi with 30 points on 13 goals and four assists, more than doubling her production from each of her freshman and sophomore years.

“I think that I gained a lot more confidence last season,” Budhiraja said. “I get my head and my coach especially kept me going and my team kept me going. I thought that’s something I lacked my previous years—confidence—and it was just mainly myself, like I was just really shelled in when I played.”

An All-Colonial Valley Conference selection, Budhiraja is ready for her senior season in which she again has high expectations for herself, and the Knights will look to improve on last year’s 9-10 season that ended in the Central Jersey Group 3 quarterfinals.

“Last year we played very, very good compared to how we played the previous year,”

said Budhiraja. “I think we were all very comfortable with each other. Overall I think we played much better than our previous seasons.”

The nine wins were the Knights’ most since the 2015 season. North also went 5-3 in CVC play. They are looking to build off that under first-year head coach Taylor Mastropasqua, though she’s not new to most of the team or to North. Mastropasqua is head

boys tennis coach at the school and has been head JV girls soccer coach the last three years. She’s excited to bring her vision to the program and help it continue to climb.

“I’m excited to work with the girls at this new level,” said Mastropasqua who played at William Paterson after a high school career at Hightstown. “Soccer has always been my passion, so getting a higher level of competition to work with is really nice.”

It means getting to work with players like Budhiraja who are plenty motivated to succeed at this level. Budhiraja has held herself to a high standard for as long as she can remember.

“I’ve always been like this,” she said. “I

think soccer is like the one thing that I’m very competitive with myself and with everyone else. And I guess it gets a little bit too much sometimes, but I think it’s kind of healthy sometimes.”

Budhiraja’s drive kicked in early. It was a family passion spawned by her father and her older brother, Arjun Budhiraja, who also played at North.

“My dad was a coach when we first moved to the U.S. and he coached my brother and me,” said Budhiraja, whose family moved from India when she was a baby. “He made me fall in love with the sport, and I honestly followed in my brother’s footsteps. He went from playing rec to travel. I was playing rec and then travel, and he did middle school and high school, I did the same thing as him. I used to play basketball and track, but didn’t love it as much as soccer.”

Budhiraja played varsity as a freshman and sophomore, but last year was her breakout year. It was reassurance for her.

“Honestly, I think it was a surprise just because looking at my other two years, I was steady but I wasn’t scoring as much.

And I knew that I can do better,” Budhiraja said. “So I was happy that I was able to show what I actually have in me and I’m able to score and I’m able to do this and able to do that. So it was a big surprise, but it was also a big relief that I can show everyone that I can score and I can play and I’m not just like someone who’s just put on the field, I actually deserve to be on the field.”

The big year sets her up for this season. It will be a senior year, and if she can recover from a knee injury that has slowed her over the summer, she hopes to be making a big impact again.

“I have very high expectations with myself because I do want to play well,” she said. “I want to score more than I scored last year. And if I do, I’ll be really happy. And if I don’t, that’s OK, but I want to play the best of my ability this year and we’ll see how it goes.”

She is part of a big three with Choi and fellow senior Julia Eckel. The trio anchors the team and a strong senior class.

“I think the center of the field through the three of them is really going to be vital this season and having them connect,” said

Mastropasqua.

Budhiraja has a strength unique to the Knights. She is left-footed, a rarity on the team. That’s something that North hopes to use wisely.

“We don’t get many left-footed girls and she’s a lefty, so we are able to get her on the outside, left forward or that outside mid and have her make those runs,” Mastropasqua said. “She’s great with the ball. She’s great off the ball. She has great vision of the field and soccer IQ. So if I need her anywhere on the field she can step up and play, but I’ve seen her do really well at that left attack when we get those balls to her feet. We gotta get her working on the right foot, though.”

Budhiraja felt most effective last year when she moved to the left wing. After a slower start at forwaRd., she came on strong down the finish. This year, she’s looking to start and finish well for a team that has a lot of potential.

“I think the key is confidence, chemistry and also commitment,” Budhiraja said. “I think commitment is a big thing, because when you have commitment to practices and games, not everyone’s falling behind. I feel like we play better just because we’re practicing as a whole instead of people missing.”

“Chemistry is also big just because you don’t want to be losing chemistry on the field,” she said. “You want to be talking to each other, you want to be knowing each other’s runs, you want to know the way they play on the soccer field. I know how Ginny Choi plays. I know how she runs with me. I know how Julia plays. I know where she’s going to pass and everything”

There has to be continued widespread growth for the Knights to take another step forward. Progress has been something important to Budhiraja and the team. Her individual and their collective growths have mirrored each other.

“I agree 100 percent,” Budhiraja said. “Compared to my freshman year to now, our freshman year we were pretty good but our class, I feel like individually we improved a lot together. And I also just feel like even as a program we improved way more. We had

our ups and downs, but I think we’ve gotten so much better from when we first got to high school.”

Budhiraja expects that progress to continue. She is showing she can raise her level again. She is trying to improve her game each practice and become a more dynamic player and better leader on the team as she gears up for the start of the season.

“A little bit more aggression, which we’ve seen just from these little summer workouts we’ve had,” Mastropasqua said.

He added: “She looks stronger on the ball, she’s able to fight girls off, she’s more aggressive on the ball. And she’s making great runs off the ball. So she’s getting into a position where she can have that attack going and help her teammates out.

“But again, her soccer IQ is pretty high so she’s able to control that field and guide her teammates to a place where she can be successful and score some goals. She has the speed. She’s tough and she’s aggressive.”

Budhiraja is looking to make the most of her final season at North. She stepped away from club soccer last year to focus on academics, which are also highly important to her.

She is interested in becoming a physician’s assistant. She has an internship and volunteers at two hospitals, which takes up much of her time when she’s not playing soccer or in school.

“I’m really passionate about healthcare and just building my career right now, trying to figure out what specific places I want to major in and everything like that,” she said. “I’m focusing a lot on my career.”

With school and soccer, Prema Budhiraja is maintaining high standards. While her career goals will have a little time to wait, soccer is right around the corner. It’s her final season with the Knights, and she wants to make the most of it.

“I’m really super excited to just play my final season and have a good season with my team, especially winning games,” she said. “I feel like we have really good chemistry right now and I hope it continues throughout the season.”

•

Replacing

Settling

DESTRIBATS CAMPBELL STAUB

Travel Talk with Caryn and Aron Exploring the world by river

In March the annual river cruise expo was held in Vienna Austria.

This was an opportunity for me to strengthen my relationship with the various cruise lines, while attending classes, touring the various ships across all the different brands fleets, and experiencing the food and entertainment that is offered.

One of the ﬁrst steps in picking which cruise is right for you is to take a quick look at the diﬀerent river options and experiences possible.

Once you have decided on a river, then I can match up which line is best suited to your vacation needs and experiences.

Danube River

Buddhist temple in Cambodia.

• See the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum in Phnom Penh.

• Take a tuk tuk ride through Phnom Penh.

• Climb the spiral of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for amazing views.

• Catch the twinkling lights of the Hungarian Parliament building at night.

• Tour Melk Abbey, one of the most famous baroque churches in Europe.

Mississippi River

• See the site of the Civil War’s most pivotal battle in Vicksburg.

• Tour the oldest city on the Mississippi River, Natchez.

• Eat Creole cuisine while you listen to jazz in New Orleans.

Rhine River

Nile River

• Stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets of Mannheim.

• Explore Rüdesheim, a fairytale town with colorful wine taverns.

• Enjoy the Alsatian café culture in Strasbourg.

Seine River

• Pay a visit to the Eiﬀel Tower.

• Visit famous D-Day sites in Normandy.

• View the Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, a medieval castle built by Richard the Lionheart.

Douro River

• Taste port at an elegant estate in Pinhão.

• Visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval fortress.

• Visit Spain’s oldest college town, Salamanca, right with scholarly history.

Mekong River

• Visit Angkor Wat, a Hindu-

• Visit Petra in Jordan and walk the narrow canyon called Al Siq

• See the Valley of the Kings and explore the burial chamber of King Tut

• Ride a camel overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza. * * *

Contact me when you are ready to sail the river.

Now is the time to start planning your winter break getaway. And don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. Contact us today at 609-750-0807 or cberla@cruiseplanners.com to discuss your travel plans. At Cruise Planners we are Luxury Travel Specialists.

Visit us at www. makingvacationmemories.net to register for either our regular or for our Luxury newsletter to be delivered directly to your inbox and follow us at www.facebook.com/familycruising.

BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

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

Healthy Family Cooking on a Budget, Plainsboro Public Library. 1:30 p.m. Instructor Shipra Mitra leads hands-on workshop where helpful recipes that are economic and health-focused are shared. Must register at plainsborolibrary. org. 9 Van Doren St., Plainsboro.

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.

Live at the Library: Briz and the revival, Plainsboro Public Library. 7 p.m. Live music on library patio. plainsborolibrary.org. 9 Van Doren St, Plainsboro Township, Plainsboro. the Ballad of Mulan, Kelsey Theatre. 7 p.m. Presented by Huaxia Chinese School at Plainsboro. The ancient Chinese tale of Mulan is brought to life in a multidisciplinary performance. Poetry, music, songs, dances, and Chinese martial arts, narrated in Chinese and English. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor.

Owning

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 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.

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.

Family sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalist-guided program geared towards families. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

the Ballad of Mulan, Kelsey Theatre. 4 p.m. Presented by Huaxia Chinese School at Plainsboro. 1 & 4 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor.

Mahoning Valley scrappers at trenton

thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 5 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

tuesday, august 5

MarketFair summer Kids Club, MarketFair. 10 a.m. Tuesdays July 15 to Aug. 19. marketfairshoppes.com. 3535 Route 1, West Windsor. Plainsboro art group Meet-up, Community Room. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting for artists to share their work and ideas. 18 and over. plainsborolibrary.org, Plainsboro.

WedNesday, august 6

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

Concerts on the Landing, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. 12 p.m. 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

real estate Business alliance: evening Networking, Hill Wallack LLP. 5:30 p.m. Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce networking event with area real estate professionals. princetonmercerchamber.org. 21 Roszel Rd., 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.

Friday, august 8

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.

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

Night Hike, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 7 p.m. Hike through Roebling Memorial Park after hours to explore and observe all the nocturnal happenings in nature. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

See EVENTS, Page 18

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

suNday, august 10

Family sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Opera La Boheme, Mercer County Community College. 2 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd., Windsor.

tuesday, august 12

cott Avenue, Hamilton.

Halloween Prop swap yard sale, Bordentown Consolidated Fire House Association. 10 a.m. Consolidated Fire Association hosting first ever Halloween Prop Swap Yard sale. bordentownhalloween.com. 20 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown.

MarketFair summer Kids Club, MarketFair. 10 a.m. Tuesdays July 15 to Aug. 19. marketfairshoppes.com. 3535 Route 1, West WIndsor. story time and Craft Program, New Jersey State Museum. 12 p.m. 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

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

terhune Orchards 50th anniversary Community Celebration, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Live music, games, special anniversary activities, and entertainment including: anniversary swag giveaways, customer photography show, anniversary kids’ activities, giant anniversary cake, food pavilion with special anniversary treats, farm animals, wagon rides. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. Lata Patel Bloom Bar Flower arranging Workshop, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 10 a.m. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard Rd., Pennington.

Outwaters encampment, with Colonial Canning day & Pickling, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. Learn the ins and outs of canning. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

4th annual History-Music Fest, West Windsor History Museum. 3 p.m. An afternoon of music/dance, food/drink, community and tours of the historic Schenck Farmstead. Free. westwindsorhistory.com/fest.html. 50 Southfield Road, West Windsor.

suNday, august 17

Family sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

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

tHursday, august 14

Wine & dine with Benjamin Franklin, Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. 6:30 p.m. 11 Bridge St, Lambertville.

Friday, august 15

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

saturday, august 16

abbott amblers Community Walk - abbott Bluffs/Brook Trail, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 8:30 a.m. Free, relaxed walks on Abbott Marshlands trails. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 West-

tuesday, august 19

MarketFair summer Kids Club, MarketFair. 10 a.m. Tuesdays July 15 to Aug. 19. marketfairshoppes.com. 3535 Route 1, West Windsor.

WedNesday, august 20

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

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

tHursday, august 21

august Business after Business, Haldeman Lexus of Princeton. 5 p.m. Princeton Mercer

Regional Chamber of Commerce networking event. princetonmercerchamber.org. 2630 Business Route 1 North, Lawrenceville. 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. Now in its 36th year, the contest is the largest and longest-running traditional fiddle contest in New Jersey. Fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists and more. Contest begins at noon. Homemade food, ice cream, horse-drawn wagon rides, a children’s craft, and a closing performance featuring 30 fiddlers. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Williamsport Crosscutters at trenton thunder, Trenton Thunder Ballpark. 6 p.m. 1 Thunder Road, Trenton.

suNday, august 24

Family sundays at the Nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

MONday, august 25

abbott amblers Community Walk: tNC to spring Lake Loop, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 5:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott

Avenue, Hamilton.

tuesday, august 26

story time and Craft Program, New Jersey State Museum. 12 p.m. 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

Blood drive at MarketFair, MarketFair. 10 a.m. Arriving donors can enter through MarketFair’s main entrance located by Jos A. Banks and follow the signs to the donation room. 3535 Route 1, West Windsor.

Friday, august 29

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

saturday, august 30

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. Today’s plowing kicks off a 10-month growing season for Howell Farm’s fall crops: wheat, rye, barley and spelt. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

IT’S TIME TO CLEAN UP AND CLEAN OUT FOR FALL!

RECYCLE:

West Windsor Township Public Works 70 Southfield Road, West Windsor

Clean Up Day” Saturday, September 6, 2025 8am – 2pm Open to West Windsor Residents ONLY – Proof of Residency

Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Scrap Metals, Air Conditioner, Lawn Mowers, Fridge/Freezers, Exercise Equipment, Dehumidifiers, Tires (on/off rims), Used Motor Oil, Anti-Freeze, BBQ Grills, UNBOXED Electronics ; Laptop, Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Printers, VCRs, Cell Phones, Keyboards, Cables & Wiring and Televisions.

DUMPSTER ITEMS:

Broken Items, Wood Fencing, Outdoor Play Toys, Outdoor Furniture, Small Furniture, Area Rugs

NO Major Construction/Renovation Debris, NO Mattresses/Box Springs, NO Paints

Donate your unwanted bike. NJ Bike Exchange will fix it up and give it new life. Let your bike ride on!

WHAT NOT TOBRING:

GOODWILL Accepting Donations: Books, Movies, Toys, Home Décor, Games, Puzzles, Housewares, Shoes, Clean Clothing & Accessories, Working Small Appliances & Electronics

NO BABY: Cribs, Car Seats, High Chairs, Walkers or Playpens (due to recalls)

Hazardous materials (aerosol cans, pesticides & herbicides, paint thinner, oil based paint, stains & varnishes, gasoline, driveway sealer, thermostats/mercury, fluorescent & CFL bulbs, insect repellents) liquids, heating oil, infectious waste, radioactive materials, explosives, munitions, railroad ties, asbestos, acetylene tanks, mattresses/box springs, latex paint, construction/renovation debris

Thank you for keeping West Windsor clean! 

Clarksville’s forgotten past in West Windsor

PAUL LIGETI

WEST WINDSOR CHRONICLES

We all know Clarksville Road. But where does it get its name?

In this issue of the *West Windsor Chronicles*, the Historical Society of West Windsor explores the story of a long-gone but historic hamlet that once straddled the border of West Windsor and Lawrence townships.

“Clarksville” was a West Windsor–Lawrence community that no longer exists. It largely centered on the intersection of Route 1, Quakerbridge Road and Clarksville Road, but also included the surrounding landscape.

It was presumably named after the Clarke family, who settled in present-day Princeton following Benjamin Clarke’s purchase of 1,200 acres of land in 1696, overlapping present-day West Windsor and Princeton. Although the hamlet’s name — dating at least as far back as the 1820s, if not earlier — was originally spelled “Clarkesville,” the “e” was dropped at an unknown date.

It is currently unknown exactly when

pioneers first settled the West Windsor part of the 1696 purchase — as opposed to the Princeton part. However, we do know that farming families lived here at least by the 1770s, if not significantly earlier.

British troops were apparently captured on Dec. 30, 1776, during the American Revolution at a local farm about a quarter-mile northeast of the intersection of Clarksville and Quakerbridge roads.

These soldiers divulged crucial information about British troop movements to George Washington’s army — intelligence that likely helped them win at the Battles of Assunpink Creek and Trenton. Only four days later, nearby residents witnessed the American army marching up Quakerbridge Road on their way to victory at the Battle of Princeton.

We can pinpoint a particularly influential individual in early 1800s Clarksville: Dr. Israel Clarke, who served as West Windsor’s town physician for years. He is probably the specific person after whom Clarksville was named.

He owned an inn called Windsor Hall at the crossroads in the early 1800s; after him came a succession of owners. One of the proprietors, William West, hosted

most West Windsor meetings from the 1870s through the 1890s before the township moved back to the community of Dutch Neck in 1891. His hotel was one of a few that were licensed to serve liquor — undoubtedly a draw for many.

In the 1800s, Clarksville flourished as a farming community that profited from Route 1’s stagecoach travel. Throughout the century, it also featured a second inn, a blacksmith, a wheelwright, a store and, of course, several farmsteads.

A schoolhouse — reputedly erected around 1822 — initially served 40 students under the tutelage of David Dye. It stood just inside Lawrence Township, at the southern corner of the intersection of Clarksville and Quakerbridge roads. It was also used as a Sunday school, meeting house and festival site. The building was reportedly destroyed in a fire in 1937.

A structure called the Clarksville Inn catered to early 1900s tourists. It sold liquor during Prohibition and was consequently the subject of prosecution. It seems to have been demolished to make way for Route 1 improvements in the early 1930s.

This building, however, should not be

confused with two other establishments: the Clarksville Motel and the 1940s-era Clarksville Diner. The latter is easily West Windsor’s best-traveled building. Originally called the Princeton Grill and located at the Penns Neck traffic circle, it was a popular circa-1940 eatery that was relocated to Clarksville in the 1940s or 1950s.

In 1988, the diner was bought by Gordon Tindall III, who relocated it to Iowa and restored it. Ten years later — for reasons yet unknown — it was purchased by a French multimedia company called Canal+, based in Paris.

They shipped it across the Atlantic and converted it to office space. It now sits overlooking the Seine, its prominent lettering alluding to its original hometown across the ocean. For more, visit: WestWindsorHistory.com/ClarksvilleDiner.

Throughout the 1900s, Clarksville remained a farming community, home to several longtime families including — but not limited to — the Colemans, Dilatushes, Dohertys, Reeds and Schencks. One of the town’s largest tracts of farmland still existed as of January 2024 on the northeast side of Quakerbridge Road, south of Clarksville Road.

Starting in the 1950s, American Cyanamid — an industrial chemical conglomerate — opened an agricultural research and development facility on the site of several old farms. One of these was the Flock-Coleman farm where, as mentioned earlier, British troops were reportedly captured in 1776.

The company acquired surrounding properties over the next few years, razing old farmhouses in the process — including the historic barn, house and farm where those British troops were captured. However, the agricultural land was largely preserved and livestock thrived. It was not uncommon to see pigs nearly the size of cows.

The facility closed in the early 2000s, but you can learn more at WestWindsorHistory.com/AmericanCyanamid.

In the ensuing years, the old Cyanamid property passed through several owners, some of whom presented various plans for development — plans that were generally opposed by residents.

In 2019, a developer called Atlantic Realty purchased the approximately 650acre site following a much-criticized proposal to build thousands of housing units, and a protracted legal battle between Howard Hughes — its previous owner — and the township over a plan to construct thousands of new residences and multiple

commercial buildings.

A proposed complex of massive warehouses spanning much of the property is currently the prevailing — and equally intensely debated — future for the site.

Virtually nothing remains of Clarksville today. The Lawrence side of Quakerbridge Road features apartments and shopping complexes. The West Windsor side is primarily dominated by the recently demolished American Cyanamid complex, Nassau Park Pavilion and likely soon-to-be-gone farmland.

Still, the Weber’s Kennels building at 3440 Brunswick Pike remains in use, and its farmhouse may date to around 1800. As an isolated building along Route 1, it serves as an appropriate symbol for one of West Windsor’s most disappeared communities.

The Historical Society is an all-volunteer nonprofit; all our volunteers donate their free time to document and promote our township’s history. There is a lot to celebrate — but we can’t do it without your support.

Please consider volunteering or donating to help us grow and expand our impact. To learn more, visit: westwindsorhistory.com.

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Paul Ligeti is the president of the Historical Society of West Windsor.

The Clarksville Area in 1875.

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