MERCER CAMPS GUIDE TO SUMMER SEE OUR INSERT INSIDE! MARCH 2020 FREE
L AWRENCEGAZETTE.COM
Helping the hungry
Off icer friendly New Class III cop hired to patrol elementary schools
Meals on Wheels of Mercer teams up with local restaurants
By NicOLe ViViANO
By NicOLe ViViANO Meals on Wheels of Mercer County will take part in the nonprofit’s national initiative this March to raise donations for its charity-based nutritional program. March for Meals has recruited local, small restaurants to participate in the month-long promotion sponsored by Meals on Wheels America. Last year, the promotion contributed $13,810 to MOW of Mercer County, helping them to continue serving their community, which now includes Lawrence as of last year. About five years ago, Meals on Wheels of Mercer County decided to use this initiative to highlight the issue of senior hunger in their community. Their slogan, “Dine Out to Stamp Out Senior Hunger,” is meant to bring to people’s attention the nearly 553 participants that MOW served last year, 88% of whom were over the age of 60 and 60% at high nutritional risk. The funds that are raised by March for Wheels will help subsidize meals for the people who can’t afford to contribute toward their MOW meals. MOW has found restauSee MEALS, Page 8
Lawrence resident Bo Hitchcock volunteers at the EASEL Animal Rescue League in Ewing several times a week, working with felines as part of the shelter’s Cat Pawsitive program.
A purrfect volunteer Bo Hitchcock is area animal shelter’s very own cat whisperer By NicOLe ViViANO For the past two years EASEL Animal Rescue League—a no kill shelter in Ewing—has been implementing a new feline behavior training program, which has helped it successfully adopt out cats that would
have otherwise been looked over. The Cat Pawsitive training initiative started by The Jackson Galaxy Project, was founded by TV star Jackson Galaxy from his hit Animal Planet show My Cat From Hell. EASEL has its own star working with the shelter’s cats nearly four times a week. Although they have implemented Jackson Galaxy’s methods, the shelter has its very own cat whisperer. Lawrence Township resident Bo Hitchcock was a frequent
visitor to the shelter following his retirement in 2015 from the Lawrence Township Public Schools, where he was director of facilities for 30 years. Hitchcock originally got involved by joining EASEL’s Saturday dog walking program and fostering animals. For about a year, he would do just that, along with going into the cat rooms and interacting with them. He was looking for a soothing influence. After years of See PAWSITIVE, Page 10
Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association
Spring Soccer Programs – Ages 3+ See ad on page 18
Kids in Lawrence Township elementary schools have been seeing a new friendly face in the halls lately. George A. Henderson Jr., the school district’s newest Class III special law enforcement officer, has been making his rounds at Lawrence’s four elementary schools to get to know the population he will be serving in his latest position. This weekly rotation has allowed the children, grades kindergarten to third, to watch the new officer patrol their school grounds, from the cafeteria to recess, from when they are dropped off and picked up by their parents. “One important thing when you’re doing this Class III program is to pick the right officer for the position,” said Lawrence Township Police Chief Brian Caloiaro. “You have to be someone who’s a people person, you have to be somebody who works well with kids.” Henderson certainly fits the bill. His years of experience in law enforcement and work with children make him an excellent choice. The constant visual presence Henderson will offer to his assigned schools has been well received by the school administration, police department and families. Henderson said See OFFICER, Page 6
Academy Dental CHILDREN
& ADULTS
Complete Dentistry for the Whole Family
AcademyDentalNJ.com
CALL TODAY! 609-256-6555 State of the Art Facility • Walk-Ins / 24 Hour Emergency On Call Accepting Most Insurances • Game Room with X-Boxes See our ad on page 7
1179 NEWARK, NJ