6-23 WWP

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‘Caricature Carl’ takes county film festival prize

High School North grad wins award for best movie in its category

By LiLLy WArD

In Ross Stern’s short film, “Caricature Carl,” the protagonist checks all the boxes of a comedic antihero.

Carl (David Hamed), a

caricature artist with a Jackson Pollock-like scowl, presides over his domain, a local park. Carl has a knack for creating unflattering depictions of his subjects, causing him to be less than popular with park goers. His territory is threatened when newcomer Abstract Abdul (Jayandra Chiluwal) appears on his turf, quickly charming newcomers with his “good vibes” and inoffensive aura paintings.

“I guess the characters Carl and Abdul can be taken from two separate halves of my personality,” said Stern, a 24-year-old, 2022 graduate from Montclair State University and resident of Bordentown. “I think I can be slightly competitive as an artist, and I think that jumping off point [for Caricature Carl] was, I want to make something about competing artists.”

See CARL, Page 4

Mercer tennis legend shares his life story in new memoir

By ANN LOPriNZi

Marty Devlin’s 90 years include a multitude of mindboggling activities, achievements and accolades.

Now he is sharing his remarkable life story in a new book, Ol’ Buddy Devlin: A Memoir Sprinkled with Wit, Wisdom, and Inspiration, which was released in April by Goofer Press.

Well known in athletic circles

in his native Mercer County, and even nationwide, Devlin recounts his rise in sports and his personal growth with anecdotes, humor, and vivid storytelling.

I first got to know Devlin while I was the Times of Trenton tennis columnist. After all, you couldn’t write a tennis column for 25 years without mentioning Devlin—and often.

He was, and remains, a Trenton legend. At Trenton Cen-

tral High School, he was an All-American diver, an All-City quarterback, and an All-State baseball player.

His biggest claim to fame growing up, however, was at age 15 when he was a member of the Trenton Schroths baseball team that won the 1948 American Legion National Championship. That was a huge deal: there were celebrations attended by thousands, See DEVLIN, Page 7

High School North girls’ lacrosse player Emily Potenza looks to pass the ball during a game against South Brunswick in April. Through 19 games, she led the team in assists, with 22. For more on the team, turn to page 11.

AroUND toWN

WW-P students gradate from STEM program

Vinesha Shaik of Plainsboro and Suhani Gupta, Sruthi Potluri, Shriya Sudhakar, and Sarah Usman of West Windsor graduated on April 29 from the Governor’s STEM Scholars, a program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey.

Some 126 New Jersey high school and college students completed the year-long program, which provides a 360-degree view of New Jersey’s STEM economy through conferences, lab tours, master classes, and research.

A public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, New Jersey Department of Education, Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research companies, the Governor’s STEM Scholars provides high-achieving high school, college, and graduate students with a comprehensive introduction to the state’s STEM economy.

“As a Governor’s STEM Scholar, Vinesha Shaik, Suhani Gupta, Sruthi Potluri, Shriya Sudhakar, and Sarah Usman

gained a unique introduction to New Jersey’s STEM economy and opportunities through conferences, field trips, internship opportunities, and a collaborative research project,” said Roderer

Throughout the academic year each student participated in four conferences highlighting New Jersey STEM opportunities in government, academia, industry, and the upcoming commencement. Each Scholar was led by a college-level team leader, mentored through professional STEM advisors, and produced a viable research project.

Sudhakar, Usman and Potluri are seniors at High School North. Gupta and Shaik are juniors at High School South.

As graduates of the Governor’s STEM Scholars, students will have access to the Governor’s STEM Scholars alumni network of over 700 students, which will enable them to stay connected to STEM jobs and opportunities within the state.

Applications for the 2023-2024 Governor’s STEM Scholars program are still open through June 9. For more information visit govstemscholars.com/apply.

WW Farmers’ Market celebrates 20th season

Voted as New Jersey’s favorite farmers market last fall by the greater commmunity, the West Windsor Community Farmers Market runs weekly, rain and/or shine until the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Farm and vendor offerings include seasonal Jersey Fresh produce and bedding plants, mushrooms, sustainably caught seafood, poultry, pastured eggs, freshly milled oats, pickles, sauces, jams, fresh pasta, goats milk products, cheese, breads, baked goods, pastries, pastured meats, vegan savory and sweets, Lebanese salads, Eastern European favorites, Indian simmer sauces and prepared meals, alpaca fiber wear, vegan chocolates, pesticide-free flowers, bone broths, a knife sharpener as well as on-site food trucks with crepes, fresh pressed juices, bagel sandwiches, hot coffee and teas.

“On June 3, at 10:30 a.m., we’ll take a few moments out of the bustling market day to celebrate 20 years of community member

organizers rallying around supporting New Jersey farmers and small food producers,” says the market’s manager, Chris Cirkus.

Confirmed attendees include state Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher, state Farm Bureau Executive Director Peter Furey.

Also attending will be West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe and Town Council members. Market founders, Mireille Delman and Beth Feehan, past and present board members and volunteers will all be acknowledged for their involvement in this vibrant community staple.

The market is located in the southbound Vaughn Drive parking lot of the Princeton Junction train station off of Alexander Road. The WWCFM accepts SNAP/EBT and offers matching incentives towards fruit and vegetable purchases (up to $20 per market day). Several farms accept WIC/ FMNP/SFMNP.

High school students and local community members are encouraged to volunteer with the WWCFM; email manager@westwindsorfarmersmarket.org.

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That drive for competition appears to have served him well. In April, “Caricature Carl” received the top prize in the Parks category during Burlington County’s Second Annual Juried Film Festival. The film has received numerous awards and nominations in film festivals throughout New Jersey including, winner for Best Comedy in August of 2022 at the Brightside Tavern Film Festival in Jersey City.

In July 2022, it was a Jury Favorite at A Lyte in the Dark Festival in Princeton, and was nominated for Best Concept in both the Bergen International Film Festival of NJ, and the Northeast Film Festival in Teaneck. In October 2022, At New Visions 22, a Film Festival at Montclair State showcasing students’ short films in the Filmmaking BFA Program, Stern’s film received an Official Selection.

For Stern a passion for film making emerged early, in middle school. He remembers his first short film, Captain Obvious, in which the protagonist has a penchant for pointing out all that is obvious to those around him.

At West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, he continued to nurture a love of film by taking TV and film production classes, creating the short

film Random Access Memories featuring a spandex-clad robot that is loaded with the memories of a deceased teenager. He went on to study film at Mercer Community College in West Windsor in 2017, where he made “Girls Like Chocolate,” a short film about teenage crush gone awry that went on to win Best Student Comedy at the Brightside Tavern Film Festival in 2018.

At Montclair State University, he earned his B.F.A. in filmmaking. While a student at M.S.U., Stern conceptualized “Caricature Carl” in 2019, completing the film for his senior thesis in 2022.

He describes his films as “live action cartoons,” citing an interest in animation as well as a love of comedies created by filmmakers such as Charlie Kaufman, Spike Jonze and Jim Henson.

“I don’t take myself too seriously. I think a lot of student filmmakers can have a habit of taking themselves a little too seriously, and never cracking a joke, and I never want to do that,” Stern said.

Collin Wehr, the producer of “Caricature Carl” as well as a classmate of Stern at M.S.U., admires Stern for his commitment to the genre of comedy as well as his sense of determination throughout the filmmaking process.

“I loved that Ross was unafraid to

[write] an unabashed comedy, and make his vision as uncompromising as he could, and tell the story that he wanted to tell,” Wehr said.

Although Stern has a deep appreciation of the work of well known

filmmakers, he never seeks to emulate another filmmaker’s work. Most of his ideas stem from his own experiences.

“Anything I write is somewhat inspired by real life to a certain extent,” Stern said. “The characters are either slightly like me or take on an aspect of my personality. A lot of times I’m writing stuff that’s inspired by something that happened.”

With “Caricature Carl,” Stern speaks to the challenges of being an artist. Creating a short film as a student was not without obstacles, such as finding a location to film, securing funding, and the casting process.

The filming location provided a unique challenge, as Stern had originally hoped to film in a park in Montclair. However, officials told Stern that filming could only take place on weekdays, creating a challenge for a crew composed of mostly college students.

Instead he decided to film in a private park in Greenbriar Horizons, A 55-plus community in Bordentown, where his parents live. Rochelle, an art therapist, and Adam Stern, a dentist, play a wealthy couple in the film.

“I’m the resident young person of the neighborhood—everyone kind of knows me,” Stern said.

Securing funding involved setting

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Ross Stern with the “Best Comedy” trophy at the Brightside Tavern Shorts Fest in Jersey City, July 2022. (Facebook photo.)

up a campaign on the site Indiegogo, where anyone could contribute to the film’s production budget. The campaign included a humorous video of Stern and Caricature Carl debating the merits of the campaign, which ended up raising $1,777 for the original budget of $1,500.

Finding actors for the two leads proved to be challenging as well, but the obstacle was quickly overcome. When Hamed and Chiluwal auditioned for the lead roles, Stern felt confident that they suited the unique personas of Carl and Abdul.

“These characters were hard to find actors for. I feel really lucky that the few that did apply I felt were perfect for the roles,” Stern said. “David brought a lot of angry violence to Carl, I think. Abdul, Jayandra brought a cool chillness.”

The artwork featured in the film also played an important role in the film, the exaggerated caricatures a perfect accompaniment to Carl’s abrasiveness

“Those drawings are effective in that people laugh at them in the movie the most,” Stern said. *

Christine Joy, a student at M.S.U. studying animation, created the majority of the artwork for “Caricature Carl.”

Creating the caricatures for the film involved actualizing Stern’s visions of

the drawings, which he wanted to be grossly exaggerated and ugly, as a way to demonstrate Carl’s uncompromising personality.

“There were a lot of artistic liberties that were given to me,” Joy said. “[Ross] encouraged very exaggerated very ugly caricatures which pushed me to make [them] as crazy as possible.”

Once all of the parts of the film came together in the post production process, it was time for the finished product to be screened at the clubhouse in Greenbriar Horizons. Stern was allowed to film at the private park on the condition that there would be a screening of the film that all the residents could attend.

Interpretations of the film from Stern’s friends and family appear to vary. While some believe the message of the film is optimistic and hopeful, others see it as more cynical.

“A neighbor of mine said that she really liked the message, and her interpretation was that you need to start looking at things a different way and then you’ll be successful. It’s neat seeing other peoples interpretations of it,” Stern said.

I will say,” he said.

Since “Caricature Carl,” Stern has developed a podcast series consisting of 10 episodes, titled “The Stray Dog Media Lounge” alongside Wehr and Ian Baker, the sound mixer for “Caricature Carl.”

In the future, Stern, Wehr and Baker plan to establish Stray Dog Media, a film studio dedicated to making short films, and hopefully one day feature films.

He is also interested in collaborating with local filmmakers during the post production process of films, or maybe

even working in a TV studio.

Currently, he is working on a script for a one-minute comedy that reflects on the prevalence violence within our culture.

It meditates on “where we use [violence] and where it’s acceptable to use it, but it’s also a screwball comedy about helping a robber steal my own TV,” Stern said. “I want to reel people in with humor, but also have them think a little bit more.”

The movie, as well as a making-of documentary, are available to watch on YouTube. Search for “Caricature Carl.”

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He finds himself in the more cynical than optimistic camp.

“I think overall, the movie’s about art’s place in a capitalist society, and that’s all

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DEVLIN continued from Page 1 a parade, the team’s recognition by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, an acknowledgment at the WorldSeries, and tons of media attention. From those beginnings, he became known for his amazing work ethic and hustle.

Devlin went on to play baseball at Duke University, but after a year became academically ineligible. He was not interested in continuing his family’s legacy of intellectual pursuits.

Rather, he reached his baseball goal by signing with the Dodgers in 1952 and playing professional baseball through 1959. There was also a stint playing ball in the Army and one as a player—manager with the Orlando Dodgers at 26 years old.

He had the opportunity to play with Sparky Anderson and Tommy Lasorda as teammates and against such other luminaries as Don Zimmer, Willie Mays and Brooks Robinson.

There were many interesting phases in Devlin’s life—including an adventurous childhood and a dislike for school, which he described as being in prison. Sports gave him a new perspective on life and a way to be successful.

After leaving pro ball, Devlin went to The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State College) in Ewing and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education.

He worked for Rider University in Lawrence developing a nationally acclaimed intramural program, for Prince Manufacturing as a tennis clinician, and he taught and coached tennis and other sports.

He wanted to share the principles he had developed and became a motivational speaker. Devlin was named as one of the 15 best athletes of the century by the Trentonian newspaper in 1999, has been honored numerous times, and he was inducted into five halls of fame.

Just when you thought there were no more sports for Devlin to excel in, he took up tennis at the age of 36, rose quickly up the senior tennis ladder and attained a world ranking.

What he considers the “biggies” in his life were being the player—manager of the Orlando Dodgers, playing all nine positions in pro baseball, serving on the ski patrol at Mt. Snow in Vermont for over 35 years, growing the Rider intramural program (he worked at Rider for a total of 22 years), teaching tennis and

skiing to a quadruple amputee, earning gold balls in senior tennis, and writing and publishing his memoir.

“The greatest accomplishment I ever had was writing the book,” Devlin says. “It was the best education I ever had. I was a jock. I only read one book in high school. This was a labor of love and I’m grateful to my book team for helping to make it all happen.”

Devlin started writing his book in longhand nine years ago. He asked me for help with typing it and seeing it through.

I resisted at first because I had no book experience. I finally began working with him six years ago, and I was immediately impressed with what he’d written. Then a year later, I encouraged Devlin to add a professional editor to our team, which already included his wife Mary Ellen, an accomplished researcher, and daughter Tara, who designed his website and book cover. Enter Cathy Kreyche.

“I was encouraged to write a book by so many people, so I started by scribbling it all out,” Devlin says. “Ann gave the book a structure and then Cathy questioned me like a drill sergeant and brought out my feelings. That opened up my eyes. Experiences came to light that

I had completely forgotten. It was like going to confession. When she put it all together. It flowed.”

Devlin has been amazed by the

response and feedback to his book. Family members couldn’t believe Devlin had it in him, and they learned things about him they had no idea about.

Reviews have included such words as inspirational, educational, motivating, flowing, genuine, compelling, well written, and unusual.

After reading the book, one woman was inspired to start working out. One guy said he read the whole book in one sitting. Another told Devlin it took courage for Devlin to admit his failures, shortcomings, and mistakes..

At the book launch party at the Mercer County Tennis Center on May 17, a steady stream of friends, family and curiosity seekers stopped by to purchase books and talk to Devlin.

They shared stories and reminisced. One former ski patrol buddy of Devlin’s drove down from Boston to present him with a framed photo.

Another book signing event was held recently at the National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton’s Capital Cup, where old connections were rekindled, new connections were discovered, and people lined up to get their photo taken with Devlin.

Even at 90, Devlin still has an uncanny skill of entering a room, talking to every-

See DEVLIN, Page 8

‘My mind is working more and my body less. My mind is sharper than ever, and I can express myself better than ever,’ says Devlin.

Marty Devlin (left), meets baseball Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean during the Schroth’s baseball team’s national championship run in 1948.

RWJUH Hamilton June Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

*All programs require registration.

LUNG CANCER SCREENINGWHO QUALIFIES AND WHEN TO GET SCREENED

Wed., June 7; 5 to 6 p.m.

Lung Screening Program Director, Dr. Eishan Patel and Program Manager

Kaidlan Ricardo, CMA, BS-HA will discuss screening and early detection of lung cancer and treatment options.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Wed., June 7 & July 5; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Supportive discussion group for those caring for a loved one who is aging or has a chronic illness-shared experiences can be healing. An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR GUARDIAN ANGELS

Thu., June 8; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. How can we communicate with our Guardian Angels with clarity and purpose? Learn techniques to develop asking and receiving guidance from Angels available to each and every one of us. Donna Sweeney, Reiki Maser, IET® Master Instructor, Angel Healing ® Teacher. Fee:$15

MANAGING STRESS AND DIABETES

Tue., June 13 and July 11; 3 to 4 p.m. Have Diabetes? Join our support group and learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way. Ines Lecerf, LSW PLANT BASED PROTEIN TO POWER YOUR WORKOUT

Tue., June 13; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Plants are powerful and so are you! Learn to support strength and maintain

healthful movement with plant-based sources of protein. Fee: $5. Taryn

Krietzman, RDN

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Wed., June 14; 9 a.m. to noon

Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join our community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A.

Taryn Krietzman, RDN

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN HEARING AIDS-COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR EARS

Wed., June 14; 10 to 11 a.m.

Technological advances in hearing aids allow us to connect to our world in an exciting way! Join Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D. to learn about the latest in treatment options. Hands-on demonstration available after the lecture.

ASK THE DIABETES COORDINATOR

Wed., June 14; noon to 1 p.m. Join us for an informative community Q&A session on how to manage your diabetes.

Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPh, BC-ADM. OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

Wed., June 14 & July 12; 1 to 3 p.m. Ultrasound of heel and personalized information. Appointment and registration required.

WHAT CAN HYPNOSIS DO FOR ME?

Wed., June 14; 6 to 7 p.m. Learn how hypnosis/hypnotherapy can access your own internal abilities. Matt Masiello, CCH will share how hypnosis programs are tailored to meet your specific needs. This informative program will include an overview of hypnotherapy, Q&A’s, and optional guided meditation/ hypnosis session.

SPRING FLING LUNCH AND MUSIC

Thu., June 1; 12 to 3 p.m.

Let’s celebrate Spring together with lunch, music, dancing, and more.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Fri., June 2 and 16; 11:30 a.m. to noon

Wipe away the day’s stress and let in some light. All levels welcome.

LET’S TALK, A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wed., June 7, 14, 21, & 28; 10 to 11 a.m. We gather to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers in partnership with PsycHealth Associates here in Hamilton. This is a weekly program. Attend one or all.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wed., June 14; 6 to 7 p. m

Support and information for family and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease. An Oaks Integrated Care caregiver specialist will conduct these interactive groups on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience.

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GRUPO DE APOYO DE DUELO

Jueves., 15 Junio; 3 a 4 p.m. Este grupo es para personas que están de duelo por la pérdida de un ser querido. Un lugar donde usted puede compartir sus dificultades con otras personas que han sufrido una perdida similar. Ines Lecerf, LSW

DANCE IT OUT!

Tue., June 20, July 18; 1 to 2 p.m. June 20: All That Jazz July 18: Oldies But Goodies

Never miss a chance to dance! All ages welcome, no experience required. REIKI? WHAT IS THIS “REIKI”?

Tues., June 20; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You may have heard of the benefits of Reiki, but are still not sure what, exactly, it is or how it works. Come explore what energy work, including Reiki, can do for you. Patti McDougall, BSN, Integrative Therapies Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher KIDS FIT IN THE KITCHEN!

Wed., June 21; 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Nature’s Candy. Cook up some fun and sample healthy foods in new ways! For children ages 5 and older with a parent/ caregiver. Register early – Class size is limited! Fee: $5 per child, $5 per parent/ caregiver. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

SOCRATES CAFÉ

Tues., June 6; 10 to 11 a.m.

“Socrates Café” is about discussing a topic, sharing thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and experiences. Come with an open mind, respect for one another, and a willingness to see where it takes us..

YOGA CLASSES

Tues., June 13 and 27; 10 to 11 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques offering modifications for all. Beginner’s welcome.

DRAWING IN NATURE INTRO AT GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

Wednesday, June 14, 2pm to 3:30 pm

Enhance skills in visual memory through observation and rendering of the landscape and nature using graphite, charcoal, pen, and ink. All levels welcome, and all materials provided.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUMMING CIRCLE

Wed, June 21; 7 to 8 p.m. Join our drumming circle and help drum your cares away. This evidence-based program is shown to reduce blood pressure, calm stress and increase the fun in your life. Drums provided. Fee: $15. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP SAFETY AND SECURITY AWARENESS IN TODAY’S WORLD

Thurs., June 22, 7 to 8:30 am

Learn about cybersecurity, internet scams and how to protect against identify theft, as well as about personal safety at home, in the community and in the work place. Bob Field Jr. Assistant VP of Support Services, Safety and Security at RWJUH Hamilton, has extensive knowledge and practical experience in physical and personal protection.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? *VIRTUAL*

Thu., June 22; noon to 1:00 p.m. All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and vegetable are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! Taryn Krietzman, RDN WISE WOMEN

DISCUSSION GROUP

Thu., June 22; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Join our circle of women as we discuss finding purpose and meaning in our life and community. Ines Lecerf, LSW REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Mon., June 26; 9:00 a.m.

Join us as the senior leadership team at RWJUH Hamilton present the hospital’s recent achievements and plans for the future. Registration is required. Light breakfast will be served.

TIPS ON LOOKING YOUR BEST AT ANY AGE

Fri., June 16; 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Join us for this new program that is all about you – no models, no video. Caterina Young, Owner blo Out Lounge & Color Bar will share makeup tricks, choosing your hairstyle according to your face shape and how to maintain it all.

ADVANCED CARE PLANNING BREAKFAST

Tues; June 19; 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The goal of ACP is to help ensure that people receive future medical care that is consistent with their values, goals, and preferences. Dr. Ali and Ted Taylor will lead this conversation to initiate dialogue between patients, their family or other decision-makers, and their health care providers in consideration with patient’s relationships and culture.

CARING FOR A LOVED ONE SUPPORT GROUP IN SPANISH ¿ESTÁ CUIDANDO A UN SER QUERIDO?

Martes., 27 Junio, 3 a 4 p.m.

Este grupo de apoyo es para CuidadoresPersonas adultas que cuidan a un ser querido que tienen una enfermedad crónica. Es normal que el cuidado de un ser querido a veces produzca frustración y enojo. Pero no tienes que sobrellevarlo solo. Ines Lecerf, LSW

COLOR ME HOOPY? HOOLA HOOP FOR FUN AND FITNESS!

Tues., June 27; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Think you can’t hula-hoop? Think again! It’s much easier to find your rhythm and flow using a “grown up” sized hoop. Learn skills and techniques and have a lot of fun. Hoops provided. $15. Angela Reitter, certified Hoop Love Coach and Hoola-Fit instructor.

SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT: WATCH PARTY & DISCUSSION

Fri. July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28; 11 a.m. to noon

Join this 4-week program to watch the popular series “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”. Each week we explore one of these 4 central principals of flavor. Watch and discuss how to incorporate the elements into delicious dishes! Taryn Krietzman, RDN AVOID MEDICATION ERRORS

AT HOME

Fri., July 7; 2 to 3 p.m.

Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPh, BC-ADM will help to ensure you are taking medications properly, as ordered by your doctor. Bring all over-the-counter and prescription medications.

TAI CHI AT GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

Thu., June 22; 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

This is a special edition Tai Chi class in nature (weather permitting) and serenity elevating your experience.

TEA PARTY

Fri., June 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Pinkies up! Let’s talk tea and try some famously tasty pairings. Hats are encouraged.

RAISE THE FLAG TO A SUMMER OF HISTORIC SIGHTS

Get festive with freedom at these military museums ahead of Flag Day, page 2.

from left

right: The Benjamin Temple House in Ewing, The Armed Forces Heritage Museum at the Captain James Lawrence House in Burlington, and a Nike Ajax missile on display outside the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at Lawrenceville.

Pictures,

to

Flag Down a Whole Month’s Worth of Featured Museums

BY DAN AUBREY AND REBEKAH SCHROEDER

Flag Day on June 14 may mark the date that America adopted the iconic stars and stripes as we now know them in 1777, but it also recognizes the formation of the U.S. Army.

As the two occasions align in this annual patriotic pattern, stitch the imagery of independence with the country’s earliest branch of the armed forces and charge forward to visit these military museums across the region.

Editor’s Note: This month’s Six09 is composed largely of sections from stories that ran in previous issues of U.S. 1, Community News Service’s Princeton metro area paper, on various dates (see the end of the article on page 8 for details).

The content has been updated accordingly for both currency and clarity.

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at Lawrenceville

The original National Guard Militia

Museum of New Jersey is based in Sea Girt, but the secondary site at the Lawrenceville Field Artillery Annex, located on the New Jersey Army National Guard complex, uses its own military weapons, uniforms, photographs, documents, and interpretative texts to chronicle the state’s history of service from the early settlements through the present day.

It also claims to possess one of the largest collections of New Jersey-related Civil War research material in the country, including copies of diaries, letters, newspaper clippings, memoirs, regimental histories, and articles—all while paying attention to the diverse experiences of the New Jersey citizen soldier.

The NJ Militia Museum’s website recommends that visitors come prepared with a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, and enter the National Guard complex through Gate #3. After checking in with the security guard at the booth, follow directions to the parking lot and take note of the outdoor exhibits of historic tanks and large-caliber guns on display.

In a Facebook post, NGMM of NJ referred to the Nike Ajax missiles (see cover), co-designed by Bell Laboratories, as “the world’s first guided, surface-to-air

See Flag Day, Page 4

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Flag Day, continued from Page 2

While the Third New Jersey Regiment refused to give up the red, other state regiments did and created an alleged connection to today’s New Jersey: “The color of the flag adopted by the newly independent state of New Jersey was supposedly patterned after the buff facing of New Jersey’s soldiers in Washington’s army,” the museum noted.

Quickly, visitors learn that there were two uniforms used by New Jersey Revolutionary War soldiers. One was the Frenchmade uniform consisting of a blue coat with “white trim on the hat [that] depicts infantry and the white brocade [that] symbolizes the alliance with France.”

The other was the Colonial Rifleman’s uniform of flax, cotton, wool, and a rifleman’s hat. They also adopted the practice of wearing moccasins for comfort and, since riflemen often served as skirmishers and had to move quickly, mobility.

After a brief stop at the Whiskey Rebellion, when the New Jersey Militia organized 4,000 men to form three infantry and two cavalry regiments as part of a four-state militia force to address a Western Pennsylvania insurrection against the federal tax on whiskey in 1794, the next section transitions into materials on the Civil War. For additional context supplemented by

See Flag Day, Page 6

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Aubrey’s 2022 Memorial Day article on the Civil War legacies of the region, the Lawrence National Guard Militia Museum stated that New Jersey provided more than 88,000 men to the Union cause—some 10,000 over its quota—who participated in 37 infantry regiments, three cavalry regiments, five artillery batteries, and several independent militia companies. These units fought in both the Eastern and Western theaters of operations and were involved in almost every major battle.

Another text also cited the contributions of Black soldiers, noting that while a state census from the time listed some 4,866 African American men between the ages of 18 and 45, approximately 3,000 served in the Union Army and Navy.

The exhibit expands on the influence of several Civil War military leaders, such as Major General George B. McClellan, who later became Governor of New Jersey, and features a map of Trenton’s Civil War camps, such as Camp Olden and the Trenton Barracks, as well as Trenton Grand Army of the Republic memorabilia.

The following stop, Aubrey continued, focuses on the 1898 Spanish-American War, where “the declaration of war with Spain found the New Jersey National Guard

ready and eager to meet the call for troops.”

Then 20th and 21st-century conflicts take over a major section of the exhibition area with objects from World Wars I and II and the Vietnam War, which yielded the last U.S. military weapons on display at the museum.

While “war trophy” weapons from the Gulf War are on display, current military weapons are not, Kale added.

Director-curator Staff Sergeant

Andrew Walker confirmed in a quote that what Kale cited as one of the museum’s most unusual objects, “an Up-Armored Humvee door where the window ‘caught’ an RPG in Iraq between 2004 and 2005,” brings home the danger of war by showing the crater of the impact—as well as the technology that enabled soldiers to survive.

But these messages of endurance are

just as palpable when crossing over to storytelling, as the NGMM of NJ oversees the Center for U.S. War Veterans’ Oral Histories in partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, which has recorded interviews with over 600 veterans across varying campaigns and arms of service.

The National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey at Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville Armory, 151 Eggert Crossing Road, Lawrenceville. Free admission and parking. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on state holidays. (609) 213-3296 or njmilitiamuseum.org/lawrenceville.

Armed Forces Heritage Museum

The Armed Forces Heritage Museum is headquartered at the Captain James Lawrence House, a state-owned building on the campus of the Burlington County Historical Society that was once the family home of the naval officer who lent his name to Lawrence Township.

As commander of the USS Chesapeake during its capture during the War of 1812, Lawrence is said to have issued a fierce battle cry of “Don’t give up the ship!” as his last words, which became a rallying message

Flags fly at the entrance to the NGMM of NJ at Lawrenceville, upper left, and the Armed Forces Heritage Museum, lower left, the latter of which operates out of the Captain James Lawrence House in Burlington, right.

that lived on centuries after he perished in the attack.

That quote shares a similar inspiration for AFHM Executive Director Roy Plummer, who persevered in the decade-long process of opening the museum.

His concept originated back in 2010 as a brick-and-mortar educational center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which Plummer noted in “Welcome to the Armed Forces Heritage Museum,” from this year’s February 22 issue of U.S. 1.

After reconfiguring the format, the volunteer, nonprofit organization toured across Burlington County with a 32-foot mobile unit instead.

The Burlington County Historical Society campus comprises several historical buildings in Burlington City and previously hosted several of AFHM’s “Living History” lectures with veterans, so the groups built on this relationship to establish the physical AFHM museum at the Lawrence House.

Now with both permanent and rotating exhibits, Plummer continued, the organization plans for new additions like the “Immersive Experience Room,” which “will allow visitors to have an interactive, audiovisual journey into an aspect of our nation’s rich military history.”

To take a brief tour of the 1740s-era house online, visit the AFHM YouTube channel at youtube.com/@afhmus5700

The Armed Forces Heritage Museum, Captain James Lawrence House, 459 High Street, Burlington. Free. Open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. afhmus.org.

Clarke House

The Clarke House at Princeton Battlefield State Park, built by Quaker farmer Thomas Clarke in 1772 on a vast acreage of farmland, is the sole surviving building from the Revolutionary War era and played a key role on the front lines of the Battle of Princeton.

According to the Princeton Battlefield Society website, when the Clarke family converted their farmhouse residence into a

The Thomas Clarke House, above, is known as the site where General Hugh Mercer was mortally wounded during the Battle of Princeton. “The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777,” an oil painting by John Trumbull, depicts this moment, left, with Mercer pictured at the center.

field hospital in the aftermath of the battle, they tended to injured men from both sides of the conflict. Although the Americans had secured a victory at the site, Continental Army General Hugh Mercer ultimately died from his combat wounds, with Mercer County later named in his honor.

Today, the Clarke House serves as a museum that features Revolutionary War exhibits and artifacts. Visitors are encour-

aged to walk around the battlefield and view the colonnade memorial by Thomas Ustick Walter, who served as the fourth architect of the United States Capitol.

The Thomas Clarke House, Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton. Free admission. Program fees

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may apply. Wednesday to Friday tours by appointment only. Hours: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 609-921-0074 or pbs1777.org

Benjamin Temple House

The Benjamin Temple House at Drake Farm Park in Ewing was built circa 1750, taking its name from an early area settler and prosperous farmer. Temple was the friend, as well as the brother-in-law, of Declaration of Independence signer and Hopewell resident John Hart.

While the Temple family maintained and modified the Georgian-style house at the border of Ewing and Hopewell for 150 years, records show that the house was

eventually sold in 1903 to Patrick Ryan, whose family operated a dairy there for the next half century at its spot along Pennington Road.

The Ewing Township Historical Preservation Society now operates out of the structure, which was moved and saved from demolition alongside its now-owner, Ewing Township, during the construction of Interstate 95 in the early 1970s.

From its relocated spot at Federal City Road on 26 acres of parklands, the landmark, sometimes referred to as the Old Ryan Farm or the Temple-Ryan Farmhouse, is active as a museum and a central hub for Ewing history.

Benjamin Temple House, 27 Federal City Road, Ewing Township. Free. Hours: Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.; open house tours held on the first Sunday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; all other times

are by appointment only with the site manager. 609-883-2455 or info@ethps.org

Washington Crossing State Park

But before the troops could successfully defeat British forces in Princeton, General George Washington’s troops famously crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night, 1776.

As he led his men to confront the Hessians, the future president paved the way for Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville to become another reservoir of Revolutionary War historical knowledge.

Starting May 28, the Historic Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association, or WCPA, will host free guided history tours on Sundays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum

According to the NJDEP website, these begin with the museum’s two galleries: one where guests can watch and discuss the NJN-produced film “Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty” in the auditorium, which documents the time between Washington’s Crossing and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and another that houses the “over 500 authentic Revolutionary War artifacts” on loan from the Swan Historical Foundation Collection.

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Other stops include Sullivan Drive and Continental Lane, the Stone Barn, and the landing overlook by the Johnson Ferry House. Tickets must be reserved in advance via the WCPA’s page on EventBrite.

The Johnson Ferry House is a circa 1740 farmhouse that overlooks the Delaware River. Historians believe that Washington’s men might have stayed here prior to utilizing the transport services and making the journey across the freezing cold waters. The building is furnished with Colonial-era period pieces and reproductions, including an 18th-century kitchen garden.

Washington Crossing State Park is free to enter until July 1, at which point a $5 cash fee will be implemented every weekend until Labor Day on September 4.

Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, Hopewell Township. Free. Hours (Visitor Center Museum): Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 609-737-0623.

Hours (Johnson Ferry House): Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon, then 1 to 3:45 p.m. 609-737-2515. WashingtonCrossing@dep.nj.gov

More Sites to Salute

The Old Barracks, which were origi-

nally constructed during the French and Indian War in 1758 to house British soldiers, notably sheltered the Hessian forces during the Battle of Trenton. The site now actively hosts historical tours and events.

The Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices: adults, $10; students and seniors, $8; active military and children under five years of age, free. 609-396-1776 or barracks.org

Hamilton’s “Pepper House,” described online as “the first Civil War Museum in New Jersey,” has yet to reopen to the public since it closed “temporarily” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the circa 1730 John Abbott II House down the road at 2200 Kuser Road remains in use by the Historical Society of Hamilton Township, with weekend hours from noon to 4:30 p.m.

The Civil War and Native American Museum, 2202 Kuser Road, Hamilton

Those looking for a one-of-a-kind trip into art, history, and New Jersey culture only need to drive less than an hour outside of the area code to join members of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society for free tours of the Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center, which is located at the active US military base that is part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Whether you come to see exhibits in the aircraft hangar, the stained glass pieces at the Cathedral of the Air on the site’s border, or to visit where the infamous Hindenburg disaster took place, the naval history here makes the visit worthwhile.

Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center, Hangar One, Lansdowne Road, Lakehurst. Free. (732) 323-6547 or nlhs.com

As a final note, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton also has a formidable collection of Civil War flags recovered from military units raised in New Jersey, encompassing nearly 200 cavalry, volunteer regiment, and captured Confederate battle flags that rotate through the exhibit.

***

The articles quoted and referenced, in order of online publication date: “Explore military history at National Guard Militia Museum” from November 10, 2021; “Free and Easy — Day Tripping With Kids” from March 16, 2022; and “Naval Lakehurst Keeps History Flying High” from February 8, 2023, were all written by Dan Aubrey and are available at www.communitynews.org.

Princeton Festival

Five Grammy Winners Plus Pulitzer Prize Recipients Featured

This year’s 16-day Princeton Festival showcases five recent GRAMMY® winners, including works by two recipients of the Pulitzer Prize for Music. The nineteenth season of the Festival, presented by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, runs Friday, June 9 - Sunday, June 25. Tickets may be ordered online or by calling 609-497-0020.

The following events feature or honor GRAMMY winners.

• Friday, June 9. The trio Time For Three, winners of the 2023 GRAMMY for “Best Classical Instrumental Solo,” open the Festival with their unique brand of genre-defying music.

• Saturday, June 10. In “Aretha – A Tribute,” the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and dynamic vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw sing hit songs by Aretha Franklin, who won 18 GRAMMYS during her illustrious career.

• Saturday, June 17. The Attacca Quartet, which won two out of the last four GRAMMYS for chamber music (2020 and 2023), team with dancers from American Repertory Ballet in a music and contemporary ballet program that includes works by 2002 Pulitzer Prize winner John Adams and Caroline Shaw, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for

Music (2013) and three GRAMMYS (2014, 2020, 2022) of her own.

• Monday, June 19. Singer, Met Opera star, and composer Will Liverman headlines a Juneteenth concert of spirituals and songs celebrating Black composers. Liverman’s 2023 GRAMMY recognized the recording of Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones, in which he sang lead.

The Festival takes place June 9-25 at Morven Museum & Garden, with performances almost every day, among them Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, hilarious improvisation with Broadway’s Next Hit

Musical, Andrew Lippa’s musical tribute to Harvey Milk, a collaboration of Attacca Quartet & American Repertory Ballet, a Juneteenth Celebration featuring Met Opera star Will Liverman, a “feel good” Mazel Tov Cocktail Party!, Peter and the Wolf Family Concert, and more.

2023 Princeton Festival tickets range in price from $10 - $125. While most performances take place in an outdoor performance pavilion at Morven Museum & Garden, some are located inside at Trinity Church. For dates, times, program information, and tickets, visit princetonsymphony. org/festival or call 609-497-0020.

About The Princeton Festival. The Princeton Festival is the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s flagship summer program showcasing the performing arts. Founded in 2004, the Princeton Festival quickly established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. Every year in June, thousands of people from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond come to the Festival to enjoy the quality and variety of its programs. Offerings include opera, musical theater, dance, orchestra and chamber music, and a constantly evolving selection of other genres, including jazz, world music, choral concerts, and country music. The Festival has longstanding partnerships with public libraries and local churches, and promotes life-long learning in the arts through free educational lectures presented to a wide and diverse community.

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2023 Grammy Award winners Time For Three open the June 9-25 Princeton Festival at Morven Museum & Garden. Photo by Shervin Lainez.

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BLEND - Hamilton

Save the Date: Central Jersey Beer Fest Is October 14

Blend Bar and Bistro opened its doors in Hamilton in October of 2012 and created an anniversary event that has grown into a tasting extravaganza, the Central Jersey Beer Fest. 2023 marks Blend’s 11-year anniversary and this year’s event on Saturday, October 14th will be no exception. Blend also hosts smaller events at their restaurant location year-round.

Festival coordinator Antonio Carannante, and co-owner of Blend Bar and Bistro in Hamilton, is justifiably pumped. In the past #CJBeerFest featured a tasting of more than 150 craft beers, some wines, even a few spirits, up to 10 food trucks, live bands, and a variety of other vendors, including axe throwing. The festival has attracted an average of 3000+ festival lovers, Folks come from all over the Mercer County area, but even groups of family and friends from Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, the Carolinas, California, New York, and more.

FaIrS & FeStIvalS SpecIal SectIon

“As with past events, we will have a strong focus on education and safety all throughout the festival grounds. Our slogan is ‘Drink Responsibly and Have Fun.’” You must be 21+ to enter. We always recommend inviting a designated driver, getting a ride, and using Ride Share options. Tip: schedule a ride a head of time.

The event will provide patrons with an unparalleled chance to sample craft beers from a wide variety of brewers, even if you “think” you don’t like beer. It’s a great chance to have a small sampling of so many new styles with different flavor profiles including some cocktails in a can, ciders and seltzers.

The beer tasting is allowed for four solid hours during the festival, but there is so much more to the event; creative food vendors, great live music and backyard games, such as bean bag toss, ladder ball, and more, to make the festival a lively day out.

“With all the other things going on, we encourage our guests to hang out while eating, listening to live music, playing games, and supporting our various other vendors, all the while remembering to drink responsibly.”

Check out our websites and social media accounts. For tickets and up to date info www.blendbar.com and www. CJBEERFEST.com

The event is rain or shine and tents will be set up in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate. Outside food and beverages are not allowed but bring your lawn chairs or even a pop-up tent. The Central Jersey Beer Fest keeps getting bigger and better so start fall off with a bang and be part of the fun. Share your photos and experience of the event using

#CJBEERFEST on all major social media outlets. Visit www.cjbeerfest. com to purchase your tickets by June 30, 2023, for the last chance to SAVE BIG using code CNS2023. This event will sell out!

You may contact us at Blend Bar & Bistro, 911 Route 33, Hamilton. drinks@blendbar.com and info@ cjbeerfest.com. If you need to speak to someone regarding the festival sponsorship and marketing opportunities, you can reach Antonio at 609-817-5550. See ad, page 12.

L.E.A.D. FEST

Coming to Mercer County Park June 30 to July 9

Carnivals and state fairs are beloved summer traditions. There’s no better place for the whole family to enjoy rides, food, music and fun than at 2023 L.E.A.D. FEST events. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s events include carnivals and a 10-day State Fair taking place from June 30 to July 9 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township. Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders and families. The Allentown-based nonprofit’s programs help to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence. L.E.A.D. is

committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities.

“The L.E.A.D. State Fair saw its biggest year ever in 2022 with more than 50,000 attendees. We hope to hit a new milestone in 2023,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Funds raised

Saturday, October 14th 12pm

Mercer County Park **Live Entertainment**

Purchase Beer Fest tickets in June at CJBEERFEST.com for the Biggest Savings!

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at our carnivals and the State Fair are important to L.E.A.D.’s mission, allowing us to make our programs more accessible to a greater number of youngsters in the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to bring more amazing events to New Jersey this year. Our goal is to create family-friendly, community-based events that are fun for everyone while at the same time promoting anti-drug and anti-violence activities in the state.”

The jam-packed State Fair promises something for everyone including free nightly musical entertainment as well as a Business and Craft Vendor Tent on the weekends. Favorite fan attractions include Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the always-popular pie eating contest, a petting zoo, educational puppet Granpa Cratchet and Cowtown U.S.A., an all-day exhibit that contains an old-time creamery where patrons participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand. The State Fair’s midway provider, Reithoffer Shows, will ensure there’s plenty of delicious food, carnival games and prizes, and rides for children and adults alike — from a first-class Kiddie Land to super-spectacular thrill rides and

everything in between.

Gate admission is $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. General admission, ride tickets, and Mega Passes are on sale now at theleadfest.com. Purchase tickets early for special presale discounts!

Additional L.E.A.D. FEST carnivals bring the fun to different locations throughout the Garden State this summer. General admission, ride tickets and Mega Passes for all carnivals can be purchased in advance online at theleadfest.com.

Westfield Garden State Plaza (One Garden State Plaza, Paramus) from May 25-29; May 31-June 4; and June 7-11. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Midway will be provided by Reithoffer Shows. “This year, our Paramus event starts on Memorial Day weekend,” DeMauro said. “Attending the carnival that weekend is a great way to have fun and usher in the start of the summer season.”

Monmouth Mall (180 Route 35, Eatontown) from June 2-12. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

Woodbridge Center (250 Woodbridge Center Dr., Woodbridge Township) from June 2 -11. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

Mercer County Park from June 30 to July 9. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5 to close and Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from 3 p.m. to close. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

For more information and tickets, visit theleadfest.com. For more information about L.E.A.D., visit leadrugs.org or email info@leadrugs. org.

See ad, page 16

Trenton Farmers Market

Jersey fresh since 1939

Residents of the Trenton region have relied on the Trenton Farmers Market to provide locally grown Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables since 1939. Starting off along the river in South Trenton, the Market moved to 960 Spruce Street in Lawrence Township in 1948. We’re celebrating 75 years on Spruce St. this year!

During the summer season, Trenton Farmers Market boasts half a dozen farmers from Mercer, Burlington and Atlantic Counties, many who are third generation family famers. The local season starts in April with cool weather crops like lettuce, arugula, asparagus, bok choy, leeks and spinach. May brings our famous local strawberries, kale, & leeks. June brings the first local blueberries, a brief cherry season, early beans, cabbage and carrots, and of course, sweet Jersey corn. That can only mean that Jersey tomatoes, peaches, nectarines and plums are coming in July! Local Jersey Fresh fruits and produce (including organics) will be available at Trenton Farmers Market now through November. We even have a mushroom farmer who brings both beautiful and flavorful mushrooms in many varieties.

Local fruits and vegetables are just part of the story at the Trenton Farmers Market. The Market has worked very hard to change with the times and to bring vendors in who help make the Market a destination beyond the area’s best produce.

The Trenton Farmers Market just wouldn’t be complete with our two Amish vendors, Cartlidge’s Meats, and King Foods. Fresh, top-quality meats and prepared foods with that homemade Amish country goodness are what brings so many people back week after week. Another top vendor is Pulaski Meats, the areas best connection for amazing luncheon meats, pierogies, and many other Polish and Eastern European specialties.

If that isn’t tempting enough, consider the Market’s TWO vegan eateries — Lady & The Shallot and the Savory Leaf Café! Every Saturday the Market features Terra Momo Bread Company — baguettes, croissants, focaccia, simple sandwiches,

whole grains, rye and sweet treats, too! Speaking of sweet, our own Pie’d Piper has its own following for overstuffed donuts, pies, cakes, salads and more, they are way more than a bakery. Nothing goes with great baked good like an awesome cup of locally roasted and ground coffee at Kafe Ojala or any one of hundreds of loose teas, matcha, bubble teas and fresh quiche at the Tea for All tea shop.

What’s that irresistible smell? No matter where you enter the market, chances are you’ll notice the unmistakable smell of BBQ — beef, brisket, pork, chicken, beans, corn bread and more at Hambone Opera — praised by both the Food Network and the New York Times always pleases hungry shoppers. Great for take-home dinner or eat-in lunch!

Since no one lives on food alone, the Trenton Farmers Market also features over a dozen artisan makers, creators and sellers who have been carefully curated for our shoppers. You will find handmade soaps, bath products and skin lotions, you will find our wildly popular Sea Moss vendor, textiles, woodcraft, jewelry, hand poured candles, oils and scents even a gluten free / vegan baker! And because we know pets are an important part of the family, the market has a dog treat “barkery” and vendor who sells anything you might need for your pet’s health and happiness. Need a watch or clock repaired? We have a guy. Need something from a variety store? We have a guy. We even have a smoke shop outside the market where you can try your luck at the lottery or stock up on smokes and supplies. Coming soon: a full-service lunch spot just outside the market that will be bringing sausage & peppers, burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Watch for the Grand Opening this summer. And watch for our night market and holiday market later this

year.

When was the last time you made a visit to the Trenton Farmers Market? Rediscover what thousands already know, that Jersey Fresh is ALWAYS in season at the Trenton

Farmers Market. 960 Spruce Street, Lawrence. Hours: Wed-Sat 9am6pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Visit www. thetrentonfarmersmarket.com, Like us on Facebook & Instagram. See ad, page 10

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Cash paid for World War II military items.Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@optonline.net

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To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to mdurelli@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 105.

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Retail Spaces for Lease: Various Locations in Town. Please Contact: Weinberg Management. WMC@ collegetown. Text 609-7311630

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Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609-577-8244 for further information

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Potenza helps lead North to success as assists leader

By Rich Fisher

Emily Potenza has always been a goal scorer who also wanted to assist her teammates.

This year, the senior is happily living in both worlds for the West Windsor-Plainsboro North girls lacrosse team.

Through the Northern Knights 12-7 start, Potenza was second to dynamic freshman Ginny Choi in goals (64) and points (86) and led the team with 22 assists. During her first two varsity seasons, she had a total of 15 assists.

“We’ve been talking about her assists, those have gone up because she’s not only looking to score but looking to make plays,” coach Julia Giordano said. “That’s something we’re really proud of.”

According to Potenza, it has not been a huge adjustment.

“I’ve always kind of been looking for a pass more than a shot,” she said. “I’m always just looking for whatever is better for the team.” Having Choi and her 77 goals doesn’t hurt

“Working with Ginny is really fun,” Potenza said. “I got to play with her in soccer season too, so we got really close. We definitely work together well on the field, passing and moving with each other.”

Giordano has loved watching it.

“It’s been awesome,” the coach said. “She still is one of our go-to girls, but we have an addition now with Ginny as a freshman. It’s given Emily an opportunity to see that one person can’t do it all. You need a solid seven out there moving the ball and looking for those opportunities. We’ve talked to her about that a lot and stressed that. She’s really taken ownership of that concept and really put it into play.”

Junior Anna Choi has also been a beneficiary of Potenza’s passes as she had 54 goals entering WWPN’s May 22 game with East Brunswick. The most impressive thing about Emily is that despite becoming more of a distributor, her goal total has still risen. She had 15 goals and four assists as a sophomore and 49 goals and 11 assists as a junior.

In assessing her abilities to score, Giordano feels Potenza is equally adept at creat-

ing her own goal or tallying off a teammate’s pass.

“It’s definitely a mix of both,” the coach said. “She has her teammates that have learned how she cuts, she’s able to change her speed really well and cut to the middle and get open and just get her stick into place where her teammates can pass it to her.”

And when she receives it; Potenza doesn’t get flustered.

“She’s really good at catching the ball in tight spaces; and being patient is something she’s great at after she catches it,” Giordano said. “Just being able to stop, look at the goal, take that extra split second, move the goalie and score.”

Apparently, she takes that same approach when driving to goal.

“She also likes to drive from the top,” Giordano said. “She’s great at dodging and re-dodging. It’s really that patience, that holding for the extra second and not just shooting when it’s first open, but moving the goalie and then getting it around her.”

Those are skills that Potenza has been working on for a lifetime. Her first sport

was soccer in kindergarten. As soon as rec lacrosse was offered in West Windsor, she signed up to play in first grade at the urging of her dad Nick, who played club lacrosse at Rutgers.

“Playing soccer first definitely helped me with vision on the field and where to pass,” said Potenza, who plays defensive center-midfield on the pitch. “I definitely use my soccer knowledge to help me out in lacrosse.”

As a freshman, Emily showed great potential in preseason and Giordano said “she only played about a week but we were super excited to have her.”

That year got shut down by Covid, but Potenza actually looked at that as a blessing. “It was upsetting, just because we had a lot of skill that year and I was really excited to just play,” the Dutch Neck resident said. “But going into that season, I remember I was really nervous about whether I should score or whether I should pass. I would second guess myself a lot. I feel like the break helped me build up some confidence.”

See LACROSSE, Page 12

For high achievement in violin, viola and cello performance

For high achievement in violin, viola and cello performance

For high achievement in violin, viola and cello performance

For high achievement in violin, viola and cello performance

Student recitals June 10th and 11th. Call for details.

“You are to be complimented for fostering a warm, supportive community, where your students are well taught in every respect.”

“You are to be complimented for fostering a warm, supportive community, where your students are well taught in every respect.”

“You are to be complimented for fostering a warm, supportive community, where your students are well taught in every respect.”

Jonathan Beiler First Violinist, Philadelphia Orchestra

“You are to be complimented for fostering a warm, supportive community, where your students are well taught in every respect.”

“You are to be complimented for fostering a warm, supportive community, where your students are well taught in every respect.”

Call NOW to join our award winning string program:

Jonathan Beiler First Violinist, Philadelphia Orchestra

Jonathan Beiler First Violinist, Philadelphia Orchestra

Private lessons for violin, viola, cello and string bass

Jonathan Beiler First Violinist, Philadelphia Orchestra

Group lessons/performance

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• String quartet coaching/performance

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Call NOW to join our award winning string program:

Call NOW to join our award winning string program:

For more information call 609.751.7664 or visit our website www.stringacademy.net

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• Private lessons for violin, viola and cello

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• Private lessons for violin, viola and cello

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BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

Capital Health Cancer Center Approved as a Participating National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program Site

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is now an NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) affiliate site of the Atlantic Health Cancer Consortium (AHCC). As a participating site, Capital Health Cancer Center will now offer residents in the greater Mercer and Bucks County region access to new and innovative NCI-sponsored clinical trials in the cancer prevention and control, screening, care delivery, and treatment areas.

“The vision for our Cancer Center is clear,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health, “To deliver exceptional care for our patients in a convenient location, with the clinical and support services they need and the research to support their fight and the advancement of care. Our participation in NCORP brings more opportunities to our patients, who are at the heart of everything we do.”

“Capital Health is known for its commitment to providing people of the greater Mercer and Bucks County regions with the highest quality care close to home,” said Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center. “With the NCORP site designation, our Cancer Center will provide patients access to cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery studies that are available at top institutions around the nation. We look forward to contributing to NCORP’s national network of research that focuses on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, especially in regard to how it affects access to care among underserved populations. This aligns well with Capital Health’s mission to serve urban and suburban communities in our area.”

“Academic medical centers play an important part in cancer research, but most cancer care is provided in local communities,” said Dr. Doria. “By expanding research outside academic settings as an AHCC

NCORP site, we will provide access to a larger patient population that is more diverse and better reflects the complexity of cancer care.”

As part of AHCC NCORP, Capital Health Cancer Center’s team of providers and researchers will help patients gain access to clinical trials across a broad range of cancer care benchmarks, including symptom management, prevention, screening, surveillance, care delivery and quality of life. The NCORP network’s diversity in patient age, race, and geographic location, provides a natural laboratory for developing improved strategies for cancer prevention, more efficient cancer trials, and a better balance between the risks and benefits of interventions.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I am excited to welcome Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell to Atlantic Health Cancer Consortium Community Oncology Research Program (AHCC CORP), the only New Jersey-based NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP),” said Dr. Eric Whitman, principal investigator at AHCC CORP and medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care. “Together we will continue to advance the science of cancer care and shine new lights on cancer journey pathways for our patients.”

To help connect patients to advanced care options, research staff at Capital Health Cancer Center will select trials from the NCORP research portfolio that may benefit the Center’s patient population. Appropriate studies are then presented to oncology physician teams to determine if they are good fits for specific patients. When a match is made, a primary investigator is appointed, and Capital Health research staff open the trial for Capital Health Cancer Center patients.

To learn more about open clinical trials at Capital Health Cancer Center, visit capitalhealthcancer.org/ncorp to sign-up for email updates or call 609.537.6363 to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians.

Expanding Cardiac Services in Mercer County

Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive care with a multi-specialty approach highlighted by the most up-to-date techniques and treatment options. With multiple locations throughout the greater Mercer and Bucks county region, the Institute features the most sophisticated technology guided by highly trained clinical experts in medical fields such as cardiac surgery, general and interventional cardiology, nephrology, podiatry, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and wound management and hyperbaric medicine. For more information, visit capitalheartandvascular.org.

Experienced Cardiac Surgery Team Joins Capital Health

Dr. Pasquale Luciano and Dr. Fredric Seinfeld, board certified and fellowship trained physicians specializing in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery, have joined Capital Health Medical Group as Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists. Dr. Seinfeld and Dr. Luciano have been working together as a leading cardiac surgical team in Central New Jersey for almost a decade and have been colleagues for more than 30 years.

As part of Capital Health Heart and Vascular Institute, Drs. Luciano and Seinfeld treat patients with heart conditions that require surgery, ranging from those who have recently suffered a heart attack (or are at high risk for one) to those who present with coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or a range of general thoracic conditions.

Dr. Luciano performs most surgeries, including (but not limited to) open heart surgery, coronary bypass surgery, and drainage of fluid from around the heart and lungs. Dr. Seinfeld, a cardiac critical care intensivist, provides robust preparation for patients before their procedures and manages their care after surgery.

“Patients come to us from primary care providers, general cardiologists, and interventional cardiologists when they are diagnosed with serious cardiac conditions,” said Dr. Seinfeld. “Guided by the belief that accessibility is the cornerstone of patient satisfaction, we put patients and their loved ones at the center of our team. We maintain close contact with them to ensure we are always accessible and ready to provide personalized care.”

“Our collaborative approach to care aligns well with Capital Health’s philosophy of bringing the most comprehensive care for patients

who need it here in Central New Jersey and parts of Bucks County,” said Dr. Luciano. “We’re excited to provide direct consultation and guidance to patients and referring physicians, all with the goal of avoiding recovery in a rehabilitation facility whenever possible and discharging patients directly to their homes.”

DR. LUCIANO is a board certified thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in central and southern New Jersey. Dr. Luciano completed a cardiothoracic fellowship at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and a trauma and critical care fellowship at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Before joining Capital Health, he worked for more than six years as the chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

DR. SEINFELD is board certified in cardiothoracic surgery and has more than 40 years of experience in the surgical field. He completed his residency and fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. Before joining Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists, Dr. Seinfeld was medical director of the Vascular Laboratory and chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

To make an appointment with Dr. Seinfeld or Dr. Luciano, call Capital Health Cardiac Surgery Specialists at 609.537.7277 or visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacsurgery for more information.

Capital Health Now Offers Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

As part of the growing full-service cardiac program available at Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute, physicians and staff from the Institute’s Structural Heart Program recently performed their first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

TAVR is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) or those with a failing surgical aortic valve who are at elevated risk for complications during open surgery. Experts from Capital Health’s Structural Heart Program perform procedures like TAVR to manage and treat heart valve conditions and other structural issues of the heart.

When severe aortic stenosis occurs, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body, which in turn can limit your daily activity. With TAVR, an artificial valve is delivered to the heart through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted into one of

several possible access routes and placed into the diseased valve. The procedure typically takes one hour or less to complete.

“Patients who get transcatheter aortic valve replacement experience all the benefits of minimally invasive procedures, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a lower risk for major bleeding,” said DR. DAVID DRUCKER, medical director of the Structural Heart Program and board certified, fellowship trained interventional cardiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “The biggest benefit for many TAVR patients is that they usually start feeling better right away. With a heart valve that is working properly, they breathe normally, have more energy, and can go back to everyday activities.”

Following the TAVR procedure, patients are monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few hours before being moved to a standard patient room. Patients usually begin walking the same day as their TAVR procedure and are typically discharged within one or two days.

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

Minimally Invasive Procedure Dramatically Reduces Stroke Risk For Certain Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Physicians and staff from Capital Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute recently performed their first Watchman implant procedure at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. Left atrial appendage closure, which includes the Watchman device implant, is one of the new procedures that Capital Health’s expanding full-service cardiac program includes. Implantation of the Watchman device is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure for appropriate patients to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart and reducing the patient’s lifetime risk of stroke.

Capital Health’s electrophysiology team, with experts from Capital Health Cardiology Specialists, performs procedures like Watchman device implants to manage and treat patients with conditions which involve abnormal electrical behavior of the heart.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood normally. This can lead to blood pooling in a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood can form a clot. Stroke results if this clot forms and dislodges from the heart, going to the brain. People living with AFib are often prescribed blood thinners to reduce their risk for stroke. The risk of blood thinners includes bleeding and brain injury if falls occur.

“The Watchman device is now a treatment option at Capital Health for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem,” said DR. SCOTT BURKE, medical director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and a board certified, fellowship trained cardiac electrophysiologist at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists. “Guided through a narrow tube that is inserted into a vein through a small incision in the patient’s leg, the Watchman implant is designed to fit into the LAA and permanently close it to prevent the risk of clots dislodging from it. The procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes under general anesthesia, and most patients are out of the hospital in a day or less and able to return to their daily routines soon thereafter. During recovery, the patient’s own heart tissue grows over the Watchman device to prevent the clots from developing in the heart.”

After the procedure, most patients take blood thinners for up to one and a half to three months. Clinical trials show greater than 95% success in removal of blood thinners for patients who receive the device.

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

Capital Health Recertified as Level II Trauma Center Meeting National Standards for Trauma Care for More Than 25 Years

The Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (RMC) has been recertified as a Level II Trauma Center by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement is the ninth verification for Capital Health since the first in 1998. The Center, also designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the New Jersey Department of Health, is one of only 10 designated trauma centers in New Jersey and the regional referral center for injured patients in Mercer County and adjacent parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Burlington, and Middlesex counties as well as nearby areas of Pennsylvania.

“The ACS establishes the standards of care for treating those who are severely injured and is an important advocate for all surgical patients,” said DR. DOMINICK EBOLI, director of the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. “After a comprehensive review by their nationally recognized trauma experts, our recertification shows the residents of our community that Capital Health continues to meet and exceed national benchmarks for care when they need it most.”

Across the Spectrum of Care

In addition to providing the necessary resources for trauma care, ACS level II verification also means that centers like the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center address the needs of injured patients across

the entire spectrum of care, providing patients at Capital Health Regional Medical Center with access to important injury prevention programs, pre-hospital care and transportation, acute hospital care, rehabilitation, and research.

“As a level II trauma center, we are able to provide comprehensive care that begins with injury prevention. At the time of injury, we’re ready with 24-hour immediate access to trauma surgeons and other appropriate specialists,” said DR. DENNIS QUINLAN, associate medical director of the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center. “With programs and resources that are not available in most general hospitals, our role in patient care often extends beyond our initial encounters and continues through rehabilitation.”

To learn more about the Bristol Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, visit capitalhealth.org/trauma.

The Art of Caring for One’s Self During the Caregiving Journey

A 10-WEEK PROGRAM FOR CAREGIVERS

Wednesdays | 12 p.m.

Location: Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists

100 K Johnson Boulevard North, Suite 201, Bordentown, NJ 08505

This group uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to provide support, coping strategies, and increased self-efficacy in order to cope with caregiving demands and stress. DR. KRISTINA MCGUIRE, a clinical psychologist from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, leads this group, which will also teach mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment skills. @capitalhealthnj

For more information and to sign up, call Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists at 609.689.5725. This group therapy program will be billed to your health insurance.

travel talk with Caryn and Aron they’re graduating, Now what?

This has been a blessed year for our family. Our eldest got married last month and now our youngest son just graduated from University. Seems like it was just yesterday that we dropped him off for his Freshman year. And what does someone receive when they graduate (besides a diploma?)

A graduation gift of course. And what do you think we are planning on giving him? Ok, that was an easy question, the gift of travel- of course. And don’t think he’s going alone, because there may not be many more times when we can all travel together as a family.

The difficulty is trying to decide on a destination. We have considered many possibilities, including the following:

• Europe: Exploring the many historic sights and architecture, culture, local cuisine and medieval towns.

• Alaska: Cruise and Land tour so we can explore the majestic fjords and glaciers, along with Denali National Park

• Caribbean: Cruising or an all-inclusive to enjoy snorkeling, entertainment and relaxing

What about the rest of you out there that have sons and daughters graduating from High School or College this year? What gift are you planning to give them? Have you considered a graduation trip? There is no better present than to see the world with your graduate and close family. Open their world to new experiences and explorations, while showing

your appreciation for all their hard work, before they say goodbye (to college, graduate school, or if you can believe it “to work”). These new memories you make are priceless.

Where in the world do you think your son or daughter would want to go to celebrate this important milestone in their lives? We would love to hear your answers, and help you plan the most memorable trip.

Happy Summer and enjoy spending time with your family. Contact us today at 609-7500807 or cberla@ cruiseplanners. com to discuss your fall and winter travel plans. There are great deals available on river cruises, voyages to Antarctica, and other amazing destinations. We are planning group trips for Christmas Markets 2023 (a few spaces left), Bermuda on Celebrity June 2024 and Egypt Dec 2024 or early 2025.

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The hotels of Edinburg

PAUL LIGETI WEST WINDSOR CHRONICLES

“The Historical Society of West Windsor—a 100% volunteer nonprofit that preserves and promotes local history— explores the story of a series of hotels in the historic West Windsor community of Edinburg—one owned by a British loyalist whose family fled to Canada following the Revolutionary War, and another a speakeasy during Prohibition.

An Inn, a loyalist and cruel indignities

Centered on the intersection of Old Trenton, Windsor-Edinburg, and Edinburg Roads is a small cluster of old buildings, some dating back centuries. While many people may know it as just a traffic stop, it is in fact a distinct historic neighborhood called “Edinburg.” This community developed in the mid-1700s along a cross-state stagecoach route, and weary travelers often found themselves spending the night at its hotel.

The first hotel in Edinburg was con-

structed by the year 1764. That year, a man named Thomas Hooper applied for a license to keep a “publick house at St. Pink [Edinburg] where the road

crosses from Allentown to Princeton.”

Three years later, the inn was described as “a convenient house for public town affairs, and electing of town officers at

the annual town meetings.” Indeed, in those days, inns were common political meeting grounds, providing food, drink, entertainment, and ample socialization. Several other sources show Hooper’s tavern—located off the southwest side of Windsor Road, about three hundred yards south of the crossroads - being the “go-to” place to negotiate over legal and political items.

Thomas Hooper himself was a longtime member of the community, who owned at least one hundred acres south of Village Road East. However, during the American Revolution, Hooper was a Loyalist - and, some sources claim, a member of the British army. Consequently, his neighbors—decidedly proindependence—grew to despise him. Seeing the writing on the wall, Thomas and two of his sons began to scout out land in Canada in which their family could settle.

However, while he may have been hopeful at first, his family’s matters were not going well in his absence. One source claimed that his neighbors “pretended to think he was hiding a spy, and (often went) to his place, plundered his house, and thrust their bayo-

Edinburg Hotel circa 1962 at the corner of Old Trenton and Edinburg roads.

nets through the furniture, curtains, and (beds).” A descendant, H. Henry Hooper, further wrote that “it was about this time that [Thomas’] wife [Ann] had given birth to another son and was still confined to bed. Exasperated at not finding [Thomas], or for pure revenge, [the neighbors] actually took the bed from under her and subjected her to indignities of cruel nature. She was, however, removed to an outhouse and concealed, but the intense excitement and removal incident thereto caused her death.” Most readers can probably infer what “indignities of cruel nature” means, and to his dying day, Thomas held a bitter hatred toward those that killed his wife.

In 1784, Thomas, several of his children, and about a dozen other New Jersey fled to Prince Edward Island in Canada, where they established a colony in Bedeque Bay. During the war, New Jersey passed a series of laws for confiscating the property of loyalists, in order to quell subversion and raise funds. Around the time he fled, Thomas Hooper’s property was confiscated by the colonial government and auctioned off. One of the subsequent owners in the mid-1790s was Martin Hoagland, who, ironically, had been a Captain in George Washington’s

army, and is said to have led a company of 45 men during the Battle of Princeton, only nine of whom survived.

The Assunpink Tavern

By 1806, the property—still called “Hooper’s Tavern lot”—passed to Joseph Keelor. It was around this time that the old inn was demolished and a new hotel—called the “Assunpink Tavern” - built at the Edinburg crossroads (a property Keelor bought that very same year). Five years later, this new hotel passed to Sarah and James Hutchinson. This is likely the same James who owned several other properties in the Edinburg area, including the Edinburg general store/post office—now home to the Village Pantry and Greenhouse Graphics. Over the next century, the hotel passed through myriad owners. Tradition says it burned down around 1895. At the time, it was operated by Edward Wright. A new Victorian-style building (the current one) was constructed in its place, and an icehouse added.

The Edinburg Hotel

This new building eventually became known as the “Edinburg Hotel.” During the Prohibition era, it operated as

a speakeasy. In 1924, it raided by Prohibition enforcement agents; its liquor seized, and proceedings brought against the owners. It’s currently unknown how the case concluded.

In 1929, the Edinburg Hotel was sold to Jennie and Lawrence Maurer. During their ownership, the hotel became the base for recreational hunting weekends. People came from far and wide to shoot pheasants and other game birds raised by Bill McManus.

In 1955, Carl and Luci Nami purchased the property. After them (starting in 1959) were Edward and Dorothy Bambo.

The building was renovated inside and out; the upper floors gutted and converted into living quarters with a twostory cathedral ceiling. The former hotel was now a tavern only. Around that time, Bernice Tantum painted murals with a

colonial theme on the walls. In 1983, the property was sold to Leonard and Rose Anklowitz.

Shortly afterward, the building was converted into offices. A series of owners has bought and sold the property since then.

Next time you drive through the intersection, look at the hotel and remember the legacy that it, and its predecessors, have had—as an inn owned by a British loyalist who fled to Canada, as a 1920sera speakeasy, and as a longtime landmark of the historic West Windsor community of Edinburg.

We invite you to contact, support, or volunteer for the Historical Society and check out our new West Windsor history book. Visit westwindsorhistory. com to learn more. We are also on social media—search “@SchenckFarmstead” on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Edinburg Hotel— located in the heart of the village—as pictured in 2022.

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