9-25 BC

SPORtS

Junior Hosszu-Barrett in the middle of it all for Scotties’ soccer

by JuStin FEiL

Everett Hosszu-Barrett is used to being in the middle of the action on the soccer field. He’s done it in club for all of his career and now in high school.

The junior midfielder will be tasked with being a main cog for the Bordentown Regional High School boys soccer team this fall. They open the season Sept. 4 against Northern Burlington.

“Offensively, I think I kind of coordinate the press and tell guys when to go, and I like having that responsibility on me and having the trust of my teammates and coaches,” said Hosszu-Barrett. “It’s a big role, but I think I’m capable of doing it and I’m going to be able to help lead the team to the successful season.”

Hosszu-Barrett has been a significant contributor through his first two years of high school soccer with nine goals and 10 assists combined. Last year, the Scotties went 13-6-1 and were 4-3-1 in the Patriot Division of the Burlington County Scholastic League. Their season ended with a hard

fought 3-2 loss to Manasquan in the Central Jersey Group 2 quarterfinals.

“We have a good plan of success to come up,” HosszuBarrett said. “We’re going to work on getting the first division title in I want to say six years, and then hopefully make it far enough in state because we haven’t made it out the second round in eight years now. So I think with the team that we have, the coaching and the staff that we have amongst us at Bordentown, I think that we can 100 percent make a good run.”

The Scotties have a new head coach but it’s a familiar face in Mike Brennan. Brennan takes over for Jason Zablow, who is now the school’s new athletic director.

Zablow played for Brennan during his first tenure with the Bordentown boys soccer team that lasted from 2005 to 2016 and has maintained contact with the program while raising his children. With his children now in high school, Brennan could return to a more demanding role. He’ll take over a team that lost some strong players to graduation, but has a great

See SOCCER, Page 16

township

Committeewoman Kelly Lozito, Patrolman Michael Giorgianni, Patrolman Adam Cook, Mayor Eric Holliday, Special Officer Danny Fernandez, Deputy Mayor Eugene Fuzy, and Committeeman Bill Grayson at the Aug. 18 Township Committee meeting following the swearing-in ceremony for new township police officers Giorgianni, Cook and Fernandez. Story, page 5.

Township makes deal to keep Bradford Pointe affordable

Bordentown Township reached an agreement with the property owner of Bradford Pointe in June to preserve longterm affordability for 168 housing units.

Bradford Pointe is an affordable housing community located at the intersection of Burlington Bordentown Road and U.S. Route 130 South. Originally

developed to fulfill affordable housing requirements from the Prior Round (1987–1999) of affordable housing requirements, the property generated surplus affordable housing credits that were carried into the Third Round (1999–2025).

The township and the property owner have struck a deal to extend those protections, allowing the township to count the

But without action, the protections keeping those homes affordable were set to expire in a few years. Without intervention, the property owner would have had the option to phase out affordability protections during the upcoming Fourth Round (2025–2035).

See nEWS, Page 4

RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Friday, Sept. 5; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 30; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Sept. 8; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 23; 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.

WII GAMES

Monday, Sept. 8; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.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!

PARENT ZEN

Monday, Sept. 8; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This program aims to provide much needed 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.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER

Tuesday, Sept. 9; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

This support group explores how emotional ties to personal “stuff” can

create clutter and affect one’s mood. A caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Sept. 9; 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.

POLYPHARMACY AWARENESS

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join Shesha Desai. Pharm D., Rph. BC-ADM, an expert Medication Safety Pharmacist, to learn about the complexities of managing multiple medications and how to manage your own safely.

EVERY DAY COUNTS:

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL SUCCESS

Wednesday, Sept. 17; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join us for a session that will help parents and caregivers uncover the root causes of school absences and explore practical ways to build positive routines, improve school engagement, and support your child’s long-term success.

CRYSTALS FOR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Thursday, Sept. 18; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Learn about crystals and how their soothing energy can help you regain emotional balance and support your well-being. Fee: $15

SACRED BREATHWORK

Monday, Sept. 22; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Learn about how this modality can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, or anything else that will make you comfortable. Chairs will be available. Fee: $15

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Sept. 23; 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.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Sept. 23; 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.

FALL MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL

Tuesdays, Sept. 23 - Oct. 28; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join us for this 6-week informative

session on different medical topics. Enhance your knowledge with the variety of specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun.

WOMAN’S BOOK CLUB: THE OVERSTORY BY RICHARD POWERS

Wednesday, Sept. 24; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Please come prepared to discuss this winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction.

MENTAL HEALTH SERIES: POSITIVE SELF-AWARENESS

Wednesday, Sept. 24; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

This psychoeducation group focuses on developing a growth-mindset that will allow you to foster a sense of self-love and acceptance. Join us to dig deep into your life, identify your values, build resilience, and find confidence in your own abilities.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Sept. 24; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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

WISE WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP: BACK TO SCHOOL MEMORIES

Thursday., Sept. 25; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Join a community of women to discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.

WOMEN AND INVESTING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Thursday, Sept. 25; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Women tend to be paid less than men, save less for retirement, and are expected to live longer. For these reasons, women need to prepare and invest more for the future. Learn to achieve financial freedom for yourself and those you love.

FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH

Monday, Sept. 29; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join our bimonthly heart-healthy cooking class. Have some fun learning how to cook nutritious and delicious heart-healthy meals. Explore heart-friendly ingredients and cooking techniques.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

Tuesday, Sept. 30; 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.

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.

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, & 24; 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.

GENTLE JAZZ CLASS

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24; 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

TAI CHI

Thursday, Sept. 4 & 18; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Sept. 9 & 30; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Sept. 9 & 30; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Sept. 9 & 30; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK, RWJUH HAMILTON

Wednesday, Sept. 10; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

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

DESSERT & COFFEE WITH MICHAEL R. DUCH, MD, ON HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENTS

Thursday, Sept. 11; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Michael R. Duch, MD, of the Orthopedic & Spine Institute at RWJUH Hamilton, and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, will provide insights on the comprehensive program at RWJUH Hamilton for knee and hip replacements, as well as guidance of joint replacement from initial consideration, treatment and long-term recovery.

today!

NOURISH YOUR BRAIN: COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

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

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

AGELESS GRACE, SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY

Thursday, Sept. 18; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

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

BREAKFAST & LEARN: AGE-FRIENDLY CARE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT RWJUH HAMILTON AND SERVING OLDER ADULTS

Tuesday, Sept. 23; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Meet RWJUH Hamilton’s Emergency Department experts and learn how we are serving our aging community members with evidenced-based care and how it results in improving both psychological and physiological outcomes. Join us to learn about the hospital’s commitment to care excellence for older adults.

GRANDPARENTING: THE GOOD, THE CHALLENGES, AND THE BOUNDARIES

Thursday, Sept. 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Courtney Williams, LSW, and Joyce Cantalice, RWJUH Hamilton’s Better Health Manager, are excited to present this program designed to navigate the complex and rewarding world of being a grandparent in today’s multifaceted family landscapes with different parenting styles.

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

BORDENTOWN Home for Funerals

units toward future housing obligations while preserving home affordability for the 168 families currently living there.

“This isn’t just about housing numbers or state requirements,” said Mayor Eric Holliday. “This is about real people — families, seniors, and veterans — who now have peace of mind knowing their rent won’t suddenly become unaffordable. It’s about doing what’s right for the community we all care about.”

County awards $5 million in municipal park grants

Splash pads, pickleball courts, adaptive playgrounds, new trails and other improvements will be possible at 37 local parks under the Burlington County Commissioners’ latest round of municipal parks development grant awards.

The commissioners voted Wednesday to approve the 37 grant awards under the grant program, which provides financial support for municipalities to develop or improve municipal parks and playgrounds for outdoor recreation. A total of $5 million is being awarded to 37 municipalities this round, the most since 2020, when the grants were last awarded.

These grants included $100,000 for playground replacement at Carslake Park in Bordentown City, $125,000 for light-

The Bradford Pointe Apartments on U.S. Route 130, at the southern end of Bordentown Township.

ing at Joseph Lawrence Park soccer field in Bordentown Township, and $125,000 for a Delaware River walking trail in Fieldsboro.

“Burlington County strives to be a destination for all people and these grants help make sure there are quality parks in all communities,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson.

Current Bordentown

We are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Bordentown Current is for local people, by local people. As part of the community, the Current does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood.

EditOR

Joe Emanski (Ext. 120)

COntRibutinG WRitER

Justin Feil

COntRibutinG COLuMniSt

Peter Tucci

ad LayOut and PROduCtiOn

Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131)

SEniOR aCCOunt EXECutiVE

Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113)

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

Phone: (609) 396-1511

news: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Sports: sports@communitynews.org

Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org

Website: bordentowncurrent.com

Facebook: facebook.com/bordentowncurrent twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

9,000 copies of the Bordentown Current are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Bordentown 12 times a year.

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

“No matter where you live, you should be able to enjoy our county’s beautiful outdoor spaces and the health benefits of outdoor recreation.”

All 40 municipalities in the county were eligible to apply for grants up to $250,000 to use to construct, repair or improve parks facilities or to acquire open space for a future park. Funding for the grants comes from the county’s voter-approved dedicated open space preservation tax.

No local match is required for towns to receive grants funds, though the awards are generally restricted to hard costs such as construction, renovation and repair rather than design or engineering expenses.

Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said the grants ensure municipalities across the county benefit from the county’s open space tax.

“Burlington County is home to more acres of preserved open space and farmland than any county in New Jersey. We’re proud of that record and our investments in parks and trails development to ensure residents from all communities can access and benefit from our spaces we save,” said Eckel, adding that the aid also helps towns improve parks and recreation without increasing local property tax burdens.

“Without these grants, many of these park improvements would not be possible, and they provide direct local property tax relief since these are dollars municipalities won’t have to borrow or raise from their property taxpayers,” Eckel said.

All 37 municipalities that applied received funding, with awards ranging from $75,000 to $175,000. Three towns (Riverside, Washington Township and Woodland) did not submit applications for grants this round.

A variety of parks projects were awarded grant funds, including construction of pickleball courts at Fenton Lane Park in Chesterfield. Beverly, Fieldsboro and Springfield are being awarded grants for trail developments. Beverly plans to create a trail connection from Riverfront Park to the new segment of the Delaware River Heritage Trail the County is exploring between Florence and Delanco, and Springfield wants to create a walking, hiking and biking trail along Juliustown Road that may connect or become part of the County’s Kinkora Trail expansion.

Florence also received a grant to assist with the construction of inclusive playgrounds or to purchase new adaptive playground equipment. A complete list of grants is at communitynews.org.

3 join Bordentown Twp police

At the Bordentown Township Committee meeting held on Aug. 18, Mayor Eric Holliday swore in three new members of the township police department.

Patrolman Adam Cook and Patrolman Michael Giorgianni joined through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department.

Holliday also swore in Danny Fernandez as a special law enforcement officer. Fernandez is expected to serve as one of three school resource officers assigned to township schools. Fernandez is a recently retired Police Officer from East Windsor who had previously served as an SRO for that school district.

Mayor Holliday shared: “We are excited to welcome Patrolmen Cook and Giorgianni, along with Officer Fernandez, to our Police Department. Each of them brings professionalism and a commitment to public service that will be a great benefit to Bordentown Township.”

Police Chief Nate Roohr added: “These officers will strengthen our department and expand the ways we serve the community, from patrol to school safety. We are grateful to Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis for working with us on these transfers and look forward to the positive impact these new hires will make.”

Danny Fernandez is sworn in as a member of the Bordentown Township Police.

With NJ’s highest ranked pediatric orthopedics and urology programs

We are nationally ranked in pediatric orthopedics at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and in pediatric urology at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center. And we’re also New Jersey’s largest provider of children’s healthcare.

From primary care to specialized treatments and therapies and in partnership with Rutgers Health, our Children’s Health network provides outstanding care, advanced research and teaching from renowned physicians and clinicians, with an emphasis on the social determinants of health that help to improve the health and well-being of every child in every community. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ChildrensHealth

One Dental Home for the Whole Family

Why Parents Love Hamilton Dental Associates

Between school drop-offs, sports practices, and after-work errands, family life can be busy. When every member of the family has a different provider across town, even basic care like dental checkups can turn into a logistical headache.

That’s why so many Hamilton-area families turn to Hamilton Dental Associates—a place where kids, teens, parents, and even grandparents can get the expert dental care they need all under one roof.

One Location, All Ages, Complete Care. Hamilton Dental Associates isn’t just a pediatric practice—it’s a full-service dental home equipped to care for patients at every stage of life. Whether it’s your child’s first appointment, a braces consultation for your teen, or a cosmetic treatment you’ve been considering, we make it easy to get expert care in one convenient location.

Back to school sPEcIal

Our in-house specialties include:

• Pediatric & adult dentistry

• Orthodontics

• Cosmetic dentistry & whitening

• Periodontics, endodontics & oral surgery

• Custom oral appliances for sleep apnea and more

When the whole family can visit the same practice, it means fewer appointments, more convenience, and less time off work or school.

Consistent Providers, Lifelong Trust. Children — and adults — thrive with consistency. At Hamilton Dental Associates, our patients benefit from seeing familiar faces who understand their history, preferences, and longterm care goals. This continuity helps build confidence, especially in young patients who may be anxious about dental visits.

As your child grows, they can transition seamlessly from pediatric to adult care without the need to change practices. That consistency helps reduce anxiety, strengthens trust, and reinforces stronger long-term dental habits.

Why Families Choose HDA. With over 50 years of experience serving

the Hamilton community and surrounding areas, we’ve earned the trust of multiple generations of local families.

Parents appreciate our:

• Friendly, experienced team of specialists

• Flexible scheduling (including family appointments)

• Kid-focused approach with modern technology

• Personalized care and long-term relationships

From preventive checkups to specialized treatments, we tailor every visit to your family’s needs — making each appointment as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Start the School Year with a

Smile. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to get the whole family on track with cleanings and checkups. Let us help simplify your schedule while keeping everyone’s smiles healthy, confident, and bright. Discover why generations of families trust Hamilton Dental Associates as their dental home for life. Call 609586-6603 or visit hamiltondental.com to schedule your family’s next appointment. See ad, page 8

Fall math Classes now enrolling at rSm nJ Schools!

What is the Russian School of Mathematics?

RSM is an award winning, afterschool math program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 80+ locations in North America and three locations in New Jersey. Our unique approach consists of a continuous K-12 curriculum, taught by expert teachers, in a classroom environment of peers who study together year after year. We take pride in ensuring each student learns in an environment that is optimal for them while boosting their intellect, confidence in math, and learning abilities.

Our program offers three levels to serve each child according to their knowledge and ability. In addition to our core program, the competition track is designed for students interested in advanced mathematical topics as well as participating in elite math competitions.

RSM’s curriculum was developed

Back to School Smiles

by a team of academics specializing in mathematics, education, and child development and has been perfected by our internal curriculum department. All of our teachers have a background in mathematics or related fields and a deep passion for the subject. Our extensive training program prepares our teachers

to teach according to our specific methodology. Our teachers guide students to think about mathematics logically and conceptually, building deep connections between concepts, all in a classroom environment that keeps children consistently challenged.

Featured in NPR and the Atlantic

magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked “among the top schools in the world” by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their criticalthinking and problem-solving skills. As Masha Gershman, the VP of Marketing at RSM, states in her Ted talk “Uncertain Times Call for Certain Math,” advanced mathematics is not only within the grasp of every child but is also a crucial skill for achieving success in any field.

There is no better time to join RSM than in Fall!

To get started, you can reserve your child’s spot by scheduling a 30-minute evaluation. This is the best way to learn more about our program and determine the suitable level for your child.

Our principal will walk you through our curriculum, methodology, and answer any questions you have. During the evaluation, parents will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss your goals for your child’s education;

• Get to know the RSM methodology firsthand as an RSM evaluator guides your child through a series of math problems;

• Receive information about RSM’s curriculum, the program structure, and the three levels of classes that RSM offers;

• Get tuition details, understand the next steps for enrolling your child, and ask any other questions you may have.

Schedule an evaluation for your child to enroll them at RSM NJ branches this Fall!

Explore our NJ locations:

RSM Princeton, 231 Clarksville Road, West Windsor. 732-708-4905. princeton@mathschool.com. www. mathschool.com/locations/princeton

RSM Edison, 3900 Park Avenue, Suite 101, Edison, NJ 08820. 908263-8763. edison@mathschool. com. www.mathschool.com/locations/ edison

RSM Livingston, 388 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039. 862-223-8866. livingston@ mathschool.com. www.mathschool. com/locations/livingston

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‘matinee masterpieces’ Headline Kelsey Theatre’s 2025-26 Season

Expanded schedule of matinees to include Saturday, Sunday afternoon performances

Fans of live theater can enjoy added matinee performances all year long, as the Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College will present a series of “Matinee Masterpieces” for the entire 2025-26 season.

The Kelsey Theatre, a community resource for the arts in central New Jersey for 53 years, will be offering 2 p.m. matinees both Saturday and Sunday for the upcoming season, while still offering evening shows for guests who prefer a night out at the theater. The 2025-26 season features the work of 10 resident semi-professional theater companies in addition to a student company.

The upcoming season features something for every theater lover, from comedies to dramas — classics to contemporary — including a selection of musicals to suit every taste. Keeping prices affordable is part of Kelsey’s mission, with no ticket price more than $30.

All musicals feature live orchestras, which in the upcoming season include The Sponge Bob Musical, South Pacific, Young Frankenstein, She Loves Me, The Prom, Seussical the Musical, The Little Mermaid, and Stephen Sondheim’s Company. In addition, Kelsey Theatre will feature a variety of comedies, dramas, and holiday shows, including Drop Dead!, Seasonal Allergies,‘Twas the

Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, Arms and the Man, Gaslight, Clue Live On Stage!, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The 39 Steps,The Comedy of Errors and a tribute to Jethro Tull’s album “Aqualung” by the Reock & Roll Revue. Interactive movie events include Wicked, The Nightmare Before Christmas, White Christmas, and Encanto.

Conveniently located on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, Kelsey Theatre’s mission is to enrich and uplift local residents through affordable, high-quality theater productions, arts education programs, and performance opportunities. Season subscriptions now available save up to 45 percent, or pre-order single tickets; visit the website at www.kelseytheatre.org or call 609-570-3333 for more information.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Each year in the United States an estimated 15,780 children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer.

Approximately 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer each year.

Thanks to advances in science, more than 80% of children with cancer now survive five or more years 80%

Leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors

are the most common cancers found in children.

Cancer remains the #1 cause of death by disease for children in America.

Approximately 9 kids a week are diagnosed with cancer in NJ.

Approximately 450 families in NJ will hear their child has cancer each year.

Thanks to advances in treatment, including some pioneered by investigators at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health, most children diagnosed with cancer can expect to grow up as healthy adults. Learn more at rwjbh.org/pediatriccancer

Princeton Friends School

Where Curiosity Goes to School

At Princeton Friends School, curiosity is the engine that drives learning. Walk into any classroom — from preschool to 8th grade — and you’re likely to hear questions like, “Why did this happen?” or “How does mechanical energy transfer from a rider to a bike?” But you won’t hear, “Will it be on the test?” That’s because questions are the intellectual currency here, and lightbulbs — not letter grades — are the true payoff.

With a time-tested and researchbased progressive educational model, Princeton Friends School allows curiosity to take the lead. Experienced faculty guide children to inquire freely and then synthesize, analyze, imagine, and create. The result is a learning environment that is rigorous in the best sense—demanding of thoughtfulness, creativity, and integrity—while protecting the joy of childhood.

Where extraordinary outcomes are built on strong childhoods. The school’s graduates go on to become particle physicists, sustainable fashion entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators. They flourish in both private and public high schools and colleges and routinely trace their accomplishments to the Friends foundation on which they were

raised. At PFS, academic, social, and emotional growth are interwoven. Childhood is celebrated, protected, and powerful — full of responsibility and trust, but also delight. By the time they reach middle school, students shine as confident, capable, and eager learners who are well prepared for whatever comes next. Where children discover the wonder of nature. Nature is not a backdrop but an active partner in education at PFS. Students spend abundant time outdoors, using the surrounding woods, gardens, and stream as extended classrooms. One day, middle school scientists may be testing water quality at Stony Brook; the next, preschoolers are harvesting

vegetables from the garden they helped tend. Outdoor education here is both minds-on and hands-on, cultivating resilience, wonder, and care for the natural world.

Where learning is among Friends. With “Friends” at the center of its name and philosophy, Princeton Friends School is rooted in the long and respected tradition of Quaker education. Families of all and no faiths are welcomed into a community where universal values — simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship — guide daily practice. Students learn to listen for truth in their own voices as well as in the voices of others, building the habits of empathy and moral courage that will

serve them for life.

Where students can be themselves and become their best selves. At PFS, children are empowered to be themselves and to grow into their best selves. Academic learning is inseparable from social and emotional growth. Faculty mentor students in self-awareness, confidence, and responsibility. With opportunities for public speaking, leadership, and meaningful responsibility, children develop the agency and independence to thrive. When they graduate, they carry with them not only knowledge and skills but also a moral compass and a mindset for lifelong learning.

Where we are all-in for community. For a small school, community is a big deal. Students are greeted each morning by name. Families connect with one another through cherished traditions like all-school dancing and the annual spring camping trip. Older students mentor younger ones; new students are embraced seamlessly. Diversity of gifts is celebrated, and belonging is a given.

Princeton Friends School is where children love to learn, where community is lived daily, and where graduates are prepared not only for success but for significance. It is, in every sense, where curiosity goes to school.

Princeton Friends School is currently accepting applications for the 2025–26 school year. To learn more, visit www.princetonfriendsschool.org

Stuart Country Day School

Every Opportunity. Every Voice. Every Role.

Every opportunity. Every voice. Every role. At Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, girls lead with confidence, think with purpose, and embrace learning with joy. As Princeton’s only independent, Catholic all-girls school (K–12), with a co-ed Early School (12 months to 4 years old), Stuart is a place where education becomes transformation.

The search for the right school is a meaningful one. At Stuart, we believe girls deserve an education where they are known, challenged, and supported to achieve at the highest level — academically, socially, and spiritually.

Strong Academics. Every aspect of Stuart is crafted to ignite each student’s intellectual passions and meticulously support them on their academic journey. The highly respected faculty are devoted to knowing each student personally and fostering their unique interests and curiosities. Small classes and thought-provoking electives sharpen minds in a supportive, high-achieving environment, inspiring every student to become a lifelong learner.

Girls Centered. The school is tailored to the way girls learn and grow, from course design to socializing. It creates an environment where girls speak up more often, take on more ambitious

challenges, and show a higher interest in STEM than in co-ed settings. This commitment to all-girls education is more than just a hunch or tradition — it’s backed by compelling data that proves it’s the best way for smart, strong, joyful girls to flourish.

Sacred Heart Values & a Global Network. Stuart is proud to be an independent Catholic girls’ school and part of the Sacred Heart network, which means the community is guided by a set of values: a personal relationship with faith, lifelong curiosity, social justice, community, and personal growth. These values resonate widely in Stuart’s school community, and they are part of what it means to be a wellrounded, thoughtful, and compassionate adult.

This global network of 150+ Sacred Heart schools gives students extraordinary opportunities to experience the world through exchange trips and cross-cultural learning. The common ground of a Sacred Heart education means students connect quickly with peers in places as varied as Sydney, Australia or New Orleans, Louisiana, diving deeply into new cultures and perspectives.

A Community of Belonging. Stuart welcomes students and families from all backgrounds, faiths, and life experiences. As one of the most diverse independent schools in Princeton, Stuart students engage in discussions on ethics and social justice

BACK TO SCHOOL HAIRCUTS

as part of their curriculum. In this welcoming and inclusive environment, students are encouraged to be themselves, focus on their goals, and lift each other up. It’s no surprise that Stuart graduates go on to college and beyond with high levels of confidence and self-esteem — as well as a tightknit group of friends for life.

Discover Stuart. This fall, families are invited to see what sets Stuart apart. Meet student leaders, talk with faculty, and experience firsthand how Stuart girls grow into confident scholars and compassionate leaders. To learn more or schedule a visit, go to www.stuartschool.org.

At Stuart, girls are everything to us — because they are everything to the world.

Capital Barbershop expands

Before walking into this expanded and remodeled barbershop located two doors to the right of the original, one is tempted to think that if you’ve seen one barbershop, you’ve seen them all. Not so. Aside from the red, white and blue twirling pole out front, this barbershop is different!

Owner/barber, Marc Storaci has had a longtime desire to build a location that was intended to dazzle. For years he’s researched existing shops from all over the world to personally design a truly one-of-a-kind barbershop.

The industrial/modern style decor must be seen to be appreciated. It features porcelain subway tile work, granite countertops, and custom wood-trimmed walls. Polished aluminum, stainless steel, and chrome, glitter everywhere. There are techno appointments galore with 10 bigscreen TVs and a streaming video message.

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Each of the eight workstations has backlit mirrors. All stations have computerized logs to efficiently keep track of all who drop in, along with those who were pre-scheduled. Clients settle into the comfortable, extra-roomy, porcelain, and cast-iron

barber chairs for any style of quality haircut. The beautiful high-tech lighting is state-of-the-art. This barbershop is beyond unique!

Storaci was quick to say that while the eye-catching decor certainly gets

a lot of attention, all the bells and whistles in the world can’t replace genuine service. Better quality service is the first priority for the barbers at Capital. He explained, “no business is profitable without a sustained volume and there simply won’t be good volume without a quality product. Since our only product is a haircut service, we want to be the best.”

Capital’s barbers not only have deep experience with all styles of men’s and boy’s hair, they’re trained in-house as career service professionals. In fact, Storaci hopes for the uniquely remodeled shop on Scotch Rd to become the example for a franchise offering one day.”

Perhaps best, is that Capital’s menu will feature a pre-COVID price rollback. They’re making an honest effort to ensure that the shop’s service, pricing, sanitation, and comfort is simply the best to be found. And, unlike shops that rush you into the first open barber chair, Capital encourages you to request your favorite barber. Said Storaci, “We want everyone to return happy!”

Marc Storaci’s career in the barber

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC

The Mel Brooks Musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN DROP DEAD SEASONAL ALLERGIES

SHE LOVES ME

GB Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN GASLIGHT THE PROM CLUE Live Onstage ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST THE 39 STEPS

SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL Shakespeare’s THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY PLUS: Interactive Movie Events: WICKED, THE

Back to school

American repertory Ballet Announces its 2025/26 Season

A beloved performing arts institution for over 70 years, led by Interim Artistic Director Samantha Dunster with Artistic Associate Gillian Murphy and Artist in Residence Ethan Stiefel, American Repertory Ballet (ARB) announces a 2025/26 season that elevates its classic repertoire alongside exciting new works, continuing to strengthen the company’s unique voice within the community. A founding resident company of the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), ARB kicks the season off at its home venue with the return of Stiefel and Johan Kobborg’s lauded GISELLE on October 10-12, 2025, followed by a fairytale premiere of CINDERELLA on March 6-8, 2026, and AMERICANA, a mixed bill of World Premieres and celebrated works on May 1-3, 2026. Additionally, ARB will present an evening of moonlit ballets at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s Festival of the Moon on October 17, 2025, and ARB’s celebrated touring production of THE NUTCRACKER will return for the holiday season November 28 - December 21, 2025 at McCarter Theatre Center, Two River Theater,

and State Theatre New Jersey.

“It will be a ‘season of seasons’ as ARB leans into a haunting October, magical family fun during the holidays, fairytale romance just after Valentine’s Day, and Americana fanfare to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary,” says Executive Director Julie Diana Hench. “We invite audiences of all ages to join us at the theater and make memories together, and to experience the transformative power of the performing arts.”

For more information on ARB’s 2025/26 season, please visit www. arballet.org.

business started 29 years ago while he was a student at NJIT. He explored learning barbering as a way to help with college expenses. While he still has family business interests in food services and investment real estate, somewhere along the line the barber business became his passion. Between his other high-volume barbershop in Hamilton (which conversely features an antique decor) and his newly enlarged modern location at Capital on Scotch Road in Ewing, Storaci currently employs 20 barbers. He said: “I’ve been fortunate to have had numerous successful shops over the years, but when the COVID pandemic hit, we struggled. It significantly changed the hair industry, in general, and it was like playing a chess game to keep all of my employees on board.

Of course, the “help wanted” sign is still always out for professional bar-

bers! At any rate, we’re solidly back in growth mode and are anxiously looking forward to this expansion.”

The Capital group feels confident that their team of barbers share a depth of experience and personal service level that the competition, including the chains, aren’t able to provide. Their current client base is comprised mainly of residents, workers, and students from a broad area. The shop is central to Ewing, Pennington, Hopewell, Titusville, Lambertville, Lawrence, Yardley, TCNJ and Rider University.

Capital Barbershop, 183 Scotch Road Plaza. Walk-ins or appointments. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Accepting cash, credit/debit cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay. For appointments, visit Booksy. com or call 609-403-6147. tbsbarbershops.com.

Girls Are Every Thing.

As the only independent, Catholic all-girls school (K–12) in Princeton, NJ—with a co-ed preschool and junior kindergarten—Stuart offers a transformational learning environment where every voice is heard, every opportunity is designed with girls in mind, and every girl knows she has a purpose in this world.

Schedule a tour or register for an event | stuartschool.org/vist

Princeton Day School

Humanity, Creativity, Intellect, Joy, and Stewardship

Join us Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Open Campus Day at Princeton Day School! Walk our 106-acre campus and see our STEAM centers, athletic facilities, arts spaces, garden and apiary in action. Meet our Pre-K through Grade 12 faculty and students who embody our values daily: Humanity, Creativity, Intellect, Joy, and Stewardship.

Princeton Day School cultivates intellectual vitality within a community that values both achievement and growth. We encourage bold inquiry and meaningful collaboration that

The Dental Difference

Mini Dental Implants: A True Innovation in Dentistry

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prepares students for thoughtful leadership. Our academic approach develops critical thinking alongside character, fostering students who question assumptions and connect learning to larger purpose. We believe every individual deserves to be known, challenged, and supported as they discover who they’re becoming. Our teachers approach each student with openness, creating an environment where rigorous thinking flourishes alongside personal growth. Experience firsthand how education can prioritize both wisdom and wonder.

Register today at pds.org/visit!

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs) have changed the face of implant dentistry. Unlike traditional implant placement, where multiple dental visits are often required, MDIs can eliminate the need for extensive surgery. The most common use for MDIs is the stabilization of dentures and overdentures. MDIs firmly anchor the dental prosthesis, which means there is no longer a need to suffer with ill-fitting, loose and ANNOYING dentures!

MDIs are designed to eliminate elaborate bone grafting and to expedite treatment. Traditional implants may require significant bone grafting and a longer recovery period. The latent period allows the anchor of the implant to properly embed itself into the jawbone. The smaller size of MDIs means that no recovery period is possible, and the denture can be fitted the same day.

What are the advantages of MDI placement?

MDIs are a true innovation for people who are reluctant to have invasive dental surgery and who are suffering denture wearers. One significant advantage MDIs have over traditional implants is that they offer a viable treatment choice for patients who have experienced extensive bone loss. Depending on the quality and density of jawbone available at the implant site, four or more of these mini implants may be implanted at one time. The most common use for MDIs is to stabilize a lower denture, however they can be placed anywhere in the mouth.

Other advantages associated with MDIs may include:

• Better smelling breath

• More self-esteem

• Clearer speech

• Easier chewing and biting

• Easier cleaning

• Firmer denture fit

• Good success rate

• Less denture discomfort

• No cutting or sutures

• No need for adhesives or messy bonding agents

• No rotting food beneath the denture

• No slipping or wobbling

• Quick treatment time

• Reduced costs

How are mini dental implants placed?

The whole mini dental implant placement procedure takes approximately one hour. Generally, in the case of lower jaw implants, four to six MDIs will be placed about 5mm apart. Prior to inserting MDIs, Dr. Mosmen will use many diagnostic and planning tools to find the optimal location to implant them.

After placement, a denture will be modified and affixed to the MDIs. The rubber O-ring on each MDI snaps into the designated spot on the denture, and the denture then rests snugly on the gum tissue. MDIs hold the denture comfortably in a tight-fitting way for the lifetime of that implant.

In almost all cases, no stitching is required, and no real discomfort is felt after the procedure. When the denture placement procedure is complete, light eating can be resumed. The denture can be removed and cleaned at will. MDIs enhance the natural beauty of the smile and restore full functionality to the teeth.

If you have any questions about mini dental

Dr. Kevin Mosmen of The Dental Difference.

implants, please call Dr. Kevin Mosmen for a FREE consultation appointment to see if you’re a candidate for this procedure or traditional implants.

The Dental Difference. 2131 Route 33, Suite A, Hamilton, NJ 08690. 609-445-3577. www. thedentaldifference.com.

Boy Scout reaches Eagle rank with birdhouse project

Sam Williams, a rising senior at Bordentown Regional High School, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting America.

For his Eagle Scout project, Williams, a member of Troop 13, led a team of scouts and volunteers that built and installed six birdhouses across four Bordentown Township parks: Northern Community Park, Joseph Lawrence Park, Seth Hand Park and Terry Field. The goal: to provide nesting spaces for local bird species that help control mosquito and other insect populations naturally.

The work involved planning, securing approvals from township officials, and organizing multiple workdays. The birdhouses were crafted to specific dimensions to attract beneficial bird species, with materials chosen for durability and weather resistance.

“I learned that insects were bothering park visitors when we were installing my brother’s Eagle Project, so this was a natural progression and a great way to give back to the community,” Williams said. His brother, Luke, is also an Eagle Scout, and his project involved installing a community information board at Terry Field.

Troop 13 Scoutmaster Corey Britt praised Williams’ leadership and commitment. “Earning Eagle is no small feat. Sam demonstrated the initiative, planning, and follow-through we hope to see in all Scouts,” he said. “The impact of his project will be felt for years to come— both by the people who visit our parks and the birds that call them home.”

Williams, who joined scouting in elementary school, completed 325 requirements, earned 42 merit badges and served in multiple leadership roles within his troop. In addition to Scouting, he is active in Bordentown Regional High School bands and the varsity track team, as well as holding down a parttime job. He plans to attend college after graduation.

The rank of Eagle Scout is attained by fewer than 6% of all Scouts, requiring mastery of outdoor skills, completion of at least 21 merit badges, demonstration of leadership, and a service project that benefits the community.

With his Eagle rank, Williams joins a proud tradition of Scouts from Troop 13 who have made lasting contributions to Bordentown and beyond. Troop 13 will celebrate its 100th anniversary later this year.

• Design and build: patios,driveways, walkways, steps, porches

• Designed and engineered to never settle, guaranteed!

Replacing cracked pavers, concrete and stone

Re mortar cracked or missing joints Settling issues • Masonry cleaning

5 to run for city commissioner board

Bordentown City will hold municipal elections in November this year, after last year’s referendum on whether to change from May elections got enough votes to pass.

The current three-member board passed an ordinance formally moving the election in February. All three commissioner seats are up for grabs together.

As first reported by TapInto Bordentown, five people have tossed their hats into the ring for this year’s nonpartisan election: Mayor Jennifer Sciortino, Grace Archer, Edward Foley, Sean Reiter and Stephanie Lagos. Incumbent Joe Myers, currently deputy mayor, is not running for re-election.

The past couple years have seen upheaval on the board of commissioners. Long-time commissioner James E. Lynch, Jr. resigned in March 2024 after 35 years on the board. Heather Cheesman, tapped to succeed Lynch, resigned this May to take a position as chair of the Burlington County Board of Elections. Her seat remains vacant.

“Four years ago, I ran for Bordentown City Commissioner because I genuinely love this community,” Sciortino wrote on Instagram to announce that she was running again. “...I still feel that way today.”

Bordentown BSA Troop 13 Eagle Scout Sam Williams, left, with Eugene Fuzy, Bordentown Township deputy mayor.

freshman class incoming to augment a solid returning core that is hungry to win.

“The great thing about high school sports is even though you’re losing athletes to graduation, you don’t lose everything that they’ve brought to the team because they add to this culture,” Brennan said. “And that’s one thing Jason did a really, really good job is nurturing this culture.”

Brennan has remained around the program in a volunteer assistant role and he knows the sort of makeup of the team. He sees a lot of potential to be a higher scoring team than he used to have.

“It’s a little different than a lot of my teams in the past,” he said. “My teams in the past, they liked to win games by being really organized in the back and would they would focus on defense and try to win games, 1-0. And with the personnel I have right now, what I’ve seen this summer, is they’re very dynamic and we hope to be able to score from many different spots on the field.”

Hosszu-Barrett is an important part of that mix. He’s been a major contributor in his first two years, but now has maturity and experience on his side to step into more all-encompassing role and follow those that graduated.

“We had a bunch of good leaders

last year,” Hosszu-Barrett said. “We’ve had Austin (Thiel) and Joey (Klama). They’re great captains, great teammates, and great to play with. They made a fun experience and they made sure everybody was doing what they were capable of and not letting anybody slack off. So I’m hoping to follow in their footsteps and make it a great season, lead us somewhere good — to greatness. It’s destiny.”

Hosszu-Barrett feels ingrained enough in Bordentown’s team to call it a family. They helped him manage as an undersized player when he debuted as a freshman. He’d been playing club, but had to adjust to the faster pace and more aggressive style of the older players. Now that he’s established himself as a strong player, opposing teams will be paying even more attention to him this year.

“You’ve got to move the ball quick and rely and trust your teammates,” he said. “That’s a big part. If you don’t trust your teammates, your guys will never even be successful. You’ve got to have trust in them. That way we have good chemistry. Bad chemistry off the field will not lead to a successful season.”

Hosszu-Barrett has been learning little nuggets to help his game throughout his career. Soccer is his main passion, but he mixes in some fun by playing recreation

in both physical skills and intangibles to help him develop.

“He told me how to strike the ball really well, and that if you’re going to be on the team, you got to like each other and show respect for each other because no one person is better than everybody else,” Hosszu-Barrett said. “We’re all equal as family, as one team. Everybody should be treated with equal respect and have equal responsibility for our family.”

Hosszu-Barrett has a strong understanding of the game from his father and is motivated to continue working hard to excel. He’s trying to be a better leader this year as an upperclassman. He was a bit more demanding than he’d been in summer workouts and tried to raise the level of play by putting consequences on losing.

“I know that some of the guys didn’t like it, but I made sure that we were all pushing each other to get better,” HosszuBarrett said. He’s also tried to create connections by being open to messaging from anyone on the team.

basketball, fishing or working out at the gym. He comes from a soccer family with his father PJ being a respected club coach for years and former coach at Notre Dame High School. He’s been training Hosszu-Barrett since he was 6, mixing

His leadership comes from a combination of perspectives from his numerous teams after playing for a few different clubs through the years. He got his start with a Bordentown town team, but then moved to Players Development

See SOCCER, Page 18

September is Hunger Action Month

Last year, TASK served more than 600,000 meals across the greater Trenton area.

Help us turn hunger into hope.

www.TrentonSoupKitchen.org

Everett Hosszu-Barrett is one of the key players for Bordentown boys’ soccer this season.

Academy with several of his teammates until he moved to Match Fit Surf recently. This summer Match Fit advanced to the Elite 8 of the Elite Club National League championships and are ranked in the Top 20 of all U16 teams in the country. That level of competition has raised his coachability and skill set so he can play a lot of different styles.

“He has the technical ability, the composure, the maturity,” Brennan said. “He has the ability to dictate when we go fast, when we go slow, when we press, when we sit back. I’m looking to give him a lot of responsibility on the field to dictate the way that we play. He can pin his ears back and just be the one that attacks himself, or he can facilitate. If we need someone to do a lot of the dirty work and win balls in the air or make tough tackles, he can be the guy. He can be pretty on the ball, dribble through, slip people in, basically whatever the case dictates. He can be either the piano mover or the piano player.”

The Scotties should be able to offer plenty of support with a strong senior group that has been improving through the summer and is ready to step into bigger roles. They’ll be critical to help bring along a new freshman class that is the strongest Brennan has seen coming into the program. Bordentown will need all hands on deck to contribute in the ever competitive BCSL.

“When these teams that we play against are good, they’re really hard to beat,” Brennan said. “And when they’re down, they’re really hard to beat. I don’t think that you it’s a good idea to look past anyone in our league.”

Owning

Trenton City SC names Barrett academy coach

Trenton City Soccer Club has a new 2011 MLS Next Academy coach, and it is well-known local soccer coach PJ Barrett.

Barrett, a U.S. Soccer Federation-licensed coach, has over three decades of experience. Barrett has coached players from grassroots programs to the professional ranks. Barrett had previously been a coach for Match Fit Academy.

A standout player at Lawrence High School, Barrett was a member of the 1991 NJCAA National Champion Mercer County College team before completing his collegiate playing career at The College of New Jersey, where he earned his master’s degree in educational leadership. He is a longtime physical education teacher as well as co-director of the Boggs Barrett Soccer program. In four years as Lawrence High School’s boy’s varsity coach, he guided the team to four state tournament appearances and 28 All County/All-State selections.

Barrett has been inducted into the Lawrence High School Hall of Honor and the Lawrence High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He has also been

Trenton City SC is a newly formed club set to compete in the Mid-Atlantic division of MLS Next Academy Division in 2025-26. Other area clubs set to participate in the Mid-Atlantic division include Player Development Academy and PDA Hibernian.

MLS Next is a youth soccer league in the United States and Canada that is managed, organized, and controlled by Major League Soccer. The Academy Division is a new tier of MLS Next, named to highlight expanded opportunities for clubs outside of the MLS ecosystem.

Major League Soccer reports that more than 100 graduates of the MLS Next program have played in regular season MLS games, the first time reaching that milestone.

inducted into the Mercer County Community College Athletic Hall of Fame, and been selected as the Eldridge Park School Teacher of the Year in Lawrence.

Barrett has also been honorary coach for the Glenn “Mooch” Myernick Memorial Senior All-Star Game. He lives in Bordentown.

Bordentown FC soccer club is starting a new fall season this month as well. The club has six boys’ teams and three girls’ teams, including the Revolution (boys) for kids born in the year 2016, and the Strikers (girls) for kids born in the year 2015. More information is online at bordentownfc.com.

PJ Barrett

SEPTEMBER 2025

Advanced Non-Invasive Liver Tumor Treatment Arrives at Capital Health Cancer Center

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is the first and only hospital in the Mercer and Bucks County region to offer histotripsy, a non-invasive treatment option for liver tumors, following the arrival of the Edison System this summer. Dr. Cataldo Doria, a hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeon and medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center, Dr. Ajay Choudhri, an interventional radiologist and chairman of the Radiology Department at Capital Health, and Dr. Nikhil Thaker, medical director of Radiation Oncology lead the team at the Cancer Center’s Liver Center of Excellence that performs histotripsy.

This groundbreaking procedure uses advanced imaging and ultrasound energy to destroy targeted tumors in a single outpatient procedure with no cutting or probing.

Histotripsy is a treatment option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or may have previously been told their tumors are inoperable. Typical candidates have primary or secondary liver tumors or symptomatic benign liver growths.

Dr. Doria and his team use the histotripsy devices (an ultrasound machine connected to a mobile robotic arm) to deliver precisely targeted treatment. Ultrasound pulses create microbubbles at a focal point, which break down and dissolve the diseased liver tumor tissue without piercing the skin. Most tumors can be eliminated within a single treatment session.

Histotripsy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of liver tumors, and compatible with other forms of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. It can also be used to treat metastatic cancer that has

spread to the liver. Doctors and researchers have studied it for more than 20 years (including clinical trials), and there are ongoing studies surrounding the use of histotripsy for treating tumors in the pancreas, brain, prostate, kidney and other areas. As FDA approvals are granted, the team at Capital Health Cancer Center plans to expand their histotripsy program to these new sites.

Capital Health Cancer Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, is home to the Liver Center of Excellence as well as other centers of excellence specializing in breast care, lung health, neuro-oncology, pancreatic health, and roboticassisted surgery.

To learn more about histotripsy, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/histotripsy or call 609.537.6000 to schedule a consultation.

Local Students Awarded Full Scholarships to Rider University Through Capital Health Benefits Program

Capital Health has announced four winners of full-tuition scholarships to Rider University as part of an employee education benefits partnership with the university. The scholarship winners are immediate family members of Capital Health employees and include Sunny Carpinello (accounting), Alannah Eidell (elementary education), Mariah Sabat (elementary education), and Ellie Campbell (Dance). Capital Health’s partnership with Rider launched in October 2020.

“On behalf of Capital Health, I’m thrilled to recognize the 2025 winners of our full-tuition scholarships to Rider University,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “This scholarship program is just one of the many education related benefits and opportunities we offer employees and their families. It’s exciting to be able to help more and more members of our Capital Health family pursue higher education. Congratulations to this year’s winners and our continued best wishes for success in this important step in their education journey.”

Sunny Carpinello of Hamilton, New Jersey is a graduate of Nottingham High School – North. The daughter of Anthony Carpinello and Cristie Carpinello, registered nurse at Capital Health Occupational Health Center, Sunny will study accounting at Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business Administration.

Alannah Eidell of Lakehurst, New Jersey is a graduate of Manchester Township High School and is the daughter of Karen Giberson, health information management physician coder at Capital Health Medical Group. Alannah will study elementary education in Rider’s College of Education and Human Services.

Mariah Sabat of Hillsborough, New Jersey is an incoming sophomore at Rider and daughter of Kelly Rosa, ultrasonographer in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. A graduate of Hillsborough High School, Mariah is going to study elementary education with multidisciplinary studies at Rider’s College of Education and Human Services.

Ellie Campbell of Hamilton, New Jersey is a graduate of Hamilton High School – West. Daughter of Tammy Campbell and Glen Campbell, facility director at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Ellie plans to major in dance performance at Rider’s College of Arts and Sciences.

(left to right) Mariah Sabat, Ellie Campbell, Capital Health President and CEO Al Maghazehe, Rider University President John Loyack, Alannah Eidell, Sunny Carpinello.

Recipients of Capital Health’s full-tuition scholarship to Rider University must be new full-time undergraduate, first-time freshman, current undergraduate students, or undergraduate transfer students. Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive years or until the completion of the academic program. Students must be full-time students, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and must be considered a student in good standing by Rider University at all times during their enrollment. To be eligible for the scholarships, candidates or their immediate family members must be full-time, non-union employees of Capital Health for at least one year and meet additional eligibility requirements.

Capital Health’s employee education benefits program also features additional offerings, including a 50% tuition discount agreement with Rider University for non-union employees and their immediate family members (cannot be combined with fulltuition scholarships). This tuition discount program is separate from Capital Health’s tuition reimbursement program, and Capital Health employees may be eligible for both Rider’s tuition discount, and Capital Health’s tuition reimbursement. Capital Health also offers several other programs designed to offer employees, their family, and members of the community opportunities to pursue health care related education, including its own EMT Academy, surgical tech and central sterile processing training programs, and a home health care aide education program.

Movement Disorders Specialist at Capital Health Offers Cutting Edge Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders. PD usually presents in people over the age of 50 with early symptoms that are subtle and occur gradually, varying in intensity from patient to patient as the disease progresses.

DR. ALEXANDRE MASON SHARMA, a board certified, fellowship trained movement disorders specialist at Capital Health’s Capital Institute for Neurosciences, offers the latest treatment options for PD, including subcutaneous levodopa pumps for patients in advanced stages of the disease.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between the brain and the body that control movement, memory, cognition, and other functions. In patients with PD, the brain cells that make dopamine are slowly dying. Lower dopamine levels cause slower movement, balance issues, tremors, and other symptoms. Levodopa, commonly the first-line medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, helps patients maintain healthier dopamine levels and manage symptoms.

“Levodopa pills are often prescribed to patients in the earlier stages of Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Mason Sharma. “However, as the disease progresses, maintaining stable dopamine levels with pills can be a challenge. Wearable levodopa pumps (about

the size of a smartphone) replace pills entirely, continuously injecting medication under the skin to maintain more consistent dopamine levels throughout the day. No surgery is required, and dosages are tailored to each patient’s needs so they can experience a better quality of life.”

Dr. Mason Sharma received his medical degree at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. After his neurology residency at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, Dr. Mason Sharma completed fellowship training in movement disorders at Medstar Health/Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He has published and presented research in peer-reviewed medical journals and at regional and national conferences.

The Movement Disorders Program at Capital Institute for Neurosciences offers advanced therapies that are personalized for each patient according to their specific diagnosis. In addition to drug therapy like levodopa, individualized treatment options may also include deep brain stimulation and physical, speech, and occupational therapies for complete management of movement disorders.

Dr. Mason Sharma sees patients at office locations in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and Newtown, Pennsylvania. To schedule an appointment, call 609.537.7300 or visit capitalneuro.org for more information.

Women’s Health: Menopause and Gynecological Cancers

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

DR. AMY HARVEY O’KEEFE, a board certified physician from Capital Health OB/GYN, will discuss the common symptoms of menopause and the therapies available for the management of symptoms. DR. MONA SALEH, a fellowship trained gynecologic oncologist from Capital Health Cancer Center, will review signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers and discuss interventions that can reduce your risk.

This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

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

Combatting Social Isolation

as We Age

Monday, October 6, 2025

9:30 a.m. (Breakfast) | 10 a.m. (Program)

Virtual Location: Zoom Meeting

In-Person Location: Capital Health – Hamilton 1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with aging. Join us to get tips for staying connected, growing your social networks, and improving your physical and mental health. Light breakfast served.

Stop the Bleed

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Capital Health – EMS Education

Mercer Professional Building at Pennington 2480 Pennington Road, Suite 107, Pennington, NJ 08534

When someone is severely bleeding, every second counts! Join instructors from Capital Health’s Emergency Medical Services team for a free class designed for coaches, doctors, nurses, EMS providers, and anyone interested in learning how to control a bleed, an important skill that can save the lives of people who experience serious injuries.

A COmmuniTy neWS ADverTiSing FeATure

Central Jersey Beverage Fest: A new name, and even more drinks to taste

The crowd-pleasing Central Jersey Beer Fest is back this fall with a new name: the Central Jersey Beverage Fest.

The name change does not mean that the annual festival will move away from providing more than 100 local and regional brews for attendees to sample.

Instead, the name change represents the natural growth of the festival, which has come to include not only beer but also local seltzer, wine, spirits, and more. An average of 3,000 people attend the festival each year.

This year’s festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine. As in past years, the festival will take place at the Festival Grounds of Mercer County Park. Tickets are available online now at cjbeerfest.com. The hour from noon to 1 p.m. is for VIP ticketholders only.

The complete list of breweries, distilleries, meaderies, wineries, and cideries will be released around two weeks before the event. Past participating breweries have included Tindall Road Brewing, Farm Truck Brewing, and Carton Brewing. Distilleries and wineries that have taken part include Wester Son Vodkas and Josh Cellar Wines.

“We changed the name from ‘beer’ to ‘beverage’ to make this festival not only feel more inclusive, but also to better represent what it has become,” said Antonio Carannante of Blend in Hamilton, who is the organizer of the event.

“In any given couple or family or group of friends, there are some people who drink mostly beer or cider and some who drink mostly wine or spirits,” Carannante continued. “At the Central Jersey Beverage Fest, they will all be able to find samples of their

favorite drinks — but they will also be able to taste great local examples of other beverages that they may like more than they think. This is a great opportunity for people to try a little bit of everything.”

There will be a variety of craft vendors on hand, as well as food trucks and food stands to provide nourishment. Local bands, including rock duo Chet and Ari will provide live music. Drink samples are served until 5 p.m., but food service and live music continue through 6 p.m.

“As with past events, we’ll have a strong focus on product education and safety — ‘Drink Responsibly and Have Fun,’” Carannante said.

The festival also supports local nonprofits each year. This year’s nonprofit beneficiaries include Happy Smiles Foundation (happysmilesfoundation. com), What’s My Name Foundation (whatsmyname.org), and the 2025 featured group, Capital K9 Association (capitalk9association.org).

Capital K-9 Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing ballistic body armor and safety equipment for police working dogs. They work toward promoting a positive image of K-9 while educating the public on the necessity and importance of K-9 in modern policing.

New Jer sey's # 1

Sewing Machine & Vacuum

Super stor

No outside food or drink is permitted, but attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. In the event of rain, tents will be set up on the festival grounds for shelter from the weather. Guests must be 21 or older, and organizers recommend using rideshare services, scheduling a ride in advance, or bringing a designated driver.

More details are online at blendbar. com and cjbeerfest.com. Attendees are encouraged to share photos and experiences of the event on social media with the tag #CJBF2025.

SHOP LOCAL! MACHINES AT OR BELOW INTERNET PRICES!

CURRENT HOURS: 7:00AM to 9:00PM • 7 Days

(Last wash at 7:30 PM)

Expires 12/1/23

Expires 10/18/25

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.

MOnday, SEPtEMbER 1

Hand Made Pasta Workshop with Meal, Cherry Grove Farm. 11 a.m. Includes meal. Take home ravioli that you make. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville.

WEdnESday, SEPtEMbER 3

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

FRiday, SEPtEMbER 5

Sunset Sips & Sounds, Terhune Orchards. 12 p.m. Terhune wine and music. Musical styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock. Music from 5-8 p.m. Winery open noon-8 p.m. Barn Door Cafe open for dinner and light bites. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton.

Live Music on the Patio: Rob Messina, Nassau Inn. 6 p.m. 10 Palmer Square W, Princeton. the Williamsboy, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 9 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

SatuRday, SEPtEMbER 6

Forest Restoration along Continental Lane, Washington Crossing State Park. 8:45 a.m. Help remove invasive plants to support the restoration of the ecosystem. Meet at the small parking lot just past the park main entrance. Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.

toy Library, First Presbyterian Church. 9:30 a.m. Bring toys or tokens on the shopping day to exchange for new-to-you toys. Receive tokens by contributing. cityofbordentown.com/events. 420 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown.

back to School Science day, Science, Kids and Beyond. 10 a.m. Sun viewing, plasma experiments, chemistry experiments, music, play space and AI photography. sci-

Burlington County will

encekidsandbeyond.com. 2917 East State Street Ext., Hamilton.

First Saturday Wellness Walk, Bordentown Bluffs. 10 a.m. Each First Saturday of the Month, the Friends host a walk to explore a different part of the rich and diverse natural area known as the Abbott Marshlands. abbottmarshlands.org. Stanton Avenue, Bordentown.

back to School, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Smithville Village tour, Historic Smithville Park. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn the story of the Smith family, Smithville Village and the H.B. Smith Machine Company. 803 Smithville Road, Mount Holly.

Fiesta Latina, Mercer County Park Festival Grounds. Noon to 7 p.m. A free daylong celebration with live Latin music, dance performances, food vendors and family activities. 1 Hughes Dr., West Windsor.

Fall Music Series: Electric Stingray, On the Green at Palmer Square. 1 p.m. 40 Nassau Street, Princeton.

dave Pettigrew, Grace Community Church of the Nazarene. 5 p.m. An evening of worship, stories and songs. Free. 100 Bull Run Rd, Ewing Township.

the Strange brew Crew, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 5:30 p.m. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington.

dOG trio On the Loose, Hopewell Fare. 6 p.m. Drums, organ, guitar. Soul Jazz, funk, standards re-energized. hopewellfare.com. 65 E Broad St, Hopewell.

Halo Pub: Music in the alley, Halo Pub. 6 p.m. Live outdoor music. palmersquare.com. 9 Hulfish St, Princeton.

Badshah: The Unfinished Tour, CURE Insurance Arena. cureinsurancearena.com. 8 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

Sunday,

SEPtEMbER 7

21st annual West Windsor bike Fest, West Windsor Community Park. 8 a.m. Familyfriendly and adult-only routes. Rides led by West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance. Lunch by Aljons and TripT Foods. Register at wwbikefest.weebly.com. Bernt Midland Boulevard, Windsor. bordentown City Farmers Market, Carslake Community Center. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan wares. Rain or shine. 207 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.

Sourdough bread Workshop, Cherry Grove Farm. 9 a.m. Hands-on sourdough bread

baking workshop. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. Fiesta Latina, Mercer County Park Festival Grounds. Noon to 7 p.m. A free daylong celebration with live Latin music, dance performances, food vendors and family activities. 1 Hughes Dr., West Windsor. Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalistguided program geared towards families. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

a Guided History table talk tour, Washington Crossing State Park. 1:30 p.m. Tour guides, local historians and reenactors will staff a series of tables and stops with images and objects. Visitor Center Museum open from 9 to 4. Phone (609) 737-0623. Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.

Carnatic 2.0, Community Middle School. 3 p.m. Mahesh Raghvan iPad, Shravan Sridhar violin, Sharanya Srinivas vocals, Akshay Anantapadmanabhan mridangam. 95 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro. Fundraiser for Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: Concert and art auction, Hopewell Fare. 7 p.m. Music by Carsie Blanton and Dave Butler and Friends. Artwork for purchase. Proceeds to go to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Adults only hopewellfare.com. 65 E Broad St, Hopewell.

MOnday, SEPtEMbER 8

FOPOS Scavenger Hunt: Wonders of Mountain Lakes nature Preserve, Mountain Lakes House. 12 a.m. 57 Mountain Ave, Princeton.

WEdnESday, SEPtEMbER 10

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Easy group walk in Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. Felix Jermann Wine dinner, The Peacock Inn and The Perch At Peacock Inn. 6 p.m. Multicourse menu to pair with Felix Jermann’s renowned wines. Menu and wine selections online at peacockinn.com. Tickets $125. Reservations required; call (609) 924-1707 to book. 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton.

tHuRSday, SEPtEMbER 11

Cash bingo, Congregation Beth Chaim. 7 p.m. Entry fee $5. Adults only. Congregation Beth Chaim, 329 Village Road East, West

MAIN STREET ALLENTOWN, NJ

OCTOBER 11TH & 12TH 10AM - 5PM

Located in Historic Allentown, NJ 35 YEARS+ VENDORS WANTED!

Register at www.allentownnj.com/register-now-fall-festival or email: abcaofnjeventscoordinator@gmail.com

host guided tours of Smithville Village on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The annual Hopewell Harvest Fair is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at Hopewell Elementary School.

Windsor, NJ 08550. 329 Village Road E, Windsor.

FRiday, SEPtEMbER 12

Fund for irish Studies: Reading by anne Enright, James Stewart Film Theater. 4:30 p.m. Award-winning writer Anne Enright reads from her latest novel, The Wren, Free tickets required, available through Prineton University Ticketing tixhelp@princeton.edu or (609) 258-9220. 185 Nassau St., 185 Nassau Street, Princeton.

Live Music on the Patio: nuevo Jazz, Nassau Inn. 6 p.m. 10 Palmer Square W, Princeton. dancing in the dark: September dance Party, West Windsor Arts. 7:30 p.m. westwindsorarts.org. 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction.

Sō Percussion Fall Performance, Alexander Hall, Princeton University. 7:30 p.m. Sō Percussion returns to Richardson Auditorium for their fall performance. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.

SatuRday, SEPtEMbER 13

Sourland Spectacular, The Watershed Institute. 7 a.m. Annual fundraising cycling event through the Sourland region. Three rides available ranging from 27 to 63 miles. Register at sourlandspectacular.com or day of event. $70 for adults, $25 for children. Pre- and post-race food and drink. 31 Titus Mill Road, Hopewell. terhune Orchards 50th anniversary apple day, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Special throwback event celebrating the original Terhune Orchards Apple Day. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. RiverFest 2025 at trenton thunder ballpark, South Riverwalk Park. 11 a.m. RiverFest and River Days are now combined for a free day of family fun. Educational games and exhibits, canoe and boat rides, live music, hay rides, fly fishing demos. Plus ninth annual Trenton Thunder Case’s Pork Roll Eating Championship. www.gofevo.com/event/ Riverfest5. John Fitch Way, Trenton.

Monthly Living History april 2025, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 11 a.m. Historical interpreters and reenactors bring to life various aspects on military life during the American Revolution. This month: artillery. washingtoncrossingpark.org. 1112 River

Rd, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

Fall Fest, Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Live music, specialty vendors, food and beer garden. lambertvillestation.com. 11 Bridge St, Lambertville.

Fall Music Series: the Erik daab trio, On the Green at Palmer Square. 1 p.m. 40 Nassau Street, Princeton.

the Way Home: Poetry and Conversation with yamini Pathak, West Windsor Arts. 2:30 p.m. India-born poet Yamini Pathak shares from her forthcoming book Her Mouth A Palace of Lamps. westwindsorarts. org. 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction. 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.

Halo Pub: Music in the alley, Halo Pub. 6 p.m. Live outdoor music. palmersquare.com. 9 Hulfish St, Princeton.

the Kathleen Parks band, The Birdhouse Center for the Arts. 8 p.m. 7 North Main Street, Lambertville.

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

Sunday, SEPtEMbER 14

bordentown City Farmers Market, Carslake Community Center. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan wares. Rain or shine. 207 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.

terhune Orchards 50th anniversary apple day, Terhune Orchards. 10 a.m. Special throwback event celebrating the original Terhune Orchards Apple Day. terhuneorchards.com. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. 4th annual Fall Craft Fair, Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some previous vendors have sold primitives, turned pens, cutting boards, small furniture, soap, candles, jewelry, painted bottles, paintings, crochet, knit and pottery pieces. hjnj.org. 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville.

Sangria Workshop, Hopewell Valley Vineyards. 11 a.m. Tickets: $30.95. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 46 Yard Rd, Pennington.

Fall Fest, Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Live mu-

See EVEntS, Page 26

sic, specialty vendors, food and beer garden. lambertvillestation.com. 11 Bridge St, Lambertville.

Garden Work day, Lime Kiln Alley Park. 1 p.m. Bordentown City Environmental Commission garden work session. , Bordentown.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalistguided program geared towards families. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Fire Cider & Herbal Vinegars Workshop, Cherry Grove Farm. 2 p.m. Learn how to make fire cider using fresh local farm ingredients and take home a jar. Children welcome. cherrygrovefarm.com. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville.

MOnday, SEPtEMbER 15

Green team Meeting, Carslake Community Center. 7 p.m. 207 Crosswicks St, Bordentown.

tuESday, SEPtEMbER 16

Mediterra: tempting tempranillo tasting, Mediterra. 6 p.m. Guided taste tour of Tempranillo paired with selected tapas. mediterrarestaurant.com. 29 Hulfish St, Princeton.

Open Mic with Jerry and John Monk, Trenton Tir Na nOg. 8 p.m. trentontirnanog.com. 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

WEdnESday, SEPtEMbER 17

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Easy group walk in Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. author talk: Gabe Henry. 2 p.m. Virtual event with author of “Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell.” Register at penningtonlibrary.org. What did We Learn and When did We Learn it, Virtual event. 7 p.m. How different generations of Lawrence citizens answered learned. Presented by Dennis Waters, member of the Mercer County Library Commission. Must register at mcl.org.

tHuRSday, SEPtEMbER 18

Lunchtime Gallery Series: Skylands Museum of art, West Windsor Arts. Noon. DIscussion on Skylands Museum of Art with sculptor and founder, Ailene Fields. westwindsorarts.org. 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

FRiday, SEPtEMbER 19

ket, over 25 craft vendors. Raindate Oct. 4. hopewellharvestfair.org. 35 Princeton Ave., Hopewell.

Open House, The Lewis School of Princeton. 10 a.m. Email info@lewisschool.org or call (609) 924-8120. lewisschool.org. 53 Bayard Lane, Princeton.

Fall Music Series: the Ravens, On the Green at Palmer Square. 1 p.m. 40 Nassau St, Princeton. autumn Sound bath, Grounds For Sculpture. 3:30 p.m. Deep, resonating sound vibrations with the goal of eliminating disorder in the mind and body. groundsforsculpture.org. Museum admission included. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton.

DragonflyBandNJ, River Horse Brewing Company. 5:30 p.m. Dragonfly debuts at 2025 Octoberfest. riverhorse.com. 2 Graphics Dr, Ewing Township.

Halo Pub: Music in the alley, Halo Pub. 6 p.m. Live outdoor music. palmersquare.com. 9 Hulfish St, Princeton. the Spongebob Musical, Mercer County Community College. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

Princeton tigers Football vs. San diego toreros Football, Princeton Stadium. 12 a.m. Noon. Faculty Rd, Princeton.

Sunday, SEPtEMbER 21

bordentown City Farmers Market, Carslake Community Center. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan wares. Rain or shine. 207 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.

Colonial artisans & arms; Makers of a nation, The Discovery Center at Point Breeze. 11 a.m. Bordentown Historical Society event. Learn about life in Bordentown just prior to the War for Independence. 101 Park St, Bordentown.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalistguided program geared towards families. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Hats Off To You Fashion Show Extravaganza, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 2 p.m. A fashion show extravaganza. Meal and vendor displays. Organized by Trenton Fortitude Corporation. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton. the Spongebob Musical, Mercer County Community College. 2 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

tuESday, SEPtEMbER 23

Swirl: an Evening of art and Wine, Grounds For Sculpture. 5 p.m. Guided tours of sculpture garden that include food and wine pairings. groundsforsculpture.org. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. aCP byOb: Wheel Ceramics, Arts Council of Princeton. 6 p.m. Beginner-friendly intro to wheel ceramics. artscouncilofprinceton. org. 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton. the Spongebob Musical, Mercer County Community College. 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor. the Ebony Hillbillies with Princeton Folk Music Society, Christ Congregation Church. 8 p.m. Sometimes called “the last AfricanAmerican String Band in America,” princetonfolk.org. 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton.

SatuRday, SEPtEMbER 20

Hopewell Harvest Fair, Hopewell Elementary School. 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contests, live music and entertainment, games, Kids’ Korner, food vendors, farmers mar-

Princeton Sound Kitchen presents Mixtape, Taplin Auditorium. 8 p.m. Princeton University graduate student composers present their original compositions. Fine Hall, Princeton.

WEdnESday, SEPt. 24

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Easy group walk in Roebling Park. Free. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. the Real Mae West: Living History. Virtual event. 7 p.m. With educational entertainer Martina Mathisen is hanging up her wigs–but not before bringing Mae West to life one last time, offering insight into the woman behind the legend. Live Q&A will follow the presentation. Must register at penningtonlibrary.org.

tHuRSday, SEPtEMbER 25

Princeton university Concerts presents takács String Quartet and Jordan bak, Viola, Alexander Hall. Shows at 6 and 9 p.m. concerts.princeton.edu. 68 Nassau St,

Save the dates for Bordentown City’s and Bordentown Township’s annual fall fairs. The city’s Cranberry Fest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5, and the township’s Fall Fest is set for Saturday, Oct. 11. (Facebook photo courtesy of Bordentown Square Tap and Grill.)

Princeton.

Cash bingo, Congregation Beth Chaim. 7 p.m. Entry fee $5. Adults only. Congregation Beth Chaim, 329 Village Road East, West Windsor, NJ 08550. 329 Village Road E, Windsor.

FRiday, SEPtEMbER 26

Farmstead Friday, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 11 a.m. Learn about life on the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. For September: demonstrators will show how the harvest was preserved for use in the winter months. This was an important activity to ensure a steady food supply even after the growing season ended for the winter. 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

tea on the Farm, Cherry Grove Farm. 4 p.m. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. Golu Extravaganza, West Windsor Arts. 6 p.m. A celebration of Navratri, a traditional South Indian holiday. westwindsorarts.org. 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction. the Spongebob Musical, Mercer County Community College. 8 p.m. kelseytheatre. org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

SatuRday, SEPtEMbER 27

Wheat Planting, Wheat Weaving, threshing & baking, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell.

Hopewell tour des arts, Hopewell Borough Train Station. 11 a.m. Free self-guided tour of area art studios. Meet the artists, watch them work and purchase artwork in a variety of media. Event hub is the Hopewell Train Station. hvartscouncil.org. 2 Railroad Place, Hopewell.

Central Jersey beverage Fest #CJbF2025, Mercer County Park. Noon. Tasting festival of beer, seltzers, wine and spirits. Dozens of local and regional beverages represented. Portion of proceeds support local nonprofits. cjbeerfest.com. 1638 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. the Spongebob Musical, Mercer County Community College. Shows at 2 and 8 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

Sunday, SEPtEMbER 28

bordentown City Farmers Market, Carslake Community Center. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan wares. Rain or shine. 207 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.

Hopewell tour des arts, Hopewell Borough Train Station. 11 a.m. Free self-guided tour of area art studios. Meet the artists, watch them work and purchase artwork in a variety of media. Event hub is the Hopewell Train Station. hvartscouncil.org. 2 Railroad Place, Hopewell.

Festival Cultural Latino, On the Green at Palmer Square. 1 p.m. Family-friendly afternoon of music, dance, food, and culture on Palmer Square and Hinds Plaza. Live music and dance performances. 40 Nassau Street, Princeton.

Family Sundays at the nature Center, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Naturalistguided program geared towards families. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

the Spongebob Musical, Mercer County Community College. 2 p.m. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Windsor.

Music Major Recital: Sarah Granholm and nathan Schwed, The College of New Jersey. 4:30 p.m. In the Mildred & Ernest. E. Mayo Concert Hall. Free and open to the public. 2000 Pennington Rd, Trenton. Mary Chapin Carpenter w/ brandy Clark, McCarter Theatre Center. 6 p.m. mccarter. org. 91 University Pl, Princeton. bach on Hilltop, Hilltop Park. 6:30 p.m. A night of classical and jazz music performed by a local resident in the scenic Hilltop Park. 2nd Street, Bordentown.

tuESday, SEPtEMbER 30

Princeton university Concerts presents abel Selaocoe, Cello, Alexander Hall, Princeton University. Shows at 6 and 9 p.m. Cellist Abel Selaocoe performs new works by composers Michel van der Aa and Ben Nobuto, alongside Selaocoe’s own fusion of global musical traditions. Presented in collaboration with African Music Ensemble. concerts. princeton.edu. 68 Nassau St, Princeton.

1666 Hamilton Ave. Hamilton, NJ 08629

Tips to navigate raising a child with Celiac Disease

Ask The Doctor

See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7

The only current treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. While a lifelong gluten-free diet can sound intimidating when gluten is hidden in so many foods, with time and education, it becomes second nature.

When your child is diagnosed with celiac disease, your journey together takes an unexpected turn.

Suddenly, everyday routines like family meals, school lunches and birthday parties come with a layer of concern. However, with knowledge and planning, celiac disease can become manageable.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine.

For children, this can mean a range of symptoms from abdominal pain and diarrhea to fatigue, irritability, or even delayed growth. While the diagnosis may be overwhelming at first, it is also the key to healing.

Ashwin Agrawal, DO, Medical Director of the Pediatric Celiac Disease Center, part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health offers these tips for where a parent can start:

• Family mealtimes become a new opportunity to explore new and fresh ingredients, discover new gluten free cuisines and even develop an appreciation for reading food labels.

the foods they can eat. Surround them with a community that can help them feel understood such as other kids with celiac disease or support groups.

• Together learn how to read food labels. This will teach your child to ask questions and make healthy choices.

• Continue to follow-up with your celiac disease team to ensure your child’s disease resolves and that the gluten free diet does not cause vitamin deficiencies. You should also ensure that your child is screened for other autoimmune diseases which can be common with celiac disease.

open to all and all ages, and the Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619--unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend programs.

MOnday, SEPtEMbER 8

Mommy & Me Crafting Group (Community Health). 9–10 a.m. Open to children ages 2-5 with a focus on creative expression and build.

Parent Zen (Community Health). 6-7:30 p.m. This program aims to provide much needed 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.

tHuRSday, SEPtEMbER 16

• Living with a dietary restriction can feel isolating or unfair. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings without judgement. Help your child find joy in

The Pediatric Celiac Disease Center, at RWJBarnabas Health is the only one of its kind offering multidisciplinary care for children in New Jersey, bringing together celiac experts including the pediatric gastroenterologist, registered dietician, psychologists, and social workers. The center has been recognized by the Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) and is one of only ten centers with this designation in the United States demonstrating our commitment and excellence in the care of children with celiac disease. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ childrenshealth

Programs at RWJUH Hamilton this month

The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health,

Polypharmacy awareness (Community Health). 1-2 p.m. Join Shesha Desai. Pharm D., Rph.BC-ADM, an expert Medication Safety Pharmacist, to learn about the complexities of managing multiple medications and how to manage your own safely.

WEdnESday, SEPtEMbER 17

Everyday Counts: Supporting your Child’s School Success (Community Health). 6-7:30 p.m. Join us for a session that will help parents and caregivers uncover the root causes of school absences and explore practical ways to build positive routines, improve school engagement, and support your child’s long-term success.

tuESday, SEPtEMbER 23

Fall Mini Medical School (Community Health) Tuesdays through Oct. 28; 6-7 p.m. Join us for this 6-week informative session on different medical topics. Enhance your knowledge with the variety of specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun.

Dr. Anjali Bhandarkar

Knocking on the devil’s door

bORdEntOWn HiStORy

This month marks 80 years since the official end of World War II. As a global conflict, the war drew families far from any active fighting into events occurring oceans away, due to the heroism and patriotism of their family members.

One such family was the Wood family of Bordentown. When war broke out in Europe in 1939, the three Wood sons were living and working in the area.

Eldest son Joseph was a purchasing agent with US Pipe and Foundry in Burlington, while his middle brother Harold was working as a store clerk.

All that changed in April 1941 when Harold decided to avoid the risk of being drafted by taking advantage of a one-year enlistment program, with the caveat that in the event of war, he would be obligated to serve for the duration.

Choosing to join the Army Air Corps, Harold was assessed to have the skills to become a bombardier, the role responsible for aiming and releasing bombs. Having been an active member of the Bordentown Baptist Church choir and Boy Scout Troop 13 in his youth, Harold would have certainly had experience of working as part of a closeknit team, but it was likely the same drive and intellect that had made him want to become a doctor in high school that stood out to the assessors.

In June 1942, six months after America had joined World War II, Harold received his wings and the commission of second lieutenant. By Nov. 29, 1943, he was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to the Army Eighth Air Force in England. For his family back in Bordentown, anxiety and fear was never far from their thoughts. Not only was Harold undertaking dangerous flying missions, but his older brother Joseph was also serving overseas, participating in the North African Campaign and the invasion of Italy under the direction of the U.S. Air Force.

With only one in four bombardiers

completing a tour of duty without being killed, severely wounded, or captured, it is impressive that Harold completed not one but two tours of duty, participating in 47 combat missions by the end of May 1945.

Receiving numerous awards, including the French Croix de Guerre, a Presidential Citation, a Distinguished Flying Cross with four Oak leaf clusters, five Air Medals and three Purple Hearts, Harold returned to America as a war hero with the rank of major. * * *

However, it is for his military exploits after the war for which he is perhaps best remembered.

In May 1946, Harold reported to Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands to begin training for Operation Crossroads, planned as the first detonation of nuclear devices since the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Intended to investigate the effect of nuclear weapons on warships, they were the first nuclear tests to be publicly announced in advance, and the first to be observed by an invited audience. Most notably, an

overanxious press corps.

Knowing that the world would be watching, the pressure was immense for Harold. First, he faced a pressroom packed with more than 100 journalists eager to learn more about this unprecedented peacetime mission. Then he was tasked with dropping the bomb with accuracy.

Described as a “marvel of humility” by the Ogdensburg Journal, Harold kept his cool and safely released the bomb from an altitude of approximately 6 miles on July 1, 1946, his father, aunt and older brother, Joseph, listened anxiously to the radio broadcast of the drop, while his mother and younger brother, Donald, were invited to Station WOR in New York as esteemed guests.

We were now living in the Atomic Age where weaponry could alter the fate of the Earth. Mankind knocked on the door of the Devil and the Devil answered.

Continuing to serve in the Army, Harold participated in several other missions, but none as monumental as the Bikini Test. In July 1965, he was discharged from Fort Dix, after 24 years

of service, and returned to Bordentown to quietly care for his elderly mother until she died in February, 1975.

Living out a subdued retirement in Norfolk, VA, until his death in 1989, Harold reflected often about his military career and a changing society. With the role of bombardier largely superseded by computer technology and smart bombs, it is easy to forget how important, and dangerous, this role was, but for those who could keep a cool head and a steady hand, the impact of their actions continue to be felt around the world today.

The Bordentown Historical Society is privileged to have an envelop carried and signed by the flight crew that dropped the bomb on the Bikini Islands a well as press photos of Major Harold Wood and a metal B-29 Superfortress safety checklist for bombardiers from 1946.

Cathy Forbes is a member of the Bordentown Historical Society. For information about the Bordentown Historical Society, call (609) 2981740 or email bordentownhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com.

Left: a photo of “Dave’s Dream,” with Harold Wood fourth from left. Right: Photo of a signed envelope by the flight crew of Dave’s Dream, a B-29 Superfortress Bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on July 1, 1946. (Photos courtesy of Bordentown Historical Society.)

Cathy Forbes

CLassiFieD

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