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Finding the missing link
Where’s the vaccine? Short supply leads to frustration for those awaiting Covid-19 inoculations
African Link Initiative sets out to help teens connect with their heritage and culture
By BILL SAnSerVIno
While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rage throughout the United States during the month of January, the government struggled to provide enough doses to those looking to be protected from the deadly virus. Across the country, states have struggled to meet demand, and the doses shipped have been significantly outweighed by the number of people looking to be vaccinated. When appointments do open up at vaccination sites, available slots are often booked up within hours or less. People have been left confused and frustrated—wondering how, when and where they will get inoculated. In New Jersey, the vaccine was first made available to healthcare workers, first responders and staff and residents of long-term care facilities starting in mid-December. Then at the beginning of January, the Trump administration announced that it was releasing the stockpile of vaccines it was holding to ensure people would be able to get the required second dose. A few days later, on Jan. 14, See VACCINE, Page 5
By Joe EMAnSKI
Hopewell Valley Central High School Franki Gomez brings the ball up the court in a 2019 game. (Photo by Mike Schwartz/mssphoto.com).
Gomez a leader on and off the court for Bulldogs By RICH FISHer
As a junior, point guard Franki Gomez was a stellar floor leader for the Hopewell Valley Central High School girls’ basketball team. Off the court, however, Gomez respectfully yielded the vocal leadership chores to the five seniors who surrounded her. But as the team’s lone returning starter, she realizes it’s time to speak up with words as well as actions. “We had a team of all seniors last year, they all said their piece,” Gomez said. “I did too, but this year every-
one is kind of looking up to me so I just want to be a good leader to everyone else.” Two weeks into the preseason, she seemed to be assuming that role just fine. “Skill wise she’s always been top-notch, she’s always working on her game,” coach Coleen Ross said in mid-January. “I’ve never had an issue with her being a floor leader. “The thing I’ve been seeing a lot of is the (off-court) leadership that has really come out this year. I don’t know if being behind five seniors is what kept her quiet but she’s really come out of her shell
and taken a strong leadership role. She’s not being authoritarian about it. She’s just helping and guiding. I’ve loved seeing it. It’s a whole new side of Franki I’ve never seen.” They are most likely natural instincts that have been waiting for the chance to emerge, as Gomez has been a court general all her life. Growing up height-challenged, Franki knew her only chance at succeeding in the sport she loved was by excelling in the backcourt. She now stands at 5-foot-6-1/2, and mention of that half inch See GOMEZ, Page 8
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A number of area organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County, have been working together to bring to life the African Link Initiative, or ALI — a program designed to help African-American teens transform the way they see themselves and the world. Seven teenagers, hailing from Hamilton, East Windsor, Lawrence, Trenton and Plainsboro embarked on ALI’s inaugural program in January. Over the first five months of the year, the participants will learn about African and African-American history and African-American identity, and take DNA tests to provide crucial information about their family history, both before and after their ancestors first reached this continent. The program is set to culminate in a two-week trip to Ghana, in West Africa. Shazel Muhammad-Neain is the founder of the African Link Initiative. The South Jersey resident is also the founder of Eunoia Global, See ALI, Page 6
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