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RWJUH Hamilton July Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Wednesday, Jul. 1; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jul. 22; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Monday, Jul. 27; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meet with our Registered Dietitian for a 30 minute appointment to discuss your unique nutritional needs. Lori Hager, MS,RDN.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jul. 7; 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jul. 15; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jul. 7; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Presented by our oncology nurse navigator and certiﬁed oncology social worker at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.6680 to conﬁrm attendance.

NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Jul. 13; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jul. 28; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

WII GAMES

Monday, Jul. 13; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, Jul. 24; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join members of the RWJ Rehabilitation Hamilton team for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living.

BARIATRIC

WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jul. 14; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our group. Family, friends and support persons are also welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. We focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. We will discuss different topics on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors.

YOGA NIDRA

Tuesday, Jul. 14; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Yoga Nidra, also known as “yogic sleep,” guides you into a state of deep relaxation that hovers between wakefulness and sleep. This practice, rooted in ancient yogic traditions, promotes profound rest and healing and resets your nervous system while lying down without requiring complex poses. Please bring a yoga mat, pillows, blankets or anything else to make yourself comfortable. Fee: $15, must pay online with registration.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, Jul. 15; 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

Thursday, Jul. 16; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art.

EVERYDAY NUTRITION

Friday Jul. 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7, 21, 28; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Building Healthy Habits is an evidencebased education program for adults seeking a healthy lifestyle. This sixsession workshop is designed to teach about mindful eating, key nutrients, food labels, foods swaps, and more. Participants will be offered food samples, recipes, and take-home materials from a Registered Dietitian. Participants are encouraged to attend all six classes.

FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH

Monday, Jul. 20; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

DINNER WITH A NURSE PRACTIONER: CLEAR YOUR MIND BY MINDING YOUR GUT

Monday, Jul. 20; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join Ekta Makani, FNP-C, MSN, APN, a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Associates Robbinsville, for an engaging lecture exploring the powerful connection between gut health and mental health.

Discover how the gut and brain interact, and how everyday lifestyle choices can affect overall wellness.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Jul. 21; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jul. 21; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This group brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, education, and empowerment they need to move along the path to recovery. Topics discussed include coping with the emotional impact of cancer, adjusting to changes during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. For more information or to register, call 609-584-6680. This program takes place at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ.

AM I AT RISK? TYPE 2 DIABETES SCREENING

Tuesday, Jul. 21; 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Nearly 98 million American adults have prediabetes, and almost 90% are unaware of their condition. Understanding your risk is vital. Come in for a Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment. Those who score moderate risk or higher will receive a complimentary A1C screening. Must call or email to schedule an appointment.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: “THEO OF GOLDEN” BY ALLEN LEVI

Wednesday, Jul. 22; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Please come prepared to discuss the book: “a beautifully crafted novel about the invisible threads of kindness that bind us all.”

WISE

WOMEN DISCUSSION GROUP

Thursday, Jul. 23; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join our group of lively woman as we discuss a given subject. This month’s theme:“Let Freedom Ring; What does freedom look like to you?”

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Jul. 28; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This group is a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and ﬁrsthand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol SpeechLanguage Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

SACRED BREATHWORK

Wednesday, Jul. 29; 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Sacred breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Join us for this powerful work. Please bring a yoga mat, low beach chair, blankets or anything else that will make you comfortable. Chairs will also be available. Fee: $15, must pay online with registration.

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

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Whether we enjoy casual conversation or share deep discussions about current challenges or obstacles, this group is a great place to get to know members and to be part of a weekly program. Join us on all the dates, two, or even one. It’s your choice. New members are always welcome.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, July 2 & 23; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY

Monday, July 6 & 20; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

CHAIR YOGA DANCE

Wednesday, July 8; 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Please join us for Chair Yoga Dance, a low-impact aerobic exercise class for all fitness levels. This class will be led by a Better Health Program member who is a Certified group fitness instructor. Limited availability.

GENEALOGY WORKGROUP

Thursday, July 9; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Everything is better with friends! Whether you are just beginning to research your family history or are already well on your journey, bring your materials and laptop, and join us. This is a space to share your successes and challenges, or simply work on your project alongside a supportive, friendly community of fellow researchers.

SOCRATES CAFÉ

Friday, July 10; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This class encourages open discussion and the sharing of thoughts, beliefs, ideas and personal

experiences. An unofﬁcial mantra is that we learn best when we ask questions and explore them together. This is a safe and welcoming space where all viewpoints are respected. Come with an open mind, respect for one another and curiosity about where the conversation may lead. This program will be led by a Better Health Program member.

GAME TIME!

Friday, July 10 and 24; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for good wholesome fun – let’s play a game! Sharpen your skills or jump back into something you always enjoyed. Board games will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own. A great way to meet new friends or bring friends with you.

Tuesday, July 14 and 21; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, July 14 and 21; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, July 14 and 21; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

A BETTER HEALTH PROGRAM: GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE MANDALA WORKSHOP, RWJUH HAMILTON

Wednesday, July 15; 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16; 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join us for a Mandala Workshop, where art meets meditation! This hands-on session will guide you through the process of creating beautiful, intricate mandalas—a powerful tool for relaxation, selfexpression, and mindfulness.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

YOGA

What Lagree Is, Why It Works, and Why I Knew I Needed to Open a Studio

If you have driven past Pulse and wondered what is happening inside, the short answer is Lagree. The longer answer is the most efficient strength workout most people have never tried.

Lagree was developed by trainer Sebastian Lagree. It builds on the principles of Pilates but uses a different machine, called the Miniformer, and a different set of rules. Where Pilates focuses on alignment and mobility, Lagree adds heavier resistance, slower pacing, and a steady stream of full body work. The result is a single 45 minute class that combines strength, core, balance, and cardio.

Here is how a class works. You step onto a Miniformer, which is a spring based machine. The springs create resistance, and the slow tempo keeps your muscles engaged the entire time. There is no jumping, no bouncing, and no impact on your joints. An instructor guides you through a sequence that targets every major muscle group in one session.

What makes Lagree different is the pace. Most workouts ask you to move quickly. Lagree asks you to move slowly, hold positions longer, and breathe through the burn. That slow tempo is what creates the strength benefit. Studies on time under tension, the amount of time a muscle is actively working in a movement, show that longer, controlled effort builds lean muscle and stability faster than fast, repetitive movement.

The benefits stack up quickly. Lagree builds long, lean strength while protecting your knees, hips, and lower back. It improves posture and core stability, which translates to fewer aches in everyday life. It elevates your heart rate steadily, so you get a meaningful cardio effect without high impact. Because the

springs adjust, the workout meets you where you are, whether you are a former athlete or returning to fitness for the first time in years. It is gentle enough to do four or five days a week, and effective enough that most people see results in a month.

It is also surprisingly accessible. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to be in shape. You just need to show up. New clients are walked through every move before class begins, and modifications are built in for every level.

I opened Pulse because I believe everyone deserves time for themselves. As a mom of two young kids, I wanted a place where busy people could get a real, full body workout in under an hour and feel better walking out than they did walking in. I also wanted my kids to grow up watching their mom build something useful, rather than wait for someone else to build it.

Pulse is a small, locally owned studio. We know your name. We program our classes carefully. We teach beginners with patience and challenge experienced clients without asking them to leave their joints behind. Whether you are managing a long commute, recovering from an injury, balancing a busy household, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, there is a spot for you here at Pulse.

If you have been thinking about trying Lagree, consider this your invitation. Slow movement, full body, real results. That is the whole idea behind Pulse, and we would love to introduce you to it.

abby@pulsestudiofit.com (609) 613 - 4694 2450 Kuser Road Suite G Hamilton, NJ 08690

Hamilton Post

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

EDITOR

Joe emanski (ext. 120)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jim Federici, rich Fisher, Bill Sanservino

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Peter Dabbene, thomas Kelly

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Stacey Micallef (ext. 131)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113)

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Letters: jemanski@communitynews.org

Website: communitynews.org

Facebook: facebook.com/hamiltonpostnj

A proud member of:

Community News Service

24 S. Main St., Suite 2

Allentown nJ 08501

Phone: (609) 396-1511

ASSOCIAte PUBLISHer thomas Fritts

MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION

Sara Hastings

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Stacey Micallef

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES

Joe emanski

the Hamilton Post is an award-winning publication. © Copyright 2026 LtD Media. All rights reserved. nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. 9,000 copies of the Hamilton Post are mailed or bulk-distributed to the residences and businesses of Hamilton township 12 times a year.

TO ADVERTISE

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

Abby Payson, owner of Pulse

Abby Payson is the owner of Pulse, a Lagree studio in town, and a mom of two kids under 8.

Join us at the Hamilton Area YMCA for our BACK TO SCHOOL BASH! Thursday, August 20 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. • School Supply Giveaway

- 6:30 p.m. • School Supply Giveaway

Experience matters.

At Juniper we take great pride in who is on our team. Our people are the key to what makes Juniper the most trusted choice in senior living.

Not only are we fully staffed, but we also consistently exceed state-required staffing levels. We do not use temporary staffing agencies. Employee turnover is low and tenure is long. This perfect combination makes you feel at home.

Stop by and ask a caregiver why we were named a Great Place to Work® for the past four years. Don’t be surprised if you hear, "I’ve felt that way about working at Juniper for many years!”

Juniper Village at Hamilton 1750 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 I 609.439.6859 junipercommunities.com Hamilton.Sales@ junipercommuinties.com

ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE

and Thursdays

St. George Preschool

Potty

Hamilton Area YMCA

Sawmill Summer Camp 2026

• Family O wned and Operated for 50 Years

Because joy has no age limit.

At Azalea at Hamilton, we celebrate living out loud. From our signature program, PrimeFit Wellness, to a community calendar ﬁlled with opportunities for social engagement, our residents enjoy senior living that meets them where they are and gets them where they want to be.

Because aging doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means having more time to be exactly who you are. Visit AzaleaAtHamilton.com to schedule your visit today!

2560 Kuser Rd Hamilton Township, NJ 08691 609-256-6797 AzaleaAtHamilton.com

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

MAKING SMILES FOR LIFE

NJ's trusted family dental practice for over 50 years

• Pediatric Dentistry

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Dr. Kevin Collins

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hamiltondental.com

Dr. Matthew Etter

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Hamilton, New Jersey

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www. meganseiberlaw.com (609) 631-9012 Telephone (609) 631-9109 Facsimile

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | THE STONE TERRACE

COCKTAILS · DINING · DANCING · TRICKY TRAY · BENEFITING THE HAMILTON AREA YMCA JOIN US

MAYOR JEFF MARTIN

Community Enrichment Award

ERIK LARSEN

Maurice T. Perilli Friend of the Y award

GENOLY CARING CENTER

DR. CHIOMA G. OBIUKWU, DNP/APN PMHNP-BC

Family Psychiatric & Behavioral Services

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Mood Disorders

• Substance Abuse

• Dual Diagnosis

• Bipolar

• Schizophrenia- psychosis

• Chronic Impulsivity

• Medication Management

• Obsessive Compulsion

941 Whitehouse Ave, Suite 12, Hamilton, NJ 08619

P: (609)585-0022

F: (609)585-0221

Complex SimpliCity

BY Peter DABBene

Dark skies, fireflies and the journey

By Peter Dabbene

We were speed-walking on a trail in the dark, beset by the strange nighttime noises of insects and animals in a remote area called Buzzard Swamp Park, situated in an equally remote part of Pennsylvania.

Two miles from our car, the only illumination came from the faint glow of the cloud-covered moon and the red beam of a hand-sized flashlight.

On our way in, before the sun fell, we had come across a Mennonite family who warned us of a rattlesnake they had seen on the path earlier. Now, every time our dog stopped to sniff at the weeds, I quickly yanked her away.

My wife scanned the ground ahead of us as we walked and, remembering signs warning of bears in the area, tried to keep a conversation going to announce our presence well in advance of meeting one.

After 27 years married to me, this was just another day in paradise.

We were there because of an article I had read in National Wildlife magazine’s April/May 2022 issue that mentioned synchronous fireflies, a species whose males “coordinate their flashes to all shine together in unison.”

The writer stated that “each year, more than 30,000 people flock to sites in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina to observe this spectacular natural phenomenon.”

I have seen spectacular natural phenomena before. Several hundred thousand bats emerging from Carlsbad Caverns at dusk is one that comes to mind, and I was ready for another.

After some initial hesitation, my wife agreed, and we booked a cabin in Marienville, Pennsylvania. A month later, we drove five hours into our neighboring state to see fireflies.

Most of the locals were bemused by this, as if we ourselves were a rare species migrating to their town and worthy of further observation.

Back on the rattlesnake trail, it occurred to me that I existed, in large part, because my ancestors had not done silly things like head into forests after dark to look at fireflies.

Ancient mammalian survival instincts

urged me to pick up the pace, as did my wife.

Red-light flashlights are useful because they largely leave nature undisturbed, but for humans, they are pretty darn disturbing.

Also discomfiting were the ponds we passed, which were populated with bullfrogs and beavers. Neither is particularly dangerous to humans, but contrary to what I was taught as a child, bullfrogs do not ribbit.

They make a sound a lot like a lightsaber cutting through the air.

Beavers make a bunch of different noises, mostly splashes or slaps of their tails on the water.

Between the beavers and the frogs, there were moments when it felt like Sith paratroopers were landing in the water around us, closing in to attack. This was not the only trek into the deep forest we made during our trip. It could be said that we were inside a forest the whole time. Marienville is located entirely inside Allegheny National Forest and near Clear Creek State Forest and Cook Forest State Park.

The Kittanning Trailhead Boat

Launch is another prime site for viewing synchronous fireflies, and it has the advantage of a parking lot adjacent to the viewing area.

Located inside Clear Creek State Forest, it also features a major disadvantage: a direct path from Marienville that includes 8.8 miles of travel on bumpy, unpaved roads.

We drove in a minivan, just to add to the level of difficulty, and arrived there safely after dusk to witness nature’s spectacle.

The fireflies were impressive in both locations.

“Fireflies” is a more favored term than “lightning bugs” in the scientific world, though I prefer the latter.

Several species inhabit the area around Marienville, including Chinese lantern fireflies, which produce a bright and sustained glow, and big dipper fireflies, known for their “J-stroke” pattern as they light and fly upward.

But the stars of the show are the aforementioned synchronous fireflies, a rare breed discovered only in 2012.

SPRINGSIDE LOFTS & SPRINGSIDE LOFTS 55+

The community o ers two distinct living options – Springside Lofts and Springside Lofts 55+ – both thoughtfully designed for lowmaintenance living in Robbinsville, NJ. Enjoy a prime location near top-rated schools, dining, shopping, recreation, and cultural attractions with an easy commute. Just 8 miles for Princeton Junction and Hamilton train stations and 11 miles from downtown Princeton.

• 1-2 bedrooms, 1-2 baths, some with dens

• Spacious layouts from 849 to 1,454 sq.ft

• Private balconies or patios

• Elevator building for easy access

MERCER COUNTY CONNECTION’S JULY 2026 EVENTS

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Are you caring for an adult age 60 or older in Mercer County who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or is experiencing memory problems? Then please join us for our Alzheimer s Support Group!

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or memory issues can be challenging This support group provides a safe and welcoming environment for caregivers to share their experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support from others who understand their journey Participants will also learn about helpful resources for caregivers in the area

The group is facilitated by the Senior Well-Being Specialist from Oaks Integrated Care This program is funded through the Older Americans Act and the Mercer County Office on Aging

To register, please call: (609) 890-9800

Notary Oath Night

Thursday, July 9, 2026 3:00PM - 7:00PM

The Mercer County Clerk’s office will administer the oath to newly commissioned and renewing notaries

To schedule an appointment, please call: (609) 989-6466 or email: epagano@mercercounty.org

Mercer County T.R.A.D.E. Transportation Citizen Advisory Council Meeting

Thursday, July 16, 2026

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This committee keeps the public and its members informed about T R A D E ’s funding and budget use, addresses client issues with input from the board, and gathers feedback from clients and caregivers to improve services for seniors and people with disabilities in Mercer County The committee meets five times per year at Mercer County Connection, with transportation provided if needed

To join, applicants must submit a resume or a paragraph explaining their interest and potential contributions

For more information, please contact Lismarie Rentas at lrentas@mercercounty.org or 609-530-1971 ext.111 at least five days before the meeting.

Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) Homebuyer Counseling

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Mercer County Connection in partnership with the Affordable Housing Alliance, provides in-person comprehensive, HUD-certified homebuyer counseling to New Jersey residents

Mercer County Connection

Passport Processing Passport Photos Notary Services Meeting Room

Recycling Buckets Voter Registration 957 Route 33 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Dan Benson, County Executive

True to the name, the males of the species synchronize their lights, each emitting a rapid, strobe-like burst.

Across an expanse of dark forest, the effects combine to create mesmerizing, rhythmic pulses of light.

This is possibly the one place in the world where a man you have never met, hoisting his camera in the dark and saying, “Do you want to see some pictures?” could be a good thing.

Leaving the Kittanning Trailhead Boat Launch was somewhat anticlimactic. We simply got in our car and drove away.

In contrast, when we arrived at the Buzzard Swamp Park parking area, a visceral sense of relief washed over us.

There was also an exhilarating sense of accomplishment. We had survived the bears, the rattlesnakes, the beavers and the lightsaber frogs.

We enjoyed the fireflies, but I confess

Peace of Mind.

that the hike in the dark made a more lasting impression.

Thus, in an isolated forest and in this column, the cliché proves true: It is really about the journey, not the destination.

Peter Dabbene’s website is peterdabbene.com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at communitynews.org. His poetry and photo book, “The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems),” is available through Amazon.com for $20 in print or $10 as an ebook.

Peter Dabbene’s has a website, www. peterdabbene.com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at www.communitynews.org. Her owner’s poetry/photo book the Lotus eater (and Other Poems) is available through Amazon.com for $20 (print) or $10 (ebook).

Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.

Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance of fer s an extensive selection of insurance products. W ith over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right coverage at an af fordable price. So that you can focus on what is impor tant. We’re t here when life happens.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEWS TO KNOW

Fight in the muSeum

BY tHOMAS KeLLY

For Dragan Milovanovic, chess is a lifelong battle

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP

Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Hamilton.

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As you shop this summer please remember to support our local small businesses and our neighbors and friends who own them.

Visit our websites Hamilton-Strong.com and ShopHamiltonNJ.com

Jeannine Cimino

Board Chairman Rachel Holland Executive Director

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino, as newly elected Chaiman of the Board and Rachel Holland as the newly appointed Executive Director.

Chess is a thinking person’s game. Skill requires experience to recognize patterns and strategies. Countering an opponent’s moves can come with deliberate study and many, many games played.

Dragan Milovanovic is a master-level chess player. He is in the top tier of competitive chess tournament players. He has been named Hamilton, New Jersey, Chess Club champion 15 times in the last 25 years. He is a quiet, contemplative man, thinking of the game and what move should be made next.

When and where did you begin playing chess?

tors, but most importantly, their passion and how willing they are to dedicate themselves to learning the game. Individual study is important, but practicing through games against stronger opponents is usually key to real progress.

Please tell us a little about the Hamilton, New Jersey, Chess Club.

I’m told that it has been around since 1982, but I don’t really know much about the history of the club before I joined.

Currently, there are around 50 members, but every weekly meeting hosts around 20. Some people attend less frequently than others, and we have no strict attendance rules.

Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Executive Director

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success.

The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Jeannine Cimino Board and Executive Director.

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

I started playing chess at the age of 14 in Tuzla, which is a small city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, north of Sarajevo. I learned the rules even earlier, but I didn’t really start playing until I became a teenager.

When did you realize that you had the ability to progress and become proficient at the game?

When I started participating in local tournaments. With my first victories there, I became more confident in my abilities. I also realized that talent alone was not enough to increase my level of competitiveness, and that is why I started to study chess theory more seriously.

Please tell us about your journey to the U.S. How did it begin, and how were your first few years here?

Each year, the Hamilton Chess Club enters a team in the U.S. Amateur Team East Tournament, held during Presidents Day weekend in Parsippany, New Jersey. Several members of the club also play as a team in the Garden State Chess League, where we won first place in six of the last eight years.

Have you seen chess becoming more popular since the pandemic and with recent television series such as “The Queen’s Gambit”?

I never watched this series, but it wouldn’t surprise me if shows like these raised interest in the game.

However, I have yet to see the kind of popularity boost that was present during the Cold War, when Bobby Fischer stunned the world after taking the title of world champion from the Soviet grandmasters.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Source: Unkown

Rachel Holland, Executive Director

Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co.

I immigrated to the United States in 1998. The first few years were financially difficult, but once I was able to find steady employment, things stabilized. Not long after that, I started researching the local chess scene, and I discovered the Hamilton Chess Club in late 1999. In 2000, I became club champion and held the title for several years.

What fight or struggle do you have regarding your playing and the progression of your game?

Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township

Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Congratulations to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank

Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp.

Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked with community business leaders, government o cials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Hamilton Township’s continued success. @thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong #HamiltonNJStrong

I found many friends in the club who have the same passion for this venerable game, and many of them are still attending our weekly meetings.

How many times a week do you play chess? How much time does it take for a beginner to learn the game well enough to be competitive?

Chess is, in large part, a psychological struggle, not only with your opponent but also with yourself. This is especially true if you know that your opponent is a strong player. It takes constant mental effort to remain focused on the board and to continue making good moves, even after you make bad ones.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

There’s a distinction between playing chess against an opponent and analyzing the game through replay. I analyze my games and those of others nearly every day, but I play chess against opponents once a week, mostly in the club.

The time it takes for a beginner to reach a competitive level depends on various fac-

There is also the danger of underestimating your opponent: If you’re too relaxed or too confident because you have a higher rating or you’re convinced that you’re technically superior, you can make irreversible mistakes and ultimately lose to a weaker player.

Humility is a key virtue in chess. Are there national and international ranking systems for chess? How does that work for local players like

yourself?

There are national and international ranking systems for chess players. In the U.S., the USCF, or United States Chess Federation, is the main governing body for player ratings.

Internationally, the governing body is FIDE, or Fédération Internationale des Échecs.

My rating is about 2,200, which is in the “National Master” range. That said, I don’t really care much about my rating. I play for the love of the game.

To be a better chess player, do you study historical games and strategies, or is it more about having more playing time against well-matched opponents? Chess is both study and competition. Studying the games of great masters, both in the past and present, is incredibly useful. My favorites are Alexander Alekhine, from the late 19th to early 20th century, and Mikhail Botvinnik, a Soviet grandmaster and world champion from 1948 to 1963.

It is equally important to practice against well-matched opponents. The strongest player I played was Yugoslavian and Bosnian grandmaster Predrag Nikolic. It was a difficult game. He made a single mistake, which I exploited to gain an advantage, leading him to offer me a draw. I think he assumed that I would accept due to his intimidating status as a grandmaster, but I felt my position was strong, so I refused. Unfortunately, as the game progressed, he managed to equalize, and I found myself offering him a draw. At this stage, there was no chance of victory for either side, so he accepted. I played that game in 1998, and I still remember it to this day.

A lot of people play chess online.

Have you tried this, and do you think this is a normal, more convenient progression of the game?

I tried playing online for a bit, and for a while, I found it interesting. However, for me, chess is a battle between two people playing face to face, and that’s mostly why I don’t play online.

Women historically have not played chess as much as men. Is this still the case, and why do you think this is the case?

It still seems to be the case. I personally think that both men and women have equal potential in chess. I suspect that differences in representation, such as they are, stem largely from sociocultural reasons, but ultimately, I don’t know. Some of the strongest women players that I know of include grandmaster Nona Gaprindashvili from Soviet Georgia, who was women’s world champion from 1962 to 1978. I also admire Judit Polgar from Hungary, now 50 years old and considered the best female player of all time.

Regarding chess, what are you looking forward to? What do you have on the horizon?

Chess was, is and will probably remain my passion. I don’t have any specific plans or goals other than to keep playing as long as I can and as long as it brings me joy.

How can people get involved in the Hamilton Chess Club? Are novices and beginners welcome to the club?

We have a website, sites.google.com/ site/hamiltonchessclub/hamilton-chessclub, where all the relevant information can be found.

Of course, we welcome everyone, no matter what their skill level.

Chess master Dragan Milovanovic, of Hamilton Township, studies the board.

Through the combination of surgical expertise and the da Vinci Surgical System®, robotic-assisted surgery uses a state-of-the-art system designed to help your doctor perform the most precise and least invasive procedure possible. Providing surgeons with enhanced capabilities, including high-definition 3D vision and a magnified view, robotic-assisted surgery enables the surgeon to see tissues and blood vessels at a level of detail far beyond what is possible with open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and control. Despite the name, the robot does not perform the surgery on its own,” says Dr. Eisengart, member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, and Medical Staff

facts about robotic Surgery?

Leadership at RJWUH Hamilton. “Every movement is directed by a highly trained surgeon.”

Is the robot making decisions during surgery? No. The surgeon controls the system, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body. Though it is often called a robot, the system cannot act on its own. Instead, the surgery is performed entirely by your doctor. The system’s tiny instruments have an even greater range of motion than the human hand.

What are the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery?

performed at RWJUH Hamilton using this technology?

Robotic-assisted surgery is used for a variety of procedures across several specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, urology, colorectal surgery and thoracic surgery. Common procedures may include hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, hysterectomies, prostate surgery and certain colon surgeries.

Smaller surgical area incisions; Less pain after surgery; Reduced blood loss; Lower risk of infection; Minimal scarring; Shorter hospital stays; Faster recovery and return to normal activities.

Every patient and procedure are different, so individual results may vary. What types of procedures are being

surgeon will close the small incisions with a few tiny stitches, and the care team will move you from the OR to a recovery room where you will stay until you wake up.

RWJUH Hamilton’s surgeons have been utilizing this technology for many years and are highly skilled and expertly trained right alongside our surgical OR team.

To learn more about Dr. Eisengart or discover the right provider for your care, visit rwjbh.org/providers

What are some questions to ask your doctor to determine if robotic-assisted surgery is right for you? Am I a candidate?

If yes, what are the benefits and risks for my condition? How does robotic surgery compare with traditional or laparoscopic surgery? What can I expect during recovery? How much experience does my surgical team have with this procedure?

What’s the biggest takeaway for patients considering robotic surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery is just another way surgeons at RWJUH Hamilton can provide safe, effective, patient-centered care. The technology doesn’t replace the expertise of the surgeon. It enhances it be providing greater precision and flexibility. If you’re facing surgery, talk with your doctor about all your treatment options, including whether robotic-assisted surgery may be right for you.

What can a patient expect when undergoing this type of surgery at RWJUH Hamilton?

At check-in, your surgeon and other members of your care team will review your procedure with you and answer any questions you might have.

When it’s time for surgery, you will be brought into the operating room (OR) to join your surgeon and the care team. The system will be in the OR before your surgery begins. You will receive medicine to help ensure that you do not feel pain.

During the procedure, your surgeon will remain in the OR and control the system, while viewing the surgical field with the da Vinci system’s camera. Your surgeon will be able to see the surgical field in 3DHD and magnify it to 10 times its normal size to see details more clearly than with the naked eye. Your surgeon will be using long, thin instruments that move like a human hand but with a greater range of motion. The system’s built-in tremor filtration technology helps the surgeon move each instrument with smooth precision.

When surgery is complete, your

RWJUH Hamilton support groups this month

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

Monday, aug. 3

Dinner with a Doctor: Unmasking Celiac Disease. 6-7:30 p.m. Join Imran Fayyaz, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist and president of the medical staff at RWJUH Hamilton, for an informative talk on celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. Learn about common symptoms, treatment and when to consult a gastroenterologist. Dinner will be provided for registered attendees.

Monday, aug. 10

Wii Games for Body Mechanics and Movement. 4-5 p.m. -- Also on Friday, Aug. 21, 10-11 a.m. -- Join the RWJ Rehabilitation team at RWJUH Hamilton for this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living, and these skills transfer to many activities. Play smart, move like a pro and stay in the game longer!

Sunday, aug. 16

Understanding and Managing Side Effects of Medication. Noon-1:30 p.m. Don’t let medication side effects slow you down. Learn how to spot the “red flags” of common medications and get practical advice on managing unwanted symptoms. Learn the right questions to ask your pharmacist and how to keep your health on track with RWJUH Hamilton pharmacist Shesha Desai, PharmD, RPh, BC-ADM.

Monday, aug. 31

Free Balance and Hearing Screenings. 9 a.m.noon. Free screenings are available every month by appointment. These personal 15-minute appointments are designed to help assess hearing and balance health and the risk of falling. To reserve an appointment time, call 609-245-7390. Note: Appointments are held at the Balance & Hearing Center at RWJUH Hamilton.

Dr. Charles A. Eisengart

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